BG-11: The Man With Nine Lives

[Flamingo Girl]

A con-man claims to be Starbuck's long lost father as a ploy to hide from a trio of Borellian Nomen who seek his life who gain admittance to the Galactica by enrolling in a warrior training program.


Series stars; Richard Hatch as Apollo, Dirk Benedict as Starbuck, Herb Jefferson Jr. as Boomer, Lorne Greene as Adama, Terry Carter as Colonel Tigh, Maren Jensen as Athena, Tony Swartz as Jolly, Laurette Spang as Cassiopia, Noah Hathaway as Boxey, Sarah Rush as Rigel, David Greenan as Omega, Anne Lockhart as Sheba, Jack Stauffer as Bojay, Ed Begley, Jr. as Greenbean, and John Colicos as Baltar.

Guest starring Fred Astaire as Chameleon, Anne Jeffreys as Siress Blassie, Lance LeGault as Maga, Robert Feero as Bora, Anthony De Longis as Taba, Bruce Wright as Cpl. Lomas, Patricia Stich as Zara, and Ted Parker as Zed.

(Thanks to Michael Faries Battlestar Galactica.com)

[skippercollecto]

There are two scenes with actresses in "Man With Nine Lives" that I'd like to point out. One of them has mystified me for 25 years now.
If you own a copy of the episode when it originally aired, or the VHS version, there is a scene in there which always gets deleted in syndicated reruns.
When the Nomen go looking for Starbuck and Chameleon (after they've knocked out Corporal Lomas), the Nomen find two warriors and ask them where to find the two men. The warriors, not knowing the Nomen are on the warpath, innocently tell the Nomen that Starbuck is in the launch bay. The warriors are Leanne Hunley and a resurrected Alex Hyde-White. Although this scene is always deleted in syndication, their names continue to show up in the closing credits.
The other actress is in the scene where Sheba and Apollo are in the shuttle and Sheba is excited about Starbuck possibly finding his father. They bring up the subject of the Nomen. The woman who is piloting the shuttle turns around and asks them, "The Nomen did what?"
This woman has long black hair and a somewhat smoky voice that sounds familiar to me. It is NOT Maren Jensen, nor any of the other actresses who had bit parts in the series. She's not in the closing credits and I've never been able to figure out who she is. Do any of you know?

Mary

[goldcenturian]

I'm not sure who the actress in the shuttle with Apollo and Sheba is, but the character may be Hera. In the books published during and after the orginal series ran, there was a character called Hera who was another of Starbuck's lady friends, and really gave him a hard time. She was not from the Colonies, though. She and some other people joined the quest after the Galactica stopped on one of the various planets that popped up after the Hand of God ep. The reason I it might be her even though that ep had not aired yet is that she was described the same way: tall, a little taller than Starbuck, with long dark hair. Larson seemed to always have more characters up his sleeve and to place them in at odd times. So, I wonder if she could be a Hera that could have become a prominent character if we had had a second season!
Bye,
Carolyn

[skippercollecto]

I never thought of Hera. She was from a planet called Vaile in the later (post-episode novelization) books.
But if I remember correctly, she likes Apollo, or maybe Apollo likes her. If you recall, the writers of those later novels reintroduced Croft, and he was interested in Sheba, so Apollo became interested in Hera instead.

Mary

[goldcenturian]

Hi Mary,
It's been several years since I read the books. I remember that Starbuck was interested in Hera and she was interested in him, but that she was a little taller than he was. He realized this when SHE kissed HIM! This made his uncomfortable, and he ws discussing it with Apollo who was making fun of him about it. I think really he was uncomfortable that she was pursuing him. She had stated that she wanted him( Who wouldn't?) for well, you know, but not for a long term relationship!
I also remember that Croft wanted Sheba, but that Sheba was still longing for Apollo. I think she was beginning to become discouraged about their sort-of relationship, and considering Croft as an interesting alternative!
Maybe, if I can't afford or find the DVD, I'll go back and read the novels instead of watching the mini! At least the characters are true to the original!
Cheers,
Carolyn

[shiningstar]

Nicely said Carolyn You said my thoughts exactly!

