Not that it would be of any use for me to read it since I don't remember that episode all that well, but I just wanted to say that the banner makes me want to do a S2 rewatch, because young!Jensen = ♥
Poor show - it is so much fun to watch, and has such engaging characters, but it also has so much unfulfilled potential. I still so deeply regret that lack of a season three - the end of season two is so amazing. It feels like they were just finally hitting their stride and beginning to achieve their full potential when the plug got pulled, and that can't help but be a cause for regret.
Alec's soldier-training is very apparent in this episode - it's nice, considering how often they use him as comic relief. He's not JUST funny.
Max: "Can we concentrate on coming up with a plan?" Alec: "I'm thinking." Max: "You're talking." Alec: "I can do both." Max: "I doubt that." Alec: "Well, you just lost your tip."
That is one of my all-time favorite exchanges between them. That, and the one in "Two," where they're both stealing the baseball.
The whole concept of these eggs is…very weird biology!
I just don't get it. Why would they be eggs, when their parents were more than likely babies born with gills? Seriously. It doesn't really make sense.
The two X5s continue their journey to the roof, Alec dismayed at the thought of scaling a pipe without a rope and Max grimly resolved. For all Alec's mild grumbling, he doesn't have any trouble with the pipe, however – I imagine scenes like this are where the fanon of Alec having the same kind of feline DNA as Max come from.
I thought all X5s had feline DNA? I would certainly believe it.
That whole fight - for some reason I got a kick out of Alec sliding down the bannister to kick White's man. That was funny.
This episode was really the first one where Alec started to, at least a little bit, care about the other transgenics that came out of Manticore - and it's a big step because this one isn't one of the X's, who are at least "human." These two were nomalies, and that's a huge step for him.
I thought all X5s had feline DNA? I would certainly believe it. I dunno. Season one implies that the specific cocktail is different for all of them - Max makes that comment about her and Jondy both having shark DNA and not needing to sleep, unlike all the others. It is possible that they all have a certain amount of feline DNA, but never actually stated, and it is also likely that the amount would vary. I just don't feel it is as much of a foregone conclusion as fanon would have it!
This episode was really the first one where Alec started to, at least a little bit, care about the other transgenics that came out of Manticore - and it's a big step because this one isn't one of the X's, who are at least "human." These two were nomalies, and that's a huge step for him. I love how much both Alec and Max's development takes such a huge step forward in this episode. All through season one Max operated alone, and at the start of season two she was still reluctant to accept responsibility for anyone other than herself. Then, having accepted responsibility for the transgenics she had released into the world, she still operated alone more often than not, with Alec's part in any given mission usually coming about as a matter of circumstance more than anything else. This is the first time we have really seen her taking such a definitive lead role, accepting responsibility not just for the transgenic she is trying to save but for those going on the mission with her. It is a big step forward for her.
And Alec, as you say, also takes a huge step forward. He has always clung to his own self-interest as a shield, unwilling to be seen to care about anything, grumbling all the way when Max dragged him into anything, however much his willingness to be coerced into helping might bely any protest voiced. Here, though, he initiates the entire mission, and although he is only too glad to hand responsibility over to Max and fall back on his default grumbling, that concern for the fate of fellow transgenics is out there now. Big character development. It is really good to see the professional side of him, as well as the funny.
If I'm remembering right, I think all X5s have some feline DNA, and then any other DNA after that is specific to the individual X5 - but I can't remember where I read it. (Not in a fanfic though, I know that.)
LOL, Logan's always in the episode, I just never notice him. I mean, I like him, he's a good guy, but he's not Alec.
Maybe it's in the Companion book? I haven't got that. I'm fairly certain it is never stated definitively in an episode, though. Unless it is in season one, which I don't know as well as season two.
*ponders*
I like Logan. I even appreciate his and Max's eternal dance much more each time I watch, analysing every step. But the dynamic between the transgenics is so much more interesting to me!
I forgot about all the kid stuff. Luckily, I have a fast-forward button to deal with that sort of thing.
>>Someone has been making the most of his newfound freedom.
So that's where he disappeared to after Proof of Purchase.
>>But Alec, spotting the barcode, immediately recognises her for what she is, a captive transgenic, and is perturbed.
She shows it to them, why? How could she know?
>>Max snips that she is getting ready for a bath.
And he really doesn't mind barging straight in. :)
>>Satisfied that she is on her way in, Alec heads back inside himself.
Where do Normal and Sketchy think Alec has gone for all this time, eh? How much money did they take?!
>>But is he just making noise, or is he letting something of a truth slip with that remark? We've never yet seen him show any interest in relationships of any kind other than superficial. But then again, we will learn in a later episode that once upon a time there was Rachel. And if there was ever a time someone fell for a person they couldn't have, that was it.
I never got back to you about your suggestion that Borrowed Time was the only hint that Alec might have feelings for Max, as I disagree. I'd meant to go back gather evidence and come back to you, but I got sidetracked by other things.
