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Post by Nico on Jul 14, 2008 22:25:33 GMT 10
Is that Todd? I think he will definetly be back!, I know he is in the Finale anyway.
I agree that it started out very slow, with lack luster episodes, but it certainly picks up I'm still not 100% sure of the finale, it was good, but something about it bugs me, hmm, i'll see what you think when you watch it.
I wish I hadn't watched all of SG1 now! I have been picking random discs out of the box and watching them again.
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Post by Allan on Jul 15, 2008 23:39:59 GMT 10
Yeah, it's Todd the Wraith.  After his appearance in season three, I wanted more of him, and wasn't disappointed in season four. I'd still love to see him become a regular, though (though, I'd love to see Zelenka or Lorne become regulars, too - if David Hewlett or Joe Flanigan ever decide to leave the show, they'd have replacements right there). The season did start off slow, though I pretty much enjoyed it (with a couple of minor exceptions) from "Tabula Rasa" on. One thing that bugged me was Weir - we had a twist ending with her appearance in "Be All My Sins Remember'd" and then nothing. It was a little disappointing.  As for the finale, I'm quite torn about it. In spoiler tags, since it hasn't aired everywhere yet. As an episode, it was brilliant, but as a finale, it really failed for me.
I'm a sucker for alternate future storylines where everything's gone to hell, and the episode did it brilliantly. Especially with the McKay / Keller romance, which was handled beautifully (and since we saw how much they could love each other, I have a sinking feeling Keller will choose Ronon in season five - which would be heartbreaking). I also like that "The Last Man" seemed to refer to McKay more than Sheppard, with him being the last of the "core" team standing, rather than it simply being Sheppard the last man alive. There was some great humour, lovely drama, and we saw just about everyone go out heroically. It also had some cool appearances from the guest stars.
But on the other hand, it really did feel like a filler episode for the most part. It's as if the writers realised that, after "The Kindred" they didn't have much to do - basically, they just needed to put the cast in jeopardy for a cliffhanger ending. It didn't resolve anything, or really move the story forward; everything was left as is. Teyla's not rescued, and they're basically left where they were an episode ago...just trapped under a collapsed building.
I think I would have preferred it if it weren't the finale. As an episode, it was brilliantly done, but it really seemed like a cop out of a finale. I also watched the first episode of season five tonight, and it was interesting for a few reasons (in spoiler tags again, for people who don't want anything spoiled - though, I won't go into too much detail, but I am happy to provide more detail if you want). The special effects are probably the best we've ever seen. There are some really great effects in there, though my favourite is in the teaser, which isn't an action shot, but a tracking shot from the planet they're on, and through the galaxy. It is amazing stuff.
Also in the teaser, we get a glimpse of Ford in a dream sequence. So the character's not "back", but hopefully it means they want Rainbow Sun Francks back and we'll be seeing more of him.
The episode was enjoyable (a lot better than the opening to season four), but still not the best season opener. But I think that has a bit to do with the season four cliffhanger not being great.
Woolsey's introduction was okay, but did seem a little rushed. But, since it wasn't "his" episode, I guess we'll see his full introduction to Atlantis in the next episode.
And finally, it looks like the episode takes place right before Continuum, with a nice little reference to the beginning of the movie. |
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Post by Nico on Jul 17, 2008 8:28:43 GMT 10
The Weir thing drives me crazy, I dont understand why they would choose to end her character like that, knowing full well they could not secure her for any other episodes. I was so excited as to a new storyline opening with her, but meh I hope they plan fixing that and not just leaving it. I have always felt Rodney is the star of the show, main character, he is involved in almost every episode and you dont even notice, he fits in brilliantly. Keller/McKay surprised me at first, not the romance, but I really thought Keller would have went to the shore to continue researching and helping people by herself/with Rodney, but seeing how much it killed them both to walk away was heartbreaking, and more than made up for my previous thoughts. They brought a tear to my eye, I knew she would be infected.
I love the way everyone ended, Just like they would, and seeing Ronan go out fighting side by side with a Wraith, sending his men to safety, very poetic for a guy whos entire life was destroyed by the wraith.
