Rewatch: Duet
Nov. 11th, 2011 09:56 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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sga_squeeAn away team is investigating a planet, when suddenly a Wraith dart arrives. Major Sheppard and his team are able to shoot it down, but not before McKay and a soldier, Laura Cadman are scooped up. As there is not enough power in the Wraith dart to re-materialize them both, only McKay is taken out. He passes out immediately and awakens on Atlantis. There is something wrong however. Cadman has appeared in his mind. She is able to see and hear what he does and speak to him, driving him mad. After a meeting with psychologist Heightmeyer, Cadman realizes she also can take over McKay's body. While Zelenka works on a solution, major Sheppard tries to convince Ronon Dex to join forces and convince Weir that he is a worthy addition. [Poll #1794287]
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no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 03:36 am (UTC)Unfortunately, not before the dart scoops up McKay and a woman. John finishes the job of bringing it down with his machine gun. Poor Carson nearly gets run over as it falls out of the sky. He's the first on the scene. He wants to help the injured Wraith inside, but McKay shoots him dead.
Carson didn't like it, but they moved on. Radek arrives to see if he can figure out how to get their two people out of the dart's collector. He's a little jumpy - apparently this is his first visit off world. It's about time he had a chance.
no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 10:45 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 03:51 am (UTC)McKay is out! Yay! But, oh dear, he faints.
Back on Atlantic, Carson tells us that he'll be back to normal soon, and the scientists are hard at work on doing what needs to be done to get more power to get Cadman out.
Meanwhile, John goes to get a meal, and finds Ronon in the cafeteria scarfing down a truly impressive amounts of food. The poor guy is having a little bit of difficulty with the jello *g*
John invites him to stay, to be part of the team. After a sideways look over at someone who'd obviously been assigned to guard him, Ronon isn't sure he'll fit in. John asks him to think about it.
Back to McKay, lying in an infirmary bed. Carson comes over to talk to him, and we hear a third voice in the mix. Rodney hears it too. It's Cadman's voice, but Carson doesn't hear it.
Uh oh. Cadman is inside Rodney. Or her conscience is, at least. She isn't too thrilled with that, and neither is Rodney. He's pissed at Radek.
no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 10:47 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 04:13 am (UTC)The rest of the team don't look too sure of Rodney's sanity, but Carson assures them he's as healthy as ever. Cadman gives Rodney some snark, and Rodney throws some nasty insults at Radek. Poor guy.
Rodney tries to come up with some ideas, but Cadman starts chiming in and she won't shut up until he answers her. He winds up yelling his head off at her, startling everyone in the lab, and getting very concerned looks from his team.
Elizabeth orders him to let Radek handle the problem, and to see the shrink. He says he's fine, but John says, "no, you're not."
Poor Rodney. He stalks off, talking to Cadman, although it looks as if he's talking to himself. He runs into Katie, his date for tomorrow evening. Cadman helps him with what to say to excuse the talking to himself thing, and then keeps quiet for the rest of their conversation. Cadman berates him for knowing nothing about women, but Rodney doesn't like to be told he doesn't know about something.
Breaking away from Rodney for a bit, Ronon is kicking the asses of several of John's soldiers. He's got some serious moves, and it helps that he seems to be a head taller than all of them, too. John wants to see more, but his men aren't too happy about that, so John calls it a day.
Back to Rodney, he's having his first meeting with the shrink. She talks him into allowing Cadman to have control of his body - which means she's a very good shrink. I'd have been much more reluctant to hand over control of my body to someone else. Maybe Rodney doesn't have many trust issues.
Cadman starts speaking with Rodney's voice, but as soon as she starts to move, Rodney takes back control. He feels it's time to get back to work to get her out of him.
Back to Ronon and John = Ronon is getting lessons in weapons. He seems to know what to do with them all, even to eject a clip from a gun he's never used before, or seen used. Or course, he prefers his blaster, and when it blows a huge whole in the paper shape, John says he understands why. It was a true lol moment for me when he said that, plus the two soldiers standing in the background, exchanging looks. Priceless.
no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 10:53 pm (UTC)Oh, I believe Rodney does have trust issues in many areas. But, as he considers psychology/psychiatry as aspects of voodoo (medicine) and ::huffs in irritation:: "soft sciences", I don't think he's all that concerned. He may have also learned that playing along will placate the doc and then he can go on his merry way (and back to HIS way of doing things). Which is what he does. Yes, he gave up control, but now he has to get back to doing IMPORTANT sciency stuff.
