Battlestar Galactica Season 4 premiere - "He That Believeth in Me"

STUDIO: Sci Fi
PREMIERE: April 4, 2008
STARRING: Jamie Bamber, Tricia Helfer, Mary McDonnell, Edward James Olmos, Katee Sackhoff, and Grace Park
CREATED BY: Ronald D. Moore

When it comes to reviewing Battlestar Galactica, it’s A LOT easier to walk the spoiler line when it comes to the show on DVD. Although you don’t want to spoil the goods for anyone waiting to catch up to the show on DVD, many details can be considered fair game after the fact. When reviewing the upcoming and final season premiere of one of the hottest, most anticipated and popular shows in recent memory, we’re sure most fans would agree that Battlestar Galactica is a much better experience when you don’t know what’s coming.

Although we received an early screener and we’re complying with SCI FI’s request not to spoil the premiere, we’ve seen the goods and we’re here to tell you what to expect. But, and for a lack of a better one-liner, "He That Believeth in Me" shouldn’t walk away disappointed.

He That Believeth in Me - Friday, April 4 @ 10pm ET/PT

The Season 4 premiere gets down to business quick, almost immediately following the events of last season’s finale. You don’t need to worry about teasing morsels of storyline goodness or frustrating and lingering alt-timelines; the premiere delivers on what fans have been waiting for and charts a linear course. Unlike many shows in recent memory, save for maybe The Sopranos and a handful of other elite shows, the wait is always worth it with Galactica. Given how Season 4 will be Galactica’s swan song, Ron Moore and crew can’t afford to screw around, and they don’t... well, sort of. For those who have been waiting for what seems like an eternity for the premiere, there’s A LOT to be happy about. Strap yourself for a couple of massively rewarding events and secrets that’ll undoubtedly give you insomnia after the credits roll.

In "He That Believeth in Me", much of the episode’s core centers on the return of the once here-and-gone Kara "Starbuck" Thrice and her two-month vanishing act, which actually gets clarified since we saw her ship get destroyed last season. Despite Kara’s enlightenment, her disappearance only raises more questions and the ongoing, most significant one we’ve all been asking since the first season. Despite the focus on Starbuck, expect some HUGE surprises. For older fans, think on the scale of "Who Shot J.R?" For younger fans, think on the scale of the surprises in Heroes and Lost.

It doesn’t take a Galactica genius to figure out that Kara’s homecoming would create an emotional ripple effect throughout the characters, namely Admiral Adama. Imagine if Kirk Cobain walked through his father’s door tomorrow. How would his dad feel? What would he do? How would he react? It’s that type of emotional interplay that reverberates throughout the premiere as a result of Starbuck’s arrival.

As for the other Adama, the relatable character drama that’s been one of the show’s great hallmarks is consistent with Lee as he inches closer to putting a final cap on the life-altering and professional decision he's been toiling with for quite a while. While President Roslin remains steadfast in her judgment from last season’s finale with her course of action, fans will love what they’ll see in Baltar. Forget what you’ve seen for much of Season 3, Baltar’s grown a set of balls. Throw in a few smoking hot disciples that pledge their loyalty to the almighty Gaius, and fanboys won’t be let down in the least.

There are two pivotal moments in the premiere that I’m dying to tell you about, but you just need to tune in to see them for yourself. If you don’t get sick at the sight of blood, you’ll be fine. It’s an eye-popping, inconceivable ride as the Galactica premiere sets the pace for the final season.

For the official lowdown, clips, and media for the upcoming Season 4 premiere, head on over the official Battlestar Galactica website at SCI FI.