I completely agree, it lacked the special element, that leaves you thinking WOW, obviously the collapse was supposed to have that effect but seriously, it isnt as if they are all going to die :/ I was SO sure they would find Teyla, but nope...it was rather pointless. I completely forgot about season five, it aired on the 11th right? hopefully I can catch a repeat . From what you have said I will enjoy the episode, It will be nice just to watch some new SGA episodes, I am/was very worried how they would begin after the season 4 finale, good to know that although it isnt the best openeer it is still a good episode, will try see if its repeated and let you know what I think Allan! |
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Post by Allan on Jul 17, 2008 18:49:59 GMT 10
The Weir thing was annoying. I'm guessing they thought they could secure her (maybe for the finale) but something happened to prevent it. Maybe they'll wrap it up in season 5. The McKay/Keller thing was great. It really showed their relationship, and showcased Rodney in a slightly more serious light. It was heartbreaking that he got a job at a community college (something you know he'd hate) and spent the rest of his time obsessing over undoing the past. Especially when it got to the point that even his sister gave up on him.
Ronon going out alongside a Wraith was ironic, but it fit him so well. Ditto with Sam Carter's death, going down with the ship.
I was hoping they'd find Teyla in the episode, or at least have some decent twist to wrap up the season with. I hope you can catch a repeat of 5.01. I'm looking forward to seeing what you think of it. |
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Post by Nico on Jul 18, 2008 0:42:34 GMT 10
I managed to see 5.01, it was interesting. Woolsey was way to forced, it really doesnt help a person like me who already dislikes the idea of him ruling over Atlantis, remember when the timeline changed? it was because Woolsey & Earth politics were involved that they decided to abandon an entire Galaxy when they were probably the only hope the Galaxy had, maybe I have seen to much SG1, they are always being over ruled by Woolsey and the IOA , I dont want to see that in Atlantis also. So glad they got Teyla back, I started thinking it would end without them getting her, or with Michael getting the baby and the stargate team getting Teyla, but great to see them get both Mother & Child, It was great to see her back safe and sound after the horrible pregnancy experiences she has had. Rodney delivering the baby was great, and his story to her about him & his cat having a Kidney stone at the same time . The special effects were amazing, the production team said they tend to spend most of there budget on Special effects (makes sense) and they almost always overspend at the beginning, but WOW, worth it, the entire episode was brilliant, flying threw the galxies & planets, it gave me goosebumps! Great episode, I enjoyed it and it has made me very excited as to what will come next, Michael has stolen the Jumper I can only imagine what his next plan will be to get Teylas baby. |
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Post by Allan on Jul 18, 2008 22:36:02 GMT 10
I can really see things with Michael escalating in his attempts to get the baby, which would be interesting. Rodney delivering the baby was the coolest scene of the episode. And afterwards "I caught it. I didn't even drop it" was brilliant. Re Woolsey, hopefully he won't get too annoying. I'm hoping that he learns while he's there (as he seems to have in his previous SGA appearances), but it'll be interesting to see how they all deal with a leader they have no respect for. We could get some fun comedy and drama from it. And my big SG-1 box arrived today.  |
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Post by Nico on Jul 19, 2008 3:38:12 GMT 10
Michael is relentless,and I just adore his character, he believes he is doing nothing wrong (as with all great bad guys) and he seemse to believe he has the right to the baby, his super soldier or whatever his plans are!. I laughed when Rodney said "I see a head!" and then told Teyla to wait and he would carry her out . The look on his face! and she named the baby after John hehe. Definetly, I think he has major potential for character developement, I disliked him all the way threw SG1 mainly because even though he knew what he was doing was wrong, he did it anyway but from what i have seen of his SGA appearances they may try write him a little differently. I'm jealous, my fave SG1 episodes are midway threw!, I wish I could watch them for the first time again , did you get the one with the stargate on it? |
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Post by Allan on Jul 19, 2008 11:52:52 GMT 10
