BSG 4.07: Guess What's Coming to Dinner

[xwacky]

So I skipped BSG this Friday.

Why bother? With so much bitterness and discontent I built against the show for the past two weeks, I elected to go to the beach for a party around bonfire instead.

Picture this: in the pleasantly warm night, I sat by the glowing fire, drinks in hand, and moping.

I was bored.

My girlfriends happily chatted and caught up on popular tv shows like Grey's Anatomy. They were discussing the latest lustful or romantic escapades of McSteamy and McDreamy.

"You are all gushing over happy meals?!" Increduously I chimed in.

For that, I got what I deserved -- a proper friendly rib on how I need to get in touch with reality and acquaint myself with the popular culture.

Heh, not so long ago, I prided myself for being immersed in pop-cultures (yes, I meant plural). Did BSG ruin me?!

I realize I sounded like an ungrateful b****. The thing is, I love parties and beach bonfires -- so long as they are not on BSG nights!

To add salt to injury, I read the post from asta77, in which she enthused on how much she loved the show that night. ::groan::

Okay, I learned my lesson: any BSG is better than none...

Luckily, all is not lost. BSG re-aired on Sunday night.

Now Show, that's more like it.

It opened with the scene of Lee and Laura!  ::woot::

• Apparently, Lee had to bulldoze his way in to see her majesty. *g*
• I think there's more to it in Laura's hostility towards Lee.  It was more than what Lee did during Baltar's trail.  She also somehow perceived Lee coveting her throne office.

  Lee: "...had to practically push me through that door..."
  Laura: "Well, I'm sure you are quite happy to stay."
  ...
  Lee: "You owe them...for the welfare of this fleet."
  Laura: "Excuse me, as long as I am in this office, the welfare of this fleet is NOT something you need to worry about."

  No?  No need?  Cough...  There's but this tiny hole in her argument -- Lee is a part of the democratic government these days, is he not?  Never mind...  Put him in his place she tried!  Given his the association with Zarek, I think Laura's suspicion came about naturally.  I noticed Lee didn't exactly deny her accusation.  I wonder if it's because he didn't deign to answer her barb, or was he being brutally honest by silently admitting the truth (happy to stay that is).  Time will tell, hopefully.
• This scene showed me Laura, to some degree, lost touch with her responsibilities as the president (I'll expound on this later).
• I *loved* that Laura admitted she had doubts.  I'm pleased to see her acknowledging her beliefs had been turned upside down and inside out.
• Wasn't Lee shocked when he learned there's truth to crazy Baltar's claim?! Hee.  While I don't think he'd suspect Laura as a cylon from now on, I do think he would pay more attention to Baltar's words in the future.
• On the shallowest front, I noticed, once again, Jamie Bamber has prettiest eyes.  Show, let there be more close-ups on Lee's face please...

Poor Gaeta!  That was hardcore -- listening to his own leg being sawed off...  Eeeek...ssshiiiver... Cannot...even...watch...

That's it!  I pretty much HATE Anders now.  I admit I never quite liked him before.  It's funny I embraced Dee, but never could do the same for Anders.  He was too much of a milquetoast for my taste.  Now, with this stupid maneuver he pulled, and the fact he didn't even see the inside of a brig cell -- I resent him to no end!  Such resentment even got carried over to Kara where I'm concerned.  It's not enough that she gets it, by being her sex toy husband, Anders gets a free-pass too on everything he does these days.

I was more than pleased to hear Tigh ask "why now?":  He mentioned the humans had been fighting the cylons for 3 years, and the cylons never turned back.  "Why now?  Yeah, I would like to know the answer to that one since Six of One.  I hope we get a concrete answer down the road, not just a handwave here.

In the Quorum meeting scene, I noticed everyone was looking towards Lee, assuming at least he was in the know.  Alas!  He was just as blindfolded as everyone else.  Zarek smirked a little as if saying "see what I mean?"  Yeah, Zarek, you made your point.  I'm happy to see Lee quickly rising to be the one everyone looks to in this group.

We get it -- Gaeta has a beautiful voice.  Looks like Anders couldn't get over his victim's singing.  Since the F4 all heard All Along the Watch Tower, it appears he now looks for the last unknown cylon among the fleet's sopranos.  Nice deduction there.  ::snicker::  On second thought, there IS that connection with the opera house.  Shouldn't a voice as good as Gaeta's belong to a place like that?  Whatever...

