Battlestar Galactica, Lay Down Your Burdens, part 1

[dangermousie]

What an excellent, excellent ep.



In fact, there are so many things going on in it, I'll have to break my thoughts by story strands.

Helo/Sharon

They broke my heart, all over again. Yes, I know, my ship for this show is one half the people on the flist don't like, but I find it one of the things that strongest draws me to BSG. I think it's the hopelessness/hopefullness of it all that draws me.

When Sharon walked into the pilots' room for the briefing, it made me realize a few things all over again:
1. How hard the baby's 'death' hit her. She looks a wreck, someone working on autopilot. And yet she still agreed to help in this highly impressive fashion, even though she thinks humans killed her baby, because Helo asked.
2. The way some of the pilots got up and freaked and how the whole atmosphere changed: brought back all over again how Helo is a stubborn, brave, good guy to keep on loving her, when you see the atmosphere around them. We most often see the two of them isolated from their surroundings (of course, jails tend to do that :P) and I am impressed all anew over the fact that they still care for each other, when I am reminded of the environment I am in. Helo is a pilot who is in love with a Cylon. Unrepentantly, openly so. Seeing how the other pilots (understandably) view Cylons, and how people he interacts with daily must think of this and of him and still to be unwavering? Wow. As to Sharon, after months of imprisonment and having her baby be killed by people (as she thinks) she still loves Helo. Which is equally wow.

Helo asking Sharon not to shut him out (in the aftermath of the baby's death) is...wow. I keep using this word, but hey, it's short, easy to type, and appropriate. I am glad they are sticking close in the aftermath though. Sharon's non-specific warning about bad stuff happening, though? Talk about uselessly general. Also creepily Six-like from S1. Hmmmm.....

The scene with Helo and Sharon in the raptor was painful, painful to watch. They are still cripped by the loss of the child and they can't even have privacy for it. It festers.

Watching this ep really reinforced how Helo takes everything in stride. He is not unfeeling (he is a deeply feeling person) but he has a deep-seated, quirky, laid-back pragmatism in his approach to his life. Stranded on the planet full of Cylons, likely the only person left? As soon as he processes, he takes it in stride and deals with it. Fallen in love with a Cylon? As soon as he decides he loves her anyway, he never wavers. Baby? Ditto. Maintain that relationship in face of everything? Ditto. Once he decides, he decides. Of course he has doubts (love that scene with Tyrol when they were in the brig) but he internalizes them and doesn't allow them to cripple his actions, when action is needed. Sharon(s) definitely know how to pick good guys.

Tyrol, Dreams, and Underachiever Priests

I know why Tyrol went crazy and attacked Cally: the hideous stubble of doom would drive anyone insane. I know you work hard Chief, but shave. For Gods' sake. Or the audience's sake.

Of course, the priest he goes to, ends up being helpful though not too much, not at the start where I thought he was the worst Man of God(s) I've ever seen. Some kind of underachiever sent to a Battlestar to punish him? Because talk about woefully ineffective.

I find Tyrol's dreams interesting though. Are they really an expression of his anxiety that he is a Cylon? No idea.

Roslin, Baltar, Adama and electioneering fun

Do you know what struck me in the scene in Adama's quarters before the debates? Just how married they appear. Like an old married couple. There are jokes and comfortableness and stories and his walking her on his arm to the debates. Though when she broke a pencil, hey wastefulness? How will they make more?

Visible support of Adama, though. Is it a blessing or a curse? Not that many are keen on the military, it seems. I also find it interesting how the Lee/Laura bond seems to have frayed, now that Roslin has Adama on her side, who is after all more important and more suited for her as a companion by age and temperement (I don't mean romantically, I mean friendship, daily interaction-wise).

Baltar and Roslin exchanging jabs that draw blood is very in character and very funny at the same time. Though Baltar, please cut and wash your hair. What is it with the bad hair attack lately? Is it a new Cylon nepharious plan? I dread the day Lee and Helo will succumb to it.

