BG-17: Hand Of God

[Flamingo Girl]

Sheba, Apollo, Cassiopeia and Starbuck retreat to an ancient navigation dome aboard the battlestar, where they intercept mysterious, fragmented transmissions (recognizable as those from the 1969 Apollo moon landings). As they attempt to enlist Boomer's electronics/communications knowledge with the transmissions, the fleet faces a Cylon basestar. Tired of running, Adama orders a military strike. Both Apollo and Starbuck volunteer to take Baltar's Cylon Raider to the basestar to infiltrate and cripple the ship's systems, to give the Galactica a better chance of victory. Baltar bargains for his freedom in return for tactical data. The Galactica (and Apollo/Starbuck's mission) is successful; the Cylon base ship is destroyed and the fleet departs their galaxy, in search of Earth.

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, Larry Manetti as Giles, Ed Begley, Jr. as Greenbean, and John Colicos as Baltar.

(Thanks to Michael Faries Battlestar Galactica.com (http://www.battlestargalactica.com/about/index.html ))

[The Blue Mule]

"Don't stand there gawpin , like you never seen the Hand of God before!"

[kingfish]

This episode is a classic. It is also the end of a magnificent series. The effects teams went out of their way in many instances. The Viper/Raider combat scenes seemed new in some shots. The audience was also shown the innards of the mighty Basestar.

[skippercollecto]

What I noticed even back in 1979 when it first aired was that the episode seemed almost "choreographed." I didn't pay attention to the special effects, but I did notice the camera angles. Some of the incidental music is new, too.
In the scene where Apollo and Starbuck first climb down the ladder in the base star, the camera is on the floor, looking up at them. This is an angle used only in this episode. And the way they descend the steps looks like it was planned out deliberately.

Mary

[Charybdis]

I have read recently that this was the only episode where there were no guest stars. I was thinking about this, but what about Fire in Space? Were there any guest stars in that one?

[kingfish]

Originally posted by Charybdis
I have read recently that this was the only episode where there were no guest stars. I was thinking about this, but what about Fire in Space? Were there any guest stars in that one?


Anne Lockhart.

[shiningstar]

I so agree Kingfish. I thought that was one of
the best special effects ever!

[amberstar]

I liked the part where Apollo Sheba Cassie and Starbuck were in the bubble on the Galatica. When Apollo opened the doors and you seemed to be just setting in space, that was a great scene! The only other time one could see space like that was in a viper, but you couldn't walk around.
Amberstar

[jewels]

amberstar: that is exactly why this was my favorite set. And my favorite space that I wish existed in reality. What a beautiful place.

My favorite scene is when Sheba finally cracks Apollo's shell and they both admit there might be feelings there.... it still kills me that the show ended with this episode because of that.

Jewels

[shiningstar]

I so agree Amberstar .........It was one of the best scenes ever.

[amberstar]

So many things about that show made it sad to see it end. That is the first time we also pick up a transmition from EARTH! Thanks to Starbucks gun. Cylons in the same galaxy as Earth, makes one wonder just how far the empire had sperad! Also, the Sheba Apollo twist; that leaves one wanting more........................

[originalsinner]

Even today we wont more, The series had something to build on.from this episode, Apollo and Sheba, The use of the space dome to find earth {And no just to make out in!} Baltar being free, and sent off to a near by planet.

[CaptainApollo]

Hello jewels, :)

Yep,
"The Hand of God" is my all time favourite episode,
The scene between Sheba and Apollo was deeply touching,
then afterwards when Cass and Sheba are in the Observation Bubble,
and
Cass: "...why did I ever fall in love with a Warrior?..."
Sheba: "...I don't know...",

And then the look of realisation on Cass's face,
Woo man, powerful stuff,


Originally posted by jewels
amberstar: that is exactly why this was my favorite set. And my favorite space that I wish existed in reality. What a beautiful place.

My favorite scene is when Sheba finally cracks Apollo's shell and they both admit there might be feelings there.... it still kills me that the show ended with this episode because of that.

