Blood on the Scales (2)

Season 4, Episode 16, Aired
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Episode Summary

President Roslin seeks refuge on the Cylon base ship after Tom Zarek and Lt. Gaeta take control of the Galactica. Gaeta is determined to break away from Adama's policy of cooperation with the Cylons but even he is disturbed by Zarek's violent actions.
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Fan Episode Reviews (27)

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  • Blood on the Scales

    10
    "Perfect"
    By TrueTvWatcher, Jan 25, 2012 Report Abuse
    Blood on the Scales was a perfect episode and follow up to what was happening in the Colonial Fleet. There was action, suspense, drama, intrigue, and some great character moments. I couldn't believe that many men and women would stand with Gaeta and Zarek, but it was interesting to see those who were still on the fence. The President was aboard the Cylon ship making broadcasts and when she threatened to come after each and every traitor I was in awe of how powerful she sounded, as were the Cylons. There were some shocking moments, and things were pushed to the limit, though in the end the world has been turned right side up, and things seem to be back in order. There were heavy losses, and it was sad to see people treat their own this way. I wonder why the President or anyone didn't reveal the larger truth of Earth, or why it's not discussed more. I look forward to watching the next episode!!!!!!!!!moreless

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    0 0

  • Another tough forty five minutes then but like all good car wrecks, you just can't look away.

    9.0
    "Superb"
    By screenagedkicks, Sep 09, 2011 Report Abuse
    Michael Angeli picks up quite admirably from where Mark Verherden left off with the second instalment of this two parter and continues Battlestar's current trend of high quality episodic entertainment. Much of the strength of 'The Oath' is inherent in 'Blood on the Scales': the continuing use of time as a predicate for narrative progression works wonderfully in keeping the dramatic tension levels stoked. The wealth of action is also encouraging. We are barely given a chance to pause for breath as first Adama is being given the most hokum trial known to man, then the Quorum are ruthlessly slaughtered by a completely barking Zarek, then Anders is shot and lies bleeding to death after Eugene Tooms murders a rebel with a pen and then Bill is before a firing squad, facing summary execution for his apparently 'treacherous' activities. This is unrelenting, difficult stuff, refusing to bow to narrative convention or attempt to sugar coat the brutality of what is truly going on. Kudos to the production staff for being brave enough to take this complete about turn in the mechanics of the plot to its logical conclusion and not 'chicken out', if you will, from presenting the viewer with the consequences of a failed revolution. One gets the distinct impression that nothing will ever be the same on the show now that two thirds of the crew have rebelled against their leader and he's back in power. Racetrack doesn't simply bow to Adama's will: he is reticent, holding firm in his beliefs. And Zarek and Gaeta... well, we all knew Tom would hold out until the bitter end but Felix? That was a surprise, but a pleasing one. He doesn't atone, there are no epiphianic, revelatory speeches. Instead, Angeli gives us a quiet, reflective scene with Baltar that somehow manages to encapsulate the essence of the character... and then shoots the poor bugger dead, execution style. It's a harsh fate for someone so misguided, perhaps, but then, it's the only logical one within the confines of the show's pre-established militaristic politics. To have merely reprimanded him just wouldn't have seemed right. You may not want him dead but you know it's what you should get.

    The writing staff certainly weren't exaggerating when they said in pre-season interviews that this would be a climate-changing, gigantic curveball of a decathlon and that, at times, it may make for somewhat harrowing viewing. However, it's all executed so elegantly, with such poise, style and sophistication, that you just cannot help but be swept along for the ride, regardless of just how damaging to your mental health it may be. Another tough forty five minutes then but like all good car wrecks, you just can't look away. Even when Roslin screams "I'm coming for you!" in the most unnecessarily hyperbolic tone imaginable.moreless

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    3 1

  • Why bother?

    5.0
    "Mediocre"
    By findusfunk, Oct 11, 2010 Report Abuse
    These last two episodes feel like too much of a waste of time and I felt like the producers/writers were treating the viewers like idiots.

