‘Battlestar Galactica’ fulfills its ‘Oath’ with latest episode (1)

A friend of mine recently suggested that “Battlestar Galactica” be nicknamed “As the Basestar Turns.” Although it takes place on spaceships, at times the acclaimed Sci Fi channel series seems more soap opera than space opera, given that plot points have involved terminal illness, adultery, alcoholism, unexpected pregnancy, surprise resurrections and evil twins. Some of the android Cylon characters have, in effect, hundreds of evil twins. Take that, “Days of Our Lives!”

So it’s a relief that the show’s Jan. 30 episode, “The Oath,” proved such a compelling, almost unbearably suspenseful return to form. The third of the show’s final 10 episodes (nicknamed “Season 4.5,” to distinguish it from the 12 episodes of Season 4 that aired in 2008 — got that?), “The Oath” offered a prime example of the show’s ability to embed knotty moral dilemmas into thrilling action tropes. It’s like the Jan. 16 season premiere, with its game-changing revelation about Earth, were just build up to “The Oath.”

Before getting into “The Oath,” however, you may have heard about what happened with the “Battlestar Galactica” season premiere broadcast in Canada: A pivotal moment on the episode was followed immediately by a breathtakingly inappropriate commercial break. A clip capturing the unfortunate juxtaposition has already taken on viral life of its own, known as “Worst Commercial Placement Ever” (both in terms of song choice and dominant image). You don’t have to know “Battlestar Galactica” to appreciate it, but if you’re interested in the show and haven’t seen the episode yet, DO NOT WATCH THIS, because it hinges on a huge spoiler.