Also, continued props to actors (in this case Zarek) in acting like Tricia Helfer isn't here. Must be hard.

Kara, Lee, Anders and the Glorious Mission

The Kara/Lee scene when she comes to say goodbye before the mission and he is in his vast quarters and he knows she might not come back and she knows he knows and there is all this emotion and neither will admit anything out loud? So good, so laden, it's painful. Lee is rather desperate for her safety, not that he'd say anything. The chemistry continues out of the ballpark, making me wonder why stupid Kara is going all the way to Caprica to get a boyfriend when there is one right here. What sane woman would prefer Anders to Apollo? Of course, he was a big star with the most money before Cylons blew things up, so I suppose there is that. Which wins him what? A kewpie doll. And Starbuck's undying affection, apparently.

Seriously though, much as I thought the reunion between Anders and Kara was cool (I love my Starbuck happy, and happy she definitely was), it sort of falls apart in view of two things: Lee's chemistry with her is so much better it throws things out of whack. Fine, I can shrug it off and say that chemistry or not, Andres is a God in the sack and plus she likes things easier and less messed-up and complicated than they would be with Lee. And of course, for Kara, it's like a second chance to rescue Zack, to remedy her mistakes. But remembering the Farm, she could have taken them all right there so why wait half a year and return. Did they do enough disruption to be justified to leave? What? Because why are they OK with leaving now when they weren't before and they could have left just as easily and spared themselves months of hell.

Comments

[juprujac.livejournal.com]

The chemistry continues out of the ballpark, making me wonder why stupid Kara is going all the way to Caprica to get a boyfriend when there is one right here. What sane woman would prefer Anders to Apollo?
Yes, yes and YES!

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

Yup. Seriously, Anders is a cute guy and all that. But COME ON. :)

[dknightshade.livejournal.com]

Hello. Got here from 13th_colony, thought I'd comment.

Do you know what struck me in the scene in Adama's quarters before the debates? Just how married they appear.

So completely and totally. It makes me smile. I think when they aren't at each other's throats over the fate of humanity, they're pretty good for each other. ;-) Relationship, friendship, sound boards, whatever. They do seem to have a comfort level with each other now that's really nice to see.

Lee is rather desperate for her safety, not that he'd say anything.

Interesting take on it. I read that differently. I read all the unspoken words as being confusion about their relationship -- Lee being in command, Kara about to run off to save the man she's hung up on, and all the Dee/Lee Kara/Lee subplots that have been going on. I didn't look at it as concern over the coming mission, but I guess it could be that too.

I have to say that IMHO, Kara and Anders seem to me to have a lot more chemistry than Kara/Lee. And it was almost instant. I think that's a 'to each their own' type thing. ;-)

Thanks for the interesting observations on the episode.

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

think when they aren't at each other's throats over the fate of humanity, they're pretty good for each other. ;-) Relationship, friendship, sound boards, whatever. They do seem to have a comfort level with each other now that's really nice to see.


Yup. They are on the same wavelength and they are so relaxed with each other, so comfortable. It's great to see.

I have to say that IMHO, Kara and Anders seem to me to have a lot more chemistry than Kara/Lee. And it was almost instant. I think that's a 'to each their own' type thing

Oh yes, of course. I can understand why Kara is attracted to Anders: he is heroic, good-looking, clearly cares for her, and (most importantly) doesn't come with baggage. But while I don't mind K/A, I am more interested in K/L.

Also, icon!!!!

[dknightshade.livejournal.com]

But while I don't mind K/A, I am more interested in K/L.

Understandable. Everyone has their OTPs. ;-)

Also, icon!!!!

Thank you. A friend made it for me since I don't have any BSG icons yet. It makes me laugh everytime. And made Laura's 'If I want to throw a baby out an airlock' comment even more funny for me.