Jewels


Take care, :)
CaptainApollo

[MMaola]

"The Hand of God" was, without a doubt, my favorite episode of Battlestar: Galactica. Whenever I think of the original series, THAT is the episode which comes first to mind. Ironically, as it was the last episode of the series, it was, I think, the most elaborate and gave the audience the best look at the "guts" of Galactica. And the set where the dome irised open and the navigator was virtually sitting in open space? FANTASTIC!!

But the most memorable thing of that episode for me was the revelation at the end that the signal they had received and been trying to "clean up" was from Tranquility Base announcing "The Eagle has landed!"

Now, as the episode played out, you could get this earlier than the closing scene, but much like "War of the Gods", the ride we were all on to get to those closing moments made it all worth it!

Truly a very good episode and a worthy LAST episode to a fantastic and enduring sci-fi series!

:warrior:

[dec5]

It was the last eppy of the series...and No Athena for the last few eppys... At this point of the show, us Maren Jensen fans just got fed up and watched something else.....when the series was on TV.

By the way it was a Skylab mock up that was used for the Base star interior....probably left over form the 6 million dollar man..hee hee.


I have to admit after the middle of the season...Maren for what ever reason was not being used...and in Glen Larson's last interview..he mentioned recasting Athena.....thank goodness he didn't get another season to do such a stupid thing......

That was the most frustrating point I had with BG TOS....I would have loved to see Athena and Apollo developed as a characters with Adama..but it was not to be. The comics did a better job.

Sorry folks...all these memories are coming back because of the DVDs....Glen Larson's best decision IMO was giving Maren Jensen a chance to go on the show...but his biggest mistake was not using her and Athena more on the show. For a lot of guys she was the big draw....and me included. I just hope Richard Hatch convinces Maren to come back to reprise Athena again....

[dec5]

One more thing...In the DVD where Richard ,Dirk,and Herb, do their commentary.....I am sooooo glad that they got to comment on their thoughts on how Maren was just stunning and had a natural acting ability that was really real...in spite of the crummy decisions to not use Maren and the short sightedness of how they treated her character in the latter part of the series. BG was great in the first 3 eppys...and I liked the episode Fire in space only because it was the only eppy that really featured Athena....again sorry folks...I am talking from a Maren Jensen fan's point of view.....heh and it was great to hear all three former cast mates say they were fans of Maren too....;)


http://www.boomspeed.com/dec55/marenjensen..JPG
Maren Jensen we miss you.

[kingfish]

I came to a conclusion after playing the game where one has to fly the Raider in formation, Apollo and Starbuck were either the luckiest two in the galaxy or the Cylons were mindless drones. It is very difficult to do. When did they train for the mission? A Raider flies much differently than the Colonial Viper. Also if the Cylons ran a scan at any time the gimmick would be up. Plus the fact that they flew straight into the middle of a patrol. :D

[Muffit]

Hi all!

I have to agree with many of you, this last ep was truly the best. I do love the Living Legend ep and it's a close tie, but after seeing these again, I'm beginning to lean more toward this one. Oddly, these two eps are what looks like everyone's favs. and they are both the only ones where the Galactica goes on the offensive. Hmm...

Here was a story and execution which gave us a taste of what truly could have been - BSG had turned the corner and was on its way to TV greatness. It is so bizarre that The Long and Winding Road is considered the Beatles' last group effort, and it summized that moment in time precisely. And here we had The Hand of God doing the same thing with BSG, so very very close to contact with Earth. And so terribly ironically, the message is received AFTER they leave the dome - EXACTLY what happened with BSG - they didn't learn how successful and beloved it really was till after they shut it down! Talk about prescience!!!

Time severed its ties with an emerging legend, and just like James Dean, we stop and wonder each of us, what truly might have been.

It was so close...
:muffit:

[Muffit]

P.S. Two funny shots! Starbuck at the base of the ladder as Cassie climbs above him - he begins to look up, then gives a mischievous grin and looks away (Cassie is in a dress and he's a gentleman after all...). The other one is when Cassie is arguing with him that he will probably meet a beautiful prisoner on the BaseShip - and Starbuck again gives a thoughtful rolling of the eyes - hey, it could happen! :)

BTW, Richard's impressively varied facial expressions when Sheba is trying to be intimate with him are fantastic - he says not a word, yet you can "see" his thoughts wandering from Serina to SHeba and back again - wow!

