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SG-1 SEASON NINE
THE TIES THAT BIND
EPISODE NUMBER - 904

Jackson and Mitchell must join Vala on an interplanetary scavenger hunt when they learn that they are still bound together by an alien energy field.
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GoVols
Tonight i think we finally confirmed that Daniel Jackson is indeed a homosexual.
Not that there is any thing wrong with that.
But seriously, Vala is a very sexy, aleuring, attractive woman. Now any man who reads this should reply to this question. What would you do if you found Vala, laying in lengerie in your bed, and being sugestive. I know exactly what i would do.
esoap524
ROTFLMAO!!! Seriously! I'm a straight woman and even I find her alluring and sexy. The woman's making me question my entire universe. LOL!
Maybe Daniel's just a man of high moral fiber who isn't going to get it on with the first tootsie who walks through the gate. Or the second. Or the third...
If I were Vala, I'd switch my attention over to Mitchell ;)
Dana_Jeanne
Wow. I have to go back and watch it again. Great episode, just the right mix of funny and serious.
PLEASE can't we keep VALA????? I love this team, Daniel, Teal'c, Mitchell and Vala.
Dana Jeanne
jyh
(spoiler space?)
Ha ha! Funny!! But if you're not careful people might think you're serious! lol You could tell that Daniel was pretty tempted by Vala. But I think he's just so turned off by her theiving, conniving, lying nature, that that overrules any physical temporary lust he might feel.
Good episode.... and thank GOD for that! More comments later on the 'official' episode thread.
lord-anubis
Im not sure what this ep was about because I was to buisy looking at vala in her many diffent outfits :p lol. That part near the end with them flying the cargo ship was cool. I just loved when camern said to that alien
Who do u like in the nfl this year u strake me as a rarders fan lol
Bobthespirit
This Vala thing is getting downright ridiculous. Seriously, do the writers think they're the first ones to think of having a 'devious trader' character? Or do they think they're clever to make the 'devious trader' character a nymphomaniac? They must think they are, because they deliver every scene in an overly cute manner that just screams 'My god, we think this is a really amazing character!'
That scene where Vala was in Daniel's room. First of all, the whole scene progression was completely predictable through and through. Second of all, as for reasons Daniel finds Vala unappealing...why doesn't he just tell her the truth? "I don't date amoral opportunistic sociopaths".
Why were they letting her just walk through the gate and go home? How about you LOCK HER UP IN JAIL. She stole what was at the time their only interstellar ship!
And Teal'c ambiguous status as a member of earth's armed forces. They should say "Look, you either work for us or you don't." It's like all the military discipline that defined the show in the first few seasons has just gone by the books.
Mitchell is quickly becoming 'Shephard - personality'. He delivers his 'homegrown witticisms' like a statue.
Then the ending was the most predictable part at all. Well, I didn't predict it exactly, but at the start of the scene I thought 'I bet it will have already worn off and they didn't realize it yet.'
And then the scenes...does anyone in this galaxy who's not on earth and not Teal'c THINK FOR THEMSELVES? It's like all you have to do to be worshipped as a god is say 'I'm a god!' and show off some neat parlor tricks.
At this rate I may stop caring whether I miss an episode, and just not buy that season of DVD.
You could tell that Daniel was pretty tempted by Vala. But I think he's just so turned off by her theiving, conniving, lying nature, that that overrules any physical temporary lust he might feel.
Oh, that's right. Daniel does have morals. And she is pretty thieving, conniving, etc, etc...she just does it so well and is so charming doing it that we forget she's, well, "wicked." (haven't seen the ep but did see the preview ;))
Looking forward to tonight.
Elwe Singollo
At this rate I may stop caring whether I miss an episode, and just not buy that season of DVD.Although i can't say i disagree or agree with any of your comments, because i see your points, and i understand them, except your first one about the writers thinking their clever because they think no one else has created a 'devious trader' before them...
Also maybe your last comment, about thinking for people's ownself, how however you say it. I think those people who are gullible to drop their lives for a god(or false god for that matter) is because they simply aren't educated like others (such as humans on earch) to know whats right, its like they are toddlers who don't know whats right, so they go steal a cookie from the cookie jar.
Excali5033
I'm curious of the politics of the Post-Goa'uld galaxy at large (not just the Jaffa) and I hope what we saw here was just the start.
And yes...Claudia Black looks good in red.
MarshAngel
There was just too much silliness in this episode. I was somewhat hoping it would all settle in a bit more as it went on but I think the balance is off. I don't mind some silliness and humor but there wasn't enough seriousness to offset it.
I can't seem to focus on Mitchell at all, at the end of every episode I can't remember what he contributed to the story, he just seems to be there.
I want that outfit Vala wore to Washington in my closet. She looked great.
Oh yes i forgot, i just loved the outfits in this episode. Cam, Daniel and Teal'c - their attire in the episode was such a relief, i was sick and tired of black t shirts and green fatigues and all that stuff we see 24/7, ok maybe not that much, but i was sick of it.
Ahh, that Washington scene... Although i hated it that they wanted to cut the budget of the SGC (grr...) i loved that comment about '...big missiles' hahah... very funny stuff.
AGateFan
I thought it was kinda slow. I did like the NFL talk. No one annoyed me although I didnt always think Landry was acting appropiately to the situation. I cant put my finger on exactly what but somthing was just off. I will have to watch it again.
Mitchell was good.
Vala was good.
Daniel was good.
Teal'c, was he in this ep?
Lam, was she in this ep?
Landry something was just off.
I liked the smuggler\monk and the jaffa\trader. The little guy was kinda creepy but then he was in Princess Bride too. I like the Idea of a black market alliance.
Over all it was ok. I had no major issues with it but it didnt get me thinking this is awesome either. Second viewing always helps me clarify my thoughts... and reading what you all think.
I thought the ep was good. Not great, but good. Vala didn't get on my nerves as much as usual... altho the scene at the Congressional Hearing was a bit much. A WAAAAY bit much. But I'm glad that nobody at the SGC seems to be falling for Vala's wiles. In fact, watching her kinda makes me wonder how ANYBODY falls for her wiles. She's rather obvious
But overall I liked the episode, with a few nitpicks. I thought the interaction of Mitchell & Daniel was good. Especially liked Daniel's expression when the old man was detailing his romantic trysts w/ Vala. To me, that was 100% proof that Daniel found the thought of being w/ Vala distasteful. The plot of trying to get object A from person B who wants object C from person D was relatively well done, even tho it was a bit derivative (there's a similar episode of M*A*S*H, as I recall).
Now for the nitpicks. Where did Teal'c come from, and why did they even bother having him in this ep? I suppose he came to the senate committee meeting because of his involvement in the new Jaffa leadership, but he contributed absolutely zip to the episode. (Sorry, CJ... personally I can't wait until you can REALLY come back 100%.)
Second nitpick. Has anyone even MENTIONED Carter since the 1st episode??? In that first episode, it was mentioned that she was working on a project at Area 51. But I heard a rumor (here on the boards, perhaps?) that she's spending time w/ Cassie after Janet's death. Personally, I think they should have mentioned her name once or twice in the past few episodes; Daniel could have mentioned hearing from her or about her, or Landry could have referenced her somehow. (I noticed Jack's name managed to work it's way in there, and he's not coming back in any meaningful way. But Carter, who WILL be back?.... nothing.)
Also, as soon as Daniel, Cam, Vala, & Teal'c went back to the old man, I knew he wouldn't be able to 'fix' their bracelets & unconnect them. Interesting that he guessed that the effect would wear off naturally... I guess that will end up being the truth. I'll be glad to see her go through the gate. A little Vala goes a long way. I won't be averse to seeing her once or twice again this season, but only in limited quantities.
kharn the betrayer
While I found the episode ok.... I enjoyed Atlantis more this week...
but Vala's comments about guys liking big guns made me crack up
BeerGirl
[QUOTE=GoVols]Tonight i think we finally confirmed that Daniel Jackson is indeed a homosexual.
Maybe Daniel's not into "lying, conniving, treacherous and untrustworthy women"
Also, what's up with that old-west get-up that the guys wore to that planet??? I expected one of them to jump on a horse and say "saddle up, pilgrim." :p
mtee1958
At least they did make some comment about it being Western gear. Didn't Daniel give it some funny name? I need to see it again to get it right -- but the point is they addressed how much like a cowboy they looked. I thought it looked very nice on those two!!! At least we got some leather ;)
gatehorse
I didn't like Prometheus Unbound all that much, but I have to say, with every episode this season, I'm liking Vala more and more. I loved the comedic moments in this episode. :) Great outfits too. ;)
Hey, I didn't say they looked BAD, just different!!! ;) Also, I don't recall them referencing 'western' duds in particular, so if anyone does watch it again & catch what they say, I'll be interested to know. I thought they just remarked on getting to wear something different for a change.
JanusAncient
I actually, enjoyed Stargate Atlantis more, *shhhhhh, not too loudly* The scene with the monk, was great, Vala in bed, halfway to nudity, was awesome, and finding out about the Lucian Alliance, was another plus, but overall the episode lacked luster, it wasn't great, it wasn't terrible, just somewhere in the middle, but the part that really put me off, was when the Director, or whatever, of the Appropriations Committee, stated that they now had the resources to defend Earth, from any threat in the galaxy, when there are enemies out there as advanced as the Asgard, then there is the Ori, not being a little afraid of them, is sheer lunacy, such morons shouldn't be allowed to run anything, I don't have a problem with more Daedalus class ships, but they don't even have energy based weapons, so good luck penetrating an enemy ships shield, so that ticked me off, but other that this moronic scene, the episode was okay, yeah just okay.
GateTraveler
Yes, but hasn't she already used this "compensating" line (or something similar) in Avalon I. It's also been done to death in other shows/movies. Vala is starting to annoy me again after warming to her somewhat in Avalon II and Origin. I think the notion that she is OK in small doses is right on. I would not like to see her as a permanent member of the team.
I thought the episode itself was just OK. I was entertained and not bored - which is a good thing. Some humorous moments and light-hearted fun - nothing more. It'll do as a filler I guess. There wasn't much progression of the overall arcs which is what I am looking to see more of.
So. It wasn't a great episode. But it was good. So far, Season 9 is shaping up to be better than 8 was.
Vala is definetly growing on me. Its going to be a shame not seeing her around once Carter is back.
rofl. I did find that scene a little odd. :D
Lt. Elliot
Okay The Ties That Bind was funny with an exceptional plot. Great one!
*Vala was just everything! From all her lies to tricking Daniel to trying to bed him, amazing! I love Vala more and more.
*Mitchell was good. Cam Mitchell, bounty hunter. Hilarious! Great job.
*Senator Fischer, not so much. Totally Kinsey. But Vala put him in his place with his shortcomings.
*Lucian Alliance, not so impressive. They don't worry me too much. The Orii still scare me more. But the advanced cargo ship, awesome!
*"Good morning Sunshine!" AHH! That was cute, Mitchell and Daniel are so ship-able. But it annoys me when he calls him "Jackson"
Good episode, but my mind is reeling from BSG. But I have to say, my sides still hurt from Vala. Oh, The Powers that Be should be good, but soon, SAM COMES BACK!!
But I do notice now, we have the humor of O'Neill in Vala and Mitchell and the character of O'Neill in Mitchell, so I really am not noticing his departure.
the fifth man
Pretty good episode. Serious and funny. Tptb sure know how to skillfully use both. Loved how they wrapped up the events of "Prometheus Unbound". Good move to relate to it. And Vala in that little red get-up - don't even get me started. HOTTTTTT!!!! If I were Daniel, probably would have had to give in to temptation.
binkpmmc
The comments on this ep are a little dismaying to me in light of the fact that RCC was quoted as saying in Cult Times #117 that "The galaxy is about to become a very dangerous place again and there's no time for all that romping around." I have not seen this ep but from many of the comments here, and elsewhere, it certainly sounds like a romp - I think most of what I have read so far is about how funny/humourous it was and the casts attire, etc., etc. If, after only 4 eps, they are already resorting to romps, and filler episodes, I wonder what the rest of the season holds.
Great episode... Loved every minute of it! I do wonder what is in store for the SGC now that is will have some kind of civilian "watchdog"... What does that even mean?
I guess we'll find out in upcoming episodes... outstanding! Can't wait till next week
Seastallion
I believe the term your looking for was "Raw-hide". :p
warmbeachbrat
I think he said something about "rawhide."
That means that the SGC will have some civilian questioning every command decision made, and then running off to tattle to 'the committee'. Then, if 'the committee' doesn't like the command decision, they withdraw their support, and it's back to the SGC running on only 30% budget. Sucks really... Sort of like having a little tattle-tail looking over your shoulder all the time, giving you no privacy at all. :S
MasySyma
Overall, it was a good episode. Not a great one, but it wasn't Avenger 2.0 thankfully. I was disappointed that it did not continue the overall story arc much because I wanted to see more of the Ori, and the clueless government guys are becoming super annoying.
However, I love that Vala drives Daniel to the edge of sanity, and Cameron's character is growing on me.
I look forward to the return of Sam and next week's episode.
Mongo's Girl
Do you think we can get that leather get up added as authorized off-world gear. The boys looked mighty fine! I mean...it's pretty functional in a fire fight. Yeah, that's what I meant. ;)
Good episode. Nice blend of funnies and drama. Can't wait for Sam, but at the same time, I can't imagine Vala not being there. She's become somewhat of a fixture for me. :)
I liked this show. :) It was fun. :p Well, at least we now know what the 'mysterious' Lucian Alliance is now. :D LOL Poor Daniel... he can't seem to get a break. :p
"Ah, those were wonderful, carnal times"
OMG, never let Wallace Shawn say that again!!! But, lol! Makes me wonder, though, how old is Vala? She didn't answer when Landry asked her, back in the first ep. They've been hinting that she's older than she looks. I wouldn't be surprised if she was a host for a longer time than one might have thought.
Another good line was Cameron Mitchell's subtle "Who's Granis?...Thanks" on the monk's world, lol.
Totally hear you on that one. :)
Vala sure has a colorful past doesn't she?
I enjoyed seeing the various people she scammed and schemed with--and against. But I sure wouldn't want to picture her and that short old man being intimate--yuck! :eek:
The part between Daniel and Vala were good. I knew sooner or later she would try to seduce him--but he didn't cave in. Loved the little breakthrough in their like/tolerate/hate relationship. Daniel was about to feel sorry for hurting Vala's feelings, until he saw once again, she was pulling his leg. :p
I almost fell out of my chair when I saw Teal'c in a suit and tie. He was looking mighty fine. And he wears leather VERY well. In fact all the guys looked good in those leather outfits. :D
The embrace between Daniel and Teal'c at the end was so sweet. :)
What was up with Cam buttoning his shirt getting off the elevator with the doc? The look Landry gave the two of them was interesting also. Were they trying to imply something there? Hmmm.
JayShadow
Enjoyed the episode, but was disappointed about one thing...
Those guys really needed to call Jackson 'Hanz Ollo' when they saw him
Shipperahoy
I've really liked the first episodes of this season but I'm not really impressed with this one. I don't think it was a stinker by any means but I was disapointed. There was no Teal'c for the entire first half of the show and when he did he had limited lines (surprise surprise). Vala was back to PU Vala and I didn't really care for that. I was hoping that she would get more depth as the series wore on but there was certainly no character development in this episode. For about half a second I thought that she might have been showing another side in Daniel's room but I figured out pretty quickly that she was just trying to play Daniel again. Also you would think that they would give Mitchell more to do in these early episodes in order to give people more of a feel for his character rather than focusing almost completely on Daniel and Vala but he seemed more of a background figure in this episode.
It looks as though Stargate Command will be dealing with political pressure this season (that sounds vaguely familiar :rolleyes: ). I know the bit with Vala on the senate desk was supposed to be funny but I just basically cringed throughout the whole thing. I really do enjoy the way Michael plays the long suffering Daniel to Vala. It's fun to watch but I really hope that they move away from the slapstick stuff soon and get back to Stargate.
They should once Carter returns.
StarzSkyMoon
i liked this episode. i love the interaction with daniel and vala. im just hoping though they dont play that out too much. the snarkiness is nice here and there, but this episode went a bit overboard...im hoping the later eps will have just a sprinkling of the dripping with sarcasm comments, so that the humor isnt lost on me later on because of its over use.
i miss teal'c and sam. though im fairly glad that oneill gracefully left. i miss the other half of the stargate team. teal'c's appearances have become more and more sparce, and sam...well needless to say i truly miss them.
but in saying that, i dont want to lose vala either. im hoping that vala will show up frequently even when her character leaves stargate command on a more perminant basis.
:cool: Lizbeth
I enjoyed this episode, thought it was funny. And all that trading stuff... did this episode remind anyone else of a Zelda game?
deSaintphalle
This episode was a lot of fun.
1. Loved the cowboy duds.
2. Laughed out loud at Wallace Shawn.
3. Liked how Vala took the boys on trip to an intergalatic tag sale.
4. Admired the subtle way that Cam and Lam slipped in their little bit of ship outside the elevator, and were busted by Landry.
