sgareview - common ground, s3e7

Um, yeah. This is squee. This is the pure, uncut stuff.



1.) Harpoon? Made of awesome. Disturbingly practical, too, and fairly low-tech, comparatively speaking. I loved that so much.

2.) I have no idea how to even do this. My numbers? May not be sufficient.

The John Hour was amazing, beginning to end. Did not fail in pace, did not fail in characterization, did not fail, more importantly, in showing how far Atlantis has come from idealism to practicality. John's compliment on the harpoon? Very John. Kolya's extraorindary soldier thing? Damn *straight*. When Kolya offered the trade, I knew they wouldn't take it, but I didn't completely expect the way Elizabeth thought about it. Of course the team would, left to their own devices, shoved Landon right through the wormhole with a bow and pre-cuffed. But Elizabeth, even in these grey times? Huh. Did not expect the writers to go there.

I loved the fact that Carson made it clear that he thought the trade was likely. Not saying don't do it. But saying, do it soon.

I loved Ronon very close to flat out blind rage. That was so hot.

I love John's absolute faith he's getting out of there. The contrast to last year's Epiphany is a marked change in how John sees himself and his team. I love that. I love him believing every second that they're coming for him. They're just delayed. Just--so much love. Just wanted to crawl in that cell and promise him anything he wanted for that. He believes. Fed on three times and believes.

The first time, I honestly could not breathe. I bet John couldnt' either. Kolya won no points with looking regretful. I'm sorry, but he still ordered it. Interesting note--this is the first time since Gaul we've seen a survival after this much feeding. John got, what, a total of four hits and was still *alive*? I wonder if it's the Ancient in him or the Iratus? Inquiring minds wnat to know.

Of course he's going to say don't trade. Of *course* he is. John says stupid shit. And it was the right stupid shit, dammit, which is why I locked my teeth over yeling at Weir "SELL THE BASTARD. I DON'T LIKE HIM. LET LANDON DIE." In capslock, even. I loved John and teh Wraith chatting, both before and after John found out his prisonmate was a Wraith. Mostly because his attitude didn't change that much. John's default setting really *is* finding help wherever its available and using it to the best of his abiliites. And it says a lot about him that he was fed on three times and lounging in his cell at the ripe age of freaking *eighty* and still managed to talk the Wraith into doing what he wanted. It takes some serious cajones to negotiate with a Wraith when you're hitting your geriatric and believe you can pull it off.

So after every feeding, back to the cell, where Wraith *watched* him, that was--interesing. Mostly because I really doubt the Wraith, outside their worshippers, interact all that much with their food source. A Wraith kept semi-starved for years, brought down to the level of human, talking to a human. This is our first decent exposure to a Wraith since Michael, and Michael whine and pouted too much for me to really give a shit. This one though--the description of Wraith hunger, his conversation with Sheppard--trusting him. That was--I dont' even have words.

Okay, back to a few numbers.

3.) Rodney getting very--excitable--when he saw John tied to the chair? Fantastic. Talking *over* Elizabeth? Also fantastic. Just barreling through, screw the small talk. Rodney in the conference room--we can't send Landon through! Then thinks, and says, hopefully--can we? Later, Rodney doing his soldier speech--I've said it before, I'll say it again. He's a soldier. They send Marines, uberwarriors Ronon and Teyla, and *Rodney* (and Carson, yes, but he had a handgun, not a P-90). We've established the team does everything together now. And I love that. I just love that.

4.) I like Landon without the mustache.

5.) Okay, going back to John.

John's absolute faith in his team continued as the Wraith leaned into the window, looking at his *strongest foodsource ever* slowly dying but still utterly determined to get out. He does have a lot to go back for. I love John's ability to pretty much get anyone to do anything. The way they came out of hte cells parallel--a glance--"Ready?" "Ready." "Let's do this.". John--who is like eighty at this point and enjoying early geriatric years, and limping, and only two hours from being lifesucked--beats the ever living shit out of two bouncy Genii soliders. My God. Took them *down* like the dogs they were, got their weapons, threw a knife oh dear God I'm not getting over that in the near future. Just--turned his head, pulled hte knife, threw it. Right into the heart of the third Genii. Which gives John a better kill ratio than the Wraith. It makes me happy. I mean by happy, orgasmic. Then he reluctantly gets a gun, turns with a second one, and hands over the keys so the Wraith can be free.