Comment 1A
Date: 2011-11-12 04:18 am (UTC)Naturally, Carson gets quite curious about the "date". Poor Rodney. He's in for a grilling. So, what's Carson alluding to, "What's this now? You have a date, Rodney. With a woman?" Um ... Rodney, is there something you haven't told the rest of the world that Carson knows about???
Of course, Rodney has to downplay the entire thing. Yeah, yeah, it's simply "two adults" before his brain catches up and he responds indignantly, "Yes, with a woman!"
At least Laura's giggling about it because Katie's excited by it. Awwwww. Though Laura's "not sure why, though". And then we hear of "girls' poker night" where tongues wag, 'cuz Laura knows a lot.
Rodney gets huffy about the inappropriateness of the conversation out in the field. But, then (thankfully), they're interrupted from their verbal tussle by a (oh-no) whine. Laura identifies the sound as a dart and radios John. Well, that gets everybody trotting at a brisk pace.
But it's not enough. As Laura orders the other two to scatter, Carson falls to the ground but Laura and Rodney are beamed up. Eeeek. Carson looks up, distraught. The gate is activated as the dart approaches. John, Teyla and Evan (and the other guys) shoot at it. It's damaged by a bazooka (???), but not destroyed. They're about to take another crack at it when they get Carson's frantic call to not destroy it because our fave scientist and cocky Marine are aboard (and not in a good way).
Carson's not too thrilled (more like scared out of his wits) as the hastily descending dart flies low over his body. I don't think he's going to like having to fling his body down onto the ground all the time.
Then we get chunks of dirt flying up as the dart ploughs into the ground, resulting in a huge cloud of blackness. The others rush towards it as Carson once again gets up off the ground. He settled back on his butt and hands and stares ahead. Only a few feet from him is flaming debris. He stares, aghast.
Re: Comment 1A
Date: 2011-11-13 04:51 am (UTC)'All of McKay?' I'm glad they didn't keep that title. It's boring, and isn't even accurate. Duet was a much better title.
As far as I could tell with the bazooka, Even missed completely, just hit the tree. I love knowing that was a thing for him. I don't remember bazookas being fired that often, but I'll have to pay attention whenever I see one come out, now.
Ten buckets of dirt? Poor Carson/Paul.
Comment 1B
Date: 2011-11-12 04:24 am (UTC)Carson still thinks the Wraith's the only one who could extract Rodney and Laura. Um, John doesn't think he'd "oblige". I agree with John.
Okay, time to get Radek out into the field, as quickly as possible because there's a "problem".
When the scene shifts, John's walking about the debris and some of it really looks not only alien, but weird. Radek and Carson are hunched over a laptop when nearby debris sparks, spooking Radek. He really, really doesn't like being out in the field. It's no wonder John guesses it's his "first time off-world". Great – perfect – body language from David Nykl. The widespread fingers, jagged body movement. So, Radek's figured out where the storage compartment is. Hey, John thinks that's the end of the problem. He tells Radek to "command it to" rematerialize the contents.
Carson says the rematerializer is storing two life signs. That's good, but.... Only enough power in the dart's energy cell to rematerialize ONE of them. That's so not good. John has to make a choice. "Beam out McKay." Well, naturally, that's a logical choice. Only (other) problem. Radek can't tell which is which. Oh, the look of disgusted frustration on John's face. "Perfect." Because it so is not. But he points out the one on the left side of the screen.
Whoa! Didja see that outward whoosh. On a short trajectory, it sure seems much brighter and stronger than a culling beam. [Personal observation.] Yay, it IS Rodney. Except he's not exactly okay. He falls back in a faint. Okay, okay, passes out in a manly fashion. They all rush forward and Carson confirms he still has a pulse. Though it would be a good thing to get back to Atlantis immediately. So John orders Teyla and Evan to accompany Carson and Rodney back to the city. In the meantime, he's going to stick around with Radek to try to bring back "as much of the dart as possible".
Next scene we have that common establishing shot of Atlantis afloat. But this time it's against a cloudy sky (none of the customary sunrise or sunset views).
Rodney's in the infirmary with electrodes taped to his forehead. Carson's reporting to Elizabeth who's wondering whether, once the shock of the Wraith-like stunner effect wears off, they'll have "the old McKay back". Carson fears that'll be the case indeed.
Carson asks about the wreckage, but Liz confirms Laura is still somewhere in it. Liz asks if he knew her well, but he replies that he didn't, that she just came aboard with the new batch off the Daedalus. Though he does say she was lovely. And that she did save his life. Liz departs after reassuring him he'll be the first person she contacts when they find her.
Re: Comment 1B
Date: 2011-11-13 04:54 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 04:25 am (UTC)John meets him walking the halls. He can't sleep. John comes clean about ordering the dart brought down. Rodney doesn't blame him; thinks that what would have happened to him if it had gotten away would have been much worse. John wants to know that they're cool.
