Rewatch: Sanctuary

[twinsarein.livejournal.com]

Sheppard's team arrive on a new planet that has never been attacked by the Wraith. The Wraith ships are always destroyed before they can approach the planet, its inhabitants assure Sheppard that they don't have any weapons and have never heard about the Wraith. High Priestess Chaya Sar, a beautiful and intriguing woman, could have the key to the mystery, so Mayor Sheppard[Poll #1775314]

Comments

[calcitrix.livejournal.com]

I read that whole summary looking for a mention of Tesla.

[twinsarein.livejournal.com]

I assume you mean Teyla? Otherwise, I don't know who Tesla is.

[calcitrix.livejournal.com]

LOL, no, Tesla is from Sanctuary the show--Amanda Tapping's next thing with a bunch of Stargate people in it. I forgot Sanctuary was an actual SGA ep. :)

[twinsarein.livejournal.com]

What's with Teyla and Ford in sleeveless uniforms. The only reason I can think of, is they both have great looking arms, *g*

That weapons from the planet is a cool affect.

I love Rodney's, 'I got nothing.'

Hmmm, the team got all the way to the middle of the village without being spotted.

I always suspect culture like this on shows, because human nature just isn't that placid. Everyone seems so content and happy. It makes me wonder what's up. I know, in this case, there is nothing to worry about, although I can't remember the particulars.

Ooo, they're off to see the Wizard. Even though the temple isn't exactly the Emerald City. Looks like Sheppard is getting his Kirk on. John does know how to be persuasive. I have to admit, I've always envied his insouciance - whatching him just lay back and relax is inspiring. Hee, Rodney just made a Wizard of Oz joke. Cool.

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

What's with Teyla and Ford in sleeveless uniforms. The only reason I can think of, is they both have great looking arms, *g*

So ... I just finished rewatching (so I could stay true to the concept, you know) and looked very closely at what they were all wearing. They weren't sleeveless uniforms, but everyone was wearing their TAC vests over their tops: Rodney in his short-sleeved blue Science shirt, Teyla over her Athosian lace-up top, Aiden over a sleeveless tee and ONLY John was wearing a shirt and jacket underneath his TAC vest.

Looking at the uniforms in general, Elizabeth was wearing her short-sleeved red top. So I came to the conclusion that Joe Flanigan must have been sick and was cold/shivering (but not with anything communicable, 'cuz he was kissing Leonor) - even though it was most likely warm on the set - so everybody was stripped down while he was wearing so many layers. It's the only thing that makes sense. And, I guess. even if Joe was sick for only one or two shooting days, because they're done out of sequence, he had to continue wearing all of those layers. I tell you ... acting is hard work.

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

... even though it was most likely warm on the set - so everybody was stripped down while he was wearing so many layers.

You know when I start to quote MYSELF, I'm gone. But, in this case, I felt it was important.

This morning, I watched the "Mission Directive" for this episode. And I believe it was the Director who described some of the sets as hot as a quonset hut - but there was Joe F. wearing his many layers. Poor guy.

[twinsarein.livejournal.com]

For anyone who knows a history of the Stargate Universe, overall... Can anyone tell me if they ever talked about a policy of noninterference or at least guidelines for meeting new people? Atlantis obviously doesn't, but SG1 was on for so long, I thought maybe they covered it there.

[twinsarein.livejournal.com]

Curiouser and curiouser. She is in perfect health and turns on Ancient technology. Also, Rodney has a real case against her. I wonder why his suspicions are so raised for her as opposed to others they've met.

I liked the picnic scene. The setting and scenery were beautiful, and Sheppard is cementing his Kirk-like reputation.

Rodney's reactions seem really out-of-wack to me about this woman. Maybe he's the one voice of reason, and he doesn't like that everyone is ignoring his opinion, but he's coming on really strong about it.

Aaaaand, Rodney's figured it out. Yay, Rodney! The expressions on John's face especially, is priceless.

I am curious, if one Ancient has the ability to wipe out such a large number of ships with a single thought, how did the Wraith every defeat them? Unless it has something to do with accession perhaps.

Being cast out for helping seems harsh, especially since they had been corporeal such a short time ago. You'd think they'd remember what it was like. I guess bodies aren't the only things to be left behind.

I like the end bit so much - sharing so much more of themselves than something as simple as sex. And John's reaction was wonderful - 'This is so cool.'

