Season 1, Episode 7

Synopsis

Hard at work on his Cylon detector, Baltar argues with Head Six, and reiterates his disbelief in God.

Adama invites Baltar to the bridge, where he’s introduced to Shelly Godfrey - who looks exactly like Six. She claims to be an associate of the dead Dr. Amorack, and has told Commander Adama that Baltar is a traitor. As evidence, she presents security camera photographs of someone sabotaging the Caprica defense computers. Baltar (naturally) denies everything. Suspicious, Adama orders Baltar to stop work on the Cylon detector and suspends his security access. Gaeta is told to analyze the clouded face of the person in the photographs.

Baltar freaks out, to the point of following Gaeta into the bathroom, pleading for sympathy. He also confronts Shelly, who is certainly a Cylon. But because no-one else knows about Head Six, Baltar is helpless.

Baltar tells Adama that Shelly is a Cylon agent. Adama reiterates that if Baltar’s face is revealed in the photographs, his laboratory will be dismantled. Baltar searches his mind for Head Six but she has abandoned him.

Gaeta’s computer enhancement reveals Baltar’s face. Baltar sets off an alarm as a distraction, and sneaks into Gaeta’s lab to sees his image on screen. Adama catches him trying to destroy the computer and throws him in jail.

Baltar prays in his cell, asking God for forgiveness. Head Six reappears and tells him everything will be alright.

Gaeta then informs Baltar the photos were fake. Shelly Godfrey vanishes from Galactica, leaving no trace. Roslin makes a public apology and reaffirms Baltar’s value to the fleet.

Also in this episode: Starbuck gets the Cylon raider working. Back on Caprica, Helo and Boomer “become a couple,” red glowing spine and all. Meanwhile, Sharon finds the word “Cylon” written on her locker mirror.

Thoughts

The Cylon infiltration becomes increasingly complex, with Baltar as the ultimate tool. Shelly Godfrey is most certainly a Cylon agent, and through her the Cylons subtly influence the fleet’s entire power structure, moving Baltar into a position of greater power.

It would be beneficial for the fleet if Baltar done away with. But the Cylons slyly use his fear of being caught to turn him against his own kind. They remind Baltar that he can be abandoned at any moment, and his selfish nature would lead his own undoing.

Although many viewers hate Baltar for his cowardly actions, I think the character adds a lot to the show dramatically. He represents the worst of human nature - the selfish ego - while appearing intelligent, pathetic, and innocent. I’m fascinated by how his despicable side constantly avoids detection.

Head Six is an enigma. In this episode, she represents “belief.” When Baltar dismisses God, she disappears, and when he prays she reappears to save him. Her alter ego is appropriately named “God - Free”. This exercise shows Baltar his helplessness without “belief.” But this is not as pious as it sounds - the Cylons merely want Baltar to “believe” in them.

Lastly, the appearance of Shelly Godfrey at the right moment, implies that Head Six is somehow in communication with the other Cylons. This is evidence that Baltar is really being controlled by the Cylons and not merely insane.

I really liked this episode. Despite its self-contained “filler” qualities, it reveals how powerful the Cylons are through manipulation of one human individual, complete with a religious interpretation. The end result is a creepy, unsettling feeling that the humans have no idea what they’re up against.

Next Episode: Flesh and Bone
Previous Episode: Litmus

Read More Battlestar Galactica Articles at Webomatica: TV Shows!

Categories: Battlestar Galactica, Television :: Tags: :: Trackback URL
Front Page
Previous Post: Weekly $0.99 iTunes Movie Rentals
Next Post: Old Media Getting It: More Classic TV Shows
Related Posts: Battlestar Galactica: Thoughts On Season One :: Battlestar Galactica: Litmus :: Battlestar Galactica: Flesh And Bone :: Battlestar Galactica Season 4 Prep ::