The following review contains MAJOR SPOILERS of "Battlestar Galactica."

Science-fiction has long been used as a medium for the exploration of real-life problems, with real-life consequences. The ability to mimic these situations whilst suspending all belief to be swept away by the developing story, at the same time gaining just enough distance from current political situations that an in-depth exploration of exactly those situations can be carried out with any measure of success.

Gene Roddenberry, father of the long running Star Trek franchise, has been perhaps the most successful in carrying out this process, using the Trek franchise as a vessel to gain deeper insights into current-day affairs.

Unfortunately, this is an ability which is taken advantage of in too few occasions. It is a sad fact, but one which is no less true. Many series have succumbed to the point where the single objective is gaining numbers. And not just any numbers ... ratings. A similarly depressing fact is that most producers are concerned with only producing a ground swell of viewers, catering to the casual viewer and continuing to neglect the fans which make-up the vast portion of those numbers, and whose efforts to raise awareness of the show do more to increase those numbers than any single network action or storytelling technique.

The new Battlestar Galactica series does a very fluent (and naturally occurring) job of acting like a conduit, tackling moral issues and finding direct tiee to current political affairs. The series is actually one step away from voicing the Roddenberry philosophy.

Litmus acts as such a conduit. Since Bastille Day, Ive said that Battlestar Galactica would be destined for great things if only it could overcome its problems, including a grossly overcrowded cast, uneven stories and the anti-climactic scenes on Cylon-occupied Caprica. While this installment was far from perfect, it made a noble effort of channeling some opinions on the American-led war on terror, encouraging the viewers to have to think about the issues in broader terms.

The episode was far from perfect. A lot of the problems with a large cast were present in the episode, and a lot of scenes seemed to be dedicated to a recurring character who has only appeared in two episodes thus far and who wasnt part of the miniseries.

The episode begins with a human Cylon, Doral (Matthew Bennett) walking through the corridors of the Galactica. He doesnt get too far before he is recognised. Within moments, he activates a suicide bomb, killing several members of the crew and exposing the existence of the Cylons within the fleet. A panel is convened to investigate, leaving Chief Tyrol (Aaron Douglas) as the primary suspect of colluding with the Cylons.

There are just so many similarities between the situation of the Galactica and the American-led war on terror to be ignored: suicide bombers, enemy cells living among the population until they are needed, secret government panels ... the episode almost becomes a microcosm, providing food for thought on global affairs without actually coming out and saying it.

It is decided that the government body can no longer keep the secret of the human replica Cylons a secret, and the knowledge of their existence is announced to everyone in the convoy, sparking mass panic. And with good reason. Can you imagine the titles of those cheesy chat shows like Jerry Springer? Is your girlfriend a Cylon? Secret confessions: Im half machine, my baby is a toaster! The possibilities are endless.

The scenes on Caprica were by far the most compelling yet, with a short glimpse into the inner-workings of the Cylons as the mess with Helo (Tahmoh Penikett), and Cylon-Boomer (Grace Park). And there was even a scene involving a machine Cylon. The series could do with a few more of those included.

Based on the previous installments, Litmus was actually a bit of a let down - - the character of the week was obviously Tyrol, and while Douglas does a good job, it ultimately proves to be a weak attempt at gaining a glimpse into who he actually is. He is the suspect, and despite those forbidden meetings between him and Boomer, we really dont know him well enough to care whether or not his name is cleared. There were none of the excellently performed scenes between Starbuck (Katee Sackoff) and Cmdr. Adama (Edward James Olmos) this week, and Apollo (Jamie Bamber) was nowhere to be seen. As the Presidents liaison to the military, its a little hard to believe he wouldnt have any input into the events which take place.

Similarly, Baltar (Jim Callis) and Number Six (Tricia Helfer) had very few scenes together. But despite all its failings, you just know that the events of the episode will come back in the future ... if you have the patience to wait that long, the rewards will be great.

Alan Stanley Blair is a writer for Airlock Alpha, contributing from his home country of Scotland. He can be reached at ablair@airlockalpha.com.

EDITOR'S NOTE: "Battlestar Galactica" currently is airing in the United Kingdom on Sky One, as part of that satellite company's agreement with Sci-Fi Channel to produce the series. It premieres in the United States on the Sci-Fi Channel, and in Canada on Space in January.

Litmus
Battlestar Galactica

Grade: B-

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