Rewatch: Trio

[twinsarein.livejournal.com]

[Poll #1877892]

Comments

Comment 1A

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

Seriously, I have So. Much. Hate for this episode. I ::shudders:: only watched it once. And then wandered into the GateWorld Forum where peeps were comparing this epi as the worst SGA epi ever (until they were reminded of our fave date-rapist Lucius). So, it may not be the worst, but it's certainly waaaaaaay down in the muck as something thoroughly vile.

Before I get to what I thought was wrong with it, I have to wonder just what Joe F had bumbling about in his mind as he kept sucking on that lollipop (lol). I know Joe loves to make faces and adlib a lot (there'll be that drinking coffee face in S5) but – uh – having a lollipop in your mouth in front of your CO is a bit much, especially as I believe he would have been in charge after Sam left. Talk about super casual. And super dorky.

Okay, back to business. Hadn't TPTB (of Atlantis, if not the writers) not learnt anything from Missing? That you don't just send a couple of people alone on a trip when something can go wrong in a single dial of the gate. Unless all of Rodney's people had been on that world that very morning, the situation could have changed. Of course, had there been several Marines (even – duh - female-only ones to tamp down any automatic response by that world's inhabitants hostile to a military presence, especially after their lovely-NOT experiences with the Genii), the episode would have resolved itself in 10 minutes. Huh. I guess that should be a writer's litmus test: if adding more personnel will make your scenario safer, then your main plot premise is flawed.

The writing and characterizations were just dreadful. First of all, we see Rodney trying to get out of the mission completely (even though it's with two blondes, woo-hoo, his ideal women), but later he's acting like a stereotypical sexist jackass.

Back to basics (as I've mentioned when it comes to Atlantis personnel) training should not have made Jennifer so out of breath (which also seems OOC for someone who is so young and apparently fit). I'm really trying to wrap my brain around the concept, but did TPTB actually think that making her to be fragile and in need of protection would make us feel more sympathetic toward her character? It doesn't make any sense, especially as they'd been crowing that they'd snagged Kaylee whose character on Firefly was self-sufficient, life-savvy (if not downright cynical at times) and ship-engineering-smart. So what did they do? They presented Jewel/Jennifer as someone who is instead shallow in life/interpersonal relationships and work experience – but we're supposed to accept that she's a genius – on their say-so.

Comment 1B

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

Right off the bat, the situation began to deteriorate. Uh, Rodney's last physical should not be a topic of gossip with the base's CO. Once again, patient confidentiality is a foreign concept. And just why is Sam reacting with incredulity to Rodney's physical activity? She's the freaking CO of the place and is reading their AARs on a regular basis. She knows what's happening. ::rolls eyes::

Next mistake? When Rodney fell through the earth, only one woman (and even then I'm sceptical) should have eased forward toward the hole. Actually, if Sam had been written properly, then nobody would have been inching toward the hole. After establishing that Rodney was alive, one of them would have tried to make it back to the gate to get help and the other one just backed away, just close enough to call out to Rodney. But, hey, we can't have that because it would end the episode.

Did anyone else feel as if what they were carrying in their packs seemed to be insufficient?

Anyway, now they're ALL stuck in a scary, unstable room with no apparent means of escape. The first scheme ends in a second fall for Sam. Major ouches for all of them.

But, hey, super-sleuth Rodney's just found a grappling hook. Though, without rope, he's figuring they'll all have to sacrifice their jackets, pants and shirts. Jennifer falls for his icky plan and has already removed her jacket. She's lifting off her shirt (and he seems to be really fascinated – ugh) but, luckily, Sam finds rope just in time so nobody has to lose any clothes. And Rodney looks so disappointed. By now I'm sending laser daggers at TPTB for Rodney's super-childish and boorish behaviour. [BTW, they did the same thing in SGU S2 when David H appeared. I couldn't believe how stupid it was to have Rodney openly staring at Lt. James's boobs (and I wrote at the time – as if he'd never seen boobs before)! Ugh-ugh-ugh.]

