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When President Roslin calls an Interim Quorum of the Twelve Colonies, she discovers that democracy brings its ugly stepsisters - politics and deadly intrigue - to the party.

When an old enemy, the Cylons, resurface and obliterate the 12 colonies, the crew of the aged Galactica protect a small civilian fleet - the last of humanity - as they journey toward the fabled 13th colony: Earth.

Primary Title
  • Battlestar Galactica
Episode Title
  • Colonial Day
Date Broadcast
  • Monday 9 May 2022
Start Time
  • 22 : 30
Finish Time
  • 23 : 25
Duration
  • 55:00
Series
  • 1
Episode
  • 11
Channel
  • TVNZ DUKE
Broadcaster
  • Television New Zealand
Programme Description
  • When an old enemy, the Cylons, resurface and obliterate the 12 colonies, the crew of the aged Galactica protect a small civilian fleet - the last of humanity - as they journey toward the fabled 13th colony: Earth.
Episode Description
  • When President Roslin calls an Interim Quorum of the Twelve Colonies, she discovers that democracy brings its ugly stepsisters - politics and deadly intrigue - to the party.
Classification
  • PGR
Owning Collection
  • Chapman Archive
Broadcast Platform
  • Television
Languages
  • English
Captioning Languages
  • English
Captions
Live Broadcast
  • No
Rights Statement
  • Made for the University of Auckland's educational use as permitted by the Screenrights Licensing Agreement.
Subjects
  • Television programs--United States
Genres
  • Action
  • Adventure
  • Drama
  • Science fiction
'Previously on Battlestar Galactica.' (ZAPPING) 'What the hell is going on? You killed her!' We gotta go right now. 'That's Tom Zarek.' 'Terrorist?' 'He's a prisoner of conscience.' 'He's a butcher. He blew up the government building. There's no excuse for that.' I thought you said you respected me. That was before you resorted to violence and hostage-taking. "I demand the immediate resignation of Laura Roslin and her ministers." I demand free and open elections to choose a new leadership. If you let the rest of these hostages go, we will leave this ship in your hands. "(RADIO STATIC)" Got it? Test, test. It's there. Are we on? Frank, we're on, go. Go! Live from Cloud 9, the most luxurious cruise ship in the fleet, it's the Colonial Gang, a talk show that brings you the scoop on the Fleet's movers and shakers. I'm James McManus, formerly of the Caprica Times, with me are two of the only remaining journalists in the universe, Playa Plashus, veteran commentator for the Pikon Star Tribune, welcome. And my wingman Sekou Hamilton, former editor of the Alon Gazette. "As most people probably know, Cloud 9 was damaged during a Cylon attack and evacuated." "With repairs now complete, President Roslin has picked it for an historic gathering." "It's the first meeting of the Inter Quorum Of Twelve, which will coincide with Colonial Day - the 52nd anniversary of the signing of the Articles of Colonisation." Playa, why don't you weigh in? Laura Roslin should be applauded for restoring the system. Gimme a break! "Every delegate so far has been a Roslin crony." It's a puppet quorum that will rubber-stamp every edict this power-mad schoolteacher will try and pa- How can you say this when half the quorum hasn't been selected? "I-I predict every last one will be a Roslin lackey, uh, hand-picked by the power behind the throne, Presidential Advisor, Wallace Gray." "Don't you see Gray orchestrated this whole publicity stunt." C'mon, Jim, Wallace Gray is no Prince of Darkness. I disagree... He's helped Roslin regulate the internal economy. Ensured supplies were distributed - He is a fatuous gasbag who's made a fortune in kickbacks... members of this quorum have profited from." Freedom of the press... (TURNS RADIO OFF) President, the fatuous gasbag would like 5 minutes of your time. Wally. (SMOOCHES) How does it feel to be a celebrity? Well, I love it. They'll probably be calling me a fascist next. No, I'm the fascist. You stick with being the gasbag. Excuse me. Madam President, you're gonna wanna hear this. "..Have chosen the delegate for the Inter Quorum Of Twelve, who would have guessed it? Tom Zarek." Oh, my gods! Must have quite a following. Oh, I should have seen this coming. He's terrorist. Who are they kidding? "A ruthless terrorist." "Zarek incited a prison riot that resulted in kidnapping..." He blew up a government building and now he's gonna sit on the Quorum Of Twelve. "(BEEPS)" Yes? Just a moment. (MOUTHS) Commander Adama. Why am I not surprised? Hello, Commander. "Are you listening to this?" Indeed. Can't allow a terrorist to sit in government. "My hands are tied." "I don't wanna turn him into a martyr." Sagittaron Law allows a prisoner to regain his citizenship once he's served his time. Tom Zarek represents a danger to the entire Fleet. I can bar him from travelling to Cloud 9 on that basis alone. I perfectly understand the threat Tom Zarek represents, but the last thing I need is for you to start acting like my own personal goon squad. We need to let this play out. Thank you. (RADIO) "Hold onto your shorts, folks, we're getting a live feed