Introduction

“Fragged” is the third episode of the second season of the reimagined Battlestar Galactica television series.

It aired originally on the Sci Fi Channel on 29 July 2005.

It is the first episode in which Starbuck does not appear.

In the episode, on Kobol, Crashdown leads an ill fated assault on a Cylon missile battery. Gaius Baltar frags Crashdown, to Head Six’s approval, shortly before the survey team is rescued. On Galactica, Colonel Saul Tigh’s gambit to discredit President Laura Roslin fails, and he declares martial law.

Outline of Series 02, Episode 03

In “Scattered”, Head Six told Baltar that they would have a child. Crashdown ordered Specialist Tarn to retrieve medical supplies to treat the wounded Specialist Socinus, but Tarn died in a Cylon ambush. In “Valley of Darkness”, Chief Galen Tyrol and Specialist Cally brought the supplies, but Socinus died anyway.

Kobol

Crashdown leads a brief funeral for Tarn and Socinus. Six tells Baltar that, because they died on Kobol, Tarn and Socinus have only oblivion waiting them. Later, Baltar asks why God would want to bring a child into a world so full of killing; Six replies that God wants to give humanity a chance at redemption.

Tyrol observes Cylons building a missile battery, which he believes they will use to shoot down human search parties. Crashdown orders an attack on the battery despite the team’s inexperience in combat and inadequate equipment. Tyrol privately tries to persuade him to instead attack the guidance system, which is less heavily guarded, but Crashdown waves the bloody shirt of Tarn and Socinus and pulls rank. Tyrol is unconvinced but nonetheless silences Baltar’s protests during Crashdown’s briefing.

Six warns Baltar that one of the survivors will betray the others and that his life is in danger, because what happens on Kobol is not God’s will. Crashdown refuses to change the plan even after discovering that the Cylons have reinforced the battery. Cally freezes up under pressure, and Crashdown threatens to kill her unless she obeys his orders. Baltar shoots Crashdown before he can carry out his threat; Six congratulates him.

Tyrol destroys the Cylon guiding system in time to save the rescue Raptors, which in turn destroy the Cylons. The survivors cover up Crashdown’s murder. Baltar despairs at the thought that killing rather than culture is humanity’s legacy.

Galactica

Doctor Cottle arrives and operates on Commander William Adama, saving his life. Cottle is unavailable to provide Roslin with her cancer medication, and she undergoes severe withdrawal. A drunken Colonel Tigh lashes out at his subordinates. The Quorum of Twelve demands access to Roslin, who is still in Galactica’s brig. Ellen Tigh persuades her husband to agree, believing the sight of Roslin’s delirious condition will undermine her authority. The plan backfires after Roslin’s Marine guard smuggles her medication. She denounces Adama’s coup and convinces at least some of the Quorum that she is the leader foretold in their sacred scriptures who will guide humanity to Earth. Furious, Tigh dissolves the Quorum and declares martial law.

Deleted Scenes

In a deleted scene, Roslin has a vision of arguing with Billy Keikeya about the Scriptures. Billy taunts her for her mistakes and then stabs her as the vision ends.

Battlestar Galactica TV Series, Films & Webisodes

You can find a full index of Battlestar Galactica TV series, films, and webisodes here.

Trivia

You can read interesting trivia and background details about the BSG franchise here.

Production & Filming Details

• Director: Sergio Mimica-Gezzan.
• Writers: Dawn Prestwich and Nicole Yorkin.
• Release Date: 29 July 2005 (UK).
• Running Time: 45 minutes.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.

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