Back. Every Time I Go Away...

[lls_mutant]

Hope everyone had a good Christmas. We're back from my sister's, which was uneventful in a very pleasant way. A nice Christmas was had by all, and we all ate WAY too much. Between my sister's lasagna on Christmas Eve and my brother-in-law's Christmas dinner and all the desserts... POP. Wow.

I swear, every time I go away a Gaeta spoiler pops up. Last time it was the Gaeta/Hoshi thing. This time, Amazon accidentally leaked all the webisodes, except #9.



So let's talk webisodes, shall we? I'm debating how much I liked them. On the one hand, it was Gaeta, and I love Gaeta. On the other hand, I thought the writing was honestly a bit sloppy. Yes, I know that they're webisodes, but still.

First of all, I guessed the killer from the beginning. Now, granted, I don't think it took much to guess the killer. There were only so many people it could be, and once you offed the pilot8, that pretty much did it in. I don't really mind, actually, especially because I'm pleased. For one, I hated the idea of another Eight/anyone romance, and especially Eight/Felix. Eight already has Boomer/Chief and Helo/Athena. Helo/Athena is awesome, and may stay no matter what. In fact, they most both die or both live. Got that? And I'm fine with Boomer/Chief, and wouldn't mind if Boomer came to her senses (really, sweetie- Cavil?????) and got back together with him, although it's probably not happening. But come on- no more Eight romances. (I must admit, I still wouldn't have liked Gaeta/Six or Gaeta/Two, but it would have been different, at least. And I also must admit that the Eights are the most sympathetic in the viewer's eye.)

I don't get why it had to be a romance, though. Okay, I do. We must DESTROY GAETA, apparently. Which, hey, I can get behind perfectly well. But still.

Speaking of romance... Skiffy really blew that one out of proportion, huh? Honestly, would it have killed them to let Gaeta kiss Hoshi goodbye at the end? Or be a little more sympathetic? I mean, I get that Gaeta is not as in love with Hoshi as Hoshi obviously is with Gaeta. (Because Hoshi is head-over-heels smitten, and Gaeta is in a very bad place and has been since he lost his leg.) But "You found me and you saved me, so I'll protect you?" The dialogue in that scene bugged me a bit. Not that Gaeta essentially left Hoshi so much (although I think they kind of left the door open on their personal relationship, and it would be easy at this point to believe that the feelings are still there), but "Well, I'll protect you because I have to." It didn't have to be a big flowery speech. Hell, just kill the "You found me and you saved me, so..." part and keep the "I'll protect you." See? It doesn't change ANY of the intent, it doesn't make Gaeta look any more in love, if that's what they wanted to avoid, but it doesn't make him coldly dismiss what they obviously had together.

My theory of how the relationship went, and I am so working into my Dee-Hoshi fic, is as follows: not long after New Caprica- maybe a couple of months- Hoshi and Gaeta started sleeping together. Gaeta was completely upfront that for right now, it was just sex. But Hoshi fell hard, and eventually, Gaeta started falling, too. I mean, people fall in love at different rates, and one thing I did see in the webisodes was that while I didn't fully believe that Gaeta loved Hoshi at that point, I do think he very much cared about him. I kind of like the idea that if it had been left alone, Gaeta would have fallen in love, and they would have ended up together for a long, long time. But then Gaeta got sent on the Demetrius mission. The separation was okay, but when he lost his leg... he just went haywire emotionally. I mean, something like that takes time to recover from. From the webisodes, Hoshi was obviously convinced that they could, and honestly? I think Felix might have believed it, too. Or at least hoped for it. But yes, it did strain their relationship. I also really think that Felix left Hoshi because he wanted to protect him. He knows that what he's doing is a minimum of career suicide, and likely actual suicide. I can see him not wanting Hoshi mixed up in this- it fits his character.

However, of course, this is all speculation within the script. The other truth is that Gaeta must leave Hoshi at the end because Hoshi/Gaeta was added for the webisodes, and there's likely no hint whatsoever of it in the actual show, although we may see a point where Gaeta either protects or doesn't kill Hoshi. I listened to the commentary for episode 5, and it sounds like JE wasn't completely thrilled about the Eight/Gaeta relationship, either. I'm glad she fought for the idea that Gaeta was at least bi. I don't really like the tacked on nature, but I feel like she's fighting fire with fire. Because the Eight/Gaeta thing feels so tacked on, what else can you do? Honestly, I felt like one of the writers was Tonksing Gaeta. (I just wanted to use my new word.)

