The Root of the Problem
Aug. 21st, 2004 12:24 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
moonshaydeWell, I am starting to dig more deeply into the root of my problem here. Aside from those lingering self-doubts that many of us get (Am I good enough? My writing isn't as good as others..etc., etc.,)I think it has a lot to do with being overly critical. I mean critical on a personal level and also in general.
As far as writing in certain fandoms (like Stargate for example), it is difficult to write in it when everywhere I go, I get hit with negativity. The show is old now and in its twilight years--it's true that its not what it used to be. But it's still fairing better than X-Files in its twilight years. But when a show's direction changes and we're so used to getting something else, it's hard not to be critical.
There is a lot to be critical about. But there is a difference between constructive criticism and negativity. And I think getting caught up in heavy negativity can really bring a person down, and lessen the enjoyment of a show, or movie, or book, what have you.
This is supposed to be fun. It's a show. Or its a movie. Whatever you find interesting. I would rather embrace all the positive aspects and focus on that. I think it's more fun that way.
That being said, still haven't written anything :) But here are my thoughts on the episode named "Affinity."
Now remember, this is my opinion. Don't have to agree with me :)
Okay, no matter what anyone says, I still say this was a good episode. I know not many will agree with me, but I have been trying very hard not to let spoilers, negativity, and other things bring me down. I am failing miserably, but I won't give up.
Plot-wise, I think this story was interesting. We had elements of mystery and intrigue. Some of it was cliched, but it didn't bother me as much. The romance aspect of it I could have done without. (Really really done without) but at least it made sense to the story. The Sam/Pete thing was unnecessary, but their investigative team up was perfect, imo. The Teal'c/Krista thing was unnecessary (could have remained UST and still worked) but it was used as a plot point and not just to let Teal'c have his way. Because it was used in a more cohesive way, this particular story was handled better than Chimera, imo.
(Side note...people have gotten upset over eps like Chimera where Sam's story has no bearing on the main plot. I am one of those people. But stories like The Curse--though infinitely better--had Jack and Teal'c fishing. That might not be romance, but tell me how that added to the plot :P Though I would take that over stupid shippy moments any day!!)
I did not see any Sam/Jack ship in the show and the scene between the two of them did not bother me. People might be upset about it, but Jack asked her, so if anyone has a problem, take it up with Jack's character. That being said, I did like the fact that Jack picked up on something that was off with Sam. Shows how much of a good leader he is. I did *not* like her comment asking him if it had been different, because obviously he doesn't like to talk about stuff like that. That scene just made it even more clear to me that they shouldn't be together. That was a bad reflection on her character. I can see Sam having cold feet. She seems the type, but she shouldn't have left Pete hanging there. *sigh* It's a shame because Sam and Pete are cute together :)
I would have preferred Jack to have more scenes with Teal'c instead of having them with Sam.
I thought Daniel was very much in character in this episode. I was worried that at the beginning of the season, he was starting to unravel and that unnerved me, since he is the glue that is holding the show together for me. But once again, I felt Daniel was Daniel. I know most people have seen Daniel in character since the start, but there was something about him that was bothering me. I haven't seen it for the past few eps and I saw so much Daniel being Daniel in this ep, I was happy! It didn't bother me that Jack sent Daniel to check on Teal'c. Though Daniel cares deeply for Teal'c, we just saw that last episode and a repeat back to back wouldn't have worked. I also think that sometimes Daniel gets so involved in his work, he doesn't get involved with more "trival" matters, like seeing Teal'c might be causing some trouble. I wasn't offended that Jack didn't go there himself. Teal'c would have known something was up right away. I mean, he even knew that Jack sent Daniel. Teal'c is no dummy. I think it also speaks volumes that Jack sent Daniel. It means that Jack and Daniel are still close and that Jack trusts Daniel's compassionate and persuasive side to get the job done and then report back to him. It was implied, to me at least, and I don't thnk they have to spell everything out for us.
