"Stargate SG-1" Review Season 02, Episode 11, The Tok'ra part I

"Stargate SG-1" Review Season 02, Episode 11, The Tok'ra part I

8/10

2nd October 1998
Written By: Jonathan Glassner
Directed By: Brad Turner

Following the muddled remnant memories of Jolinar in Captain Carter's mind, SG-1 seeks out a world where she remembers the Tok'ra having fled after their last world was compromised. In the hopes that the Tok'ra are indeed the opposition to the Goa'ld System Lords, they attempt to establish contact.

There are several new introductions within technology and concepts in this double episode.

The first and foremost is that the Tok'ra are known for hiding their tracks, and very much dislike being called; Goa'uld. They are also able to switch control between the host and the Tok'ra, denoted by the deepening of their voice and flashing of their eyes for the Tok'ra and normal voices and eyes for their host. On occasion they will nod their head to indicate the change is taking place.

The second is the crystal-like caves and tunnels in which the Tok'ra hide. They are grown quickly, though the exact method of controlling this growth and other information is not made available for several years. The System Lords spend a great deal of effort attempting to locate these tunnels.

Then there is the translation and origin of the name; Tok'ra. It means 'Against Ra', which makes Earth Tok'ra as well.

Further ideology shows that the Tok'ra do not live as long as the Goa'uld because they do not use a Sarcophagus to extend their life, as it drains them of what they understand as their soul. And the Tok'ra do not have any population growth, unlike the Goa'uld, so they are very protective of their identity and lives.

The plot is good, the acting talent is good, the effects are sparsely used and well integrated.

Link to Series Review:
Stargate SG-1