Because I'm a goddamn fool, I've been reading too many spoilers for the upcoming season of Battlestar Galactica. I oughta lay off that shit before I'm completely ruin't. Well, since I'm not mean enough to post about any of them here, I'll just get off that train right now.
Yay, season 4 starts Friday, April 4, at 10pm EST! SciFi is kicking things off a week prior, on March 28, with two half-hour specials. In case you missed the first three seasons, the first half-hour will be a recap of where the story is so far. That will be followed by a wanktacular half-hour of BSG's "impact on pop culture," wherein celebrities talk about how great BSG is. I want to roll my eyes and mutter "oy," but I'll probably watch both because I'm the exact kind of sucker they're targeting.
Also, the season 3 DVDs will finally be available March 18. Update: Just to note, the SciFi Channel is reporting in two different places on their site a release date of March 18, as well as March 25. I guess we'll see!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Reading to change your life
Check out this post on io9.com - The Twenty Science Fiction Novels That Will Change Your Life. That's a bold statement, to be sure, but it's a good starting point for further exploration and discussion. In fact, the post itself is not as fruitful as the comments.
Of course, it got me thinking. To call a book "lifechanging" is, to me, no light statement. There are hundreds of books I can say had powerful impacts on me for any number of reasons, but actually changed my life? That's something else altogether. Also, when I read a book is pretty significant. What changed my life at 14 years old surely wouldn't have had the same kind of impact even five years later. Now, at nearly 40, I'm not sure I can say I've read any book in the past decade that had so great an effect on me that I'd call it lifechanging. Well, maybe some Vonnegut, for altering my worldview.
Anyway, here's a short list of SF works that I believe I can assert did Change My LifeTM:
Time Enough for Love (Robert Heinlein) - My first Heinlein. It's not his best, but it introduced me to a wondrous new world of SF, and a whole new take on the bizarre quagmire that is human relations.
"'Repent, Harlequin!' Said the Ticktockman" (Harlan Ellison) - More than any other writing, fiction or non-fiction, this story helped me understand the importance of civil disobedience*.
Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury) - Growing up in a household where books were revered, this one was practically required reading and really solidified my belief in books as necessities.
Brave New World (Aldous Huxley) - My first exposure to why Utopia sucks.
The Illuminatus! Trilogy (Robert Shea & Robert Anton Wilson) - I'm at a loss for what to say about this one. Hell yeah, it changed my life, enormously. If you haven't read it, put it at the top of your list.
*Knowing I was a political science major in college might help clarify the weight of this statement.
Of course, it got me thinking. To call a book "lifechanging" is, to me, no light statement. There are hundreds of books I can say had powerful impacts on me for any number of reasons, but actually changed my life? That's something else altogether. Also, when I read a book is pretty significant. What changed my life at 14 years old surely wouldn't have had the same kind of impact even five years later. Now, at nearly 40, I'm not sure I can say I've read any book in the past decade that had so great an effect on me that I'd call it lifechanging. Well, maybe some Vonnegut, for altering my worldview.
Anyway, here's a short list of SF works that I believe I can assert did Change My LifeTM:
Time Enough for Love (Robert Heinlein) - My first Heinlein. It's not his best, but it introduced me to a wondrous new world of SF, and a whole new take on the bizarre quagmire that is human relations.
"'Repent, Harlequin!' Said the Ticktockman" (Harlan Ellison) - More than any other writing, fiction or non-fiction, this story helped me understand the importance of civil disobedience*.
Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury) - Growing up in a household where books were revered, this one was practically required reading and really solidified my belief in books as necessities.
Brave New World (Aldous Huxley) - My first exposure to why Utopia sucks.
The Illuminatus! Trilogy (Robert Shea & Robert Anton Wilson) - I'm at a loss for what to say about this one. Hell yeah, it changed my life, enormously. If you haven't read it, put it at the top of your list.
*Knowing I was a political science major in college might help clarify the weight of this statement.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Many happy returns
Oooh, these are the kind of episodes I really like! The past couple weeks of Stargate Atlantis have made me very happy, and I expect the two remaining episodes of the season will also do me right.
As excited as I am to see Carson Beckett, we can be pretty damn sure it's not actually Carson. Nonetheless, it's really very nice to see Paul McGillion again. Now we have to wonder what nefarious plot is at the root of "Carson"'s return.
