Winner: Battlestar Galactica ("Pegasus")

Game over, man, game over.

This has been a season of close calls. Last week, I wracked my brain as to whether or not two good Sg-1 episodes should win over a great Battlestar. It was rather stiff competition to be going up against two Stargates, and it was this quantity that put Sg-1 on top. This week, Battlestar once again faced off against two Stargates, now of the Atlantis variety. However, the call was far from close. Despite Atlantis' best efforts, Battlestar Galactica proved why it is the greatest show on television.

In episode 2.10 ("Pegasus") the Colonial Fleet is bolstered by the sudden appearance of another Battlestar. Aboard the Pegasus commands Admiral Cain (Michelle Forbes of Star Trek: The Next Generation), the last surviving superior officer to Commander Adama (Edward James Olmos). Almost immediately, a division forms between the two crew's unique ways of operating. Will this miracle encounter strengthen the survivors of humanity? Or will human nature drive them to the brink of civil war?

The season one finale to Battlestar Galactica was the most shocking and unexpected cliffhangers I had ever seen. Therefore, my hopes were quite high for season two. And, I am ecstatic to say, "Pegasus" not only met them, it far surpassed them. Never before has the prospect of waiting for the next season ever felt so daunting. This captivating and heartfelt episode flowed so quickly and dramatically, that when 'To Be Continued' appeared, my heart nearly stopped. Throughout the episode, a great tension was being formed, the suspense building up to an inevitable and devastating climax that...Frak! The show's over. They leave us at such a cliff-hanger that even Sylvester Stallone would likely collapse.

Performances were great, throughout. Each actor portrayed the sense of tension and urgency with masterful efficiency. It was excellent to see how this cast (that I have become rather acquainted to) compares to the foreign influence of new characters. This cast is so relatable, that it felt like I, personally, was experiencing the drama with them. The crew of the Pegasus felt so different and alien that I was just as affected as the crew of the Galactica. This is a crowning achievement of both writing and acting, and is why I believe Battlestar Galactica is so successful at what it does.

Like all good pieces of science fiction, Battlestar Galactica is, at its core, a reflection on human nature. In "Pegasus" this nature is as dark as ever. The episode tries to tackle the issues of rape and prisoner mistreatment. One could draw a parallel to our current military climate, but I think it transcends politics and reflects humanity as a whole. A show that can make you feel sympathy for a cyborg that helped in the destruction of mankind over humans themselves damn well deserves respect.

All I can say now is that the next four months will feel like an eternity.

Memorable Scene:

"My name is Gaius Baltar, and I'm here to help."

James Callis gave his most emotional and touching monologue to date. I feel that he is the sleeper hit of the series. The lack of acclaim for his performances only bolsters my contempt of television award programs.

Next Week:

All three shows have aired their finale, thus concluding the summer season Sci-Fi Showdown. Next week will feature the Showdown Awards in which I will award the shows, episodes, and actors I felt stood out. Stay tuned for full info.

Standings (Final):

Stargate Sg-1: 2
Stargate Atlantis: 2
Battlestar Galactica: 6

~Mike