COLD LAZARUS

This one is interesting in that we get to see a life form that’s in a form you wouldn’t expect a crystal, that has energy. It is a more science driven episode. We finally get to find out more about O'Neill and how the death of his son and subsequent break-up of his marriage has affected him. And was well worth the wait through all sporting events that invaded Australian television.

The Plot

SG-1 arrives at the New World to find a pit of crystals. Daniel and Sam pick them up to take some of them back. Yet it is Jack off exploring by himself that is injured by a crystal, that duplicates him. While Sam and Daniel try and figure the significance of the crystals, Teal'c is trying to figure out our planet. "Jack" is finding out about the real Jack and tried to find Charlie to take him back to the real Jack. The real O'Neill comes back to the surprise of his teammates. Sam and Daniel figure out what has happen and that the "energy Jack" came from the crystal, the trouble is that he is decaying as the other crystal is the amount of energy in him could posses serious trouble to the general public, namely Jack’s ex-wife, Sarah. They find him and he goes through the Stargate back to his home as Charlie.

Gripes

I would of like to have learned more about the crystal how they live..etc. And what happen to the other crystal did it die or was it to return? But as far as nitpicks go none at the moment, you never know when something might come to me.

Favourite Scene or Nice touches.

It was a nice touch to have Sam interested in Jack’s past and Daniel wondering how much if anything he should say. Teal'c being told by the "Colonel" that he can’t show him earth today, he goes and watches the TV, not a wise choice, depending on what your watching ;)

Acting

Christopher Judge was actually quite enjoyable as the comic relief in this episode. I especially like the way he played Teal'c as he watches TV and doesn’t quite know what to make out of some of the stations. The expressions through the viewing where were worth the wait to see. Richard Dean Anderson gets to play a much softer O'Neill, and dose it so believably, you wish he could do it a bit more often. This O'Neill is one who would respect the others feelings, however it is this fact that makes me understand the real O'Neill's attitude at times. Michael Shanks and Amanda Tapping make the most out their scenes as they both play scientist to understand the crystal itself. I loved it when Michael Shanks as Daniel sees his reflection in the crystal for the first time "Dr Captain. Teal'c," and later Amanda Tapping turn at the same. Don S. Davis rounds off the cast with a solid performance as usual, I especially like his interaction with Teal'c as tries to help the Jaffa hide the fact he is an alien. The lady who plays Sarah O'Neill is fantastic as she tries to deal with Jack, who is not himself. She gets some of the more emotional scenes and deals with them with conviction.

Writer

Jeff King writes a story that is strong with a nice mix of emotion and comedy. It is also nice in that it has strong characterisation. It was interesting idea to have a crystal as a life-form. Why couldn’t it exist? Though it’s the crystal life energy that poses the problem, as it can not survive on our planet. Also I like the re-introduction of Sarah O'Neill, and her reactions to her ex-husbands work.

8 Crystals out of 10 Jaffa Staffs