'Battlestar Galactica' - Deadlock

A little sleepy ... not exactly the energy needed for the end

By MICHAEL HINMAN Feb-23-2009

It's no secret that "Battlestar Galactica" is a highly serialized drama, and with that, you have to have occasional setup episodes to get things moving.

I recently defended "A Disquiet Follows My Soul" as such a setup episode where not a lot is happening, but it's preparing the audience for a major event (which became the amazing "The Oath" and "Blood on the Scales").

And maybe "Deadlock" is one of those setup episodes. I mean, only four episodes remain, and two of them are the series finale, so one would think this is the time to set things in motion. I just didn't feel it, sadly.

Everyone is going about their business on the Galactica, except Ellen Tigh (Kate Vernon) and Boomer (Grace Park) join the Ragtag Fleet. With the Final Five reunited, and Caprica Six (Tricia Helfer) having some problems with the locals that is threatening the health of her baby, some of the Cylons push to get off the Galactica, and go off on their own. Saul (Michael Hogan), of course, doesn't want to go because of his deep friendship with Adm. Adama (Edward James Olmos), and Ellen is the swing vote, jealous because Saul and Six were able to get pregnant, when she has never had that luxury (outside of creating the skinjobs, of course).

And then, of course, you had Six lose the baby ... a very moving moment. But that was about it. Sadly, it's not what I expect to see from the amazingly talented Jane Espenson, which is why I keep trying to convince myself this is a setup episode. Gods, please be a setup episode.

What Worked

It was awesome to see Head Six come back. Hard to believe we haven't seen in her in quite a while, but it makes sense that she would return since "No Exit" reminded us of the "Messengers."

Another cool thing is how Baltar has finally come to fully accept the help of Head Six. He mindlessly repeated everything Head Six told him, and knows she's definitely there with a greater purpose.

Of course, I have a feeling that the person pulling all the strings is Number Seven, Daniel. Wouldn't it be funny if Baltar discovers all his fantasies with Head Six were actually with Daniel?

OK, maybe not.

What Didn't Work

The pacing seemed to be off this episode. Nothing really happened that was all that memorable, and when the episode was over, I really had no opinion on anything that took place.

One thing I hope someone explains is how the heck Ellen Tigh and Boomer knew where the fleet was? I mean, I'm sure there's some explanation, but we never heard it. Did it get cut out? Or did Jane Espenson think that none of us would notice?

Come on, Jane ... you know us better than that.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

"Battlestar Galactica" stars Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackhoff, Jamie Bamber and Tricia Helfer.

"Deadlock" was written by Jane Espenson and directed by Bob Young.

"Battlestar Galactica" airs Fridays at 10 p.m. ET on SciFi Channel.

About the Author: Michael Hinman is the founder and site coordinator for Airlock Alpha and the entire BlipNetwork. He owns Quantum Global Media Inc., the parent corporation of the BlipNetwork. He's a print journalist by day, and lives in Tampa, Fla.
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