"Stargate SG-1" Review Season 03, Episode 09, Rules of Engagement

"Stargate SG-1" Review Season 03, Episode 09, Rules of Engagement

8/10

20th August 1999
Written By: Terry Curtis Fox
Directed By: Bill Gereghty

Following the discovery of a UAV, SG-1 seeks out what appeared to be an encampment and finds an unknown SG unit engaged in battle with Jaffa. When they attempt to intervene they are ambushed and awake in the encampment to discover that they have entered training grounds.

This episode introduces a few new concepts and bits of technology.

The first is that the Goa'uld often train their Jaffa and human soldiers to know their enemy. Using information taken from a captured group of enemies they mimic them to the point where they are indistinguishable from the real thing unless the trained eye spots small differences and inconsistencies.

The trainees play war games until told otherwise by their Masters. Their final challenge is to the death; where only one side remains alive.

The first piece of technology introduced is the Intar; a training weapon which can be shaped to resemble any weapon, and which only stuns its victim when fired. It can be recognised by the red crystal at the bottom. They will reappear later in the series, though rarely identified as such.

The second piece of technology is the Vo'cume/Vocuume device, a recording device which can play a very large holographic projection of what it has recorded. Usually used to assemble troops to one location.

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

Link to Series Review:
Stargate SG-1