Man, those quarantine doors are so ominous as they clang shut. I love the pairs that are trapped together. Of course, Rodney and Katie are the main story line, but there is so much else going on in the episode, too. I love John worrying about Teyla going into labor. She's certainly looking pregnant enough to do so. Goodness, that changed quickly.
I like Jennifer and Ronon together, too - especially that incredibly awkward moment when she suggests they get to know each other better. Sam and Radek are fun, too.
It figures that John's the only one with access to a window. I love that he compares himself to Batman, even though it's Spiderman who's the one to scale walls.
I'm writing a different kind of synopsis on the couples in this episode. But I'm too whacked to finish it tonight (ack, it's almost 1:30 a.m.), so I'll be back later ... MUCH later!
I decided to approach this particular rewatch as a study of couples ... many different types of couples, as you'll see (hee!).
1* The first couple up for dissection ... uh ... discussion is the most important one of the show, namely John and Rodney (however you define their inclusion in coupledom). It may not be a “Sunday” type day for them, but they both seem to be taking it easy - the top two COs of the mission playing video golf in the morning. It appears they've just finished one 18-hole game and John's eager to play another, though he'll settle for 9 holes. We know Rodney's in his lab, but John's certainly not doing any Colonel-type stuff because he came to spend time playing with his “buddy”. But, then, Rodney breaks things up by saying he's got an important lunch date with Katie??? Remember her from way back (like Tabula Rasa)? John is SO not thrilled to hear about Rodney's date and does his best to cock-block him. Why, John, why? His reactions at the sight of the ring are conflicted and confusing for viewers. We are not yet aware of his privileged background but his sardonic reaction to Rodney's declaring that he got a “good deal” on the ring makes sense, as we look back on the series, having seen Outcast. Oh, Rodney, Rodney, Rodney. You call that an engagement ring a woman would be excited to receive??? I decided to do a little Canadian conflict-free diamond shopping myself online and couldn't even find anything that was a measly “one-eighth” of a carat (which is .125 BTW). The smallest size seemed to be about “.83” of a carat and – honestly – if Rodney as the CSO cannot afford several grand to buy a proper diamond – then who can? I'm not sure whether TPTB were having more fun at his expense, that the man is SO clueless he can't even buy an attractive engagement ring. The only thing that may have been a redeeming factor is that the stone was set into the gold which would be important for a fellow scientist. OTOH, I believe I remember the talk when the episode aired that Rodney had bought a ring that was more suitable to give to a man. Uh, Rodney, what's your subconscious telling you really?
And then there's poor stunned John. He's already foreseeing not having his “buddy” to hang out with at the very least. So what does he do (after he throws off his immediate confused reaction)? What else but throw himself on the grenade by encouraging Rodney to “Go get the girl”. Oh, John. ::sighs::
2* The next couple has to be Rodney and Katie. Is it any wonder that John questioned the level of intimacy between these two when they end up being so uncomfortable together. I get the impression that both of them were just happy to have someone to call BF/GF without a lot of passion (yes, I've been there). It's also evident to me that David H doesn't really care to portray intimacy with someone other than his wife. It's true here and even more true with Jewel S in S5.
So ... just what is a good reason for getting married? I don't think Rodney knows, just that his sister thinks he should finally get around to doing it. Also, marriage is one of the ways a person declares optimism and hope for the future. That's so NOT Rodney in this episode. I also found this focus on Mr. Negativity very upsetting. Hey, PTB, Rodney HAS changed over the last few years, but I guess you've been too self-absorbed to read the playbook.
I was unhappy to see the character of Katie Brown shrink into nothingness here. She'd been far more vivacious in previous episodes. And, yes, hello, PTB. Are you insinuating that Katie's not already aware of Rodney's shortcomings, that it took this episode to bring them to her attention? That's just another clue that these two have NOT spent considerable time together, even if there hasn't been physical intimacy.
Another couple of reasons why I believe these two have not had sex. Katie is surprised by Rodney's normal heartrate. Uh ... people who have orgasms together usually know what the other person's heartrate is if they stick around to share the afterglow. And why would TPTB stick in that phallic now-overgrown cactus with Katie's enthusiastic and repetitive description of how it's kept growing BIGGER ... to Rodney's evident embarrassment. Just another stupid laugh at Rodney's expense.