I also did not think what Daniel did at the end was out of character. Will this have a major impact later on? Probably. It was set up that way. But it was also interesting. Did Daniel cross the line though? I don't think so. Looks like he did go behind Jack's back, but it wouldn't be the first time he's just up and done something on his own. Daniel is a free spirit, and he'll do whatever he thinks is right. Personally, I think Daniel had no intention of doing that translation. I think he was stalling and buying time, and even thought maybe he could find another way out of it. Remember, when he received the phone call, they promised him proof that could free Teal'c of the charges. Krista's life was not mentioned. That being the case, I can see Daniel getting involved. To him, if he could get some info to find out what these guys were up to, it would work out. You can see that when he got there. I don't think he was naivee enough to be clueless as to what could happen if he didn't cooperate, but he's a positive guy and he was trying his best. When the sniper came into the picture, he was stuck. And then they added Krista to the matter. So by then, Daniel really was choiceless. He had to go. (I am assuming that Jack doesn't know. But I have no evidence to support either side of the argument.)
At the end, when he translated the Ancient text (How did they get it? Why? To be translated into Goa'uld? Doesn't anyone else find that interesting!!!), I still think he was in character. Yeah, this was a big big mistake for him. There will be consequences for his actions. And at first, I was miffed. But then I remembered, it's more realistic when things don't always go right.
If I put myself in Daniel's shoes, and I had the knowledge but knew if I didn't do what was told, someone would die, I would have complied. I couldn't live with the guilt otherwise. If Krista had not been involved, I can see Daniel being more defiant. But at this point, he had no choice. I think it would be very out of character for Daniel to have refused.
A side note on Daniel...he likes the History Channel :) All throughout the episode, I saw the old Daniel everywhere. No matter what conversation he had, his anthropological and archaeological background kept sticking in. I LOVED that!!! That scene in his office. The man can't talk about people's love lives without slipping into a lecture. He talked about it in Teal'c's apartment. The NID were after his skills as a LINGUIST. Not too mention his particular knowledge of the Ancients.
I have to admit that having Daniel in character like this with a NID flair was awesome. I wish they had brought in the NID much much sooner and made it more of a conspiracy plot. I think it would have worked better. We would have gotten more of Jack in protective commander mode, more peril, and more Sam/Pete investigative team! Not only that, then maybe we would have gotten some comfort.
The thing I hated most was no comfort! Daniel gets taken away--no comfort for his ordeal. Teal'c's first experience living on a normal person and he gets framed--no comfort! Sam gets hugs from Pete. What? That is just wrong. Great, she's engaged. Good for her. But Teal'c and Daniel needed some comfort. I am not saying a lot, but maybe an "are you okay?" to Daniel from Sam. or a scene with Jack and Teal'c. All it has to be is small. Very very small.
The NID/Trust aspect was nice. I like them. Some people don't. I think it brings a realistic edge to the show. I used to watch the X-Files and it had conspiracy every week. This is the government. Not everyone is nice like the folks at the SGC. (I keep wondering why we don't have as many not nice people at the SGC. Takes all kinds...)
Anyway, to sum it up, there were some great moments in this episode. The Daniel scenes, the beginning with the car accident, and the whole NID/Trust plotline. The thing that tainted this episode was the lovelife storyline for both Sam and Teal'c. It wasn't as distracting as in Chimera and didn't bother me as much, but it was still there. This isn't what Stargate is about. Most people would rather not have it.
Honestly, though, if we hadn't been hit over the head with so much romance last year, then this episode wouldn't be as noticable. Part of the problem is that we're all so focused on looking for the "bad" things, I think we sometimes lose perspective.
I'll file this in the missed potential file. It had great parts, but had some things that brought it down. They emphasized too much on the wrong parts. If they had delegated those things to the rear, and focused on the conspiracy aspect more, I think this episode would have been great!