Love Rodney's response - "No, you're cool; I'm fine." Aww, Rodney, you're cool to, in your own way. Cadman says she's tired, and Rodney relays that, so John says goodnight. Rodney goes to bed and apparently falls right to sleep.
Only to open his eyes up, and prop himself up in bed in an interesting, and unmanly, way. Cadman, is that you? I'd say, yes. Especially when she arrives at the infirmary and flirts with Carson. She asks him to ride shotgun on Rodney's date with Katie. Of course, Carson has no idea it's her speaking to him. He thinks it's Rodney.
Comment 1C
Date: 2011-11-12 04:30 am (UTC)John asks Ronon about his intentions. After he's "done here". Ronon's wondering if John wants him to leave, but John says to "stay as long as you like". And then we get the priceless recruiting line: "We could use a guy like you around here and you look like you could use a place to stay." Ronon lifts up the pitcher and takes a deep drink. Ronon merely turns to stare at the security guard standing there and says he doubts he fits in there. John says there's only one way to find out. Ronon asks if he has to decide now or can he finish eating. Hee! I love it. Also more words than have ever emerged from his mouth until now. John smirks and tells him to take his time. Then he shows Ronon a knife and fork. So, they work great? Well, Ronon uses the fork to lift up a big hunk of something, so etiquette lessons may have to wait a while.
Back in the infirmary, Carson's examining a patient a couple of beds over when Rodney comes to. Carson's telling him what happened when we hear Laura's voice, hailing "Dr. Beckett" and "Dr. McKay". Rodney leans over to look at the person in the other bed, wondering if that's "Cadman". But it's a stranger in the other bed. So Rodney wants to know where she is. Her voice replies, "I'm right here" just as Carson starts to explain she's still trapped inside the dart. To that, we hear her incredulous voice, "What?" Oh, this is starting to be fun. Especially when Rodney says, "Shut up for a second, I'm talking to Cadman." Then we get a hilarious back-and-forth (and that's some distance) in a disjointed conversation between THREE voices. Of course, Rodney figures it out when Laura does a peek-a-boo with HIS fingers and reveals the big secret. "Cadman's not trapped in the dart." He points to his head. "She's in here."
Comment 1D
Date: 2011-11-12 04:36 am (UTC)Hee! Liz is standing right there when Rodney talks back to Laura. "Are you sure he should have been discharged from the infirmary," she asks Carson. Carson replies Rodney's as healthy as he ever was. That gets an immediate editorial commentary from Laura that it doesn't feel very healthy in there. Rodney hurls out a snippy reply.
Even John thinks there's something wrong with Rodney, something an MRI wouldn't have picked up. Rodney says he's not crazy. "I just have another consciousness in my brain."
John's so not helping. He says that Rodney only looks crazy. Gee, with friends like that.... Of course, that gets Rodney off on a real rant, this time because "Dr. Fumbles McStupid over here was way over his head". Naturally, he's ranting about poor Radek.
Radek gets huffy in return. "Yes. Yes. I made a mistake. Trying to save your life." [Hmmm. Verrry interesting. If you listen to David N as Radek, a lot of the time he omits articles "a" and "the" before nouns, as the Czech language and other Slavic ones don't need articles. But, for this declaration, he includes it.]
Rodney and Radek start a conversation about how they can fix everything until Laura starts to talk in Rodney's head, but Rodney's ignoring her. I guess he's still smarting over her remark about how not healthy he is in his own body. She gets so loud that he finally screams, "Yes! What?" And everybody in the lab turns to stare at him.
He tells her he'll get her out of there, but she should "just be a good little girlie and keep quiet". Well, she gets right back at him, not "to condescend" her because it's just as much her problem as it is his. No kidding. When Rodney pesters Laura whether she has a degree in Physics or Mechanical Engineering, Liz steps in. She nearly gets her head snapped off by him. She looks startled and Rodney offers a "sorry".
When he's a bit more calm, Liz suggests (oh, it's so an order and John agrees) that he should let Radek handle the situation and Rodney should see Dr. Heightmeyer. Yup, Liz is serious. "I'm not asking you." Everyone stares at him. We see an unidentifiable expression on Radek's face. Rodney utters "fine" and walks away. The music is lyrical, but that doesn't last long, because now Rodney's getting a talking to from inside, that he's "sulking and acting like a two-year old".
[Gotta stop now, 'cuz this is running long. On to the next part.]
no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 04:46 am (UTC)Poor Rodney is having a hard time of it with this woman. He's naked in bed, and wraps a sheet around himself, and tries to put his boxers on while still holding the sheet up. He wants to set some boundaries.
