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Charmed: Bride and Gloom (2001)
The good, the bad and the half-demon
This episode is mixed. There are some honestly good points. I can empathise with Prue's regret that her younger sister is getting married while she is still in a rut. As usual, her wish to be first will come true in a rather unpleasant way. The scene with the wedding planners is another great moment, as we watch the very familiar conflict (he's happy with sausages, she demands fine cuisine --she wins) degenerate into a very Halliwellian conflict about magic. Even though it's obvious that Leo has a point, I think every girl watching this is rooting for Piper's "Cinderella complex."
Beyond that, the main plot is a bit weird, though it adds another dimension to the connection between the sisters and the Book of Shadows, and also between one another. The demon's plan is unusual, but oddly efficient. I must be fun for the Charmed Ones to be evil once in a while --they start with childish pranks and quickly escalate into full-on rampage --all to Cole's dismay, which is rather ironic. Besides, the ending is much too easy. So Prue is still good enough to say "I love you", even though her sisters (who are only evil through her) had a lot of fun traumatizing humans and smashing Leo to pieces? I find it a bit difficult to follow. But what really gets me is the complete lack of consequences. In some episodes, the least mistake can turn out to be lethal while in others, the Charmed Ones (but only them) can literally get away with murder and mayhem as long as they apologize. Just because "they were not themselves at the time" is really no excuse for what they did to Leo --days before the wedding!-- yet the guy doesn't even bat a lid. Just consider the message it sends.
Finally, I have to mention that yay, Cole is back! And as usual, he makes quite a comeback; you have to give him points for originality. I rather like how conflicted Phoebe is about loving/hating/ignoring/kissing him, and how hard he's trying to be good (a bit too hard if you compare with later episodes, actually). I am quite looking forward to seeing where this goes.
Charmed: We All Scream for Ice Cream (2001)
Deceiving appearances
While not exceptional, this episode is very good, especially because it never goes where one would expect. Everything seems to hint that Phoebe has kept in touch with Cole and is secretly emailing him. So it is quite a surprise when her "old friend" turns out to be the sisters' father, who despite frequent mentions had not reappeared since season 1. Since he apparently is here to stay, the episode takes some necessary time to set old grudges to rest, and it manages that quite well. Not that Victor will ever be completely forgiven for abandoning his daughters, but it turns out it was not completely his fault --incidentally, from now on some of the flak he had been taking will be transferred to Grams.
Another great idea is that for once the demons are not the burly-looking man with the weird magical device, but the poor, innocent little children. This is an excellent twist, and the children are quite good in both parts. My only qualm is that, since the ice truck is supposed to attract only demons, Prue's obsession with it remains rather inexplicable (therefore the iceman's mistake is also quite justified).
Finally, I have to mention that after accidentally watching the episode twice in two days (replay channels will do that for you), I ended up spending a whole day with that stupid song stuck in my head!
Charmed: Just Harried (2001)
Add "something unexpected" to the list
Weirdly enough, considering that this is Piper's big day, the episode mostly revolves around Prue, who is once again off chasing after bad guys in order to escape her stifling reality (Mrs Hellfire, anyone?). The gradual realisation that her "dreams" are actually her astral double taking a walk on the wild side, is a really fun idea, and Phoebe's take on it rings quite true (it also shows how useful her studies are). Beyond that, the conflict involving the attempted murder wouldn't have much interest, if not for how it brings Cole into the fold --more or less. It is quite fascinating to watch him try to fit in even though his demonic nature always seeps through. Oh, and I love Leo's aside to Victor: as far as supernatural sons-in-law go, a Whitelighter is by far the lesser of two evils!
...and of course, I just have to say something about the wedding. Despite all the botched rehearsals there have been so far, it is very beautiful and touching, especially the scenes with Patty. Then seeing Piper's dream almost come true, then get completely wrecked by some random magical accident is both terrible and sadly emblematic of Piper's life so far. Still, the final "rush" wedding manages to be even more moving than the initial version, as it combines everything magical the extended Halliwell family has to offer.
Charmed: Exit Strategy (2001)
Thnigs blow up everywhere
This episode should be considered as the second half of a two-parter. Even though Cole's cover is blown, we discover what hold Raynor has on him --a surprisingly human one at that. Then Raynor sets him a series of assignments, supposedly to test his loyalty, actually to force him to get back in touch with his inner demon --in the hope that sooner or later, his repressed evil nature will get the better of him. While the amulets end up becoming a mere pretext, this plot is well-paced and introduces nice side characters (I just love Rachel Lutrell).
Beyond that, Piper finally acquires a second power, and boy does it shake things up. The link with her first power sounds a bit far-fetched, but it makes for delightful scenes and rather unpredictable results. Maybe it also illustrates how much Piper has changed from the timid, evasive girl of season 1 --even though she will always yearn for a normal life with an almost admirable single-mindedness.
