brabbel123 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
brabbel123) wrote2006-07-15 05:22 pm
brabbel123) wrote2006-07-15 05:22 pm
[Review] Stargate: Atlantis - 3.01 No Man's Land
Yes, yes, yes... Atlantis is back! And it's back in style.
I really enjoyed this episode, not so much because of the action (actually, I'm not unhappy about the demise of the Orion - and if the Daedalus is out for repairs for a long time even better because that would mean having ATL essentially relying on their own abilities again) but because of the characterization and -interaction.
As much as I liked Weir focusing on what's important at the beginning, that *she* has to remind *Caldwell* that the time for mourning would come later seems a bit odd. I'd expect a high ranking military officer to keep his eyes on what's important right now. On the other hand, Weir's sending Caldwell on what is essentially a suicide mission, not ordering him to do it but emphasizing the need by calling him by his first name... Well, that certainly was a very strong moment for both Weir and Caldwell. Weir's interaction with Teyla and Landry was perfect - and nearly perfect as well was her meeting with the IOA. "Nearly" because although she finally admits to making huge mistakes, she's once again hanging the threat to resign over the committee... reminds me of her always threatening Caldwell to run to the VIPs supporting the ATL-project, and that is getting kind of old. On the other hand, she at last owns up to her poor decisions concerning Michael - granted, hindsight is always 20/20, but in this case, a bit of careful consideration of all the options, the setting of the experiment and the negotiations with the queen really should have had her alarm bells up and running. But as much as I liked those scenes, they seemed kind of disjointed seeing that most of the ATL crew is currently in battle. I mean, the timing of the IOA really, really sucks. But I guess, that was the whole point.
It was good to see Rodney teamed up with Ronon for a change. I thought that Ronon had a pretty good handle on our favourite whiny scientist (and don't we all just love him when he's in full "We're all gonna die"-mode?) - and I definitely liked those "You'll think of something"-lines. I'm not too fond of Ronon but in this episode I actually liked him (and his endless cache of knives), not only his interaction with Rodney, but also his reaction to Michael and his deference to Sheppard's judgment. McKay's lines as usual were hilarious, the spyware and DOS-references... *That*'s why I love this show!
Sheppard's interaction with Michael (now I know that Connor Trinneer is actually a good actor! He was often times so underused in ENT...) was another one of the many highlights of the episode. I sure hope we'll see more of Michael and the reason why he defected - I mean, there's being unhappy with the way things proceed on the hive and being an outcast, and then there's actively helping the Wraiths' enemies and the people who turned you into something you didn't want to become -, in the few episodes we've had with him so far he's certainly become one of the more interesting characters, definitely way more interesting than super!Ford ever was. Sheppard's lines were of top quality as well, the walk in the park-one and the little nod to Star Wars being the most memorable ones. And let's not forget that lunch flashback (and the little Rodney-voice in Sheppard's head) - as much as I dislike kirky moments, I thought that moment of flirting and zoning out all that geeky talk was so in character for him... as was McKay and Zelenka's arguing about another science problem during their free time. Wonderful scene!
I enjoyed to see the 2 2IC, Lorne and Zelenka, take over the Orion - and I really would have loved to see Radek figuring out a way to save the ship... just for his sake, not for the Orion's sake as I already mentioned above. For a short little time I was afraid both these recurring characters would be killed, but then I thought, "No, they wouldn't do that, would they???" It was also good to see both of them slip back into their roles as 2IC and let Sheppard and McKay take over again, once they're back on the Daedalus. The little dialogue between Lorne and McKay right at the end of the episode on the Wraith ship also shows how far these 2 characters have come since their first quite hostile interaction in "Runner". At least, I didn't know they were on a first name basis - well, Lorne is with Rodney, since he himself doesn't have a first name yet, the opposite isn't true quite yet. And again, I was a bit afraid Lorne would meet his demise, this time at the hands of the queen (well, it *is* more probable for one recurring character to be killed off than two after all), so that really was a very suspenseful moment... and Rodney helping him up amidst sprouting off his usual snark... priceless.
I'm already looking forward to what happens with the now human Wraith, if the queen's dead, if the virus still has an effect on Michael or if it's completely dissipated, and, generally, how they're going to get out of the mess of being stuck between the galaxies. And I'm hoping to see Beckett next week, he was sorely missed. I kind of figured he'd be on the Daedalus or the Orion since that is where his abilities would be needed most, so hopefully I'll be proven right in "Misbegotten"... another week until then, though... *sighs
Last but not least, the most memorable lines of the week:
McKay: I suppose I'd rather die as a hero than as a meal.
