![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
proggrrlUnder the cut are my thoughts and speculations related to the “Extended Ron Moore” cut of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: UNFINISHED BUSINESS (“UBEX” in fandom shorthand), the Ron Moore/Michael O'Halloran commentary track on UBEX, and the rest of the deleted scene materials included on the S3 DVDs. Here there be spoilers, of course.
“I think things just got more complicated.”
The extended rough cut of UNFINISHED BUSINESS (3x09). Commentary track by Ron Moore and UB editor Michael O’Halloran.
Last June, during the first few months of what turned out to be a year-long hiatus, a group of us eager BSG fans were batting back and forth about which deleted scenes we’d want to see on the S3 set. We made a list, based on things we’d heard in Ron Moore (aka RDM)’s podcasts and various cast/crew interviews over the season. We sent it to Sci Fi Channel, hoping they would pass it along to RDM, David Eick, or some poor slob over at NBCU home entertainment.
I have no idea if TPTB ever saw that letter, and it doesn’t matter. But it sure is brilliant to now see that this DVD set has included quite a few of the scenes that many hardcore fans – the folks who are really paying attention – hoped to see. What a testament to this show’s creators, that they keep their fandom well fed.
My first impression of “UBEX”? GODS I LOVE THIS SHOW. So much. No need to get into that again. :)
Second impression…watching this episode reminds me of that point from late 2006 through early 2007, when DEADWOOD, ROME and BATTLESTAR GALACTICA were all airing in overlapping waves. Good times.
Final impression…as a bloody, battered, and chuckling Lee and Kara collapse in a pile on the floor of the boxing ring…what a marvelous valentine this piece is to fans! Especially to those of us who continue to swoon over the moving, frustrating, yet intensely romantic Kara and Lee plotline.
And what a powerful testament to the art of editing it is, seeing both versions of UB side by side here. The compressed cut that made it to broadcast, with 25 less minutes of footage and flashbacks that are more thoroughly interwoven with The Dance, works better as a piece of storytelling. It’s certainly my preferred version of the ep. But as a die-hard fan of BSG, all this new footage is incredible. How can you not love TPTB for doing the work to present this to us as a cut piece, rather than just including a pile of deleted scenes? An immense gift for any truefan. It was intense, sad, romantic, sexy, brutal, funny. Fantastic.
Be forewarned that if you're not a huge fan of Kara, Lee, Kara & Lee, Dee, Dee & Lee, Adama, Roslin, or Adama & Roslin, you may not enjoy this “flabby” cut quite so much. With this longer version RDM is both giving us what some fans wanted to see so badly -- more of Lee and Kara’s story – while also showing very clearly how and why all the extra material was trimmed away. In many cases I completely agree with their choices – and every fan will undoubtedly have their own opinion.
RDM’s commentary track with UB editor Michael O’Halloran dives deep into all the issues raised in shortening a show by almost 30%. The finessing involves the art of shorthand and implication, versus showing everything and including all dialogue as written. RDM admits his preference for the flashbacks as they play in UBEX, over the final broadcast cut. When this over-long edit was first screened in preproduction, RDM apparently asked the editor to cut it down to “a lyrically orchestrated love poem.”
*swoon*
You’re killing me, RDM. Killing me with shipper kindness.
This commentary also gives us a chance to completely crack open RDM’s creative process on BSG. I cannot recall any other podcast or commentary in which RDM has revealed so many details of how he makes showrunner magic on BSG…how his mind works in the editing room. (BTW I also highly recommend the the BSG: RAZOR DVD commentary, with RDM and Michael Taylor for another meaty, revealing extra.)
Throughout the discussion, O’Halloran is clearly enamored with Kara Thrace, Katee Sackhoff, and the Sackhoff/Bamber chemistry, which I find adorable. Yeah, basically it’s true what they say: “if you’re not shipping Lee and Kara, you haven’t been paying attention.” :D
Two other details from the commentary caught my ear: The first comes during discussion of intercutting the boxing scenes with the flashbacks. RDM makes comparisons between between editing “for the network” and the “more cinematic” editing that is preserved in the UBEX version. His statements here show an admirably rare respect for the intelligence of the audience, who he feels has a cinematic sensibility and can “handle” what BSG has to offer.
So say we all, RDM.