I enjoyed this a lot, I thought it was a very good follow-up to three pretty intense episodes and gave us a nice break.
Vala and Daniel are great together. I wish we could keep her as SG-1's fourth.
I don't like that Mitchell calls Daniel "Jackson." If he isn't going to call Daniel by his first name as Daniel invited him to, then it should be DOCTOR Jackson.
Great opening scene with sticky-fingers and Daniel. LOL.
Mitchell did a little too much Jack-channeling for me in this. The lines were awkward. I like Mitchell more when he's serious.
Vala and Daniel are great together.
It was good to see Teal'c with the team where he belongs, and the goodbye hug between he and Daniel at the end was sweet.
Vala is showing more and more depth. The scene in Daniel's bedroom was simply lovely. Both actors did a great job in this episode.
Wallace Shawn always makes me laugh. And I see Joe got the Princess Bride reference in there.... As you wish.... <G>
I wanted to slap that Senator's face, he was such a ...donkey. Go Vala! I had a pair of tights almost just like that when I was thirteen. Yikes!
I'm looking forward to next Friday!
I would have to agree with you there on both counts. I'm not an Atlantis fan but I've always like McKay and watching him take center stage was fun.
I'm a big fan of Claudia Black's but the writing did seem a little off and the episode dragged almost as much as last week's. I did like the funny parts quite a bit though, loved the boys in leather, and the Vala/Daniel exchange in Daniel's room. It kind of makes me think Vala's just about ready to be honest but can't. I mean, I think Daniel may actually have hit the nail on the head, she seems earnest, he says "wait, I'm being had" and she says "is it working" but I really think that she's using that last bit as just another smokescreen to keep people at an emotional distance.
At least I'm hoping so.
I've seen Claudia Black do some really powerful emotional stuff and though I'm really enjoying the comedic part, I want to see an emotional payoff. It's all right to be comic relief but I really think she has a lot more depth and ability--I've seen it before and I really want to see it again.
<<<<loved the boys in leather>>>
Good Grief how did I forget that! Daniel and Mitchell in leather; I'm still a puddle of goo on the floor <G>
OMG, never let Wallace Shawn say that again!!!
Aw come on, it was almost like Zek and Ishka all over again. :b
bmicales
I believe I read someplace that there will be or is a relationship between Cam and the doc. Sorry, I don't have the quote ..... can someone help me out ?
Bruce Micales
where's stargate sg1?
i was originally not going to watch these five sam-less eps, but i changed my mind. my mom was going along with this, but after seeing the coming attractions last week for tonight's ep, she bowed out. and i'm sorry i didn't myself.
i'm not a big fan of daniel jackson (i can take him or leave him), so all these daniel-centric eps are making it harder and harder for me to continue watching until sam returns. and throwing vala into the mix... she had some good character building moments in avalon 2, but she's back to being the... whatever she is in this ep.
i felt like i was watching a different show, just sexed up to attract a different audience (that made me sad). a sex romp with daniel and vala. the guys walking around in leather outfits, spouting zingy one-liners. and where's daniel's glasses? i know vala sat on them, but are they trying to make it that daniel won't be wearing them anymore? you know, to make him cooler. *snort*
why would landry want vala to go to washington on behalf of the sgc? she's over the top all the time (he's seen it first hand), so why would he want *her* to even sit in the same room with these 'businessmen', let alone speak to them? it's already out of character for him, and we barely know his character. *snort again*
wasn't it nice seeing teal'c for those few seconds? he has to much to do. *another snort*
i suppose if i really enjoyed daniel, vala, and the daniel-vala relationship, this would have been a hoot and a holler, even though it barely resembled stargate sg1.
i'm trying to find something positive to say about this ep, but... it was well written, well directed, well cast, but well... i felt absolutely zero affinity to this ep or the ppl in it.
i miss stargate sg1.
i can't wait for sam to return! :(
sally :/
FoolishPleasure
I rather enjoyed this episode, but then. . I've become a big Vala fan.
I think we'll get more Mitchell and Teal'c action going once Sam returns and the "team" is back in place. It was good to see Browder back in leather. ;)
Erik Pasternak
I don't think he wanted her to, but he wanted (and, to a certain extent, needed) Daniel to go, which means "get in the car Vala."
The2ndQuest
>>why would landry want vala to go to washington on behalf of the sgc?<<
I don't think he did- but since he wanted Daniel there (to plead the Ori angle) she had to come too due to the bond between them.
Anyways the episode was pretty fun, but ultimately unsatisfying as (as they point out in the episode itself) it was all for nothing.
I'm also wondering how old Vala realy is... I starting to think she was taken as a host when she was very young, aged at a slower rate due to the symbiote, and when it was removed, she was now an adult with the immaturity of the child she once was. This might explain her relationship with the old guy in this episode.
ForeverSg1
Ok, we've had our little romp around the universe. We've been introduced to the new guy, the new baddies, and a potential new ally.
I'm sure others are having a great time with the season thus far, but for me, I'm REALLY ready to have my team back.
Enough with the fun and games...
I WANT MY SG-1!!!!
*Chants to self* Only two more weeks... Only two more weeks.
rhoboat
Well, hmm, we could get all technical and ask why would Teal'c go on this romp for Daniel's sake, and Sam wouldn't? But I'd rather not think it through too much on an episode like this. It was definitely an episode designed more for laughs than drama.
I agree with others about liking the introduction of the Lucian Alliance. Would like to see how they come into play later on.
Loved the leather outfits.
Oh, and Claudia Black holding that gun juuuust right. ;)
Not a great episode but it didn't have to be for me to enjoy it.
Erik Bloodaxe
If that was indicated by tonight's scene, you might as well claim that it was indicated way back when he stopped Sha're from disrobing in the movie. ;) Except that he married her, and was willing to put his life in jeopardy to get her back, and wasn't immune to Hathor's charms, so... :P
Vala? Well, it's impossible to know where she's been (all over the galaxy is a good start). ;) Now, if it were Carter, on the other hand (or better yet, Teyla)... :D
-Bloodaxe
sparklegem
This episode wasn't great. While there were important pieces in it, like the Washington scene and supposedly the development of a new adversay, they were background to the retracing of Vala's deals with shallow space rats, and it made the episode seem lacking in substance. Granted, I am not interested in Vala's character so that didn't help involve me in the plot. We didn't really learn anything about the antagonists, the Lucian Alliance? All we got was a line from Landry and a quick shot of a guy in a ship. But at the same time, I like not being handed everything on a silver platter, that we were as uninformed as the characters about the Lucians, that we're still unsure where O'Neill is. I hope we'll get something more of the break up of SG-1 before the season premiere.
There were good parts to the episode. For the fourth episode in a row I've loved everything about Teal'c, even when he's not center stage. Mr. Judge is on fire. I liked the Atlantis reference and the practical plight of the SGC. And I liked how Daniel openly told Vala what he thought of her. He's aware of what's going on and is not afraid to express his line of thought in a rational manner. Thank TPTB that he's holding her at arm's length. Two more episodes to go.
And, on more of a side note, I love the five second Stargate character shots during the commercials. They're beautiful.
morjana
Wow. (And I don't mean in a good way Wow.)
I was looking forward to this episode because I really love Wallace Shawn.
I started watching...and woke up as BSG was ending.
Now, I used to regularly fall asleep while watching Enterprise, but this was the first time I ever fell asleep while watching SG1.
(I even took an afternoon nap so I'd be rested to watch SciFi Friday. I know I'm old, but I'm not THAT old.)
Fortunately (I guess), I had a tape running, so I can rewind and watch tomorrow.
To end this post on a high note...SAM CARTER RETURNS AUG. 19TH!
2 more eps.
Mitchell is career military -- it's probably second nature for him to address, or refer to, subordinates and peers by their last names.
I have a question about Vala, how could SGC justify giving her no treasure at all?
I mean she brought them the tablet she should have gotten somthing. Even if you consider the treasure itself priceless artifacts they should have given her somthing else... A couple of silver\gold coins\bars some jewelry a nice fruit basket something. That was just wrong and I can't beleive Vala wasnt more upset about it.... but that would require they write some depth to the character, oh well what can you do.
eirenne
I really enjoyed last night's episode. The leather pants on Mitchell and Jackson rocked, (have to be honest, Browder is hot in whatever he is wearing!). There was lots of humor thrown in and did not feel the episode dragged at all. Claudia Black's character Vala has really spiced up things, I really enjoy her character. I am looking forward to seeing Mitchell be more of a force and agree with others that they are slowly introducing him.
MediaSavant
Okay...before I read anyone else's opinions...
This episode was fun and engaging. My attention didn't wander the way it did during "Origin". I like it when they use a faster pace. Claudia Black was really allowed to run with Vala. I love the way she flusters the men. There were some really funny lines. Shanks played off her very well.
SophieTucker
Agree that
-good not great
-Vala's wearing thin
-Western Wear :)
-For some reason I actually thought Vala was going to say something useful when she addressed Senator (Fischer?) rather than a babble of meaningless, overused cliche. That would have been the ideal moment to give Vala some redeeming character trait. Unfortunately, it slid on by.
-I love the little looksTeal'c gives Vala - like he's not quite sure what she is. Judge can do more with a "look" than some actors can with two pages of dialogue.
-Have they ever actually said onscreen that Lam is Landry's daugther?
-While it was definitely an action adventure - there was a little drama set up with the potential loss in funding. I almost found myself asking if it was realistic to think our government would do that? What was I thinking.
The good thing about this is when I heard they were cutting the SGC funding I figured it was just going to be another Kinsey wanting to cut it for no apparent reason kind of thing. I liked how they indicated they were cutting it so they could spend MORE on Atlantis and on building ships.
This actually rings true to me and makes me a bit sympathetic to that opinion. So now instead of me sitting around saying "cheap govt bstrds" now I have to think, maybe they have a point, we do need to explore Atlantis now and get a lot more ships built so the SGC does seem to be a place they can trim a bit for the budget.
That being said it is very short sighted to assume we know everything about the Galaxy... I mean it's a GALAXY people don't seem to have a sense of how truly, immensely huge the galaxy is and how much there is left to explore.
Ahhhhhh, I was wondering if anyone else noticed that. I think they are leading into something between Cam and Lam (like the sound of that) in a very subtle way.
Maybe Mitchell will show up in his bed next week and we'll know for sure. ;)
(Why do I imagine the slash writers already working on this scenario as I speak)
Okay, this was horrible. Horrible, horrible. I hated it. I don't mind comedic episodes, but this just wasn't funny. At all. Joe Mallozzi calls this "a more comedic episode" and it is, but the Avalons and Origin weren't that serious either. Where did my favorite tv show go? Look at previous season premieres... look at previous comedic episodes like Window of Opportunity. I was watching Meridian, Abyss and Memento the other day, THAT is the Stargate I love. This is not. Please, producers, stop trying to be too funny.
* Vala is horrible. I thought I was growing to like her, but I hate her. I won't argue that her outfits were damn sexy though.
* Daniel. What the ***** happened to Daniel? Where is the intelligent, well spoken, ex-ascended Dr. Jackson we know and love?
* Why does it seem like Teal'c's role has been reduced?
* When is Mitchell going to be the true new hero of SG-1?
I liked the Avalons and Origin, but it's just not on par with previous season openings. Don't get me wrong, I like the idea behind the new direction and the Ori as villains (they seem awesome to me, just don't let them speak like the Queen of England all the time), but I just don't like the way those ideas are turned into actual shows. Here's hoping that future episodes are more serious ("we're gonna take the show seriously again", yeah right Joe) and more like old times, just with the new Ori / Mitchell flavor. And dump Vala. Forever. Because...
I want my favorite show back.
QuiGonJohn
Vala was back to PU Vala and I didn't really care for that. I was hoping that she would get more depth as the series wore on but there was certainly no character development in this episode.
Well this is discouraging. I too thought with everything they've just been through Vala would have grown beyond concern for her own individual petty needs. Of course, I haven't watched this one yet, (only taped it). So maybe this is premature.
As to Daniel not going for Vala, well as others had said, there is bad history between them that I think Daniel can't just forget.
Re Vala at the Senate committee meeting..... While I realize the reason she had to go to Washington (the "ties that bind"), there's nothing that says she has to be in the SAME ROOM with Daniel at all times. She could have sat (under guard) out in the hallway, or they could have locked her in a storage room in the senate building, or even left her at the hotel for up to an hour. Yes, I realize it's dangerous to leave her even with a guard (witness the fact that she was in Daniel's room), but I can't believe Landry would have actually allowed her in the same room with the senators. That's bush league. :S
Oh, and by the way, at first I thought Lam was in only ONE scene, but she's actually in two. She has a total of I think seven sentences of dialog, even though a few of them are only a word or two. I hope she's paid by the word. :p
Aargh! Where do I begin?
I can forgive the unoriginal premise--many shows have had their own version of the multiple trades to get something back--DS9 & Mash come to mind. Fine.
But where was the main cast? Is this the "Vala and her hangers on" show? Daniel did his long suffering bit well. But Teal'c and Mitchell might as well have not been there for all they got to do. TPTB said Mitchell would be so great, but they haven't given him much to do so far. I *want* him to be good, but haven't seen much of him so far.
This Vala the amoral trader who makes some sexual crack every 2 minutes has really gotten old. A little goes a long way. The writers lost a great opportunity, IMHO, to give her *some* substance. In a one shot or 2 shot deal, you don't need much development. But come on, we've got her for 6 episodes! Give us something. And what a waste of CB.
The writers must be so in love with the idea of Vala and *fun* episodes that they can't see what a hash they're making. It's like they're under some spell and no one is there to question it.
I've been hanging on for Sam to come back, but the way the SGC is these days, in terms of the character, she'd be crazy to come back. My hope is that once they get off this Vala kick things will improve.
Sue_Jackson
BOTH BEN AND MICHAEL IN LEATHER PANTS!!! YUM!!!http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/Sue_Jackson/Emoticons/bloblaugh.gif
I was just loving this episode last night! :D I so busy drooling over these two hunks that I didn't care the episode was a goofy one. In fact, I absolutely loved this ep! It was fun, frivolous, and funny! :D I couldn't stop laughing!
I love Vala! I want to be Vala! :D Her and Daniel are just so perfect for each other! I think Daniel likes her, and wants her. He's putting up a wall around himself 'cause he's afraid to admit his own feelings for her. ;) Okay, it's speculation, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it. :p
keshou
So kind of a homage to Farscape with a little Princess Bride thrown in for good measure. :)
The good...
*The boys in leather. Really, I think Joe lurks on those "thunk" threads more than he's letting on. :p :D Vala in leather and pigtails was fun as well.
*The sets. I'm enjoying seeing some different backgrounds in the show. So often they've just been hiking thru the grass but I like the trading bazaar scenes and the place where they met Arlos. It's nice to see a lot of background characters again.
*Wallace Shawn as Arlos. Okay kind of weird - he had a love affair with Vala :eek: - but still loved seeing him
*Daniel/Vala. So sue me - I'm enjoying them a lot. I love the way Vala exasperates Daniel and yet he's really not falling for her antics. As long as Vala keeps the OTT sex stuff (and her fire extinguisher) on the back burner I've become a fan. Claudia's playing the heck out of the character.
*Teal'c/Mitchell. Didn't see much of them but I still like their dynamic. Teal'c's line to Mitchell "as you wish" . Nice nod to Princess Bride (I think).
*Mitchell. Not much to work with but I did like him quite a bit in this episode. His enthusiasm continues to be a high point and I like that he's not giving up on getting Teal'c back on the team. Some funny lines. "Cam Mitchell - bounty hunter". "So you look like a Raiders fan". "Good Morning Sunshine" to Daniel. LOL.
The mediocre....
* Kind of slow in places. The intergalactic scavenger hunt kind of plodded along at times. Of course SG-1 has always plodded along quite a bit. Even in the "good old days". They've just always had great character interaction while they plodded along. :) But if you don't like Mitchell, Daniel and Vala together you probably didn't like this one much.
*Lam. I still haven't warmed up to her. She just didn't look much like a professional doctor to me last night - hair kind of stringy, cleavage. There was also that awkward moment when Cam and Lam got off the elevator - what's with all the looks? Looked to me like Landry thought they were playing around in the elevator or something. That was kind of weird - and I hope they don't go there.
*Vala's development. I like Vala. I like the energy she brings to the show. But she still needs some depth. Maybe next week.
*Mitchell's development. He needs more.
The bad.....
*The testimony before Senator whosits. You know - Vala was funny. The line was kind of funny. But it was just "off". If Landry really had to take Vala (since she was linked to Daniel) he would have kept her in the back of the auditorium with tape over her mouth- not put her at the front table. So as comedy it was fine. But kind of fell flat because it was so contrived.
So overall I thought it was fun but not as good as Atlantis' "Duet" which followed. I do think Vala's probably best used as a recurring character. 5-6 episodes in a row is a lot. As much as I loved Maybourne I wouldn't have wanted 5 episodes in a row with him. And Vala is kind of Daniel's Maybourne.
