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Stargate Information Archive _ Atlantis Season 3 _ 314 - Tao of Rodney
Posted by: Arcady Dec 12th 2006, 4:25 PM
Season 3, Episode 14 - Tao of Rodney
Air date: 2007
Dr. McKay obtains improved mental abilities.
http://www.sg1archive.com/atlantis/s3.shtml#314 | http://www.sg1archive.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=15048 | http://www.sg1archive.com/teasers/a314.html
(This topic is for people who have seen the episode to discuss it. If you don't want to be spoiled, don't read this topic.)
Posted by: bigjohn_1972 Dec 12th 2006, 8:50 PM
So it looks like they switched episodes on us?
I have to wonder why.
Posted by: fan_83 Dec 12th 2006, 9:40 PM
its weird but at least we got a new episode..
but still the plot is a bit thin in some places..
they could have contacted earth and talk to the person who has ascended twice and is sitll alive... or they could have gone to the planet where chaya is banished to and ask for help...
but they jsut stuck it out..
on a side note.. the storyline is both funny and good
Posted by: ALIEN_JL Dec 13th 2006, 6:00 AM
good episode I say...
But it would have been nice if Rodney wouldn't have returned completely back to
the way he was...
But anyway more episode where they mess with
all kind of technologies please.
Posted by: Raxor Dec 13th 2006, 10:04 AM
This was my favourite episode of season 3, now to see if any of his ideas actually come to use in later eps
Posted by: More Cowbell! Dec 13th 2006, 1:16 PM
I definitely think he figured it out on his own. Just at the point of ascension he pulled himself back and placed his thoughts into the doctor. That was really really cool.
I hope that the things he figured out are implemented later, I hate it when they find something cool and do little with it. Hyperdrive puddle jumpers would be great, as would the advanced shields, which could theoretically help the Asgard too.
Now to let Shep in that machine!
Posted by: JTMAG1 Dec 13th 2006, 2:00 PM
I think that was a great ep. Although, what I thought was the simplest solution (ask Daniel) was never brought up.
I thought it was hilarious when Sheppard and Weir went to talk to him, and he had the whole conversation with them, and they never said a word.
Posted by: Pitry Dec 13th 2006, 2:13 PM
Beautiful. Just beautiful. Stunningly beautiful, too.
I loved it. They really aniled team itneraction in that one. These 7 don't feel like strangers anymore. I'm especially happy Rodney was allwoed to play with Teyla and Ronon for a change. He actually ahd a scene alone with Teyla! Gasp. Who would have thought. Weir was excellent, too. And Ronon is really starting to develop a point, for several episodes straight! Wow, who would have though 
However, I still think they missed a great opportunity there for Ronon when Rodney asks him about his scars (oh! Not to mention the Batman discussion. Ronon as Rodney's sidekick... or rather, "fatman's" sidekick... ha!). But my favourite bits were with Radek. The beginning, when Rodney kept on frustrating him, when Rodney saved his life and ran out of the room before anyoen could say anythign, when he came and apologised... Did I mention the word beautiful? ;)
Okay, next time someone has a close encounter with an Ancient, let it be Elizabeth! It seems everyone else (including gasp! Sheppard) agree with me about the Ancients' stupidity and arrogance. It's aout time Weir saw that they're less than perfect, too. esepcialyl with all her knowledge about their constant screw ups.
Speaking of Weir, everyone pining up to her to be the next superhero and her exasperated looks! Beautiful. OH, and "yeah yeah, with great power comes great responsibility"... mwaha.
Hmm... maybe I'm abit Daniel centred (okay, definietly I'm a bit Daniel centric) - but it did seem odd they didn't even mention him! Oh, well. Since we don't know how much the shows parallel, I can make up excuses - spoilers for the second half of season 10
Speaing of Daniel... so that's how Meridian woudl have looked like had MS not left trhe show! hehe. It's actually interesting, seeing the contrast between the prolly msot spiritual regular character in the Stargate universe, Daniel, and the least one, Rodney. While they'er doing the same thing in these two episodes, Daniel's confronting with his life was true to his character, while Rodney's running away from it was so true to his. I think that on these terms, Rodney migth end up being even a bigger sceptic than Jack. However, I'm extremely grateful he didn't ascend. I was erally about to cringe there when it seemed he would.
Ah, and I think he figured outt he solutino on his own. As he did reach teh levels encessary for ascension, he probably already started the process when it hit him - some sort of limbo, right before ascension. Prolly knew all he needed to know then.
Oh, yeah, speaking of Rodney's deniel, I wonder what of the thigns he's done would play a part in future episodes. Great to wait and find out.
Posted by: fan_83 Dec 13th 2006, 8:44 PM
the thing is that the ancients prior ascension was not all knowing.. but thhey were great.. they made mistakes but they didn;t screw things up either.. its either cause by the immaturity and ill knowledge of us fooling around with their stuff that caue the problem..
point being mckay playing with teh machine without researching it first.. if he did he would have found out tis role and why its never used..
and i theorise that it was switched on again cos the crew is willing to take the chance to either ascend or die.. they know that their time is over.. but htey didnt; have the chance..