from the Astral Queen. Tom Zarek is about to make a statement." Citizens of the Twelve Colonies, I am humbled and moved by this great honour. I will be a voice for those who have gone too long unheard by a government that serves only the privileged and the powerful, that turns a blind eye to the needs of the weak and the poor. But Roslin and her confederates will no longer be able to ignore us. "People of the Fleet, look up." "The winds of change are blowing." "A new era is about to dawn." Hi, Doc. Lieutenant Thrace, to what do I owe this honour? Our shuttle leaves for Cloud 9 at 05:12 tomorrow so don't be late. Our shuttle? Surprise getaway? Just the two of you? I'm gonna be handling your security. Please, please don't touch that. Thank you. Security for what? You haven't heard. It's all over Talk Wireless. When would I have the chance to listen to Talk Wireless? I have 60-years' of work in front of me. Anyway Talk Wireless is just an excuse really for low-brow rabble-rousing. You've been selected as Caprica's delegate to the Quorum Of Twelve. Me? But... Is this some kind of joke? Guess you got the super-genius vote. No accounting for taste. Congratulations, Doctor. Th-Thank you. Erm... Politics is the only thing more boring than blood samples. All those interminable speeches, all that dreary pomp... Parties full of young women... drawn to men with power. But when the people call me, I'll serve. (SIGHS) I can't remember the last time I felt the sunlight on my face. Sure feels good,... almost like the real thing. They could have done a better job with the horizon, though. Security is gonna be a bitch. 1,000 different places for a sniper to hide. How many people are we dealing with again? Oh, 500 plus. Each colony's sending a delegation of leading citizens. Great. (MUTTERS INCOHERENTLY) Anyone of whom could be a Cylon. Toasters aren't our only problem. Don't you pay any attention to politics? No. A lot of unrest out there. So, why is Roslin insisting on letting so many people come? I guess she thinks it's important for them to observe how their government works. So basically she's already running for re-election. No, Kara. Agh! Agh, Kara! Give me that! (LAUGHS) (SHRIEKS) "(BLEEPS)" Thank you, sir. Enjoy your day. "The atmosphere is electric as Quorum members arrive with their delegations." "I'm outside the ballroom where the reception of the Quorum Of Twelve is about to take place." The question on everyone's mind is will President Roslin shake the hand of the man many still regard as a terrorist or will she snub him and, by extension, all the people of Sagittaron? Colonel Tigh... and, uh, my wife, Ellen. Welcome aboard. Kill me now. (SIGHS) Colonel Tigh. Starbuck, Apollo, Zarek's here. Copy. Don't worry, this guy's mine the second he makes a wrong move. "Yeah, well, you'll have to beat me to him." Murderer! You don't belong here, Zarek. Go back - What did you say? He's not a murderer, he's a freedom fighter. Excuse me,... may I see you security pass, sir? Yeah, no problem. As a citizen of Sagittaron, I got every legal right to be here. You rights don't extend to roughing people up. Lay a hand on anyone else and you'll be getting to know Galactica's brig. Well, everything's in order. Enjoy your stay on Cloud 9. Oh, I will. Tom Zarek. Colonel Tigh, Battlestar Galactica. I see. My wife. Does she have a name? Ellen. Call me Tom. I don't like to stand on ceremony. I'm the same way. All this pretension makes me sick. You're holding up the line. Thank you for making me welcome, Ellen. Hope to see you again. Why did you do that? To get our picture on the front page of every half-baked newsletter and photo service in the Fleet. I don't need my picture taken with a terrorist. Oh, wake up, Saul. Look at these cameras. Roslin's the past, Zarek's the future. A blind man can see that. Madam President. Mr Zarek. Hm,... if I were to, uh, offer you my hand in friendship, would you take it? There's only one way to find out. That was nicely played. Thank you. Just remember I am not your enemy, Madam President. And I know today's agenda is rather large. But I think that if you look at the scheduled meetings, you'll see that they concern issues vital to the Fleet. In some cases existing policies regarding matters such as distribution of medical supplies... You're missing an intriguing opportunity. Playa's not wearing any underwear. Oh, don't be absurd. Really? She's been eyeing you all afternoon. Well, she's only human. You're not jealous? Love isn't about sex, Gaius. There's an enlightened point of view. I've been thinking, as far as I'm concerned, you can have any woman you want. but always remember I have your heart. Yes, of course you do. I can always rip it out of your chest if I need to. So, if there are no objections the chair will entertain motions to accept today's agenda as proposed. I have an objection. (CHATTER) The chair recognises Sagittaron. All the items on your agenda are important, I agree. Ration distribution, education, medical services are all very important. But I'm frankly shocked to discover the most critical issue of all is nowhere to be found. Really? Well, perhaps