Characterization
In his podcast commentary on "Flight of the Phoenix", executive producer Ronald D. Moore discussed his views of what the episode's events reveal about several of the characters.
- Adama is a father figure who is trying to get his family, the crew of Galactica, to safety.
- Tyrol and Helo both harbor "a lot of rage... frustration... self-hatred and ambiguity" because of how they love Cylons. Each of them sees himself in the other, and this is why they fight.
- Tyrol begins the episode by disassembling an unserviceable Viper and brawling. He then turns that energy to build the Blackbird and ultimately "face his demon" by talking to Sharon.
- The scene in which Apollo's sparring with Dee is interrupted by Billy Keikeya is intended to suggest a love triangle among the three.
Jen Segrest of TV Squad speculates that Sharon only helps the humans to protect her unborn child.
Read more about this topic: Flight Of The Phoenix (Battlestar Galactica)