[chez1701]

Actually i was waiting for a dance number.

[Doctor Salik]

According to the DVD commentary Fred Astaire refused doing any dance number because he felt that he had done enough dancing in his life. In the "deleted scenes" section of this episode on the DVD you can hear the director giving Astaire the call "Okay, Fred, you are NOT dancing, you are finishing you lines."
However, there are some dances after this episode but without Mr Astaire.

[Muffit]

Some interesting things. The odd looking glasses they drink from (they look like a woman's figure) were popular in the late 70's. They were used to make water candles, a fad that lasted only briefly. I had that exact glass as one of my water candles!

This ep has few special effects but a great plot and fine execution which more than make up for it. Really shows that the cast could carry the show easily even sans fx, and that BSG was never just an eye candy show. It always had these great stories!

Also we see some neat character development with Starbuck as the startling revelation of his father moves him to straighten out his life and do "something meaningful". When Astaire tells Cassie to tell Starbuck the tests are negative, it really yanks the old heart emotionally - what a great plot twist! If only we had been given a second season, the hidden truth of Starbuck and his father could've been dramataically used.

*Sigh*

[Trevor Angelus]

I posted this Speculation in another thread but the Nomen do bear a striking resemblance to the post series Klingons. Funny thing, the Nomen appeared 1st!

[shiningstar]

I LOVEEEEEED that PLot Twist. I think that chameleon did
that to PROTECT Starbuck FROM the Nomen.

**

One the weakest episodes, for me. Borellion Nomen are a non-event, groovy bolos though...

[shiningstar]

Originally Posted by skippercollecto

There are two scenes with actresses in "Man With Nine Lives" that I'd like to point out. One of them has mystified me for 25 years now.
If you own a copy of the episode when it originally aired, or the VHS version, there is a scene in there which always gets deleted in syndicated reruns.
When the Nomen go looking for Starbuck and Chameleon (after they've knocked out Corporal Lomas), the Nomen find two warriors and ask them where to find the two men. The warriors, not knowing the Nomen are on the warpath, innocently tell the Nomen that Starbuck is in the launch bay. The warriors are Leanne Hunley and a resurrected Alex Hyde-White. Although this scene is always deleted in syndication, their names continue to show up in the closing credits.
The other actress is in the scene where Sheba and Apollo are in the shuttle and Sheba is excited about Starbuck possibly finding his father. They bring up the subject of the Nomen. The woman who is piloting the shuttle turns around and asks them, "The Nomen did what?"
This woman has long black hair and a somewhat smoky voice that sounds familiar to me. It is NOT Maren Jensen, nor any of the other actresses who had bit parts in the series. She's not in the closing credits and I've never been able to figure out who she is. Do any of you know?

Mary

Those scenes were in the dvd's but I think in the deleted scenes although I'm not
sure as I only saw the ep once since it first aired ...........just a few weeks ago.

They never said who the woman was that had long black hair ......but I do know
that you were right and she's NOT Maren Jensen.

[shiningstar]

Originally Posted by Trevor Angelus

I posted this Speculation in another thread but the Nomen do bear a striking resemblance to the post series Klingons. Funny thing, the Nomen appeared 1st!

I think you're right about that Trevor.

[shiningstar]

Originally Posted by WARDAGGIT73

**

One the weakest episodes, for me. Borellion Nomen are a non-event, groovy bolos though...

I absolutely loveeeeeeeed the bolos

[launchcruiser7]

did the new star trek movie have ridges on the klingons heads i cant remember one of the best life ib the fleet showsonly time i dont remember cyvilins having weopens in show execpt for the nomen in this and baltars escape outer fleet marker alphas light crusier wardaggit coming back from deep probe no tin heads setup the cold ones on the setting moon were coming in three handed dealer on pinincis?????

[skippercollecto]

You learn an interesting piece of trivia regarding Siress Blassie in a deleted scene from "Man With Nine Lives" on the DVD. She complains that she was forced to move from a ship called the Crucible to the senior ship. This is the only mention I've ever heard of the Crucible.
Mary

[BRG]

I good wee episode, 3 out of 5.

