DVD, Stargate SG-1 S3 (Learning Curve)
It began with little elf-like helpers pottering about, and I expected another dull thing about some alien children again, but it became delightful issue-driven episode that didn't allow continuity to stand in the way of a good story and what's more, has a bittersweet, but on the whole happy, ending. This is the first episode of the season I've really enjoyed all the way through. It's a bit of a blast from the past, going back to visiting an alien world and sharing with its people, getting back to what they did most every episode in Season 1, before convoluted backstories and intense alien politics took over.
The alien gate set looked lovely and there were some pretty good CGI set extensions, but effects and locales weren't as important as the issues at hand. The nanites, an established piece of background technology seen before, are important to the story, except this time O'Neill isn't rapidly aged as in 'Brief Candle', but they're the measn to an end rather than taking over (literally or figuratively!). A sinister mood begins to pervade, but again the episode surprises, as Jack again gets to show what a rapport he has with children, 'kidnapping' Maren, the alien girl to take her to a school and show her about fun.
That this turns into a better life for the children on the other world whom have been 'used up' for information, while still allowing her to do her strongly-felt duty is very good writing and a satisfying conclusion, even while the thought of children being used as information vacuums in their early years until they must give up everything they've learnt along with their life experiences and become little more than toddlers again, for the greater good, remains chilling. But the Stargate team's 'interference' pays off for once and they leave seeing that the children will now be taught and able to grow up and develop. It's definitely in the vein of a 'prime directive' episode, and it's shown once again that sometimes alien cultures are the way they are for a reason, but all the boxes are ticked and everyone pretty much comes away smelling of roses. If only more episodes had this delicate and well-developed approach, I'd be much happier!
***
Monday, 16 August 2010
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