In the Line of Duty (202)

[GateWorld]

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<FONT SIZE=4 COLOR="#0066BF"><B>IN THE LINE OF DUTY</B></FONT>
<FONT SIZE=1>EPISODE NUMBER - 202</FONT>
<IMG SRC="/images/clear.gif" WIDTH=1 HEIGHT=10 ALT="">
Carter is possessed by a Goa'uld who claims to be an enemy of the System Lords. The Goa'uld, Jolinar of Malkshur, is being hunted by an assassin.

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[jenniferhailey]

AMAZING. INCREDIBLE. WONDERFUL. BRILLIANT. FABU. OUTSTANDING.

Amanda Tapping's performance in this is just indescribably good! It's a great plot line, lots of Sam whumping and all that.

Love the Gate Room scene and the "Dont leave me" scene.

Very very very very good episode.

Sam has some excellent lines and the way she goes from 'good' to evil is wicked!

Katie Stuart is back as Cassandra bless her she's such a sweet character and I love the way they used her.

[Tok'Ra Hostess]

There aren't many what I'd call "jump scenes' in the entire Stargate series, but watching Sam in the opening scene, mouth bloody, eyes glowing, was a definite jump scene for me(it helps that I hadn't been the least little bit spoiled). It was a great ep, one that sealed Sam as my fav character.

[SamInChicago]

This was the one that got me hooked on the show. AT's acting was excellent, though I thought everyone did a great job on this one. So much emotion held so tightly in check.

Also love the far reaching implications this episode had on the story arc of the show. The Tok'ra were a great addition to the show and this is where it all began.

This one is always in my every shifting top 10 list.

[KorbenDirewolf]

Basically I really feel that the whole idea of the Tok'ra is insane. We're just getting used to the idea that these parasites are supposedly inherently evil and this.. cop-out appears. Most Goa'uld are bad but there's these OTHER Goa'uld, who (at this point, anyhow) don't really appear all that different. After this episode, I've pretty much tried to ignore any time Jolinar and any other Tok'ra are mentioned. It gets pretty hard..

[bcmilco]

One of my half@$$ theories about the Tok'ra is that they are a group of Gou'ald who don't have enough power to be any real threat to anyone in a face to face confrontation so they decided to come together and infiltrate their enemies, using sabotage to defeat them.

IMO their arrogance and their condescension towards the human hosts is just confirmation.

I've never seen the Tok'ra as being truely good, nor truely trustworth exept for Jacob, and I think that has a lot to do with the host being strong willed and independant.

[Slainte]

Basically I really feel that the whole idea of the Tok'ra is insane. We're just getting used to the idea that these parasites are supposedly inherently evil and this.. cop-out appears. Most Goa'uld are bad but there's these OTHER Goa'uld, who (at this point, anyhow) don't really appear all that different. After this episode, I've pretty much tried to ignore any time Jolinar and any other Tok'ra are mentioned. It gets pretty hard..
Now, me, I'm a Tok'ra fan. I see the introduction of the Tok'ra as one of the pivotal points in the series.
It gave the SGC allies of a sort when they desperately needed them, and aren't all allies looking out for their own group's best interest at heart? By having their own agenda the Tok'ra add dramatic tension to any episode they're in, what's their purpose, can we trust them completely, etc.
By introducing Jacob Carter and making him a Tok'ra, the SGC have a personal ambassador, a special connection and liason, Jacob/Selmak has conflicted loyalties, Sam Carter has a chance to interact with her dad, as does the rest of the team. I love to watch Jacob and Jack, such a range of emotions and possiblitities there.:)
The Tok'ra add texture and uncertainty, drama and tension to Stargate SG-1. The idea of two personalitites living together in one body always seems to be full of dramatic potential.

[bcmilco]

I see the introduction of the Tok'ra as one of the pivotal points in the series.
It gave the SGC allies of a sort when they desperately needed them, and aren't all allies looking out for their own group's best interest at heart? By having their own agenda the Tok'ra add dramatic tension to any episode they're in, what's their purpose, can we trust them completely, etc.

I'll agree with that.


Jacob/Selmak has conflicted loyalties,

Sadly the closest they've come to exploring the potential there was with Death Knell (s7) Here's hoping for more of it in s8.


I love to watch Jacob and Jack, such a range of emotions and possiblitities there.:)

Yes, they have a fun relationship. :D

I'm a fan of 'having' the tok'ra on the show, it adds to the drama/excitement, but I'm not a fan 'of' the Tok'ra. :p

[Tok'Ra Hostess]

I'm a fan of 'having' the tok'ra on the show, it adds to the drama/excitement, but I'm not a fan 'of' the Tok'ra. :p

I am a fan of the Tok'Ra for the very reasons given by KorbenDirewolf <quote> Most Goa'uld are bad but there's these OTHER Goa'uld, who (at this point, anyhow) don't really appear all that different.

Tok'Ra are Goa'uld. They may oppose the Goa'uld philosophically but they come from the same culture and therefore should see things from the perspective of that culture, not from that of a human host.

This "east is east and west is west" mentality highlights the alienness of the Goa'uld species far more clearly than the cliche, hugely under-developed bad-guy Goa'uld. I sincerely hope that TPTB always keep this alienness in mind no matter how much they develop the Tok'Ra.

I agree with Slainte: <quote>I see the introduction of the Tok'ra as one of the pivotal points in the series. :D

[Elwe Singollo]

I like the tok'ra, but i am annoyed how they were arrogant and concieted, but yah, not all of them are like that.

[KorbenDirewolf]

I guess that just goes to show that everyone has a different view. :) I'll just keep going my way and let everyone else go thier own. But I'll just say one more thing... Shouldn't both parties in an alliance trust each other? Although that really doesn't belong in this thread.

[Slainte]

... Shouldn't both parties in an alliance trust each other? Although that really doesn't belong in this thread.
That's a valid question and does belong in a thread about the Tok'ra and the SGC.
Ideally, yes, of course, allies should trust each other. Just take a look at so many alliances today and in the past, it's rare to find high levels of trust between allied countries. The UK and the US seem to have a continuing close relationship, but even between these two countries there have been rough patches over the years.
In regard to the SGC and Tok'ra, there are so many differences in culture and goals that it's amazing the alliance lasted as long as it did. Jacob Carter/Selmak did a great job keeping things together.

[KorbenDirewolf]

Just meant it didn't belong in an episode thread for "In the Line of Duty" as there is no alliance at this point in the series.

And from the way I interpreted what I saw, the SGC and the Tok'ra have never really shown any level of trust.

[bcmilco]

And from the way I interpreted what I saw, the SGC and the Tok'ra have never really shown any level of trust.

Not being big on world politics... or politics in general ;) the closest analogy I can think of is the US and Russia, after the Soviet Union collapsed, by no means did we completely trust eachother but it was a starting point for future cooperation. And while we still don't see eye to eye on everything a measure of trust has grown.

[Selmak]

I wish the Tok'ra would be more open with Earth... but that would mean the government would have to be more open with the Tok'ra and that is just impossible for some reason.

[KorbenDirewolf]

I think if Earth were more open with Earth, the Tok'ra might have done better.

[Anubis]

I agree. I think more could have been done!

[AgentX]

More could have been done with the alliance, but I always got the overwhelming feeling that the Tok'ra thought they were above being allied with us. Almost as if it brought shame to them to be associated with us. Not something one would want to find in an ally.

[Elwe Singollo]

More could have been done with the alliance, but I always got the overwhelming feeling that the Tok'ra thought they were above being allied with us. Almost as if it brought shame to them to be associated with us. Not something one would want to find in an ally.I got that feeling too, i've always felt that they had superiorioty, heh not sure if thats a word, if it is, not sure how its spelled ;p. Anyways, i want to see their reaction with what has recently went on with the defeat of Anubis.

[Mio]

I got that feeling too, i've always felt that they had superiorioty, heh not sure if thats a word, if it is, not sure how its spelled ;p. Anyways, i want to see their reaction with what has recently went on with blah blah blah blah.
Spoiler space!

[Selmak]

I think they just seem that way because they have never been in an alliance before.

[SeaBee]

Loved the ep, really good acting.
Found myself LOL, though, when I spotted SCs watch disappear during her scene with Cassie.

[Bagpuss]

There aren't many what I'd call "jump scenes' in the entire Stargate series, but watching Sam in the opening scene, mouth bloody, eyes glowing, was a definite jump scene for me(it helps that I hadn't been the least little bit spoiled). It was a great ep, one that sealed Sam as my fav character.

"ITLOD" was the first episode I ever watched, and I've been a Stargate SG-1 fan ever since .
I first saw this ep on UK Channel 4,so I had a huge "Jump" moment of my own,when I bought the Videos.
I learned two important things on watching the full episode:
1) TV Channels censor SG-1.
2)Nothing makes kids exit the room faster than that scene !! :D

Mwahaha ! How to get peace watching SG-1 .Threaten them with ITLOD .(Still works.... ;))

[Selmak]

I don't remember blood

[Major Fischer]

This is my absolute favorite SG1 episode, the directing and acting was carried off well and there is a real sense of the sinister in it as well. Tapping's best performance in my book.

I also like that the ending wasn't neat and clean, that it showed that the results of the epsiode were difficult on Sam, and in conjunction on her friends.

