BSG 2003 S4E19: "Daybreak,Part 1" ***SPOILERS***

MisterAnarchy

The final chapters of "Battlestar Galactica" are at hand.
"Daybreak, Part 1", is the first part of the series’ two-week/three-hour series finale.

Synopsis: With Galactica on the verge of falling apart, Admiral Adama readies the ship for what could be its final mission, as Baltar’s Six warns that humanity’s final chapter is near.

Overheal

! I missed it 2 weeks in a row! :eek:

I blame this cool new fcuking desk I got - has me away from the TV, doing stuffs. Grr!

edit: caught up now - my, we're all set up for an explosive finale now arent we?

Sherifu

It did a good job of setting up next week.

Leprachaun

Was pretty good and yeah it did a good job of setting up parts 2 and 3 of the finale. I really thought Baltar was going to volunteer though.

Sherifu

Leprachaun wrote: »

I really thought Baltar was going to volunteer though.

Thought so too. He may still at the last minute...

Volvagia

I loved it! One more week then its all over. Flashback scenes were great. I'm wondering about the guy Bill was talking to at the start, was he informing bill that the galactica was going to be decommissioned maybe?

And I always thought Baltar was lying the whole time he was talking about his working class upbringing. (Really thought he was going to volunteer to help Caprica 6.

bazz26

Good build up episode indeed.

Some of the flashbacks were a bit bizzare, thought I was watching an episode of Beverly Hills 90210 for a second. :eek:

Thought Baltar's old man was brillant, reminded me of Steptoe and Son.

The Corinthian

Volvagia wrote: »

I loved it! One more week then its all over. Flashback scenes were great. I'm wondering about the guy Bill was talking to at the start, was he informing bill that the galactica was going to be decommissioned maybe?

My guess is that Adama was being told that he needed to go through some medical procedure or he would die. Naturally he never did, has secretly realised he's terminal and goes on a suicide mission, thus fulfilling the prophecy of the dying leader never getting to the promised land, that we were led to believe was Roslin, all along.

And I always thought Baltar was lying the whole time he was talking about his working class upbringing. (Really thought he was going to volunteer to help Caprica 6.

Baltar is going to make an ultimate sacrifice, at a critical, last, moment, so as to redeem his character - all very Tale of Two Cities, to the point of cliché, TBH.

bobbbb

They must be leaving all the good stuf til the last 2 episodes, because they sure as hell havent been including it in the last few episodes including this one. Marginally better than the last few weeks but still crap.

What a nosedive for a previously good show.

Vokes

The Corinthian wrote: »

My guess is that Adama was being told that he needed to go through some medical procedure or he would die. Naturally he never did, has secretly realised he's terminal and goes on a suicide mission, thus fulfilling the prophecy of the dying leader never getting to the promised land, that we were led to believe was Roslin, all along.

Baltar is going to make an ultimate sacrifice, at a critical, last, moment, so as to redeem his character - all very Tale of Two Cities, to the point of cliché, TBH.

Good calls on both. Adama's doc prob caught some signs of cancer early on.

That singularity to be the first in aseries of wormholes to the Promised Land mebbe?

degrassinoel

Volvagia wrote: »

I loved it! One more week then its all over. Flashback scenes were great. I'm wondering about the guy Bill was talking to at the start, was he informing bill that the galactica was going to be decommissioned maybe?

And I always thought Baltar was lying the whole time he was talking about his working class upbringing. (Really thought he was going to volunteer to help Caprica 6.

i got the impression it was a shrink he was talking to, and yeah i though baltar was going to volunteer too, by the looks of things, it'll be a raptorstrike, there werent to many volunteers at the end, great episode though.

Metacortex

I really enjoyed it, but I think they have left too much unanswered at this stage and I'm afraid its going to look sloppy when they try and answer all the questions (if indeed they do) next week.

Anyways, really good episode, im going to cry a river when its over. Loved the scenes with Gaius and his father and Adama at the end in the hanger.

