This interesting episode really does a tremendous amount in terms of fleshing out the backstory of who might have built the gate system and what happens to a host when they are taken. And it's a huge revelation that there is a powerful race of aliens out there that are fighting the Goa'uld.
But this episode is a glaring example of one of the things that I always found incredibly disappointing about SG-1, and O'Neill in particular. They constantly leave a trail of destruction behind.
Keep in mind, their standing orders are to find technology that will help in the fight against the Goa'uld. Those are their orders! In this instance, they have found an absolutely incredible piece of technology that can safely remove a Goa'uld from its host. That is priceless in the fight against them. It literally means any Goa'uld can be captured and brought here to set the host free. That is incredible! Especially since we now know that the host's personality and memory remain intact. Not only is it fantastic that the host can be saved, but think of the strategic intelligence that could be obtained from them. I'm sure any host would be happy to tell everything they remember.
Just as important, this technology is vital to the Cimmerians, and to keeping them safe. The recording that greets O'Neill and Teal'c clearly indicates there's a treaty in place, and this is a vital part of it's enforcement. What right does O'Neill, or anyone, have to destroy it?
But O'Neill destroys this incredible piece of technology (in contradiction to their standing orders) for no other reason than it's inconvenient! Teal'c is in no danger whatsoever. With the Unas dead, he can remain in the labyrinth as long as he needs to for SG-1 to find who built the Hammer and contact them. There's simply no legitimate reason or right to destroy the technology. Not to mention it would be a far more positive first contact with the Asgard.
Much as I like Stargate SG-1, and I have the entire series on DVD, this egocentric and destructive characteristic of the team, mainly O'Neill, is the one thing that I have always disliked, and really puts a stain on an otherwise very heroic group of characters.
But this episode is a glaring example of one of the things that I always found incredibly disappointing about SG-1, and O'Neill in particular. They constantly leave a trail of destruction behind.
Keep in mind, their standing orders are to find technology that will help in the fight against the Goa'uld. Those are their orders! In this instance, they have found an absolutely incredible piece of technology that can safely remove a Goa'uld from its host. That is priceless in the fight against them. It literally means any Goa'uld can be captured and brought here to set the host free. That is incredible! Especially since we now know that the host's personality and memory remain intact. Not only is it fantastic that the host can be saved, but think of the strategic intelligence that could be obtained from them. I'm sure any host would be happy to tell everything they remember.
Just as important, this technology is vital to the Cimmerians, and to keeping them safe. The recording that greets O'Neill and Teal'c clearly indicates there's a treaty in place, and this is a vital part of it's enforcement. What right does O'Neill, or anyone, have to destroy it?
But O'Neill destroys this incredible piece of technology (in contradiction to their standing orders) for no other reason than it's inconvenient! Teal'c is in no danger whatsoever. With the Unas dead, he can remain in the labyrinth as long as he needs to for SG-1 to find who built the Hammer and contact them. There's simply no legitimate reason or right to destroy the technology. Not to mention it would be a far more positive first contact with the Asgard.
Much as I like Stargate SG-1, and I have the entire series on DVD, this egocentric and destructive characteristic of the team, mainly O'Neill, is the one thing that I have always disliked, and really puts a stain on an otherwise very heroic group of characters.