Bloodlines

Plot: Teal'c reveals that he has a wife and son back on his home planet of Chulak. He is desperate to return in order to prevent his son from being implanted with a Goa'uld. Teal'c leads the mission to Chulak, enlisting the help of a former master, Bra'tac.


Teal'c had been something of a mysterious figure up to this point. Bloodlines is a welcome review of his backstory, helping to flesh out the oft-quiet characer. The key point is the revelation of the massive sacrifice that Teal'c made in defying Apophis and helping SG-1. His wife, Drey'auc and son, Rya'c have been forced to live in squalor, shunned even by the families of other traitors.

Teal'c's mission to prove the Gods as false is his driving force, but this is the first time we see how that has had consequences back home. We hear the term 'shol'va' for the first time. It translates as traitor and will eventually become synonymous with Teal'c. It is currently used in a negative way, but soon becomes a source of strength, as people across the galaxy take power from tales of his bravery. This episode highlights that bravery and adds a sense of realism to the work that SG-1 is doing. It's important and could help to alter the future for the entire galaxy. These are early days, certainly, but much has already been set in to motion.

This episode marks the first appearance of three characters that will feature on a reasonably regular basis from now on. Drey'auc and Rya'c, as Teal'c's family provide an important grounding for Teal'c's battle. Bra'tac, as played by Tony Amendola, will become one of Earth's greatest allies and will prove pinnacle in the battle against the Goa'uld. His chiselled looks, defiant attitude and bad ass moves help to make him a great character and one that fans look forward to seeing in action.

The past three episode have marked a real change of pace in the series. SG-1 has laid its foundations, now it's time to really take the galaxy by storm.

8 out of 10