I think fans are probably getting a little restless to see the new team put in place. I think RCC did the right thing to not reform the team right away but I'm nevertheless anxious to see what they're going to be like. I'm very curious to see how they're going to bring Sam back and fit her into this dynamic -- hoping it will be really good for her character since i didn't like a lot of the "development" they gave her in S8. :rolleyes:
AH! that makes me mad. The power in our house went out just as the show was about to start. It knocked out the cable and everything!!!!!!!! This is the first time I haven't seen a Stargate episode and didn't have anyone tape it. It was too late. I couldn't get to anyone to ask them to tape the show!!!!!!! I'm going through withdrawal, trying to stay away from all the posts you people have made on the episode!
I need to see this episode!!!!
Has anyone else had a horrific experience like this? haha
rnwhocares
I totally agree with you. I personally am not missing Carter at all!! It would have been nice to see Daniel at least kiss Vala once to prove he isn't all dead in that department!!
TheCorpulent1
I liked the episode overall. I tend to be a big fan of the humorous episodes, considering one of my favorite episodes is "Window of Opportunity." While this one wasn't anywhere near as good as that classic, it was decent. MS gives a great comedic performance as the poor, put-upon Daniel Jackson who has to deal with Vala's constant aggravations. The story was cliché but still kind of fun. I liked the smuggler-turned-undercover-priest. :) I also liked the return of those two pathetically inept aliens from "Prometheus Unbound." The space battle was fun, although I would've guessed if those types of highly effective weapons could be rigged into a mere cargo ship, we probably would've seen more of them before. The Lucian Alliance seems interesting and a logical follow-up to the Goa'uld's demise as rulers of the galaxy. Lots of good story potential there for expanding the picture of galactic politics. Finally, I really liked the anti-climax of the episode. I'm not sure why, but I guess it might just be an extension of how funny Daniel's constant string of hopes followed by disappointments has been this season. The fact that the episode ended with Daniel and Vala no better off than when they started was like a blown-up version of that.
On the other side of the coin, Vala did get on my nerves a bit again. I was hoping that TPTB would actually develop her character after "Avalon II" but it seems that was the exception rather than the rule. I so wanted to like Vala at the hearing, especially when she snickered rudely at the idea of Earth's being protected from all threats. It would've been a great means of exploring some of the crap she's been through, but instead of dissecting the government guy's naive arrogance with some of her experiences about the big, bad galaxy, she just has to go and spout yet another tired sexual cliché. Waste of a scene. Mitchell just seems to be tagging along with Daniel and Vala in this episode, and Teal'c might as well not have been there at all. He had exactly one semi-important thing to do, and that was to establish that Mitchell still kind of annoys him and that he doesn't intend to come back to SG-1.
The little mention of Jack: Ok, so they've established that Jack is somehow Landry's superior and that he's still working behind the scenes... somewhere. I don't know what the point of stringing out the explanation of Jack's absence is, but it's really unnecessary and aggravating, in my opinion. Just let us know where he is and what he's doing and maybe a lot of us older fans would gladly let him go and focus on the newbies more.
Now, here are a couple of things that puzzled me. 1) Landry's conversation with Lam and Mitchell: What the hell was going on there? I think it was meant to establish that Landry likes Mitchell as a match for his daughter and was just kind of spacing out, taking them in as they stood there together and basically nodding in approval with his cryptic responses. I'm guessing whatever few Lam/Mitchell shippers might be around will be pleased with this season. 2) Why the hell do Daniel and Mitchell ALWAYS have to wear opposite colors? Daniel always has blue on when Mitchell's in green or vice-versa. Is it meant as a visual reinforcement of the fact that they're not on a team together? Or is it an in-joke about Jonas' question of knowing which color to wear way back in S6, so that the new "new guy" (Mitchell) is constantly in a different color from the established characters? I don't know, but it's kind of weird.
So, anyway, in future episodes I'm looking forward to better utilization of BB and CJ, less utilization of Vala's annoying character, more development of Vala's presumably complex character (given all that she's been through), the return of Carter, the whole picture of what Jack's up to now, and more exploration of the Ori.
P.S.: Since all the ladies around here are going wild over BB and MS in those leather get-ups (but strangely not over CJ), I'll just add the male perspective to it: Good LORD, Vala looked hot in that bedroom scene! :eek: :D
I really enjoyed this episode. It went really fast for me - didn't have time to make popcorn until Atlantis came on. :D
I have to echo other posters who have said that this is a nice break from the "heavy exposition, intro the new characters and the new bad guys" that was required in the Avalon/Origins 3-parter. SG-1 has been doing stand-alone funny following angst episodes for quite a few seasons, I'm surprised it still chafes people that they lighten it up from time to time. I'm struggling with BSG right now because its so dense and gloom/doom oriented all the time. Everyone needs to lighten up.
BTW: I'm officially in favor of integrating "undercover rawhide" into the standard uniform set. :D
Wallace Shawn talking about his relationship with Vala was hilarious. Loved the "walking fingers" visual aid. MS and BB really reacted well in that scene: very, very uncomfortable. :P Did anyone else get the feeling that Ben couldn't stop laughing in a few scenes (especially when Daniel and Cam were watching Vala and Arnos)? Cameron kept covering his mouth to hold it back. Whether it was Cam or Ben, it was fun to watch in any case. I'd love to see the bloopers from this type of ep.
Like most of the ep, Vala in Daniel's bedroom scene was derivative (though I'm not sure what isn't anymore) but hilarious. Most comedy is based in the fact that you absolutely understand what the scene is and they turn it on its head with character, zingers and well timed delivery. I love that Daniel almost went for it and Vala almost told the truth. Fabulous timing. "Are you messing with me?" "Is it working?"
Having said that, Vala being in the senate committee room in Washington felt a little too contrived, even for this kind of ep. But that's a small enough nitpick to let drop easily.
Loved whatever Cam, Lam and Landry were playing in the elevator scene. They were also obviously uncomfortable about some piece of backstory or another, but its hard to conclude what. I like that they're slowly peeling the onion for some of these characters. It's the journey, not just the destination.
"OK...Goodbye"
"Undercover Rawhide"
"Are you messing with me?" "Is it working?"
"Cam Mitchell, Bounty Hunter"
"...you look like a Raiders Fan"
Wallace Shawn's whole scene about getting carnal with Vala. Too much! :D
I know they're taking as much advantage of having Claudia Black on set as they can (and I'm totally loving it). But I'm also looking forward to the band getting back together. I'm ready to welcome back Sam and hopefully more Teal'c. Though it means Vala will disappear and I hate to see her dynamic within the team leave. I'm also looking forward to Mitchell having more to do (because I know that BB will bring so much to that character).
But that will happen soon enough. In the meantime, I'm not overlooking the SG-1 gems before that happens.
ChillinTheMost
Well, that was fun!
Yes, it was a romp. I know someone here didn't care for that, at least not yet, but I like the stand-alone episodes more than the arc ones. I know many people love heavy arcs, and that's cool, however, I'm just the opposite. [Which makes it weird that I am such a huge FarScape fan.]
It looks like Landry wants something to happen between Mitchell and the doctor. Or it already is, or has in the past or whatever. I don't know that I mind it, but I don't want to delve into personal lives too much and I don't want this show to be romance driven.
Mitchell calling Daniel "Jackson" does sound weird, but I wonder if that's just because we're not used to it? I think it is natural for Mitchell to call teammates [sports/work/whatever] by their last names. I think it shows that he thinks of Daniel as an equal in many ways. I think Jack sometimes saw himself as Daniel's protector. Almost as a father figure, so, of course he would call him "Daniel". Mitchell expects Daniel to take care of himself and be an equal in the "soldier" area, along with his archeological expertise. Looked at that way, I think it's a good thing and Daniel deserves to be treated as self-reliant. Although, it does sound weird right now.
Browder looked comfortable in the duster and other gear, didn't he? They both looked hot. "Do you think Landry will add them to the rotation?" Hee. [I've only seen it once, so I'm going to butcher all the quotes. Sorry.]
"Thanks, we've got the picture. A very disturbing, scary picture."
I don't think Vala has gone back to PU Vala. I think there is more playfulness to her actions now, a real affection for Daniel. In PU, I think her motivation was more selfish, more as a means to an end. The "end" being getting the ship. Now she seems like she just likes teasing Daniel. And she likes to have fun. She's bored hanging around the SGC and teasing and goofing around are fun for her. I think she expected Daniel to turn her down when she was in his room. She seemed more disappointed that their bantering was over and he was sending her away than that he didn't want to have sex with her.
I also think this is why Daniel turned her down. Daniel isn't adverse to having sex with Vala, but it's become a contest or a game. She teases, he turns her down. For him to give in now means Vala "wins". It's a game they're playing and, while I think they've built a friendship and affection, they don't really have a hot romance burning, so nobody is really losing. It's just fun for both of them.
Hatusu
Irritating, boring, boring, irritating, Aschen, boring. :( Oh my, I just looked it up. Sorry, Joeseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie. I love you guys, but not this show.
I really like Claudia Black as an actress, but I find the Vala character so irritating that I want to fast forward the Vala sections. Unfortunately, I couldn't because it wasn't a recording. During one scene, I was so bored, I found myself examining Michael Shanks' worry lines. The only time I perked up was during that scene with General Landry and the female officer. She seemed competent and intelligent. TPTB are listening! Thanks. :)
Speaking of "The Powers That Be" I am soooo not looking forward to next week. It's another Vala focused show, but I liked "Origin" so I'll try to keep an open mind about it.
ToasterOnFire
Um...was there a point to this ep? Because it seems like it just went in a big painful circle with no resolution whatsoever.
Oh that's right, this ep showed Vala in all her "glory". Eesh, Vala went from decent way back down to "can't wait until she's gone" for me. From stealing things in the beginning to lying about her past to get Daniel in bed to running her mouth at the hearing it was one trainwreck after another. Jeez, does she think before opening her mouth? So she's basically a child in a woman's body. Lovely. Why on earth SGC puts up with her is beyond me. Oh, wait, the bracelet effect. How convenient... Can we have Sam back now?
Seriously, if Daniel falls for her he's going down several notches in my book. "Oh yes, she's manipulative, completely unapologetic for keeping me from going to Atlantis, steals and breaks things, and has no interest in what I do...but she's so hot..." Blech.
On a side note, the divide between SGC and Atlantis may grow a bit larger since Atlantis got such a large chunk of govt money and the SGC is threatened with downsizing. Landry seemed none too pleased either.
I can see what you're saying and you even used some of my rebuttal in your argument :) [can't trust her to leave her in a hotel or even under guard], but maybe they didn't want to draw attention to the fact that they have an out of control [sort of] alien with them. Maybe explaining why they need a nearby room with guards during the hearing would be detrimental to what they are trying to accomplish. Making her seem like part of the team and hoping she doesn't say anything may have seemed like their best bet. They may have just been giving ammunition to their nay-sayers by making them think the SGC can't control the results of meeting new aliens.
However, who bought that outfit for her? Something a little more professional would have been appropriate, I think.
I did like how the lady on the panel laughed at what Vala was saying.
Jonzey
I liked this ep. Will say more later. But did anyone notice how they've changed the wormholes? They're more like Atlantis now.
I noticed. The wormhole's actually identical to Atlantis' now, just blue instead of teal. I can't say I like it much. The old wormhole was just fine.
I agree. I found the episode boring. Not awful, just boring. I really do believe that these first 6 episodes are mostly just long drawn-out filler until AT returns and Stargate REALLY starts. The writers seem to be playing the exact same tune week after week and it's so very DULL. When I think of what they could be giving CB to do, and this is the stupidity they saddle her with...it makes me want to throw things at the screen. How many times do we have to have to listen to the same sad little high school tease scenerio?
This has got to be the longest set-up in scifi history for the next bad guys...four eps in and who are we defending earth against again, really? Vala and her wisecracks, apparently.
Once again, posting my opinion without reading, so it's all mine...
I haven't been reading much lately but I'm sure there are some here that will want to get out the tar and feathers for what I'm about to say. You've been warned. :D
I liked this episode.
Just as I've liked the three episodes that came before it this season. It's nice to see that the writers have found something to be excited about again. I didn't care for last season all that much. I am really enjoying how fresh this season feels. It's nice to see the same old Daniel and Teal'c get to mix it up with new people. I like Landry and the new doc and I'm loving Mitchell and Vala--could be that I'm a Farscape fan but I doubt it since these characters aren't John and Aeryn.
Ready with the tar and feathers? :D
I like Vala. I REALLY like Vala. She cracks me up. I loved the my-what-tangled-webs-we-weave feeling of last night's ep. Too funny, the path of destruction she has left across the galaxy! I love that she is such a hussy too and that it gives poor Daniel such consternation! I love that she is so different from Aeryn! Claudia has great comic timing but you never would have known it before because Aeryn was so serious. CB really seems to be enjoying vamping it up as Vala and I think that energy comes through. It's refreshing and fun and a totally new direction for SG-1. So flame away.
I like Mitchell. I hope the writers are planning to give him a little more to do soon bc I do feel like he is being a bit underutilized at the moment. So I hope to see more of him next week. I also hope to see more of Teal'c--I miss him. Seems a bit Daniel-heavy of late so I hope to see a bit more balance. Nothing against Daniel, he's been fine, I just want to see more of everyone else too.
Hope you've got more tar and feathers ready (or maybe a boiling vat of oil for this one)...
I'm glad to say that I am finally enjoying my favorite show again. Instead of lamenting the demise of what was once my favorite show, I can be happy about it again. I'm sure the fandom will come along and pee in my proverbial cheerios any time now but that's how I feel. I'm not sure I miss Sam all that much at the moment (read on before you flog me please) and that's a testament to how much I'm enjoying things again--that the writers can make the eps interesting enough to make me not miss one of my fave characters while she's gone. I hope that her return will be as fresh as the rest of the season has been.
Seriousness done, feel free to give us more of the boys in leather, PTBs. I thought I had died and gone to heaven when Ben took that coat off in the cargo ship. *drools* :D Who knew that the man could get better looking with age? :D :D
Okay, I think I'm all done, feel free to flame away...:D
Second! *raises hand*
All in favor? :D
I will DEFINITELY vote for this! :D
OpenTheGateSG1
i felt like i was watching a different show, just sexed up to attract a different audience (that made me sad). a sex romp with daniel and vala.
I totally agree! IMO, they should have stopped after season 8. There's no real chain of command anymore. People go as the please through the gate. The new Colonel is nothing more than a background character. BB has no presence as a lead character whatsoever. And SG1's real storyline now is when Daniel going to knock boots with Vala, rather than defeating the new foes.
There's no chain of command among SG-1's members because there IS no SG-1. As for the SGC, I don't see how there's a lack of the chain of command; part of the very plot of this episode was about the limitations of the chain of command, considering Landry's civilian superiors in the government cut the SGC's funding. Where did anyone come and go as they pleased through the gate? :confused:
Kalinda
Okay.. mixed opinion..
First I feel dissapointed that this episode wasn't more then just a fun, adventure romp. I guess I just figured there'd be something more serious to deal with. But this little adventure was, I suppose, the calm after the storm.
Then again, it WAS quite amusing and, I suppose, an interesting look into Vala's world. I espeically really liked the scene when she was trying to seduce Daniel and she told that sob story, which I thought may have been true, but I suppose not. I suspect sometime soon we'll get an expansion of her character. Or I hope so.
The political angle is interesting and I'm glad it wasn't overdone or anything (we had enough of that last season ><) and I did feel upset that the government doesn't see the power of the Orii, which I suspect we'll really get to see soon enough.
Characters were all fun, most notably Daniel and Vala, as they were definately the stars of this episode.
And well.. uh... not much else to say, really. The Ties That Bind is a fun, adventrous romp of an episode, though slightly dissapointing for me because I expected more. I imagine I'll come to appreciate it more after I've seen the rest of Season 9.
Season 9 still keeps its promise and I'm still happily looking forward to next week. :)
7/10. GW Poll Rating: Good.
PS: One last thing... WHAT is WITH the change to the wormhole effect?? :( I really like the old one, I don't get why they changed it. It wasn't even for any logical reason. Like, if they were traveling to another galaxy then I would understand.. but.. they aren't.. :( :(
Pelagia
I enjoyed this episode. I didn't find it as riviting as the first three, but I still liked it. I'm really dreading the return of Sam, though. I'd much rather keep Vala, a serious Vala, around as part of the team.
What I didn't enjoy about this episode was what I didn't like about Prometheus Unbound: I felt like I was watching the ACTORS, rather than the characters, if that makes any sense. But it didn't really detract that much from me enjoying the episode.
It irks me that Mitchell calls Daniel "Jackson." It sounds odd and disrespectful, since Daniel asked him to call him Daniel in the very first episode.
The bedroom scene between Daniel and Vala was spot on. It was totally Daniel; he isn't going to jump some woman's bones no matter how beautiful she looks just because he hasn't got any in a while. They played that scene very well and I liked the extra depth it gave to Vala when she was talking about her past. I think she was telling the truth there.
I thought the scene in Washington was too silly for words, but I do like that it brought up something that may happen in future eps: The watchdog thing.
