RISING REWATCH RECAP
Jul. 29th, 2009 02:37 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
x_erikah_xI know I probably shouldn't start this, but what the hell... The DVD is on and MSWord is open and I'm in the mood, so…
I don't know if I'll keep up with this. Actually, I do know that I won't keep up with this, but I'll take the chances that I get in the times in which I feel like doing it. It's not an obligation; it's just something that popped into my mind at this exact minute.
I don't know how brilliant, or funny, or new, or original this is going to be, I'll just take notes as I go. I don't have caps, I won't make caps, I won't research or upload them because I don't have the connection to do so. Also there will be an obvious focus on John Sheppard.
First of all, I'm online and doing a dozen things at one. Second, my internet is cell phone based, so I have this ANNOYING buzz at the background of my speakers (and I just took a whole minute to figure out the right word for speakers). Third, I'm reading some comments on GW, so a few of those ideas may blend with my opinions (I was trying to catch up on the whump thread, but the stupid connection wouldn't allow me).
Okay, ready? *\o/*
We start seeing Atlantis leaving Antarctica millions of years ago. We see that girl from the SG1 episode Frozen and her husband leaving her to go to another galaxy (I don't know if he really is her husband in the show, but Martin Wood said the actor is the actress' husband). This is important information. It's the same actress and the commentary from Martin Wood says that it is her. And from what I remember she's found frozen in Antarctica and then comes to life when defrost. She is sick and infects SG1 with the illness she's got, the plague that sent the Ancients away from Earth. She's close to ascension and uses her healing powers to cure everyone except for Jack. One small thing that only fans from SG1 would get, and only if they pay close attention and listen to audio commentaries.
Now, in the present day, we get promptly depressed by seeing all those dead people walking around. *waves at the dead people* Peter… Elizabeth… Carson… Ford… I always get a little emotional by seeing them all happy and excited about the expedition.
Rodney is being Rodney-like in this scene. I like the Elizabeth, Carson and Rodney interaction. It hints they have been there at the outpost for some time and have some sort of bond already going on.
Daniel shows up and is that excited Daniel we all know. He's got an address. And I don't think this means anything for the non-SG1 fans…
Opening sequence! I LOVE this part! The music, the background… Shep flying a chopper… He really likes it there, doesn't he? And he's bragging about all the things that he can fly. We get a comment from Jack saying that he hates Antarctica. That's because of the episode Solitudes SG1, season 1, and one of my favorite Jack episodes.
Carson is trying to get the hell out of the chair. Banter! He really, really hates the chair, doesn't he? And guess what happens? Yes, he launches the drone into our favorite chopper pilot.
Shep's all awesome flying. Awesome and hot! And he goes to all the opposite directions Jack tells him to. That's because Shep is a way better pilot than Jack and Jack's got no business being one of those smart wives or husbands (or mothers) that keep telling us what to do when we are driving.
Shep is just too confused about what the hell was shot against him and why he should worry about missiles being shot in Antarctica. Then we get that famous line: 'that was different' and the response: 'for me, not so much.'
Ford has his first line.
Jack arrives and is happy for being alive. He and Daniel geek out of there and Shep promises not to touch anything.
Daniel is talking about the Ancients and drooling about them while Jack is all whatever about it. They ask for the ZedPM and Rodney happily explains what it is.
Shep is eavesdropping Carson's conversation and forgives him for almost killing him. Carson starts out a bit nervous, but Shep is so nice to him, isn't he? Look at Shep's face when Carson tells him about the Stargate. Poor boy has no idea what the hell he's got himself into. That 'what' that he says is just the cutest thing!
Daniel, Elizabeth and Rodney barrage Jack with all the reasons they want to go to another galaxy and Jack is easily convinced.
Meanwhile… Carson is geeking out about genes and Shep seems to understand it all pretty well for a pilot. He's circling around the chair and I take a second, or two, or three… to stare. And for someone that wasn't supposed to touch anything, Shep very easily convinces himself to sit down in this piece of very advanced equipment that is millions of years old and that controls Earth's most powerful weapons.
They are all very stunned when it actually works, too damn well for someone that until one second ago didn't even know about some weird gene that supposedly controls these ancient technology. He has no idea what the hell is happening and why this room is suddenly glowing. More people rush into the room, and there is this guy (Rodney) telling Shep what he should think and everyone gasps when the light show starts.
Now, let's think. There is this talented pilot that is for some reason stationed in one of the most remote outposts of the planet suddenly impressing some high General to a degree that he gets the highest security clearance known to mankind to know about the most secret operation the planet has ever had since, well, ever. A bit easy, but we know Jack and this is something he would do, especially if he had looked into Shep's record and seem what kind of man he is and why he is there. We all know Jack doesn't have the most exemplary service record too, right? He's probably thinking Earth needs pilots like that to get into the F-302 program and defend the planet. That is important to know, because some people may think it was waaay too easy for Shep to get into the mission in the first place.