[greenpear.livejournal.com]

I hope the priest stays around for a while. At least to continue the thread with Tyrol. I want to see where this one goes. And yes, he needs to shave...

Just as Adama and Roslin were acting like an comfortable married couple Baltar and Roslin could be construed to be acting like a bitchy old married couple. There are times, after you've been together for a while, that you start snipping under your breath (hmmm, sounds like I've been there-done that).

Many of us feel Kara would be better off with Lee but I think it makes for a definitely better storyline throwing Anders into the mix. I don't think he'll be permanent but it makes the entanglements all the better.

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

Many of us feel Kara would be better off with Lee but I think it makes for a definitely better storyline throwing Anders into the mix. I don't think he'll be permanent but it makes the entanglements all the better.

Yup. No rainbows and puppies and babies for K/L. Not only would it be out of character, on BSG it means instant doooooom :)

[http://users.livejournal.com/ar_feiniel_/]

Though Baltar, please cut and wash your hair.

*gasps* NO! I love Baltar's hair-length: trimming hair that nice is a travesty. I think it looks mighty sexy. Though I agree with the washing - it's getting Snape-greasy....

Of course, the priest he goes to, ends up being helpful though not too much, not at the start where I thought he was the worst Man of God(s) I've ever seen.

^^yeah, Tyrol definately would agree: some of his reactions to the stuff the priest was saying were great - he was so shocked. Though in the end I think the priest was pretty effective: he didn't give Tyrol v. much short-term hand-holding advice, but I think that by laying some harsher realities on the table and forcing Tyrol to face his problems will be good for The Chief in the long run.

The scene with Helo and Sharon in the raptor was painful, painful to watch. They are still cripped by the loss of the child and they can't even have privacy for it. It festers.

^^^Agreed. That was gut-wrenching. You make some good points too about the different ways Helo and Sharon are coping: they are both clearly hurt, but Helo seems to be handling things better....I think Sharon is still shell-shocked by her grief. :(

[weissman.livejournal.com]

Plus Sharon is new to emotions, especially grief, and grief like this. Up to this point Sharon defined herself by her love for Helo and her daughter. Now who is she, whats her purpose in life. Tough questions for any mother in that situation, much less someone that has very little experience with emotions of any kind.

Bob

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

very little experience with emotions of any kind

That's an excellent point and not one I thought about before. Sharon is so new to feelings. It's all raw and really unusual to her. She doesn't know how to moderate or cope.

[weissman.livejournal.com]

Yes of course, I got that point from Inyx. but it makes sense. What the character is going through would overwhelme a noraml women, much less a women that has only experined emotions for a very short time, and especially strong emotions like she is feeling now.

Bob

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

Though I agree with the washing - it's getting Snape-greasy....


He can have it waist-length, as long as he shampoos it. After all, Roslin manages to keep her mane clean. Maybe that's why Baltar is running for president. He wants Roslin's secret Herbal Essences stash.

Helo seems to be handling things better

I think he has to, because he has to put his grief aside to help Sharon cope.

[bluebanrigh.livejournal.com]

I find it one of the things that strongest draws me to BSG. I think it's the hopelessness/hopefullness of it all that draws me.

I find I'm liking these two more and more. I keep wanting them to find a happy place, just the three of them. I like the against all odds factor.

I dread the day Lee and Helo will succumb to it.

*grins* It'll be a short wait. :)

And I love the scenes with Roslin and Adama, especially how they were waking arm in arm. It's very old school.

As for Lee and Roslin, would he still be her military advisor even though he'd be pretty busy as a commander.

[weissman.livejournal.com]

"I find I'm liking these two more and more. I keep wanting them to find a happy place, just the three of them. I like the against all odds factor."

Thats what usually happens with Sharon/Helo fans you get drawn in by the Complete love these characters feel for each other and the fact that through it all they never give up hope.Then you are hooked.
I think its one of the best points of the show, as RM said a fundimental thread in the entire series.