For those auteurists among us looking forward to RDM’s involvement in the CAPRICA prequel movie, the pilot he's working on with Michael Taylor, and other upcoming genre fare, there was another ray of light in the commentary. In the midst of the UBEX episode RDM expresses his love for character drama, his love for UB and how it did something truly unusual in sci-fi TV. There was no jeapordy in this episode – no imminent cylon attack, no ship about to explode. Just these amazing characters, immersed in this alternative world we have all come to know. Many fans have been disturbed by RDM’s recent comments about CAPRICA, comparing it to DALLAS, promising it will be “more like a prime-time soap opera set on a planet.” If you enjoyed this ep, I wouldn’t worry about it.
- - - - - - -
“I just like to have a little time with the machine.”
The rest of the deleted scenes from Season 3.
Even I was surprised by the bounty of deleted scenes we have in this set, above and beyond UBEX. Several of the scenes from the final 4-5 episodes of S3 are pieces that were broadcast or posted online during the season’s airing on SciFi. But most of the material is new and, for us die-hards, enlightening.
Kara features prominently in some of the best scenes, including a fascinating and powerful one excised from MEASURE OF SALVATION. Starbuck visits the virus-infected cylons in the brig, seeking one or more that she can bully into a confession. Not surprisingly, she immediately gets into a battle of wits with the Leoben model. Something about this scene, combined with Katee Sackhoff comments gathered 3rd-hand from various post-season-3 con appearances, has caused my perspective about Kara/Leoben to shift. Up to now I’d really been repulsed by Leoben and his evil ways – both in general and particularly with Kara. You know: the tormenting, the vague warnings, the psychological torture, the fake babies.
But after watching this scene, a new “love polygon” has formed in my mind. It’s Kara and her three men – the three men who push her, pull at her, move her and feed her. Lee, natch. Sam, obviously. And yes, Leoben is one of those men. Whether or not the “Not-Leoben” also turns out to be as important to Kara, or moreso, is TBD.
My other major brainwave from this DVD set came from the cumulative effect of several deleted scenes involving cylon projection. Extra glimpses of sassy D’Anna from MEASURE OF SALVATION – gods I have missed her! – projecting herself into a church, while Six stands in her forest, reminded me in a clean simple way of the projection concept. More crucial was the Roslin/Athena scene from CROSSROADS 2 that brought me a sudden flow of new speculation. After these two (along with Six and Hera) emerge from the mutual hallucination in the opera house, Athena likens the experience to a projection where others have joined her inside. This is an idea which I don’t recall hearing anywhere else on the show last season: a group projection.
Is this a key to not only the opera house “dream,” but also the Baltar/Head Six and Caprica Six/Head Baltar hallucinations? What about Kara’s hallucinations and her “Not Leoben” vision in MAELSTROM? The rest of Roslin’s dreams and hallucinations throughout the series? Are all these things connected through the process of projection? If so, then the next question would be: who is projecting…and, to where? It is a fun idea, we’ll see if any of that gels in the show.
Other great scenes included Kara’s gut-wrenching suicide attempt from OCCUPATION; Lee showing an intensely serious CAG gameface to Kat in THE PASSAGE; a closer, more painful look at Starbuck and Anders negotiating their post-New Caprican lives together and apart during COLLABORATORS; Roslin striking her deal with the wounded Caprica Six in TAKING A BREAK - a longer, richer version than that shown online last year; an even longer version of Kara’s infamously erotic Leoben destiny paint nightmare from MAELSTROM.
I was sorry that the two deleted Kara/Lee portions of THE PASSAGE didn't make it to the DVDs (Kara and Lee tossing a ball on the hangar deck; a longer version of the episode’s final scene) – but HEY, let's not be total hogs now, when we've got this great set. :D
The alternate ending to the S3 finale is also provided, in which Lee sees Kara reappear in his quarters rather than in her viper. If you were not already darned sure RDM and his team are doing just fine making the creative choices on this show, this lesser ending should assure you.
- - - - - - -
Anyone who enjoys reading reviews from the ‘shipper perspective’ will probably enjoy these discussions of UBEX and deleted scenes by latteaddict, bop-radar, wisteria_, brokenmnemonic, asta77, canadiangirl-86, and prolix-allie. All wonderful writers and BSG fanthinkers. There is also a thread here on the skiffy board dedicated to UBEX.
Thanks again, RDM & company. This DVD set is truefandom treasure.
“I think things just got more complicated.”