Then, just to make sure we know how TPTB think, let's have Rodney divide up the chores: the “gals” can do the menial rope-tying (my Freudian slip: I just typed “typing”) stuff while HE will do the cerebral stuff, trying to translate the Genii manual.

Comment 2A

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

Oh, look, it's the Love Boat's Cruise Director Julie McCoy who's come to pay a visit, in disguise as Dr. Keller. Who wants to while away the time by playing 20 questions. Sam's not keen on that game. But Jennifer's bored and determined, so suggests “Who would you rather?” Can I go ugh-ugh-ugh again? For more than one reason. When our Team is on a mission and wasting time, they'll talk about all sorts of stuff (other worlds, trading partners, what's for dinner, Earth-Pegasus misconceptions) but the conversations generally do NOT divide along gender lines as they do here. What did I conclude from this ridiculous game? Well, put TWO women together, no matter how brilliant, and they'll play a stupid word game, because they're really not all that super-brilliant, not like MEN. However, with her background and experience, even Sam should have been rolling her eyes and wondering what she was doing having this ... child as her Chief of Medicine. Though one could also say that she was merely humouring Jennifer to stave off having to focus on their dilemma and also to waste time.

When Rodney doesn't want to play, Jennifer takes her revenge at his previous leer (whether she was aware of it or not) with a very catty – even malicious - comment: “It's just a dumb game, McKay. You're not secure enough in your masculinity to play a dumb game?” Sam grins at that putdown of Rodney. Luckily, they're prevented from playing it further because Rodney hears something from above.

Oh, joy. NOT. It's a bunch of kids playing where they're not supposed to. And Rodney opens his big mouth and makes things worse. And that's even before he makes the outrageous suggestion that Sam should show 'em her tits. Arrgghh. [I don't want to smash my keyboard – or head – against the wall, but it would probably make me feel better.]

In any case, I'm given more loathsome writing as TPTB have Sam and Rodney engage in a competition as to who's had the worse claustrophobic experience, which leads to Sam talking about being stuck with Radek. And Jennifer mentions he's always telling her how nice her hair smells. OMG. OMG. That's the most visible Freudian slip TPTB have made for the series, because they're the ones who get off on long hair on actresses. I'd forgotten about this line until this rewatch, but it is SO relevant.

Okay, so it's back to knotting ... and playing the stupid game. Which even Rodney does. I wish TPTB had made him turn the tables on the women by suggesting female stars. How would they like to be compared to Hollywoodish women and the thought of making out with them? But that's supposedly not as much fun as being mean to the geek. And probably fulfills too many male fantasies of stereotyped lesbians.

Comment 2B

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

Somehow, the game morphs into a conversation about Rodney's relationship with Katie. When he learns that his asking for more time for himself was interpreted as breaking off with her, it's a shock to him. He tries to brush it off by saying it's probably for the best, that she deserves to be with someone more aware. To which Jennifer reassures him that “she deserves to be with a nice guy like you”. ::groans:: Jennifer, only a few minutes ago, Rodney was acting like an asshole, leering at your boobs and threatening children. But you've decided that makes him a “nice guy”? Really??? The guy who snatches the grappling hook away from Sam – for obvious sexist reasons.

Well, at least they're interrupted by the kids again. Who are good in Rodney's opinion until he learns they haven't brought any adults, only other kids with whom they placed a bet. So they're back to being brats again.

But no more time for yelling at kids when a really bad tremor hits and the room shifts and slopes perilously toward the red door. Nope, no yelling. Rodney's about to move into macho-man territory. Naturally, HE is the one who is determined to toss the grappling hook, even though Sam's the one who's had experience (which he claims he's had on missions). He tries several times and misses (it's time to duck), puncturing a pipe on one of the misses. For some reason (that would be NO logical reason IMO), Jennifer is starting to act indulgent and kind toward him. Um ... TPTB, just where are you getting this altered and improved perception by Jennifer of Rodney? Do you really subscribe to the theory that chicks (not women) like guys who are jerks? Or has she suddenly started thinking of him as her personal improvement project (and possible boyfriend)?

