This episode might not ordinarily get a strong fan reaction, but I feel the need to give a good solid episode a little extra credit for being brave. Our heroes try diplomacy...and FAIL...when they screw up and doom an entire civilization to a slow death. The happy ending may be read as luck or something miraculous, but it cannot be credited to SG-1.
Plot Synopsis:
A good description can once again be found at the Stargate Wiki.
The Skinny:
SABR Matt: If you choose to view this episode as a condemnation of spirituality (as opposed to the clarity and enlightenment of scientism), you are free to do so - and Stargate does have a lengthy history of bashing religiosity and artificially putting it at odds with science, so believing this would be understandable. I think you're wrong in this case, and I'll tell you why. It all comes down to the last moments after it seems SG-1's attempts to restore the K'Tau sun to normal have failed. What happens at that moment...do they listen to Jack and leave the ignorant savages to their doom? No...Daniel joins them in prayer as a gesture of goodwill - in fact, although one can understand Jack's outrage (as the bombing of his rocket kills two officers under his command), but the message here is clear...tolerance is the road to understanding, not anger and hatred. So while Jack fumes and nearly gets SG-1 thrown off the planet ahead of a sea of pitchforks, Daniel practices their faith to make amends.
But it goes further than that. Not only does Daniel show open tolerance...but so do the writers. Because the mysterious return of the K'Tau sun to normal is not explained. The writers don't leave us shaking our heads at religious ignorance. They leave open the possibility that something divine may have intervened (while offering the skeptics a secular explanation they can believe if they choose). That the happy ending is never explained is what saves this show from joining the ranks of Enigma on the scrap-heap of intolerant anti-spiritual refuse that populates science fiction from this time. That our heroes do NOT in fact save the day is so unusual that fans still refer to this episode as "the one where SG-1 f***ed up!" Stargate is a happy canon...that's fine...but to maintain the pretense of dramatic tension, you need some risk that the heroes will fail. Episodes like this go a long way toward that goal.
Stephanie S: The other thing that's noteworthy about this episode - besides the fact that the writers leave the ending open to interpretation - is that it's a pretty strong reply to Trek's Prime Directive. When SG1 inadvertently touches off a planet-killing stellar event, they don't accept the Asgard's official decision to let the natural disaster run its course, nor do they sit around and debate the philosophical implications of interfering. Instead, they behave like normal, compassionate human beings and try to undo the damage. I find that quite refreshing.
Writing: 10.0 / 10.0
The dialogue here is actually REALLY intense. It kind of reminds me of the intensity we felt in the fourth season episode "The Other Side." Malchus is over-written a bit, but I forgive that in the face of some really well-done dialogue between Jack and the rest of SG-1. Here again, the fans complain that Jack got "too mean" but, to be honest, I have always thought Jack was "too nice" sometimes in the face of what should be very emotional stakes to be a believable military figure. Although the episode takes great pains to point out that anger can often be unproductive, we aren't left thinking Jack is an asshole either. Balance between understand Jack's reaction and understanding that tolerance is a more productive response makes the friction between Jack and Daniel much more interesting.
Acting: 9.5 / 9.5
John Prosky may have been directed to the melodramatic strains he provided as Malchus, but the regulars were on FIRE this week.
Message: 7.5 / 7.5
I do appreciate the balance here, but I can't help but hedge my score a bit on the message front to account for the real possibility that the writers intended for us to come away thinking that faithful people are reckless and violent. I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt, though, and leaning toward the rosier interpretation.
Check out the highlights below the cut!
Highlights:
ELRAD
(indicating Teal'c)
He is an enemy of the Gods.
O'NEILL
Not anymore. Thor loves this guy!
ELRAD
You know of Thor?!
O'NEILL
Oh, yeah! He's a buddy!
ELRAD
(smiling, gesturing to his people)
Well, then. Come forth! It is a time for rejoicing! Freyr has sent us visitors from Midgard!
O'NEILL
Friendly guy.
ELRAD
You must forgive Malchus. He has a suspicious nature, and we have never before been visited by elves.
