[identity profile] twinsarein.livejournal.com posting in [community profile] sga_squee
Returning to Atlantis aboard the Daedalus after a trip to Earth, Dr. Weir, Dr. McKay and newly promoted Lt. Colonel John Sheppard have two murders to solve when scientists are found dead in their labs. The men were seemingly killed by equipment malfunctions but McKay finds it all very peculiar. He soon realizes that a Wraith virus has infected the ship's computer systems. While on Earth, Elizabeth Weir has had to face up to the military who want to replace Sheppard as the senior military officer on Atlantis. She also has to deal with her own personal situation when Simon seems reluctant to return to Atlantis with her.  [Poll #1790604]

Date: 2011-10-29 04:28 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] helenkacan.livejournal.com
Regarding the medical situation, maybe all they have is a medic on board because - until just recently - they haven't encountered anything dangerous. And Carson is - I presume - the ranking medical officer on board.

When Liz refers to "foreign allies", I think she means all the countries that are involved in the Stargate project. So, definitely Canada, the UK (and other Commonwealth members), several European countries, and China. Since she's been a diplomat, she probably has even more ties beyond the Stargate ones. So, yeah. She's got clout and is willing to use it.

Date: 2011-10-29 04:31 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] helenkacan.livejournal.com
I missed the chemical burn (because of my vision problems).

I'm a bit put off by the supposed superiority of the new potential crew's CVs. Who knows? That may have been a way for TPTB to not-so-subtly indicate to the actor (Paul) that he was nothing special and could be replaced. And, of course, they eventually killed Carson off anyway.

Date: 2011-10-29 11:43 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] melagan.livejournal.com
On the other side is space, and it's opening.

I was on the edge of my seat horrified for the guy and for Rodney because Lindstrom expected him to save him and he couldn't
*shudder*

Date: 2011-10-29 04:35 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] helenkacan.livejournal.com
I like that Rodney was able to get John back to the ship standing instead of his seated position . That helps with not falling over when he gets to the ship.
Uh ... not so much. I blame the director and a lack of continuity. He should have been in a seated position and fallen over. But I guess that would not have been manly or heroic!

I so agree about Simon being a dick about meeting someone else. Blech.

Date: 2011-10-29 11:46 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] melagan.livejournal.com
I love Rodney's finder snapping when he's getting an idea.

I go straight to - hot! Hot! Hot! See what Atlantis has done to me?

Date: 2011-10-29 08:29 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] helenkacan.livejournal.com
::gives you a slow once-over::

Nah, I'm pretty sure you were like that even BEFORE you and SGA bumped into (or should that be rubbed against) each other!

Date: 2011-10-29 10:38 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] melagan.livejournal.com
*shiftyeyes*

Part 1A

Date: 2011-10-29 03:11 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] helenkacan.livejournal.com
Always lovely to hear Rachel's voice for "Previously on" though it's not as if any one of us could have forgotten the exciting conclusion of the Seige trilogy.

So ... travelling through hyperspace. Is that the Daedalus? And what are Liz and John doing aboard ... being all friendly-like? Huh – Torri's wearing some very light-attracting makeup. She doesn't look the way she normally does when in the Control or Gate rooms. And her body language is definitely ... flirtatious. Meanwhile, John's face is sorta, kinda goofy. But what's that about Lieutenant-Colonel???

Oh, well, it was time to end that relaxing or sleepless interlude. Accident? Where? Well, Carson's there and declares a Dr. Munro (Monroe?) dead. Liz's and John's faces are back to their usual concerned and serious state. And it's time for the opening credits.

Okay, body's in the body bag and Stephen Caldwell enters. Hmm. Burn marks on the fingertips? From what? Well, not from the open panel. But, luckily, Rodney's on the job, checking security footage. Very convenient, huh? Except that they're all watching and the screen goes all fuzzy. Right, "camera malfunction", Rodney? John thinks it's an interesting coincidence, right before he was killed.

