| Synopsis | Review | Quotes |
First Aired On: February 12, 1999 (United States)
Written By: Katharyn Powers
Directed By: Peter DeLuise
Guest Stars: Peter Williams (Apophis), Teryl Rothery (Dr. Janet Fraiser), J.R. Bourne (Martouf), Tobias Mehler (Lt. Graham Simmons), Peter LaCroix
Synopsis: SG-1 is sitting comfortably in front of the Stargate on a desert world as the episode opens. They were summoned to the planet by an unknown person or persons and are awaiting that person's arrival. They're guessing it's the Tok'ra, but they're not completely sure. Suddenly, out of the sky swoops down a death glider being fired upon by other death gliders. The first glider crashes into the sand and SG-1 rushes over to see who's been shot down. Turns out it's Apophis. He asks SG-1 to help him. They decide to take him back to the SGC as a prisoner.
Once there, Apophis demands Kel'ma, which means "sanctuary." Dr. Fraiser insists that she take him to the infirmary because he's badly injured, and Hammond reluctantly agrees. SG-1 discusses this turn of events and, in the process, Carter has a flashback to Jolinar's torture and execution. She declares that Apophis has been tortured in the same way, enduring an incredible amount of pain which would eventually accumulate in death. Fraiser announces that Apophis is dying because he doesn't have access to the sarcophagus. Apparently, after the events of "The Serpent's Lair" Apophis lost a tremendous amount of power and now all the other Goa'uld system lords want him dead. O'Neill is appalled when Hammond reminds them that Apophis, their greatest enemy (at least to date), has rights as a human being. After all, Apophis' host is still alive. But until they can better figure out what to do with him or until he dies, Hammond orders them to question him and find out everything they can.
O'Neill watches Apophis in the infirmary from the observation room until Apophis wakes up. He tells Dr. Fraiser and she replies that Apophis wants to speak to him. O'Neill asks him what he wants, Apophis replies that he wants to live. He will give the Tauri information about the Goa'uld if O'Neill will find him a host. Not surprisingly, O'Neill refuses. Apophis then reveals that he came to Earth so that, when the Goa'uld who want him dead come looking for him, all the people on Earth might be destroyed along with him. The Goa'uld who is seeking him is an "ancient and powerful Goa'uld" named Sokar.
Daniel does some research on Sokar and pulls up a picture of the ancient god. He resembles Unas, the first host we learned about in "Thor's Hammer." Sokar was defeated by an alliance of Goa'uld system lords centuries ago and hasn't been heard from since. He was once the most feared deity, the original god of death, and ruled Tuat, the underworld, which was a lake of fire. Not the kind of guy you want to mess with.
They're interrupted as the warning alarm of an incoming traveler sounds. Everyone rushes to the Control Room, where they hear a thud against the iris. They examine the remains of the object on the iris and discover that it was one of the Sagan Institute boxes they gave to the Tok'ra. In the meantime, Daniel goes off to question Apophis. In a very intense, powerful scene, Daniel confronts Apophis and they discuss Sha're/Ammonet. I'll let you read it for yourself, though, under the quotes section. :) Anyway, the warning alarm sounds and Carter comes and retrieves an emotionally drained Daniel.
Turns out their previous suspicions were correct--their Tok'ra friend, Martouf, steps through the gate. He has come because he knows that Apophis is being held at the SGC and wants to warn them about the danger posed by keeping him there. When SG-1 weakened Apophis' power in "The Serpent's Lair," they allowed other Goa'uld to rise to fill the power vacuum, such as Sokar. Since Sokar is searching for Apophis and he knows SG-1 has taken him (the symbols for the Tauri world are well known among the Goa'uld), he will attack Earth if needs be to get Apophis back. Carter assures everyone that their iris will hold since it's been replaced (after it was destroyed in "A Matter of Time") with a Trinium-Titanium alloy. Martouf simply reaffirms that Sokar won't give up until he retrieves Apophis. If he does get Apophis back, however, he will not continue to attack Earth because he's too busy fighting a war with Heru-Ur.
SG-1 goes to talk to Apophis and get more information from him. However, when they get there, they find that they're talking to the host, not to Apophis. The host passes out again. Next we know, the warning alarm sounds again, meaning someone has established a wormhole with Earth. The iris remains firm, but begins heating up. Sokar is firing a particle accelerator at the wormhole, causing it to steadily rise in temperature. At one point the image of a face even appears on the iris and talks to them. Sokar warns them that if they do not return "what is his," they will all be destroyed. SG-1 decides to talk to Apophis again and see if they can pry some more information out of him about Sokar.