Mr Zarek could enlighten us. The election of a vice president. If, gods forbid, anything should happen to you, Madam President, we have no designated successor. the civilian branch of our government would be paralysed leaving the door wide open for a military dictatorship. Sagittaron moves that the first item on the Quorum's agenda should be nominations for vice president. (CHATTER) Second. What? Second! Second! Caprica seconds for, er,... for various reasons, er, which are far too obvious and numerous to go into right now. But certainly I think we can all agree that it would be a good idea to have a successor. The motion has been moved and seconded. All those in favour of opening nominations for the vice presidency say aye. (VARIOUS) Aye. Aye. The ayes have it. The floor is now open for nominations. The chair recognises Virgon. There is only one man here who is willing to work for the betterment of the people in this fleet. When I asked for his help, he sent a crew to fix the air-filtration system on my ship and, hell, they were finished and gone while I waited for the President's office to return my call. I nominate Tom Zarek. (CHATTER) Thank you. Is there a second? Gemenon seconds the nomination. The nomination of Tom Zarek for the vice presidency has been accepted. (APPLAUSE) The Chair will remain open for 72 hours for nominations. This session is now adjourned. (BANGS GAVEL) Thomas Zarek is not going to be my vice president. Six months till the election. We could have handpicked a candidate. It didn't shock me when Bagot nominated him but Porter, that was surprising. Not really. The Gemenon ships use more water per capita than any ships in the Fleet. She wanted more rations, I said no. Zarek may have made some new friends but there are still plenty who hate him. Don't underestimate Zarek. He's charismatic and knows what buttons to push. And frankly, Madam President, I am concerned about security aboard Cloud 9. I want you leaning forward on this, Captain. If they so much as sneeze, they'd better have a handkerchief. Understood. We need a candidate, someone who will win the delegates' support. An established name. I'm not a politician. But you know how to get things done. You have kept this Fleet functioning all this time. No. Thanks but... I cannot allow Tom Zarek to be one heartbeat away from the Presidency, Wally. We need you. You got me, Madam President. How can you reassure people that you're looking out for their interests as opposed to the rehabilitation of Tom Zarek? That's a great question, Playa. This is how I see it. We're facing a situation so unique, so specific that I believe we need not only new leadership but a whole new way of thinking. Like blowing up a building or two? If things weren't so serious, I'd say that was funny. There's no economy, there's no market, no industry, no capital. Money is worthless! Yet we're all held hostage by the idea of the way things used to be. Look where we are. This man wakes up every morning, tugs on his boots and goes to work in this garden. "Why? Because it's his job? What job?" "He labours but gets no benefit from his labour. He's not the only one." Many of us are still going through the motions of our old lives. The lawyers still act like lawyers but they have no clients! Businessmen still act like businessmen but have no business! President Roslin and her policies are all about holding onto a fantasy! "If we wanna survive, we need to completely restructure our lives." We need to think about the community of citizens, the group, not the individual. We need to completely free ourselves of the past... ..and operate as a collective. You're not interested in citizens, you just want power. Turn that crap off. (CLICKS OFF) I was listening to that broadcast. (SIGHS) You again. That's a shame. Yeah, well, they all want to hear Mr Zarek speak too. Don't you, buddy? See? he wants to hear Mr Zarek. How about you, you wanna hear what Mr Zarek has to say? I don't mind one way or the other. I take that as a yes. Turn it on. Now. Leave it. Mr Zarek is a representative of the people. We are the people. Well, you're people,... sort of. I don't like your tone, fly-boy, so why don't you just move along out of here and go enjoy the imitation weather? I'd be happy to, after you leave,... ..which is now. OK,... I don't want no trouble. Agh! What the hell? There's a gun! (SHOUTS / GAGS) ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THIS?! (SMASHES) (GUN CLICKS) (PANTS) The Telmont building's still standing. That's stealthy alright. Now all we have to do is wait until dark,... ..infiltrate the most heavily- fortified military hub on the planet, hope the Cylons haven't completely wasted the space port, steal a ship, contact Galactica and fly to her without getting shot. Is that all? I guess we can relax until dark. We might as well make ourselves comfortable. You hungry? No, not right now. Someone's feeling better. Starving. I'm trying to make sense of the two women who would sell out the Cylons. And? I can't fathom why anybody would want to help the Toasters. And they just happen to be twins? It's too weird. You got