06.09.08
Episode 4.9: “Hub”
Written by Jane Espenson
Directed by Paul Edwards
All things considered, the previous episode was poorly received by the majority of the fans, with many elements considered over the top or simply out of character. This episode is equally challenging, but the forward momentum of events and the improvement in characterization should help overcome the oddities of the format.
Covering roughly the same period of time as the previous episode, the focus of the story is on the Human-Cylon Rebel alliance and Roslin’s personal journey. The alliance was never going to be an easy sell, and the sudden jump away from the fleet and Natalie’s reported death make things a lot worse. Roslin, still operating in “survival at any cost” mode, wants to take down the resurrection hub, grab D’Anna, and grill her for information before letting the Cylon Rebels see her. What that might cost anyone else is simply not her problem.
Except, of course, that every time the basestar jumps, Roslin finds herself having visions of her own death, with a bit of scathing commentary from Elosha, the priestess who previously helped Roslin with matter of faith and who was killed in “Home: Part I”. Elosha chastises Roslin for losing sight of her own humanity, in turn threatening the survival of the species. The implication is that her decisions could risk everyone around her because she has lost the ability to care about anyone else. This, in effect, makes it impossible to see what is best for those in her charge.
It may seem a reach, but this ties back into one of the ongoing themes of the series, introduced right back in the miniseries. One important question has always been: is Humanity worthy of survival? Have they sown the instrument of their own destruction because they deserve to be destroyed? The argument for Roslin is that her methods and choices undermine any argument for Humanity’s continuance.
From a certain point of view, this has already been demonstrated. Destroying the hub and leveling the playing field wouldn’t have been possible without Adama’s decision to trust Kara, something Roslin vehemently opposed. Roslin has often been stubborn, and to some extent, Adama’s conversion to her side over the course of the series has given her a sense of superior entitlement. One can only imagine what her reaction will be to Lee’s position when she returns. (A turn of events that, at this point, seems to have been incredibly preemptive. since the appointment was decided in two days!)
Elosha’s message was a simple one: Roslin needs to find a psychological and emotional lifeline to keep her humanity intact. Her understanding and resolve is put to the test when Baltar, in a dubious plot twist, reveals his guilt over his role in the destruction of the colonies. Roslin’s first reaction is to let Baltar bleed out and die for his monumental crime against humanity. Elosha guides her differently: with the survival of Humanity at stake, every life is worthy to be saved.
I’m not sure I believe that Roslin would convert so quickly, in a sudden panic to save Baltar’s life, but it does represent a small turning point. She still betrays the alliance with the Cylon Rebels, but she saves Baltar’s life. It’s a foregone conclusion that his survival, perhaps in tandem with his conversation with the Centurion, will be an important piece of the resolution puzzle.
And while the process wasn’t necessarily pretty, it’s the final step for Roslin and Adama’s relationship. Watching the final moments of the episode, I was reminded of the political and personal tension between Roslin and Adama in the first season. This episode harkens back to “Resurrection Ship: Part II” on several levels (the circumstances of the battle, the discussion on why Humanity should survive, etc.), and that was a huge turning point for the two of them. In that respect, this episode gives us a sense that the journey really is coming to an end.
I liked the return of D’Anna, who has defied any attempt to make her little more than a pawn in the game now that things have changed, and I like the idea that Humans and Cylons are now more similar than ever. It continues to point to the possibility of the two species merging for survival. Elosha’s presence seems to indicate that the connections to prophecy continue to be meaningful, and recent visions and prophecies have been in line with the concept of a combined future.
I must also give kudos to Bear McCreary for the score, especially during the impressive battle scenes, and similarly, the effects team. I recently made a belated switch to HD and this episode was visually stunning. It’s good to have an episode where the underlying drama rivals the presentation. With the season hitting a lengthy hiatus after the next episode, I can only hope that the momentum continues in the right direction.