I also have to glare at the really improbable and so-unlike-Rodney action of removing his radio and tossing it on a lab table before taking off for his lunch date!!! Seriously, people, Rodney would NOT do this. He wouldn't leave his lifeline to the city. No, no, just NO.
Poor Katie. I get the impression she didn't know how to react (so I'll blame the writing) when she saw the ring. If this is her first proposal, it's certainly underwhelming, as was the ring. And, yet, she's vulnerable enough to ask in a wistful voice if Rodney's not going to go ahead and propose. Oh, Katie, honey. But it's too late as Rodney already thinks the city's doomed, as are all of its residents. So that's an echo of the lack of optimism. If you're not going to live, what's the point of thinking about getting married?
Back to poor Katie, as Rodney gets ready to leave. He hasn't proposed, but she's holding on to that ring box, even though her arms are crossed over her chest (closed-off body language). What's she going to do? Try to hock it? Used engagement rings have a really lousy resale value, as their primary value is that they signify hope and love. And, yeah, optimism. I found it revealing that she called to Rodney as he was leaving merely to put more emphasis on the “Bye”. Oh, yeah, it's goodbye for sure.
3* Moving right along, the third couple is John and Teyla (though I'd bet not the way J/T shippers would want it). It's revealing how John indicates that TJ would have a family (and so would John if he ever gets introspective to accept that reality) were something ever to happen to Teyla. I believe that Teyla's known she has a different family of choice for a while, but has been waiting for John to actually say it.
John also tries to undo some of the dickish damage from previous episodes by talking about his friend the cop and her kids. She faces danger on a daily basis to protect other kids, not just her own.
Still, I had to snicker at John's discomfort of being trapped (OMG) with a pregnant woman (who will go into labour early, because that's how it is in ALL the movies). John is SUCH a dork. Really. Still, it was sweet to see him feel the kick. Awww, John. But, then, he has to go save the day.
4* The next couple is Jennifer and Ronon. There were a number of very sweet things about this pairing. First of all, the age difference isn't so ridiculous. Secondly, her lack of social graces is offset by his having been on the run for so long that he'd forgotten about the human need to be with someone. I was surprised to see how low key he was in talking about Melena. Or is that his way of not bringing up a deep hurt and loss? I also liked the fact that they were sympathetic to each other's negative self-criticism (he tells her she can't be at fault not helping people just because she's trapped and she tells him he can't blame himself because Melena chose to stay behind), so they show they're good for each other. And there is the kiss-that-almost-was. It was hilarious to see the contraption they Mcgyvered to try to blast through the doors, though that thing could have caused far more serious damage inside the Infirmary.
I have to point out more writing fail and odd character development as far as Jennifer is concerned. Are TPB really honest when they say they don't read fanfic? Because they took a common trope for Rodney skipping grades, etc.) and adapted it for her. Plus the whole no dating or fun times sounds really weird for someone who went to med school just a few years ago. Med schools have to do more than merely churn out MDs nowadays with no bedside or people or life skills. Also, the whole I-didn't-have-time-for-fun contradicts what Jennifer will be saying in Trio. 'Cuz bar games, anyone?
5* The really unexpected couple is Sam and Radek. Once again, I'm really not thrilled at how TPTB portrayed Radek here. So, does he have a thing for Sam and does it seem a little creepy? It's also too bad that he tries to diminish Rodney in front of their boss. Even worse that he tries to impress her by making a foolish and hasty move that knocks him on his ass (he deserved it) and fries the computer. Uh, Radek, you're dealing with a brilliant woman who CAN think for herself. Or were you just distracted by the proximity and heat and ... proximity of Sam's boobs?
Mind you, I think we're just seeing more of the juvenile mindset of TPTB who wouldn't allow any girl cooties in the boys' clubhouse writers' room, so it's no wonder they don't believe that women and men can be friends and colleagues (or women as bosses). They SO needed to have at least one female writer on staff. ::sighs::
Thankfully Radek redeems himself by going through the ventilation shaft. Originally the only Czech I understood was “Jesus and Mary” but someone on LJ supplied the rest of his mutterings. Here's the GateWorld transcript:
English: “I'll have the power off in no time.” Czech: Jesus, that's unbelievable. I'm such a moron. She'll think I'm a total idiot. Well, what else should I do? No, not this again.... Don't fit here.... Ugh, this place stinks! Jesus, Mary. Oh, tell me this is not happening!
