First off, I have to say that it took me some time before I could sit down to write this review of the latest episode of BSG “Blood on the Scales”. There was just so many powerful, emotional moments that it was hard to sit and process all the myriad of thoughts and sentiments swirling inside my mind. It was as if the roller-coaster was finally coming into the station and I was still reeling from the last drop in the ride, in need of a few moments to regain my bearings. It’s storytelling at its best – causing a tangible reaction or impact on the viewer of the work instead of allowing them to be a passive audience looking in from the outside. So, let’s get back inside and poke around.

One thing I’m appreciating with every episode is how they are attempting to make this an ensemble effort and for the most part, doing that by being honest with regards to the strengths of the characters that they’ve established so far. Starbuck, for example, has been a major pain in the side for many BSG viewers lately because of her portrayal as this sulking, broody child whose not getting the desired (not to be confused with required) attention from Mommy and Daddy. In the last two episodes, it’s like a switch went off and we’re back to seeing the ballsy, frak-collecting-prisoners that ultimately is what suits the character best. Helo has been reduced to a half-conscious man lying on the floor – as opposed to a half-conscious man walking around without much purpose. And the list goes on. Sure, it’d be nice to see more dimensionality with these characters, but they tried and it didn’t work. So, it’s nice to see them move on and use them more as facilitators for the plot instead of trying to make them central to the storyline, especially with the clock rapidly ticking down.

However, once again, I’m wishing we’d get more time with Baltar. Yet again, we get this great scene demonstrating Click here to continue reading »”BSG “Blood on the Scales” – Off Bloody Spot, Off”

In my review of last week’s episode “A Disquiet Follows My Soul”, I mentioned how I thought the episode’s slowed pacing and focus on select character arcs was not only noteworthy, but that the character introspection was necessary to set the stage to help us understand the actions these characters would undertake in the episodes to come. Indeed, as I commented on another blog, last week’s episode felt to me like a palate cleanser that was meant to get us to move past certain plot revelations – like the true state of Earth and the final Cylon reveal – in order to savour the next course in this sumptuous meal. After watching “The Oath”, I’d say that was exactly what Moore and Eick had in mind.

While watching the episode last night, there was one word that kept coming to my mind – payback. And there are many layers or contexts to this one word, the most obvious one being the fleet lashing out at Adama et al for shoving an alliance with the Cylons that no one wanted down their throats. In my review of “Revelations”, I stated how I loved that episode right until the last 10 minutes or so because of how easily Click here to continue reading »”BSG “The Oath” – It’s Payback Time”

After watching the whirlwind events of “Revelations” and last week’s “Sometimes A Great Notion”, this week’s episode, written and directed by Ron Moore, definitely provided a slower pace and less meaty morsels for people to chew and savour. However, I think this was a wise move and will probably serve the overall story arc well by giving the audience a chance to catch their breath after the major roller-coaster ride of the last two episodes.

“A Disquiet Follows My Soul” did feature some intriguing character developments and the much needed time to explore how some characters are handling their new reality. I was thrilled to see that Gaius may finally be returning to his old, bitter self again (perhaps his shortened coiff is indicative that we’ll see a complete rejuvenation of the old, narcissistic, self-serving Gaius in the episodes to come. Or at least we can hope). However, I was disappointed to see what a short-shrift he was given in this piece after we saw that old fire returning to his character. One can hope that this scene is the segue to more Gaius-centered subplots in the subsequent episodes. I also liked the fact that they revealed that Click here to continue reading »”BSG “A Disquiet Follows My Soul” – Paging Howard Beale”

After months of waiting, we finally got our BSG fix. Wow – what a trip. Now I’m sure that many discussions are probably swirling around the apparent reveal of who the Final Cylon is (I say apparent since Moore and Eick have been known to throw a few wicked curve balls our way to let us know to not take anything for granted). But for me, there were other moments in yesterday’s episode which reminded me why I love this show so much. For those who haven’t seen the episode and don’t want the ride to be spoiled, don’t read further. Click here to continue reading »”BSG “Sometimes A Great Notion” – Honey, I’m Home”