Michael is great, and I love how he doesn't realise he's doing anything wrong. For him, it's survival, and he's trying to find a way. I love how he thinks that he has a right to Teyla's baby; and I really want to see what he wants to do with him - I don't think he wants to turn him into a supersoldier; he was adament about not doing anything to hurt him. It'll surely have something to do with him having the Wraith gene, given to him by both parents. I'm guessing he'll be pretty powerful, since he was helping Teyla connect with the Wraith in season 4. The whole childbirth thing was brilliant. And just for Rodney to think that Teyla would be okay with him carrying her out goes to show how he really fails to "get it" sometimes. Since I haven't seen Woolsey in SG-1, it does sound like he's written better in SGA.[/spioiler] You mean the big box with it sitting on the front? That sounds like it. I'm looking forward to getting through it, though it will take a while. |
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Post by Nico on Jul 19, 2008 14:53:14 GMT 10
Michael doesnt know the baby is born yet does he? though since he induced Teyla to rush it along and pumped her full of goodies I am sure he probably has guessed . Has he ever mentioned why he wants her baby? I remember him saying he would be incredibly powerful, like you said having Wraith powers from 2 parents , a very rare power. Rodney is great in every scene, I thought it was so sweet to see Ronans reaction to, first thing he done when he seen the baby was kneel down and look all gooey eyed . I noticed that mid way threw season 4 they started writing Ronan & Teyla as more of a brother/sister relationship, did you notice that? I personally believe Earth Politics have no place in another Galaxy, the appearances that Weir made on SG1, the IOA (company Woolsey works for) would always punish her because she made a decision, they never made decisions so they couldnt be blamed, and it drove me insane , in SG1 you understand it though, it is earths first and maybe last line of defence against hostile advances, and there have been lots and lots of those! How much stargate did you watch before? , it is such a great show, alot of Variety, some great things go on with the stargate , my brother always loves to see people stand in front of the stargate just as it opens, and be annahilated |
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Post by Allan on Jul 19, 2008 18:38:52 GMT 10
I don't think Michael knew, but he could have probably figured it out. My assumption is if we see him again (and I'm guessing we will), he'll know the baby's been born, because of the psychic connection it has. If the baby helped Teyla's communication with the Wraith, then it probably helped Michael's communication with Teyla.
Through season 4, Ronon became more of a favourite for me. He's tough as nails, but also goofy and likes to play around (I loved seeing him tease the sleeping Sheppard in 5.01, too). His relationship with Teyla does seem more brother/sister, which is cool. While I did want to see them get together, figuring they'd relate a bit better being from the same galaxy, it also works in a brother/sister kind of way. And he was great when he and Sheppard discovered the pregnancy, and jumped right into support mode. I agree that Earth politics have no place in another galaxy. In the IOA episodes of Atlantis, we saw them backing down from decision making, too. One thing I would like to see addressed is the state of the Pegasus galaxy since Earth's arrival. They've pretty much caused more trouble than they've prevented, with waking up the Wraith. And then in season four, after creating the war, they're indirectly responsible for far more death and destruction. Prior to Atlantis, I'd seen about a half of season one. So not a great deal of it. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing it all unwind properly now, though. |
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Post by Allan on Jul 20, 2008 22:52:26 GMT 10
SGA 5.02 (mild spoilers without specifics until I have someone to discuss it with properly  ): So, Woolsey's first day as commander of Atlantis, and so far I'm not hating it. Basically, we see him struggle between his by the book approach, and doing what needs to be done. He's different to Weir and Carter, but so far, not too bad.
We see some more of McKay and Keller, with the two still showing feelings for each other, which is nice.
And finally, the threat is kind of spun out from the last episode, but very different. And creepy.
Quite an enjoyable episode. |
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Post by Nico on Jul 21, 2008 21:19:29 GMT 10
I actually caught it to, so I will have major spoilers lol. Woolsey got rid of the awesome horseshoe table in the room they go over missions, that pissed me off! and brought a crappy regular table 'sigh' but apart from that I was surprised, he certainly isn't as annoying as I expected and like we suspected, he did have problems with the rules, for once he understand what it was like for weir, and Carter even Oneill.
McKay/Keller will eventually get together, it seems inevitable to me, they just have that spark I dont like how they ended the Ronan/Keller thing, I mean they almost kissed and then nothing...like it never happened even though I prefer Keller with Rodney it felt like a cop out.