Anyway, Sam's grabbed the grappling hook and manages to get it through the hole on her first try. Rodney's lack of enthusiasm is so obvious.

And, awww, poor widdle Wodney, who weally wants a hammer and nails, so he can build his widdle bwidge. Of course that's when previously unsocialized dorky Jennifer (Anyone remember her back story told to Ronon in Quarantine only a few episodes ago? Yeah, that Jennifer) suddenly is transformed into cool bar-bet-winning Jen who scores free beer. ::rolls eyes again:: In any case, the bridge seems like a valid idea, though building it is a challenge, considering what they have to work with. I did happen to notice (and appreciate) the neat use of step-by-step music as they're building their tri-support bridge.

Which turns out to have been still bad, especially as they're forced to use a couple of those still decrepit crates for Sam to stand on using the bridge. This time it's Sam who's being foolishly optimistic while the others are trying to get her to climb back down. So, yeah, predictable stuff happens. And makes it feel way more improbable that ALL three of them fell thirty feet with no ill effects. Oh, sure, that happens to me all the time. ::rolls eyes – yet again::

Comment 3A

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

The wood breaks and Sam falls down. Though, this time, she doesn't escape a serious injury: she's got a broken leg. If that weren't bad enough, there's probably internal bleeding which will lead to worse consequences in about an hour. So ... no pressure, right? Did anybody else catch a glimpse of Amanda's pale painted toenails? They looked really long to me.

More previously unlearnt lessons. They get into trouble so often on missions, and yet ibuprofen is the only painkiller they pack? Seriously????? Remind me to never go on a mission with this bunch.

At least with Sam injured, Rodney's gotten that stupid competitive streak out of his system. But, wait. His mouth can still get him into trouble ... and it does with talk of weight and “perfect body” comments. ::groans:: Because that's another stereotypical subject that has to be inserted into M/F or worse M/F/F interactions.

Thank goodness he moves on to a more familiar subject, building a DIY cannon which – after his mentioned all too often Grade Six science project bomb – should be a cinch. Hee – I wonder how long he's been waiting to say “Fire in the hole” just before an explosion?

Unfortunately, even though his gas-powered javelin throw is successful (yay), even with a more spread weight distribution along its length isn't enough to prevent more earth from coming through the hole. This time, Rodney's the optimistic one while Sam's telling him to stop. Of course the inevitable happens: the earth rushing in unbalances the room-on-stilts so it tilts (ha, rhyming); even worse, Jennifer goes tumbling through the open red door and is dangling at the end of the rope that Rodney's holding.

And then we're back to bashing the geek. Rodney was so bad at heavy things that he had to use “an old lady's grocery cart” in college!?! Oh, come on. That image is simply ridiculous, as is its conclusion, that it's the reason why Rodney didn't date “much” in college. Uh ... may I remind the audience that Rodney was way underage in college? And would have had fewer prospects anyway?

But Rodney gamely holds on to the rope with Jennifer dangling in mid-air because Sam can't help him. As he tries to get a better position, he makes Jennifer fall lower. When he tries to pull her up, she tells him not to, because of the light. Okay, PTB, that was a pretty weak joke about not going toward the light and staying with the living.

It turns out that Jennifer has spotted a mineshaft showing daylight. So, if they'd closed that red door tightly, she'd never have fallen through it and they wouldn't have rescued themselves in time. However, I think it was premature of her to have let go of the original rope after she'd swung herself into the mineshaft without first checking that the climb was easy. OTOH, I guess the scene had to be shortened somewhere.

Comment 3B

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

In any case, Sam's telling Rodney to go next because she can't lower herself. Uh ... someone wanna tell me why not? She's got a broken leg, NOT broken arms. Cadman or any of the S5 female military would have done it, I'm sure.

