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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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More: US TV, Battlestar Galactica
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Does this guy actually watch TV. It was a marvelous episode!
This was a fantastic episode, well executed and with a perfect mix of drama and reflection/introspection. Mary McDonnell played the reaction to Baltar's revelation perfectly. I thought the visions during the jumps were brilliant. The sequence melded really well with Roslin's storyline and was very well executed.
This is what's great about reviewers: They don't have a say in how the show runs, only what they think about the show once it has already broadcast. I appreciate the opinion, though I disagree with it. I thought Roslin's immediate reaction was right on the money. However, I do see your point in how she reacts from thereon to Baltar. I think that awkward bit of the show was more due to writing than Mary's acting ability. I would however put in my two cents' worth on your comment regarding the "'Borer' Roslin." I believe her character is portrayed accurately. The President's job is to administer and guide. It may be boring, but it's accurate. The excitement should belong to the Galactica crew. That's their job. And as a Navy vet from a fighter squdron in the first Persian Gulf war, I can attest to that. From that standpoint, I wish there were more action in that area. I'm a fighter scene junkie. Nonetheless I think the characters have been allotted their accurate roles, and they carry them out wonderfully. This is by far my favorite show to watch, and I have plenty to choose from.
Seriously, this show has everything and is flawless in delivering entertainment with some of the best acting and storylines on television.
This always happens. At some point reviewers always get too big for their boots, they end up underscoring universaly praised episodes.
I disagree, respectufully, of course. I loved this episode. It is the catalyst for the change in Bill and Roslyn's relationship and in Roslyn's resolution to the anger she feels about her death. But I do agree about D'Anna returning. It was the only thing that could soften the blow of losing Natalie Six.
Wow, this is the first time I've ever seen MM's acting referred to as "limited". I'm stunned by such a statement. And to refer to Laura as "Borer"? Laura Roslin has had one of the most complex and compelling character arcs that I've ever seen on television. MM sells the character each and every week. The Hub was an important point in the series and in her journey and I think you're firmly in the small minority of people who found it to be otherwise
The fact that Digital Spy have only thought BSG worthy of inclusion on it's pages in Season 4 (the last ever season) says many things to me, the main being that the reviews are not as 'lost' in the the depth of the plot as we are. So how should Mary M have played it Mr Scorsese? Shout out? Cry? She held that scene perfectly - holding in the anger inside, as she would (see her and Baltar's interactions over all the seasons to see why). This episode was crucial to the story which is about CHARACTERS not PLOT
I have to completely disagree with this review entirely. Roslin is one of the most interesting and complex characters on television and watching her question her morality in this episode was facsinating. Also, you are the very first journalist I've ever come across who critisces Mary McDonnell's acting. She is an outstanding actress who portrays the struggles of her character in the most breath-taking and compelling way. As for the episode itself, I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for next week!
Dude. What show are you watching?! Certainly not the one I watched - Mary McDonnell was bloody effing AMAZING in this ep. All the small hand gestures and movements - she is Oscar nominated for an effing reason. Little physical touches she adds to scenes only serve to enhance them - and the woman can convey more with her eyes alone than fifteen pages of dialog could. I loved it - loved the visions, loved the culmination of Laura's personal and professional struggle this season - one of the most beautiful BSG episodes ever.
hmm don't agree with this review tbh. In fact this is the first review I've read of any BSG episode where Roslin is listed as a weak character, or even Mary McDonnell's acting is limited. One only needs to look at the scene in Season 3 where Roslin confronts Baltar in the brig to see what a great actress she is. Anyway I personally think it's a great series so far. Dreading this mid-season break!
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what a terrible review! i loved this episode and thought it was well written and acted, and i loved the fact that adama and roslin are together now and roslin's character is the highlight of the episode. Clearly, this guy just wants to see explosions and shouting and running around instead of real dramatic storylines and acting.