We have finally arrived. The final episode of season 2, Star One, which is both the culmination of the season long story arc and a milestone for the series. After this episode a great many things change. So, pour a cup of coffee and read on. And as always, if you feel like watching the episode for yourself the video is included in this review.
Episode Description:
While Blake plots to annihilate the Federation once and for all, Travis is planning far greater destruction...that of the entire human race...
Episode Description:
While Blake plots to annihilate the Federation once and for all, Travis is planning far greater destruction...that of the entire human race...
This episode opens with an accident. An accident that should have been impossible. Two ships, both under computer control, collide in space. We cut to Servelan being given a report of similar accidents as well numerous ecological disasters on Federation worlds including floods and desert like conditions. Many of these worlds are chief food suppliers. Other than the horror of this scene it's fascinating to me. This is one of the few times that we get a real feel for the size and scope of the Federation. They are massive. And while we are used to seeing the superior technology on the Liberator, and maybe viewing the Federation as being subpar, they are ridiculously advanced. All of these planets are being controlled by a single computer far removed from the center of things. Star One is controlling flights, both manned and unmanned, defenses and the terraforming of whole worlds. This isn't a paper tiger that Blake is fighting. It's a massive, technologically advanced empire. I digress however.
Durkim, the subordinate giving the report, asserts that Star One is breaking down. He insists that Servelan send someone to fix the problem. There is only one issue. No one, I repeat no one, knows the location. Once it was built and operational the Federation high command made sure that it's location could never be revealed. For security reasons that makes sense. But we see now the problem with putting your complete dependence on one system that benefits from complete secrecy. She does inform Durkim that a small staff of technicians chose to live out their lives on Star One providing maintenance. Chose is the word that she uses but how much of an actual choice they had is ip for debate. One of those technicians just happens to be a former flame of Durkims.
Durkim, the subordinate giving the report, asserts that Star One is breaking down. He insists that Servelan send someone to fix the problem. There is only one issue. No one, I repeat no one, knows the location. Once it was built and operational the Federation high command made sure that it's location could never be revealed. For security reasons that makes sense. But we see now the problem with putting your complete dependence on one system that benefits from complete secrecy. She does inform Durkim that a small staff of technicians chose to live out their lives on Star One providing maintenance. Chose is the word that she uses but how much of an actual choice they had is ip for debate. One of those technicians just happens to be a former flame of Durkims.
Second Star to the right, straight on till freedom.
Meanwhile, Blake and the Liberator are en route to Star One. A trip that only Blake is really anxious to complete. You see, Star One was hidden outside of the galaxy. A place that no one is really keen on venturing into. It's pretty standard fare to see ships flitting from planet to planet impossibly quickly, I'm pointing at you Into Darkness, It's a whole other thing to see ships venture out between galaxies. As Cally refers to it, it's the closest we'll ever get to infinity this side of the grave. Paraphrasing slightly. Avon questions why Blake doesn't bully the crew into going despite themselves as he usually does, which is painfully accurate. Blake mumbles some high minded ideal but the truth is his obsession has him completely. It's like a fever for him. He shows very little of his earlier empathy when it's pointed out that millions of innocent people will die if they succeed. To paraphrase again, Avon this time, he'll Wade through blood in his quest. It finally occurs to Blake, or maybe he just finally admits it, that Avon hates him. Passionately.
But what about that cottage we were going to buy together?
Whats happening on Star One? A lot it seems. Poor Lurena is suspicious of Stot, another technician, who is monkeying with equipment that she just fixed. Her worst suspicions are that his conditioning has broken down and that he is merely broken for lack of a better word. Unfortunately for her poor Stot, and the other techs, are no longer who they seem. It seems that we have found ourselves in the middle of an intergalactic invasion from the Andromeda galaxy. Aliens have killed the other technicians, taken their forms and are busy sabotaging Star One in preparation of the actual invasion. Lurena is the last human alive onboard Star One.