And I am not saying these things as a Daniel fan. I LOVED the scenes with Sam/Pete going on investigative. I loved the Teal'c blending in scenes. Jack didn't have a lot to do, but he was involved and protective. So if they concentrated on the lovey-kissy aspect less, this would have been wonderful.
Naturally, this is my opinion only.
As far as writing in certain fandoms (like Stargate for example), it is difficult to write in it when everywhere I go, I get hit with negativity. The show is old now and in its twilight years--it's true that its not what it used to be. But it's still fairing better than X-Files in its twilight years. But when a show's direction changes and we're so used to getting something else, it's hard not to be critical.
There is a lot to be critical about. But there is a difference between constructive criticism and negativity. And I think getting caught up in heavy negativity can really bring a person down, and lessen the enjoyment of a show, or movie, or book, what have you.
This is supposed to be fun. It's a show. Or its a movie. Whatever you find interesting. I would rather embrace all the positive aspects and focus on that. I think it's more fun that way.
That being said, still haven't written anything :) But here are my thoughts on the episode named "Affinity."
Now remember, this is my opinion. Don't have to agree with me :)
Okay, no matter what anyone says, I still say this was a good episode. I know not many will agree with me, but I have been trying very hard not to let spoilers, negativity, and other things bring me down. I am failing miserably, but I won't give up.
Plot-wise, I think this story was interesting. We had elements of mystery and intrigue. Some of it was cliched, but it didn't bother me as much. The romance aspect of it I could have done without. (Really really done without) but at least it made sense to the story. The Sam/Pete thing was unnecessary, but their investigative team up was perfect, imo. The Teal'c/Krista thing was unnecessary (could have remained UST and still worked) but it was used as a plot point and not just to let Teal'c have his way. Because it was used in a more cohesive way, this particular story was handled better than Chimera, imo.
(Side note...people have gotten upset over eps like Chimera where Sam's story has no bearing on the main plot. I am one of those people. But stories like The Curse--though infinitely better--had Jack and Teal'c fishing. That might not be romance, but tell me how that added to the plot :P Though I would take that over stupid shippy moments any day!!)
I did not see any Sam/Jack ship in the show and the scene between the two of them did not bother me. People might be upset about it, but Jack asked her, so if anyone has a problem, take it up with Jack's character. That being said, I did like the fact that Jack picked up on something that was off with Sam. Shows how much of a good leader he is. I did *not* like her comment asking him if it had been different, because obviously he doesn't like to talk about stuff like that. That scene just made it even more clear to me that they shouldn't be together. That was a bad reflection on her character. I can see Sam having cold feet. She seems the type, but she shouldn't have left Pete hanging there. *sigh* It's a shame because Sam and Pete are cute together :)
I would have preferred Jack to have more scenes with Teal'c instead of having them with Sam.
I thought Daniel was very much in character in this episode. I was worried that at the beginning of the season, he was starting to unravel and that unnerved me, since he is the glue that is holding the show together for me. But once again, I felt Daniel was Daniel. I know most people have seen Daniel in character since the start, but there was something about him that was bothering me. I haven't seen it for the past few eps and I saw so much Daniel being Daniel in this ep, I was happy! It didn't bother me that Jack sent Daniel to check on Teal'c. Though Daniel cares deeply for Teal'c, we just saw that last episode and a repeat back to back wouldn't have worked. I also think that sometimes Daniel gets so involved in his work, he doesn't get involved with more "trival" matters, like seeing Teal'c might be causing some trouble. I wasn't offended that Jack didn't go there himself. Teal'c would have known something was up right away. I mean, he even knew that Jack sent Daniel. Teal'c is no dummy. I think it also speaks volumes that Jack sent Daniel. It means that Jack and Daniel are still close and that Jack trusts Daniel's compassionate and persuasive side to get the job done and then report back to him. It was implied, to me at least, and I don't thnk they have to spell everything out for us.
