Stargate SG-1, Season 7, Episode 20

"Inauguration"

images used above are courtesy of Gateworld and MGM

Overall Rating:  Very Good

Commentary by:

Peter F. Woeste — Director of Photography
Michael Greenburg — Executive 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:  

Henry Hayes has just been inaugurated as the new President of the United States.   At the White House, he makes his way to the oval office as his Chief of Staff runs down some situations needing Hayes' attention.  And, also alerts Hayes that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Francis Maynard, is waiting for him in the oval office.  General Maynard is there to brief President Hayes about the stargate program.  The United States Air Force has, for years, sent people to planets around the galaxy via alien technology?  Hayes thinks it’s a joke.  It’s not a joke.

While Hayes is processing this paradigm shift in his understanding of reality, viewers also get a surprise.  Robert Kinsey (”Heroes: Part 1”) was Hayes' running mate, and is now the Vice President of the United States of America.  Kinsey has long known about the stargate program.  Still trying to gain control of SGC, and in the process boot out Hammond and O’Neill, Kinsey does his best to convince Hayes to take his side.  Balancing the argument, General Maynard supports the current SGC personnel.  To his credit, Hayes isn't immediately swayed by either Kinsey or Maynard to take their side.  Clips are used, as Kinsey and Maynard recount past SGC events to Hayes to support their positions.

Like another clip episode, “Politics,” this has a strong story framework, and excellent performances by the actors.  The clips are used logically.  And, this isn't a filler episode.  President Hayes' decision about keeping or changing SGC's leadership and personnel will affect future episodes.

William Devane is excellent as Henry Hayes, a leader who is well aware of his power as the President of the U.S.A., but not corrupted by it nor losing touch with his humanity.  Mr. Devane portrayed President John F. Kennedy in a made for TV movie, The Missiles of October (1974), and this is given a wink and a nod.  Ronny Cox returns as Robert Kinsey and continues to provide a stellar performance as the less than stellar character.  James McDaniel is solid as General Maynard, showing quiet strength and steely determination.  Robert Picardo returns as Richard Woolsey (”Heroes: Part 2”), and does a great job.  Don S. Davis appears as General Hammond, strong as always.  The rest of the regular cast appears only in clips.

Failures: 

None.

Stargate SG-1, Season 7, Episode 19

"Resurrection"

images used above are courtesy of Gateworld and MGM

Overall Rating:  Very Good

Commentary by:

Amanda Tapping — Director and Samantha Carter
Will Waring — Camera Operator

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

Review:  

At an abandoned industrial complex in Los Angeles, CA, there are a lot of military and civilian personnel in the vicinity.  Agent Barrett (”Smoke and Mirrors”) exits the complex as 3/4 of SG-1 pull up to the location in an SUV.  O’Neill is still recovering from injuries he received in “Heroes: Part 2” so is not present.  SG-1 wonders why they are there.  Barrett explains that the N.I.D. has been on the hunt for rogue N.I.D. sleeper cells, and Agent Barrett got wind of this place.  There are 32 casualties at the location.  SG-1 is taken to the perpetrator of the carnage — a calm but scared young woman locked in a cell made of a thick, clear material.

Barrett says they know the young woman did it because video shows her offing nearly everyone at that location.  There are also many video tapes labeled “Anna,” and are of the woman in the cage.  Anna was roaming around loose when the N.I.D. team arrived, Barrett demonstrated a lot of good sense by locking her up in the cage, one Anna says is where she was kept.  She says she has no memory of what happened.  There is only one survivor of her murder spree, a scientist named Keffler.  Then, Barrett shows SG-1 why they were called.  There’s a storeroom filled with small "a" ancient artifacts, including items related to a Goa’uld named Sekhmet.  Daniel and Teal’c stay in the room to check out the artifacts.  Carter and Barrett go to talk to Keffler.

Keffler is a smarmy one, neither intimidated by Barrett or Carter, nor being real forthcoming with information.  He knows he has the upper hand since no one else knows what happened, including Anna.  Leaving Keffler be for now, Barrett takes Carter to a lab further into the complex.  The creepy just keeps getting creepier as we see numerous clear canisters with deformed somethings in them.  Carter hacks into the nearby computer within seconds (sigh).  Barrett returns to Teal’c and Jackson to see what they’ve learned.  And that’s not much.  A lot of Sekhmet’s stuff, but nothing to explain what happened.  Daniel is given the task to get Anna to talk, because as Barrett says, Jackson has, “ … a knack for this type of thing.”  He's not wrong.  Anna is willing to speak with Daniel, although she continues to say that she doesn’t know what happened.  She only knows that Keffler made her, something made believable by what’s in the lab and Keffler’s unctuous with a side of soulless mad scientist vibe.

A young woman seemingly grown in a lab, paired with a scientist who acts like everyone else is potentially something he’ll experiment on, and a fair sprinkling of Goa’uld related artifacts is the basis for a good story.  But, wait.  There’s more.  The truth about Anna and Keffler is quite surprising, and ties into a threat that could kill millions of people.

A really good story, with a unique twist.  There are revelations that uncover an Earth bound side of things that’s not often shown.  Last seen in “Smoke and Mirrors,” the rogue N.I.D. organization is still operating, allegedly with the intent to make Earth humans safer but actually just causing problems.  I think a stargate based TV series revolving around the N.I.D. going after rogue N.I.D. operations could have worked.  Keeping elements of Stargate SG-1, while looking at things from a different, murkier aspect.

Kristen Dalton as Anna, and doing a nice job portraying Anna’s many facets.  Brad Greenquist as Dr. Keffler.  Mr. Greenquist’s talent is such that Keffler is a special kind of disturbing, while being a believable character not a broad parody.  Micheal Shanks as Daniel Jackson, Amanda Tapping as Samantha Carter, and Christopher Judge as Teal’c all provide good performances.  Bill Dow returns as Dr. Lee (”Heroes: Part 1”).

Failures:

While it’s explained how Agent Barrett and the not rogue N.I.D. arrived at the industrial complex — they intercepted a phone call from the location, why they knew that the situation was in their bailiwick before getting there is not explained.

Stargate SG-1, Season 7, Episode 15

"Chimera"

images used above are courtesy of Gateworld and MGM

Overall Rating:  Very Good

Commentary by:

Will Waring — Director
Peter F. Woeste — Director of Photography
Damian Kindler — Writer

The commentary is informative and interesting.   It starts after the “previously on” segment.  The commentary stays on point with what is on screen.

Review:  

The episode opens with Daniel in a sunny apartment stuffed chock-a-block full of small “a” ancient artifacts.  Dr. Sarah Gardener is also there.  Hold on a minute.  The Goa’uld Osiris infested Sarah in “The Curse.”  Oh, wait.  Now we see Daniel asleep in his home during the night, with something that looks like the memory recall device Anubis used on Jonas Quinn in “Homecoming” stuck on his head, and Osiris is sitting nearby.  A Goa'uld specifically targeting Daniel, rather than, you know, devastating Earth.  Something nefarious is afoot.

