My favorite episode is “33.” It is only the first episode of the series, but thanks to the miniseries preceding it, the cast already understands the characters they play and the dire situation they are in. ’33’ sets the tone for the entire series.The premise is that a pursuing Cylon fleet relentlessly attacks the Galactica every thirty-three minutes for five days straight. You feel the raw tension as the attacks come on a regular basis, every single day, with the crew unable to sleep because they have to constantly be on alert.
Roslin maintains a board in which she keeps a head count of survivors. It starts out at just below 50,000 and lowers as casualties mount in the attacks. It is a subtle, but poignant way to generate empathy for the crew. Humanity is very much on its last legs, hounded by a more powerful enemy ent on its complete annihilation.
The episode is somber. A lot of te elements reminded me of 9/11 when I first saw it--the makeshift memorials, the uncertainty of further attacks, and the military destroying a an empty civilian ship the Cylons had bee usig to track the fleet, among others.
“33’ ends on a happy note with a child being born, allowing Roslin the add oe more to the survivor count. This was a fantastic introduction to the series.
