SGA Shippers

[meganlynn09]

Okay, I don't mean to open a can of worms or anything but my curiousity is getting the better of me and won't leave me the hell alone until I ask this and get it out there.

Especially after the latest SGA episode.

So, can people tell me what drew them in to McShep? I'm just honestly curious about what people see in the ship.

Also, for those that don't like it or whatever, what revolts you or turns you away from liking Sheppard/Weir?

Not looking to start a fight or anything, I just want to know how some of the shippers tick. What makes you ship what and why you don't ship something else.

Um...that's it. Please feel free comment about your ship even if it wasn't mentioned. I know just a few of you on my flist watch SGA, but I'd like to keep it to SGA fandom.

Comments

[calapine.livejournal.com]

Weir/Teyla - because they are pretty. And, less shallowly, the leadership parallel makes me happy.

[meganlynn09.livejournal.com]

Heh, you know, I'm kinda with you on that.

[velvet-midnight.livejournal.com]

It's not revolting. I can actually see John and Liz. They're cute, sweet, and definitely have some chemistry. But if John keeps up with his "Kirk"-ing ways (which are occasionally amusing, but more often then not turn into something non-substantial, which I think is the point), I think there might be a problem.Personally, Rodney always seems to be there for Liz, to...I don't wanna say care for her, cause John does, too. But he seems to have more in it than John does. I know that sounds weird, esp. with everything in The Real World and from what I hear, Echoes, but I see that somehow.

And also, this might be slightly controversial, but to me, when Liz is flirting with John, she turns into a tween fangirl. "Are you protecting my honor, John Sheppard?" or however she phrases it doesn't sound like the strong, smart, independent, beautiful character we've had from the beginning. I know characters change and I like that they do, but regressing her to a fangirl with a major crush doesn't seem to do the woman justice. I love that she's doing it, in a way, because it does change her, but it seems weird to me. *shrug* I'm sure we'll find out later what all this has to do with the plot. It'll probably come down to a Rodney vs John faceoff for her hand, lol. Maybe some Radek in there too. :D

Wow. That was rambling. Sorry. :)

[meganlynn09.livejournal.com]

I can understand that. I hope there's no face off between characters to win a girl! lol

I think some of that who to ship Elizabeth with or whatever comes down to the fact that the writers know how to write her, they just don't know when to put her in the story. Or at least maybe they used to have that problem because they've been doing wonderfully with her this season.

And I think shipping also has a lot to do with how people preceive certain characters, which is why I like to ask these type of questions because it also tells me how your view might differ from mine.

I don't know if that made any sense whatsoever!

this might be slightly controversial

Honestly? I think any viewpoint in this fandom can be considered controversial!

[velvet-midnight.livejournal.com]

Me either, though that would be amusing, like the writers dug into the ff.net archives to find a story or something.

I do seem to sense that. They know who she is, just not neccessarily how she fits into the drama side of the plot, or the character-relationship-driven side. Yeah, I've noticed that this season has been better for her. I think that may be why I absolutely loved The Long Game, because she actually had a purpose, a plot, and she fit in lovely. And plus, she got to kick ass, lol.

Can I put your question to you? Why did you first get into them?

this might be slightly controversial

Honestly? I think any viewpoint in this fandom can be considered controversial!

lol. That's true. That's why i don't frequent Gateworld, cause from what I've heard, they're vicious! Esp. when it comes to ships.

[meganlynn09.livejournal.com]

Can I put your question to you? Why did you first get into them?

Well, it's not so interesting! It's not like I watched from the beginning and thought WOW they fit! My first episode was "The Seige Pt3" and I fell for the hug. It just seemed so sweet. Watching more and more episodes, Elizabeth became my favorite fast, that tends to happen, I go for the female characters first(which is weird, but it's happened to me in almost all my shows(ER-Abby, Buffy-Willow and Buffy, BSG-Laura Roslin [well Lee first, but she was a close second], Smallville-Chloe, Veronica Mars-VM, Firefly-Kaylee, I could do this all day!), but right after her Carson and John became my favorites.

I really liked the dynamic they presented between John and Liz, them being different types of leaders but ultimately she made the calls. I thought they had a unique chemistry and I started shipping them hard.

I'm pretty open to most ships on this show, but Sparky is top, probably always will be and will be the first ship I claim. But I can't stand Teyla/Sheppard because their dynamic rubs me the wrong way to say romantic chemistry.