a better explanation? Do you think the Cylons could be messing with human DNA? Cloning people or something? Could be. That would explain how they took us by surprise. They have these replicated humans infiltrating the colonies, laying the groundwork for a surprise attack. You know, if they were human clones,... ..that means they're capable of complex emotions, maybe even love. Maybe they were misguided in the way that they were indoctrinated - Whatever they are, they're not human! No human could do what they've done, kill billions of innocent people. We gotta be frakking Cylons, just like the rest of them. Why do you have an itinerary? Why circle every public appearance by President Roslin? It's not mine! So some stranger wandered in and just left it there? False bottom with coating to absorb X-rays! Ceramic stealth gun! Sure went through a lotta trouble to get that weapon onboard. I carry a lot of money. I need protection. Right,... the money's worthless. Your friend Zarek pointed that out! I don't even know Zarek! Your pal, Grimes, says different. He gave you up. You-You're bluffing. You haven't got anything. We don't need anything... ..cos this isn't a trial. This is just you and us. Like Zarek pointed out, we're living in a whole new world. So no due process. This is your courtroom. And that would make us... your executioners. So you might want to cooperate or else you're going out an airlock. Cos that's what we do to traitors. Look, I, uh,... ..just came over here for the booze and food. That's it. You know what? (SHOUTS) We put the heat on Valance and we still can't tie him to Zarek. I know Zarek's behind this. Keep working on Valance. We will. But to be safe, send the Sagittaron delegation back to their ships. Violates their civil rights. Plays right into Zarek's hands. But he could have another shooter. If Zarek wins the vote, he is capable of ordering an assassination and ascending to the presidency. Zarek's not going to win because I'm not going to let him. Meanwhile keep Zarek under surveillance. Tap his phones, bug his room. If you find anything that remotely connects Zarek to Valance, shut him down. The domestic policies we've been talking about, such as employment and housing and education... I still count seven for Gray, five for Zarek. Slipping. He was four an hour ago. Zarek must be making promises. Picon is left. (MUTTERS) (SPEAKER) ..On page 33 of my mission statement I lay out a 16-point educational programme that the President and I have developed. Individuals with four-year... Hi. How you doin'? Remember me? We got Valance. And you're next. Can I get you something? So you work here now. Why should I ask the bartender to get me a drink? What's in it for him? A big tip. (LAUGHS) What would he spend it on? So, you worried about Wallace Gray? I hear he's ahead in the vote count. Whatever the people want, is fine by me. Everyone has an agenda. I know I do. And what would that be? Same as yours, Tom. Me,... myself... and... (oh, my!) You are clearly a well-connected, well-informed woman. Wife of the XO, for whatever that's worth. Quite a bit. Now and in the future. That's what I'm interested in, Tom. My place... and my husband's place in the future. OK. I'm looking for a friend of mine. His name is Valance. How the hell did this happen? We gotta get to the president. We're here with Dr Gaius Baltar, representative of Caprica. I have one question, is President Roslin's political career terminal or is there hope of resuscitating it? Roslin's politics are very much alive and to underestimate her would be a very serious mistake. You miss the limelight, don't you, Gaius? Yes, I have. You have what, Dr Baltar? Nothing. You were saying? So, you seriously believe that this schoolteacher is able to handle the job of the presidency? His wrists were slashed with broken glass from the room. So, was it suicide or was it murder? "(RADIO CHATTER)" It wasn't suicide. Zarek had him killed. If only we could prove that. How'd they get past the guards? Through the vent. (RADIO) "..Because all of us have had teachers who've made a profound impact on our lives." History is full of examples of leaders, erm, who have come from the most humble of beginnings and have risen to meet the challenge posed by cataclysmic events. How many people knew where Valance was being held? Just the people in this room plus two marines. (RADIO) "..Roslin and the tough decisions she has to make daily, especially if you're someone like Tom Zarek - who has never shouldered any real responsibility in your life." To be fair to Tom, how could he? He's been in prison for 20 years. Now he's had a drastic personality makeover, he's posing like he's the saviour to all your ills. I think you all have a short memory. Well, someone talked. Now we have no assassin, no evidence of a plot, no check on Zarek,... ..no nothin'. If he can get to Valance, he can get to anyone. Madam President, he will definitely try to take a shot at you now. Only if he wins the vote. What I have to say is... we-we must survive. (RADIO) "And we will survive." And we will do so through the values that have made our colonies