This is SGC's first real run-in with the NID, who is becoming more and more of a threat (and one you cannot simply zat away). It is also a redeeming moment for Maybourne, who after spending years as the villain, suddenly acquires a sense of humour and a roguish but rather likable personality. Even though this comes out of the blue, I am willing to play along, simply because Maybourne and O'Neill, aka Starsky and Hutch, are one of the best pairs on Stargate SG1.
The good thing about the episode is that it's unpredictable: it begins with SG1 coming back under a hail of fire only to learn about Hammond's surprise resignation. From then on, SGC is left to deal with a stiff-necked politician of a general who sets out to change everything at SGC without any regard for anybody's feelings, and quickly proves to be incompetent, overconfident, and not very brave --you can actually hear Carter's voice dripping with scorn when she says "sir".
Meanwhile, O'Neill is taking opportunity of his almost immediate suspension (for insolence, what a surprise) to rescue Hammond from the NID. Considering that Jack is, as Maybourne says, a rather straightforward guy who believes in doing the right thing over expediency, this seems rather tricky. But O'Neill once more shows how resourceful he can be. And there are several rather amusing moments, such as Kinsey's password or Maybourne's blatantly fake shock when O'Neill starts threatening Kinsey.
Honestly, this is not my favourite episode. Most of it does not really feel like a Stargate storyline, but it is important to the overall story and it sets up a lot of things that will be developed further on.
The good thing about the episode is that it's unpredictable: it begins with SG1 coming back under a hail of fire only to learn about Hammond's surprise resignation. From then on, SGC is left to deal with a stiff-necked politician of a general who sets out to change everything at SGC without any regard for anybody's feelings, and quickly proves to be incompetent, overconfident, and not very brave --you can actually hear Carter's voice dripping with scorn when she says "sir".
Meanwhile, O'Neill is taking opportunity of his almost immediate suspension (for insolence, what a surprise) to rescue Hammond from the NID. Considering that Jack is, as Maybourne says, a rather straightforward guy who believes in doing the right thing over expediency, this seems rather tricky. But O'Neill once more shows how resourceful he can be. And there are several rather amusing moments, such as Kinsey's password or Maybourne's blatantly fake shock when O'Neill starts threatening Kinsey.
Honestly, this is not my favourite episode. Most of it does not really feel like a Stargate storyline, but it is important to the overall story and it sets up a lot of things that will be developed further on.
