SGA:4x16 - Trio

[sholio]

That was awesome.

This is what I WANT from this show. Neat little episodes that showcase the Pegasus Galaxy. Danger that doesn't always have to rely on bad guys. Tightly plotted, well-written episodes that make me laugh and squee and gasp. Fun character interactions, and unexpected heroism, and little indications that the characters all have lives outside their work. Girl bonding! Rodney joining in girl bonding! Missions that go wrong in goofy and dorky and unexpectedly dangerous ways. It just makes the place feel real.

This show has been rocking the women this season. I think this is seriously one of my favorite episodes this season, even though none of my usual "favorite" character relationships were showcased. This is the show I want to watch each week -- no big giant space battles (though they're fun from time to time), just ultra-dorky space explorers bumbling around and succeeding in spite of themselves -- moments of real person heroism rather than big grand gestures.

I want more like this. MORE MORE MORE.

Comments

[with-apostrophe.livejournal.com]

Awesome ep, even if it didn't move on the story arc.

We saw all sides of Rodney we've ever seen, and scared and brave Keller, and Sam being cool as anything.

A truly fun, fun, FUN show that had me giggling and gasping and willing Rodney to shut up (you know when) and cheering him on and...and...

Three cheers for Gero - like Rodney he'd been off his game, but he's BA-ACK

[friendshipper.livejournal.com]

Heh, I actually hadn't even noticed that it was a Gero ep! He really is wonderful at bringing out the characters' reactions and interactions without relying on explosions or villains. I really hope that next season will include the "road trip" episode that he wants to do.

[kimberlyfdr.livejournal.com]

Martin Gero and David Hewlett and I share the same humor, so I always tend to enjoy Gero's eps. I can't believe Season Four is almost over :/

[friendshipper.livejournal.com]

I can't believe Season Four is almost over :/

Wow, it IS, isn't it? Eek!

[sp23.livejournal.com]

"You can build a cannon just like that?" Heeeeee!

I loved this episode so much. Because it was Rodney being funny and sweet with the women and then being the big damned hero.


I so want to have Martin Gero's babies. *g*

[alipeeps.livejournal.com]

"You can build a cannon just like that?" Heeeeee!

Rodney as MacGyver! :lol:

[friendshipper.livejournal.com]

Hee! It really had the full gamut of McKay, whiny and funny and cute and insecure and heroic. Never gonna complain about that. :D

[xparrot.livejournal.com]

gnine & I just watched the ep. And then we went and rewatched the entire thing again, because it was just that much fun. Just loved how they all worked together, and used their minds, and that for all the teasing there was real affection between all of them (it was fun, I thought, in that it wasn't really a 'learn to love Rodney' ep, because both Carter and Keller clearly were fond of him anyway, though I think Keller has a new respect for him now).

Liked Keller more this ep than the others showcasing her (I like Gero's Keller more than Binder's, she's still neurotic but doesn't let it stop her) and the bit where she was letting Rodney make a total fool of himself ("aw, if you hadn't stopped him he'd have gone on forever!" cracked me up. And Carter is always <3, especially when she's self-diagnosing or being overly daring or using common sense about the color red. (And they both chose Paul Newman, excellent taste XD)

...And Rodney, apart from Sheppard's wicked military influence...makes a cannon. Oh, boys and their explosions! (Also, he would do Jon Stewart over the Stevens. HEE XDDDDDD)

[friendshipper.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I've kinda gone back and forth on Keller -- I started out really wanting to like her, and I actually thought her reactions in "Missing" were pretty much justified, but she did make me roll my eyes a little in Quarantine. (Although in Quarantine, come to think of it, as here, she did kinda think outside the box and come up with a MacGyver-ish solution for their problem! Even if, as here, it didn't work.) But I really loved her in this episode -- going from insecure and kind of helpless (and, in a room with two geniuses, who wouldn't be) to fully participating in the escape effort and then getting to use her medical skills. And we got to see her sense of humor. The warm and entertaining back-and-forth between the characters really made the episode for me!

