Overall Rating: 7.3
This is actually a nice little episode whose message would seem to be...don't get locked into false dichotomies...consider EVERY option before you make big decisions. This one is entertaining, albeit a bit on the "hard to believe" side.
Plot Synopsis:
Stargate Wiki to the rescue!
The Skinny:
I find it hard to believe that an advanced alien culture that prided itself on peaceful exploration of art, culture, philosophy and science and lived conflict free until their planet was threatened would design a computer simulation that was so dumb that it didn't even have the intelligence to give us the proper amount of time to evacuate the Enkarans, let alone think "hey...where have I seen a planet like this before?" when the problem first surfaced without significant coaxing from Daniel. To enjoy this episode, you have to suspend your disbelief that this species was so inept with their programming skill. :)
Beyond that, it's your basic run of the mill "new planet in peril of the week" episode...I do appreciate that Colonel O'Neill chooses to act to defend the Enkarans and although Daniel strongly objects, Jack is not made out to be some sort of mass murderer. I also enjoy the fact that Daniel's solution is not to bow to the invading aliens but instead to find a reasonable compromise (your big intergalactic transport vessel can take the Enkarans elsewhere, then you can resume the terraforming!)...but really, this is just brain candy...not something that needs to be dissected too heavily.
Writing: 7.0
This is a relatively simplistic plot concept executed fairly well...the dialogue is hardly the stuff of legend, but, the characterization is true to canon and the dilemma is somewhat interesting.
Acting: 8.0
Amanda Tapping's portrayal of conflict with following Jack's orders despite her doubts was actually nicely nuanced. I thought RDA was a bit too far to the hard-assed side of his usual attitude, but Michael Shanks and Brian Markinson (Lotan) played well off of one another.
Message: 7.0
I can get behind a message that some problems aren't as simple as they seem at first glance, and that all options should be explored before making decisions that affect thousands of lives for any species.
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