All in all, a good episode, nothing meaty, but fun to watch.
Loved it. Laughed throughout the show.
I see Vala character development all over. We're getting backstory on her all over, and some hints of other emotions. I think those that don't see it were set to ignore it from the start.
Teal'c doesn't have a lot of lines yet, but I'm confident that he will.
Browder is fine, I'm actually enjoying him in his role.
Jackson is great, he's carrying this right now and doing a great job IMO.
A word about SG-1 and it's direction.
I see a lot of people saying that they want SG-1 back. Sorry folks things change. Times change. Actors and actresses change. This is what we have now. We'll not go back to General Hammond, O'Neill leading the team, Dr. Fraiser, etc. Those days are gone.
This mirrors life. Times change, people move on or disappear. So too does SG-1, it changes and evolves.
To me, the measure is: was I entertained? And I was. Was it ths same as the days of old? Don't care. I was entertained, laughed myself silly through parts of it, wondered about the new villians, the political machinations on Earth, etc. Lots of story there, lots setting us up for the rest of the season.
Given all of the circumstances, I think that TPTB have done a great job, and I've enjoyed this episode most of all of them so far.
See this scene didn't work for me at all. I started laughing the moment she started the sob story. I don't know how much of it could be true but I assumed she was just playing Daniel and I felt embarrassed for her and him because I thought he was going to fall for it.
What worked for me in the scene is the same thing that worked in Reckoning II. I thought Daniel was going to be naive and fall for something but then he caught on and made the right decision. I cheered in Reckoning. I didn't cheer in this ep but I did say (to myself) good job Daniel (and the writers). I would hate to think Daniel would be so shallow as to fall for someone who is so obviously using him for her own entertainment. Now Jack or Mitchell I could see them entertaining themselves right back.
I like how no one in the SGC is falling for the Valas game and I hope they keep that up and not make everyone fall to her in the last 2 eps (and whatever eps she is in in the future). Dont get me wrong, I like her character and I think there is much opportunity for her to grow and for the SGC people to learn to respect her, I just don't think she has earned it yet..... Though I do think she has earned some treasure (this is my new pet peeve, fair is fair... on the other hand she did assault a bunch of air force personnel and steal a ship so maybe they are even now).
*snort*
*snort again*
*another snort*
*hands majorsal a tissue* :D
plot mechanic
The episode was a farce.
Literally. If I like the characters, I just put my brain in park, then see if I laugh. I did. So, for me the episode was good.
But I think the funniest line was Chris Judge's "As you wish." The delivery was beautiful!
I don't know whether the producers are thinking along these lines or not. But it seems like Daniel hasn't been laid since he descended. Yet it doesn't seem to be because his testicles didn't descend with the rest of him. It feels like there's a little implication that in the back of his mind Daniel is still kind of into the higher plane of existence thing. (No sex there would explain Jack's not wanting to ascend?) So, until he actually finally chooses, sex is too earthy a commitment to make?
Calicto
Seriously, this is what a blurb is for. Go find 'yerself' one on Xanga, LiveJournal or MySpace.
What do we get to gain from this thread - nothing really. It's just offtopic, time-wasting fun.
Personal experiences are not always welcome in such an intellectual forum (well.. mostly) but we still love you. ^_^
C'LAM?
In the words of Cam Mitchell, "This is what I'm talkin' 'bout!"
This was the Stargate episode I've been waiting for! Everything about this episode felt different. The characters and their interactions felt more relaxed and story wasn't 'forced' for lack of a better word. I didn't feel as if I had to make myself watch this or try so hard to like it. It was interesting, funny and gave a good bit of background on Vala, who I like much better now that she's calmed down a bit. The bedroom scene with Daniel was great and I am so glad he caught what Vala was doing at the end and threw her out. My, how our boy has grown. Not too long ago, there was a good chance Daniel would have fallen for the sob story. Glad to see he's maintaining his distance with her. I hope it continues. :)
I liked the look in on how the rest of the universe is coping with the absence of the System Lords. The Lucian Alliance is far more interesting to me than the Orii. I hope we'll see much more of them because I'm a bit tired of all of the super-sized threats to humanity. Don't get me wrong, I loved Apophis and am hoping to see more of Ba'al. There was no one like the Goa'uld and our conflict with them but I'd like to see some good old fashion human and alien bad guys with no extra powers for a change.
For the first time, I could see a Mitchell, Jackson, Vala, Teal'c team without cringing at the thought. The dynamic really flowed this time and I enjoyed it. At the beginning of the show in the infirmary I was ticked to see Mitchell trying not to crack up at the thought of Daniel and Vala were still linked. His reaction was too funny. I liked Mitchell all through out the episode in how he calmly went with the flow with his eyes on the objective while Daniel was slowly going nuts. Teal'c as always, was great and his comment about Mitchell and O'Neill was rather funny. One of the best moments in the show was as the silent exchange between Teal'c and Vala as he was taking leave of everyone in the gateroom. Her saucy grin and wave and his look of exasperated forbearance as he turned away gave me one of the best laughs all night. I thought to myself, 'Ok, this could work." I can see Vala trying her best in trying to get Teal'c to loosen up and his reaction to having to put up with her buzzing around him. Could make for some priceless moments.
Enjoyed Wallace Shawn immensely - always do wherever he shows up. Would like to see Michael P. Northey (Inago) again. As always, our dear Walter was fun to have around.
Great show. If the rest of Season Nine is like this, I'm going to enjoy it very much.
you didn't miss anything.
As usual, the episode had TOO much of Vala, and not enough *STARGATE* material. Basically, the episode was to reiterate how much of a ***** Vala is.
I did enjoy Wallace Shawn, too. I love the quirky sound of his voice. Can anyone tell me where we've seen him before?
Overall it was another quite enjoyable episode. Season 9 has been quite good so far
-I agree with those who said this was kinda a fun episode after the seriousness of the opening trilogy
-Mitchell was a lot better this episode. Hopefully that will continued. He was more subdued.
-While the plot was cliched, I still really enjoyed it. The thing I liked the most was that we got to see different planets and different costumes.....something we were missing in season 8. They went to four planets, it was great.
-I like how they are handling the Teal'c situation, how he's not just rejoining the team.
-Daniel and Vala are wonderful....the bantering never gets old. Michael and Claudia really click together. I wonder if Vala really was serious when she was confiding to Daniel in the bedroom, or was it an act. Was her, "did it work" a defense mechanism, or was it all a work?
-Speaking of the bedroom scene, is Daniel insane? What the hell was he thinking! Did he see Vala? He has a lot more will (or stupidity....whatever you want to call it) than I would.
-Finally Vala in the Washington scene. Holy crap she looked unbelievable. I know a lot the the ladies liked seeing Daniel and Mitchell in leather, but Vala in leather (and a short skirt to boot) was equally as good for the male demo.
A solid light hearted episode. Feeling good about season 9 so far.
Out...
You are not alone - so do I. I wish I could tell what has been airing at 8 p.m. on Friday's when I choose to turn on skiffy . . . I continue to be baffled.
The Lucian Alliance seems interesting and a logical follow-up to the Goa'uld's demise as rulers of the galaxy. Lots of good story potential there for expanding the picture of galactic politics.
I agree w/ this sentiment exactly. After thousands of years of Goa'uld domination, the power vaccuum that has just occurred is bound to have sudden, far-reaching effects in the galaxy. It will be interesting to hear more about them (and not JUST the Lucian Alliance). In fact, instead of immediately throwing a "new" big threat to Earth at us (the Ori), we could have spent a few weeks delving into the new factions and power struggles that are occurring in the galaxy. Instead, we're immediately introduced to our new enemy: glowing-eyed beings who want to be worshipped as gods. Oops, wait.... those were the OLD enemies. No, no, wait again, those are the NEW enemies, right? Crap, now I'm confused. :rolleyes:
Also, Corpulent1's comment about the new gadgets on the cargo ship was very valid... if that one guy could modify the ship to emit the major pulse beam & knock out the other ships, why didn't anyone think to find out how he did it so that something similar can be installed on our ships? Not to mention the other ways he tricked out that cargo ship.
You know, I can't get over how disappointed I am with the show. Here's my post from page 4 for reference:
This is my favorite show, I look forward to it every week, and this has been the first episode in the history of the show that I just wanted to end. I even liked Emancipation better than this. Avalon/Origin wasn't that serious compared to other season premieres/big revelation episodes and this was just awful. TPTB are not taking the story seriously at all (and yes, I do know that TTB is meant as a comedic episode). I just want Vala to leave. I HATE the sexual jokes. What are we, high school juniors? I HATE it that the show is now totally ridiculous (Vala...) whereas in previous seasons it seemed like a serious show with a serious military feel to it. This is just some space adventure ****. Now I'm sure Claudia Black is wonderful, she seems lovely in every interview I've seen her in, but I just hate the character she is portraying (even though she is sooo sexy).
So now I'm not looking forward to the next episode at all (although knowing that Martin Gero wrote it gives me at least a little bit of good hope...). Summary: SG-1 visits a world whose people once worshipped Vala as a god -- and demand that she stand trial when she confesses to manipulating them. ANOTHER EPISODE OF THE VALA SHOW. END IT ALREADY.
Also, from the spoilers page: When Daniel (Michael Shanks) and Vala (Claudia Black) attempt to undo the teachings of the Ori on a distant planet... -- WHY? Why, why, WHY is the SGC allowing Vala to go on a mission with Dr. Jackson?
I REALLY hope that things will turn out to be fine when Amanda Tapping returns to the show. I hope that this semi-comedic and childish bull**** will be over with and that the show returns to what it used to be, because this has just kinda ruined my day (yeah I'm a sad nerd, hehe :p) as I desperately want to like my favorite show and look forward to its next episode... but it doesn't excite me at all (again, my only hope comes from knowing that Martin Gero wrote it). Hopefully, episode 7, when Vala will be GONE, is the REAL start of season 9.
I can't believe I've turned into one of the haters, but sadly, it's what I feel.
That said, Atlantis' "Duet" was awesome. But that's for another thread.
Wallace Shawn has been in many things, but you're probably recognising the voice from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He played Zek, the Ferengi Grand Negus who fell in love with Quark's mother. He was also in The Princess Bride and did a great job in it. He's a great comedic actor. I always enjoy seeing him and I hope we see him again in SG-1.
Zek, the Grand Negas!!! That's it! Thanks.:D
vikingjedi
It was a disappointment IMO. I literally fell asleep half way through it. My biggest problem with it was the lack of the Orii. They were just introduced last week yet there was almost no mention of them. Doesn't make much sense.
Very well said! :) :D
SG-4MarineLeader
A new potential enemy, the Lucian Alliance, an organization that has several Al'kesh, makes its debute. Whether they where just there for that episode, or if they are a group that could show up later is unknown.
The SGC finds that after the defeat of the Goa'uld and Replicators, their budget is being cut by 70%, and the money, and likely some personnel, are being transfered to the programs to build more ships like the Daedalus. The only ways the SGC could possibly get the money back is if a proven threat is shown to exist that requires the money, or if they will allow an international committee to appoint a watchdog at the SGC.
We find that at least one more Goa'uld, some lieutenant that used to work for Camulus, was killed by his own Jaffa.
Despite getting their braseletes off, Daniel and Vala are still stuck together.
Vala has ripped off several people, and implyed that the head of the Senate Appropriations committee had a "small manhood", while sitting on his desk.
Despite helping Daniel and Vala fix their problem of being physically stuck around each other, Teal'c does not wish to join SG-1 again, instead prefering to stay at the new Free Jaffa capital.
It's...inconceivable that you don't remember Wallace Shawn from "The Princess Brides?" (Of course, just because that's one of my favorite movies [and of one of my favorite novels], doesn't mean you've seen the movie.)
Also, Wallace was the man behind the rubber ears of the Grand Nagus on "Deep Space Nine."
Dr. Stiles on "Crossing Jordan," Stuart Best on "Murphy Brown," Jeff Engles on "The Cosby Show," and my first memory of Walace Shawn, "My Dinner With Andre," in which he not only co-starred, but also wrote the screenplay.
veneticuss
Well to be honest, i dunno if i'm still enjoy watching SG1, as a matter of fact, i do look forward more now to Atlantis
Well, I watched this episode once so far, and I think it was a very nice one.
Sometimes I read people's comments about how a certain episode wasn't good, or how an episode sucked because it was just a stand-alone one, meaning that stand-alone episodes are bad, or not good enough. I'm not talking about this thread, or even this forum in particular. I'm talking about Stargate fandom in general, in all lists and forums.
Well, I'm one of those who enjoy different kinds of episodes and like them all for different reasons. Maybe that's the reason I haven't found bad Stargate episodes so far in all its seasons. In every single episode of Stargate through out all its seasons, I've found lots of stuff I like, for different reasons. Some times its because of just the story, even if it's not action packed, sometimes it's because of a character, or certain scenes... I love funny episodes, I love action episodes, I love episodes that move the story arc forward, I love character-driven episodes, and other kind of stand-alone episodes, and I guess that's why I find all seasons great.
Anyway, back on topic. I liked "The ties than bind" very much.
- Loved Daniel and Vala interaction. Loved every scene with them. Maybe I'm the only one who found the scene with Vala at Daniel's room NOT shallow. I think what Vala said at some point about her feelings after being a host, her own people getting against her, etc was the truth. Then she tried to cover it up as if she was playing tricks on Daniel. But I got the impression that that was the truth, and she tried to light it up as an autoprotection mecanism.
- I got the feeling of the team getting slowly back together. I saw Teal'c, Cameron and Daniel starting to work as a team, very slowly. Cameron is getting them back together and will soon get them designated as SG-1 officially. I miss Sam, but she'll be back in 2 epis. And my guess is that by the end of that epi, or the following one, we'll get our SG-1 officially back as a unit. Woohoo!!! Don't get me wrong, I like Vala a lot and I hope TPTB keep bringing her back from time to time in this season and, hopefully, future seasons. But I also miss Sam and want our Sam back! Liking Sam doesn't imply not liking Vala, in the same way that liking Vala doesn't imply not liking Sam. I like both characters for different reasons.
- The scene with Daniel, Vala and Dr. Lee was great. I like Dr. Lee a lot and I'm enjoying his scenes very much this season. All the Dr. Lee scenes have been fantastic and very funny so far
- The scene at the infirmary was absolutely great. Cameron saying "Good morning, sunshine", and Daniel "aaaarrrgghhhh". LOL.
- Daniel and Cameron in leather. Hahahahaha. Especially funny how Daniel seemed so uncomfortable :)
- the scene at the end, with Daniel giving Teal'c a hug. Very nice. Loved it.
- that line the guy said when he got his mother's necklace back, about being able to get his mother off his back now that he got the necklace back. Hehe. Loved it.
- nice to see Jack was mentioned :)
- Vala breaking down Daniel's glasses. Hahahahaha. Maybe he should use contacts instead :p
- the scene with Landry and Walter was also fun
- when the fake monk called Vala "sister Vala-something" (cant't remember the exact words now). Hehehe.
Anyway, I'm sure I'll have more comments after watching the episode more times, but this is the stuff that I remember now
Over all, a very enjoyable episode in my book.
GateFanTLH
Great show really like Daniel and Vala and their interactions. Hope Vala comes back for many more episodes she is very funny. :)
whatswiththehairtealc
you forgot:
Daniel is an idiot becuase he passed up hot sweaty sex with the second hottest brit he could ever get. does anyone know the first???
PS did you see that sexy little number vala was wearing in daniels bed. ahhhhh! how could anyone pass that up. that one scene made my lesbian roommate take up stargate.
I totally agree with your take, especially your point about SG1 not having that military feel any longer.
PsychoPenguin
I actually went shopping and on a food run during "SG1," but hubby watched it from beginning to end and he had this to say:
"Nothing really happened. Claudia Black's still gorgeous, but her new character's really boring. Fifteen minutes in, I got the laptop out and started playing online poker."
I think we're done with this show. And since a buddy of ours loaned us his "Firefly" DVD collection, we don't even have the "Well, it falls between "Firefly" and "Atlantis"" excuse working for us anymore. Which is good because now we can go out on Friday nights and only worry about having enough tape for "Atlantis" and "BSG," not the entire evening.
On another note though, we are *so* going to go see "Serenity" in September. Joss is *still* a god! :)
Maj_Cliffhanger
Newbie waves, 'Hi!'
Sticky fingers Vala and Daniel knowing her too well to let her get away with it. At the same time, I think he underestimated her. That little trinket was way too easy to find and probably nothing more than a distraction. She was far too happy when she left. Ya shoulda x-rayed her, Danny! :p
Vala in Daniel's room: *of course* she got by the guard on her door, and *of course* it was the same female guard she'd winked at earlier! Remember her escape from Prometheus? She's a challenge junkie. This was nothing more than a little test to keep herself entertained. Going to Daniel's room and teasing him was the next obvious challenge. Whether he takes her up on the offer or not isn't the point, though I don't think she'd have suddenly gotten a headache if he did. I *do* think she would have been disappointed if he'd suddenly 'reverted to form'. Daniel was right when he said she uses sex as both a defense and a weapon - but it's also a tool to get what she wants. It's not working on Daniel. That makes him the ultimate challenge and utterly irresistible to Vala. Can there possibly be two more opposite people in the galaxy? :p Romantic pairing - don't think so. The joy of watching these two rests in the dynamics of their conflict.
