2.3 Fragged

‘Frakked’ might have been a better title for this episode. For whilst one plot thread was resolved a larger-scale problem has presented itself: namely marshall law as instigated by Tigh (taking slugs of booze around every major decision he makes). Adama should be coming round soon enough to try and make everything right again, but things are never going to be the same. . .

Laura has admitted to the populace that she has cancer, which was not the revelation it could have been as it merely improved her story of being The Leader in the fulfilment of the prophecy of her leading the people to Earth. So now there’s going to be a religious section of the people that consider her to be the Second Coming, in effect, which may prove interesting.

And whilst all that stuff is interesting, I think the show keeps itself on the fence on whether or not we are supposed to really take it on, or just treat it as something for the believers to believe and the non-believers can take a more matter of fact stance on things. I rather like the show on account of that stance.

On planet Kobol the mission to try and thwart the Cylon Centurions plans to prevent a search and rescue mission lead to the L-T, Crashdown, going into meltdown and planning an attack that would lead to certain doom for all concerned. Until Gaius stepped up and shot him in the back (which was, weirdly, the most noble act he’s done!).

Luckily, it all turned out for the best (for one terrible moment I thought Tyrell was going to get killed – and he’s very much one of my favourite characters so that would have a real hit to take!) and Apollo turned up to save the day and get them off Kobol. So there was never really much exploration of this planet done after all, save for the point that it was where humans turned against the Gods and it’s a sacrilegious planet. . . Oh well.

There was no Starbuck in this episode, which makes me wonder if a more extended viewing of her and Helo may be in order for the next episode or two. I would prefer that. Rather than sticking in five or ten minutes worth here and there, it’s better to ditch one plot thread for a week to give proper concentration to another one as was the case here, and then vice-versa. Sustained stories engender better drama rather than bitty scraps to keep things moving.

Good episode, all in all. Season 2 has started very well (though I recall Season 1 started equally well, so this level of quality and impetus is not unprecedented just yet!).