The final episode matched up to my expectations and was very tense, the discovery of Earth and the subsequent disappointment was mirrored on the fans and characters' faces. Both Cylon and human are left subdued with very little to look forward too. (Or do they?) I was very interested in the potential pairings being suggested at the end of the show with Kara at the apex of a triangle between Leoben and Lee, Six approaching Saul, and Adama supporting Laura. Where will this all lead? Who is the final Cylon? Will it be a left field surprise or one of the key players (my money is still on Adama being the most likely candidate although Gaius is always an attractive choice.) How will we find out about Earth? Is it our Earth or a stepping stone as many planets were in the original series. Only time will tell. I am excited and annoyed by the wait, no more strikes folks please!
13 Reviews
Base milestone in the story - Almost all old cards revealed - Earth found! But what happened on it?
pnk-615 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
The performance of Michael Hogan (Colonel Saul Tigh) in this episode is admirable! May be his character is the most consistent one in all episodes and one of the best if not the best. No contradictions, no chaotic changes in any character aspect - definitely convincing! The scene with both friends (Adama & Tigh) divided by Tigh's revelation is very strong! I hope they will find a way to overcome it in the next 10 final episodes! That just question makes them worth seeing! I'm looking forward to that! There are other interesting questions to be answered too: Did the other cylons come on Earth first and devastated all, or people died long before that? Are there any survivors left on Earth? Who is the 12th cylon? Baltar or Roslin? I hope script writers won't mess up things at the end and spoil the film.
Ain't life a beach!?
erikpello16 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Thought it was a good episode, although it sucks to have to wait 6 months to find out what the Frak is going on, but I guess all BSG fans should be use to it by now, the incredibly long wait between seasons. I thought this was the last season of BSG?? I guess they have many loose ends to tie up, including who is the 5th.
Me thinks whatever happened on old blue happened some time ago, and I'm sure ties in to the over all plot of the show. As Ricky Ricardo use to say, "They have some splaining to do"! If all 5 were on earth/from earth, starbucks AWOL for 3 months, etc.
Only the writers know, although this is the first episode where I haven't seen Baltar getting any! So might take a different direction all together!
Either way, I'll be ready and waiting for next season!
Me thinks whatever happened on old blue happened some time ago, and I'm sure ties in to the over all plot of the show. As Ricky Ricardo use to say, "They have some splaining to do"! If all 5 were on earth/from earth, starbucks AWOL for 3 months, etc.
Only the writers know, although this is the first episode where I haven't seen Baltar getting any! So might take a different direction all together!
Either way, I'll be ready and waiting for next season!
A roller coaster of a mid season
protiliusmaximus23 June 2008
Be prepared to hit rewind on your Tevo.
Great mid season climax even if slightly rushed.
A lot of questions answered and sub plots brought full circle.
A lot of decent acting to accompany a good script. It isn't often that so many actors and actresses can take on they're roles so aggressively.
One of the best shows on television, cant wait to see the writers close this series up, wouldn't be shocked to see a "not so Hollywood" ending for this one.
So many issues left to ponder despite resolving what they did, meanings behind the riddles have yet to be illuminated, and with the occurrences of this mid season climax, a boat load of new questions need to be asked as well.
Prepare yourself... This episode is bound to spark much speculation in the forums.
Cheers:) pro
Great mid season climax even if slightly rushed.
A lot of questions answered and sub plots brought full circle.
A lot of decent acting to accompany a good script. It isn't often that so many actors and actresses can take on they're roles so aggressively.
One of the best shows on television, cant wait to see the writers close this series up, wouldn't be shocked to see a "not so Hollywood" ending for this one.
So many issues left to ponder despite resolving what they did, meanings behind the riddles have yet to be illuminated, and with the occurrences of this mid season climax, a boat load of new questions need to be asked as well.
Prepare yourself... This episode is bound to spark much speculation in the forums.
Cheers:) pro
Is it Earth in our past ? -spoilers maybe??
tolkienuts1 November 2008
Warning: Spoilers
My theory is that the survivors of the 12 colonies along with the rebel cylons have arrived at Earth 1000's of years ago in our past and they create the beginning of our civilisation. This will explain why the Greek gods are part of this world as some of the colonists worship them. The One God Baltar worships could be the Christian God and the 2 half-breed cylon/human babies could be Adam & Eve as they are the '1st of their kind' The only thing that needs sorting is how all the technology they have is lost, maybe because of all the past destruction (not just for them but the 13th colony on Earth) they decide to get rid of all technology to avoid it happening again. I did read that the ending will be perfect and be the best, most complete ending to a series ever,so I think it will end this way with the beginning of our history.Overall this series has been brilliant and I am sorry to see it end.
