Enigma

DVD, Stargate SG-1 S1 (Enigma)

They get points for continuity with this one, but not for originality or sophistication. Every fantasy series set in the real world has to mention the Scrodinger's Cat principle, folding space, and/or people walking through walls! Boxes ticked for this series, although I've seen those things done better on 'BUGS', 'Smallville' and Trek. Early CGI effects were a bit poor, but the falling ash was good for visualising a different environment.

The episode is notable more for it's roster of characters and references than for the sub-Prime Directive/human rights slant to the story, with reapperances from Tupoc (er Tuloc, Tumoc?... the guy from 'The Broca Divide' anyway!), the villainous Colonel Mayborn's debut, and a surprise last minute spotlight on Lya (unfortunate name) of the Nox (a shame Armin Shimerman didn't mount a comeback). Carter falling for some person in unfavourable circumstances was another running plot line.

Not a great story - while it started strange and could have been, yes, an enigma, it soon reverted to type, being little more than a tried and tested bottle show, though I must say I liked the end. Surely there must be some way Mayborn could have disciplined Daniel and Teal'c however?

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