Now, not only is this guy a great amazing pilot, he is also intelligent enough to understand the concepts dropping all around him about all these absurd alien things and also demonstrates the most amazing ability they have ever seen in manipulating Ancient technology, even though he doesn't properly know what they do. Now, he hasn't only impressed a not-easy-to-impress General, but he's also impressed the most brilliant minds the planet has to offer (Carson and Rodney), along with one of the greatest authorities in diplomacy and that was handpicked by the president himself to run the most endearing mission that the planet has ever seen. So, all in all, Shep is pretty awesome.
Elizabeth, maybe some time later, is trying to convince Jack that Shep should go too. It's not a tough sell. Elizabeth seems impressed by Shep's file and sees in him the sort of man she wants to defend her people. One that would do whatever it takes to save those he is supposed to protect, even if that ends up tarnishing his record and almost ending his career (and who knows, even his own life). Jack pretends he's not impressed, but we all know that he is and we all know Jack has done things like this in the past. Elizabeth sees right through that façade and reminds Jack, showing the audience, she can shut a man up only with a few well placed words. Even so, she seemed to be unable to convince Shep and asks Jack for help.
Jack is the sort of man that would easily get an answer from Shep only doing what he does best. He goes straight to business and tells Shep that he would be crazy to turn down this offer. Shep seems to respects Jack well enough to be taken aback by the attitude and takes the offer seriously.
As you can see, it's all about getting Shep to be our lead. It's all a set up for the kind of man that he'll be during the show. Joe Flanigan plays that wonderfully by showing how naïve Shep is at the beginning and then we see him slowly fitting into those shoes and changing along the five years that he's got ahead of him.
We have this lovely sequence of goodbyes with Elizabeth telling that passionate speech to Simon. This mission is important enough that she can't be there to tell him personally and that she needed to go to the president to get him to at least know why she is leaving. I don't know why she didn't ask Simon to be part of the expedition in the first place, knowing that she will in the future. I also don't understand why she doesn't mention anything about how their relationship will be with this going on a one-way mission to another galaxy. I always found a bit weird that she fully expected him to have waited for her and why she seemed to be so broken hearted when she learned that he got someone else in her absence (Intruder, season 2). If it was me I would give him wings to fly and end the relationship right there. Yes, it would be a bit cold through a tape, but I think she didn't have any other choice. It doesn't matter how much you love a person, if you take a decision travel far away, placing work over love, you should know that this person will move on without you. I feel she was a bit naïve on where and how she left Simon. She cares enough for him to reveal top secret information, so I think this to be a plot hole caused by having a bunch of guys writing the scripts.
It's lovely and sad to see Ford saying goodbye to his grandparents knowing that he won't return. Seeing Carson's mum, Rodney's cat... And it's truly heartbreaking seeing that Shep is all alone in a park tossing a coin. There isn't a person on Earth that he would like to say goodbye to. Not to family, relatives, friends. He is a lonely soul. *sniff* This completely breaks my heart. I can't imagine being that lonely. If you were going to another galaxy, how many people would you like to say goodbye to? I'm not the most popular person, but I can say the names of two dozen people at least. And you? How do you think your life would be if the answer was zero? To know that no-one on the planet will miss you?
The SGC is busy with activity, busier than we have ever seen, with people from all over the world speaking in several different languages. We can see that everyone's spirits are high with excitement. Can you imagine? We are going to another galaxy! The last adventure of our lives!
And there Shep is, alone again, still a bit confused about the whole thing. He sees himself as just another guy who has been luckily chosen by a mere random act of nature that has given him a powerful gene that could very well have remained hidden and unknown for the rest of his life. He's in the middle of everyone, watching everything, paying attention and looking more like a fish out of the water than anyone else in that room. I guess the only thing in his mind is just to go along with things as they happen. He's certainly not seeing himself as a future CO and intergalactic hero. He just thinks he's lucky to be given this opportunity to serve again, even though his new CO seems to hate him. He's also seeing he's the only Air Force person that is in the expedition. More will come later, but right now, is he the only pilot they're taking? Don't they feel they need a few pilots? That is another reason he's a fish out of the water. He's surrounded by geek scientists and Marines. There isn't one airhead flyboy over there for him to geek out about jets, choppers and spaceships.
Elizabeth gives that speech at the Gate room and it is when it really downs on everyone that they are really doing this. They are all proud to be there.
I noticed how they didn't go with Gary Jones to do the chevron thing. This makes me a little happy.
One of my favorite moments is when Shep and Sumner have that little exchange. Shep smiles for having something familiar which he simply can't resist: being a smartass. And Sumner is NOT impressed. Hee! Don't you LOVE that smirk? He's saying: I've got something you don't have: a sense of humor.