Rodney wants them to drop out of hyperspace to do a full diagnostic, but Stephen objects, 'cuz then they'll be more easily spotted. So, Rodney's going to have to wait two more days.

Then we get a mild pissing match between Liz and Stephen for whom this is already his THIRD trip between galaxies. Uh-oh. Stephen wants "a word" with Torri. We usually know what that involves, don't we? She goes off, after giving John a look that indicates she's aware she's going to get a scolding.

Okay, this is getting interesting. In the last episode, I found Stephen to be very even-handed, certainly not tossing his rank around. But ... now? Liz is reminding him that the job he has to do is not the one he wanted. O rly? Um, have we reached a stalemate?

Now it's a flashback to Earth. Yadda-yadda. And Liz is in the hot seat. She's being interrogated about giving John a lot of the credit for the success and survival of the mission. But then she's reminded (by Hank Landry) that there were times when she and John didn't "see eye to eye". Then we get back to the usual criticism of John, that he doesn't follow "the chain of command". Um ... is that supposed to be news?

And then Hank drops the wee bombshell, that of the NEW military commander of Atlantis. What??? Can I slap his smug mug? And that tiny nod from Stephen at Liz. Bleh.

So yay to Liz for her direct response, "Atlantis HAS a military commander."

Hank has a problem with tenses, I guess. "You HAD a military commander." And he doesn't mean John, but Sumner. So John's been like the understudy who was never meant to have the starring role.

Okay, can I slap that supercilious, smug smile off of Stephen's face, too? Ugh.

Yay, Liz. If John's rank isn't "good enough", they'll just have to promote him. Sounds good to me.

Then she adds the zinger. With the President and their foreign allies behind her, the IOA (which is what I presume the other suits in the room are) won't want to fight her.

Okay, round one goes to Liz, as Hank and Stephen exchange glances.

Re: Part 1A

Date: 2011-10-29 04:17 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] helenkacan.livejournal.com
Well, the way I see it is that, as captain of the Daedalus, Stephen is mostly just a glorified truck driver, bringing Atlantis fresh food, personnel and equipment every time. Doesn't sound like a lot of fun or adventure or glory. But, on Atlantis, there's stuff that actually requires a military mind with the challenges of working and living in another galaxy.

Ditto about reading your commentary. I'm always intrigued by some of your comments. Of course, when we agree, it's a very good thing. ::grins:: But, where we have differences of opinion, I wonder if it's based on different cultural experiences and expectations, and not being the same age (I think I'm older than you are). So, it's a good exercise to see how someone (other than me) sees and evaluates the episode.

One of the main reasons I'm writing a whole bunch more stuff is so that I can remember in what context certain scenes or dialogue took place. Also, if I choose to rewatch the audio commentary, I'll know where they were talking OVER the actors.

Date: 2011-10-29 04:39 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] helenkacan.livejournal.com
Oh, man. Don't remind me about TOS Trek. Do you know that, for the longest while, I intended to purchase Every. Single. Novel that was printed. Not so bad in the early days, but later the peeps (at Paramount, I believe) allowed just about anything to be published, no matter how awful it was.

I've also managed not to think of any other SF series when I watch SGA. It's a lot easier that way. [Though, there is Hermiod the puppet vs the puppet on Moya in Farscape. But way different.]

Part 1B

Date: 2011-10-29 03:15 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] helenkacan.livejournal.com
Back in hyperspace, Rodney's chasing after Stephen. It's funny to hear that David H can speak quickly even when he's walking quickly. But, then, we've always known him to be versatile. Rodney drops a bombshell: Dr. Monroe's death NOT an accident? Oops.

Rodney's busy explaining and we have the first instance of where he mistakenly calls John "Major" and is corrected by Stephen. Aw, Rodney, you're going to have to change your dialogue with and about John. Well, we know that's going to be a source of much amusement to fans in later episodes.