O'NEILL
"Elves?" (LOL!)
O'NEILL
Carter? What just happened?
[Carter looks up at the sky, confused.]
ELRAD
The Eye of Odin grows dim.
CARTER
Some sort of shift in the light frequency.
O'NEILL
Good. I thought I was having a stroke. (LOL!)
O'NEILL
(in a strained whisper) Carter. What the heck's going on?!
CARTER
(quietly)
Somehow, the light-spectrum of the sun has shifted toward infrared. Now, if it continues this way, eventually all the green plants will die. With the plants goes the oxygen supply—
O'NEILL
(quieting her down with his hands)
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
CARTER
The MALP should give us more detailed data. It's sensors are more sophisticated.
O'NEILL
Good. You and Teal'c head back to the…Annulus…see what you can find out…Daniel?
(walks toward Daniel)
See if these folks have got an Asgard phone. (I love his human-speak...)
ELRAD
We beg you to restore Odin's light.
HOLOGRAM
You are wise to seek my counsel, but only through faith will you prove worthy of my benevolence.
MALCHUS
Do you desire us to put these outsiders to death? They could be drawn and quartered before nightfall.
O'NEILL
That's a bit harsh, isn't it? (just a tad)
MALCHUS
(to Elrad)
I told you.
(to congregation)
It is Ragnarok. Lord Freyr tells us to prepare for our death.
O'NEILL
That's a bit of a negative spin with the old paraphrasing, isn't it?
MALCHUS
I have been interpreting the Word of the Gods for many years.
ELRAD
I'm afraid I must agree with Malchus.
[Everyone talks in worried murmurs.]
O'NEILL
Hang on! Look, I know I'm the outsider here…
MALCHUS
You DARE question the Will of the Gods?!
O'NEILL
No, just…your interpretation.
DANIEL
(quietly)
You sure you want to get in the middle of this?
O'NEILL
(quietly, to Daniel)
I'm not sure how to get out of the middle of this.
O'NEILL
(louder, to people; walks down off altar)
Look, folks. Does Freyr plant your crops for you? Does he? Huh?
[Nos are heard.]
O'NEILL
Does he…harvest them?
[More Nos.]
O'NEILL
Does he build your homes for you?
ELRAD
Those are the tasks of our own hands.
O'NEILL
Exactly! You've always had free-will before, why not now? Maybe this ultimate conflict is a test of your ingenuity and courage.
ASGARD
I am Freyr. Protector of the K'Tau world.
O'NEILL
Uh, yeah, so listen, sorry to bother you. Can we talk to Thor?
FREYR
Commander Thor is in a distant part of the galaxy and unavailable. You are the one called O'Neill?
O'NEILL
(grinning)
I am the one. (heh)
FREYR
We named a warship after you. Short-lived as it was. (HEH!)
CARTER
Uh…yeah…See, we have our own dialing computer, and sometimes we bypass a few steps in order to get a lock.
[Freyr cocks his head.]
CARTER
We're still experimenting.
FREYR
(pointedly)
I see.
CARTER
We could really use your help here.
FREYR
I'm afraid I cannot assist you.
O'NEILL
Why not?
FREYR
It is not the Asgard's responsibility to undo every error you make with technology is advanced beyond your knowledge.
O'NEILL
Excuse me!? (excuse me indeed)
O'NEILL
Did Freyr mention why I'm here?
FREYR
Yes, Colonel. They're aware of the circumstances surrounding your request.
O'NEILL
(to Freyr)
Oh, hey! There you are. I didn't see you. You guys all kinda look…(awesome diplomatic skill, Jack...awesome)
[O'Neill gets a look from the Chief Councillor, then claps his hands.]
O'NEILL
Thor's not here, right? (LOL...he really misses Thor...)
CHIEF ARCHON
He is not.
O'NEILL
Okay.
O'NEILL
Okay, fine. We made a mistake…a BIG mistake…and we're very, very sorry! But we also saved your little grey butts from the Replicators, and now we want your help. I'm not asking you to change the course of their cultural development! Just fix the damn sun! No one'll know. We won't tell.