McKay: Their operating system is a mess, Thank Goodness, I remember DOS. (waits for Ronon's reaction... when none is coming...) Trust me, that was hilarious.
McKay: They downloaded something along with the hive ship plans... something like spyware, ugh, just like when I stupidly downloaded porn... Music!! When I downloaded music!
McKay: I'm responsible for the destruction of my own planet.
Ronon: If anybody was going to do it, it'd be you.
Sheppard (when Michael intercepts his contacting McKay and Ronon on the radio): Sorry, wrong number.
McKay: Where did you come from?
Sheppard: I managed to latch on to the hull of the hive before it went into hyperspace.
Ronon: Nice move.
Sheppard: I saw it in a movie once.
Lorne: Didn't work on her.
McKay: Beckett wondered if the females would be immune.
Lorne: Something you might have mentioned before she almost killed me, Rodney.
McKay: I only thought of it now!
Sheppard: It'll be a walk in a park. A very scary park, filled with monsters who are trying to kill me.
Michael: I do not understand.
Sheppard: Never mind. Operation "This Will Most Likely End Badly" is a go.
Gotta love those scriptwriters...
Overall rating for this episode: 8/10
I really enjoyed this episode, not so much because of the action (actually, I'm not unhappy about the demise of the Orion - and if the Daedalus is out for repairs for a long time even better because that would mean having ATL essentially relying on their own abilities again) but because of the characterization and -interaction.
As much as I liked Weir focusing on what's important at the beginning, that *she* has to remind *Caldwell* that the time for mourning would come later seems a bit odd. I'd expect a high ranking military officer to keep his eyes on what's important right now. On the other hand, Weir's sending Caldwell on what is essentially a suicide mission, not ordering him to do it but emphasizing the need by calling him by his first name... Well, that certainly was a very strong moment for both Weir and Caldwell. Weir's interaction with Teyla and Landry was perfect - and nearly perfect as well was her meeting with the IOA. "Nearly" because although she finally admits to making huge mistakes, she's once again hanging the threat to resign over the committee... reminds me of her always threatening Caldwell to run to the VIPs supporting the ATL-project, and that is getting kind of old. On the other hand, she at last owns up to her poor decisions concerning Michael - granted, hindsight is always 20/20, but in this case, a bit of careful consideration of all the options, the setting of the experiment and the negotiations with the queen really should have had her alarm bells up and running. But as much as I liked those scenes, they seemed kind of disjointed seeing that most of the ATL crew is currently in battle. I mean, the timing of the IOA really, really sucks. But I guess, that was the whole point.
It was good to see Rodney teamed up with Ronon for a change. I thought that Ronon had a pretty good handle on our favourite whiny scientist (and don't we all just love him when he's in full "We're all gonna die"-mode?) - and I definitely liked those "You'll think of something"-lines. I'm not too fond of Ronon but in this episode I actually liked him (and his endless cache of knives), not only his interaction with Rodney, but also his reaction to Michael and his deference to Sheppard's judgment. McKay's lines as usual were hilarious, the spyware and DOS-references... *That*'s why I love this show!
Sheppard's interaction with Michael (now I know that Connor Trinneer is actually a good actor! He was often times so underused in ENT...) was another one of the many highlights of the episode. I sure hope we'll see more of Michael and the reason why he defected - I mean, there's being unhappy with the way things proceed on the hive and being an outcast, and then there's actively helping the Wraiths' enemies and the people who turned you into something you didn't want to become -, in the few episodes we've had with him so far he's certainly become one of the more interesting characters, definitely way more interesting than super!Ford ever was. Sheppard's lines were of top quality as well, the walk in the park-one and the little nod to Star Wars being the most memorable ones. And let's not forget that lunch flashback (and the little Rodney-voice in Sheppard's head) - as much as I dislike kirky moments, I thought that moment of flirting and zoning out all that geeky talk was so in character for him... as was McKay and Zelenka's arguing about another science problem during their free time. Wonderful scene!
