An overall disappointing denouement to an otherwise excellent first series, Politics is more likely a product of a diminished budget, rather than of the superior production values that we have come to know from the creators of SG-1.

The story follows on from the events that took place in 'There but for the Grace of God', where Daniel Jackson returns from an Alternate Reality, with what he alleges are Gate co-ordinates for the planet where a Goa'uld invasion of Earth will be launched. He tries in vain to convince the other members of what he saw on the other side of the quantum mirror (the device that transported him to the other universe) however they are sceptical to say the least. Only Captain Carter is willing to admit that it is at least theoretically possible. The four team mates then learn of a hearing which will take place that day, which will decide the fate of the Stargate. Leading the hearing is Senator Kinsey, chairman of the Appropriations Committee, who wants the members of the SGC to justify the huge budget required to keep the programme running. However, from the outset it is apparent that the Senator has previously held beliefs that the Stargate is not only a waste of money, but ultimately dangerous to the American people. The team, especially O'Neill, go to great lengths to convince him otherwise.

So far so good. The first quarter of this episode sets up a brilliant premise questioning the secrecy of the SGC and its possible effects on the public as a whole. We see the flip side of conspiracy shows such as the X Files. Here the conspirators are portrayed as the good guys and argue a solid case for further conspiracy. Again we are reminded that the Stargate exists in the here and now and not some distant future, with the question being asked, how would the Stargate programme fare when faced with the opposition of Congress?

In addition to this the depiction of the antagonism between Kinsey and the members of SG-1 makes for some interesting scenes. The confrontations are well played out and in particular, Christopher Judge is excellent as the normally stoic Jaffa, who finally lets his anger come to the fore when faced with the doggedness of bureaucracy.

Also of note is the final scene where, when faced with the imminent closure of the Gate, the team gather solemnly to look out once more at the massive structure. Some exceptional directing and camera work.

Unfortunately the remainder of this episode lets it down drastically. The majority of it is comprised of flashbacks to previous episodes and by the end the viewer is left feeling rather cheated. While the clips that are shown are enjoyable, we have seen them before and they do nothing to add to the tension that was created in the first segment. If anything they detract from it. The groundwork laid in the opening scenes is not built upon and I am convinced that given the proper latitude writer Brad Wright could have created a fitting finale to the opening season. As it stands the creators have somehow managed to create a pigs ear from a silk purse.

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