This is the second episode this season where we've had two female characters in an action-adventure situation. And girl talk too! It's like every episode is fulfilling my wish list! Last season I really wanted more h/c, and more Sheppard and McKay, and YAY! And this season I started off really craving ensemble episodes and bigger roles for the women, and YAY! Hmm, what do I want next season ...? :D

[gnine.livejournal.com]

Okay, just jumping in here to join in on the squee cause just...WHEE!!! Ohohohoho, I mean, neechan covered most of our points (seeing as we share the same brain and all :-p) but but...SQUEEEE!

Loved Rodney proving yet again that when it comes down to it, no matter how much his ego often comes out, he so puts others before him. He grits his teeth and doesn't complain ONE BIT about lowering Sam, but when it comes to his own life, he's just dangling and dawdling and just, OH RODNEY!

And neechan *did* say it, but it bears repeating, Jon Stewart over the Stevens, Daily Show reference!!! Hazzzaaaah!

[friendshipper.livejournal.com]

The Jon Stewart thing almost KILLED me! And it's a definite pattern now -- Martin Gero makes blatant slash jokes in almost every episode he writes. :D

And, oh, Rodney ... shredding the skin on his hands so as not to leave anyone behind. (I swear I read a fanfic awhile back that used that exact idea ...)

[wildcat88.livejournal.com]

I really enjoyed the ep, and Martin Gero really is a genius. I loved Sam and Jennifer in this - geeky and competent, finding humor in a bad situation (for the record: George Clooney, Paul Newman, who cares about the physicists, and Jon Stewart), and creative.

But above all - I love this Rodney. I could easily fall in love with him. From his competitiveness with Keller at the beginning to his running commentary throughout on his manliness to his newfound ability to laugh at himself (only his pride was hurt) to his complete guyness in being irritated when Sam found the rope then wanting them to flash the boys *giggles* to his girl talk. He was completely adorable.

But the best parts were the look on his face when Keller told him Katie deserved a nice guy like him, his quite "I'm not leaving you behind" to Sam even though his hands were hamburger and most of all the last moment with Keller in the infirmary - no ranting or blustering about his condition. Just a quiet comment on wanting to bath in the lotion they put on his hands. Then his complete obliviousness to Keller coming on to him but not getting all goofy when she finally points it out, and going with her for that drink. Yea, Rodney! You've come a long way, baby.

[friendshipper.livejournal.com]

He really has come a long way, and I love that they've done it without sacrificing any of his flaws -- he's still whiny and oblivious and cowardly in certain ways, capable of irritating everyone around him, but he's so much more emotionally open, and openly brave, than he was in the beginning. He's gone from being an irritating guy with occasional flashes of likability, to a likable guy with occasional irritating moments.

[naye]

That was indeed awesome. WANT MORE~!

I think part of it was that they didn't have to waste any time on setup or exposition or anything but the pure fun of sticking Rodney, Sam and Keller down a hole together. Just - BAM, there's your action, and your humor, and your plot, down in that hole, and it's all character driven. Which, of course, we love. So - yay for Trio! And total agreement on the women this season - you're doing such a good job, show! ♥

[friendshipper.livejournal.com]

Oh yes! It's like they've been reading my wish list, because the thing I wanted MOST from this season was bigger, stronger roles for the women, and more ensemble episodes, and we have SO been getting that! I love how they've been pairing off the characters in different ways -- I think the only episode this season that really fell flat for me was Travelers, which also (not coincidentally, I think) happens to be the ONLY episode that had one character off by himself without a good foil from the main or recurring cast. But, even so, I'm happy for the Sheppard fans, who got a solo Sheppard episode. Every character has had at least one good episode this season, and that's just wonderful.

[jadesfire2808.livejournal.com]

I almost felt the need to applaud as the credits started at the end of the episode. It's so great to have Martin Gero proving he's the best writer on the staff. Like you, I want this every week, with such wonderful depth of character that they can pull anything off.

I still have slight confusion over Keller, who I love as a character but who they can't seem to straighten out the backstory for (how does the girl who never went to any parties learn the 'free beer' trick?) but I'm happy to just wave my hands vaguely and go with it. And I love that they let Sam be suitably dorky as well - she's been efficient!Sam up to now, and it's nice to see her sillier side ("They're physicists." oh, of course, I knew that...).

Is there somewhere we can vote for more like this? If so, how do we rig the ballot to get it every week?