Posted by: bigjohn_1972 Dec 14th 2006, 12:36 AM
I loved it. They really aniled team itneraction in that one. These 7 don't feel like strangers anymore. I'm especially happy Rodney was allwoed to play with Teyla and Ronon for a change. He actually ahd a scene alone with Teyla!
The beginning, when Rodney kept on frustrating him, when Rodney saved his life and ran out of the room before anyoen could say anythign, when he came and apologised... Did I mention the word beautiful? ;)
It's aout time Weir saw that they're less than perfect, too. esepcialyl with all her knowledge about their constant screw ups.
Speaing of Daniel... so that's how Meridian woudl have looked like had MS not left trhe show! hehe. It's actually interesting, seeing the contrast between the prolly msot spiritual regular character in the Stargate universe, Daniel, and the least one, Rodney. While they'er doing the same thing in these two episodes, Daniel's confronting with his life was true to his character, while Rodney's running away from it was so true to his. I think that on these terms, Rodney migth end up being even a bigger sceptic than Jack. However, I'm extremely grateful he didn't ascend. I was erally about to cringe there when it seemed he would.
Ah, and I think he figured outt he solutino on his own. As he did reach teh levels encessary for ascension, he probably already started the process when it hit him - some sort of limbo, right before ascension. Prolly knew all he needed to know then.
Oh, yeah, speaking of Rodney's deniel, I wonder what of the thigns he's done would play a part in future episodes. Great to wait and find out.
Your post reminded me of this:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/life/thisweek/story/0,12977,1048638,00.html
And I could totally read your post!
But ya, the more I think about it, the more I like this episode!
and i theorise that it was switched on again cos the crew is willing to take the chance to either ascend or die.. they know that their time is over.. but htey didnt; have the chance..
Or they did have a chance and did Ascend, to early to tell.
Posted by: magnavox Dec 14th 2006, 7:55 PM
How good was that! Also very funny all the way through, loved Rodney replying to everyone without them saying a word, Rodney and Radek's tent discussion, hugging Ronan and John teaching him how to Meditate. 
But I also really liked Weir's discussions with Rodney on ascension, I don't think she was as focused on the ancients part as she was about ascension itself and trying to make Rodney understand it on a more spiritual level, to see things from more than one perspective.
I thought when everyone was around Rodney's bed and the end was nigh it was a really sweet team moment, and they all love him 'like a friend does another friend' aww!
'Fatman' and his sidekick Ronan... 
Posted by: deadulus101 Dec 14th 2006, 9:25 PM
This was my favourite episode of season 3, now to see if any of his ideas actually come to use in later eps
Ya it was a good episode the plot line was good and the humor was also good and I do hope they use half the stuff that he invented otherwise this whole episode would go to waste and we can't have that can we?
Posted by: KillerMarv Dec 15th 2006, 12:25 AM
Whoa... an excellent job on this episode. Rodney is learning... 
I was already seeing that Rodney would eventually ascend and retake human form... But I guess the writers decided to scratch that idea since it only happened 2 times in SG-1, and decided upon a more original ending. 
Ummm, whoa... did Rodney just overflown his ego and apologised to Zelenka? That was simply delightful to watch, but a question can be raised up high... did he really mean it? I like the concept of the writers: "Let's hurt badly someone important in this episode... Ummm, why? do you ask? I'll tell you why, we have ol' superpowered Rod here that will heal him ( )".
Posted by: tatavostru Dec 15th 2006, 7:18 AM
I must say this was "indeed" a fairly good episode and I see an opportunity to use that device to engineer some super-geniuses like McKay.It only takes the knowledge of stopping ascending right then when McKay did.And,of course, reactivating that undoing technique that saved our hero.(After all,I reckon that McKay would be somewhat considered a hero,wouldn't he?)
Posted by: More Cowbell! Dec 15th 2006, 11:16 AM
Ummm, whoa... did Rodney just overflown his ego and apologised to Zelenka? That was simply delightful to watch, but a question can be raised up high... did he really mean it?
I like the concept of the writers: "Let's hurt badly someone important in this episode... Ummm, why? do you ask? I'll tell you why, we have ol' superpowered Rod here that will heal him ( )". I think he did, part of being able to Ascend (which I believe he was right on the cusp of) is to let go of things, so I think that shows he really means what he said.
We'll seee how long it take him to go back to old Rodney mind you!
Posted by: Revan Dec 15th 2006, 3:55 PM
I am so happy they finally acknowledged how amazingly arrogant the Ancients must have been... how they continuously bit off waaay more than they could handle.