[ViperTech]

My favorite episode.

I like that they finally brought Apollo and Sheba's relationship to the forefront. It's powerful when Sheba actually mentions Serina. WOW! Good stuff.

The scenes in the celestial chamber dome are great. It was a great way to bring more depth to Apollo's character and give Starbuck and Cassie some funny banter. I love Anne Lockhart almost as much as Jane Seymour and Anne gives some wonderful performances in various scenes in the series, including the scene in this one with Apollo in the Raider. But I must say she over-acts with Sheba's reaction to the dome's view. Granted "Oh Apollo, I love it." is tough dialogue for any actor to work. I would have directed her differently. A simple nod with a look of deep wonder would have been better and more Sheba-like.

The Galactica attacking the Basestar was simply exciting, such a change from the other episodes in the series.
The infiltration of the Basestar by Apollo and Starbuck is
edge-of-your-seat excitement. And Boomer's famous line at the end is awesome.

On the Epic DVD Series, it is truly sad to hear the laments of various cast members (Richard, Dirk, Laurette, and Herb in particular) about how this episode showed how much the show had grown in a year and how good it could have been if more years of the show had been done. This episode leaves us with a wonderful ending to a great series.

Great episode.

[shiningstar]

I loved those scenes muffit. Thanks for pointing them out.
I will be watching that ep tomorrow!

[amberstar]

I finally got a chance to watch The Hand of God again tonight on Dvd, and it does leave you wanting more!
So much is left undone, the story has to continue......

To think we came so close with DeSanto........ and now maybe we have another chance if Larson will deliver on his decision to do a movie.
One can only hope :)

[WARDAGGIT73]

****

The most exciting Episode. I wish it could have been a 2 parter as it seems too short to be perfectly honest. Loved the touch of having the transmission of the Lunar landing after you see Starbuck and Apollo going down the hatch for the last time...

[Gunstar Aries]

MMaola, I agree with everything you said. So much so, these two sentences were the only things that made sense to post...

GA

[shiningstar]

amberstar: that is exactly why this was my favorite set. And my favorite space that I wish existed in reality. What a beautiful place.

My favorite scene is when Sheba finally cracks Apollo's shell and they both admit there might be feelings there.... it still kills me that the show ended with this episode because of that.

Jewels

Jewels I loved that scene too.

I also hated that the show ended with this episode and on THAT note
in Apollo's and SHeba's feelings for each other.

[launchcruiser7]

said new galaxy only basestar seen maybe this one was beforegreetings thats why they left terra just a thought best sci fi show best battlescene loved the longshot in terra when apallo comes towards the planet you can see the greatlakes and the mexican bay sure it was acopycat earth like in star treck i think it was muri or the one with the for ever children <not growing old> could the moon shot seen in dome have been from terra a long shot i know but it would tie it up better warstar cerbesus long range recon probe alpha this is flight comander mayhem who are you guys :salute: :cylon: :beer: :colada: :milk: :maitai: :norats: :superholy pray for spain and death to the cyclons and evil bomb builders god bless freedom and america :salute:

[skippercollecto]

There's been plenty of discussion over the years as to whether Apollo was willing--or even able--to return the feelings that Sheba had shown him in this episode. There is a deleted scene on the DVD that I think answers that question. This scene is just before Apollo and Starbuck launch in the Cylon raider. They are coming down the elevator, and Apollo says somewhat wistfully, "I wish I could have seen Sheba again." Starbuck gives him a questioning look, and then Starbuck gets another look as he realizes what Apollo is talking about.
Oh, how I wish this scene could have been included in the episode! It would have told everyone for sure what a second season could have brought!
Mary

[shiningstar]

There's been plenty of discussion over the years as to whether Apollo was willing--or even able--to return the feelings that Sheba had shown him in this episode. There is a deleted scene on the DVD that I think answers that question. This scene is just before Apollo and Starbuck launch in the Cylon raider. They are coming down the elevator, and Apollo says somewhat wistfully, "I wish I could have seen Sheba again." Starbuck gives him a questioning look, and then Starbuck gets another look as he realizes what Apollo is talking about.
Oh, how I wish this scene could have been included in the episode! It would have told everyone for sure what a second season could have brought!
Mary

