Series Rewatch: Suspicion

[popkin16]

The next episode in our series rewatch is 1.05, Suspicion! Tensions rise between the people of Earth and the Athosians as suspicions of a spy on Atlantis puts everyone on edge. We've seen some culture clash in the previous episode, and it all comes to a head.

As always, comment about whatever interests you, as long as it's polite. Though a post for the next episode will go up in a week, feel free to comment on this post or any previous ones whenever you like :)

Comments

[popkin16]

+ Right off the bat with some Rodney whump - my favorite! Yess, everyone be concerned for him~ I also love the way John calls out Rodney's name in worry ;) He's also there when Rodney wakes up - how long did John hang around until Rodney woke up?

+ Someone made a post on tumblr about John's sass hand when Rodney has his foot on the table, and now I can't unsee that. I also can't stop noticing how much Teyla bounces her eyebrows in season one.

+ Ughh, Bates. Like, he's doing his job - he's in charge of base security and has some valid concerns. But he goes about in such an asshole way. Though during Teyla's interview, Bates actually sounds...I don't know. Kinder? Softer? He only grows annoyed when Teyla refuses to answer his questions.

+ John looks at Rodney in the meeting, and Rodney speaks up to support John's point. They do that a lot - look to each other in reaction or for support. Not just in this episode either.

+ Radek and Rodney interaction: science bros! I love their friendship.

+ I really love looking at the Athosian's clothing. I wish we had gotten more about their culture. AND more about Teyla's struggle beteen her duty to her people and her desire to stay on Atlantis.

+ Why is everyone so pretty. John and Rodney are as hot as always, and Elizabeth looks really good in that blue shirt. Teyla is pretty too, especially during her interview.

+ I love that John makes a joke about bringing ridiculous objects back - flatware, groceries, a new outfit. He does the same thing to Woolsey later on lol.

+ When John is stunned, Rodney stops and goes back for him, even before the military guy orders him to grab John <3 And Rodney asks, "What about Ford?" before going through the gate. And he insists they go back, that they can't just leave them. Episode 05, and Rodney is already a team player.

+ Mm, John getting all growly and commanding. Yes please. Also, John's shirt drapes over his chest in a very pleasing way.

+ Elizabeth: I'm the one who put him in charge of security. Does she have the authority to do that? That really seems like something the military should decide. Like, I could see her objecting or suggesting to John, but I feel like the final decision would fall on him.

+ Rodney: Major, I need you to see something. Something in your pants, right? RIGHT?

+ Aw, John. Checking in with your scientist. Realistically, Rodney should not be on this mission LOL But John is all about teamwork and Rodney says he wants to do it.

+ Teyla, it was kind of stupid of you to walk right up to the wraith when you were shooting them just fine from a safe distance.

+ BOOTY SHOT.

+ "You okay?" / "I'm fine, this is fun for me."

[melagan]

This was a very pretty episode. (I made a few comments below about that.)
You just know John hung around the infirmary waiting for Rodney to wake up because ... because... all the becauses!

Just between you and I, I think John's a little disconcerted with Rodney's foot rubbing because he just noticed the size and you know what they say about the size of a man's feet... John's possibly feeling slightly challenged in that department or just realized he needs a lot more lube.

What dirty mind? I have no idea what you're talking about.

[popkin16]

Because John is Rodney's team leader, and he is totally just expressing concern for the scientist under his command. Definitely for that reason.

Given the discussions people have had about how John walks like he has to make room for his "package", I'm guessing he's a little worried they're going to have enough lube to last them...

[selenic76]

I love how you find all those little awesome moments in the episode ^_^ Almost makes me want to see it again just to pay attention to them :D

[popkin16]

Aw, thanks bb ♥ I had fun picking moments and making comments LOL

[melagan]

Let's get the uncomfortable aspect of suspicion out of the way. It causes friction and distrust and we're all very glad when it gets resolved. (quite cleverly with the fault due to a device not a person ).

Good things – and there are many.

We get to see a lot more of Atlantis in this episode. Plus we see a fully staffed fully functioning gate room.

Rodney and Radek discover that the Jumper Bay roof retracts. It took me an embarrassingly long time to realize the importance of that. It opens up a host of locations they can get to, no Stargate required.

More Halling! And, we get to see more of the Athosians as well as get some idea of how they govern, and how they handle disagreements.

There are some very nice John and Rodney moments in this episode. Rodney helps a Marine drag John to safety, and when Rodney is hit with a stunner blast, John is the first one at his side.

Later on, they turn the tables on the Wraith and capture one. This is huge. Why? Because this is not what the people in the Pegasus Galaxy do. They run, they hide, they survive, and they try not to live in fear. Without the technology to even the playing field, if it could be evened, their courage is in persistence and survival. Those that fight don't expect to win.

This expedition from the Milky Way is ready, if underprepared, to fight, and they expect to win. Teyla knows this for the game changer it is. This is a woman with the courage to step away from what she knows to grab onto a chance with both hands. It's still only a possibility, and it could fail. She does it anyway, even while under suspicion.

Now for the cherry on top. John Sheppard wearing his slinky black shirt of sex. JOHN SHOULD WEAR THIS IN ALL THE EPISODES. Just saying...

[popkin16]

Ooo, I really like your thoughts about what the Atlantis expedition means for the Wraith - how they're finally up against a group of people who are willing and able to fight back. Also how Teyla recognizes what an opportunity this is for the people of Pegasus. She even says something about it when discussing Atlantis with her people - "they are hope."

[selenic76]

The bickering was still annoying to watch, but I did try to think about it from the point of view of both sides. And I do like how in the end Teyla tells Elizabeth that in her position she would likely have acted the same.

I also tried to pay attention to the Athosian clothing, and it was interesting how much effort and detail had been put into them. It was also an interesting contrast to show Teyla in almost full Earth gear when talking to her people. It's nice that they didn't make a point of it, and that her people didn't hold it against her. I also loved Teyla's interaction with Halling, and how there's a moment where she nearly loses her composure. She's a great leader, but also very human.

Still not my favourite episode, but I did find it more watchable this time around :)

[popkin16]

I really like Teyla and Elizabeth's relationship - the depth of understanding about what it takes to be a leader. Their friendship is wonderful.

Ooo yes, good point. When they're leaving and Teyla comes in to talk to them, she's wearing Lantean clothing... I do really love that her people don't seem to begrudge her for her choices, and welcome her visits with open arms :D