I love watching everyone rubbing their hands as the gate dials. I know that if it was me I would be shaking with energy and nervousness.
The MAPL goes in and tells them they can breathe on the other side. Also, a SG1 side note. Jack and Daniel are dying for not being able to go too.
Sumner wants to go first to clear the area, but Elizabeth is not going to be second. So she wants in and I'm a little surprised to see Sumner allows her. Maybe he's more open minded that he let on in those earlier scenes.
I notice the Marines have these uniforms that they wear here and here only. I don't remember them wearing these uniforms anymore, am I wrong? I remember seeing them with the gray and black uniforms.
Ford is so cute making that joke to Shep. It just tells us the sort of character he is, not afraid to pull a superior officer's leg like that and jumping backwards all excited and such. And I love that Shep closes his eyes to step through the wormhole.
Am I the only one that thinks these people are taking not enough bags and stuff? Those scientists have one or two bags each at most. Keep in mind that they need to take computers, equipment (including infirmary and armory), food, water AND they own clothes. Of course some of those crates are big, but still…
Seeing Atlantis light up only when Shep walks in makes me happy.
Elizabeth nods to Shep when she gets the bottle. She knows he's the man she's got to keep on her side.
I figure that these groups exploring the city have at least one gene carrier in each and that's why everything is coming to life. It's something they thought about beforehand. Planning. Hee!
Those spaceships guys are just cool and Elizabeth already found her corner, just like Rodney and Peter. Meanwhile, Shep is still a fish out of the water and is shadowing Elizabeth. Their reaction in seeing they are underwater is lovely and for the first time we see Shep actually excited about the mission, even if a little freaked out too.
The hologram lady is telling them, and the audience, about the city and the war. We are getting hints of how amazing the Ancients were, even the ones that knew it already from SG1. Carson seems really happy for turning things on. That is, until he finds out they are in trouble.
Rodney exposition scene which makes Rodney very happy and everyone pays attention (some more than others). Notice that everyone is standing except for Shep that has decided to sit down on some crates. Shep is participating on the conversation and showing that he indeed studied those Stargate for Dummies that someone on the SGC must have tossed him.
Peter stayed pretty much the whole time studying a console and later shows what had him so distracted. A Gate shield! This makes military and civilians alike very happy. Weir seems to like to put Shep on a certain spotlight, he impressed her big deal.
We get our first opportunity in seeing how a Pegasus gate works. Rodney seems to notice the difference when he presses the first glyph and tries to imitate Walter. It's good to finally have a DHD to dial from home instead of a computer.
Notice how the gate room is full of stuff around, but without people. Where have they gone? Didn't Sumner tell them to stop wandering around? They must be on the adjacent corridors.
We are pretty fast to start exploring this galaxy. This energy plot device thing is very smart. We are introduced to Jinto and Halling. Is it too fangirly of me to see him as Todd? Because I totally do.
Poor Shep doesn't know this is TV and everyone speaks English. LOL! He's adorable!
Halling starts talking to Shep, and not to Sumner even though Sumner has shown that he's in charge by asking for a report from Shep. We see more of Shep's people skills when he is talking to the boys. I think Sumner notices it too because later he lets Shep take over the talking with Teyla. Shep takes the initiative, impresses the locals and demonstrates a good ability to ease tensions. This impresses Sumner. Finally. Shep doesn't seem intimidated by the new situation and handles things very well. He shows that he easily adapts.
I always wanted to know what this Ancient city in Athos was. Too bad we never found out.
Teyla seems impressed for having people that are from so far away that they don't even know about the Wraith. She's not happy by the way Sumner treats her.
Did you notice their earpieces are different?
Shep goes on to do a little more talk with Teyla. See how easy he bonds with people? Why was this nice guy so alone on planet Earth?
He shows how lazy he is by asking Teyla how far the place is. Then he looks completely adorable by tripping and falling and getting up, thinking Teyla didn't see it.
More exposition. We see Rodney's smarts at work telling Elizabeth how bad the problem is.
Teyla shows us her people are not dumb. That is a cool thing she's got. Is it a laser? Did he flirt with Teyla there? He doesn't usually show such easiness with human physical contact.
Teyla tells us about Wraith and cullings and we see a bit of how this shapes the cultures in the Pegasus Galaxy. It is always nice to see Teyla in her element like this.
Sumner is showing that he's looking for Shep. He asks for him first thing when he arrives back at the village.
The gate turns on and it's the first time we see gate-ready technology. Wraith! They have adapted to this galaxy where Stargates are as used as roads and highways are in our world. And people are more than used to the sound of a Dart. They start screaming and running and hiding. Our people start shooting around when they realized how much of a threat they really are.