In the next scene, we learn that Sam has a boyfriend.  His name is Pete Shanahan and he is a police detective.  Pete does not know about the stargate program.  The two enjoy their time together.  The next night, Daniel continues having happy (”G” rated happy) dreams about Sarah, not knowing that for some reason Osiris is involved in his having these specific dreams.

Pete is not buying Sam’s excuses about her work.  He exhibits some very creepy stalker behavior by using his connections in the police department to check Carter’s background.  Ew.  Sam, unaware of Pete’s “worthy of a restraining order and a face full of pepper spray” goings on, is concerned with how to balance being close to someone while having to lie about her job.  Meanwhile, it turns out that Osiris is manipulating Daniel’s mind in order to get information about the Ancient’s Lost City (”Fallen”).

Osiris goes off script with Sarah's behavior, and Daniel becomes suspicious.  He begins to think something else is happening, not just memory bits from his time as an Ascended being worked out while he sleeps.  Daniel has been talking about his dreams with his SG-1 teammates.  Teal’c mentions that the Goa’uld have technology that will explore a person’s memory.  Well, yes.  Osiris is on team Anubis, and as mentioned, there's what happened to Quinn in “Homecoming.”  They figure Osiris is on Earth.

Pete continues creeping on Sam, including secretly following her.  SGC sets a trap for Osiris.

Anna-Louise Plowman returns as Dr. Sarah Gardener/Osiris (”Revelations”).  Ms. Plowman's portrayal of Osiris is a favorite of mine, as she captures the arrogance and ruthlessness of an ex-System Lord Goa’uld in a delightful mix.  David DeLuise (brother of Peter DeLuise who directed a number of Stargate SG-1 episodes) as Pete Shanahan.  Both actors do a fine job, as does the regular cast.

Failures:

Sam Carter continues to get done wrong by writers when it comes to romance.  At least this time it isn’t a “love at first sight” alien.  But, it is someone who is comfortable exhibiting some very sketchy, and likely illegal, behavior towards her.  I think Sam could do, and deserves, better.

Daniel doubts his dreams because Sarah is nice about a situation in a dream that made her angry in real life.  Since he still thinks it’s all a dream, why would that make him so suspicious?

Stargate SG-1, Season 7, Episode 14

"Fallout"

images used above are courtesy of Gateworld and MGM

Overall Rating:  Very Good

Commentary by:

Martin Wood — Director
Paul Mullie — Writer
James Tichenor — Visual Effects 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:  

The stargate activates at SGC.  Hey, it’s Jonas Quinn (”Homecoming”).  But, this isn’t a social visit.  Some types of crystals used by Goa’ulds store information.  The Langarans have been studying a crystal left by a Goa’uld named Thanos, who was last on Langara about 3000 years ago.  This crystal indicates that naquadria is not a naturally occurring material.  Instead, Thanos’ experimentation resulted in veins of naquadah being transformed into naquadria, and in Thanos' death which is why Langara is the only source of nadquadria.  Okay, cool.  Except, there is a particularly large vein of naquadah on Langara undergoing the conversion into naquadria.  Naquadria is powerful, and unstable.  The result of the conversion will destroy Langara.  Okay, not cool.  Carter goes to Langara with Jonas to work on the problem, with the aid of Jonas’ Langaran co-worker Kianna Cyr.

Back at SGC, representatives on the governing council of Langara's three countries — Kelowna, Andari, and Tirania — gate in to discuss the naquadria problem.  They meet with General Hammond, O’Neill, Teal’c, and Daniel.  Turns out that while the three countries aren’t openly at war with each other anymore, they still do not trust each other.  And, still think that geopolitical boundaries are magical barriers, i.e. only Kelowna will be affected if the naquadria explodes since it is located under Kelownan land.

After explaining that the problem is the entire planet's, SGC offers to provide help in relocating Langarans. People of the planet Madrona (”Touchstone”) are willing to accept some Langaran refugees.  However, Madrona could not handle the influx of all Langarans at one time.  Well, the Andari rep pipes up that they want to be evacuated to a planet of their own.  Which sets off a lot of bickering between the three Langaran reps.  Which sets O’Neill off, since the clock is ticking on their planet exploding.  Teal'c is done with the Langaran reps nonsense, too.  O’Neill and Teal’c tap out on the talks, leaving Daniel to try and get the reps to focus on the here and now, and get their priorities straight.

On Langara, Carter and Jonas come up with a possible plan to save the planet.  Kianna is helpful, but something is a bit sketchy with her.  Hmm.  The idea to save Langara is a long shot, but the alternative is the planet blows up.  The Langaran reps still seem more inclined to squabble than co-operate towards mitigating the annihilation of their people.  Jonas and Carter’s plan to save the world isn’t without its flaws and challenges.  There is no guarantee it will work.  To top things off, an old enemy rears up, adding their chaos to an already chaotic mix.

This is a wonderful episode on many levels.  Seeing Corin Nemec back as Jonas Quinn is delightful.  The story logically supports Quinn’s reappearance, and Mr. Nemec’s performance is done well.  With the planet in danger of being destroyed not being Earth, the peril is very believable.  Patricia Drake as Tarthus, the Andari rep; Julian Christopher as Eremal, the Tiranian rep; and Gillian Barber returns as Dreylock, the Kelownan rep.  All three actors do a fine job in their roles, aptly exhibiting the ongoing antagonism between the Langaran countries.  The sets and costumes are outstanding.  The regular cast turn in great performances, with the exact tone needed at a given moment.

Failures:

None.

Stargate SG-1, Season 7, Episode 13

"Grace"

images used above are courtesy of Gateworld and MGM

Overall Rating:  Very Good

Commentary by:

Peter F. Woeste — Director
Jim Menard — Director of Photography
Will Waring — Camera Operator
Mark Davidson — Set Decorator

The commentary is informative and interesting.   It begins after the “previously on” segment.  The commentary stays on point with what is on screen.

Review:  

Carter is on board the Prometheus (”Memento”).  Rather than a naquadria drive, the ship is using a hyperspace drive from an Al’keesh — a type of Goa’uld space ship.  The Al’keesh hyperspace drive needs to cool down after a couple of hours of use, and the Prometheus drops out of hyperspace to allow it to do so.  Shortly after exiting hyperspace the Prometheus is attacked by an alien ship of an unknown design.  Sam is knocked unconscious during the attack.  After awakening, she discovers the rest of the crew is no where to be found.

Alone on the ship, Carter has several months of supplies.  But, she discovers that the ship is slowly being destroyed from the outside inward by corrosion.  And, she is having hallucinations.  Sam must try to keep the ship viable and herself alive, while working on a mystery and awaiting a hoped for rescue by SGC.

Amanda Tapping provides an excellent performance.

Failures:

There is a mystery that is never explained.

