Prisoners

DVD, Stargate SG-1 S2 (Prisoners)

I sensed this would be either a two-parter or an unresolved plotline, because of the main story finishing 'early' there had to be something still to happen. Usually a story like that takes place in the one location, so a fairly easy escape (thanks to plant power - far-fetched even by 'Stargate' standards!), pointed to a twist. I don't remember the Destroyer of Worlds, so either I never saw any episodes with her in or she wasn't a very useable or strong villain. I'll reserve judgement on that for now.

As a story, in the mould of 'alien prison' (see Voyager's 'The Chute' or DS9's 'Hard Time' for truly great ones) it was good. You get your prison bully, a hellish locale, and ugly food. I wanted more of Teal'c fighting the hordes, but that side of it was enjoyable enough, from the simmering atmosphere of the inmates, although they looked less threatening than they should have. A couple of boxes were satisfactorily ticked: a view of people standing in the way of an opening Stargate is something I wanted to see from the start (not to be grisly, just out of curiosity, it being something that's been discussed a few times), and then General Hammond's first away mission– sorry, gate travel. I can't believe it was the first time he'd been through the wormhole! The SG teams are beginning to be fleshed out a bit too, with SG-9 apparently the go-to guys for diplomatic missions (it was never going to be SG-1 with Jack in charge now was it?), and Lynaya's cool root-inspired attire is worthy of note also. And who were the mysterious aliens in charge of the justice system? Could it be the little grey dudes at last...

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