The following contains MAJOR SPOILERS for "The Ties That Bind," the third episode from the fourth season of SciFi Channel?s "Battlestar Galactica."

One of the most amazing parts about Ronald D. Moore?s revitalized "Battlestar Galactica" is that the more the series changes, the more it stays the same.

When the series launched its third season, there was fear that the time jump into the future and the colonization of New Caprica would spell doom for the show. Similar fates have befallen other shows that have adopted similar twists, but thankfully ?Galactica? was made of tougher material and endured some of the most intensive twists, turns and mind trips of any show on television.

But this is a series with some solid drama backing the meta-story, and in ?The Ties That Bind,? Cally (Nicki Clyne) takes the forefront as she slowly begins to put the pieces together and discovers that she married a Cylon (now that would make an interesting installment of Jerry Springer). It?s always the way with television shows these days that the most powerful performances are always saved for the characters final moments.

What Worked

The scenes of discontent in the Tyrol household were an instant giveaway that Cally will discover the truth about the Chief?s origins and that her happy family would soon begin falling apart. However, nothing hinted that the end of the episode would be a truly disturbing moment as Tory takes matters into her own hands to protect her secret.

Tyrol?s explanation on his feelings looking in the mirror and seeing a Cylon looking back was a fantastic insight into the character and what will most likely be going through the minds of Tigh (Michael Hogan), Tory and Anders (Michael Trucco) as well.

Meanwhile, the Demetrius were reminiscent of the first season?s arc on Caprica as Helo (Tahmoh Penikett) and Athena (Grace Park) attempt to find a way off of the planet and to re-join the Colonial Fleet. That journey was brought to a swift end when Starbuck was given her special assignment to locate the Arrow of Apollo. And it?s great to see Starbuck, Helo and Athena continuing their adventures in another cut-away arc.

With the return of the Quorum of 12 and additional debates within the Cylon inner circle, the episode is left swirling deep in a political whirlpool complete with complex maneuvering and side steps designed to subvert the current order. At the center of it all in the fleet is Apollo?s (Jamie Bamber) entry into the Colonial Government, which as it turns out isn?t quite the democratic system that was put in place in the first season. There is also a wonderful contrast on the Cylon Basestars as Six (Tricia Helfer) and Cavil (Dean Stockwell) continue to play their own dangerous games. Now more than ever, ?Battlestar Galactica? is ?The West Wing? set in space.

And you?ve gotta love the giddying levels of CGI-Centurions.

What Didn?t Work

The Quorum of 12 seemed considerably downsized since they first came to our attention in the first season. Gone is the luxury of Cloud Nine and the grand reaching amphitheaters of the original elections (you can thank Six for that). In its place is a claustrophobic meeting room onboard the Colonial One which make the Government feel more like an underground cabal. Is Roslin (Mary McDonnell) really the tyrant Zarek (Richard Hatch) hints at?

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

"Battlestar Galactica" stars Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Jamie Bamber, Katee Sackhoff and James Callis, and airs Friday nights at 10 p.m. on The SciFi Channel. "The Ties That Bind" was written by Michael Taylor and directed by Michael Nankin.

Alan Stanley Blair is the assistant news editor for Airlock Alpha and its sister site Rabid Doll. He is currently studying for a diploma in freelance journalism and can be reached at anytime at ablair@airlockalpha.com.

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