Divide and Conquer

DVD, Stargate SG-1 S4 (Divide and Conquer)

Now I know why I didn't see Martuf in the later episodes! Once again the ideas exceed the execution, and this is mostly a bottle show staged on the standing sets. It begins with a bang, and a heroic dive from Colonel O'Neill as he rescues Freya from a Zaytark attack - an assassin from the ranks of the SGC that's been programmed by the Goa'uld to activate when a specific target is in view. This promised an action-packed episode, but while there was an effective flashback sequence from one of the soldiers recalling a mission when they came under attack from the Goa'uld, it was a dialogue-heavy episode. The third Tok'ra themed episode in a row, and the the third to feature Freya, this also sees the return of Martuf and his sad demise after revealing himself as an unknowing Zaytark and getting shot to pieces.

I give the writers credit for this plot twist as I was expecting Freya to come out and be killed as the assassin, mainly thanks to Jack being vaguely fond of her, more than he's comfortable with. I still see no good coming of her, despite her well-meaning ways. Daniel was also high on my list of potential dangers as I thought I remembered him being left alone by Teal'c for a short period in the episode they were referencing. I was certainly glad this didn't turn into the annual clips show as I feared when they began doing the flashbacks to 'Upgrades', though no doubt there will be one along eventually! The way the US President was dealt with as an entity was another well-handled part of the story. Naturally they're shy of showing the man, but they have you believe the white-haired guy is the real deal to winkle out the Zaytark, leaving the real leader still unseen.

One arc in the story was less subtly handled; that of O'Neill and Carter's mutual fondness for each other. Previously it's always been a minor cog, mostly on Sam's side, occasionally referenced, but never getting in the way of the story. I'm not saying it got in the way, it didn't, but after skirting about the bush for so long it's strange to see the subject broached so clumsily as if they were artificially trying to move the story along. It's also unclear who else heard the 'revelations' as only Freya, the interviewer, was in the room with them - was Dr. Fraiser able to listen in, and what about the soldiers guarding the area? Ignoring the flaws I'd say I've enjoyed the continuing story that has unfolded in these last few episodes. Without slavishly linking together they've provided an ongoing Tok'ra presence (still no Jacob yet, though) which I hope will continue to grow rather than the team simply running off on another unrelated mission.

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