I loved the threat in this episode, Keller was turning into a Wraith Hive ship!, I always wondered how those were made, and as soon as we saw her covered in those vein things, we knew right away it was Wraith tech.
I think there will be stronger episodes in the season, but it definetly wasnt a bad one. |
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Post by Allan on Jul 21, 2008 21:53:54 GMT 10
Okay, spoilers are on! Woolsey did get rid of the awesome table. But according to the commentaries, it was really annoying to film scenes around it - so, at least they wrote it out. And it did seem like a very Woolsey thing to do. I also loved his introduction - no inspiring speech, unlike Atlantis' other leaders; just straight to work. It'll be interesting to see how he develops, and whether he'll still have issues with the rules, or learn to ignore them where he has to. Or on the other hand, decide that he has to follow them, regardless of the outcome. One thing I thought was interesting was the line about Sam, and the IOA wanting a civilian now the threat level's down. It makes me wonder if it's an opening in case Amanda Tapping wants to come back, and the IOA wants a military leader again. Or maybe Jack O'Neill, even if that is unlikely! Re McKay and Keller, I wouldn't call anything "inevitable". I do think they'll get together eventually, but I really think it's something they'll drag out (though, Jewel Staite did say at her panel at Supanova here that Keller will make a decision between McKay and Ronon this season - but maybe it's not Rodney). I do prefer her with McKay too, but it does seem like they've dropped the flirtation with Ronon. Surely it'll have to come back, though I was expecting some decent indication of Ronon's feelings for her when he ran in to save her this episode. Hopefully they will pick up the thread this season, but I have a feeling she'll end up with Ronon - at least in the short term. I can see a Fred/Gunn/Wesley thing happening between the three of them. While the episode wasn't the strongest, Keller turning into a Wraith ship was weird - yet cool...and creepy. I really think it elevated the episode. That, and we had more Beckett, which made my day. And he's always brilliant; and I really hope that come season six, they'll figure out how to have Paul McGillion as a regular, alongside Jewel Staite. At GenCon, McGillion mentioned he's doing five episodes. Hopefully he means he'd filmed five (they were in hiatus when he was there), and will have more, but I think it's only five out of the 20. The episode summed up Beckett perfectly to me. The guy was still sick, and yet willing to work himself to the bone to save Keller. One thing that surprised me was so little reference to his being a clone possibly being a bad thing - or at least him not being the "real" Beckett. Granted, he proved himself last season, but I really thought Woolsey, at least would have a problem with him. I did love Keller's story about McKay standing outside the cryo chamber talking to him, though. |
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Post by Nico on Jul 21, 2008 22:46:56 GMT 10
I hope Woolsey will realise not everything is Black & White, with the challenges he will face at Atlantis and the tough choices he will have to make he needs to be able to make a choice based on what he believes and not a book, written by people thousands of lightyears awaya who have never stepped threw the stargate!. The IOA and Military have always been hostile towards each other, the Military dont want to see a civilian in charge but the IOA will love it because they have control hopefully we will see an episode where some of the 'lost' characters will return , even for brief appearances!. I think we mentioned it before, she has quite a bit in commen with Ronon, but we have also seen a relationship with Rodney will/can work, that is all Rodney needs going up against hunky Ronon for Keller Kellers voice when the ...entity? took her over was creepy!, so Wraith like!. Oh yes, Beckett getting back into the limelight was great and without him they wouldve never been able to save Keller, meaning that if Woolsey stuck to the book, and sent Beckett back to Earth when he was told to, he would have lost both doctors. Poor Sheppherd to, I get the feeling this will be a season filled with injuries for him , I loved how Keller was determined to help Beckett and Vice-Versa, they would work brilliantly side by side in my opinion. I know, its strange because the real Carson is dead, it is like Clone Carson has more of a life. Yeah we laughed at that to, especially when she said he caught her watching him do it one time and stumbled around saying he was taking readings I haven't looked ahead to see any episode titles or synopsis so each episode is a complete surprise to me, from start to finish. I also pay attention to credits incase a 'lost' character comes back! |
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Post by Allan on Jul 21, 2008 23:14:13 GMT 10
