Written by Mark Verheiden, The Oath debuted on 30 January, 2009. It also shows us that Gaeta (Alessandro Juliani) is going to be a real problem.

When a number of the ships in the fleet refuse to let Cylon engineers board them to update their engines, Adama (Edward James Olmos) has had enough. He threatens everyone on the Quorum with the brig, where Tom Zaarek (Richard Hatch) is being held.

But Gaeta and a number of others have already gotten Zarek out. In fact, Gaeta is manipulating a number of events from his position in the CIC. He makes sure that Lee (Jamie Bamber) can’t get through to his father. He also does the same to Starbuck (Katee Sackhoff) when she sees civilians arming themselves in preperation for a mutiny.

Anders (Michael Trucco) ends up getting jumped and beaten. Cylon hate is still prevalent across the fleet, whether they are supposed to be allies or not.

Starbuck also tries to come to terms with not knowing who or what she is, something that causes resistance among others as well.

Is there a way to stop this mutiny and reclaim the Galactica? And what will happen to those who orchestrated it? If there is, it won’t be in this episode. Adama, Tigh, Starbuck and Lee work to make sure Roslin’s (Mary McDonnell) raptor gets away safely with Baltar (James Callis) also aboard, and then they’ll prepare to retake the Galactica, just as the episode closes out.

Gaeta orders the Raptor destroyed as Adama and Tigh prepare for a last stand, and we get a To Be Continued!

This one is a smart, tightly-paced episodes that shine with great moments because of who the characters are.

Blood on the Scales continued the story on 6 February, 2009. It was written by Michael Angeli.

So, how does everything play out? Roslin’s Raptor is in the sights of a Viper, and Adama and Tigh have been subdued by a grenade, despite their best efforts.

Roslin is able to get a broadcast off, and that puts some uncertainty in Hot Dog’s (Bodie Olmos) on whether or not he’ll fire. Things escalate quickly.

Roslin escapes to the Cylon baseship with Baltar and a Boomer (Grace Park). The baseship moves into the middle of the fleet, which keeps Gaeta from opening fire. But will they stay or jump away?

Adama faces off against Gaeta in the CIC. And it seems like a great place to once again point out how fantastic Olmos is. He’s got power and gravitas, and I would never want him pissed at me.

Romo (Mark Sheppard) is brought in by Zarek, as Gaeta wants a very public trial and execution for Adama. Romo will represent Adama, Gaeta as prosecutor, and Zarek as judge – that sounds fair, right?

Zarek kills the Quorum, and Gaeta must confront everything he’s done.

But Tyrol (Aaron Douglas), Starbuck, Lee and the others are working to turn the tide and make the fleet safe again. But there will be a cost and a reckoning on both sides. Once again, a fantastic episode. This and the previous episode are must-see, and it’s just brilliantly crafted.