Episodes
Episode 123 Smoke and Mirrors
Senator Kinsey is the target for assassination and the shooter is identified as Jack O’Neill a trained sniper and who bares a well known grudge against the politician, there is also the small fact of video footage of the Colonel in the vicinity. Jack is put under arrest and it’s upto the rest of SG1 with input from the NID to investigate and discover how and why the Senator was targeted and it’s not as obvious a reason as we may have expected.
ICU
Smoke and Mirrors is an interesting episode which brings to head a number of plot elements and sheds light on some of the manoeuvring which has been going on behind the scenes which have been the root of the spate of NID rogue actions. The actual reasoning behind these events does come as a surprise given how we’ve had to deal with the political aspect of the SGC and elected officials but it does make a lot of sense, that’s important to sell the show as something beyond simple scifi.
One thing this episode does have is quite a bit of humour as once again Jonas and Teal’c buddy up and go investigating, the two characters work well together and while you wouldn’t think it would work it does. The combination of Sam with Agent Barrett also comes across well leading to the character being used again as the main NID middle man and the mechanism to make this story work is a call back to Foothold, that method of story telling is a favourite of ours.
Friends Forever
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Episode 122 Sight Unseen
On returning from a standard recon of an alien world SG1 have a piece of Ancient technology which at this point they have no idea what it actually does, probably one of the more stupid decisions made by the team. Immediately on return Jonas sees some sort of flying creture in the gate room but no one else can see it and the concern is that he has succumbed to the effects of long term Naquadria exposure. Of course with no sign of a foothold the SGC goes on as normal and Jack leaves to go fishing but then he too sees something that shouldn’t be there and the effect begins to spread within the mountain and beyond.
We come baring gifts.
Sight Unseen is not a good story, it’s a little too simplistic lacking the drive and potential threat of so many other alien encounter episodes from the series. Ultimately while the effect of seeing these creatures will drastically change the way everyone lives their lives there is no direct threat and thus you are left with a feeling of so what. That said the production design and location work is right up there with any episode produced before or since and the guest stars Jody Racicot and Betty Linde are a hell of a lot of fun on screen.
Wipers just won't cut it
This weeks promo is from Flash Pulp a themed story cast which has been responsible for one new listener thanks to playing our promo and there is also a spot for Following the Nerd who were invloved with the recent Con that Alan attended.
Next weeks episode is Smoke & Mirrors which features the return of one of the classic human villians.
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Episode 121 Unnatural Selection
SG1 onboard the now recaptured Prometheus agree to help Thor and his people to investigate the failure of the device they created to contain and control the Replicators. Upon arrival on the now lifeless former Asgard world they land and discover an intact structure which is now the residence of 5 individuals who turn out to be something entirely new to the galaxy. Faced with being totally at the mercy of this new life an olive branch appears thanks to what is considered to be flaws in the “programming” of Reese the creator of the replicators.
Just a little favour...
Unnatural Selection is the conclusion to the two parter and as the Prometheus story is wrapped we move onto the mission the Asgard present to SG1 in the hopes of finally winning their war against the Replicators in their galaxy. Of course nothing is ever straight forward and despite getting the ship into orbit and landing on the planet it was patently obvious they were allowed to find the structure and be used by the new variant of replicator that was housed there. The small plot holes aside the casting for “first” (Ian Buchanan) was inspired as a long term Soap actor he had the skills and the well smarm and slickness to play an over the top villian with style. A young Tahmoh Penikett also makes an appearance as “third” a year before making the BSG mini-series.
Pretty ain't it?
The episode while delivering a successful mission for SG1 on behalf of the Asgard does so without a bit of a sour taste left in the mouth in terms of Jack betraying what was a genuine ally (in that place at that time). That said experience showed a single replicator of any style was always going to be a problem especially if under similar programming as the deceased Reese. It would have been interesting if Daniel had been in the episode rather than Jonas whose character still doesn’t have the depth to argue moralirt and ethics with Jack when it comes to making the hard decisions. As the belief goes if the beginning is corrupted then eventually the journey and destination will eventually fail and this seed which has been sown will come back to bite them.
Starship Eye Candy
The promo this week is Nutty Bites from our friend Nuchtchas and next weeks episode is “Sight Unseen” and as usual any feedback in any form is most welcome so thanks to John and Colin for the email and voicemail:)
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Episode 120 Prometheus
Ambushed by a journalist Sam has to fend off questions about a top secret military project named Prometheus and when faced with disclosure a deal is done to allow the reporter access to the base with all materials held unto it goes public and they would have the exclusive. Of course it’s going to be a double cross by the US Air Force but they get double crossed first as elements of the NID take possession of the Prometheus and then demand the release of two very significant players. The SGC capitulate and then the bad guys steal the ship which came as a surprise since it really wasn’t ready to fly but it’s flaws help to save the day.