Curioser and curioser on what Dr. Monroe was working on when he was killed. Shutting down corrupted security programs? Uh-oh. Can you say "cover-up"? Stephen definitely can. And that makes him change his mind. They're dropping out of hyperspace like right NOW. Rodney looks miserable. And, then, stubborn and determined, what with the chin-thing he does.

We're back on the bridge. Hi, "Herm"! Who's not thrilled with the inexact parameters of Rodney's investigation. His put-out sigh gets a question from Rodney. And the ultimate answer, aka "nothing". Oh, this is going to be fun between the two of them!

Then John decides to pop in. Oh, man. The LOOKS between Hermiod and John. Priceless! I'm really surprised at John's discomfort working with an alien. John, just 'cuz it's not someone who looks like Teyla, but is a little naked grey Roswell-type alien, is NO reason to be rude. Or a prude. Ah, I think Hermiod just muttered something in Asgard. Oh, I'm sure it was MOST complimentary about John. NOT. Snorfle!

Moving right along, Rodney and a crew member are doing diagnostics. The other guy gets the logs and Rodney the junction box. Such excitement or NOT. Actually, forget I said that. Lindstrom says he's got something and needs a second. I think it was a second too late, because everything starts getting zapped.

Okay, this is weird. They go in different directions. Rodney's out in the corridor, as the doors slam, while Lindstrom's in another compartment, and ... his fingers are burned. He and Rodney are talking when all of a sudden the connection is broken by static.

So, why are we getting a klaxon sounding? Uh-oh. I think Lindstrom's in the airlock. There's panic on both faces before – whoosh – the airlock doors open and Lindstrom is sucked out. And Rodney just witnessed it all. "Oh my god" is right.
Edited Date: 2011-10-29 03:15 am (UTC)

Part 2A

Date: 2011-10-29 03:22 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] helenkacan.livejournal.com
Next scene sees Rodney and all the other important crew as Carson examines him and pronounces him okay, 'cuz he didn't inhale too much toxic gas. Stephen's ruling "out random malfunctions". Yeah, I guess so.

Rodney says nobody knew they were in that particular room at that exact moment, so who could have done it? John with his dorky face says it could have been the same person who erased the details of the first death. Oh, gee, Rodney. Great time to be an equal-opportunity promoter: "Assuming it's a he."

Stephen wants to know who had the skills to do this and the answer is not reassuring. According to Rodney, everyone on board is brilliant. Is that the first time Rodney's given out wholesale praise?

Liz is the first to suggest there could be an intruder on board. But Stephen says they used a LSD to do a head count. Hey, is that a clue? 'Cuz what about alien life forms (ALFs) who conveniently don't register on the LSD. Like, as Liz suggests, hibernating Wraith (which is also ten kinds of creepy).

So, the concensus is that it's not a Wraith 'cuz of a full decon sweep back on Earth. Next suggestion?

Ooooh. Stephen's getting snippy. He wants all new Atlantis personnel, "present company excepted", confined to quarters, 'cuz he didn't have a say in their selection. Hmm. Envy does not suit him. Liz gives him a disdainful look.

It's flashback time back on Earth with Carson feeling he's over his head choosing new personnel. He wants Liz to make the final selection. Liz brings up Simon's name. Hmm. His name's not on the list. 'Cuz he didn't want to sign on for a 1-year term. So Liz goes after him.

She's not too happy with him. He's stalling, saying he needs a "little more time". Yeah, like forever. [Okay, so did they switch actors for his role?]

Back on the Daedalus, Hermiod summons Rodney to show him ... a virus? Oh, great. Not only spreading but changing. Hmm. "Unlike any human-engineered program" that Hermiod's ever encountered.

Rodney does his customary moving aside a tech like a piece of furniture, so he can check on something at a console. The result is "oh, crap" after he ran the virus through a translation program. It's ... Wraith?!? Hermiod SO agrees. "Crap, indeed."

Time for yet another meeting. It was a compressed virus that needed time to "unfold". Not good news if the Wraith get their hands on the Daedalus. And nav coordinates for Earth.

