Tue Jun 10, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich

Battlestar Galactica Interview: Jane Espenson on Episode #9, 'The Hub'

The former 'Buffy' and 'Angel' writer talks all-things Galactica

Welcome to the latest installment of Battlestar Galactica Weekly, our recurring Q&A with Mark Verheiden, co-executive producer of the hit Sci-Fi Channel series Battlestar Galactica. Each week, we'll interview Verheiden about the events of the week's episode, what those events might mean for both the season and the series, and hopefully unearth some clues about what to expect as the final season of Battlestar Galactica nears its conclusion.

Along with posing our own questions to Verheiden, we're also taking questions from fans -- so be sure to send your questions to me, your official BSG Weekly interviewer, after each episode airs at chris [at] comicmix dot com. New episodes of Battlestar Galactica can be seen every Friday at 10 PM EST on Sci-Fi Channel. You can read previous interviews via our BSG Weekly Archive or the links at the end of this article.

This week we have a special treat for fans of BSG, as well as those of you who love Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. Answering our questions this time around is the writer of this week's episode, co-executive producer Jane Espenson.

She's answering questions about Episode #9 of Season Four, "The Hub," which aired June 6, 2008. Note: These answers may contain spoilers, so read at your own risk.

COMICMIX (from reader Shannon): Was there a kiss between Adama and Roslin in the last scene? If so, why was it edited out? Or, if not, why not? That seemed like a moment when they would kiss.

JANE ESPENSON: It is scripted as a "fierce hug," but with moments like that, the script doesn't really matter.  If you're lucky enough to have amazing actors like Eddy and Mary, you don't even want them to rely on the script in a moment like that.

You want them to just do.  And personally, I love the choice they made.  It played perfectly for me.  I want to see their faces on screen -- easier in a hug than a kiss.

CMix (from reader Solonia): Do you consider Elosha to be Laura’s subconscious in this episode?

You mean, as opposed to being a Head Being like Baltar's Six?  Yes.  I thought of her much more as Laura's subconscious.

CMix (From reader Tommy): What was the purpose of the scene between Baltar and the Centurion? It seemed it was mostly there to put Baltar in a place where he could become injured so Roslin could save him? Or perhaps the scene is there to serve a larger purpose? Maybe Baltar is planting the seeds of another Cylon revolt?

JE: Baltar could've been injured with or without the Centurion, so it wasn't a matter of moving the chess pieces.  I'm just fascinated by Centurions and love exploring their POV on this whole thing.

Planting revolt-seeds? Hm. Wouldn't that be just like him? Of course, that particular Centurion blew up.

CMix (from reader Mark): In the Baltar-as-Jesus scenario (arms spread out, blood on his hands, blood draining from a wound at his side, white robe-like clothing), who does that make Roslin? More importantly, if Jesus dies for the sins of mankind, does that mean Baltar died as well during the episode? Or perhaps he still might?

JE: It's not a simple equation. And his arms were more dangly than spread, actually.

CMix (from reader Solonia): It was great to see Laura Roslin/Mary McDonnell doing some humorous scenes (Laura and Baltar trying to communicate with the Hybrid; Laura saying to Elosha, “I’ve gotta say, you’re a little full of myself.”). Will we get to see this humorous side of Laura Roslin again?

JE: In the next episode I wrote, Mary delivers some amazing and amusing facial expressions, and look for some verbal funny from the boys. (Not limited to Baltar.)

CMix: Roslin decides to save Baltar? Does that mean she's forgiven him? Or, is it just as Elosha says and all life is valuable, even the life of a mass-murderer?

JE: I don't feel that Baltar has earned forgiveness, do you?

CMix: Why did Helo follow Roslin's orders to bring D'Anna directly to her and betray the Cylons? For someone with such high morality, that seemed out of character for him?

JE: Helo was recently involved in the events on Demetrius.   It's safe to say that those events changed everyone involved.  He might play the same cards differently now. 

CMix: What was your favorite part of this episode?

JE: I really enjoy Laura and Baltar talking to the Hybrid.  I adore all the fine special effects work -- the shot of the Hub blowing up, and the fine POV shots from inside Seelix's Viper especially.

And Laura's imagined version of her own death was haunting.  But, really, you can't beat that ending.

CMix: Anything more you would like to add?

JE: I wonder if that Cavil had time to download? I wonder if Boomer got away? I wonder if Seelix survived? I wonder what D'Anna's going to reveal? I can't wait for next week.  Can you?

Thanks to Jane Espenson for answering our questions this week, and to all of the Battlestar Galactica fans who sent in their own questions. If you have any questions you'd like to ask after this Friday's episode, be sure to send them in to chris [at] comicmix dot com.

Next time, we ask questions about "Revelations," Episode #10 of Season Four, here on BSG Weekly at ComicMix!

Missed a week? Here are links to all of the previous BSG Weekly articles:

BSG Weekly - Season Four, Episode #8 - "Sine Qua Non"

BSG Weekly - Season Four, Episode #7 - "Guess What's Coming to Dinner"

BSG Weekly - Season Four, Episode #6 - "Faith'

BSG Weekly - Season Four, Episode #5 - 'The Road Less Traveled'

BSG Weekly - Season Four, Episode #4 - 'Escape Velocity'

BSG Weekly - Season Four, Episode #3 - 'The Ties That Bind'

BSG Weekly - Season Four, Episode #2: 'Six of One'

BSG Weekly - Season Four, Episode #1: 'He That Believeth In Me'

Be sure to check out Battlestar Galactica every Friday at 10PM Eastern, 7PM Pacific on Sci-Fi Channel. For more on Battlestar Galactica, including full BSG episodes, as well as info on other programming on the Sci-Fi Channel, visit www.scifi.com

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