Shep is running and wanting to know what's going on. He's a bit freaked by these ghosts all around and makes a WTF face at Teyla. He quickly passes his strategy to Sumner and is building up his trust with his CO. Another example of Shep's reading Stargate for Dummies is when he tells Ford to memorize the symbols before the gate deactivates.
We see the village destroyed and how these people have lived their lives for ten thousand years. Very sad and scary.
Meanwhile, the city is in trouble. We have several small hints of shield failures and a lot of Rodney talk. He tells Weir they have to leave and they start to dial. Buuut, they get an incoming wormhole and Shep comes in with an extra hundred people that need care and shelter. Elizabeth is not happy. Everything is shaking and they need to run. Elizabeth is also not impressed by Jinto knowing gate addresses for their escape.
Then we take a moment to drool over the special FX department and the rising of Atlantis. To think that this is NOT a model and just a computer generated effect makes me all geeky and happy.
See how the lighting has changed now that they are on the surface. Rodney is talking about allergens and how they are doomed without a shield. Shep tells him to focus on the problems and they are having banter! And Shep knows that the only way to impress Rodney is to show how smart he can be when he wants. Shep is starting to fit in. He's got a situation and is showing what he wants.
Balcony! We see Elizabeth and Shep's different styles. He wants to run and save them, and Elizabeth wants to step back and think. We see how passionate he is about it and he is really good at convincing Elizabeth of his point. She's also smart enough to look at all the angles and show her own point. They are seeing what they will have to deal with each other.
Hive! Sumner is pointing fingers and showing how he sucks in his way with people and why he needs Shep. He's just insulted the Athosians and thought the wraith only wanted their Marine asses.
MALP in space. Shep looks really broken hearted here. Rodney is pensive and has an idea. Rodney and Shep start to bond! He knows that the best way to get into Shep's side is to show him a very cool space ship in which he can fly using only his pretty thoughts.
Carson seems a bit too happy as he talks about how tough and scary the Wraith are. Those squishy noises are really gross. Isn't Carson just lovely?
Shep impresses Weir with his new found toy. Now he knows he's got her and that she can't say no to his request. He knows that's why she's brought him.
Ford names the ship. Or tries to. Shep finds it not amusing and has his own idea. He's the pilot here, I think they should listen to his expertise in naming flying things. Look how happy he looks now that he's going on his rescue mission on an actual spaceship. This is pretty much the coolest moment he's had in his life. He discovers how the ship loves him and gives him everything he wants. Everything except for a turkey sandwich.
Badass Wraith takes Sumner away. Sumner is tough.
Ford goes all Marine with his Marine friends and Shep goes all commanding on them. It looks like this must not be Shep's first walk on the park. Is he just a pilot? Hmm?
Ford likes naming things. Shep is not impressed. Look how young, happy and excited our Lieutenant is. The prisoners are fine, but Shep doesn't like Sumner's absence. He gets all heroic and wants to get them all.
Now we get a look at how scary and creepy the Wraith are. Sumner is tough. The Keeper is creepy. Humans are food!
Shep's in military mode. It makes me happy. He's got experience in this.
The Keeper is interrogating Sumner and he is a little freaked on how easy it is for her to extract information. I think he's a little disappointed too. But he gets better at resisting her and she's delighted at the idea of feeding on him. She's not used to this tasteful resistance.
Hurry Shep!
Shep thinks a few shots will take care of the Wraith. It seems they are not easy to kill.
Poor Shep! The face he makes as he sees Sumner dying. *huggles woobie*
We see Shep being a smartass to the Keeper. He loves antagonizing them, doesn't he?
Yay! Explosions! *mesmerized*
Shep kills the Queen and realizes the mess he's got into.
This scene of Elizabeth and Rodney is a bit weird. But we know they had a working relationship before, so maybe they know each other well enough to have a scene like that.
Everyone is escaping, there is shooting and explosions and Teyla being brave and smart and Shep shooting a big gun! I like big guns! Just the ordinary pilot? See how he hits the Dart?
Shep flies them off and is all awesome evading the Darts. Space battle! I really miss not having more of these Jumper-Dart dogfights. For someone that has never flown a Jumper before, Shep really excels in space battle situations. Then we get to see just how important it is to have real talented pilots in an expedition to another galaxy. Can you tell the Marines are impressed? That laid back guy that can't follow orders and has a spiky hair can actually fly this thing in this most awesome way! The Athosians are most impressed.
Party! Shep is a bit gloom. I guess all of those things are finally catching up to him. He's in charge, found a bunch of badass alien enemies, killed his CO and is now stuck in another galaxy. Look at all the responsibility that suddenly fell into his hands. He can still make jokes about it though. We see how light hearted the humor is in Stargate shows with those jokes about other galaxies, beautiful aliens and lemons.