I agree about Woolsey, and hopefully the last episode will be an indication that he's learning to make the decisions he'll need to. It would be cool to see some of the "lost" characters return. Who would you like to? The thing that works between Ronon and Keller is that he has a thing for doctors. We saw it on Sateda, so he automatically has that bond with her. Still, she really seems to play off Rodney; I think those two have a little more in common with each other. And the finale to season four really showed that they'd make a cute couple. When Keller was taken over, it was creepy. It made you feel sorry for her, and worry about Atlantis. Is it just me, or is there something funny about Sheppard getting hurt? If he manages it a few more times in the season, I'll be happy. Beckett and Keller would work brilliantly together, and hopefully we'll see a bit more of it. After seeing on the season 2 DVD that Jason Momoa felt a little awkward working with Rainbow Sun Francks after he replaced him, I was wondering if there was any awkwardness between Jewel Staite and Paul McGillion. If there is, it doesn't show, though. I'd never thought it seemed like clone Carson has more of a life than the "real" Carson, but you're right, there. I also loved him talking about his mother, too. Oh, did you notice his darker hair in the episode? At GenCon, he was talking about how David Hewlett relentlessly made emo jokes after he died it. I haven't been chasing spoilers myself. I always check the opening credits to see who's going to be on there, too. |
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Post by Nico on Jul 23, 2008 8:46:47 GMT 10
I miss SG1, I want to merge SG1 with SGA and have a giant Stargate show, and that is exactly why I am not any sort of writer . Hmm, Lost characters. Todd, I believe he will return, he is like a go-between for the two races (mainly the humans I guess) but he adds Humanity into the Wraith (I know that sounds stupid because they are completely unhumane!) , do you know what I mean? a softer side of sorts. My brother doesnt want Ford back, but I would like to see him return, atleast for a few episodes. That is true about Ronon/Keller, he knows exactly what it is like for her, he has the upmost respect for her and what she does, as a doctor she puts everyone elses lives in front of her own, with Rodney I think basically the same, it is obvious that he has a great bond with her, both of them putting themself forward to go in and save her proved that. I love Joe and Shepperd but I laugh everytime he gets injured, he is a tad reckless in his heroics and he always pays for it, with Surgery! . He will be taken threw the ringer this season. I think the only episode he wont get hurt in is one he happens to be on Earth for the entire episode Jewel & Paul seem to have great chemistry, would be interesting though to see how they were off screen, being themselves, when you eventually get to the special features on the SG1 boxset you will see how well Carter, Tealc & Daniel got on offscreen, it makes it so much easier for everyone involved, and alot better for the viewing audience. Carson loves his mother so much it makes me giggle . When they are deciding weather to go to Atlantis he is making his mum dinner, and there is a scene on season one, they are all making messages to send home, Carson says something about being from earth , argh will have to find that conversation between him and Ford!. I noticed it yes,but I thought I was imagining things! |
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Post by Allan on Jul 23, 2008 19:04:50 GMT 10
Well, maybe when it finally gets off the ground, Stargate Universe might mix and match a bit. Oh, and I'm not using spoiler tags, since I think the conversation's moved past spoilers. I really want to see Todd return. And I'm glad he was never killed off; because I was convinced the producers were going to do something stupid and make him the villain and kill him. He shows that Wraith can have respect for people, and they're more than two-dimensional monsters. Ford really wasn't my favourite character, but I'd like a bit of resolution to his arc. Both Paul and Jewel seem like nice people (and were both nice when I met them), so I'd imagine they'd probably get along well. Apparently she's pretty close to David Hewlett, though, in a similar kind of way to Nathan Fillion. I'm looking forward to seeing the SG-1 features. The Carson's mother bits are great. And the reference in season five just made me think "Yeah, Carson's back!". And re the hair thing, I wouldn't have noticed, except for him talking about it in his panel (I was thinking "Wow, his hair's a lot darker in real life"  ). |
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Post by Nico on Jul 25, 2008 2:27:09 GMT 10