Stargate SG-1, Season 7, Episode 6

"Lifeboat"

images used above are courtesy of Gateworld and MGM

Overall Rating:  Very Good

Commentary by:

Peter DeLuise – Director
Peter F. Woeste – Director of Photography

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

Review:  

Off world, a MALP detects a large space ship of unknown design that crash landed on the alien planet.  SG-1 investigates the ship and discovers what appear to be humans in individual stasis pods of some sort.  While the crash survivors appear human, the ship is truly alien in design, not seen before by SGC.  There are a lot of pods, and Sam discerns that the people within are unconscious but still alive.  A few pods were damaged, possibly in the crash, and the people within the damaged pods did not survive.  O’Neill calls for a quick survey of the number pods, with the intent to turn the situation over to an SGC science team.  Suddenly, there is a strange sound, and bright flash of light.  SG-1 drops, unconscious from whatever just happened.

A short time later, at least a short enough time where SGC isn’t wondering why SG-1 is out of contact, Teal’c awakens.  He finds the rest of SG-1, but can only rouse Daniel.  But, Daniel is not okay.  Seeing Teal’c, Jackson screams like he just stepped on a Lego piece with his bare foot.  Back at SGC in the med bay, O’Neill and Carter eventually regain consciousness and seem to be fine.  Daniel on the other hand is acting very not Daniel, and insists his name is Martice, and that he is the Sovereign of Talthus.  Martice says he was on the ship, bound for another world, not the one where the ship crashed.  Somehow Daniel’s mind is now inhabited by Martice.  Hold up.  Also occupying Daniel’s mind is Tryan, an engineer on the ship, and a young boy named Keenin who was a passenger on the ship, and possibly up to a dozen different personalities total.

Martice is overbearing and demanding.  Tryan is polite and confused about the situation.  Keenin is incredibly frightened.  The rest of SG-1 and Dr. Fraiser are stymied by what the how happened to Daniel.  General Hammond gives a go for Sam and Teal’c to check out the cryogenic system on the crashed ship, seeking answers.  O'Neill stays at SGC for Daniel.  Dr. Fraiser speaks with the personalities in Daniel as they surface, hoping to learn more about how they wound up in Daniel.

Daniel’s current state is unsustainable, with the different personalities fighting and jostling for dominance and control of Daniel’s body.  A solution to the situation must be found before Daniel Jackson’s consciousness is lost forever in a morass of strangers occupying his mind.

A good story is elevated to a very good episode primarily due to Michael Shanks’ performance.  He is amazing, giving every surfaced personality its own voice and demeanor.  Teryl Rothery does a fine job as Dr. Fraiser, aptly and smoothly matching Fraiser’s delivery to the dominant personality inhabiting Jackson in a given moment.  The regular cast is fine.  That’s not a reflection of their acting skill.  This episode is very much a Michael Shanks showpiece.  James Parks is a guest star in this episode, and does a masterful job portraying his character.

I rate the story as good, and Mr. Shanks and Mr. Parks’ performances as excellent.  Overall, a very good for the episode as a whole.  The crashed ship is wonderfully done, both as an effect with the exterior, and the practical effects with the look of its interior.  Costume design is great, as well.

Failures:

The ending keeps me from loving this episode.  Daniel had no input in the final decision on how to save him.  SGC decided saving one of their own to be the greater good, and used extortion to get it done.  I question if Daniel would've approved of what happened, but his reaction to the cost of his being saved is never shown.  And, extortion is never a good look.

I think this is definitely an episode worth seeing, but it is also one that leaves me feeling a bit dissatisfied.

Stargate SG-1, Season 7, Episode 5

"Revisions"

images used above are courtesy of Gateworld and MGM

Overall Rating:  Very Good

Commentary by:

Michael Shanks — Daniel Jackson
Martin Wood – Director
Jim Menard – Director of Photography

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

Review:  

At SGC a MALP sent to the planet P3X-289 sends back telemetry, including a live visual feed.  The planet’s atmosphere is toxic and corrosive.  Since there is a stargate on the planet, Sam and Daniel postulate that at some point there was a breathable atmosphere, some sort of life.  Part of the information from the MALP shows a dome-like structure in distance, about 2.2 kilometers wide and 500 meters high in size, as the only area that seems to withstand the planet’s atmosphere.  Moving the MALP towards the dome, the MALP’s arm goes through the dome’s field.  Its video feed shows a lush, tailored, green space with a blue sky, and indicates a breathable atmosphere.  The video feed is abruptly cut off at the MALP.

SGC does love getting a hold of new technology, and that dome is unlike anything Earth technology is capable of creating.  Also, there’s the out of contact, possibly missing, MALP.  Those things aren’t free.  So, it’s time to go exploring.

SG-1 gates to P3X-289, and walks through the dome’s field.  They encounter the bucolic scene sent by the MALP, as well as the MALP itself.  Sam thinks the inside of the barrier projects a sort of hologram, giving the impression of being in a larger vista than its 2.2 kilometer size.  And, the barrier not only prevents the poisonous atmosphere from entering, it even scrubbed the protective gear SG-1 is wearing of contaminants.  Oh, yes.  This is some technology worth investigating.  Then, an adorable little boy greets SG-1.  The child takes SG-1 back to his town.

The town folks are curious rather than afraid.  SG-1 meets up with the four member town council.  Mildly surprised by SG-1’s arrival, the council explains that they are aware of the the barrier.  They use technology, mainly a small whatsit they can attach to, or remove from, their heads.  They call the gizmos, and the access to a vast source of knowledge about their planet and society’s past and present, the link.  Demonstrating the link, a council member pulls up information about their planet’s past to answer some of SG-1’s questions.  All of the council members, and the lookie-loo villagers peering through the council room’s windows, freeze for a moment.  Then, one by one the council members relate information they gained from their links.  Every villager now knows the same information the one council member pulled up via their link.  Creepy, but the villagers aren’t fussed about it.

Quite some time ago the Goa’uld System Lord Morrigan (”Last Stand”) brought humans to P3X-289, later abandoning the planet and the people.  The people made technological advancements over the centuries.  Out of control industrialization poisoned the ecosystem.  The dome was created to protect the remaining folks, who made a deliberate choice to live simply in order to not repeat the mistakes of the past.  They have lived this way for 400 years, and are fine with the situation.  Still interested in learning more about the dome’s system, after making a report to SGC, SG-1 stays on the planet.  They are invited to spend the night at some of the villagers homes. 

During the night, one of the council members awakens in their home, packs a small suitcase, and calmly walks through the dome’s field out into the poisonous atmosphere.  Unaware of what happened with the council member, the next morning SG-1 chats amongst themselves.  O’Neill doesn’t get why the people would be happy living in a bubble.  Sam wants to know more about their technology.  Daniel is almost always in learning mode.  Teal’c is ready to punch anyone who needs punching, but there is a lack of anyone needing punching, so he is pretty much just there.  SG-1 meets with the village council again, this time offering to move anyone who wants to leave to another, non-poisoned, planet.  The council politely declines relocation.  They see no reason to leave.  The council makes decisions for the entire town, and the three council members say their decision to stay is unanimous.  Daniel asks about the fourth council member's decision, and the council insists that there was never a fourth member.

