SGA 5x5 (The Ghost in the Machine) and 5x6 (The Shrine) thoughts (spoilers)
So, after a week's hiatus in a place without a TV, I watched both episode's back-to-back last night. But I think I can keep them separated.
Oh the cat came back
It was a little strange to watch an Elizabeth Weir episode minus Torri Higginson, but I think FRAN (Michelle Morgan) did a pretty good job. I think she mimicked Elizabeth's tone and cadence well. I had no doubt that it was Elizabeth, because the writers seem to enjoy just randomly bringing her back. I found it really interesting that Teyla didn't even trust her, and I wish they would have explained more of why. I felt a little sorry for Woolsey, having to reign everyone in and be the leader. I was impressed by his poker face, however, at least for the minute or so he managed to hold it. I also liked the whole idea behind the episode because, intuitively, going into subspace seems like a good way for those Replicators to reach Ascension. I don't know if it will matter or not, but I did notice that, even now, Elizabeth is still not dead. Just in that weird hibernation Replicators go into when exposed to space.
And now, on to the main squee-fest. . .
"Flowers for Algernon" done Pegasus-style
David Hewlett absolutely, positively, rocked this episode. Really, seriously, truly. If he ever stars in a staging of "Flowers for Algernon" anywhere near where I live or someplace I can get to easily, I will absolutely pay good money to see that. And more money for the box of tissues. I was nearly in tears within the first five minutes of this episode.
But it wasn't just DH, no, this whole episode was amazing. Jeannie was absolutely brilliant. Ronon seemed more heart-felt than we've ever seen him. And Woolsey is becoming even more fleshed-out and approachable as time goes on.
And it was so full of McShep goodness, I hardly know where to begin. Because really? This whole thing with Keller? No worries. As many on my f-list have already noted, Rodney may love Keller, but it's John he called for, John he ran to, John he trusted. The slashy sub-text is hardly even sub-text anymore. I think we've reached (if not surpassed) Xena levels of "sub-text".
The talk between John and Rodney on the pier was a brilliant piece of writing. It was so emotional, John displayed both his neuroses and how much he cares for Rodney so openly, and then they ended it with a joke, which was so desperately needed at that point in the episode. It's moments like that which make me even more disappointed that they've chosen to replace this show with some teeny-bopper fluff. If this has to end, I hope it ends on something like that.
Pass me a Kleenex.