"Stargate SG-1" Review Season 01, Episode 13, Hathor

"Stargate SG-1" Review Season 01, Episode 13, Hathor

8/10

24th October 1997
Written By: David Bennett Carren, Larry Carroll, Jonathan Glassner
Directed By: Brad Turner

Following the find of an Egyptian sarcophagus in a Mayan temple, which was sent to the SGC due to Doctor Jackson being one of the few who had written of cross cultural pollination, a woman appears at the doors of the SGC claiming to be the goddess Hathor and possessing much knowledge she should not. She has certain charms about her which grants her strong influence over men, and soon turns the base upside down.

This episode introduces the concept of instant brainwashing through drugs or pheromones emitted from a Goa'uld Queen, taking over the will of men and making them pliant to her will. One can only assume that the difference in brain chemistry or something in the missing leg of the Y chromosome contains the means to combat the effects, as the women do not respond to the influence. The only exception being Teal'c, who has a larva in his belly which negates the effects. It is not used again later, though other means will be introduced.

The episode also reveals that in order for a Goa'uld to be compatible with a new host then a genetic sample from that species must be introduced into the spawning procedure of infants. And while Goa'uld are essentially asexual, there are Queens who are responsible for spawning the Goa'uld.

Finally, the episode shows that Jaffa can be made and unmade very quickly as opposed to the countless generations of genetic manipulation as previously indicated. Though one who is born Jaffa may not be unmade as easily.

The plot is intricate, the effects are understated, and the acting talent is good.

Link to Series Review:
Stargate SG-1