But, poor Rodney and his bleeding palms from rope burn. He still manages to make a bosun's chair out of rope (yay for boy-scout-Rodney!) and lowers Sam until she can toss a second rope over to Jennifer and get into the mineshaft.

Finally, it's just Rodney left to lower himself. He manages to get to the right level but doesn't have any strength left to swing himself over. Somebody should have thought of the second rope trick for his descent as well. Rodney's just taking a wee exhaustion break when the universe decides to conspire against him, by having the rope start to fray where it's bent at the edge of the door. But wait, there's more. The room above starts to creak even more ominously, so Rodney has to hustle his ass and swing over. He finally makes it, just before the rope snaps and then the room also plunges past them.

Finally, they're back in Atlantis, though we only see Rodney and Jennifer sitting side by side in the Infirmary (as Sam just got out of surgery). His hands are bandaged and supposedly pain-free because of extra magic ointment. He says they're the only things that aren't hurting. Of course, Jennifer uses this particular time to thank him for saving her life (which is perfectly reasonable and understandable) but also to remind Rodney that he owes her a beer. That she's asking him to have a drink with her. Um ... PTB, he's in pain and I can't believe that he wasn't given anything for it but, even if he was, his body has been not only jostled but he's had to lower THREE people on a rope all by himself) and YOU choose this time to have him go out on a date with Jennifer – because she's got fabulous (oh, so NOT) timing. [I'll remind you of your stupidity when we get to S5's Brainstorm.]

Hear me breathe out an enormous sigh of relief at just getting through this episode. I'll be glad when next week comes around, even though Midway isn't without its own unique irritants, but the road to the final episode of the season has nowhere to go up. Way up.

Re: Comment 3B

[tavabean.livejournal.com]

I give you credit for rewatching this thing, I don't think I'd be as brave! I disliked it intensely for all the things you mentioned. Poor Radek, sheesh.

Re: Comment 3B

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

Well, I have to be willing to rewatch at least once (and read the transcript closely) just to catch stuff I didn't originally, or even to see if my original impressions are still valid. When this first aired, I hadn't paid much attention to the stuff about Radek but this time I honed in on it, seeing Make-Fun-of-Both-Geeks week. What disturbs me in particular is that David Nykl had gone to clown school (somewhere) so was willing to look silly for the show (his hair in general which is so unlike his RL appearance and the episode where he came back from visiting the kid planet with his hair in pigtails the most obvious examples). Which is fine and a bonus for TPTB because it makes him a more versatile actor. So what do they do? They mock him, for their own amusement. But, then, I always thought they were cavalier in their cruelty to their characters. ::shudders::

Anyway, I appreciate your giving me credit. Does that mean I can have John's lollipop ... uh ... with a John (or two) attached???

Re: Comment 3B

[spikespet7.livejournal.com]

all that and more.

The powers that be had already stopped caring about the show and it starts to show in season 4.....

The only thing I liked about the episode it showing that Rodney was a hero at heart. Because to me it's all about McKay (and John but they can't let anyone know yet, LOL).

Kimber who thinks Sanctuary is the WORST episode EVER!

Re: Comment 3B

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm certain TPTB were already salivating over SGU by this point. But it's still the inconsistency of the writing (AND scheduling episodes) that makes it worse. After all, we will still be treated to what I consider to be a magnificent Rodney epi in The Last Man.

As for your comment about Rodney as a hero, well, it's not the first time he's shown us that - when he saves his team - but I suppose it was different this time because he impressed teh womenfolk who could then fawn all over him (as women properly should ... in the eyes of TPTB). After all, a grateful woman is one who ought to put out. ::shudders:: I need a shower now, but I'll make do with lovely McSheppy thoughts.

Re: Comment 3B

[spikespet7.livejournal.com]

I always like Rodney being the hero and the women folk have nothin' to do with it, LOL! In my mind John rewards him when he gets him alone, LOL!