What I really loved about "The Long Goodbye" was that it sort of hit on how important Liz and John are to Atlantis. They know the layouts, the codes, what's important in the city (as does McKay, correct?), you want to get Atlantis, you go through them. I find that very interesting because they haven't tapped into that with them very much. But that's what I liked about the ep, it presented to us how bad it would be have to John and/or Liz captured or compromised.

Rambling along...

[velvet-midnight.livejournal.com]

Oh, I know! I do the same thing. There's a strong female character (not strong as, say, Zoe from Firefly) and usually she's my fav. Yeah, that hug was cute, I have to admit.

I watched from the beginning (I loved SG-1 and I love the myth of Atlantis and, well, honestly, I really like delving into McKay's character) and the first scene with Liz and McKay was cute. Her treating him like a favored (albeit easily annoying) 5 year old or something and their teasing and such hit me as sweet.

The Long Goodbye, and most of the 2nd/3rd seasons have shown a bunch of really good Sparky eps. You must be really happy, lol.

[meganlynn09.livejournal.com]

I might have a different opinion if I'd watched from the first episode. Seeing the hug first was like a manipulation!

I love the Sparky because it's subtle enough, at least I think it can be, that it doesn't get in the way of the show. Now, if only they could just acknowledge that they're a couple and continue with what they were doing, then it'd be perfect. On a show like this, I don't want an explicit ship. But then, with a show like this, they're probably not going to make any ship canon.

And I definitely see the appeal of McKay/Weir, as I do Beckett/Weir. After John/Liz, those would be the ships I'd most enjoy if they were to go canon. I'd be completely heartbroken, but unlike some ships, I wouldn't stop watching the show 'cause of them.

[ladyofspain.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure what other people would say, but I was originally drawn to McShep because they have such great chemistry. At least I think so. John can shut Rodney up instantly with his math skills, and they're constantly bickering like an old married couple. John's calm is a good foil for Rodney's agitation and whining, and visa versa...I think they've both just generally entertaining. Plus they're both damaged, thus adding to the angst factor that I love in all my pairings.

Also, for those that don't like it or whatever, what revolts you or turns you away from liking Sheppard/Weir?

Um...it's not so much that Sheppard/Weir revolts me...I just don't believe the romance. I haven't seen anything to make me believe that they care about each other more than anyone else on Atlantis. I think it's a consistency thing...Weir will play the Strong Woman for the majority of the season, and then one close call situation and she and John are having a moment that they never get back to.

So, it's not that I don't like her, I just don't think the writers know what to do with her yet. I won't say that I won't ship them someday...just not now.

Truthfully, I think she has more chemistry with Rodney...though he might be too afraid of her to do anything about it. XD

[meganlynn09.livejournal.com]

My opinions are almost exactly the reverse! But to each his own, people will perceive characters/relationships they way they feel about them.

Some(or is that most?) people see Shep and McKay like an old married couple, I see them as competitive brothers.

Thanks for answering, BTW. Sometimes it's really refreshing to hear different opinions (I just say sometimes because they're not always put so nicely, so I love your response).

So, it's not that I don't like her, I just don't think the writers know what to do with her yet.

I was saying something similar, I feel the writers have a great grip on her character, just not what to do with her all the time. Which is one thing I really love about the new season, they're really getting a better grip on what to do with her.

Now if only they could do that with all their characters.

I think she has more chemistry with Rodney...though he might be too afraid of her to do anything about it. XD

Isn't that the truth! But then, Rodney's easily frightened.

[ladyofspain.livejournal.com]

Some(or is that most?) people see Shep and McKay like an old married couple, I see them as competitive brothers.

I never really thought of that until you mentioned it, but now that you have I can kind of see it.

You're very welcome. I'm happy that you posed the question, because now I understand a bit more about why people are so drawn to John/Elizabeth. =)

Now if only they could do that with all their characters.

Exactly! Like with poor neglected Zelenka!

[meganlynn09.livejournal.com]

I'm happy that you posed the question, because now I understand a bit more about why people are so drawn to John/Elizabeth. =)

I was kinda manipulated into liking them at first, because my first real episode was "The Seige Part 3", and the hug was just so cute. After a while, when I got a pretty good handle on the characters, I just came to really like the relationship. But honestly? I would be thrilled if they didn't move any of the characters towards a canon relationship.

Exactly! Like with poor neglected Zelenka!

