"Stargate SG-1" Review Season 03, Episode 21, Crystal Skull

"Stargate SG-1" Review Season 03, Episode 21, Crystal Skull

9/10

4th February 2000
Written By: Michael Greenburg, Jarrad Paul, Brad Wright
Directed By: Martin Wood

When a remote exploration of an alien world finds a very familiar crystal skull within a massive South American style pyramid SG-1 goes to investigate, as the original discoverer of the identical skull on Earth claimed the skull had the power to teleport any who looked into its eyes. But Doctor Jackson is so fascinated by the skull that he fails to notice an energy field enveloping him.

There is some new information in this episode, but most of it is background on Doctor Jackson. It appears to be a family trait to make outrageous claims which makes them the laughing stock of the academic community. Perhaps if his parents had lived a little longer they may have followed in those steps.

The first new information is that the massive pyramid is built of a material which impossible as it seems slows the speed of Neutrinos, radiation which passes through anything no matter how dense. It is not mentioned after this episode.

The second introduction is the crystal skull, a perfectly cut human skull of crystal, cut against the grain and from a single piece of crystal. It acts as a focusing device for the radiation energies of the temple and from what information is later given shifts those in its area not possessing a Goa'uld out of phase with the rest of reality, essentially making them into ghosts so they can see and interact with the alien life forms. The skull does not feature in later episodes outside clip shows.

The third introduction is the alien life forms; a mist-like giant alien, possibly a collective of tiny aliens assembled to be seen as something more than vapour. Despite becoming an ally and gaining Doctor Nicholas Ballard (Doctor Jackson's grandfather) as a diplomat, we will not see these aliens outside clip shows. Though it must be pointed out that a similar species will appear in Stargate Atlantis, though their means of communication is wholly different.

The plot is good, the acting talent is good, the effects are good.

Link to Series Review:
Stargate SG-1