Lately, I’ve been so stressed out that I spend most of my days in a lightheaded haze. It’s a feeling akin to the extended buzz of three Jagermeister shots. Not wholly unpleasant but certainly very weird. I haven’t been this wound up since that time I worked at the circus. Well, it wasn’t literally a circus but there WERE a bunch of clowns, a couple of pinheads, and a whole lot of shit that constantly needed shoveling. In this case, it isn’t work-related. I kind of wish it were because then, at least, I’d have a writing partner to shoulder some of the burden. Or, at the very least, listen to my complaints.
Whenever I’m like this, the slightest thing can set me off so, really, it’s best for all involved if I just hibernate for the next little while. Shopping is always a bad idea because i have no patience for people. Especially people who work customer service. Hey, it’s not as if I don’t have reason to gripe. Just a word of advice: If I’m standing in front of you ready to make a purchase, don’t serve the woman who just strolled over and inquired about the zucchini – and then don’t follow up by serving the guy that came AFTER her. Don’t look so offended when I put down your tomatoes, walk away, and don’t bother acknowledging your calls to come back. My threshold for bullshit is at an all time low.
On the bright side, this sort of mood is conducive to writing – particularly horror. The rewrite on the feature script is al-most done. I’d just like to come up with one more creepy chase sequence and then send it on its way. And, once it’s in my agents’ hands, it’ll be smooooooooooooooooth sailing.
I need to relax. Some things that help:
A late friend of mine used to have a saying…that I, unfortunately, can’t repeat without getting myself into all sorts of trouble. But, boy, do those words sing to me now.
Okay. Forget I mentioned it.
Oh, yeah. Another things that helps relieve the stress is doing this blog.
Now, in our last Memory Lane installment, we touched on two of season 2’s best (Runner and Duet). Today, we touch on what I felt were a couple of middle-of-the-pack entries:
CONDEMNED (205)
The original pitch for this episode saw the team encountering a civilization that used clones to keep the wraith fed and at bay. Eventually, the story evolved. The clones were out and prisoners were in. All in all, an interesting premise and, while the episode did have its moments, it never quite reaches the heights of the two that preceded it.
One pet peeve: The character of Eldon, the “brilliant one”, comes off as oddly goofy, borderline simple.
But, I did say the episode had its moments. Namely: that dinner conversation between the Magistrate and the wraith and, later, Weir playing the role of diplomat AND hard-ass Commander when push comes to shove. It’s nice to see both sides of her.
TRINITY (106)
What can I say? I can never ever remember the name of this episode. Not even after having just watched it. Or even after searching it out online for a photo to accompany this write-up. The second I close the window it’s gone. Trinity. Trinity! Right. Maybe the problem is the title is only connected to the episode in the most esoteric of ways. See, Trinity is a reference to the code name of the first nuclear test and, in this episode, McKay is working on something of a parallel nature as he attempts to harness an incredible power source. Clever? Cryptic? Both?
At the heart of this episode is the relationship between Sheppard and McKay, a friendship tested by the Rodney’s single-minded determination to succeed where the Ancients failed. In theory, a great idea but, for me, the clash between them never attains the emotional punch one would expect. Rodney’s a jerk, there’s some sniping and, by episode’s end, it’s all settled easily enough. Sure, there’s the suggestion that McKay has crossed the line, that there may be repercussions for his actions, but they never materialize and on we go.
Most memorable moment for all the wrong reasons: At the end of the episode, Weir dresses down McKay for destroying 3/4 of a solar system. He responds: “Well, 5/6th. It’s not an exact science.” What, exactly, is his point here? It would seem that, in typical Rodney fashion, he’s trying to downplay the damage. Except that 5/6 is actually bigger than 3/4. Is he simply not a math guy?
The B story involving Ronon’s revenge on his former Satedan taskmaster, is totally disconnected from the A story and feels too quick and neat. Ronon discovers an old comrade, finds out there were survivors of the attack on his home planet, kills a traitor – and we’re done.
One thing I remember from this episode is the tavern scene in which a soused Ronon and Solen get caught up. The Solen character is drunk. Ridiculously so. Apparently, Marty G. was on set when they were shooting the scene and, after the first take, suggested they tone down the over-the-top drunken revelry. It was a little (A LOT) big. All were in agreement and, as they prepared to go again, Martin headed back up to the office. As the door shut behind him, he heard director Martin Wood: “Here we go again! Remember. REALLLY DRUNK! And – ACTION!”
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