Rewatch: Condemned

[twinsarein.livejournal.com]

The puddle jumper arrives on a planet that neither Teyla nor Ronon have visited before. They land near an abandoned campfire, only to find themselves under attack by the indigenous people. They are rescued by a flying vehicle that escorts them to a city of the advanced Olesians. Their magistrate tells the stargate is on a prison island, where only the most violent criminals are sent. According to him this has kept the Wraith away from the city for centuries. He tells McKay their scientists have recently found a mineral that is fissionable, but does not produce any radioactivity. McKay is very interested and the magistrate seems willing to trade. While the jumper returns to get Dr. Weir for the negotiations, the prisoners open fire. They manage to shoot it down.  [Poll #1796136]

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Comment 2B

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

But wait. More fun. Rodney's pushsed into the cabin and told to choose who dies first. Torell engages in some more Rodney character assessment. Sure, sure, "whine" and "complain", say it's impossible; but, when you fix it, you get even more heroic acclaim. Torell gives Rodney some time to choose. Poor Rodney gets tied back up again. Eldon's inside with them. So, according to Eldon, Torell's a really nice guy: killed 8 before and 3 after the island. Unlike Eldon, who explains that not everyone on the island is a killer. The punishment was such a deterrent that there was less food for the Wraith. Gee. Can't have that, can we? Gotta find other reasons to exile lesser criminals.

Liz and Evan are strolling with the smug Magistrate and his aide Marin. Well, if John didn't go back home, so maybe they went through the ring to another planet. Why, isn't that Magistrate so helpful? ::growls at computer screen::

I didn't expect Marin to jump in with a really helpful suggestion, to search the island. Well, this is going to get awkward. When Evan proposes joining them in the search, the Magistrate says he would advise against it, because the island is extremely dangerous. That gets a raised eyebrow from Liz and an exchange of assessing looks between her and Evan.

Back in the hut-of-doom, Ronon thinks he's loosening the restraints. John calls him "Chewie" and tells him to be careful, otherwise he'll cut his hands off. Luckily, Eldon's just snuck in with a big knife. He'll help them if they help him. When Rodney protests he can't fix the ship, John insists he can. Hey, who's in charge here? Well, John tells Rodney he really sucks "at lying".

So Rodney comes up with a last-ditch plan. Can't fix the ship but may be able to "cobble together" a DHD so they can walk through the gate.

Only one new problem. As soon as Eldon cuts through Ronon's ropes, Ronon's got the knife at Eldon's neck. But John convinces him to let Eldon go, 'cuz they made a deal. As they all leave the cabin, is that a radio I see on the floor?

Luckily, John halts the trek back to the 'jumper. He thinks everything's being way too easy. They're in the bushes close to the jumper and scrutinizing all of the trees surrounding it. [I can't see what's happening but presume there's rustling in the bushes near the trees, indicating people hiding there.] Why does nobody pay attention to what Eldon says, namely "I didn't know anything about this, I swear"?

When John says they'll have the "element of surprise" on their side, Ronon remarks he thought John was afraid to fight. Nah, John's "just naturally lazy" but will if he has to.

So, "in a perfect world", Rodney would need two days to rig the DHD but, "right now, ten minutes, give or take"! As they're planning a diversion to get the prisoners away from the 'jumper, they get a big surprise themselves, hearing the chevrons locking and a visit from the friendly local neighbourhood Wraith. At least the 'jumper is now unguarded.