'Gotta wonder how much of her sob story was real. The best lies are those that are based on the truth...
The boys in leather. Yummy! 'Especially loved Daniel's shirt with the stitching up the front. Mitchell's OD green t-shirt under the leather was distracting.
I enjoyed all the little twists and turns within the various scenes. The idea of Vala and the guy she stole the bracelets from having a sexual relationship was sooooo over-the-top that at first I thought he was playing the guys the same way Vala does. Even after she seemed to confirm it, I'm not sure I bought it - and I mean that in a good sense. If they tell me in a later episode he was actually her mentor or father, I won't be surprised. - The Monk. I laughed out loud when he did his sudden about-face! Naturally, he and Vala had a history. And naturally we know who took the temple's crystal ('wonder if they'll ever follow up on that?) I wonder if we'll see him again given that he's supposed to be one of the best smuggler's Vala knows. Interesting possibilities there...
The end - big grin - it was totally appropriate that they went through all that for nothing.
The Senate Appropriations Committee meeting: an obviously important plot point for upcoming episodes but the scene itself was... flat. 'Stripped' might be a better word. It felt like they probably wrote a good scene, then decided it was too long so they rewrote it, cutting it down to essentials. Vala's humor was cute but there was potential for more than a quick laugh here. Sadly, we didn't get it.
Overall grade: B+ :)
LoneStar1836
I resigned myself to approaching this episode with the belief that it was not going to really have any serious substance. Just mostly fluff. And by doing that I actually enjoyed the episode for what it was. It was just a good laugh. Not much else.
I went back to liking Mitchell in this episode after not liking him last week. Hmm….maybe it was the leather. ;)
Ha! I loved that comment either he or Daniel made about those get-ups they had on.
*Daniel/Vala. So sue me - I'm enjoying them a lot. I love the way Vala exasperates Daniel and yet he's really not falling for her antics. As long as Vala keeps the OTT sex stuff (and her fire extinguisher) on the back burner I've become a fan. Claudia's playing the heck out of the character.My lawyer will be contacting you shortly. :P Ok. I'm not actually hating Vala that bad. I actually rather liked those two in this one. Shh...Don't tell anybody. ;)
Bu...but it has to make an appearance. That was my favorite part of PU. ;)
SunKrux
Me too. So far, I'm loving this season. So it's not the usual SG-1 style, but I believe that once *sniff, sniff* :( Vala heads for other universes, they'll get back to SG-1 style. :D Boy howdy am I gonna miss Vala, but I'm kind of excited to see what's gonna happen when Sam comes back.
You are NOT alone in this thinking. ;) I think there was some truth in her revelation, but like you, I think she covered it up to protect herself. She's been hurt far too much and isn't about to let anyone else do it again. I have a feeling that "The Powers That Be" will be the best Vala eps yet. We'll finally (I hope) get to see what happened when she was possesed by a G'Ould (sorry...brain fart). I'd love to see the back story on all that. Maybe some time in the future we'll get to see it. :D
Here here! I'm with ya! ;) Well said!
I also enjoyed the scene at the beginning when Daniel and the "guards" were escorting Vala to the Gate. She asked for a hug after Daniel took that little artifact back. :rolleyes: Daniel, Daniel, Daniel, have you learned NOTHING about this woman? :D Good boy Daniel...don't totally fall for her game. Loved how he stopped her before she got far after that hug! :lol:
Quinn Mallory
I think this has been a nice change of pace episode. The humor is probably this episode's best asset. I do think that we don't quite need a humorous episode ideally until later in the season but I guess part of the reason for this episode now is due to the natural progression of the story.
Here are some random thoughts about this episode:
The cowboy outfit and the space chase at the end make this episode look very similar to Firefly (I have only started to watch the Firefly reruns this season so I'm no expert of that show).
What's with all the sexual tension in this episode. Was there something going on with Mitchell and Dr. Lam in the elevator (why is Cam playing with that button while talking to General Landry?)? I would think that if anything is going on, they would be professional enough to not do it in the elevator.
After seeing some of Vala's old boyfriends, I probably would do the same thing as Daniel. It's not worth risking contracting some unknown alien disease.
I'm a bit disappointed by the lack of resolution on many fronts of this episode but it was still entertaining (at least on the first viewing). I'm not sure if I'm that eager to rewatch this episode though.
Uh, because if they're seperated by more than (I think) 100 feet, they both DIE! It appears that for some reason, Daniel and Vala are still linked by those bracelets. So until it either wears off or they figure out a way to sever the link...Vala's gonna be around for a bit. Sorry you and a few others are so disappointed by this.
Don't worry, eventually Sam will be back and things will get back to as normal as they have ever been on this show. ;)
BodenMaddox
I'd wager she's the sexiest, but that's just me. And, of course, that Claudia is Australian, not British. ;)
For 3 weeks, we've been getting the "new world" setup. So, I was ready for that story to keep moving forward. Instead, we took a side trip to...nowhere? A funny and fun sidetrip, but the lack of development of any of the characters or the larger story arcs was a bit disappointing.
The Lucian Alliance and the DC funding meetings just weren't prominent enough in the plot to be "important" to me. I forgot most of it until I read this thread actually. At least we should have 'learned anything about ourselves in the process' of this treasure hunt; especially Vala, who seemed to take a giant step backwards from Avalon Pt2 and Origin's characterization of her.
As episodes go, I'd give it a B-. I was entertained. I laughed a lot. Notable funny moments – the elevator and the buttoning up subtext, BB/MS cringing at Wallace Shawn describing the wonderful carnal times, the "Cam Mitchell, bounty hunter", "Do you have a credit card?", "I'm so bored"; "You remind me of O'Neill. I'll take that as a compliment. As you wish." "Hey fellas, what's with all the hostility?" "You strike me as a Raiders fan."
I like that Landry is in competition with Atlantis over funding. But that DC trip was a total missed opportunity for story and character development. Vala should have been telling those suits about her "barbecue" with the Ori, and compared it to her G'ouald experiences to underscore that earth is in some serious dren. Instead her big finish is a trite 'overcompensation' joke? They chose to play up the cheap comedy to the dilution of the story (imho).
Apparently Vala's leading the TBTB around by their mivonks as well as the SGC. :p
Hopefully Martin Gero and Will Waring bring something more next week.
Miz_Gatez
*blink* I dunno--I thought THAT was the best idea Daniel had all season.
You know, it tickles me no end that so many folks are worried about when, how and if Daniel is "getting any". :D We don't see him clipping his toenails, picking up his dry cleaning or in the shower either (more's the pity on the latter :rolleyes: ), but I assume he manages those...ahem...tasks with little difficulty. And, I'm sure in a pinch he knows how to dial those 900 numbers...;)
Sigh...no one seems at ALL concerned about Teal'c's sad lack of a love life thus far this season. :rolleyes: Where are all the folks wondering about Landry's romantic side? :rolleyes: And what about poor lonely Dr. Lee??? ;):p:D
Jace021903
I waited to comment until after I had seen the episode twice--sometimes, I change my mind after a second viewing.
I was a bit leary of The Ties That Bind to start with because I have not been a huge fan of the intentionally comedic episodes over the past few years.
As far as the comedy episodes go, this one fared a bit better, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first three of season 9. I'd give it an OK rating.
That said, there were definately some fun moments.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Claudia Black continues to impress. She has such energy and spark that I can't take my eyes off her when she is onscreen. She makes Vala a lot of fun.
I also have to say that I love irritated Daniel. It's fun to see a different side of Daniel's personality. Vala won't be ignored; she pushes his buttons like no one else ever has. I think she sees him as a challange; if he ever did give into her charms, she would quickly lose interest. I hope this "relationship" never turns romantic--that would take the life right out of it.
I was so glad to see Teal'c. I was afraid that he wouldn't be in the episode at all. But he was and was looking very spiffy. I'm glad that we see that Daniel and Teal'c still have a bond. The friendshipper in me just went "Awww" when they hugged goodbye. (sniff)
I think they are doing a good job of giving Cam his own personality but he seemed a bit "Jackish" a couple of times during the episode. I didn't mind really, but I noticed. I still like him and hope to see some good character development for him in upcoming episodes.
That whole scene with Landry, Cam and Lam made me feel like I missed an inside joke. Cam was fiddling with his buttons and Landry was behaving oddly???
I had a couple of cringing moments:
-way TMI from Wallace Shawn's character about his relationship with Vala. I'm with Cam--very disturbing.
-Vala's little put down of the Senator was too much. But very Vala.
Moments that made me LOL:
-Vala sitting on Daniel's glasses. Poor man.
-Daniel's "No, we shalln't"
-Cam and Daniel dragging Vala away after she heard about hidden cargo.
-Princess Bride reference from Teal'c: "As you wish."
Overall, still loving season nine and the new characters.
If you need a tape of the episode, PM me. I still have it on the hard drive of my DVR.
I'm not actually one of the people who are commenting on Daniel's lack of...um...getting some, but I have a theory as to why people aren't going on about Teal'c. Could it be because he got more than enough last season? He had Ishta and that wannabe Karate Kid/boyfriend killer too. If you think about it Teal'c is quite the Cassanova. As far as Dr. Lee goes, now that you bring it up...just kidding.
zats
For being a pointless episode [get the ship to get the power coil to get the necklace to get told that "it'll wear off eventually"], not bad. I think it was mostly an excuse for the writers to play with Vala irritating Daniel [he not only whumps well, he's hilarious when irked. What isn't there to like?!], but they did a darn good job so I'll let them off this time.
Still missing Sam. [sigh] Two eps to go.
Australians are just the brits who misbehaved!! :D
Sorry, but did you watch TTB? Daniel and Vala are no longer linked. So why then is Vala, who STOLE the Prometheus, who basically is the reason why the Ori are now aware of our existence, who tried to steal artifacts, who lies every 10 seconds, who effectively cut the SGC budget, allowed to go on an SGC mission with Dr. Jackson?
THAT is what I'm talking about. It's not funny. It's not realistic. It's stupid. End it, because if the show doesn't go back to the old SG-1 style soon, I'll be one of the fans the show loses this season. As much as I want to love it, I can't. Only two more episodes of cringing to go... here's hoping...
You're right..... and so is SunKrux. Even tho the wristbands are no longer on their wrists, they still are bound together. That's why Daniel passed out an hour after Vala left the SGC. As of now, even tho the bands are off, Daniel & Vala are still feeling the effects. That was (supposedly) the point of the show: Vala's old b*inking buddy said he would disengage the tie between them if they retrieved his necklace, and they couldn't do that without retrieving an old power coil, which led them...... well, you know the rest. That's why Daniel said at the end that the whole trip was a waste. And that's why Vala had to go to the Congressional hearing with them. Theoretically we don't know FOR SURE that the effect will wear off on it's own, but obviously that has to be the case, as nobody can do it for them. Kind of a cheap way out, but what can you do? I think the writers have been cutting quite a few corners so far this season. :eek:
The change in wormhole effect is irksome... especially, as someone else pointed out, there's no plot reason for it like the Pegasus gates being a different network, or traveling to a different galaxy, etc.
Plus, I don't see why they'd want to replace the infamous "jump to lightspeed with attitude" in the first place, or even that it's a different show they're trying to distinguish from the original like SGA.
Yeah, I don't love the new wormhole effect either. Should have left it alone. One of my few complaints about this season.
chocdoc
Okay, I admit it. I'm getting really really tired of any story that centers around Daniel and Vala right now. I like Daniel. I like Vala, but there is just way too much of them, and therefore very very boring. Enough is enough. SG1 in the past has done a good job of spreading the storylines around, but these first four episodes have focused mostly on two characters, one of which is recurring. It's becoming really boring, silly, and unbelievable. And that is really depressing.
The one positive---Claudia Black is doing a great job, but the material she has been given in general has not been good, IMO. Even with that, I think she makes a good recurring character because she is very talented.
This episode was meant to be funny, I know, but it just fell flat. (On the other hand, SGA's episode was really funny and much more interesting.) For example, the DC Senator meeting scene was just silly. Unfortunately, I didn't care for Landry in this scene or episode. I kept thinking---what would Hammond do in the same situation with Vala? Vala was just being Vala---how would Hammond react to her? That whole scene was just unbelievable and took away from the seriousness of the new enemy.
And poor Mitchell. Once again, very little for him to do. I'm almost to the point of not caring about him---I can't believe that he will be the new leader of SG1. The writers are not spending enough quality screentime with his character and therefore BB's performance is hot and cold. I'm guessing I will like him---I want to like him --- but BB has not been given much to go with.
Worst of all, Teal'c is wallpapered more than I have ever seen him. When he's there, he's good, but it amazes me how little he has been in a fifth of the show!! He and Daniel are the only two originals at the beginning of season 9, yet he is hardly there. My only guess is that he will get a larger role soon--my guess is episode 5.
Overall, a very disappointing episode. I can only hope the show gets better soon.
It's Elizabeth Hurley.
Ya think? I give it ** stars without the leather, ** 1/2 WITH the leather. I was amused that Daniel kept tugging at his outfit. ;)
Ok. I'm not actually hating Vala that bad. I actually rather liked those two in this one. Shh...Don't tell anybody. ;)
I know you're still hoping for a hair-grabbing, fire extinguisher wielding, cat-fight to come. Two more episodes to go. I'll be pulling for you. :p :D
I'm not actually one of the people who are commenting on Daniel's lack of...um...getting some, but I have a theory as to why people aren't going on about Teal'c. Could it be because he got more than enough last season? He had Ishta and that wannabe Karate Kid/boyfriend killer too. If you think about it Teal'c is quite the Cassanova.
Took the words right out of my mouth. Does anyone think after seeing Teal'c give Ishta a tonsilectomy on the gateramp that he isn't....er.....getting any? Now Daniel - who knows. He's easily distracted for long periods of time by shiny artifacts. ;)
I think this is part of the problem. If they could have had an episode "off" from Vala - and I understand she was filling in for Sam but it's not like they can't write an episode without a female in it. Perhaps Vala could have been gone for one whole ep before the effects of the distance from the "bracelet" kicked in. Given them time for a Cam or Teal episode and then have Vala return for two more episodes with Sam coming back. I rather like Vala too - although she still needs some depth - but I've really wanted to see Mitchell get some more time.
When they went to meet with that one Jaffa who was a merchant, was the name of the Goa'uld that he once served mentioned?
not the one i was thinking of any other guesses??
SGalisa
there's always a first time for everything...
this somehow got posted out of order (part of this was actually in the next post below)...
...as to answer the question above, I don't remember the name of the Jaffa... and I didn't tape the ep, so I can't go back and find out.
...someone else will have to respond to that. sorry... :(
short takes...
* agree... liked the space-cowboy duds, and the names that went with them :)
* the stenographer grinning about Vala's comment during her visit to D.C... With Vala being E.T.alien, and having a human female from earth being in total agreement with each other - meeting for the first time as total strangers to each other, yet being in total agreement over the male ego *boys and their BIG engines* (etc) comment... too bad those *grins* were short lived... but the point was made :p
longer takes...
Good golly! I expected to read in here about Vala's sins catching up with her, only instead found the following first impressions...
Originally posted by esoap524:
If I were Vala, I'd switch my attention over to Mitchell...Not necessarily a good idea on a permanent basis...
If that ever happens, then someone somewhere will most likely loudly and might CHRONICALLY complain (because it's happened before) that Stargate has been turned into "FarGate" (John Crichton by Ben Browder and Aeryn Sun by Claudia Black, who were both characters in "Farscape"). There's already a topic discussing that...
Ben Browder was only teasing in his interviews that SG temporarily appeared to become "FarGate" only because two people (him and Claudia) are teamed up working together again on another show... also with wormholes - but more stable than Crichton (in Farscape) could create.
Personally, I think it's great seeing them teamed up again... ;)
(*eek!!* sorry for the extra length, but...
well, this was separated, but somehow got posted above, so it's getting put back into here...)
Next, as for Daniel's *high moral fiber* life... and coupling this with-
Originally posted by GoVols:
But seriously, Vala...After seeing the super soldier encounter with Daniel in "Prometheus Unbound" ...the creature with the deep male voice claiming it found Daniel to be quite attractive and watching Daniel SQUIRM -like Big time and not in a happy, ecstacy type way- which Daniel's (and Michael Shanks!) reaction was totally priceless and WORTH the entire episode (IMO), ummm... doubt that male/male would be true.
Originally posted by jyh:
You could tell that Daniel was pretty tempted by Vala. But I think he's just so turned off by her theiving, conniving, lying nature, that that overrules any physical temporary lust he might feel.He did fall for her scheme, just a little, even after she did her pity-party story.
