30 days of TV meme: Day 12 // "Outcast", Stargate Atlantis 4x15

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Day 12 - An episode you've watched more than 5 times

Anyone who reads this journal knows that John Sheppard is my One True Character, the character I love analysing and deconstructing and rebuilding via fic and meta. And I'm sure it's no surprise that I'm also slightly (slightly!) obsessed with "Outcast", the Stargate Atlantis Season 4 episode that finally introduces us to what's left of John's family on Earth. I've discussed John's familial relationships and background on many occasions--usually in comments, because somehow I'm always able to bring a discussion back to "Outcast". I've written Five Ways The Prodigal Son Comes Home (and One Way He Doesn't) to explore John's relationship with Dave. I've tried to explore John's marriage with Nancy in some of the John/Cam fics I've written. I've even resurrected Patrick Sheppard.

But my love for "Outcast" isn't all about John + the Sheppards. No, there are plenty of other things to love about this ep:

1. Bates: I adore Sergeant Bates and miss him terribly, so I was really excited to see him on another SGA ep. Lorne is great, don't get me wrong, but Bates fulfilled a vital role in Season 1 as antagonist/alternative POV and I think Atlantis, both the show and the city, are poorer for his loss. I'm glad the PTB finally made it canon that Bate had recovered from the siege, and that he was doing really well as a field agent with the IOA.
   
   
2. Ava Dixon: She was great. The actress had the perfect balance of earnestness and reserve to sell her character. I'm totally with Bill Lee that she would have been an asset to the SGC--which I suppose is why I love fanfic about Ava becoming aware of her situation and dealing with it. Well, the two stories I've found, anyway. (If you know of more Ava fic, hook me up!)
   
   
3. Ronon Dex: I almost never identify with my favourite characters, the way I know some fans do, and I certainly don't want to be John Sheppard or see anything of myself in him. But wow, I would totally want Ronon as my BFF! He's just there, a bulwark of strength and kindness, a shoulder to lean on, a warm and steady presence giving John space when he needs it, quiet support right by his side for whenever John is ready to reach out. Plus--look, is there any possible way to interpret Dave's reaction to Ronon other than, "Oh look, my brother's mid-life crisis is a hot 20-something boytoy," and, "Civilian consultant? That's the best you can do?" *g*

"Outcast" is a flawed ep in many ways--the plot is more than a little contrived, the lack of Teyla is annoying, etc--but it has so much for me to love (Bill Lee! "I mean, if this were the movies, we'd dip him into a vat of molten steel, or... a volcano. You know, 'the fires from whence he came.'" Hee!) that I can forgive the stupid bits. And since it's pretty much all we get in terms of John Sheppard family backstory, I cling to it all the more.

In conclusion:













































































Screencaps from GateWorld.

Day 01 - A show that should have never been cancelled: Stargate SG-1
Day 02 - A show that you wish more people were watching: Bruce Timm's DC Animated Universe
Day 03 - Your favourite new show (aired this TV season): White Collar
Day 04 - Your favourite show ever: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Day 05 - A show you hate: Seinfeld
Day 06 - Favourite episode of your favourite TV show: "Restless", Buffy the Vampire Slayer 4x22
Day 07 - Least favourite episode of your favourite TV show: "The Game", Stargate Atlantis 3x15
Day 08 - A show everyone should watch: Buffy the Vampire Slayer & Angel
Day 09 - Best scene ever: "Doppleganger", Stargate Atlantis 4x04
Day 10 - A show you thought you wouldn't like but ended up loving: Doctor Who (series 5)
Day 11 - A show that disappointed you: Star Trek: Enterprise
Day 12 - An episode you've watched more than 5 times: "Outcast", Stargate Atlantis 4x15
Day 13 - Favourite childhood show
Day 14 - Favourite male character
Day 15 - Favourite female character
Day 16 - Your guilty pleasure show
Day 17 - Favourite mini series
Day 18 - Favourite title sequence
Day 19 - Best TV show cast
Day 20 - Favourite kiss
Day 21 - Favourite ship
Day 22 - Favourite series finale
Day 23 - Most annoying character
Day 24 - Best quote
Day 25 - A show you plan on watching (old or new)
Day 26 - OMG WTF? season finale
Day 27 - Best pilot episode
Day 28 - First TV show obsession
Day 29 - Current TV show obsession
Day 30 - Saddest character death

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