Most of this I can't disagree with, because it's all a matter of interpretation - I see it one way, you another, and there isn't enough in the episode to prove either side. (I especially wasn't clear when the conversation with Woolsey was taking place; the first time I watched the ep I actually thought it was when Jeannie was there, and didn't realize until later that it was another flashback. Judging by how far gone Rodney is, it can't be more than a couple days before Jeannie gets there - and we don't know exactly how fast Rodney was deteriorating, but they specifically say in the beginning that they weren't sure Jeannie would get there in time. So wanting to rush Rodney to the shrine makes sense, because it's the last minute no matter what.)
But, yes - completely valid viewpoints either way; the episode doesn't make it clear.
The one point I must argue is this:
See, I would love to believe that, I really would, because I loved the closeness between John and Rodney during the episode, and I don't want it to be soured by this. But John's behavior in the cave doesn't bear that out, IMO. Not until Keller figures out what's going on does John get motivated to save him. Until then, he's trying to coax Rodney into sitting down and relaxing and enjoying his last meal, not pushing him into figuring out the problem.
I saw John as motivated from the start. When they walk into the cave, Keller notices the radiation, and John's first thought is "Maybe we can ask Rodney in a minute" - he's counting on getting Rodney's brain back in the action. Once he's back, Rodney asks why John wants to say goodbye now and John doesn't answer. Ronon & Teyla talk about dying with honor and dignity; John doesn't chime in, except to agree that he thought this was a good idea (and I think he means the getting Rodney back; he is not thinking about the "dying" part at all.) Ronon tells him to stop worrying about the energy readings and eat, but John is letting Rodney do his thing - as he does, when he knows Rodney is sufficiently motivated with a problem. And as soon as Keller realizes what's happening to the parasite, John's first question is, "What does it mean for us?" and he jumps on the chance to save Rodney.
It's very like John's behavior in "Tao" - for most of the episode he's pretty laid back, not pushing Rodney on the ascension meditation until they get down to the wire. I don't see it as John not caring, but that John is really, really good at denial.
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winterfish
no subject
Date: 2008-09-27 04:12 am (UTC)But, yes - completely valid viewpoints either way; the episode doesn't make it clear.
The one point I must argue is this:
See, I would love to believe that, I really would, because I loved the closeness between John and Rodney during the episode, and I don't want it to be soured by this. But John's behavior in the cave doesn't bear that out, IMO. Not until Keller figures out what's going on does John get motivated to save him. Until then, he's trying to coax Rodney into sitting down and relaxing and enjoying his last meal, not pushing him into figuring out the problem.
I saw John as motivated from the start. When they walk into the cave, Keller notices the radiation, and John's first thought is "Maybe we can ask Rodney in a minute" - he's counting on getting Rodney's brain back in the action. Once he's back, Rodney asks why John wants to say goodbye now and John doesn't answer. Ronon & Teyla talk about dying with honor and dignity; John doesn't chime in, except to agree that he thought this was a good idea (and I think he means the getting Rodney back; he is not thinking about the "dying" part at all.) Ronon tells him to stop worrying about the energy readings and eat, but John is letting Rodney do his thing - as he does, when he knows Rodney is sufficiently motivated with a problem. And as soon as Keller realizes what's happening to the parasite, John's first question is, "What does it mean for us?" and he jumps on the chance to save Rodney.
It's very like John's behavior in "Tao" - for most of the episode he's pretty laid back, not pushing Rodney on the ascension meditation until they get down to the wire. I don't see it as John not caring, but that John is really, really good at denial.