'Battlestar Galactica' Retro Recap: 'Exodus (Part 2)'

Written by John Edward Betancourt

In the past, I always appreciated when a particular television show put forth an 'event' type of episode because every single time one of those came along, you knew you were getting the best from everyone involved with the show. From the writing to the acting, extra special care went into these episodes to make them incredibly memorable.

But as the years rolled on by, that type of episode seemed to fade from the television landscape, or rather...the advertising blitz that went with them did. TV shows found new ways to integrate these kinds of stories into the fabric of the series, almost making them a reward for the audience and the fourth episode of season three of ​Battlestar Galactica was that kind of episode. Because 'Exodus (Part 2)' was something to truly be celebrated, simply because it delivered unto us a showdown for the ages by way of the Battle of New Caprica, and the events of this story would shape and change the entirety of the series to come.

Today however we're going to talk little about the plot when it comes to this tale. Because today we need to celebrate the powerful moments that this story delivered since these are the kind of moments that stay with you long after the series has gone, and they're also the kind of moments that you use to sell someone on why they should watch a show like this. Plus, there's another big reason as to why to celebrate this particular tale, it's a perfect episode of television. Everything in this story worked from beginning to end and it also succeeded in taking the audience for a wild ride because this is a story that sent our hearts racing, left us cheering and even managed to make us cry by delivering beautiful and inspiring moments, alongside utter heartbreak. 

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So with that in mind, let's talk about those special moments in this story, starting with the breathtaking battle sequences. Because in my humble opinion, this episode features some of the finest space battles in the history of science fiction, because it wasn't the traditional, jump into the heart of the enemy's stronghold and open fire. This was calculated combat, and brilliant strategy from Admiral Adama and every single time I watch the Galactica jump into the atmosphere of New Caprica, my heart simply skips a beat over the sheer awesomeness of that move. Not to mention, for a moment there, you truly believe that the old girl is in serious trouble when the Cylons begin to pummel her in the void of space, and seeing the ​Pegasus join the fight, for her final battle...is indeed the kind of thing that makes you jump out of your chair to scream with joy...something I may or may not do every single time I watch this episode.

But despite the stunning combat, we do have to talk about the harder, tear inducing moments because they simply don't mess around. Sure there's a happy ending to be found here since the mission is a success and the fleet is reunited and saved from Cylon oppression. But it's quite the pyrrhic victory. After all, the Battlestar ​Pegasus is scuttled in order to save Galactica, and not everyone makes it back to the fleet for that matter either; and having to watch Colonel Tigh face his good friend and tell him with a just a look that Ellen didn't survive, and that he's the one that took her life in order to right a wrong...is powerful stuff indeed and an exchange that definitely brought a little mist to my eyes. 

However, the true beauty of this episode...is the fact that for the first time in the history of the series...everyone banded together. This was a fight for the survival of mankind, for its betterment and in essence, only a handful did not risk their lives to see the species survive and well...to see everyone come together, is inspiring and beautiful. Sure, there will be consequences to follow from what transpired on New Caprica, and other disagreements to come, but in the here and the now, mankind is united and what they accomplished was utterly magnificent and I see how this is a first big step toward something special later on in the series. But for now, we get our happy ending, and the fleet is back amongst the stars and heading for a new home...called Earth. Until next time.

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