Bob

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

*grins* It'll be a short wait. :)

Oh no! *primal scream*

would he still be her military advisor even though he'd be pretty busy as a commander.

Aactually, that's a really good question. I think in many ways, since her reconciliation with Adama, Adama is her de facto military advisor in a lot of matters.

[bluebanrigh.livejournal.com]

Oh no! *primal scream*

Not too worried, it'd take a lot to make Jamie Bamber look bad (ie. the face ferret he had in Daniel Deronda). :)

[sinclair-furie.livejournal.com]

I miss the Lee/Roslin interactions. I don't know, there are a lot of things from first season that were just thrown into the background second season... But I still love the show. I think this season, though, the plots have been more fragmented and so have the characters. It makes sense- as more stuff happens, the main characters each start having their own little issues...

I like Anders from an eye-candy view... Personally Kara/Lee has always seemed a little odd for me even though you are TOTALLY right about the chemistry. I don't think they could have a viable relationship, but the ridiculously blatant "suggestions" about the sexual tension and love between them are getting a bit annoying. I remember Katee Sackhoff used to say, wayyyy back when, that Starbuck was in love with Apollo, but that's another thing that seems to have died.

Also, what a ridiculous place to end the episode! OOOOFFF.

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

I don't think they could have a viable relationship

I agree. At least at this point in time. But dysfunctional relationships are a lot more fun to watch on TV anyway.

I remember Katee Sackhoff used to say, wayyyy back when, that Starbuck was in love with Apollo, but that's another thing that seems to have died

I think she might still be, somewhat. But she just doesn't want to deal with the complexities/mess/issues a relationship with Lee would bring up. Anders is easier.

[weissman.livejournal.com]

You know for me BSG is all about Sharon and Helo, and how they are centeral to the hole series. With out them there is no BSG, its another shoot um up scifi show.

Helo just rocked my world in the scenes in this episode. he has made his decision. In the scene in the briefing room his eyes never leave Sharon, when she leaves he leaves. At this point I don't think he gives a rats ass what anybody thinks about him or his realtionship with Sharon. he loves her, Sharon is his world.

Helo talked Sharon into helping for two reason's frist to show thatshe is both more valuable and trustworthy and second to give her something to do and a reason to get out to get her mind on things.

Sharon's words in the Raptor just kiiled me. "I can't get her out of my mind"

Bob

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

Helo just rocked my world in the scenes in this episode. he has made his decision. In the scene in the briefing room his eyes never leave Sharon, when she leaves he leaves. At this point I don't think he gives a rats ass what anybody thinks about him or his realtionship with Sharon. he loves her, Sharon is his world.

Oh yes. *sigh*

I love that he keeps trying, so hard, to stop Sharon from sliding into this pit of despair she clearly and inveitably keeps falling into. And at the same time, he must deal with his own grief, because he was after all the father and he loved the kid. But I love how he was able to put his own issues on the back-burner because he knows he needs to concentrate on Sharon.

[weissman.livejournal.com]

"he must deal with his own grief, because he was after all the father and he loved the kid. But I love how he was able to put his own issues on the back-burner because he knows he needs to concentrate on Sharon" -- I think thats a point that a lot of people missed, he just internalizes it and does what he has to do for Sharon, the same in EPIP, he internalizes it and does what he had to do for Sharon and his daughter

The more they develope the charcter of Helo, the more he becomes like this ultimate hero, ultimate lover. I don't know the right words to describe it, what they are building his character into, or maybe they are there already.

I know one thing though, they will probably make every women who watches the show fall madly in love with him. That type of devotion, that type of love, its great to see it portrayed on a TV show.

Bob

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

I do have to say out of all the male characters on the show, Helo would definitely make by far the best significant other.

he internalizes it and does what he had to do for Sharon and his daughter


And that is what he always does. He might have emotional issues or doubts or whatever, but he won't let it affect what must be done.