SG-1 knows that something hinky is going on with the friendly town folks who don’t seem to remember a person who is now missing.  Sam investigates the technology aspect.  Daniel goes to do research in the town’s paper archive, which is small and neglected due to the usage of the link.  O’Neill and Teal’c go to the MALP to update SGC, but the MALP is not where they left it.  Returning to town, the two find out that the household they stayed at the night before is also not where they left it.  SG-1 is faced with a mystery while dealing with non-hostile, mostly nice, town folks who are apparently lying through their teeth to SG-1.

This episode is a nice change up from the running and gunning that usually involves SG-1.  It’s an enigma, but without the usual “they are up to something” blatantly bad behavior.  There is a direct message of the dangers of rampant pollution making a planet unlivable, but there is also another message unveiled later in the story.  I think this episode is good as far as writing, but the actors elevate the episode to very good.  The acting is done with tempered sincerity and believability.  The best performances are by the guest stars, although the rest of the cast does a good job.

Failures:

When SG-1 heads to P3X-289, they ponder the possibility of badness that could be the result of walking through the dome’s barrier.  After all, the MALP stopped sending telemetry shortly after crossing the dome’s barrier.  But, they all head through the barrier anyway.

Stargate SG-1, Season 7, Episode 4

  "Orpheus"

images used above are courtesy of Gateworld and MGM

Overall Rating:  Very Good

Commentary by:

Peter DeLuise – Director
Peter F. Woeste – Director of Photography

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

Review:  

At SGC, General Hammond is prepared as SG-1 fights their way through enemy Jaffa off world, and to the stargate.  The gate room is set, with a fully armed and ready for combat defense team.  SG-1 makes it through the gate, but so does one enemy Jaffa, who gets a shot off from his staff weapon before being taken down by the SGC defenders.  The staff blast hits Teal’c, and he collapses.  Some time later, Teal’c regains consciousness in the sick bay.  Dr. Fraiser has tended Teal’c’s wound, and gives him a dose of tretonin (”The Changeling”).  The injury would have been a fatal if Teal’c still had a symbiote, instead of being on tretonin.  As it is, Teal’c’s injury is still significant.  It will take time for Teal’c to heal up.

Although I don’t know how much real time has passed in the show, Teal’c has only been on tretonin for the last six episodes of SG-1 before this one.  And this is his first serious injury since no longer having a symbiote.  Jaffa are all about strength and fighting skill, and Teal’c is all about being a Jaffa.  Unsurprisingly, Teal’c is concerned that he will no longer be a real Jaffa, or of use to SG-1, after this injury.

While Teal’c is recovering, Daniel begins to faintly hearing Rya’c ("Redemption: Part 2") calling out in distress.  Despite years of experiencing the unusual during his time with SGC, Daniel initially dismisses what he heard.  Instead, Daniel focuses on trying to remember his time as an Ascended being.  Teal’c recovers, physically if not mentally, and Daniel rummages through SGC stargate logs to see if something sparks his memory of being Ascended.  One SG-1 team member ponders his future, and another team member searches for memories of his past.

Although medically released by Dr. Fraiser, Teal’c does not think he is fit for duty.  While still stronger, with more stamina, than a human, Teal’c has secretly thought that he was “less than” since going on tretonin.  Kek — a Jaffa word for both death and weakness is where Teal’c’s mindset is stuck.  O’Neill pretty much tells Teal’c to get over it.  Not out of meanness, but because in O’Neill’s experience one can hold a door open for someone, but they have to walk through it on their own.

Daniel Jackson wants to do more for Teal’c and continues to try and help Teal’c get his self-confidence back.  One method is using kelno’reem, a method of meditation and rest used by Jaffa with symbiotes instead of sleeping.  Being on tretonin means that Teal’c doesn’t need to kelno’reem.  But, something does come to Daniel when he and Teal’c give the meditation method a go.  A memory from Daniel’s time as an Ascended being resurfaces.  One involving Rya’c and Bra’tac.

In the present, Bra’tac ("The Changeling") and Rya’c are enslaved prisoners, along with other captured Free Jaffa, doing forced labor in a mining location for the System Lord Ba’al (”Homecoming”) on the planet Erebus.  Jaffa loyal to Ba’al oversee the slavery, and brutally punish any Free Jaffa who don’t work.  Based on information from Daniel’s resurfaced memories from his time as an Ascended being, SG-1, a couple of other SG teams, and Rak’nor (”Allegiance”) go to Erebus to free Bra’tac and Rya’c.  Things don’t go smoothly, resulting in Teal’c and Rak’nor being captured by Ba’al’s forces.

The rest of SG-1 and the accompanying SG teams try to figure out how to free their captured colleagues while faced with an overwhelming force of enemy Jaffa.  Meanwhile, Teal’c faces his fear that without a symbiote he is no longer of use to SGC, to the Free Jaffa, or to his son Rya'c.

This is an interesting episode that addresses an important aspect of the Jaffa society.  While tretonin is the best known way for Jaffa to overcome the Goa’ulds hold over them, tretonin is not a panacea for being without a symbiote.  It does maintain a Jaffa’s immune system, but tretonin does not promote fast healing like a symbiote does.  In this episode Teal’c expresses something that any Jaffa considering switching to tretonin likely thinks — with tretonin, am I still truly a Jaffa?

A big portion of this episode is carried by Christopher Judge’s performance, which he does very well.  The viewer is right there with Teal’c as his doubts surface about his future both with SG-1 and as a Jaffa.  Tony Amendola returns as Bra’tac, Obi Ndefo as Rak’nor, and Neil Denis as Rya’c.  Stargate SG-1 continues its wonderful practice of almost always keeping the same actors portraying their characters.  David Richmond-Peck portrays Ba’al’s Jaffa Commander at the Erebus mining site with an excellent balance of evilness without becoming a silly parody.  I always want to boo at the screen when his Jaffa character is shown.  Well done Mr. Richmond-Peck.  The regular cast does a great job with their characters, too.

Something that I think Stargate SG-1 excels at is scene lighting.  The skill of the people doing the lighting is on spectacular display in this episode.  My favorite being the one inside of a tent in the labor camp.  Despite being dimly lit, everyone in the scene is discernible, shown in a haunting way that exemplifies their feelings of despair in a seemingly hopeless situation.  It is all just so well done.

Failures:

Christopher Judge’s strong performance as Teal’c in crisis is offset at the end of the episode.  Not because of Mr. Judge’s acting, but because the story line is a bit predictable and mawkish by the end.

Stargate SG-1, Season 7, Episode 3

 "Fragile Balance"

images used above are courtesy of Gateworld and MGM

Overall Rating:  Very Good

Commentary by:

Peter DeLuise – Director
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:  

All is quiet at the SGC.  Anubis' super weapon is destroyed.  The Langarans are united in cooperation under the guidance of Jonas Quinn.  A slightly more snarky, significantly more buff, Daniel Jackson is once again part of SG-1.  The only new incident is a kid trying to get into the SGC using Jack O'Neill's I.D.  Mild stuff, compared to SGC's usual problems.  However, no one can get in contact with O'Neill.  After all of the galaxy shaking, Earth is doomed, shooting and zat'ing, and alien threats, has Jack O'Neill been harmed by something so mundane as a wayward teen?  Nope.  The wayward teen says that he is Jack O'Neill.

