Thoughts on Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I

As I write this, I am 30,000 feet above the ground on my way to a conference in San Diego. I am trying hard to think back to the scenes I witnessed on Friday, but that seems like so long ago, even if it was only two days back, a few feet closer to the ground.

Like all two part season finales, Lay Down your Burdens Part I is a setup for things to come. It is difficult to judge it on its own, separate from part II. If you remember back to my thoughts on Pegasus, I had some similar comments. How can you really say whether this episode stacks up to the likes of other shows from season two, when the primary plot threads have yet to reveal themselves?

If I had to pick one word to describe this episode, it would be methodical. The camera is very deliberate, hanging with each scene, uncovering every moment, exploring each character in a full and complete way.

Tyrol
It is only natural that some people within the fleet would start to second guess their humanity. I am a little surprised that the writers chose Tyrol for this job. After his gallant displays earlier in the season, you would think he has enough talent to keep him from second guessing his own abilities. Sharon on the other hand was specifically involved in incidents where she was stealing ordnance and turning up with amnesia. The Chief has to realize he is far from that situation. Sure, he smacked Cally around, but anyone stressed to the point he is, woken suddenly from a nightmare might do the same. He might be a little mentally unstable at this point, but that is far from being a Cylon.

One thing that hasn’t been touched on is how Tyrol was affected by the loss of Sharon’s child. He was with Helo on the Raptor when the fake-baby ashes were set adrift in space, but it was never specifically address how Tyrol is coping with the reality that one of the single forces tying Sharon and Helo together is now gone. There has to be a part of him that hasn’t let go of her yet and maybe his subconscious is drawing him back to her once more… maybe he feels this and is rejecting it by manifesting fears of being a Cylon.

To be honest, it is far too obvious to make Tyrol a Cylon at this point. It is far more obvious to me that the priest who is helping him with his problems is part of the club. That line that went something like “I know you’re not a Cylon because maybe I am and I haven’t seen you at any of the meetings” was a great one. It is just sarcastic enough to imply that perhaps the priest really is.

Starbuck and Apollo
Finally her dreams of returning to Caprica have become a reality. I was also happy to see that the Heavy Raider was not forgotten! As always, Starbuck was at her best when she was in the same room as Lee. Her brief scene with him showed that there is an ever widening gulf in their relationship. She is still a pilot… going out… risking her life to save the others. Lee on the other hand resides in the massive Pegasus Captain’s cabin, dining on Asian noodles, a far cry from the mess hall and the shared bunks. You can only imagine the tension that such a divide between two good friends would create. At the same time, I think they both respect each other. Apollo was searching for his purpose and essentially found it. Kara discovered her reason to live (Anders) and now has an opportunity to return to him.

The biggest question in my mind is one of intention. Why is Kara going back to Caprica? Is she truly going back to rescue the resistance party or is she going back purely for Anders? I don’t think it is made specifically clear. If she is going back for herself, risking the lives of all those soldiers, than it causes us to view her actions in a much less heroic light. I have a feeling that by the end of the arc, very few people are going to survive her mission. Will the cost have been worth it? For her maybe, but for everyone else? It could have a profound impact on her reputation amongst the crew. Her head-strong plan to help the hostages in Sacrifice lead to the death of marines and Lee getting shot. What is the price this time?

Baltar and Zarek
The relationship between Tom and Giaus was not one I saw coming. I guess it is natural that the man of rationalism and science, secretly courted by the Cylon God would team up with the fleet’s ultimate pragmatic terrorist. Interestingly enough, both of them would also become the party of “peace” and “hope”. I have to say, the dynamic developing in the campaign is beyond interesting. The political issues within the fleet are by far one of my favorite aspects lately. I have been mildly disappointed that we haven’t gone back to the realities of civilian governments in tense situations since season one.

So the big question is: can Baltar win? My gut tells me he will. It is far more interesting to have him and Zarek prevail than to have them defeated. It would mean so much more for the characters if they all underwent such a drastic change. Baltar elevated to President, Roslin stripped of her power, Zarek able to rule from the shadows… it would be too much fun to pass up!

Laura Roslin
Is it just me or does she get to be more and more of a hard ass every episode? It almost feels to me like her time is up. Not that she will be killed off, but that her role is going to change. That is the biggest reason I feel like she is going to lose this election. All of her policies are getting so hard core… her relationship with many of the main characters is getting estranged. She is ripe for a massive character upheaval that will send her in an entirely new direction.

