A really great episode. Since all the explanations have been given in the first part, we now get most of the action. So instead of explaining, I guess I will simply list all the things that make this episode a fantastic finale:
- first, that it has been long in coming! Anubis has been plaguing us for several years now and last year's finale didn't constitute much of a victory in my opinion
- the really amazing and original SFX. Not just the digital bits, but all the settings and props that make the alien stuff credible.
- it's rather flattering that everything always revolves around Earth, isn't it? and the new mystery about Atlantis was a very clever way to introduce the series' spin off.
- and how nostalgic to return to the Antarctic after all this time!
- I just LOVED that Hammond finally had the opportunity to show his mettle in real action, instead of staying cooped up in the SGC. If that's his sendoff, it's a comforting one.
- to be fair, I could have done without Kinsey's rather silly show of cowardice and without this umpteenth betrayal by a "free Jaffa". Even though it was nice that losing his symbiote finally helped Brat'ak.
- obviously, the ending is suspenseful and a great moment of emotion. But my favourite little moment in the whole two-parter may be the scene between O'Neill and Teal'c in the ship. It says so much about their friendship. And I love that the whole team gets to work together once again despite O'Neill's inability to communicate anymore. These moments have become too rare.