Introduction

“Resurrection Ship” is a two-part episode of the reimagined Battlestar Galactica television series.

Part 1 aired originally on the Sci Fi Channel on 06 January 2006, and Part 2 aired on 13 January 2006. It was the first episode broadcast after a hiatus following the broadcast of the previous episode, “Pegasus“, on 23 September 2005.

In the episode, Admiral Helena Cain and Commander William Adama call a truce but plan to assassinate each other. The humans destroy a Cylon fleet that includes a resurrection ship. Cain and Adama both cancel their plots, but Gina escapes from the Pegasus brig and kills Cain.

Outline of Series 02, Episode 11

In “The Farm“, Starbuck promised Sam Anders she would return to Caprica to rescue him. In “Pegasus“, Apollo and Starbuck plotted to steal the stealth-capable Blackbird to obtain reconnaissance photos of a mysterious ship escorted by a large Cylon fleet. Cain sentenced Helo and Chief Galen Tyrol to death for accidentally killing an officer to rescue Sharon. Adama ordered Galactica’s Vipers launched toward Pegasus, and Cain ordered the Pegasus Vipers to intercept them.

Part 1

Both Viper groups seek permission to fire, but neither Cain nor Adama grants it. The standoff is interrupted by Starbuck, who returns in the Blackbird with photos of the Cylon vessel. Cain and Adama call off their attacks and agree to meet on Colonial One as neutral ground. President Laura Roslin mediates an uneasy truce: the resolution of Helo and Tyrol’s fate will be delayed until after the attack on the Cylon fleet. Later, Roslin warns Adama privately that Cain will strike against Adama again and urges him to assassinate Cain first. Adama demurs.

Impressed by what she calls Starbuck’s “guts and initiative”, Cain promotes her to Captain and appoints her Pegasus CAG. Starbuck persuades Cain to reinstate Apollo’s flight status though she demotes Apollo to Lieutenant and relegates him to delivery runs. Cain also promises Starbuck she will lead the fleet back to Caprica, destroy the Cylons, and rescue the survivors.

Doctor Cottle says Sharon will be all right. Adama apologises to Sharon and orders her returned to her cell.

In Gina’s cell, Cain abuses the Cylon prisoner. Gina begs Gaius Baltar to kill her. She tells him that the Cylon vessel is a “resurrection ship”, where Cylons are downloaded into new bodies; if it is destroyed Gina can die permanently. Cain resolves to destroy the ship, believing mortality will deter the Cylon pursuit.

Colonel Jack Fisk tells Colonel Saul Tigh that Pegasus encountered a small civilian fleet. Cain ordered it stripped for parts, impressed some civilian personnel, executed the families of any who resisted, and abandoned the rest in space. Realising that Roslin is right about Cain, Adama orders Starbuck to assassinate Cain once the attack on the Cylon fleet concludes. Likewise, Cain directs Fisk to take a detachment of Marines to Galactica to kill Adama after the attack.

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: Michael Rymer.
• Writer: Anne Cofell Saunders and Michael Rymer.
• Release Date: 06 January 2006 (UK).
• Running Time: 45 minutes.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.

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