One of the strongest episodes of the first season of Stargate SG-1, 'There but for the Grace of God', sets up a story arc that is to pursued later in season three. It also sets the premise for the culminating episodes of this season.

While visiting a seemingly deserted alien world, the members of SG-1 discover an array of alien artifacts that Daniel Jackson believes could be of great archaeological importance. However responding to a warning from Teal'c, Colonel O'Neill orders them to vacate the planet before he has a chance to investigate fully. Just before he leaves, Daniel accidentally activates a mysterious mirror, but at this point is unaware of its function.

Upon leaving the room, he finds that his team mates have apparently left without him and so proceeds through the Stargate alone, but his arrival is greeted with an armed guard. As events unfold, the evidence that presents itself suggests that he has been transported into an Alternate Reality where things are decidedly different from his own reality. O'Neill is a General, Sam Carter is a civilian scientist, having never joined the Air Force, Daniel's own counterpart in this reality did not join the SGC and most alarming of all, Teal'c is still serving as the first Prime of Apophis and leading an all out offensive on Earth.

This episodes strength, as with the show in general, lies in its ability to retain a sense of realism while dealing with subject matter that is by nature outlandish. The superb acting of Michael Shanks as the bewildered archaeologist, Daniel Jackson, takes us from the extreme confusion he feels upon his arrival at these alien yet familiar surroundings, through his frustration at the skepticism and outright disbelief voiced by General O'Neill et al and finally his desperation in trying to stop the same fate from befalling his own reality. David Warry-Smith's direction allows us to experience the sense of helplessness that the members of the SGA (the Alternate Realities version of the SGC) feel at their inability to stop the invasion by the Goa'uld warlord. In particular Richard Dean Anderson's understated portrayal of the base's commanding officer conveys the overall sorrowful mood of the episode. There will be no eleventh hour escape for our heroes in this reality.

Another interesting subplot in 'There but for the Grace of God' is the romantic relationship between Jack O'Neill and Samantha Carter. The onscreen chemistry between these two characters has been one of the positive qualities of the show since the pilot and this episode serves to reinforce the notion that an attraction exists between them. In fact this lends itself to one of the most touching scenes of the episode as the General and the Doctor bid each other what they realise may be their last goodbye. The writers, David Kemper and Robert C. Cooper, do themselves proud by avoiding melodrama or hysterical sentimentality and give credence to the fan base that claims a relationship between these two would not detract from the quality of the show.

'There but for the Grace of God' is a powerful episode and an effective set up for the frankly disappointing season finale. It also demonstrates the potent combination of skilful writing, directing and acting that epitomised the first season.

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