Random Thoughts on SGA 2.10 "Lost Boys"

[thegrrrl2002]

I liked this ep. It wasn't as stratospherically squee-worthy as "Aurora", but, okay, so little is. I still enjoyed it. I'm not sure how much I'm into this whole "enzyme" thing, it's a tired plot cliche but I thought this ep handled it in an interesting way. I knew from spoilers that somehow McKay gets drugged, but I was totally suprised how it was administered, and I didn't know Teyla and Ronon would be drugged, too. I also enjoyed seeing Ford again. His new role fits him, I like how quietly scary he is now. Doing something brutal one minute, and the next extolling how they all have to work together. And those little flashes of the old puppyish Ford are kind of chilling. He's definitely effective.

Also effective: McKay roaring at Ford when he found out his food was laced with enzyme. DH gives great fury, doesn't he? He's wonderfully physical about it, too. Hot. Wicked hot. McKay in general being more agitated than usual is just a joy to behold. Loved him explaining Sheppard's "wow", in response to Ford's so-called "plan". And flat-out refusing to work on the Wraith dart was pretty damn hot, too.

I thought Sheppard was intriguing in this ep, the way he was playing it. He still wants to rescue Ford, he needs to, even though Ford is holding them prisoner. And is pretty damn nuts. I loved the moment he mentioned Ford's cousin and grandparents, and it was very nasty when Ford revealed he was playing him during that scene. Or at least claims to have been. I'm not convinced.

It made me happy to see the Genii equipment again. Love those computer monitors. LOL! The writers also get brownie points for continuity with the reappearance of the C4 that had been stolen during "The Storm".

I know everyone has mentioned this, but I have to say it, too: Ronon and Teyla playfully fighting? Rocked. In a big way. They have great chemistry, and I loved seeing them get physical with each other. And Sheppard getting smacked in the face was a great touch. Not only because we got a crotch shot when he went down. (And was he incredibly sulky afterward or what?) BTW, the second crotch shot, on the hive ship, is just as entertaining. And, once again, unconscious Sheppard gets dragged off somewhere. It's getting to be a regular thing for him.

The Weir hang-wringing scenes were a clumsy way of letting us know how much time passed. It was nice to see Lorne showing some personality, although every time I see him, all I can think is "I miss Bates!!". Bates had personality from the very start.

Now, to the thing that brings me great joy: the subtext. The not-so-subtle subtext. John and Rodney snarking at each other in the opening sequence. John looking to Rodney when they first realize Ford is behind their capture. John following Rodney out in the field of tall grass, awww, sweet! Touchies! As other people have mentioned, I was sort of expecting a kiss, before I realized I was watching the show, not reading fanfic. But poor Rodney, head in his hand, apologizing. ::sniffs:: He needs a hug. Many hugs.

The hive ship action was suitably creepy, especially with that wraith sniffing Sheppard like that. Lingering pheromones? And Sheesh, now all the Wraith women want him, too. This one was extra-creepy, I thought.

Noticed while capping: Pretty Blonde Lost Scientist Boy is flirting with McKay from the very start. He's the one who pulls the hood from McKay's head when they're first bought in, and then he grins and makes a little face when McKay stares at him. It's actually quite adorable. And during the classic Doin' Stuff Montage? So damn flirty.

Also noticed: Sheppard licks his lips at least once per scene. Chapped lips from all the blowjobs?

And how come there are no Lost Girls? Is this some sort of exclusive boy's club? Or are girls too smart to get involved in something like this? And, if so, what do those boys do with all that excess energy, huh? I'm sure they don't spend all their time sparring.

Comments

[thepouncer.livejournal.com]

Hah! I thought the blond scientist boy was flirting with McKay. He better watch out or Sheppard will take him down for daring to try to make time with his man. *giggles wildly*

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

I think he went over the edge of the platform when Sheppard rematerialized them in the hive ship, didn't he? Like *that* was an accident. *g*

[seikaitsukimizu.livejournal.com]

I knew I wasn't alone in spotting blondie flirting! And yes, we all love hurting McKay...and pissy McKay. And I have to say I adored the part where he refused to help and stormed off. Enzyme? Or maybe lingering fears of Arcturus?