I thought this was a great episode, I liked the storyline especially... though I wonder if anything will carry into future episodes. TPTB tend to ignore events unless they can be conveniently used. Rodney could actually be a better person in the future...
Posted by: Malika Dec 16th 2006, 10:44 AM
The thing i loved about this episode was the fact that Rodney didn't want to acend, everyone before hand has gone for it, for someone to want to stick around instead of going for it shows alot about his character and another view on the ancients.
LOVED all of the character interaction, especially an actual VERBAL conversation that Rodney has been forgiven, like with Jack and Sam they allways hint but never flippin confirm, i just want to hear it said out loud before the end oftime preferably (ok slight exaggeration, but you know what i mean)
All hail the Ori...uh, i mean Atlantis 
Posted by: Pitry Dec 16th 2006, 4:19 PM
Your post reminded me of this:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/life/thisweek/story/0,12977,1048638,00.html
And I could totally read your post!
*sheepish* I'm sorry. I'm terrible with typoes...
Posted by: Revan Dec 16th 2006, 9:34 PM
The thing i loved about this episode was the fact that Rodney didn't want to acend, everyone before hand has gone for it, for someone to want to stick around instead of going for it shows alot about his character and another view on the ancients.
LOVED all of the character interaction, especially an actual VERBAL conversation that Rodney has been forgiven, like with Jack and Sam they allways hint but never flippin confirm, i just want to hear it said out loud before the end oftime preferably (ok slight exaggeration, but you know what i mean)
Well O'Neill and Carter are military officers, they are not allowed to have a romantic relationship.
Rodney and his rantings... ahh priceless!
Posted by: Pegasus Angel Dec 17th 2006, 6:38 AM
Oooooohhhh Major Lorne for like 1 minute!!!!!! 
I so miss him...
Yeah, loved all the interaction between Rodney and the team. Touching when they were around his bed and he was remembering what Shep had tried to teach him, clear blue skies, breath, no talking and Shep realised this and was kinda pleased but sad at the same time...
We have to remember that at the same time this is going on SG1 is also happening, so its interesting to see which episode is running parallel, no doubt why Daniel couldn't help, they are doing their own stuff obviously. Still, I guess they could have mentioned it.
I hope some more comes of Rodney's scribbles and they get something cool out of it, wouldn't want to see all that wasted. Plus I think the machine could help them out in the future too.
Posted by: KillerMarv Dec 17th 2006, 6:44 AM
We'll seee how long it take him to go back to old Rodney mind you!
It won't take much I think. It almost looked to me that he already rejoined the natural Rodney side of the force at the end of the episode. "I can't hear any thoughts... [Jedi mode] Telekinesis is gone... [/Jedi mode]... I'm still smart I think... I feel hungry"
Posted by: poundpuppy29 Dec 24th 2006, 12:57 AM
Rodney made me cry and he's not my favorite character so for him to move me like that is saying something.
I don't hate Rodney like some people do. What really got to me was all of scenes with Zelenka especially when he apoligized and when he healed him those were priceless. I liked all of the other interactions too very well done. As for the Ancients I think we are seeing more and more why they have that law of not interfering they learned from experience.
Posted by: canuck Dec 29th 2006, 7:44 PM
Who on earth hates Rodney, they guy is one of the best parts of the show!
Posted by: poundpuppy29 Dec 29th 2006, 9:39 PM
Who on earth hates Rodney, they guy is one of the best parts of the show!
I have read some people don't care for him and some people don't like it when shows relvolve around him. I really liked this Rodney centric ep I liked that they showed him being very honest and usually him and Sheppard banter all the time this showed that there is a real friendship there. He made me cry I was not kidding there. I really loved loved all the interactions he had with everybody I like his character more now I never hated him though I just thought he was a little annoying sometimes and I don't like too cocky guys ingeneral and sometimes he was he could be. I always love the banter between him and Sheppard they are too funny.
Posted by: JTMAG1 Dec 29th 2006, 9:41 PM
Who on earth hates Rodney, they guy is one of the best parts of the show!
I think people disliked his SG1 character, but he has evolved to someone much better in Atlantis.
Posted by: bigjohn_1972 Dec 29th 2006, 10:51 PM
Yeah, I think the show would be boring without him on it.
Look at the rating this episode got here on the forum, you don't get any higher than that!
Posted by: Revan Dec 29th 2006, 10:56 PM
I think people disliked his SG1 character, but he has evolved to someone much better in Atlantis.
He was an uncaring, arrogant, egotistical ass... the type of person people love to hate... but then you get to know him, and learn why he is the way he is, and you love him instead.
Posted by: KillerMarv Dec 30th 2006, 2:15 AM
I think people disliked his SG1 character, but he has evolved to someone much better in Atlantis.
Personally, I didn't dislike him in SG-1 either... He challenged Carter, he brought spice in both episodes he appeared in. I agree though that he evolved for Atlantis... I think by facing continous danger, people can change a bit.
