General Discussion & Recap/Review Thread: SGU Episode 08 - "Malice"

[Starman]

This episode only raised one gigantic question. Where the hell did Simeon think he was going?

He killed Uselesserella (or whatever the fuck her name is) in her quarters then proceeded straight to the weapons locker and out the Stargate to a desert planet full of dinosaurs billions of light years from home. Huh?

I figured he was going to backtrack like the vaunted threesome did (and wound up going the backassward way) in the first season to wherever the other LA folks were stranded, since Destiny hasn't left the galaxy. My big question was -- what then? Run forward and try to take over the ship again? Or just enjoy the company of his own people?

 

[deco]

i can only read the conclusion is to painfull to ready every thing

 

[Leo(T.C.K.)]

OK I will take time to make a larger post this time and not just my usual comment.

Actually, for me this was one of the more enjoyable episodes of this season, but still sucking at many points and not being scifi at all, not even soft scifi (then again there wasn't real pure sci-fi apparently apart from literature and I have trouble with concentration when reading books, unles it is something I am really interested in or well I didn't really read scifi literature except few exceptions and didn't finish reading them). But for action episode, this one was better for me than last, I didn't like Simeon's interaction and the way character was handled around and what made this episode's point. Greer acted like asshole at some parts btw, that was not mentioned by some people here, he is not as good man as some people tend to make him and he certainly got creepy at one moment. Rush motivation was more believable in this episode and he was actually less of a villain (pointing that to atlantisforlife's comment based on other people comments). The moment when Greer got shot was also largely Greer's own fault and stupidity, he just stood there still for like minute turned behind.
Rush in the end could have finished Simeon saying what he wanted to say, just to be sure he didn't really have the information when it was clear he wouldn't be able to kill him anyway, I mean this scene was very 24 like, like when Jack kills Nina in third season, although that scene was more believable and Rush didn't say anything during this scene unlike the similar scene in 24.
But I liked the way Rush handled the situation in the end and being smart, also the way he lured Simeon. Also he didn't really lie, he only just found out about that he could trace him or whatever was that, but when he stood up before and didn't get shot he was sure that Simeon wasn't in his place anymore, before he was able to fully reprogramm it or check, whatever. So he actually did put that into risc, it wasn't only the trace he later picked up. But whatever, that scene was overall confusing and could be intrepreted in many ways and the acting of Scott was terrible as usual.

Eli is very poorly acted during this episode as it was already mentioned and it wasn't much remarkable.
And of course the minde disabling part was a bit contrived as well, first he says sorry that he isn't able to defuse this apparently timed bomb and have only some seconds left, then he remembers he has that wire in his glasses and uses it to enter the tiny pin, which he wasn't able to get in before and get off the cover and do stuff. I don't get the proximity part either, but it was clear that if she moved it would set off or maybe if there was fast movement around which there wasn't, but still it doesn't make much sense. Also it was LA explosive, not earth made.

But overall, if you look past all the nonsenses, I actually enjoyed this episode for being bit more fresh.

EDIT: Mind you, I wrote this post only after partially reading first page of comments.

 

[Leo(T.C.K.)]

I was replying mainly to this comment of you and other comments, this comment was written by you before you watched the episode though:

Grief, I wonder how people still like Rush. Is he going to be the reason why darn near everybody gets hurt/killed.

- He was the reason why the senator had to sacrifice himself because he dialed the ninth chevron against orders. He's also the reason why everyone is in this mess.

- He is the reason why Riley died.

- He is the reason why Telford was left behind.

- He was the reason why Franklin died/whatever

- He's now the reason why Greer gets shot.

- Some other things I'm probably forgetting right now or don't know about...

This guy is pretty much a villain himself from what I can tell. Geez... Then there's Young and his disasters... And these 2 are the leaders!!!

 

[Leo(T.C.K.)]

Np, anyway as for Greer, I believe Simeon would get away even if he wasn't distracted by Rush, he was already getting away and if so, he could just ignore Rush or be more watchful. Greer acted like idiot as well, he could have shot him twice instead or disable his legs effectively (plus soldiers should know where to shoot to just disable someone shouldn't they?).

That's what gets me actually. No, I don't like Greer's character at all and never did. I don't like Rush as well, but at least in this episode he seemed better.