    Rebellion - decent idea. Gaeta running it? You've got to be joking.

    Rebellion execution - garbage. Rebels who are afraid to shoot and kill any main characters (the important ones to kill!), last second reprieves, Lee and Starbuck saving the day almost single-handedly, rebel marines so weak that they can't escort two unarmed men without being distracted and disarmed by their "Oh, you're making a mistake, marine" chatter. Come on, total crap! The one bit of balls the writers had in having the Quorum executed was badly let down by the rest of the plot. You knew, absolutely knew through both episodes, that none of the main characters were actually in any danger because the writers wouldn't have the balls to follow through with actually killing them off. It makes for very boring and predictable watching.

    Adama's march through the ship to reclaim CIC, gaining supporting stragglers as he went, was cringeworthy to watch. Utter cheese.

    With only a limited number of episodes left, these two were almost a complete waste of space story-wise, we're just about back to square one. Give us some proper cylon interaction! Move the story forward! Give us a storyline that's believable in that it follows through with it's threat!moreless

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    5 20

  • Forces loyal to Adama and Tigh attempt to re-take Galactica.

    10
    "Perfect"
    By amangeorge, Aug 06, 2010 Report Abuse
    This was an astounding episode - truly gripping, painful, and wrenching to watch. The entire episode had me on the edge of my seat, terrified at what was going to happen. It took quite an emotional toll on me over the course of an hour. One of my favorite episodes this season, easily. Very well acted, brutal pacing, incredible acting (as expected) - quite the emotional rollercoaster. The ending is beautifully and unexpectedly staged. It wasn't until the end of this episode that I appreciated the whole mutiny story arc, which at first seemed like an annoying distraction from the events of the season designed to engross the audience in something other than the critical plot lines (which, still doesn't seem that far from the truth), however it ended up being extremely potent and a powerful reminder of how this show has achieved greatness.moreless

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    4 0

  • While the President seeks sanctuary in the Cylon base ship, Adama, Tigh, and small rogue faction seek to return order to the Battlestar Galactica.

    10
    "Perfect"
    By grovermerc, Aug 06, 2010 Report Abuse
    It is a shame to me that so many people I talk to lump this show into the category of just another sci-fi show. This episode is exactly why this show has been one of the most critically acclaimed shows for the last 5 years. The way that this show unfolds in such a distinct manner, but yet ties in some relevant current topics is simply brilliant and unseen on most of the rest of the tv schedule. Any episode that can tackle racism (ok against robots), murder, treason, and executions all in one episode and continue to lead us towards the grand finale is a perfect example of the quality with which this show is made! Bravo to the people of Battlestar for making one of the best episodes of any show this year...bar none!!!moreless

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    5 0
 

Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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  • Trivia

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    • There are 35 civilian ships left in the Colonial fleet. Edit

  • Notes

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    • As of the beginning of this episode, there are 39,603 survivors in the fleet, which means 40 people could have been killed during the mutiny from the previous episode, "The Oath". Note that in "The Oath", the whiteboard in President Roslin's office indicated that there were 39,644 remaining survivors while the main title sequence displayed 39,643 as the number of survivors. Edit
    • Alessandro Juliani read the "Previously on Battlestar Galactica" line for this episode. Edit
    • The Faster-Than-Light (FTL) drive on the Galactica was shown for the first time. Edit

  • Quotes

    ADD QUOTES
    • Roslin: No one believed that we would survive the Cylon nuclear holocaust, or the hell on New Caprica, or the 50,000 other crises we've lived through. But we did, we're here. We've made this veritable habit out of defying the odds, particularly William Adama. And he is alive. He is alive. And he will take command of this fleet again. And when that day comes, he's gonna know... who stuck with him and who ran. Now, who do you want to be? Who do you want to be? Edit
    • Gaeta: I just hope... I hope that people realize eventually who I am. Baltar: I know who you are, Felix. I know who you are. Edit
    • Tom Zarek: (to Gaeta) The truth is told by whoever is left standing. Edit

  • Allusions

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