I liked this episode. Even though it was light on action, I too appreciated the character development. I liked that it didn’t degenerate into a McKay saves the day story. Seeing Rodney have a complete melt down because he couldn’t fix the problem was just hysterically awesome.

I am digging the potential Ronan/Keller as a couple subplot. They are cute together. They have a yin/yang vibe going for them. She will definitely soften him up and hopefully get him to cut his hair. Ronan, as a character, is one dimensional. (the go to tough guy that says very little) Let’s face it; his background story is kinda lame. His character could easily be written off the show, so this minor romance might flesh out his character.

The last scene between McKay and Katie tugged at my sappy heart, a little. I never believed them as a couple. Their relationship was, for the most part, nonexistent and lacked chemistry. When McKay told Sheppard that he wants to take his relationship with Katie to “the next level,” and Sheppard said, “second base?” I had to giggle. It was spot on. If we were not told they were dating, would we have known? Sheppard and Larrin have more sparks between them, or Sheppard and Weir, or Sheppard and Teyla or Teyla and Ronan, or hell—Sheppard and McKay! (Also, was it just me or did anyone else think the ring was small and cheap looking?)

On the other hand, where is McKay ever going to find someone who will put up with him? As his sister said, “he’s no John Sheppard.”

The thought of Sheppard and Teyla (barf!) as a couple is gross and would ruin the dynamic of the team: 1) the friendly affection between them makes the show more interesting; 2) he is her superior; 3) when they are in a dangerous situation, it would be lame if he is also thinking/worrying about his girlfriend; 4) we’d lose all respect for Teyla if she--one of only two strong females on the show--is chasing after her boss. It’s the same reason why Carter and O’Neil don’t belong together.

The other funny bit I liked was when Zalenka’s reaction to Carter taking off her jacket in the elevator.

Anyway, I liked this episode.

"Next week -- Shep and Rodney try to protect a princess from their most trusted allies."

Man that promo really bugged me. Once again shows that whoever makes the sci-fi promos has no idea how to do so or watches the show. I would hardly call the Genii a "most trusted ally" (Joe Mallozzi has already appologized for the promo over in his blog) Reminds me of the promo last season for "Phantoms" revealing who shot who.

YAWN

Enough said.

My favorite part of the episode was the Zelenka and Carter were more or less stuck in a futuristic elevator.

The reason people care about these characters is not because they get so attached to them while they're shooting bad guys. It's because they're human and they interact. This was, in my opinion, an excellent episode. I didn't see how any of the people would get out and solve the quarantine problem, which was a change and the point about Rodney and Katie not being physical at all is something I've noticed aswell. The self-destruct probably would have worked a little better if we HAD known when it was going to go off, but overall this episode was really solid.

I also wonder if there's any budget overloading on heavy special effects, because Stargate has an full-time in-house special effects team. Explosions might be a little expensive, but loads of special effects would just strain the time available for effects in other episodes, not the budget.

BORING!

What a boring, over the top, and annoying episode. I'm not wasting anymore time of this episode than to say that.

Shep's intelligence has been a 'quick in passing' mention on the show. In the first episode, he surprises Rodney by knowing the number of permutations a given set of dialing characters would be able to dial out, and his intelligence has been a running joke ever since.

He's been mentioned as qualifying for Mensa (though he never joined); capable of beating Rodney at chess (which apparently no one else could do) and now this incredible memory retention.

Apparently Sheppard is smart but too nonchalant to point it out.

I enjoyed the character building done in this episode, even though it was one of the more low key ones. I'm glad they ended the Rodney-Katie relationship, as they always seemed vaguely fond of one another but nothing more. Rodney needs someone with a little more forceful personality that can handle his neurosis and challenge him.

I'd have to go for Keller & Ronon in the poll-- the build-up in their relationship has been nice so far and I'd like to see where it leads. Plus, John and Teyla give me more of a protective brother-sister vibe than anything romantic, but that's me.

Yes some relationship "builds" and some doubtless will be left alone....
Is John being affected by the anciant's machines so that's why his memory and logic are enhanced?
I cant remewmber who is the father if Teyla's soon to be child? Good to see that they openly bring the actress's pregancy into the storyl;ine. Nicely done.

For what is was, a filler episode, this was enjoyable episode to watch. I especially liked seeing the main team members with people they don't normally interact with and I got a quite a chuckle out of the look Teyla gave John when he explained 42. Priceless. I love the interaction between John and Teyla, but I hope the writers don't develop that into a sexual relationship; that would just ruin things. Keller and Ronin, on the other hand, would be an interesting couple. All in all, this was a nice filler episode.