[aelfgyfu_mead]

Yes! Fun episode! My full review is here, but I'll repost my Brilliant Husband's explanation of how the social misfit learned drinking games:

Keller was too young to drink in college and at the start of med school because she skipped grades, so she was designated driver all the time. She learned the beer games, and she won them, because she always was sober! Sadly, she couldn't collect on the bets until she reached legal drinking age, which is why she is darned well gonna collect from Rodney. Well, that, and she wants him to stop feeling sorry for himself and learn to recognize some really basic cues from the opposite sex.

I want more like that too! But, darn it, we're not getting it this season. Maybe season 5!

[sgatazmy.livejournal.com]

100% agreement. I loved this episode. Heroic Rodney when it's based on strength! And he didn't even complain about how his hands would be useless for a while.

[friendshipper.livejournal.com]

I know! I've actually really enjoyed all the smaller, character-focused episodes we've had lately. I really wish this would be the major trend in the show, rather than the big epic-scope episodes, which are usually not nearly so satisfying.

[leesa_perrie]

So much love for this episode! It's still sinking in and I think I need to watch it again, but it was great!

Jennifer has come on a bit since Missing (I did like her in that, btw) and that's good - it means she's starting to find her feet, so's to speak. Looking forward to more character development from her. And it was good to see SG1-Sam coming out, away from Atlantis and the need to be in command, and in a bad situation.

Rodney - oh Rodney! Sooo very, very competitive!! And trying to be 'the man'! Ah, gotta love that guy! And so brave, even when scared - refusing to leave Sam behind (no big surprise there).

I loved the way they worked together; how Sam and Jennifer did more than just 'tolerate' Rodney, but genuinely seem to like him. Even when he's digging that verbal hole (and Keller is disappointed when Sam finally stops him - LOL!). There's so much here I could go on and on ... but I won't!

That scene at the end was just right. But that Jennifer, she's such a flirt! But to me it looked like it wasn't serious, just friendly flirting. Not like with Ronon, where I suspect it will become something more ... eventually.

[melibabe.livejournal.com]

Definitely agree on the end scene - I read that as her just wanting him to hang out socially, since it seems they've not done that before.

I am sure some of the more rabid ship-fans out there were read waaay more into it, but honestly, it's just a "we don't have to just be doctor/patient" moment. :D

[alipeeps.livejournal.com]

I enjoyed the ep - and crucially for me, I liked Keller in it... I started the season liking Keller but she was annoying me more and more in recent eps. But she was good in this.

By only real bugbear with the ep is someone as experienced as Sam ignoring basic safety precautions and not thinking to tie a safety line as she climbed up unstable towers of rotting crates twice! But I guess it's a necessary plot device or there'd be no episode! :lol:

[friendshipper.livejournal.com]

I did like Keller a lot in this episode. I think the only one so far where I've had trouble with her was in Quarantine -- I liked the "MacGyvering" of the escape plan (even if it didn't work) but her attempts to commiserate with Ronon just made her look hopelessly sheltered and young! But I do think she's starting to come into her own as a character.

And, ha, I hadn't even thought about that, with Carter! For a bunch of geniuses, they can certainly be dense at times. :D

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

What I did like about this episode is the way Keller was written in the last half. At the beginning she acted as mousy, weak and whiny as she has most of the time which irks me to no end...but like a breath of fresh air, I think the real Keller emerged. One that is a little feisty, confident, genuinely funny and likable.

Even the last few mins she was even flirty with a real sense of snap. I like that Keller, please keep to her or develop her that way without resorting to woe-is-me back story. Funny thing is I'm writing Keller now a decent amount and I felt I was doing a disservice because it was a hybrid of what I saw on screen and a few elements I thought could be fleshed out..so yay on this.

The episode was neat, I loved the set and adored the girl talk. You're right it was a slice of life episode without the need for bad guys. I did find it slow though, but thats just me.

I agree Martin G is one of the best writers on the staff, I can only hope he'll use his talents and use his magic on a Teyla or Ronon episode or mix the cast up again like this. He's proven he can do Sheppard and Rodney though I'd love to see him do something more focused on John.

I'm happy Rodney has one few the best writers, I love his Rodney because Martin's Rodney is the most fleshed out. Equal parts snark, heroism, intelligence, quirks and gentle heart. Maybe Martin will spread the love to the rest of the cast in season 5.