I also did not think what Daniel did at the end was out of character. Will this have a major impact later on? Probably. It was set up that way. But it was also interesting. Did Daniel cross the line though? I don't think so. Looks like he did go behind Jack's back, but it wouldn't be the first time he's just up and done something on his own. Daniel is a free spirit, and he'll do whatever he thinks is right. Personally, I think Daniel had no intention of doing that translation. I think he was stalling and buying time, and even thought maybe he could find another way out of it. Remember, when he received the phone call, they promised him proof that could free Teal'c of the charges. Krista's life was not mentioned. That being the case, I can see Daniel getting involved. To him, if he could get some info to find out what these guys were up to, it would work out. You can see that when he got there. I don't think he was naivee enough to be clueless as to what could happen if he didn't cooperate, but he's a positive guy and he was trying his best. When the sniper came into the picture, he was stuck. And then they added Krista to the matter. So by then, Daniel really was choiceless. He had to go. (I am assuming that Jack doesn't know. But I have no evidence to support either side of the argument.)
At the end, when he translated the Ancient text (How did they get it? Why? To be translated into Goa'uld? Doesn't anyone else find that interesting!!!), I still think he was in character. Yeah, this was a big big mistake for him. There will be consequences for his actions. And at first, I was miffed. But then I remembered, it's more realistic when things don't always go right.
If I put myself in Daniel's shoes, and I had the knowledge but knew if I didn't do what was told, someone would die, I would have complied. I couldn't live with the guilt otherwise. If Krista had not been involved, I can see Daniel being more defiant. But at this point, he had no choice. I think it would be very out of character for Daniel to have refused.
A side note on Daniel...he likes the History Channel :) All throughout the episode, I saw the old Daniel everywhere. No matter what conversation he had, his anthropological and archaeological background kept sticking in. I LOVED that!!! That scene in his office. The man can't talk about people's love lives without slipping into a lecture. He talked about it in Teal'c's apartment. The NID were after his skills as a LINGUIST. Not too mention his particular knowledge of the Ancients.
I have to admit that having Daniel in character like this with a NID flair was awesome. I wish they had brought in the NID much much sooner and made it more of a conspiracy plot. I think it would have worked better. We would have gotten more of Jack in protective commander mode, more peril, and more Sam/Pete investigative team! Not only that, then maybe we would have gotten some comfort.
The thing I hated most was no comfort! Daniel gets taken away--no comfort for his ordeal. Teal'c's first experience living on a normal person and he gets framed--no comfort! Sam gets hugs from Pete. What? That is just wrong. Great, she's engaged. Good for her. But Teal'c and Daniel needed some comfort. I am not saying a lot, but maybe an "are you okay?" to Daniel from Sam. or a scene with Jack and Teal'c. All it has to be is small. Very very small.
The NID/Trust aspect was nice. I like them. Some people don't. I think it brings a realistic edge to the show. I used to watch the X-Files and it had conspiracy every week. This is the government. Not everyone is nice like the folks at the SGC. (I keep wondering why we don't have as many not nice people at the SGC. Takes all kinds...)
Anyway, to sum it up, there were some great moments in this episode. The Daniel scenes, the beginning with the car accident, and the whole NID/Trust plotline. The thing that tainted this episode was the lovelife storyline for both Sam and Teal'c. It wasn't as distracting as in Chimera and didn't bother me as much, but it was still there. This isn't what Stargate is about. Most people would rather not have it.
Honestly, though, if we hadn't been hit over the head with so much romance last year, then this episode wouldn't be as noticable. Part of the problem is that we're all so focused on looking for the "bad" things, I think we sometimes lose perspective.
I'll file this in the missed potential file. It had great parts, but had some things that brought it down. They emphasized too much on the wrong parts. If they had delegated those things to the rear, and focused on the conspiracy aspect more, I think this episode would have been great!
And I am not saying these things as a Daniel fan. I LOVED the scenes with Sam/Pete going on investigative. I loved the Teal'c blending in scenes. Jack didn't have a lot to do, but he was involved and protective. So if they concentrated on the lovey-kissy aspect less, this would have been wonderful.