Posted by: bigjohn_1972 Dec 30th 2006, 2:42 AM
He was an uncaring, arrogant, egotistical ass... the type of person people love to hate... but then you get to know him, and learn why he is the way he is, and you love him instead.
Hey, just like me!!
They tolerate me, they really tolerate me!
Posted by: Revan Dec 30th 2006, 12:33 PM
Hey, just like me!!
They tolerate me, they really tolerate me!
Me as well... though it takes some time to get to know me, while a person barely tolerates me... eventually they rather like me though...
Posted by: Pegasus Angel Dec 30th 2006, 4:09 PM
Okay, I just had to watch this episode again and I watched it more closely this time and I can't believe it, Rodney nearly made me cry three times, when he healed Ronan, when he apologised to Zalenka, when he said thanks to Beckett... 
It was a very moving episode, even though it was my second viewing and I knew what was happening!!.
On a side note I did a quiz on who is your stargate counterpart and I got McKay 88% and Teyla 83%, weird... 
So yeah I'm loving McKay now!!! Didn't like his SG1 McKay character, but he's gotta be my 3rd fave now he's grown as a character...
Posted by: bigjohn_1972 Dec 31st 2006, 2:50 AM
Okay, I just had to watch this episode again and I watched it more closely this time and I can't believe it, Rodney nearly made me cry three times, when he healed Ronan, when he apologised to Zalenka, when he said thanks to Beckett...
It was a very moving episode, even though it was my second viewing and I knew what was happening!!.On a side note I did a quiz on who is your stargate counterpart and I got McKay 88% and Teyla 83%, weird...
So yeah I'm loving McKay now!!! Didn't like his SG1 McKay character, but he's gotta be my 3rd fave now he's grown as a character...
So that would make some kind of Pegasus Angel / McKay / Teyla sandwhich! Cool!
Posted by: Pitry Jan 1st 2007, 10:06 AM
Personally, I didn't dislike him in SG-1 either... He challenged Carter, he brought spice in both episodes he appeared in. I agree though that he evolved for Atlantis... I think by facing continous danger, people can change a bit.
Hmm.. it might very well be my inability to seperate SG1 Rodney from SGA Rodney, but even watchign 48 Hours and Redemption, I lvoe him
Posted by: KillerMarv Jan 3rd 2007, 10:33 AM
Hmm.. it might very well be my inability to seperate SG1 Rodney from SGA Rodney, but even watchign 48 Hours and Redemption, I lvoe him
There is a difference though... Do you love him after (re-)watching the two episodes now? Or, did you love him after you watched the two episodes then, when Atlantis was still two years away...?
Posted by: Pitry Jan 3rd 2007, 11:15 AM
There is a difference though... Do you love him after (re-)watching the two episodes now? Or, did you love him after you watched the two episodes then, when Atlantis was still two years away...?
That's what I said in being unable to seperate it - I don't remember. For example, to borrow from Torchwood, I love Jack in Torchwood but dind't care for him much in Doctor Who. This I can say. - but I can';t asy it about Rodney because I don't remember... I suspect there's a good chance I missed 48Hours swhen it aired here and that I was too much on the "argh! No Daniel!" mood in Redemption to notifce him
Posted by: AtheneBelle Jan 3rd 2007, 2:13 PM
As I was watching the episode I found myself thinking to how science and religion/spirituality are seen a incompatible in RL and how McKay might have been feeding into it in his own mind (and example being his desire to just say goodbye rather than try and find some way to ascend).
It's been really interesting to see that come out.
Posted by: Lagger Jan 9th 2007, 10:24 PM
hmmph.... i always thought the machine would do that to him...
and now dadealus has improved sheilds, they can get more power outta their zpm 
and who knows what else he did (which he cant remember he did now)
Posted by: J&S4Ever Jan 10th 2007, 12:56 PM
Just shoot me. I recently watched this episode and although the conflict was interesting, it was just too much Rodney.
Posted by: chelle_b Jan 10th 2007, 7:56 PM
I so loved this episode. Rodney is one of my favourite characters in Atlantis and of all the Rodney-centric eppys this one has to be the best (along with Grace under Pressure....40 solid minutes of Rodneyisms....amazing).
Excellent acting all round and even the tearful scenes (like round Rodney's beside) were done in a way so that they were not soppy or seeming forced.
I'm going to go watch it again right now
Posted by: Jade Jan 23rd 2007, 7:24 AM
a very good Rodney episode. lol everytime he is in trouble, and panicking. The ending was abit rushed, how he suddenly figure out a solution. I could never see he ascending, I think not even the Acient can handle him. They would probably all want to desend if he join the acient club
Posted by: baggers1982 Jan 30th 2007, 4:42 PM
a very good Rodney episode. lol everytime he is in trouble, and panicking. The ending was abit rushed, how he suddenly figure out a solution. I could never see he ascending, I think not even the Acient can handle him. They would probably all want to desend if he join the acient club
one of the better episodes of the season, i do like rodney but he can get a little irritating sometimes, so as long as sheppard is there to keep him in check then all is well.
i thought the whole weir part was a bit lame, but most of her scenes usually are anyways.
