Stargate SG-1, Season 4, Episode 8

"The First Ones"

images used above are courtesy of Gateworld and MGM

Episode Rating:  Very Good

Commentary by:
Peter DeLuise -- Director, Writer

The commentary is very informative, and interesting.  Lots of behind the scene information.  The commentary stays on point with what is on screen.

Review:
While working on an off world archaeological dig, Daniel is attacked, and taken away, by an Unas.  Rothman, last seen in “The Crystal Skull,” returns to SGC to alert them about the attack, as the other SG team members on the planet search for Daniel.  The remaining members of SG-1, and numerous other SG teams, gate to the planet, hopeful to be a rescue, rather than a recovery, mission.  O’Neill, Carter, Teal’c and the SG teams race to find Daniel, tracking him in a rough environment, on the probable home world of the Goa’uld symbiotes.

Inspired by the movie Enemy Mine, much of this episode explores the evolution of the captive/captor relationship between Daniel and Chaka -- the name of the Unas who took him.

Jason Schombing returns as Dr. Rothman, a bumbling, neurotic, but enjoyable character.  Dion Johnstone is Chaka.  Although his face is covered, Mr. Johnstone provides an expressive, and emotive, performance.  Michael Shanks is very good as Daniel, believable as the prisoner who gradually realizes the depth of his captor’s abilities.  O’Neill, Carter, and Teal’c are peripherally important for most of the story.  The spotlight is primarily on Daniel, and Chaka.

This episode sustains interest throughout, combining mystery, adventure, and discovery.

Failures:
The end of the episode is a bit contrived.  Also, the pacing of the show slows down occasionally.  However, these two things don’t impair the enjoyment of the story.