Demons

DVD, Stargate SG-1 S3 (Demons)

It is an uneasy use of a real life faith in the sci-fi context that makes this episode less easy to recommend and enjoy than if it had been another ancient, little-known culture. A superstitious form of medieval Christianity is the basis for a story which isn't bad, but is rather slow. The set and setting are very well done, Jack even drawing attention to the greenery found on so many planets in self-referential fashion. Learning that the Unas is a race, and not the single, legendary figure the SG-1 team defeated in 'Thor's Hammer' does somewhat diminish it as it's turned into a mere foot soldier - far less terrifying a thing that works under orders for a master and is seen in the light of day. I'm all for such building up of continuity, but knowledge sometimes lessens the stature and power of myth.

In this case it was good for the poor people of the secluded village, for their superstitious and unbiblical way of life, ruled by the man who cared more about wielding power than caring for the community kept them in fear and dread. I'm not sure the message of the SG-1 team charging in and putting Christianity to rights is quite appropriate, but because this was such an old 'Dark Ages' way of life it isn't handled as self-righteously as sometimes, and in fact shows the faith Simon has in God as he selflessly stands before the Unas to shield the crooked canon, so could be said to be relatively balanced, including Teal'c assertion that the Bible is such a part of Western culture. In fact there isn't really stuff in it that ridicules the faith or obliquely puts science against it as such is often bandied about when the team visit other cultures.

The use of monks chanting in place of the usual guttural, Egyptian-style vocal quality in the score was a well-observed change that suited the mood and story. However, the team aren't at their best, mostly being held captive and powerless. There's very little grief and mourning for Teal'c as if the director and actors felt it wasn't necessary because we all knew the symbiont was going to save the guy and he'd be back from the 'dead' before long. Similarly the fact Teal'c is back with them is pretty much glossed over quickly so that the story can proceed. I was never convinced the leader was going to accept his loss of control over the villagers and would likely have continued his system even had the Goa'uld not taken him over, but it did make a nice last-minute twist when they're just about to return and they realise there's something still to do. Carter's a bit of a superhero since she got her ability to detect symbionts! As well as the Unas, I believe another link to the first season is the actor that played Simon - I'm pretty sure he was the accuser of Teal'c in 'Cor-ai'.

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