As for the sniffing by the female Wraith...well, I'm currently working on their social order (which I'm sure the writers will blow outta proportion), but remember, the Wraith drain 'life essence', which means they have to be able to distinguish between various life-forms. Sheppard is the strongest Ancient descendent, which means his 'scent' is most like the Ancients', and therefore more enticing than any of the others because Ancients=trouble but tastey.

Nitpicks: Ronon is a runner because the Wraith can't drain their life essence. Based on that, that means the enzyme that hyped up Ford was rejected when the Wraith tried to feed on Ronon. This means administering the drug to Ronon should've had no effect, as he's biologically immune.

Also, Teyla. Since she HAS Wraith DNA, administering the serum should, in theory, wake up those parts of her physiology. Increased psychic abilities into Wraith minds, more aggressive behavior, a desire to feed...etc. While the aggressive behavior was increased, it was also directed. Wraith are aggressive to anything.

Finally, Rodney + Serum = Evil Genius! I am hoping we get to see some Evil Genius appear in the sequel, because it's about damn time! Two "lost boys" guarding him. Shouldn't be THAT hard to beat with his brain.

Finally, on Lost Girls: Wraith females are considered the 'leaders' of Hives (understandable, since they probably are the ones that produce the offspring--much like goa'uld queens). If Ford inducted any females, on an instinctual level he knows that he and the others will submit to her, and he doesn't wish to give up command. Also, the part of Ford that remains knows the enzyme works on men, but not women, so maybe he doesn't want to risk harming them.

[mmmchelle.livejournal.com]

Sheppard is the strongest Ancient descendent, which means his 'scent' is most like the Ancients', and therefore more enticing than any of the others because Ancients=trouble but tastey.


I thought they were sniffing the lack of enzyme, not his Ancient genes.

administering the serum should, in theory, wake up those parts of her physiology

Not necessarily. We don't know how many wraith genes she has or what they're for. Also, the purpose of the enzyme is to give the victim enough strength to survive long enough to be thoroughly eaten so there is no reason to suppose it would impact her wraith genes in any way. The increase in aggression is a side-effect of the increase in strength and endurance, rather than a deliberate effect of the enzyme. The wraith don't take this enzyme themselves, they use it on their victims.

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

I was pretty sure the sniffing had to do with the retrovirus--since Sheppard was able to go into the bug cave during "Conversion" without any problem. It's possible that there's some lingering active bug DNA in him, or the pheromones aren't completely out of his system yet. They may recognize he is one of them. Sorta.

Although it may have to do with the ancient gene, too.

Ronon is a runner because the Wraith can't drain their life essence

I didn't quite catch that--when did he say that? Was it during "Runner"? They never really quite explained Ronon's seeming superstrength, and why the Wraith chose him to be a runner.

I hope we see SuperGenius Rodney escape in Part II. Because really, like you said, he's got to be able to outthink these guys. *g*

[severusslave.livejournal.com]

Roaring!Rodney is the new pink! Yes. *wiggles on chair*

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

Hee! Oh yeah. I think John was kind of turned on by it. *g*

[jenlev.livejournal.com]

oh yes, ford is scary. and so very broken, that i can't imagine he'll come back from this. makes me sad for him. he's doing a very good job of this.

i loved the moment when rodney refused to work on the dart. and john's response was very fine as well. pretty pretty scene too with the field. ;)

i think that john and ford would both pretend that they were playing each other, but it didn't feel as if they really were. there was a quality of sincerity that i totally bought.

you by the way cracked me up so much that i nearly inhaled my coffee: "Also noticed: Sheppard licks his lips at least once per scene. Chapped lips from all the blowjobs?"