Kimber

Re: Comment 3B

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

I'm staring with glazed eyes at the hypnotic gif. Love the words, too. There should be a bookend to your icon, one that says

LOVE is inviting him whale watching when it's just the two of you.

::sighs::

[twinsarein.livejournal.com]

Well, like others, I have problems with this episode, but that's true of a lot of shows I watch. So, ignoring all the illogical actions that got written in, among other things, here are the positives I like in this episode:

The stop the bickering and start working as a team to get out. Rodney and Keller stopped complaining and just did what had to be done to get them out of there. They came up with good idea after good idea, even though none of them worked out. Even better, they all contributed. No one was dead weight.

Rodney did end up being the ultimate hero, which is always sweet, but even then, Keller gave him a pep talk and helped him out when he was at the end of his hope (heh - both metaphorically and physically).

Also, John with a lollipop - cute.

Re: Comment 1A

[twinsarein.livejournal.com]

I had to watch the ep while I did other things, so only made a quick comment, so thought I'd comment on your comments.

First, I loved the lollipop bit with John. I don't remember him ever sucking on anything before in meetings, but I wish he'd made it a thing - it fits his laid back personality.

The bit with Jennifer does bug me. Her first away mission (with Teyla) was filled with problems and her needing to exert herself. You'd think she would have 'added more cardio' after that. Plus worked on other things. She's got a base full of military personnel versed in survival who would have helped her.

Re: Comment 1B

[twinsarein.livejournal.com]

I'm with you on inching towards the hole. I had the exact same thought. If weight was an issue (needing to spread it out), it also would have made sense to take off the heavy packs. Then, one person inches forward to check on McKay, while the other one goes back for help (and if someone was going to inch forward, it should have been the doctor, as the best able to assess Rodney's condition).

In a truly professional team, however, I don't think anyone would have gotten closer, as long as Rodney was vocal in his assurances of good health - which he was.

It also would have made sense to me that every team takes a jumper with them - it can cloak after all, so no one would have to know it's there. Even better, rig up a remote control, so it can be brought to them if they're in trouble. Or, probably more practical, one person stays with the jumper, so there is more immediate radio contact if things go wrong.

Re: Comment 3A

[twinsarein.livejournal.com]

The biggest thing for me, was those boxes. After they had been made useless by breaking in the fall, why didn't they get rid of them through the door, if weight was such an issue. Even empty, they were heavy, being made out of wood, and given the hard time the three of them had moving some of them. That would have saved them a lot of weight.

I was wondering about Sam's inability to help with the rope at the end, as well. She had one good leg she could have braced herself with, and two good arms. She might not have been able to take all the weight, but she could have taken some of it to give Rodney a break.

Re: Comment 1B

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

::giggles:: If you're going to offer PRACTICAL suggestions ::giggles again:: then TPTB will have to fire their writers. However, I believe there are only so many 'jumpers and, if we're bringing one through the gate, then there should be at least two people with the ATA, just in case something happened to one of them. And, in the case of this world, the inhabitants were already leery of people who used technology. As they'd already been taken advantage of by the Genii, I'd think they'd be even more wary if they found out, even by accident, about a cloaked 'jumper. Plus - in this particular episode - can you imagine what it would be like if the weight of the 'jumper caused IT to create a hole and fall in? Oops wouldn't be a good enough response.

Re: Comment 1A

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

Well, it doesn't help to blame the characters for their own lack of development or growth; but, I'll just continue to blame TPTB and the writers. Can you imagine how cool it could have been for Jennifer to approach Sam ESPECIALLY AFTER Missing to ask if they could have some remedial sorta-kinda-remote wilderness training for people who weren't normally on mission teams. They could have made it a safer experience by having the Athosians involved in offering the training. But THAT would have shown up the writers/PTB for their thinking/writing fail over the years. So, yeah, it's easier to just hand wave and continue to show off the blonde damsel in distress.