Battlestar Galactica: Every Starbuck Episode Ranked Worst To Best

17. The Farm

Battlestar Galactica - The Farm
NBC

The Farm introduces Rock Worthy's sadistic doctor, the fourth Cylon model and details a little more of Starbuck's past. She is revealed to be the survivor of childhood abuse, with particular emphasis on physical abuse. In fact, the doctor reveals that all of the fingers on one of her hands was broken - in the way that suggests a door was slammed on them.

The Farm though is not a wellness centre. The Cylon race are deeply concerned with procreating. As they say, it is one of God's commandments. With Sharon Valeri defecting to protect Helo, they are forced to look to less 'conventional' methods of breeding.

Starbuck's ovary is harvested here, which will feature in a future episode. Yet her military training helps her to spot what is happening around her, identifying the doctor for what he truly is, and helping her to escape.

The implication behind the Farm is perhaps a stronger, darker message than the episode itself.

Contributor
Contributor

Seán is the host and head writer/presenter for TrekCulture, as well as a writer/presenter on WhoCulture and WhatCulture Horror. He has authored two novels, dozens of short stories, and hundreds of articles for WhatCulture. He holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from University College Dublin. As part of his work with TrekCulture, Seán has been invited to participate in collaborations with Roddenberry Entertainment, as well as contributing to several Star Trek community projects. An avid fan of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and the horror genre at large, Seán's expertise has helped develop these channels to the successes they are today. As host of the Ups & Downs series on TrekCulture, Seán has become internationally recognised for his positive yet critically informed approach to reviewing every episode of modern Star Trek, ensuring he is one of the go-to voices in the Trek community. Favourite Quote to describe himself: "I'm serious about what I do, just not always about the way that I do it"