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

there was a quality of sincerity that i totally bought

Oh, absolutely. It was a lovely scene, very heartfelt, it seemed to me, on both sides.

And it was fascinating to watch Sheppard lick his lips all up close and in slo-mo. I'm getting far too interested in that man's mouth. *g*

Speaking of which, I'm just going to sit here and stare at your icon for the next ten minutes, okay? Mmmmm...yeah.

[jenlev.livejournal.com]

heh, that's by the generous and creative paian. and it's very stare-worthy. i hope it's a good inspiration for you. *veg*

i loved how both john and ford tried to pretend they'd been "playing" each other. yeah, riiiiight. ;) but still so poignant for both of them. it's a situation where i think john is going to have to let go of trying to save ford, which is just awful. he's going to need quite a bit of comfort about that i think.

ps. i always end up getting distracted by john's hair. i can't help it. hee!

[mmmchelle.livejournal.com]

You need to write Rodney watching John lick his lips.

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

Hmmmm....I like that idea. *g*

[mmmchelle.livejournal.com]

Or are girls too smart to get involved in something like this?

That's the option that gets my vote, although I suspect its more that the myopic fanboy writers didn't think to include women.

The more I think about it, the less I think the enzyme would have any effect on sex-drive. It's supposed to make you stronger and provide enough endurance that the victim will survive long enough to be thoroughly eaten. The increased aggression is just a side-effect, since you wouldn't want to make your victims more aggressive. While I know sex and aggression are connected for some people, I'm not sure how that plays out on a biological level.

But don't let that stop you from writing Rodney on the enzyme having sex with John. Especially if it means Rodney's being a little more aggressive than usual and John is liking it.

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

Hey, no one told the writers there were other girls in the Pegasus Galaxy! It's really sad, isn't it?

The more I think about it, the less I think the enzyme would have any effect on sex-drive.

You're probably right, although yeah, it's fun to think that it would. They definitely have an increased appetite (everyone is eating, all the time) and are acting pretty manic in general, so maybe all the bodily functions and needs are increased. Plus, in Rodney's case, they've been stuck there for a couple of weeks, right? Did Weir say four weeks in her message? They've got to be getting a little ansty about things. *g*

[mmmchelle.livejournal.com]

I have to look at Weir's message again. For some reason that part didn't really register. I'm sure Rodney was needing comfort sex. At the very least he needed the distraction.

[jungleeyedgirl.livejournal.com]

That's the option that gets my vote, although I suspect its more that the myopic fanboy writers didn't think to include women.

I was thinking that too, but then again, if you're putting together a group of people to attack the Wraith, we can assume that even in Pegasus, Teyla's strength and fighting skill isn't the norm for women, the recruits for this little band of merry men would all be male because they start out stronger than women based on regular biology. If you're looking to enhance people to take on the Wraith, you're still going to start with the strongest people you have.

That plus Ford, former Marine, you know...

[clarkangel.livejournal.com]

I was so sympathetic to Ford at first. But by the time Shep called him a Snotty-nosed brat..I was cheering. I think the HOME talk was sincere...for both of them. Yet..at the same time, I think they were testing each other. Shep has been at this game too long not to have a back up plan. Ford is too focused on PROVING himself and still feeling betrayed to fully believe Shep. Although I think he wanted too.

I loved the R2 moment in the ship.

love Ronon with the sword.

The McShep moment was just right.

And the female wraith thing. Did they want Shep because he's the human that piloted the dart? And now...will the female know he killed Bob and Steve? Cause both of them said the others would know what Shep had done. And can she sense he was once a bug? Or is it the Gene/Ancient thing? I want it to be a bit of both and not something TPTB blow off.

And I do think Ronon will get off easiest with the enzyme effects. I forgot about Teyla and her Wraith DNA.