Richard Dower

Twas good...BUT, i utterly detest the producers tryna sneek in Caprica...i'm telling you now, we'll get NO answers next week. Wait and see, more Caprica flashbacks settings things up for ther final scenes that confuse the hell outta you, and boom....fade to black, "watch Caprica coming November for all the answers"

Swear to the gods!!

Richard Dower

Metacortex wrote: »

I really enjoyed it, but I think they have left too much unanswered at this stage and I'm afraid its going to look sloppy when they try and answer all the questions (if indeed they do) next week.

Anyways, really good episode, im going to cry a river when its over. Loved the scenes with Gaius and his father and Adama at the end in the hanger.

THEY WON'T ANSWER SQUAT :mad:
They'll pull a fast one on fans to get them to watch Caprica!!!!!!!!!!!!

:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

Metacortex

Just remembered something, Did anyone notice at the start when it showed the ships going through the wormhole like thing when the word 'home' came up next to it? Might be interesting.

Metacortex

Richard Dower wrote: »

THEY WON'T ANSWER SQUAT :mad:
They'll pull a fast one on fans to get them to watch Caprica!!!!!!!!!!!!

:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

The thought had crossed my mind, I will be horribly disappointed if they do try to tie it in with Caprica.

Cina

Thought it was quite poor to be honest. The flashbacks seemed needless and even though it was the second last episodes, they were giving more questions than answers.

I've been disappointed, these final episodes have been a huge fall from grace for a previously brilliant show.

ghouldaddy07

Richard Dower wrote: »

THEY WON'T ANSWER SQUAT :mad:
They'll pull a fast one on fans to get them to watch Caprica!!!!!!!!!!!!

:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

I read in some interview with Ronald D Moore, that their would be no loose ends from this show tied up in caprica.

Not gona judge this episode till next week since its a two parter, I did like the flashbacks though and it was good to see Balter being an arsehole as opposed to relgious Balter.

spooydermot

Metacortex wrote: »

Just remembered something, Did anyone notice at the start when it showed the ships going through the wormhole like thing when the word 'home' came up next to it? Might be interesting.

I'm not 100% sure - but I think that has appeared before, and was changed from 'Earth' to 'Home' after they discovered Earth was uninhabitable.

5uspect

That's a scene from the pilot where the Fleet resupplied at a derelict supply base on a nebula and were attacked by the Cylons on the way out.

Biggins

Richard Dower wrote: »

Twas good...BUT, i utterly detest the producers tryna sneek in Caprica...i'm telling you now, we'll get NO answers next week. Wait and see, more Caprica flashbacks settings things up for ther final scenes that confuse the hell outta you, and boom....fade to black, "watch Caprica coming November for all the answers"

Swear to the gods!!

Yep, I agree.

I suspect they will NOT answer all the questions that we are looking for answers to.

Between Caprica the series and the film too for release, they will keep the already watching viewers coming back for more or at least try to.
Between an already built up base of viewers (from BSG) and possibly newer ones when the new series starts, they will have a ready made semblance of viewers seeking answers and/or looking to view a new series (not many new series can say that).
Seems like a good way to start off a new series.
What's that phrase that so often said... "leave them wanting more!" That's sticking in my mind as well.

Back to this episode. I thought it was average to be honest. Good but not great. If there is going to be answers given - looks like some of them are going to come thick and fast given the time we have to catch them all.
(Not two full hour episodes - two hours that normally have at least three advert breaks for each hour - so 18 minutes approx' cut out already from a "two hour episode" already?)
I'll prob' be doing a repeat viewing to be able to get all the answers, in case I failed to grasp one!

What I don't expect, is answers to ALL the questions.

DeepBlue

Volvagia wrote: »

I loved it! One more week then its all over. Flashback scenes were great. I'm wondering about the guy Bill was talking to at the start, was he informing bill that the galactica was going to be decommissioned maybe?

