Stargate SG-1 (TV Series) Arthur's Mantle (2006) User Reviews

Out of sight

[owlaurence · 8/10 · 13 August 2010]

See, this is what I like about Stargate: even an already-used plot can still work, because SGC learn their lessons. So when Carter and Mitchell realise they've shifted dimensions, they immediately think back on Crystal Skull and go straight to Daniel. The long series of trials and errors with the Mantle device is honest comedy, and it is entertaining to watch Carter grow increasingly frustrated with her inability to solve problems, whereas Mitchell is mostly concerned about his inability to eat. Fortunately, a new development with the Priors and the Sodan Jaffa soon has him and Teal'c occupied elsewhere.

The plot with Volnek is clearly secondary (I mean, nothing of consequence really happens, except that Earth loses yet another ally) but it still works, and some effort has been made to link both stories. (Btw, I wish somebody had mentioned the Caveman virus from The Broca Divide, because Volnek's condition really reminded me of it.) Also, I never tire of watching the "new" Teal'c with his fondness for twin machine guns and for hitting Mitchell. All in all, SG1 is starting to feel more like a group of pals than a military unit, but who cares?

So granted, the show is starting to show signs of running out of new concepts (as Mitchell mentions, after Alternate Universe and Alternate Dimensions, he only has Time Travel left to experience). But this particular repetition doesn't feel too much like one, and it isn't gratuitous since we learn capital news. And may I mention, Lee's endless fumbles with the Mantle device are much better handled than Jay Felger's disastrous Avenger 2.0. virus had been. By the way, it was rather unfair to laugh at his miniaturisation theory. It wouldn't have been the most bizarre event at SGC.

Not the best, but still entertaining

[TheDudeReviewsStuff · 9/10 · 12 February 2023]

I can only imagine the challenge writers went through coming up with all original material for a show like SG1.10 years, 214 episodes, 2 films. Luckily for those like me, when the writers rehash old concepts they add enough twists to satisfy my simple entertainment needs.

The comedic duo interactions between Carter and Mitchell is quite well done. It reminds me in some ways of a Martin and Lewis (for us old folks - Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph for the young'Uns) skit. Nice to see the cast get a chance to show some comedy chops. The new Teal'c with dual machine guns is pretty cool. Dr. Lee gets some good screen time as well and does a good job adding some fun.

That does not mean that there are not dramatic moments. To me the parts with Volnek slaughtering the Sodanwere a bit depressing and jarring. Fortunately they are interspersed with light-hearted moments to separate the dramatic scenes, which I find a nice touch. And Volnek did blow up real nice to wrap up that portion of the plot.

Overall, an entertaining.episode worth the time to watch.

The Glastonbury Artifact

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 23 February 2022]

While researching an Ancient artifact found in Glastonbury, Sam is invited by Mitchell to have breakfast. However, she activates the device and they are transported to another dimension, becoming invisible in the base. Daniel imagines what is happening but Dr. Lee accidentally transports him to the same dimension that Sam and Mitchell are. Meanwhile, Teal'c travels to the Sodan planet and finds everybody dead and Haikon seriously wounded. He learns that Volnek had gone haywire by a Prior and killed his own people. When Gen. Landry decides to send other teams to support Teal'c, Mitchell decides to go with them despite his invisibility.

"Arthur's Mantle" is another funny and entertaining episode of "Stargate SG-1". The plot is engaging, with two storylines. Mitchell, as usual, is responsible for the funniest parts of the show. The special effect of the invisibility does not work all the time and Sam and Mitchell almost stumble upon a soldier in the corridor of the base. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Arthur's Mantle"

Previously

[fcabanski · 7/10 · 6 October 2015]

When an episode weaves together elements previously seen on the show this well, the result is pretty good.

The SG-1 team uses knowledge of previous events to try to solve their problem, and they use knowledge of the phase shifting to try to solve the current problem.

Dr. Lee does his usual almost there but not quite fumbling.

When the solution to the zombified Sodan warrior looks too easy, Mitchell is shifted back into phase. Now it's on.

The episode furthers the main Ori story. Now there's a weapon that can kill ascended beings. SG-1 has to find it. That's a good set up for future episodes.

One big inconsistency is in the dimension/phase shifting. If phase shifted people can't interact with solid objects in the regular phase, why don't they fall through the floor?

So, how come I don't fall through the floor?

[ok-notifications-517-439932 · 7/10 · 29 November 2021]

Overall, this would be a 5/10, but the script works. There's the mystery of the ancient device, Teal'c on his solo warrior mission, some kind of Ori zombie soldier and a possible solution for the Ori problem. And then there's the out of phase thing.

To quote S5 E12:

Yolanda Reese: It says that I am out of phase, that I can pass my hand through solid matter. That I can walk through walls?

Director: Yeah, yeah, that's right, because you're "out of phase."

Martin Lloyd: Um, exactly.

Yolanda Reese: So, how come I don't fall through the floor?

So yes, they blew that out of phase thing once again in season 9, as usually. What bothers me more is Doctor Lee. Why is he still there? He is obviously not suitable for his work, makes stupid mistakes and endangers others. And killing that zombie fighter? Just shoot three times with a Zat. Problem solved.

Decent plot, but sloppy around the edges

[n-middleton-117 · 6/10 · 27 August 2020]

These "out of phase" episodes always have the one big problem of determining what they can and can't interact with. Interacting with Merlin's device makes sense, but why is it they can walk through solid objects, but don't fall through the floor?

Aside from that, there's a lot of other lazy bits of writing to try build more suspense or add drama. For example, the device is a keyboard, with ancient letters...so why does Daniel have to go through his own notes, one by one, instead of them just typing out what they see on the display? Furthermore, why does Merlin's device have a localised effect when activating, but can reach across the galaxy when deactivating?

Furthermore, the battle on the Sodan homeworld is outlandish and sadly falls victim to the same Mature-rating restrictions of many other plot lines in the series. Like any "zombie" reanimation story, decapitation would be the most logical solution, but a series of headshots or severing the head would surely result in the show being rated MA or R. It's also terribly anti-climactic when they're able to defeat Volnek, almost single handedly, without a remarkably basic bait and trap plan, when the supposedly superior, and better equipped Sodan couldn't do the same.

Most of these plot holes aren't overly significant, unlike some of the other episodes in this season, but it's yet another sign of some lazy writing creeping into the series. Overall, a decent plot line, with some interesting revelations helps make up for the rough edges and earns it a pass mark.

Lame again...

[cudax · 2/10 · 28 August 2021]

When Mitchell and Carter are rendered invisible by an alien device, Carter tells Mitchell to try picking up a coffee cup, which he cannot do because they are in a slightly different dimension...however, while they are wandering around in the facility, they constantly move out of the way of other personnel, which is totally lame, and, unnecessary because the non-effected personnel would simply pass through them! Also, both of the are able to push buttons on a keyboard, and Mitchell decides to go through the stargate, which should not recognize any out of phase molecular matter! I like the series for the most part, but you'd think that a high budget series might take more care to minimize the number of goofs that are constantly popping up! Very disappointing...

Been done

[Calicodreamin · 6/10 · 12 April 2022]

I know it's a lot to ask of a long running show to come up with new material, but this is so a been there done that, in fact they repeatedly mention the been there done that.