As for him ascending, could you imagine it, he'd be telling all the ancients where they went wrong with most of their tech. i'm sure that would go down like a lead balloon.
Posted by: Dafmeister Jan 31st 2007, 4:09 PM
I loved this episode, it's perhaps one of the best this season. The Zelenka-Rodney exchanges were as good as always and it was good to see Zelenka have more of a role, he is such an under used character. McKay's thank you to Zelenka was pretty touching, along with the ways he said thank you to the other members. After everything that he admitted to Zelenka, I'm wondering if he will go back to how he was.
Posted by: Parmenides Jan 31st 2007, 4:50 PM
One of the best episodes of the season, for sure. So much hilarity, yet poignant at the same time.
All the characters got some good moments with Rodders, which was nice. Some of the more touching scenes were Teyla and the tea (I do like her stout teas! ), his apology to Zelenka, Ronan's scars, and the failed meditations with Shep. So much good back and forth banter!
I really liked Weir's talks with Rodney about ascension. She seemed so wise, and concerned.
I for one think that the solution to Rodney came on the brink of his ascension - we know that he was capable of ascending, so perhaps when he was "floating in the void", he instantaneously had access to ascended knowledge, and so was able to solve his predicament - without fulling ascending. I don't know, that's just the first thing that sprung to mind.
Definitely a rewatchable episode.
Posted by: 38_mins moo Feb 1st 2007, 11:27 AM
My favourite episode of the season so far. The best episodes seem to focus more on Mckay.
David Hewlett is a great actor and it shows especially in his scenes with David Nkyl.
Enjoyable parts were Rodney's ability to read Weir and Sheppards minds and converse with himself!
Posted by: Auntie Em! Feb 4th 2007, 12:21 AM
I agree that the Zelinka/Rodney scene was absolutely great. I cried. Zelinka was so taken aback with what Rodney said. If you look at what Rodney said about himself it is exactly what most people here on the forum bitch about, about the character. I loved it!
Rodney and Ronan moment. The very fact that Rodney asked how the scars made Ronan feel before he did what he did showed that it was important to Rodney that what he did would also be important to Ronan. Rodney did not do it just because Rodney thought it was what Ronan needed.
I agree with Parm, it definately is one of the best episodes this season.
Posted by: JC1 Feb 6th 2007, 5:23 PM
This was better than I thought it would be. I don't dislike Mckay, but he does irritate sometimes.
It was intresting to see him trying to be nice for a change.
About the whole ascension thing, didn't Daniel say once Kalik reached a certain percentage on the ascendo-meter, he could just will himself to ascend. When Carter asked about the spiritual side, Daniel said it was only neccesary when an Ancient was helping to ascend someone.
So why couldn't Mckay will himself to ascend?
Posted by: Auntie Em! Feb 6th 2007, 7:11 PM
I think because it was an Ancient device helping Rodney to ascend. So in essence it was Rodney being helped to ascend by an ancient.
Posted by: Revan Feb 6th 2007, 7:41 PM
Rodney didn't want to ascend... in the end, he was capable of it, he just chose to keep on living the way he had been.
Posted by: JTMAG1 Feb 6th 2007, 8:15 PM
It was intresting to see him trying to be nice for a change.
About the whole ascension thing, didn't Daniel say once Kalik reached a certain percentage on the ascendo-meter, he could just will himself to ascend. When Carter asked about the spiritual side, Daniel said it was only neccesary when an Ancient was helping to ascend someone.
So why couldn't Mckay will himself to ascend?
Rodney didn't want to ascend... in the end, he was capable of it, he just chose to keep on living the way he had been.
Posted by: thefirstone Apr 20th 2007, 9:55 AM
I liked this episode, its nice to see that McKay can drop the whole "I'm so smarter than you" routine(but thats why we love him, hes an envisionment of the opposite of a canadian) and be affectionate when he wants to. I love these Mkay episodes.
Posted by: Reignfire May 4th 2007, 11:07 PM
I think he did, part of being able to Ascend (which I believe he was right on the cusp of) is to let go of things, so I think that shows he really means what he said.
We'll seee how long it take him to go back to old Rodney mind you!
I'm hoping he doesn't completely change back. You would think between his experiences with Project Arcturus, his sister and "Rod", and this that he would learn something.
Posted by: soma_momma May 5th 2007, 1:14 AM
I like to think the Ascendeds really couldn't handle having Rodney in their midst, but at the same time had mercy on him and gave him the insight to stay alive.
Posted by: Kate May 5th 2007, 1:27 AM
I like to think the Ascendeds really couldn't handle having Rodney in their midst, but at the same time had mercy on him and gave him the insight to stay alive.