It's nice to finally put a name and face to the father of Teyla's child. Of course, what he's been turned into is a whole other matter. And speaking of which...Michael's back! When Connor Trinneer's name came up in the credits, I squealed. *Ahem* Don't judge me; it was a mature, dignified squeal. Michael is really so badass and I love whatever crazy shit he's got going on. It appears the missing Athosians are the first of his new race, and I hope Michael lets us in on more of his plan real soon.
Todd the Wraith is back and now I'm starting to wonder if our heroes are actually going to form some kind of long-term alliance with him. It seems the face of the enemy is changing for everyone, and the landscape is becoming much more murky.
I don't have much more to say about this ep. Exciting things are afoot and we'll just have to wait and see how they pan out. A couple observations: I think Ronon has a crush on Rodney. The way he teases him sometimes is the equivalent of pulling pigtails on the playground. It's very cute. Also, on a minor, prurient note, the costume department is high on my list of favourites since Teyla's pregnancy.
I can't wait 'til next week!
As excited as I am to see Carson Beckett, we can be pretty damn sure it's not actually Carson. Nonetheless, it's really very nice to see Paul McGillion again. Now we have to wonder what nefarious plot is at the root of "Carson"'s return.
It's nice to finally put a name and face to the father of Teyla's child. Of course, what he's been turned into is a whole other matter. And speaking of which...Michael's back! When Connor Trinneer's name came up in the credits, I squealed. *Ahem* Don't judge me; it was a mature, dignified squeal. Michael is really so badass and I love whatever crazy shit he's got going on. It appears the missing Athosians are the first of his new race, and I hope Michael lets us in on more of his plan real soon.
Todd the Wraith is back and now I'm starting to wonder if our heroes are actually going to form some kind of long-term alliance with him. It seems the face of the enemy is changing for everyone, and the landscape is becoming much more murky.
I don't have much more to say about this ep. Exciting things are afoot and we'll just have to wait and see how they pan out. A couple observations: I think Ronon has a crush on Rodney. The way he teases him sometimes is the equivalent of pulling pigtails on the playground. It's very cute. Also, on a minor, prurient note, the costume department is high on my list of favourites since Teyla's pregnancy.
I can't wait 'til next week!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Lunar eclipse tonight - repent now!
For a sign of the apocalypse, head out for a look at the moon tonight around 10pm EST to catch the height of the show, though it'll get started about an hour earlier. Barring clouds, it will be visible for its entirety from most of North America, all of South America, and parts of Western Africa and Western Europe, with the totality phase lasting about 50 minutes. New York is due for scattered clouds, so I'm crossing my fingers.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Top 10 scifi movies
The American Film Institute is choosing ten movies from a list of 50 for the best science fiction films ever, and broadcasting their picks on a TV special in June. While you can't have any say in that hoo-ha, you can let the SciFi Channel know what you think. Check out the story, with an address to send your picks, here.
This is the list I sent, which was chosen by use of random criteria, r-p-s with myself, and my own awful taste:
Metropolis (1927)
A Clockwork Orange
2001: A Space Odyssey
Blade Runner
Alien
Donnie Darko
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension
The Matrix
Repo Man
Solaris (1972)
I'd be interested in hearing from other folks about their picks for best/favourites.
This is the list I sent, which was chosen by use of random criteria, r-p-s with myself, and my own awful taste:
Metropolis (1927)
A Clockwork Orange
2001: A Space Odyssey
Blade Runner
Alien
Donnie Darko
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension
The Matrix
Repo Man
Solaris (1972)
I'd be interested in hearing from other folks about their picks for best/favourites.
Monday, February 18, 2008
This is what I get for seeing a first-run movie
This past weekend Jumper opened in theaters and I was persuaded to actually go out and see it (an unusual thing for me, catching movies on opening weekends). Don't read this if you plan to see the movie and don't want some things spoiled for you. So, for the first 80 minutes or so, I was enjoying it well enough. It wasn't anything great, but its premise was pretty sweet (there are people in the world - Jumpers - who can teleport just by thinking about where they want to go), and the teleport effect was cool. I was a little uncertain about Hayden Christensen's acting, having last seen him in the Star Wars abominations, but he wasn't bad.