My prediction is that she will be voted out of the presidency, but that she is some how put in to some other leadership role… maybe the vice president position or some other situation where she is allowed to interact with the new political players. Mary McDonnell is a powerhouse in the show, so she can’t possible disappear, but I can’t help but feel her role is changing. 

Sharon and Helo
It is obvious that Sharon is second guessing the role she has been playing. If Adama and the others aren’t careful, they are going to lose her. It almost seems like the writers are hinting at possible deception or treachery. Will she find out about her child? If she does, that will most definitely turn her against Roslin and the leadership of the fleet.

I am starting to think any choice Sharon makes is going to impact Helo as well. He has shown that he is willing to stick by her no matter what, even going so far as to stand against Adama. If Sharon turns her back on the fleet will Helo? He is a gallant person, full of duty and honor, yet he is also extremely loyal. If Sharon finds out Roslin, Adama and Cottle lied about the death of their child that will no doubt undermine Helo’s loyalty to the human fleet as well. We could see both of them back on the run shortly.

Conclusion
Ok my laptop battery is already running out. Something is up. I thought I charged this sucker before I left. Does anyone else have a laptop with crappy battery life?

I was definitely into this episode so much that when it ended, I really thought there was about 20 minutes left to go. In the meantime, I am happy just sitting back and waiting for Part II to arrive. I hesitate to pass too much judgment on the story arcs and character motivations without knowing how it all ends up. In the end, Lay Down your Burdens, Part I does exactly what it needs to do. It introduces some great story developments, shows us new aspects of characters we thought we knew and leaves us ready to be blown away with a finale to end all season finales. I am ready Mr. Moore… do your worst.

No MVPs this episode… I am holding off until we can see what everyone is really made of in part II.

Additional Resources

• Official episode 2.19 synopsis
• Official podcast commentary for episode 2.19
• Episode 2.19 Battlestar wiki page

Comments

[Marshdog]

Was it just me or was anyone else not that impressed with this episode? I realize it is only one half, but there were a couple things that bothered me. The Tyrol with was totally out of left field, and to be honest, it felt a little forced and last minute. The other thing that bothered me was how relatively smoothly Starback and Co. found the survivors. I mean they land on a planet...a planet...and suddenly they come across them in the woods? I think the writers could have made a more plausible explanation. The only thing that was interesting in this episode was the dynamic between Baltar and Roslin, in my opinion. We'll see how part two unfolds.

[vincent formosa]

interesting episode.

I see Baltar winning the election definitely. he will carry such a groundswell of support of the last question in the debate that Roslin is already doomed.

of course, if Baltar and Zarek then start pushing to accept any Cylon peace deal, will that also mean the standing down of Pegasus and Galacticqa? will the military acquiesce. will we see a split in the military?

a lot of variable there to ponder.

[m. sherman]

For one, I loved the episode. The editing and direction were SPOT ON, because so much happened but it flowed really well.

How's this for a mind-bender? What if the nuke is used by the cylons on the planet they are thinking about taking up residence? After all, the cylons want the humans to find Earth for them, no? That could be quite a shocker.

[John Beeler]

The preview seems to insinuate that Baltar does win the election, and then probably goes through a "what the heck did I just do" phase?

This kind of fits with the original series, where Baltar brokered the peace agreement between the Cylons and Colonies that led to the attacks.

I'm curious why so much of the show deals with Caprica. Budget, or other reason?

[vincent formosa]

I don't mind returns to Caprica. I would enjoy them more if they were also more practical with it. take Pegasus, make a smash and grab raid on the planet, go back to some of the military store facilities to snag spares, ammo, weapons etc.

+ pick up survivors, it would make more sense. a recon in force.

I also don't mind returns to caprica because it gets us away entirely from the nasty idea of planet/alien of the week shows that were such a feature of trek.

besides, a return to caprica also might give us more of a peak of what the cylon plan is etc. in fact, how come adama hasn't asked boomer that question on galactica. she was from caprica, she must have known what the cylons overall plan was.

why hasn't he asked her?

the chief tyrol thing I don't mind, but its so left field at this stage in the season. we should have seen glimpses of this int he past few weeks, then I would buy it more when it finally does full manifest itself.