But, getting back to Sam and Radek, there was some weird arm-patting between them, too.
6* No, I'm not done with pairing people. This one belongs in the fantasy category. Only because John chose them to climb down the tower (and how cool is that, even if we didn't see it), I started thinking of shipping Chuck and Evan together. I liked the closeness in height for one thing which one normally doesn't get the chance to observe; either Evan and Chuck never share scenes or Chuck's height is hidden as he's seated behind a console. But that's all I have to say about that very, very rare pairing (that probably exists ONLY in my mind, unless someone else is willing to share that sekrit).
7* Oops, not done yet. There's also the pairing of John and Teyla as Mom and Dad when Jennifer asks if she may join Ronon at the team table (plus Radek and Sam but no Rodney) that night. Instead of going for the stupid love triangle, TPTB should have stuck with Jennifer and Ronon. But they decided he was too much of a barbarian (ugh) so they had to focus on that instead as the reason she will ultimately reject him as a suitable partner. Besides, he's not even from Earth which ends up being a far bigger deal than their shared humanity. [But I've already shared my opinions on what prior qualifications medical personnel should have had before joining the SGC, especially for offworld travel.]
A* John's determination in climbing the outside of the Control tower is so in character. He identifies the solution and knows he's the only one who can fix things. I always loved the password scene and look of horror on Teyla's face that John knows Rodney's password. Somebody's been teaching her good computer behaviour. The music was suitably heroic and grand as John scaled those four storeys. The visuals were terrific, especially as the camera pulled away to show just how scary the ascent was. Can you imagine just how amazing John's abs would have to be to have the control to swing himself over that pronged thingy? Also forearms?
B* However, what on Lantea was Teyla thinking, climbing out onto the ledge, especially as the sound effects included higher winds? That seemed to be a supremely foolish thing to do, especially for Teyla who was being more protective of her body and impending motherhood.
C* The music was especially sweet when Ronon was in the Infirmary with Jennifer. Joel Goldsmith always had (I hate-hate-hate having to type that in the past tense) a way writing a score to convey tenderness and love.
D* Hygiene/medical protocol: Arrgghh. This is a constant pet peeve of mine. When Ronon rips his stitches, Jennifer pulls on a pair of gloves, then pushes aside her bangs, and with contaminated gloves starts to cut through the bandage. Yes, I know it's just skin cells and hair oil, but they have no place on a fresh wound.
E* How everyone – no matter where they were trapped – automatically assumed that Rodney would fix this in no time. It's no wonder the man's frazzled because reliance on him alone is just an additional burden. And anybody who is personally involved in a relationship with someone like that simpy has to either live with it or not BE in the relationship. Oh ... giggles for Rodney trying to pry open the doors with whatever was on hand, in this case a ... trowel! Hee! ~::~::~ Well, I think I've dissected the episode enough for the time being. It was fun looking at it from more than just a scene-by-scene aspect.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2012-10-20 03:31 am (UTC)I like Jennifer and Ronon together, too - especially that incredibly awkward moment when she suggests they get to know each other better. Sam and Radek are fun, too.
It figures that John's the only one with access to a window. I love that he compares himself to Batman, even though it's Spiderman who's the one to scale walls.