Their trek out was fun--John and the Wraith worked well together, almost disturbingly well. That they have a shitty sense of direction was funny. That they *bickered* was just--too much. Bonding with Wraith. That's an all new place to be, John.

Okay, skipping to.

6.) The Kiss of Life

I got it in Smallville, I get it here. After the Wraith sucked John's life away, he sucks down two Genii soldiers (I am clapping at this point) and gives it right back, which was just--disturbingly hot. I'm pretty sure I lost a year off my life doing a short compare/contrast, Chaya versus Wraith, in the ways John manages to have not-sex with alien beings that could, if you squint or if you, you know, not even squint, just pay attention, seem to get a kick out of getting pretty intimate with the untouchable one. It's for worshippers, and for brothers, says the Wraith, and considering the hives we've seen are all male and one female queen--um. Yes. You call it that, Wraith. I'll be over here, thinking John is freaking alien-bait.

After the sharing of essence--seriously, it's Chaya all over again, just less Ancient--John lets his Wraith go. On a planet with darts overhead, waiting for him to wake up, waiting to look into his face, waiting to see what he does, what he is, why he did this. Leaving only after the Wraith has found his feet again. All bets are off, they say, but I'm not sure that's as true as either one of them want to believe.

Even More Random

nymphaea1 says here that it was the Everyone Loves John episode, and God knows, it is. Kolya, with his ruthlessnesss and his reluctant respect for the soldier that John is, beneath the dorkiness and superficial charm, what John is to the bottom of his feet, what maybe even John forgets. Kolya never forgets the attack on Atlantis, never forgets that John took five of his men's lives personally and a few dozen more shutting down the gate, never forgets the shot John took over Weir's shoulder. And I don't think he forgot John in that hole in the ground with the gun to his face, and the way John pulled back. Not for Kolya. But because he's a soldier, and Kolya was no longer a threat.

I think he forgot that John knows how to sacrifice, though. *thoughtful* And so does Atlantis. They're learning.

But yes, everyone loves John. Evne freaking Wraith, half-mad from loneliness and isolation and starvation, who sucks the life from his body but still can't quite get around this guy, his only food source, who's dying in his cell and still wants to make a deal. A guy he follows through Genii halls, listens to his silent orders, collapses with outside beneath the stars, finally free but not really free of Sheppard. John Sheppard, he calls him, and that means something on a show where names never seem as casual as they should be. We talk about Rodney calling Sheppard John, about Ronon and Teyla both going by their first name--but the Wraith don't use the names for their cattle. Except for John. And when the Genii come, he leans over, taking all but a drop of John's life--for the power it gives him to kill those Genii, but--okay. Yes. But. Also? John couldn't take them now. The part of me that's watching this Wraith with John, the way they talk, they chat--he reaches out and protects John the way John protected him. Took him out of the fight, took the Genii and their lives with a smile, and goes back to Sheppard, who stares up at him with no surprise, not really, and gives it all back. With a touch that's not death, slow and strange and amazing, special, saved for the most devout of worshippers--and doesn't that make all kinds of scary sense--and Brothers.

Brother and *named* John, who keeps his promises.

Now I wnat to know more about Wraith culture. I want to know more about the Wraith's earlier comment about how much alike they are. And I want John to wake up and still feel that, the shocked pain of first contact and last contact, when his life was drained away to the final seconds--and that perfect moment when the Wraith gave it all back, and how he did it, and why.

There's a very good chance they'll be more later. There's so much here I dont' feel I've even scraped the *surface*.

Also, loved cjandre's question in chat:

cjandre: hey - did you notice again, the berating of himself in thrid person when he thinks he's made a mistake?
cjandre: "great john, you screwed up again.... " yada yada
cjandre: but really - what does that say about his up bringing?
cjandre: who's voice is he hearing in his head when he does that?

Three guesses. If you don't get it on the first? What show are you watching?

