Yeah - I was actually thinking Rodney was going to offer his life to Todd when he was first trying to convince him to do the programming, and was disappointed he didn't (I loooove me some sacrificial!Rodney!) So then when Rodney went to John I totally flipped out. My impression always was that Rodney wanted emotional support from John (say goodbye and ask him to read his eulogy again) but also more practical assistance. Rodney's used to John's help with tricky situations, and he couldn't just throw himself under Todd's wheels; someone would need to understand it was a willing sacrifice, so Todd wouldn't be executed on the spot once Rodney was gone.

I've seen some fans argue that John & Rodney aren't really friends - that Rodney wants John's friendship as sort of a geek-craving-the-popular-kid's-approval thing, and John just barely tolerates Rodney's presence because they're coworkers, and also John's a really nice stand-up guy who doesn't want to be mean to Rodney's face. The first couple seasons, I can kinda see where they get this, but it becomes difficult to sustain around "Echoes" when John is seeking out Rodney's company; and by now, after "The Shrine," all I can do is point and laugh at them. Loudly. Heh.