That was one scene that should never have been cut. I think it was
crucial to the story line. Until I saw that scene ............I only THOUGHT
I had put two and two together ....................... :duck:

[skippercollecto]

There are three uncredited voices who can be heard in "The Hand of God," and they're always ignored in discussions of the episode, yet they are crucial to the storyline. Even more importantly, we all know who they are and can easily identify them!
They can be heard in the very last scene, and it is:

In the gamma frequency message, the voices say,
"3 1/2, 47 forward. Picking up some dust" (I think this is Buzz
Aldrin; somebody please correct me if I'm wrong.)
"We copy you down, Eagle" (capcom Charlie Duke)
"Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed" (Neil Armstrong)

Why are we always ignoring these three men? They're just as important in the Galactica saga as anybody else!

Mary

[shiningstar]

There are three uncredited voices who can be heard in "The Hand of God," and they're always ignored in discussions of the episode, yet they are crucial to the storyline. Even more importantly, we all know who they are and can easily identify them!
They can be heard in the very last scene, and it is:

In the gamma frequency message, the voices say,
"3 1/2, 47 forward. Picking up some dust" (I think this is Buzz
Aldrin; somebody please correct me if I'm wrong.)
"We copy you down, Eagle" (capcom Charlie Duke)
"Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed" (Neil Armstrong)

Why are we always ignoring these three men? They're just as important in the Galactica saga as anybody else!

Mary

You're right ........they are important. And NO they should never be ignored or
forgotten. :salute:

[Eric Paddon]

I have read recently that this was the only episode where there were no guest stars. I was thinking about this, but what about Fire in Space? Were there any guest stars in that one?

William Bryant as the lead fireman, and George Murdock as Salik merited guest star credit.

[Eric Paddon]

There's been plenty of discussion over the years as to whether Apollo was willing--or even able--to return the feelings that Sheba had shown him in this episode. There is a deleted scene on the DVD that I think answers that question. This scene is just before Apollo and Starbuck launch in the Cylon raider. They are coming down the elevator, and Apollo says somewhat wistfully, "I wish I could have seen Sheba again." Starbuck gives him a questioning look, and then Starbuck gets another look as he realizes what Apollo is talking about.
Oh, how I wish this scene could have been included in the episode! It would have told everyone for sure what a second season could have brought!
Mary


I couldn't agree more. That deleted scene is proof that Apollo's had his eyes opened up about how he really feels about Sheba, at long last. And to me, it's always made the idea of an eventual Apollo-Sheba pairing down the line all but inevitable.

Too bad Hatch forgot all about that in his novels.

[Senmut]

Agreed, this was truly in the pantheon of BSG eps. As to the cut scenes, only a witling would have cut them! Glad to see them exhumed after all this time.
As to the question about flying into a patrol. I would think Baltar's words made that clear. When asked what would happen if they landed without clearance, he says "probably nothing". The Cylon arrogance is so deep that it would never occur to them that one of their own fighters could be flown by Humans. If one flew into a patrol, they would merely assume it was one of theirs. Period. A weakness that is obviously ripe for exploiting.
Just one question...even Baltar wears a helmet inside the fighter. Why don't Starbuck and Apollo?

[JustinB]

:beer: This episode is my favourite out of all of them. It has action and gives an insight into how the relationship between Apollo and Sheba might have gone if the series had continued. Add in the Battlestar v's Basestar and you have on hellava episode. There were a few deleted scenes that should have made it in, especially the one with Starbuck and Apollo on the elevator :warrior:

[kingfish]

I couldn't agree more. That deleted scene is proof that Apollo's had his eyes opened up about how he really feels about Sheba, at long last. And to me, it's always made the idea of an eventual Apollo-Sheba pairing down the line all but inevitable.

Too bad Hatch forgot all about that in his novels.


