The best 13 Battlestar Galactica episodes (and the 3 worst ones)
8. “The Oath” (Season 4, Episode 13)
Battlestar Galactica is known for its roller coaster of emotions, and “The Oath” is no exception.
Imagine being on a ship, your home world is no more, and everyone you love and depend on starts to… pick sides. Whispers of rebellion grow louder and louder, reaching ears that have yearned to hear of such plans, and it suddenly becomes clear as day: a mutiny is brewing.
Friendships that have survived conflicts and death scares are now on the verge of breaking, and it’s painful to watch. Who can you trust when the person next to you might just be on the opposing side? Who can you talk to about your concerns or plans to counteract any kind of rebellion?
As the episode unfolds, it’s not just about who’s right or wrong, but the lengths people will go to when pushed to the edge. This is a theme that BSG is unapologetically excellent at portraying and bringing into the spotlight: the threat of extinction changes everything and everyone.
This episode is honestly a masterclass in how to properly build tension and suspense in less than an hour. Viewers are kept glued to their seats, waiting, wondering: Will the Galactica family tear itself apart? Are Mom and Dad okay?
“The Oath” serves as a reminder of how fragile alliances can be, especially when everyone’s future is uncertain. This episode leaves you questioning the true meaning of loyalty.
7. “Downloaded” (Season 2, Episode 18)
“Downloaded” is a pretty refreshing episode.
While some one of us (don’t forget I usually like the bad guys) are consistently rooting for the human survivors and immersing ourselves in their stories, this episode lets us peek behind the curtain of the Cylon world. For once, the spotlight shines brightly on Caprica Six and Boomer, two characters we thought we knew, but… turns out we didn’t.
Instead of the familiar hallways of the Galactica or the busy streets of the growing New Caprica, we’re dropped smack dab into the Cylon society. We get to walk in Caprica Six and Boomer’s shoes, feeling their joys, struggles, and confusions. By the end of the episode, you can’t help but wonder: What does it really mean to be alive?