Stargate: Atlantis--The Last Man (Spoilers)

[sheryden]

Sheppard: I enjoyed his quiet desperation during the episode. He was panicking a bit when he realized what was happening (and what had happened), but he was trying to suck it up like always. I particularly liked the part where he was walking through the sandstorm, and he asked Rodney to keep talking to him. That gave us a hint of vulnerability without sacrificing Sheppard's strength.

And we need to find a reason for Sheppard to wear a bandanna more often. That needs to be priority.

McKay: After seeing the whole episode and everything into a context, Rodney's quest to save Sheppard was that much more poignant. His life fell apart bit by bit, and he poured his life into the slim chance he could fix everything. It kind of reminds me of that one episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, where Ben was killed in a freak accident, and Jake spent his life trying to erase the past, so his dad wouldn't be killed. Beautiful. And woot for a Jeannie Miller sighting!!!

Sam: Okay, I admit it. I teared up when Sam was killed. I pretty much saw it coming, but I thought the characterization of Sam was spot on, and I could see her giving her life like that. I particularly loved the final hug between her and Rodney.

Ronon and Todd: This also seemed fitting. Ronon and Todd play off each other surprisingly well.

Lorne: How much did I love General Lorne! I was afraid they were going to waffle and not give us an update on Lorne, but they came through! I love that he and Rodney were still friends and that Lorne trusted Rodney enough to let him through. (I don't think it was pity.) How cool is it that he was running the SGC!!!

Keller: I have to say that I...wait for it...liked her this episode. All right, you can pick yourselves off the ground now. I'm not sure what it was. Maybe it was the hint of strength that she exuded, or maybe it was the fact that Jewel plays off David better than the rest of the cast. I don't know. But I liked her, and I wouldn't hate it if she did hook up with Rodney.

Zelekna and Clone!Carson: Disappointing that we didn't get a hint about what happened to them. Couldn't they have tossed us a hint about Radek, at least?

The Ending: Okay, so obviously this is leading into the Season 5 premiere. Looks great! God, I'm easy. Blow a few things up, toss in Lorne, and I'm turned to a puddle of goo. *shrug*

Overall: This story could have been way over the top, but Joe and David muted their parts just enough to make it poignant. It's definitely a keeper.