S04E04: 'Escape Velocity'

The action sequences may be few in this dialogue-heavy episode, but there are plenty of thrilling moments courtesy of several major character clashes.

Unsurprisingly, a sombre atmosphere has gripped Galactica – both the ship and the show – in the wake of Cally's startling death. From a slow build up, the tension dramatically explodes with Tyrol giving Adama a tongue-lashing and Tigh being surprisingly on the receiving end of Number Six's tongue after a series of intriguing chats. Furthermore, the verbal sparks between Roslin and Baltar are as compelling as ever.

Aaron Douglas's performance as Tyrol, in the middle of a mental (or metal?) breakdown is wonderful. We can see the soul-destroying internal struggle to come to grips with his identity, as he wonders how much of his life has been implanted. It's almost like a logical continuation to Blade Runner: The Director's Cut.

A less instantly noticeable, but equally valuable, performance comes from Rekha Sharma as the sly Cylon Tory. For many episodes she slipped beneath the radar as Roslin's aid, but since her true identity was revealed (to both us and her) she has really blossomed as a character. Sharma exudes the cool and callous metallic sheen that one would associate with the treacherous 'toasters'.

'Escape Velocity' is rounded off by a rousing speech by Baltar, prompting us to consider whether he's a Caprican version of Jesus or of Osama Bin Laden. "We are perfect – just as we are," booms the blood-soaked traitor. He may just as well have been talking about Battlestar Galactica.

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