Stot, you dirty THOT.
Blake, Cally and Avon teleport down leaving Vila watching the teleport and Jenna in the kitchen. Of course Blake and Cally are immediately captured. Luckily Cally is telepathic and Avon isn't stupid. Blake is mistaken by the aliens as Travis come to commit the final act. Whatever that is. When asked why he would want to wipe out humanity he responds that he just doesn't like crowds. Back on board the Liberator Vila and Jenna see a ship land on the surface. Of course it's the actual Travis who is intercepted by Avon. Avon is the real MVP as usual. Unfortunately for all involved Lurena messes things up and Travis escapes in time to shoot Blake.
This is the last time I stay in the kitchen! And kids, that was the last time Jenna stayed in the kitchen.
Travis is there to perform the "Final Act". What is the final act? It's discovered that the Federation has established a vast minefield jut outside the galaxy. Orac theorizes that in the past some form of contact was made from the Andromeda galaxy prompting the Federation to set up mines. Just because. While not explicitly stated it's probable that Travis let the Andromedans in initially to take over Star One and has returned to deactivate the minefield allowing the invasion. Now, where he has been and what he has been up to we will never know as Blake wakes up as soon as begins deactivating the field and shoots him. The others arrive and save the day. Avon gets the opportunity to shoot Travis again prompting him to fall down a precariously placed energy well a la Star Wars.
Blake realizes that the Andromedans are free to get into the galaxy for their invasion. With a conflict imminent Star One will be needed to both resist the aliens and recover from the war. He orders the others to recover the bombs that have been planted but remembers that he planted one that they will never find. Lurena retrieves the bomb for him just in time to be met by the surviving aliens disguised as techs. She allows the bomb to detonate killing them as well as herself. I mean, we can't let an extra live through the episode can we?
Back aboard the Liberator Blake is in the med bay recovering from the aforementioned shooting while Avon prepares to hold off an alien fleet singlehandedly. Vila and Jenna earlier informed Servelan, via Orac, about the invasion as well as the location of Star One. Having initiated a coup and deposed the government she has assumed command of the Federation. All ships are ordered to rendezvous at Star One but they are hours away at best. This leaves our rebels in the unusual position of defending the very Federation that they have been trying to topple. Luckily most of the mine field is still intact leaving a very narrow approach for the Andromedans similar to the Persians at Thermopylae. The episode ends just as the engagement begins leaving us to wonder the fate of the Liberator and her crew.
Blake realizes that the Andromedans are free to get into the galaxy for their invasion. With a conflict imminent Star One will be needed to both resist the aliens and recover from the war. He orders the others to recover the bombs that have been planted but remembers that he planted one that they will never find. Lurena retrieves the bomb for him just in time to be met by the surviving aliens disguised as techs. She allows the bomb to detonate killing them as well as herself. I mean, we can't let an extra live through the episode can we?
Back aboard the Liberator Blake is in the med bay recovering from the aforementioned shooting while Avon prepares to hold off an alien fleet singlehandedly. Vila and Jenna earlier informed Servelan, via Orac, about the invasion as well as the location of Star One. Having initiated a coup and deposed the government she has assumed command of the Federation. All ships are ordered to rendezvous at Star One but they are hours away at best. This leaves our rebels in the unusual position of defending the very Federation that they have been trying to topple. Luckily most of the mine field is still intact leaving a very narrow approach for the Andromedans similar to the Persians at Thermopylae. The episode ends just as the engagement begins leaving us to wonder the fate of the Liberator and her crew.
Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap.
