Black Market

[GoldCylon]

Battlestar Galactica, Jan. 27\

When I saw the trailer for this episode "Black Market," with its ominous music, dark tone and wording "the redemption of Apollo," I didn't have a good feeling about it. After viewing it, I'm glad I had lowered my expectations or else I really would have been disappointed in probably what is one of the weakest, if not the weakest, episode of an otherwise outstanding series so far.

The episode combines character development (Apollo) and a murder-mystery of sorts. Which is fine; we can't expect space battles in every show and it's good to learn more about the key characters. It was somewhat surprising to find out that Apollo had a relationship with an escort ... I guess prostitution is legal in space ... when his character to this point has been portrayed as one usually standing on the high ground. The relationship with Shevon, and her daughter, Paya, ends up playing a key role by the episode's end, but between the flashbacks, the daydreams of another blonde woman (Apollo's wife or girlfriend?) and the subterfuge, I had a feeling Apollo would walk away with nothing. Confused? It was one of those episodes....

Apollo investigates the murder of Commander Fisk aboard the Pegasus, which occurs after President Roslin decides she wants the black market among the fleet shut down. During the investigation, Apollo learns the black market is quite extensive, that Fisk was heavily involved in it and that even Galactica's XO Tigh did a few trades with Fisk. The black market leader, Phelan, tells Apollo to butt out and gives him a way out, but Apollo carries on. Quorum representative Tom Zarek (Richard Hatch) points the way to the Prometheus, where Apollo finds Paya locked up with other children (apparently to be sold) and discovers that Shevon had ratted on Apollo to Phelan in exchange for antibiotics for Paya's illness (saw that one coming). After Apollo tells Phelan that he came alone, but the Galactica can still vent the air on the Prometheus, but won't if Phelan stops the operation and allows Apollo to leave with Shevon and Paya, Phelan says Paya has been sold. Apollo grabs a gun, Phelan taunts him, saying he wouldn't shoot him, and Apollo does after he thinks of the blonde woman crying (just who is that blonde woman??). Phelan's bodyguards just stand there. WHAT! Apollo says you guys can stay in business but no holding back medicine and no harming kids. (Later we see Zarek on the ship and wonder if he stepped into the power vacuum or was behind it all along with Apollo.)

Shevon tells Apollo that she won't be a substitute for her ... who is the blonde woman???? ... and that's that.

In a clearer plot line, Roslin gives Baltar the chance to resign as vice president to return to being a scientist, he looks incredulous, says no, and walks out of her office.

Episode grade: D+'