The extended rough cut of UNFINISHED BUSINESS (3x09). Commentary track by Ron Moore and UB editor Michael O’Halloran.
Last June, during the first few months of what turned out to be a year-long hiatus, a group of us eager BSG fans were batting back and forth about which deleted scenes we’d want to see on the S3 set. We made a list, based on things we’d heard in Ron Moore (aka RDM)’s podcasts and various cast/crew interviews over the season. We sent it to Sci Fi Channel, hoping they would pass it along to RDM, David Eick, or some poor slob over at NBCU home entertainment.
I have no idea if TPTB ever saw that letter, and it doesn’t matter. But it sure is brilliant to now see that this DVD set has included quite a few of the scenes that many hardcore fans – the folks who are really paying attention – hoped to see. What a testament to this show’s creators, that they keep their fandom well fed.
My first impression of “UBEX”? GODS I LOVE THIS SHOW. So much. No need to get into that again. :)
Second impression…watching this episode reminds me of that point from late 2006 through early 2007, when DEADWOOD, ROME and BATTLESTAR GALACTICA were all airing in overlapping waves. Good times.
Final impression…as a bloody, battered, and chuckling Lee and Kara collapse in a pile on the floor of the boxing ring…what a marvelous valentine this piece is to fans! Especially to those of us who continue to swoon over the moving, frustrating, yet intensely romantic Kara and Lee plotline.
And what a powerful testament to the art of editing it is, seeing both versions of UB side by side here. The compressed cut that made it to broadcast, with 25 less minutes of footage and flashbacks that are more thoroughly interwoven with The Dance, works better as a piece of storytelling. It’s certainly my preferred version of the ep. But as a die-hard fan of BSG, all this new footage is incredible. How can you not love TPTB for doing the work to present this to us as a cut piece, rather than just including a pile of deleted scenes? An immense gift for any truefan. It was intense, sad, romantic, sexy, brutal, funny. Fantastic.
Be forewarned that if you're not a huge fan of Kara, Lee, Kara & Lee, Dee, Dee & Lee, Adama, Roslin, or Adama & Roslin, you may not enjoy this “flabby” cut quite so much. With this longer version RDM is both giving us what some fans wanted to see so badly -- more of Lee and Kara’s story – while also showing very clearly how and why all the extra material was trimmed away. In many cases I completely agree with their choices – and every fan will undoubtedly have their own opinion.
RDM’s commentary track with UB editor Michael O’Halloran dives deep into all the issues raised in shortening a show by almost 30%. The finessing involves the art of shorthand and implication, versus showing everything and including all dialogue as written. RDM admits his preference for the flashbacks as they play in UBEX, over the final broadcast cut. When this over-long edit was first screened in preproduction, RDM apparently asked the editor to cut it down to “a lyrically orchestrated love poem.”
*swoon*
You’re killing me, RDM. Killing me with shipper kindness.
This commentary also gives us a chance to completely crack open RDM’s creative process on BSG. I cannot recall any other podcast or commentary in which RDM has revealed so many details of how he makes showrunner magic on BSG…how his mind works in the editing room. (BTW I also highly recommend the the BSG: RAZOR DVD commentary, with RDM and Michael Taylor for another meaty, revealing extra.)
Throughout the discussion, O’Halloran is clearly enamored with Kara Thrace, Katee Sackhoff, and the Sackhoff/Bamber chemistry, which I find adorable. Yeah, basically it’s true what they say: “if you’re not shipping Lee and Kara, you haven’t been paying attention.” :D
Two other details from the commentary caught my ear: The first comes during discussion of intercutting the boxing scenes with the flashbacks. RDM makes comparisons between between editing “for the network” and the “more cinematic” editing that is preserved in the UBEX version. His statements here show an admirably rare respect for the intelligence of the audience, who he feels has a cinematic sensibility and can “handle” what BSG has to offer.
So say we all, RDM.
For those auteurists among us looking forward to RDM’s involvement in the CAPRICA prequel movie, the pilot he's working on with Michael Taylor, and other upcoming genre fare, there was another ray of light in the commentary. In the midst of the UBEX episode RDM expresses his love for character drama, his love for UB and how it did something truly unusual in sci-fi TV. There was no jeapordy in this episode – no imminent cylon attack, no ship about to explode. Just these amazing characters, immersed in this alternative world we have all come to know. Many fans have been disturbed by RDM’s recent comments about CAPRICA, comparing it to DALLAS, promising it will be “more like a prime-time soap opera set on a planet.” If you enjoyed this ep, I wouldn’t worry about it.