So, who killed those guys? According to Rodney, an A.I. The only good thing is that there are many independent computers that won't allow for the atmosphere to be vented, killing them all. Buuut (of course, there's a but), nav and propulsion require interconnectivity in order to function. So, right now, they can't move.

Any more bad news? Why, of course. There seems to be an automated distress call that's going out. Eek! If the virus can't get the ship to the Wraith, it's calling the Wraith to come and get it. Rodney sure said it: "Right now, we are sitting ducks." John gives the situation one of his glares.

Part 2B

Date: 2011-10-29 03:26 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] helenkacan.livejournal.com
The bridge is a hive (oops, bad choice of words) of activity. But the virus is faster than they are. So Rodney's suggesting a full system shutdown and ... reboot. He'll need an hour or two. OTOH, John has an idea he's sure Stephen won't like. Well, that was quick and dirty. John just shot off the transmitter array. He's directed to return to the ship but there's just a small problem. His F302 is infected, is not responding to his control and has decided to speed away. Hey, you, ship. You bring back John right now!

John looks kinda sick to his stomach, but they're going to beam him out. Or not, 'cuz the sensors were in the array they just destroyed. What is this, Saturday afternoon at the movies, watching a serial with cliffhangers?

But, wait. Rodney's snapping his fingers (always a good sign). So, locking on his radio signal? Rodney's making adjustments while Liz talks to John. Now he's looking goofy/dorky and wary. Joe F makes such terrific faces.

Okay, time for another Earth flashback. A framed picture of Aiden, all tricked out in his uniform. John's visiting Aiden's cousin. Who's wondering if Aiden's trust in John was misplaced? Whoa. The cousin's voice is overlaid by Liz's. And we're back in the present again.

Oh, great. The beaming has never been tested at this distance, Rodney admits. Details, details. Liz glosses over any danger. No wonder she's a diplomat. No, John. I'm sure you'll be beamed with all your parts intact. We hope. Okay, so that was suspenseful. Beaming him out and then ... ... ... finally he's beamed onto the bridge. A big sigh of relief all around. John does a cursory inventory: "Two arms, ten fingers, I'll check the rest later." ::giggles::

Then Stephen says he wants his ship back. Liz nods after giving Rodney a small pat on the back. But, wait. What's that alien-looking gizmo and where is it attached?

Rodney's gone back to moving people around, because he alone can do the work of at least half a dozen, right? Of course, John offers his own solution. Isn't it like turning a laptop off and then back on? Oh, John. You're such a dork, but I thought you knew better than that. Though I'd never heard of the "John Sheppard Book of Computer Repair"! I guess they might be that "desparate" soon. Because they're apparently going ahead with it. Rodney does his Picard "Engage" arm signal and everything goes dark.

Until there's a candle lit by Liz back on Earth. She's prepared a last-meal-on-Earth. Just one problem. Simon's just revealed he's not going. Liz looks so not-Liz-like, in that dress with the prissy lace around the collar. Then comes the biggie: "I met someone." Liz looks stunned and shaken. It's weird to see the emotional disconnectedness between the two who were once lovers. Liz extinguishes the candle flames between her fingers.

Part 3A

Date: 2011-10-29 03:35 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] helenkacan.livejournal.com
We're back aboard the Daedalus as its systems are powering up again. It appears to have worked, so Hermiod suggests they get outta there. But no hyperdrive, so all they have is sublight. Oooooh, pretty exhaust burner thingies (yeah, I'm not so much with knowing about aircraft or spaceships).

But, wait. Now, what's wrong? They're veering off course?!? Rodney tells the bridge the virus is baaaaaack. More bad news? On a collision course with the nearest star?!? Can't they get a break? We see the star getting closer and closer.

Hermiod's got even weirder news. They're not going to collide, but just get close enough to kill everyone on board. But Rodney's figured out the virus is hiding out in one of the F302s.