But I am less happy with the ending, which seems to go for drama at the cost of consistency. First of all, we never really know why Cole suddenly snaps and kills the witch. For now, it seems as though Raynor's hold on his father's soul finally pushed him too far. Later on, it will be revealed that he was under a spell... a moment that is never shown on screen. Then I am of two minds concerning Phoebe's decision to destroy the de-powering potion. It does seem fitting to take away Cole's only hope of becoming human, since he has apparently embraced evil again; but considering Belthazor's background, is it really wise to let him keep his powers and possibly kill more people? Finally, there is the sad fact that this scene sums up Cole's fate over the next year(s): despite the Charmed Ones' mistrust and his own conflicting instincts, the guy fights tooth and nail to be good, all for the sake of Phoebe's love -- only to have her suddenly turn against him and condemn him without giving him a chance to explain. When you think that two episodes ago Piper and her were blithely turning people into pigs and smashing Leo to pieces, this really smacks of double standards.
Charmed: Once Upon a Time (2000)
Fairy tales and nightmares
A rather good episode, although not a very memorable one. Its main strength, as often, is that it uses the magical context to illustrate a point about real life. The magical part is good and manages to tap into childhood fears and beliefs without making them any less scary than the "adult" demons the Charmed Ones usually come across. The child actress who plays Kate is excellent in that regard. So while more childish than usual, this part of the plot, which mostly concerns Prue and Phoebe, never crosses the line into silly.
But beyond being plagued by trolls, Kate's actual issue is her parents' divorce, which makes her want to escape reality. This echoes Piper's rebellion against the Elders, which has led her to "go on strike" and escape her magical duties. It is hard not to empathise with poor Piper here, especially when she has that breakdown moment in the parking lot. As a result, her sudden change of mind (ten minutes later!) is a bit brutal. While we can accept that her sense of duty would compel her to go back to helping the innocents, having her suddenly trust the Elders to know what is best for her seems so convenient as to be hypocritical. Fortunately, the Elders do not care, so once again Leo is back --but I hope that after all this, the relationship will settle down for a while, as the angst and drama is really starting to get old.
Charmed: Magic Hour (2000)
Finding the loophole
This is an excellent episode which manages to combine many different elements into a really tight plot. The young couple's ordeal, inspired by a lesser-known fairytale, rings a bell while remaining fresh. It also makes for a few beautiful scenes with the owl and the wolf.
But a hallmark of any good Charmed episode is that it echoes with the sisters' personal lives. The parallel with Piper and Leo's forbidden love is obvious, so it is no surprise that the same magical loophole should hold the key to both plots. By the way, unusual cosmic phenomena seem to greet every significant moment of Piper and Leo's life (watch The Day The Magic Died), as if the whole universe conspired to make them a couple against all odds. Their love feels so inevitable that the tragic last-minute twist really comes as a shocker. The Elders definitely become the enemy, which puts the sisters in an awkward position since they technically embody Good.
Another significant point is the ongoing subplot with the mysterious Cole. I love how subtly he is being eased into the main story, leaving ample room for conjecture and providing a lot of great little scenes in the meantime: having Leo's goodness literally rub off on him like a stain is hilarious, and the living shadow is quite intriguing. There is also a fitting parallel with the sorcerer. Both men are well-integrated, successful individuals who work the system from within, which is a refreshing take on evil. However, I regret that the sorcerer, while pledging his love to Brooke, acts so business-like about it. Even though this is consistent with his character, it makes it a bit difficult to understand why he ends up being literally consumed by jealousy, and it also suggest that demons cannot feel love --a tenet Cole is about to shake to the ground.
Charmed: Awakened (2000)
Wake-up calls for everyone
This is a really unusual episode, mostly because there is absolutely no demon to fight in it. Actually, it is all about magic is powerless against real-life problems, which cannot be spelled away. This is an ongoing tenet of the show, actually. As a result, and because a lot of the episode takes place in hospital, its mood is rather more gloomy than usual. Phoebe's and Prue's fear and despair are pretty tangible.
Yet magic is still quite present. First, because the Charmed Ones are too stubborn not to try everything, even though it is clear that their Awakening spell is bound to backfire -symbolically enough, threatening the same boy Phoebe had saved earlier on. And then, because Leo is still (quite literally) waiting in the wings. The scene when he breaks a core rule to heal a dying Piper is really touching and beautiful, and I love that she recognises him before we can even see his face. While I empathise with poor, lovely Dan, I do not think he has any chance against a determined, human Leo. (On a side note, how could the Elders not think of that slight loophole!)
Finally, another thing that makes this episode interesting is how crucial it is for the characters on the long run. There is nothing to keep Piper and Leo apart anymore; Prue takes a life-altering decision (although this is hardly fair for Jack). And though this is only mentioned briefly, Phoebe's enrollment at university will be very meaningful for her development. Finally, the sisters' rather careless use of magic at the hospital will have dire long-term consequences, as the doctor will not forget it so easily.
Stargate SG-1: Threads (2005)
Closure at last
Threads is actually the third part of Reckoning and, to all intents and purposes, it is the season's finale. In a way, it is also the finale for the whole "classic" SG1 series, since the show is about to undergo a few major changes.