Well, in the miniseries the Galactica was about to turned into a museum and was already a pretty old ship. I imagine being commander of a battlestar that was about to be decomissioned would mean that Adama wasn't high up on the chain of command and it would probably have been a pretty crap assignment. Quite probably most of the high flyer commanders would be in charge of larger, more up-to-date battlestars like the Pegasus.

It sounded to me that he was being told that his next commission after Galactic was equally crappy and signalled that his career was pretty much over and he was protesting that assignment.

Overall I thought it was an improvement on recent episodes. I'd be wary about introducing new storylines in the penultimate episode as it would indicate that there won't be much room to tie up existing questions in the final episode. However I did like the flashbacks even though Roslin's one seemed a tad random.

The finale could go either way - it could be crap or it could be excellent. Here's hoping for the latter .

mrak

The last few weeks were well below par but this is a return to form. At last there's a sense of direction again and a reduction in the god-stuff and we're heading towards a viper fight. Predictable but needed. The flashbacks are also needed to to add some more material to mix things up a bit and give some spice and a twist. Most plot lines had been flogged around a bit too much by this stage and we needed something new. Interested in what happens with Zack.. why was Lee chasing that bird.. quite odd!

J-blk

Yep, solid enough in setting things up but not an outstanding episode in itself - I thought most of the Caprica flashbacks were a bit odd and other than to give us a glimpse of life on the original Caprica (and nice views of the city), I don't see the point to them.

I also don't expect a lot of things to be answered by the very end but it better not be a raptor strike on the colony - I want to see the Galactica go out in a blaze of glory, not reduced to spare parts...

Orizio

Why do the ignorant hicks in this program have to have Irish accents?

Jim

Orizio wrote: »

Why do the ignorant hicks in this program have to have Irish accents?

Heh, I especially loved the way Baltar changed his accent to English because he was ashamed of his natural Irish one.

Regarding Adama's interview it sounds like its to do with him being the one who has to decommission Gallactica. After he starts going on about how much he's done the other guy says "Its one hour of your day. There are somethings you gotta do".

The only thing is if that's the case why was he wearing a suit rather than his military uniform? Odd.

I don't think the scenes on Caprica were strange. Its the end of the show, the end of an era. They were just giving us a glimpse at how it all began. I think its a build up to the next TV feature length The Plan.

I doubt they'll leave anything, or much unexplained at the end (not anything important anyway). A couple of things might be left to be explained in The Plan, but with regards to Caprica I think its a total spinoff with nothing really to do with the main story line of BSG.

Talisman

It's hard to judge given that this is part 1 of 3 parts and we have to wait a week for the other 2 parts.

In the last few episodes, the story has been character driven - to me it would seem that the writers have chosen the route based on what Ronald D Moore said about the Sopranos finale and Edward James Olmos comment that at the end of the series "we end up with almost nothing". Tricia Helfer and Katee Sackhoff also made comments in interviews about the finale being a WTF ending.

The almost Lost like flashbacks it would seem are showing us where the main characters of the show have come from. I'm guessing that the WTF bit is do you judge the show based on where/how it ends or the journey it took you on since the mini series began in 2003? If you're going to judge it based on the ending then prepare to be disappointed.

The Opera House vision ends with Caprica (Cylon) and Baltar (Human) taking Hera (the symbol of their union). That's exactly what the final mission of the Galactica is and was in a Hera dream/vision in a recent episode, if I remember correctly she was sitting on the tactical display board and dropped a Galactica model on top of two Basestars - if they hook Anders up to the FTL drive he'll jump them exactly to where they need to.

Vokes

Jim wrote: »

Heh, I especially loved the way Baltar changed his accent to English because he was ashamed of his natural Irish one.

Eh...its clearly a Yorkshire accent, not Irish!

Orizio

Vokes wrote: »

Eh...its clearly a Yorkshire accent, not Irish!

Baltar's father's accent was very much Irish.