no subject
Date: 2012-10-20 05:27 am (UTC)Comment 1
Date: 2012-10-20 04:47 pm (UTC)1* The first couple up for
dissection... uh ... discussion is the most important one of the show, namely John and Rodney (however you define their inclusion in coupledom). It may not be a “Sunday” type day for them, but they both seem to be taking it easy - the top two COs of the mission playing video golf in the morning. It appears they've just finished one 18-hole game and John's eager to play another, though he'll settle for 9 holes. We know Rodney's in his lab, but John's certainly not doing any Colonel-type stuff because he came to spend time playing with his “buddy”. But, then, Rodney breaks things up by saying he's got an important lunch date with Katie??? Remember her from way back (like Tabula Rasa)? John is SO not thrilled to hear about Rodney's date and does his best to cock-block him. Why, John, why? His reactions at the sight of the ring are conflicted and confusing for viewers. We are not yet aware of his privileged background but his sardonic reaction to Rodney's declaring that he got a “good deal” on the ring makes sense, as we look back on the series, having seen Outcast. Oh, Rodney, Rodney, Rodney. You call that an engagement ring a woman would be excited to receive??? I decided to do a little Canadian conflict-free diamond shopping myself online and couldn't even find anything that was a measly “one-eighth” of a carat (which is .125 BTW). The smallest size seemed to be about “.83” of a carat and – honestly – if Rodney as the CSO cannot afford several grand to buy a proper diamond – then who can? I'm not sure whether TPTB were having more fun at his expense, that the man is SO clueless he can't even buy an attractive engagement ring. The only thing that may have been a redeeming factor is that the stone was set into the gold which would be important for a fellow scientist. OTOH, I believe I remember the talk when the episode aired that Rodney had bought a ring that was more suitable to give to a man. Uh, Rodney, what's your subconscious telling you really?And then there's poor stunned John. He's already foreseeing not having his “buddy” to hang out with at the very least. So what does he do (after he throws off his immediate confused reaction)? What else but throw himself on the grenade by encouraging Rodney to “Go get the girl”. Oh, John. ::sighs::
Comment 2
Date: 2012-10-20 04:52 pm (UTC)So ... just what is a good reason for getting married? I don't think Rodney knows, just that his sister thinks he should finally get around to doing it. Also, marriage is one of the ways a person declares optimism and hope for the future. That's so NOT Rodney in this episode. I also found this focus on Mr. Negativity very upsetting. Hey, PTB, Rodney HAS changed over the last few years, but I guess you've been too self-absorbed to read the playbook.
I was unhappy to see the character of Katie Brown shrink into nothingness here. She'd been far more vivacious in previous episodes. And, yes, hello, PTB. Are you insinuating that Katie's not already aware of Rodney's shortcomings, that it took this episode to bring them to her attention? That's just another clue that these two have NOT spent considerable time together, even if there hasn't been physical intimacy.
Another couple of reasons why I believe these two have not had sex. Katie is surprised by Rodney's normal heartrate. Uh ... people who have orgasms together usually know what the other person's heartrate is if they stick around to share the afterglow. And why would TPTB stick in that phallic now-overgrown cactus with Katie's enthusiastic and repetitive description of how it's kept growing BIGGER ... to Rodney's evident embarrassment. Just another stupid laugh at Rodney's expense.
I also have to glare at the really improbable and so-unlike-Rodney action of removing his radio and tossing it on a lab table before taking off for his lunch date!!! Seriously, people, Rodney would NOT do this. He wouldn't leave his lifeline to the city. No, no, just NO.
Poor Katie. I get the impression she didn't know how to react (so I'll blame the writing) when she saw the ring. If this is her first proposal, it's certainly underwhelming, as was the ring. And, yet, she's vulnerable enough to ask in a wistful voice if Rodney's not going to go ahead and propose. Oh, Katie, honey. But it's too late as Rodney already thinks the city's doomed, as are all of its residents. So that's an echo of the lack of optimism. If you're not going to live, what's the point of thinking about getting married?
Back to poor Katie, as Rodney gets ready to leave. He hasn't proposed, but she's holding on to that ring box, even though her arms are crossed over her chest (closed-off body language). What's she going to do? Try to hock it? Used engagement rings have a really lousy resale value, as their primary value is that they signify hope and love. And, yeah, optimism. I found it revealing that she called to Rodney as he was leaving merely to put more emphasis on the “Bye”. Oh, yeah, it's goodbye for sure.
Comment 3
Date: 2012-10-20 05:10 pm (UTC)John also tries to undo some of the dickish damage from previous episodes by talking about his friend the cop and her kids. She faces danger on a daily basis to protect other kids, not just her own.
Still, I had to snicker at John's discomfort of being trapped (OMG) with a pregnant woman (who will go into labour early, because that's how it is in ALL the movies). John is SUCH a dork. Really. Still, it was sweet to see him feel the kick. Awww, John. But, then, he has to go save the day.
