***Spoiler Alert - Due to the nature of this episode, it'd be impossible to review it without spoiling the ending. You've been warned. ***


Review: Battlestar Galactica - Maelstrom
Written by Bradley Thompson & David Weddle

A Battlestar Galactica without a Starbuck? How ever will we manage...? I guess we have no choice but to just find out.

In episode 317, Maelstrom, Starbuck (Katee Sackhoff) finds herself facing some deep emotional problems. After a series of nightmares about everything from her traumatic childhood to her imprisonment on New Caprica, she imagines a Cylon raider in the skies above of a planet the fleet it using to refuel. Chasing after it, she hits the hard-deck and, unable to pull up, is crushed by atmospheric pressure.

I have to admit that I kind of saw this coming. Unfortunately, the behind the scenes politics of a show often get reported to media outlets, so rumors of Katee Sackhoff's intentions to leave the show have been floating around for a few months now. But still, the name 'Starbuck' itself is such a big part of Battlestar Galactica that to kill her off is certainly a big deal. So although her death didn't compare to the shock of Adama getting shot on the season 1 finale, that's not to say that this fan wasn't moved by her passing.

It's a shame that it took this long to get a dedicated backstory episode for Starbuck. I've always wondered why she was always such a bitch to everyone, but now that we know it was because her Mom was a total slave driver, there is really no use to it because she's dead. Though I guess the futility of it all works on an emotional level.

But most importantly, Starbuck's demise is also a blessing in disguise. I'd say this pretty much puts and end to the love-triangle storyline that has been stinking up the second part of season 3. Hopefully now we can get back to dramatic fleet engagements, finding Earth, and Gaius Baltar's frakking trial.

Though I'm wondering what will happen to Anders now that he's not tied down Starbuck anymore. The character has really come into his own as of late, so I for one would be glad to see him stick around. I guess time shall tell.

Although it may not have been very surprising, the death of Kara 'Starbuck' Thrace was nonetheless an important event for the future of Battlestar Galactica. Joining the likes of Tasha Yar and Mr. X, Starbuck is now on the list of sci-fi characters killed off. But now let's just wait and see if she pulls a Daniel Jackson...

Rating: 9 / 10 "I'm not afraid anymore."

~Khyron, 2007