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

Tardy slip: Sorry, I'm late, but I went far away to see a movie and it took a long time to get back home. So, on with the show:

Oh, hai, Radek. You're doing the "Previously on" intro.

And, then, we're in the middle of a scary 'jumper chase scene. Well, John calls it "taking the scenic route".

Rodney: "I'm pretty sure I fixed it." ::giggles:: Oh, Rodney, only "pretty sure"? You? Though, as always, lovely looking at his yummy arms in an upraised position.

Okay, where'd that sparkly ball of 'lectric dart-doom come from? Well, John wants them to find out. It's mystery time again. And cue credits.

Yes, Rodney, you're all definitely not dead. ::snorfles::

In the teeter-totter Aiden character puzzle, he's sounding quite responsible here.

And John gives the order to "venture". Sounds almost Captain Picard-ish. He's never used that word before afaik.

Oh, hello, unflappable people in semi-Tibetan monk robes. Who've just had their close encounter of the third kind.

Oh, skeptic Rodney who addresses thin air. Hee!

So, thousands of years without any knowledge of Wraith. And then the abbott mentions Chaya. And goes off to fetch her.

Aiden: "He doesn't seem to be the lying type."

Rodney, you shouldn't have mentioned "steal it". 'Cuz there's still too much imperialism when it comes to Atlantis wanting to grab other worlds' ZedPMs.

And it's time for a nice, long hike ... Rodney's favourite activity! ::pouts:: Why don't you believe me?

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

Okay, does Chaya's dress look rather ridiculous? Who's doing her delicate laundry? I say blame TPTB ... again, for sexist costumes. ::sighs some more::

Oh, great – more tea. John just loves a good cuppa.

Okay, cue Twilight Zone music, 'cuz nobody's aware of the energy weapon. Say what???

::giggles:: More John-Rodney snark (yay) about Rodney being on his best behaviour. Whoa! John sure has his hopes up. Waaaaaay up.

Wizard of Oz reference and John's lying down on the job. Okay, not long before he has to rise from that very uncomfortable bench.

And, wow, does Rodney ever open his mouth and stick both feet in when arguing with Chaya.

Okay, does anybody else notice how wooden Chaya's acting ... like she's not all there.

::giggles:: And John thought the evening breeze was a sign from Athar. Well, he doesn't get it, but the abbott certainly did.

Giving Chaya a tour. Elizabeth: "Of course he has." John: "Of course I have." Um ... is there an echo here, or what?

Awwww, poor Rodney's feeling rejected. And then Teyla walks away, leaving him all alone.

Yeah, yeah, Carson. She's as lovely inside as she is out. Because you always hope to get beautiful people without injuries ... In. The. Infirmary. ::rolls eyes:: The more I see of Carson, the more I can't stand a certain creepy sexism. He did it with Porter's character, too. Gah! Of course, you know I blame the writers.

Rodney's chatting up Elizabeth. 'Cuz he's the suspicious sort. So, "either pathetically pre-technological or brilliantly post-technological". Um, that leaves a lot in between (and I still want to know the name of Chaya's dry cleaner, lol).

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

Oh, wow. Look at John's super-earnest facial expressions as he's trying to convince Chaya to help. And listening to John give Chaya an astronomy lesson is a hoot.

Though, how on earth (pardon the expression) did Chaya know to ask "And can you not simply return" through the Stargate. John, are you paying attention? Silly question.

Carson is explaining why Chaya's TOO healthy to Rodney and Elizabeth. See Rodney's long-suffering expression when Carson says there's no evidence of STDs. Rodney, Rodney, Rodney.

So, Paradise? Totally unnatural as far as Carson is concerned. Music turns serious and Elizabeth and Rodney share a worried look.

And John's giving Chaya the grand tour. Can I reveal my dork credentials when John's taking Chaya and showing off all the consoles in the control room (and they go wonky) is similar to Sheba and the devil Count Ibli in Classic BG? Okay, Chaya. Gene? While Peter's looking confused, there's a swell of romantic music.

And we hit a diplomatic snag. How can Elizabeth offer anything when Athar provides everything the Proculans need.

Oh, John. Kwanzaa's not a religion. But it's a fun celebration. And finally we see a far more spirited reaction from Chaya. Well, before she returns to the wooden face.

Yay, Rodney's on an alien hunt. We all know who. "Look, someone should be keeping an eye on her."
Peter: "Major Sheppard is."
Rodney: "Oh, I'm sure he is." Giggle-Snort-Snark.