I'm also wondering if that pity frak line in the You Will Know the Truth clips is directed at Dee. In the promo pictures for Sometimes a Great Notion, she's dolled up. I wonder if that's exactly what she was planning on offering (even if she didn't identify it to herself that way). I also noticed in the promo pictures the brass are all standing in the lab. I can picture poor Gaeta getting accused of being the reason Earth is a shithole :)

Anyway, I do need to see Webisode 9 and really, Season 4.5 before I decide how much I liked these. My gut, however, is that they were a bit weak and redundant- which, hey, they were webisodes. Now, I know I am totally biased, but I really don't think we needed more reasons for Felix to hate the Cylons. He clearly hated them on New Caprica. What I really would have liked to see (and remember, biased) is more why he chose to trust Zarek as opposed to why he chose to not trust the Cylons. And of course I think they should totally use my backstory ;) But on the other hand, they've been swinging so far with trying to make the Cylons sympathetic, I'm glad to see that they remember that the Cylons pretty much wiped out humanity. I'm also not quite sure about the whole "I chose you to survive" thing (I really need to see #9 on that one though), and why she needed to get the names from Gaeta kind of eludes me.... but hey.

Other random thoughts:

-It was definitely the hair on Hoshi that was making him look so dorky. I thought he looked better with it grown out, but he looks even better in a flight suit.
-It would have been interesting if the Narcho thing had panned out. I think they would have had to change some of the dialogue, because I can't see Narcho giving the "There's something in the universe" speech. I'm writing Gaeta/Narcho right now, and I think I might go up to the end of the webisodes, and re-write the permission scene and the last scene to sound a little less corny. Hoshi can get away with that. Narcho can't.
-However, given what we've seen of Narcho, I also have a hard time believing he would love Felix as much as Hoshi does. But hey.
-Michael Hogan kicks ass. First in that scene were he realized that Hoshi was in love with Gaeta, and then in the scene where Gaeta says "You're a Cylon, sir," and he pretty much looks like he's been slapped. Amazing acting without saying a word, and yeah- Gaeta totally burned his bridge with Tigh right there.

Must geek more at some point.

Comments

[falafel-musings.livejournal.com]

Oooh, I loved the Gaeta/Tigh scenes. Gaeta bitch-slapping Tigh with the cylon remark was sizzling. I've been waiting for someone to have issues about Tigh's cylonhood!

I'm afraid I was pleased with the Hoshi/Gaeta break up. The coldness felt realistic and I like seeing Gaeta as the bad boy in a relationship while still promising to protect Hoshi's sweet ass from the bad-shit that is going down.

Sorry but I'm just so...praying your Dee/pity-frak theory isn't true. Really, I don't want to start hating Dee again. If Dee dolled herself up to hit on Felix I'd lose all respect for the girl. Just saying.

You know what? I actually liked everything about the webisodes except for Stalker8. I liked Gaeta, Hoshi, Tigh, Racetrack and the Redshirts. I liked the murder mystery, the rescue mission and the return to New Caprica. The only thing that sucked for me was Stalker8. Sadly she rather dominated the story. Her role could have been used so much more effectively. When I think about if if Felix HAD to have a relationship with a cylon on New Caprica then a Sharon was the best choice, because of his previous trust for Boomer/Athena. But here's the thing - it didn't HAVE to be a romance at all!! *fumes*

[trovia.livejournal.com]

I actually really liked the last Hoshi/Gaeta scene, just because it was good acting, and a good, effective ending in terms of writing. They could have toned down on the "I don't love you" dialogue and just told AJ instead to play it like that, true. But for the benefit of the part of audience that doesn't overanalyze every appearance of Gaeta's (contrary to us who do it properly :D), maybe it was necessary to do it like that. I don't mind. It was a great, chilly scene. It's strange; I wrote a snippet after ... webisode 3, I believe, that ended on the very same notion in terms of atmosphere.

I like your interpretation. I'm curious about all the fic that's about to be written!

I'm quite happy that it wasn't a Gaeta/Hot Dog story though. It would have broken my heart to see Brendan suffer. Especially since Bodie Olmos has such a wonderful smile. He would have looked even happier than Hoshi, if that's possible.

[rap541.livejournal.com]

I do have to say... I don't think there was any bridge to burn between Tigh and Gaeta. I think Tigh has known for some time... since the exodus from New Caprica, that Gaeta hates him and follows his orders because he has to. I think he has tried, periodically, to make up with Gaeta... and Gaeta has never returned that vibe at all.

[falafel-musings.livejournal.com]

Btw, regarding your icon. You could do with a new one reading 'Racetrack: Gaeta/Hoshi shipper since forever'. Marge is awesome.

