Lee is his real child and although he's adopted Kara, she doesn't count quite as much. Which ok, now that I write it out that could completely be about being a bad father and playing favorites.

To some degree I can even understand that, I mean she isn't his real kid and I'd feel pretty bad for Lee if he was in second place. But not a great combination with Kara's vulnerability and lack of parents. I'm not so certain that he wouldn't have left Lee. I felt that him telling Lee that (and really meaning the sentiment behind it) was one of the times he parented Lee well, by allaying his fears of being an unwanted son. But realistically? He'd have to leave eventually, and probably under similar circumstances to those that led to the decision to leave Kara.

It seems to boil down to the fact that Adama is a pretty lonely guy, and if you just stick by him on his big ship and keep good company, you too can be the temporary favored child.

Pretty much. Which is wonderfully fascinating character development for Adama (if it's intentional) but really hard news for Kara. I've said it a million times, but that kid needs a dad.

Eh, I love thinking about this and bouncing ideas. So thanks :)

Hey, me too, so no problem. :)