The Hub

Battlestar Galactica - Episode 4.09

After a brief dip in quality, BSG returns this week with an exciting and provocative episode. As predicted, the story backtracks a couple days to give us a window to the rebel Cylon and Colonial joint mission to destroy the Resurrection Hub. There is a lot of plot advancement here, but we also get some quality character development for Laura Roslin.

Everytime the Hybrid forces the Baseship to jump, Roslin has a vision. This time around, she is guided by Elosha, her spiritual advisor that died near the beginning of the second season. Whether or not this Elosha is more than a vision remains to be seen, but she did seem to be aware that William Adama was waiting at the rendezvous for Laura. The main point of her visit is to get Laura to make the best of her remaining days and learn to love. Not just romantic love, as in the case of Bill, but familial love, which would be the reason for having Lee and Kara in the visions. The last person Laura had a significant emotional investment, other than Adama, was her aide, Billy. After the loss of that surrogate son, she closed herself off to just about everyone but the Admiral. Does this mean that she'll let Lee continue in the role of President when she returns to Galactica, though?

It was great to see Lorena Gale again, even as a vision. She's an underrated character actress and she was always able to sell the spiritual side of BSG. I didn't think about until this episode, but she would be a great candidate for the final Cylon.

The action during the D'Anna's rescue the the destruction of the Resurrection Hub was exciting. However, the attitude of the Colonial pilots was a little too exaggerated and annoying. Yes, there should be some animosity on the parts of the Humans towards the Cylons, but that should not allow them to backtalk a superior officer so adamantly.

What also didn't work was the Eight/Helo subplot. I think the writers could have played up this unique instance of sexual tension without the part about the Eight downloading Athena's memories. That seemed silly and frankly hurt what could have been some really interesting moments. Also, Not-Athena's speech to the pilots came off corny and Grace Park's delivery seemed off.

Having D'Anna back on the show is a plus and Lucy Lawless is perfect in this episode. She gets her revenge on Cavil (though there is still a slim chance that he downloaded in time before the Hub blew), and being the last Three makes her very unique amongst the other Cylons. Her little joke on Roslin about being one of the Final Five was hilarious and perfect. She has a great point, all she has is information, but it's a bargaining chip that will keep her alive.

James Callis continues to shine as Gaius Baltar. His one-sided philosophical debate with the Centurion was hilarious, but possibly could lead to complications, if the information was processed and passed on to others before its death. Also, while Baltar was gravely injured and being tended to by Roslin, we have learned that he has allowed his new found religious views to grant himself absolution for past sins. If Gauis feels that he is about guilt, he could become an even more dangerous cult leader.

The ending of the hour was really sweet. Laura and Bill have finally decided not to hide their obvious feeling for each other. The great thing about this is that the relationship has been allowed to evolve at a slow but natural pace over the last four years. Also, Mary McDonnell and Edward James Olmos are simply fantastic and sell the sincerity of the moment with tear-inducing ease.

8 out of 10