I'm still wondering about the conversation in the beginning with the food. Shep never touched his food. So the conversation with Ford was off. Ford tells him he drugged the food and Shep reacts like he was drugged too. Though he didnt' touch it. So why not have Ford say...but your food wasn't drugged, not that it mattered, since you didn't eat any. He didnt' eat even later, when Ronon and Teyla were chowing like pigs. LOL

And I liked the Ronon and Ford confrontation. Ford was jealous. Ronon now has Shep. LOL

And Shep on the Hive. The only one not Super. He did good though. But he's so vulnerable and fragile right now.

I'm sad the blond scientist had to die.

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

Did they want Shep because he's the human that piloted the dart? And now...will the female know he killed Bob and Steve?

Oh, good point, they probably all know that he killed Bob and Steve, I hadn't thought about that. I was thinking it was the retrovirus thing, that he still carried some pheromones in his system from the bug DNA. Because that white-haired wraith (not the woman, the one who got him from the cell) definitely sniffed him. (So creepy!)

And Sheppard does seem so fragile compared to the rest of the enzymed-up folks. I like that, it's interesting to have him observe everyone, and be the voice of reason. But on the hive ship, it's just scary, and he's scared, and and and that was a TERRIBLE place to end it!!!

[tinny]

And Sheppard does seem so fragile compared to the rest of the enzymed-up folks.

It only came to me today, but now there's actual opportunity for Rodney to protect John.

Not that I need any more top!Rodney stories //), I'm perfectly happy with Shep doing the protecting, but this situation really gives it a nice canon twist. Shep is suddenly the more intelligent (well, more together, anyway) of the two, and Rodney is the stronger. Not that we got any evidence of that, but I'd assume that he got at least stronger than John. That could be fascinating.

that was a TERRIBLE place to end it

Actually, a lot worse than all the previous cliffhangers, because it's already gone too far. With the others, there was at least some kind of possible way out (or maybe I'm just saying that because I was always spoiled before but not now).

But here, all the possible avenues are pretty much exhausted, and the threads are too far apart to make much sense. You'll have to pull a lot of strings to get them all out of their respective dilemmas. I just know that they'll pull some deus out of their machina again, which will make just as little sense as siege 3. ;(

But actually, I don't care that much about canon at this point, much more about what possibilities it poses for fic writers. And that part is actually quite interesting, because the only way it can go on (for us) is that John is not going to be eaten. I'm sure people will come up with weird scenarios about what the Wraith will do with him instead. I really like that part.

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

Not that we got any evidence of that, but I'd assume that he got at least stronger than John.

I would think so, and that would make for some really interesting scenarios. I can see Rodney not quite being aware of his strength, and knocking John around a big unintentionally. Maybe John trying to shove an amorous Rodney away and getting shoved back by Rodney a little too fiercely.

Or, something near and dear to my heart--a Lost Boy makes a move on John and Rodney comes to the rescue. *g* That would be pretty sweet.

I'm not sure how the writers are going to work their way out of this one. I'm guessing the Daedalus is involved somehow, but other than that, yeah, pulling deus out of their machina (LOL, love that phrase!). I hope it's not too cringeworthy. But if we get a warm, fuzzy Sheppard/McKay moment afterward, I'm willing to forgive them anything. (I'm shameless like that.)

[tinny]

a Lost Boy makes a move on John and Rodney comes to the rescue. *g* That would be pretty sweet.

Hee, I'd like that, too. But I don't think Rodney is strong enough for that. He's still no match for any of the other guys. So the intra-McShep power dynamic change is probably the most 'realistic'. *lol*

But if we get a warm, fuzzy Sheppard/McKay moment afterward, I'm willing to forgive them anything. (I'm shameless like that.)

I agree. I knew we weren't getting one in Siege3, spoiled as I was, but I'm still a bit disappointed about it nonetheless. We *really* need one now.

[isiscolo.livejournal.com]

Pretty Blonde Lost Scientist Boy is flirting with McKay from the very start.

I so noticed that, I did!

And a big yes on the Ronon/Teyla there. And the continuity w/r to the C4!