[d_odyssey.livejournal.com]

I agree with most of what you said. Keller was better at the end, but for some reason she still annoys me. I like the episode, but found it dragging and the ending predictable - the building falling just as Rodney swings to solid ground. That said, I did like the character driven aspect to the episode, the three working together and Rodney McGuyvering the tube.

"Martin's Rodney is the most fleshed out." Martin Gero writes great Rodney - it is his alter-ego I think. As you said, it would be great to flesh out the psyche and background of the rest of the team for next year. More of this kind of tightly written, character driven episodes would be welcome too.

[astridv.livejournal.com]

Yes yes, and yes. I loved it. The whole ep was just one great character moment after the next. And I had thought the trailers might have spoiled much the plot for me, but there were lots of surprise turns left. Yay. Happy camper here. One of my faves this season also.

When Rodney engaged in their girly game, I think I may have actually squeed aloud. Just a bit (as it's the middle of the night here).

I liked the trio so much that I didn't even miss Atlantis, unlike in last week's ep. I mean, I hope that's not gonna become a habit to split up the characters (once Rachel is back). But here, the chemistry was just perfect.

And I'm really glad they gave Keller/Jewel the chance to shine. Much more so than in Missing, even.

In conlusion: ♥

[friendshipper.livejournal.com]

Yeah, taken together, I think this episode and the previous one (Outcast) actually form a nicely complementary unit. Between the two of them, every character except for Teyla gets to shine (and she's obviously on a reduced schedule). And they're both nice strong episodes with lots of character scenes. Fangirl heaven! But, as nice as it is to get the character spotlights, I'll definitely be ready for a team/ensemble episode fairly soon. :D

[derry667.livejournal.com]

Yes!

I love Jennifer Keller more and more each time I see her. I found her "bar trick" physics interesting. It was a nice indication that although she's not a physicist, she has problem-solving intelligence. And it also kinda showed that although she has some confidence problems about being promoted at a young age, she's still more socially adept than Rodney - and after teasing him about it during the episode, she more or less invites him out for drink at the end. I'm thinking platonic - probably because I usually do.

And it was really nice to see Sam get to be the Sam that we've known since SG-1, but still new in the Pegasus Galaxy and finding her way. Nice to see the competent scientist and field team member. Didn't feel that more was revealed about her character, but hey after ten years...?

And Rodney just being Rodney. Complaining and yet working through considerable physical pain to save Keller's life at the end. (Although I have to admit that I watched it with one of my brothers and we both immediately wondered why he didn't rig a pulley around the pole he was hanging onto when Keller started to fall. I mean he's PHYSICIST! He doesn't think of a pulley until afterwards when he's lowering Sam? Weird.)

But yes, so much love for all the characterisations on this show at the moment - the dorkiness, the camaraderie, the snark, the heroism - I loves it all.

[friendshipper.livejournal.com]

I've kinda gone back and forth on Keller -- I started out really wanting to like her, and have liked her overall, but sometimes her "poor little girl genius" schtick got kinda old. But as of this episode, I officially love her.

I saw her invitation to Rodney being a little more than platonic because of her reference back to his cluelessness with Katie --but platonic or not, I find their interactions cute and fun, and I'm glad that they seem to be becoming friends. I really wouldn't mind if the show had them dating for a while. Though, I am very amused by the potential complications of Rodney dating a girl that Ronon's sweet on. Be careful, Rodney! :D

Although I have to admit that I watched it with one of my brothers and we both immediately wondered why he didn't rig a pulley around the pole he was hanging onto when Keller started to fall.

Ha. I wondered the exact same thing!

But, yes, this was definitely the Rodney that I fell in fan-love with, all the way back in "Hide & Seek" -- snarky, annoying, vulnerable, and yet resourceful and heroic when someone else's life depends on him. The character interactions were a delight. I'm avoiding other fan reactions on this one, outside my immediate friend list, because I would not be at all surprised to discover that the fandom as a whole disliked this episode (the slower, set-piece episodes seem not to be favorites, especially since this one didn't have Sheppard or the rest of the team), but for me, it was just about everything I want an episode to be. (I must admit that sticking Rodney and Sheppard in a hole and breaking one of their legs would probably fulfill my squee quota for about the next season! But as lovely as that would be, I actually liked that this wasn't a set of characters that we normally see interacting on the show. Sheppard and McKay have one particular pattern of interaction, and though I love it, it's also nice to see different people, who don't know each other as well, feeling each other out under pressure.)

