Was watching this series with a wary eye and had already taken to several of the lead roles. This one introduced a new character, Tom Zarek played by the original Apollo, Richard Hatch who is one hell of a presence and a brilliant addition to the show. The crisis is real and Galactica just does not have the volume of workers to extract the water needed for the fleet, they have no choice but to recruit men from the prison barge. When the prison barge is later held under siege by Tom Zarek and his fellow inmates it turns into a real potent political story. I found it hard to believe the show could be this good at such an early stage. Tom Zarek has appeared in many episodes since this one but does not detract the limelight from the leads.
8 Reviews
Will democracy survive?
Tweekums6 September 2010
Warning: Spoilers
After the water crisis in the previous episode the fleet requires a thousand men to help process the ice on a hostile planet. The logical choice is to set the prisoners to work. They are told that this work will earn points towards their release but still there are no volunteers. Their leader, Tom Zarek, is a political activist; to some he is a freedom fighter standing up for his colony's rights against their mistreatment by the other colonies, to others he is a dangerous terrorist. While Apollo is talking to Zarek one of the guards releases all of the prisoners and the guards, Apollo and the group accompanying him which includes Cally, Dee and Billy are captured. Zarek has several demands none of which are acceptable to Adama or President Roslin. While a force is sent from Galactica to retake the prison ship free the hostages Apollo talks to Zarek trying to find out what he really wants. Things start to go wrong when one of the prisoners tries to force himself on Cally; she fights back and it looks as if he might kill her. As the episode approaches its end it looks as if some of Zarek's demands will be met; not because of his actions but because because it is clearly the right thing.
This was a good episode where political ambiguity increases; we are told that Zarek has committed acts of violence for his cause but it isn't made clear whether he is his colony's equivalent of Nelson Mandela or just a hothead who doesn't represent the people he claims to, no doubt we will learn more about him in future episodes. Zarek is played by Richard Hatch who will be well known to fans of the original 'Battlestar Galactica' where he played Apollo, he put in a great performance in the role, whether Zarek turns out to be good or bad he is certainly charismatic. Another character who provided a bit of a surprise was Cally the previously quiet deckhand who bites the ear off her assailant, Nicki Clyne put in a fine performance here.
This was a good episode where political ambiguity increases; we are told that Zarek has committed acts of violence for his cause but it isn't made clear whether he is his colony's equivalent of Nelson Mandela or just a hothead who doesn't represent the people he claims to, no doubt we will learn more about him in future episodes. Zarek is played by Richard Hatch who will be well known to fans of the original 'Battlestar Galactica' where he played Apollo, he put in a great performance in the role, whether Zarek turns out to be good or bad he is certainly charismatic. Another character who provided a bit of a surprise was Cally the previously quiet deckhand who bites the ear off her assailant, Nicki Clyne put in a fine performance here.
Links to Terrorism
ScotlandZeif24 February 2007
This episode had a lot of links to terrorism. A lot of people in America think that just because its not perfect here, and they don't get everything they want, that our entire system is corrupt. Therefore, they surmise, we are no "better" than the terrorists. This is just like the leader of the prisoners in this episode. Right now, the whole fleet is facing a water shortage that could threaten everyone's life. But all the prison leader cares about it how the current president was chosen. This is symbolic of the way this country is now. A lot of Americans would rather focus on the side issues than the big ones that affect us all. This episode did an amazing job of dramatizing this issue. What role do prisoners play in our society? Where does democracy fit in during a state of emergency? Thesse questions and more are here in this volatile and exciting episode.
What the Frak happened to Boxey?
XweAponX17 March 2018
Connor Widdows (From a few of the X-Men franchise films, and one great episode of Chris Carter's "MillenniuM") had been playing "Boxey", who was a major character in the 1978 BSG.
In fact, Connor plays Boxey in the Miniseries, and it's not really a minor part. He comes to Galactica with "Boomer", who had picked him up on Caprica while "Helo" stayed.
In this episode, he is even given a major Role, as the original Boxey was a kind of Mascot for BSG. It appeared as though Connor was being set up to fill this role in the new series. Here, he is shown to be a clever, useful kid.
But he was never seen again after this episode. I've always wondered what happened to him.
But this episode does have something else that is very important: It introduces the character of Tom Zarek, a terrorist. Played by the Original Apollo, Richard Hatch, who had tried for years to resurrect BSG using his own cash. This role was a challenge for Richard, and he succeeded beyond all hopes bringing Zarek to life. But Zarek is a terrorist. A terrorist that may even have good political ideas, but a terrorist nonetheless. A selfish terrorist, even. Now, Mr. Legitimacy even praises this, and Apollo for siding with him, but Mr Legitimate is missing the point: A democracy cannot cow to Terrorists regardless of how right they are, and a government loses it's legitimacy if major changes are made at the behest of a Terrorist. Mr Legitimate tries to legitimize an illegitimate act by a man who used terrorism, and painted it over with politics, pretending he had actual regard for the well being of the Human Race and/or the body politic of the Caprican (and the other 11 tribes) survivors. But if you watch this episode carefully, it is all a SHAM. And Zarek's actions were not, well, the word of the day is Legitimate, is it not?