[Asgard Buddy]

I finally got to see this episode a little while ago. I had heard about Jolinar and I knew almost everything we'd been told about her, but I hadn't seen this episode. I thought it was fantastic and I really enjoyed watching it.

I was very relieved to learn that she didn't die because of anything we did - I was afraid we tried to kill her or something so she died to save Sam. I'm glad she made every effort to let the SGC know that she was a Tok'ra and that she would return Sam to them when she could.

And then I was really bummed that she died in the end. But it was a really good story. :)

[Major Fischer]

Probably a silly nit pick, but I expect that Major Clanger will at least have sympathy... why? Because it's about headgear. :D

What kind of a soldier in the middle of a battle, where they are under direct fire, deliberately takes off their kevlar helmet for seemingly no reason? Now, I know that Daniel and Jack weren't wearing theirs, but is that an explaination for why Carter seemed to think it was a good idea to take off hers when she went to try and take care of random man with the snake in his head?

[SGC_Owl]

In this episode, we see Samantha Carter possessed by Jolinar, a Goa'uld, after attempting mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. However, I seem to recall Sam being implanted with Jolinar through the back of the neck or abdomen in some other episode. Was Sam Jolinar's temporary host on two seperate occasions, or am I mistaken?

Thank you.

[Crazedwraith]

In this episode, we see Samantha Carter possessed by Jolinar, a Goa'uld, after attempting mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. However, I seem to recall Sam being implanted with Jolinar through the back of the neck or abdomen in some other episode. Was Sam Jolinar's temporary host on two seperate occasions, or am I mistaken?

Thank you.
Your mistaking, Your props getting confused with the Jaffa (who have symboites in the stomach, well not the stomach a pounch in the abdomen but you knew what I meant) or the taking of Sha're and others who had the traditional back of the neck thing.

[jckfan55]

I thought the lighting in the cell definitely made Gould Sam more sinister. I also liked the scenes where Sam is behaving oddly after coming back--her chucking Jack on the shoulder cracks me up every time.

[Major Fischer]

I thought the lighting in the cell definitely made Gould Sam more sinister. I also liked the scenes where Sam is behaving oddly after coming back--her chucking Jack on the shoulder cracks me up every time.

I'm rather fond of that as well. I think what I also like about that scene is Daniel keeps asking what's going on when it's darn well clear what has happened. :)

I also like where Janet mentions Cassie and Jolinar has no clue what to say for a second or two.

[SGC_Owl]

Your mistaking, Your props getting confused with the Jaffa (who have symboites in the stomach, well not the stomach a pounch in the abdomen but you knew what I meant) or the taking of Sha're and others who had the traditional back of the neck thing.

So, this was the only episode with Sam as Jolinar?

[KorbenDirewolf]

Jolinar did die at the end.. I think there might be some flashbacks in a couple other episodes.

[SGC_Owl]

Jolinar did die at the end.. I think there might be some flashbacks in a couple other episodes.

OK. Thanks, Korben.

[Bagpuss]

Probably a silly nit pick, but I expect that Major Clanger will at least have sympathy... why? Because it's about headgear. :D
Oh yes..MC is usually very eloquent on any topic concerning these matters.Mind you,I agree with yours and the lady's POV.Safety before vanity makes sense ,when under fire,IMO. :)


What kind of a soldier in the middle of a battle, where they are under direct fire, deliberately takes off their kevlar helmet for seemingly no reason? Now, I know that Daniel and Jack weren't wearing theirs, but is that an explaination for why Carter seemed to think it was a good idea to take off hers when she went to try and take care of random man with the snake in his head?
Good point.The medic Daniel called to a different casualty was wearing his helmet ! ;)
The only reason I can offer, is that she took off the helmet to prepare herself for checking the guy's breathing ? :S
(She leans over him ,either to listen for breathing, or to check if there was any draught,then gives him mouth to mouth....and the rest is too obvious to recap.)
No idea if that's any help,but I tried ! :D

[sueKay]

Awesome ep!!!

Definitely one you can watch again!!!

Sam (the little that we actually see of the real her) is great.

AT's acting is superb, as she clearly distinguishes between Sam and Jolinar.

I give it 8 out of 9 chevrons!

[zats]

I LOVE THIS EPISODE.

If I really wanted, I could leave it at that. I really do love this one. And this is gonna be a really loooooooooong posting, peoples, so bear with me.

What was good:
a. Amanda Tapping. This ep totally showed the extents of AT's ability; the shifting from Sam to Jolinar and vice versa reminded me a little of Gollum in LotR. Okay, so it wasn't quite as dramatic, but I like Jolinar more than Gollum anyway.
b. The opener. Canst thou say, HOOKED?! It freaked me out! (Almost as much as TBFTGOG :p ) Seriously, a wonderful, catching opener.
c. The awkwardness as Jolinar struggled to adjust. AT played the discomfort really well, almost to the point that it hurts to watch. Well, I think it hurts, anyway.
d. Cassie. I love Cass! Not only was it lovely to see Katie Stuart back, it was also a terrific way to discover the goa'uld's presence.
e. The scene in the 'gate room. Janet's tense comment that there was enough sedative in the dart to take down an elephant, and Jolinar's subsequent fury. The grenade was a nicely suspenseful touch, as was Jack's eerily calm negotiations. ("We're either all gonna live, or we're all gonna die. Right here.")(Don't take me for certain on that quote, either. One of these days I'll get around to checking on it)
f. JOLINAR! I loved Jo; I was sooo mad when she died. But somehow, I never thought that the symbiote was male, and not just because it was AT talking (although that certainly influenced my perception). There was something about the syntax and syllable emphasis that made me think that there was a woman talking. Anyway, I loved Jo and her courage. I don't think that she meant to hurt Sam: desperate times oft result in desperate measures, or so I'm told. Jo did what she had to do under the circumstances.
g. The ashrak. Very scary!
k. Jo's death. No, I'm not saying that I'm glad that the symbiote died; quite the opposite, in fact. I just think that it was handled extremely well.
l. The infirmary. I loved how Janet came riding in on the stretcher; it made me laugh, admittedly somewhat darkly. And then Sam's bit about how "it gaved its life for me...it saved me." I loved the "don't you understand?" look in her eyes.
m. The aftermath. Cassie was a great idea; who better to come than a child? My personal opinion was that when they Cass in, Janet & Co. understood that Sam needed to see someone who would understand what had happened but wouldn't judge, wouldn't treat her like spun glass or try to make her feel that it wasn't her fault (which it wasn't, but I've found that people telling you that it wasn't because of you tends to have the opposite effect.) Sam just needed someone to be there and hold her hand.
n. See, told you this'd be long. Guess what? It gets better!

What wasn't good:
a. Hello, they killed Jo!
b. It might just be me, but I'm pretty sure that the laser webbing, for lack of a better term, disappears and reappears throughout various scenes. Anybody know?
c. If the ashrak could simply wrench the cell bars out of the way, how come Jo couldn't? (I'm going to go through a little personal debate here): Jo probably knew that, unlike the Ashrak, she was unarmed and knew she wouldn't be able to get far. I'm also assuming that the ashrak was able to get in because of the literally superhuman strength derived from the goa'uld lodger upstairs.

Whew! Almost done, just a little longer...

I think that I like this episode for two reasons: Jolinar and the immense suspense (rhyme not intended) that came as a byproduct.

And now I'm going to carry on on why I like Jolinar so much:
She had an air of regality and a certain way of carrying herself. The way that she refused to give in even when she knew that death was coming. I loved her reasoning ("Already a goa'uld attack on Earth has been thwarted."/"Then a more powerful assault is being planned.") ("The Tok'ra are real, no matter what Apophis has told you."/"I have yet to meet one."/"You have now. I am Jolinar of Malk'sur.") Magnificent dialoguing by the writers!

Anyway, this is why I like this episode. LONG LIVE JOLINAR OF MALK'SUR!<--(and yes, I know Jolinar's dead, but I'm going for sentiment here)

[Elite Anubis Guard]

an interesting episode which did some nice set up for later arcs with the tokra, i like ep cos the tad more insight into the goa;ulds!

[ChopinGal]

I LOVE THIS EPISODE.

If I really wanted, I could leave it at that. I really do love this one. And this is gonna be a really loooooooooong posting, peoples, so bear with me.