This was fun. And it totally killed my back. I should mind my posture when watching and typing.
Sorry for the mistakes. ^_^
I don't know if I'll keep up with this. Actually, I do know that I won't keep up with this, but I'll take the chances that I get in the times in which I feel like doing it. It's not an obligation; it's just something that popped into my mind at this exact minute.
I don't know how brilliant, or funny, or new, or original this is going to be, I'll just take notes as I go. I don't have caps, I won't make caps, I won't research or upload them because I don't have the connection to do so. Also there will be an obvious focus on John Sheppard.
First of all, I'm online and doing a dozen things at one. Second, my internet is cell phone based, so I have this ANNOYING buzz at the background of my speakers (and I just took a whole minute to figure out the right word for speakers). Third, I'm reading some comments on GW, so a few of those ideas may blend with my opinions (I was trying to catch up on the whump thread, but the stupid connection wouldn't allow me).
Okay, ready? *\o/*
We start seeing Atlantis leaving Antarctica millions of years ago. We see that girl from the SG1 episode Frozen and her husband leaving her to go to another galaxy (I don't know if he really is her husband in the show, but Martin Wood said the actor is the actress' husband). This is important information. It's the same actress and the commentary from Martin Wood says that it is her. And from what I remember she's found frozen in Antarctica and then comes to life when defrost. She is sick and infects SG1 with the illness she's got, the plague that sent the Ancients away from Earth. She's close to ascension and uses her healing powers to cure everyone except for Jack. One small thing that only fans from SG1 would get, and only if they pay close attention and listen to audio commentaries.
Now, in the present day, we get promptly depressed by seeing all those dead people walking around. *waves at the dead people* Peter… Elizabeth… Carson… Ford… I always get a little emotional by seeing them all happy and excited about the expedition.
Rodney is being Rodney-like in this scene. I like the Elizabeth, Carson and Rodney interaction. It hints they have been there at the outpost for some time and have some sort of bond already going on.
Daniel shows up and is that excited Daniel we all know. He's got an address. And I don't think this means anything for the non-SG1 fans…
Opening sequence! I LOVE this part! The music, the background… Shep flying a chopper… He really likes it there, doesn't he? And he's bragging about all the things that he can fly. We get a comment from Jack saying that he hates Antarctica. That's because of the episode Solitudes SG1, season 1, and one of my favorite Jack episodes.
Carson is trying to get the hell out of the chair. Banter! He really, really hates the chair, doesn't he? And guess what happens? Yes, he launches the drone into our favorite chopper pilot.
Shep's all awesome flying. Awesome and hot! And he goes to all the opposite directions Jack tells him to. That's because Shep is a way better pilot than Jack and Jack's got no business being one of those smart wives or husbands (or mothers) that keep telling us what to do when we are driving.
Shep is just too confused about what the hell was shot against him and why he should worry about missiles being shot in Antarctica. Then we get that famous line: 'that was different' and the response: 'for me, not so much.'
Ford has his first line.
Jack arrives and is happy for being alive. He and Daniel geek out of there and Shep promises not to touch anything.
Daniel is talking about the Ancients and drooling about them while Jack is all whatever about it. They ask for the ZedPM and Rodney happily explains what it is.
Shep is eavesdropping Carson's conversation and forgives him for almost killing him. Carson starts out a bit nervous, but Shep is so nice to him, isn't he? Look at Shep's face when Carson tells him about the Stargate. Poor boy has no idea what the hell he's got himself into. That 'what' that he says is just the cutest thing!
Daniel, Elizabeth and Rodney barrage Jack with all the reasons they want to go to another galaxy and Jack is easily convinced.
Meanwhile… Carson is geeking out about genes and Shep seems to understand it all pretty well for a pilot. He's circling around the chair and I take a second, or two, or three… to stare. And for someone that wasn't supposed to touch anything, Shep very easily convinces himself to sit down in this piece of very advanced equipment that is millions of years old and that controls Earth's most powerful weapons.
They are all very stunned when it actually works, too damn well for someone that until one second ago didn't even know about some weird gene that supposedly controls these ancient technology. He has no idea what the hell is happening and why this room is suddenly glowing. More people rush into the room, and there is this guy (Rodney) telling Shep what he should think and everyone gasps when the light show starts.
Now, let's think. There is this talented pilot that is for some reason stationed in one of the most remote outposts of the planet suddenly impressing some high General to a degree that he gets the highest security clearance known to mankind to know about the most secret operation the planet has ever had since, well, ever. A bit easy, but we know Jack and this is something he would do, especially if he had looked into Shep's record and seem what kind of man he is and why he is there. We all know Jack doesn't have the most exemplary service record too, right? He's probably thinking Earth needs pilots like that to get into the F-302 program and defend the planet. That is important to know, because some people may think it was waaay too easy for Shep to get into the mission in the first place.