After going to sleep the night before as an adult, O'Neill awoke the next day as a teenager.  Medical tests, and knowing things that only Jack O'Neill would know, backs up the teen's claim.  Let's call him Teen O'Neill.  SG-1 begins investigating the who, what, and why of a de-aged O'Neill.

A seemingly basic premise is woven into an entertaining story.  The viewers follow along as SG-1 pieces together information, ultimately unveiling the surprising explanation.

Everyone's performances are done well.  Michael Welch excels as Teen Jack, carrying the episode.  He has O'Neill's mannerisms and speech pattern down cold, ably upholding the premise that he is Jack O'Neill.  All in all, an episode well worth watching.

Failures:

One scene is off-putting, and taints an otherwise excellent episode.  Teen O’Neill is going to high school.  When dropped off at the school, Teen O’Neill looks at a nearby group of teen girls, and gives them a small smirk and makes a knowing comment.  In the commentary, Mr. DeLuise and Mr. Kindler put forth an air of innocence about the situation.  We have, essentially, a 50-something year old man looking forward to going to school with teenage girls.  That’s a lot of “ew.”  Someone, at some point, should have said, “Look at the optics of this scene.  It isn't okay.”  And, someone in charge should have listened to them.

Stargate SG-1 Season 7, Episode 1

"Fallen"

images used above are courtesy of Gateworld and MGM

Overall Rating:  Very Good

Commentary by:

Michael Shanks – “Daniel Jackson”
Martin Wood – Director
Jim Menard – Director of Photography

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

Review:  

In “Full Circle” Oma Desala snatched Ascended Daniel away when he tried to use his Ascended powers to destroy Anubis.  With Anubis killing the Abydonians, something SG-1 knew Ascended Daniel would give his all to stop, SG-1 ended season 6 wondering if they'd ever see Ascended Daniel again.  Now, on a not-the-Earth planet, some humans are going about their business, when there's a crash of thunder and a blaze of light.  Being fictional characters, they run towards the source of the noisy light show instead of away from it.  There they find a naked, amnesiac Daniel.  He's back!  Sort of.  With no memory of who he is, or how he arrived on not-the-Earth (we later find out the planet's name is Vis Uban), Daniel is not Daniel.

On Earth at the SGC, Jonas Quinn is still researching, trying to figure out the text on the stone tablet that Ascended Daniel described as being very important in “Full Circle.”  The goal: to find the Lost City that may have Ancients living there, or at least a treasure trove of “good for defeating Anubis” Ancient weapons.  Eureka!  Quinn deciphers the tablet's text.  SGC has the gate address for the likely location of the Lost City among the addresses O'Neill downloaded to SGC's computer (“The Fifth Race”).  General Hammond gives a go for SG-1 and some other SG teams to gate to the Lost City.  There they find peaceful inhabitants who don't seem to be Ancients.

The residents are not Ancients, just some nice squatters.  The SG teams search around, looking for … well, anything besides ruins.  Potential threats.  Ancient weapons.  None of those things are found, however they do find Daniel Jackson.  Daniel does not recognize his SG-1 cohorts, and has been living with the people on the planet for two moons (however long that is on that planet).  SG-1 is pleasantly surprised to see their friend, a reaction that I think rings true.  Daniel Jackson Ascended in “Meridian”, and Ascended Daniel made various appearances in season 6.  So, I think Daniel's reappearance falls under unexpected nicety for SG-1, rather than a shocking revelation.

No longer Ascended Daniel, he is now Amnesiac Daniel.  Amnesiac Daniel is standoffish.  Mainly because for him, SG-1 are strangers telling him crazy stories (O'Neill trying to explain what happened to Amnesiac Daniel is delightful), and partially because he is reluctant to learn who he was as a person.  He might be a jerk.  Yeah, that's a weak sauce explanation.  But, Amnesiac Daniel decides to go to SGC.  There, his memory returns in dribs and drabs.  However, he continues to have no memory of his time as Ascended Daniel.  Until ...

A few weeks later during a briefing with General Hammond and SG-1, Quinn mentions that while the ruins have been mapped, nothing Ancient-y is found.  Daniel joins the meeting, with General Hammond's permission.  Still trying to regain his memory, Daniel demonstrates that some of Ascended Daniel's knowledge is coming to his mind.  The Ascended beings rule book is very leaky since this is allowable.  

Now knowing that Vis Uban is not the location of the Lost City … City of the Lost … whatever its name is, SGC and the Tok'ra formulate a plan to take down Anubis' weapon.  Something straight out of Star Wars (1977).  There's a twist, though.  The plan requires working with a System Lord because the Tok'ra and Earth don't have enough firepower to take on Anubis' ship.  The idea is to work with the System Lord Yu, who is mostly on the low end of the Goa'uld scale of "wanting to destroy Earth."  Not so much that Yu is nice, as it is that Yu has little to no interest in Earth these days.  Also, Yu and the other System Lords will benefit from destroying Anubis' weapon.  The plan proceeds.

Anubis is lured to Vis Uban with some fake info.  With help from the Tok'ra, Daniel and Jonas will gain access to the ship carrying Anubis' weapon (they are most versed in Anubis' language of choice, ancient Ancient) in order to provide Carter and O'Neill with the coordinates of the weapon's power core.  O'Neill and Carter will fly an F-302 (a two-seater fighter space craft) to get up close and personal in destroying the weapon's power core.  Yu's fleet will take down Anubis once the weapon is out of play.  Teal'c goes to Yu to present the plan, and Yu agrees to participate.  Everything is mostly going smoothly, until Yu decides not to take his fleet to the agreed upon rendezvous site.

In the F-302, Carter and O'Neill are being targeted by Anubis' Death Gliders.  Daniel and Jonas are trapped on Anubis' ship.  Yu never showed up, and now Teal'c is a prisoner on Yu's ship.  Although the weapon's power core was destroyed, without Yu's fleet destroying Anubis' ship the weapon is still a threat.  Anubis doesn't have a power core for his weapon, but he still has the weapon.  The story continues in the next episode.

All of the actors provide excellent performances, with some Jonas Quinn moments being my favorites.  Jonas finally shows something other than just conviviality when dealing with the now, at times, kind of snarky Daniel Jackson.   Vince Crestejo returns as the System Lord Yu, and Kevan Ohtsji is his First Prime, Oshu.  The story is a bit too rushed at times for me to give a rating of "excellent."  Still, a very enjoyable and exciting episode as an introduction to season seven.

Failures:

I think this story, which spans two episodes – this one, and the next episode “Homecoming” – would have benefited from being spread out over three episodes.  There are moments where the story feels rushed.   When Amnesiac Daniel goes from being cold and distant towards SG-1, to his being curious about who Daniel Jackson is and agreeing to go back to SGC.  Also, jumping from Daniel remembering how to read the Ancient tablet to his being part of the the Star Wars (1977) homage attack plans on the Death Star Anubis' weapon, both in a montage and a meeting.  One scene, Daniel's amnesia is still prevalent enough that he can't remember Jack O'Neill's name and calls him, "Jim."  Shortly thereafter (maybe? see my comment below about the lack of time reference points), Daniel is part of a strike on Anubis' ship. 