And now John's treaty-building ... with a picnic basket? Teyla's skeptical. Huh? Must have caught it from Rodney or something. And how snarky was "Ambassador"?

Oh, gosh, darn. John's just doing his duty. No feelings or nothing. And he's making these twitchy motions with his head and upper body.

Rodney, you're talking about intuition?
Rodney: "Which is like asking the fox to guard the henhouse."

And back at the picnic, Chaya assures John that Athar will save John from the Wrath Of Rodney. Ooooo. Very powerful being, then.

It's time for true confessions. Aw, shucks, Chaya doesn't feel alone when she's with John on Atlantis. And John does his whole dorky bit about the first time with a woman from another planet. The body language is so hilariously awkward. Well, until the romantic music starts up again and John leans in for a long kiss.

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

Hee! Rodney says that John's "Captain Kirk routine" is "morally dubious". And then things get heated between John and Rodney though – whoa – where did Chaya come from so quickly?

And then it's morning. Already? Though it's not as if Rodney slept a wink anyway.

Rodney, you are SO not discreet.

Whoa! If looks could kill, then Rodney would be a dead man, courtesy of Chaya. And then Rodney accuses Chaya of being an Ancient.

Elizabeth: "He's right?"
Rodney: "I'm right?" I swear that echo's back.

Finally we get Chaya's reason for coming to Atlantis. Yes, it's John.
Rodney: "Oh my God, he IS Kirk."

And, then, Chaya gets faint and all hell breaks loose. Whoa, didja get a look at her all glowy and going through a suddenly activated Stargate?

Oh, hello, ex-glowy Chaya. You just dropped into the 'jumper. And left just as quickly. Back on the planet, Chaya's changed her dress, 'cuz you simply cannot wear the same impractical dress two days running.

And we get the whole story about her being exiled for "interfering". And only now does she regret her decision, all because of John.

John: "Now I'm flirting with someone from another species."

Yeah, John, you'll get the car back by midnight. Dorky or what?

And then it's time for the all-glowy joining with bonus Vulcan mind-meld (so it's time for me to remind peeps that it already happened in Cocoon decades ago). But John finds it "cool". Of course he does. The music's all sparkly and ethereal, too. And that's the end of the episode.

FINAL, FINAL, FIIIIIINAL THOUGHTS AND TRUE CONFESSION TIME:
Believe it or not, but I have NEVER seen this episode. I don't know how I missed it but – then again – I was playing catch-up with epis for S1 and S2 provided by my best bud. And this one was completely new to me.

Of course, I've read lots of fics that mention the picnic basket and the glowy joining, so that I thought I'd actually seen the episode. But, then, scenes like the picnic on the pier were just foreign alien to me. I'll have to pay attention to John's behaviour in the next few episodes to see how his interaction with Chaya affected him. And also watch for Rodney's predictable(?) reactions.

And my final thought. I know only of S4 when they filmed the episodes out of order (which is par for the course in TV land) and I knew the order. But I don't know what the order was for S1. That may also account for the inconsistency of Aiden's character. In this episode, though, it's almost as if Joe Flanigan was getting used to making faces. Lots of them and playing with body language. So I guess that's a homework assignment for me.

Anyway, that's a wrap from me. It was fun – not RE – but actually WATCHING for the very first time!!!

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

::waves hi::

I just re-watched the epi (so to stay true to the concept of re-watching, lol). And, then, watched again with the commentary by giggling Rachel and Torri who were enjoying drinks at the time. When Chaya said the reason she came to Atlantis was because of John, they said it was because she was "horny". Snorfle!

Anyway, more on the planet's natives. It really looked out-of-place to have natives wearing very little sheer clothing, as well as feathers, necklaces and tattoos(?) when compared to Chaya's long flowing gown of a much higher quality, not to mention the instamonks in their long robes.

And that's one area where the costume department in conjunction with TPTB fell down on the job. There should not have been such a huge division between the two segments of Proculan society. As well as the (stereo)typical monks' robes, when I took a closer look at Chaya's second dress, I grimaced - because that was a medieval-style WEDDING dress with its cutesy-wutesy embroidery along the neckline. Oh gag me with a spoon. And she went from negligée to wedding gown (sorta, kinda backward, eh?)!

Anyway, I think I'm all commented-out, though I may begin watching the available commentaries for future episodes. As has been mentioned, S1 was full of the actors doing voiceovers.