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 (http://www.battlestargalactica.com/about/index.html ))

[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*
:muffit:

[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.

[WARDAGGIT73]

**

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

[shiningstar]

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]

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]

**

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

I absolutely loveeeeeeeed the bolos :thumbsup:

[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 :warrior: :thumbsup: :salute: :cylon: :cylon: :muffit: :beer: :beer: :corona: :maitai: :milk: :halo: three handed dealer on pinincis????? :salute:

[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"! :D Adama's reaction summed it up perfectly!
BRG

[peter noble]

The Man With Nine Lives

http://img174.exs.cx/img174/6103/mwnlheader0jy.jpg

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).

http://img195.exs.cx/img195/3926/mwnlstrip14eo.jpg

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

http://img171.exs.cx/img171/4057/mwnlstrip25ml.jpg

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.”

http://img171.exs.cx/img171/360/mwnlstrip39os.jpg

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!”

http://img158.exs.cx/img158/1338/mwnlstrip41pa.jpg

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!"

http://img158.exs.cx/img158/2253/mwnltag6pk.jpg

[Antelope]

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]

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.

[LZaza]

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.

[LZaza]

I think my only complaint with this ep was Starbuck's reaction to Apollo and Boomer checking up on Chameleon. I remember at the time writhing with embarrassment that he would react that way, breaking off their friendship.

But recently I was thinking about how much he wanted Chameleon to be his father, how much he needed to find his family, how he would have carried that one sore point through his life . . . and his friends challenged the fantasy of father reuniting with son that he was finally living out. So, his dramatic overreaction actually did make sense, especially since he is Starbuck.

[Senmut]

PLUS....
As a kid in the orphanage, I'll bet he had no rpivacy at all. Either the other kids going through his stuff, or the staff, always making sure he isn't doing something "wrong". "All for the good of the child, you know!"
Probably brought flashbacks.

[LZaza]

Yeah, I can see how Starbuck wouldn't necessarily be accustomed to someone actually looking out for his welfare, more they would have been making sure he didn't screw up. All from a disciplinarian point of view.

So how many orphans do you figure ended up in the Colonial Service?

[Senmut]

Quite alot. They have no families, no roots. It offers them the chnace for some sort of belonging and cohesion.

[djwajda]

i always loved this episode

[LZaza]

i always loved this episode

Me too. One of my favourites.

[Senmut]

And hey, Fred Astaire. Too bad Siress Blassie wasn't played by Ginger Rogers... :D

[Jubal]

For me, Battlestar and Buck Rogers had two great cameo moments. Battlestar with Fred Astaire and Buck Rogers with Buster Crabb (who played Buck Rogers in the 30's and still looked awesome in 1980... though he died not long after)

I am really torn which of the two cameos I liked best.

For Buck Rogers, you have the passing of the torch. Gil Girard (as Buck Rogers) is meeting Buster Crabb (as Col. Gordon... like Flash Gordon, another Crabb role).

SHEAR AWESOMENESS!

But then I am a big Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire fan. And here we have someone who I have seen in the big screen, that being Fred Astaire, and he is a good actor. A dancer first, but a good actor. And he is charming. I mean who better to show where Starbuck got his charm from than Fred Astaire... as a con man. :)

And apparently a womanizer as well, because Starbuck happened.

The episode kicks sideways from the exploring of planets and fighting Cylons or other races. Here we get to see life among the fleet. What it is like to see the civilian side of things. I liked that.

And you get to see the intra-fleet TV network. A nice touch.

You know if I had to demonstrate Battlestar Galactica in an episode, I probably wouldn't pick this one, but it soooo rounds out the feel of the show and balances out a lot. And for that reason it is one of those I like a lot.

Oohhh!!! Almost forgot. A few months ago Richard Hatch stopped in at a sci-fi convention in Plano. I'd seen Richard before but wanted to say hi and all. Always great to see him. So when I stepped over to his table, and got an autograph, I got it on a picture of him and Dirk, and Fred Astaire.

"Ahh it amazes me that more people don't pick that picture" he starts off by saying "maybe because it is a black and white print, but it was a joy to work with Fred Astaire." And he talked about how Fred was very quiet, but friendly to work with. Said that from his experience those that are truly big don't act big. He said that was the way of Fred Astaire. He was a big man, a great man, and well, he didn't act it.

That was just what I wanted to hear. Sometimes I find myself asking some stars about other stars that I never got to meet, as if a way to meet that other star second hand. Richard's moment of story telling was cool about Fred Astaire.

Now if I ever meet Gil, I hope he can tell me about Mr. Crabb. :D

[Benedict]

Fantastic post and I quite agree. Fred Astaire being the legend he was, his chemistry with Benedict. One scene that stands out in that regard is when they're on the shuttle going over to...Galactica or Rising Star. Also like, as you point out, the intra-fleet news. Reminds me of when I read that US carrier's have their own news station, at least it was true of the Enterprise.
Love that opening scene going to and on the Rising Star with Starbuck and his latest surefire win and poor old Apollo. "This is my conscience, Apollo."
Cool story about Hatch. Reminds me of when I met George Lazenby, though his comment was on the rarity of the picture I chose rather than the legend of someone like Fred Astaire :)
Never seem to get to meet these heroes of mine.

