Redial the Gate poll: Prodigy watch?

[fignewton]

Tomorrow, redial_the_gate will recap The Light, with fun and games for all your angsty needs! Next week, though, is Prodigy. And I must lower my eyes in shame and confess that I have never actually... y'know... watched the episode.

Never watched Prodigy. Never watched most of S6. Never watched the two Daniel-less eps in S10. (Anyone sending a trend, here?) And never watched Avenger 2.0, either.

But, well... I'm a mod. Am I obligated to watch Prodigy for next week's Redial?

Do I owe it to myself to finally see the entire series, from beginning to end?

Or should I give in to temptation to just run away, screaming? :)

So I turn to you, my dear flist, to help me make up my mind with a poll. What do you think?


[Poll #1375007]

Comments

[suzannemarie.livejournal.com]

You can like or dislike the episodes that you watch--that's entirely up to you and I wouldn't try (much) to talk you into liking something that you don't like. But. If you're going to call yourself a fan of the series, then I do think that it entails watching the entire series at least once.

For what it's worth, I understand why Hailey rubs so many people the wrong way, but I don't think she's all that bad. And by the second half of the episode when they're all on the moon I think the episode goes along pretty well.

Edit: I also don't understand what makes Hailey a Mary Sue. Or maybe I really don't understand Mary Sues, because while she is given some accommodation because of her smarts, it's not like everybody is falling all over themselves in adoration of her either. She's abrasive, but she does also work for what she gets.

[abyssinia4077.livejournal.com]

I also don't understand what makes Hailey a Mary Sue. Or maybe I really don't understand Mary Sues, because while she is given some accommodation because of her smarts, it's not like everybody is falling all over themselves in adoration of her either. She's abrasive, but she does also work for what she gets.

There is nothing about Hailey that is remotely fitting into the Mary Sue stereotype (aside from "random character gets to go through gate" which she is far from unique as a Stargate trope) but Fig still insists on calling her one anyway, however much I try to correct her.

[pepper-field.livejournal.com]

You know what I think about this. :)

And hey, if I can drag myself through S9 and, er, well, most of S10 (I'm planning to watch the rest! I swear!), I think you can do S6.

[aurora-novarum.livejournal.com]

I'm planning to watch the rest! I swear!

Mm-hmm. (Hey, I like Season Ten muchly more than Season Nine).

We'll do a modly support group.

[grav-ity.livejournal.com]

I actually kind of like this episode because for (I think) the only time in the entire series, it makes NO DIFFERENCE AT ALL if Sam is right. I am not sure when I developed this need for Sam to be HORRIBLY HORRIBLY WRONG about something, but there it is and this episode is as close as we get.

[abyssinia4077.livejournal.com]

I am not sure when I developed this need for Sam to be HORRIBLY HORRIBLY WRONG about something, but there it is and this episode is as close as we get.

Have you seen "Gemini"?

[supplyship.livejournal.com]

Prodigy is actually a really nice Sam-in-command episode, insofar as we get to see her with additional Big Air Force duties (beyond the SGC). And I think it as some really awesome Jack moments and Jack and Teal'c buddy stuff.

Season 6 has so many terrific eps; I think you're doing yourself a disservice by not watching. And Avenger 2.0 only has Jack in it for about two seconds, and I love that episode!

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Now, see, this is something I never heard before: Prodigy is actually a really nice Sam-in-command episode. A very nice incentive there!

I spent a long time thinking of S6 as a three-episode season ;) but Aurora has coaxed me into watching several more, and I agree that some of these were excellent. Avenger, though. Felger. ::shivers:: I can only hope he's better onscreen than he seems in a transcript.

[night-spear1287.livejournal.com]

I'd watch it, just once--you must know I'm a Daniel fan, and I'm guilty of not having watched some of the Daniel-less episodes, but while "Prodigy" isn't my favorite episode, it's not a bad one in and of itself, Daniel-less-ness notwithstanding. I'm not a fan of Hailey, but it really is nice Sam episode, with fun bits sprinkled throughout (Griff, Jack/Teal'c friendship, Dr. Lee...). Also, it's interesting to see the SGC interact with the outside world (on Earth) in those relatively rare opportunities that we see it, even if it's only going out as far as the Air Force Academy.