The important point of this episode, is Apollo's choice. Because Apollo's concern was legitimate concern for the safety of and survival of the human race, not some fake altruism or Jingoism. Apollo knew the core of what was right, and used the same ideals that Zarek was pretending he cared about, to legitimately bring about change along the same lines.
What makes the Zarek character great is not only Mr Hatch's great ability to become Zarek in the flesh and make you believe it, but he did so in a consistent manner all the way to the end of his participation in the series.
I grieved when Mr Hatch passed away into the Universe. But his role as Zarek gives us something to think about, something to not become.
But... Where did Boxey go!
In fact, Connor plays Boxey in the Miniseries, and it's not really a minor part. He comes to Galactica with "Boomer", who had picked him up on Caprica while "Helo" stayed.
In this episode, he is even given a major Role, as the original Boxey was a kind of Mascot for BSG. It appeared as though Connor was being set up to fill this role in the new series. Here, he is shown to be a clever, useful kid.
But he was never seen again after this episode. I've always wondered what happened to him.
But this episode does have something else that is very important: It introduces the character of Tom Zarek, a terrorist. Played by the Original Apollo, Richard Hatch, who had tried for years to resurrect BSG using his own cash. This role was a challenge for Richard, and he succeeded beyond all hopes bringing Zarek to life. But Zarek is a terrorist. A terrorist that may even have good political ideas, but a terrorist nonetheless. A selfish terrorist, even. Now, Mr. Legitimacy even praises this, and Apollo for siding with him, but Mr Legitimate is missing the point: A democracy cannot cow to Terrorists regardless of how right they are, and a government loses it's legitimacy if major changes are made at the behest of a Terrorist. Mr Legitimate tries to legitimize an illegitimate act by a man who used terrorism, and painted it over with politics, pretending he had actual regard for the well being of the Human Race and/or the body politic of the Caprican (and the other 11 tribes) survivors. But if you watch this episode carefully, it is all a SHAM. And Zarek's actions were not, well, the word of the day is Legitimate, is it not?
The important point of this episode, is Apollo's choice. Because Apollo's concern was legitimate concern for the safety of and survival of the human race, not some fake altruism or Jingoism. Apollo knew the core of what was right, and used the same ideals that Zarek was pretending he cared about, to legitimately bring about change along the same lines.
What makes the Zarek character great is not only Mr Hatch's great ability to become Zarek in the flesh and make you believe it, but he did so in a consistent manner all the way to the end of his participation in the series.
I grieved when Mr Hatch passed away into the Universe. But his role as Zarek gives us something to think about, something to not become.
But... Where did Boxey go!
An extremely powerful piece of television which explores the nature of democracy, for better and for worse
GusF17 May 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This follows on directly from the events of "Water" in which Boomer unknowingly sabotaged the Galactica's water supply, venting about 60% of it into space. Having located an ice moon where the supply can be replenished, it is suggested that the 1,500 convicts aboard the Astral Queen be sent to extract it as the work would be too hazardous for the civilian members of the fleet. President Roslin objects to the idea of using them for slave labour until Apollo, having recently been appointed as her special adviser, suggests that those prisoners who volunteer can be awarded points which would go towards their freedom. Roslin approves of this idea and sends a delegation, led by Apollo, to propose it to the prisoners. Once aboard the Astral Queen, Apollo finds that their de facto leader is the infamous Sagittaron political agitator Tom Zarek, who has been imprisoned for 20 years for blowing up a government building. The prisoners soon seize control of the ship, take the delegation hostage and demand that free elections be held to elect a new government.
Having recently completed watching the original "Battlestar Galactica", I was looking forward to this episode more than any other as it features the original series' star Richard Hatch in his first appearance as the enigmatic Tom Zarek. Zarek is an utterly fascinating and compelling character about whom I have yet to reach a definite conclusion. Whether someone is a terrorist or a freedom fighter depends on who you ask and Zarek exhibits traits which I would attribute to both. In spite of the fact that the series was made against the backdrop of the War on Terror, Al-Qaeda didn't really enter into my mind while watching this episode. At turns, I found Zarek and the SFM reminiscent of Nelson Mandela and the ANC on the one hand and the IRA on the other. To a lesser extent, I also found him reminiscent of communist writers such as Karl Marx and Leon Trotsky.
