This is one of my favorite episodes of the new Galactica. It's got plenty of action. It's got a great reveal, where you feel a sense of pride in the characters and how clever they've been. There are wonderful emotional moments. There's the sacrifice, and the accomplishment.
I remember that in the commentary, Ronald D. Moore describes the episode as a "Big Mac" in that it's broadly satisfying, but not especially great for you.
There's a role reversal in this episode that I enjoy - Starbuck is grounded, and Apollo does some fancy flying. It's pleasing, especially if you prefer Apollo's more grounded approach to combat. There's a lot of death in the episode, at least three pilots I can think of are shot down, but it ultimately feels worth it. The celebration at the end includes the president saying that they don't have to worry about fuel for a few years.
Of course, what makes that celebration at the end work is one of Bear McCreary's excellent themes - A Good Lighter. (I consider the short composition A Good Lighter a name for the theme, which is utilized in the end, with the song Wander My Friends.) This is a fantastic melody.
