The violence on the Cyon basestar that closed out the previous episode only continues here as the factions between the models continue to grow. There are attacks without a Resurrection Ship nearby to take out certain models. Cavil (Dean Stockwell) is determined to put a stop to the rebellious faction.
The Ties That Bind debuted on 18 April, 2008 and was written by Michael Taylor.
In the fleet, Lee (Jamie Bamber), as the new representative of Caprica on the Quorum of the Twelve, find himself clashing with Roslin (Mary McDonnell). He proves he’s going to be a solid member of the Quorum and a very smart politician.
Aboard the Demetrius, Starbuck (Katee Sackhoff) seems to be on an aimless course, trying to discover the path back to Earth and her husband, and Cylon, Anders (Michael Trucco) is travelling with her. They are joined by Seelix (Jen Halley), Helo (Tahmoh Penikett) and Gaeta (Alessandro Juliani). Tensions are rising at the seeming endless course changes and circling back of the ship, and Starbuck isn’t making it easy on them, as she seems to be descending into obsession.
Cally (Nicky Clyne) discovers a truth about Tyrol (Aaron Douglas). He’s not working all the time he tells her he is. He’s spending a lot of time at Joe’s; it doesn’t help that it also seems that Tyrol and Tory (Rehka Sharma) may have found a connection in their new identities. At least Tory seems interested in playing, but Tyrol is just troubled by his new reality.
And what happens when Cally discovers what that new reality is? Does this mean their baby is a hybrid? And how will that play out? Badly, as we see during the final moments of the episode.
There are fantastic character moments, my favourite of which is Adama (Edward James Olmos) reading a pulpy detective novel to Roslin while she’s going through her cancer treatment. It’s a really nice moment.
I love that despite the sci-fi trappings, BSG was arguably the best drama on television from it’s debut to its conclusion.
Escape Velocity was written by Jane Espenson, directed by Edward James Olmos and debuted on 25 April, 2008.
How far will Tigh (Michael Hogan), Tyrol and Tory go to keep their secret? We’ve seen part of that already with how Tory dealt with Cally, but is that the only answer? Tory seems to be adapting to things easier than Tigh and Tyrol, and despite all his bluster, I think Tigh just has one more reason to hate himself.
Tyrol finds himself making all manner of mistakes, one that almost claims Racetrack (Leah Cairns) and her Raptor crew. A drunken clash with Adama sees him getting ousted from his position as Crew Chief and ordered off the ship.
Tigh meanwhile is visiting the captured Six (Tricia Helfer) and seeing Ellen (Kate Vernon) instead.
Baltar (James Callis) finds himself running into trouble promoting the idea of the one true god, as preached by the Cylons. With Six guiding him, he makes a big splash in the fleet as he confronts religious belief.
Roslin warns the Quorum about what will happen should Baltar get blind religious followers supporting him. Lee fights to support Baltar’s and others’ rights, even if it’s going to be detrimental to the fleet, because Baltar uses it as a way to spread his truth.
It’s a quieter episode, but there is a lot going on character-wise. We explore characters, how things have changed for them, and how things are going around the fleet. It’s important, and engaging, even without lots of tension.
I love Adama reading to Roslin, and I love Olmos directing.