Then, just as the story seemed to be developing some teeth...it ended. Worst set-up for a sequel I've seen in a long time. It felt as though the writers weren't sure how to end it, so they just didn't bother.
Christensen's character, David Rice, put his super cool ability to weak and unfortunate use - teleporting half a foot across the sofa to reach the remote control, zipping to London to get laid, popping directly from the elevator to his apartment, thus cleverly avoiding the use of doors. Oh, and robbing banks. It left me frustrated and disappointed that someone with such an utter lack of creativity would be gifted with such a totally awesome ability. Weak.
Samuel L. Jackson played...Samuel L. Jackson, but with really bad hair. His character was one of a group of religious fanatics called Paladins, whose purpose for centuries has been to hunt down and kill Jumpers. Religious fanatics are boring, especially when their sole justification for their fanaticism is "Only God should have this power." *yawn* Jackson's character tells Rice that he kills Jumpers, because all Jumpers go bad, but we never actually learn how they go bad. It would have been nice to see some examples of this alleged "bad." If stealing some dollars was what he was talking about, I'm wholly unconvinced.
Diane Lane makes a brief and unconvincing appearance as Rice's concerned mother and a Paladin herself. She left him and his dad after the first time he jumped, at five years old, because her only other choice would have been to kill him, she explained. So instead, she ran away, leaving him to learn on his own that he has this crazy ability. She sucked.
Okay, so it sounds like I've got nothing but complaints, but bitching is always easier than praising. Like I said, I was enjoying the movie well enough through most of it. There were aspects of it that weren't so great, but nothing that stood out as especially stinky. Teleporting is, of course, totally cool. The opening scene where Rice learns he's got this awesome ability was done well, in execution and believability. The only other Jumper we meet, Griffin (Jamie Bell), was easily the most interesting and coolest character. Rice could have learned something from him if he hadn't been such an arrogant pup. Jackson's Roland-the-Paladin was as cool as all Jackson's characters are, if entirely too two-dimensional. And my own long-standing fascination with North Africa was tickled by some really nice desert scenes, with panoramic shots of the pyramids and the Sphinx.
I could go on, but there's a Firefly marathon on tv today, so I'm going to go back to that. My recommendation: if a theater near you is showing Jumper during a bargain matinee, you probably won't want to tear your eyes out after leaving the theater. However, if you wait for it to come out on DVD or skip it altogether, you won't be missing much.
Then, just as the story seemed to be developing some teeth...it ended. Worst set-up for a sequel I've seen in a long time. It felt as though the writers weren't sure how to end it, so they just didn't bother.
Christensen's character, David Rice, put his super cool ability to weak and unfortunate use - teleporting half a foot across the sofa to reach the remote control, zipping to London to get laid, popping directly from the elevator to his apartment, thus cleverly avoiding the use of doors. Oh, and robbing banks. It left me frustrated and disappointed that someone with such an utter lack of creativity would be gifted with such a totally awesome ability. Weak.
Samuel L. Jackson played...Samuel L. Jackson, but with really bad hair. His character was one of a group of religious fanatics called Paladins, whose purpose for centuries has been to hunt down and kill Jumpers. Religious fanatics are boring, especially when their sole justification for their fanaticism is "Only God should have this power." *yawn* Jackson's character tells Rice that he kills Jumpers, because all Jumpers go bad, but we never actually learn how they go bad. It would have been nice to see some examples of this alleged "bad." If stealing some dollars was what he was talking about, I'm wholly unconvinced.
Diane Lane makes a brief and unconvincing appearance as Rice's concerned mother and a Paladin herself. She left him and his dad after the first time he jumped, at five years old, because her only other choice would have been to kill him, she explained. So instead, she ran away, leaving him to learn on his own that he has this crazy ability. She sucked.
Okay, so it sounds like I've got nothing but complaints, but bitching is always easier than praising. Like I said, I was enjoying the movie well enough through most of it. There were aspects of it that weren't so great, but nothing that stood out as especially stinky. Teleporting is, of course, totally cool. The opening scene where Rice learns he's got this awesome ability was done well, in execution and believability. The only other Jumper we meet, Griffin (Jamie Bell), was easily the most interesting and coolest character. Rice could have learned something from him if he hadn't been such an arrogant pup. Jackson's Roland-the-Paladin was as cool as all Jackson's characters are, if entirely too two-dimensional. And my own long-standing fascination with North Africa was tickled by some really nice desert scenes, with panoramic shots of the pyramids and the Sphinx.