LOL That would have been funny to see. Great ep! I love McKay! It was great to see his character actually showing compassion and concern for his fellow teammates. I loved the expressions on everyone's faces when Rodney would have entire conversations by himself because he could hear what they were thinking.
Posted by: Sylver May 5th 2007, 6:30 AM
I like to think the Ascendeds really couldn't handle having Rodney in their midst, but at the same time had mercy on him and gave him the insight to stay alive.
Lol, that's what I was thinking! That while he was floating in the black void some fore-thinking Ancient told him how to save himself. Self-serving on their part, but they're all self serving in their isolation.
I don't understand why they didn't contact Daniel, or even that Ancient trapped on her planet (someone said her name in an earlier post but I can't remember it). Even for a guideline, some advice, a little positive support. Nothing. And why was Sheppard helping with the meditation instead of Teyla whom we've actually seen meditate?
Rodney's hysterical, and I love his normal self, but when he was going around doing and saying nice things, that was great. I'd love to see him take this experience and finally grow. Not so much change, but grow like a normal person.
Best part: Zelenka's opened-mouth shock when Rodney apologized for being an egotistical jerk and insisting that Zelenka was a great and brilliant scientist. On 2 side notes of that: His saving Zelenka and not even demanding homage (or a thank you) afterwards. And Zelenka is always the first scientist Rodney yells for when something happens. Whether or not he normally appreciates his contributions, Rodney usually needs them and knows it.
Posted by: Dafmeister May 5th 2007, 6:39 AM
Posted by: IndyJan May 5th 2007, 10:03 PM
I'm hoping he doesn't completely change back. You would think between his experiences with Project Arcturus, his sister and "Rod", and this that he would learn something.
Nope, he didn't and won't learn. That was obvious at the end with his talk with Weir. He was back to being the arrogant blowhard that he always is. I have to admit I was hoping he would change. I loved his speech to Zelenka and Radek's expression was priceless. I tend to think that this is Rodney and he will never change, no matter what happens.
I have to admit I liked the episode. I was surprised to learn that the Ancients had created technology to help them ascend. Rod almost did it, but then he saw how he could save himself and told Beckett.
Posted by: Sighfienerd May 6th 2007, 1:21 PM
Ah Rodney....how do I love thee, let me count the ways.
I love thy overweening arrogance, thy self-conscious superiority,
I love thy sarcastic sense of humor, and the delightful way
in which you toot your own horn.
I love thy numbered faults and failings
But most of all Rodney, I love your overwhelming desire to BE loved.
This episode was a really nice look into the heart of Rodney. What I like about his character is that though he is the mouthiest, most sarcastic, and egocentric of them all...he's also the most vulnerable and childlike of them all in his need for love and acceptance. Well done, Rodders.
Posted by: ancient01 May 6th 2007, 3:11 PM
I liked the Rodney character development of this episode, but there were definiately times when I got frustrated with his single-minded obsessions and arogance. Hopefully this one will let him ease up a bit. On to the next episode...
Posted by: IndyJan May 7th 2007, 12:55 AM
This episode was a really nice look into the heart of Rodney. What I like about his character is that though he is the mouthiest, most sarcastic, and egocentric of them all...he's also the most vulnerable and childlike of them all in his need for love and acceptance. Well done, Rodders.
Sigh, this is a totally true statement about Rodney. He is very vulnerable and childlike in his need for love and acceptance. He especially doesn't want to be alone. His telling Weir, "you said you loved me. I heard it, you do," was very telling about his character.
Posted by: Revan May 10th 2007, 11:19 PM
I hope TPTB don't torpedo themselves by becoming stuck in a routine.
S4:
I want characters to change... to evolve, to become more than they are. I want to see them in their jobs, but with changing personalities, changing inter-personal dynamics... SERIOUSLY!
This experience should have lasting effects upon McKay... he should be changed by it for life!
Posted by: IndyJan May 11th 2007, 2:04 PM
I hope TPTB don't torpedo themselves by becoming stuck in a routine.
S4:
I want characters to change... to evolve, to become more than they are. I want to see them in their jobs, but with changing personalities, changing inter-personal dynamics... SERIOUSLY!
This experience should have lasting effects upon McKay... he should be changed by it for life!
As I said above, by the end of the show, Rodney was back to his old self. I just don't see TPTB allowing him to grow and change, which is a shame.
Posted by: Revan May 12th 2007, 11:03 AM
As I said above, by the end of the show, Rodney was back to his old self. I just don't see TPTB allowing him to grow and change, which is a shame.
That is my single biggest problem with any cinema or television: lack of character development.
It is what has disappointed me the most about Stargate... the lack of individual development and evolution... TPTB move large arcs along, but forget that individuals would change due to those events.
In Farscape, Chrichton and Aeryn may have always bickered like an old married couple, but their relationship changed as time went on, all of the characters changed over time... and that just doesn't happen in Stargate. I don't really make it a point to watch it, because I never see any interesting character stuff.