And yes on Buck Rogers though some of my favourite guests on the series Michael Ansara and Anne Lockhart (aside from Pamela Hensley, of course)

[skippercollecto]

Remember Clackers? I finally realized that they are what the laser bolls remind me of.

[Colonel Archon]

Quite a lot. They have no families, no roots. It offers them the chance for some sort of belonging and cohesion.

"No argument there," says Colonel Archon. "The raid on Umbra orphaned me too, just as it orphaned Starbuck. The main difference was that I didn't become this fumerello-puffing schemer, the way Starbuck did!"

[Senmut]

Okay, ya want The Star of Kobol, or a band-aid???

[Colonel Archon]

Okay, ya want The Star of Kobol, or a band-aid???

I am deeply honored.

But I must refuse.

[LZaza]

"No argument there," says Colonel Archon. "The raid on Umbra orphaned me too, just as it orphaned Starbuck. The main difference was that I didn't become this fumerello-puffing schemer, the way Starbuck did!"

There might be a therapist's couch available in Life Station, should you need it . . .:blink:

[Colonel Archon]

If anyone could say he is all right, after what we have been through, then I would set him up for catharsis treatment.

If that is not the Warrior you are used to, then you are perfectly welcome to ask me, "Whatever happened to the joy of living to fight another day?"

:colonial:

[LZaza]

Catharsis treatment, eh? Haven't heard that since the "Sum of All Parts" series. In these parts we'd rather have a drink in the OC.

"Fumarello puffing schemer" is not how I would characterize Starbuck, although there are certainly notable facets of those elements. However, every secton those character flaws were overshadowed by his heroism, devotion to his comrades, and his implicit skill. His character was all the more fascinating for the depth and dichotomy within the man.

[Senmut]

Cold drinks, Zaz!

[LZaza]

You pouring, Sen?

[Senmut]

Well, I'm usually accused of being a drip, but okay.

[LZaza]

A slow pour, then? Heh heh.

[Senmut]

Of course.
Would M'Lady like extra cream?

[Colonel Archon]

Uh, bar-man...

...some hot Caprican bean-mill, please?

My head feels like a solonite grenade just went off inside it.

[Senmut]

Tension headache, huh?

[Benedict]

I gave the episode a rewatch tonight as some form of tribute to the late Lance LeGault. Overall it's a nice little episode. The latter episodes of Galactica almost seem the better of the series as they're more focused on certain aspects or elements. The characters are confined to the Fleet (as well I imagine them to be often, planets often being few and far between). Good to see Astaire in some element and the interplay between him and Benedict.

I like to think that one day Starbuck found out Chamaleon was his father.

[Colonel Archon]

In answer to the question of how many orphans ended up in the Colonial Service, I, Colonel Archon, can think of one right off--myself. Remember, though Starbuck was--and I'm just guessing here--probably a scant five yahrens or so older than me at the time, I was orphaned in the raid on Umbra too!

But I was a mere baby then; I'm YAHRENS older than that now.

[Athene]

I gave the episode a rewatch tonight as some form of tribute to the late Lance LeGault. Overall it's a nice little episode. The latter episodes of Galactica almost seem the better of the series as they're more focused on certain aspects or elements. The characters are confined to the Fleet (as well I imagine them to be often, planets often being few and far between). Good to see Astaire in some element and the interplay between him and Benedict.

I like to think that one day Starbuck found out Chamaleon was his father.

Watched that again honour of Lance LeGault too. :salute:
In many fan fiction stories Starbuck finds out the Chameleon is his father.
Also really enjoyed the interplay between Astaire and Benedict. :)

[Eric Paddon]

I came across the first draft script version of this episode which was called "The Furlon" and noticed some interesting differences it it compared to the final version.

1-In the original episode, Athena and Sheba fly the shuttle that takes Apollo and Starbuck to the Rising Star and they also pilot the shuttle that takes them back. In the final episode this was changed so that it's Sheba and an unnamed female pilot who has just one line, "The Nomen did what?" (which was originally a line for Sheba) The fact they took away Athena's lines from this episode is a further insight into just how much Maren Jensen's role in the show was being diminished by this point.

2-Bojay was supposed to be in the episode too among those arriving on the Rising Star. Jack Stauffer I think later said he had another commitment and wasn't available after WOTG though there was always supposed to be an understanding he could come back later.

3-Also, the scene where Starbuck and Chameleon talk while the test is being given and Starbuck confesses that Cassie is the only woman he's considered getting sealed to is not present. And the scene where Chameleon tells Cassie she needs to lie about the test results being positive is very short and has none of the additional things that further underscore the fact that Starbuck and Cassie are more serious now (this may even explain why they felt they had to cut Athena out of the story entirely!). At any rate, I think this shows that the final draft of the script was much stronger than the earlier draft.

[Rowdy Yates]

Something interesting: not sure if anyone re-watched the series on the NBC site or app, but this episode was totally CUT? (Not sure why, but it's not even on the list?!) :?: