Stargate(s): Atlantis and SG-1
Feb. 5th, 2005 11:36 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
butterflyLess shallow and more spoilery.
Well, more spoilery at any rate.
Stargate Atlantis 1x13 -- Hot Zone
Oddly enough, I didn't have the same problem that most people seem to have had with regards to Sci-Fi cutting off the beginning, which is sad for them, because Ford and the rest doing 'prime not prime' was so adorable. And wow, he does suck at the game. So bad that you wonder if he's pulling a Jack -- trying to look dumb so that they'll underestimate him. But then again, Ford isn't really a Jack type, so I don't buy it.
McKay was amazing throughout the episode. He was brave, competent, scared, and a wonderful leader while still being blunt and obnoxious. I'm so happy that they introduced his character. I'm so happy that they then brought his character back to show a better side in Redemption. I'm thrilled that he's in Atlantis because he's just wonderful.
What I find fascinating is that, okay, both David and Michael scored the last credit. David is credited as "and David Hewlett as Dr. McKay" while Michael is "and Michael Shanks as Daniel Jackson". Utterly and completely fitting with regards to their characters, but I think that I'm just thrilled that even their credits reinforce their characterization. And I love continuing to see Rodney grow as a person. I just really love his character. Lots and lots.
It was great to see the bad side of Sheppard being who he is -- yeah, he can kick utter ass, as in The Eye, but he does step right outside that chain of command. Weir has told him that it's a medical matter and he decides that if he says it's military, it is. And it wasn't.
On the other hand, if he hadn't gone after Peterson, Peterson likely would have made it further in, possibly infecting others. And his leap into the transporter was what let Atlantis in on the outbreak, which led to an enforcable shut-down of the city, which is more than Weir could do. All of which makes complete sense, given that the Ancients were suffering and dying from a plague, one that they were desperate to cure (Window of Opportunity (SG-1) is the first time that we hear about that, isn't it? I love that they put important stuff like that in a comedy episode).
Also, I'd be highly amused if Sheppard is the person that the Asgard have been looking for, and Jack ended up shipping him off to another galaxy. Because they said that Jack was close, but no cigar, and Jack has a weaker version of the gene, so that could be what they're searching for.
Also, Sheppard may have been the only completely immune person in the city, considering his gene status.
So, the Ancients looked like us, five fingers on each hand? Why was the math in The Fifth Race base 8, then?
Did they think 10 was boring and passe?
The Ancients are... well, not all the evidence is in yet, but wow, they're arrogant, aren't they? They do have the lockdown safeguard in place, but it looks like they never foresaw the city being damaged enough to be neither underwater nor protected by the shield and thus didn't develop tough enough equipment (very breakable and delicate, some of their stuff).
Teyla came off really well in the episode. I even liked the skirt, though it really wasn't the most practical thing to be wearing. But maybe she really likes to practice in swirling things just to show off that she can.
Loved seeing more of Zelenka and Grodin. We really do need to develop some of the those background characters, because they're all they've got.
And Weir was very good, very strong in this episode. Finally, I saw someone who was believable as a leader, though I think that she should try finishing that last conversation with John sometime -- he didn't entirely back down from his earlier stance.
Quality television, definitely.
Stargate SG-1 8x13 -- It's Good to be King
Was anyone else hearing Mel Brooks in their head whenever they saw the title?
I love what SG-1 has done with Maybourne. He could have stayed a two-bit bad guy, insufferable and predictable. But in Shades of Grey, we see that he really does respect and admire Jack, even if he thinks that Jack wasn't playing on precisely the right team for saving the planet. He really does like and respect Jack and, in return, Jack tolerates Maybourne. Oh, he likes him, a bit, but he'd never admit it. He doesn't trust him an inch, which I'm fond of.
One of the other things about SG-1 that I love is the continuity. Maybourne was introduced in the first season. He's been in every season except seventh. It's so nice to have characters like that. It reminds me of Buffy and anything that does that... well.
They take what they have and work with it, and they've done a really great job with it all. The storyline of the Ancients is fascinating, because we learn a little bit more able them every time that we see them. With the Replicators, we literally have to deal with a new version (an upgrade) every time that we deal with them. The decline of the Asgard has created some fun stories.
And then we have the reoccuring characters, the ones who aren't regulars, but make the show feel like it takes place in a consistent universe.
Then we have the main characters, the big four.
Jack is... he really does come alive when he's with his team, doesn't he? He really shouldn't be the General (much as I love him being a general), because he needs his team to keep him happy. He wants to be there, wrangling the genii and snarking at the bad and/or stupid guys. If they are building up to a 'Jack isn't fit to be head of the SGC' plotline, I would completely buy it, seeing the mistakes that he made in Gemini, his hesitation in Endgame, and then his amazing wonderfulness in this episode.
Similarily, Sam doesn't seem thrilled to be head of SG-1. She only looks happy once someone else, Jack, is in charge and she can be the person arguing to stay, instead of the responsible one who has to tell Daniel that they need to leave.
Teal'c continues to kick ass. He made the other First Prime respect him before the end. When it comes to such things, Teal'c is so cool.
Daniel was... oh, I really don't know if I can find enough words. Last week, we saw him on his own, and he was very to the point about everything. Like Sam, he's only letting himself get drawn into the things that interest him if someone is there to remind him when it's time to pull away. Makes me wonder if he would have shown more sympathy to Vala if the rest of SG-1 had been there. But we got to see him find out more about the Ancients. He was the person who encouraged Jack into using the Ancient ship (which is my guess on what they'd call it, since they don't have contact with Atlantis). And he got to touch old writing, which is always fun. Plus, he looks hot in robes/cloaks or really... okay, almost anything, honestly. And I loved seeing his little expression of pain when Maybourne actually renamed the fruit. I love it when we see his social science sensibility, like the way he reacted in Enemy Mine to the stupid military people moving artifacts.
And personally, I can believe that Jack flew the Ancient ship through gate and then returned to say his goodbyes to Maybourne.
I really liked Wayne Brady as Ares' First Prime (I'm going with Ares over Aries, because one is a god and one is a star constellation -- and I just can't see a Gou'ald saying, "I'm going to name myself after a sacrificed golden ram."). I like seeing First Primes that break the mold, and he really was more of a thinker. It's nice to think that some other First Primes were smart, more like Teal'c.
Well, more spoilery at any rate.
Stargate Atlantis 1x13 -- Hot Zone
Oddly enough, I didn't have the same problem that most people seem to have had with regards to Sci-Fi cutting off the beginning, which is sad for them, because Ford and the rest doing 'prime not prime' was so adorable. And wow, he does suck at the game. So bad that you wonder if he's pulling a Jack -- trying to look dumb so that they'll underestimate him. But then again, Ford isn't really a Jack type, so I don't buy it.
McKay was amazing throughout the episode. He was brave, competent, scared, and a wonderful leader while still being blunt and obnoxious. I'm so happy that they introduced his character. I'm so happy that they then brought his character back to show a better side in Redemption. I'm thrilled that he's in Atlantis because he's just wonderful.
What I find fascinating is that, okay, both David and Michael scored the last credit. David is credited as "and David Hewlett as Dr. McKay" while Michael is "and Michael Shanks as Daniel Jackson". Utterly and completely fitting with regards to their characters, but I think that I'm just thrilled that even their credits reinforce their characterization. And I love continuing to see Rodney grow as a person. I just really love his character. Lots and lots.
It was great to see the bad side of Sheppard being who he is -- yeah, he can kick utter ass, as in The Eye, but he does step right outside that chain of command. Weir has told him that it's a medical matter and he decides that if he says it's military, it is. And it wasn't.
On the other hand, if he hadn't gone after Peterson, Peterson likely would have made it further in, possibly infecting others. And his leap into the transporter was what let Atlantis in on the outbreak, which led to an enforcable shut-down of the city, which is more than Weir could do. All of which makes complete sense, given that the Ancients were suffering and dying from a plague, one that they were desperate to cure (Window of Opportunity (SG-1) is the first time that we hear about that, isn't it? I love that they put important stuff like that in a comedy episode).
Also, I'd be highly amused if Sheppard is the person that the Asgard have been looking for, and Jack ended up shipping him off to another galaxy. Because they said that Jack was close, but no cigar, and Jack has a weaker version of the gene, so that could be what they're searching for.
Also, Sheppard may have been the only completely immune person in the city, considering his gene status.
So, the Ancients looked like us, five fingers on each hand? Why was the math in The Fifth Race base 8, then?
Did they think 10 was boring and passe?
The Ancients are... well, not all the evidence is in yet, but wow, they're arrogant, aren't they? They do have the lockdown safeguard in place, but it looks like they never foresaw the city being damaged enough to be neither underwater nor protected by the shield and thus didn't develop tough enough equipment (very breakable and delicate, some of their stuff).
Teyla came off really well in the episode. I even liked the skirt, though it really wasn't the most practical thing to be wearing. But maybe she really likes to practice in swirling things just to show off that she can.
Loved seeing more of Zelenka and Grodin. We really do need to develop some of the those background characters, because they're all they've got.
And Weir was very good, very strong in this episode. Finally, I saw someone who was believable as a leader, though I think that she should try finishing that last conversation with John sometime -- he didn't entirely back down from his earlier stance.
Quality television, definitely.
Stargate SG-1 8x13 -- It's Good to be King
Was anyone else hearing Mel Brooks in their head whenever they saw the title?
I love what SG-1 has done with Maybourne. He could have stayed a two-bit bad guy, insufferable and predictable. But in Shades of Grey, we see that he really does respect and admire Jack, even if he thinks that Jack wasn't playing on precisely the right team for saving the planet. He really does like and respect Jack and, in return, Jack tolerates Maybourne. Oh, he likes him, a bit, but he'd never admit it. He doesn't trust him an inch, which I'm fond of.
One of the other things about SG-1 that I love is the continuity. Maybourne was introduced in the first season. He's been in every season except seventh. It's so nice to have characters like that. It reminds me of Buffy and anything that does that... well.
They take what they have and work with it, and they've done a really great job with it all. The storyline of the Ancients is fascinating, because we learn a little bit more able them every time that we see them. With the Replicators, we literally have to deal with a new version (an upgrade) every time that we deal with them. The decline of the Asgard has created some fun stories.
And then we have the reoccuring characters, the ones who aren't regulars, but make the show feel like it takes place in a consistent universe.
Then we have the main characters, the big four.
Jack is... he really does come alive when he's with his team, doesn't he? He really shouldn't be the General (much as I love him being a general), because he needs his team to keep him happy. He wants to be there, wrangling the genii and snarking at the bad and/or stupid guys. If they are building up to a 'Jack isn't fit to be head of the SGC' plotline, I would completely buy it, seeing the mistakes that he made in Gemini, his hesitation in Endgame, and then his amazing wonderfulness in this episode.
Similarily, Sam doesn't seem thrilled to be head of SG-1. She only looks happy once someone else, Jack, is in charge and she can be the person arguing to stay, instead of the responsible one who has to tell Daniel that they need to leave.
Teal'c continues to kick ass. He made the other First Prime respect him before the end. When it comes to such things, Teal'c is so cool.
