No Exit was first broadcast on 13 February, 2009. Written by Ryan Mottesheard, it gives us a brand new intro and also shows us Ellen’s (Kate Vernon) death at Tigh’s (Michael Hogan) hands and her rebirth and discovery that she’s a Cylon. She’s the First, she ‘created’ the other models.
Anders (Michael Trucco) is under Cottle’s (Donnelly Rhodes) knife, as Starbuck (Katee Sackhoff) watches, in an attempt to save his life who sounds a lot like a baseship hybrid as he undergoes surgery.
The two stories interweave back and forth, as we see how everyone is adapting to the new lives they have, and a hope for something more. Adama (Edward James Olmos) gets Tyrol (Aaron Douglas) to be his Chief again, which is good because Galactica is beginning to show her age, and is beginning to truly break down, but how far will Adama let Tyrol go in his repairs?
Cavil (Dean Stockwell) is less than happy to have the First on the ship. In fact, he hates her, and the rest of his creators, The Final Five. The clashing between Ellen and Cavil/John rerveal so much more about the Cylon human models, and it’s fleshed out (pun intended?) by Anders recovered memories.
Lee (Jamie Bamber) suggests to Roslin (Mary McDonnell) a change for the Quorum of the Twelve, now that they all need to be replaced thanks to Zarek’s (Richard Hatch) murderous actions. Roslin also reveals that she’ll remain the titular president, while she lasts, but she wants Lee to come up with doctrine and action.
In fact, the episode is filled with fantastic character moments, each of which pushes the overall narrative forward. Both Anders and Ellen recover memories as the episode moves forward, memories which may shape what is to come. There are revelations about who the Final Five were and what they learned and created and how it came from Kobol, even Resurrection.
There’s a lot happening here. Boomer (Grace Park) helps Ellen escape from Cavil’s baseship and jumps to the fleet, and Anders, following the surgery, may never wake again. Finally, Adama, makes a tough decision to save Galactica.
Deadlock was penned by Jane Espenson and first aired on 20 February, 2009.
Boomer and Ellen arrive at the Fleet, and Tigh is shocked to see her, especially since the Six (Tricia Helfer) he loves is expecting. Something Ellen is not happy about, and that is going to lead to problems with the pregnancy, in fact, there will be a miscarriage for Caprica Six.
Ellen reveals to the Flee that Cavil wants the Final Five to help rebuild Resurrection. The Five also consider leaving the Fleet and heading out on their own, and vote on it, with the majority agreeing to leave.
Tyrol goes to work using a Cylon organic compound to help reinforce the Galactica, and Adama begins to lose himself in a bottle and pills, over how things have changed for him, and those around him, especially the Galactica.
Baltar (James Callis) returns to his followers, and not all of them are happy about his return. Paulla (Lara Gilchrist) has been trying to insinuate herself as the new leader, but he quickly finds a new way to sway others, to appeal to their hunger and need for resources. He’s cementing his power again. He’ll have to deal with thugs, the Sons of Ares, however, who are intent on stealing their food.
He confronts Roslin, Lee and Adama about the needs of the people and what he will do to save the people.
The series continues to explore fascinating characters and what everything means to them as they explore themes that affects us on the everyday. Brilliant television.