4* The next couple is Jennifer and Ronon. There were a number of very sweet things about this pairing. First of all, the age difference isn't so ridiculous. Secondly, her lack of social graces is offset by his having been on the run for so long that he'd forgotten about the human need to be with someone. I was surprised to see how low key he was in talking about Melena. Or is that his way of not bringing up a deep hurt and loss? I also liked the fact that they were sympathetic to each other's negative self-criticism (he tells her she can't be at fault not helping people just because she's trapped and she tells him he can't blame himself because Melena chose to stay behind), so they show they're good for each other. And there is the kiss-that-almost-was. It was hilarious to see the contraption they Mcgyvered to try to blast through the doors, though that thing could have caused far more serious damage inside the Infirmary.
I have to point out more writing fail and odd character development as far as Jennifer is concerned. Are TPB really honest when they say they don't read fanfic? Because they took a common trope for Rodney skipping grades, etc.) and adapted it for her. Plus the whole no dating or fun times sounds really weird for someone who went to med school just a few years ago. Med schools have to do more than merely churn out MDs nowadays with no bedside or people or life skills. Also, the whole I-didn't-have-time-for-fun contradicts what Jennifer will be saying in Trio. 'Cuz bar games, anyone?
Comment 4
Date: 2012-10-20 05:23 pm (UTC)Mind you, I think we're just seeing more of the juvenile mindset of TPTB who wouldn't allow any girl cooties in the
boys' clubhousewriters' room, so it's no wonder they don't believe that women and men can be friends and colleagues (or women as bosses). They SO needed to have at least one female writer on staff. ::sighs::Thankfully Radek redeems himself by going through the ventilation shaft. Originally the only Czech I understood was “Jesus and Mary” but someone on LJ supplied the rest of his mutterings. Here's the GateWorld transcript: But, getting back to Sam and Radek, there was some weird arm-patting between them, too.
6* No, I'm not done with pairing people. This one belongs in the fantasy category. Only because John chose them to climb down the tower (and how cool is that, even if we didn't see it), I started thinking of shipping Chuck and Evan together. I liked the closeness in height for one thing which one normally doesn't get the chance to observe; either Evan and Chuck never share scenes or Chuck's height is hidden as he's seated behind a console. But that's all I have to say about that very, very rare pairing (that probably exists ONLY in my mind, unless someone else is willing to share that sekrit).
7* Oops, not done yet. There's also the pairing of John and Teyla as Mom and Dad when Jennifer asks if she may join Ronon at the team table (plus Radek and Sam but no Rodney) that night. Instead of going for the stupid love triangle, TPTB should have stuck with Jennifer and Ronon. But they decided he was too much of a barbarian (ugh) so they had to focus on that instead as the reason she will ultimately reject him as a suitable partner. Besides, he's not even from Earth which ends up being a far bigger deal than their shared humanity. [But I've already shared my opinions on what prior qualifications medical personnel should have had before joining the SGC, especially for offworld travel.]
Random observations
Date: 2012-10-20 05:34 pm (UTC)B* However, what on Lantea was Teyla thinking, climbing out onto the ledge, especially as the sound effects included higher winds? That seemed to be a supremely foolish thing to do, especially for Teyla who was being more protective of her body and impending motherhood.
C* The music was especially sweet when Ronon was in the Infirmary with Jennifer. Joel Goldsmith always had (I hate-hate-hate having to type that in the past tense) a way writing a score to convey tenderness and love.
D* Hygiene/medical protocol: Arrgghh. This is a constant pet peeve of mine. When Ronon rips his stitches, Jennifer pulls on a pair of gloves, then pushes aside her bangs, and with contaminated gloves starts to cut through the bandage. Yes, I know it's just skin cells and hair oil, but they have no place on a fresh wound.
E* How everyone – no matter where they were trapped – automatically assumed that Rodney would fix this in no time. It's no wonder the man's frazzled because reliance on him alone is just an additional burden. And anybody who is personally involved in a relationship with someone like that simpy has to either live with it or not BE in the relationship. Oh ... giggles for Rodney trying to pry open the doors with whatever was on hand, in this case a ... trowel! Hee!
~::~::~
Well, I think I've dissected the episode enough for the time being. It was fun looking at it from more than just a scene-by-scene aspect.