I could go on, but there's a Firefly marathon on tv today, so I'm going to go back to that. My recommendation: if a theater near you is showing Jumper during a bargain matinee, you probably won't want to tear your eyes out after leaving the theater. However, if you wait for it to come out on DVD or skip it altogether, you won't be missing much.
Friday, February 15, 2008
A very satisfying Stargate Atlantis
I think I'm too old for episodes like this; my heart just can't take the stress.
So, I guess we don't have to see Todd the Wraith for him to make another "appearance" in our heroes' world. Even the last time we saw him, he wasn't exactly on a friendly basis with the Atlantis team, so Rodney's "He's our ally" line didn't make a lot of sense. That's okay, though; it's a minor complaint about an otherwise totally awesome episode.
Why does Carter have to be such a wet blanket? I mean, it seemed like not only were Ronon & Teal'c having a good time kicking each others' asses, but everyone else was having a good time watching & betting on them. She just doesn't want the boys to have fun. I'm pretty sure I used to like Carter a lot more than I do now.
No surprise at all that Ronon & Teal'c would find common ground in the Three Stooges, or that Teal'c would admire Ronon's weapon. Heh. Because Ronon is so consistently cool, I think I'll put a picture of Jason Momoa up for Show & Tell soon.
It was also no surprise that they managed to save the SGC, and I enjoyed seeing them have to really fight to do it. Sometimes I think our intrepid heroes have too easy a time of it when they're facing a bunch of Wraith, and they definitely don't get into hand-to-hand fights often enough.
The worst moment for me was watching Sheppard crawling across the floor as the atmosphere was sucked out of the Midway station. It's not as though I didn't know he'd find a way to survive (in fact, in an earlier scene, the EVA suits were clearly visible, so I'd even guessed how), but it was stressful nonetheless. Also, I was hurting for Rodney, who had some minutes there of being sure John was dead.
A minor thing, and maybe I'm just remembering wrong, but didn't Teal'c have more grey hair after his experience in "Unending" than he had in this ep? Perhaps I'll have to watch "Unending" again.
Yes, all around a great episode, very exciting, with some nice warrior bonding.
***SPOILER FOR NEXT WEEK'S EP***
I have to squee, because I'm so fuckin' excited: Carson!!! It's Carson! Yay!!
So, I guess we don't have to see Todd the Wraith for him to make another "appearance" in our heroes' world. Even the last time we saw him, he wasn't exactly on a friendly basis with the Atlantis team, so Rodney's "He's our ally" line didn't make a lot of sense. That's okay, though; it's a minor complaint about an otherwise totally awesome episode.
Why does Carter have to be such a wet blanket? I mean, it seemed like not only were Ronon & Teal'c having a good time kicking each others' asses, but everyone else was having a good time watching & betting on them. She just doesn't want the boys to have fun. I'm pretty sure I used to like Carter a lot more than I do now.
No surprise at all that Ronon & Teal'c would find common ground in the Three Stooges, or that Teal'c would admire Ronon's weapon. Heh. Because Ronon is so consistently cool, I think I'll put a picture of Jason Momoa up for Show & Tell soon.
It was also no surprise that they managed to save the SGC, and I enjoyed seeing them have to really fight to do it. Sometimes I think our intrepid heroes have too easy a time of it when they're facing a bunch of Wraith, and they definitely don't get into hand-to-hand fights often enough.
The worst moment for me was watching Sheppard crawling across the floor as the atmosphere was sucked out of the Midway station. It's not as though I didn't know he'd find a way to survive (in fact, in an earlier scene, the EVA suits were clearly visible, so I'd even guessed how), but it was stressful nonetheless. Also, I was hurting for Rodney, who had some minutes there of being sure John was dead.
A minor thing, and maybe I'm just remembering wrong, but didn't Teal'c have more grey hair after his experience in "Unending" than he had in this ep? Perhaps I'll have to watch "Unending" again.
