AirLockAlpha.com

The following story contains MODERATE SPOILERS for "Rapture," the mid-season premiere of "Battlestar Galactica."

Roughly a year ago, "Battlestar Galactica" amazed everyone with the return of the Battlestar Pegasus, and an ultra-intense three-part episode that would resonate for the remainder of the second season. Now while the end result of "Rapture" will definitely be felt in the episodes to come, this mid-season climax seems to lack the same punch that the series had a year ago.

Part of that lies with the current state of affairs on the Galactica, as the days where Starbuck (Katee Sackhoff) and Apollo (Jamie Bamber) were the heart and soul of the series are now over. Sackhoff herself has spoken out regarding the current state of the series and it pains me to admit it, but she might be right. The burning intensity that was a cornerstone of the show has been reduced to a common love triangle.

But that might not be a bad thing. Instead, the emotional drive now comes in two fronts: Helo’s (Tahmoh Penikett) marriage to Athena (Grace Park), and the twisted situation former President Gaius Baltar (James Callis) now finds himself in.

Looking at the former first, since Boomer (also Grace Park) revealed the truth surrounding the conspiracy to conceal Herra’s continued existence there was no question that Sharon would head straight to the Cylon baseship to see her child. The most exciting part however is the method she used: Death.

Who would have thought that the Cylon resurrection process would again turn into an advantage for the Colonials? Penikett’s performance as he summoned the courage to shoot his wife was wonderful (as usual), and then again, when he confronted President Roslin (Mary McDonnell) on her actions. It’s a complicated setup but compelling nonetheless.

The same applies to the developments in the Cylon camp. Lucy Lawless has been a source of unmitigated joy this season as Number Three (also known as D’Anna Biers), shaking things up between Baltar and Caprica Six (Tricia Helfer) which helps keep the Cylon stories fresh and alive. To begin with, Baltar’s alliance with Three was a bit of a shocker, but now as he is beginning to question his own place in the world, he is becoming more entertaining than ever and the necessity of his decision is clear.

Is Baltar one of the final five Cylons? For that answer, we’ll need to wait a little longer. But the question you should now ask is, "What about Starbuck?"

“Battlestar Galactica” stars Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackhoff and Jamie Bamber. “Rapture” was written by David Weddle and Bradley Thompson and was directed by Michael Rymer.

Alan Stanley Blair is a staff writer and columnist for Airlock Alpha. Contributing from his home country of Scotland, he can be reached at ablair@airlockalpha.com.