However, when Apophis sees Teal'c, he refuses to say any more in front of the "traitor." Teal'c and Apophis talk for awhile, wherein Teal'c essentially tells Apophis that the day he dies will become a holiday and everyone on Chu'lak will rejoice when he's gone. Apophis has another seizure and Fraiser argues with Teal'c about giving Apophis more painkillers. Dr. Fraiser wins and gives Apophis the painkillers. Once he's lucid again, Apophis comments that Captain Carter had once been a host for a Goa'uld and would make a nice host for Sokar's queen. Needless to say, she's not particularly thrilled with that comment.
In the Gate room, Sgt. Siler is spraying the gate with a cooling device. It's getting really hot in the gate room (room is 130 degrees F and iris is 6 to 8 times that temp...I call that hot). The Stargate finally reaches the time limit it can maintain a wormhole and shuts down. They attempt to dial out to prevent Sokar from dialing back in to Earth, but Sokar can dial faster and he's able to reestablish the wormhole first. They have to wait another 30+ minutes before trying again. Until then, Carter works on developing a program that will allow the gate to dial faster and hope that the Gate room doesn't get too hot that it destroys their iris.
As for a seriously aged Apophis, Hammond has received orders that he's supposed to cease all medical intervention. O'Neill and Daniel go down to talk to Apophis again, only they don't talk to Apophis, but rather to the host. The host speaks in ancient Egyptian and Daniel translates it. He says the man was a scribe from the temple of Amun at Karnak, and felt trapped in an unending dream. Daniel assures him that he will be buried with honor and live with his family again after he dies. Finally, Apophis reemerges. He asks for a host; O'Neill refuses. After confessing his fear, the Goa'uld dies. Amazingly, the host remains alive for several more minutes. Daniel brings a funerary statue of a scribe to the man and tells him that the statue will carry his spirit back to Egypt. Finally, the host dies. Apophis is dead.
Once everyone in the base knows that Apophis is dead, they bring the body to the Gate room. Carter has successfully sped up the dialing out process and they're able to establish a wormhole the next time it shuts down. They dial up the planet where SG-1 found Apophis and send the corpse back through the Stargate. However, Martouf assures them that Sokar has a sarcophagus and will be able to revive Apophis in order to torture him more. Before Martouf leaves, they give him an iris code device so whenever the Tok'ra need to contact the SGC they'll be able to. In return, Martouf gives them a device from the Tollan ("Enigma") which will enable the SGC to contact the Tok'ra when necessary. The friendship between the Tok'ra and the SGC has been sealed.
Realism:
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My Thoughts:
Related Episodes: Tons o' references--one of my favorite things about the "Stargate SG-1" series (besides the characters/actors and the stories) is its continuity. They're not afraid to mention previous episodes. They mention Unas ("Thor's Hammer"), the withdrawal side effects from the sarcophagus ("Need"), the metal Trinium ("Spirits") and the new Trinium-strengthened iris installed in "A Matter of Time," Bra'tac and the events of "Within the Serpent's Grasp" and "The Serpent's Lair," the Tollan who are living with the Nox ("Enigma," "The Nox"), Sha're's possession by a Goa'uld ("Children of the Gods"), and Ammonet's and Apophis' child ("Secrets"). But wait, there's more! Daniel draws on his experiences with "There But For the Grace of God" when he says they should dial out to prevent Sokar from dialing in. We learned Apophis' power had been seriously compromised in "Family." Martouf, the references to Carter's father, and the Tok'ra are from "Tok'ra Part 1" and "Tok'ra Part 2." Carter has a flashback to Jolinar's death in "In the Line of Duty." And there's yet one more: we first learned about Heru-Ur in "Thor's Chariot." There, I think I'm finally done. :)
Daniel Jackson's History/Linguistic/Mythology Lesson:
Sam Carter's Physics Lesson:
Important Stargate Information:
Alien Species/Background:
Important everyday life stuff we learn from Stargate:
Quotes:
O'Neill, upon seeing Apophis: "Holy...buckets."Daniel: "Whoa. Is that who I think it is?"
Apophis: "Tauri, please!"
Carter, to Teal'c who has just aimed his weapon at Apophis: "Teal'c! Apophis is much more valuable to us alive than dead."O'Neill, seeing the many death gliders approaching: "Oy. Alright, dial us up, get us outta here."
O'Neill: "General Hammond, Apophis. Apophis, General Hammond."
Hammond: "We've met."
Apophis: "I demand Kel'ma."
Daniel: "I'm not really sure but I think what he's asking for is..."
Teal'c: "Sanctuary."
Daniel: "Right."
Hammond: "Why?"
O'Neill, smiling smugly: "I think some rival Goa'uld just kicked his ass."Apophis: "I demand Kel'ma!"
Hammond: "You're not in a position to demand anything, Sir."Hammond: "So he's dying."
