Harmony

Plot: Rodney and Sheppard are visiting a trading planet, when they are roped in to going on a quest as guards for a young princess who must prove her worth to become queen.

While this episode was tedious at times, it did turn out to be quite a fun filler episode. While journeying to the Temple of Laros, so that Harmony can be bestowed with the power to rule her people, Rodney and Sheppard have to contend with a number of dangers.

The first of those dangers is Harmony herself. She has a bit of a crush on John Sheppard and a bit of an attitude to boot. As you can imagine, this leads to her and Rodney locking horns on a couple of occasions. She's resourceful and brave, however, running off in the night to fix them some dinner, as well as insisting that they continue on their journey, despite the other dangers that they have to contend with.

The second danger is the beast that will supposedly protect the princess as she journeys to the Temple. Neither Rodney nor John or certain that the protection will extend to them, so they're all the more cautious. Especially as it makes a rather ferocious roar.

Finally, they also have to contend with a group of Genii, who have been tasked by one of Harmony's sisters, the jealous Mardola, to prevent Harmony from completing the pilgrimage so that she may take the throne instead. Sheppard's never been one to let a few Genii get in his way though, and dispatches a number of them, first with his rifle and then with a Wraith Stunner.

Eventually, the trio arrive at the Temple of Laros, where they find a piece of Ancient technology. Turns out, the area was once a testing ground for drone technology. The beast that they had feared on their way, was not actually a beast, but a swarm of mini-drones. That swarm, rather conveniently, is programmed not to attack anyone with the ancient gene. That includes the planet's royal blood line, as well as Sheppard and Rodney. Wicked.

After a final showdown with the Genii in which Rodney saves Harmony's life and redeems himself in her eyes, she is able to activate the Ancient device, becoming queen. At her coronation, she thanks the pair for their service, and unveils this awesome picture:


A couple of other things; this episode showed on Sci Fi's new HD service. About time they got round to sorting that out, because I was getting sick of watching it in SD. I think it'll really pay off when BSG returns in a couple of months time. Can't wait for that!

Also, IMDb lists Anna van Hooft as playing the other princess, Flora. Now, I've been watching her play Aura in Flash Gordon all season and am nearly 100% certain that it wasn't her that actually played the character. It was a very small role, so I wonder if she was initially announced to play it, but had to back out at the last minute to be replaced by someone else. It'd certainly tally with the fact that she's been a lot more active in Flash Gordon since its return a couple of weeks ago. Any further information on that would be well appreciated.

So, like a said, a reasonably fun episode, but one that had some tedious moments. Especially those involving the Genii, who I'm fairly sure are the worst recurring race in all of the Stargate universe.

6 out of 10