Final Thoughts:
I've said it several times this season but it still holds true, one of the highlights of this season is Blake's growing fanaticism. He is committed to destroying the Federation at all costs. When confronted by the fact that millions of inocents will suffer and die if Star One is destroyed he replies that he has to win so that he'll know that he was right. That is a zealot if ever there was one and I love that the show never shys away from it. We also get to see the culmination of Avon and Blake's relationship where Avon finally lets slip his complete hatred of Blake. And Paul Darrow is such a great actor that you're never sure if Avon hates Blake because of how Blake is or if he hates him because of who he, Avon, is. I really wish that the others had gotten a little more screen time. Cally plays the role of moral center, Vila plays the fool as usual and once again Jenna gets left on the ship. Which is a shame. Sally Knivette is a great actress and Jenna could have been a fantastic character if the writers had taken more time with her.
For the villains it was it was nice to see their story arcs play out as well. Servelan finally reaches her zenith of evil and stages a coup. Travis' psychosis finally undoes him when he attempts to betray the human race all the while blaming them for his actions. A true narcissist until the end. And it was a fitting end to a character that really had completed his story arc. I'm glad that they didn't belabor the point and keep him around afterwards just to drive the character into the ground.
And man man what a charged ending. Talk about a cliffhanger. The Liberator being forced to stand alone against an invading armada. Our little guerilla band finally making an actual stand. And in defense of the Federation, if indirectly, no less. How could anything be the same after this season? Well, spoilers, nothing is the same after this season. Be ready for some major shake ups. This episode is a resounding success. To be honest B7 can be a bit hit or miss and this is an excellent example of what the show is like when it's firing on all cylinders.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Memorable Quote:
Coffee of the Day: Mello Joy Dark Roast
Our most popular roast boasts a rich aroma and full bodied flavor. Mello Joy coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans which are selected from the top 10% of all beans produced.
This is everything that I wanted the Community Dark Roast to be. It's got a nice rich flavor. I'm a fan of buying local as much as possible so I have an affinity for coffee brewed in the state of not here in my hometown. My wife and I have been purchasing this brew for a few months and have loved every sip.
I've said it several times this season but it still holds true, one of the highlights of this season is Blake's growing fanaticism. He is committed to destroying the Federation at all costs. When confronted by the fact that millions of inocents will suffer and die if Star One is destroyed he replies that he has to win so that he'll know that he was right. That is a zealot if ever there was one and I love that the show never shys away from it. We also get to see the culmination of Avon and Blake's relationship where Avon finally lets slip his complete hatred of Blake. And Paul Darrow is such a great actor that you're never sure if Avon hates Blake because of how Blake is or if he hates him because of who he, Avon, is. I really wish that the others had gotten a little more screen time. Cally plays the role of moral center, Vila plays the fool as usual and once again Jenna gets left on the ship. Which is a shame. Sally Knivette is a great actress and Jenna could have been a fantastic character if the writers had taken more time with her.
For the villains it was it was nice to see their story arcs play out as well. Servelan finally reaches her zenith of evil and stages a coup. Travis' psychosis finally undoes him when he attempts to betray the human race all the while blaming them for his actions. A true narcissist until the end. And it was a fitting end to a character that really had completed his story arc. I'm glad that they didn't belabor the point and keep him around afterwards just to drive the character into the ground.
And man man what a charged ending. Talk about a cliffhanger. The Liberator being forced to stand alone against an invading armada. Our little guerilla band finally making an actual stand. And in defense of the Federation, if indirectly, no less. How could anything be the same after this season? Well, spoilers, nothing is the same after this season. Be ready for some major shake ups. This episode is a resounding success. To be honest B7 can be a bit hit or miss and this is an excellent example of what the show is like when it's firing on all cylinders.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Memorable Quote:
Coffee of the Day: Mello Joy Dark Roast
Our most popular roast boasts a rich aroma and full bodied flavor. Mello Joy coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans which are selected from the top 10% of all beans produced.
This is everything that I wanted the Community Dark Roast to be. It's got a nice rich flavor. I'm a fan of buying local as much as possible so I have an affinity for coffee brewed in the state of not here in my hometown. My wife and I have been purchasing this brew for a few months and have loved every sip.