review: The Real World

[tielan]

This one's fairly short. I have some thoughts on functional roles within a show spectrum, but that's for another time, place and space. Probably later on in the series. Maybe after next week, although I might wait for the hiatus.

The Real World featured some brilliant acting by Torri. Lovely acting, lovely interaction, very well done.

That's the good part.

Within ten minutes of watching the episode three things were evident:

a) it would be a dream, (Two season of Atlantis written off as a three-day dream? Uh, I don't think so!)
b) it would be the nanotech replicators, and
c) it would be Sheppard who played the Hero. (I was hoping for team back-up, but clearly TPTB wanted Shep to go solo hero on this one...like all the other ones he's already been solo hero on. I guess we're headed back into territory clearly demarcated "Shep saves the day" yet again. My joy knows no bounds.)

The word I guess I'm looking for is 'predictable'. And all the acting in the world can't sell me on something that makes me think, "Yep. Know how this ends," and then proves me right within the hour.

I like a show I can't predict. And the last couple of weeks of SGA (Progeny and The Real World) have been...well...unfortunately predictable.

On the other hand, SG1: 200 was so unpredictable that it rocked the casbah. Then rocked it again. I watched SGA before I watched SG1, mostly because I guessed that SG1 was going to be a barrel of laughs. Boy, am I ever glad I did! They might not be flying, but hell, they're falling - with style!

Comments

[majortrip.livejournal.com]

While I agree that it was predictable, I think Torri did a wonderful job. This story has been done on other shows, and I don't mind that if they do it well. I suppose I'm a little cynical that we'll see yet more recycled plots in the coming episodes and seasons as I've been watching TV for so long, and notice it's a trend on many shows. Like I said, since I expect it, it's not so much a letdown if the delivery is there.

As far as Sheppard always saving the day, my sincere hope for next week is that we see his team do something extraordinary for him. Walk directly into the line of fire, break all the rules, risk death for HIM this time. Cement this 'family' idea by having them stick their necks out and give pep talks and the like.

I liked 200 more than I thought I would. I liked the references to other shows, like Farscape and the puppets. And I did like that they poked fun at themselves and scifi in general. Gotta love a show that doesn't take itself too seriously.

[tielan]

Torri did a very good job in the role. There just wasn't enough overall plot, character growth, action, or humour, to really grab me and say, "Yes, this is worth rewatching for [insert reason here]."

Recycling is one thing: there are only so many stories to be told. Progeny is essentially the same story as Underground: "Atlantis meets a culture with the potential to become allies. During a joint-venture, the relationship gets fucked up, and the potential allies become enemies instead, culminating in a personal enmity from one of the potential allies to one of the Atlantis team." Same story, different people.

I'm hoping the same thing for next week - the team saves Shep's butt. However, given that it's a staple of the show that Sheppard is involved in executing the solution, I doubt it.

[tielan]

Incidentally, the atlantis_lovers community...is that open for anyone to post stuff?

[majortrip.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it is. It's open membership now, and I've changed it to a general SGA fan comm with Shep/Teyla squees.

[tielan]

What was it originally?

(And it's nice to have somewhere with Shep/Teyla leanings for a change.)

[majortrip.livejournal.com]

I originally started it as a place of reprieve from a certain forum in which I felt some of my friends were being bullied. I started out as S/T ship site, but I expanded it since I like the whole show and all of the characters.

[tielan]

Good for you!

I like all the characters in the show - I just wish they'd do more with the 'minor' characters.