They're on Earth
sgone306 August 2008
Warning: Spoilers
So they made it to Earth. Looking at the landscape of the Earth. It is difficult to tell what has happened. Is it contemporary Earth and we have nuked each other before they arrived? Have the Cylons done it (Don't think so). I have only seen the episode once so forgive me. The ruins reminded me of the ones on Kobol, so I am thinking that it is not contemporary earth and something has happened in the past (may be a few thousand years in the past -- ie. before civilisation as we know it). This is in keeping with the view of Earth we saw at the end of season 3 (ie the American Continent).
I am certain it is Earth as at the end of episode 8 as Adama is waiting for Roslyn in the Raptor, you can clearly see the constellation of orion (as you'd see it on or in close proximity to Earth over the last 10,000 years) which indicated to me they were close and was a clue from the show's creators (especially as the show has made a play for using constellations to as markers). Plus, I am also certain as Ron Moore said it was!
I enjoyed the episode, the 'revelation' that Tigh was a Cylon to Bill Adama and Adama's shock, disbelief was really well done. Lee Adama shows his mettle with the stand-off against the Cylons. My only criticism of this, I felt this episode crammed a lot of storyline into 45 mins and it did feel a little crammed. Normally, these 'revelations' would be discovered over a couple of episodes. I know this was due to necessity as it was unclear whether there would be anymore episodes beyond this point due to the writers strike.
A very good episode nevertheless.
I am certain it is Earth as at the end of episode 8 as Adama is waiting for Roslyn in the Raptor, you can clearly see the constellation of orion (as you'd see it on or in close proximity to Earth over the last 10,000 years) which indicated to me they were close and was a clue from the show's creators (especially as the show has made a play for using constellations to as markers). Plus, I am also certain as Ron Moore said it was!
I enjoyed the episode, the 'revelation' that Tigh was a Cylon to Bill Adama and Adama's shock, disbelief was really well done. Lee Adama shows his mettle with the stand-off against the Cylons. My only criticism of this, I felt this episode crammed a lot of storyline into 45 mins and it did feel a little crammed. Normally, these 'revelations' would be discovered over a couple of episodes. I know this was due to necessity as it was unclear whether there would be anymore episodes beyond this point due to the writers strike.
A very good episode nevertheless.
It Ain't About How Hard You Hit
spasek18 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
One of the most memorable speeches in film history is given by Stallone's Rocky Balboa when he tells his son,"It ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward."
Perhaps no moment in television or even movie history speaks to this like the end of this episode as we head into the final ten episodes of the series. I still remember having to wait several months to watch those final ten, so...talk about a cliffhanger!
Moore brilliantly pulled the rug out from under the characters as well as the audience. The last two minutes or so of this episode are absolutely heart-wrenching, gut-wrenching, as though all the air in the room was suddenly sucked out.
The initial celebration of finally finding earth was just as palatable as the deflation after. To see the cheers, smiles, and tears as the crew whoops and cheers with ecstatic relief at having finally attained their goal, to having that all whisked away in a matter of minutes is still hard to watch--even after half a dozen runs of the show. I still remember the first time when it aired and going from clapping to simply be frozen in disbelief. Did THAT just really happen? All you could do was feel keenly and acutely for the characters and also imagine and empathize with them.
In the last ten episodes, we quickly find out who breaks--who essentially quits--and those who decide to persevere; those who decide to get back up and keep going; keep moving forward. Such moments are literally defining in determining who has the strength and who doesn't for it is truly inspiring to see.
And still, the moments leading up to the end were no less brilliant as four of the final five are revealed to everyone. D'Anna uses threats to get what she wants. Funny, because Roslin is as deceptive and vindictive, except that D'Anna outplayed her. And yet it is Lee who comes up with a brilliant counter to D'Anna's moves. We see why Lee is such an effective leader, even if he doesn't.
And, at long last, we find out the secret of Starbuck's viper and why it was such an integral part to finding Earth.
And, of course, just when you thought you'd seen enough...seen it all...the final ten episodes are nothing short of a masterpiece; the finishing touches to a sublime series!
Perhaps no moment in television or even movie history speaks to this like the end of this episode as we head into the final ten episodes of the series. I still remember having to wait several months to watch those final ten, so...talk about a cliffhanger!
Moore brilliantly pulled the rug out from under the characters as well as the audience. The last two minutes or so of this episode are absolutely heart-wrenching, gut-wrenching, as though all the air in the room was suddenly sucked out.
