(no subject)
I had a great time rewatching this episode with the viewing chat today, but I also felt, well. Bitter. About Jeannie McKay. We can write all the genderswap we want, but within the world of SGA, it's possible we already have our answer to "what would have happened if Rodney Mckay was a woman?".
Answer:
He'd be better socialized.
He'd be prettier.
It's very likely he wouldn't be on Atlantis at all.
I recognize that the intent behind Jeannie's character is more to show the prodigal sibling or family black sheep who chose a different path than to go "hey look! Patriarchy!". And I don't want to knock "opting out", but it does seem sort of like "aliens made them do it": a small yes surrounded by a choice that's already been made for you.
Jeannie McKay is just as smart as Rodney, and she's sitting at home all day playing trains. In "McKay and Mrs. Miller", Rodney sees another way his life could have gone: he's not the only one. Jeannie sees it too. Jeannie could have gone to the stars. However she feels about her choices, it's bittersweet to contemplate the might-have-beens. Thus: vid!
Editorial opinion not necessary for, and possibly detrimental to, enjoying the vid.