Meanwhile, Ronon is now sparing with Teyla. She's moving much faster than she does with John. John distracts her, though, when he says something, and Ronon takes advantage of it. That outrages John;s gentlemanly sensibilities, and he stops Ronon from doing whatever his next move would have been.
Ronon insists he wouldn't have hurt her, and then he leaves. Teyla excuses him, but John cautions her.
Back with McKay, he arguing with Cadman. She wants to be in control during her his date with Katie. She wants to help him out because she knows how nervous Rodney is about it.
Teyla is doing some serious looking stretches when Ronon arrives. He wants to apologize, and she invites him in. He thinks he is being tested, and wants to know why she stays in Atlantis. She thinks Atlantis is the galaxy's best hope, and she thinks Ronon sees it too. His silence is his agreement.
Meanwhile, at the big date. Carson is there with Katie, apologizing that she apparently had no idea he was coming. Rodney then arrives and wants to know what Carson is doing there. Poor Carson.
Cadman starts making suggestions right away as Rodney digs into the meal before waiting for everyone to be served. she suggests a toast. Rodney tries, but fumbles through it, although he pulls it together.
Cadman advises him to start a conversation, and he tries, but can't think of anything. Then Cadman takes over. She tells Katie Rodney has to leave, but wants to leave Katie in no doubt that Rodney is very interested in her. Cadman plants a huge kiss on her, and then cups Carson's cheek before leaving.
This episode certainly plays around with homosexuality, doesn't it. At least, they are having fun with the topic.
Comment 2A
Date: 2011-11-12 04:56 am (UTC)It's funny to see Rodney become all stilted and formal with Katie. She says she heard he ran into some trouble off-world. That would be a huge understatement. So ... they're "still on for tomorrow". Uh-oh, again. It's going to be a very crowded date. As soon as Katie walks away with a cute smile, Laura starts in on the lack of Rodney's knowledge about women. And offers to "help". Well, Rodney agrees with the first three letters of the word. He thinks it's his "own personal hell". Change of scene. Ronon's in the gym, surrounded by Marines while John watches. Hmmm, only three against one. Hardly fair odds ... for the downed Marines. How embarrassing. When John suggests they try that again, one of the more brave Marines suggests, "How about you try that again ... Sir?" Well, John thinks that's enough for today.
Which leads us to Rodney talking to the back of a head, questioning her qualifications. Oh, great. Kate Heightmeyer says she's spent time as a couples' therapist. But, as Laura interjects mentally, they're "not a couple". No kidding again. But Kate's got a ready answer. "In Physics, a couple is defined as a pair of forces, equal in magnitude, acting in opposite directions." Rodney smugly thinks that's "very clever" but that they're "not equal forces". Laura's not pleased with that comment. He continues that she's "just a voice" in his head while he "has control of" his body. Laura says she's "seen his body and" he "can keep it". Ouch!
Kate wonders if he really does have independent movement, as Laura's already accessed speech and hearing. Rodney replies, "If she could, she would have by now." So Kate suggest he release control and asks him to consider what it would have been like if the positions were reversed.
Kate asks Rodney to close his eyes. We hear a weird "Hello" a couple of times in a non-McKay accent. It's ... Laura. She manages to lift a hand and then Rodney yanks back HIS control. Rodney says they've both calmed down and wants to be allowed to go back to work. Laura ... agrees? And then Rodney rushes off.
This part's fun. John is at the weapons' test range showing off a whole bunch of guns. Ronon lets loose with a P90. Yup, he knows how to hit the target. [BTW, I'm exhausted, so I need a break from noting all the Laura-Rodney dialogue.] Next comes a 9-mil. Also, no problem as the shell casings hit the floor in staccato precision. John says that's good, too. But, then, Ronon pulls out his blaster and we see him blast a honkin' crater in the paper target. Great use of the camera behind the hole in the target, with John leaning in against Ronon to take a good look.
Re: Comment 2A
Date: 2011-11-13 05:04 am (UTC)Comment 2B
Date: 2011-11-12 05:03 am (UTC)It's nighttime. Rodney's walking through the corridors when John comes across him. Rodney can't sleep and is trying to clear his head. And John's already heard the transformer test didn't go well. John wants Rodney to know that it was his decision to shoot the dart down. Remarkably, Rodney says he understands that the alternative would have been far worse. Then we get, "No. You're cool. I'm fine." John thinks Rodney should get some sleep. Laura agrees.