great. Courage,... truth, justice, liberty... With a firm and deep resolve to make tomorrow better. Not-Not just for ourselves... but for our children. (APPLAUSE) I still worry the vote may be turning against you. Yes, it is. But I'm going to win this thing. And Zarek is going back to his prison ship where he belongs. But first I have two very unpleasant duties to perform. I need a shuttle to Cloud 9. What am I supposed to say? Health reasons. Right, fine, health reasons. You know, all those years I watched you working with Adar, you were always so quiet, so polite, so dignified. I never thought you'd fit in with the back-stabbing politicians. I guess I was wrong. All clear. Dr Baltar, are you in here? (TOILET FLUSHES) Erm,... Madam President? I heard you on the wireless. You were very articulate, quite engaging. Ohhh, thank you. That's very encouraging. Yeah, I just, er... Just trying to do my bit, you know, as the elected representative to Caprica. And, er, besides, I'm, erm, I'm beginning to get a real feel for politics. So, I take it you're not voting for Mr Zarek? Any man who uses their resources and intelligence to blow up a building doesn't get my vote, no. No, I'm voting for your man, Gray. He is really grea...t. He's great. He is great, which is why he's got my vote. Unfortunately Mr Gray dropped out of the race. Well, then, who do you want me to vote for? I was thinking you. Me? Look - Doctor, let's cut to the chase. You're a very popular man these days. I would be fortunate to have your intellect and your popularity... right by my side. Well, under those circumstances I accept. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you. Wow! What are you gonna do now? Now,... ..now I'm gonna give you an exclusive. After you. So, what are we supposed to do? Watch her get killed? Zarek's too smart to take another shot at the president at the summit. If he wins the vote, he can take her out later when everyone's forgotten about Valance. He'll just bide his time to find a better opportunity. That's great. Anyway, she says she's not gonna lose the vote. She says a lotta things. Don't you think you should wash that? I did. Like when? A month ago? Do you have a problem with my hygiene? You have hygiene? I clean up good sometimes, right? Well, let me know when it's one of those times. Taura,... Gaius Baltar. The surprises just keep on coming. A number of the Quorum delegates have shifted their support to the scientific genius, a man who is credited with saving the Fleet on numerous occasions. At this point, Jim, it is anyone's guess as to who's going to win. But my money is on Gaius, uh, Dr Baltar. Aquaria,... Thomas Zarek. Aerlon,... Tom Zarek. The vote is now 6-5 in favour of Tom Zarek. The next vote will determine our new vice president. If Zarek gets it, he wins. In the event of a tie, the president will cast the deciding vote. (ALL APPLAUD) Citizens, I give you your new vice president, Dr Gaius Baltar! (BIG-BAND MUSIC) The perks of power, Mr Vice President. We're going to do great things together. It's difficult to fathom. I never aspired to power. Of course you didn't, Gaius, but someone had to step up. Well, after what Laura told me... Laura? Yeah, we're, like, on first-name-basis now. Now, look, er,... the people, er, the people need me. Excuse us. (BIG-BAND MUSIC CONTINUES) So, um,... that (MUTTERS) of yours is looking pretty good. And the other one's not too bad either. If you wanna ask me to dance, just ask. You wanna dance? Seeing me in a dress is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Madam President. Mr Zarek. Don't worry, I won't be kissing you today. That's a shame. I shaved closely in anticipation of being smacked by you. That was very nicely played... ..again. But there's still a presidential election in six months. I'll see you then. I have no doubt. Oh, one thing you should know. I didn't kill Valance. I wonder who did. (BIG-BAND MUSIC CONTINUES) Madam President. I thought you hated these things? It's Colonial Day, where else would I be? I'm a patriot. You really are, aren't you? Dr Baltar,... interesting choice. I figured... the devil you know... Politics,... it's as exciting as war. Definitely as dangerous. Though in war,... you only get killed once. In politics it can happen over and over. You're still standing. So are you. And I can dance. I have a surprise for you. Uh-oh! Should I be worried? Not unless you consider a day in a luxury suite aboard the Rising Star as something to be worried about. What...? How did you swing that? I have my ways. What you need to do is to figure out a way to get slave-driving Bill to give you the day off. Ooh, yeah. And while we're there, you might want to talk to a few people about the future. What? Later, my love, it can all wait until later. Any second now. If we get caught,... if anything happens... You don't have to say anything. I know. We're gonna make it. Go, go, go! Sharon? We're still alive. Nobody else. You never get tired! Just trust me. Helo, come with me. Helo? Helo! Helo! IMS Subtitles. Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air.
Subjects
  • Television programs--United States