“The Son Also Rises”
Baltar’s trial causes a rift between father and son as Lee opts to take an active role in the former president's defence council. The episode culminates with a confrontation between Lee and Admiral Adama that shows the pent-up rage between the two characters. I fear it will be glossed over far too quickly and the status quo returned though.
“Crossroads, Part 1”
The first part of the big season finale again focuses on Baltar’s trial and once again has me wondering how the hell does Colonel Tigh keep his job? Michael Hogan plays him brilliantly but having such a high profile figure so often inebriated stretches believability, particularly when he takes the witness stand while fully fueled. The episode is well acted but one can’t help feeling that the legal system is a little too Earthlike, and Apollo swapping his uniform for a suit and tie just accentuates that. Good drama, yes, but not good SF.
“Crossroads, Part 2”
There are many (supposedly) shocking moments in this episode but do they make any sense? Let’s take the four of the final five Cylons who are revealed here – Anders, Col. Tigh, Chief Tyrol, and Tory. The first three were the foremost leaders of the resistance back on New Caprica, yet now it’s revealed they were Cylons? This gives the impression the Cylons are a tad dumb, with the left hand not knowing what the right is doing. Add to that the fact that Tyrol and Cally have a child, thus making all the fuss about baby Hera pretty pointless and you have an ending that seems to have been devised merely for the highest shock value.
The other two surprises failed to shock. It was pretty obvious Baltar was going to get off and that Adama would be the judge that acquits him, thus neatly healing the rift with Apollo. And Starbuck makes her expected return at the end (what, you didn’t see it coming?) and says she knows the way to earth. Lets just hope the writers know a way out of this mess. I can’t wait to find out how Bob Dylan got all the way out there.
Blood Ties
"Blood Price"
Aiming for the Buffy/Angel audience, this new show failed to deliver in almost every area.
Like Sci-Fi’s Dresden Files, this is based on a series of books and has a very similar cheap look to that show. I’ve never read the books (so if you want a fan's perspective you’ll have to look elsewhere) but based on this pilot episode, I’m left with no desire to.
Article comments
1 - Margaret
You're allowed your opinion of Blood Ties but as a fan I feel you're wrong. It's supposed to have somewhat of a dark look. It is well written, well acted, humorous, camp, just exactly what a vamp show needs to be. Thank God not everyone believes critics or if they do, they occassionally watch the show to see if you know what you're talking about. Either way its good as you draw attention to the show. You just happen to have the wrong opinion about the show though, its great.