Plot-wise, the episode is precisely about tidying up those loose threads that hang all over the place. The Replicators may be gone, but Anubis and Baal are still out there; the Jaffa may be free, but the doomsday weapon they control is a major threat; Daniel is once again exploring the amenities of the Afterlife, and to put the cherry on top, Carter is getting married -to the wrong guy. Busy day for a single episode, hey?
But Thread brilliantly tidies this all up, along with some other plots dating back to the origins of the series. Every important character gets a moment in the limelight and gets his or her personal "ending" (for now at least), letting us go through the whole range of emotions, from tears to amazement to laughter. And we finally get some much-needed explanations in the bargain! I appreciate that none of these conclusions feels rushed or out of character, and I like the personal touches, such as O'Neill stubbornly refusing to mourn his friend once again, Teal'c finally getting the recognition he deserved (even as the Jaffa call him "Teal'c of the Tauri", I notice), or the quiet, cosy team moment at the end.
However, after the breathless pace set by Reckoning, this feels a bit slow-going. Tidying up loose threads might be a bit like cleaning up after a really good party. There is a lot of talk and little action. I still cannot believe that the whole Anubis development should be over so quickly -blink twice and you've missed it. Oops. And honestly, Daniel only contributes very indirectly, which feels like a very easy cop-out. I understand that it was Oma's role to fix her own mistakes, but dramatically speaking, it still is a letdown.
So while I would not call this the *best* episode on Stargate, there is no doubt that it is very, very special. Its very length suggests that this is more than just any ordinary episode, more like a huge sendoff to what, for me, will always be the "real" SG1. Miss it, and you have just wasted 8 years' worth of development.
Stargate SG-1: Talion (2007)
Everything goes
I think this episode is one of my least favourite. Its timing is completely implausible: from a viewer's point of view, we should be building up to the finale by now, not wasting time on standalone episodes. Then, why introduce all that new character background so late in the show? Instead of bringing significant development to the character, it feels like padding.
...and some uncomfortable padding at that. I guess it was an interesting idea to show unflappable Teal'c *finally* losing it --bigtime. Admittedly,with what we know of the Jaffa society, Talion probably works very well for them. Still, after knowing Teal'c for ten years, I can hardly stomach watching him break all ties with SGC in the first few minutes of the episode, then spend the rest of it torturing and murdering people in cold blood. Maybe because I'm already annoyed, I then find the final fight very phony: once again, a triumphant villain stops to gloat just long enough for his comatose victim to revive and miraculously kill him. But what really, really appalls me is that, even though the rest of SG1 mostly spend the episode watching and waiting, *they all approve* --even Daniel, for crying out loud! I don't know what the show is trying to tell us about justice, about Teal'c or about friends here, but let me tell you, I'm not buying it.
Doctor Who: The Girl Who Waited (2011)
Timewrecks run in the family
It's amazing how much waiting Amy and Rory seem to do over those seasons. And how time always gets out of whack when they're around.
This episode starts out as very plot-heavy. Amy's ordeal is a lot like a futuristic action movie, while Rory and the Doctor have to solve yet another time puzzle and rescue her from a separate time stream... except that they're already 36 years late. While I appreciate the idea that this idyllic leisure center has become a complete hell, this episode seems quite unmemorable at first. Quite obviously, saving Amy only requires a time reboot --she's got a subscription to them anyway.
The twist comes when Older Amy refuses to be "saved", i.e. erased. And I love her for that. On any other show, the characters would kindly accept to be removed from existence on the grounds that they don't like their lives anyway. Not Amy Pond: her life so far has been hell, but boy, will she fight for it. I guess it's in her genes.("Not these times. Not one line", anyone?) I think that Older Amy is a great character; hardened and bitter as she is, her true nature still shines through -chiefly, her love for Rory, which always shows in the oddest ways. So the decision to save her is understandable --but quite wrong in a show that has repeatedly stressed the dangers of time paradoxes. Despite the lessons of Father's Day (S1), I bought it because the Doctor is always so protective of Amy, and because honestly he has not been quite himself recently. Still I totally expected Older Amy to suffer some tragic but very convenient accident which would get the scriptwriter out of a serious bind.
Then came the REAL shocker, the moment that makes this episode just brilliant. The moment when *The Doctor abandons Amy to die*. Wow. It clearly is the right thing to do, but what an inhuman decision to make --and to live with. That's the Doctor for you. Yet asking Rory to accept this decision is even worse because the poor bloke is no Timelord; he does not HAVE to do the right thing. Worse, he has just spent the whole episode reminding Amy of who she really was (and now that's Rory for you: it has always been his role). So that final scene with Older Amy just blew me away. It was beautiful, beautifully shot, and it seemed just right. You may find it overly dramatic. I find that I really need a tissue right now.
Oh, and one last thing that irks me every time: What kind of person, when presented with two buttons, bends over to press the RED one when there's a nice, safe green button at hand level??! (Answer: "someone bloody-minded, contradictory and completely unpredictable?")