Yes, all around a great episode, very exciting, with some nice warrior bonding.
***SPOILER FOR NEXT WEEK'S EP***
I have to squee, because I'm so fuckin' excited: Carson!!! It's Carson! Yay!!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Our long entertainment nightmare is over
The writers' strike officially ended yesterday, when 92-some% of WGA members voted to go back to work. Yay! I haven't sorted through all the news to find out what this means for shows I care about, but the networks are planning at least some continuation of the 2007-2008 season. Lost will be marginally affected, with 13 episodes planned for the current season rather than 16. Not sure what this means for Battlestar Galactica's fourth season, which halted production because of the strike.
Well, here's hoping the deal was fair and the writers are happy. Now, back to some tv watching!
Well, here's hoping the deal was fair and the writers are happy. Now, back to some tv watching!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Another excellently geeky place to go
I've been remiss in not adding io9 to my list of Geeky Places to Go sooner. This is a blog by and for people who are truly Strung out on science fiction (their tagline). Post topics range far and wide, covering scifi in every medium imaginable, as well as comics, politics, art, society, and a whole slew of other interesting aspects of reality.
My favourite feature today was the Could You Be a Shipper? quiz. I'm not going to tell you what I scored, but I will assert that all the fanfic I've read has been slashy, not shippy!
Anyway, io9 is well worth checking out.
My favourite feature today was the Could You Be a Shipper? quiz. I'm not going to tell you what I scored, but I will assert that all the fanfic I've read has been slashy, not shippy!
Anyway, io9 is well worth checking out.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Sanctuary picked up by SciFi
Awhile ago, I posted about the online series Sanctuary (here's what I said). Well, the SciFi Channel is granting it 13 episodes for air, filming to begin next month.
I like Amanda Tapping a lot in this, and I think it'll be pretty damn good for her to get away from the Stargate universe, especially with a character who is so completely different from Sam Carter. Sanctuary also boasts a very cool villain, in the form of a seriously hot Christopher Heyerdahl (who also plays Todd the Wraith on SGA, incidentally).
So, no certain word yet on when it'll begin airing, but a 13-episode commitment is a good thing and I'm looking forward to where this story goes. All eight internet episodes can be purchased at the Sanctuary website, which also has a bunch of other cool things to check out. If you're a cheap bastard like I am, you can also download all eight eps on your friendly neighbourhood bittorrent network.
I like Amanda Tapping a lot in this, and I think it'll be pretty damn good for her to get away from the Stargate universe, especially with a character who is so completely different from Sam Carter. Sanctuary also boasts a very cool villain, in the form of a seriously hot Christopher Heyerdahl (who also plays Todd the Wraith on SGA, incidentally).
So, no certain word yet on when it'll begin airing, but a 13-episode commitment is a good thing and I'm looking forward to where this story goes. All eight internet episodes can be purchased at the Sanctuary website, which also has a bunch of other cool things to check out. If you're a cheap bastard like I am, you can also download all eight eps on your friendly neighbourhood bittorrent network.
Flash in the pan
Last night was the season finale of Flash Gordon. It was packed with excitement, reunions, family trauma, and heartbreak. I'm glad I held out, because this show actually did get better as the season progressed. It's not especially deep, gritty or dark, and I wouldn't say I'm the biggest fan, but I have been enjoying it. Some decent characters, interesting enough stories and, of course, hotties all make it worth the time. I'm still not thrilled with Ming, who just isn't merciless enough. I think he's too emotional, is the problem. He needs to get some distance.
So, exciting things have come to pass. Flash's folks are together again. Being the biggest sap ever, I was moved by their reunion. That just touched me. Flash & Dale shared a pretty steamy kiss that did a good job of teasing viewers who are into those two. I think I like Baylin & Zarkov better, though. Now there's a nice couple. And, now that he, Flash and Dale are all trapped on Mongo, they've got some time to work on that relationship. Oh, and there was a revolution, as Ming's kids, with Rankol at their side, rallied the deviate troops to free Mongo from the oppression of their "Benevolent Father."
I don't know if Flash Gordon will be renewed for a second season, but current rumours suggest it will not be.