- - - - - - -
“I just like to have a little time with the machine.”
The rest of the deleted scenes from Season 3.
Even I was surprised by the bounty of deleted scenes we have in this set, above and beyond UBEX. Several of the scenes from the final 4-5 episodes of S3 are pieces that were broadcast or posted online during the season’s airing on SciFi. But most of the material is new and, for us die-hards, enlightening.
Kara features prominently in some of the best scenes, including a fascinating and powerful one excised from MEASURE OF SALVATION. Starbuck visits the virus-infected cylons in the brig, seeking one or more that she can bully into a confession. Not surprisingly, she immediately gets into a battle of wits with the Leoben model. Something about this scene, combined with Katee Sackhoff comments gathered 3rd-hand from various post-season-3 con appearances, has caused my perspective about Kara/Leoben to shift. Up to now I’d really been repulsed by Leoben and his evil ways – both in general and particularly with Kara. You know: the tormenting, the vague warnings, the psychological torture, the fake babies.
But after watching this scene, a new “love polygon” has formed in my mind. It’s Kara and her three men – the three men who push her, pull at her, move her and feed her. Lee, natch. Sam, obviously. And yes, Leoben is one of those men. Whether or not the “Not-Leoben” also turns out to be as important to Kara, or moreso, is TBD.
My other major brainwave from this DVD set came from the cumulative effect of several deleted scenes involving cylon projection. Extra glimpses of sassy D’Anna from MEASURE OF SALVATION – gods I have missed her! – projecting herself into a church, while Six stands in her forest, reminded me in a clean simple way of the projection concept. More crucial was the Roslin/Athena scene from CROSSROADS 2 that brought me a sudden flow of new speculation. After these two (along with Six and Hera) emerge from the mutual hallucination in the opera house, Athena likens the experience to a projection where others have joined her inside. This is an idea which I don’t recall hearing anywhere else on the show last season: a group projection.
Is this a key to not only the opera house “dream,” but also the Baltar/Head Six and Caprica Six/Head Baltar hallucinations? What about Kara’s hallucinations and her “Not Leoben” vision in MAELSTROM? The rest of Roslin’s dreams and hallucinations throughout the series? Are all these things connected through the process of projection? If so, then the next question would be: who is projecting…and, to where? It is a fun idea, we’ll see if any of that gels in the show.
Other great scenes included Kara’s gut-wrenching suicide attempt from OCCUPATION; Lee showing an intensely serious CAG gameface to Kat in THE PASSAGE; a closer, more painful look at Starbuck and Anders negotiating their post-New Caprican lives together and apart during COLLABORATORS; Roslin striking her deal with the wounded Caprica Six in TAKING A BREAK - a longer, richer version than that shown online last year; an even longer version of Kara’s infamously erotic Leoben destiny paint nightmare from MAELSTROM.
I was sorry that the two deleted Kara/Lee portions of THE PASSAGE didn't make it to the DVDs (Kara and Lee tossing a ball on the hangar deck; a longer version of the episode’s final scene) – but HEY, let's not be total hogs now, when we've got this great set. :D
The alternate ending to the S3 finale is also provided, in which Lee sees Kara reappear in his quarters rather than in her viper. If you were not already darned sure RDM and his team are doing just fine making the creative choices on this show, this lesser ending should assure you.
- - - - - - -
Anyone who enjoys reading reviews from the ‘shipper perspective’ will probably enjoy these discussions of UBEX and deleted scenes by latteaddict, bop-radar, wisteria_, brokenmnemonic, asta77, canadiangirl-86, and prolix-allie. All wonderful writers and BSG fanthinkers. There is also a thread here on the skiffy board dedicated to UBEX.
Thanks again, RDM & company. This DVD set is truefandom treasure.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2008-03-29 11:13 am (UTC)Anyway, this is an awesome recap, the first pic you used is especially pretty. Our pilots dressed in skimpy black things showing all their beautiful shoulders and arms - what's not to love?
But after watching this scene, a new “love polygon” has formed in my mind. It’s Kara and her three men – the three men who push her, pull at her, move her and feed her.
The show has really given a great amount of time to developing Sam and Leoben to make them valid enough to compete with Lee in Kara's life. It's all rather fascinating. The deleted scene with Kara and sick Leoben was extremely powerful. So was the suicide scene.