[lls-mutant.livejournal.com]

See, that was why it didn't bother me that they didn't mention the Tigh is a Cylon thing earlier- the focus was on Gaeta. Heck, he even managed to obey Starbuck. Well, when he wasn't mutinying, anyway.

The breakup... I'm actually okay with the breakup, I just didn't like that one line. And okay, yes, I want Gaeta to have Hoshi because the boy needs someone in his corner, but I get why he can't.

I've actually decided in my own little universe that Gaeta didn't decide to leave Hoshi (or join Tom) until the scene in the CIC. So, after med bay (when Doc Cottle was like "look, you two need to actually let go of each other if I'm going to treat him, all right?"), there was a nice reunion and all that, and then even after the scene in the CIC, Felix needed time to think and contact Tom. So, it sounds brutal, but in my head I can make it a LITTLE more graceful, and I'm happy :)

Oh, believe me. I am also praying that my Dee/pity frak theory is wrong! I WANT to be wrong on that one! Please! (New theory that I like better. Doc Cottle tells Felix that yeah, sex isn't an option for him any time soon given the condition of his leg, and Felix says the pity frak line to HIM :) )

And I agree on Stalker8 dominating the story. And don't get me wrong- I didn't hate the webisodes. I actually liked them for the most part, but I could see some areas that could have used tightening.

Oh, and I LOVED Racetrack :) I'll bet she writes the Hoshi/Gaeta fic on Galactica, too ;)

[falafel-musings.livejournal.com]

I'm writing Gaeta/Hoshi as we speak (channelling Racetrack). Any chance you could beta it for me? I'm afraid it's pretty dark stuff. Hoshi is trying to make it sweet and fluffy, but Felix is crushing it all with his crazy darkness.

[lls-mutant.livejournal.com]

This is a good point about the rest of the world not thinking about it quite as much :) Yeah, I was actually fine with them breaking up, just... I want to believe that Felix really did feel something for Hoshi. Felix's storyline has been so dark for so long and promises only to get darker... I'd like to think he had some happiness between New Caprica and the Demetrius mission. It doesn't have to be True Love to make you happy. The way they wrote it wasn't "I don't love you", but "I don't give a shit about you, and I never have." The first part, hey, I can see. I think once Gaeta was told that Adama was screwing him over, he didn't give a shit about much of anything. But I'd really, really like to think that up until that point, Hoshi was important to him. And heck- the flashbacks showed that. :)

I also came to the conclusion that there's time in there for fic snippets. There's time in between Felix being wheeled away, when he and Hoshi are pretty much hanging on to each other for dear life- and I think he's hanging on just as tight there- and when he shows up in the CIC. And then there's time in between the CIC meeting and when he goes to meet Zarek- enough time for him to arrange the meeting and talk to Hoshi some, anyway.

Yeah, I like your Gaeta/Hot Dog, and that doesn't need to be messed up :) My Gaeta/Narcho would have worked very differently than Gaeta/Hoshi, because Narcho is such a different person than what we were given with Hoshi. Much darker.

But even though I agree that Hot Dog can look awfully happy, I wonder if he could have radiated like Hoshi did. Seriously, the guy was glowing! ::sniff::

[lls-mutant.livejournal.com]

Yup. Send it on over when you're ready!

[lls-mutant.livejournal.com]

Oh, Gaeta never has. But Tigh looked like he cared, and that he finally got that Gaeta was never, ever going to forgive him, and yeah. This season is really going to make me cry.

[tin-o-biscuits.livejournal.com]

D: Holy frak, I missed a LOT whilst I was away.

[lls-mutant.livejournal.com]

Yes. Yes you did. So go watch the released episodes, and then go here (http://www.bsg.cz/node/3707) to watch the ones that slipped by. Go go go gogogogogogogogogogoogogogo!

[tin-o-biscuits.livejournal.com]

OMG, it's Hanukkah and Christmas and and and ...Saturnalia? all in one~!! (bad writing be damned, I'm just happy for gratuitous amounts of AJ <3)

[rap541.livejournal.com]

Well, I have to say, I think Gaeta would forgive Tigh... if Tigh would say he's sorry, instead of gruffly treating Felix like crap, never acknowledging his near murder of Felix, etc etc etc.... Tigh has never admitted he did something wrong, which means he isn't sorry. Not really... not sorry enough to make an effort to *earn* forgiveness. I mean... it isn't as though Tigh has done anything tangible to really earn that "I forgive you" and he's expecting an awful lot of someone he helped beat up, called a coward, and almost murdered... when he himself can't be bothered to apologize.