What was good:
a. Amanda Tapping. This ep totally showed the extents of AT's ability; the shifting from Sam to Jolinar and vice versa reminded me a little of Gollum in LotR. Okay, so it wasn't quite as dramatic, but I like Jolinar more than Gollum anyway.
b. The opener. Canst thou say, HOOKED?! It freaked me out! (Almost as much as TBFTGOG :p ) Seriously, a wonderful, catching opener.
c. The awkwardness as Jolinar struggled to adjust. AT played the discomfort really well, almost to the point that it hurts to watch. Well, I think it hurts, anyway.
d. Cassie. I love Cass! Not only was it lovely to see Katie Stuart back, it was also a terrific way to discover the goa'uld's presence.
e. The scene in the 'gate room. Janet's tense comment that there was enough sedative in the dart to take down an elephant, and Jolinar's subsequent fury. The grenade was a nicely suspenseful touch, as was Jack's eerily calm negotiations. ("We're either all gonna live, or we're all gonna die. Right here.")(Don't take me for certain on that quote, either. One of these days I'll get around to checking on it)
f. JOLINAR! I loved Jo; I was sooo mad when she died. But somehow, I never thought that the symbiote was male, and not just because it was AT talking (although that certainly influenced my perception). There was something about the syntax and syllable emphasis that made me think that there was a woman talking. Anyway, I loved Jo and her courage. I don't think that she meant to hurt Sam: desperate times oft result in desperate measures, or so I'm told. Jo did what she had to do under the circumstances.
g. The ashrak. Very scary!
k. Jo's death. No, I'm not saying that I'm glad that the symbiote died; quite the opposite, in fact. I just think that it was handled extremely well.
l. The infirmary. I loved how Janet came riding in on the stretcher; it made me laugh, admittedly somewhat darkly. And then Sam's bit about how "it gaved its life for me...it saved me." I loved the "don't you understand?" look in her eyes.
m. The aftermath. Cassie was a great idea; who better to come than a child? My personal opinion was that when they Cass in, Janet & Co. understood that Sam needed to see someone who would understand what had happened but wouldn't judge, wouldn't treat her like spun glass or try to make her feel that it wasn't her fault (which it wasn't, but I've found that people telling you that it wasn't because of you tends to have the opposite effect.) Sam just needed someone to be there and hold her hand.
n. See, told you this'd be long. Guess what? It gets better!

What wasn't good:
a. Hello, they killed Jo!
b. It might just be me, but I'm pretty sure that the laser webbing, for lack of a better term, disappears and reappears throughout various scenes. Anybody know?
c. If the ashrak could simply wrench the cell bars out of the way, how come Jo couldn't? (I'm going to go through a little personal debate here): Jo probably knew that, unlike the Ashrak, she was unarmed and knew she wouldn't be able to get far. I'm also assuming that the ashrak was able to get in because of the literally superhuman strength derived from the goa'uld lodger upstairs.

Whew! Almost done, just a little longer...

I think that I like this episode for two reasons: Jolinar and the immense suspense (rhyme not intended) that came as a byproduct.

And now I'm going to carry on on why I like Jolinar so much:
She had an air of regality and a certain way of carrying herself. The way that she refused to give in even when she knew that death was coming. I loved her reasoning ("Already a goa'uld attack on Earth has been thwarted."/"Then a more powerful assault is being planned.") ("The Tok'ra are real, no matter what Apophis has told you."/"I have yet to meet one."/"You have now. I am Jolinar of Malk'sur.") Magnificent dialoguing by the writers!

Anyway, this is why I like this episode. LONG LIVE JOLINAR OF MALK'SUR!<--(and yes, I know Jolinar's dead, but I'm going for sentiment here)

Zat - I'm way behind on this Board ... but you have written a fine critique here of one of my favorite episodes too. Kudos to AT's superb acting talent in this one ;) She can manage to convey so much through just a gesture, a facial expression, a tone of voice - and the writers provided an excellent arc for her. In fact, I think she should have been nominated for a Leo for this episode (glad to see that she did win two of them later for "Ascension" S5 and "Grace" S7).

[Dead Jawa]

I have a couple of questions about this episode. I'm new around here so if this has been asked before....sorry ;)

1.Jolinar is refered to as "Jolinar of Malkshur" in this and a few other episodes. What exactly is Malkshur suppose to be?

2.Teal'c said Jolinar once tried to overthrow a System Lord and was defeated when Apophis joined the battle. This doesn't exactly sound like how the Tok'Ra opperate. They infiltrate, spy, and sabatage. They avoid open conflict with Goa'uld (and constantly suggest that Earth do the same).

[jckfan55]

2.Teal'c said Jolinar once tried to overthrow a System Lord and was defeated when Apophis joined the battle. This doesn't exactly sound like how the Tok'Ra opperate. They infiltrate, spy, and sabatage. They avoid open conflict with Goa'uld (and constantly suggest that Earth do the same).
I suspect they hadn't totally figured out what the Tok'ra would be when they did this episode.

[Elite Anubis Guard]

lol no, apophis joined the other goa'uld and the tok'ra was defeated :rolleyes:

[Tok'Ra Hostess]

1.Jolinar is refered to as "Jolinar of Malkshur" in this and a few other episodes. What exactly is Malkshur suppose to be?

It's never been clarified on the series. When SG-1 first meet the Tok'Ra, their local leader says that she is, "of Belote." My pet theory is that Tok'Ra who distinguish themselves thus are either, 1) not "of Egeria," making Malkshur and Belote Goa'uld queens(or, SLs?) of old(In Crossroads Anise said that a few Goa'uld joined the Tok'Ra movement, though none in recent centuries.) or, 2) they won some major, history making conflict and were awarded an honorific.


2.Teal'c said Jolinar once tried to overthrow a System Lord and was defeated when Apophis joined the battle. This doesn't exactly sound like how the Tok'Ra opperate. They infiltrate, spy, and sabatage. They avoid open conflict with Goa'uld (and constantly suggest that Earth do the same).

Remember, Teal'c had only heard rumors of her and the Tok'Ra. Perhaps the story of Jolinar's defeat was handed down to the Jaffa from generation to generation. Jolinar might have engaged Apophis in battle centuries or even millenia ago, when there would have been many more Tok'Ra with the resources to do open battle with the Goa'uld. Perhaps it was this very defeat that forced the Tok'Ra to use covert tactics.

[Beatrice Otter]

So I watched this episode the other day, and this occurred to me.

The Tok'ra always say (usually very loudly) that they don't take unwilling hosts. Yet the first time we see them, it's Jolinar taking Sam as a host without her consent. It really bugged me.

Here's my thought: what do you think the chances are that Jolinar had ever encountered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation before? Probably not good. It was only developed in the last century here on earth; while it might have been developed independantly on other worlds, I'd say that there's still a very good chance she'd never encountered it, before. And the Tok'ra take hosts by entering through their mouth.

So. Jo's been on the run for some time, and is under direct assault as we speak. Her host is dying, there's nothing she can do for him. Suddenly, a completely unknown person has her mouth, open, over Jo's host's mouth, exactly if she were offering to be the next host. Jo doesn't wait for a second invitation; she takes the host ... only to discover with some shock that the new host was not in fact offering to be a host, and (assuming that Jo's a Goa'uld) is quite panicked. Jo needs a host, or she'll die; under the chaos of the attack, she doesn't have time to stop and think or talk with her new host before O'Neill drags her back through the stargate.

Here she is, on another planet, with an unwilling host and people who will never for a second believe that she is not a Goa'uld. But her host had plans to go through the stargate again soon--having already taken an unwilling host, is it that much worse to wait a day or so, slip away from the group, and head back to the Tok'ra base where they will at least have a symbiote pool ready for her so she can leave the unwilling host and be safe? No. So she stays. And then she's discovered, and the Ashrak comes, and that's that.

[Tok'Ra Hostess]

Here's my thought: what do you think the chances are that Jolinar had ever encountered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation before?

See my fanfic:

http://sg1-heliopolis.com/archive/56/promise.html

[Skydiver]

or mine are an offshoot of that
http://www.geocities.com/sky_diver119/aumain.htm

Changing Fate, Letting go of the Past

They're along the line of 'what if jols had stayed in sam'

I agree with you about the cpr. Sam's possession was probably just a case of misunderstanding.

I've always interpreted the 'of malkshur' or 'of beloit' to be 'i'm jolinar from the planet of malkshur'

That's one way people used to come up with last names way back when. sometimes it was because of thier trade. Hence Cooper, Porter, Carter.
Other times it's 'this is mark, steve's son.....so his name is mark steveson'

Other times, it's about where you're from

Any theory could work. It's possible that Jolinar was the child of Malkshur as well

[Dead Jawa]

It's never been clarified on the series. When SG-1 first meet the Tok'Ra, their local leader says that she is, "of Belote." My pet theory is that Tok'Ra who distinguish themselves thus are either, 1) not "of Egeria," making Malkshur and Belote Goa'uld queens(or, SLs?) of old(In Crossroads Anise said that a few Goa'uld joined the Tok'Ra movement, though none in recent centuries.) or, 2) they won some major, history making conflict and were awarded an honorific.

That makes since. I had forgot about Anise's comment in "Crossroads". She may well have been a defected Goa'uld. After all she did seem a little more arogant than the other Tok'Ra and it would also explane why she was so well known among the Jaffa. A Goa'uld who fought her own kind for a reason other than personal gain would be the stuff of legend.




Remember, Teal'c had only heard rumors of her and the Tok'Ra. Perhaps the story of Jolinar's defeat was handed down to the Jaffa from generation to generation. Jolinar might have engaged Apophis in battle centuries or even millenia ago, when there would have been many more Tok'Ra with the resources to do open battle with the Goa'uld. Perhaps it was this very defeat that forced the Tok'Ra to use covert tactics.

That's also possible. It does seem rather stupid to believe that a group like the Tok'Ra wouldn't have changed there tactics in the countless centuries that they've been fighting the Goa'uld.

Thanks :D

[Tauri]

Fabtabulous.
Loved it! :)
Loved AT's performance. One of her best ever. 10/10

[Tok'Ra Hostess]

A Goa'uld who fought her own kind for a reason other than personal gain would be the stuff of legend.