Boy, was Roslin harsh with Tori!  She seemed to butt in on Tori's choices of bedfellows a lot.  First, there was Anders.  Now, it's Baltar.  I got a kick out of hearing her refer to Baltar's women as his Nymph Squad.  I wondered if she would be so interfering with Billy's personal life should he still be alive.  Then it hit me -- just like Billy, Roslin on some level must've regarded Tori as her surrogate child!

The scene of Lee and Laura in sickbay is the best of this episode in my opinion.  In fact, I think it's my favorite scene of these two since Valley of Darkness!

Laura: "I won't compromise the success of this operation, the safety of this fleet to indulge the neediness of twelve perpetually unhappy representatives. I can't.

Here it is -- while I feel for Laura, what she's going through, and the weight of her burdens, I couldn't help but notice she has been disconnected with the very people she's fighting so hard to save.  Dour faced or not, these twelve members of the Quorum represent people of the fleet.  Their neediness should reflect the neediness of the people.  But Roslin doesn't see that anymore.

Somewhere down the line, Roslin had lost touch with the people while "holding their lives in balance everyday."  To cope with the insurmountable pressure to prevail, the individual lives became indistinct in her mind.  It had to -- she had too much on her plate.

But being a president is more than fulfilling a destiny.  Keeping the people out of harm's way is only a part of it.  In my opinion, there is also the part of looking after their well beings, and ensuring their basic rights.

I'm happy to see it took Lee's impassioned words to make Laura reconnect with the people of this fleet.

Lee: "I was with them on the...um...emergency jump. And I saw something, in the faces of the colleagues.  Wasn't the anxiety of waiting.  Went beyond that.  I was anxious -- it was my first time.  But they, they...  (deep breath)  They were empty.  The Quorum had given up.  And it struck me.  After going through the same routine so many times, it was the only way that they could cope with the uncertainty -- to presume the worst."

On a side note, that was quite a mouthful!  Kudos to Jamie's superfine acting, I didn't even notice how long this monologue was until I typed it out.  Is it my imagination or is it true that writers are giving Lee more long speeches since the end of S3 finale?  Not that I'm complaining. *g*

Through Lee's eyes, Laura saw the sufferings of the people again, and thus recognized the wisdom in Lee's suggestion -- talk to them, reconnect with them.  It would cost her, she looked sickly and frail in the next scene (Mary McDonald was amazing), but it was a necessary move.

Another reason I'm gushing over this scene is because Lee, after all this time, proved to be still on Laura's side!  By the way, thanks to asta77 and sdwolfpup for the icon. *g*

Never fear he'd become Zarek's pawn or Romo's puppet, Lee always follows his own heart, and has his own agendas!  Not his father, nor the president, or Romo, or Zarek can ever make this young man be the person he does not wish to be. *g*

I find what Natalie said to the Quorum very interesting:  "To live meaningful lives, we must die, and never return."

Philosophically, I'm very much in line with what she said here.  In the past, I've argued that Cylons could never measure up to humans because of their immortality.  Natalie's words summed up the reason pretty well here.  It's because without death, one does not truly know what is to live.  In that sense, the very first words spoken by a cylon (Six) in the series were:  "Are you alive?"

From the very beginning, they were exploring the meaning of that word.  Because they didn't quite understand it, they weren't able to appreciate lives.  Thus we saw them ruthlessly annihilated an entire species.  These days, some of them don't even think twice of extinguishing members of their own.

But I felt Natalie's words fell flat somehow.  This is because I'm not clear on how Natalie reached such enlightenment.  It's too contrived, too sudden.  One week she was busy starting a rebel, next she was busy killing her own copy.  Somewhere in between, she had this epiphany that cylons must not download...  No, I'm not convinced.

I rather liked Sharon shot Natalie.  Although I was a little confused on the "why" since Natalie was so obviously not the Six in Sharon's vision.  Maybe Sharon was being cautious and turned against ALL Sixes.  Now that Natalie is on the brink of death (I don't believe she would die just yet), I'd be interested in seeing her perspective on death again.

A final point to make:  Marion (snuffybear) from The Adama Realm stated in the episode discussion thread there that she had figured out part of hybrid's ravings.  She's referring to the part where the hybrid said "You are harbinger of death, Kara Thrace".  She pointed out that Kara will be the one who destroys the cylon's Resurrection Hub, therefore bringing death to cylons.  I'm quoting her theory here because I think she's onto something.  However, I think instead of bringing "death",  bringing "mortality" is a better word.


Now onto the preview:

Crap!  Adama was going to chase after his girlfriend, leaving his son and the rest of civilians behind?!  I never thought I'd say this, but I hope Tigh talk some sense into him!