Rodney's back in his quarters. Oh, hai, wall of achievement and accomplishments, etc. Rodney face plants, his head turned to one side. Awwwww. He looks so cute. Uh-oh. We see eyelids open and look about warily. The music turns mischievous. You know that can only mean one thing. The mice are coming out to play. Or Laura. We see hands slide down the sides of the ribs (where a bra would normally be), then down over non-existent breasts, before lowering the zipper of the short-sleeved blue science shirt. Now it's time to pay Carson a late-night visit. Carson's drinking a cuppa and at his laptop. Hey, a hand on one hip. Uh-oh. I know it's not Rodney. He's being all loose-limbed, and happy. And then the speech. Oh, yeah, tell Carson that Laura's "calming". When Carson says, "She seems like a lovely lady," Laura-as-Rodney pats him on the hand and says in this ever-so-sweet voice, "Oh, that's so nice." Carson glances down wondering WTF and then up again.
Re: Comment 2B
Date: 2011-11-13 05:07 am (UTC)David listened to how the actress said her lines? That's an impressive level of research for his part - especially considering how tight a schedule TV shows are on.
no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 05:03 am (UTC)Luckily, Rodney is called down to the lab. There are mice, and Radek thinks he has an idea. They fire the dart beam at the mice, but when they bring them back, the are crispy fried. Not good.
Next, Sheppard is trying to convince Elizabeth to give Ronon a try. We learn Ronon's been on the run from the Wraith for seven years. So, I guess I am confused about that, as I thought all the Wraith were in hibernation. All the other races felt safe from culling for decades in S1, until learning that John and his people had changed that for them. But, Ronon's planet was wiped out seven years before they woke up. It'd be interesting to know if that was addressed anywhere, but I'd have no idea where to look.
Back at the shrinks office, Rodney and Cadman are going back and forth, arguing with each other. Again, David does a brilliant job. The tension can't be good, though. I'm really worried about how their frustration is escalating.
A break in scene, and Ronon is training some of Sheppard's men. They are appreciative of his expertise. Elizabeth arrives, and an awkward conversation ensues between the two, about whether Ronon will stay on Atlantis. Apparently, John should have talked to Elizabeth first, before extending the invitation, and he didn't. Ronon walks away and continues training.
Back with Rodney, the argument is escalating, and Rodney starts convulsing, and he collapses on the floor. Dr. Kate (the shrink), calls for Carson.
no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 11:13 pm (UTC)Okay, about Ronon being on the run for 7 years, even though the Wraith we see in the Pilot of S1 are sleeping and awaken 50 years too early, I tried to reply to your question in an earlier episode. First of all, the Pegasus Galaxy is a big place. Um ... it's a galaxy, after all. So there will be Hive ships spread out throughout it; otherwise, not all the Wraith could survive if they had to be fighting over their food supply on just a couple of planets. [Ugh.] So I figure they stagger their hibernation and awake periods, so that not all Hives are hibernating at the same time. If they were, I could see some civilization get technological enough and try to destroy the nearest one.
Also, we don't know how far Sateda was from Athos. And Ronon's been jumping from one world to another, always on the run. So he may have crossed through a whole bunch of gates to end up closer to Atlantis than to his former destroyed world.
We don't really know this now, but the Hives are in competition with each other to see who's ... uh ... top dog in the pecking order. Whose queen is stronger, etc., etc. But, at the same time, they don't encroach on another Hive's territory. It's only in later seasons that the Lanteans manage to help with the jealousy factor among Hives, so they'll end up fighting each other instead of Atlantis.
So, does that help make things clearer?
no subject
Date: 2011-11-13 05:13 am (UTC)Yes, you did reply earlier. I remembered it, but I thought you were unsure in your answer (or I remembered it wrong), so that's why I brought this up here. What fuels it more than anything, is a memory of the first Wraith saying that John had woken them ALL up. Of course, she could have just meant her hive.
Anyway, whether it's a mistake of understanding on my part or a mistake in continuity on their part, it isn't important. I've only ever run into one show that didn't have continuity errors, so that happens all the time. And, I make mistakes all the time.
It's good to have a possible explanation, however, and your's makes a ton of sense. Especially the part about putting down any civilization that is getting too powerful. Thanks for making such an effort to explain this to me.
Comment 2C
Date: 2011-11-12 05:10 am (UTC)Well, the overtly masculine poses didn't last long. Now L-as-R is leaning against the furniture and swaying back and forth until Carson agrees. L-as-R gives Carson a two handed thump against his chest and frolics off, once again with that mischief-in-the-air music. Carson's still floundering.