The initial celebration of finally finding earth was just as palatable as the deflation after. To see the cheers, smiles, and tears as the crew whoops and cheers with ecstatic relief at having finally attained their goal, to having that all whisked away in a matter of minutes is still hard to watch--even after half a dozen runs of the show. I still remember the first time when it aired and going from clapping to simply be frozen in disbelief. Did THAT just really happen? All you could do was feel keenly and acutely for the characters and also imagine and empathize with them.
In the last ten episodes, we quickly find out who breaks--who essentially quits--and those who decide to persevere; those who decide to get back up and keep going; keep moving forward. Such moments are literally defining in determining who has the strength and who doesn't for it is truly inspiring to see.
And still, the moments leading up to the end were no less brilliant as four of the final five are revealed to everyone. D'Anna uses threats to get what she wants. Funny, because Roslin is as deceptive and vindictive, except that D'Anna outplayed her. And yet it is Lee who comes up with a brilliant counter to D'Anna's moves. We see why Lee is such an effective leader, even if he doesn't.
And, at long last, we find out the secret of Starbuck's viper and why it was such an integral part to finding Earth.
And, of course, just when you thought you'd seen enough...seen it all...the final ten episodes are nothing short of a masterpiece; the finishing touches to a sublime series!
Four are exposed and Earth is found
Tweekums7 February 2012
Warning: Spoilers
With D'Anna un-boxed it is only a matter of time before the four members of the Final Five aboard Galactica are exposed. She clearly believes they are known as she threatens to start killing hostages if they aren't handed over to the fleet. Tory goes over to the Cylons on the pretence of taking Roslin's medicine; she may have embraced being a Cylon but the other three remain hidden. When D'Anna kills a hostage Tigh goes to Admiral Adama and comes clean; he also suggests a way to persuade D'Anna to back down... threaten to execute him, Anders and Tyrol if they kill another hostage. Just before they are arrested Anders and Tyrol tell Starbuck how they were drawn to her viper; the viper she took to Earth; they don't know how but somehow it holds the location of Earth. Then it is just a question of her finding the location before Lee kills any of the Final Five or the Cylons attack the fleet.
This was a gripping conclusion to the half-season; Tigh, Tory, Tyrol and Anders are finally exposed as Cylons which understandably had an effect of those they knew; especially Admiral Adama. While not action packed as the previous episode there was plenty of tension during the stand-off and a great surprise at the end that leaves things uncertain for the next half-season. We still have no idea who the fifth member of the Final Five is and the other group of Cylons are still likely to be a threat. As always the acting was solid; especially in the final scene where everybody; both human and Cylon was in a state of shock at what the find on Earth. I look forward to finding out what happens next and am glad I don't have to wait as long as when it was first broadcast!
This was a gripping conclusion to the half-season; Tigh, Tory, Tyrol and Anders are finally exposed as Cylons which understandably had an effect of those they knew; especially Admiral Adama. While not action packed as the previous episode there was plenty of tension during the stand-off and a great surprise at the end that leaves things uncertain for the next half-season. We still have no idea who the fifth member of the Final Five is and the other group of Cylons are still likely to be a threat. As always the acting was solid; especially in the final scene where everybody; both human and Cylon was in a state of shock at what the find on Earth. I look forward to finding out what happens next and am glad I don't have to wait as long as when it was first broadcast!
'What am I?'
UNOhwen23 November 2012
Battlestar Galactica; REVELATIONS (I originally saw this episode on it's original broadcast date. I'm writing this several years later after viewing it again).
In this - the first episode of the last ½ of the 4th season, (some of) the questions that had been asked, are answered.
From the profound devastation, of the irradiated Earth the Cylon/Human alliance finds, Revelations explores facets, of both of how this find impacts on individuals and the fleet as a whole.
There are several threads in this episode, three of which I want to discuss.
The first is Kara Trace - who finds her decimated remains in her shattered viper. THe question she asks - 'if that is me, what am I,' echoes both the whole idea of the series (what IS 'human,' as we've seen both the 'skin-jobs, and the 'final four' wonder - in different ways about that question.
But, in Kara's case, who has wanted to 'belong,' her own sense of self is now in doubt.
What is she, and why?
Another thread is also profoundly sad end of Dee - Anastasia Dualla's suicide.
In an early episode of Battlestar, she was sitting in Adama's quarters, and, she said she said the reason Adama asked her to 'talk,' is because he believed she was the 'quiet one,' and, though spare of words - when she did speak, she never wasted words.
She told Adama then, that he lost his foresight, and he needed to get it back - to help guide humanity.
