Post by koenigrules on Mar 31, 2005 8:40:29 GMT -5
My Best Scenes Review of Colonial Day is now up at the Reviews link on the Galactica Station Home Page.
Here's a preview:
As Moore remarked, ‘Colonial Day’ is a West Wing-type episode, and I loved the political intrigue throughout. Despicable Tom Zarek (played by TOS actor Richard Hatch) comes across as a conniving, even likeable candidate to run for the Vice Presidential candidacy. I personally enjoyed his character transformation; it not only shows the versatility of Hatch’s acting, but it also demonstrates that his mercenary-style tactics will not advance his goals aboard the Galactica. Zarek has to become more endearing to the general public, and Hatch plays his role brilliantly. James Callis continues to shine as Dr. Gaius Baltar, and as he wins the Vice-Presidential nomination, one can see that this man is destined for big things by the season finale. Obviously, Moore wants Gaius to use his political leverage to accomplish the Cylon agenda (whatever that is!) in Season Two. I am reminded of the old adage: absolute power corrupts absolutely! So the good doctor might be on the road towards ultimate evil (which is fine by me as I do want him to turn out to be even more diabolical than John Collicos in TOS role).
Hatch as Zarek delivers some great lines in the episode. When he first announces he wants to be a member of the Quorum of Twelve, he gives a rousing speech: “I will be a voice for those who have gone too long unheard by a government that serves only the privileged and the powerful, but turns a blind eye to the weak and the poor. But Roslin and her confederates will no longer be able to ignore us…The winds of change are blowing. And a new era is about to dawn.” Later, when Zarek/Hatch makes a bid for the Vice-Presidential seat, he offers the people a socialist agenda which they are only too eager to consume: “We need a whole new way of thinking. Many of us are still going through the motions of our old lives. If we want to survive, we have to restructure our lives—free ourselves from the past and act for the collective [i.e., the greater good].” Of course, Zarek’s new attire (shirt, tie and suit) fit the corporate image of the businessman who has the knowledge and savvy to get things done.
Zarek’s opponent, Gaius Baltar, is anything but the suave politician. He is not even interested in politics with “all those interminable speeches and all that dreary pomp,” until Six reminds him of the perks, including young women drawn to men of power and influence. Later on in the Quorum deliberations, Six also points out to a slumped over Baltar that reporter Playa seated on the other side of the chambers is very interested in him and that she is wearing no underwear. When Gaius puts on his glasses to examine Playa, she does a cross-the-legs maneuver straight out of Basic Instinct which catches the eye of the lecherous doctor. Apparently, politics and sex might be good bedfellows after all. By the time that Roslin is ready to unveil Baltar as her new VP candidate, he seems “up” to the challenge (in more ways than one). Unbeknownst to Roslin, Gaius is “banging” Playa in the restroom and is offering the reporter “the exclusive” of a lifetime. Zarek versus Baltar—who would have figured this!
Read more at the Reviews link.
KR
Here's a preview:
As Moore remarked, ‘Colonial Day’ is a West Wing-type episode, and I loved the political intrigue throughout. Despicable Tom Zarek (played by TOS actor Richard Hatch) comes across as a conniving, even likeable candidate to run for the Vice Presidential candidacy. I personally enjoyed his character transformation; it not only shows the versatility of Hatch’s acting, but it also demonstrates that his mercenary-style tactics will not advance his goals aboard the Galactica. Zarek has to become more endearing to the general public, and Hatch plays his role brilliantly. James Callis continues to shine as Dr. Gaius Baltar, and as he wins the Vice-Presidential nomination, one can see that this man is destined for big things by the season finale. Obviously, Moore wants Gaius to use his political leverage to accomplish the Cylon agenda (whatever that is!) in Season Two. I am reminded of the old adage: absolute power corrupts absolutely! So the good doctor might be on the road towards ultimate evil (which is fine by me as I do want him to turn out to be even more diabolical than John Collicos in TOS role).
Hatch as Zarek delivers some great lines in the episode. When he first announces he wants to be a member of the Quorum of Twelve, he gives a rousing speech: “I will be a voice for those who have gone too long unheard by a government that serves only the privileged and the powerful, but turns a blind eye to the weak and the poor. But Roslin and her confederates will no longer be able to ignore us…The winds of change are blowing. And a new era is about to dawn.” Later, when Zarek/Hatch makes a bid for the Vice-Presidential seat, he offers the people a socialist agenda which they are only too eager to consume: “We need a whole new way of thinking. Many of us are still going through the motions of our old lives. If we want to survive, we have to restructure our lives—free ourselves from the past and act for the collective [i.e., the greater good].” Of course, Zarek’s new attire (shirt, tie and suit) fit the corporate image of the businessman who has the knowledge and savvy to get things done.
Zarek’s opponent, Gaius Baltar, is anything but the suave politician. He is not even interested in politics with “all those interminable speeches and all that dreary pomp,” until Six reminds him of the perks, including young women drawn to men of power and influence. Later on in the Quorum deliberations, Six also points out to a slumped over Baltar that reporter Playa seated on the other side of the chambers is very interested in him and that she is wearing no underwear. When Gaius puts on his glasses to examine Playa, she does a cross-the-legs maneuver straight out of Basic Instinct which catches the eye of the lecherous doctor. Apparently, politics and sex might be good bedfellows after all. By the time that Roslin is ready to unveil Baltar as her new VP candidate, he seems “up” to the challenge (in more ways than one). Unbeknownst to Roslin, Gaius is “banging” Playa in the restroom and is offering the reporter “the exclusive” of a lifetime. Zarek versus Baltar—who would have figured this!
Read more at the Reviews link.
KR