Naturally, this is my opinion only.
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no subject
Date: 2004-08-21 03:32 pm (UTC)Regarding being overly critical:
Yes that can kill a muse pretty swiftly. I know that really well because I'll get into these slumps where I start comparing myself to others wondering why their stories are getting so much recognition and FB and mine get little. Then I start thinking along the lines that I'm writing something wrong or my style just isn't good enough. The next thing I know I'm writing crappy because I think my writing is crappy. My solution: Go back and read the stories I'm most proud of. PS is a wonderful motivator for me because I'm very VERY proud of that story. When I go back and read parts of it I'm stunned at how spectacular some of the scenes are or how touching or how moving and then I'm struck dumb as I think "I really wrote that?" Yes I did write that and it's damned good so I know that my writing does have hope and not all of it is bad. I also try to remind myself the main reason I write: Because I enjoy it and because it relaxes me. It gives me a chance to escape my world and journey into another one. It gives me the chance to solve problems and move on. It's therapeautic and without it I'm not really the nicest person to be around so my writing is my healer, not always mind you, but it is very important to me and that's the best reason to keep doing it.
Clashing?
Date: 2004-08-21 04:38 pm (UTC)Look at all the Daniels!
Re: Clashing?
Date: 2004-08-21 05:16 pm (UTC)He's stronger, more sure of himself and seems to be more independent and less hung up on needing his other team members as much as he has in the past. Yes he still needs them with him but he doesn't seem to be as dependent on them I guess is what I'm trying to say. I think his goals...fears maybe, may have changed a bit.
Boy this is hard to explain let's see...
I don't know. He seems more sure of himself, more certain of his goal in life, his reason for existing. He seems more confident maybe? I know he can handle himself in situations and I write a very competent Daniel in my stories. He's very strong-willed, very determined, very sure of himself but he seems more sure of himself now than previously. It's not a big change but it's conflicting with a few of my older stories where he's a bit more dependent on his team members and I don't know. Let me think on this a bit more. I know what I want to say but putting it into words is proving quite a challenge at the moment...
no subject
Date: 2004-08-21 06:12 pm (UTC):)
Date: 2004-08-21 06:36 pm (UTC)I enjoy TV in a way where I can write, interpret and have fun with it. I like to be critical and analyze though. Just the way I am. It's when people go beyond the fun factor and start going nuts with it, is where I get uneasy.
Being a writer, I get more involved than some people, but negativity still affects me. Don't like it when I stop having fun :)
Re: Clashing?
Date: 2004-08-21 06:38 pm (UTC)That is what I *try* to do anyway. Doesn't mean I am always successful.
I do feel the character has become stronger over time, but in a different way. He's always been strong and independent. He just wasn't as worldly, I guess you can say. And he's more confident.
I do not believe that gives him a free pass on the comfort issue. Heck, even Teal'c needs some comfort!
no subject
Date: 2004-08-21 07:36 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-08-21 09:18 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-08-21 09:24 pm (UTC)Very true :)
Date: 2004-08-22 05:56 am (UTC)Thank goodness
Date: 2004-08-22 05:58 am (UTC)Plus some of the Teal'c stuff was funny :)
Sam/Pete detective team!
And Jack, the concerned and protective leader.
Worked for me :)
Great insight
Date: 2004-08-22 06:17 am (UTC)No, I agree with you. Fanfiction (any fiction) is about how the author interprets the characters. Trying to be someone else is really a betryal to what makes each writer unique.
I guess I caught myself getting hung up on alot of the critical aspects that come out of the show. I just chose to ignore them, most of the time, and live off in my happy little world of make believe!
Like with X-Files...I hated what they did to Mulder and Scully. Secretly, I always wished for them to get together, but I didn't ever want to see it. You know? And Chris Carter bowed to the pressure and ruined the characters. So I just tend to ignore those parts and concentrate on what I love. (I will watch the movie, but I am hesitant about it.) And he killed off so many of the important side characters. Stargate SG-1 is doing the same thing. History repeats itself, hmm?