Now we see an early morning Atlantis shot. And Rodney on his back, mouth open, drooling, and making a few shnuffly sounds. Suddenly he's aware of his surroundings and rises up. Whoa! Wait just one minute. He's not in his quarters. We see some framed pictures on the nightstand and the biggest one is one an older man and woman on either side of a young woman in ... Marine uniform. He talks to his reflection in the glass of the picture. "Where am I?" The camera moves back and we see him covered by a sheet to the waist above which he's nekkid. Next question. "Where are my clothes?" A sleepy voice replies. Of course it's Laura. She wants to sleep longer. Even though it's – eek - 2 in the afternoon!
She also says his mattress "sucks". What? Rodney's super-expensive prescription mattress? How can that be? How did he get there? Well, she just walked his body over to her quarters when he was asleep.
Next even worse question. Where are his pants? Oh, they're over there on the chair. Rodney suddenly feels very vulnerable and clutches the sheet around him and up to his neck. Yup, buddy, you do need to set boundaries. But Laura's "kinda used to sleeping in the buff".
Rodney can barely stand up, he's in so much pain. Oh, his burning legs? Laura took them for a run before bed. ::giggles:: It's hilarious to see him trying to get dressed one-handed (fumbling with his boxers?) while standing and still clutching the sheet. Once again, David's terrific physical attributes. [Oh, get your minds out of the gutter. Not those attributes!] He tells her, rather in vain I believe, not to look.
Comment 2D
Date: 2011-11-12 05:16 am (UTC)Back in someone's quarters (I guess Rodney's if he's getting ready for his date), Laura is trying to convince him to let her tag along. Rodney is so not thrilled and declines the offer from "Cyrano". But Laura doesn't agree. She says it's been "a living hell" for her and they're doing it. Together. It's nighttime. Outside and in. How accommodating. There's lots of candles lit and soft, romantic music (I mean Joel's score). Oh, wait. It's not the date. It's Teyla in her quarters. So she's doing the splits on the bed when we hear the doors whoosh open. Surprise. It's Ronon taking up a whole lot of room, arms spread wide to touch both sides of the entrance. He wants to apologize. Teyla asks him to come in. But Teyla's okay with what happened. She thinks it was "impressive". Yeah, it was. She indicates a place to sit and asks how he's finding his training. Ronon thinks it's a test. Teyla says John believes Ronon could be a great help to them. Tactical switch: Ronon asks why she joined them. Despite her people's strength and pride, she believes "Atlantis is the best hope" for them all. Teyla suspects Ronon feels the same way or he would have already left. [Character musings: I wonder if TPTB ever had any plans to pair Teyla with Ronon. 'Cuz I think they look fabulous together, even with their mismatched heights. I can imagine future seasons going in a completely different direction. OTOH, I can haz imagination.]
Re: Comment 2D
Date: 2011-11-13 05:20 am (UTC)I wonder if TPTB ever had any plans to pair Teyla with Ronon. 'Cuz I think they look fabulous together, even with their mismatched heights. I have a memory of a later episode of Teyla walking along a corridor with a weekly extra (talking like they're best buds) and saying something about not sure how she's going to chose between two men. They are never named, but I was assuming John and Ronon.
Of course, they never did anything with that, and then she turns up pregnant by some guy we've never heard of. I also assumed that the pregnancy was real, but I never researched it to find out.
Comment 3A
Date: 2011-11-12 05:25 am (UTC)As Katie is serving Carson, Rodney's already digging into his salad until Laura admonishes him. Stop eating and make a toast. Well, he starts out and ends up sputtering words. But he manages to make it through on his own; then Laura adds her two cents' worth. Or more, but she's having trouble because Rodney's not listening. He's busy guzzling down the entire glass of white wine. BTW, Katie's wearing a stunning satin bronze-copper top that complements her hair colour. Then Laura tells him to go ahead. He needs to get drunk and to loosen up. She gives him a rewarding "Good boy" when it's all gone. I think that's in retaliation for Rodney's "good girlie".
As the meal goes one, Laura needles Rodney to say something, to start a conversation. Well, he tries. And Katie's straining to hear whatever he's about to tell her while Carson just looks confused.
I think we're all about to get more confused. 'Cuz there's that telling hand on angled hip, so we know that Laura's in charge of this body. And boy does she ever take charge! After taking her hand and telling Katie that L-as-R is very, VERY [terrific emphasis on those words] interested in her, but unfortunately has to leave RIGHT NOW, L-as-R bends Katie backward (hey, it's tango time) and plants a huge kiss on her (while Carson just look uncomfortable). Enough so that's she's whimpering. When he releases her, he says, "See you soon." Then he (as L-as-R still) lays a palm against Carson's cheek, utters a "Hmm" and strides out. The walk down the corridor is hilarious, as the two consciousnesses are battling for control of one body. [Oh, dear, I just had a coughing fit when he slapped himself. Uh, she slapped himself. Well, you know what I meant.] Oh, thank goodness. Saved by (was it) a city-wide announcement to report to the hangar. Radek's there with his laptop, as are Liz and John. He's explaining what he's done. Then they get a demo. Live white mice dematerialize and dead charred mice rematerialize. Yoy-yoy-yoy. That's not good. Also a very obvious observation from John: "Those mice used to be a different colour." Ya think?
