First, I have to get this out of the way: in an open flame like that, the fire would not have gotten hot enough to turn Frakes to bone and ash. There should still be a charred body. Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.
I walked away from this episode thinking a lot about the Goa'uld propaganda machine. Early in the episode Teal'c states that the Goa'uld terraformed many of the stargate worlds centuries ago. We know that's false since (1) the Ancients created the 'gate network and (2) the Goa'uld are much more likely to move a stargate to a new planet than bother with time- and resource-consuming terraforming. I mean, honestly, if the planet were hostile but had a bunch of naquadah, they'd enslave a bunch of Unas and drop 'em on the planet to work until they died. (That's right, Goa'uld, I know your tricks.) That means that this rumor that the Goa'uld terraformed the planets is all part of the Goa'uld lies to bolster their claims at godhood.
What the Goa'uld accomplished on a large scale is exactly what Captain Hanson accomplishes on a small scale. He steals technology (first Earth technology and then the shield technology) and calls it magic, placing himself in a position of power over the natives. Whether or not he goes a little insane after two days in the sun, he follows the Goa'uld playbook, using his newfound power to enslave the locals and build a temple. They never compare him to the Goa'uld in the episode, but the analogy is clear (especially in hindsight) and it's a reminder to the SG teams not to let their advanced technology go to their heads. (Which also makes me wonder if the SG psych evals got an update after this incident. Sam did say she knew he had this in him.)
A few last notes of significance:
- This is the first episode in which Daniel wears a bandana and I love whomever made this costuming decision.
- Based on Sam's analysis of the shield device (it follows the same basic circuitry patterns as the Gate technology), either the Ancients built it or the Goa'uld adapted other Ancient tech to create the UV shield.
- This episode foreshadows the fact that the Goa'uld mine planets for naquadah and then leave once the resources are depleted.
- It still bothers me that in this episode Sam immediately notes the absence of birdsong, but in "Spirits," Teal'c has to point it out to her.
Quote of the Week:
- Jack: Does it say "colonel" anywhere on my uniform?
Episode Stats
Planetary Tally: the planet is unnamed in the episode, but the internet tells me it's P3X-513 or Avnil*
Series Total: 7
*I assume the source for this information is Stargate SG-1: The Ultimate Visual Guide
In Fashion: it's green BDUs and flak helmets all around; Jack swaps clothes with Jamala for some non-regulation robes
Next up: 1.07 Cold Lazarus
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chasethestars
chasethestars
Comments
I loved that line! I swear I've never seen this episode before. I'd say I have no idea how I missed it since I've re-watched before, but honestly I don't think this would have been high on anyone's list of favorites so I can see it not getting recommended for a re-watch. And when I first watched Stargate it was like a scavenger hunt trying to find it on the TV schedule. My station would preempt it for sports constantly and then just randomly show it on a different day of the week. Hence it's not that surprising that I missed it the first time.
I love them starting out with a, "Why, yes, this planet does indeed look like the Pacific Northwest yet again, because of reasons." Even if in hindsight it sort of gets… unretconned? As you've pointed out though, it's very useful to have the powerful villains be liars so you've got unreliable narrators everywhere.
I am of the firm opinion that Daniel is one of the biggest liars of them all. You cannot tell me he found the cartouche room ELEVEN MONTHS ago and never once tried dialing another planet. Like, I love Daniel, he is my very favorite TV boyfriend, but I also know how curious and obsessed he is. (And that's why I wrote a fanfic about his opening the 'gate on Abydos!)
I think they were still trying to find their feet with the scripts. It's kind of wildly different in tone and character from much of the rest of season 1. I'm not sure I buy Sam's characterization in this one; it's hard to reconcile how she acts in other episodes.