I mean, he had 2-3 days of beard growth and was sleeping in the hangar area for gods sake. no one noticed? huh? scooby snack anyone?

its to much of a pardigm shift at this moment in the season when we have other things to focus on. my only view on why they've sprung this now is that we are going to see another model of cylon be revealed.

its the only thing that makes sense. is it dean stockwell? I don't think so, thats too obvious a play to make.

someone else though definitely.

[oopla]

Chief, Ziggy says you gotta worship the one true god. Worship the one true god Chief.

My guess is that in the next episode Gina uses that Nuke to blow up either the tillium ship or another central Fleet ship to force the colonials to not run.

[Brett J.]

Just a little warning about spoilers, but Sci-Fi's BSG site has kind of ruined the suspense of the election for me. On the front page it says the winner, so just a little heads up.

All in all, though, I thought this was a great episode. So great to be rid of this black market and that kind of stuff.

[Josiah]

I agree that it's awfully hard to judge this one without Part II to figure out what exactly is going on. And even then, there will doubtless be some climax to resolve at the beginning of season three.

I liked the insight from this episode into how campaigns are run -- e.g. candidates go with issues that will get them elected, as opposed to some notion of what might actually be a good idea. It's enough to make you feel a little cynical about the voting public...

That said, I was surprised Roslin didn't show more of her political accumen, possibly even trumping Baltar's issue by announcing plans to settle so long as some condition is fulfilled. But of course, that wouldn't help the plot out -- Baltar will be, at least for a little while, the next president of the colonies.

Nothing like Dean Stockwell resurfacing to keep things interesting. The first time I saw him on screen I thought: well, there's the next cylon. Although with the resurection ship destroyed, I don't know how he's still around -- I thought the end of Quantum Leap was pretty much it for him.

Hopes for next week:

- that we learn more about Baltar's link with the cylons (i.e. is he human?)

- that no one is stranded on caprica til season three (too much like the kobol episodes)

- that edward james olmos gets to be edward james olmos and start kicking butt and taking names (don't care who; it's just fun to watch him get pissed)

- that we see at least one new cylon revealed

- that caprica six and boomer some how make an appearance

- and that we've seen the last of sketchy bathroom scenes with gaeta (is it me, or does he only get real dialogue in front of the sink?)

[vincent formosa]

prize for most underused character this year has to go to Gaeta.

such promise, wasted. we want more gaeta. lets see him take a bit of command. take some decisions etc.

bit tooooooo much apollo focus these last few weeks for me, in fact, the whole second half of the season seems to have been apollo centric on one way or another.

[Adric]

Not much to add to all this so a couple of quick things:

(1) Second what Vincent Formosa said about Chief Tyrol. I don't mind it either, but I'm having trouble buying it with no buildup.

(2) Also second what he says about Gaeta. Gaeta is one of my favorite characters, and I really wish they found more for him to do. Good actor in an interesting role - what a waste.

(3) Agree Baltar will win the election but will then immediately want out.

(4) I also had the impression Dean Stockwell will be a Cylon. We've already seen that they get older the lower their numbers go - he might even be number 1.

(5) As for Starbuck, I've never really thought she was going back for the colonists in general - just for Anders.

(6) As for Gina and the nuke - I'm telling you, Pegasus is goin' down one way or another. Maybe this is the way.

(7) I have no clue what they're doing with Roslin. I don't think they do either.

(8) Agree with Marshdog that finding Anders and the others seemed too quick and easy. There's somethign off about that. But I don't think it's oversight in this case. I think we get an explanation for it in the next ep. No speculation about what - but I had the impression we were meant to notice that it was too easy.

(9) Thought it was weird to show Dee in the opening "Previously" scenes and then do nothing with her in the episode. A giant red arrow saying "artificial plot development warning: something will happen here in Pt. II" Yeah. And whatever it is will seem just as contrived as the Chief going nuts out of the blue.

They've really botched the second half of this season. We just now seem to be getting back on track, but I worry that the writers have gone too many random directions already and won't be able to make anything sensible out of it in the end.

