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?


--------------------------------------------------------------------


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

Comments

[ourmutualfiend.livejournal.com]

Well he was schtupping that hooker on the black market pleasure barge. He saw first hand how the Other Half Lives.

According to EGO, they are planning more spin off flicks; I wonder if the mutiny will get further development after the fact. Not that it matters or interests me (because the actors/characters I care about watching have most assuredly moved on from BSG) but when you mentioned the mutiny that popped into my head. It was certainly a hot potato of a dropped storyline, and an interesting one at that. So much potential.

[innibis.livejournal.com]

Hey, he was just doing his part by supporting the fleet economy and the working girls.

Maybe they should do a spin off from Black Market where's Lee's supporting the working boys too. He believes in equal opportunity. . .

[ourmutualfiend.livejournal.com]

Now there's an idea... I heart Slut!Lee, I admit.

In a similar vein, I would also love to read a WWII BSG AU. I know Sept 11 is the noted historic parallel for BSG, but WWII makes perhaps more sense to me. Or maybe I'm projecting my fascination for that era's culture. Idk, Idk.

[innibis.livejournal.com]

Do it - I'd love to read WWII Lee. I think it'd be great. He'd be pretty awesome as a prosecuter in the Nuremburg trials as well. (why yes I'm still stuck on international law)