Tear Jerker / Galactica 1980

• "The Return of Starbuck" pretty much runs the board for this show, and for good reason:
  • Boomer and Starbuck saying goodbye when Starbuck's fighter is damaged, and the fleet has to leave him behind to escape the Cylons.
  • Boomer's desperate appeal to Adama to mount a rescue mission:
  Boomer: "Sir we can't just leave him!".
  Adama: "Do you think I want to? Don't you think I love that boy like a son? But until we're strong enough or until we reach Earth and get help there is no going back, NOT now, NOT EVER!". Boomer (takes a moment, knowing Adama is right): "Thank you sir, for being honest with me".
  • The fate of Cy, Starbuck's Robot Buddy.
    Starbuck: Cy, it's just you and me now. One human and one Cylon.
    Cy: No, Starbuck. Not human, not Cylon. Friends. (red light stops, and fades)
  • The end of the episode: Starbuck gives up his chance to escape the planet so he can help Cy hold off the Cylons. As the escape ship departs with the mysterious woman and baby Zee, and Cy is killed in the firefight, Starbuck is left marooned on the planet, all alone. But the improvised ship arrives at the fleet carrying only baby Zee whilst the woman's apparition appears on the mountain top, unseen by the forlorn Starbuck, declaring "I judge this mortal and find him good, so VERY good".

---