Writing: 2/2
Acting: 2/2
Direction: 2/2
Style: 2/4
Final Rating: 8/10
Seth102 said,
June 10, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Lee’s quick appointment to Presdient was necessary. Adama wasn’t going to recognize Zarek as President no matte what. The quorum and the government needed a President. They had no idea when or even if Roslin would return. The civilian gov is tenuos as is. What will be interesting is to see if Lee steps down after her return! Also, Adama must now realize that if (when) Roslin does in fact die he’s going to have to deal with Zarek until new elections.
For Baltar, I think a more interesting question is WHY was he talking (wouldn’t call it a “conversation” as he didn’t get any replies) to the cylon centurion? Was it some happless cylon he was trying to ‘convert’ to his beliefs? Seemed more to me the centurion was guarding the passage way and Baltar wanted to get by.
Montereyan said,
June 10, 2008 at 3:52 pm
I disagree that Baltar’s confession was a dubious plot point. He has nothing to feel guilty about, as he explained? Why not confess it? He has no need to fear her any longer; he’s now dealing with powers and forces much larger than her (or so he believes). It also gives him some superiority over Roslin - he has nothing to hide from her, no reason to fear her.
I also bought Roslin’s desire to save him. She’s been slowly but steadily challenged on her hatred of Baltar all season and Elosha’s jarring conversation, combined with her facing her own mortality, seemed sufficient to bring her around.
Seth102 said,
June 10, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Montereyan - Are you kidding?!?!?! Baltar has every reason to feel guilty. He single handedly gave the cylons their victory. He is THE cause of the human genocide. All because he couldn’t keep it in his pants! He’s been carrying that guilt throughout the show. He has totally feared what would happen if word got out about his accompliceness in helping the cylons massacare humanity.
I often felt Roslin suspected Baltar of being much more deeply involved with the cylons and the attacks but couldn’t prove it so she just kept quiet.
He only told Roslin because he was doped up on their version of morphine. Her reaction was 100% on the money. She only saved him because of the visions she was having at each jump. She will not forget and diffinately won’t forgive!!!!
(and if they do make this into - as the hybrid’s prophecy said - the one in the dark clawing for the light yerning for redemption, and Roslin forgives him, IMO that will be the worst cop-out ever!
)
Administrator said,
June 11, 2008 at 12:47 am
Seth:
The problem is, tons of other hints have been dropped to suggest Baltar is the final Cylon, so even if it’s too easy, it’s extremely consistent. But I still think it’s Gaeta, since RDM insists the final Cylon is NOT in the “Last Supper” picture.
Montereyan:
I found it dubious because it was a bit convenient for Baltar to open up about that specific thing with Roslin in that moment…it didn’t flow quite right for me. Just as I thought they rushed Roslin’s reversal and made it just a touch too frantic. A more reserved and calculating moment would have been, IMHO, a more organic choice.
Seth102 said,
June 11, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I agree. Although consistant , way to easy. They rarely do that. It’s typical to pump up a character into think he/she is whatever the mystery is then they *ZING* you with it really being someone you least expect. Gaeta is a definate possibility. So is the doctor.
But I really like the idea of Zarek being the 5th! Neither Gaeta or the doctor fit the hybrid’s prophecy of being the one in the shadows reaching for the light and seeking redemption. Zarek does fit that description better.
autumnfire said,
June 17, 2008 at 12:42 am
I was just reading these comments and was thrilled to see that you also think the Final Cylon is Gaeta (or did think so prior to last week’s finale). I read to my husband your transcript of what the first hybrid said, right after the episode Faith aired, and he immediately said that the fifth must be Gaeta. I thought it was brilliant!
Gaeta is certainly experiencing terrible suffering at the moment. And I think he’s definitely still seeking redemption in some respects for what went down on New Caprica. Even though he did what he could to try to help, he still feels the sting of being considered a collaborator. I think he still struggles with others seeing him as someone who sided with Baltar, and I think to some extent he hates himself for aligning with Baltar intially. That’s why he stabbed Baltar with the pen. I think in Faith, they made a point of reminding us of his connection to Baltar when Baltar almost visited him in the infirmary.
Of course, we’re fully prepared to be wrong (especially given that it wouldn’t quite jive with D’Anna’s comments in Revelations), but Gaeta is currently one of our top choices for Cylon #5.