Now, not only is this guy a great amazing pilot, he is also intelligent enough to understand the concepts dropping all around him about all these absurd alien things and also demonstrates the most amazing ability they have ever seen in manipulating Ancient technology, even though he doesn't properly know what they do. Now, he hasn't only impressed a not-easy-to-impress General, but he's also impressed the most brilliant minds the planet has to offer (Carson and Rodney), along with one of the greatest authorities in diplomacy and that was handpicked by the president himself to run the most endearing mission that the planet has ever seen. So, all in all, Shep is pretty awesome.
Elizabeth, maybe some time later, is trying to convince Jack that Shep should go too. It's not a tough sell. Elizabeth seems impressed by Shep's file and sees in him the sort of man she wants to defend her people. One that would do whatever it takes to save those he is supposed to protect, even if that ends up tarnishing his record and almost ending his career (and who knows, even his own life). Jack pretends he's not impressed, but we all know that he is and we all know Jack has done things like this in the past. Elizabeth sees right through that façade and reminds Jack, showing the audience, she can shut a man up only with a few well placed words. Even so, she seemed to be unable to convince Shep and asks Jack for help.
Jack is the sort of man that would easily get an answer from Shep only doing what he does best. He goes straight to business and tells Shep that he would be crazy to turn down this offer. Shep seems to respects Jack well enough to be taken aback by the attitude and takes the offer seriously.
As you can see, it's all about getting Shep to be our lead. It's all a set up for the kind of man that he'll be during the show. Joe Flanigan plays that wonderfully by showing how naïve Shep is at the beginning and then we see him slowly fitting into those shoes and changing along the five years that he's got ahead of him.
We have this lovely sequence of goodbyes with Elizabeth telling that passionate speech to Simon. This mission is important enough that she can't be there to tell him personally and that she needed to go to the president to get him to at least know why she is leaving. I don't know why she didn't ask Simon to be part of the expedition in the first place, knowing that she will in the future. I also don't understand why she doesn't mention anything about how their relationship will be with this going on a one-way mission to another galaxy. I always found a bit weird that she fully expected him to have waited for her and why she seemed to be so broken hearted when she learned that he got someone else in her absence (Intruder, season 2). If it was me I would give him wings to fly and end the relationship right there. Yes, it would be a bit cold through a tape, but I think she didn't have any other choice. It doesn't matter how much you love a person, if you take a decision travel far away, placing work over love, you should know that this person will move on without you. I feel she was a bit naïve on where and how she left Simon. She cares enough for him to reveal top secret information, so I think this to be a plot hole caused by having a bunch of guys writing the scripts.
It's lovely and sad to see Ford saying goodbye to his grandparents knowing that he won't return. Seeing Carson's mum, Rodney's cat... And it's truly heartbreaking seeing that Shep is all alone in a park tossing a coin. There isn't a person on Earth that he would like to say goodbye to. Not to family, relatives, friends. He is a lonely soul. *sniff* This completely breaks my heart. I can't imagine being that lonely. If you were going to another galaxy, how many people would you like to say goodbye to? I'm not the most popular person, but I can say the names of two dozen people at least. And you? How do you think your life would be if the answer was zero? To know that no-one on the planet will miss you?
The SGC is busy with activity, busier than we have ever seen, with people from all over the world speaking in several different languages. We can see that everyone's spirits are high with excitement. Can you imagine? We are going to another galaxy! The last adventure of our lives!
And there Shep is, alone again, still a bit confused about the whole thing. He sees himself as just another guy who has been luckily chosen by a mere random act of nature that has given him a powerful gene that could very well have remained hidden and unknown for the rest of his life. He's in the middle of everyone, watching everything, paying attention and looking more like a fish out of the water than anyone else in that room. I guess the only thing in his mind is just to go along with things as they happen. He's certainly not seeing himself as a future CO and intergalactic hero. He just thinks he's lucky to be given this opportunity to serve again, even though his new CO seems to hate him. He's also seeing he's the only Air Force person that is in the expedition. More will come later, but right now, is he the only pilot they're taking? Don't they feel they need a few pilots? That is another reason he's a fish out of the water. He's surrounded by geek scientists and Marines. There isn't one airhead flyboy over there for him to geek out about jets, choppers and spaceships.
Elizabeth gives that speech at the Gate room and it is when it really downs on everyone that they are really doing this. They are all proud to be there.
I noticed how they didn't go with Gary Jones to do the chevron thing. This makes me a little happy.
One of my favorite moments is when Shep and Sumner have that little exchange. Shep smiles for having something familiar which he simply can't resist: being a smartass. And Sumner is NOT impressed. Hee! Don't you LOVE that smirk? He's saying: I've got something you don't have: a sense of humor.