At this point in time - when so much has been lost - both individually, and, for what seemed to be all of humanity - the spark that kept Dee going had burnt out.
It was a devastating moment - for the crew and the viewer.
The old (AA) saying about hitting 'rock bottom' is applicable here. You can't begin to rise until you hit that deepest low.
WIth the loss of Dee, the findings of Starbuck, and the general malaise that's begun to run throughout the fleet, the stirrings - ever slight - are beginning to happen.
These last 6 episodes show what's best about this series, and, in doing so, show us - humanity - what is our greatest strengths, and deepest weaknesses.
In this - the first episode of the last ½ of the 4th season, (some of) the questions that had been asked, are answered.
From the profound devastation, of the irradiated Earth the Cylon/Human alliance finds, Revelations explores facets, of both of how this find impacts on individuals and the fleet as a whole.
There are several threads in this episode, three of which I want to discuss.
The first is Kara Trace - who finds her decimated remains in her shattered viper. THe question she asks - 'if that is me, what am I,' echoes both the whole idea of the series (what IS 'human,' as we've seen both the 'skin-jobs, and the 'final four' wonder - in different ways about that question.
But, in Kara's case, who has wanted to 'belong,' her own sense of self is now in doubt.
What is she, and why?
Another thread is also profoundly sad end of Dee - Anastasia Dualla's suicide.
In an early episode of Battlestar, she was sitting in Adama's quarters, and, she said she said the reason Adama asked her to 'talk,' is because he believed she was the 'quiet one,' and, though spare of words - when she did speak, she never wasted words.
She told Adama then, that he lost his foresight, and he needed to get it back - to help guide humanity.
At this point in time - when so much has been lost - both individually, and, for what seemed to be all of humanity - the spark that kept Dee going had burnt out.
It was a devastating moment - for the crew and the viewer.
The old (AA) saying about hitting 'rock bottom' is applicable here. You can't begin to rise until you hit that deepest low.
WIth the loss of Dee, the findings of Starbuck, and the general malaise that's begun to run throughout the fleet, the stirrings - ever slight - are beginning to happen.
These last 6 episodes show what's best about this series, and, in doing so, show us - humanity - what is our greatest strengths, and deepest weaknesses.
Mid Season Surprise
dragon_x2 March 2009
I always wondered what would happen when the Colonial found Earth. It is very interested that we do not actually see Earth from space, only from the sad faces of the people who have rediscovered it ...
How did that Colonial transmitter get to Earth? Why was Starbuck's old viper crashed on the planet? Her ship was destroyed by the gravity well of a large gas giant, some three months (or more) before they arrived at Earth. Her new Viper was the only ship that could initially pickup the Colonial beacon. We did see a glimpse of 'present day' earth from the end of season 3, where Starbuck comes back, showing what is the South East United States: Floridia, Gulf of Mexico, south east US coastline.... So they may have arrived 50,000 years in our past or 50,000 years in our future (or somewhere in between) and probably not during a major ice ages.
I think it would have been nice had they stayed in orbit, checking out what actually happened (this could take months)... but I would image they were so depressed at their discovery, they decided to put some distance between.
Who or what is the 5th cyclon? How did the final 5 get to Earth? How did they get off? When did the skin jobs start? Tigh was around for 30 + years. More importantly what or who is orchestrating all this?
How did that Colonial transmitter get to Earth? Why was Starbuck's old viper crashed on the planet? Her ship was destroyed by the gravity well of a large gas giant, some three months (or more) before they arrived at Earth. Her new Viper was the only ship that could initially pickup the Colonial beacon. We did see a glimpse of 'present day' earth from the end of season 3, where Starbuck comes back, showing what is the South East United States: Floridia, Gulf of Mexico, south east US coastline.... So they may have arrived 50,000 years in our past or 50,000 years in our future (or somewhere in between) and probably not during a major ice ages.
I think it would have been nice had they stayed in orbit, checking out what actually happened (this could take months)... but I would image they were so depressed at their discovery, they decided to put some distance between.
Who or what is the 5th cyclon? How did the final 5 get to Earth? How did they get off? When did the skin jobs start? Tigh was around for 30 + years. More importantly what or who is orchestrating all this?
Quite brilliant acting
ringspeed5 December 2023
It's been well documented that Revelations was a mid season finale with no one knowing whether the final 1/2 would be made (writers strike). But in its own right, it's some of the best 40 minutes of TV that's ever been made.
The tension is relentless as the story builds to a climax, or at least what everyone thought.