At last, we have an episode that developes a major character, and opens up his back story! Apart from a few hints about characters past's(Boomer stole hovercars, Apollo studied law, and Cassie was involved with Cain) this was the only episode that really opened up a character. In learning Starbuck's past, it somehow makes the brash, fearless fighter pilot more believable, and more likeable! And although it seemed too big a coincidence that Chameleon turned out to be his old man, it was still a touching moment when he finds out Starbuck is his son, but chooses to hide the truth to prevent Starbuck throwing away his career, and instead remain as buddies. Nice scene.

Great to see Fred Astaire! He gave a fine perormance as the lovable old chancer. and was always a likable character, even when you thought he was using Starbuck just to escape the Nomen. I thought Astaire & Benedict played off each other well, I loved the final line when Starbuck askes Chameleon if he's sure his card system doesn't work, and Chameleon replies "Positive......Unless you cheat"! Adama's reaction summed it up perfectly!
BRG

[peter noble]

The Man With Nine Lives



Original Airdate: January 28, 1979

Writer: Don Bellisario.

Director: Rod Holcomb.

Guest Cast: Fred Astaire (Chameleon), Anne Jeffreys (Siress Blassie), Lance LeGault (Maga), Robert Feero (Bora), Anthony DeLongis (Taba).



Running from the Borellian Noman, an aged conman named Chameleon seeks out Starbuck and leads him to believe that he might be his father.



Producer Don Bellisario picked up the telephone receiver, not knowing that a true living legend was waiting on the other end. The voice said, “this is Fred Astaire.”



After explaining that his grandchildren were enormous fans of the series, Astaire asked if it would be possible for him to play a small guest part. Bellisario answered enthusiastically, “Mr. Astaire, I will write a two-hour episode around you!”



For cast members, the opportunity to work with Astaire was a once in a lifetime opportunity. "It was my favorite episode," recalls Benedict, "and Fred and I consequently were friends for the rest of his life as the result of that.”

“Fred didn't want to dance on camera," says story editor Terrence McDonnell. "I know we had a few sessions about this and we got it in. As far as I know, that may be the last time he danced on film. It’s very tight on him but he's still dancing. For trivia games, where did Fred Astaire dance last? No, it wasn't That's Entertainment Part 2 it was on Battlestar Galactica!"

Originally Posted by BRG

although it seemed too big a coincidence that Chameleon turned out to be his old man, it was still a touching moment when he finds out Starbuck is his son, but chooses to hide the truth to prevent Starbuck throwing away his career, and instead remain as buddies. Nice scene.

Even as a boy this scene bothered me. I found the odds of the coincidence too large. I think they should have either let us know Chameleon always knew he was Starbuck's father for real and chose to let him think otherwise or let it stand that he was nothing more than a colorful con artist.

[Fragmentary]

Originally Posted by antelope526

Even as a boy this scene bothered me. I found the odds of the coincidence too large. I think they should have either let us know Chameleon always knew he was Starbuck's father for real and chose to let him think otherwise or let it stand that he was nothing more than a colorful con artist.

yeah, that always bugged me too. And the fact that Chameleon makes up the science necessary to figure out this sort of stuff, but then it turns out to really work. Huh? Maybe, he heard about the process somewhere else and just told Cassie how to perform the tests and deciphere the results, but then you're stating that he understands everything well enough to answer any and all questions that the medical staff may have had along the way. So maybe, the medical staff already knew of the procedure and Chameleon never had to say anything. But then that opens up a whole new line of questioning.

The episdoe is cute, but I'm left with the unsettling feeling that the writers didn't try very hard, or worse yet, saw all the holes themselves but figured that audience wouldn't.

[colonialstorm]

I liked the episode, but I'm with you, it seems like it was just thrown together and not really thought out.

[skippercollecto]

In the later episode about the Celestra, Cassiopeia has gotten tickets to a Spheroid concert. It's never explained who, or what Spheroid is. I wonder if it is the dance group that is performing on the Rising Star in the 9 Lives episode.