So, exciting things have come to pass. Flash's folks are together again. Being the biggest sap ever, I was moved by their reunion. That just touched me. Flash & Dale shared a pretty steamy kiss that did a good job of teasing viewers who are into those two. I think I like Baylin & Zarkov better, though. Now there's a nice couple. And, now that he, Flash and Dale are all trapped on Mongo, they've got some time to work on that relationship. Oh, and there was a revolution, as Ming's kids, with Rankol at their side, rallied the deviate troops to free Mongo from the oppression of their "Benevolent Father."
I don't know if Flash Gordon will be renewed for a second season, but current rumours suggest it will not be.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Meanwhile, in the Pegasus galaxy...
I'm way behind on my raving about Stargate Atlantis, so let me start with what I thought of tonight's episode. I might never have mentioned it before, but I sure do like a Rodney episode (even if he is a total fuckin' whiner). He's just so damn high strung, and stressful situations never see him at his best. His suggestion that Carter flash her tits at the kids was a good one, though.
Keller's a good character and I like that she gets nervous and uncertain under pressure, but that she always holds up. However, I certainly hope she's not making a move on Rodney [insert scowl here]
The Genii mining facility they found themselves in reminded me of a videogame. Not any game in particular, but just the general setup of being in a room with no good options for exit, now solve the puzzle! I liked that they solved it a few times before they actually managed to get out of there, and that they found the way out by accident. Not a bad episode, overall, but I wouldn't say one of my favourites.
Now, a little bit of catch-up is in order. Yes, the ep two weeks ago, "Harmony," was a bit annoying all around, and Harmony was a pretty damn annoying kid, but I liked it anyway. It was cute, lighthearted, low on the scary, high on the John-Rodney banter. A fun, mid-season snack about which there just isn't much to say.
Then there was last week's episode, "Outcast," which I definitely enjoyed. The sweet little moment Sheppard & McKay shared at the beginning made me happy. Of course Rodney would have gone with John if he could have! We didn't learn everything about Sheppard's falling-out with his family, but we didn't really need to. It's true that funerals rarely bring out the best in people, but it seems like Sheppard's brother is a douchebag and that his old man probably was too. Also, I'm really glad we met Sheppard's ex-wife, Nancy. His awkwardness with her at the wake was a little over-the-top, but I guess that could have been done worse...somehow. I mean, we don't know much about why they split up, but this many years later, when they haven't seen each other since before Sheppard left for Atlantis, it just seems like Sheppard-the-charming wouldn't be so frazzled by his ex at his dad's funeral. Seems, in fact, like he should have expected her. Bah, that's just me nit-picking, though, so I'll get on with the post already. The upshot is that I liked Nancy!
"Outcast" reminded me that I often like the stories that are predicated on the idea that, while the Stargate program and the Atlantis expedition are huge government secrets, information about them gets out nonetheless. Technology, of the insanely advanced, alien-influenced variety, is available to those in the right place at the right time, and helps build some interesting little plot scenarios. The homegrown-replicators story here was satisfying enough without being something the writers will ever need to revisit if they don't want to. However, since they have their very own replicator consciousness on ice, I wouldn't be surprised if she pops up again. So, I liked that, too.
That's my SGA wrap-up regarding current goings on. Now, sit back and marvel at my mad skillz with the crystal ball.
***SEASON 5 SPOILERS***
This week saw an abundance of SGA spoilers. Season 5 (woohoo!!) production starts up later this month, and changes are afoot. Richard Woolsey (Robert Picardo) will replace Sam Carter (Amanda Tapping) as the new commander of Atlantis, and Carson Beckett (Paul McGillion) is due to make a return in a handful of episodes. Tapping is leaving the regular cast to spend more time on Sanctuary (more on that in another post soon), but will make some guest appearances during the season, as will Michael Shanks as Daniel Jackson. Also, Jewel Staite is joining the regular cast, as Dr. Jennifer Keller.
So, no more Carter in charge, which will not seem like much of a loss methinks. But Woolsey? Really? How...unexpected. I'm open-minded, though; I'll give him a chance. And finally, Daniel Jackson is going to make it to the Pegasus galaxy. He's only wanted to go from the beginning! So, that's something to look forward to.
Jeez, now shut the hell up already!
