DVD, Stargate SG-1 S1 (Bloodlines)
It was a runaround that in the end achieved nothing and brought them back to where they'd been at the beginning of the episode - Teal'c is the only thing that changes. Now he has the strength to go on, gets to meet and clear things up with his family, saves son Riach, touches base with master Bre'tak, loses his symbiont, and gains a new one! But the team don't go back with a symbiont to study so the mission was not a success.
It seems bizarre the way Teal'c breaks down at the sign of being marked a traitor when he must have realised that's what would have happened. I'm not saying his reaction wasn't powerful and makes you care about what he's feeling, and seeing his true situation of not merely being an escapee to and servant of Earth, but on the other side of it, that he and his family are outcasts, but it seemed like he didn't expect it. It's also ironic that the whole point was to stop Riach from getting a symbiont but he must be given one from his Father to survive, which was a clever paradox. But I like the complexity of the situation - although the Goa'uld are A Bad Thing, they are also essential for healing, and things aren't as simple as they appear.
133 year old Bre'tak makes his first appearance, and was very good, showing off his skills and supporting his former pupil. Even Daniel shows some venom that is usually kept hidden, going against Carter to destroy the symbionts left behind. This ruthlessness only seems to show when it has to do with his wife Shar-ray, but it's still shocking when it happens. He's no Star Trek character! Unfortunately that wasn't very helpful because it alerted the enemy and causes a dash for home.
They really should have brought an extra flask (and not just for tea) - if only they could have stolen more than one symbiont they might have been able to learn more about them, but the mission only succeeds for Teal'c, and I can't imagine General Hammond will be too happy when they get back, although he always comes around once he sees they've all survived and done some good. It's also the first planet we get to revisit as Chulak was the place we saw in the first episode, complete with quarry. The episode at times seemed like a film for the richness of its surroundings and the huge sets. A good episode on all counts.
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