I'm glad the alternative ending wasn't used. How would they ever explain her showing up just like that? At least in her Viper we can pretend she actually flew from somewhere :)
no subject
Date: 2008-03-29 02:15 pm (UTC)As we discussed before, I like your projection idea. I have not seriously considered Roslin as the final cylon before, but if projection is only accomplished by cylons, I guess it is a possibility. Or like you had said, I think, the chamalla she was taking might have triggered it. But then there is no excuse for HeadBaltar unless he is the final.
If the head people we keep seeing are actually projections -- I like this idea -- then the next question would be Who is projecting them? Can a Head Creature only be projected by that same person? In other words can a Six model project a HeadSix to someone but not project anything else? OR is there another cylon -- or another BEING of some kind -- who is projecting these Head Creatures onto certain people.
It is very complexing!
Oh, here is another tidbit I thought of last night. What if the "Final Five" that RDM talks about as being "fundamentally different" are NOT the five as-yet-unrevealed cylons but are actually the last five constructed cylons? RDM may be totally letting us be mislead.
I was on BSG overload last night!
no subject
Date: 2008-03-29 04:35 pm (UTC)*head explodes*
no subject
Date: 2008-03-29 04:31 pm (UTC)My new fave word (after nerdvana of course) is fanthinkers and bsg fandom is blessed with some of the best!
no subject
Date: 2008-03-30 01:44 pm (UTC)Which thread was it in? Frankly, I'm afraid the K/L'ers are gonna blacklist me for throwin' Leoben a bone here.
Yes, new great words! NERDVANA...FANTHINKER...NERDGASM. Awesome.
no subject
Date: 2008-03-30 03:19 pm (UTC)I get what Leoben represents and it is a fantastic character but anything physical just makes me squick. I hate that a strong character such as Kara could potentailly justify his abuse. Yes, she thinks she deserves someone like him (we saw Buffy use Spike out of self loathing too) but I am hoping that S4 brings Kara out of such self destructive tendancies. JMHO and you are entitled to feel differently! I dont enjoy some of the character bashing in the thread so I just skip over them so anyone that didnt like your bone can do the same.
It's all good!
no subject
Date: 2008-03-29 06:03 pm (UTC)No arguments here. Hee.
Great post. I completely preferred the cinematic "UBEX" to the shorter aired version, but I do think it's amazing how the condensed version cut so much yet still made a very satisfying episode, especially for the shippers most longing for a nice hour-long "love poem." :)
I loved all the deleted scenes you mentioned, and that image you included of Roslin/Baltar/Caprica-Six on NC... that is a great moment. (My poor Six, it's interesting to see Baltar totally dismiss Cylon feelings, and then Roslin go *right* to the feelings later on in the season when she's questioning her. Are they my OT3 now?) But the Kara/virus!Leoben one was the most powerful. I don't know *what* to think about those two.
no subject
Date: 2008-03-30 03:12 am (UTC)And I agree, that Kara/Leoben scene from Measure of Salvation is INSANELY good. Damn.
Occupation deleted scenes
Date: 2008-03-30 03:31 am (UTC)Thankfully, the scene can be found on youtube.
no subject
Date: 2008-03-31 08:02 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-01-14 11:20 pm (UTC)ETA: err whoops. Is quote you or the editor? "“if you’re not shipping Lee and Kara, you haven’t been paying attention.”
It's now being attributed to Ron. :)
no subject
Date: 2009-01-15 09:55 pm (UTC)It's now being attributed to Ron. :)
In the use I have here, I meant it as "this is what fandom likes to say, this a fandom saying", wasn't attributing it to anything I actually heard on the UBEX DVD. As I think you've probably figured out now.
But - HOLD DAH PHONE! - you are saying that RON MOORE ACTUALLY SAID THAT???? ::dies::
Can I see a link pls? :D
Please, help me, brothers!!!
Date: 2009-05-02 06:57 am (UTC)I'm so need this magic program! It's can break captchas automatically! Activate accounts via email automatically too! Absolutely great software! Help me!
And did you hear news - price for XRumer 5.0 Palladium will grow up to $540 after 15 may 2009... And XRumer 2.9 and 3.0 - too old versions, it's cant break modern catpchas and cant break modern anti-bot protections. But XRumer 5.0 Palladium CAN!!!!
So help me for download this great program for free! Thanks!