[tinny]

I really didn't like the way John and Rodney were bitching at each other in the beginning. It really sounded like John's patience was at an end. no more of the indulgent fondness. :(

But the scene in the meadow was just right. I expected him to hug him, and in the end I was glad he at least touched him.

Someone (I think amireal) said that Sheppard was drugged in the end, too. Becase he insulted Ford, and he woke up pretty quickly after being stunned.

About the enzyme: it seems to me that the enzyme has effects on people pretty similar to testosterone. Especially the agression side-effect. That suggests to me that it would have *very much* to do with sex. Also, Teyla seemes to be positively brimming with sexual energy during the food fight. All her had movements looked decidedly sexy.

I also thought we'd get *badly* addicted Rodney from this episode. That we didn't means one thing to me: it's going to come in the next episode. He's already bitchy *on* the stuff (as opposed to everyone else, who have no self-control but seem pretty happy), I really don't want to know about that detox.

I was shocked when John just casually allowed Ford to let Ronon and Teyla get addicted. OK, maybe he thought he needed them strong to have a chance, but still. *shudders* (wee, ruthless!Sheppard)

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

no more of the indulgent fondness.

I didn't get that vibe from it at all, I thought John's comments were actually pretty funny. They had a very "married" feel. *g* In a good way. IMHO, of course.

Teyla in particular was very fun to watch in this ep. She usually has a great deal of self-control and dignity, so it was great seeing her let loose. She was definitely enjoying it, even though it made her uneasy that she was enjoying it. And that is really an interesting point--everyone else seemed to be high and happy on the drug, while Rodney got only bitchier. Curious. And yes, the detox is not going to be pretty.

I don't think John was all that casual in alowing Ford to continue drugging Ronon and Teyla. I think he was doing what he had to in order to win Ford's trust. He had no choice, really, it was the only way they had of escaping. And I think he truly wanted to be able to bring Ford back to Atlantis.

[kalikahuntress.livejournal.com]

I agree, i didn't get anything negative at all from their interaction in this scene. Sometimes people who realy care about each other still get annoyed with each other, its normal and it felt very married to me as well.

[tinny]

They had a very "married" feel. *g* In a good way. IMHO, of course.

//) OK, I see where you're going. I am totally on John's side here, I'd do it the same way - I just wondered about the change, because he used to be more indulgent, less trying to get Rodney to change or shut up.

I guess I'm not quite decided how sympathetic he should be towards Rodney after Trinity. I keep changing my mind. :)

She was definitely enjoying it, even though it made her uneasy that she was enjoying it.

It seemed extremely incongruent (-uous?) - not from the acting or anything, I think she did a great job. Just that she looked so happy and so excited, but she was saying things that sounded like she was very uneasy. It didn't gel, and it creeped me out. That incongruence completely conveyed the effect of the drug.

And yes, the detox is not going to be pretty.

And I have to amend my previous comment. I *do* want to see it, a lot. In fanfic. I so love angsty stuff, and withdrawal is one of the good setups for fanfic - it's bound to break a lot of walls and make a lot of people very angry at each other. Not that my mind immediately jumps to "sex" when I say that, I love to read about people 'just' verbally hashing out their differences just as much.

He had no choice, really, it was the only way they had of escaping.

Yeah, you're right. I just thought it was a bit strange that he immediately insisted on Rodney being 'spared'.

He didn't have much time to think about it before, so my immediate reaction was that he was saving *his* Rodney, and Ford's question about the other two took me by surprise (Ronon who?), so I guess I applied it to Sheppard as well. ;) You're right, he would think more about his team as a whole than I do.

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

I guess I'm not quite decided how sympathetic he should be towards Rodney after Trinity. I keep changing my mind.

My view on "Trinity" is that John would be questioning his own judgment as well as Rodney's. Rodney seriously, honestly believed in what he was telling John about the weapon.

But then John might be still disgruntled because Rodney made him doubt his own judgment.

See, I keep changing my mind, too. *g*

That incongruence completely conveyed the effect of the drug.

