An alien culture begs the Stargate team for help in a seemingly endless war.
Written by Brad Wright
Directed by Peter DeLuise
GUEST STARS
Rene Auberjonois - Alar
Kyle Cassie - Soldier
Gary Jones - Technician
Kris Keeler - Pilot
Anne Marie Loder - Commander
Stephen Park - Controller
Dan Shea - Sergent Siler
WHAT HAPPENED
Jack returns from vacation, having presumably finally gotten that long-threatened
fishing trip.
As he walks down the hall, perhaps thinking about that first cup of coffee, an unscheduled off-world wormhole activation klaxon blankets the base with motion. With Jackson right behind him, he promptly heads to the gate chamber, only to find Carter there disobeying his direct order to get a life.
Sam informs them that this is the fifth off-world activation in 90 minutes and that for the first time there is an accompanying radio signal. Through the static, a voice announces, "This is Uranda base . . . is anyone there?" (
spoilers)
ANALYSIS
This is a nicely subtle version of the classic war of eugenics storyline we have seen on just about every other science fiction series.
I found myself switching sides a few times as the negotiations with the Urandans progressed. The moral ambiguities of trading humanitarian aid for weapons to defend Earth against the Goa’uld created a layer of tension that many earlier SF versions of this plot did not explore.
There were a number of nice design touches like the ancient chandelier and the slanted snifters -- where can I get a set?
Finally, while it was very enjoyable seeing Rene doing SF again since the end of Deep Space Nine, the regular cast was up to its usual excellence.
TUNE IN NEXT WEEK
The beautiful Tok'ra archaeologist Anise joins the cast, promising the regular members of the SG-1 team "Upgrades" in the form of superpowers.
What do you think? Send your comments to the
editor.
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