I love watching everyone rubbing their hands as the gate dials. I know that if it was me I would be shaking with energy and nervousness.
The MAPL goes in and tells them they can breathe on the other side. Also, a SG1 side note. Jack and Daniel are dying for not being able to go too.
Sumner wants to go first to clear the area, but Elizabeth is not going to be second. So she wants in and I'm a little surprised to see Sumner allows her. Maybe he's more open minded that he let on in those earlier scenes.
I notice the Marines have these uniforms that they wear here and here only. I don't remember them wearing these uniforms anymore, am I wrong? I remember seeing them with the gray and black uniforms.
Ford is so cute making that joke to Shep. It just tells us the sort of character he is, not afraid to pull a superior officer's leg like that and jumping backwards all excited and such. And I love that Shep closes his eyes to step through the wormhole.
Am I the only one that thinks these people are taking not enough bags and stuff? Those scientists have one or two bags each at most. Keep in mind that they need to take computers, equipment (including infirmary and armory), food, water AND they own clothes. Of course some of those crates are big, but still…
Seeing Atlantis light up only when Shep walks in makes me happy.
Elizabeth nods to Shep when she gets the bottle. She knows he's the man she's got to keep on her side.
I figure that these groups exploring the city have at least one gene carrier in each and that's why everything is coming to life. It's something they thought about beforehand. Planning. Hee!
Those spaceships guys are just cool and Elizabeth already found her corner, just like Rodney and Peter. Meanwhile, Shep is still a fish out of the water and is shadowing Elizabeth. Their reaction in seeing they are underwater is lovely and for the first time we see Shep actually excited about the mission, even if a little freaked out too.
The hologram lady is telling them, and the audience, about the city and the war. We are getting hints of how amazing the Ancients were, even the ones that knew it already from SG1. Carson seems really happy for turning things on. That is, until he finds out they are in trouble.
Rodney exposition scene which makes Rodney very happy and everyone pays attention (some more than others). Notice that everyone is standing except for Shep that has decided to sit down on some crates. Shep is participating on the conversation and showing that he indeed studied those Stargate for Dummies that someone on the SGC must have tossed him.
Peter stayed pretty much the whole time studying a console and later shows what had him so distracted. A Gate shield! This makes military and civilians alike very happy. Weir seems to like to put Shep on a certain spotlight, he impressed her big deal.
We get our first opportunity in seeing how a Pegasus gate works. Rodney seems to notice the difference when he presses the first glyph and tries to imitate Walter. It's good to finally have a DHD to dial from home instead of a computer.
Notice how the gate room is full of stuff around, but without people. Where have they gone? Didn't Sumner tell them to stop wandering around? They must be on the adjacent corridors.
We are pretty fast to start exploring this galaxy. This energy plot device thing is very smart. We are introduced to Jinto and Halling. Is it too fangirly of me to see him as Todd? Because I totally do.
Poor Shep doesn't know this is TV and everyone speaks English. LOL! He's adorable!
Halling starts talking to Shep, and not to Sumner even though Sumner has shown that he's in charge by asking for a report from Shep. We see more of Shep's people skills when he is talking to the boys. I think Sumner notices it too because later he lets Shep take over the talking with Teyla. Shep takes the initiative, impresses the locals and demonstrates a good ability to ease tensions. This impresses Sumner. Finally. Shep doesn't seem intimidated by the new situation and handles things very well. He shows that he easily adapts.
I always wanted to know what this Ancient city in Athos was. Too bad we never found out.
Teyla seems impressed for having people that are from so far away that they don't even know about the Wraith. She's not happy by the way Sumner treats her.
Did you notice their earpieces are different?
Shep goes on to do a little more talk with Teyla. See how easy he bonds with people? Why was this nice guy so alone on planet Earth?
He shows how lazy he is by asking Teyla how far the place is. Then he looks completely adorable by tripping and falling and getting up, thinking Teyla didn't see it.
More exposition. We see Rodney's smarts at work telling Elizabeth how bad the problem is.
Teyla shows us her people are not dumb. That is a cool thing she's got. Is it a laser? Did he flirt with Teyla there? He doesn't usually show such easiness with human physical contact.
Teyla tells us about Wraith and cullings and we see a bit of how this shapes the cultures in the Pegasus Galaxy. It is always nice to see Teyla in her element like this.
Sumner is showing that he's looking for Shep. He asks for him first thing when he arrives back at the village.
The gate turns on and it's the first time we see gate-ready technology. Wraith! They have adapted to this galaxy where Stargates are as used as roads and highways are in our world. And people are more than used to the sound of a Dart. They start screaming and running and hiding. Our people start shooting around when they realized how much of a threat they really are.