Eric the ghosts :eek: forgot about it. Richard gives them his notes. ;)

[Eric Paddon]

I can't imagine Richard's notes are that illegible. :) At any rate though he should have gone to the fanfic ranks for a better ghost!

[Omega]

I'm always a bit melancholy watching this one. It's a great episode, close to if not my favorite, but always tinged by the knowledge that there won't be any more. Now of course, I can always start over with disc 1 again, but I always remember how I felt when I found out there would be no second season when I was young.

[BRG]

First class! :warrior: Another 5 out of 5 episode! :)

This was a brilliant episode. Easily the best 1 hour episode, and on a par with Living Legend & War of the Gods as standout episodes of the series.(War of the Gods is my own favorite)

Like the other great episodes of the series, it has a mix of edge of your seat action and gripping emotional drama, with a few wee comedy moments thrown in for good mesure!
At last, Adama lets the Galactica bare her teeth and go head to head with a Basestar! We have Starbuck & Apollo going on a SAS style commando raid inside the Basestar to blind her sensors! AND we have Boomer & Sheba leading the Galactica's Viper squadrons on a full scale engagement against hundreds of Cylon Raiders! :eek: ALL IN LESS THAN AN HOUR!!! :salute: ;)

I loved the two scenes when the women had there moment with Apollo and Starbuck just before they left on the latest suicide mission. Sheba opening up to Apollo was a wonderfull scene, played beautifully by Hatch & Lockhart. You sensed that she really hit home with Apollo, and you could read it all over his face. And Cassie reaction to Starbuck being involved in another crazy plan was also well acted. It really seemed real to me that a woman would react this way if her man was always the one chosen for these missions, even if she knew he was the best man for the job. And despite Starbuck's flippant tone in his answer as to why he was going- "Well, Apollo's going so....", it spoke of the cameradery that these men have. "All for one and one for all" someone said on another review, just look at Boomer's face when told he would not be going with Apollo & Starbuck, those words are perfect! :thumbsup: :salute:

One other wee point. In the excellent scene in the observation dome, when Apollo speaks about how the dome is used for exploration, and how he has restored the anceint systems in his spare time, this is a nice wee callback to his discussion with Zac in Saga, when they are out on patrol and he tells his wee brother that he hopes they can return to deep space exploration after the war. A nice wee touch in my opinion! :)

So, an excellent episode to round off an excellent series! Why this never earned a second season is beyond me? :?:
BRG

[Eric Paddon]

I have always been convinced that I would still not be a Galactica fan today all these years later if it weren't for the fact that "Hand Of God" managed to hit every right cylinder and show the series at its best. Back in 1979, at age 10, I loved this episode because I had gotten thoroughly bored by the lack of Cylons for a long time so getting back to some battles was welcome. As an adult though, I learned to see the real strengths of this episode in terms of character development, and also in how it managed to end the first season on a hopeful note that while the journey to Earth was far from over, they had given their enemy a powerful beating and were moving in the right direction.

If the dreadful Terra trilogy or "Take The Celestra" had been the last episode, I would have been left more with a sense of Galactica fizzling out altogether and would not have felt the need to return to it as a fan in later years. I'll always be grateful that HOG provided something different.

And Omega, I too feel a bit sad when the last scene opens and you hear that music and the camera zooms in on Apollo in the dome. It almost conveys a sense of "It's now time to say goodbye" every time I see it. And the more I see HOG, the more I get self-conscious about the last lines in the series uttered by a particular character.

[Senmut]

This is intriguing. I too get the feel from the music as the camera closes in on the dome that this is it. We have come to an end of sorts. It conveys sadness, perhaps a little mournful bitterness. The ONLY thing really missing from this ep would have been an appearance by Athena, as her brother returned. Otherwise, it is as close to perfect as a TV episode of anything can get.

[bsg1fan1975]

I too loved how Sheba made Apollo finally wake up and see that life does go on. She knows deep down that he will always love Serina but he has a chance to love and go on as Serina might have wanted him too.

