Season 3, Episode 16

Battlestar Galactica: Dirty Hands

Early in this episode, Commander Adama says something about getting on with it and back on the quest for Earth - my thoughts exactly. This was another largely self-contained episode which didn’t add much to the overarching story. However, I still found it interesting as it explored the class struggles between the various planets. War and planetary evacuation has forced them to co-exist, work harder than they would like, and make sacrifices - and some feel they’re bearing more than their fair share.

Chief is sent to investigate a production slow-down on a fuel refining ship. He finds overworked laborers, kids manning the machines, the workers are pissed, and Chief feels like they’re being treated unfairly. We’re reminded that he led a worker’s resistance back on New Caprica. Eventually, he calls for a strike and is thrown in the brig. Commander Adama calls it a mutiny and threatens to kill Callie and everyone he knows (I found this surprisingly harsh - it’s not clear if he’s bluffing or not). Eventually, it’s all worked out - Chief calls off the strike and tells Roslyn that it wouldn’t hurt if the upper class Capricans got their “hands dirty” once in a while.

All citizens should make sacrifices during war time, but what if the burden isn’t distributed equally? This question calls to mind America’s current situation in Iraq. Some feel that the upper classes in this country aren’t bearing the full share of the sacrifice - something that the satirical newspaper The Onion pokes fun at. During World War II, the population was called on to conserve pretty much everything. Even if you and your family weren’t personally involved in the military, the war affected your life, and because of the draft, practically everyone was affected.

Anyhow, back to Battlestar Galactica (this isn’t a political blog). The only new information for the larger story arc is a still-defiant, imprisoned Baltar writing tracts that are covertly spread around the fleet. His message to the exploited underclass is part of the inspiration for the refinery strike. And there weren’t any clues as to who might be a Cylon except that Seelix got promoted to flight training.

So after all these entertaining but not earth-shattering episodes this year, the show better kick it up a notch starting next week. They really set the bar high for themselves at the end of Season 2. Here’s hoping they can deliver for the end of Season 3. I don’t think I’m into these stand alone episodes. And I miss Baltar cavorting with hot female Cylons, - even if they are fantasies.

Note: In other Battlestar Galactica news, I read on Aint It Cool that the March 4th episode (the next one) is going to be pivotal - one of the major cast member’s name will disappear from the credits. There’s also a hint that it has to do with Starbuck. But to quote that spoiler and Ronald Moore: “It’s a fundamental and permanent change in the makeup of the show’s cast… and what the show is about.” It better be good…

Next Episode: Maelstrom
Previous Episode: A Day In The Life

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