Was I the only one geniunely offended?

Overheal

Leprachaun wrote: »

Was pretty good and yeah it did a good job of setting up parts 2 and 3 of the finale. I really thought Baltar was going to volunteer though.

Expect him to do something unexpected in the finale. Unexpected and sacrificial. Oh how typical

Goodshape

Now that was a good character episode

5/5 - can't wait for next week.

Goodshape

Baltars dad sounded Yorkshire to me too. Similar to - but not - Irish.

And I wouldn't have been offended if it were Irish. Baltar's just a bit of a prick

Gingervitis

I'm nearly positive that Gaius says "I need this like a fcucking hole in the head" talking to his father, can anyone verify this?
Thought the flashbacks were done very well, almost circular.

Derek Coleman

I think that Papa Baltar was talking with more of an Emerdale accent. Hence the Farmer links.

Right here's some questions that we are left with after this episode....

Who was Adama talking to and what was he talking about? Why was Lee chasing a bird around his home? Why did Laura Roslin say "Sean Ellison, sounds familiar"?

I think Adama was talking to his lawyer probably about his divorce from his wife.
The bird in Lee's apartment is first seen at the very start of the episode for a split second. It probably has a deep meaning I don't understand.
This Sean Ellison name is probably important. Maybe he was involved in her families death. Could be a Cylon aswell. ??

Derek Coleman

Gingervitis wrote: »

I'm nearly positive that Gaius says "I need this like a fcucking hole in the head" talking to his father, can anyone verify this?
Thought the flashbacks were done very well, almost circular.

My little brother said the exact same thing to me but I have re-watched it and it does sound like "Fukkin" but he defo says "Frakkin". I think its the way he emphasizes the F then leaves out the G at the end.

KerranJast

Derek Coleman wrote: »

I think that Papa Baltar was talking with more of an Emerdale accent. Hence the Farmer links.

Yeah it was a Yorkshire accent.

MisterAnarchy

I enjoyed the episode right up until the moment the suicide mission was proposed.
Why in Gods name would anyone propose or consider volunteering to go on such a ridiculous mission ?
Its preposterous.

I liked the flashbacks,in hindsight perhaps they should have been employed earlier in the series,they could have been a useful tool.
Baltar and 6's interactions were superb as always.I'll miss them.

With only 2 episodes left it looks like we aren't going to be given sufficient answers to the many unanswered issues.
I have a feeling the series is going to end with a vague ending .

Whats the betting

Galactica and the Colony get sucked into that black hole ?

Cant believe only 90 minutes left until it fades to black.
I'll miss this show.

Vokes

Derek Coleman wrote: »

The bird in Lee's apartment is first seen at the very start of the episode for a split second.

If you're the superstitious type or believe in old wives tales ..... a bird flying about your home is a sign of the impending death or doom of you or a family member

So, if you are the superstitious type, is that in reference to...

Zack (his downed Viper)?

Adama?

or Lee? :eek:

Vokes

MisterAnarchy wrote: »

Whats the betting

Galactica and the Colony get sucked into that black hole ?

When Adama & co. were discussing the black hole, it wasn't described as a typical black hole - there was something different about it (can quite remember atm). Anway, if the Fleet is to have some sort of happy ending to their journey, it'll prob turn out to be a gateway of some sort to some nice planet with beach, palms trees, cocktails, etc.. A cop-out maybe?

Hyzepher

Was this the first episode where we didn't get a quick preview of the episode just after the opening. I thought it was odd it was left out?

Yossarian_Lives

Orizio wrote: »

Why do the ignorant hicks in this program have to have Irish accents?

Didnt Baltars lawyer have an irish acent?

Volvagia

Hyzepher wrote: »

Was this the first episode where we didn't get a quick preview of the episode just after the opening. I thought it was odd it was left out?

I quite like that they didn't have one this week. I always close my eyes for it anyway and it felt like the finale is too important for a preview.

