Previous: 1.07 Cold Lazarus

Finally, the Goa'uld have returned! They've provided an undercurrent of tension for the last four episodes, present in the technology and people they stranded, but this is the first face-to-face encounter since they kidnapped Sha're and Skaara and essentially murdered Major Kawalsky. And, as a result, this is the episode when SG-1 truly becomes SG-1.

Teal'c's motivation and arc are finally defined when he firmly states that the Goa'uld are not gods and declares his desire to free the Jaffa. He stands before Apophis and boldly says, "Dal shakka mel. I die free," a line which actually gave me goosebumps on this viewing. Teal'c's personal history also gets some development, identifying Shak'l as a Jaffa Teal'c trained and illustrating the long journey Teal'c will face while trying to convince other Jaffa that the Goa'uld are not gods.

Jack and Daniel's interaction is also much more familiar with them pairing off, finishing each other's sentences, and being on the same page while reading different books. One scene intercuts Daniel's conversation with Opher and Jack's conversation with Anteaus and the conversations couldn't be more different, even though both are successfully gaining intelligence about the Nox. Daniel approaches Opher on Opher's terms, answering questions to facilitate communication and being open to receiving what Opher says. Jack, on the other hand, yells, agitates Anteaus, and tells Anteaus what will happen. Totally different approaches, but when Jack and Daniel reunite, they pool resources and are once again on the same page. (Oh, my heart aches with the knowledge that Jack will one day rudely tell Daniel to shut up.)

Sam also feels more balanced in this episode. Her dialogue is a little less golly-gee-whiz and Amanda Tapping's performance feels more relaxed. She had Sam's energy and control over technobabble from day one, but struggled through some of the quieter moments, like when telling Jack last episode that she was an auntie. All of the characters feel much more connected here, and it goes a long way to making each individual stronger.


A few last notes of significance:

• I literally forgot about the opening scene of this episode with the Secretary. If you don't remember something happened in canon, does it exist?


• Considering all "magic" is considered "science" in Stargate, the Nox must be evolved in the same way as the Ancients. (Which is pretty much magic, writers, okay?)


• Many of us cite a line from "Bloodlines" to "Prototype," but Daniel stone cold says "And we can't kill [Shak'l] either," and then covers saying he was just stating a fact. Really, Daniel?


• The Nox are the first advanced race the SGC come into contact with and give them a hard lesson delivered softly. That lesson is mostly about making assumptions and being asses.


• Basically the Nox city is their version of Atlantis, right? Visually it's fairly similar, just with Nox aesthetics. Also it flies.

Quote of the Week:

Jack: "The very young do not always do as they're told." Just a little something the Nox told me one time. Something worth taking home.

Episode Stats
Planetary Tally: the Nox homeworld is unnamed in the episode, but the internet tells me it's P3X-774; also mentioned (but not counted) is a mission for SG-5 to P3C-117
Series Total: 9

In Fashion: Jack and Sam greet the Secretary in their dress blues and then join Daniel and Teal'c in green BDUs for the mission; the flak helmets are back!

SG-1 Dies A Lot: Jack, Sam, and Daniel are all taken down by staff blasts (fired by Apophis) and revived by the Nox
Daniel: Series Total: 2
Jack: Series Total: 1
Sam: Series Total: 1

With All Due Respect: Sam gives the Secretary some respect when he questions the worth of the Stargate Program
Series Total: 8


Next up: 1.09 Brief Candle