<snip>....
It does seem rather stupid to believe that a group like the Tok'Ra wouldn't have changed there tactics in the countless centuries that they've been fighting the Goa'uld.

To borrow from Daniel in Line of Duty: I think we have to assume the (Tok'Ra) are more complex as a society than we're giving them credit for. :)

[ShimmeringStar]

I liked the show, especially AT's acting in it and the overall story arc. I also liked the Teal’c/Jack scene where Jack was struggling with himself on how he was going to approach his conversation with Sam/Jolinar; he was having issues about seeing Sam as a host and not as his friend.

[SmartFox]

I really like this ep: great acting by everyone especially AT, also this is the beginning of what i think as a great story ark. I love all the eps with the Tok'ra in them, its an interaction between 2 races that is one of the most realistic in the whole series. "You scratch my back we scrath your back". Thats exactly how the world acts now and would if we met some aliens from another planet.

[astrogeologist]

I remember from way back that there was a behind the scenes thing that Showtime did for Stargate between seasons 1 and 2. In it, Amanda said (concerning what was coming up for Sam in season two) something like, 'And something happens to Sam that's really big. *she stares into the camera* 'Reeeally big'. That last part, with her saying 'really big' was so cute, because of the look on Amanda's face and the way she said that phrase. I can't remember exactly how she stated the first sentence, but the 'really big' thing I remember well. I wish I could find that segment (somewhere on the net) to keep. Sally :D


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/accesspics/ITLODSamgetsgoaulded.jpg
In The Line of Duty Sam getting Goa'ulded! Wow! What a scene when her eyes glowed at the beginning! And the ramifications for her character development after that... just wonderful. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/accesspics/ITLODCassie.jpg
Cassie senses the naquadah in Jolinar.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/accesspics/ITLODJolinarGateRoom.jpg
Jolinar tries to escape and Jack injects her with a sedative that doesn't even seem to slow her down.
Janet says that it was enough to knock down 'an elephant'.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/accesspics/ITLODJolinarGateRoomgrenade.jpg
Then one of the SFs shoots Jolinar in the leg with a tranquilizing dart... and Jack knocks the gun out of her hands while she is distracted with the dart. She whallops Jack across the room... and then pulls out a grenade...

ITLOD which is such a showcase for AT's talenthttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/accesspics/ITLODHestellingthetruth.jpg
Jolinar gives Sam control and Sam says that the Goa'uld is telling the truth.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/accesspics/ITLODDontLeaveMeJack.jpg
Sam pleads with Jack not to leave her alone in the brig with a Goa'uld in her.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/accesspics/ITLODWhatWillItTake.jpg
Jack leaves and Jolinar retakes contol, saying "What will it take?" to the now empty cell.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/accesspics/ITLODashrak.jpg
The ashrak finds Jolinar.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/accesspics/ITLODafterashrak.jpg
After the ashrak leaves, Janet and Jack rush Sam to the infirmary.
My favorite "Sam" moments....In the Line of Duty. Maybe Sam's best episode (to me). I loved the Jolinar arc and thought it introduced a whole new layer to Sam's character. The scene at the end - when she's laying in bed after Jolinar has died to save her. Just fabulous work from AT. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/accesspics/ITLODJoniardies.jpg
In the Line of Duty, cause it is one of my favourite episodes ever, let alone my favourite ep for season2. I have to say AT’s acting for this one was so good, I think even better than that for RC, and that is brilliant! My favourite scene in it though is at the very end, when she tells them that it gave up it’s life to save her. I remember when I watched that for the first time, it was just so amazing for me. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/accesspics/ITLODCassieafterJolinardies.jpg
I voted for "In the Line of Duty" as first choice. Lots of character development for Sam in this one, Amanda showed Jolinaar as haulty aloof but not brutal, she came across as a desperite freedom fighter that was sorry that she had to take Sam along with her.

The sceenes in the infirmary when Sam came round and said that Jolinar had gave her life for her was very intense and tptb did good imho
in following that up with Cassie gently touching her arm and forcing Sam to turn round and look at her, Sam looked so lost and so devestated that it was heartbreaking to watch.

For the second season poll I picked In The Line of Duty as my favourite episode. I chose this because I thought Amandas portrayl of Jolinar was amazing. The bit which clinched it for me was, like someone else here has mentioned, the part where Sam comes round in the infirmary and tells Jack that the symbiote gave its life so she could live. I just loved how Amanda delivered the line and the emotion in her eyes and on her face was heartbreaking. I loved the Infirmary scene at the end too with Cassie. Amanda didn't have to say anything but you could just feel the turmoil that Sam was going through as she dealt with everything that had happened to her. When actors dont need to say a word but so much is still conveyed to the audience that's an amazing display of talent and Amanda really shone in this episode. Lucy
I loved In the Line of Duty and the whole Tok'ra arc which brought Jacob in as her dad ... wish we could have more of that again. Sigh!

[PugGate]

Why didn't Jolinar fight the ashrak? She just stood their like she didn't care that she was about to die.

And Sam knew that Cassie had naquada in her blood, so wouldn't Jolinar have avoided her?

[Tok'Ra Hostess]

Why didn't Jolinar fight the ashrak? She just stood their like she didn't care that she was about to die.

And Sam knew that Cassie had naquada in her blood, so wouldn't Jolinar have avoided her?

Given what we learn in season eight about what happens when a symbiote makes the effort to die without killing the host, I think Jolinar was probably too weak to do anything - not that her options were many, faced as she was with an armed, highly trained assassin.

As to Cassie, good question.

Perhaps since Sam herself didn't know that Cassie would be sensitive to the naq in a Goa'uld's system, she simply didn't have that thought in her mind.

Makes you wonder just how hard a Goa'uld would have to dig to get secrets from a strong mind; Shar'e was able to blind her Goa'uld from seeing SG-1 at the exit scene in Secrets, and Kinthia was able to hide her true intentions from her demon when she lured her to Cimmeria(Thor's Hammer).

Sam would've been fighting Jolinar, but also, Jolinar might have kept her brain scans surface only, to minimize the damage she'd already caused by blending with an unwilling host.

[Chaka's_Mum]

I agree that this was a stunning episode. AT's acting was fantastic (but then, when isn't it?).


Here's my thought: what do you think the chances are that Jolinar had ever encountered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation before? Probably not good. It was only developed in the last century here on earth; while it might have been developed independantly on other worlds, I'd say that there's still a very good chance she'd never encountered it, before. And the Tok'ra take hosts by entering through their mouth.

So. Jo's been on the run for some time, and is under direct assault as we speak. Her host is dying, there's nothing she can do for him. Suddenly, a completely unknown person has her mouth, open, over Jo's host's mouth, exactly if she were offering to be the next host. Jo doesn't wait for a second invitation; she takes the host ... only to discover with some shock that the new host was not in fact offering to be a host, and (assuming that Jo's a Goa'uld) is quite panicked. Jo needs a host, or she'll die; under the chaos of the attack, she doesn't have time to stop and think or talk with her new host before O'Neill drags her back through the stargate.

That's something that's always bothered me, too; though I love the shock of the moment when we all think 'Oh my sausages! Sam's been taken as a host by a Goa'uld!'. What we later learn about the Tok'ra seems to utterly contradict Jolinar's behaviour. It's reasonable to assume that Jolinar is left with no alternative - but that in itself doesn't explain why she's done something that the Tok'ra recoil from. The suggestion that there's a misconception about Sam's willingness to be a host explains that nagging discrepancy. I like it.

One other nitpick (and a silly, continuity one at that). I note that, after interviewing Jolinar in her cell, Teal'c was so stunned at the sight of a Tok'ra that when he put his swipe card through the reader to exit the brig, he put the card through upside down (it's really obvious too - the black strip is still facing outwards). Fortunately, they seem to have very intelligent doors at the SGC, because the door realised he was distracted, and that it was Teal'c - so it opened anyway... ;)

[Beatrice Otter]

I agree that this was a stunning episode. AT's acting was fantastic (but then, when isn't it?).



That's something that's always bothered me, too; though I love the shock of the moment when we all think 'Oh my sausages! Sam's been taken as a host by a Goa'uld!'. What we later learn about the Tok'ra seems to utterly contradict Jolinar's behaviour. It's reasonable to assume that Jolinar is left with no alternative - but that in itself doesn't explain why she's done something that the Tok'ra recoil from. The suggestion that there's a misconception about Sam's willingness to be a host explains that nagging discrepancy. I like it.

One other nitpick (and a silly, continuity one at that). I note that, after interviewing Jolinar in her cell, Teal'c was so stunned at the sight of a Tok'ra that when he put his swipe card through the reader to exit the brig, he put the card through upside down (it's really obvious too - the black strip is still facing outwards). Fortunately, they seem to have very intelligent doors at the SGC, because the door realised he was distracted, and that it was Teal'c - so it opened anyway... ;)
While that is the most famous instance in which the card was backwards ... it's not the only one. I'll leave the fun of finding them all to you.

[Chaka's_Mum]

While that is the most famous instance in which the card was backwards ... it's not the only one

That doesn't surprise me in the slightest. I'm surprised I actually spotted that one - probably only because you really couldn't miss it.