It's this "yeah well, its just Gaeta" attitude that the whole crew seems to have that is why the poor lad is going nuts :)

[millari.livejournal.com]

Hmm...I agree with you, but I think that Gaeta didn't decide to leave him until after the meeting with Adama that we didn't get to see. Because I think that once Adama gave him the brush off, he must have thought to himself, who else can I go to? Who in power is left that understands that the Cylons can't be trusted? That's when he thinks of Zarek. I imagine he called Zarek and asked to schedule a meeting and Zarek was so intrigued that Felix Gaeta of all people would be getting in touch with him that he agreed.

I think after Felix scheduled that meeting, he knew he was going towards a point of no return and that's when he decided to break up with Hoshi, to protect Hoshi from potential repercussions, to nip in the bud any possibility that Hoshi might try to talk him out of it, to prevent poor Hoshi from being smitten and following Felix down this dark road, and also, he may be seeing a civil war coming and doesn't want anyone to be able to get to him by putting Hoshi in jeopardy.

I think that Felix cares about Hoshi, but I always remember how AJ said that Felix is in a dark place by the end of Season 4, but that he's doing what he thinks is the morally right thing to do. I think he chose his sense of justice and morality and the greater good over a relationship that was important to him, but hadn't had time to cement into being the love of his life or anything.

Racetrack was making bets on Hoshi/Gaeta? Racetrack, ILU. You are SUCH the fangirl. She'll be so sad when she finds out.

[lls-mutant.livejournal.com]

This is a point that Tigh can't be bothered to apologize. ::sigh::

It's this "yeah well, its just Gaeta" attitude that the whole crew seems to have that is why the poor lad is going nuts :)

Very true. (And I was so pleased I at least called that- that Adama sweeping it under the rug- especially since it's just Gaeta- and continuing with the alliance is what made Gaeta snap. Go me!) I really think that's what Gaeta means in that one clip when he says he wants people to realize who he is. He doesn't want to die and be forgotten, basically treated like he was the last few years of his life.

I'm still liking the theory- even if it's not in any way correct- that the body they showed in the Season 4.5 teaser at the end of Revelation is actually Gaeta. I don't think it is, because I forget what the lighting was like and I agree with falafel_musings that the scene was probably from one of the first few episodes, and we know Gaeta makes it to at least 4.18, but hey, I like this. I'm kind of on the idea that Gaeta's going to be executed as a traitor, and that they can't have a funeral because you DON'T for traitors, but Adama's kind of torn up because even though Gaeta betrayed him, he really did care about his "kid" and the fact that he went from where he was to this... Yeah. And it could happen- it's a way to torture Adama ;)

And speaking of, that's a point I keep forgetting, too. The part of Tigh in the webisodes was originally meant to be played by Adama. It makes some things make a little more sense.

[lls-mutant.livejournal.com]

Yeah- don't forget to find 10. (Just click on the "more from this user" and you'll find it.) Only 9 is missing.

And Louis is confirmed.

[tin-o-biscuits.livejournal.com]

Just watched it. Now I need to go hug Louis. *sniffle* I'm so perplexed and sad but "baby" made me squee and now my folks are like 'it's just a show, calm down'... GAH.

[lls-mutant.livejournal.com]

Yeah. After Adama makes sense, although I suspect he realized he was going to give him the brushoff.

There are two reasons I want Hoshi and Gaeta to have time. One, I want Gaeta to have a little happiness after that, even if it's only a few hours. Cuddles and kisses please, and maybe some sex. But I'd also like Hoshi to have some clue (even if he didn't admit it to himself) that this might be coming. Not exactly, but just knowing that Felix is frakked up and it doesn't have to do with him. I mean, "Hey, babe, you just saved my life and I'm dumping your ass," is awfully cold, but even with 24-48 hours there, it makes it better. And given how much better Felix looks by the time he's in the CIC, I'd say there has to be time :)

I think that Felix cares about Hoshi, but I always remember how AJ said that Felix is in a dark place by the end of Season 4, but that he's doing what he thinks is the morally right thing to do. I think he chose his sense of justice and morality and the greater good over a relationship that was important to him, but hadn't had time to cement into being the love of his life or anything.

Yes. Yes, yes, yes. Especially since Racetrack (loving Racetrack- she's adorable) said it took them forever to get together. I wonder when it happened?

[lls-mutant.livejournal.com]

LOL. My husband is laughing at me for watching these. (But I note that he's at least been watching them himself ;) )

"Baby" made me grin, too.