Shep is running and wanting to know what's going on. He's a bit freaked by these ghosts all around and makes a WTF face at Teyla. He quickly passes his strategy to Sumner and is building up his trust with his CO. Another example of Shep's reading Stargate for Dummies is when he tells Ford to memorize the symbols before the gate deactivates.
We see the village destroyed and how these people have lived their lives for ten thousand years. Very sad and scary.
Meanwhile, the city is in trouble. We have several small hints of shield failures and a lot of Rodney talk. He tells Weir they have to leave and they start to dial. Buuut, they get an incoming wormhole and Shep comes in with an extra hundred people that need care and shelter. Elizabeth is not happy. Everything is shaking and they need to run. Elizabeth is also not impressed by Jinto knowing gate addresses for their escape.
Then we take a moment to drool over the special FX department and the rising of Atlantis. To think that this is NOT a model and just a computer generated effect makes me all geeky and happy.
See how the lighting has changed now that they are on the surface. Rodney is talking about allergens and how they are doomed without a shield. Shep tells him to focus on the problems and they are having banter! And Shep knows that the only way to impress Rodney is to show how smart he can be when he wants. Shep is starting to fit in. He's got a situation and is showing what he wants.
Balcony! We see Elizabeth and Shep's different styles. He wants to run and save them, and Elizabeth wants to step back and think. We see how passionate he is about it and he is really good at convincing Elizabeth of his point. She's also smart enough to look at all the angles and show her own point. They are seeing what they will have to deal with each other.
Hive! Sumner is pointing fingers and showing how he sucks in his way with people and why he needs Shep. He's just insulted the Athosians and thought the wraith only wanted their Marine asses.
MALP in space. Shep looks really broken hearted here. Rodney is pensive and has an idea. Rodney and Shep start to bond! He knows that the best way to get into Shep's side is to show him a very cool space ship in which he can fly using only his pretty thoughts.
Carson seems a bit too happy as he talks about how tough and scary the Wraith are. Those squishy noises are really gross. Isn't Carson just lovely?
Shep impresses Weir with his new found toy. Now he knows he's got her and that she can't say no to his request. He knows that's why she's brought him.
Ford names the ship. Or tries to. Shep finds it not amusing and has his own idea. He's the pilot here, I think they should listen to his expertise in naming flying things. Look how happy he looks now that he's going on his rescue mission on an actual spaceship. This is pretty much the coolest moment he's had in his life. He discovers how the ship loves him and gives him everything he wants. Everything except for a turkey sandwich.
Badass Wraith takes Sumner away. Sumner is tough.
Ford goes all Marine with his Marine friends and Shep goes all commanding on them. It looks like this must not be Shep's first walk on the park. Is he just a pilot? Hmm?
Ford likes naming things. Shep is not impressed. Look how young, happy and excited our Lieutenant is. The prisoners are fine, but Shep doesn't like Sumner's absence. He gets all heroic and wants to get them all.
Now we get a look at how scary and creepy the Wraith are. Sumner is tough. The Keeper is creepy. Humans are food!
Shep's in military mode. It makes me happy. He's got experience in this.
The Keeper is interrogating Sumner and he is a little freaked on how easy it is for her to extract information. I think he's a little disappointed too. But he gets better at resisting her and she's delighted at the idea of feeding on him. She's not used to this tasteful resistance.
Hurry Shep!
Shep thinks a few shots will take care of the Wraith. It seems they are not easy to kill.
Poor Shep! The face he makes as he sees Sumner dying. *huggles woobie*
We see Shep being a smartass to the Keeper. He loves antagonizing them, doesn't he?
Yay! Explosions! *mesmerized*
Shep kills the Queen and realizes the mess he's got into.
This scene of Elizabeth and Rodney is a bit weird. But we know they had a working relationship before, so maybe they know each other well enough to have a scene like that.
Everyone is escaping, there is shooting and explosions and Teyla being brave and smart and Shep shooting a big gun! I like big guns! Just the ordinary pilot? See how he hits the Dart?
Shep flies them off and is all awesome evading the Darts. Space battle! I really miss not having more of these Jumper-Dart dogfights. For someone that has never flown a Jumper before, Shep really excels in space battle situations. Then we get to see just how important it is to have real talented pilots in an expedition to another galaxy. Can you tell the Marines are impressed? That laid back guy that can't follow orders and has a spiky hair can actually fly this thing in this most awesome way! The Athosians are most impressed.
Party! Shep is a bit gloom. I guess all of those things are finally catching up to him. He's in charge, found a bunch of badass alien enemies, killed his CO and is now stuck in another galaxy. Look at all the responsibility that suddenly fell into his hands. He can still make jokes about it though. We see how light hearted the humor is in Stargate shows with those jokes about other galaxies, beautiful aliens and lemons.
This was fun. And it totally killed my back. I should mind my posture when watching and typing.
Sorry for the mistakes. ^_^