Oooh, good point, and nice acting on RL's part to convey that.

I just thought it was a bit strange that he immediately insisted on Rodney being 'spared'.

I've been thinking about that, and I wonder if, besides being a negotiating tactic, John was also genuinely concerned about Rodney's ability to think straight and repair the dart. Because Rodney really was upset in that darling scene out in the field, saying that he couldn't think, that his mind was being affected. And without that dart being able to fly, no one was getting out of there. Although, seriously, couldn't they have made an attempt to find the DHD control crystals?

[tinny]

Rodney seriously, honestly believed in what he was telling John about the weapon.

Which is what would drive me up the wall, if I was John. How *could* he ever trust that guy? But I think Rodney is becoming less secure in his opinions because of it, which would make John more confident again in exchange. Oh, I was never any good at team dynamics. //)

I personally think that Rodney wasn't so much

John was also genuinely concerned about Rodney's ability to think straight and repair the dart.

Later, definitely. But when he first requested it, they hadn't been shown the dart yet, they'd barely arrived. Of course, John would always try to keep Rodney thinking straight, so it doesn't really matter.

Because Rodney really was upset in that darling scene out in the field, saying that he couldn't think, that his mind was being affected.

Oh man, how I loved that scene. Rodney was bitching the whole time about the effects of the drug (and Sheppard was the first to discount anything he said). But in that field, he seriously doubted himself, and that was so endearing. I just love insecure McKay.

Although, seriously, couldn't they have made an attempt to find the DHD control crystals?

Heee, way with the constructive thinking here. :) Very true. I thought they might have been discouraged. When they tried to look at the DHD that first time, they were immediately surrounded. I assume they never could move around there freely. So maybe they just didn't find the opportunity.

But it's a good idea, those boys must have kept the crystals safe. And brought them out to use them, too, because they routinely traveled the gate, didn't they? Or how else would they have gotten near that safehouse (forgot what it was exactly)? It shouldn't have been that much of a problem to intercept the crystals.

[aizjanika.livejournal.com]

I love your icon. :-)

I really enjoyed everything you had to say about this episode. If I could be bothered to write about it, I'd have said very similar things. :-D

I never noticed that Sheppared was a lip-licker, too. hehe

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

I think I just watch John's lips far too carefully. *g*

And thank you! I had so many thoughts going through my mind about this ep, and the squee overtook them all. I feel as though I was very incoherent!

[destina.livejournal.com]

I loved the Ronon/Teyla food fight! And I was sort of intrigued by the Weir and Lorne interaction, too. Also the 'wow' translation.

er, I think this may be a roundabout 'me too' post. I'm not very thinky this weekend. :)

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

LOL, that's okay, you're allowed to be not-thinky. Just think pretty John thoughts. *g*

How are you feeling?

[kylielee1000.livejournal.com]

Touchies!

I haven't seen the ep yet! But it sounds delicious, the way you describe it. I can only hope the reality is as slashy as you suggest.

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

So, have you watched it yet? I loved it, but you know me, I'm easily entertained. *g*

[kylielee1000.livejournal.com]

No, not yet! I keep thinking today's the day! and then not getting around to it.

My excuse is, I'm leaving town next week, and I'm trying to clear my desk. But that didn't stop me from watching NCIS (twice). Ahem.

From what I've heard, the last ep for SGA shows the boys basically married. I'm so down with that!

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's right, you're off traveling again, you wild thing, you!

I missed both NCIS eps, because I'm a big ole dorky dork. I have class on Tuesdays, but it's a late class so if I had half a brain I would have taped them. I'll have to dig up the downloads, and remember to use that fancy VCR technology next week.

And yeah, John and Rodney were pretty married. It was sweet!

[kylielee1000.livejournal.com]

Yes! Travel!

One NCIS ep is available on torrents, but the other is mysteriously missing—3.02 "Kill Ari 2" isn't up yet. And it aired yesterday! Gah!