There are some mentions of time passing, but without any reference points.  How many Earth days equal “the passing of two moons” on Vis Uban?  O'Neill mentions the events of “Full Circle” happening “last year,” but without knowing the date within the episode, that time frame could be a few weeks, or months, or nearly a year.

Stargate SG-1, Season 6, Episode 12

"Unnatural Selection"

images used above are courtesy of Gateworld and MGM

Overall Rating:  Very Good

Commentary by:

Andy Mikita – Director

Jim Menard – Director of Photography

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

Review:

This episode picks up immediately after the end of “Prometheus.”  Colonel Simmons and the Goa'uld infested Adrian Conrad's (“Desperate Measures”) efforts to out maneuver each other ended in both their deaths, and the X-303 is stranded in space, light-years from home. Carter states that there is no way to get back to Earth. While SG-1 processes their current, untenable, situation an Asgard ship appears. It's Thor (“Descent”). The Asgard keep an eye out on hyperspace activity near Earth, and noted the X-303's trip. SG-1 is saved! Sort of. Thor's appearance is a mix of benevolence and self-interest. The Asgard homeworld has been overrun by Replicators (“Menace” ), and Thor needs SG-1's help. Oh, and the Earth's shiny, new, partially completed ship, too.

Turns out the Asgard used information gleaned from their study of Reese (“Menace”) as bait for a Replicator trap. The Asgard found one core command in Reese that all Replicators would follow, the command, “come forth.” Our favorite little gray aliens then broadcast this command throughout the galaxy, an irresistible “come hither” for all Replicators in the galaxy. Summoned to one location, where the Asgard set up a time dilation device trap. Within the time dilation device's bubble time is considerably slowed. One year passing for the Replicators in the bubble would be about 10,000 years passing in the rest of the galaxy. A trap that gives the Asgard a lot of breathing room for finding a permanent solution to defeating the Replicators. A great plan … that didn't work. The time dilation device did not activate.

Seemingly, the Replicators managed to disable the device. The Asgard need a physically fit team, one with projectile weapons and a space ship whose tech is so low brow that the Replicators would sneer at the thought of consuming it. So, the Asgard want SG-1 to enter Replicator dominated space, repair the time dilation device, and activate it.

O'Neill is reluctant on many levels about the Asgard's plan. There's little food on the X-303, and fewer weapons. O'Neill has zero authority to commit Earth's new spaceship to the mission. And, SG-1 is currently lost in space … oh, wait. No, they aren't. Thor instantly towed the X-303 back to Earth, beamed the non-SG-1 folks from “Prometheus” on the ship to SGC, and beamed up a huge stock of weapons and food stores from SGC.

Unsurprisingly, the mission is approved by SGC. Between the possibility of losing favor with one of their few space faring allies in the fight against the Goa'uld -- admittedly one that doesn't often help out -- and the threat of the Replicators, “no” wasn't really an option for Earth.

SG-1 heads to the location where the Asgard sent the “come hither” command, the Asgard's original home world of Hala. Upon arriving at Hala, Thor discloses new information. It turns out that the time dilation device was activated, however instead of slowing time within the device's bubble, time within the field is moving faster than for the rest of the galaxy. Replicators were smart enough to keep the time dilation device from activating; then reverse its effects; and essentially had hundreds of years of free time on their hands. Upon landing on the planet, SG-1 discovers just what the Replicators were up to within the time field. A new, bigger threat to not just the Asgard, but for the entire galaxy.

The acting and effects are great, and the story provides a chance for the members of SG-1 to reflect, and act, on their morality, rather than just running and gunning towards their mission goal.  Their moral quandary is tied to the Replicators, and the answer seems easy considering the Replicators' mandate to essentially destroy and consume everything in the galaxy. However, SG-1 is left to question a decision in regards to completing their mission -- do the ends justify the means?  I think the situation is well handled, with varying reactions from the different characters.  I like that they question their decision, with some team members being more overtly bothered by their actions.

I rate this episode as Very Good because while the story is engaging, there are enough minor plot holes to keep me from giving this episode a higher rating. And, because once again Carter is used as the target of alien insta-love, a ploy used all too often in Stargate: SG-1.

O'Neill and Carter are prominent in this episode's story, with Teal'c and Quinn having little input. Except for one moment where Quinn channeled Daniel so hard, it seemed like that bit of dialog was originally written for Daniel, not Quinn.

Failures:

O'Neill spends too much time considering helping the Asgard at the beginning of the episode, even after Thor tows the X-303 back to Earth. He knows he doesn't have authority to agree to the mission, yet doesn't come out and say so for far too long.

After all this time the Asgard have yet to develop something to for situations requiring the physical presence of robust individuals and some projectile weapons. Other than calling on Earth for some (literally) heavy hitters.

Stargate SG-1, Season 6, Episode 10

"Cure"

images used above are courtesy of Gateworld and MGM

Overall Rating:  Very Good

Commentary by:
Andy Mikita – Director
Damian Kindler – Producer
Jim Menard – Director of Photography

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 gates to the planet Pangar. The Pangarans studied their stargate, but had never been able to make it work. They are delighted to meet the Earth stargate travelers, and hope for a mutually satisfying relationship between the two planets.

Carter and O’Neill sit down with the Pangaran representatives to offer some safe, friendly stargate addresses in trade for a sample of tretonin -- an elixir the Pangarans developed which grants perfect health. The offered stargate addresses are ideal for a society new to gate travel. Thing is, the Pangarans want stargate addresses to dangerous locations, not namby-pamby safe zones. Exercising his usual level of tact (which is none) O’Neill questions why they’d want to travel to such locations. The Pangarans aren’t feeling the need to explain themselves to SG-1.

Meanwhile, Quinn and Teal’c meander around an archeological dig site where the Pangarans found their stargate, along with a native scientist named Zenna Valk. Having a seemingly eidetic memory, Quinn is the resident SG-1 walking encyclopedia. Teal’c has firsthand experience with the Goa’uld, and also provides information. Valk wants to tell Jonas something, but is reluctant to speak in front of the Pangaran security escort. So, Quinn sneaks off and riffles through Valk’s tent at the dig site. Not the most diplomatic thing to do, but the story has to keep moving.

Using the information he pilfered from Valk, Quinn and Teal’c investigate the location where Pangarans get their doses of tretonin. The pair uncover the main component needed to manufacture tretonin. Describing it as off-putting is an understatement. With their secret out, the Pangarans are more open with SG-1. Since there’s not much left to tell, this isn’t surprising. Oh, wait, scratch that last statement. There is a lot more to the Pangaran/tretontin story.

There's no such thing as a free lunch.