Rodney's having a semi-panic attack, thinking he's going to be stuck like this forever. Boy, the look he gives Radek is not happy. Glaring in its unhappiness.
It's nighttime and John is visiting Liz. So, Liz, what's not a good idea? Ahhh, John wants Ronon. As a part of the city. On his team. Well, despite her misgivings, Liz agrees to talk to Ronon.
no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 05:27 am (UTC)In arguing about it, though, Rodney comes up with an idea. It's worthy of finger snapping, so we know it's a good one. They're going to use the gates somehow.
Down in the lab, the simulation works, but Rodney isn't willing to chance another seizure with waiting for Radek to round up more mice. Elizabeth and John arrives, and after some hesitation and veiled looks at Radek, she okays it.
Ronday gets on the platform and then hesitates. By posture and body language, it's clear Cadman is in control. She goes up to Carson, and kisses him. The looks on John and Elizabeth's faces are hilarious. As soon as the kiss is over, Rodney is back in control and he flinches away from Carson. Hee! The show's first m/m kiss. I think it's the only one, too. He steps back on the platform with his head in his hand, and tells them to do it.
He is successfully dematerialized, and then Radek throws the switch to bring them back. It works!! But they both immediately collapse.
Jomp to later, and John is catching up to Elizabeth, wanting to talk about Ronon. Ronon may stay!
Back in the infirmary, Rodney is waking up. He looks over at the bed next ton I'm and sees it empty. Then, he hear's Cadman's voice and thinks the worst - she's still inside him. But then she says, "over here." He turns his head and she's in the bed on his other side. big relief.
There is some fun snark with John, and then the episode ends quietly with Rodney and Cadman alone and smiling at each other, glad to be back in their respective bodies.
What an interesting episode. They were able to give David and incredibly challenging role, while also flirting with homosexuality - between women and men. I think that's a first in any show. I wish TPtB were less afraid to tackle that more head-on in shows like this. Or any show other than sit-coms. Or, at least American mainstream shows. I know England's Torchwood did it, and HBO's Oz (there are probably others), but they aren't mainstream shows. At least not in the states.
I supposed they're afraid their ratings would fall too low to continue with a show if it was overt with such an issue. It's too bad that we, as a country, can't get by our problems with this issue. It seems like the last, big holdout of prejudice and discrimination.
Aside from all that, I really enjoyed this episode. It had the first moment that made me lol in several episodes, there was fun snark, I cringed my way through a few minutes of the show (I get sympathetically embarrassed when the characters are embarrassed), and I liked how they show Ronon's integration into the team as not seamless. Teyla seemed to be instantly accepted, so it's nice to see the process this time around.
Comment 3B
Date: 2011-11-12 05:32 am (UTC)Meanwhile, in the gym, Ronon's teaching hand-to-hand to one guy while he's surrounded by a whole bunch of Marines. But Liz walks in through the door and interrupts him. Ronon crosses his arms (closed off body language) as he listens to Liz. Apparently John already extended an invitation for Ronon to join his team, but Liz says John should have spoken to him first. That just gets a simple "okay" from Ronon. When she goes on about it being a big decision, he says he's thinking about it. And so is Liz. "So I guess we'll just keep in touch then?" gets another "okay" back from him. Liz echoes the "okay" with a very strange inflection. I don't think any of her diplomatic treaties on Earth ever prepared her to deal with anyone like Ronon. She watches as he returns to training with the guy.
We cut immediately to an angry Rodney (as Rodney) ranting at Kate. Well, L-as-R snarks back at him. He missed his opportunity to get inside the "mind of a woman". Uh-oh. As Rodney's temper is exploding, he seems to suffer a seizure. He falls out of the chair and onto the floor. Change of scenery with another outside shot of Atlantis. Then it switches to – where else but – the infirmary and Rodney in scrubs in a bed. When he opens his eyes, he asks Carson what happened. Well, the constant battle over the body is causing it harm. And one of the consciousnesses will have to let go. Completely. L-as-R says she can already feel it happening. Rodney asks if it's always been like that. Only for the past few hours. And Rodney's felt it too. But he thought it was just from fighting with Laura. Rodney asks Radek where they're at. Okay, so progress. The mice have been rematialized successfully. Oh, yay. Or not. Rodney says, "But?" Radek replies, "They didn't survive." Carson seals their fate. "I'm afraid if one of you doesn't let go, both of you will die." Carson gets a hand up with an "I'll do it". But who was it?