CHIEF ARCHON
Unfortunately, we cannot.
O'NEILL
Okay, at the risk of sounding like the petulant inferior race…why not?
FREYR
It would be in violation of our treaty with the Goa'uld.
O'NEILL
What?
CHIEF ARCHON
The Treaty states that the people of a planet categorized as protected will be free from Goa'uld domination. However, Subsection 42 states that the people on the planets can not be artificially advanced thru Asgard technological means. Using our technology to prevent a natural disaster would be a violation of that order and would nullify the treaty as a whole. The Goa'uld would be free to invade any of the protected planets…including Earth.
O'NEILL
Oh,…You sure?
CHIEF ARCHON
Yes. The war with the Replicators wages on here in our galaxy. We do not have the military forces to defend every planet covered under the Treaty. You would be vulnerable to Goa'uld attack.
O'NEILL
Okay. What if I were to say we're willing to take the risk?
CHIEF ARCHON
Even if you could make that decision on behalf of your planet, O'Neill, you can not make it for every other planet that would be affected.
O'NEILL
(unsure)
I suppose not.
CHIEF ARCHON
We are all greatly disturbed that this disaster cannot be averted. We wish there was a way…
[He almost seems to be hinting at something.]
O'NEILL
Well, they're not dead yet. Maybe there is.
CHIEF ARCHON
If that is the case, the solution would be up to you.
O'NEILL
(holds out hands)
Fine?
DANIEL
What happened?
CARTER
Somebody set a fire.
[O'Neill unclips his P-90 and hands it to Teal'c as he strides by quickly.]
DANIEL
Is anybody hurt?
[O'Neill takes off his hat and throws it on the ground.]
CARTER
We lost two members of SG-6. The rocket was destroyed.
[O'Neill grabs Malchus by the collar, throws him down on the ground, and climbs on top of him.]
O'NEILL
You stupid son of a bitch!
MALCHUS
(no remorse)
The Gods have spoken!
O'NEILL
You just killed two of my men and screwed your whole planet!
MALCHUS
Two of our brothers also gave their lives to serve the Gods.
O'NEILL
You coward!
[O'Neill punches Malchus in the face.]
O'NEILL
(furious)
Why didn't you do it yourself? Why?
MALCHUS
I would gladly die to serve the Gods!
O'NEILL
Maybe you should.
[O'Neill draws his Beretta, cocks it, and puts it to Malchus's neck.]
DANIEL
Jack!
CARTER
Sir!
ELRAD
Stop, please! I am truly sorry for what has happened. You must believe me, Malchus has acted without my knowledge. He will be punished. Please! More death serves no one!
[Malchus is still grinning at O'Neill. Daniel stands behind O'Neill, very worried.]
O'NEILL
(quiet but intense)
More death is exactly what you people are gonna get. (WOW...very intense moment)
DANIEL
Jack, stop! We can't leave!
O'NEILL
(still furious)
The hell we can't! Carter, dial it up. Get these people home!
CARTER
Sir—
O'NEILL
That's an order!
DANIEL
(yelling)
Jack, would you stop!
[O'Neill turns to face Daniel.]
O'NEILL
(screaming)
They killed two of my men!
DANIEL
Yes, they did. But not all these people are responsible for that. And even the ones that were, were…just doing what they believed was right.
O'NEILL
I really don't care.
DANIEL
Well, I do. And leaving right now would be irredeemable.
O'NEILL
In whose eyes? The Asgard? They had their chance.
CARTER
Sir, I essentially pressed the button that could end this civilization.
O'NEILL
(yelling)
All right! We made the first mistake, but we were gonna fix it! Is it obvious only to me that these people don't want help?!
CARTER
I couldn't live with myself if I just walked away now.
TEAL'C
I do not believe the majority of the people of this world support the actions of Malchus. (this is all really well done...)
O'NEILL
Now can we go?
TEAL'C
The K'Tau were not convinced?
O'NEILL
Nope.
(angrily, to Daniel)
Because you didn't say what needed to be said. (uh oh...)