I feel bad for Teyla as well as someone like Zelenka because 1)they're underused and 2)[especially for Teyla who is considered a main character!] underdeveloped.

[mneiai.livejournal.com]

I totally agree with you on John and Rodney.

There's a somewhat bland ship manifesto (http://community.livejournal.com/ship_manifesto/103806.html) on the pairing, which at least lists a lot of the major scenes in the first season that can be referenced when someone's talking about McShep.

[ladyofspain.livejournal.com]

Yay!

Thank you so much, I was almost about to do that myself when I couldn't find one the other day!

[snoopoony.livejournal.com]

Well, obviously not a John and Rodney shipper since they remind me so much of me and my brother :D
Obviously a Sheppard/Weir shipper :D so I don't need to go there.
But you might be interested to know why I'm not a Teyla/Ronon shipper?

Sometimes, I think there's something and sometimes I don't. In fact most of the times, I love their interactions, but just get a brother/sister vibe. But I know this is a pairing which is extremeley debatable, and to be honest I wouldn't care if TPTB went down the road of Spanky because either way I love their interactions. I just think I prefer them as brother and sister.
Though, it really looks to me that TPTB are going down that road, and this is said in pure objectivity since I don't ship them. Just look at that scene in the infirmary. Who's by Teyla's side all the episode?
And then who's by Elizabeth's side when she passes out? (less objective here :p)

I know it means nothing practically, but just the fact that the episode turned out to be written that way means something. Especially the Sparky scene which was as useless as possible, and was only put there for Sparky shippers to squee out loud. The mere uselessness of the scene but its presence nontheless was the indicator of its shippiness.

Just my two cents on the shippy stuff though. :D

[meganlynn09.livejournal.com]

Well, obviously not a John and Rodney shipper since they remind me so much of me and my brother :D

Then it must be extra weird to hear everyone talk about them in the romantic sense! ;)

Teyla/Ronon is one of those relationships that they're writing pretty well, when they're onscreen together. I'm actually impressed because in some capacity, I wouldn't mind whatever type of relationship they end up with. If TPTB decide for a romantic one, YAY, if not, just keep writing the way you're writing!

Yeah, there was a very specific way they wrote this episode and the way it came out. It was totally random to show us how Weir got to the infirmary, unless it was to show us how desparate things were getting, and that's a stretch.

I can be a very cynical shipper, and I try to be when it comes to SGA, but it's hard when they give us stuff like that!

[snoopoony.livejournal.com]

Then it must be extra weird to hear everyone talk about them in the romantic sense! ;)

I wouldn't say weird because I understand that everyone is entitled to their opinions. I mean, sure McKay and Sheppard have chemistry, but come on... it's never going to happen, and TPTB surely doesn't push it in that direction. It reminds me of Jack and Daniel. They're just... friends. Soon, we're going to ship Sheppard and a wraith female! There are some pairings that are just... not there. A ship I could at least imagine is McKay/Beckett. But I'll never buy the Sheppard/McKay dynamic. It's everything but romantic. At least that's how I see it.

As for Teyla and Ronon, it's true that for once, TPTB have done a pretty good job with writing a relationship, maybe the reason why I don't care if they wrote them romantic or not. They have by far the best connection in the show. A better connection than McKay and Sheppard if you ask me :p

[meganlynn09.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I just can't see the romantics angle on the Rodney/John friendship. I'd buy into Ronon/John before Rodney/John because that's a different chemistry!

[snoopoony.livejournal.com]

Exactly! I'd definitely ship Ronon and John or Carson/Rodney before I ever get interested by John/Rodney. Their relation is *so* brotherly. I for once really don't see how can people ship them. But hey, everything is in the eye of the beholder, so why not?

As for Weir and Sheppard, I understand why people don't ship them, and I could even understand back in the old days why they'd say they have no special relationship, etc.
But since The Real World, I find it quite not objective to deny any kind of 'special' link between them.
I mean, she saw him, and only him. It means something. I think there's nothing to argue against that. Is there? *scratches her head*

[meganlynn09.livejournal.com]

I dunno, I ship John/Liz because I see the connection and chemistry, others don't. And I love Elizabeth, which actually seems to be a factor in there.

I mean, she saw him, and only him. It means something.

Actually, she saw him as a scary shadow out to get her until he touched her arm/hand. What does that say? ;)

And John/Rodney just strikes me too much as two brothers.

