Family

DVD, Stargate SG-1 S2 (Family)

A tough one for Teal'c and no mistake. A bit of the old rageful Teal'c from his time under Apophis shows himself at his wife and friend's betrayal, but his anger soon turns to concern, and thankfully there's a happy ending, with his family safely off to make a new life on the light and dark world. This episode looks especially fine, with luscious woodland, buildings of rich colour and depth, and even a scene with pinsharp rain. It also features the great Master Bre'tak and the return of Teal'c's family, so there's very little not to like.

As the story played out I thought that either Frotak would be a recurring character and Teal'c would have to get used to the idea that his wife belonged to another man, or, as happened, he'd turn traitor and be killed. It would have been too much soap to have continued that story into other episodes, so it just fits nicely into one. Riach grows taller each episode, and the young actor gives a mature performance of a child taken over by Apophis' control. His scene with Teal'c in the cell is really sad, but the one where his Father heals him by zapping the boy with a zat gun was a bit of an easy escape. Apophis reminds us that he escaped the destruction of his ship, and it could be interesting to see him and the other System Lord that was introduced, reacting to each other. In all, a good episode.

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