Previous: 1.15 Singularity

Much like how the last episode was Sam fully becoming the complex character we recognize throughout the rest of the series, this episode fully crystalizes the Teal'c we see for seasons to come. "Bloodlines" provided a foundation, introducing more of the world Teal'c came from and giving him family and friends and history. But this episode focuses on the ugly side of that history, uncovering the damned distasteful things he did while in the service of Apophis and not only contextualizing his service, but exploring how he felt about that service.

Chris Judge kills it in the scene with RDA in which he explains why he wants to face judgment for the death of Hanno's father. There's still the trademark Teal'c composure, but breaking through in his shaking, barely controlled voice and haunted eyes is Teal'c's guilt and fear that he'll never be able to atone for all the wrong he has committed. Despite knowing in this instance he chose the lesser of two evils, Teal'c agrees with Hanno that his choice was cowardly and evil. All of that emotion comes through Judge's performance and finally, finally Teal'c feels like the complex, emotionally resonant character I absolutely love.

And while we don't get the conversation directly between Daniel and Teal'c in which Daniel forgives Teal'c for his part in Sha're's abduction, the scene with Daniel recounting Teal'c's role in those events and explaining that "a different Teal'c" chose Sha're canonically presents that Daniel had a difficult time working with Teal'c at first. I wish we could have seen that—and seen Daniel come to terms with it—but that's what we have fanfic for, isn't it?


A few last notes of significance:

• This is the second time Teal'c has been willing to stay behind to take responsibility for crimes he committed while under Apophis's command.


• In season 1, Jack is especially ensconced in the "American way" and I appreciate every instance in this episode in which Daniel breaks down that historically the American justice system is kind of unusual.


• While the iron prisons SG-1 uses for the next ten years look fairly authentic in most of these settings, they must have been hell to film around so you can actually see the actor's faces.


• This episode features the return and death of Shak'l. Exciting stuff, here.

Quote of the Week:

Hanno: You would save those who wish to kill you?
Teal'c: I would save those who deserve to live.

Episode Stats
Planetary Tally: Cartago, aka P3X-1279
Series Total: 15

In Fashion: the team wears green BDUs the entire episode


Next up: 1.17 Enigma