Keller's a good character and I like that she gets nervous and uncertain under pressure, but that she always holds up. However, I certainly hope she's not making a move on Rodney [insert scowl here]
The Genii mining facility they found themselves in reminded me of a videogame. Not any game in particular, but just the general setup of being in a room with no good options for exit, now solve the puzzle! I liked that they solved it a few times before they actually managed to get out of there, and that they found the way out by accident. Not a bad episode, overall, but I wouldn't say one of my favourites.
Now, a little bit of catch-up is in order. Yes, the ep two weeks ago, "Harmony," was a bit annoying all around, and Harmony was a pretty damn annoying kid, but I liked it anyway. It was cute, lighthearted, low on the scary, high on the John-Rodney banter. A fun, mid-season snack about which there just isn't much to say.
Then there was last week's episode, "Outcast," which I definitely enjoyed. The sweet little moment Sheppard & McKay shared at the beginning made me happy. Of course Rodney would have gone with John if he could have! We didn't learn everything about Sheppard's falling-out with his family, but we didn't really need to. It's true that funerals rarely bring out the best in people, but it seems like Sheppard's brother is a douchebag and that his old man probably was too. Also, I'm really glad we met Sheppard's ex-wife, Nancy. His awkwardness with her at the wake was a little over-the-top, but I guess that could have been done worse...somehow. I mean, we don't know much about why they split up, but this many years later, when they haven't seen each other since before Sheppard left for Atlantis, it just seems like Sheppard-the-charming wouldn't be so frazzled by his ex at his dad's funeral. Seems, in fact, like he should have expected her. Bah, that's just me nit-picking, though, so I'll get on with the post already. The upshot is that I liked Nancy!
"Outcast" reminded me that I often like the stories that are predicated on the idea that, while the Stargate program and the Atlantis expedition are huge government secrets, information about them gets out nonetheless. Technology, of the insanely advanced, alien-influenced variety, is available to those in the right place at the right time, and helps build some interesting little plot scenarios. The homegrown-replicators story here was satisfying enough without being something the writers will ever need to revisit if they don't want to. However, since they have their very own replicator consciousness on ice, I wouldn't be surprised if she pops up again. So, I liked that, too.
That's my SGA wrap-up regarding current goings on. Now, sit back and marvel at my mad skillz with the crystal ball.
***SEASON 5 SPOILERS***
This week saw an abundance of SGA spoilers. Season 5 (woohoo!!) production starts up later this month, and changes are afoot. Richard Woolsey (Robert Picardo) will replace Sam Carter (Amanda Tapping) as the new commander of Atlantis, and Carson Beckett (Paul McGillion) is due to make a return in a handful of episodes. Tapping is leaving the regular cast to spend more time on Sanctuary (more on that in another post soon), but will make some guest appearances during the season, as will Michael Shanks as Daniel Jackson. Also, Jewel Staite is joining the regular cast, as Dr. Jennifer Keller.
So, no more Carter in charge, which will not seem like much of a loss methinks. But Woolsey? Really? How...unexpected. I'm open-minded, though; I'll give him a chance. And finally, Daniel Jackson is going to make it to the Pegasus galaxy. He's only wanted to go from the beginning! So, that's something to look forward to.
Jeez, now shut the hell up already!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
It's like steak-of-the-month, but with science
Also, no actual molecules come to your door.
This evening I found a totally cool website called Molecule of the Month. Going back to January of 1996, this site features a new molecule every month, with entries written by numerous contributors.
I've been such a slacker around here the past few weeks and I hardly have anything to show for it, but this was pretty cool so it poked me until I decided to post about it. There should be other nifty posts in the near future, as I've been keeping up with my tv watching, and I actually have some thoughts about a nerd-appropriate book I read recently.
In the meantime, here's to this month's molecule, Vanillin!
This evening I found a totally cool website called Molecule of the Month. Going back to January of 1996, this site features a new molecule every month, with entries written by numerous contributors.
I've been such a slacker around here the past few weeks and I hardly have anything to show for it, but this was pretty cool so it poked me until I decided to post about it. There should be other nifty posts in the near future, as I've been keeping up with my tv watching, and I actually have some thoughts about a nerd-appropriate book I read recently.
In the meantime, here's to this month's molecule, Vanillin!
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