Comments

[randominity.livejournal.com]

I love John's absolute faith he's getting out of there. The contrast to last year's Epiphany is a marked change in how John sees himself and his team. I love that. I love him believing every second that they're coming for him. They're just delayed. Just--so much love. Just wanted to crawl in that cell and promise him anything he wanted for that. He believes. Fed on three times and believes.

I was just saying that over in my own LJ, though much less coherently. I haven't even read the rest of your review yet, but I think that was the part that got me the most. He never gives up hope for one second. God.

[seperis.livejournal.com]

Not evne when he's dying. God. *John*.

*sighs dreamily*

[emrinalexander.livejournal.com]

Let's see, three guesses *G*? If John isn't channelling the late, unlamented full bird Colonel Sheppard, Sr., I'll eat my Obi-Wan Kenobi action fgure.i

[seperis.livejournal.com]

*giglges* Totally.

[heartnut.livejournal.com]

*snorts*

[nymphaea1.livejournal.com]

You know, it's a bit bizarre to be quoted by you. I had no idea anyone but my loyal ann_tara was reading my ramblings. I mean, good bizarre, but to my general lurker self, bizarre.

Kolya, with his ruthlessnesss and his reluctant respect for the soldier that John is, beneath the dorkiness and superficial charm, what John is to the bottom of his feet, what maybe even John forgets. Kolya never forgets the attack on Atlantis, never forgets that John took five of his men's lives personally and a few dozen more shutting down the gate, never forgets the shot John took over Weir's shoulder. And I don't think he forgot John in that hole in the ground with the gun to his face, and the way John pulled back. Not for Kolya. But because he's a soldier, and Kolya was no longer a threat.

Yes, exactly. And that's why I love Kolya as a character even if I would like to get to see Ronon get all Ezekiel 25:17 on his ass. I think that's partially a failure of the Wraith as enemies. Kolya's good because his appreciation for Sheppard as a foe makes Sheppard seem more competent. And I love the soldier side of John and wish it was made more use of.

The part of me that's watching this Wraith with John, the way they talk, they chat--he reaches out and protects John the way John protected him. Took him out of the fight, took the Genii and their lives with a smile, and goes back to Sheppard, who stares up at him with no surprise, not really, and gives it all back. With a touch that's not death, slow and strange and amazing, special, saved for the most devout of worshippers--and doesn't that make all kinds of scary sense--and Brothers.


Yeah, pretty much total love for that, too. I really cannot express my appreciation for John's ability to make these deep instant connections with people (and/or Wraith and Ancients as the case may be). He's not terribly good with words but that's not at all the same as not being good with people and it's where most of my lack of patience with extremely dissociative takes on John comes from. The Wraith/John interaction was extremely intimate on both a sexual and not level. It was really remniscent of John's relationship with Ronon which made Ronon and John's interaction at the end even more interesting. I wish they'd make all the Wraith this complex and relatable. It would make me sympathize with their wish to make the Wraith war more morally gray a hell of a lot more.

[seperis.livejournal.com]

You give *amazing* meta. *grins*

I can see why they don't do John-as-soldier since they tend to use him more in leadership and strategist/tactics/plans, and also, it gives Ronon and Teyla something to do. But it is nice to be reminded that John's proven over and over he's pretty good at taking care of himself, along with the planning.

I really cannot express my appreciation for John's ability to make these deep instant connections with people (and/or Wraith and Ancients as the case may be). He's not terribly good with words but that's not at all the same as not being good with people and it's where most of my lack of patience with extremely dissociative takes on John comes from.

I do think that it's something that he chooses, too--with Sumner, and with some others, he just does not *care*. But when he does care, he's a genius at this, at making that connection, fast and perfect and very, very real. And lasting. Good call with Ronon--I hadnt' thought of that, but Chaya, Ronon, and the Wraith all show John's perfectly capable--and even *gifted*--at bonding with people. Hell, I'd even throw Teer and her people in on this one, though there, granted, he had a lot more time.

[nymphaea1.livejournal.com]

I do think that it's something that he chooses, too--with Sumner, and with some others, he just does not *care*.

