4×01/4×02 – Razor
During the later stages of the First Cylon War, a young Lt. William Adama discovers, by chance, an abandoned lab where the Cylons conducted gruesome experiments with live human subjects.
Rating: **** :: Solid, entertaining, and a welcome return from Michelle Forbes and the Pegasus.
4×03 – He That Believeth In Me
Starbuck returns to the Galactica and faces doubt from her former crew members as she tries to convince them she knows the way to Earth. Meanwhile Baltar takes up residence with a faction of his followers who believe he can save a young boy suffering from viral encephalitis.
Rating: *** :: Again, solid, but perhaps somewhat of a let-down after the high-expectations at the end of the last season.
4×04 – Six of One
Starbuck faces the repercussions of her armed confrontation with President Roslin and loses the confidence of most of the crew. After learning the Final Five models are within the colonial fleet, a Number Six model named Natalie leads a coup within the Cylon hierarchy.
Rating: *** 1/2 :: Strong. Many memorable scenes here, including Adama’s leaving the military and the execution of the Cylon Council by Six’s Centurions. Return of the Bastille Day theme from Bear McReary also. Magnificent.
4×05 – The Ties That Bind
While Starbuck commands a lone freighter in her desperate search for Earth, political intrigue and marital discord aboard the Galactica are paralleled by deep rifts in the Cylons’ solidarity.
Rating: **** :: Death of Cally. Starbuck scenes on the Demetrius the weaker parts of the show.
4×06 – Escape Velocity
Baltar’s monotheistic cult activities expand, sparking political discord at the Quorum of Twelve, and possibly a religious civil war, while Colonel Tigh’s mental state again becomes fragile.
Rating: **1/2 :: Okay. No real arc development here however, punctuated by a handful of noteworthy scenes.
4×07 – The Road Less Travelled
Starbuck faces mutiny on board the Demetrius when she expresses her intent in cooperating with the Cylon Leoben, who has boarded the ship to help her find Earth.
Rating: ** :: Weakest so far; season begins to feel like it’s starting to stagnate somewhat. Still a few good scenes, and Tyrol sports a new Kevin Pietersen-style haircut.
4×08 – Faith
Starbuck leads a mission to see the Cylon Hybrid who reveals more clues to finding Earth. On Galactica, President Roslin discusses religious faith with a dying woman named Emily.
Rating: *** :: Stronger. “You are the Harbinger of Death, Kara Thrace. You will lead them all to their end.” Moments like this raise the episode an entire star, and finally the Starbuck/Demetrius arc begins to move again. Surprisingly strong performance from Nana Visitor.
4×09 – Guess What’s Coming To Dinner?
Bitter enemies must set aside their grudges as the Demetrius crew teams up with Cylon rebels to destroy a vital enemy target.
Rating: **** :: Gaeta loses a leg. Much drama. Excellent. This episode ups the ante, and with a chilling final scene, this feels like Galactica again.
4×10 – Sine Qua Non
In the aftermath of President Roslin’s abduction, a bitter power struggle erupts which threatens to tear the once-ordered world of the colonial fleet apart.
Rating: **** :: Strong performances abound here, notably from Edward James Olmos and Michael Hogan. Romo comes back, briefly. A phantom cat. Very, very good.
4×11 – The Hub
In pursuit of the enemy’s Resurrection Hub, a misfit team of Viper pilots and Cylon rebels become uneasy collaborators in formulating a battleplan.
Rating: **** :: D’Anna revived. Baltar gets shot. Adama’s in love. Very solid, very fast moving, filled with tremendous visual effects and character moments.
4×12 – Revelations
A band of rebel Cylons hold President Roslin hostage while attempting to lure the Final Five out of hiding aboard Galactica.
Rating: ***** :: Very almost perfection. Stunning visuals, music and pacing culminates strongly. Magnificent Galactica.
Overall, an enjoyable if inconsistent opening twelve episodes for Galactica’s fourth season. Provided the writers carry on the momentum of the finale and don’t fall back into the trap of several weeks of no progress, we could be in for a stellar final run-in. Don’t frak this up, writers!