It’s telling that this episode wasn’t titled. “Revolution” or “The Mutiny”. That’s not the important thing. It’s why. Why do you justify a revolution or a mutiny? And it’s actually very simple–and hard.
It’s because of the oath.
Oaths are binding, but they’re also dependent upon events. Gradually, Galactica has stripped away the old philosophies of Caprica and the Colonies either by force or circumstance. Now especially when so many beliefs have been rendered moot. And things are so dire between you and your enemy that teaming up–while maybe not the smartest idea–is still the most logical. Desperation can be a great motivator. On both sides.
But like so many things in Galactica, it’s not going to be easy. There will be fallout. And sins are not easily forgiven–if ever. For those who laud how Galactica rarely uses one-off characters, this had to be a bittersweet episode. These are people we’ve gnashed our teeth over, triumphed with, grieved with. And yet that is Seelix who orchestrates Anders’s beat down. That’s Racetrack who sides with the thugs beating the shit out of Lee. Of course, we get two reminders of the past sins of Pegasus. The death of the ill-fated CAG whose reluctant tenure began when his family was gunned down in front of him by the crew of the same ship he had no choice but to join. Then we get the A-number one thug who has apparently not learned the error of his cruel ways and repented. He tabled his torture for a more convenient time. Nothing like a mutiny to release your id.
I think there’s been too much pop psychology about how everyone’s “true nature” came to the surface. I think it’s simpler than that. Baltar regresses back to self-preservation mode because as Roslin pointed out they’re both religious frauds. Their respective gods have abandoned them so why shouldn’t they backslide? But in honesty comes respect when you’re upfront with your weaknesses. And sometimes you can strengthen the other.
It’s safe to say that for these two honesty with each other’s failings will have to be enough.
But really I think we see a rejuvenated Roslin because it’s something tangible. Mutinies she can fight. She can beat Zarek. This is a cancer she can defeat.
The same thing with Starbuck. It was so frakkin’ hot to see Kara as a badass again. She’s back in her element. She’s a different kind of harbinger. The one with the feral grin whipping out two pistolas ready to shoot the mergatroid out of some mutineers.
Another thing I was pleased to see were the Cylons showing more courage and compassion than the human mutineers. How times have changed. Machines exemplifying human beings at their best while surrounded with reminders of humanity at their worst.
It might be a duh statement, but you can see how being amongst the crew has made Tyrol, Tigh, Athena, and Anders more human. One of the most telling moments was seeing the differences of perspective between Six and Athena. Six was thinking in terms of the Cylon legacy being a thing of the past, with particular focus on the end of Hera. A very Baltaresque viewpoint, the only human she’s had extended contact with. Athena’s is more immediate and indicative of her role as a selfless mother and wife. Her main concern is Hera and keeping her safe and the welfare of her husband, Karl. Six focuses on the big picture and how it affects the Cylon race as a whole. Athena’s priority is her family. Because that’s how she’s seen Galactica’s crew act. Big picture stuff takes a back seat when it comes to concerns of the heart: your family or your loved ones.
I think you can argue the chief reason for this is Adama and why he is ultimately in the right. Because he allowed himself to see the humanity in each of the Galactica Cylons and allowed them to be part of Galactica. The first is really a no-brainer. Once he saw that Helo truly loved Sharon and wanted to be her life there was no way he would keep the Agathons apart. But Sharon didn’t get any special treatment either. She got thrown in the brig one more time, but it wasn’t for being the enemy. It was for shooting an unarmed woman in cold blood. The fact that it was a Cylon was immaterial.
The same goes for Tigh and Tyrol. While they have grown comfortable in their Cylon skin their hearts and loyalties are with Galactica and the old man. The last time Tyrol saw Adama he destroyed his memories of Callie and whatever respect Adama had for him. Now, at least, partially that respect can return again. Adama refers to the former chief as he would any of his dependable officers. Adama has learned to see beyond what they are and accept them for who they are.
But just so this doesn’t turn into Caprican Kumbaya, revolutions are rarely altruistic and change is like having your teeth pulled. Adama is desperate for Cylon FTL technology and quickly. Why now? Well, there are seven episodes left for one, but if we can stay within the story a bit longer, the journey has taken a heavy toll on the ship. Adama wants to find a habitable planet and fast because it’s doubtful the bucket is gonna be able to fly much longer. Remember the ship was being retired when the Cylons destroyed the colonies.
That won’t be forgotten. Even by the son, who throws down a very cathartic confrontation to Tigh about “his people.” Events force you in to alliances, it’s rarely because you want to. The pervading tone throughout the episode is “if we didn’t have to.” And sure enough the two main architects of this mutiny believe they SHOULDN’T have to.
But again it’s naïve to think this is for purely altruistic reasons and even more naïve to think this will be a bloodless revolution as Zarek demonstrates much to Gaeta’s shock. Tom Zarek may present himself as a man who does what he does for the people, but he’s been itching to get his hands on the presidency since we were first introduced to him on Colonial Day. If Adama siding with the Cylons wasn’t the opening at the time it’d be something else. The theocracy Roslin has created, for example. I think the most heated debate to come from this whole thing is how big a crowd to witness Zarek getting tossed out of an airlock.
By and by, I can’t help but like Gaeta still. I think when seen from his perspective, he belives he’s acting as a true patriot to the Colonial cause. And life has just treated him like shit when he’s done everything asked of him and more. Like a polytheistic Job, he stays faithful to his commanders and his presidents and his beliefs…and gets nothing but grief as a result.
But when you get below the surface, like Zarek, Gaeta’s got his own agenda. Alessandro Juliani played the moment with Adama not so much like a rebel but a disgruntled employee who’s gotten passed over for promotion in a career where he thought he was going places. “For seven years…!” Therefore, it’s sadly funny when Roslin is broadcasting her message and he has to get back to the spot he has tried to move on from for so long now. Because, like it or not, he’s the best at it.
And for someone who hates machines so much, his entire plan is contingent on everything running to routine–like a machine. Must be frustrating when human emotion, inquisitiveness, and just plain orneriness frak everything up. Even he reluctantly ends up giving the order he most wanted to avoid when Galactica’s guns bear on the President’s Raptor (Colonial ½?). You can’t avoid blood in a revolt.
There have been a lot of complaints about last week’s slow directorial debut. I disagree with the episode being called sub par because of that, but I can’t think of another show that “recovers” quite like Galactica. Even this show’s had some clunkers but the following episode has either rated very good or fucking classic. “Black Market” is an episode I can skip over, but “Scar” was a brilliant following episode. What’s particularly great about “The Oath” was I had a feeling from “Disquiet” that it would be a mindblower. It was. I have complete confidence that Moore will finish off this amazing series in unforgettable fashion completing its run without compromising its quality.
So say we all.
TallGent