Normally, that sort of thing has to be VERY OBVIOUS INDEED for me to spot it. I'm not the world's best spotter of nit-picks. :o

Which means that finding the others is going to require the careful watching of lots and lots episodes over and over again...

Good. ;) :D

[Beatrice Otter]

That doesn't surprise me in the slightest. I'm surprised I actually spotted that one - probably only because you really couldn't miss it.

Normally, that sort of thing has to be VERY OBVIOUS INDEED for me to spot it. I'm not the world's best spotter of nit-picks. :o

Which means that finding the others is going to require the careful watching of lots and lots episodes over and over again...

Good. ;) :D
Well, I don't know if they're getting more careless or I'm getting more observant (or both), but they seem to do it more these days than they used to.

[Chaka's_Mum]

Well, I don't know if they're getting more careless or I'm getting more observant (or both), but they seem to do it more these days than they used to.


Either that or the swipe-card readers are telepathic...

[shipper hannah]

Either that or the swipe-card readers are telepathic...
in which case, why bother with the cards in the first place?

[Chaka's_Mum]

in which case, why bother with the cards in the first place?

They've probably got a strong union. ;)

[zats]

Claira has a slightly magnificent fic written for this episode:72 000 (http://www.stars-like-dust.potameides.com/72000.htm). It's a detailing of Sam's recovery over 50 days. I've given up trying to write for 'Line of Duty' because of it--I can't match it.

[Tok'Ra Hostess]

Claira has a slightly magnificent fic written for this episode:72 000 (http://www.stars-like-dust.potameides.com/72000.htm). It's a detailing of Sam's recovery over 50 days. I've given up trying to write for 'Line of Duty' because of it--I can't match it.

I agree. A terrific must read. :)

[Heru'urs_first_prime]

I liked this episode: shame that jolinar died, although its a good thing because then they would have met the Tok'ra right?

[Chaka's_Mum]

I guess this is perhaps a stock definition of the cliché 'Blessing in Disguise'.

Not that it was much fun for Sam at the time, of course. :(

[Heru'urs_first_prime]

*sniff* that was too much for Sam!

[Chaka's_Mum]

Claira has a slightly magnificent fic written for this episode:72 000 (http://www.stars-like-dust.potameides.com/72000.htm). It's a detailing of Sam's recovery over 50 days. I've given up trying to write for 'Line of Duty' because of it--I can't match it.


I've just been and read it.

Wow.

Awesome.

Thanks for posting the link. :)

[Heru'urs_first_prime]

yeah, thanks Zats

[Uber]

What can I say about In the Line of Duty?

It was my first exposure to Stargate SG-1...already in syndication.

I loved the idea of Jolinar and wish it had been a 2 or 3 story arc...that might have been cool.

All I can think of is of all the eps to start with, THIS was by far the most fortuitous because most episodes mention either Jolinar specifically or the Tok'ra generally.

Amanda was just brilliant...I FEEL that beam ripping my skull open everytime I see it.

Just one of THE BEST SG eps ever.

I give it 5 zats out of 5.

http://www.powerpromoz.com/stargate/zatrating.jpghttp://www.powerpromoz.com/stargate/zatrating.jpghttp://www.powerpromoz.com/stargate/zatrating.jpghttp://www.powerpromoz.com/stargate/zatrating.jpghttp://www.powerpromoz.com/stargate/zatrating.jpg

:cool:

[WhatFateAlmondRoca]

This ep is also one of my faves. One of the parts I find the most poignant is when Cassie comforts Sam at the end. Also, the look on Sam's face is one we don't see often - wow.

I don't think it ever really bothered me too much that Jolinar went into Sam without permission. It's not typically the Tok'ra way, but it was the only way Jolinar saw to survive. Also, about the mouth-to-mouth, I don't think Tok'ra HAVE to enter in the mouth, Martouf says they choose to do it that way. If Sam hadn't been giving the mouth to mouth but had simply been leaning over to check vitals, Jolinar maybe could have kinda jumped over like with what happened to Kawalski.

I also really enjoy Jolinar's Memories and The Devil YOu Know. All around a terrific story arc in my opinion.

[Chaka's_Mum]

Admittedly, the real surprise about it comes later on. The Tok'ra philosophy is that no Tok'ra will ever take an unwilling host. They will even die before taking such an extreme measure. That is made abundantly clear by pretty much every Tok'ra they encounter during that first formal contact period. I think a lot of the shock factor comes along in hindsight - after we've met the Tok'ra and heard their views on the Symbiote/Host relationship.

Given that a Tok'ra is meant to choose to die rather than forcibly subjugate a host, why does Jolinar just 'leap' into Sam like that? Okay, there's an element of atonement for it in the end after the Ashrak attack - but nonetheless, Jolinar has (no matter what light you shine on his/her motives) taken a host by force. Something which we later learn is utterly contradictory to the whole ethos of the Tok'ra.

I still reckon the 'misinterpretation-in-the-heat-of-the-moment' theory that Beatrice proposed earlier in the thread is a good argument for the defence here. Given that mouth to mouth is more or less the Tok'ra standard mode of transfer between hosts, it's quite conceivable that Jolinar (whether through genuine misinterpretation or extremely wishful thinking) assumed that Sam was offering her a survival route - and simply took it.

But, no matter what Jolinar's motives, it's still a deeply traumatic episode for Sam and AT handles it brilliantly.

[Darkstar]

1 of my favourites indeed!

[.:Lemon:.]

Cool episode! I really like Jolinar, and the Tok'ra in general for that matter! Poor Sam though....

[Stricken]

Same here, AT acted brilliantly in this episode anyone agree

[Chaka's_Mum]

Completely. She was fab in this ep.

[walter_MacChevron]

Awesome Carter episode.......loved how they always keep mentioning Jlinar's memories even in the newer episodes!

[flippy18]

Just watched this episode again last night [am rewatching the S2 dvd box set] after not having seen it for a few years and had forgotten how darned good it was :) Def. up there in my Top 10 Sam episodes, the infirmary scenes are wonderful.


And obviously I wasn't paying attention the other times I'd watched it because I just noticed "Mary Ellen Walton" playing Talia :p

[Evan T. Horizon]

Was re-watching my dvds recently and really like this ep.

But I wonder.... why Teal'c did not sense the Goa'uld in Sam?
... what was the light shining in the ashrak's stomach in the hospital?
... Jolinar not only took an unwilling host (perhaps explainable since the alternative was death and perhaps she had important information to pass on. Although that wouldn't explain why she later decided to die without passing the information on) but she also took complete control of Sam, not allowing Sam any say.
...I don't remember any other Tok'ra whose eyes glowed (but I could be misremembering)

Oh, and finally... the statue in the opening scene... does it remind anyone else of Master Bra'tac?

[captain jake]

I have seen a couple tok'ra with glowing eyes when they get mad.

[ReganX]

One of my favourite episodes.

I loved the way it showed that everybody was affected by what happened, not just Sam and the idea of a group of good Goa'uld was a great twist.

[rarocks24]

One of my favourite episodes.

I loved the way it showed that everybody was affected by what happened, not just Sam and the idea of a group of good Goa'uld was a great twist.
Amen. There was a lot of character involvement. The question I raised from it was whether Jolinar would have given Sam back her body if she had gone.

[jckfan55]

Amen. There was a lot of character involvement. The question I raised from it was whether Jolinar would have given Sam back her body if she had gone.
I think she would have, but who knows how long before she found a willing host? I think she would have eventually left Sam if she didn't find a host--after all she protected Sam from the Ashrak.

[golfbooy]

I think she would have, but who knows how long before she found a willing host? I think she would have eventually left Sam if she didn't find a host--after all she protected Sam from the Ashrak.
Eh, I don't know; Martouf was leering pretty good at Carter from the word "go". I'm inclined to think he would figure that he'd traded in for a better model and encourage Jolinar to forget all about Rosha. ;)

[Chelle DB]

AMAZING. INCREDIBLE. WONDERFUL. BRILLIANT. FABU. OUTSTANDING.

Amanda Tapping's performance in this is just indescribably good! It's a great plot line, lots of Sam whumping and all that.

Love the Gate Room scene and the "Dont leave me" scene.

Very very very very good episode.

Sam has some excellent lines and the way she goes from 'good' to evil is wicked!

Katie Stuart is back as Cassandra bless her she's such a sweet character and I love the way they used her.

I agree 100% with your assessment on this.Pity Jolinar didn't live though - that would have been interesting. Amanda's brilliant!

[ReganX]

The question I raised from it was whether Jolinar would have given Sam back her body if she had gone.

That's a puzzler.

Taking a host against their will seems to be a very big no-no for the Tok'ra and, while it's possible that Jolinar either thought that Sam was offering herself as a host - mouth to mouth does resemble the way the Tok'ra take hosts - or that her leaping from the Nasyan man to Sam was instinctive, once she was in Sam, she can't but have known that Sam most definitely did not want her there, yet she remained and, unless Sam was in control for the few seconds when one of them appealed to Jack, Jolinar forcibly kept control at all times.

I think that Jolinar had a very strong survival instinct and even a touch of ruthlessness, so I see her wanting to wait until she had a willing host waiting before she left Sam. She said as much to Daniel.