Fraiser: "Yes."
Hammond: "You're sure about that?"
Fraiser: "As sure as I can be, Sir, considering what we know about Goa'uld physiology."
O'Neill, twirling around a pen: "Good. When?"
Fraiser: "Without access to a sarcophagus the Goa'uld body will continue to deteriorate, so we're looking at days, weeks, certainly."
Carter: "This kind of torture wasn't designed to extract information. It's a method of execution."
O'Neill: "So what does he really want?"
Daniel: "You heard him yourself, he wants sanctuary."
O'Neill: "I'm not buying that."
Daniel: "He gambled we would show compassion even to our worst enemy. He was right."
O'Neill: "You think he orchestrated this? Let me tell ya something. The only compassion I showed was by not blowing his head off."
Teal'c: "I have witnessed once powerful Goa'uld enter the service of their conquerors in exchange for life. When Apophis himself was the conqueror it gave him great pleasure to see his enemies so weakened."
Carter: "Yeah, but we're a long way from being his conquerors."
Teal'c, practically gloating: "But we are greatly responsible for his downfall."
Hammond: "He lost an army when you destroyed those two ships in orbit."
Carter: "Bra'tac did say that seriously weakened his place among the Goa'uld system lords."
Daniel: "So his blood is in the water and all the other sharks are having a feeding frenzy."
Teal'c: "And he has come here seeking refuge."
O'Neill: "Well, that's tough. I say we beat whatever information we can outta old snake boy, open that gate, and toss him back to the sharks."
Hammond: "Not so fast, Colonel. He's essentially a prisoner of war. That gives him certain rights."
O'Neill, shocked: "'Rights,' General?"
Carter: "We also have to consider the host. I'm sorry, Sir, but we are dealing with two beings within one body. The symbiote may be an enemy but the host is innocent."
O'Neill: "Oh, come one, how much of the host do you still think is around after all this time?"
Teal'c: "Apophis will have that knowledge."
Hammond: "We also have to consider military intelligence. I have informed my superiors about our situation. My orders are to extract whatever information we can in the short time we have."
Teal'c: "He will tell you nothing of use, General Hammond."
Hammond: "If he believes it's in his own interest he might."
Daniel: "We are the only thing that stands between him and whatever Goa'uld was after him on that planet."
Hammond: "We need answers. Let me know when he's conscious."
Fraiser: "I'll let you know the moment he's ready for questioning."
Hammond: "Dismissed." Everyone leaves except O'Neill, who tossed his report loudly onto the table.
Carter, turning back: "Sir?"
O'Neill: "I shoulda shot him."Apophis: "O'Neill. I am dying."
O'Neill: "My heart bleeds for you."
Apophis: "You lie poorly. It is you who have done this. You rejoice."
O'Neill: "Not really. What do you want?"
Apophis: "To live."
O'Neill: "I can't help you there. That's between you and your god. Oh, wait a minute. You are your god. That's a problem."
Apophis: "I am worth far more to you than you will admit."
O'Neill: "You tell me, what are you worth?"
Apophis: "Your people. They are still primitive. You will be destroyed."
O'Neill: "You don't look like you're up to it."
Apophis, quietly: "Not me. There is another."
O'Neill: "Yeah? Who?"
Apophis: "There is much you would learn from me, Tauri. But for that knowledge there is a price. A new host."
O'Neill: "A host."
Apophis: "So that I may live in exchange for all the knowledge of the Goa'uld. The secrets of star travel. Our weapons. Our power."
O'Neill, very amused: "All that."
Apophis: "In time more."
O'Neill: "Go to hell."
Apophis: "A single human life is worth so much you'd risk a world?"
O'Neill: "That's right. That's why they call us the good guys." He turns to leave. "Doc, let me know when he dies."
Apophis: "Sokar!"
O'Neill: "What?"
Apophis: "An ancient and powerful Goa'uld. You have helped him to become strong. The last of my loyal Jaffa died stealing me from his grasp. He will not rest until I am found. That is why I chose to come here. So that in death I can be assured you will die with me!"O'Neill, about Sokar who was almost defeated by the alliance of Goa'uld System Lords in ancient Egypt: "Well, if he was almost wiped out, how bad could he be now?" Teal'c shoots him a confused look. "That's rhetorical, Teal'c."
Daniel, upon learning Sokar was connected to Unas: "Well, that makes sense. I mean, if the Unas were the first ones there had to be a time when both form of Goa'uld coexisted. Unas and human. Kind of like Neanderthal...."
O'Neill, as normal, cutting Daniel off when he goes into "archaeologist" mode: "Which is he?"
Daniel: "I don't know."Daniel, still talking about Sokar: "Yeah, basically he was the original Satan."