I love his interactions with Sumner. "Home" was the first episode I'd ever seen and it sold me on John pretty quickly, but it was really interesting to go back and actually see him interact with Sumner after reading the fannish take on it. It informs a lot of my thoughts on John. Mostly because I think John got from the get go that Sumner hated him and resented his presence and then John actively did everything he could to fulfill Sumner's expectation of him. He genuinely seemed happy to be hated. Like it was a relief for no one to be expecting leadership or heroics from him. For me, identifying Sumner's beef and playing up to it to insure that no one was going to be forcing some traditional role on him again takes people skills.

It is interesting to see who he chooses to bond with and who not. Rodney seems like an interesting and deliberate choice on his part. Ditto Teyla and Ronon. None of whom would be traditional team mates for someone in Sheppard's position. It's yet another weirdly interesting thing about John.

It did seem to take longer to bond with Teer (though his interactions with Hedda were so cute I still melt to think of it) but that I blame entirely on Teer. She had a scruffy, bored and frisky John practically to herself and it took her months to pounce? Clearly she's too dumb to live.

[ann-tara.livejournal.com]

I had no idea anyone but my loyal ann_tara was reading my ramblings.

And ever loyal I remain. LOL! Seriously, I only wish you wrote more reviews because you always catch stuff that I overlook the first time, or see differently after I've read your indepth notes. I think there must be more people reading than you think. ;)

I think that's partially a failure of the Wraith as enemies. Kolya's good because his appreciation for Sheppard as a foe makes Sheppard seem more competent. And I love the soldier side of John and wish it was made more use of.

I think that's a very astute assessment, and you're right, it seems like we really only get this John, whom we know exists, when he runs up against the Genii and Kolya specifically. A human or more humanoid adversary would give us a chance of seeing more of this John in the future. Alas, I don't think the Replicators present much of a chance of that, anymore than do the Wraith. You need that emotional and personal connection between adversaries that you can only get with characters like Kolya. It doesn't work the same with more remotely alien characters like the Wraith or automatons like the Replicators.

I really cannot express my appreciation for John's ability to make these deep instant connections with people (and/or Wraith and Ancients as the case may be). He's not terribly good with words but that's not at all the same as not being good with people and it's where most of my lack of patience with extremely dissociative takes on John comes from.

Agreed and agreed! They just don't do enough with this aspect of John's personality, which is such a shame when you consider were it not for John's ability to make these connections with the "locals", like Teyla and her people, the show couldn't have even gotten off the ground in the first place.

[nymphaea1.livejournal.com]

Seriously, I only wish you wrote more reviews because you always catch stuff that I overlook the first time, or see differently after I've read your indepth notes. I think there must be more people reading than you think. ;)

Thanks! I only really write reviews for eps I see in real time is the problem. Grad students, as a people, are a) lame and b) impoverished, so we really only go out once a week, that night usually being Friday. My cheap Walmart VCR has at this point moved across the country multiple times and refuses to record properly more often than it works, so I end up watching at least 1/3 of the eps on rerun. Fortunately, Sci-Fi loves nothign so much as a marathon, so I usually see them in short order.

A human or more humanoid adversary would give us a chance of seeing more of this John in the future. Alas, I don't think the Replicators present much of a chance of that, anymore than do the Wraith. You need that emotional and personal connection between adversaries that you can only get with characters like Kolya. It doesn't work the same with more remotely alien characters like the Wraith or automatons like the Replicators.

I think it could work with the Wraith if we'd get more like the guy in this episode. One of the things I like about charismatic, competent adversaries is that our guys have to raise their game level to compete. Making the Wraith such buffoons turned the war against them into kind of a silly exercise. I'm none too excited about the replicators as enemies, but they've surprised me before with episodes I thought were going to be lame, so we'll see.

[ceteramisto.livejournal.com]

I knew I would love your indpeth review of this episode. Especially your references to Rodney and especially John being soldiers. I've always loved soldiers in fiction (especially career military) but I've always had a hard time with warriors in fiction. You've described why John is one of the best examples of a soldier I love so much better than I ever could.

[volari.livejournal.com]

This! and John! and everything.

Yes.

That is coherent as I'm going to be able to get because I am STILL RIDING THE HIGH.

Seriously. Drugs? No need. I have Atlantis and JOHN BEING LOVED BY EVERYONE/THING.

