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]

Comments

Comment 3A

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

Back in the city, that smug bastard Magistrate has some bad news for Liz. Oh, I'm sure he does. Wraith-on-island means rescue teams had to fall back. Funny. I wasn't aware there even were rescue teams on the island. What. A. Creep!

Oh, Evan's got such a worried look on his face. And Liz – a suspicious one on hers.

Ugh-ugh-ugh. The Magistrate is pouring a glass of something and offering it to a Wraith, along with a really good deal. Whoa. Look at all of the food on the table. Not surprising, as the Magistrate looks as if he likes to eat well. Courtesy of the new chef. What happened to the old chef? Well, Mr. Wraith mentions "he proved to be far more appetizing than the meals he prepared". That gets a nervous giggle from the Magistrate.

It's weird to watch the Wraith swallow real food. More like choking it down. We also get an explanation of hibernation. This Wraith says that, while others have had to sleep between cullings, he's "enjoyed a steady stream of humans" for his consumption because of the special "arrangement" with this Magistrate and his predecessors.

As much as this works for one Hive, the Wraith explains that more Hives are awakening, more than is currently sustainable. Though, as the island's population keeps getting smaller, the Wraith needs to know whether he'll need to feed from the main landmass population. Of course the rat-bastard Magistrate says he'll fix things. [Right? Parking ticket? It's off to the island with you.]

The team hear the gate engage and a single dart goes back through it. Teyla wonders why it didn't cull anybody, but Ronon said it headed for the mainland when it first went through. Ronon's using his very observant tracking skills.

John's asking Rodney for a status update. It's "slower than I expected but faster than humanly possible". So, of course, John has to ask if there's any chance of getting power to the cloak. While he's at it, Rodney snaps at John, would John like a snack, "maybe a nice sandwich"? "Only if it's humanly possible" is John's answer. Well, that sets Rodney off on a 100 mph rant, that it'll still be a "miracle" if he gets the DHD working and the power will be "intermittent at best". Oh, John's so helpful (NOT), remindng Rodney that, since the Wraith have gone, Torell will be back with all of their weapons.

Back in a room in the city, Marin comes through the door. Okay, not an official visit. She tells Liz and Evan they should leave because the Magistrate just rescinded orders for rescue teams to go back to the island. Why? She continues, saying that several arrests have been made for unspecified violations, to be sent to the island to increase its population. Evan says what doesn't need to be said. "To keep the Wraith fed."

Marin says she can't stay quiet any longer. But they're all interrupted by el creepo Magistrate who says they're all lies and that she's seeding fear not only among her own people but also their guests.

Marin wants to know why so many people are being arrested and gets a textbook response. "Your job is not to question the actions of this government." He orders her arrested on charges of – oh so conveniently – treason. Of course she'll get a fair trial. ::rolls eyes again:: I love the blasé reaction from Evan. "So that's a yes."

Liz gets brave. She asks what else is considered "a serious offence" around there. "Anything that threatens the welfare of the Olesian people." Well, I guess that would be the Magistrate, then. Bingo, Liz. Not the people's welfare, but the Magistrate's. Liz is warned to watch her words. Not a threat, merely advice, from one ally to another. Ugh. Can we have new allies, please? Yay, Liz. She's just "rescinded" this alliance.

When Liz says they're leaving, the Magistrate harrumphs. So, what – is he arresting them, too? Yay, for weapons-ready Evan, with his P90 up in a flash, along with those of his cohorts. Awww. The Magistrate is forced to back down. And Liz walks out as proud as a queen with her entourage behind her. Yay Liz! It's good to see her in an active role.

Back in 'jumper territory, Ronon's still keeping watch. He reports, "The party's over." John's sad, 'cuz they were having "such a good time".