Maybe Daniel's just a man of high moral fiber who isn't going to get it on with the first tootsie who walks through the gate. Or the second. Or the third...Maybe he's *desperately* trying NOT to make the same mistakes based from his past experiences... He does have a very naive and gullible personality, which already has been terribly taken advantage of.
Memory reveals that back in the earlier seasons of SG-1, Daniel *did* "get it on" with a few alluring females...
S1, EP: Hathor
Hathor... with whom Daniel (admitted that he) personally left his DNA gene code with in a pool of newborn goa'ulds...
S2,EP: Need
Princess Shyla... who tricked Daniel using the Goa'uld sarcophagus after saving his life and begged him to stay, etc., while the rest of SG-1 were being worked to death in a forced labor/mine camp.
S3, EP: Past & Present
Ke'ra... very pretty young lady, who seemed to have everything wonderful about her, until Daniel was forcefully told the Ke'ra was really the evil scientist known as the "Destroyer of Worlds" Linea turned young again, but now appearing as Ke'ra...and having chronic amnesia.
S7, EP: CHIMERA
Osiris / Sarah Gardner...
Sarah was actually one of Daniel's former girlfriends, but Sarah got possessed by the goa'uld "Osiris" (a male by-the-way). Daniel had issues with Osiris invading his life, even tho he still loved Sarah.
Sha're... doesn't really count in this list, because Daniel truly loved her, and she became his (first and so far, only) wife, after he went thru the gate and met her first. But she died many months after being abducted to serve with Apophis, and was later killed.
Yeah, I'd say Daniel is just being extra cautious in getting too involved with another wonder of a relationship, especially if Vala is just "using" him for the ride... Daniel's historic (ala Star Trek: Captain Kirk) track record makes Sheppard's ancient (Stargate:Atlantis) Chaya encounter look sqeaky clean in comparison.
...The Ties That Bind...
As for the rest of the story, I think there was a definite *lesson* to be learned about what happens when one item can trigger an event that may or may not be directly related to other items that lead up to the first item...
So, via Vala's never a-too-dull-moment life, SG-1 was learning the difficult route of:
"be careful how one's sins will find them out"
translated: how one's sins do (accumulate and) domino effect each other, and additionally ensnare the lives of those also getting more tangled into this timeline of life's daily events. ;)
Oh yeah, definite Ori/Ascended Ancients material. :)
Yes I did watch TTB. Did you? ;) In the beginning of the eps...AFTER Vala leaves...Daniel passes out...and stays out until Vala returns. Then there was the bit with Dr. Lee, while Daniel was connected to the computer/machine while Vala was constantly talking about Dr. Lee as if he weren't in the room. Dr. Lee or someone mentions the fact that the device that took them to meet the Ori could be the reason they are still connected, it enhanced the bracelet's properties or something like that.
Hmmmm...me thinks they're still connected.
The whole eps was about them trying to get back the stuff Vala had stolen so that the little man (can't remember the character name) that got carnal with Vala years ago, could tell them HOW to get disconnected. Did ya miss that part? ;)
How did Vala cut their budget? The budget was cut well before she even went with them to that meeting in DC. That's why they went...to get the gov't to NOT cut the budget. They were given the choice of a "community watch dog" or the already cut budget of 30%. She had nothing to do with that.
Sounds to me you just don't like Vala and aren't willing to give her a chance. That's your choice and I respect that. :D It's not funny to YOU (and probably others) and you have that right, just as I (and others like me) have the right to relish the show so far this season. Honestly, no tv show is realistic...that's why I watch the ones I like...to escape reality for an hour or more. :D
You cringe and I'll laugh my eema off. ;) We'll get along just fine. :D
It was great to see Lexa and Shanks actually interact....they make such
a stunning couple....!!!!!!!!!!!
Come to think of it, Lexa really looked young in this eppy....and just jaw dropping gorgeous!!!!
And what was up with Landry.....? He looked and Lam and Mitchell....as if
he just married them.
Great eppy......hope to see more Lam/Lexa!!!!!!!!
kiwigater
Gosh, a real mixed bag of opinions! (this after the Duet thread!).
OK, I'm still enjoying the new eps :D I hated Vala in PU, have grown to like her, and if they toned her down a teeeensy bit and had a smidgeon more character development or depth or something I think I could really really like her - I think the "bedroom" scene speaks screeds about how talented CB is (and I've never seen an ep of Farscape). I also think that she was telling the truth about her past, and that on occasion her public demeanor is a shield to hide the horrifying, tragic and scarred past.....
still woulda had her x-rayed on the the way out tho ;)
So, yes, enjoyed it a lot. Looking forward to seeing more of Cam (altho slightly icked out by this thing with the Dr :confused: what was with the clothing adjustment coming out of the lift?? :S ).
I'm not convinced getting Sam back is gonna change things a whole lot - the show is going in a new direction, I'll be glad to get her back, but I just don't think her reappearance is magically gonna give us back the "old" SG-1. And perhaps that's a good thing. I'm looking forward to seeing where TPTB take the show, the new energy is certainly very positive :D
LoveYouBaby
I knew it! Dr. Lam and Lt. Col. Mitchell!
The leather outfits... how Farscape! What happened to the MW gate tunnel? Why was it replaced with that of the Pegasus'?
Arlos and Vala - how romantic, lol
Inago... sounds like Farscape's "Dargo".
That monk ... lol
"I have to get out of here! I can't take it anymore. The fasting, the chanting... b-b-b-bathing of the poor. If I have to weave one more prayer baskets, I'm going to kill someone! Bless the day, bless the day."
ROFL!
One of the memorable scenes is when Vala made-up her history, which I nearly got taken in by.
That chairman-guy is just plain stupid, typical git. I can't wait to see him die, however Vala did a great comeback, lol - "Big ships to overcome men's short comings" ROFL :D
It does appear that the Prometheus is just an experimental ship, and that Daedalus is the official line for class.
I'll go with what the General said which kinda best described this episode, "You went through all that, for nothing?" Oh well... did anyone else get the sense that Teal'c misses Jack?
Umm... at the end of the ep the guy said the link will probably wear off on its own after a while. Doesn't necessarily mean it's gone by the end of this ep.
BrotherNumsey
that is if the guy is right, he didn't seem that intelligent to me.
Well, I really enjoyed this. Course, very rarely did it feel like I was watching Stargate, but you know for a show I hadn't really seen before it was fun. :p
Still liking to watch the relationship between Vala and Daniel. The 'found your glasses' and the scene in Daniel's room had me ROTFLing. The latter especially was beautifully worked by both MS and CB, with just the right beats. Wonderful to watch.
Still missing Sam. Every time I see Dr. Lee I miss her even more, which is annoying because I really enjoy Lee's appearances usually. For now though they just remind me of Sam's absence.
I had groaned when I read spoilers about the 'budget cut' angle. Hadn't we seen this before? Several times? And Kinsey did it so well, who could top him? But the new spin on this - not trying to shut down the SGC, but throwing the cash at Atlantis to the SGC's detriment, running down the SGC to just ticking over because there was more chance of getting technology from Atlantis made a lot of sense and had a realistic touch to it. It worked and was fresh, to my surprise. And Vala's assessment of the SAC's chairman - well, I almost broke a rib laughing.
Anyway, this was an enjoyable romp. Like I say, it was weirdly so not SG1 (and I somehow get the feeling it's not going to be until Sam returns and Vala goes), but all the same it was cute, hilarious, and a fun way to spend an hour.
Albion :)
oragans
its the one and only Anna-Louise Plowman - osiris
MartoufMarty
... The episode was kind of boring. Vala was funny, but there was no point to the episode.
... Mitchell and Daniel did look hot in those clothes though :P
About half way through the episode I yelled out, "Where the hell is Teal'c??"
impulsivelad
As much as I wanted to like this episode, I didn't. I found it too meandering. I understand that it was meant to be funny, but it fell flat and just came off as a Firefly spoof. I'd like to say that the scene with Vala in sexy pj's made up for a lack luster story but it really didn't. I want the focus to shift from Daniel/Vala to Cam Mitchell already.
I agree about Teal'c. He did have quite a season last year. He lives on base so I'm sure he has gotten to know the people there quite well. Who knows what's going on with some of the SGC female personnel and Teal'c? I know I couldn't watch him walk through the halls every day and not think about following him to his room. ;) I have heard rumors about him and the cafeteria lady... :P
My thoughts are that we have no idea what's going on behind the scenes with our guys (and gal in Sam's case). After all, how many times did we see Jack with Kerry before Sam stumbled on the two of them together? They had been involved for quite a bit. (I wrote a whole little backstory fic on that myself concerning Jack years before the Kerry incident.) I don't think it's a matter of not...well, of not, but a matter being discreet adults. They could be involved with people, we just don't know about it.
That's a very good point. SG-1's never really been about exploring the characters' love lives. Even when Sam ended up with Pete, she was already dating him by the time we saw first saw him.
Yeah, Daniel could be "getting it" like crazy. :D
Well, judging from most of the archaeologists I've seen on TV documentaries and stuff, Daniel doesn't exactly have much competition in the circles he travels in. ;)
Agree with you there. :)
Taonas
I found this episode to be quite enjoyable, and I didn't find Vala's humor that annoying... Except for the part in Washington, that was slightly annoying.
But otherwise, this was a pretty good episode. This season is looking pretty good.
ding ding ding ding!! thats right oragans, its the very sexy Sarah Gardner. later known as Osiris.
Johny tell em what he has won!!!
.:johny:. thats right its a round trip, all expenece paid trip to the bathroom. congradulations!!!!!!
KatG
Not a bad episode. Nothing earthshattering but it was quite funny. I found myself entertained and not bored, so that's saying something. Still, I think by the time Sam returns I will have had enough of Vala. I agree with whoever said that just because Sam isn't there doesn't mean they have to write everything around Daniel/Vala. We could have had more on the Jaffa, or even Mitchell. But still, I found myself lol through much of this. Even though Vala was back to her old self, she wasn't quite over the top like before so it didn't bother me so much.
I wouldn't be so quick to assume it was made-up. It looked to me like she was hurt and letting the flood gates open for a time and then when she realized that she was making herself vulnerable, she returned to her humor defense to try to cover it up.
I think next week we may learn that she wasn't too far from the truth...
I agree. That was my understanding...she really did look very vulnerable and it wasn't until Daniel negated her whole speech, assuming she'd made it up that she snapped out of it with a witty comeback. Vala hates showing any weakness - seems like she's absolutely learned how to survive in her world and not be taken advantage of again.
valaCB
WOW!!! Great episode, i enjoy it SO much. it will very sad when vala gone :S
Tok'Ra Hostess
TtB replaces Full Circle as the worse episode ever for me. AFAIC, compared to TtB, Full Circle was a masterpiece of good drama and story telling.
Vala has proven beyond a doubt that she has zero redeeming qualities, and the idea of running around the galaxy, putting the lives of Cam, Teal'c and Daniel at risk for this was ludicrous. When did this show become Gilligan's Stargate? Enough with the sit com; give this fan Stargate SG-1.
LMichelle
So the plot of this ep wasn't Daniel and Cameron in leather? ;)
It was basically an intergalatic scavenger hunt. Poor Daniel didn't even get the "link" removed. Vala's loving it since she gets to stay with "her Daniel" a bit longer. I love the Daniel/Vala banter. It's great. I don't think Vala's going to give up until she gets him into bed. :D
We got a bit more southern from Cameron this week. Word total three - mama, reckon, and big ole. I love Southern Cameron. :)
Poor Cameron's trying to get a team together and is not getting any closer to his goal.
* I know they were still connected during this episode. I kind of got the impression that the link had been broken when Daniel was in Landry's office at the end, get it? Maybe I was wrong.
* Stargate used to be as realistic as Sci-fi gets. Now, the SGC has turned into some kind of circus where criminals and troublemakers are given free access to anything and everything.
I just can't believe how boring this was. Even my friend, who persuaded me into watching SG-1 years ago just stopped watching after 15 mins.
I want to love it, but I hate it. I hate it! Give me back my SG-1 storytelling the way it used to be.
I have a feeling they're still connected, but like you, I could be wrong. We'll just have to wait til next week to find out.
Funny how your tune about Vala has changed. Didn't you start a thread sort of praising her? You did...Seriously anyone miss Sam? (http://forum.gateworld.net/showthread.php?t=14537)
If it's boring you so much...why do you still watch? Don't worry, in a couple more eps...things will probably get back to the way you like it. *sighs While I miss Sam...I will also miss Vala when she's gone.
I have to say I agree w/ this point. I think that for me, this line got crossed last season when General Jack O'neill allowed all sorts of livestock to roam the SGC when Ishta & her friends came to live--er, visit. Totally destroyed any image I had of military precision & discipline being followed at the SGC. I also didn't like the Vala situation. I know she had to be w/in proximity to Daniel, but she didn't have to have free run of the whole facility.
I don't think Vala has had "free run" of the whole facility. She's had GUARDS with her every where. How is that "free run" of the place? Free run would be the exact opposite of what Vala has.
Don't worry, the Vala situation (lol) will be over before you know it. Then Vala will be gone (but not for good, hopefully) and Sam will be back.
i felt it in season 7, when after spying on, following, and interferring with a stakeout and almost getting sam killed, pete shanahan was given clearance to know about the stargate program. and *didn't* get in trouble for the spying/following/interferring with a stakeout stuff. that's about when i realized the writing was getting pretty wiggy. you're supposed to write the plot around the characters, not the characters around the plot.
sally :)
karen_s_c
Can we say boring? or maybe BORING? or just plain "boring"!
I'm seriously wondering just why I'm still watching this show. Am I a masochist? Or do I really believe, hope, or just pray that it's going to somehow miraculously get better?
I watched the first eight years of Stargate SG1. Maybe its just gotten to be a Friday night habit.
Ah, well, here's to hoping that things get better. God forbid if they get any worse!
NightGloom
All I have to say is what the heck was that?
"Hey, we just found a new, powerful enemy... let's go on a scavenger hunt and have Aeryn-lite terrorize Washington"
And someone has been into Farscape's costumes and leftover Muppet parts... tsk tsk....((Althought it was nice to see BB andMS in leather :p ))
What scared me the most was while I was sitting there watching Vala "harrass" Daniel I kept thinking that she reminded me of someone... then I realized it was me so now I'm scared.
It's just too much Vala and too much change all at once. I would have happily waited longer to see Sam back and Vala episodes scattered throughout the season. ((I know, it doesn't work like that))
I don't think I could actually watch the episode again to write a decent review on it.
I don't think Vala has had "free run" of the whole facility. She's had GUARDS with her every where.
She's racked up quite an impressive list of crimes against Earth and the SGC. Let's see: there's 1) stealing the Prometheus, 2) threats with a weapon against General Hammond and his crew, 3) assault against the person of Daniel, 4) escaping capture and 5) entrapment with the bracelets resulting in endangering Daniel's life and that must have cost the SGC a huge expense what with all the useless running around they did in TtB.
It seems to me that any time Vala spent in the SGC should have been in the brig. :rolleyes:
She doesn't have free run of the whole facility but she goes where he goes as does a guard. They can be seperated for short periods of time, that was state in this and previous episodes(I think for about an hour) before they collapse so that is why he could be off someplace while she was managing to make her way into his room. But I saw no evidence she has free run of the whole facility.
GateGipsy
I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. The storyline was spot on, tight, and well paced. My only complaint is that I'd have liked to have had a few more shots of Tealc in that suit! But still, Daniel and Cameron in leather pants? How can I complain at all!
Vala worked best in this episode, in my opinion, as Claudia Black has excellent comedic timing and the storyline here worked well to her strengths.
My favourite TV writer is Joss Whedon, and this episode had a 'Firefly' feel to it for me - that's a huge compliment btw! Definitely the best light hearted episode of the last three seasons for me. Bring on more of the same!
Oh, and to the people who said Vala shouldn't have been in the same room as them in Washington- Well, she knows more about the Ori than anyone else in the galaxy except for Daniel. I think it makes sense to have her there to backup Daniel's story. Plus she knows more about the current state of the galaxy than anyone else.
greytop
Well, I enjoyed the episode. It seems the TPTB and SG-1 usually have a fun episode each season and this could be the one for S9.
I also like the way they are intergraating Mitchell into the show.
Yes I liked the way they're bringing him in too. The first ep of the season was very Mitchell-centric, then he's been not quite the focus in subsequent episodes, which kinda reflects the way Mitchell is taking over SG1.
Rather than the cliched bull headed approach - male alpha storms in throwing his weight around, others dislike him, then life and death situation bonds team and they realise he's not so bad after all - it is refreshing to see a different approach to introducing a new character taken.
Love it! Love it! Love it!
I think she was serious. She told Daniel about being a host to Gou'ld symbiote in PU, so it's definitely a truth and the next episode is going to tell us much, much more about it...
Anna-Louise Plowman isn't British either. :D She's New Zealand born. Although I think she currently lives and works in the UK. (Seem to remember something on one of the DVD commentaries about her having to hop over from London to film an episode).
But I'll agree with you on the sexy angle. She was just deliciously warped as Osiris. I miss her.
sgatelvr
I really enjoyed this episode. It was fun! I have to say, though, after reading the previous posts - when was the elevator scene with Cam/Lam and how the heck did I miss it?