Too bad the Wraith didn't get a name.

[clarkangel.livejournal.com]

Wow. Awesome. You just...you said everything I was thinking/feeling but like a gazillion times more coherently than I could ever think of doing.

Everybody does love Sheppard. Including ME ME ME! ::Wanders off to watch again even though it is ridiculously late::

[namastenancy.livejournal.com]

Great episode and I see a tidal wave of fic bearing down us even as I write this.

[logovo.livejournal.com]

John manages to have not-sex with alien beings that could, if you squint or if you, you know, not even squint, just pay attention, seem to get a kick out of getting pretty intimate with the untouchable one.

Of course now I'm thinking what extra special something might piggy back along with that life coming back.

I can even see them creating Wraith worshipers this way, because I might be a little twisted. But happy! Yes, yes, very happy tonight. *beams*

[tassosss.livejournal.com]

John Sheppard, he calls him, and that means something on a show where names never seem as casual as they should be.

What I thought was significant, too, was how this Wraith didn't have a name. John didn't give him one and he offers none. All the other Wraith Atlantis comes into contact with besides the queens and that scientist have been named in a sort of pet-like or controlling manner. The old belief that knowing something's true name gives you power over them. Here, the Wraith stands on his own as a fellow prisoner, a fellow victim, and there is a level of respect even between him and John. By not naming him, John honors that, and by naming John, so does the Wraith.

[springwoof.livejournal.com]

wow...that's an excellent point...hmmm....

[aretria.livejournal.com]

Brother and *named* John, who keeps his promises.
Your insight are... scary and disturbing. ;) And make me wonder, where they will go with this idea. But I felt totally spoiled for the ending by the way of neery's story. ;)

[denynothing1.livejournal.com]

He believes. Fed on three times and believes.

SO different from Epiphany. It jumped off the screen, the contrast to then, not to mention the "I liked Antarctica!" Sheppard if S1. He *knows* now that he is not alone. To see the evidence of that journey -- to hear it in his *voice* -- so very cool.

John got, what, a total of four hits and was still *alive*? I wonder if it's the Ancient in him or the Iratus? Inquiring minds wnat to know.

Ooh. I had thought about the Ancient influence being a possible reason for the strength that made him special even to the Wraith, but hadn't thought of possible Iratus influence. Neat idea.

The kinds of connections John makes -- I can barely begin to articulate the hows and whys of its awesomeness.

With Sheppard, there is this unspoken (yet fully acknowledged) quality, one that shines through the laconic front no matter what situation he's in. It's a quality that practically *glows* when you learn how to read it, that says here is someone of remarkable ability, who never accepts the possibility of failure, who shows respect to his people by depending on them to do their job, and trusting they *will* do it, no matter how difficult the circumstances, who repays that dedication by never, ever leaving anyone behind. *That* is Sheppard to me, and what the Wraith got full benefit of (startling both it (him?) and Sheppard, I'm sure). And oh yay, this ep was full to the brim with it. *happy sigh*

[zabbers.livejournal.com]

Loved the things you said--after two viewings, I'm still having a hard time digesting it all, mostly because I was so overexcited about this episode, that I couldn't really think straight. It really helps to read coherent thoughts about it!

[ghfan-98.livejournal.com]

As usual, you hit the nail on the head with your review/summary. Two things I would like to add: I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love the change to the black leather; Rodney's reaction to the Wraith giving back John's life force "Come on, he looks younger now than he did before" was so pure Rodney.

[springwoof.livejournal.com]

I *love* that they went in the direction of making the Wraith more complex! That? Is always a good direction...

[tenillypo.livejournal.com]

This one though--the description of Wraith hunger, his conversation with Sheppard--trusting him. That was--I dont' even have words.

The look on John's face right before handing over the gun. The wariness and fear and trust and hope all at once. Just JOHN. Guh.

Rodney getting very--excitable--when he saw John tied to the chair? Fantastic. Talking *over* Elizabeth? Also fantastic. Just barreling through, screw the small talk.