Just my two cents :)

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Oh, Griff is there too? I didn't know that! :)

You're right, too, that it will be nice to see the SGC interacting favorably with the outside world. We get to see that only too rarely.

[cleothemuse.livejournal.com]

But... it's the very first episode with Dr. Lee! Watch it for Doctor Lee, if no one else :)

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Hee! Yes, that's why it's included on the list. :)

Bill Lee is so much fun!

[lavenderlocks.livejournal.com]

I agree with grav_ity

the Hailey moments are a little cringe-making, but then I'm sure the USAF advisers were all like 'we know someone worse' and laughed up their sleeves.

In my opinion, Jack (and in fact RDA) is really rather awesome in this ep., but not quite as awesome as Teal'c, who cracks quite a good one liner in the last third (see? now you have to watch it for the one-liner..... )

Also, Bill Lee!!!! how could you not love him?

And finally, this ep. really does play up to the tired cliche about 'scientists' - which is always fun :)

OH! And, call yourself a fan? For shame *sucks teeth like Granpa Simpson* (!)

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Teal'c and Jack friendship, Teal'c awesomeness, Bill Lee - all good reasons, yes!

::scuffs toe:: Weeeell. We'll see. :)

[gategremlyn.livejournal.com]

I'm not crazy about the episode but as a fanatic... ummm as a *fan* I think you should see all the Stargate episodes at least once. May I cast my vote now for Avenger 2.0 as an episode I *love*? (I think I'm in the minority--but hey, I can take it). Felger is a hoot and Daniel does have one little itty-bitty scene in Avenger that's sparked a couple of great fics.

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

YOu're not the only one who likes Felger, no - but you are definitely a minority, from what I've seen! :)

Yeah, the consensus does seem to be dooooooo eeeet. Hope I'll find the time.

[http://users.livejournal.com/traycer_/]

For what it's worth, Prodigy really isn't as bad as it's made out to be. There's great Jack being bored, the attitude toward scientists popping up, and I love the Jack/Sam friendship scene when he meets her at the Gate. Proof positive they can be friends as well as co-workers.

Besides, I am always amazed at all the knowledge you have stored within your brain in regard to this series. Watching that episode will only give you more insight and more trivia to add to your collection. :)

So yeah. Go. Watch it. Then come back and tell us your thoughts.

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

::nods:: I know it's unfair to judge an ep solely by the transcript. Even without Daniel - I neglected Matter of Time at first for that reason, and it's in my top-twenty favorite eps.

Jack and Sam friendship! ::rubs hands:: Excellent.

[samantilles.livejournal.com]

I'm in the same boat as you-Daniel-less episodes really don't do a whole bunch for me, but I did sit through and watch every episode. As it is I convinced eilidh17 to watch the S6 episode "Disclosure" and stayed up till six in the morning to watch it with her halfway around the world. I'm sure there are quite a few on your flist who might hold your hand while you conquer them!

*ps-on the point of "Disclosure" even if you don't watch all of S6, it is definitely worth the watch, considering Daniel is the part of the discussion and Jonas isn't mentioned in the show at all.*

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

I'm not... anti-Jonas, actually. I think they did a truly awful job of introducing him and then expecting us to accept as not!Daniel, but I've read some very nice fanfic that makes me him quite likeable.

Not enough to have watched all of S6 yet, though... :)

And it does look like just about everyone here will be holding my hand. Metaphorically. Which I certainly appreciate!