It's now nighttime. Rodney's having an internal conversation with Laura. So she's the one who's sacrificing herself. Oh, she's having Rodney write a letter to her folks and wants him to deliver it to them. But Rodney doesn't know when the next time he'll---
Then it comes to him. "The gate. We can use the gate." Carson hasn't a clue as to what Rodney's talking about. He thinks they can use one of the control crystals from the gate to stabilize the dart system. Despite Carson's concerns, Rodney gets out of bed saying he doesn't have time to talk. He has to get things done before the next seizure. Oh, this is magnificent Rodney at his best. Carson sighs after he's left.
Comment 3C
Date: 2011-11-12 05:39 am (UTC)Liz looks to Radek for confirmation, but – hey – Rodney's determined to go through with it. He asks for a second, then steps back. I guess this is his final farewell, just in case things don't work out. Just as Radek's about to do stuff, one finger goes up in the air. And the hand on the hip. It's L-as-R. She takes a couple of steps over to Carson, grabs him by the lapels, hauls him in and kisses him like Whoa. Liz looks away. John looks sorta amused. "Just in case this doesn't work." And, then, it's Rodney staggering back, hands all weird. He's so not happy that she made him do that. Anyway, Radek engages the transfer. Rodney's whooshed away and two bodies whoosh back. And promptly fall to the ground. Of course they're going to the infirmary.
Comment 3D
Date: 2011-11-12 05:41 am (UTC)Then he hears a familiar voice. "Feeling better?" When he glances over at the next bed, it's empty. Oh, no. Didn't it work? Well, the voice prompts him further so he turns to his other side. And there's Laura with her hair down giving him a little wave. Wow, does she look like 12? And Rodney admitting to learning a "lesson in pride". Laura, too. While Carson's at Laura's bedside, Radek's at Rodney's. And Rodney compliments him. Hey, Radek, note the date. Well, even though it was Rodney's idea after all. Okay, let's have a party, 'cuz John and Liz are there, too. And John's being all Mr. Smirky-Smarty-pants, saying that Laura's survived what may be his "worst nightmare". When Rodney gives him a curt "thank you", John gives him a smirk, too. No, Liz, Rodney and Laura so do not want a moment together. They want to be alone. Finally they all drift away, Carson the last to go. He squeezes Laura's hand. Actually, it was a cute ending, as Laura and Rodney both smiled at one another with a look of acknowledgment between them. And, then, fade to black against a backdrop of pretty music. Cue closing credits and that's a wrap.
Closing thoughtts
Date: 2011-11-12 05:44 am (UTC)Even though there was so much snippiness between them, I thought the ending was sweet. They'd both endured a truly alien experience and survived it intact. It was a shared thing.
I could probably say a lot more, but – ouch – I've been sitting here for HOURS. And I have a church conference in the morning. I haven't even washed my hair. Yadda-yadda-yadda. So I'm off to get ready. See everybody next week.
Re: Closing thoughtts
Date: 2011-11-13 05:31 am (UTC)The episode is well worth it, however. I love your final thoughts about why DH was flouncing around. Cadman didn't walk like that, certainly, but the centers of gravity and different body sizes/shapes is brilliant.
Addition to Comment 3A.
Date: 2011-11-17 05:46 pm (UTC)In the icon above, it takes place after the PM has asked Sebastian to perjure himself, by signing some papers that validate that the PM knew nothing about arms sales to some foreign country, even though he really did. Well ... Sebastian says he'll sign, but the PM will have to do something for him in return. In the next scene, Tony Head as the PM is dressed in a studded leather G-string, holding a feather duster. He's made to dust his own desk, with Sebastian telling him to ... uh ... bend over, so we see Tony's terrific backside, while Sebastian is sitting on a stuffed couch drinking (pinky up) a cup of tea.
So, anyway, I just wanted to pass that bit of trivia along.
Anyway, now you know who Sebastian and the PM are. In another episode skit, the PM says he's about to make an announcement. His wife (you can just imagine Sebastian hissing at her) is here and the PM mentions that they're going to have a baby. I believe there's champagne passed around. Well, Seb has some (a lot), then approaches the PM and gives him the kind of kiss that L-as-R gave Katie. Before Sebastian leaves (all heartbroken because he'll never get his chance at the PM), he cups the PM's cheek.