I really enjoyed this episode. It was fun! I have to say, though, after reading the previous posts - when was the elevator scene with Cam/Lam and how the heck did I miss it?You didn't miss anything. It wasn't in the show. It must of end on the cutting room floor.
the dancer of spaz
Interesting ep. Interesting concept. I wasn't too inspired during the first go-around, but that was probably because it was 1 in the morning. :)
The next day, I enjoyed it a lot more. While I still think Vala has some kinks (heh heh) to work out, I thought the storyline was good. A little more Cam and Teal'c and it would have been JUUUST fine. ;)
First off, I haven't read what you guys think about the elevator scene yet, but shoooot. What the HECK?! :) It would have been perfectly FINE if Landry hadn't given Cam multiple knowing looks. And, if it wasn't for the fact that JM mentioned something in his thread, I would never have thought there was anything to think twice about. So...what gives? Are they or aren't they?
OK... Second, I hope Vala was telling the truth about being stoned, excommunicated, etc. - not because I don't like her and I want her to feel immense pain, but because I don't want her to be THAT low of a pathological liar, you know? I'd like to think that she thought fast and turned it into a joke when Daniel questioned her. If she was hiding her past and putting up the protective wall with banter then I'd buy it. THAT kind of behavior would fit with the emotional/psychological issues many have assumed she has.
I loved the monk, because he was just too hilarious. Seriously. I loved the Jaffa trader, because he was snarky. I thought the village scene was really neat.
I thought the D.C. scene was pretty funny, and I only wish that Vala had gotten a chance to say more to the jerk. ;) Landry's response to all of that was classic.
I tried not to think about it too much, but if we could get more scenes with Daniel and Cam in those jeans and jackets... Yeah... It'd be good stuff. :D
Cameron and Daniel's reaction to the old guys' tale about his relationship with Vala was great. That was definitely the most disturbing story I've ever heard on SG-1. ;)
Teal'c's little convo with Cameron about his similarities to Jack almost redeemed the gaping holes in the episode where they were absent. I still think it's funny that Teal'c keeps finding reasons to help them, too. I mean, we know he's loyal but come on... You know his place is on SG-1. :)
Uh... I still can't wait until "Beach Head," and I hope Teal'c and Cameron are more present for the next ep. I'm surprised they've devoted so much time to Vala and Daniel thus far.
I'm also loving the sets they're using so far this season. There was the Village and City of the Gods from Origin and the city, the bazaar and the monastary from this ep. All very different and each with a unique style.
I'm surprised they've devoted so much time to Vala and Daniel thus far.
Why? They signed a contract with Claudia for SIX episodes' arc, she had to fly to Canada (Claudia lives in London), so it would be actually completely stupid if they gave her less screen time.
I loved the monk, because he was just too hilarious. Seriously. I loved the Jaffa trader, because he was snarky. I thought the village scene was really neat.It had children in it! The village of the Ori, didn't.
I believe that Teal's will be won over to Mitchell in the episode 'Babylon', when Mitchell fights The Kel Shak Lo because he spilled Solon blood.
Can't wait to see more of the Ori. Those guys freak me out a little.
Riiight. OK. :rolleyes:
They signed a contract with the guys for 20 episodes. Considering they're "main characters," I find it kinda "stupid" that they've given them less screen time - especially the newest main character.
Sure, Black had to fly to Canada for the role. That's all a part of the trade and I'm sure she's quite familiar with it. :)
I'm not suggesting they give VALA (not CLAUDIA) less screen time. I'm suggesting that it'd be nice if they gave MITCHELL (not BEN) and TEAL'C (not CHRIS) a little MORE screen time. You know... The four of them (the team?) working together.
Yipes.
They will. It's still early in the season. Every season, some episodes focus on certain characters over others. It's just the way it is. Mitchell and Teal'c will have their time to shine.
Perhaps because, as much as some people may like it to be so, it's not the Daniel and Vala show. I love Daniel. I'm reserving judgement on Vala. However, there are a couple of other main characters here that aren't being given as much screen time. To me, it seems "completely stupid" to be introducing a brand new main character (Mitchell) and then not bother to develop him or let the viewers get to know what that character is about.
With Mitchell they still have 14 episodes to develop him (7-20). Vala's arc is only 6.
Yes, yes. Vala's "arc" was only 6 episodes long. But there's a less overwhelming way of developing a character - if you even want to call the past four episodes "development." There are ways to develop characters while still including all of the other integral members of the team. So far, Vala's interaction has been limited to Daniel.
I think Vala's a very complex character, and all they've shown us is how confident she is about her sexuality, how distracting she can be in a situation, how much she's attracted to Daniel, and how much trouble she's gotten herself into in the past - and how much trouble she can get the rest of the team in the present. She kicked major butt in PU, didn't she? Yet we haven't really seen her in action this season.
At any rate, I still don't think Vala's contribution to the show should have been considered an arc, when you still have the Ori, the new cast shake up, Daniel's Ascended storylines, and the New Jaffa Nation to deal with right from the start.
I would not have minded some Cam-style flashbacks for Vala, if it had meant that depth was added to her character. I hate that we basically have to ASSUME that she's got these awful emotional walls and baggage, when there really aren't any scenes to back up that theory. I'm hoping this next episode brings up that baggage so we can stop guessing.
Yes, yes, yes.... but remember, that officially that's not SG-1 team at the moment. And Ori will appear in the next episode.
I liked this episode, the meeting in washington they're making the same mistake they did in the first season, under estimate the new enemy. From what i've gathered They don't even think that the Ori are real but that will change.
While I agree they are not taking the Ori seriously I think they are not necessarily making the same mistake as they did in season 1. Which is disturbing because in season one you could say "shut up kinsey your an idiot". But this time they guy is not saying cut funding outright, hes saying "redistribute" funding to Atlantis and to building ships where he thinks it makes more sense. Therefore you cant just blow him off because he does have a good point. It would be nice to have lots more ships and I think it is imperative that they explore Atlantis.
Of course I think the SGC is your linchpin and there are tons and tons and tons of things that need to be explored in this galaxy so I say cut funding somewhere else and let all the Stargate programs keep what they already have. Maybe they can cut NASA, in the stargate universe do you really need NASA? [note I think in THIS (RL) universe we do so dont misunderstand me]
Or maybe they could make use of some technology they found and create practical public applications and then sell them for a ton of money.... hmmm
when I made my first post i was thinking about kinsay, while building more ships is good and they'll need them. If they put most of their attention to atlantis, the ori will spread their word to the planets they don't want them to explore and when they learn about pegasus the wraith will be no match for them the priors have the power to prevent the wraith from feeding off of them and then earth would need to build a lot of ships and send them all to atlantis.
basically to protect Atlantis they have to keep them occupied here and not let them find out about it.
Good points, best defense is a good offense. We need to get out there and explore and teach people about the threat of the Ori before the Ori show up. Defend this galaxy so we can defend Atlantis. But what is the best way to do it? I dunno, ships would be good but certainly whatever the Ori have will be waayy better then what we have. If we explore we could meet the next Asgard (cough furlings cough). Im just saying that the current group of government hacks have a more complex argument, which is scarry. Then we got the whole Jaffa thing. I am seeing more and more Politics in this season, seems more complex then the old black\white, good vs evil we are used to, not sure if it will be as fun, depends on how they play it.
Anubis345
This was an awesome episode.
I don't deny that, but what's the fun in her being in the brig the whole time she's on the show? ;)
Oh Erin, what a bummer! I actually have had something similar happen--Tornado warning interrupted something I really wanted to watch (hmmm-I don't remember what, it obviously wasn't Stargate--that, I would have remembered). I have it on VHS if you don't have DVD. I generally liked the episode, but it was a bit racy in spots (and downright hilarious in other spots).
Exactly. Landry totally fed the scene and Lam looked totally confused by his look. Otherwise I would not have given them walking off the elevator together another thought (even with him buttoning up to look proper for the general).
I agree. I really like Vala and I think she is seriously deeper than she has overtly shown. I think she was telling her kind of truth in the scene.
Loved their reaction to Wallace Shawn's description. They were squirming in their chairs. Too funny.
Lucky you... you really did not miss much.
I look forward to seeing what kind of real bonds mitchell forms with daniel, teal'c, and sam. Can't wait for sg-1 to be a team again. Need a fast-forward button for life. :)
then why didn't she do that? she didn't back up daniel's or anyone else's stories about the ori. all she did was vamp and be sexual. but wasn't that the whole reason for that scene to begin with?
i was talking about this with my mom today, saying how stargate used to be as realistic as possible, especially with military matters. realistically, whether daniel and vala couldn't be separated for longer than a hour, she still wouldn't have been in that room. why? because she's a loose canon.
all joking aside, landry and company were there to convince the suits that the sgc was still needed (needed the bucks) because of the new threat (ori). with that in mind, vala shouldn't have been in that room. and if she 'had' to be, then she should have been in the back, away from the meeting. and if she 'had' to be sitting next to daniel, she shouldn't have been dressed like a high priced call girl.
that scene was made 'only' so vala could use her sexual innuendos and crack up the audience. would that scene have been funny if vala was left in another room, dressed appropriately? no. it still could have been funny, if say, she was in another room, handcuffed to a chair and gagged. at least she wouldn't have made a joke of the *very* important meeting, and it still could have come off as landry thinking like the military man he is.
as you can tell, that scene irked me more than any other. the second being mitchell and daniel (sans glasses of course) being dressed up as sexy criminals. (i think i'm glad sam wasn't in this ep... she might have been dressed like 7of9 :S )
i hope the next ep has something else for me to concentrate on besides vala and daniel. like, maybe the new guy that's trying to get sg1 back together again. or the new general. or the new doctor. or the guy the presses their uniforms. or whatever, as long as it pulls away from this current storyline.
this just popped into my head... do you think they're trying to set up possible spin-off potentials for vala? like, vala having her own show? i mean, it's hard to come up with reasons why they're taking *so* much screentime on the vala and daniel-vala stuff when there's all these other characters to play with also... hmm...... can't say i'd watch it, but that's prob just me.
illuminarok
How did Vala come back through the gate - unconscious and without a GDO and iris code?
I don't know if this has been asked before but......
what mark did the jaffa have? Didn't reconize it.
ckwongau
Teal , a former Jaffa first prime, he was the expert of the outer world, he still is an expert.But SGC need a new kind of expert , like Vala as an former host of a Goa'uld and a smuggler.
when the Goa'uld were still in power, there were an underground economy of smugglers , Goa'uld weapon and naquadah were trade without the knowledge of the System Lords.
After the fall of the Goa'uld empire ,smugglers like the Lucian Alliance comes out of hidding , Former Jaffa are embracing the new market ecomony.
And i suspect some Jaffa were already part of the smuggler's network even before S9.The relationship between Vala and that Jaffa trader seems to go back more than a few months.
Before S9, most of the Galaxy was under control of Goa'uld, the gate travel was restricted ,any gate travel by Non-Goa'uld world was regarded as a threat to the Goa'uld system Lord .Any advance industised world were targets of the system Lord collective .
Without the system Lords, Gate travel between world are no-longer restricted.
Stone-age, primitive,industrise, space-age world will interact with one and other .New opportunity and new danger will follow.
I hope after Sam's return ,Vala can stay longer ,or may be returning once a while.
Xmen583
i think i know, SGC found out that Daniel Jackson Fell Into the Coma and Gen Landry Sent A Team Go After Vala and bring her back to earth and tehy both woke up.
I thought that was a very weird scene. Mainly because of Landry's expressions as he glanced back and forth between Cam and Lam. Like he suspected they'd been making out in the elevator. I really hope they're not going there - cause that would mean a "Clam" thread will be springing up shortly. :p :D
I'm hoping there was a grain of truth in there as well. Vala is awfully good at covering but I hope - deep down - that she's capable of opening up and being honest once in awhile.
It's fine to introduce a character with a mysterious background and non-stop one-liners but if you don't get something "real" to hang on to it's difficult to become really invested in what happens to the character.
I think that since they only have Claudia Black for a few episodes, they are getting as much storyline out of Vala as possible before she leaves.
Originally Posted by majorsal
As much as I enjoy both the actress and Vala, I just can't see an entire show (even a spinoff) built around her character. So .....
I agree with Jace.
Two series seems to be a bit of insanity for them, so I can't imagine a third.
Plus, I also don't think a whole series built around Vala would survive.
Now, a whole series based upon the life of ANOTHER character played by Claudia Black (not Aeryn) on the other hand... That might work.
To be honest, if they fleshed out Vala more and more throughout the SG-1 series, I'd definitely watch more stuff with Vala in it.
Not an outstanding episode but quite enjoyable (it's probably the leather...)
I appreciate the Daniel-Vala show but I want to learn more about Mitchell and above all : WHERE IS MY TEAL'C ??? ;)
I did not read all the post of this section, maybe someone told it before me, but: Micheal's Wife is on the Show, i would have find it funny if Lexa, would have let Micheal have more than a Hug with Claudia^^! And throghout the whole season, we never had real Sex scenes, A few jokes sometimes with Carter and O'neill... but not more... Anyway, if he gets involved with Vala, it would mean, that she stay more longer, and that is a VERY BAD IDEA....
I hate Vala's Character!
mjj1993
I thought this episode was very uneven--it just never got into a groove for me.
I don't hate Vala's character (and I love Claudia Black)--and since she did say she was a host in PU, then I think the story she gave Daniel was at least mostly true. However, I don't think CB and MS have ANY chemistry between them. It's downright odd to me, but they don't. Someone said earlier (or perhaps it was another thread) that the short periods of time that Mitchell and Vala are on screen they have more chemistry than Daniel and Vala through an entire episode hit the nail on the head! I don't know if it's because BB and CB have worked together, obviously like each other--they just rave about each other in articles--or what but their chemistry is so much more apparent and with Daniel and Vala it feels so forced to me. I know TPTB were afraid of creating "Fargate" with BB and CB but I certainly think it would have been more interesting to watch.
I miss Sam--I'm really looking forward to having her back.
I posted this in the End Vala thread:
As for Vala, I get the feeling that we weren't meant to take her seriously. She's the comic relief and she's a nice distraction while Sam is out of the picture. TPTB had to write an arc to cover the time AT was out on materity leave and I think they've done a fine job of it. It has been light-hearted and funny and I'm glad they didn't a write something that was more serious. Starting a serious plot arc would have created a dynamic within the cast and might have made it awkward to bring Sam back. This way we can have a good laugh for now and Sam will be able to come back easily without having missed anything.
Just a thought, but if they had totally avoided this plot arc--which IMHO is supposed to be cute, not serious--they might have had a lot of problems working Sam back into the dynamic. So instead of starting something and having yet another transition episode to work Sam back in, they gave us a fun little story with a fun character that is meant to make us laugh while we wait for Sam to come back. Of course Vala isn't serious, how could she be? Some would probably just hate her all the more bc they would think that TPTB were trying to replace Sam. This way, there's no doubt that they are not trying to replace Sam and when she comes back, it will be back to normal. For now, I'm just going to go with the flow and enjoythe lightness, it will get serious soon enough. :)
briguy213
What can I say. The episode was stretched?
I've watched it about 3 or 4 more times now, and every time, it just gets better. I about bust a gut with the monk guy. I love his rant about chanting and bathing the poor. I hope we see him again down the road, as well as the others we met. It's always good to keep a few shady characters in the SGC rolodex. :)
Looking forward to this weeks ep, and then Sam's back! Whoo hoo! But then Vala's gone. Boo hoo! I'm so conflicted. :S
entil2001
It's good to see that the serialized side of the new season continues to be very important to the storytelling, especially since this is the episode where the writers have to begin acting like the season has actually started. Turning to the more comedic side of the series was probably the best move possible. After all, "Origin" was quite intense in its own way, and why not give us all a break for an episode or so?
At the end of the previous episode, it felt like Teal'c was going to be shuffled back onto the team, thanks to the power grab from Garek. Sure enough, it's not that simple. It looks like the first third of the season, up until Carter's inevitable return, will be used as an ongoing process of bringing the characters back into place. I'm not sure what I think of that.
While I love the idea of making a good chunk of the season a story about change (and how some things never do), there's the inevitable worry that the characters will never gel completely. Highlighting the strain of trying to force everyone back together could easily backfire. Especially to those still holding on to the original cast, it could seem aimless. Clearly, it's not, but it could come across that way.
The main story is all about Vala, who has become a character that most either love or love to hate. Claudia continues to be sexy at nearly every turn (though never more so than during the Congressional hearing, with those stockings!), and she plays up her rogue-ish side to perfection. This is, however, also the kind of episode where Jack would be tossing out his typical one-liners left and right. So how does it work without him?
Daniel and Mitchell are left to pick up where Jack left off. Daniel's history with Vala helps in that regard, since he gets to play off of Claudia's wackiness more naturally. Browder is still trying to find the fine line between the old John Crichton character and the way Mitchell is written, but part of that sits on the shoulders of the writing staff. They're the ones that need to give the character a unique voice, and it hasn't quite happened yet.