Lets make a deal
Prometheus sees the return of Frank Simmons and Adrian Conrad both under arrest for treason although Conrad being a Goa’uld is really a whole different ball game yet surprisingly the impetus behind the investigation into the project is from a true journalist perspective with it only be co-opted at a later date when not doubt the NID heard about the camera crews visit. The weakness in the narrative is of course the NID are not known for their ethical or moral core and thus would not be the type to die for the beliefs so suicide via a power core blast really didn’t make sense. Of course capitulating to terrorist or hostage takers demands is the norm in our society so perhaps even the .1% chance of losing Nevada was enough to risk losing the most powerful vessel created by the US.
All the grace of a brick
Of course when SG1 is involved the bad guys plans rarely work out and stealing an unfinished ship (which they did only as the opportunity arose) meant Jack and Teal’c could get on board rather easily but that surprise allowed them to take over a little too easily. That said Sam kicked ass both physically and intellectually and was probably the star of this episode despite John De Lancie delivering a wonderfully smarmy and moustache twirling performance. Prometheus is the first part of a two parter as made obvious with the final scene and the arrival of an Asgard starship commanded by the newly bodied Thor who saves the day yet than asks for some series help.
Not pretty but has potential
This weeks promo is from Tyrions Landing as we are getting close to the return of Game of Thrones and next week we watch and discuss “Unnatural Selection”. This weeks episode was constructed from 4 recording sessions spread over an evening punctuated by power cuts, it was not pretty.
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- Prometheus Wiki
- George Wyner
- Ian Tracy
- Kendall Cross
- Enid-Raye Adams
- John De Lancie
- Bill Marchant
- Colin Cunningham
Episode 119 Cure
First contact is made with the people of Pangar a society that is technology wise a few decades behind the Earth but with a stable culture albeit not exactly a fair and just one. SG1 as representatives of the Earth pay them a visit and are offered access to a drug (Tretonin) which the Pangarian people use to combat all forms of disease with almost god like success and in return they ask for training and information on gate travel, granted access to Goauld worlds is their goal but even that makes some sense based on their as yet undisclosed circumstance. It’s always nice to see airships in alien cultures even those that may be advanced enough to have moved passed that solution to air travel.
A very nice view
Jack is at his diplomatic best as he tries to point out the “stupidity” of these people going to any of the Goa’uld homeworlds whilst Jonas and Teal’c investigate the ruins which provided these people with their Stargate lore. It’s here the discovery is made which reveals the secret Pangar is hiding and opens up a whole new can of worms and brings the Tok’ra into the mix. Cure is pretty much a standalone episode but is vital for two reasons, the first is the importance to the long running Tok’ra storyline and the second to the future of the series which becomes more apparant as we go along:)
Expecting Guests
As always there is some very nice location work and for once it didn’t look like it was raining, the guest stars and their characters were well suited to the story and while overall the episode was nothing special it’s well worth repeated viewings especially in light of what comes later in the series.
I've got a secret
This weeks promo is from Pulp Audio Weekly and we’ll be covering “Prometheus” next week so any all feedback is appreciated and if anyone fancies joining us for an episode drop us a line.
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Episode 118 Allegiance
The Tokra are attacked and take refuge at the Alpha site unaware of the large group of rebel Jaffa are based there themselves refuges from an attack on their world. Almost immediately conflict arises and suspicions aired and then despite the deaths from the attack a Tokra is murdered and a Jaffa suspected but complications arise when that Jaffa is then found murdered.
Has the Alpha site been infiltrated by a Goauld or are the SGC simply dealing with the millenia old greivances that are being brought to the surface by such close proximity?
Nothing to see here.
This is the first look at this Alpha site and the first episode in which both Bra’tac and Jacob come face to face, two excellent characters and actors who have graced the series with their presence over the last few years. An interesing titbit is that the majority of the extras in Allegiance were also featured in the early episode “Warrior” whose Jaffa rebels were driven from their home to the Alpha Site, a nice touch.
The gym must have been full
Alligeance is an ok episode, it works more due to it’s production value (Location, stunt work and guest stars) then as an overall story but it is more than the sum of it’s parts and adds a lot of depth to the relationship between the two shaky allies and the humans who stand between them. It also has RDA shooting a really big gun in slow-mo so props to the steadicam operator.
Say hello to my little friend
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Episode 117 The Other Guys
On a babysitting mission SG1 are captured by the Jaffa of the system lord Khonsu but two members of the science team decided to play hero and ring up to the orbiting Ha’tak and discover that SG1 do not want to be rescued, they are on a mission which requires an unorthodox means of communication. It turns out a Tok’ra undercover agent buried deep is searching out the source of Anubis’s technology and has information to pass on but who is playing who and have SG1 walked into a trap.
Way to defy gravity.
The Other Guys is an out and out comedic episode yet still has time to provide it with firm footing in the overall season arc. The two scientists (Felger and Coomb) played by Patrick McKenna and John Billingsley are wonderful comedy actors who not only excelled with the script they were given but we’re able to expand on the limits writers by design impose on their characters. While Abyss holds the lead in terms of drama there is no doubt this episode has the laughs and even though the events spin around the two scientists it doesn’t preclude SG1 from playing the “straight” men in the performance.