OMG competent!Rodney - going toe to toe with Kolya without hesitation, ordering the soldiers and sounding like he knows what he's doing even if it was played for humor. I just -- the horror and fear on his face seeing John fed on, but the strength in his voice when negotiating with Kolya. Killed me. Seriously.

And I want John to wake up and still feel that, the shocked pain of first contact and last contact, when his life was drained away to the final seconds--and that perfect moment when the Wraith gave it all back, and how he did it, and why.

YES. I want that bond to have repercussions. I want it to haunt them both. And I'm wondering if other Wraith can somehow sense the gift that was given. Like, the next time John's captured on a Hive ship (and you know he will) the Queen takes one whiff of him and knows he's been given life.

[hecateshound.livejournal.com]

Shep is a HERO.

I love heroes.

Woo!

[idyll.livejournal.com]

Re: John still being alive after four feedings, I think it ties back to the Wraith referring to him as the strongest human he's encountered, and wanting to John to still hope for and believe in his friends coming for. I don't think there's a lot of hope in the Pegasus Galaxy for humans and that John has so much of it, and so much conviction and belief, strengthens him in so many ways. I'm not discounting the Ancient gene, or the Iratus bug conversion...but I also can't discount that it's simpler and more human than that, too.

Also, I read this: I want John to wake up and still feel that, the shocked pain of first contact and last contact, when his life was drained away to the final seconds--and that perfect moment when the Wraith gave it all back, and how he did it, and why.

And I got something of a scene in my head. I was wondering if you'd mind my running with it?

[hrroyalgeekness.livejournal.com]

I absoluetly loved this epi for more than just the reason that it's the first I've gotten to watch on a TV instead of my comp (no cable at home).

I absolutely loved the interaction between John and the Wraith. And a little surprised John didn't name him. The wraith giving John back his life even though he expected to be killed soon after was amazing insight into the Wraith. I really hope we learn more about the Wraith.

And the voice in John's head? I think it's probably one of two people. ROdney (telling him not to be stupid and stay alive) or his father (just telling him he's stupid and good for nothing.)

[bluetoads.livejournal.com]

I loved this one to. Something about the killing everyone in sight and being in perfect timing with the wraith, leather and knife throwing....

anyway, there is just so much to love about this ep. and I think everyone has been hitting on the love spots already so just a few added spots for me...

I get the idea that the wraith talking to John and using John's name and John not giving him a name was something meaningful, it MENT something, something big and then the giving life back, he was stopped before he finished so now I am wondering just how much life he had planned to give to John esp after Rodney saying John looks younger now than before. What about that whole there is more to wraith than you know bit? Those spots have so much hidden meaning and subtext in them it is driving me nuts not KNOWING.

And then when the team finds John, god their faces! there was total shock and joy and auwh(?)and I thought fear to. Did you see the way Rodney and Carson were looking at him when John walked past them? I thought they were looking at him with joy that he was alive but at the end it was fear to because he was alive and maybe because he was younger than when he left atlantis. I could be wrong but it looked to me like Rodney and Carson stepped back a bit when John stepped between them like they maybe feared him and didn't want to touch him or be touched or something. Also-no one touched John-that just kinda stuck out for me. They usually pat each on the back and such but no one touched John-they just stared and kinda kept their distance. That has to mean something. I could have miss read it though. The team not rushing to surround him and hug or touch just seemed so wrong and out of place.

Now I want to know what the repercussions are going to be. There is the kinda bond with the strange wraith (he looks a bit different from all the others we have seen and acts different-come on he chats, bickers and jokes/laughs sorta with John.), the life gift and the youth. I like tenillypo idea about maybe other wraith can sence it and that it marks him somehow like maybe he is considered that wraiths properity or something it could mean alot of things. How are the lanteans going to treat John now (he was torchured before their eyes, feed on multiple times, pretty much died, formed a bond/deal whatever with a wraith, escaped, been brought back to life, younger, didn't kill the wraith and kept his promise to the wraith and let the wraith go) Oh, and hello-this is the second time John has talked a wraith into helping him and the whole not-sex but ok, sex (call it what you like moment.) That giving life back had to be pretty darn intimate. The wraith can interrigate people by reading there thoughs while feeding off them so what was the wraith getting from John when he was feeding off him and then giving it back and what was John getting from the wraith cause I refuse to think that life link thing was a one way street.. Ah well, this was just suppose to be a short blurb so I guess I need to shut up now.