John and Rodney are heading to the bay, but they're getting cut off by doors closing. That virus is just too smart, anticipating moves. Ooooh. Fact time: Rodney doesn't get many chances to play chess, 'cuz it's tough to find "challenging" opponents. Gee, I wonder who will offer to challenge him. ::giggles::

John has another suggestion, now that any open paths to the bay are blocked off. He wants them to be beamed in. And there's an insouciant not-a-worry-in-the-world expression on his face.

Rodney's not so carefree. In fact, he's hunched down, protecting his ... uh ... personal equipment. But, wait. Now Hermiod's got to make adjustments. I swear, all these adjustments.

Cue beam. And Rodney's still ALL there. He's relieved. No kidding.

But wait. I spoke too soon. Again. Another blaring klaxon. The engine bay doors are opening. That's not good.

As John and Rodney look into each other's eyes, they admit they should really be dead right now, but aren't. Somebody 'splain, plz. Hermiod obliges. There's a temporary shield, but they'd better get cracking at removing the memory cores from each F302. So they jump right to it.

But, far too soon, the virus takes over, the shield is down and the bridge has lost contact with Rodney and John. Liz looks worried as Stephen tries to raise them on the radio. Finally they respond. They're in the last F302 and made it before they lost atmosphere.

While the bridge has their own problems, Rodney's starting to feel claustrophobic, so John tells him to relax. Right. As if. Though, when Rodney asks him how much air "these things carry", John replies "lots". Oh, that's SO reassuring, John. Since Rodney's not reassured, John tells him to stop talking, to preserve the limited air they DO have. No talking. "At all." Whoa. See Rodney cross his arms and get all in a huff.

And here we go again with a total system shutdown. Power off. Power on. But it didn't work. Um ... if they're that close to the star, that it's shining such bright light onto faces, why aren't they blinded? [This isn't the first time they've mucked up with sciency stuff like that.] Hermiod adds to the aggravating factor by muttering in Asgard. Anybody got a handy translation?

Gee, thanks, John. Referring to it like a "damn cockroach" that can't be killed. And John says they missed one computer. Huh??? In the meantime, the ship just flies closer to the star. Right. No pressure. Eeek. They're being tracked by the F302 they left behind. So John wants to go after it. Rodney's not too keen, but he starts securing himself in. Besides, he should trust John by now when John says he doesn't need navigation to fly this thing. If anybody can do it, John can.

Re: Part 3A

Date: 2011-10-29 04:22 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] helenkacan.livejournal.com
It's too bad TPtB never have them play chess together, although there are certainly other fun moments to make up for it, I guess.
But, they do. They really do. They play in the mess and you see John just about FONDLING the chess pieces with his elegant, sensual fingers (chess pr0n FTW). Obviously, it hasn't happened yet, but it will. I promise you. ::bats eyelashes:: Will you believe me?

Duh. I totally missed the Kirk/Spock allusion. ::slaps own hand::

Re: Part 3A

Date: 2011-10-29 04:30 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] tavabean.livejournal.com
Just had to add that John's little "ha" in that scene is one my favorite moments of the entire series.

PS - loving the reviews you are doing here, brings back memories!

Re: Part 3A

Date: 2011-10-29 04:45 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] helenkacan.livejournal.com
Considering how much fun we're having right now, I'm so glad you started this rewatch-squee. BTW, I just can't wait for Duet!

ETA:
Oops! Blind lady is blind. I thought you were [livejournal.com profile] twinsarein! But, hey, if all we have is "bringing back memories" collectively as fans, then we'll appreciate every single one of them.

Anyway, thanks for popping in (and surprising me)!
Edited Date: 2011-10-29 04:57 am (UTC)

Part 3B

Date: 2011-10-29 03:43 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] helenkacan.livejournal.com
They take off. Cue whine of engines. Oh, lovely. The beeping indicates somebody just locked onto them. I wonder who. John goes into defensive acrobatic mode. Rodney's not feeling so hot. I don't think he's a fan of fairs and exciting rides.

