Cast

James Callis as Dr. Gaius Baltar
Edward James Olmos as Commander Adama
Mary McDonnell as President Laura Roslin
Katee Sackhoff as Kara "Starbuck" Thrace
Jamie Bamber as Lee "Apollo" Adama
Michael Hogan as Col. Tigh
Tricia Helfer as Number 6
Grace Park as Sharon "Boomer" Valerii
Tahmoh Penikett as Helo
Aaron Douglas as CPO Galen Tyrol
Michelle Forbes as Admiral Helena Cain

Synopsis

The fleet is found by the Battlestar Pegasus, commanded by Admiral Cain. As Commander Adama's superior officer, Cain begins making changes, and her command style does not prove compatible with Adama's.

High Points

• Starbuck: 'Your mission plan sucks'
• Baltar's confession to the Cylon
• The final Adama/Cain conflict

Low Point

It's difficult to find a specific low point. I think it's probably that the attitude and behaviour of the Pegasus crew is almost stock material. It works brilliantly, but it's not hugely surprising (although what the writers do with the tension their attitude causes is).

The Scores

This is unexpected in parts, and predictable in others. I don't think it's particularly original to encounter a lone ship commanded by an Admiral who's at least partially insane. In Baltar in this episode, though, we see something a bit fresher. Four out of six.

Sometimes I wonder why I bother scoring Galactica's effects anymore. This episode held few compared to some, but was flawless as usual. Six out of six.

The story is a masterwork made from layers of tension, each one gradually being lifted and building to the episode's cliffhanger climax. Although the premise may not be entirely original, the writers have turned it into a story which is, quite frankly, excellent. Five out of six.

Those of you who remember Michelle Forbes from Star Trek: The Next Generation may be slightly dubious about her appearance in a show of this quality. Set aside your doubts, for she turns in a wonderful performance, showing us the perfect icy, tough Admiral who's capable of every story told about her and more; with just a flicker of insanity visible beneath the surface. The rest of the guest cast are generally good, although I feel the series regulars are generally outshining them. This may just be because they are more comfortable with their characters. Five out of six.

The emotional response delivers several different emotions quite effectively, but all are overshadowed by the tension at the end. Because you know that the fated event is not going to happen (as you've seen next season's cast list), some potential impact is removed; but this is Battlestar Galactica, and there's still the nagging thought that something incredibly awful is going to happen. Indeed, by the end credits something incredibly awful seems absolutely inevitable. It's edge of your seat stuff. Five out of six.

I only felt there was one mistake in the production. The slow-motion sequence was short, yes, and highlighted an important event, yes, but it felt a little contrived. Everything else — particularly the interior design of the Pegasus was great. Five out of six.

Overall, I believe this episode deserves six out of six. It comes across very well, and the deficiencies in some areas are shown by the more precise scores above.

And that leaves Pegasus with a score of thirty-six out of forty-two. Which isn't bad at all.