Posted by: IndyJan May 14th 2007, 1:09 AM
That is my single biggest problem with any cinema or television: lack of character development.
It is what has disappointed me the most about Stargate... the lack of individual development and evolution... TPTB move large arcs along, but forget that individuals would change due to those events.
In Farscape, Chrichton and Aeryn may have always bickered like an old married couple, but their relationship changed as time went on, all of the characters changed over time... and that just doesn't happen in Stargate. I don't really make it a point to watch it, because I never see any interesting character stuff.
After 10 years, I believe we do see a character development/arc in both Teal'c and Daniel. All you have to do is look to season one and you can see how these two have changed. Sam changed, she backtracked her character (because of idiot writing), but now is back to where she was and moving forward. As far as Jack, he was older to begin with. He had already experienced so much (Black Ops, the death of his son) that I doubt we would have seen a tremendous change.
As far as Atlantis, Rodney is Rodney, and I just don't see them changing him at all. IMO, Weir has probably changed the most. When she first took over the leadership of Atlantis, she tried to be a diplomat in her dealings with the people that they met. She has slowly progressed to making the hard decisions that Jack made on SG1. Weir stood up to Caldwell, numerous times. She stood up to Landry about making Shep a Lt. Colonel, so he could lead the military on Atlantis. IMO, the least change has been in Teyla. She is so boring and I don't see them doing anything with her.
Posted by: jmulderscully May 20th 2007, 3:34 PM
"Tao of Rodney" is one of the funniest Atlantis episodes to date! (Although, I still laughed a bit more during the SG-1 episode "Window of Opportunity...")
Posted by: Revan May 20th 2007, 6:04 PM
"Tao of Rodney" is one of the funniest Atlantis episodes to date! (Although, I still laughed a bit more during the SG-1 episode "Window of Opportunity...")
Anything in particular you found amusing?
I, for instance, was entertained by Sheppard's inept attempt at teaching Rodney to meditate.
Posted by: IndyJan May 22nd 2007, 12:08 AM
I, for instance, was entertained by Sheppard's inept attempt at teaching Rodney to meditate.
Actually it can be funny anytime someone tries to teach Radney anything, because he doesn't feel he can be taught, he knows it all!
Posted by: Invisible Painting May 22nd 2007, 10:30 AM
I just loved the fact that everything sheppard did in this episode was just really lazy Trying to teach mckay to meditate being one of them. It was just really funny, like one scene where mckays explaining the device to sheppard and he's just doing something else in the background and not paying attention was quite good to see. Man I need to watch this episode again. Sheppard probably could have done a better job though at teaching had he been more bothered.
Posted by: JTMAG1 May 22nd 2007, 11:12 AM
I just loved the fact that everything sheppard did in this episode was just really lazy
Trying to teach mckay to meditate being one of them. It was just really funny, like one scene where mckays explaining the device to sheppard and he's just doing something else in the background and not paying attention was quite good to see. Man I need to watch this episode again. Sheppard probably could have done a better job though at teaching had he been more bothered.How much better of a job could he have done, Mckay finally succeeded at the end.
That other thing Sheppard was doing, was monitoring Mckay's brainwaves.
Posted by: Invisible Painting May 22nd 2007, 11:43 AM
How much better of a job could he have done, Mckay finally succeeded at the end.
That other thing Sheppard was doing, was monitoring Mckay's brainwaves.
Yeah I just watched the episode again
I did remember there being a magasine or something but nevermind, he still seem like he wasn't as interested in places though but it was quite fitting. However I think it was more Weirs comments that got him furthur to that stage, getting him to appologise to everyone and clear things up in his head that he knew he felt he just wouldn't normally have gone there. I think that put him more in a state of mind for ascension then what Sheppard was saying to him.
Posted by: JTMAG1 May 22nd 2007, 12:28 PM
Yeah I just watched the episode again
I did remember there being a magasine or something but nevermind, he still seem like he wasn't as interested in places though but it was quite fitting. Now that you mention it, that does sound familiar.
Posted by: Revan May 22nd 2007, 12:55 PM
Now that you mention it, that does sound familiar.
Didn't he like, cross his legs and start reading something while he was reciting what Teyla taught him about meditation?
Posted by: jmulderscully May 27th 2007, 9:04 PM
This was by far one of my favorite episodes! I laughed almost the entire episode! 
Posted by: Sighfienerd May 28th 2007, 1:38 PM
It was just really funny, like one scene where mckays explaining the device to sheppard and he's just doing something else in the background and not paying attention was quite good to see.
I think the thing about Sheppard is that he's just as brilliant as McKay but prefers to maintain the facade of being this kind of laconic, laid back, fly boy. The first episode of Atlantis had Sheppard turning down Mensa and then we've seen other flashes of his intellect (such as when he beat McKay at chess). The character of Sheppard deliberately downplays that aspect of himself and he may well have not even really needed it explained.