[kalquessa.livejournal.com]

Well, don't watch it if it's going to put you out when you don't have time, but otherwise...c'mon, Fig, it's Stargate! You love Stargate! I know it's all about the Daniel love for you but there's a good time to be had even when he's not around, I promise. *pinky swears*

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Oh, it's not all Daniel love for me - it's team love, even if Daniel is front and center. ;)

There have been good eps without him, and I've watched some of them! I'm not entirely convinced that Prodigy is one of them, but - I'll try. :)

[beanpot.livejournal.com]

I think you really should watch them all. Yes I know you watch the show for Daniel - but the interactions of the rest of the team is really quite good. I'm also baffled by the whole Mary Sue thing as she doesn't fit what I think is a Mary Sue by any stretch.

I also really love the idea of Sam being mentor to another girl who is smart and stumbling in the world to find her place. It's fantastic to see that dynamic when it usually focuses on the guys being mentors then the Girl.

[resurgamlaura.livejournal.com]

I remember rewatching this ep for similar comm/thread on GW (admittedly one where the focus is on discussing the team, although individual character discussion and other digressions are totally welcomed) and one poster, who is a self-confessed Daniel nut, admitted that due to the pacing and various other fun bits for the rest of the team, she didn't really actually notice that Daniel wasn't there and it didn't bother her. I guess it depends on the fan *shrugs*

And yeah, for all Hailey's faults (and I find most of them understandable, even when they're rubbing me up the wrong way), there are some great moments for the rest of the team, especially Sam.

[abyssinia4077.livejournal.com]

I know I've encouraged you to watch "Prodigy" as I really enjoy the episode and I like Hailey as an intriguing character but, honestly...

If you're as determined to think badly on "Prodigy" and Hailey and S6, etc as you seem to be then, no, I don't think you should watch it. You've already decided you aren't going to like it and you won't enjoy it. But I do wish you would stop trash-talking Hailey and those episodes without having seen them.

I guess...it's totally fine if you're only (or mainly) into the show for Daniel. There's nothing wrong with that. But it seems a little hypocritical to claim to be a fan of the show (and make judgments on episodes you haven't seen) and the other characters if you refuse to watch some (sometimes good and plot-important) episodes simply because Daniel isn't there.

But then, it's fandom. It's not like the world will end either way (well, except for the apocafic...). Do what makes you happy.

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

If you're as determined to think badly on "Prodigy" and Hailey and S6, etc as you seem to be

::blinks::

Um, if I truly was determined to think badly, I'd simply ignore the ep and not bother seeking encouragement to go ahead and watch it like this. I am pretty sure that any "trash-talking" has been with tongue firmly planted in cheek. You may have noted that the poll is rather light-hearted, including the completely random suggestion that the lightning bugs are actually Furlings. Other than my very real dislike for the character of Maybourne (and I have always stressed my problem is the character traits, not the actor), can you point to any time I have bad-mouthed Hailey et al in all seriousness?

Yes, I love Daniel. No, I'm not a fan solely for him (even though he drew me into SG-1 in the first place.) I've always been open that my judgments have been based on transcripts, not actual viewing. And while I have openly confessed that my early fanfic reading choices did give me a very poor view of Jonas, a broader reading of fandom has given me a much better perspective.

So - I'm not sure what to say here.

[aurora-novarum.livejournal.com]

Everyone has eloquently spoken, from suzannemarie on down. You do NOT have my sympathy, dear friend. I've given you my reasons (hell, half of them are listed on the poll).

Besides that,

DON'T SAY KA UNTIL YOU'VE TRIED IT!!!!

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Heh. Why do you think they're on the poll?

Naaaaan... :)

[sg-wonderland.livejournal.com]

Five reasons not to watch Prodigy:
1) There's no Daniel.
2) Hailey is so annoying.
3) You know at least one of those scientists is going to buy it.
4) The enemy is...lightning bugs??
5) Did I mention there's no Daniel???

[ultranos-fic.livejournal.com]

2) Hailey is so annoying.

*raises hand* Can I ask a stupid question? Why do you think she's annoying?

I mean, I am perfectly aware that I am more sympathetic towards her character, but that's my bias, and I don't mean to put you on the spot, but I'm honestly curious as to why she rubs some people the wrong way.