Zarek's demand that elections be held is a reasonable one to which I was sympathetic. While I like Roslin and I find her to be the most sympathetic character so far, I'd prefer to have someone who was elected rather than someone who simply inherited a position of leadership because everyone else ahead of her in the line of succession was killed. That said, Roslin is a good leader who I would probably have voted for if I were one of the survivors. She just needs the mandate to govern. Like Nelson Mandela, I sense that Zarek is entirely sincere in his desire for the furthering of true democracy and political reform. I agree with many of his views, though I certainly disapprove of his methods. When it comes to other real life people who term themselves "freedom fighters," I generally believe that it has more to do with gaining personal power for themselves than helping the people.
In his first television appearance in nine years, Hatch delivers a mesmerising performance as Zarek and has wonderful chemistry with Jamie Bamber, his successor in the role of Apollo. Oscar nominee Mary McDonnell continues to impress as President Roslin, who struggles not only with crises such as the water shortage and the hostage situation but with the fact that she has terminal breast cancer and may not be around for the election in seven months time. Edward James Olmos is likewise excellent as Commander Adama, who clearly resents his son Apollo for going behind his back and accepting the position as Roslin's adviser. He never fails to impress but his scenes with Bamber and McDonnell represent his best work on the series so far. With the exception of Grace Park as Boomer, the rest of the regular and recurring cast members continue to impress in spite of the fact that they take a backseat in this episode compared to the miniseries and the two previous episodes.
"Bastille Day" has turned me from a viewer into a fan and that's down almost entirely to Hatch's excellent performance as Zarek, which is quite funny considering that he was initially extremely against the idea of rebooting "Battlestar Galactica". He had spent much of the previous 25 years trying to revive it, writing seven novels based on the original series and even going so far as to remortgage his house to pay for the trailer "Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming" which he starred in, directed and produced. He's the only actor to appear in both versions and I'm delighted that he had the opportunity to return to the BSG universe, even if it wasn't in the way that he wanted.
Having recently completed watching the original "Battlestar Galactica", I was looking forward to this episode more than any other as it features the original series' star Richard Hatch in his first appearance as the enigmatic Tom Zarek. Zarek is an utterly fascinating and compelling character about whom I have yet to reach a definite conclusion. Whether someone is a terrorist or a freedom fighter depends on who you ask and Zarek exhibits traits which I would attribute to both. In spite of the fact that the series was made against the backdrop of the War on Terror, Al-Qaeda didn't really enter into my mind while watching this episode. At turns, I found Zarek and the SFM reminiscent of Nelson Mandela and the ANC on the one hand and the IRA on the other. To a lesser extent, I also found him reminiscent of communist writers such as Karl Marx and Leon Trotsky.
Zarek's demand that elections be held is a reasonable one to which I was sympathetic. While I like Roslin and I find her to be the most sympathetic character so far, I'd prefer to have someone who was elected rather than someone who simply inherited a position of leadership because everyone else ahead of her in the line of succession was killed. That said, Roslin is a good leader who I would probably have voted for if I were one of the survivors. She just needs the mandate to govern. Like Nelson Mandela, I sense that Zarek is entirely sincere in his desire for the furthering of true democracy and political reform. I agree with many of his views, though I certainly disapprove of his methods. When it comes to other real life people who term themselves "freedom fighters," I generally believe that it has more to do with gaining personal power for themselves than helping the people.
In his first television appearance in nine years, Hatch delivers a mesmerising performance as Zarek and has wonderful chemistry with Jamie Bamber, his successor in the role of Apollo. Oscar nominee Mary McDonnell continues to impress as President Roslin, who struggles not only with crises such as the water shortage and the hostage situation but with the fact that she has terminal breast cancer and may not be around for the election in seven months time. Edward James Olmos is likewise excellent as Commander Adama, who clearly resents his son Apollo for going behind his back and accepting the position as Roslin's adviser. He never fails to impress but his scenes with Bamber and McDonnell represent his best work on the series so far. With the exception of Grace Park as Boomer, the rest of the regular and recurring cast members continue to impress in spite of the fact that they take a backseat in this episode compared to the miniseries and the two previous episodes.
"Bastille Day" has turned me from a viewer into a fan and that's down almost entirely to Hatch's excellent performance as Zarek, which is quite funny considering that he was initially extremely against the idea of rebooting "Battlestar Galactica". He had spent much of the previous 25 years trying to revive it, writing seven novels based on the original series and even going so far as to remortgage his house to pay for the trailer "Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming" which he starred in, directed and produced. He's the only actor to appear in both versions and I'm delighted that he had the opportunity to return to the BSG universe, even if it wasn't in the way that he wanted.
Bastille Day
Prismark102 November 2020
One for the original BSG fans. The return of Richard Hatch and it is not just a nod to the fanboys.
