Family

Plot: Teal'c returns with SG-1 to Chulak in order to rescue his son, Rya'c, who has been taken prisoner and brainwashed by Apophis.


I mentioned a couple of episodes ago the curious fact that SG-1 assumed that Apophis was attempting to invade Cimmeria. This episode makes their assumption all the more curious as they seem quite shocked after being told by Bra'tac that Apophis has returned to Chulak alive and well. I hate to pick bones, but it seems there was a little miscommunication in the writing there, as no way should SG-1 have even entertained the possibility that Apophis was alive, let alone able to invade a planet.

Anyway. The first twenty minutes of this episode are rather tragic for Teal'c. First of all, he finds that his wife, Drey'auc, has had their marriage cancelled and is now wed to another man, Fro'tak. He's understandably a little upset at this, though is brought round to the idea that Drey'auc should be allowed to move on in order to ensure a better life for Rya'c. Conveniently, Fro'tak betrays Teal'c and SG-1 and is killed by Jack.

More tragic is that fact that Rya'c has been brainwashed by Apophis and wants nothing to do with Teal'c, even so far as alerting the palace guards to SG-1's presence while they attempt a rescue. SG-1 eventually sneak Rya'c back to Earth, only to find that he's been implanted with a deadly virus within two false teeth. If Rya'c bites down hard enough then he'll release the virus, which Sam expects would wipe out all life on Earth within a week. Maybe Apophis should make use of that a bit more often, though I don't know where he'd get any slaves from if he made that his policy.

As you'd imagine, everything works out nicely in the end. Jack suggests electro-shocking the brainwashing out of Rya'c, but Teal'c thinks a Zat gun would be safer. Turns out he's right and Rya'c returns to normal. Rya'c and Drey'auc then go off to live in the Land of Light. It's good to see that the people of that planet are still willing to help Earth out, even if we rarely see them.

Not the most amazing of episodes and it certainly drags at the beginning, but who doesn't love a happy ending? :)

7 out of 10

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