DeepBlue

Hyzepher wrote: »

Was this the first episode where we didn't get a quick preview of the episode just after the opening.

Did "Sometimes a Great Notion" not have a preview either?
My....ahem....cough....copy doesn't have one. Mind you it doesn't have the usual credit sequence either but I don't know if that was edited out or wasn't included in the original broadcast.
In both cases it works better without.

Leprachaun

Vokes wrote: »

When Adama & co. were discussing the black hole, it wasn't described as a typical black hole - there was something different about it (can quite remember atm). Anway, if the Fleet is to have some sort of happy ending to their journey, it'll prob turn out to be a gateway of some sort to some nice planet with beach, palms trees, cocktails, etc.. A cop-out maybe?

Yeh I was thinking that the 'blackhole' leads to some sort of paradise planet too. :pac:

Derek Coleman

Black hole = Alternate reality??

I havent watched the little preview after the opening credits since Tori killed Cally. That moment was ruined by the preview cause I seen Tori smack Cally while in the launch tube and I knew it was coming. I guess I don't have to worry about that anymore.

The opening of this episode was very similar to the way Razor was done which is more like a feature film than an episode. I am gonna cry when it its all over. I'm gonna wear a black armband next weekend. I am dying for, and dreading this last episode. Why do all good things come to an end. Its not fair.

bazz26

I doubt (hope not) they will do an "alternate reality" or "time travel" black hole type finish. It has been done to death already by Star Trek and Stargate.

jor el

Orizio wrote: »

Baltar's father's accent was very much Irish.

Was I the only one geniunely offended?

Oh arr, by eck. It were a Yorkshire accent or Oi'm not off down the Woolpack.

Pretty good set up episode, but I didn't get the point of all the Caprica stuff. What's the point in Lee and the bird, him meeting Kara for the first time, Roslin's family, Baltar's father, and Six putting him in a nice home? It all seemed a bit pointless, unless it'll mean something later, but with only a double episode left, now is not the time to be introducing new ideas. As Richard said in the first few posts, it's probably a link into the Caprica series, which is kind of sucky.

Roll on next week is all I say.

Leprachaun

jor el wrote: »

Oh arr, by eck. It were a Yorkshire accent or Oi'm not off down the Woolpack.

Pretty good set up episode, but I didn't get the point of all the Caprica stuff. What's the point in Lee and the bird, him meeting Kara for the first time, Roslin's family, Baltar's father, and Six putting him in a nice home? It all seemed a bit pointless, unless it'll mean something later, but with only a double episode left, now is not the time to be introducing new ideas. As Richard said in the first few posts, it's probably a link into the Caprica series, which is kind of sucky.

Roll on next week is all I say.

I'm not sure if it is a link to caprica series. 'Caprica' takes place several years before Lee,Kara etc.. were even born. The only character alive in it is Admiral Adama and he's a child.

Vokes

Derek Coleman wrote: »

Black hole = Alternate reality??

I think the words used were 'naked singulairty'.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naked_singularity

Which seems to be only a theorized thing. But the main point in other fiction is that it can cause time travel and / or gateways to elsewhere.

A timetravel reset for the Fleet back 2000 years ("all happened before and will happen again") would be supremely lame.

Suaimhneach

Or MAYBE thats what explains Kara's dead body, somehow?

I thought it was a good episode. Had its epic moments, like Adama giving the speech and Kara drawing the line. I wonder what the details of the goo-bath conversations were.

karen3212

jor el wrote: »

Oh arr, by eck. It were a Yorkshire accent or Oi'm not off down the Woolpack.

What's the point in Lee and the bird
.

Was it a real accent, or was it an actor doing a Yorkshire accent?

I seem to remember Lee talking about this bird before and there was, I thought, a suggestion that it was Zack. I don't really remember fully, but that was what I thought at the time. I wonder if it all has something to do with Baltar saying there is life on the other side, people should not be afraid to cross-over. Oh, too much surmising I think.