DANIEL
Well, what would you have said? (seeing O'Neill walk away from him)
Wait! What are you gonna say?
O'NEILL
(takes off his hat)
Hey, folks, you wanna join me over here? Come on! Fold on in here folks, I got a few things I wanna say.
DANIEL
(quietly)
What are you doing?
O'NEILL
Telling them the truth, Daniel.
DANIEL
Whether or not a god really exists is not as important as whether or not a belief in God really exists. (as close to the truth as I'd expect a sci-fi series to get)
O'NEILL
You wouldn't be saying that if we were talking about a Goa'uld.
DANIEL
We're not talking about a Goa'uld.
ELRAD
Have we not made our position clear?
O'NEILL
Yes! Yes, you have. I just don't think we've made ourselves clear.
DANIEL
Jack, the Asgard—
O'NEILL
Are not Gods!
[He steps up onto a wooden box.]
O'NEILL
Hi, folks, listen. You all know Freyr, right? Big guy, kinda good-lookin,' lotta of fancy gold armor?
[Everyone says yes.]
O'NEILL
Well, here's a flash for ya. That's NOT what he looks like.
ELRAD
What do you mean?
O'NEILL
He's an alien who's been pretending to be your god.
[Daniel shakes his head.]
O'NEILL
He doesn't have a chariot, he's got a spaceship! Spaceship. Big machine, like the one we were building. Only his is way better and…not blown up.
[Disbelieving murmuring is heard.]
O'NEILL
(gesturing)
I'm not kidding you, folks. This little feller is about three feet tall, got clammy grey skin, big black eyes, and skinny, tiny little arms and legs, like toothpicks.
[The villagers look on in disbelief. Daniel drops his head.]
O'NEILL
They think you need to believe in a god! That you're not developed enough as a culture to think for yourselves.
ELRAD
Enough!
O'NEILL
Elrad, listen to me! These aliens have the power to help you…they chose not to!
ELRAD
I am sorry for what happened to your people. I know you think you are trying to help us, but, please, it is time for you leave.
O'NEILL
I thought when something was in a wormhole, it existed only as…energy. That you needed another Stargate to turn it back into solid matter.
CARTER
Actually, you're absolutely correct, sir.
O'NEILL
(seconds later, amazed)
I am?
CARTER
Yes!
(smiles)
You see? It's the Stargate on the other side that actually reintegrates the matter into its pre-organized form.
[O'Neill looks back at Hammond with a huge grin on his face]
CARTER
Without it the energy in the wormhole would rematerialize in its base form. Now, in the case of a person, that would be very bad, but in the case of an element, it shouldn't be a problem.
O'NEILL
(still smiling, to Hammond, whispering)
I was right! (ROTFL!)
DANIEL
(sighs)
I wanna tell them…and say good-bye.
[He walks up to the gathered crowd.]
DANIEL
Sorry, it didn't work. But, it's not too late to change your mind about leaving.
ELRAD
(continues praying)
Great Protector, Oh Freyr, Our Lord and Savior, accept our frailties and forgive our sins.
DANIEL
(praying)
We beg You grant us your mercy, and return the light that gives us life.
(looking at Elrad, nodding)
Good bye.
[Daniel turns to walk away. Everyone gasps and begins to murmur as the light begins to return to normal.]
O'NEILL
Am I having a stroke?
[Carter shakes her head and looks at her instrument. The sun returns to a yellow color.]
ELRAD
Blessed be Freyr! Bow your heads, and thank him for granting our prayers.
CARTER
I'm pretty sure we didn't do this, sir. At least not on our own.
TEAL'C
The Asgard.
CARTER
They said they wouldn't help.
O'NEILL
Overtly.
CARTER
So, you're saying that just by starting the process, we gave them the opportunity to step in without the Goa'uld knowing?
O'NEILL
A way of saving face. Technical loophole?
DANIEL
Or not.
[The others look at Daniel in surprise that he might 'believe'.]
DANIEL
Well, I mean, we'll never really know for sure, will we? (a better way to end this story I can't imagine)
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