Television: DRADIS Contact: Battlestar 4.18

"Islanded in a Stream of Stars" marks the first episode of Battlestar A.B. , that's after Boomer. The opening of the show deals in the aftermath of Hera's abduction. We learn very quickly of a Cylon colony, that Starbuck is now convinced of Hera's importance, and we witness an accident that leaves the crew in shambles. The rest of the episode shows Adama struggling to let go of the dying Galacatica.

"Stream" was definitely more plot dense than last week and yet I felt less forward movement. It seemed to be moving the pieces around the chess board rather than putting them on the attack. The inevitable abandoning of the Galactica was a welcome development s weas Hera's arrival with into Cavil's waiting arms. I don't really know if I buy Kara's anguish over Sam when she didn't seem to care not too long ago.

Grace Park continues to blow me away. Her one scene as Athena was heartbreaking and her time of Boomer managed to deepen that character as well as our sympathies towards her. Similarly, Helo's confrontation with Adama is a highlight for Tahmoh Pinkett in the entire run of the show.

Why Starbuck ever trusted Baltar I have no idea. His betrayal was one of those clarifying moments in his personality. That he is at his core rotten and warped. It's such a juxtaposition of his reaction to seeing Caprica 6. There he seems open and vulnerable. But in the end she is right he hasn't changed, not really.

We did get the return of several reoccurring themes. "All Along the Watchtower" made an appearance as a Number 8's dying words. The shared dream returned as did the "harbinger of doom." The question I ask myself is, who will she lead to their doom? I'm starting to think it will be the Cavil led cylons.

A few of my favorite moments:

Helo screaming "Look at me!" to Athena.

Lee's reading of the name "Gaius Baltaar!"

Lee's speech to Kara in the halls of Galactica. "This is all that matters" Which seems to be a reoccurring theme of the overall series. The question of humanity and what makes us human.

We are now set up for the epic 3 hour finale of the series. I'm sad and excited all at the same time. Tune in next week!

"So say we all!"