[sheron]

I had so much fun during that episode! More importantly, I love that Rodney. In the moment, he so completely unaware of how much courage it takes not to freakout and to not leave people behind and save their lives. I love the look Keller gave him when he didn't realize what she was thanking him for, he's so used to saving everyone's lives.

And gorgeous Sam with the grappling hook, and choosing to go on when she no doubt understood how dangerous that was because they had to try. This really reminded me of that SG-1 episode with fireflies when Haley was around and O'Neill had to choose the explanation that endangered only him versus everyone. Sam is, imo, the best commander Atlantis could ever hope to have. She's military but she understands science and she's reasonably good with people. They should be thanking their lucky stars she's in the Pegasus Galaxy.

Keller, so cute with the way she's sure she can be of no help in the begining and so happy when she has that bar-trick idea. And the way she invited Rodney for a drink I totally thought that was friendly. I also loved the way both Rodney and Sam were completely clueless about the bar trick! They are such geeks! LOL

Oh, the best part is when Rodney said Sam was too heavy and the babble that followed. That? *LOL*!!!

[friendshipper.livejournal.com]

It was really a total delight of an episode! And, oh, Rodney ... his poor hands! He really does come through when it counts.

Sam is fantastic. It was so nice to see her in her element in the field. And yet, I love how she doesn't push Rodney or try to overrule him -- I was going to say "defers" to him but that's not precisely it; it's just that she doesn't have anything to prove or any particular need to always be the one in the middle of the action. Which, actually, goes to show how far she's come, too, because I remember that in early season 1 of SG-1 she was the exactly opposite -- a woman in a man's world, always feeling like she had to prove herself. She's so much more confident now.

[abyssinia4077.livejournal.com]

YES!

But, as I just put in my reaction, I was very sad because I kept expecting there to be a killer robot behind the door of the abandoned underground chamber.
You've spoiled me!

(but it was so much fun and they did the characters so well)

[friendshipper.livejournal.com]

Hee! I kept thinking of that story, as well! :D There was even a grappling hook! And Rodney had to climb a rope despite hurting his hands! I actually wondered at times if there would be some kind of automated security system, but I was actually kinda thrilled that the only "enemy" in the episode was, basically, being stuck in a box. It was a really nice change from the usual sort of episodes that they have.

[tringasolitaria.livejournal.com]

LOL - color me completely surprised to have completely enjoyed this episode. I was expecting to hate it. Carter isn't my favorite character, and Keller's really been annoying me this season. But this actually turned out well. :) So yay for Gero. And I agree with xparrot that Gero's Keller is much better than Binder's Keller. I almost wrote the character off completely after Quarantine. This episode went a long long way toward redeeming her for me.

There was some juvenile humor I didn't care for, and I didn't like the Zelenka bashing. But other than that, a surprisingly (for me :)) enjoyable episode.

Did anyone but me blink when Keller dragged out the expandifile though? I thought, wow, they have Office Max in the Pegasus Galaxy! :D

[friendshipper.livejournal.com]

I didn't really expect to like it either -- at least not NEARLY as much as I did. And I did giggle at the expandable file!

[amathela.livejournal.com]

This is the show I want to watch each week -- no big giant space battles (though they're fun from time to time), just ultra-dorky space explorers bumbling around and succeeding in spite of themselves

Oh, yes! Plots and arcs and everything are all good, but the self-contained episodes can be so much fun.

I really wasn't sure how much I'd like the episode in the beginning - Sam, Keller and Rodney aren't the most obviously dynamic trio - but I really enjoyed it. I like Sam a lot, and Rodney was wonderful, and I was really happy with the way Gero wrote Keller. As a Teyla fan in particular, I'm almost ashamed to admit that I didn't like Missing all that much; I love Jewel Staite, but I found Keller whiny, shaky (which a doctor - particularly one posted in an alien galaxy - shouldn't be), and uninteresting, and her single kickass moment at the end didn't really convince me that the character had actually grown as a result of her experience. On the other hand, I found her much more likeable in this ep - more like the way I wanted to see her than the way she seemed to have been portrayed.