O'Neill: "Well isn't that special." A voice over the sound system alerts an incoming traveler. "Speak of the devil..."Daniel: "Is he conscious?"
Apophis: "Come, Daniel."
Daniel: "You know my name?"
Apophis: "Because of what we hold in common. Ammonet, my queen."
Daniel, his voice becoming very quiet, and very intense: "Her name is Sha're. She is my wife."
Apophis: "They are one and the same."
Daniel: "Ammonet possesses her. Sha're is a prisoner. But she is somewhere. I want you to tell me where."
Apophis, smiling: "Ammonet. I loved her. You do not believe me."
Daniel: "No. No. I don't think that's possible."
Apophis: "How could you? Our minds, our knowledge, our very being is so much greater, so much more."
Daniel, his voice now becoming deadly quiet: "I know where your child is."
Apophis: "My son?"
Daniel: "Yes. I brought him into the world with my own hands."
Apophis: "He was taken by Heru-Ur."
Daniel: "No. By me."
Apophis: "I have to live through the child now. Ammonet. I knew the moment I laid eyes on her she was a vessel for a queen."
Daniel, leaning closer to him, deadly serious: "If you don't tell me where she is, I'll kill you right here."
Apophis: "You have neither the strength nor the will."O'Neill: "He's going down. He wants to take us with him."
Latash: "He has taken advantage of your weakness."
Carter: "We don't consider what we did a sign of weakness."
Latash: "Then you are fools."Latash: "Over-confidence was their feeling, O'Neill. I hope it has not also become yours."
O'Neill, about Apophis' host: "Well talk to him."
Daniel: "I don't know what to say." The host becomes unconscious. "Thousands of years trapped inside your own body. It's...it's like a nightmare. It's unimaginable."Sokar: "Behold the Tauri. You have taken what is mine. For this you will be destroyed."
Apophis: "I will not speak to the sholva."
Teal'c: "I have waited many years for this moment."
Apophis: "Do you think you have won, Teal'c? You are about to die."
Teal'c: "Perhaps that is so. But my people have won freedom."
Apophis: "The Jaffa will never be free."
Teal'c: "They are free even now. As am I. Hear me, Apophis. This day will become a holy day on Chu'lac, the day of your death."
Apophis: "The larval Goa'uld you carry within you is your master even now. All of you. When the time comes for those children to take a host you will die."
Teal'c: "Then we will find other symbiotes to survive upon, then discard them when they mature. We will use your kind as you have used mine."
Apophis: "No!"
Teal'c: "The people of Chu'lac no longer worship you. They no longer fear you. The time of Apophis has finally come to an end."
Apophis: "Then kill me now!"
Teal'c: "You will tell us how to defend ourselves against this weapon."
Apophis: "I will die with a smile on my lips knowing that you will die along with me, sholva."
Teal'c, as Dr. Fraiser approaches: "Come no further. Let him suffer. And when he can stand the pain no more, he will tell us how to defend ourselves against Sokar's weapon."
Fraiser: "Teal'c, please move."
Apophis: "There was a time when you would die for me, Teal'c."
Teal'c, leaning close: "That time is no more."Carter: "Alright, these shields of yours, they obviously absorb different forms of energy." Apophis sits as far up in the bed as his restraints will allow him.
Apophis: "I sense a presence within you."
Carter: "Could your shields help us or not?"
Apophis: "You were once possessed by a Goa'uld. I am sure you will make an excellent host for Sokar's new queen."Daniel, as they're trying to dial out of the Stargate: "The only thing I'm worried about is that..." He's cut off as the Stargate opens again.
Simmons: "Incoming wormhole established."
Daniel: "...Sokar can dial in faster than we can dial out."
O'Neill: "Yeah."Daniel, about turning Apophis over to Sokar: "Well, we couldn't right now even if we wanted to."
O'Neill: "Not with Beelzebub banging at the door, no."Daniel, listening to Apophis' host speak: "He says he's been in an unending dream. He hoped to awaken from it to see his wife and his children." He listens again. "He was a scribe in the temple of Amun in Karnak but that was another lifetime ago, before the nightmare." More listening. "And now he awakens only to die again." This time Daniel speaks to him softly, gently in Egyptian, such a contrast to the softness he used earlier with Apophis. "I said I will speak the words of power and do the rites. You will be returned to Egypt and buried with honor. You will pass through the seven gates and see your wife and children again and rejoice with them forever."
Apophis: "Help me."
O'Neill: "No."
Apophis: "A host."
O'Neill: "No."
Apophis: "I am afraid."Daniel, speaking some more Egyptian and showing the host a statue of a scribe: "I told him this funerary statue would take his last breath and carry his soul back to Egypt." The host dies.
The Fifth Race Holiday