[Mickey23]

But I wonder
....why Teal'c did not sense the Goa'uld in Sam?
... what was the light shining in the ashrak's stomach in the hospital?
... Jolinar not only took an unwilling host (perhaps explainable since the alternative was death and perhaps she had important information to pass on. Although that wouldn't explain why she later decided to die without passing the information on) but she also took complete control of Sam, not allowing Sam any say.
...I don't remember any other Tok'ra whose eyes glowed (but I could be misremembering)

Thr reason that Teal'c did not sense the Goa'uld in Sam was that, at that time, the producers and writers had not mentioned that he could. There was nothing that said he could sense in earlier episodes. It was only after Sam could that they decided Teal'c could too. But as O'Neill and he were running down the hallway to the holding cell at the end of the episode, he did look back at the ashrack when he passed.
Ok, I have no idea about the light in the ashrack's stomach. He wasn't looking for a Jaffa, and wouldn't it have been easier for him to pull up the shirt if he was? And if Goa'ulds could sense other Goa'ulds, he wouldn't have needed the hand device anyway.
Jolinar toook full control of Sam because Sam did not know Jolinar was going to take her as host. She would have been surprised into telling someone, and probably would have said something like, "Oh, by the way, there is some snake in my head, although it says it is a friendly snake..." Don't think that would have gone over too well.
Finally, in Tok'ra Pt 1 & 2, the eyes glowed a couple of times. The leader's eyes did when she was upset over being called a Goa'uld (I don't remember her name). Sam's (Jolinar's)eyes glowed in the gateroom because she was upset over being cornered and wanted to leave. I think maybe the first time someone is taken over, the eyes glow just to show that the symbiote is in control and has been blended successfully.
Just my thoughts....

[captain jake]

"Good goa'uld" if there is such a thing-Jack O'Neill

[Sheppard]

yeah rofl

[Jakebbq]

in the scene were jolinar told teal'c about who she is and he stormed out he swiped his card upside down to opn the door

[SamO'Neill]

For me, this episode is one of my absolute favorites.

A little Sam-whump here and there never hurt anyone. ;)

It's just such an emotional episode, and Jack's so concerned at the end when Jolinar's dying and taking Sam with her.

It's some pretty emotional stuff. I think I shed a tear or two...

[scifi_girl]

this is my favourite episode in season two. its an emotional episode and i thought that the acting was really good.

[stimpy77]

Heh. When Teal'c exits the prisoner room with his security card, he makes three goof-ups on his security card. 1) The magnetic stripe is visible to the camera, on the wrong side of the card, the side towards him, so it is not able to be read by the card reader; 2) he doesn't fit the card all the way into the card reader anyway, the card was only put halfway into the slot, and 3) he opened the door as his card was halfway through the reader.

[Chaka's_Mum]

Apparently this is a regular kind of blooper - they tend to do it quite a lot. However, it's unusual for a card reader slip up to be as blatant as this one is. Which probably explains why it's the only one I've ever actually noticed. That sort of thing normally tends to slip past me!

We can, I suppose, excuse Teal'c for mixing up which way to put his card through the reader. After all, he has his mind on other, much more urgent, things at the moment he attempts to leave the room.

The card reader, however, should know better.

;) :P

[Harlan's Speechwriter]

Well, I've just watched this episode for the first time and completely missed Teal'c's goof with his security card! Guess I'm just not very observant.:tealcanime49:

This was a fantastic episode; AT's acting was stunning. The whole Tok'ra thing caught me by surprise. Jolinar's initial reaction to the situation is so aggressive that I was quite taken aback when she turned out to be genuinely good.

I've seen Season 1 and don't recall the Tok'ra being featured; do the discussions I've read about how Tok'ra take hosts etc come from info seen in future episodes/seasons, or am I really unobservant?

[Uber]

Well, I've just watched this episode for the first time and completely missed Teal'c's goof with his security card! Guess I'm just not very observant.:tealcanime49:

This was a fantastic episode; AT's acting was stunning. The whole Tok'ra thing caught me by surprise. Jolinar's initial reaction to the situation is so aggressive that I was quite taken aback when she turned out to be genuinely good.

I've seen Season 1 and don't recall the Tok'ra being featured; do the discussions I've read about how Tok'ra take hosts etc come from info seen in future episodes/seasons, or am I really unobservant?Nope. :)

In the Line of Duty is the first time the Tok'ra are mentioned in SG-1, which is why it's so difficult for the Colonel and General Hammond to give Jolinar the benefit of the doubt. As far as they're concerned, Jolinar is just another Goa'uld, on par with Apophis and should be kept locked up...and definitely not trusted.

[ReganX]

Nope. :)

In the Line of Duty is the first time the Tok'ra are mentioned in SG-1, which is why it's so difficult for the Colonel and General Hammond to give Jolinar the benefit of the doubt. As far as they're concerned, Jolinar is just another Goa'uld, on par with Apophis and should be kept locked up...and definitely not trusted.

That's one thing I really love about this episode; they had to rethink one of the assumptions they had been working with until then, that there were some good Goa'uld out there as well as bad.

[Harlan's Speechwriter]

That's one thing I really love about this episode; they had to rethink one of the assumptions they had been working with until then, that there were some good Goa'uld out there as well as bad.

Same here. It's also very moving to see Sam's journey through the episode and her relationship with Jolinar. The scene between Teal'c and Jack before Jack goes to question Jolinar/Sam was also very special. It was good to see a sort of softer side to both characters, especially Teal'c. From what I've seen so far, Teal'c doesn't often show an emotional side. Even in Cor Ai, his emotions seem masked by his need to be 'honourable'.

[Chaka's_Mum]

Nope. :)

In the Line of Duty is the first time the Tok'ra are mentioned in SG-1, which is why it's so difficult for the Colonel and General Hammond to give Jolinar the benefit of the doubt. As far as they're concerned, Jolinar is just another Goa'uld, on par with Apophis and should be kept locked up...and definitely not trusted.

Absolutely.

Given how Jolinar first joined up with Sam, she gave us no indication that she was anything other than a Goa'uld - which is a bit of a sticking point on this ep once you get further in and meet up with her fellows and hear what they've got to say on the whole Symbiote/Host relationship. Though the fact that her previous host hadn't tried to take over his village et al might, in hindsight, be a bit of an indicator that we're not dealing with your average, power crazed Goa'uld type. Not that they would have noticed at the time. They had their minds on other, more important things.

Her hostility to Teal'c (from her personal Tok'ra perspective) is going to look like standard Goa'uld arrogance over their enslaved fighting forces to the rest of us. Even when she gives Sam a chance to speak for herself, how are we supposed to know that it really is Sam and not just Jolinar dictating what she says? That's what makes her desperation so absolutely real. There is no possible way that she can prove she's really speaking for herself - and no one believes her. Brrrr...

Probably one of the all time top ten best eps - for the overall story, the impact it has on the future spin of the series, AT's magnificent performance and, well, just everything.

Okay, that sounds really gushing - but I rank this Ep right into the heights of my favourites.

[Harlan's Speechwriter]

Though the fact that her previous host hadn't tried to take over his village et al might, in hindsight, be a bit of an indicator that we're not dealing with your average, power crazed Goa'uld type....

Her hostility to Teal'c (from her personal Tok'ra perspective) is going to look like standard Goa'uld arrogance over their enslaved fighting forces to the rest of us. Even when she gives Sam a chance to speak for herself, how are we supposed to know that it really is Sam and not just Jolinar dictating what she says? That's what makes her desperation so absolutely real. There is no possible way that she can prove she's really speaking for herself - and no one believes her. Brrrr...

That was my reaction too. I think that's one of the things that makes this episode so good, the audience experiences the same uncertainty as the characters. Jolinar's line (and more's to the point the way she said it) when Jack leaves Sam, "What will it take?", really convinced me that she was a Goaul'd.

At the very end, it seemed (to me) that it was Sam's strength that saved her; Sam's reaction to Jolinar sacrificing herself for her was incredibly moving.

As a newbie, I'm looking forward to seeing how Sam's character evolves after this experience.

Full marks to AT for a fantastic performance - give the girl an Oscar! :sam59:

[serafine]

Not new to SG-1 by any means, but finally got to see this whole episode today. (Yea reruns!)

I just have to ask, but is it just me or is Jack wiping away at some awfully misty eyes after he follows Sam on the gurney into the Infirmary? He wipes both eyes and then scrubs the back of his knuckles across his nose.

I was just very surprised to see it. Am I reaching with this observation? Does Jack just have allergies?

Any thoughts?

[Harlan's Speechwriter]

Not new to SG-1 by any means, but finally got to see this whole episode today. (Yea reruns!)

I just have to ask, but is it just me or is Jack wiping away at some awfully misty eyes after he follows Sam on the gurney into the Infirmary? He wipes both eyes and then scrubs the back of his knuckles across his nose.

I was just very surprised to see it. Am I reaching with this observation? Does Jack just have allergies?

Any thoughts?

I may be remembering it wrongly, but I thought that Jack was just concerned about Sam? After all, he'd lost his friend Kawalsky to a goaul'd.

[Skadi]

Just wanted to say that I agree with this is being one of the best episodes of SG-1.
It was the first we saw of the Tok'ra, and I just loved the idea of them immediately. The idea of two persons in the same body - wonderful. Could lead to endlessly interesting stories.
I was so sad when they killed Jolinar - I think it would really have been interesting to have her survive. Jolinar is one of my absolute favorite characters - and AT does a GREAT job in this episode.