Stargate: Atlantis: Inquisition (2008)
Oh, no.
To think that we had almost managed to go through the whole series without one of these.
Here is a good old filler episode with barely a pretense of a plot and a ton of archive footage, most of which has already been re-hashed quite a few times in more relevant occasions. The complete uselessness of this trip down memory lane is made all the more painful by the fact that this is one of the very last episodes the series has to offer.
So what about the remaining 15 to 20mns in which new things actually happen? The plot, minimal though it is, makes a very good point: since they arrived in Atlantis, our heroes have arguably caused more chaos than they have solved problems. Of course, their intentions were good, but you know what they say about that. So I find it quite plausible, even interesting that the series should ask whether, ultimately, the Pegasus galaxy would not be better off without Atlantis. However, what really hurts here is that it all comes out of the blue: this is the first time *ever* that we have heard about a coalition of any kind being set up in the galaxy. The first time *ever* that we have heard other planets consistently voice a strong complaint about Atlantis's actions. I might be a bit more lenient to this plot if there had been any kind of build-up to it in previous episodes --or if we ever heard of this coalition again. Nope: it will go back whence it came --nowhere.
As for the resolution, I find it nice that Woolsey should finally get to save the day by doing what he does best. Where Weir might have swayed the jury through the sheer power of her eloquence, Woolsey cleverly deciphers the situation and makes the most of it by literally bribing the most interested juror. That he has to commit Atlantis to a more active role in the future should even make things interesting (at least it might, if there was any follow-up...) On the other hand, this conclusion is as anticlimactic and unheroic as the rest of the episode: Woolseyian in every respect.
Doctor Who: Midnight (2008)
Fear itself
After the doom and gloom of the past few episodes, we could really do with a light, comedic episode....
Or not.
This has to be one of the most scary episodes of Doctor Who to date, even more so than Blink, because in Blink, fear was thrilling ; here, it is simply chilling. I only regret that it should be set so close after the Doctor's encounter with the Vashta Nerada, which had already cranked up the tension quite a few notches, making Midnight a bit less noticeable.
The friendly, fun atmosphere at the beginning only makes it more scary when the stranded shuttle is attacked by an invisible, "impossible" monster. It soon turns out that the monster has broken in and possessed one of the tourists on board, using a disturbing MO: it "learns" its victim by repeating what they say, then steals their voice and uses the connection to feed on them, leaving them completely powerless. The great thing here is that there are almost no SFX involved; the horrific atmosphere relies mostly on Leslie Sharp's really stunning performance (as Mrs Silvestri).
But in Midnight, the real monsters are the humans. This is what makes it outstanding and appalling at the same time: true to the title, the Doctor is faced with the darkest hour of humanity. Right under his eyes, his travelling companions (ordinary people with ordinary flaws) gradually turn into vicious, murderous creatures. While it is suggested that the monster has a hand in their growing fear and anger, and while some of the characters manage to remain coherent and humane (even unexpectedly heroic, at the end), the appalling truth is that fear CAN indeed bring out the worst out of us.
So this is one of the very few times when we see the Doctor lose control. With Donna only making a cameo appearance, he is quite alone, in a situation that he can neither run away from nor talk himself out of. Once again, David Tennant does a great job of conveying the Doctor's dismay and incredulity; and he becomes just magnificent when, powerless and deprived of any means of expression but the look in his eyes, he manages to freeze our blood with the absolute terror in them. In many ways, this is one of the Doctor's worst ordeals, and for once he does not even try to claim that "he is alright".
So while this standalone episode is not crucial to the season as a whole, it is brilliant and really different -though, pessimistic as it is, it feels more like a Torchwood episode. The worst thing is, things aren't about to look up.
Stargate: Atlantis: The Last Man (2008)
The way it's supposed to be
This is a weird episode. You would expect it to pick up right where The Kindred left us, holding our breaths. Instead, it begins with Sheppard coming home to Atlantis only to find it long dead, buried in sand, and learning that a solar flare has just sent him to a very far future, where McKay's virtual doppleganger is waiting to help him get back home. Fun though time paradoxes may be, one might be forgiven for not giving a damn. I mean, this is the season finale, so why the (apparently) disconnected plot? What about rescuing the *very pregnant* heroine from the clutches of the mad alien scientist?
Watch on. Actually, this episode is all about raising the stakes (to galactic proportions, no less), and about making Teyla's rescue possible in the first place. As "Rodney" tells Sheppard the end of his story, we realise that we just don't want to go there. I like the idea that, this time, the enemy is so clever that without this major cheat, nobody has a chance against him. And even though most of the "flashbacks" included in The Last Man won't ever come to pass (or will they?), they tell a lot about our favorite characters, even more about Rodney himself. So to all intents and purposes, this episode is sort of "The Season You Don't Want To Happen" --but in a good way.
And to make the episode even better, instead of ending with Sheppard successfully coming back to his own time, the episode goes on to show how Atlantis immediately capitalises on Sheppard's new information and... discovers that even help from the future might not be enough against Michael. Don't you just love those last-minute twists?