Daniel was... oh, I really don't know if I can find enough words. Last week, we saw him on his own, and he was very to the point about everything. Like Sam, he's only letting himself get drawn into the things that interest him if someone is there to remind him when it's time to pull away. Makes me wonder if he would have shown more sympathy to Vala if the rest of SG-1 had been there. But we got to see him find out more about the Ancients. He was the person who encouraged Jack into using the Ancient ship (which is my guess on what they'd call it, since they don't have contact with Atlantis). And he got to touch old writing, which is always fun. Plus, he looks hot in robes/cloaks or really... okay, almost anything, honestly. And I loved seeing his little expression of pain when Maybourne actually renamed the fruit. I love it when we see his social science sensibility, like the way he reacted in Enemy Mine to the stupid military people moving artifacts.
And personally, I can believe that Jack flew the Ancient ship through gate and then returned to say his goodbyes to Maybourne.
I really liked Wayne Brady as Ares' First Prime (I'm going with Ares over Aries, because one is a god and one is a star constellation -- and I just can't see a Gou'ald saying, "I'm going to name myself after a sacrificed golden ram."). I like seeing First Primes that break the mold, and he really was more of a thinker. It's nice to think that some other First Primes were smart, more like Teal'c.
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(no subject)
Date: 2005-02-05 07:41 pm (UTC)I'm glad all these transatlantic posts by you are reminding me of Hot Zone. It was a fabulous episode.
I hated that First Prime with a passion. I hate this recent trend of making the Jaffa more like human basketball players that a proud other race, and he was the apotheosis of that.
(no subject)
Date: 2005-02-05 09:18 pm (UTC)Where did they get base 16 from? I'm a bit curious.
I'm glad all these transatlantic posts by you are reminding me of Hot Zone. It was a fabulous episode.
Terrific episode. The second half of the season has been impressing me thus far.
I hated that First Prime with a passion. I hate this recent trend of making the Jaffa more like human basketball players that a proud other race, and he was the apotheosis of that.
I didn't see the basketball player-ness, but then again, I don't watch basketball. I know that you bounce the ball and try to get it into the other side's hoop, but otherwise? At sea. Oh, and there's a whole 'distance=more points' thing.
I think.
I'm also Not A Sports Person.
(no subject)
Date: 2005-02-05 10:14 pm (UTC)Not sure about the origins of the good oul' hexadecimal. Hmm.
Oh yes, hex is a more compact way of dealing with binary. You can't translate easily from binary into the more familiar base 10 (since 2 is not a root of 10) but 16 isn't too tough a number to deal with, and it's 2 to the power of 4.
(no subject)
Date: 2005-02-06 08:21 pm (UTC)Learn something new every day. Of course, I'm fairly active in avoiding basketball, so. I don't think that Wayne Brady plays. Well, he's a guy, so he probably plays a little. But he's a stand-up or something. I'm actually have no idea except that he's famous for saying that Wayne Brady has to choke a bitch. And I only know that from comments people made about the casting. If I'm not interested in something, I can stay remarkably uninformed. But yeah, connection that I didn't make.
Oh yes, hex is a more compact way of dealing with binary. You can't translate easily from binary into the more familiar base 10 (since 2 is not a root of 10) but 16 isn't too tough a number to deal with, and it's 2 to the power of 4.
Hmm. Neat. Of course, this knowledge will likely filter right through my brain, having nothing else to hold onto. I once read an entire book on 0 -- it left with an idea of the importance of the number, but I couldn't tell you why if you held a gun to my head. And somebody hated the idea of 0. Greeks? Romans? Somebody. It screwed with their concept of the universe.
(no subject)
Date: 2005-02-05 08:06 pm (UTC)And - I liked your review. I agree with you that everyone seems a little off in their new found positions on the team. While they are all doing well, there is a different vibe. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the season - I'm hoping they actually 'catch' an ancient - wouldn't that be cool?
(no subject)
Date: 2005-02-06 08:25 pm (UTC)It was the incongruity of the quote vs what Daniel actually ends up doing that inspired the icon. I was thinking about Daniel, as a civilian consulant and about how familiar he was with guns these days and how he went on missions where his personal experitise wasn't needed, and he was sorta just another trusted soldier, in a way that none of the other non-military scientists seem to be expected to be.
