Thor's Chariot

Plot: SG-1 return to Cimmeria to help the people defend a Goa'uld invasion. While Jack and Teal'c are engaged in protecting the Cimmerians, Jack and Sam journey to Thor's Hall, where they hope the Asgard have left means for the Cimmerians to defend themselves.


We'll start with a great Teal'c quote:

DANIEL - Well I guess we’ll just have to hold up in here a while until things calm down.
TEAL’C - Things will not calm down, Daniel Jackson. They will, in fact, calm up.
O’NEILL - He means things will escalate, of course.

This episode's importance lies in the fact that it is the first appearance of an Asgard in their true form. We're introduced to Thor properly for the first time and will come to know him quite well through the next 8 and a 3/4 seasons. Thor only revealed himself after Daniel and Sam proved their worthiness. In truth, this was a method for allowing the Asgard to ensure that the Cimmerian's had reached a high enough level of sophistication for the Asgard to reveal their true selves to them. The process involved two trials, in which their bravery, selflessness and wisdom were tested. It was a fun watch and it won't be the last time that SG-1 have to go through similar trials to prove their worth to older civilisations.

Thor's Chariot is something of a sequel to Thor's Hammer and we see the consequences of the actions that were taken in that episode of season one. Specifically, the destruction of Thor's Hammer to free Teal'c from the labyrinth. Understandably, Thor is a little unhappy that the Cimmerians were put in danger in this way. Still, he rides in at the last moment in a spectacular ship to save the day from the invading Goa'uld.

That Goa'uld is Heru'ur, who has the rather dubious honour of being the son of both Ra and Hathor. Interestingly, SG-1 first suspected that the invading Goa'uld was Apophis. As I recall though, they should have been under the assumption that Apophis had been killed after they repelled the invasion of Earth at the beginning of the season. No matter though, as the audience at least knew that he'd escaped. I'm interested to see how that plays out when Apophis next returns in the show.

We also find out in this episode a little more about the after effects of Sam's blending with the Tok'ra Jolinar. It turns out that she can control Goa'uld technology, such as a hand device. It's interesting to see this develop as if it's a super power, though I think the writers lose interest with the idea after a while, because I don't remember it playing much of a part in the later seasons. It's akin to the ancient gene that is such a big part of Stargate Atlantis.

This doesn't quite reach the heights of Thor's Hammer, but it's fun and exciting and a fine conclusion to the plot that was started in season 1. SG-1 have now made a powerful ally in the Asgard, even if they still consider the Tau'ri a little too young to be allowed the keys to kingdom just yet.

8 out of 10