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

[rdave1.livejournal.com]

This is also one of my favorite episodes. We slowly see Lee come in on his own. The Lee we come to know at the end shines a little in this episode. Plus the man looks hot beaten and bruised and his cuffed arms. Gods helps us:)

So on with the q's:

1. The question is, is there such thing as a free society when there is only fragments of a civilization left? I think up until a certain point, there has to be some sort of ‘dictatorship’. Someone who can lead while the rest of humanity copes with the end of the worlds. But eventually you have to move towards reintegrating the rest of humanity. If the person is unwilling to incorporate others, they will be over thrown. People can be distraught for a time but no one is stupid they will catch on eventually. Free society has to exist but I think when it comes to the reintegration, it is all about timing. The right time and right people will only strengthen the rest of the population while a bad choice will create havoc because power is what is important to them.
2. I think Lee made the right choice in promising elections. His intentions were correct. Democracy had to exist, something of the old had to survive, something that the people had to look forward, that their voices were being heard. Lee would never have known the outcome of the elections; his guess would have been as good as the next guy. The Lee we know expects the best from others, the innocence that slowly starts fading after this episode.
3. Simply put because she couldn’t let another Adama die if she had the chance to save him. Of course, that is my shippy answer. My shippy answer is she didn’t want her man to be shot.
4. I still think Lee should’ve let Kara shoot Zarek when she had the chance. I think Zarek thinks he is noble but he always does what’s good for him. He is much like Baltar but he manipulates and looks like the victim and Baltar gets caught in his own lies.
5. Lee’s callsign fits him perfectly. It works in with the mythology of the show. Apollo is the God of Hunt. Lee is always hunting for justice, truth and the right thing. He has a chariot; his viper, the Pegasus and then Colonial One. Lee is also Apollo, the God of Sun. The light that shines bright for the new dawn. He was the leader that led them to their new home. Also, his twin is Artemis, who matches him in every way. In Lee’s case, his twin is more like his soul mate, his better half; the person that completes him in everyway a human needs completing. In other words Kara Thrace. Apollo = Lee Adama
6. I think out of all the people on Galactica, Tigh and Kara are probably more different and alike at the same time. Their personal problems affect their professional duties. Kara needs Tigh on her side (up to a certain point), granted Lee is the CAG and Adama is the Commander but Tigh still has some power. She needs Tigh to keep flying, with Lee. No need to hold grudges when the worlds have ended. Kara and Tigh have no families of their own, the only family/friends they have are Lee and Bill, respectively.
7. Great question! I’m still wondering. I was hoping to see him strolling on Earth 2.0. We never did see him after this episode. I am sure he was running sort of something on one of the other ships. I’m sure he learned some leadership skills from Kara.
8. Well, it is BECAUSE HE IS LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is no way he can look un-hot EVER. It’s a skill and an art form! The man is God for nothing.:)