I enjoyed to see the 2 2IC, Lorne and Zelenka, take over the Orion - and I really would have loved to see Radek figuring out a way to save the ship... just for his sake, not for the Orion's sake as I already mentioned above. For a short little time I was afraid both these recurring characters would be killed, but then I thought, "No, they wouldn't do that, would they???" It was also good to see both of them slip back into their roles as 2IC and let Sheppard and McKay take over again, once they're back on the Daedalus. The little dialogue between Lorne and McKay right at the end of the episode on the Wraith ship also shows how far these 2 characters have come since their first quite hostile interaction in "Runner". At least, I didn't know they were on a first name basis - well, Lorne is with Rodney, since he himself doesn't have a first name yet, the opposite isn't true quite yet. And again, I was a bit afraid Lorne would meet his demise, this time at the hands of the queen (well, it *is* more probable for one recurring character to be killed off than two after all), so that really was a very suspenseful moment... and Rodney helping him up amidst sprouting off his usual snark... priceless.
I'm already looking forward to what happens with the now human Wraith, if the queen's dead, if the virus still has an effect on Michael or if it's completely dissipated, and, generally, how they're going to get out of the mess of being stuck between the galaxies. And I'm hoping to see Beckett next week, he was sorely missed. I kind of figured he'd be on the Daedalus or the Orion since that is where his abilities would be needed most, so hopefully I'll be proven right in "Misbegotten"... another week until then, though... *sighs
Last but not least, the most memorable lines of the week:
McKay: I suppose I'd rather die as a hero than as a meal.
McKay: Their operating system is a mess, Thank Goodness, I remember DOS. (waits for Ronon's reaction... when none is coming...) Trust me, that was hilarious.
McKay: They downloaded something along with the hive ship plans... something like spyware, ugh, just like when I stupidly downloaded porn... Music!! When I downloaded music!
McKay: I'm responsible for the destruction of my own planet.
Ronon: If anybody was going to do it, it'd be you.
Sheppard (when Michael intercepts his contacting McKay and Ronon on the radio): Sorry, wrong number.
McKay: Where did you come from?
Sheppard: I managed to latch on to the hull of the hive before it went into hyperspace.
Ronon: Nice move.
Sheppard: I saw it in a movie once.
Lorne: Didn't work on her.
McKay: Beckett wondered if the females would be immune.
Lorne: Something you might have mentioned before she almost killed me, Rodney.
McKay: I only thought of it now!
Sheppard: It'll be a walk in a park. A very scary park, filled with monsters who are trying to kill me.
Michael: I do not understand.
Sheppard: Never mind. Operation "This Will Most Likely End Badly" is a go.
Gotta love those scriptwriters...
Overall rating for this episode: 8/10
no subject
We watched our first episode while visiting family in Seattle, and it was very campy. The family promised it normally wasn't that silly.
But with lines like 'Operation "This Will Most Likely End Badly" is a go', I'm highly intrigued! :-D
no subject
Which episode did you watch back then?
no subject
It was the one with the volcano about to make a planet uninhabitable. They were trying to evacuate the people, but the whole eruption process speeds up faster than they expected, so are forced to use a broken down ship's shields to protect them from the blast and hyperspace into space.
Do you know which one I'm talking about? It was great to see you post! I hope all is well! *waves*
no subject
Yes, all is well - tomorrow, I'm starting my job, wish me luck! :)
And it was great to read of you as well... my computer, as usual just when I don't need it making trouble, acts up a bit. I hope to have that fixed soon... and then I hope I get an IM-programme up and running and we can chat!
no subject
OMG, tomorrow! *throws a whole heap of luck your way* You'll do awesome - of that I'm sure. But best of luck anyway! :-D I hope it turns out to be an awesome, fun, stimulating job!
No worries! Let me know when you're ready, and let's set up a time! I'm looking forward to it!
no subject
Thanks for your wishes... I hope everything will work out fine. I've mastered the first hurdle of the day, getting up at 5 a.m.! Yeah, go me. *g*
no subject
*crosses fingers and wishes you strong caffeine for the upcoming week*
Go get 'em!
no subject
Well, it was certainly quite a day... getting up at 5, working from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., heading home... and now I'm just content to sit quietly and to not have to move more than my fingers. Pity that I have to move more than that when I'll go to bed eventually... *seriously considers sleeping right where she is*
no subject
Well, it shouldn't take more than a couple of weeks before your body starts to catch up with the new schedule, so that should help! In the meantime, lots of sleep, vitamins, chocolate (just because *g*), and pampering!
*wishes you ridiculous amounts of energy* Hang in there! And don't stay up late! ;-)