Previous: 1.04 "Emancipation"

The Touched virus is the first, but not last, alien virus that rips through the SGC. This episode establishes a fantastic Stargate trope in which the parasitic aliens our heroes have to fight are much smaller, and sometimes more deadly, than the goa'uld. But probably the most wonderful thing about "The Broca Divide" is that it introduces us to our chief medical officer, the no-bullshit queen, the absolute Stargate legend, Dr. Janet Fraiser.

Janet is a powerhouse in her first appearance, steamrolling into the Stargate franchise like she's been there since day one and we just weren't paying attention. Teryl Rothery immediately blends in with the main cast, the obvious missing piece for any base episode. "The Broca Divide" clearly does not have the same gravitas as "The Enemy Within," but Teryl's performance kicks it up a step and makes a hokey virus turning homo sapiens into Neanderthals seem like a credible and serious threat to neutralize.

Janet carries a lot of the weight of the episode, considering that four-fifths of the main cast get taken out by the virus. By the thirty-minute mark, the episode is relying on taciturn Teal'c and newcomer Janet to save the day. (And they do, and it's glorious.)

There's much about "The Broca Divide" that is forgettable (or should be forgotten, such as Daniel's casual decision to not intervene during an attempted rape), but if nothing else, it should remind you to take your allergy medication.


A few last notes of significance:

• The variety of cultures, sets, and matte paintings in the first few seasons Are. So. Good.


• When they discover P3X-797 is very dark, Daniel says, "This is crazy. We don't know what could be there waiting for us when we come through." And, based on all the crazy shit they walk into for the next ten years, that line is unintentionally hilarious.


• For those into hurt/comfort or whumping, Daniel spends most of this episode getting beaten up.

Quote of the Week:

Daniel: Uh, maybe I have a natural immunity.
Teal'c: Perhaps you will develop symptoms later.
Daniel: Thank you for the moral support.

( Episode Stats )

Next up: 1.06 The First Commandment