[kingfish]

It is sad because like others stated this was the last we would see of the show we loved. The show was gone, Mork & Mindy in it's place. Then the previews, BG was coming back but with no Starbuck or Apollo. Dr Zee and a glimpse at what happened to our beloved Starbuck, left to perish only to be transcended as a BOL. It could have been worse. Episode synopsis for the second season would have killed BG in a worse way than G-1980. I really wonder if Larson submitted the scripts to have the show killed off. He had to see that to go in a totally new diirection with BG would have meant that "Their destruction is complete." Sheba would have been killed off in the second season premiere setting a chain of events off that would have lead to role reversal. Apollo was becoming a ladies man throwing caution to the wind. Starbuck was becoming the voice of reason and a promotion to colonel was mentioned. Boomer was becoming a genius via Dr Zee. Cain was an android reprised by Lloyd. Yikes no. The biggest mystery is who were Dillon's parents? My take, Cassi and Cain, Starbuck and Cassi, Athena and Starbuck. The last seems feasable since Dillon was a southpaw.

[Captain Bran]

I love "The Hand of God". I think it is my favorite episode. I really wish this series had a chance to grow. The new series sounds fun and I will probably watch it. But I feel it will lack the magic of the original.

:salute:

Captain Bran

[peter noble]

Hand of God is probably one of the best endings to an SF show EVER! The only one I think that can match it is the last episode and closing scene of Blake's 7.

Peter

[Captain Bran]

I also like the ending of the Star Trek Next Gen episode called "Best of Both Worlds Part 1" :)

I have never seen Blakes 7 but I read recently in SFX about the episode in which you speak of! It gave it high remarks!



:viper:

Captain Bran

[BST]

Welcome to the Fleets, Captain Bran!!

First one's on me:

:beer:

if no :beer: then,

:milk:

:D

[kingfish]

I also like the ending of the Star Trek Next Gen episode called "Best of Both Worlds Part 1" :)

I have never seen Blakes 7 but I read recently in SFX about the episode in which you speak of! It gave it high remarks!



:viper:

Captain Bran



Welcome to fleets. BoBW rocked. George Murdock (Dr Salek) was Admiral Hansen in the two parter killed at Wolf 359. Picard as Locutus was a shocker. I think DeSanto must have watched for he had his own version, Apollo leading the Cylons as a cylon/humanoid.

[BST]

Hey Kingfish!!

Congrats on your 2nd Base ship!!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[kingfish]

Thanks.

Paul :thumbsup:

[DanTanna]

I laughed out LOUD when the Galactica opened fire on the base ship and the scene cuts to the Gold "Boss" Cylon:

Massive explosion sound
Boss Cylon: "Whaaat Happened"?

True classic! :)

[Fragmentary]

Welcome aboard DanTanna :salute:
And you're right, that is a classic little moment :thumbsup: Think we can get you up past a post a month? ;)

[Wildcard]

maybe it is only wishful thinking but I always get the feel of closure with this ep. kind of like the characthers were saying, "its OK that its ending for you this way because we are going to still go on fighting, loving and living." We all so didn't it to end so soon, but look here we all are and it hasn't ended.


enough sentimental crap. i love it when they blow that Basestar back to hell!!! :salute: But were are the bloody Solonite missiles? I LOVE SOLONITE MISSILES!!!!

[skippercollecto]

Adama's model of the Cylon base star--was it one of the actual models used in the fleet scenes, or was it a Mattel toy, or was it a model specifically designed for this episode?

[David Kerin]

From the size it looked like the production model used for the special effects. The conumer model kit was much smaller.

[monolith21]

Definitely one of the better episodes. It is a pity this one cannot be reconciled time-line wise with the Galactica 1980 series.

I was thinking that it was a pity that Galactica (spit) 1980 in its entirety couldn't be reconciled time line, plot line, and quality wise with Battlestar Galactica! :rotf:

[Athene]

I was thinking that it was a pity that Galactica (spit) 1980 in its entirety couldn't be reconciled time line, plot line, and quality wise with Battlestar Galactica! :rotf:
I agree with you partly on this. Don't forget the excellent episode "The Return of Starbuck". ;)

[Benedict]

Looks like I've not done something here so will try. Usually I work through the series every year (much like The Prisoner it seems) rather than pluck at random but tonight just to pass some time before bed I did so with this episode.