Already complex and interesting, the story adds another layer – the Tok’ra: Malek (“Allegiance”) and Kelmaa.  Through a well written plot twist, Pangarans need to extend blind trust to SG-1, and to the Tok’ra. Although the Tok’ra arrogance volume is turned down this episode, they still aren’t making friends with their charm. For once Earth’s survival isn’t at risk, but the Pangarans and Tok’ra are having a really bad day.

A very good episode, with some startling surprises. All of the actors’ performances are done well, and are solid and believable.

Failures:
From trying to blow up a moon populated by hundreds or thousands of people (“The Devil You Know”); to forcibly taking a host to save their snaky selfs (“In the Line of Duty”); to suppressing a human host’s persona (“Abyss”); various Tok’ra show a consistent disregard for the value of a non-Tok’ra life.

There’s a point in this episode where the fate of the Pangarans is in the hands of the Tok’ra, and the Tok’ra aren’t exactly rushing to the rescue. O’Neill points out that the Tok’ra might not help the Pangarans. Carter states that the Tok’ra would never do such a thing.  Considering past Tok’ra behavior, I don’t understand how Carter can say that with a straight face.

Stargate SG-1, Season 6, Episode 9

"Allegiance"

images used above are courtesy of Gateworld and MGM

Overall Rating:  Very Good

Commentary by:
Peter DeLuise – Director
James Tichenor – Visual Effects Producer
Gary Jones -- Actor

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

Review:
Off-world, at the SGC Alpha base, there are injuries and controlled chaos as an influx of Tok’ra come through the stargate. The SGC Alpha site is a planet unknown to the Goa’uld. Some SG team members (not SG-1) come with the Tok’ra. Anubis attacked the Tok’ra base. Out of options, Jacob/Selmak (“Descent”) dialed the Alpha site as an escape path for the remaining Tok’ra and SG team members.

Three quarters of SG-1 is at the Alpha site when the refugees arrive.  Quinn is at SGC. O’Neill is not happy about the unexpected arrivals, but works with the situation. The Alpha site is already a temporary home to many displaced Free Jaffa (“The Warrior”). Now, there are Tok’ra in the mix at the becoming less and less secret, secret Alpha site.

The Tok’ra do not like Jaffa, Free or otherwise, because while serving the Goa’uld, Jaffa killed Tok’ra. After what happened to him in “Abyss” O’Neill is not overly fond of the Tok’ra, except for Jacob/Selmak. The Free Jaffa do not like being dissed, condescended, or patronized – three behaviors often exhibited by the Tok’ra. A frustrated O’Neill, the proud Free Jaffa, and the arrogant Tok’ra, all forced together. What could go wrong?

A Tok’ra who had an altercation with a Free Jaffa is found dead. The Tok’ra blame the Free Jaffa. The Free Jaffa deny any part of the murder, and resent having their honor impugned. Then, the Free Jaffa accused of the murder is found dead. The tenuous peace at the Alpha site is crumbling. O’Neill must find out the truth of the deaths, while keeping allies from becoming enemies.

This is one of my favorite episodes because it goes beyond “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” A common enemy, in this case the Goa’uld, does not friendship make. Old angers aren’t far from the surface when the different races interact. Or newer anger, like O’Neill’s unhappiness with his trip to Tok’ra blending land. Despite this, the three species need to work together, or at least for the moment live together. All while trying to solve two murders. I like that the interactions aren’t magically happy and peaceful, all things considered.

There is much more to the interesting story in this episode, but I cannot reveal it without spoilers.

Richard Dean Anderson does a masterful job as O’Neill deals with all that is going on. Carmen Argenziano returns as Jacob/Selmak and is wonderful. Peter Stebbings is Malek, the Tok’ra commander of the base Anubis attacked. Mr. Stebbings performance is enjoyable and he portrays Tok’ra hubris very well. Tony Amendola returns as Bra’tac (“Redemption, Part 2”) and is excellent as always. Teryl Rothery is Dr. Fraiser (“Shadow Play”), and completely believable as a doctor in the midst of a crisis. Obi Ndefo returns as Rak’nor (“The Warrior”). Christopher Judge’s facial expressions as Teal’c are perfection, conveying exactly what Teal’c is thinking or feeling even when Teal’c is not speaking. All in all, a lot of very strong performances.

Failures:
Nothing major.

Stargate SG-1, Season 6, Episode 8

"The Other Guys"

images used above are courtesy of Gateworld and MGM

Overall Rating:  Very Good

Commentary by:
Christopher Judge – “Teal’c”
Martin Wood -- Director
James Tichenor – Visual Effects 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:
Ever daydream that you are the best of the best at whatever you want to be the best of? I don’t think it’s unusual. Whether that flight of fancy involves tights and super powers; or emulating someone you admire, most everybody has such moments.

In this episode an SGC scientist named Jay Felger is living the hero worshipper dream by being with his idols -- SG-1.

Felger, along with fellow scientists Coombs and Meyers, are off world studying an abandoned Goa’uld site. SG-1 is on guard duty, a.k.a. babysitting the trio as no danger is expected. Coombs and Meyers focus on their research. Felger focuses on impressing SG-1. With zero subtlety, he tries to be one of the team with SG-1. Disregarded by O’Neill and company; mocked by his fellow scientists; Felger is not deterred from fawning over SG-1.

Things take a turn when a large group of Jaffa loyal to a Goa'uld named Khonsu capture SG-1. Far away enough to escape the Jaffas notice, the trio of scientists see SG-1 taken onto an alkesh (a type of Goa’uld space vehicle). Standard procedure in such situations is for the three scientists to gate back to SGC when it’s safe. However, no way is Felger going to run away after his heroes are captured. Meyers returns to SGC while Felger, and a very reluctant Coombs, manage to gain entry on the alkesh. Don’t worry SG-1, Felger will rescue you! Maybe.

With lots of good intentions, and not a lot of good sense, Felger and Coombs make their way to SG-1. Will these other guys be the salvation of SG-1, or manage to cause even more problems? Bit of both. “The Other Guys” unfolds as a very funny episode, with a mix of laugh out loud humor, and action.

Patrick McKenna is Felger and is flawless as the character. John Billingsley is Coombs, and plays that part very well. The series regulars stay true to their characters, without devolving into being just foils for jokes. All the actors perform well, with Anderson being a standout. Michael Adamthwaite is Her’ak, First Prime of Khonsu. I enjoyed his performance, as Her’ak seems so young, and intent on proving himself. Yet Her’ak already has a huge streak of arrogance. Her’ak always loses when verbally sparring with O’Neill, leading to some funny moments.

Failures:
There are a few times when the fictional “facts” in the Stargate SG-1 realm are negated or disregarded in order to allow for humor. At one point Felger and Coombs disguise themselves as Jaffa, but none of the other Jaffa notice the two strangers in their midst. Including a time when Coombs wore his eyeglasses, an item that is not seen on Jaffa.

Khonsu has a lot of Jaffa at his base where SG-1 is held. Yet time and again there is not a Jaffa in sight, including at tactically important areas. No guards at or near the armory, or a room with controls for all aspects of the base? I don’t think so.

