Review: The Passage
Written by: Jane Espenson

Last week's boxing episode was definitely a love-it or hate-it side story in the truest sense. Although it filled in details about and advanced the key character interactions that make up the show, it really didn't advanced the story to any real extent. With The Passage, it looks like the sci-fi plot is making a comeback into prominence.

In episode 3.10, The Passage, the Galactica's food supply becomes tainted. With rations running out, the rag-tag fleet needs to find sustenance...fast. But the only useful planet in range is hidden in a massive star cluster. In a desperate move, the Galactica and crew must brave the dangerous radiation levels in the cluster to escort the civilian ships through. But when one of the best pilots reunites with an old friend, the unwelcomed distraction may lead to disaster.

As soon as this episode started, I found myself terribly confused. I assume it was due to time constraints, but there really wasn't much of an introduction. In a brief sentence of dialog, Admiral Adama quickly explains that the fleet's food supply was no good. It was an easy point to miss, but was infinitely crucial to the plot of the episode. Though as soon as the episode got going, I more or less forgot about the abrupt opener.

For me, this episode was hard to watch. The stress and tension of the pilots trying to navigate the cluster while falling victim to hunger was gut-wrenching. I found myself needing to make a conscious effort to take deep breaths during the commercial breaks to calm down. Powerful stuff.

Of the 2 main subplots, the most shocking was of Kat and her secret past. Of all the characters do be killed off, Kat was one of the least likely in my mind. I thought she went off on a strong note, however, so at least it wasn't like the depressing end to Billy last season. Her final scene with Edward James Olmos is about as touching as this show has ever been. Though I found that the build up to her death was as abrupt as the episode's opener. Everything just moved so fast...boom! She somehow meets someone in her past life. Boom! She used to be a drug runner. Boom! Now Starbuck is getting all up in her face. Then, bang...she's gone. It was good storytelling, but I think was too obviously storytelling. If that makes any sense.

The other subplot saw the return of Gaius Baltar and his life among the Cylons. The standout scene here was of Gaius pleading with D'Anna to tell him if he could possibly be a Cylon. His desire to find acceptance and purpose among robots is just off the charts pathetic. But it also strengthens my belief that Gaius is one of the most fleshed out and real characters in all of television drama history.

Returning to its sci-fi fused with soap opera drama roots, The Passage keeps season 3 pumping with a combo of tension and almost palpable exhaustion. Plus, it seems the quest for Earth is about to shift into high gear.

Rating: 8.5 / 10 "Intense."

~Khyron, 2006