The Man With Nine Lives
Encyclopedia
"The Man With Nine Lives" is an episode of the original Battlestar Galactica
television series.
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
. 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.
Battlestar Galactica (1978 TV series)
Battlestar Galactica is an American science fiction television series, created by Glen A. Larson. It starred Lorne Greene, Richard Hatch and Dirk Benedict and ran for one season in 1978–79. After cancellation, its story was continued in 1980 as Galactica 1980 with Adama, Lieutenant Boomer and...
television series.
Plot
The Colonial pilots head to the Rising Star for some relaxation and leisure, and Starbuck is particularly excited about the gambling deck. ApolloCaptain Apollo
Captain Apollo is the name of a fictional character in the Battlestar Galactica franchise. He was first played by Richard Hatch, who would also later appear as the character of Tom Zarek in the reimagined Battlestar Galactica series in 2005....
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
Chameleon (Battlestar Galactica)
Chameleon is a character from the television series Battlestar Galactica, appearing in the installment "The Man With Nine Lives." He was an older gentleman, well versed in the art of flattery and misdirection, which he used to con unsuspecting Colonists out of the things he needed to survive...
. 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
Cassiopeia (Battlestar Galactica)
Cassiopeia is a fictional character in the original Battlestar Galactica which ran on ABC from 1978 to 1979. The role was portrayed by Laurette Spang.-History:...
performs a blood test which reveals a general correlation between Starbuck and Chameleon, though it cannot confirm the accuracy of the results. Adama
Commander Adama
Commander Adama is a fictional character in the 1978 movie and subsequent ABC television series Battlestar Galactica and its continuation series, Galactica 1980. Adama is the commander of the great military vessel Battlestar Galactica, commander of the refugee fleet and military commander of the...
calls an informal council, and the pilots decide to conduct a security check. Omega leads new Galactica recruits to their quarters, and Tigh
Colonel Tigh
Colonel Tigh is a fictional character in the original 1978 TV series Battlestar Galactica, played by Terry Carter. He is the Executive Officer of the titutlar ship. In his early years, he flew a Viper in the same squadron as Commander Adama. Tigh at first appears to be strictly by-the-book and a...
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
- Lorne GreeneLorne GreeneLorne Greene , was the stage name of Lyon Himan Green, OC, a Canadian actor.His television roles include Ben Cartwright on the western Bonanza, and Commander Adama in the science fiction movie and subsequent TV Series Battlestar Galactica...
- Commander AdamaCommander AdamaCommander Adama is a fictional character in the 1978 movie and subsequent ABC television series Battlestar Galactica and its continuation series, Galactica 1980. Adama is the commander of the great military vessel Battlestar Galactica, commander of the refugee fleet and military commander of the... - Richard HatchRichard Hatch (actor)Richard Hatch is an American actor. He is best known for his role as Captain Apollo in the original Battlestar Galactica television series, and also as Tom Zarek in the remake of Battlestar Galactica....
- Captain ApolloCaptain ApolloCaptain Apollo is the name of a fictional character in the Battlestar Galactica franchise. He was first played by Richard Hatch, who would also later appear as the character of Tom Zarek in the reimagined Battlestar Galactica series in 2005.... - Herb Jefferson, Jr.Herb Jefferson, Jr.Herbert Jefferson Jr. is an African-American actor. He graduated with honors from New York's American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1969. He is probably best known for his role as Lieutenant Boomer on the original Battlestar Galactica television series...
- Lieutenant BoomerLieutenant BoomerLieutenant Boomer, later known as Colonel Boomer, was a character on the 1978-1979 television series Battlestar Galactica and its spin-off series Galactica 1980. He was portrayed on both series by Herbert Jefferson, Jr. Boomer was a lieutenant in the Colonial Service, an officer with a background... - Laurette SpangLaurette Spang-McCookLaurette Spang-McCook is an American television actress. She portrayed Cassiopeia in the original Battlestar Galactica.-Early life/family:...
- CassiopeiaCassiopeia (Battlestar Galactica)Cassiopeia is a fictional character in the original Battlestar Galactica which ran on ABC from 1978 to 1979. The role was portrayed by Laurette Spang.-History:... - Tony SwartzTony SwartzTony Swartz is an American actor whose roles include Flight Sergeant Jolly on the original Battlestar Galactica television series....
- Sergeant Jolly - Anne Lockhart - Lieutenant ShebaLieutenant ShebaLieutenant Sheba, portrayed by Anne Lockhart, is a fictional character and regular cast member of the 1978-1979 ABC television series Battlestar Galactica....
- Dirk BenedictDirk BenedictDirk Benedict is an American movie, television and stage actor, perhaps best known for playing the characters Lieutenant Templeton "Faceman" Peck in The A-Team television series and Lieutenant Starbuck in the original Battlestar Galactica film and television series.-Early life:Benedict was born...
- Lieutenant StarbuckLieutenant StarbuckLieutenant Starbuck of the Colonial Service, played by Dirk Benedict, is a fictional character in the 1978 science fiction television series Battlestar Galactica. Starbuck is a Viper starfighter pilot, gambler, womanizer and smoker of "fumerellos," or cigars. He is involved with Lieutenant Athena... - Terry CarterTerry CarterTerry Carter is an American actor and filmmaker who is known for his roles as "Sgt. Joe Broadhurst", on the seven year hit TV series McCloud and as "Colonel Tigh" on the original Battlestar Galactica.-Early life:...
- Colonel TighColonel TighColonel Tigh is a fictional character in the original 1978 TV series Battlestar Galactica, played by Terry Carter. He is the Executive Officer of the titutlar ship. In his early years, he flew a Viper in the same squadron as Commander Adama. Tigh at first appears to be strictly by-the-book and a...
Re-Imagining
- This episode shows some important similarities between the original Starbuck and Kara Thrace of the re-imagined series. Both meet and confront their fathers (in a manner of speaking).
External links
- The Man with Nine Lives at the Battlestar Wiki