Stargate SG-1, Season 7, Episode 8

"Space Race"

images used above are courtesy of Gateworld and MGM

Overall Rating:  Fair

Commentary by:

Andy Mikita – Director
Jim Menard – Director of Photography
Damian Kindler — 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:  

Warrick, an alien from the episode “Forsaken,” ventures to SGC via the stargate for a visit.  Well, for a visit and a favor.  Warrick’s home world, Hebridan, is holding a space race (roll credits).  If he can borrow one of SGC’s naquadah generators for his ship in the race, Warrick will give SGC access to specs for his people’s ion energy tech.  The winner of the race gets a lucrative contract from a large corporation on Hebridan.  Apparently getting tech from aliens in order to win the space race doesn’t break any rules, and SGC is always about learning new technology, so a trade is made.  I would not be surprised if the Hebridan space race rule book will be updated, but for this race it is what it is.  Don’t get me started on the selling out of Hebridan’s technological secrets by an individual so that said individual can win a lucrative contract.  Harsh words would be used.

Sam joins Warrick as his co-pilot for the race.  There is a nefarious secondary story, which I won’t spoil.  Mostly, there is a race.  In space.  Using space ships.  Go team Warrick and Carter.

The effects are marvelous.  Makeup, costuming, and sets are wonderful.  The acting is nicely done.  There are some amusing moments.  All of those factors don't compensate for an unsatisfactory story.

Failures:

I just can’t muster enthusiasm for the core story: a space ship race, with a side of espionage by the SGC against a friendly alien society -- while in diplomatic talks for said secrets.  The espionage is mitigated later in the episode, but that doesn’t change what SGC is willing to do to the Hebridans.  Between extortion (”Lifeboat”), willingness to commit genocide for resources (”Enemy Mine”), and now trying to steal secrets from a friendly alien society, SGC leadership’s moral compass is swinging to the sketchy side of the Force.  SG-1 and General Hammond still seem to have a hold of themselves.  Except for Carter in this episode, who is more interested in having fun with the race, and less interested in the ramifications of secretly making off with an alien ally’s tech.  SGC is getting ruthless.