The Man With Nine Lives

Infobox Television episode | Title = The Man With Nine Lives
Series = Battlestar Galactica (1978)
Season = 1
Episode = 18
Airdate = 28 January 1979
Production =
Writer = Don Bellisario
Director = Rod Holcomb
Guests = Fred Astaire as Chameleon, Anthony De Longis as Taba, Robert Feero as Bora, Anne Jeffreys as Siress Blassie, Lance LeGault as Maga
Episode list = Episode chronology
Prev = War of the Gods
Next = Murder on the Rising Star

"The Man With Nine Lives" is an episode of the original "Battlestar Galactica" television series.

Plot synopsis

ummary

A man claiming to be Starbuck's long lost father appears, though he may be ingratiating himself to avoid old debts - and those who want to collect with his life.

Expanded overview

The Colonial pilots head to the "Rising Star" for some relaxation and leisure, and Starbuck is particularly excited about the gambling deck. Apollo is markedly less excited about Starbuck's system though. Aboard another shuttle, two older passengers are watching a broadcast of an interview with Starbuck, who reveals his past as an orphan. The gentleman claims he is head of Interfleet Broadcasting, while managing to dodge paying his shuttle fare. On the "Rising Star" he also finagles money from his recent traveling companion, who is Siress Blassie. Many of the pilots are engrossed in the on-stage entertainment of body-suit clad dancers. Soon the revelry of the ship patrons is abruptly cut short by the presence of Borellian Nomen who are apparently on a blood trail, and Boomer attempts to defuse the tension. One activates his laser bolas though, and Boomer confronts them. They agree to leave the ship. The Nomen however don't leave, and the leader admonishes the inexperienced one named Taba, stressing their adherence to their code.

The gentleman joins Starbuck in a game of pyramid, and points out a flaw in Starbuck's system. Starbuck loses, but he thanks the man, who introduces himself as Chameleon (pronounced with a "sh" - /ʃ/). He buys the officers drinks, and Chameleon claims he is a genetic tracer, one who can unite orphans with relatives through various tests. His story of amnesia on Caprica coincides with the information Starbuck gave on the broadcast, so that Starbuck's hopes are raised that Chameleon is his father. Boomer relates the story of the Nomen to Apollo, and Jolly adds that he is sure they are on a blood trail. In confronting them, Boomer and Apollo draw their pistols, but the leader, Maga, turns over Taba to the authorities. The Nomen try to find a way to board "Galactica" because their prey, Chameleon, is under Starbuck's protection. Boomer and Apollo piece together these facts as well.

Cassiopeia performs a blood test which reveals a general correlation between Starbuck and Chameleon, though it cannot confirm the accuracy of the results. Adama calls an informal council, and the pilots decide to conduct a security check. Omega leads new "Galactica" recruits to their quarters, and Tigh notices the Nomen among them. Meanwhile, Cassiopeia continues with the tests, but Apollo and Boomer have to warn her that Chameleon may be pulling a hoax. Boomer and Apollo interview Chameleon, but he eases their suspicions with another story. The Nomen demand a room to pray in, based on their right to freedom of religion, and even though it is against regulation and after they knock the corporal unconscious, they gain access to the rest of the ship.

Starbuck is upset with Apollo and Boomer over their investigation, and then Tigh arrives with the news that they found no record of Chameleon. The presence of the Nomen comes to light at the same time. They are directed down to where Starbuck and Chameleon are talking on the flight deck. They confront Starbuck and attack with their bolas, which Starbuck is able to evade. The Nomen stalk him through the launch tube, right in the line of fire of the Viper where Chameleon is hiding - he hits him with the Viper lasers. Chameleon then admits that he is actually Captain Dimitri. He had conned the Nomen and was using Starbuck. Cassieopia comes back with the test results - they are positive! Chameleon convinces Cassieopia not to tell Starbuck that he is actually his father because it could negatively affect Starbuck, and he would rather be his friend. Adama later explains that Siress Blassie will now take care of Chameleon, and though he is reticent, Chameleon thanks them for their help. Starbuck escorts Chameleon back, and they joyfully discuss their gambling strategies.

Cast of characters

Adama - Lorne Greene
Apollo - Richard Hatch
Boomer - Herb Jefferson, Jr.
Cassiopeia - Laurette Spang
Jolly - Tony Swartz
Sheba - Anne Lockhart
Starbuck - Dirk Benedict
Colonel Tigh - Terry Carter

External links

* at the Battlestar Wiki