Still on the Quest

I love figure skating and watched a lot of the recent Olympics and the Worlds competition. I've never been athletic or even very competitive, so it's hard for me to imagine what it must be like, to be such a powerhouse athlete, competing in front of the entire world, and especially when whoop! One popped jump and your chance for a spot on the podium is totally blown. That must be so devastating. But also so incredibly validating and overwhelming when you do power thru and claim one of those top spots.

It made me think about fandom characters, because what else is what we do in life except a reason to think about fandom? And how Daniel and Rodney are both brilliant scientists, doing cutting edge work in their respective fields, and yet, their views on competition vary so radically. Movie!Daniel especially, is so very excited at what's he's uncovering, and delighted to share, and somewhat confused at why people aren't responsive. He's thrilled to go live on an alien planet so he can keep researching and is not at all concerned about his discoveries being recognized by his peers.

OTOH, Rodney keeps working on top secret projects but absolutely wants that recognition, even if he knows he'll have to wait another decade or two. He craves acknowledgement, especially in the form of medals and prizes. He's brilliant and he deserves it, goddamnit.

O'Neil-O'Neill and Sheppard are both in non-competitive mindsets when their shows start. Movie!Jack is of course traumatized by the death of his son and accepts a suicide mission. Sheppard has been slapped down by the brass for trying to rescue friends and is quite content with his banishment. (Though also rattles off all the vehicles he can fly to a general, I feel the case could be made that he's not as mellow as he appears.)

Sheppard is delighted when he gets his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. He might be focused on defeating the Wraith, but yeah, he'll beam with that extra recognition. I don't remember how O'Neill reacted to being promoted to General, I think he was more cranky about it? 'Ugh, more administration, I guess I gotta do this' attitude?

I would see O'Neill and Sheppard as fairly similar growing up, kids that liked sports and being athletic and were overall good at most, but also indoctrinated into being good sportsmen. I wouldn't expect either to cheat or sulk (much) if they lost.

Sam Carter really ought to be one of the most competitive characters on the show. Being a successful woman in two different fields is still an achievement that isn't handed to anyone. There's a little bit at the beginning, she's assertive about being on the team, but then mostly it feels like it gets dropped in favor of her being a supportive, loyal sidekick character.

Growing up in an agrarian society, being competition in terms of craving promotions or special recognition is not something Teyla would necessarily even imagine. Possibly her role as the leader of the village is an inherited position, but she is good at it. Her competitive nature is directed at taking care of her people, it's more maternal than cutthroat, but clearly she's up for challenges.

Teal'c also is a leader among his peers, though he's grown up in a closed society dictated by the ruler. Like Teyla, he's going to do what he perceives as best for his people, though it's definitely in a warrior way.

Poor Ford. He gets so little screen time. I know very little about the military but I assume he's gotta be somewhat competitive to be a lieutenant. Certainly he does his duty and does it well, generally gets along with people (though not always with the scientists) but I cannot think of a single moment where we learn anything about his future dreams.

Well, that's probably enough rambling about characters' competitive natures. My memory is mediocre, I can absolutely be contradicted if someone remembers moments that shed a different view on these characters. It was fun to think about. Fandom makes life better IMO.