[devin-chain.livejournal.com]

When I first saw the wraith in the pilot I got the vampire parallel. It looks even stronger now. It's Dracula feeding on Mina and Lucy, but killing one and grooming the other for wife. It's draining all except the most special, and then draining to near-death, but giving back all plus immortality. Which of course makes me wonder if a side-effect of this gift for John will be something like a wraith lifespan. Because wouldn't that be cool?

I haven't read the comments above, nor have I participated in a chat. Other's probably talked this idea to death last night. I'm SO out of the loop on all things SGA. Sorry. But a thousand year old John. *ponders*

[djinanna.livejournal.com]

dsfjkdsaklajlkdlkjgf!!!!!!!!!

This commentary is almost as orgasm-inducing as the episode! No, actually it's *more* because I could tap into your John is #1 fangirling love whilst reading, but during viewing my own Rodney is #1 fangirling love distracted me with those fangirling love questions (as it does).

[garnet-words.livejournal.com]

OMG Yes. To everything. I'm still feeling breathless after this ep, and I don't think that's gonna go away any time soon.

[heartnut.livejournal.com]

Wow. I harth your review. Word.

I like the "Everybody Loves John" nickname for this episode. I'm going to remember that forever. Thanks for pointing that post my direction.

[pollitt.livejournal.com]

Wonderful recap of the show, I found myself nodding and agreeing (out loud. In an empty apartment at 4:30 in the morning.) and still riding the absolute high of the episode.

I am pretty much in total agreement with everything you said. Everybody Loves John. And John does not lose faith in his team. I could've died a happy woman for that alone.

Rodney getting very--excitable--when he saw John tied to the chair? Fantastic. Talking *over* Elizabeth? Also fantastic. Just barreling through, screw the small talk.

That was just wonderful. Kolya has haunted Atlantis for almost three years. Elizabeth has had to (attempt) negotiations with him, but John has had to face him, soldier-to-soldier, and Rodney has on two separate occasions, found himself at the mercy of this man with the threat of physical violence and/or torture. I can't imagine that there aren't still some nights where Kolya haunts Rodney's nightmares. And yet, faced with a mental torture that could cripple someone (watching a friend--or more, depending on your prescription--slowly killed in front of you) Rodney remains defiant, in control, and doesn't let himself think of failure. Love it.

Later, Rodney doing his soldier speech--I've said it before, I'll say it again. He's a soldier. They send Marines, uberwarriors Ronon and Teyla, and *Rodney* (and Carson, yes, but he had a handgun, not a P-90). We've established the team does everything together now. And I love that. I just love that.

*nods* And the speech, it's what *John* would say to his troops, to his team (and Carson was the one who didn't get it.) They're all in this together. Brilliant.

I hadn't thought about the Wraith taking John's life to keep him from fighting the Genii soldiers. I like that.

Thank you for making me think, I'm going to have to watch the episode again, now :)

[kernezelda]

Amen, sister.

Rodney is John's best bud, check.
Knife-throwing, check.
John Sheppard, check.
most devout, and brothers, check.

I want to meet Nameless Wraith again, oh yes. I've been wondering off and on about Wraith society and reproduction. We see two types of male and one female, but no female we see really looks like she's pumping out offspring to replenish the hive.

It would be a lovely and predictable arc for the Wraith John escaped with to be someone of importance, who can enable an eventual truce or treaty based on truth and mutual assured destruction.

[graceandfire.livejournal.com]

**sigh** Just watched this episode. LOVED this episode. Can foresee much fanfic about the new Wraith info gained from this episode. And, oh yeah, John may suck at sharing his feelings but he somehow manages through sheer force of will/charisma/heroic self-sacrifice to make admirers of everyone. Even those trying to kill him (Kolya you bastard!)

Looking very much forward to the next time John and Kolya meet.

And OMG looking forward to the next time John and this Wraith meet. Like him MUCH better than Michael.

Oh and I as always enjoy your recaps because I generally agree with the squee and the anti-squee and your writing style is so entertaining :)