Doctor Who: Forest of the Dead (2008)
Everybody is saved
Silence in the Library is a tough act to follow. And frankly, there are a few slow moments in this episode as we watch Donna enjoy a weird, rosy fake reality and wait for her to get a clue, while back in the Library the Doctor is still running from the walking skeletons. And as the Goofs section will tell you, there is a glaring inconsistency, although it does not affect the story itself. Yet those few flaws are more than made up for by a really solid plot and an ending to put all endings to shame.
As the two parts of the plot finally come to a head, we realise that the key rests with the little girl with the remote. Once her true identity is revealed, it is only a matter of minutes until all the threads finally come together in a complex, tightly-woven plot which makes good use of every detail. And the characters get to show their mettle. I like how Forest of the Dead shows them to be so much better than the stereotypes they were in Silence in the Library: Anita, who at first seemed a bit mean, now proves to be very brave in her own way; Mr Lux unexpectedly turns out to be a good guy; poor Miss Evangelista gets a real upgrade. Even better, River gives us an unexpected glimpse into the Doctor's nature when, with just one whispered word, she earns his absolute trust --and shakes him to his secretive core. This is a man who has repeatedly trusted his companions with his life. With his name --not *once*.
Finally, I like how this series promotes an understated sort of heroism, one which does not brag about its tragedies. Even faced with their own mistakes, even faced with horrible doom, the characters all try to put a good face on it and pretend that they're alright. Yet where another show would give them a hero's sendoff, they die unnoticed, silently, even grotesquely.
As for River... Who has not cried over that final scene? The whole "your firsts are my lasts" device is such a brilliant, refreshing, heart-breaking idea. Now we will never be able to see her without remembering this. Yet beyond the tragedy, the episode unexpectedly manages to end on a hopeful note. The Doctor's mad dash always has me hopping in my chair, holding my breath, willing him to run for her life. But all of this would be so much less powerful without River's beautiful voice-over. This is one of those scenes that just takes your breath away and leaves you reeling and silent in front of your television, unwilling to break the spell.
Sorry for that extremely long review but... it was worth it.
Doctor Who: Silence in the Library (2008)
Jumping at shadows
10+ actually. If I had to keep only a handful of episodes out of this whole series (possibly if I could only keep one) this would be it. I know that Blink is usually hailed as THE Dr Who episode not to miss, but it works as a standalone in a rather bland season. Silence in the Library, on the other hand, is pivotal to the show as a whole.
Not only that, it is unbelievably rich. It starts with the Doctor receiving a mysterious summons to a futuristic Library: this would already make a lovely setting for any story, even if the place was not currently swarming with a bunch of *really* nasty critters. In terms of creepiness, the Vashta Nerada take second place only to the Angels as it taps into our innate fear of the dark; soon, the plot *literally* has everybody jumping at shadows (not a difficult proposition in a library). But I like how the monsters are only part of the eerie atmosphere. The Nodes and the neural transmitters only make it worse, and somehow explaining them does not make them less horrific. But even as the characters desperately try to survive, we realise that the Library, along with its unwilling guests, might be a figment of a little girl's imagination. So beyond the monster-of-the-week episode, you start to wonder how real the Doctor's current plight is.
Now, on any other day, this would be enough mystery for a good episode... Then, in strides River Song, taking the drama, humour and mystery to a whole new level. Immediately, you can feel that she is a keeper. For someone making a first appearance, and not even as a companion, she feels amazingly real and fleshed-out. Whereas most characters tend to take several episodes to become familiar and acquire backgrounds and personalities, River drops in as a full-grown character: she already has a rich background, a few really arresting props and some funny quirks and habits. She clearly can hold her own with the Doctor, even feels like him at times. Donna has to step back a bit to make room for her, but I doubt anyone will mind. I remember watching this episode for the first time and being amused, saddened and fascinated by this amazing woman. Now, in retrospect, her look when the Doctor kindly asks "Who are you?" simply breaks my heart.
This is what makes this episode outstanding: it gets better every time you watch it. So you first-time viewers, know that in a few seasons you will watch this again, grin at "Hello sweetie", gasp at the astronaut suit (I swear I did), and actually understand some of those entries in River's diary. And despite a few complaints voiced here, there is no plot hole. How River managed to recognise the Tenth Doctor immediately is quite simple actually. Watch on. In true Timelord fashion, this episode never gets old.
Stargate: Atlantis: Rising (2004)
Don't compare, just enjoy the ride
Like many people, I am wary of spin-offs, so I started watching Atlantis with the nagging suspicion that this was merely an opportunity to pimp up SG-1 --and lose all contact with reality. But I started watching this and I got hooked right away.