Slash doesn't bother me. Like, I don't see it between let's say Aragorn and Legolas, but if you're thinking in terms of an alternate reality or something...hey, it might be interesting. It's all for fun anyway. Actually, if done right, two men together can be for more complex and intriguing than the wishy washy stuff we see in Hollywood. (ahem, Anakin and Padme...) So far, I have read only one male pairing that has left me utterly speechless. The men were real, sexy, and caring. Above all, they were themselves. Nothing else has ever compared to it. It's a shame she doesn't write anymore!
On a side note, your LOTR fic that I read ages ago--you should post it online sometime or something. It fit so well into the theme and style of Tolkien, I bet pe
Great insight
Date: 2004-08-22 06:20 am (UTC)On a side note, your LOTR fic that I read ages ago--you should post it online sometime or something. It fit so well into the theme and style of Tolkien, I bet people would like to read it :)
I lost my train of thought...uh, thanks for an inspriring and thought provoking post!
Um, hey...your post is not showing on my LJ
Re: Great insight
Date: 2004-08-22 08:25 am (UTC)As for Mulder and Scully: I _always_ wanted them to get together, but the way that Carter did it was cheap and STUPID. Sorry, since when did Scully lose all ability to function when Mulder wasn't around? Since when do they not see each other for a year then kiss passionately in greeting? Bah! It just really bugged me the way they got together; for characters who had a really deep relationship, their romantic start seemed really superficial and hard to believe. It made me sad.
Oh, slash doesn't bother me, either. Most of it's really funny. I've read some really well written LOTR slash too (although, still, it doesn't sit right!) Things like Kirk/Spock (which I have not read) seems funny and kinda creepy because it's Kirk. Other pairings should simply be illegal, like Obi-Wan and Maul. But whatevere. Your point about Anakin and Padme is good: they SUCK! I really didn't buy that relationship one bit, especially them getting married. Give me a break. Obi-Wan and Maul actually seems more believable in the face of those two!
I wish I had icq on this computer, because you're probably on line right now!
Re: Very true :)
Date: 2004-08-22 09:04 am (UTC)Re: Thank goodness
Date: 2004-08-22 09:08 am (UTC)Re: Great insight
Date: 2004-08-22 09:11 am (UTC)I could post your post. *wonders how to do that without it looking stupid*
I always wanted Mulder and Scully together too, but I didn't want it to go on during the show. Maybe like a last episode thing? But Scully got so trashed at the end. And if you look at Mulder too, you can see how much they dumbed him down. It really aggrivated me!
Don't worry...I have yet to reinstall ICQ so you wouldn't catch me anyway! I knew you've been away and you're the only person I talk to on it, so I hadn't bothered. If and when you have access to it again, let me know and I'll put it back.
Re: Thank goodness
Date: 2004-08-22 09:13 am (UTC)*thinks TPTB need to remedy this situation if they want Season 9 and movies*
no subject
Date: 2004-08-22 06:36 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-08-22 06:57 pm (UTC)Maybe, but I can see her doing it. Sam, for all her smarts in other areas, is not that good when it comes to reading people. She never as been. (She is not as bad as McKay, but she is no Daniel either) So I can see her asking Jack that question, because she never would have considered the fact that he might not want to talk about it. You are right, it is one of the reasons I don't think they would make a good couple. Sam is one to talk everything through. She needs to think out loud and to ponder all the sides and consider all the possiblites. Pete while not as extreme, also does this. Jack is not one to talk about what he is thinking. He keeps is feelings and his deeper and less silly thoughts to himself. (At least he is when RDA is not ab-libbing right and left)
I can see Sam having cold feet. She seems the type, but she shouldn't have left Pete hanging there. *sigh* It's a shame because Sam and Pete are cute together :)