it felt a bit "paint by numbers" in a sense

Yes! That's exactly it. It particularly bizarre in light of the writing credit for Wright and Cooper.

That was rather baffling, wasn't it?

And so unnecessary -- it would be enough to see them aim a zat or weapon, fire, and have her little defensive necklace light up and protect her. There are ways to keep her alive if your story needs it but they didn't even bother. It's the little details like that that annoy me to no end because it destroys my ability to suspend my disbelief. Similarly, that the team would be sitting around the supergate, cooling their heels, when they don't know whether the weapon worked or not? Again, I just don't buy it.

I'd be quite happy to end it with the Ori. I've never liked them as an adversary. But then, I never seem to find the new Bridge Villains scary. That's a pretty damning indictment considering what a total wimp I am.