What is often overlooked is the quality of the acting in this episode. It's never been better. Olmos, Hogan, and supporting cast have rightly won plaudits over the preceding seasons for their acting and portrayal of their characters. But many of the cast, particularly Hogan, reaches new heights in this episode. His portrayal of his tortured mind and how he tries and fails to deal with the realisation of who he actually is, is brilliant.
Finally the human traits of sadness, loneliness, hopelessness are all in evidence here making this episode all the more touching.
The tension is relentless as the story builds to a climax, or at least what everyone thought.
What is often overlooked is the quality of the acting in this episode. It's never been better. Olmos, Hogan, and supporting cast have rightly won plaudits over the preceding seasons for their acting and portrayal of their characters. But many of the cast, particularly Hogan, reaches new heights in this episode. His portrayal of his tortured mind and how he tries and fails to deal with the realisation of who he actually is, is brilliant.
Finally the human traits of sadness, loneliness, hopelessness are all in evidence here making this episode all the more touching.
Terrible first half of season 4
sqeaston914 December 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I really enjoyed BG Seasons 1-3 and really couldn't understand those who didn't like it. But I can't defend this nonsense. Spoilers follow.
The first problem is that the characters are now doing inexplicably stupid things on a regular basis:
So if Starbuck thinks she knows where Earth is why not send her out in a Raptor? Would the Admiral accept the resignation of his third most experienced officer? Would the Quorum elect their newest member, the non-elected Adama Junior? He has about three weeks political experience under his belt, and is the son of a man they distrust. Would Adama send Gaeta AND Halo along with Starbuck leaving himself short of senior officers? Would Adama put a man into having sex with cylon prisoners in charge of the fleet?
I just don't buy any of this.
Secondly, while I accept there have been miracles and references to god up to the end of season 3, it's now all totally over the top. I started watching BG because I thought it was Sci Fi, not some biblical epic. I expected the characters to continue to behave reasonably intelligently, and wanted some satisfying explanations regarding some of the odder developments in the series.
Baltar was the best character in the show, but he now seems to be totally insane. Not illogical considering what he's been through, but very unsatisfying.
All the characters appear to be just puppets dancing to an unknown third party's behest (some godlike entity). This isn't good drama, it's annoying and a writing cop out.
OK, so what are the good points? Nice battle at the start of 4.1. Some good dramatic scenes (well acted) when viewed in isolation. A good final scene, a nice cliffhanging curve ball of a development.
But this isn't Sci Fi, it's turned into Fantasy. I can't imagine how the writers can recover this one.
The first problem is that the characters are now doing inexplicably stupid things on a regular basis:
So if Starbuck thinks she knows where Earth is why not send her out in a Raptor? Would the Admiral accept the resignation of his third most experienced officer? Would the Quorum elect their newest member, the non-elected Adama Junior? He has about three weeks political experience under his belt, and is the son of a man they distrust. Would Adama send Gaeta AND Halo along with Starbuck leaving himself short of senior officers? Would Adama put a man into having sex with cylon prisoners in charge of the fleet?
I just don't buy any of this.
Secondly, while I accept there have been miracles and references to god up to the end of season 3, it's now all totally over the top. I started watching BG because I thought it was Sci Fi, not some biblical epic. I expected the characters to continue to behave reasonably intelligently, and wanted some satisfying explanations regarding some of the odder developments in the series.
Baltar was the best character in the show, but he now seems to be totally insane. Not illogical considering what he's been through, but very unsatisfying.
All the characters appear to be just puppets dancing to an unknown third party's behest (some godlike entity). This isn't good drama, it's annoying and a writing cop out.
OK, so what are the good points? Nice battle at the start of 4.1. Some good dramatic scenes (well acted) when viewed in isolation. A good final scene, a nice cliffhanging curve ball of a development.
But this isn't Sci Fi, it's turned into Fantasy. I can't imagine how the writers can recover this one.
Sigh...
dorline12835 August 2008
There's only 2 reasons I watch this show...I invested the time already in previous episodes and Col Tigh. For all you supposed Sci-Fi fans out there who love the new BSG, give me a break! Go read some classic Sci-Fi novels by the true greats or watch some of the milestone films and TV shows from days gone by and you'll see what hacks these BSG writers are. Their only gimmick is "who is the fifth cylon". Poor writing and really, truly no sense of character development. If Adama resigns or tries to take power or cries again or discovers the inner father he should have been one more time...ahhhhh! And Roslin is as annoying a character that's ever been put aboard a starship. Out the airlock with her. I could care less if it's six more months before they conclude. These wannabe writers were out of tricks in season one. If you don't know that, you just don't know writing.
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