justalurkr | Stargate: Atlantis Sateda SPOILERS

Even though Rodney was literally the "butt" of the joke at the beginning, David Hewlett turned it into his usual comedic gem of a performance. Compare and contrast with Dr. Lee in tonight's SG-1, Insider who, while adorable, regularly makes me wonder how he holds a job.

I swear this episode was the most Ronon's gotten to say since he joined the people of Atlantis, and I loved ever word. Even though he pretty much cracked there for a bit over whether to die at the hands of the Wraith or kill them, he was wholly Ronon throughout while managing to add believable dimension to the characters.

I loved both Sheppard's conversation with Teyla and McKay's with Beckett; they're all just one emotionally constipated, dysfunctionally happy family, aren't they? I appreciated this far more than just another "we leave no one behind" speech; it's been done to death in Stargate, and given the number of times Daniel Jackson's been left behind? The whole thing makes my brain itch. I actually believe it from Sheppard now.

The only real glitch for me was the first Ronon/Wraith encounter, with the Wraith in goggles and the flashing effect going on. I was waiting for the Pokemon lawyers to call and get their effects back. The director made up for it later in the normally lit actions scenes, though. It was great to see Ronon "VERY angry," as Teyla put it.

They did so many flashbacks, I was having flashbacks to Highlander, and half-expected Duncan to show up and start beheading people. Is every Satedan soldier every a complete hottie?!? I could have done with less watching good-looking men die and more on Ronon's own life. The scenes with Malina at their home and in the hostpital were by far the best for me.

I enjoyed the show from start to finish, though. Ronon really cracked the wall of strong, silent muscle in this one.