SGA 5x17 (Infection) thoughts (spoilers)
So that was, well, it was what it was. After the fandemonium of last episode, it was kind of nice to have a sort of do-nothing follow-up. OK, not completely a do-nothing. We know that Keller's "cure" for the Wraith has unforeseen complications. Hardly surprising given that these things rarely if ever work exactly as they're supposed to, in the show or in life. To have the side-effect spread to the hive itself ("fluid transfer" ewww) was really clever.
We also learned that uncontrolled and unmasked Wraith warriors are really pretty frightening. Who knew that being fed on was the better option?
Other than that, everyone seemed to be as they always are. I really liked Sheppard's interactions in this episode, particularly with Todd and Woolsey. Like how he argued with and then booted Todd from the room, but couldn't quite meet Todd's eye when the Marine came to escort him out. Or he and Woolsey sitting across from each other, legs crossed, and Sheppard seemingly understanding but not caring about Woolsey's difficulties. The same in the jumper. Sheppard almost-but-not-quite told Woolsey that they were going into the hive, rather than ask.
I also appreciate the ambivalence people feel about Todd. Ronon is the only one who maintains the "kill Wraith" party line. I suspect that Sheppard giving Todd his word was a huge deal. That Rodney was unwilling to suffocate the Wraith in their pods I think says a lot about how much their interactions with Todd have affected their perceptions of the Wraith. I wonder, if they had all still been in their pods and nobody had died, if Sheppard would have given the kill order.
And while it may seem really out of character, I like the idea that Rodney can be all sweet and pep-talky. Given the number of fics I've read where he's just a big, wounded, teddy-bear, I know I'm not the only one.