Not because of the plot, honestly. Nothing wrong with it, mind, but for a while it feels like SG-1 without SG-1. They find a mission, go through the Stargate and chaos ensues. New planets, new enemy, new blunders... same old, same old. But I tend to think that at this stage it's more of a signature tone (or a running gag) than a lack of imagination. I mean, SGU did try to go new places and look how that turned out. Still, the Wraith do seem less interesting than the Goa'uld: less creepy, more gory. Classic monsters. But Rising remains quite enjoyable, nicely paced, and it manages to introduce quite a number of new elements, so I am quite content to let anything develop from here.
As for characters, obviously this is a tricky bit with a spin off. A few old friends are here on loan to facilitate the transition, but mostly we are starting afresh (unless you count McKay, who hardly features among my favourite characters at this stage). Besides, while SG-1 managed to run for a while with a very limited cast, Atlantis immediately starts juggling military personnel, civilian contractors (from all around the world) and Pegasus natives. It is no mean feat that by the end of the episode you can more or less remember everybody and have one or two traits clearly defined. A bit too clear-cut maybe, but once again, I am sure that the show will in time refine them and give them a few quirks --and that the actors will each add their own touch to their character. So far, I am willing to be part of the team.
But what really, really got me was the setting. In the end, the main difference between Stargate Atlantis and Stargate SG-1, is Atlantis itself. The Lost City clearly functions as a whole character, a whole plot in itself. The visuals are simply astonishing, and they are wonderfully supported by the eerie, magical background themes. And even in the middle of various disasters, the show takes some time to give us a few glimpses of the place and its potential. So yes, in contrast with the hyper-functional, hyper-realistic, almost squalid setting of the SGC, Atlantis is a bright, shiny new toy meant to lure the audience in. But what a toy. Clearly this does not bear watching while ironing your laundry or peeling potatoes. It is further removed from reality than SG-1 was, sci-fi with an extra dose of fantastic (or is it fantasy?) at times, but isn't that a given for a series called Atlantis, set in the Pegasus galaxy?
Doctor Who: Partners in Crime (2008)
Second chances all around
This is an excellent episode for the beginning of a new season, with a new companion to boot. Like many people, I mostly remembered Donna for her constant screeching in Runaway Bride, so I appreciate that she now seems both more cheerful and yet somehow... muted. I really like how her reunion with the Doctor is introduced, and their silent conversation across the villain's interrogation room is a hoot --one of my favourite scenes on the show actually. Finally, as someone has already suggested, having the Doctor travel with somebody who is quite immune to his charm will be a nice change --and I can't wait to see how he's going to handle Donna (and vice versa)! This is also the first time the Doctor acknowledges how miserable he made Martha last year.
As for the "main" plot, it is not very memorable, but then again season openings seldom are --they are not supposed to be about the alien-of-the-week anyway. Yet even on paper, this one beats a mannequin attack (S1) and a rhino hospital-jacking (S3) any day. If you ask me, using a weight-loss pill to spread an alien invasion is brilliant --and a deliciously grim statement on our society. Besides, the happy ending is an interesting variation on what happened in Runaway Bride; and I like me a cute alien once in a while --almost makes you want to keep that fat and cuddle it! Last but not least, I enjoyed the episode's quick pace, quirky dialogues and the sheer absurdity of some scenes. Oh, and obviously, that gasp-inducing moment at the end. Talk about a teaser.
So for many reasons, including said gasp-inducing moment, I recommend viewing this as a second chance for every character in Doctor Who.
Stargate SG-1: The Powers That Be (2005)
Come ye faithful
This is not one of the most memorable episodes in SG-1, but it has very few flaws and brings a lot to the new season.
Once again, one of my favourite elements is Vala's complex character. While she never acts selflessly (she partly brings SG-1 to the mining colony because she wants to get her treasure back), she doesn't need that much incentive to make the right choice, and her tough facade has tons of cracks in it. It is clear that the scriptwriters have plans for her, so I am looking forward to watching her evolve (although I am a bit concerned that she is still only a Special Guest Star).
But even as Vala honestly starts to care about the people she spent years duping and exploiting (no matter how benevolently), her efforts seem doomed in front of the Ori's godlike power. Now the tone becomes much darker, even more hopeless than during the Anubis arc. What makes the Ori so terrifying is not their unearthly powers; the most compelling thing about them is how very easy, how very seductive their way is -especially when compared to the Goa'uld's despotic rule. As a result, despite all of Daniel's rightful arguments, the miners' conversion is a foregone conclusion. It is rather disheartening to watch those people, whom we got attached to rather quickly, willingly make the wrong choice --but then again, when faced with such options, who would not?
So now the fight has really taken hold in our galaxy --and the first battle is already lost. It is difficult to imagine how the humans are going to fight back, unless Daniel's question turns out to be really significant: Why are the Ori so keen on being adored?
Stargate SG-1: The Ties That Bind (2005)
I guess this is what TV Tropes calls a "Fetch Quest"...
I cannot say I was bored while watching this episode, mostly because the alchemy between Vala and Daniel is still great: she drives him completely insane but he gets her better than she does. Even though she is still very far from becoming a SG member, she clearly is too good to lose --at least from a scriptwriter's point of view. This is a good thing, considering that we're still (sorely) missing Carter, and that Teal'c only makes random appearances at SGC --leaving us with a rather problematic case of Where's My Series Again?
