Stargate SG-1, Season 5, Episode 13

"Proving Ground"

images used above are courtesy of Gateworld and MGM

Overall Rating:  Good

Commentary by:
Andy Mikita -- Director
Jim Menard -- Director of Photography
James Tichenor -- Visual Effects Supervisor/Producer

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

Review:
SG-1 runs training exercises with four potential SG team recruits.  O’Neill rides the recruit team’s leader, Lieutenant Elliot, hard.  The recruits fail a training exercise, and the blame is placed on Elliot’s shoulders.  O’Neill is unimpressed with the trainees, especially as far as Lt. Elliot’s ability to lead a SG team.

The training continues.  During a practice, the scenario of Goa’uld infiltration of SGC turns real.  The recruits face down enemies on base, not knowing who to trust.  The fate of SGC depends upon the actions of Lt. Elliot, and his team.

Courtenay J. Stevens is very good as Lt. Elliot.  The character’s turmoil between doubting his qualifications as a SG team leader, and the impetus to do what is necessary, is vividly portrayed.  Kudos to Mr. Stevens.  Elisabeth Rosen returns as Hailey (“Prodigy”), and Hailey is still not particularly likable.  Granted, Hailey is less surly this time.  However, she shows a streak of passive-aggressiveness, and periodically throws her teammates under the bus.  The regular cast members provide strong, enjoyable performances, with Anderson as the standout.

Failures:
The plot is a peek at how potential SG team members are screened.  That is interesting, but not engrossing.