Secrets

DVD, Stargate SG-1 S2 (Secrets)

This moves the story on apace. In the space of one episode we find a Sharray in her normal mind (I was waiting for the parallel version, time paradox or other explanation for her presence!), meet Carter's Dad, Jacob, find out there's a leak in the Stargate programme, prevent Sharray's newly-born child from falling into Heruer's captivity, discover Jacob has cancer, and see Sharray and Apophis reunited while she deliberately doesn't reveal SG-1 hiding in the shadows. That's not to mention the possible murder of a journalist who knew too much - they don't usually fit this much plot into half a season!

Knowing Jacob from other episodes it's brilliant to see his first appearance, and tragic that Sam can't tell him about her secret work, even though he's dying. After the familial turmoil that Teal'c suffered in the previous episode you'd think he'd be more supportive of Daniel's strong feelings. But then he does have a sense of duty that puts the means of defeating the Goa'uld ahead of all other priorities. The second season so far hasn't scrimped on the ongoing plot details that took a back seat through much of the first, and episodes like this serve to further our interest as much as furthering knowledge - expanding the mythology and the characters. The scenes set on everyday Earth worked well against the familiar but alien setting of Abbydos, and the confidence of the series is starting to show through.

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