Stargate: SG-1 episode 9x05 ('The Powers That Be'): Well, I must admit that Vala might yet grow on me if she continues to show more depth than "Look at my boobs! Look at my leather pants! Look how manipulative I am!". We'll have to see.

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Stargate: Atlantis episode 2x05 ('Condemned'): Wow, admittedly this has been the best episode of the new season yet. For once, Rodney was not a total buffoon, and the rest of the cast finally felt like themselves again. There might be hope yet.

Now, though, comes the nitpicking.

First of all, the scenic shots of Atlantis made me feel very uncomfortable. Unprotected, tranquilly floating atop the water, just like nothing had happened. Just one Wraith scout, and there we'd go again. They should work on plans to submerge it again now they have a ZPM. Everything else is far too dangerous.

Second, I'd love to get a look at the 'Jumper specs. It took what? 4 potshots from a weapon very similar to an old-fashioned canon to bring that thing down? How did the Ancients ever survive encounters with civilizations at the technological standard of our Middle Ages?

Third, John is slipping. How stupid can one be to enter known hostile territory without using stealth, in this case, without cloaking the 'Jumper? One really has to wonder. Furthermore, since when is Teyla the co-pilot, and Dex the expert on Jumpers - wouldn't it make more sense to have the only person on the team who could function as a backup pilot in case of emergency in the shotgun seat?

I am really, truly believing that John and Rodney had a big fight and subsequent falling-out, most likely after "The Siege". That's the only explanation that makes sense for John's recent attitude towards Rodney, Rodney dating Katie Brown, and the whole fucking distance between them that has sprung up.

But at least Rodney still snarks back, as evident in the capital punishment dig. So cool. :::hearts Rodney:::

But, eeep, since when does Teyla call Sheppard by his Christian name? :::shudders:::

Fourth, what is it with Elizabeth - isn't she supposed to be some hotshot diplomat? Then please tell me why she was so aggressive towards the Magistrate before his assistant "spilled the beans", so to speak. She bloody threatened him even when they were still on negotiating terms. What is that - Bush politics coming to the forefront? Ouch. Diplomacy = intimidation. Yeah. Right. Lovely.

Things I liked:

Sheppard trying to imitate Teyla and break that branch into two sticks - hilarious! :::dies:::

Rodney as the SGA equivalent of Scotty (says "two weeks" and means "10 minutes"). So cute.

Anyway, this was far less painful than I had anticipated. I prevaricated for days until I've forced myself to watch this episode today. Hopefully the next one won't have me in painful convulsions again.