It has to be viewed with the backdrop of the war on terror. Hatch plays enigmatic Tom Zarek, a political prisoner who is also considered to be a dangerous terrorist.
When an ice moon is identified to replenish the fleets water supplies. It is suggested that the prisoners held on the prison ship, Astral Queen are sent for this hazardous mission.
Apollo discovers that the prisoners are unwilling to do the work. Zarek holds control of them. Soon Zarek has organised a siege of the prison ship with Apollo and others held hostage.
In Zarek's sights is the legitimacy of President Roslin. He demands fresh elections, something Apollo has sympathy with.
Richard Hatch was the only actor from the original series to appear in the reboot. He certainly conveys charisma to a complex character. It is too early to tell whether Zarek is sincere.
Zarek does raise an important issue that even in such trying times. For a civilian government to continue it must have legitimacy and a mandate.
It has to be viewed with the backdrop of the war on terror. Hatch plays enigmatic Tom Zarek, a political prisoner who is also considered to be a dangerous terrorist.
When an ice moon is identified to replenish the fleets water supplies. It is suggested that the prisoners held on the prison ship, Astral Queen are sent for this hazardous mission.
Apollo discovers that the prisoners are unwilling to do the work. Zarek holds control of them. Soon Zarek has organised a siege of the prison ship with Apollo and others held hostage.
In Zarek's sights is the legitimacy of President Roslin. He demands fresh elections, something Apollo has sympathy with.
Richard Hatch was the only actor from the original series to appear in the reboot. He certainly conveys charisma to a complex character. It is too early to tell whether Zarek is sincere.
Zarek does raise an important issue that even in such trying times. For a civilian government to continue it must have legitimacy and a mandate.
Apollo meets Apollo
grantss14 October 2023
With water discovered the problem now is harvesting it and getting it back to the fleet. It will take a large labour force and no ships have the manpower to spare. Except one. The Astral Queen is transporting a large group of felons, enough to do the job. It is decided to offer the prisoners "points" for working to harvest the water with the points translating to time off from, even completion of, their sentences. Now to convince the prisoners.
An interesting episode, for many reasons. The plot involving the prisoners is intriguing and brings up themes such as freedom, terrorist vs freedom fighter and democracy. The series-wide arcs are developing too, especially Colonel Tigh's drinking problem, Dr. Baltar's duplicity, Apollo coming out from his father's shadow.
However, the most interesting here is a casting. The leader of the prisoners, Tom Zarek, is played by Richard Hatch. Hatch played Captain Apollo in the original 1978-79 series of Battlestar Galactica. It is a great nod to the original series to have him in the episode. His confrontation with the current Apollo is the core of this episode, so we have a case of Apollo meeting Apollo. Nice touch.
An interesting episode, for many reasons. The plot involving the prisoners is intriguing and brings up themes such as freedom, terrorist vs freedom fighter and democracy. The series-wide arcs are developing too, especially Colonel Tigh's drinking problem, Dr. Baltar's duplicity, Apollo coming out from his father's shadow.
However, the most interesting here is a casting. The leader of the prisoners, Tom Zarek, is played by Richard Hatch. Hatch played Captain Apollo in the original 1978-79 series of Battlestar Galactica. It is a great nod to the original series to have him in the episode. His confrontation with the current Apollo is the core of this episode, so we have a case of Apollo meeting Apollo. Nice touch.
Picking the Side of Legitimacy
claudio_carvalho17 August 2008
Chief Tyrol concludes that the Galáctica need one thousand men to explore the ice on the planet and pump it to the spacecraft. Commander Adama proposes to use the prisoners on board of "Astral Queen" due to the dangerousness of the mission. However, President Roslin is against slave work and asks that the prisoners should volunteer receiving reduction in their sentences. When Captain Apollo makes the offer to the political activist and leader of the prisoners Tom Zarek, there is an uprising and the group is taken as prisoners. Zarek proposes immediate free elections, questioning the legitimacy of President Roslin.
"Bastille Day" is the best episode so far of this series, with a good discussion of the principles of democracy. In this regard, I loved the attitude of Captain Apollo, picking the side of legitimacy of the government and leadership of the survivors. The problem with this series is the lack of charisma of lead characters, mostly the ridiculous President Roslin, the traitor Dr. Gaius Baltar and the alcoholic Colonel Saul Tigh. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "O Dia da Bastilha" ("The Bastille Day")
"Bastille Day" is the best episode so far of this series, with a good discussion of the principles of democracy. In this regard, I loved the attitude of Captain Apollo, picking the side of legitimacy of the government and leadership of the survivors. The problem with this series is the lack of charisma of lead characters, mostly the ridiculous President Roslin, the traitor Dr. Gaius Baltar and the alcoholic Colonel Saul Tigh. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "O Dia da Bastilha" ("The Bastille Day")
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