The spirit of the law versus the letter: Bastille Day

[workerbee73.livejournal.com]

Please for give my tardiness, y'all. RL has been off the charts insane this week, and I haven't had time to devote to the meta-poetry-fic. Instead, I'm pulling a page from the eighth-grade playbook and throwing out some discussion questions.  I love this episode for many, many reasons.  (Not the least of which is the one we're looking at below.)

 

 

To the discussion!!!

Letter \ˈle-tər\ — actual terms or wording; literal meaning, as distinct from implied meaning or intent; the strict or outward sense or significance; Meaning in our case, succession of office was properly implemented—authority is just. We don’t owe the people anything else. No reason to promise anything, especially once you have the upper hand.

 

Spirit \ˈspir-ət\ — the general meaning or intent of a statement, document, etc.; In other words, the law must be followed, but not manipulated. Power doesn't exist to gain more power; it exists to ensure freedom and the rights of all. It means you that can't hold on to power simply for the sake of keeping order/control—even if you feel it's in the best interest of the people.

 

Be polite to all, but intimate with few.

 

Every generation needs a new revolution.

 

I have no ambition to govern men; it is a painful and thankless office.

 

                                                                                     – Thomas Jefferson

 

 

 

Discussion questions:

 

What does a free society mean when there are only fragments of a civilization left? How does survival change the equation?

 

Did Lee make the right decision about promising the elections, especially considering what happened (and who was ultimately elected)?

 

Why do you think Starbuck insisted on going on the mission? 

 

Is Zarek a noble figure, an idealist—or merely out for himself?

 

 

Important pilot-centric shippy discussion questions:

 

Zarek has a long bit of dialogue explaining the meaning of Lee's callsign, Apollo. Lee calls it "just a stupid nickname." How does his callsign fit him (or not fit him)? 

 

Why did Kara apologize/offer the olive branch to Tigh at the end? What was she feeling guilty about? And was Tigh right that her problems are professional and not personal?

 

 

 

Really REALLY important discussion questions:

 

What the hell ever happened to Boxey?

 

Why does Lee look even hotter all beat up?


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All right, kids.  Go forth and discuss.  : )

Comments

[muddlingalong.livejournal.com]

Maybe I haven't been watching closely enough, but I think this is the first time we get to see Apollo's arms. It was certainly the first time I noticed them.

Letting my geek out, the question becomes one of causality. Do I notice his arms because Lee is somehow hotter beaten up, or does he appear hotter all beaten up because it happens to be the first time we've seen those spectacular arms?

I can't believe I'm going to let other people read this. *hides*

[kellychameleon3.livejournal.com]

Yes! Bastille Day is the first time I really noticed Lee's arms. And I said, "Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn!" Hee!

I don't know why I didn't notice them before. Perhaps his arms were featured more because BD was the first ep that was really Lee's to carry. Also the overhead lighting was incredibly helpful in highlighting the Bampceps. :D

And I agree, sweaty, bloody Lee is hawt!!

[workerbee73.livejournal.com]

OMG you're right! I don't think we see those lovely arms in the mini or in Water or 33 (he was either in uniform or in his flightsuit). AWESOME.

It really is a chicken and egg argument. The bloodied up-ness certainly adds to the hotness, but the arms themselves are ... well, marvelous.

No! Don't hide! Keep these fantabulous insights coming! We needs 'em. : )

[eugis.livejournal.com]

Bastille Day was glorious, arms wise. :)

There's no part of Lee that isn't spectacular.

[muddlingalong.livejournal.com]

Gotta love the BAMCEPS!!!!!!!

I think they're delicious icing on a piping hot crumpet. Just don't tell my boyfriend :p.