The problem with this episode is that, even though Vala's antics and fibs ARE entertaining, this is about all the plot has to offer. There is little character development and almost no action to speak of, so we're left watching people lie and barter for about 3/4 of the episode. The team spends days hunting for a Thingummy that will lead them to a Trinket which is in turn necessary to obtain a piece of Stuff. Just add a small victorious jingle as each Quest is finished, and you have yourself a very nice old-school adventure game instead of a SG-1 episode. And let me say, the conclusion does not improve that feeling of uselessness.
So while the dialogue is interesting and continues to develop Vala's character and relationships, there is little to say about the rest. Really, the series is taking its sweet time finding its pace again. The only thing that feels sadly familiar, unfortunately, is SG-C's continued problems with financing and the IOA, but that part is barely touched upon.
Stargate: Atlantis: Miller's Crossing (2007)
Will they STOP fiddling with those nanites!!!!
This is a good episode, and seeing the McKay siblings again is a real treat. (For a second, I almost said that they felt like a real brother and sister --my bad.) The plot does seem a bit déjà-vu (from SG-1 or Elizabeth's experiences), and it is a bit static to my taste, spending a lot of time on narration and very little on action. I also find it hard to empathise with Wallace's grief considering that he never shows it and always looks very self-possessed.
Still, there is some really good interaction between the characters. I love the scene at the beginning where you glimpse just how horrible it might be to work with Rodney on an average, non-world-saving day, and most of his bickering scenes, even with the Wraith, are very funny. We even get a rare occasion to see his more sentimental side when he is willing to feed himself to a starving Wraith to help his sister. I appreciate how ruthlessly Sheppard reacts to the situation, but I find it very hard to believe that a man like Wallace would so easily accept to have his life sucked out. And that nobody on Atlantis would bat a lid at what happened. All of this makes this episode a bit uneven.
Stargate: Atlantis: The Seer (2007)
Que sera, sera
This is a really great episode with very little time to get bored. It develops several good plot lines and contributes a lot to this season's main arc. There's even a huge space fight, for crying out loud! Teyla's continued search for her people is really but a pretext, but we get confirmation that she is pregnant, which raises the usual interrogation (who????) and should change things in the team.
Also, my wish to see "Sheppard's Wraith friend" (aka Todd) once again is fulfilled, at the same time that we finally get some feedback on Rodney's tampering with the Replicators. Once again, it turns out that Atlantis's good intentions backfired, and instead of solving a problem they actually made things worse. Oh, the irony. (And I will get to say that again, I'm afraid; still, it is frustrating to think that we lost Elizabeth for that). So the Wraiths and Atlantis have to work together, which is entertaining considering how little trust there is on both sides. Still, everybody is surprisingly reasonable about this, for once. This finally gives Carter the opportunity to show her mettle, especially since Woolsey is once again meddling in Stargate's affairs. Well, it's what he does; but we have long since understood that he would never be a real threat to anybody, so he's only here as a foil to Carter.
The plot dealing with the Seer is also quite interesting. I like it that for once a human's "powers" are the genuine thing --but as usual, they end up complicating things instead of simplifying them, as everybody starts hesitating and second-guessing themselves. The episode raises a few philosophical questions here, but fortunately doesn't try to answer them, instead focusing on how the *characters* deal with getting glimpses of the future and not knowing how to avoid it. But the great thing about this episode is that, even though its particular plot lines are neatly tied up at the end, the major questions are left pending, slowly growing into a full-fledged arc. And the funny thing: despite all those predictions, you will still be surprised when they come true!
Stargate: Atlantis: Doppelganger (2007)
Sweet dreams
It seems that we're back to a "alien-of-the-week" format for now. This means that nothing too significant will happen today, and honestly the basic idea for the plot is none too original, but this is still a pretty watchable episode.
This time Atlantis has to deal with an entity that feeds on fear, inspiring everybody with rather freaky nightmares, some of which reflect "real-life" perils, such as the Replicators or Sheppard's transformation into a bug. (I find Teyla's nightmare particularly fascinating, as Sheppard will hallucinate a rather similar setting at the beginning of season 5.) Also, the fact that every single illusion includes a really weird version of Sheppard adds a nice and unexpected twist to the team's investigation. Still, on the whole the nightmares regrettably say very little about the characters' hidden fears and traumas --at least until the last part: those last 10mn are the most interesting of the whole, as the team finally find a way to fight back. Once again, I am amazed at how great Rodney and Sheppard are together; against all odds, they are the ultimate team, making up for each other's weaknesses and doubts. I find their willingness to rescue each other at all cost very touching. (And: Moby Dick as a pet peeve?! I wish there had been someone to analyse that for us --oh, wait, there *used to* be... Atlantis really has had an awful casualty rate recently)
Apart from that very good scene, frankly, this is not one of the best episodes. It lacks a bit in the comedic department, and I regret that Carter gets little to do since this was a good opportunity to introduce her a bit better. Still, you don't get bored watching Doppelganger, so it is still worth a viewing.