Despite the few failures, this is one of my favorite episodes, and I highly recommend it.

Stargate SG-1, Season 6, Episode 7

"Shadow Play"

images used above are courtesy of Gateworld and MGM

Overall Rating:  Very Good

Commentary by:
Peter DeLuise -- Director
Peter F. Woeste – Director of Photography

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

Review:
The Kelownans (“Meridian”) from Jonas Quinn’s home world of Langara contact SGC via the stargate. What with the Kelownans accusing Daniel Jackson of sabotage, and Jonas Quinn defecting to Earth, things are a little frosty between Kelowna and SGC. But, the Kelownans seem ready to declare bygones, and want to enter a trade agreement with SGC. Technologically inferior to Earth, all the Kelownans can offer is naquadria – the more powerful, but less stable, version of naquadah currently found only on Langara.

Carter wants access to naquadria. Jonas is hesistant to deal with his old home world. Teal’c is thoughtful. O’Neill is disgruntled at the idea of making nice with Kelowna, but can’t deny potential benefits from naquadria.

A Kelownan delegation gates to SGC to discuss a possible trade deal. One member of the delegation is Dr. Keiran, a mentor and friend of Quinn’s. Turns out there are three major powers on their planet: Kelowna, Tirania, and The Andari Federation. Mostly the three powers fought against each other, a stalemate. Now the Tiranians and Andaris plan to sign a non-agression pack with each other, meaning the two powers could work together to beat up Kelowna. Kelowna wants SGC's military technology in order to withstand a presumed attack from the other two countries.

Dr. Kieran has an additional bit of information told in secret to Jonas. There’s a covert organization working to overthrow Kelowna’s current government. Tired of the fighting between the countries, they plan a coup, and Dr. Keiran is a member of this group. Keiran wants Quinn’s help. SGC wants to learn more about this group as they want somebody on Langara to cough up some naquadria, preferably without becoming involved in an off-world war. SG-1 gates to Langara to offer the Kelownas non-military technology in trade for naquadria, and gain more information about Dr. Kieran’s group.

On Langara, SG-1’s negotiations with the Kelownans don’t go well, to the surprise of no one. Kelowna desires techno-amazing flying machines of destruction. SGC offers antibiotics.

The Kelownans want Earth military technology through trade, or by Jonas re-defecting back to Langara. Yup, the Kelownan leader tries to sweet talk Quinn into dumping SGC and coming back. The Kelowan government wants the tech. The resistence wants SGC to help with their revolution. SGC is like, “nope” to both. Meanwhile, war on Langara looms closer.

SGC is getting a taste of how the Tollans (“Between Two Fires”) felt about SGC’s requests for advanced technology. Granted, SGC wanted the Tollans help to fight against the threat of the Goa’uld. But, there was always a chance that someone might succumb to an urge to use the Tollan tech against a foe other than the Goa’uld. Now, the Kelownans want the SGC’s advanced tech to establish a balance of power against the Tiranians and Andaris. But, there’s a chance that Kelowna might go with a, “why defend against them when we can destroy them?” line of thought.

There’s a lot of subtext expertly woven into this episode. SGC experiencing the point of view held by advanced off world societies when asked to provide technology to Earth. Jonas wanting all three of Langara’s major powers to learn about the wonders and challenges in the galaxy, when only Kalowna knows about Langara’s stargate. A situation similar to Earth’s in that very few countries, and virtually none of the general population, knows about the stargate. There is no definitive villain in this episode, and I think this is a strength. The story is a study of behavior, without becoming heavy handed, or preachy.

A well written, well acted, episode.

Dean Stockwell portrays Dr. Keiran, and provides a solid performance. All of the actors performances are well done. The Kelownan sets and costumes look amazing. Kudos to everyone involved in this episode.

Teal’c lays some wisdom on Jonas about being considered a traitor by ones people. Very nicely done. Teal’c is also the most effective negotiator with the Kelownans by cutting to the chase when others are dancing around a point, or just bickering.

Failures:
None.

Stargate SG-1, Season 6, Episode 5

"Nightwalkers"

images used above are courtesy of Gateworld and MGM

Overall Rating:  Very Good

Commentary by:
Peter DeLuise – Director
Peter F. Woeste – Director of Photography

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

Review:
It is a dark and stormy night. No, really. A man runs to a parked car, gets in it, and drives off. He calls Carter from the car, and claims to know about what happened to her in “Desperate Measures.” Frightened, the caller states that the project is still going on, and asks for protection. Then, there’s a crash, and the call cuts off before Carter can get more information.

Mysterious caller, mysteriously knowing about classified events, with his call being mysteriously cut off by a mysterious accident. I think this episode is going to be a mystery.

Despite the “Mysteries 101” start, this is a very good episode, and well worth viewing.

Three quarters of SG-1 heads to the town where the mystery caller, named Dr. Fleming, lived. O’Neill is still with the Tok’ra (“Frozen”). Dr. Fleming lived in the small town of Steveston, Oregon, and worked at the town’s main employer, Immunitech Research, a company with ties to Adrian Conrad. Fleming’s crashed car is found by local authorities, but not his body. Carter speaks with the town’s cooperative sheriff, named Knox, but there’s nothing of major note about Fleming or Immunitech.

SG-1 uncovers a few facts about Dr. Fleming, but the information they learn can easily be interpreted as mundane. Still, the question remains: how did Fleming know about what happened to Carter in “Desperate Measures?”

Steveston is a nice town. Everyday folks going about their everyday business. There is one man in the town who is suspiciously skulking, peeking around corners at SG-1 at times. A new layer to the mystery, or possibly a not so mysterious perv.

The town’s sidewalks roll up when the sun sets. Teal’c and Quinn head out after dark for a bite to eat, and the town folk in the bar greet the pair with silence, and hostility. Just as things are about to get violent, Sheriff Knox enters the restaurant, and calms things down. That Sheriff Knox is such a nice man. After Quinn and Teal’c leave the establishment, Knox threatens to kill the town folk instigators if they ruin the plan. Wait … what? In another area, a large group of town folks, their expressions blank, shuffle off into the darkness. They are also willing to kill to protect the mysterious plan, including killing SG-1. The creepy meter is being dialed up.

This episode begins with one mission: to find how Stevenson knew about the events in “Desperate Measures.” The puzzling situation deepens and expands as SG-1 investigates. Are the creepy town folk part of the mystery, or something else? The viewer experiences the unraveling of the mystery as the episode progresses. Unaware of the danger, SG-1 uncovers exactly what is happening in Steveston.

This episode is a fascinating mystery, well done in all aspects. The writers ably keep most of the mystery hidden until the last 15 minutes. The lighting and sets are amazing, giving off a vibe of being normal, but with an edge of potential menace. The music is phenomenal, as usual, this time being a perfect partner for the strange going ons. The regular cast provide solid performances, and the guest stars shine. Blu Mankuma is wonderful as Sheriff Knox, both when being kindly, and also when being quietly threatening. Kudos to everyone involved in this episode.

Failures:
None.