And - I liked your review. I agree with you that everyone seems a little off in their new found positions on the team. While they are all doing well, there is a different vibe.
There really does. Sam works better and seems happier when she has someone who has the military authority to smack her down. Jack works better when he's out in the field, actively keeping his team and the world safe. And Daniel is happier with his team.
I'm really looking forward to the rest of the season - I'm hoping they actually 'catch' an ancient - wouldn't that be cool?
Ooo. It'd be intresting.
(no subject)
Date: 2005-02-05 08:25 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-02-06 08:26 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-02-05 08:40 pm (UTC)Oh, yes. Maybourne, and Jacob and Bra'tac, are familiar faces that make me happy when they appear on the screen. It's lovely to have such long, unbroken character lines throughout the show.
I think you're right, about the ship. They would have eaten into episode time if they had stopped to explain how the ship got back to the SGC, and they probably wasted their CGI money on the puddlejumper/mother ship FX, so couldn't show the ship going back through to the gateroom.
(no subject)
Date: 2005-02-06 08:28 pm (UTC)It really is. Both Maybourne and Bra'tac from first season, Jacob from second. And then we have Siler and Davis/Harriman and even people like Kinsey.
I think you're right, about the ship. They would have eaten into episode time if they had stopped to explain how the ship got back to the SGC, and they probably wasted their CGI money on the puddlejumper/mother ship FX, so couldn't show the ship going back through to the gateroom.
Exactly. They would have had to cut something else to make up for and likely used up money that they have planned for later episodes.
(no subject)
Date: 2005-02-06 03:04 am (UTC)I'm glad you mentioned Teyla. I thought her body looked amazing, especially her legs. I loved how she was kicking Sheppard's ass (and Sheppard had no problem admitting it :))and then scolding him for not practicing. I thought that whole moment between them was great. I think she was annoyed that Sheppard didn't have more enthusiasm about being locked in the sparring room with her.
I think your thoughts on Maybourne and Jack are dead-on. I think by the end of the episode it was clear that Jack had grudgingly started to like Maybourne. I think that Maybourne has a serious crush on Jack, though. No matter how much Jack yells at him or berates him or sneers at him, Maybourne still wants his acceptance.
I reaaally want Jack to be a full-time part of the team again. It's just sad when he's left behind.
(no subject)
Date: 2005-02-06 08:35 pm (UTC)I was really impressed with her, there, in a way that she hadn't impressed me yet. She was trying to deal with a horrible situation and one of the people under her not only ignored her authority, but expected her to go along with it. And she may have never realized before that when push came to shove, the military personnel would follow Sheppard instead of her. And it has to be scary to realize that the people with the guns apparently will only listen to you if their commanding officer does.
I'm glad you mentioned Teyla. I thought her body looked amazing, especially her legs. I loved how she was kicking Sheppard's ass (and Sheppard had no problem admitting it :))and then scolding him for not practicing. I thought that whole moment between them was great.
Again, yeah, neither of the female character interested me until this episode. I'm interested now.
I think she was annoyed that Sheppard didn't have more enthusiasm about being locked in the sparring room with her.
Damn it, Sheppard! This is a standard sci-fi trope. Now we're supposed to fall in love and make-out! What happened to your script?
I think your thoughts on Maybourne and Jack are dead-on. I think by the end of the episode it was clear that Jack had grudgingly started to like Maybourne. I think that Maybourne has a serious crush on Jack, though. No matter how much Jack yells at him or berates him or sneers at him, Maybourne still wants his acceptance.
Oh, I'll agree with that. Maybourne respects Jack -- Jack is, I think, kinda what Maybourne wishes that he could be. He wants to be Jack's banter partner. But, you know, position already taken.
I reaaally want Jack to be a full-time part of the team again. It's just sad when he's left behind.
More than that, Jack is sad and that makes me sadder.