The Nox

DVD, Stargate SG-1 S1 (The Nox)

This story is very similar to the original 'Star Trek' episode 'Errand of Mercy' in which Kirk finds himself among seemingly weak and undefensive aliens, trying to convince them to go against the invading Klingons. And the beings turn out to be not so weak after all. Lack of originality isn't the episode's real problem though. It's good that they're re-evaluating the Stargate mission, and there's a move to a specific objective to retrieve a known technology, instead of stumbling onto a planet with general goals of exploration or contact. Having a purpose gives the story a bit more importance.

Unfortunately the lush look of leafy green forest land and colourful aliens, don't disguise the budget cutting. Apophis goes for a jaunt in the woods on the exact day that SG-1 turn up. That's a bit of a leap in itself, but he only brings about three guards with him! The grand enemy is left looking a little out of place in his gold threads, walking in the mud. It just doesn't seem plausible from what we've seen of him that he'd be personally involved in a down and dirty mission to capture some beast, and he loses some of his power and stature away from all the finery and pomp. This makes him seem a less powerful adversary and in turn makes the heroes less heroic.

It's surprising to see Armin Shimerman (who played Quark on 'DS9'), but pleasant, and he makes a good job of a pretty airy-fairy character. It is a good step to have the story from the pilot episode continue in some form, although it's taken quite a while to get there, and it doesn't really add anything to the ongoing plot except to remind us who the villain is. So far episodes have been hit and miss, but you can't deny you like the characters, and that's the main reason for watching. I love some of the lines like Teal'c's noble declaration that their way is for the strong to protect the weak, or the comedic way Jack and Daniel try to explain things to the Nox. Also, the effects aren't bad, it's just the story doesn't really go anywhere. Perhaps a coda back at base with the VIP who was in the teaser, to provide a conclusion, would have worked?

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