| Directed by: | Allan Kroeker |
| Written by: | Toni Graphia |
| Release date: | November 2004 |
| Running time: | 44 minutes |
| Available on: | DVD |
Bastille Day is a Bastille Day-themed episode of the TV series Battlestar Galactica. It aired in november 2004 and as written by Toni Graphia.
The episode remakes the French Revolution for some water (instead of bread).
Plot[]
After a source of water is found on a nearby moon, Apollo suggests that the 1,500 prisoners aboard the Astral Queen be used to extract it, but President Roslin is unwilling to institute a job. slaves and instead believes that prisoners should have the choice to work in exchange for 'points' towards near freedom. She assembles a commission consisting of Apollo, his personal assistant Billy Keikeya, NCO Anastasia Dualla, and Specialist Cally.
Commander Adama is opposed to the idea, especially since he is aware of Apollo's new role as Roslin's "special adviser". Despite everything, the team embarks for the Astral Queen and meets the de facto leader of the prisoners, the political extremist and terrorist of Sagitarron, Tom Zarek.
Zarek refuses the offer. Instead, he and his men manage to escape confinement and take the delegation hostage. He then calls for Roslin's immediate resignation from the position of president, believing that her government does not represent the people. He demands free elections among human survivors and limited autonomy for prisoners.
Refusing to comply with Zarek's demands, Adama sends Starbuck to lead a section of marines to infiltrate the ship and kill Zarek if he does not free the hostages. Apollo achieves what Zarek truly desires: a bloodbath that will lead to the downfall of Roslin's government. But Apollo interrupts the assault and forces a compromise with the terrorist. He offers to hold elections within the year in exchange for the prisoners' cooperation in extracting water. Roslin and Adama refuse the decision until Apollo points out that Roslin is only replacing President Richard Adar until the end of his term, which was to end within a year.
Later, Adama asks Doctor Baltar to report on the progress of the Cylon Detector. In his head, Number Six bullies Baltar into asking for a nuclear warhead, stating that he needs the Plutonium component to build the detector. As he speaks, Baltar realizes this is actually a valid option to build a detector. Adama reluctantly grants it.
Meanwhile, on Caprica, "Helo" and Sharon-of-Caprica continue their journey to a ruined city as they are observed and analyzed from a rooftop by two human model Cylons: Number Six and Number Five. The pair comment on and approve of Sharon-de-Caprica's acting.