[weissman.livejournal.com]

About the only thing I can add is that I think his greatest test is coming, when Sharon pulls away from him, retreats into her shell, what have you. But I firmly believe that Helo would wait for Sharon forever if it took that long. I don't think it will but he would.
Bob
Helo=Hero

[redrogue9.livejournal.com]

I agreed with almost everything you wrote.

Helo/Sharon

I have to admit that I like pregnant Sharon more than the original Sharon. I've love Helo/Sharon from the start and this episode just tore my little shippy heart to pieces. It was painful to watch and since I was watching with two other people we kept saying "aww", wishing we had our very own Helo, and screaming at the other pilots to leave them a moment of peace.

Tyrol, Dreams, and Underachiever Priest

I loved the underachiever priest. He cracked me up so badly. Yes, Tyrol is having nightmares and he attacked Cally but whenever the priest spoke I would crack up.

Roslin, Baltar, Adama and electioneering fun

Just how married they appear

At first I thought Roslin was halfway to crazy land, then I saw the scene with Adama trying to calm her down and I went "aww" again then thought they made a very handsome crazy married couple. The scene where their walking down a corridor and Roslin's new assistant walked in front of them and they busted up laughing again, made me wish Billy was still there because he'd understand, I think.

Kara, Lee, Anders and the Glorious Mission

As much as we love to see Starbuck smile that big and giggle like a girl she would be so much better off with Lee.

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

I liked Galactica Sharon quite a lot, but yes, I am more invested in this Sharon as well, and H/S is one of the main reasons for being so.

and screaming at the other pilots to leave them a moment of peace

Oh yes.

As much as we love to see Starbuck smile that big and giggle like a girl she would be so much better off with Lee

Yessssss. I am consoling myself with the thought that guest-star love interests of one half of a popular ship of two main characters don't last long. Hope.

[weissman.livejournal.com]

I am getting confused with all these Sharons, over at RA we call the Sharon with Helo, Sharon and the resurected Sharon, Boomer. Its so much easire, and makes sense if you think about it.

I think its going to be a while before our Sharon and Helo, can just be together, but in the end it will be owrth it.

Bob

[danceswithwords.livejournal.com]

The chemistry continues out of the ballpark, making me wonder why stupid Kara is going all the way to Caprica to get a boyfriend when there is one right here. What sane woman would prefer Anders to Apollo? Of course, he was a big star with the most money before Cylons blew things up, so I suppose there is that. Which wins him what? A kewpie doll. And Starbuck's undying affection, apparently.

I don't think we've ever seen any indication that status or money are important to Kara. I think the powerful draw of Anders at this point is that he's not Lee Adama; he's someone who doesn't bring that terribly complicated baggage, and if she screws it up (as I think she secretly fears she'll screw up any intimate relationship), she doesn't have anything near as much to lose. Lee's dangerous; he knows her, and can see through her bluster to the places she feels the most vulnerable, and at this point I think she literally believes she's dangerous to him. Anders is safe in ways Lee can't be right now. For those same reasons, I think her relationship with Anders has about 1/100th the depth of a single hallway conversation she has with Lee, but she has to be prepared to deal with the whole package if she wants to get involved with Lee, and she's not prepared to do that at this point. I also think that keeping her promise, going back for Anders and being a force for good in the life of someone she cares about rather than just the bringer of death and destruction she fears she is, is important to her. That's how I'm wanking Kara's involvement with Anders at this point, because I'll never buy it's true love forever.

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

I don't think we've ever seen any indication that status or money are important to Kara.

I was being pretty tongue in cheek with that one :) And hey, after all, even if she was the most mercenary woman alive, I think the status of Anders' possible bank account before the Cylons is kinda academic. :)

I do agree with you on why Kara prefers Anders: it's the shiny new self she can be with him.

[danceswithwords.livejournal.com]

The impulse to cast about for any and all reasons why Kara could think Anders is all that is certainly understandable. :)