Stargate: Atlantis: First Strike (2007)
Going above and beyond
This episode, along with its 2nd part, are probably the most intense moments in the whole Atlantis series. This 1st part in particular is flawless. It is very dynamic, filled with spectacular action scenes (and as someone already mentioned, the visuals are absolutely awesome, worthy of a full-screen movie), and the background music adds a really nice epic touch. But despite all the action, the episode still manages to find some time for our characters, and even eases in two major new faces: Col. Ellis, who will replace Caldwell in the role of the antagonistic ally, and dear little Jennifer Keller, who quickly gets to fill in Carson's shoes despite her misgivings (and here I find Weir's comment that she feels safe putting her life in Jennifer's hands rather prophetic, in a grim way).
The initial Horizon plan is already quite spectacular, but what comes next is even better because this time the action does not only rely on explosion and power, but on cleverness and ingenuity. On both sides, by the way: I like that the Stargate series dare to create tough and inventive villains. So as the Replicators launch a devastating assault on Atlantis, our heroes have to come up with ever smarter, ever more spectacular counter-measures --not all of which succeed, which I also appreciate. Every scene manages to top the previous one; and just when you think that the series has elegantly completed a full circle by submerging Atlantis again, it suddenly takes off in a completely new direction -literally. But this unexpected victory comes at a -very high- price, and the season cleverly concludes on one of those nasty, scream-inducing cliffhangers.
So First Strike -and its 2nd part- constitutes a turning point in the series, as humans symbolically take full (well, partial) control of Atlantis and where it goes. This is what a finale should be, and this (minus the cliffhanger) could have been a really great ending for the series as a whole.
Stargate: Atlantis: Epiphany (2005)
Ascension for Dummies
This is a clever plot, based on another piece of Ancient technology which is both really astonishing and quite easy to understand; as a result, the plot develops without a bump. Oddly enough, however, a bump or too might have been nice, because Sheppard's holidays at the Ascension B&B get a bit boring after a while. Granted, he has one horrible monster to fight, apparently on his own at that, but since he is unable to deal it any damage, his part of the story doesn't seem that essential to the episode. I like that the monster is invisible and partially intangible (which is meaningful since it embodies Fear), but I tend to think that this particular plot is a bit childish (so basically, what prevented those people from Ascending was the thought of a big bad monster under their bed?)
In fact, the most interesting moment in the episode is when Sheppard's stuck in the cave and we slowly realise that despite appearances, what is happening on his side, and what McKay and the rest of the team are going through, simply doesn't take place in the same time frame at all. That's an interesting conundrum, and I appreciate the various obstacles and solutions that Atlantis has to deal with. On the other hand, it also means that Ronon and Teyla once again don't get much to do, even though Teyla can be rather resourceful.
So intellectually speaking, this is a really good episode. It also has good moments, and once again we meet two of the shows's gimmicks: one, that Sheppard will seduce anything female in the Pegasus galaxy, whether he tries to or not. Second, that any Ancient the team comes across is bound to leave early and without helping any. Also, Ascending is clearly not all that and a bag of energy bars. But on the whole, I think the episode lacks a bit of action, and a lot of teamwork, to be really memorable.
Stargate: Atlantis: Common Ground (2006)
So Wraith CAN agree with their food source!
This is one of my favourite episodes on Atlantis. There is not a single detail I find boring in it (I particularly love Sheppard being unexpectedly harpooned back from the Gate), and it introduces or reintroduces several savory characters.
Things are really becoming personal between Sheppard and Kolya, but you have to shiver at the lengths the Genii commander is willing to go just out of spite. So far, we've never seen someone survive a Wraith feeding (except Ford, but we don't wish his fate on Sheppard either). To make things even more chilling, the SFX showing Sheppard's gradual aging are really well-done, and become absolutely terrifying at the end. So I pity poor Weir who has to let her friend suffer that just for the sake of honoring a rather shaky alliance. Part of what makes the episode work is that we really watch Atlantis (and the Genii) do their utmost to rescue Sheppard -so their failure is all the more frustrating.
But the best part of it all, obviously, is Sheppard and his fellow prisoner. It is not an easy plot to carry out, having two mortal foes bond against a common enemy --especially considering that one of them is being used to torture the other. But it works, in part because of the clever way in which we first get to empathise with the Wraith before discovering his identity (just as with Michael, but this time the shock is on Sheppard: very nice scene there, btw.) So it's a credit to Sheppard's strength of character that, besides surviving a Wraith's feeding, he should also manage to lift his spirits. The two of them actually make a rather good team, even though that may be only due to their exhaustion. But then, the Wraith is also pretty unusual himself, actually treating a human as an equal, holding his end of the bargain and even doing his best to spare him. For the first time, you find yourself wanting to know more about the Wraith, especially after the final twist, which could potentially change a lot in the future. I guess that's what you call food for thought (pun totally intended).