[skippercollecto]

Well, I still haven't figured out who the shuttle pilot is in this episode. However, I have figured out whose voice the woman's voice reminds me of. She sounds like, of all people, Suzanne Pleshette! I know it's not her, but it sounds very similar.

[Athene]

This is one of my favourite episodes. Fred Astaire was fantastic in it! I'm going to be watching that episode again this evening.

[bwaomega]

Actually, I think it works well. As a con man, he's going to have to have enough superficial knowledge on the subjects his cons are based on to fool at least the casually knowledgeable mark. When looking for a quick escape from a bad situation, he's going to fall back on a con he has run before, more than likely. But, it demonstrates a risk in running a con like this when you haven't had time to study the mark... the con man conned himself. And given Starbuck's general nature, it isn't really that much of a stretch in my opinion.

[skippercollecto]

I know the title is supposed to be a pun, but it's an Earth joke! As far as we know, Colonials don't joke that their cats/catlets/felines have nine lives. Or is it possible that that idea dates back centuries? I've read a lot about cats, but don't remember ever seeing any idea like that. (And for as long as we've owned cats, the more independent ones I've known usually luck out of danger just a few times before their luck runs out, unfortunately.)
I suppose this is a fan fiction question, but what else do you think Chameleon did or who might he have claimed to be? We only saw two of his "lives": his "real" one, and his one as Captain Dimitri.
Mary

[KJ]

Originally Posted by WARDAGGIT73

One the weakest episodes, for me. Borellion Nomen are a non-event, groovy bolos though...

Whoa far from it amigo! This episode had the legendary Fred Astaire who hardly did television at all, he was basically more of a theatrical and theatre dancer of extrordinary skill, thus him appearing late in his career in a guest role like this was something else.

More to the point the Borellian Nomen next to the Cylons and the Beings Of Light/Count Iblis, were probably and more or less the 3rd best creation of the series in terms of their outright uniqueness and striking image of these federal outsiders from a rather tribal band of subhumans who survived with their barbaric customs into the interstellar space-age!

And yes those Laserbolos are something else. Cool weapon we probably would've seen a hell of alot more, had the series actually continued much longer and other Nomen turning up and making several more appearences beyond Maga and his two followers

Between both Battlestar Galactica's first season and Buck Rogers 1st season, Glen Larson hired an incredible amount of star power in his guest stars for roles in both of his space aged sci-fi shows. One wonders what would've happened if he waited on doing Buck Rogers TV series and put alot more effort in Galactica instead. Seeing how he did Galactica 1980 to keep BSG going at first and later retooled Buck Rogers 2nd season more like Galactica's format with the whole 'Star Searcher' Mission of seeking out long lost Earth colonies.

Battlestar had so much untapped potential, as did Buck Rogers if it was less campy, but BG far moreso. And Glen Larson reused and kept his BG concepts going far longer that anybody realised at the time, looking back with 20/20 vision in hindsight its easier to see now though and question the whys and why nots etc.

And yes i'd love to have seen the Borellian Nomen used in the series alot more after the first season, cos they were obviously the 'gray area' that more dramatic stories could have so easily developed from! And according to the written fanfiction over the years the Borellians are a popular bunch to include in stories, who after a time, work along side with the other human colonists in order to survive the Cylons and other dangers.

Borellian Nomen = Great original concept in a sci-fi series

KJ

[LZaza]

Originally Posted by Antelope

Even as a boy this scene bothered me. I found the odds of the coincidence too large. I think they should have either let us know Chameleon always knew he was Starbuck's father for real and chose to let him think otherwise or let it stand that he was nothing more than a colorful con artist.

I thought there was a certain amount of poetic justice in the fact that Chameleon set out to use Starbuck, and then found that the Viper pilot was indeed his son. Not only did we see character development in Starbuck, but we then witnessed a selfless act from the long-established conman, Chameleon, however misguided.

[Senmut]

Yes! That was, to me, the whole point, Zaz.