I think Jolinar may have either believed/wished to believe Sam was offering herself as host - Jolinar probably also panicked, so she may not have been thinking as clearly as otherwise.

-Skadi

[SGAtlantisP60]

It was a good episode where Sam is taken host by a Gou'ule after she gives mouth to mouth to one of the people being attack by Jaffa. Later they find out that this Go'ule is really a Tokra, the anti-Gou'ule Gou'ule.They come to relive this after the Gou'ule inside of Sam is killed by a bounty hunter working for the system lords...

[HelloVelo]

Was I the only one with an overwhelming urge to hug Sam at the end of this episode?

Rating: 8/10

Full Review: http://stargatesummer.blogspot.com/2008/06/in-line-of-duty.html

[captain jake]

Was I the only one with an overwhelming urge to hug Sam at the end of this episode?

Rating: 8/10

Full Review: http://stargatesummer.blogspot.com/2008/06/in-line-of-duty.html

The ending of this episode left a few questions in my mind.

Why did they let Cassandra see Sam in such a fragile state? Why was it so easy for Cassandra to go into a room by herself with a person who was a Goa'uld just a short time before. I don't want to be insensitive but that little girl just tips the series off of the normal flow of SG-1. Teal'c's son does the exact same thing in "Bloodlines" and "Family". I think it is simply because it is extremely hard to find child actors with much acting experience or skill. There have been a few talented child actors on Stargate such as Brittney Irvin as Merrin in "Learning Curve" and Jodelle Ferland as Adria in "Flesh and Blood". Though I have to say that it is a matter that can make or break an episode and in this episode it nearly did break it.

P.S.- To answer your question, I would not have hugged her because it looked like she needed her space.

[L E E]

This ep is interesting in that it introduced the Tokra and the Ashrak.

I have not yet seen any other Tokra episodes. So based on this episode alone, I am still unsure whether they are a trustworthy bunch of snakes or not.

I am with Jack on this one. Carter said that Jolinar gave its life so that Carter may live. That's good. But it would not have been in danger in the first place if it did not take over Sam. If the tokra wanted trust, then it should have offerred to let Sam go immediately when it made its presence known. I would find it kinda hard to trust someone when one is hostaging my friend. I find it hard to trust someone who can suppress my mind/will at their whim.

Can goa'uld survive without a host? Is this why the Tokra would only offer to leave Sam alone as soon as it found a new host?

[captain jake]

Can goa'uld survive without a host? Is this why the Tokra would only offer to leave Sam alone as soon as it found a new host?

We have seen mature symbiotes survive in lakes and tanks in future episode. However, I am not sure if a modern Tok'ra or Goa'uld could survive in such conditions for very long.

[pritnep]

Not a bad episode to introduce the Tokra and the Ashrak although a bit of a repeat on season 1 The Enemy Within storyline in a way with, but to be honest probably the bet way to introduce the Tokra, creates a little bit of fear and hope.

I'm not sure if they actually keep the Alpha site up and running yet but I would think they would and should, interesting of gating back to earth they could gate there then do quarantine and medical scans (especially when they are evacuating people) without exposing the entire SGC to anything. Also helps with security.

I guess after the impending destruction of earth the SGC got a bigger budget to have 3 new teams.


Why did they let Cassandra see Sam in such a fragile state?

P.S.- To answer your question, I would not have hugged her because it looked like she needed her space.

To me it seemed like everyone was visiting her trying to help her come to terms with the lose and get through it. Children can have the capacity to be remarkable forgiving and to help you see through a more similar viewpoint and basically put a smile on your face and forget. Cassandra is kind of an escapism to Sam (the daughter she never had) kind of thing so having her there would only help.


This ep is interesting in that it introduced the Tokra and the Ashrak.

I am with Jack on this one. Carter said that Jolinar gave its life so that Carter may live. That's good. But it would not have been in danger in the first place if it did not take over Sam. If the tokra wanted trust, then it should have offerred to let Sam go immediately when it made its presence known. I would find it kinda hard to trust someone when one is hostaging my friend. I find it hard to trust someone who can suppress my mind/will at their whim.

Can goa'uld survive without a host? Is this why the Tokra would only offer to leave Sam alone as soon as it found a new host?

The host was the Torka was original in was dead to escape into Sam was it's only option of survival. On that note you would think Sam would of used one of those protection breathing masks that people carry around to create a barrier to spread of possible diseases people may have when giving mouth to mouth. If it had not of done that and left the host it wouldn't of had any other hosts to choose from and would be very very vulnerable, without any escape or protection from anything. So basically it was that or risk dying yourself.

Survive given the right conditions and protection, I would say so. But really without a host it is nothing but a large snake - it can't do anything productive or have a meaningful existence as it can with a host.

[Black_Sheep]

Nice episode. 8/10 :D

[Pic]

I'm not enamored with Cassie as this team seems to be, I just don't seem to care about her a whole lot. The emotional bond seems contrived, especially with the ending scene. But it did show Sam's anguish and trauma at having to process all that has happened to her with Jolinar. I also liked the Jack/Cassie scenes, showing a softer side to the Colonel.

AT plays this so well. The warm & enthusiastic Carter is a cold, calculating, arrogant & scary Goa'uld ~ who also happens to not really be the bad guy.

Without Jolinar dying for Carter, I doubt anyone would've been able to stomach the Tok'ra as future allies. This introduction to them was nicely done.

[TikTokk]

Hi,

I'm new to the series and just started up on season 2.
I was wondering....during the briefing, Hammond mentions that there a three new SG teams: 10 through 12. Why is this exactly? There doesn't seem to be any explanation for the creation of more teams. In fact, from what I have seen from the show so far, teams 2 through 9 are hardly given any mention or purpose at all (aside from SG-9 in the episode "The First Commandment" and the occasional "bail 'em out" missions). Three more teams just seems excessive and really doesn't add anything to the overall storyline......perhaps in later episodes this will be cleared up??

And possibly I missed this, but is the idea that each team is to serve a specific function? For example, SG-1 does initial recon, SG-2 follows up with in-depth recon, SG-3 provides military assistance, SG-4 provides diplomatic support, etc...

...I'm just curious, because I don't think this was really ever explained in season 1.
Thanks so much!! =)

[Pic]

Hi,

I'm new to the series and just started up on season 2.
I was wondering....during the briefing, Hammond mentions that there a three new SG teams: 10 through 12. Why is this exactly? There doesn't seem to be any explanation for the creation of more teams. In fact, from what I have seen from the show so far, teams 2 through 9 are hardly given any mention or purpose at all (aside from SG-9 in the episode "The First Commandment" and the occasional "bail 'em out" missions). Three more teams just seems excessive and really doesn't add anything to the overall storyline......perhaps in later episodes this will be cleared up??

And possibly I missed this, but is the idea that each team is to serve a specific function? For example, SG-1 does initial recon, SG-2 follows up with in-depth recon, SG-3 provides military assistance, SG-4 provides diplomatic support, etc...

...I'm just curious, because I don't think this was really ever explained in season 1.
Thanks so much!! =)

Howdy!
Welcome to GW & all it's random zany-ness.
And, most importantly, welcome to Stargate! I'm re-watching for the first time (so it's my 2nd run-through).

No, you didn't miss some super-secret scene or something. Other teams don't get much screen time. Every now & then, another SG team designation is bandied about with a function of sorts. (a team is mentioned coming up shortly in 'Prisoners', but by no means is the main thrust of the story). I think it's only to give the impression that it's not just Jack/Sam/Daniel/Teal'c saving the universe ~ that the organization is bigger. My opinion. Others here may have another take on it.

[RononXSpecialist]

This was a suprizeing Ep, To see Sam gettin takin over by Tok'ra, At least somthing good comes out of it, Later on in Season 2.

[Butlersgate]

i think introducing the tok'ra was a really good idea imo

[JediKnutt]

I'm sure this has been mentioned before. I've been re-watching the seasons again and noticed that when Teal'c leaves the brig, just after Jolinar tells him who she is, he scans his ID card to leave. The stripe is facing the wrong way. You can see the stripe side between his fingers as he scans the wrong part of the card. The door beeps and he leaves. It's just one of those things that once you notice it, you can't un-notice it.

[gateship15]

wow i didn't know that i will watch more carefully next time

[Coela Bellatore]

I had a question about this episode. Jack is leaving the cell and Jolinar uses Sam to emotionally gut punch him on the way out but then later tells him that the hosts are the Tokra's "equals". Now I can get that Jolinar may be suppressing Sam in a time of need but she can use Sam to manipulate others. For being a symbiotic create, it seems the Tokra wear the pants in the relationship as they can take command at will.

[GateGipsy]

Indeed. I think that is at the root of Jack's great dislike of being a host even to a Tokra, even when his life is at stake.

[The Stig]

Amanda tapping was brilliant in this episode. We also get our first look at the Tok'ra.

[drewandian]

Why did they let Cassandra see Sam in such a fragile state? Why was it so easy for Cassandra to go into a room by herself with a person who was a Goa'uld just a short time before.


