S04E01: 'He That Believeth In Me'

Battlestar Galactica's swansong season is off to a great start with this intriguing and thrilling episode.

The awkwardness of Starbuck's unexpected return to the fleet is at the forefront of the plot. It's brilliantly played out by the wonderful Katee Sackhoff, quickly changing from wide-eyed jubilation at finding Earth, to hurtful bitterness at being treated as an imposter. But is she the Final Cylon? This delicious intrigue is set to continue, heightened by the effective cliffhanger of Starbuck accosting President Roslin.

Meanwhile, the scene in which Anders comes face to face with a Cylon Raider during battle is one of the show's outstanding visual moments in its four season history. The eerie red glow of recognition between the two machines - one metal, one flesh and bone - is superbly directed and conveyed via simple, stark imagery.

The Baltar love-in, complete with shrine, adds a macabre element to the complex narrative and ensures the episode isn't a totally bleak frownfest. It's great to see the sneaky Gaius actually get it on with someone who actually exists this time!

The decision to bring Battlestar Galactica to a close at the end of the new season has certainly ensured a focused and taut beginning. The writers have no worries about stretching events out for the foreseeable future, and the dramatic tensions are accordingly heightened as the plot nears its conclusion.


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