Some of the smaller moments were actually more telling. It's great to see the producers and writers recognizing that the new series ("SG: Atlantis") has, in many ways, taken the reins in terms of exploring new ground. The discussions on the utility of the SGC and their operations could be taken as a thinly-veiled commentary on the fans' reaction to this series, now that the old mythology has come to an effective end.
In this case, creating a parallel between the fans and those funding the SGC provides an interesting platform for exploring how the international knowledge of the Stargate program is evolving into something that could be a major problem. There are two sides to this. On the one hand, it continues to decentralize the attention on the new team, which could be an issue if it goes on much longer. On the other hand, it adds yet another character that could become more important later down the road. I prefer to think of this as another possibility for future storytelling greatness.
From my perspective, the purpose of the episode was to continue to mine Vala as a character until Carter's return is actually in the cards. It covers a lot of the transitional elements that should be in place by the time that Carter is back in the fold. The rest is a rather pleasant diversion that continues the ongoing saga of Daniel and Vala. Sooner or later, that has to give way to a renewed focus on Mitchell and the team, but for now, it's still working for me.
acmech
I do not know if anybody felt this, but while watching this episode, it struck me while they were visiting the monk trying to get the power coil back, this story line suddenly seemed very familiar to me. Starting out looking for one thing, then having to go from place to place doing favors or trading things to get help from the previous person they visited. Did anybody else notice this and where have I seen this story line before?
Traveler Enroute1
The discussions on the utility of the SGC and their operations could be taken as a thinly-veiled commentary on the fans' reaction to this series, now that the old mythology has come to an effective end.
In this case, creating a parallel between the fans and those funding the SGC provides an interesting platform for exploring how the international knowledge of the Stargate program is evolving into something that could be a major problem.
I concur, entil2001. The budget hearing was a nice stroke in line with the changes in the cast and the addition of Atlantis. I couldn't help but miss Kinsey's machiavellian presence (altho in the end he tried to do the right thing), but the new Senator is just as implacable, just less antagonistic. I hope this is setting up a well written struggle to get SG-1's funding back, as in major space battles, gate attacks/invasions, etc. ACTION. Drama. Meaning of life stuff.
As for the parallell with the Atlantis series and SG1 fans, that thought is uncomfortable; are they trying to tell us SGA is getting a fatter slice of the Sci-Fi budget, too? Well, they probably are but as a Fan I don't care as long as the integrity and quality of both shows are high.
I liked this episode, alto it is building somewhat slowly. We've been given comic relief along side threat of doom, and it's all sitting there now. The jaffa leader seems bent on a jihad against the Ori or whoever. Space pirates are massing for turf in previous Goa'uld planets, and Vala has incurred the enmity of a pirate don that will surely haunt the Tau'ri long after she's gone.
All that against misguided money de-appropriations. Sounds like a blast. I hope so! ;)
In this, as I read on another post, this feels like Season One, with the unknown being tossed at us and to be fleshed out in later episodes. I only hope the writers do justice to all they have laid out. I'll be watching for it.
LORD MONK
I know what you are saying. I just can't say where I have seen it before. I just hope that in a couple of seasons we can watch the ep. again and say, "O'Ya, that's where we met those people." Like I do all the time watching reruns.
Yeah, that would be sweet. Loved some of the characters introduced in it. Especially the monk smuggler.
BloomGate
Like many of the interesting things they introduce, they stole it from MASH.
I think Hawkeye needed a new pair of boots. The supply Sgt. needed a tooth filled by the dentist, who wanted to take a boat home when he was discharged in 2 weeks, that could be arranged by Radar, that wanted a date from nurse Baker, who wanted to use Klinger's hair dryer, who wanted his section 8 that needed 3 officers signatures, the third signature they needed was Frank and Hot Lips thought she could convince Frank to sign if they threw Frank a birthday party. Frank refused at the end and the whole thing unraveled backwards one thing at a time.
At least that's the best I can remember of it. :D
Yes, it was similar to a MASH episode who very well may have taken it from an older show or part of a play.
I am not sure which, but my point is that hardly any plot you see in a TV show is original. That plot has just been "redressed" to fit a particular show. The same thing applies to plot devices that have been used in previous episodes of the same but are now being used again.
To me this is not a problem or show a lack of imgination on the writers part. This is just real life ..... a sucessful procedure or method is used many times.
Sorry, about the off topic rant, I also liked TTTB.
knowsfords
The concept of a character moving heaven and hell itself to get various items to get one small insignificant item and the deal becoming unstuck in the end is a story as old as the hills themselves
And didn't DS-9 also do this in order to get the Captain's desk back?
Frostfox
DS9 did it twice, once with O'Brien and Nog getting Sisko's desk back which was very much like the M.A.S.H episode.
The other time with the charming story of Jake trying to get a baseball card for his Dad with the wonderful scene of Jake and Nog having to steal Bashir's teddy bear back from his ex-girlfriend. Gotta love a grown man who still has his teddy.
FF, mine of useless DS9 episode info.
I totally agree with you. I personally am not missing Carter at all!! It would have been nice to see Daniel at least kiss Vala once to prove he isn't all dead in that department!!He did it once, in "Prometeus Unbound". And remembering her reaction I'm not surprised he does not want to do it again... :D
I think Vala kissed him, actually. And then he replied with something like, "You're a fruitcake!" and she knocked him out. :D
DarkQuee1
This was PU Redux. And just as P-U. Except for toilet humor and fart jokes, we've about hit rock-bottom on the humor level. Very Farscape-like. Of course, I didn't find this sort of thing funny there, and I don't particularly like it in Stargate, either.
Vala is beyond annoying at this point. I think the worst thing about her character is that I can't believe she's still alive, because she's stupid and incompetent. A thief, to both survive and actually make a living at the profession, has to have discipline, intelligence and control. All of which appear to have been lost when whoever was pouring her brains in with a teaspoon joggled his/her hand and missed.
For a thief to actually die in bed of old age, with reasonable funds, requires the understanding that you can't make everybody dislike you, because you may need friends or a place to lay low. An ability to steal something *without* being identified as the culprit. And that there are some people you don't steal from because, hey, it's really, really stupid. Generally, people with an entire fleet and lots of guns fall into the second category.
Vala has no clue. She isn't very good at what she does. And she's an absolute idiot. That scene with the senator is a prime example of stupidity and a total lack of control. She's knows they need to win his approval to keep the gate open--and that she needs the gate open to get anywhere because the SGC would have to be brain-dead to let her on a ship again (then again, judging from everyone's behavior in PU, they *are* brain-dead). Yet, she goes ahead and goes out of her way to insult him. Because she (and JM, I presume) thought it was funny? (Which it isn't, if you sit there cringing at the idiocy of it.)
Time to send her on her way. Please.
Speaking of stupidity, we are now two eps past Daniel's playing with a device he didn't understand and, as a result, screwing our entire galaxy, and no one had yet to say a word to him about it. I get tired of the constant "Get out of jail free" card that TPTB love to use. There are never any personal consequences for actions. Daniel's mistake should be acknowledged.
Not to mention, his actions ultimately resulted in the burning deaths of two people. It would be nice to see that Daniel and Vala gave a damn enough to feel guilty about it.
I had been liking Landry, but I liked him a little less this time. He was even worse than Jack at dumping his scut work. And on a sergeant who isn't even the 2IC or his aide. And I had a problem with his "Jack, Jack, Jack" when he got the message that he should talk to the senator. Hey, O'Neill was going to bat for Landry with the President, but he thought that the base's commander would be the best person to defend the base to the senator. He's absolutely right; Hammond always was the one who defended the SGC when needed. Suddenly, between the files and this, Landry looks like someone who wants out of a lot of his responsibilities. Didn't care for that.
Stupid, incompetent???!!! What the frell are you talking about??? She was the only one who was able to get them out from the Lucians' armada.
BTW, you're not the only one watching this show. Some of us really want Vala to pay a visit as often as possible :p
Dude. Vala was the reason they had to deal with the Armada in the first place.
And THAT'S most likely the reason why SG-1 comes in contact with the Lucian Alliance AGAIN later on this season.
And some people don't. Why is this so hard to understand? I, for one, wouldn't mind seeing her some time later on, but that doesn't mean everyone shares my opinion.
YES! Thank you for mentioning this. I went into that episode expecting to see those two characters (Harod and Salis?) interact with members of the SGC, or at least with each other. It would have made me feel a lot worse for them in the end. I definitely would have felt SOMETHING over their deaths. I guess those particular scenes ended up on the cutting room floor or something.
Still, it'd be nice to know how Daniel and Vala dealt with the fallout of that. That is a heavy guilt that would weigh on someone's shoulders. I mean, Daniel has always been very sensitive to how their actions affect others. I'd understand if he was more jaded than he used to be. I think he isn't nearly as angsty as he was in the early years. That's normal, and it would fit into Daniel's character now. Still, it IS his and Vala's fault that those people were murdered, and no one even made a peep about that.
And, as was predicted PRIOR to the eps by some astute fans, I don't think many people have mentioned the fact that it IS Vala and Daniel's actions that led to the Ori heading for Earth. Personally, I don't blame them for being curious about Ancient tech. And I don't blame them for the Ori being psychos and coming to Earth for a little religious persecution. Still, their actions led to this catastrophe, and few people seem to be very affected by that.
And, as was predicted PRIOR to the eps by some astute fans, I don't think many people have mentioned the fact that it IS Vala and Daniel's actions that led to the Ori heading for Earth.
it's sam's fault. it's always sam's fault, even if she's not there and has nothing to do with it. oh, and s/j ship.
[/sarcasm]
Well I guess that's the beauty of these particular eps. They were specifically designed so that everyone would know in no uncertain terms that Sam had absolutely nothing to do with the Ori attacking earth.... But then come to think of it the Goa'uld attacking earth wasn't her fault either, that was Jack and Daniel.... Hey I think I see a pattern... we shouldn't let Daniel go offworld he's a big troublemaker :D
Dude. Vala was the reason they had to deal with the Armada in the first place.Doubt it. We'd've ran into them at some point. At least with Vala's information (and she actually seemed serious for once) we'll have some idea of what to expect.
First, they were in the mess in the first place--all the way back to and including the bands--because of Vala. And her inability to (a) not steal from everyone and (b) not be noticed stealing it. None of which speaks to the rest of the her idiocy. Characterization, including hers, is being sacrificed for stupid humor (and this goes back to her first appearance in PU).
Second, I realize that I'm not the only one watching. You do realize the same in reverse, I assume? As you have the right to champion her, I have the right to try to find her a nice black hole. If they wanted the character around, they could have used her better than as a source of cheap jokes and puerile sexual innuendo. (I have no doubt that in real life, you wouldn't be able to put up with a Vala in your life for more than five minutes without wanting to buy an Uzi.) Plus, to be honest, I'd like to be watching something other than the Daniel/Vala Show. Even without Sam, they could have put the other characters to more use.
But it doesn't change the fact that she was the only one familiar with helpful tricks and our "superior" boys didn't even said simple "thank you".
I understand it perfectly, but it doesn't change the simple fact that I'm not in this camp. Simple as that.
I guess today's episode is going probably tell us something more about them, as these two actors are being mentioned as guests for it at IMDB.com
Doubt it. We'd've ran into them at some point. At least with Vala's information (and she actually seemed serious for once) we'll have some idea of what to expect.
Thanks Goddess there are viewers who are able to notice something more than jokes only. :)
BTW, you're not the only one watching this show. Some of us really want Vala to go away as quickly as possible and really don't care if she comes back.
We really are watching two different shows, unfortunately. Good thing is that TPTB have the last word on it and knowing how precious gem they found in the person of beautiful and talented Claudia Black, they won't let her go so easily.
...I had been liking Landry, but I liked him a little less this time. He was even worse than Jack at dumping his scut work. And on a sergeant who isn't even the 2IC or his aide. And I had a problem with his "Jack, Jack, Jack" when he got the message that he should talk to the senator. Hey, O'Neill was going to bat for Landry with the President, but he thought that the base's commander would be the best person to defend the base to the senator. He's absolutely right; Hammond always was the one who defended the SGC when needed. Suddenly, between the files and this, Landry looks like someone who wants out of a lot of his responsibilities. Didn't care for that.
I also had a problem with his, "Jack, Jack, Jack" for exactly the reasons you mentioned, but I didn't put the other two points together and you're right. If some meetings are beneath him and he wants the sargeant to handle them and others he wants someone above him [O'Neill] to handle, exactly what does he think is in his domain?
I'm hoping this is just an aberration, though.
Yeah. And I'm sure we would've run into the Ori at some point as well, right? Only NOW we don't have Harod and Sallis' advice to run with, do we? And THEIR only ally was killed - because of Daniel and Vala's interference. :rolleyes:
I'm not blaming them for everything either. Don't get me wrong. A lot of stuff has happened that was simply out of their control. Other stuff... Look, I know it's how shows work. Sometimes a character is pulled in a certain direction for the sole purpose of moving a plot or an arc forward, even if it pisses off half of the fandom and causes that character to be mangled almost beyond recognition...
*cough* Gemini *cough*
I'm just surprised that so few people had really mentioned the repercussions of their actions. In Gemini, if the characters had acknowledged their mistakes (understatement of the year), I don't think fans would have reacted to such extremes.
And just as I understood WHY they did what they did in Gemini, I understand WHY they did what they did in Avalon Part II and Origin. Does it change the consequences? Did RepliCarter still cause problems (understatements #2 and #3)? Will the Ori still cause problems (understatements #4 and #5)?
I just want to know why no one seems to care in this particular instance.
Oh wait... It's all coming back to me. :rolleyes:
Can't wait for tonight's episode. For those of you who won't get to see it tonight, sorry about this post. Just getting excited, you know. We will be one step closer to sg-1's return after tonight's episode. It will be nice to actually learn a little more about Vala's time as a host to a goa'uld as well ( not just what she's said - can't tell what's a lie and what's not ). Should hopefully be a good one.
Well you pretty much stated your only watching the show for CB and you will probably stop watching after Beachhead unless Vala makes a return appearance. So yeah, I think its pretty safe to say you are watching a different show then many (not all) of the people here.
I would say that most (not all) of us watch Stargate because we actually like Stargate. Some of us like it better with Vala, some of us liked it better without Vala and some of us (most I think) like it irregardless of whether Vala is in it or not.
Im sure writers and directors are always happy to get good experienced actors that has a built in fanbase and CB certainly fits in this category. Im also sure if they can find a way to write her into the story in a way that makes sense for Stargate then they will do so. But if they cant then they won't. As you say, TPTB have the last word and I am sure they will do whatever they think is best for the show.
Yup, Claudia is the main reason I'm watching SG-1 now and to be perfectly honest I enjoy it very much, 'cause it's a kind of s-f I like, more character driven, emotional, crazy, unpredictable, funny, and what's most important, no techno babble or very little. Re-freshed. Something new. Something brave. Will I stop watching after "Beachhead"? I don't know, I really like Beau Bridges, and after reading Michael Shanks' compliments for CB, I love this guy more and more every single day, so probably they're gonna be the reason I'll continue watching it, although with definitely smaller amounts of viewing one episode, one time will be perfectly enough.
No techbobabble or very little?! Now I KNOW you haven't watch an episode with Sam in it. ;)
Actually I watched. Almost the whole 7th season. But I don't remember anything from it.
I think Vala kissed him, actually. And then he replied with something like, "You're a fruitcake!" and she knocked him out. :DNow you have made me to look Prometheus Unbound again. The things I do for the sake of discussion... ;)
And you are right, Vala kissed Daniel, not the other way around. Still, knowing her idea of foreplay, I do not blame him for not jumping into the bed with her. :D
Well I guess that's the beauty of these particular eps. They were specifically designed so that everyone would know in no uncertain terms that Sam had absolutely nothing to do with the Ori attacking earth.... But then come to think of it the Goa'uld attacking earth wasn't her fault either, that was Jack and Daniel.... Hey I think I see a pattern... we shouldn't let Daniel go offworld he's a big troublemaker :DHey, you are unfair here. As we have seen it has been Daniel's contribution that saved the Earth! In two different alternate realities we have seen he didn't join the first Stargate program and they did manage to decipher it without him. Yet without Daniel somehow they failed to conscript Teal'c and, in turn, failed to defend Earth from the Goa'uld (OK, the second one got saved by the Asgard. But I wonder how much longer did they last after that...)
Hey, you are unfair here. As we have seen it has been Daniel's contribution that saved the Earth! In two different alternate realities we have seen he didn't join the first Stargate program and they did manage to decipher it without him. Yet without Daniel somehow they failed to conscript Teal'c and, in turn, failed to defend Earth from the Goa'uld (OK, the second one got saved by the Asgard. But I wonder how much longer did they last after that...)
Actually I was just making fun of the blame everything on Sam attitude that majorsal was making fun of. I just turned it into a blame everything on Daniel thing, which is obviously as absurd as blaming Sam.... especially since we all know its all Jacks fault... (see we can say that now because he's not around to defend himself plus we all know Teal'c is completely blameless.)