The thing I loved about Todd, is he helped on the SGA base, especially to get rid of the replicators, who had decided the best way to kill the Wraith was to kill there food , us humans!, and even though Todd helped our SGA team, and vice versa Todd still acted like a Wraith and stole a whole load of information from McKays database add a little humanity to the enemy and suddenly it becomes alot tougher to kill. Ford was replaced by Ronon, a far better replacement, when they knocked off Ford I was worried that Sheppherd (being commanding officer) would be left with a Doctor, a woman from another galaxy ,and another civilian, I really love to see the commander come out in sheppherd. Teyla progressed, she now ranks with the army, and Ronon of course was in the army, so Ford is relatively useless, but I liked him. David Hewlett seems to have one of those personalities that draw you in, Nice to see the actors get on!. I never notice hair changes, unless they are extremly dramatic, I would have noticed if he had gone Pink . Cant wait until the new episode airs!, I wonder if it will catch onto this seasons Storyline (major one) , or be another learning episode, we learn something new about the wraith, the pegasus galaxy, or even Atlantis!, I dont think they have explored it all yet, I am sure they will find some pretty exciting rooms!. |
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Post by Beck on Jul 25, 2008 13:24:04 GMT 10
Saw 200 last night. Most awesome episode EVER |
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Post by Allan on Jul 25, 2008 21:27:40 GMT 10
I agree that if you add a bit of humanity, the villain becomes a lot tougher. But I really like Todd - in many respects, he's one of the "good guys" now, but his Wraith instincts are still there, and it extends further than being hungry for human life. In many ways, I liken him to Spike before he got his soul. Still a killer, still evil in many ways, but in other ways he "gets" the heroes. Still, I will be very disturbed if his arc continues like Spike's did and he ends up with the show's lead (scarily, there probably is Sheppard/Todd slash fic out there ). I liked Ford, but I can see why he didn't work for the show as a whole. He was basically a younger, less useful Sheppard. I think the the way they wrote him out was interesting, though at points when he returned, I found him slightly annoying. Ronon is great value, and I really like what they've done with his character, rather than him just being the cliched hard as nails tough guy. And I really used to like Teyla, but I got a little bored with her character in season four, though it could have been because of the pregnancy, and her not getting to do much except for complain about her people being missing. I'm looking forward to the next episode, too. I suspect it'll be fairly standalone, but who knows? Last year they broke things up a bit, so the pace of the season wasn't quite so predictable. Hopefully season five will be similar in that regard. Saw 200 last night. Most awesome episode EVER I've only got 190 or so to go... Of the SG-1 episodes I've watched so far: I thought the pilot was interesting, in that the tone was so different to the series, and I suspect the show was originally intended to be a lot darker. The full frontal nudity surprised me (not that I'm complaining about that, mind you  ), and it makes me wonder how it was originally envisaged. It was also damn long (longer than two episodes), and played out like a low-rent sequel to the movie. It had some interesting moments, but I can't say I'm a big fan of it. The next few episodes were pretty dull too, though I enjoyed "The Broca Divide" (where they pick up a plague from the planet divided into light and dark) and "The First Commandment" (with the crazy military guy playing god). I loved "The Nox" though, with the energy alien that stole Jack's appearance and memories, and wanted to bring his son back. I'm a sucker for stories about benevolent aliens that don't "get" what makes us human, but it really was a sad story about the loss of Jack's son. "Brief Candle" was a fun episode, too. Basically, it's an episode where Jack does drugs, gets laid and catches an STD. But that aside, it was cool to see him aging rapidly, and show the people on the planet that they should be living longer lives. And I watched "Thor's Hammer" last night. It wasn't great, but it plants the seeds for the Asgard, which is kind of cool. |
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After his appearance in season three, I wanted more of him, and wasn't disappointed in season four. I'd still love to see him become a regular, though (though, I'd love to see Zelenka or Lorne become regulars, too - if David Hewlett or Joe Flanigan ever decide to leave the show, they'd have replacements right there).
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), and it makes me wonder how it was originally envisaged. It was also damn long (longer than two episodes), and played out like a low-rent sequel to the movie. It had some interesting moments, but I can't say I'm a big fan of it.