Uhm, what's happening with the Six in the brig?  Is she PREGNANT?!  From what's been said, it sure looks like it.  Wait, wait, I thought cylons can't make babies among themselves.  Maybe F5 are not included?

Lee's sworn-in is not a cut scene after all!  This makes me very happy. *g*  The question is, what is he being sworn-in as?  VP?  Somehow, I can't picture them shooting a scene of VP's inauguration.  I'm voting for the President.  Now that Roslin has gone missing, they need a new president.  But what about Zarek?!  Hmmm, maybe the Colonials have a law that says VP cannot succeed President?  That will explain why Roslin, not Zarek succeeded Baltar's presidency after he went missing.

Phew, Adama was present when Lee was sworn-in.  That can only mean he didn't leave the civilians behind after all.

Show, why do I have to wait 2 weeks for the next installment?!

 

Comments

[helen-c.livejournal.com]

It's not enough that she gets it, by being her sex toy husband, Anders gets a free-pass too on everything he does these days.
Sigh. Alas.
Notice how, when Lee commits mutiny, everyone in the fandom calls him a spoiled prick and there are consequences he needs to face? Notice how, when it's Kara, Sam or Helo, they're right and everyone else is wrong and that's just the way it is? (Ok, I'm overstating things a little, but you see the point...)
Sam was never soldier material... Sorry, but that's just the way I see it.

In the past, I've argued that Cylons could never measure up to humans because of their immortality.
Ditto. What's the point of living when you can do just start over again at the end? How does that encourage you to make choices to better yourself and the world around you?

Lee's sworn-in is not a cut scene after all! This makes me very happy. *g* The question is, what is he being sworn-in as? VP?

There's a spoiler about that at the Patriot Resource, but I won't say more here in case you don't want to know.

But what about Zarek?! Hmmm, maybe the Colonials have a law that says VP cannot succeed President? That will explain why Roslin, not Zarek succeeded Baltar's presidency after he went missing.

I think that they explained that by saying that Zarek, while popular among some fringes of the population, wouldn't be widely followed, and more importantly, that Adama and the military at large would never go for it. He could stay as VP, but if he tried to remain President, Adama would just refuse to support him.
At least, that's how I fanwanked it, lol.

Very thought-provoking post, btw. :)

[xwacky.livejournal.com]

Thanks! :)

Ok, I'm overstating things a little, but you see the point...
That's how I felt too (not the overstating part, but the things you are "overstating")!

I came to the fandom rather late. When I watched the mini series on DVD, they were airing S2 finales. So I didn't know how fans reacted to Lee's mutiny back then. However on the show alone, it seems to me Lee is the only "youngster" who gets to face the consequences of his actions. Like what Lee said to Kara in "Captain's Hand": "When I bucked authority, I almost lost everything..."

It seems hugely unfair to me. The way I see it, when Lee followed his conscience, he took a stand, and only put himself in harm's way. Kara, Helo, and Sam on the other hand, had all jeopardized other people's lives to assert their ways. Yet those three never even got a slap on the hand, let alone any Disciplinary Actions.

And Sam is the worst. I can't see any heroic motivation in his idiocy. He shot and crippled Gaeta because Gaeta had the affront to mutiny against his beloved wife! Such a selfish bastard man! I hope Kara at least give him flaks because of this and stay the hell away from him. After all, Gaeta was her friend too.

There's a spoiler about that at the Patriot Resource, but I won't say more here in case you don't want to know.
Hee, when you dangle the carrots in front of me like that, what can I say... Would you please share? ;)

About Zarek willingly yield his entitled position to Roslin -- I wasn't sure if fans surmised the scenario you stated here (I've read that explanation before) or was it played out in the show. I don't remember Adama warn Zarek that the military would only back Roslin, not him. But it's entirely possible I missed it.

[helen-c.livejournal.com]

However on the show alone, it seems to me Lee is the only "youngster" who gets to face the consequences of his actions. Like what Lee said to Kara in "Captain's Hand": "When I bucked authority, I almost lost everything..."

Exactly. And that's one of the reasons why I think Adama isn't that great a commander... Sure, he'll consider all the crew his family (and forgive them when they make mistakes). But Lee? Not so much. (Which might be explained by the fact that he expects more from his son, and takes his "betrayals" more personally, but still.)

Hee, when you dangle the carrots in front of me like that, what can I say... Would you mind share please? ;)

It's here. It's really more of an interpretation of the promo, though.

