Legacy

DVD, Stargate SG-1 S3 (Legacy)

From the teaser, a dark, foreboding creep around what is discovered to be the tomb of some 'minor league' Goa'uld who were opposition for the System Lords, becomes more of a classic horror with Daniel admitted to a mental hospital after showing signs of schizophrenia and seeing the dead who try and pull him through a stargate in his own cupboard. A good first half then becomes a long-winded science experiment as Sam, Jack and Dr. Fraiser try to find an antidote to the same madness that's infecting them - all from a device left by Ma'chello from Season 2's 'Holiday' who was trying to kill off Goa'uld.

After the last episode, set exclusively on the base I felt we needed an off-world mission so it was disappointing when events force a relocation back to base instead of the dark tunnels of the opening. The Orc-like visions added a bit of menace and for a short while things were quite satisfyingly uneasy and dangerous, but the story falls back on explaining the scientific progress of a cure (with help from Dr.'s Fraiser and Warner) instead of the human side of it. It's also hard to believe Daniel would be so easily sectioned and it's him again who is disbelieved just like when he was sucked into a parallel universe. You've got to feel for the guy. There was a bit of humour as ever, from Jack, and some good direction, especially in the padded cell, but what could have been great was only partially entertaining. Encouragingly, I do feel things are on an upward curve.

**