[resurgamlaura.livejournal.com]

Maybe its because a part of me is just too snarky for words (this is possibly my Britishness waving a flag), but I have seen pretty much every ep that's on a season that I own on DVD (which is most of them, because for a while it was the only way I could get my fix), and rewatched every one that I have time for for the rewatching team-orientated thread on GW because if I don't like it, there are still points to discuss and...OK, I admit it- opportunities to (nicely!) mock certain aspect amongst like-minded folks with a sense of humour. Its why I put myself through eps like 'Spirits' again- I can make well-judged comments about this early use of Sam as leader and the Sam/Daniel/Teal'c dynamic, and then laugh at the tinfoil wrap aliens.

In the case of this episode, this would possibly involve being amused at someone essentially being killed by Tinkerbell, the first appearance of Bill Lee, Jack snarking at scientists...and you then casually mentioned that when Hailey was on screen you just *had* to go off and make a cup of tea/coffee. Several times.

PS. Only just friended you because I very much like your meta posts and suchlike, so feel free to ignore the strange and long-winded suggestions from this person in the peanut gallery :P

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Isn't it fun how different we all are in likes and dislikes? I adore Spirits and am fully aware that I'm in the minority there!

You're right, of course - there's always something good in every episode. (Although I would like it if someone would point out what that might be in Deus ex Machina in S9, or whatever the six-pack-of-Ba'al ep is called.) Bill Lee! Death by Tinkerbell! Jack snark! All very good reasons. :)

And you're very much welcome here! Considering how long-winded I am myself, it's no surprise that I like contributions from the peanut gallery. :)

[alicambs.livejournal.com]

There's far too many Daniel less episodes as it is, but at least Prodigy doesn't have his annoying 'replacement' in it! Sorry, I guess that's pretty lukewarm praise isn't it. ;-)

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

I haven't watched enough Jonas to dislike him or like him, really. But I liked the team's interaction with him in S7, and I'm angered beyond words at how he's treated in S10. So... so not much, I guess. :)

[holdouttrout.livejournal.com]

I honestly can't believe you haven't seen it, or lots of season 6. Why not? Honestly, I find I'm meh about a lot of eps, but I've seen them all, and enjoyed plenty I thought I wouldn't.

And I find it a little odd that you are asking if you should, to be quite honest.

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

I'm asking if I should as a way of seeking encouragement. I'm pretty sure that's a rather common use of one's LJ. :)

Why haven't I...? Not much incentive, I guess. I read all the transcripts of S1-8 and then started watching those eps that seemed most intriguing. At the time, I'd fallen solidly in love with Daniel and Daniel-less eps were very far down on the priority list. So, without incentive and limited fandom time, I haven't bothered.

Now the incentive is Redial, and I posted the poll for al little cheerleading. And you're right - it's more likely to enjoy something unexpectedly than the other way round!

[sg-betty.livejournal.com]

You have to watch all the episodes because each one adds canon that that must be analyzed in terms of its implications and effects on the characters, either at the time, or in the future.
It's about canon, Fig... You have to watch it! Canon!
(Speaking of canon, I was just having a discussion yesterday about how nice it would be to read another installment. ;)

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

A lovely argument, even if the writers have gone on record as saying they would dearly love to remove Hathor from canon. ;) (and haven't the "3 shots disintegrates" been taken out of canon, too?)

Canon vs. fanon? Um... talk to me after Pesach. And after my samjackfriends fic is written. And phoenixgate. And stargatesummer. Um.

Hailey is actually a great character

[neiths-arrow.livejournal.com]

I liked the character of Hailey. I've often wondered how some of the people got to be members of the SGC. They are all so unique. I can totally imagine a Hailey who is a combination of Carter and O'Neill. She would be pretty headstrong. I also liked when Carter describes O'Neill's reasoning for his actions in a scene close to the end of the episode. It seemed like a good military strategy and supports my belief that O'Neill is smarter than he pretends to be.

