Battlestar Galactica - Season 1 - Episode 9 - "Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down"

So after the super tense last episode the series does the unexpected and throws in some comedy. Even more surprising is that the subject of the comedy is the ever mounting paranoia sweeping through the fleet, something one would assume is rife for tense drama.

I think it's fair to say that this was a "catch your breath" episode, a moment to pause before further tense drama winds up the story arc (I hope). The comedy, at times, verged on farce and created a highly unlikeable character in the form of Ellen. Her moments were a bit too brash for me and it made me realise how wonderfully subtle Baltar's comedy was in comparison. Although this episode Number Six's appearance in Baltar's head was all together more sinister, it's a wonderful relationship, every moment they're on screen together is great entertainment.

Meanwhile the Caprica/Helo story is dripfed to us again at an agonising pace. The only respite is the scenes with Doral and Six, which continue to be wonderfully shot, emitting a cosy overexposed feeling as they wander the streets. Plus Six let a moment of emotion cross her face when Doral talked about Helo's devotion to Sharron. Does she remember Baltar? Does she miss him? Intriguing.

The final shot is a classic, Baltar spinning on a chair amidst a crowded lab, lost in his head with Number Six. I feel a bit sorry for him.

Oh yeah, the titles. I've got good at closing my eyes through the fast forward preview of the whole episode, but it really annoys me.

No more Battlestar Galactica until the new year now. What will I do with myself?!