John hits the brakes just in time as the other craft zooms overhead. Both Liz and Hermiod appreciate the move. I think Hermiod's been talking to Teal'c lately. "Indeed."

Oh, dear. John's taking them in closer, exposing them to greater radiation than if they were still aboard the Daedalus. Rodney will never let John forget this, I'm sure. But John's showing extraordinary calm and patience.

But they've been lost off the Daedalus scanners because of interference.

Another important Rodney fact (was it mentioned in S1? I forget) is the very fair skin and burning easily. Oh, Rodney. Meanwhile, you can just see the gears turning in John's nimble brain. Finally, he has a lock. And scores.

Uh-oh. Liz asks Hermiod about how long they can survive such radiation levels and doesn't get a happy answer. "I believe it's already been too long." We see the resigned look on Stephen's face. Until ... guess who? It's John reporting in that the target has been destroyed and they should – you know what – try one more shutdown. Again???

While Liz is giving her commendation, Rodney's checking the skin on his arm. Awwww. John's teasing Rodney by offering to let him take "the stick" but he didn't really mean it. John, you're being bad. Rodney looks grumpy 'cuz John won't share his toys. We get a flyby by the F302 and then that gorgeous sunset shot of Atlantis. There's a lot of milling about of returning personnel. But look who's waiting to greet the command staff. It's Teyla, with a sitrep. Does that mean they left her in charge while they were gone? If Hank had known, he would have burst a blood vessel, I'm sure. And the IOA would NOT have been amused. Such stuffed shirts.

But let's not forget the most urgent thing right now: Rodney's nose is peeling. He needs immediate medical attention. Carson agrees, wearily, "Yes, Rodney." Poor Carson.

No news of Aiden from Teyla's contacts, but John'll read the reports. He leaves and the two women talk. No, Teyla, it wasn't "pleasant" for Liz to be back on Earth. To "reunite with friends and loved ones". Nah, not so much. The look Liz gives Teyla is both inscrutable and hard.

Then Radek comes to give Liz an update. So many more things available since the ZedPM was installed. And, PTB, how come a European is pronouncing it ZeePM? So. Not. Accurate. Hee. Teyla tries to stall Radek, but Liz says it's fine. Still, Teyla rolls her eyes in frustration at Radek. I thought she only did that at the boys (you know who I mean). I think Liz is just relieved to get back to work, so she won't have to remember the pain. Hmm. Interesting bit of weaving some piano into the melody/Atlantis theme.

Closing thoughts. I thought it was a pretty neat episode as most of it was – what do they call it – a ship in the bottle episode, meaning that the viewer is stuck with the cast in one set. Yes, yes, except for the Earth flashbacks. It also makes things more exciting and dangerous when there's murder involved. There were good bits of snarky dialogue ::pumps fist in the air:: and wonderful facial expressions to observe. Always worth the price of admission.

I liked the way they tried to imply the virus spying on them: you'd see the scene from above and it would be tinged in red.

It was pretty scary to have a virus be the opponent, a really smart and sneaky one.

There were a number of terrific John-Rodney "We're-going-to-die" moments, especially the one in the F302 bay. And, as I mentioned, all those unique traits to Rodney's character were revealed and/or highlighted.

I decided not to watch the audio commentary as the guest was Gary Jones, and I'd already endured one with him before. Yuck, yuck, no thank you. Besides, how rude to have someone from SG-1 guesting! I may watch it ... eventually, but just not tonight. [It's really rough to watch both back-to-back.]

So I think I'm done for this week. I've looked at the next few epi titles and I'm getting very, very excited. Lots of good stuff happening soon.

Re: Part 3B

Date: 2011-10-29 04:48 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] helenkacan.livejournal.com
But, you know, with one epi a week (and the energy it takes to watch and review at the same time is really draining for me), we can luxuriate in the experience. Besides, it's supposed to be an end-of-the-week treat or reward. And, y'know, some weeks (most?), a treat is really, really, REALLY necessary!

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