Speaking of Stargate
As previously noted, there is a move afoot to try to save the Amazon reboot of Stargate.
As all science fiction lovers will know, a common trope in science fiction TV shows is the time-loop episode. As it happens, my favourite time loop episode of all time is the one done by Stargate SG1. Season 4 Episode 6, Window of Opportunity.
The episode kicks off on an alien planet (as many Stargate episodes do). On this planet there is a scientist, Malikai, studying an ancient device. Meanwhile, a geomagnetic storm is brewing. Malikai is talking to Daniel Jackson and suddenly seems eager for Daniel and the rest of SG1 to leave. He claims the radiation from the storm is becoming dangerous. When Daniel dismisses the warnings, Malikai shoots him.
The rest of the team comes looking for Daniel only to find him unconscious. At the same time, electricity starts arcing around the ancient device. Jack and Teal’c realize Malikai is behind this and try to make him stop.
Then, zap.
Jack is sitting across the table from Sam and Daniel, eating breakfast, confused that his day is starting over again.
This episode is a masterful balance of light-hearted humour and heavy emotion. The majority of the episode consists of Jack and Teal’c partaking in a variety of shenanigans as they live the same day over and over again.
If you’ve seen it, you know what’s going on in this picture. If you haven’t, I highly recommend it. Even if you don’t like the time-loop trope, this might be the exception. This episode has some of the funniest moments in the entire show. Then, it shoots an arrow straight into your heart.
Malikai has activated the device in the hopes of seeing his dead wife again. Despite knowing that even if the device works he won’t be able to save her. He doesn’t think anyone understands his pain.
Jack understands.
Fans of Stargate will remember the reason Jack agreed to go through the stargate the first time (in the movie the show is based on) was because he thought it would be a suicide mission. His nine-year-old son had accidentally shot himself with Jack’s gun. Consequently, Jack was in a deep hole of depression.
It’s easy to forget that back story as Jack O’Neil is a generally light-hearted and easy-going character. But when his seriousness comes out, it hits home. As it does here when he gets Malikai to see the torture he would be putting himself through if he saw his wife only to watch her die again.
This episode demonstrates the excellent story telling, blending character driven and concept driven plots, present in so much of Stargate. I hope if a reboot ever happens, it continues to tell stories like this.