Posted by: Revan May 28th 2007, 4:26 PM
I think the thing about Sheppard is that he's just as brilliant as McKay but prefers to maintain the facade of being this kind of laconic, laid back, fly boy. The first episode of Atlantis had Sheppard turning down Mensa and then we've seen other flashes of his intellect (such as when he beat McKay at chess). The character of Sheppard deliberately downplays that aspect of himself and he may well have not even really needed it explained.
There was the time that McKay was ranting about the number of order permutations for a set number of gate symbols. He was saying that there were so many, and Sheppard all of a sudden gave the exact number and asked McKay to get moving.
They never really explored Sheppard's intellect, which, from what we can tell, is not small. They should put him in a situation without McKay and have him figure something out.
Posted by: Dafmeister May 28th 2007, 5:10 PM
TPTB referred to how intelligent Sheppard was in 'McKay and Mrs Miller'. It was his and Rod's idea to sent Rod through the subspace bridge and later Rod says that his Sheppard is a member of Mensa and constantly reminds people of his intelligence.
"Our" Sheppard is as intelligent but is more subtle about it.
Posted by: Revan May 28th 2007, 5:42 PM
TPTB referred to how intelligent Sheppard was in 'McKay and Mrs Miller'. It was his and Rod's idea to sent Rod through the subspace bridge and later Rod says that his Sheppard is a member of Mensa and constantly reminds people of his intelligence.
"Our" Sheppard is as intelligent but is more subtle about it.
I don't think it is subtlety. I think he is either very modest, or has no interest in filling the role of 'genius'.
Posted by: IndyJan May 28th 2007, 6:38 PM
I don't think it is subtlety. I think he is either very modest, or has no interest in filling the role of 'genius'.
I do believe it's done on purpose. They did the same thing with Jack on SG1. Even Cassandra who is very intelligent reminds Janet about Jack, "why does he let people believe that he's not intelligent," from Season 5 Rite of Passage. I think both of these men are military men and they do it because they want to keep people off-guard. They want to catch them out, have them divulge stuff they normally wouldn't. But both are intelligent.
Posted by: Revan May 28th 2007, 6:41 PM
I do believe it's done on purpose. They did the same thing with Jack on SG1. Even Cassandra who is very intelligent reminds Janet about Jack, "why does he let people believe that he's not intelligent," from Season 5 Rite of Passage. I think both of these men are military men and they do it because they want to keep people off-guard. They want to catch them out, have them divulge stuff they normally wouldn't. But both are intelligent.
AHHH it is tactical.
When somebody considers you less important, not an equal, they will act differently towards you than they would otherwise. They want their enemies to make mistakes that can be exploited. Mistakes made because of over-confidence. I had forgotten about that.
Posted by: IndyJan May 29th 2007, 1:00 AM
AHHH it is tactical.
When somebody considers you less important, not an equal, they will act differently towards you than they would otherwise. They want their enemies to make mistakes that can be exploited. Mistakes made because of over-confidence. I had forgotten about that.
I knew that I could remind you about something!
Posted by: Invisible Painting May 29th 2007, 4:57 AM
I don't think it is subtlety. I think he is either very modest, or has no interest in filling the role of 'genius'.
Actually, I agree with this version. I just think he doesn't care about filling in that role, he know's he's got people like mckay and zelenka there, he isn't needed in that 'role'. He's more interested in the military side of things, he want's to be the best at that. He just doesn't have that natural desire to be the best on the mensa front. While that annoys mckay because he's alwasy trying to be that.
Posted by: Dafmeister May 29th 2007, 6:20 AM
Posted by: startreksuite Jun 4th 2007, 10:23 PM
What a great episode! We got a chance to see Rodney fulfill his potential, as Super Rodney! It was cool how he was able to stop his Ascension. His super ego was truly his super power!
Posted by: Lancelot Oct 2nd 2007, 9:35 AM
Daniel wouldn't have been much of a help because he barely remembers anything from his time while ascended and Chaya said in 'Sanctuary' that she was forbidden to help anyone not from her planet.
Most likely because we've Sheppard and McKay together more often than we've seen McKay and Teyla.
there are ways around the laws that govern chaya though and i'm surprised there hasn't been anything said about it.for instance if she was to give her people the knowlegde and have them share it with atlantis.
then she is not directly helping atlantis. and the others couldn't stop her.
Posted by: Revan Oct 2nd 2007, 11:38 AM
there are ways around the laws that govern chaya though and i'm surprised there hasn't been anything said about it.for instance if she was to give her people the knowlegde and have them share it with atlantis.
then she is not directly helping atlantis. and the others couldn't stop her.
I don't agree.
If she gave her people the knowledge she would be breaking the rules. They lived in a fairly primitive society.
Posted by: Dafmeister Oct 2nd 2007, 1:44 PM
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