Into The Fire

Stargate SG-1 Season 3 Episode 1 - Plot: The SG-C receives intel from the Tok'ra that helps them locate Sg-1 and launch a mission to rescue them from Hathor.


SG-1 rescued, Hathor defeated

With the help of the Tok'ra, General Hammond successfully returned his flagship team home to Earth after they had spent three weeks missing in action. SG teams 3, 5, 6 and 11 had initially been committed to the rescue, but failed to report back on schedule. A presidential request for further troops was denied, leading the Texan to turn to Teal'c and Master Bra'tac for help.

A co-ordinated effort saw the SG teams off world destroying Hathor's base. Meanwhile, Teal'c and Hammond flew a Death Glider through the StarGate to defeat defences on the ground.

Colonel O'Neill reports back safe and sound, despite Hathor's attempt to turn him in to a host. Of the Goa'uld, he said, 'she's dead'.

Teal'c fails to rally Chulak resistance

Having returned to Chulak, Teal'c appeared dejected at his people's lack of desire to fight the false Gods in the wake of the death of Apophis. The people of Chulak now fear the wrath of Apophis' son, Klorel. Despite an impassioned speech given by Teal'c, few were willing to stand by his side.

Episode review

So I'm trying a new style for the start of the third season. I've been getting a bit caught up in just relaying the story and not really analysing the episode in most of my reviews. So, I thought I'd try and separate the two, with a news report style to discuss the plot, and then a review to follow.

So I've got to be honest, this episode was as much of a mess as the clip show the preceded it. Little that any of the characters did made sense and a lot of things happened that had little point. Taking Jack being taken as a host, only for him to be put in to cryogenic stasis five seconds later. Sure it served a point to allow him to walk up to another of the Goa'uld pretending to be a Goa'uld himself. Problem is, he only kept that up for about two seconds and I can't really understand why the Goa'uld didn't just shoot him on the spot.

Furthermore, Teal'c's return to Chulak could really have been given an episode of its own. I felt that there was a lot to explore there. Instead all that happens is Teal'c finds Bra'tac hurt for some reason and then gives a speech that no one listens to. The people that are willing to stand by his side aren't even seen again, except in a long shot coming through the Gate. By that time, all of the threat has been neutralised!

Anyway, I guess Teal'c is going to return to the SG-C and he, along with the rest of SG-1 can put the incident behind them. I know I will be.

5 out of 10

Midway

Plot: While Teal'c and Ronon are on the Midway station, a Wraith invasion force mounts an attack on Earth.


I had no idea that Teal'c was going to be in this episode, so it was a fantastic surprise to see him walk through the Atlantis Gate. He'd travelled there at the request of Colonel Carter, as she felt that he could help give Ronon some pointers on passing a forthcoming interview with the IOA. As you can imagine, Ronon wasn't particularly receptive to this idea and the pair began to butt heads. It culminated in them having a rather intense sparring session in the gym that lasted well over an hour.

The two of them travel to the Midway station where they must observe a 24-hour quarantine period. While there, the station is invaded by Wraith destined for Earth. It seems that Todd had acquired some information on the Midway system and McKay's 'impenetrable' security while on Atlantis. He chose to divulge that information with an associate, who felt that an attempt to break in to the SG-C was worth a try. They use a stun device to knock out the SG-C personnel and travel through to Earth. Of course Ronon and Teal'c weren't going to let this happen without a fight. They made formidable duo, real kicking ass and taking names kind of stuff. Teal'c's rather taken with Ronon's blaster and it's clear that Ronon is very impressed with Teal'c's prowess in battle.

Back on Atlantis, the team realise that something is wrong and organise a mission to lead a defensive assault on the Midway station. Sheppard and Rodney help to secure the facility but are unable to get past some Wraith security protocols. Dr. Kavanagh (remember him?) in his infinite wisdom falls for a Wraith security trap and initiates the self destruct. Shep, Bill Lee, Rodney and Kavanagh manage to escape in a Puddle Jumper, but the station is destroyed leaving them stranded in the galactic void.

Fortunately, Ronon and Teal'c have secured the SG-C by this point and Ronon is able to travel to the Midway station in the Daedalus to pick those in the Puddle Jumper up. Not before Bill Lee and Kavanagh drive Rodney and Shep up the wall, after what must've been around a week stuck together in the Puddle Jumper. What fun!

Admittedly, it was a rather hammy way to get Ronon to respect Teal'c, by forcing them in to combat together. However, it was done with a real sense of fun and humour that helped to make this one of the the season's best episodes. It was great to see the whole of the cast appearing together for the first time in a number of weeks, even if the majority of the action did centre around Ronon and Teal'c going it alone in a battle to save StarGate Command.

8 out of 10