Act casual
The Other Guys is an episode that you can cherry pick for someone new to the show and looking for a way in, it’s not typical but the humour fits right into the series as a whole, highly recommended episode and looks fantastic to boot and if you have the time have a listen to the DVD commentary with Peter DeLuise and Chris Judge.
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- The Other Guys Wiki
- Patrick McKenna
- John Billingsley
- Adam Harrington
- Michael Adamthwaite
- Martin Sims
- Randy Schooley
Episode 116 Shadow Play
A delegation from Kelownan arrives to discuss the possibility of an alliance despite the events which led to the death of Daniel Jackson, Jonas Quinn stealing some Naquadria and then turning his back on his home world. The three visitors a scientist, soldier and diplomat ask the SGC for military aid in exchange for more of the Naquadria as their nation is now the target of a new alliance between the two other states on their world and war is imminent. With technology similar to our 1940′s they face overwhelming odds in terms of man power and strategic aircraft and their only ace in the hole is a Naquadria bomb whose power rivals any of the SGC’s most modern enhanced nukes. Jonas enters into discussions with his former mentor Dr Kiernan who claims an internal resistance is looking to overthrow the current government and with similar movements with the Andari and Tiranian nations with the goal of peace and prosperity.
Let the party begin.
The SGC have a big decision to make, they know that giving the Kelownan’s even some basic military technology aimed at defence will eventually be used in an offensive manner and they show some mature restraint given our worlds oft used policy of arming societies with weapons well beyond their means and suffering the consequences.
Shadow Play is a merging of two proposals/stories aimed at given Jonas more background as well a homage to the movie “A Beautiful Mind” and it does that but falls a little flat despite a stellar guest performance from Dean Stockwell as Dr Kiernan. You could even argue it’s very much in the vein of a Trek morality tale and in many ways that would be correct, it’s a little more subtle but the message is certainly relevant when you look at the state of our world.
Love the classic Laboratory.
The episode is also interesting as Jack seems to be channelling Daniel at times, granted he has an aversion to the Kelownan’s due to their betrayal of Daniel so he’s never going to be waving the flag in support but he seems well into sync with the Tollan/Nox attitude of limited or no technical assistance beyond basic humanitarian. Overall an interesting episode with some some top notch casting but more of a drama than an action piece with some wonderfully moody lighting.
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Episode 115 Abyss
Jack now blended with the Tokra Kanan is innjured and captured whilst attempting to escape for a system lords secret research facility. The Tokra consider Kanan and by default Jack as being lost in action but the SGC are not prepared to give up so easily and demand access to all the mission data from Kanan’s spying. Meanwhile Jack is being systematically tortured and then murdered by Baal who uses the sarcophagus to revive him and then a miracle happens. Daniel in his ascended form visits Jack to offer comfort and solace with an offer to help him ascend as that is the only direct help he can offer as the Ascended are not allowed to interfere. The search for Jack continues but time is running out, there is only so much of Jack that can survive the multiple visits to the life giving sarcophagus.
Time to wake up Jack
Abyss is a fan favourite and easily demonstrates how well Jack and Daniel have evolved their close and rewarding friendship, it’s made more evident because we have been denied this interaction after Michael Shanks left the show and as of yet Jonas’s character is still under development. The Tok’ra back story once again highlights the divisions between the SGC and their weakening resistance against the System Lords but it’s a nice idea to have Jack’s ethics and personality drastically effect the reasoning of Kanan who probably was a very direct and decisive operative willing to sacrifice anyone regardless of any personal feelings.
Pure evil but with style
The production of this episode is once again top notch, some clever movie making is used to create the visuals and tight writing and direction required to make the most of the intense dialogue between Jack and Daniel and Jack and Ba’al.
To put it simply Abyss is the highlight of the season so far.
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Episode 114 Nightwalkers
A desperate call for help has Sam leading an investigation into the death of Dr Richard Flemming a former employee of Immunitech a concern with links to Adrian Conrad and may have had access to Goa’uld research. Finding evidence of a conspiracy a more indepth look into the town reveals some strange behaviour by the inhabitants and a startling discovery and double cross.
Studying, Jack is notably absent.
Nightwalkers is an unusal SG1 episode, it’s style is different to the bulk of the series and it’s also the first episode Richard Dean Anderson does not appear in which may have been the impetus to try something new. The direction and photography is reminiscent of the X-Files and includes homages to a number of offbeat shows and noir features and boasts some nice costuming and a strong guest cast.
This can't be good, pretend we're not in.
The episode does offer up a fine supporting cast and ultimately it is rewarding even though it’s not high on any viewer popularity list but it starts the ball rolling on one of the pivotal events of the series which we will be covering at the appropriate time.
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