And here are the newest promo pics from episode 4x10.

I wasn't sure if fans surmised the scenario you stated here (I've read that explanation before) or was it played out in the show. I don't remember Adama warn Zarek that the military would only back Roslin, not him.

Well, I took a look at the transcript, and it went like this:

Roslin: So, Mr. President, how long before the new Quorum of Twelve can be sworn in?
Zarek: Three days. I will personally place your name in nomination as my Vice President. O­nce they confirm you, I submit my resignation and you get sworn in. The whole thing should take less than an hour.
Roslin: You're stepping down without a fight? Means Tom Zarek wants something. So why don't you put your cards o­n the table and let's see if it's a price that I'm willing to pay.
Zarek: Well, I'm a realist. I never had any illusions about remaining in office for very long. And the Admiral's made it quite clear that he'd like nothing better than to put me in a cell if I try to hang o­n to power.
Roslin: He's trying to do you a favor. You and I both know how impossible it would be to govern this fleet without the backing of the military.
Zarek: I agree. That's why we're here. Even so, I want to be included in the new government. I don't wanna be o­n the outside looking in anymore.
Roslin: Okay. Okay. You stood up to Baltar o­n New Caprica. You nearly lost your life for your trouble. This Fleet needs that kind of courage. The vice presidency is yours if you want it, Tom.
Zarek, laughing: Well, thank you.
Roslin, shaking his hand: You're welcome.

So, yeah, Zarek stepped down willingly... after Adama made it clear he wouldn't be able to remain president very long anyway. :)

[xwacky.livejournal.com]

...he expects more from his son, and takes his "betrayals" more personally...
Very good point, and that's how I see it too. It is precisely this aspect that makes me obsessed over Lee and Bill's relationship.

Thanks for pointing me to the spoiler page. I vowed to stay away from them this season. But I'm weak. I'm so curious as to what Lee's going to do that I just couldn't help it! Just this once then... :b

Another "Thank You" for providing the transcript! You've made things clear for me at last! :)

Frak Adama the warlord! ;) He put his girlfriend in office. Hopefully, he'll do the same for his son! ;)

[asta77.livejournal.com]

Catching up! ;)

For that, I got what I deserved -- a proper friendly rib on how I need to get in touch with reality and acquaint myself with the popular culture.

Pfft! Reality is overrated...and so is 'Grey's Anatomy'. ;)

I love parties and beach bonfires -- so long as they are not on BSG nights!

I feel the same way about weddings! ;)

Then it hit me -- just like Billy, Roslin on some level must've regarded Tori as her surrogate child!

Interesting point. I'm not sure she views Tory as a surrogate child, I don't get that she has the same strong feelings she had for her as she did for Billy or Lee. But I do think, like a child, she expected better of her. Laura is pretty selective in the people she chooses to surround herself with and trust and I think she's bitterly disappointed in Tory for the choices Tory has made and perhaps she's even disappointed in herself for having been mistaken in her judgment.

The scene of Lee and Laura in sickbay is the best of this episode in my opinion. In fact, I think it's my favorite scene of these two since Valley of Darkness!

I can't really argue with this statement. ;-)

Somewhere down the line, Roslin had lost touch with the people while "holding their lives in balance everyday." To cope with the insurmountable pressure to prevail, the individual lives became indistinct in her mind. It had to -- she had too much on her plate.

She really has lost sight of the people as she focuses on the mission. For someone who didn't understand the military and needed Lee to guide her, she now has a very military mindset. And while I believe she has an awareness as to how much she's changed, I don't think she fully comprehends how it's affecting everyone else.

[xwacky.livejournal.com]

Pfft! Reality is overrated...and so is 'Grey's Anatomy'. ;)
I get a kick out of people insist on thinking "Grey's Anatomy" is reality. ;)

I don't get that she has the same strong feelings she had for her as she did for Billy or Lee.
That I agree. But I do feel she sees Tori as someone more than who merely works for her. Else she would not have crossed the line and intruded into Tori's personal life on numerous occasions. I agree with you that she's bitterly disappointed in Tori with her choices of bedmates. Especially with Baltar, I think Laura sees that as a form of betrayal. If she didn't care about Tori just a little, Laura could easily replace her assistant, I would think.

She really has lost sight of the people as she focuses on the mission. For someone who didn't understand the military and needed Lee to guide her, she now has a very military mindset...
Yes, totally! And I think Laura started to change around the time she made peace and alliance with Adama. That also marked the time she grew distant from Lee. I like it that it was Lee here made her connect with the people again. ;)