Battlestar Galactica 2004, Caprica and Blood & Chrome
Flight of the Phoenix is an episode of the TV series Battlestar Galactica, and aired during the show's second season. The episode centers around Number Eight copy being held on Galactica (Sharon), who helps to delete a computer virus created by the Cylons, and Chief Galen Tyrol building a stealth fighter from spare parts.
Plot[]
In "Valley of Darkness", a computer virus created by the Cylons shut down Galactica's power, but Lieutenant Felix Gaeta seemingly purged it. In "The Farm", Commander William Adama sentenced Specialist Cally to 30 days in Galactica's brig for killing the Number Eight copy who shot Adama (Boomer).
Gaeta determines that the Cylon virus is still active, is responsible for a series of malfunctions aboard Galactica, and threatens to take full control of the ship. Adama enlists Sharon's help. She confirms Gaeta's diagnosis and warns that a Cylon attack is imminent. Hundreds of Cylon Raiders and Heavy Raiders appear and hold formation, preparing to activate the virus. Forced to trust Sharon, Adama allows her to interface directly with Galactica's systems by inserting a fiber optic cable into her hand. Sharon helps delete the virus and broadcasts a virus of her own to the Cylon ships, rendering them helpless and easy pickings for the Vipers. Sharon is summarily returned to her cell.
Helo is ostracised by his crewmates for his relationship with Sharon. Haunted by memories of Boomer, Tyrol does not join the celebration of Cally's release. Tyrol and Helo argue about their respective relationships with Number Eight; the argument comes to blows. Inspired by Lee "Apollo" Adama's comment that "no one's expecting any miracles", Tyrol begins to build a new starfighter from salvaged parts.
Despite initial scepticism, crew members from throughout the ship join the project. Colonel Tigh offers DDG-62 engines from the freighter, Baah Pakal. At Helo's suggestion, Tyrol uses carbon composites for the exterior, making it stealth capable. The completed fighter, known as the Blackbird, makes a successful maiden flight with Starbuck as test pilot.
At the Blackbird's dedication ceremony, President Laura Roslin, who has just learned she has only weeks to live, praises the fighter's construction as "an act of faith." Tyrol reveals that the fighter is named Laura in her honor. Helo reconciles with his crewmates, and Tyrol visits Sharon in her cell.
Cast[]
- Edward James Olmos as Commander William Adama
- Mary McDonnell as President of the Twelve Colonies Laura Roslin
- Katee Sackhoff as Lieutenant Kara "Starbuck" Thrace
- Jamie Bamber as Captain Lee "Apollo" Adama
- James Callis as Doctor Gaius Baltar
- Tricia Helfer as Messenger Six
- Grace Park as Lieutenant Sharon "Boomer" Valerii
- Michael Hogan as Colonel Saul Tigh
- Aaron Douglas as Chief Petty Officer Galen Tyrol
- Tahmoh Penikett as Lieutenant Karl "Helo" Agathon
- Paul Campbell as Billy Keikeya
- Nicki Clyne as Specialist Calandra Henderson
- Alessandro Juliani as Lieutenant Felix Gaeta
- Kandyse McClure as Petty Officer Anastasia Dualla
- Donnelly Rhodes as Major Sherman Cottle
- Bodie Olmos as Brendan "Hot Dog" Costanza
- Leah Cairns as Lieutenant Margaret "Racetrack" Edmondson
- Jennifer Halley as Specialist Diana Seelix
- Christian Tessier as Lieutenant Tucker "Duck" Clellan
- Dominic Zamprogna as Specialist James "Jammer" Lyman
- Don Thompson as Specialist 3rd Class Anthony Figurski
Appearances[]
Characters[]
- Lee "Apollo" Adama
- William Adama
- Karl "Helo" Agathon
- Gaius Baltar
- Anastasia Dualla
- Felix Gaeta
- Calandra Henderson
- Billy Keikeya
- Number Eight
- Number Six
- Laura Roslin
- Saul Tigh
- Kara "Starbuck" Thrace
- Galen Tyrol
Locations[]
Species[]
Technology[]
Vehicles and vessels[]
Organizations[]
Production[]
The episode was pitched at the start of the season to acknowledge the shortage of Vipers. Moore wanted the entire episode to take place only on the hangar deck, with subplots taking place as characters inspect the construction. The episode also gave a chance for supporting characters to show themselves, such as Racetrack, who was initially to only appear in Kobol's Last Gleaming.
Notes[]
- Ronald D. Moore recorded a podcast, which can be found here.
Sources[]
External links[]
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