S04E09: 'The Hub'

Picking up on the exhilarating cliffhanger from two episodes ago, 'The Hub' is a fairly ponderous instalment that dwells too much on the unappealing character of Laura Roslin.

Despite a thunderous start, the fourth and final season of Galactica has hit the skids of late, with the decision to split the narratives into two being a poor one.

This hopping back in time to the damaged Basestar is made worse by the fact that every time the Hybrid jumps, Roslin experiences a tedious vision that meditates on the nature of her actions and behaviour. The exposition of Roslin's lack of compassion is hammered home with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer and her subsequent decision to bandage her enemy Baltar feels awfully hackneyed.

The episode also exposes the limitations of Mary McDonnell in the role. Just witness her shaking reaction to Baltar's grand revelation that he gave Cylons the vital security codes that enabled their initial attack. It's like watching Paula Radcliffe running a marathon, with McDonnell's head bobbing up and down in an attempt to convey the character's shock.

'The Hub' is not without merit though. The return of D'Anna will hopefully give the season a much-needed kick up the nether regions, with the triumphant Lucy Lawless fitting back into the role perfectly. D'Anna winding up Roslin by saying she's the Final Cylon is wonderfully playful, while the concept of a Number Eight downloading the memories of Agathon's former Cylon wife is very creepy.

Baltar's attempts to preach equality to a Cylon Centurion is also a fascinating interlude and one that resonates with contemporary human society. It’s rather sad when the clump of metal is blown up, before it could respond.

Sadly, too much of the story concentrates of 'Borer' Roslin. Let's hope old 'Husker' Adama keeps her busy in the bedroom for the remainder of the season and out of the way.

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