RDM responds to the query I asked David re: babykilling

[larocque6689]

I asked Ken to have RDM answer the question that I asked David. Ken asked me to take up with Ron myself. So I did! Here is the query:

Focusing from STRICTLY from the writer's point of view - is it possible you could answer the question that I asked David? As a writer, what were you thinking when you inserted that scene in the second draft. What were you trying to communicate to the audience about the Cylos in general and Number Six in particular?

Here is Ron's response:

This scene was a relatively late addition to the script and the intention intially was simply to provide a disturbing moment that brought home to the audience the dangerous and horrific nature of the Cylons in anticipation of the attack yet to come -- putting the shark in the water, as it were. However, when it got to the stage, the director and the actress added other tones and nuances to the scene that actually gave it more texture.

Why is Number Six doing what she's doing? Tricia's reactions are contradictory and interesting. She is partially doing it out of a simple desire to eliminate human beings, regardless of their shape or size. But there's also the sense of maternal feeling on her part and there's an interesting implication that she's doing it as some sort of merciful act, ending the child's existence before the horrors that are about to begin. And finally, her reaction afterward implies her mixed emotions at what she's done -- emotions being exactly the right word, by the way. The Cylons do have emotions and they do feel pangs of what we would call guilt and/or conscience.

In the end, the scene probably would've been cut in editing if the performance and direction weren't so strong on film. It obviously elicited a strong reaction on the part of the audience -- it's been mentioned to me by many people -- and when all is said and done, I'm glad it made it to the final cut. I've seen a few of the discussions about the nature of good and evil sparked by the scene and I have to say that I'm happy to have written something that's churned such strong feeling and debate -- such is the wish of writers everywhere; not to shock, but to evoke emotion and discussion. The nature of good and evil has been discussed and probed since time immemorial and if BG continues as a series, I doubt this will be the last time a controversial scene provokes debate among the fans.

Best Regards, and Happy New Year,
Ron

I thanked Ron and wished him a happy new year and sent him my best wishes.