But, this is just MHO. I can totally understand why you wouldn't watch it though. I begrudgingly watched the final two seasons of SG1 without Jack, but I certainly didn't tape them . . . or commit them to memory or anything. (g)

Re: Hailey is actually a great character

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Thanks for chiming in! I'm glad to see that some people genuinely like her. I hope my own opinion improves, too. :)

[redbyrd-sgfic.livejournal.com]

Yes, you must watch it. How else are you going to be able to write the AU version for how it was all different with Daniel there?

And it's got Jack being Jack at the scientists and Sam being cool and mentory. It would have been better with Daniel, but at least the poor guy got to go look at an archeology dig without the Curse of SG-1* making his life interesting for a few days.

Whoever cursed Daniel to live in Interesting Times? Really knew what he was talking about.

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Oh, you are wicked. :D

Travelling One has already written that AU. Sort of. At least, the team meets the lightning bugs again.

It's not so much "No, no Daniel, I'm not watching so there." It's more - no Daniel to coax me to watching it in the first place, and I don't like the guest star, and I didn't know who Bill Lee was then, and I just... never got around to it.

Looks like I'm getting around to it now. :)

And it seems to me that SG-1 often has even more Interesting Times when Daniel isn't there. Juna, anyone?

[ryf.livejournal.com]

Tiem it takes to watch the episode: 42 minutes.

Time it takes to have this discussion: > 42 minutes :)

But I love the episode and am watching forward to watching it, especially because of Hailey.

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Hee! I assure you I didn't expect this to turn into one of the longest threads ever. :)

But your logic is most impeccable! ::salutes you::

[acarlgeek.livejournal.com]

I'm pretty certain watching "Prodigy" won't kill you. :-) Personally, I watched it once all the way through, and have seen snippets a few other times, but it didn't interest me enough to warrant a second full viewing. (Even though there are a few good lines and moments.) Personally, I can't insert Daniel into the episode without him getting himself killed. If/when you watch it, see whether or not you think he would have been anywhere other than the "front lines" of a potential first contact. Then see how much you'd have to change the plot lines (or Daniel's character) to get him out of there in one living piece.

FYI, I have watched all but 1.5 episodes. They're season 6 episodes that aired the day after my grandmother died and the day of her funeral service. I relied on my VCR to capture them, but it was a couple of weeks before I had time to try watching them. Much as I love Dean Stockwell, I kept wandering off to do housework during the ad breaks in "Shadowmind" (or whatever his episode is called). I've tried to watch the second half of that episode 4 or 5 times, but never succeeded in keeping myself from finding something more interesting to do before it ended. (I don't have it on DVD.) "The Other Guys" is trapped behind it on the end of that tape, because I refuse to let myself sneak past the unwatched half episode (how many years has it been?). One of these days, I WILL watch those two episodes, from beginning to end, even if I have to chain myself to the sofa.

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Personally, I can't insert Daniel into the episode without him getting himself killed.

Bwah! One of the best arguments I've ever seen for his absence from the episode! :D

I think my rather odd approach to Stargate is due to my rather odd introduction to it. First I read all the transcripts (through S8 at the time). Then I started watching eps, based on how much the transcripts interested me. And then I started filling in the blanks.

It's time to fill one more blank in. Hopefully, no chains will be involved. ;)

[randomfreshink.livejournal.com]

It helps to watch and think, 'well, you know, if they'd had Daniel with them, Jack wouldn't be this pissed at all the scientists because he'd make Daniel deal with them', and, 'if Daniel was here, he'd be trying to communicate with the electric bees, and coming up with theories and that would keep Jack distracted and out of trouble.'

This is not one of my favorite episodes, but it's got moments. (Personally, I don't think there's enough team here -- it seems a rather fragmented episode.)

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

All eps have moments, yes. Some have less than others, of course. :)

Not so teamy? I'm sorry to hear that. But at least the Jack and Teal'c interaction should be good!