Battlestar Galactica - Bastille Day

I told my friend at work that I was geeking out when I realized that famous terrorist and political activist, Tom Zareck, was portrayed by Richard Hatch. My childhood and teenage years found a certain sci-fi nerd love for the original Battlestar Galactica, mainly because it was clearly targeting the Star Wars audience, of which I was indeed among. Hatch was Apollo on the original series, and so his Zareck actually involved in this intellectual, political debate with kidnapped Captain Adama (Bamber) was definitely a thrill for me personally.

Zareck challenges Roslin’s position as President, asserting with Apollo that a process for this political office should be voted democratically, but his methods about getting that point across are suspect to say the least. In fact, his commandeering a colonial ship transporting the prisoners, with assistance by a guard who adheres to his political and philosophical beliefs, taking hostage Apollo and others (such as Dualla (given the chance to serve off the bridge through Billy’s mention to Roslin), Billy (Roslin’s assistant), and Cally (a member of Tyrol’s crew)) who boarded it after offering the opportunity to work off their sentences through labor on a moon—melting ice so that the drinkable water can be transported to the ships in desperate need of it—as his fellow prisoners have taken control with demands, just adds further burden and trouble for Commander Adama and President Roslin. Adama and Roslin initiate a mission plan, led by Starbuck, to sniper execute Zareck.

But because Apollo read illegally the unauthorized Zareck novel, forbidden in college because of his terrorist activities, actually acknowledging their shared beliefs in certain respects, the reasoning behind the revolt on the ship and kidnappings being a recognition of democracy and voting to determine the President could very well find common ground, ultimately ending this crisis without serious violence. Zareck doesn’t anticipate one of the prisoners taking a shine to Cally, resulting in her biting his ear off, not taking kindly to his advances and aggressive talk towards her. Starbuck, sure enough, has a shot at Zareck but Apollo saving him prevents what could have been a martyrdom and escalating tumult (the water crisis already has civilian unrest on the colonial ships).

What sets this apart from the original series is the adult approach and themes, as opposed to, appealing to kids, hoping to fill their eyes and minds with awe and wonder. Certainly Helfer isn’t aimed at the kids, once again instigating Baltar to convince Commander Adama he needs a nuclear warhead in order to develop the means to locate any cylons on the Battlestar Galactica. If I ever return to the original series, what differentiates it from the 2004 series should be quite a stark contrast. I must admit that this character, Zareck, is actually probably even better for Hatch than the celebrated young hero, Apollo from the original series...he's certainly more complex and when he turns from Apollo with relief and tears after nearly being shot by Starbuck, it is a damn good piece of acting.

Early in the first season, Colonel Tighe continues to booze his way through life's miseries, quite a grump, not the most ingratiating presence on board the BG. He orders Boomer to avoid intimate contact with Tyrol (although Tyrol has been a supportive lover who has helped to cover up her possible ties to missing explosives), resists Starbuck's attempt to offer him a truce, grouchily bulldogging from post to post with commands towards the crew, with little personality beyond being an asshole. His relaxing as he gobbles up his liquor cracked me up...this is his solace and peace. Meanwhile Roslin informs Apollo that she has cancer and might not make it to the elections. She feels it is important that her cancer remain a secret so that panic won't set it...Apollo agrees. With Apollo serving the President, seemingly irking his father, that tension remains quite intense. Will the Commander at some point even be able to have any ease?
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