[vincent formosa]

did they go off the rails this season? I think thats going a bit too far but I do think they settled back a bit after the 3 part pegasus intro.

there was no fall out from her arrival.

for a start, the colonist ships they stripped and abandoned?

lets go back and get them, surely?

fallout over general pegasus crew conduct, lets see some genuine friction between galactica and pegasus cerw over percieved wrongs.

all the later of 2nd half eps we seen have been okay but to my mind more B Plots. I mean all of them were necessary to show Lee lose his shining knight idealistic edge and become more fatalistic/pragmatic which is what he needed to be ready for the big command of pegasus, but it took a long while to get there and I think it excluded a lot of other possibilities.

also, the whole earth search seems to have been on hold since home part 2.

where was the follow up, considering the whole first half fo season 2 2was the kobol/arrow/tomb plot, it seemed to just fade away, I was a bit disappointed with that.

[Adric]

"did they go off the rails this season? I think thats going a bit too far but I do think they settled back a bit after the 3 part pegasus intro."

Well, I can see why people might take exception to that, but I think it's a fair thing to say. For season one and the first part of season two, we got some of the best TV I've ever seen. Characters were completely believable, the issues presented were never given easy or cliched solutions, and the Cylon plot was mysterious enough to be interesting.
Most importantly, episodes built off of each other; there was consistency.

In the second half of season two I think they've pissed a lot of that away. Chief Tyrol going crazy out of nowhere is not even the most blatant example - there was also, for example, absolutely no buildup to Apollo's prostitute girlfriend, etc. And then the cheap and easy way they dispensed with President Roslin's cancer - it's bad enough to have a miracle cure, but to have it introduced AND applied in the last quarter of a single episode? The plot in "Scar" was hackneyed, as was a lot of the dialogue in "Black Market." We never got to see Colonel Tigh's reaction to Lee's SHAZAM! promotion, the whole subplot with Dee and Lee is interesting enough but doesn't seem to be going anywhere good (if they kill off Dee, it's just a transparent plot device - BOOOring), the Cylons have largely been absent as an interesting culture in their own right, and LOTS of characters have simply been neglected (Tyrol, Gaeta, Cally, Dee, Tigh) or killed off without really developing (Cain et al). I mean, it's hard to put your finger on any one thing, but one gets the distinct impression that they don't know what they're doing anymore.

I think something Ron Moore said on his blog might be relevant - that 20 episdoes is maybe a few too many - easier to make them all "special" if it's only 13. I personally would much rather see consistent, solid 13-episode seasons than 20-ep seasons that don't seem to be telling any kind of real story.

I mean, I really hate saying bad things about this show because

[Adric]

Sorry - last line got cut off. Should read:

I mean, I really hate saying bad things about this show because it really is the strongest show on TV. But the second half of this season has been disappointing - no other word for it.

[Josiah]

On BSG going off the rails in season two...

This is a tough call. On the one hand, I've very much enjoyed watching every episode. They're fun, stimulating, and definitely challenge the established mold for sci-fi tv.

On the other hand, there seem to be two problems that open the show to criticism.

First, little glitches with plot and character. Tyrol's mental illness. The cylon cancer miracle cure. And the uneven development of various sub-plots and characters. Individually, I don't think I care that much. But they are starting to add up, to the point where, at least for me, I don't feel as connected to the show.

Second, and more importantly, the show makes a big deal of the cylon "plan" but has yet to reveal anything about it.

I never got into Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but from what I understand, the writers had a story arc that they remained committed to throughout the entire series, with each season being an integral part of that arc. Maybe Season Two's finale will prove me wrong, but I just don't see that here.

Rather, this feels more like the X-Files. The first few seasons had me fascinated at what the conspiracy might be and in each season there was just enough revealed to keep my interest piqued.

But after the first few seasons, the conspiracy never materialized in a satisfying way. The show just sorta went on and on and after a while it seemed clear that even the writers didn't know where this was going anymore.

I really worry that come season 3 or 4, we'll see Edward James Olmos suddenly replaced with the BSG equivalent of Jason Patrick and episodes that rely on a collection of b-list guest stars who turn out to be cylons.

But of course... I'm content to enjoy the show for now. What I like about this blog is that it's geared toward the enjoyment of the show, which, come Friday, is all that matters anyway.

[Trapper Markelz]

Josiah said: "What I like about this blog is that it's geared toward the enjoyment of the show, which, come Friday, is all that matters anyway."

I am glad you picked up on that. I always set out to create a blog that conveyed a sense of "fandom" and optimism that surrounds a show. I have seen so many blogs that turn into "rant fests" over every episode. Sure, I slide into that sometimes (like Black Market) but for the most part I choose to concentrate on what is positive in the episodes. I am glad you pick up on that.