This little conversation is one I would put on that evidence pile. On its own, I don't think it means anything, but when put with all the other things he says and the times he seems overly eager to discuss the state of Max and Logan's relationship, it becomes a small crumb in the trail. I'd certainly never thought of it as him thinking about Rachel. From hindsight it makes sense, but what was the viewer watching in a linear manner supposed to make of that, seeing as they wouldn't know about Rachel yet?
>>Honestly. How hard would it be for them to fill a tank of water? That way they could guarantee a live sample for forensics.
I don't think they care. And a tank would be harder to move.
>>Have those two met before? I can't remember.
Yes, near the end of Designate This.
>>that's a whole new species making an impact on the ecology of the ocean, and the potential implications of that certainly provide food for thought.
There'll have to be inter-species breeding or incest for that as well...
I'd certainly never thought of it as him thinking about Rachel. From hindsight it makes sense, but what was the viewer watching in a linear manner supposed to make of that, seeing as they wouldn't know about Rachel yet? Oh yeah. It isn't that I think he's talking about Rachel specifically, more that I tend to think he's letting slip something about himself - more than maybe he actually realises. What I mean is that at this point in the show, we've never seen him show any interest in any relationship other than the strictly superficial, so it isn't until later, when we've got to know him better (through the example of Rachel) that we can look back on this throwaway remark and realise that yes: he is actually saying something true about himself. Watching it for the first time, we'd dismiss it as meaningless chatter just as Max does.
And, you know, I'm not really a Max/Alec shipper - I've never really been a shipper or any kind at all. I enjoy seeing a variety of different kinds of relationship dynamics explored. I think maybe something could have happened between them in the future - if season three had happened and a genuine love triangle had developed, I could have got on board with it. But I don't see it in season two; the vibe between the two of them is predominantly sibling, taken as a whole. Any attraction they feel for one another is something I don't think either is really aware of, and something would have to bring it to their attention for anything else to develop.
She shows it to them, why? How could she know? I think at that point she's just randomly thrashing around, and it is more by chance that Alec sees the barcode than anything else. The whole barcode-on-the-neck thing always struck me as rather crazy, in terms of Manticore. I mean, if these super-soldiers of theirs were meant to be so top secret, why have such an obvious identifier in such an easy-to-spot location? Why not put it somewhere it would be covered up by clothes? Seems crazy to me.
Does Jensen ever get shot anywhere else? *G* Doesn't seem like it! I think TV people tend to just assume that the left arm/shoulder is a 'safe' place to have a character get shot - they can be injured without being disabled, or whatever.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2008-08-17 01:43 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-08-17 01:48 pm (UTC)*pokes*
...and then you would be able to read and know what I was talking about...:p
no subject
Date: 2008-08-17 02:31 pm (UTC)YAAAAAAAAY!!!!
no subject
Date: 2008-08-17 02:33 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-08-17 02:59 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-08-17 03:07 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-08-17 03:19 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-08-17 06:16 pm (UTC)Max: "Can we concentrate on coming up with a plan?"
Alec: "I'm thinking."
Max: "You're talking."
Alec: "I can do both."
Max: "I doubt that."
Alec: "Well, you just lost your tip."
That is one of my all-time favorite exchanges between them. That, and the one in "Two," where they're both stealing the baseball.
The whole concept of these eggs is…very weird biology!
I just don't get it. Why would they be eggs, when their parents were more than likely babies born with gills? Seriously. It doesn't really make sense.
The two X5s continue their journey to the roof, Alec dismayed at the thought of scaling a pipe without a rope and Max grimly resolved. For all Alec's mild grumbling, he doesn't have any trouble with the pipe, however – I imagine scenes like this are where the fanon of Alec having the same kind of feline DNA as Max come from.
I thought all X5s had feline DNA? I would certainly believe it.
That whole fight - for some reason I got a kick out of Alec sliding down the bannister to kick White's man. That was funny.
This episode was really the first one where Alec started to, at least a little bit, care about the other transgenics that came out of Manticore - and it's a big step because this one isn't one of the X's, who are at least "human." These two were nomalies, and that's a huge step for him.
no subject
Date: 2008-08-17 06:35 pm (UTC)I dunno. Season one implies that the specific cocktail is different for all of them - Max makes that comment about her and Jondy both having shark DNA and not needing to sleep, unlike all the others. It is possible that they all have a certain amount of feline DNA, but never actually stated, and it is also likely that the amount would vary. I just don't feel it is as much of a foregone conclusion as fanon would have it!
This episode was really the first one where Alec started to, at least a little bit, care about the other transgenics that came out of Manticore - and it's a big step because this one isn't one of the X's, who are at least "human." These two were nomalies, and that's a huge step for him.
I love how much both Alec and Max's development takes such a huge step forward in this episode. All through season one Max operated alone, and at the start of season two she was still reluctant to accept responsibility for anyone other than herself. Then, having accepted responsibility for the transgenics she had released into the world, she still operated alone more often than not, with Alec's part in any given mission usually coming about as a matter of circumstance more than anything else. This is the first time we have really seen her taking such a definitive lead role, accepting responsibility not just for the transgenic she is trying to save but for those going on the mission with her. It is a big step forward for her.