[archaeodancer.livejournal.com]

Oh, yes! Plots and arcs and everything are all good, but the self-contained episodes can be so much fun

Totally agree! I was quite looking forward to this ep, and I enjoyed it.
All but the Zelenka bashing :(

As a Teyla fan in particular, I'm almost ashamed to admit that I didn't like Missing all that much

So glad to hear someone else feels that way!
And I'm glad Keller is developing as a character too.

[anniehow.livejournal.com]

Oooh, yeah, this goes under the "good, must re-watch" column :D

Though I'm disappointed in fandom here: Were you all so blinded by the trio that you forgot about John Sheppard sucking a pink lollipop at the very beginning? I thought I'd come back to a net entirely overcome with John/lollipop icons!!!

Hee, I'd like to see the scene where Ronon finds out about the "drink". Especially because it didn't have to mean anything ;P Though, for some reason, if I had to choose, I mean, if I was forced to, I think I'd go with Rodney/Keller over Ronon/Keller. Hummm... more potential for entertaiment?

Also loved the mini freak-out Rodney has over the girl talk! He takes it so seriously ;P
Actually pretty much loved all of Rodney's monologues here.

I missed the scene where they all hobble back through the gate and Sheppard comes down the stairs to greet them and he yells "What happened??" and his face says "I leave you alone on a friendly planet for five hours and you come back like this??"

Also also: we can't tell our parents, we'll get in trouble! FTW!!

finally: a fic with McKay and Sheppard falling down a hole and a broken leg... I think I read something similar lately, and it also involved Hypothermia, and it was great ;P Though if the bunny humps your leg, I'm sure we'd all love to read the temperate climate version :D

[friendshipper.livejournal.com]

LOL, oh yes, much love for the scene with the lollipop! I really would have loved to get a Sheppard reaction to everything at the end, but aww well! The rest of the episode made up for it. :D

a fic with McKay and Sheppard falling down a hole and a broken leg... I think I read something similar lately, and it also involved Hypothermia, and it was great ;P

Heeee~! Yes, something vaguely familiar about all of this, wasn't there. :D

[ticiathethief.livejournal.com]

I loved this episode, I was laughing so much during nearly the whole hour. (Well, 40 minutes, fast forwarding through the commercials.)

I thought the Keller/Rodney scene at the end was kind of sweet in a fun, flirty way. I didn't get the feeling that Keller is wanting to "Start" something with Rodney, more of a friendship thing, which I love.

When Rodney fell down the hole, I said "Rodney Whumping!" and my husband rolled his eyes at me. Hmph! I've been on a Rodney Whumping kick lately... reading the fanfic, that is. :D

Ok, but seriously, Sam, you're comparing Rodney almost dying in a submerged puddlejumper to being stuck in transporter? With Zelenka? Didn't like that part so much. I liked the other Sam/Rodney interactions, though. I think it's nice to see them talking without him falling all over himself because he's got a crush on her. Obviously he's moved on. He wanted to see boobs, yes, but Keller's as much as Sam's, LOL. The part about knowing what a 10 year old boy would want to see just cracked me up.

And I looooooved Shep and his Dum Dum.

[friendshipper.livejournal.com]

I really do like how they're developing Sam and Rodney's friendship. This is what I'd hoped they'd move on to, after Redemption -- friendly, a bit flirty, but mutually respectful. They're not pushing Sam and Rodney as a couple, even now that he's no longer with Katie, and while I really don't have a *problem* with Sam and Rodney as a couple per se, I'm glad they've gone a different direction with it. (But oh yes, the thing about flashing the kids utterly cracked me up! Yes, he remembers what it was like to be a 10-year-old boy, all right!)

Trio

[b7-kerravon.livejournal.com]

Definitely my favorite episode so far! Who'da thunk it?

Re: Trio

[friendshipper.livejournal.com]

I *loved* this episode, and I wasn't even expecting to like it all that much! I think I've been really enjoying the small-scale, character-driven episodes; it's a nice change from the grand epic space-battles, and it's really more what I watch the show for.