[snoopoony.livejournal.com]

Actually, she saw him as a scary shadow out to get her until he touched her arm/hand. What does that say? ;)

To be honest, I never realized that people thought about it that way, because to me, in her mind, it was not "John is a scary shadow! OMG! HELP ME!"

He was a shadow, because he wasn't basically close enough to be a real figure. And it was a scary shadow because... he he well, if I was told everything I lived before was a dream and if I started seeing a shadow, I, well.. I'd freak out as well :p.

The impression I got from the episode was that John was the one who could reach her world in a way or another. :D Ok, I'll stop here. I could talk about this episode for a hundred years (I don't have them unfortunately :D)

[meganlynn09.livejournal.com]

I was just saying, that from Lizzie's viewpoint, it looked like something evil out for her. From our viewpoint it was like "OMG IT'S JOHN!!!"

I thought it was interesting that as soon as he touched her she saw him.

I have much love for this episode, and not just for Sparky, they're secondary for me, but because Liz is my favorite. I wish more of fandom could share in that!

[snoopoony.livejournal.com]

Yeah, from her point of view, it might have looked a bit scary. But I wonder why... she wakes up, she dreamt the last three years, her fiancé is dead (not that she cared about :p), she's seeing things, there are weird blue things in her cupboard... what is there to be scared about? lol

I thought it was interesting that as soon as he touched her she saw him.

It looked like the more he was close to her, the more she could 'see' him.
I always thought that when we saw the scary shadow, it was John looking at her, or pacing around.
Then, he started talking to her, she had some weird visions, and she actually started to trust the shadow. And then he touched her and she saw him.
The emotional connection was there for me :D

And I loved the episode too, Sparky or not, because I definitely think you can take the episode as shippy or not but still enjoy it, unless you hate Weir! It's definitely one of my favourite.

[meganlynn09.livejournal.com]

Well, Lizzie sure knows how to make friends! Maybe she should try and stay on Atlantis, that way she won't get strangled and land in some mystical land where scary shadows who are actually her friends are out to get her. Hehe, that sounds like bad fic.

[mneiai.livejournal.com]

The reason I dislike Weir/Sheppard is because more often than not I dislike Weir. SGA isn't known for being particularly good with her characterization and, except for a few episodes here and there, she feels extraneous to me. Also, while John obviously cares about her, it has always seemed to me that Weir is far more into John than John is into her.

I think that while John and Weir may seem "sweet" together, sexually he has far more chemistry with other females, and males, in the series. I mean, he's never looked at Weir the way he looks at Ronon, sometimes, for example. And also I don't think he's as close to her as the fans of Sparky often seem to insist he is--they seem to have a casual working relationship, mutual respect, and most likely are friends as well as colleagues, but I have a hard time imagining them hanging out like John does with Rodney and the rest of his team, or bantering as flawlessly with her.

To me the idea of Weir/Sheppard is not in the least bit fun--the actual canon humor they possess isn't a match for the canon humor/playfulness of John and Rodney--and also not at all sexy. I'm terribly attracted to JF and Shep, but Weir turns me off quite a bit just by being herself.

And...yeah, I'll probably think of some other things as soon as I post this, but I think that basically covers why I would never ship Weir/Sheppard.

[meganlynn09.livejournal.com]

Huh, well, I suppose I don't see most of it that way because Weir's my favorite. That's fine, I get that. Most of my SGA opinions probably aren't the more popular ones, like I don't see romantic chemistry with John and Rodney at all and who my fave character is.

I'm not the sort of shipper to try and insist in seeing something that's probably not there, I mean, yes, I gushed over him carrying her in that last episode, but hey, I'm a freakin' girl who likes Sparky! But at the same time, I know the logical reason, if they had one. I do tend to squee first and be thoughtful later.

So, interesting perspectives. Hmmm...I've ran out of things to say. Thanks for your response. :)

[seektheinfinite.livejournal.com]

I got into McShep around about season two. My friend introduced me to the idea, and after reading a couple of fics, I can't help but see it in episodes now. I think it's because they have such a great chemistry between them. They just seem to fit together, if this is making any sense.

For me I can't stand the idea of ShWeir, probably because I don't really like Weir as a character. Also, in the show Weir and Sheppard don't seem to have the same kind of chemistry that Sheppard and McKay do.

[meganlynn09.livejournal.com]

Okay. I guess I just don't see that chemistry. That's fine. Do a lot of people not like Sheppard/Weir because they don't like Weir?

I guess that strikes me as off because Weir's my favorite.