 

[Yusagi]

I dunno, I think this episode was decent. The arc was idiotic, because why waste my time with Sueginn for the past half season, contributing nothing if you were just going to go and kill her off screen, and why should I care about a 'romance' that made very little sense and was 90% off screen between Eli/Sueginn. And, naturally, why Simeon would attack and make a break for it when he stands to achieve--at best--marooning on a random planet he knows nothing about.

....Or why anyone would do anything but laugh at a Lucian Alliance attack on Earth, of all things.

But the episode itself, taken alone, I thought was decent. Rush's parts were done well, one could actually believe and understand why he'd fly into a rage over Perry's death, unlike Eli over Sueginn's. The mine might have been stretching probability a bit, but it's sort of vague sci-fi, so I'm willing to handwave that the Smart Guy knows how to disarm it. I did like that Rush acknowledged Perry was only dead because he brought her on, and while he may have arguably gotten Greer shot (I seem to remember him saving his life somehow, but...not sure.), he did at least warn James' troop. It fit with his character not to give a crap about Earth, nor to listen to Young's orders nor believe Simeon would give any information, so I personally enjoyed the stampede/execution he reformed.

The other parts, including Chloe being able to control the ship, Eli being completely ridiculous, and Young somehow retaining command despite his complete sucking void of leadership skills (One, not-very-watchful guard on your most troublesome prisoner? Really. Greer would probably shoot him for the hell of it, granted, so he'd be out of the question, but someone more dedicated was clearly required when he didn't bother to intercede in Simeon harassing people last episode. Or ever.) were from meh to ugh, with some fail (like the unlimited supplies) having become routine and generally ignored.

I wouldn't call it a good episode, but I do think most of the reviews are tearing into it a bit too harshly.

 

[Rac80]

Np, anyway as for Greer, I believe Simeon would get away even if he wasn't distracted by Rush, he was already getting away and if so, he could just ignore Rush or be more watchful. Greer acted like idiot as well, he could have shot him twice instead or disable his legs effectively (plus soldiers should know where to shoot to just disable someone shouldn't they?).

That's what gets me actually. No, I don't like Greer's character at all and never did. I don't like Rush as well, but at least in this episode he seemed better.

Most soldier/police I know laugh at the idea of a "disable shot"... theya re trained to ALWAYS go for the kill. can't speak to CIA or FBI training, but when it's the US military it's kill or be killed (same with the police...their snipers never go for a "disable" shot). So greer had to be a piss-poor shot to NOT kill the guy. But then....there is no military consultants on this f-ed up show-as we can ALL tell.

 

[park8]

Location was great but the arc sucked ass!Where on earth did Simone come all of a sudden? There was , no episode(s) that brought the development of the character. He just popped out of no where. Seriously, this series is proving to be more illogical than any other show I've ever watched, it doesn't make any sense what so ever.

Also,this was Robert Caryle's worst ever performance on TV imho.His acting didn't look look believeable in this episode.

I completely agree! Watched this last night, and although the pacing was better, the rest was crap, as usual. RC was awful. The show has so many plot holes and inconsistencies that I can't keep track any more. I can't believe this might be renewed.

 

[Overmind One]

Absolutely correct.

Most soldier/police I know laugh at the idea of a "disable shot"... theya re trained to ALWAYS go for the kill. can't speak to CIA or FBI training, but when it's the US military it's kill or be killed (same with the police...their snipers never go for a "disable" shot). So greer had to be a piss-poor shot to NOT kill the guy. But then....there is no military consultants on this f-ed up show-as we can ALL tell.

There is no such thing as a "wounding shot". The standard military issue M-16 fires a relatively smallish 5.56mm round, which IS designed to wound/maim, and that is to force the "enemy" to tend to their wounded, thus forcing them to expend extra resources. But we are still trained to go for the kill FIRST. If the bullet doesnt kill, then the target got lucky. But if the weapon is on automatic (which is standard, not semi-auto), then the target will be Swissed anyway, and will most likely die. And why would Greer turn his back even for a second? I hate this fucking show. :mad:

 

[ParagonPie]

There is no such thing as a "wounding shot". The standard military issue M-16 fires a relatively smallish 5.56mm round, which IS designed to wound/maim, and that is to force the "enemy" to tend to their wounded, thus forcing them to expend extra resources. But we are still trained to go for the kill FIRST. If the bullet doesnt kill, then the target got lucky. But if the weapon is on automatic (which is standard, not semi-auto), then the target will be Swissed anyway, and will most likely die. And why would Greer turn his back even for a second? I hate this fucking show. :mad:

Once again it shows the lack of professionalism displayed by these 'soldiers' Greer shot Simeon in the leg (which I will add is a HUGE mistake because you never shoot to disable, too many risks involved) but when Greer turned around, why wasn't Scott taking up a firing position getting eyes on the target to make sure he hasn't move or if he had knows where he went, no instead they had to get distracted by Rush, both of them, which resulted in a casualty. Are these people supposed to be soldiers or something? They are making way to many mistakes that is common knowledge for any soldier or marine. They aren't even displaying basic infantry skills here, BASIC.

 

[Leo(T.C.K.)]

But if he really wanted to just disable him, he should have shot twice, or at a position which would bring him down to his knees. Even though they aren't trained to disable. But whatever, they are just morons, I don't know military tactics, but even this was clear to me that these characters are just morons with no real skill. They are just playing soldiers, as Rush said it in the pilot "little boys playing soldiers", that really nails it.

 

[Robbie_Rocket_Pants]

I wouldn't call it a good episode, but I do think most of the reviews are tearing into it a bit too harshly.

I hope that doesn't include my last review for the episode "The Greater Good" because that was what I would consider quite a positive review for me & quite a "watchable" episode (which is the best I can ever honestly describe an SGU episode).

As I said with the episode "Pathogen", it makes me feel crappy when I get a really bad episode like Pathogen & have to scrape the barrel to find nice things to say to try to balance the scales but I can only write a review based on the material I am given & can only be as honest & as diplomatic as I can in a review - I'm not going to ingenuously pour praise upon an episode to which it is not entitled.

I also found this one watchable aswell, perhaps even more so than The Greater Good.

 

[Blurb]

Logic and the writers of SGU have little to no relationship with each other.

So true .

If they had, Simeon would have had a lot of fun eliminating everyone that stepped through the gate right at the time of them reaching the planet. Or anytime the trekking troupe felt like standing on top of a large stone wondering about the "barbecueability" of what, dust guzzling/ dry whatevers eating dinosaurs?

Alas, can't have Scotty boy and Greer and James and Rush killed in one episode. Too sad.

 

[Wallium]

plot hole ?

Actual hole is; Simeon sees, He can reach his Homeland by using the gate system . He is so sure about that he can kill the traitor and wrap up everything for the way ( Maybe, He has to warn Alliance! for the leak about attack, Which Earth is prepared now). Even Rush the Science is accepting that He can reach his Home By Gates ... So Whatta hell of problem Those people have! They can whine about Home and didn't use that system. Everybody on the ship are so, so, so desperately have to be at home but they didn't try. They didn't try only working solution till now for that way back home. Even Rush and Alliance can board the ship but Ship folks cant turn back.. ( They explain it as that last gate/world with connection by earth destroyed at that attempt.) After leaving the earths galaxy .. (Which is the Only Reason; Why they didn't give a shot for that possibility after Alliance's Attack) .. Simeon still can think otherwise!! and We are struck with a bunch of people who can not think like Simeon. Anyone step IN or friggin get OUT from ship except These ... Ship people

But .. but .. They have to reach end of universe now.. for answerzzz . They, They cant , simply cant turn back home... (Answer from TPTB)

Those people can believe some writings on the computer which Rush just show, but Everybody agree about he is a liar..

 

[Red Mage]

They can't get back to Earth or the Milky Way from these gates. Rush was insinuating that Simeon would use these gates to try and get back to the planet in which most of the Lucian Alliance members were dumped off in Aftermath or whatever episode it was. There's very little Simeon could have done in the future so that's why it was pointless to run after him.

 

[Yusagi]

@Robbie_Rocket_Pants

No, not yours--although I'm not sure I remember yours specifically--I just mean in general it seems to be dealt with a bit more harshly just because it's SGU and therefore already has demerits.

@Atlantis4life

I do mean prior to the killings, setting him as Simeon's escort seems like an unwise choice, because they came to blows or confrontations too often. Greer has demonstrated himself extremely violent, and dislikes the LA crew possibly more than Young. Simeon could far too easily goad him into attacking and...just causing problems were he to escort Simeon around, thus, he would be out of the question as an escort...but Simeon's actual escort was pretty terrible. The guy stopped him doing nothing.