And Alec, as you say, also takes a huge step forward. He has always clung to his own self-interest as a shield, unwilling to be seen to care about anything, grumbling all the way when Max dragged him into anything, however much his willingness to be coerced into helping might bely any protest voiced. Here, though, he initiates the entire mission, and although he is only too glad to hand responsibility over to Max and fall back on his default grumbling, that concern for the fate of fellow transgenics is out there now. Big character development. It is really good to see the professional side of him, as well as the funny.
It's all great stuff. *G*
...oh yeah, and Logan's in the episode too. LOL
no subject
Date: 2008-08-18 09:54 pm (UTC)LOL, Logan's always in the episode, I just never notice him. I mean, I like him, he's a good guy, but he's not Alec.
no subject
Date: 2008-08-19 07:04 am (UTC)*ponders*
I like Logan. I even appreciate his and Max's eternal dance much more each time I watch, analysing every step. But the dynamic between the transgenics is so much more interesting to me!
no subject
Date: 2008-08-17 09:15 pm (UTC)I forgot about all the kid stuff. Luckily, I have a fast-forward button to deal with that sort of thing.
>>Someone has been making the most of his newfound freedom.
So that's where he disappeared to after Proof of Purchase.
>>But Alec, spotting the barcode, immediately recognises her for what she is, a captive transgenic, and is perturbed.
She shows it to them, why? How could she know?
>>Max snips that she is getting ready for a bath.
And he really doesn't mind barging straight in. :)
>>Satisfied that she is on her way in, Alec heads back inside himself.
Where do Normal and Sketchy think Alec has gone for all this time, eh? How much money did they take?!
>>But is he just making noise, or is he letting something of a truth slip with that remark? We've never yet seen him show any interest in relationships of any kind other than superficial. But then again, we will learn in a later episode that once upon a time there was Rachel. And if there was ever a time someone fell for a person they couldn't have, that was it.
I never got back to you about your suggestion that Borrowed Time was the only hint that Alec might have feelings for Max, as I disagree. I'd meant to go back gather evidence and come back to you, but I got sidetracked by other things.
This little conversation is one I would put on that evidence pile. On its own, I don't think it means anything, but when put with all the other things he says and the times he seems overly eager to discuss the state of Max and Logan's relationship, it becomes a small crumb in the trail. I'd certainly never thought of it as him thinking about Rachel. From hindsight it makes sense, but what was the viewer watching in a linear manner supposed to make of that, seeing as they wouldn't know about Rachel yet?
>>Honestly. How hard would it be for them to fill a tank of water? That way they could guarantee a live sample for forensics.
I don't think they care. And a tank would be harder to move.
>>Have those two met before? I can't remember.
Yes, near the end of Designate This.
>>that's a whole new species making an impact on the ecology of the ocean, and the potential implications of that certainly provide food for thought.
There'll have to be inter-species breeding or incest for that as well...
>>Alec takes a bullet through the upper left arm
Does Jensen ever get shot anywhere else?
I'm very tired. I hope all that makes sense.
no subject
Date: 2008-08-18 07:18 am (UTC)Oh yeah. It isn't that I think he's talking about Rachel specifically, more that I tend to think he's letting slip something about himself - more than maybe he actually realises. What I mean is that at this point in the show, we've never seen him show any interest in any relationship other than the strictly superficial, so it isn't until later, when we've got to know him better (through the example of Rachel) that we can look back on this throwaway remark and realise that yes: he is actually saying something true about himself. Watching it for the first time, we'd dismiss it as meaningless chatter just as Max does.
And, you know, I'm not really a Max/Alec shipper - I've never really been a shipper or any kind at all. I enjoy seeing a variety of different kinds of relationship dynamics explored. I think maybe something could have happened between them in the future - if season three had happened and a genuine love triangle had developed, I could have got on board with it. But I don't see it in season two; the vibe between the two of them is predominantly sibling, taken as a whole. Any attraction they feel for one another is something I don't think either is really aware of, and something would have to bring it to their attention for anything else to develop.
She shows it to them, why? How could she know?
I think at that point she's just randomly thrashing around, and it is more by chance that Alec sees the barcode than anything else. The whole barcode-on-the-neck thing always struck me as rather crazy, in terms of Manticore. I mean, if these super-soldiers of theirs were meant to be so top secret, why have such an obvious identifier in such an easy-to-spot location? Why not put it somewhere it would be covered up by clothes? Seems crazy to me.
Does Jensen ever get shot anywhere else?
*G* Doesn't seem like it! I think TV people tend to just assume that the left arm/shoulder is a 'safe' place to have a character get shot - they can be injured without being disabled, or whatever.
no subject
Date: 2008-08-20 12:34 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-08-20 06:30 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-08-20 01:03 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-08-20 08:26 pm (UTC)