I've always liked it but feeling as I watch it that sense it's the end. Maybe because it's the end there's also a sense of going out guns blazing. A few parts I always enjoy: the gang of four getting all sheepish when Adama asked why they were in the dome, the decision to attack the Basestar or even the Deep Probe music, the Sheba/Apollo moment on the raider (even if it's another Sheba cries moment) complete with that music ("Sheba and Apollo's True Feelings" I believe), Baltar and Adama's scene in the cabin and various pieces like the Skylab set.
Only problem apart from it being the final episode ever is the virtual deluge of recycled clips at the end that I guess were needed in their droves to keep the allusion of a big battle going yet I swear Jolley and Sheba just vanish from the battle (much like in, I believe it's Gun on Ice Planet Zero, when alert is sounded it's the alert clip from Saga of a Star World and you see Starbuck at the card table despite being on the surface of Zero or how Serina launches in the same episode...) and on top of this the lack of budget perhaps telling.

Yet, we get to the end wondering...if only..

[Apolloisall]

Only problem apart from it being the final episode ever is the virtual deluge of recycled clips at the end that I guess were needed in their droves to keep the allusion of a big battle
Yeah, visually it had a lot of budgetary restrictions, but what a fracking cool story, & I loved the dialogue.
Waggling, heh heh!:rotf:

[Senmut]

Has anyone seen the re-edit? Redone FX shots.

[Apolloisall]

Has anyone seen the re-edit? Redone FX shots.

No... I want to...:cry:

[BST]

Has anyone seen the re-edit? Redone FX shots.

Which re-edit?

Who did it?

[Apolloisall]

Which re-edit?

Who did it?
The Legendary David Kerin, I assume.:salute:

[Benedict]

Indeed I've seen the re-edits. Gives the Galactica bigger teeth if you will with those lasers that fire forward into the Basestar.

If only the entire series could be done that way but that's for another story.

[Senmut]

Yes. The bean-counters at ABC robed us of what could have been.

[Apolloisall]

The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long...:(

[Senmut]

Depending on the fuel supply...

[Apolloisall]

Hand of God was the perfect end to a series like Galactica on the brink of cancellation. Don is to be commended, and I followed his stuff (Airwolf, Magnum...) with joy.:salute:

[Gundark]

Watched this (final) episode yet again, with a studious eye. Just so well edited to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together. The camera angles on the ladder in the base ship core, when Apollo and Starbuck were entering (and exiting) were almost POV - great !!

It seemed like all the scenes tightened up, and heightened the tension as the episode went on - to reach the final destruction of the base star. It had a completely different flavor & tone from all the other previous episodes. The conversation on the Cylon fighter between Sheba & Apollo - Sheba just completely unloaded her guns on him and it was so raw, like laying open a fresh wound.

The gamma transmission of the moon landing - can you imagine if the Colonials had seen the whole thing, from the start, and the word "Apollo" came across the air - gosh, where would you go with that storyline, folks ??

This (final) episode gave us everything - appetizer, entree and dessert. Only we didn't realize that while we were eating the final course, the restaurant was closing permanently. So unfair, but I do agree with the consensus of the fans here that the second season script ideas were...choosing poorly.

[Eric Paddon]

Well, they never would have heard "Apollo" in the transmission since the conversations were always addressed to either "Columbia" (the command module) or "Eagle" (the LEM. You can even hear "Eagle" in the audio in the scene where Boomer plays it back) but I get your point. :)

The episode to me is absolutely flawless in terms of execution. There was one deleted scene I wish had stayed in where Apollo muses at one point before they leave, "I kind of hoped I'd see Sheba again" because that proves beyond any doubt that she's made an impact on him (we could have sacrificed all the extra giggling at Boomer's expense when he gets awaken to make room for that IMO)

[Gundark]

Eric, quite true it was "Columbia" and "Eagle" throughout the lunar mission - I guess I was musing that it would be an interesting storyline to pursue, as you understood.

I've also watched the deleted scenes, of course, and I agree that line was very important to include - to the point that I am working it into my story.