More of a conclusion to "The Oath" and a setup for the remaining "Battlestar Galactica" episodes, "Blood on the Scales" nevertheless stands on its own in developing several formerly lackadaisical characters.
Instead of marring Gaeta as a heartless rogue, the writers have the morally conflicted character become an interim admiral and experience what it is like to hold the sacred trust of leading the fleet while at the same time doing so on the basis of a lie that his more licentious partner in crime creates.
In other words, viewers are told through Gaeta's experience that it is OK for Admiral William Adama (Edward James Olmos) to make comprises such as forming an alliance with The Cylons so long as it is for the more noble cause of ensuring the human race survives.
But as well as the writers provide a more prominent role for Gaeta, whose right leg they cut off for this reason last year, killing off Michael Trucco's Samuel Anders serves no other purpose but to elevate this second half of a two-parter as violent enough to have been a significant episode milestone. One hopes they have merely planted a creative seed that will bear fruit for the character before the series ends.
In contrast to a supporting character such as Gaeta being elevated in "Blood on the Scales," Crewman Specialist Gage (Mike Dopud), who is easily forgotten in the background of most other episodes, ironically helps turn the tide of the attempted coup after he gives up his personal hatred and apparent lust for Cylons.
Per chance the moral of this aspect of the story arc is that anyone can be a coward and revolt against the inconvenient status quo, but it takes a courageous man to ultimately do what is right in an atmosphere of strong discontent.
Novel as well about this episode is that for the first time James Callis' Gaius Balar comes out of his long selfish coma of pleasure and shows concern for Adama, Gaeta and the followers of his religion. He might just yet live up to the adulation of The Cylons and his human adherents.
While it is better late than never, its makes sense that Baltar be a sleaze before he tires of it and starts caring about someone other than himself.
Whether or not the rest of the crew, if they are not shot for treason, has a similar transformation and again trusts Adama as their admiral is another matter entirely.
It will be interesting to see how "Battlestar Galactica" writers address, if at all, the strong emotions that run wild in "Blood on the Scales."
Popcorn rating:
(4 1/2 out of 5 pieces)
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