Children of the Gods

Pic courtesy of Philip's SG-1 Screen cap Library

Summery

The Goa’uld come through Earth’s Stargate, killing four soldiers and kidnapping a female SF. Colonel Jack O’Neill is recalled to active duty and admits that Daniel Jackson did not die on Abydos. After making contact with Dr Jackson (using a tissue box of all things) Jack is joined by Major Kowalsky and Major Ferretti, who both accompanied him on the original mission, as well as Astrophysicist Captain/Doctor Samantha (Sam) Carter.

They ‘gate to Abydos and meet up with Daniel. Whilst Daniel is showing Jack, Sam and Kowalsky a room he discovered, which is filled with Stargate addresses, the Goa’uld attack the rest of the team and the Abydonians, kidnapping Daniel’s wife Shar’e and her brother Skaara and severely injuring Ferretti. The team ‘gate back to Earth, taking Daniel with them.

Now that they can go to other planets, the President has authorised that the SGC be set up to explore the Galaxy with several teams to be formed. Jack gets control of SG-1 which will include Sam and Daniel, while Kowalsky gets command of SG-2. Whilst discussing the formation of these teams, Ferretti regains consciousness and tells them the address that the Goa’uld took Shar’e and Skaara to. SG-1 and SG-2 go through to this planet. Meanwhile Shar’e is chosen as the host of the Goa’uld’s queen.

Jack, Sam and Daniel leave SG-2 near the ‘gate and head off. They meet some natives who take them to a town called Chu’lak. The Goa’uld and Shar’e (now also a Goa’uld) arrive there and SG-1 is taken prisoner. They find Skaara in the large hall and, while trying to find a way out, the Goa’uld (known as Apophis) return and take Skaara. The others are to be killed but Jack gets one of the guards to help them and they escape, taking the guard, called Teal’c, with them. They learn that Teal’c is a Jaffa, meaning he carries an infant Goa’uld in his stomach.

When they get back to the ‘gate they discover that Skaara has also been taken as a host and a battle erupts. Whilst trying to get the Abydonians through to Earth, Kowalsky is infected by a Goa’uld. Everyone gates home (including Teal’c) and the episode ends with Kowalsky’s eyes glowing.

My Take

The first time I watched this, I hadn’t even seen the Stargate movie so I was a little worried that I’d have no idea what was happening, but they put enough in so that those who hadn’t seen the movie would understand what was going on but not so much that those who had seen it would be bored. I have to admit I only started watching because RDA was in it, but I immediately fell in love with the characters (especially Kowalsky). This episode set the groundwork for a fantastic show and I was hooked straight away. What stands out the most was the scene where they introduced Sam. I loved it! Finally a smart, beautiful woman who wasn’t trying to use her looks or gender to get her places. If anything it was the opposite, she just wanted to be one of the guys. About the only thing I can say is that I’m glad the wormhole rides aren’t always as long as they were in this episode!

Favourite Parts/Quotes

* Jack sending the tissue box through to Daniel.

Samuels- What if the aliens get it?
Jack- Well they could be blowing their noses right now.
Samuels- They could be planning an attack
Jack- Oh come on Samuels, let e be the cynic around here, okay?

* Pretty much the whole scene where Sam is introduced. It’s great!

Jack- Where’s he transferring from?
Sam- *She* is transferring from the Pentagon. You must be Colonel O’Neill. Captain Samantha Carter reporting Sir.
Kowalsky- But you go by Sam...
Sam- You don’t have to worry Major, I played with dolls when I was a kid
Kowalsky- GI Joe?
Sam- No. Major Matt Mason.
Kowalsky- Oh. Who?
Ferretti- Major Matt Mason, astronaut doll. Did you have that cool little backpack that made him fly?

Kowalsky- I think what the Colonel is saying is have you ever pulled out of a simulated bombing run in an F16 at 8+ G’s?
Sam- Yes.
Kowalsky- (surprised) Well it’s way worse than that.
Ferretti- By the time you get to the other side you’re frozen stiff. Like you’ve been through a blizzard... naked.

Jack- Oh, here we go, another scientist. General please.
Sam- Theoretical astrophysicist.
Jack- Which means?
Hammond- Which means she’s smarter than you are.

Sam- I a an Airforce officer just like you are Colonel, and just because my reproductive organs are on the inside instead of the outside, doesn’t mean I can’t handle whatever you can handle.
Jack- Oh this has nothing to do with you being a woman, I like women. I’ve just got a little problem with scientists.
Sam- Colonel, I logged over 100 hours in enemy air space during the Gulf war. That tough enough for you? Or are we gunna have to arm wrestle?

*When they’re about to walk through the ‘gate to go to Abydos.

Sam- You know, you really will like me once you get to know me.
Jack- Oh I adore you already Captain.

*Just before they gate to Chu’lak.

Samuels- God I wish I was going with you.
Kowalsky- I’m kinda glad you’re staying behind.

*After Teal’c saves SG-1.

Teal’c- I have nowhere to go.
Jack- For this, you can stay at my place.

Notable SJ Shippiness

I know it was only the first episode but who can deny the sparks flying between them at their first meeting?! And when Sam asked whether they had to arm wrestle, Jack's eyes just lit up at the possibility. I think he was impressed that she could give as good as she got.