Caprica 1x16

Despite the build-up towards the series’ end and despite the fairly good previous episode, this installment was rather a dud. For instance, suddenly a new character is introduced, who threatens to unveil the whole scheme the Adamas are running, smuggling Cylons to the resistance on Tauron against the Guattrau’s wishes. This dangerously seductive dame just got out of prison, but what do you know, her name is Fidelia (“Loyalty”)! At the STO training camp on Geminon, Lacey Rand discovers that she can give orders to one particular Cylon that overrides authorized officers. She believes this is the U-87 in which Zoe’s avatar was once trapped, but we know that cannot be, because that specimen is lying at Daniel’s lab. Curious. Quite naturally, Lacey also commences a romantic affair with thundergod Odin, who likes to smoke weed through the barrel of a gun.

For their part, the Avenging Angels Zoe and Tamara have now become mediaeval damsels in distress in their virtual fortress far, far away from the vices of New Cap City. Daniel Graystone, however, is desperate to talk to his daughter – if only to understand better how his daughter can still be alive in virtual reality. He enters the holographic machine, somehow whisking Tamara to him, hoping that she can mediate with Zoe. Then Zoe bashes into their conversation and slashes her father with a knife. If Daniel and Amanda ever wish to see their virtual daughter again, they should need some hired muscle to restrain her. Sam Adama, at first, wants no part of it. Yet, when he finds his nephew sporting an Avenging Angels t-shirt, he is determined to join Daniel – if only to end the travesty once and for all.

Over at the Willows, meanwhile, Amanda has switched Clarice’s holoband for recently burned agent Duram. When the Willows find out, they realize Amanda has been the one spying on them, and they have killed their wife Marbeth for nothing. Oh, the betrayal. Mind you, they were plotting a major terrorist attack to make martyrs of the Soldiers of The One. Just when Amanda has handed Clarice’s holoband to Duram, he is shot and the holoband is stolen. But who now has all Clarice’s information about STO members and terrorist plots, the Avatar software, and Clarice’s delusional Apotheosis program? So many plotlines and so little that’s fascinating or entertaining. And all of this is somehow going to lead up to the circumstances that set off the entire Battlestar Gallactica series...