Cassandra, at this point, is the only other person who's had the Goa'uld really mess with her (yeah Teal'c was Apophois' First Prime but he hadn't been experimented on or anything) and the only one who could truly understand what Sam was going through. Sure, she's a child, but children really do have an amazing capacity to understand, empathize and sympathize when going through something this profoundly life-changing. As for why it was so easy for her to go into a room by herself with someone was a recently a blended Goa'uld it's simple...it was still Sam. Cassandra and Sam became close a long time ago, were family and Cassandra trusts her. Children also having the amazing capacity to trust implicitly and to forgive easily (which could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on the situation.)

Long story short, their family....and that's just the stuff family does for each other....:cool:

[Ulkesh47]

I had a question about this episode. Jack is leaving the cell and Jolinar uses Sam to emotionally gut punch him on the way out but then later tells him that the hosts are the Tokra's "equals". Now I can get that Jolinar may be suppressing Sam in a time of need but she can use Sam to manipulate others. For being a symbiotic create, it seems the Tokra wear the pants in the relationship as they can take command at will.
I agree that the portrayal of the Tok'ra in "In the Line of Duty" and "The Tok'ra" are at odds.

[rushy]

This episode was so cool.Goa'uld vs Goa'uld?

[rushy]

This episode is so awesome i love the glowing eyes and carter gateroom scene

[Tachyon]

Loved this episode! And loved how they continued with the Tok'ra later on in my favorite SG-1 two parter. :)

[Nadine]

I love that ep
It's my favourite one :D

[mrscopterdoc]

This was an awesome episode for Sam/AT.

[majorsal]

This was an awesome episode for Sam/AT.

yes it was! :D

[Jacquelyn]

I completely love this episode!! It was a new experience for Amanda/Sam. I mean being possessed by the Tok'ra Jolinar, now let's her use certain Goa'uld technology. :D And it inquires for a great alliance between the Tok'ra and the Tau'ri. I was a bit sad at the end cuz just the expression on Sams face when she was in the infirmary made me frown. She feels the loss..

[asdf1239]

i have a minor issue here. jolinar apparently has a female personality per the following tokra episodes but when teal'c was talking about it, he referred to it as a "he"

[Jacquelyn]

i have a minor issue here. jolinar apparently has a female personality per the following tokra episodes but when teal'c was talking about it, he referred to it as a "he"

Do you mean in the episodes before they met the Tok'ra??

[asdf1239]

no, i mean the episodes after this one where they learn more about jolinar. why would they refer to it as a "he"

[Jacquelyn]

Good question.. I don't know. I do know Sam know's that Jolinar is a woman. Well.. Like Martouf said, Symbiotes don't have a gender but Jolinar was always in women hosts.

[suse]

Except the one before Sam... which is all they knew about. And habit. ;)

[Jacquelyn]

Except the one before Sam... which is all they knew about. And habit. ;)

Well yea except that one. :P But that was cuz she was hiding from the hunter.

[asdf1239]

perhaps in those days it had a male host.

[Jacquelyn]

perhaps in those days it had a male host.

Hmm..Jolinar being in a male??..WEIRD. Lol :P I think she was only in a male host once. Martouf said she was always in Female hosts. ;)

[AVFan]

LOL I'm rewatching this episode right now and I noticed that when Teal'c leaves the room after first interrogating Carter/Jolinar, he swipes his card to deactivate the lock but swipes the card upside down with the magnetic strip never even touching the card-reader. :lol:

Don't know if anybody caught this before. Add another thing to the list of easter eggs.

[SnowWhite]

I just rewatched the ep, because I've read a (for me) new theory about the Jolinar/Jack/Sam-scene. If that was discussed before, please tell me where.

Theory 1: Jo is always in control of Sam and supresses the distorted voice etc. when she calls for Jack in order to manipulate him.
Theory 2: Jo gives Sam control back and it is really Sam who speaks.

Now after the rewatch I'm completely confused.
There is evidence for both interpretations.

One for No. 1 would be that Sam doesn't look down before we here Jo's voice.. (don't the Tok'ra always do that?). Second, Sam hardly ever calls O'Neill "Jack". And this time it sounded so naturally like she'd be used to it. Also Jolinar might have hoped that calling by his given name would affect him most.

On the opposite, even though the Tok'ra always lower their head, isn't Klorel able to take over without?
Then it's a really serious situation, in fact a life-death-one, and she has called him "Jack" then before.
Furthermore shouldn't her eyes be glowing, when the "snake" is that upset?
Last but not least she says "HE is speaking the truth".. Would Jolinar refer to "it"self as he? Even without an own gender?

I personally always thought of theory 2 but since I read of it, I think the other one is woth considering.
What do you think?

[jckfan55]

^I think it's *supposed* to be Sam, but calling him Jack does seem odd. I don't think up to that point we'd ever seen her call him that.

[SnowWhite]

ok.. I was just surprised when I read that serval people think it was Jolinar, so I thought it would be interesting to hear some other opinions :)

If I remember correctly, Sam has called him Jack once by then.. in "The Nox" but he was already dead, so he couldn't hear it.

[Girlbot]

Not a really smart Tok'ra here. Came off a little too agressive for a being that wants to be trusted. Maybe this is where Jack started to build his distrust for them. I always agreed with his assessment of the Tok'ra

[maneth]

Interesting episode and a fascinating first look at the Tok'ra.

[Tallifer]

This was a powerful story from beginning to end.

The opening was shocking. The early part was mysterious and tense. The later part presented everyone with an intriguing dilemma. And the ending was tragic and moving.

I liked the introduction of rebel, good Goauld: it made the race more believable, interesting and full of possibilities. At the same time, I liked it that the Tokra had their own pride, agenda, method and prejudices.

[ChulaksPrincess]

Great episode about Sam. She went through a lot in this episode, and so did her friends; especially Jack.
When
Teal'c told Jack not to see his friend when he spoke to the Go'uld, and Jack asked him how to do that, that really was a heart tugging moment for me. I especially liked the end, where Cassie, Jack and Daniel are talking about Sam, and Cassie visits her.

[Vagabond Serpent]

Not that great episode to me. Yes, they needed to introduce Tok'Ra in some way, but in my opinion the whole Tok'Ra idea was bad. The concept of "good Goa'Uld" never worked with me, sorry. :P

Now for some ranting. It always startled me why when SG teams go to a planet where they expect heavy resistance, they still are armed badly? Yes, in this particular episode Daniel said that the attack came a complete surprise, but it seemed to me that there were some reinforcements to SG-1 in the beginning. If that's so, why didn't they brought something heavy with them?? :confused:

They say Tok'Ra aren't Goa'Uld. Well, then Jolinar should have rather died than host Carter without her permission. Or at least shouldn't been hiding till the last moment.

What was truly interesting is Ashrak's ring. While it was in his stomach it seemed to augment his recovery, helping the parasite to heal the host. And when it was on his fingers, it worked as a weapon, scanner and mind controlling device. I wander what SGC did to it after Teal'C killed Ashrak? Or did zat's energy destroyed it?

Otherwise, nice episode. Development for all main characters present, especially Sam and Jack.

8/10.

[maylet]

One of my favorite episode of Season 2. I love that we got to see Cassie again, and I don't believe they could have introduced the story of the Tok'ra any other way. I remember when I first saw this episode (a long time ago) I was so scare for Sam, I was all the time thinking OMG she's now a Goa'uld, what are they going to do, it's nice that in the end she was a Tok'ra, only for the episode, and not an evil Goa'uld

[blueray]

good episode, though one thing that i always bothered me is why didn't jolanor explain to sam who she was, she would have stopped fighting her. and then allow sam to do the talking when she was with others. this would decrease suspision.

[fems]

Without having ever heard of the Tok'ra or "good Goa'uld" I doubt Sam would have believed her. All they (the SGC) know is that the Goa'uld are evil lying snakeheads bent on galactic domination. Would you believe Jolinar's story if you were in Sam's position? Better yet, would you believe "Sam" if she were to tell you she was infested by a Tok'ra not a Goa'uld and that yes, she really was herself and it wasn't the snake talking?

[muziqaz]

Great acting by Amanda. Return of Cassie was a delight as well :)

[LeftHandedGuitarist]

I love this episode. To me, it represents a turning point in SG-1 in much the same way that Solitudes did. It opens up the world a bit more and begins new plot threads which will spread out as the series continues. The episode even looks different to what has come before, with new locations, bigger sets, impressive effects and more adventurous cinematography and lighting.

Not to mention that Amanda does such a good job here. Even the moment Jolinar enters her is a perfect marriage of acting and cinematography working together, really emphasising that something big has just happened. I love the little blood dribble down her chin.

I really can't find much to dislike about this episode. The scenes with the Ashrak take a little while to get going, and the guy playing him seems to flit between menacing and a very robotic performance. As an assassin he seems to really know how to get the job done, it doesn't take him long to track Jolinar down! The moment after where he fools the guards, ("she's dead. Let's go!") is very naturally done to the point where I forget that he's not a good guy.

- Cassandra's back! I love the continuity of Stargate, bringing back old characters fairly regularly.

- Jolinar says he/she is "of Malkshur". What the hell is Malkshur? I've always wondered. Is it his country? Planet? Resistance cell name? Family? Bank branch?

- After all the effort the Ashrak puts in to finally get to Sam, it's a bit shoddy that he doesn't actually finish the job and check that Sam is dead.

- My memory isn't great, but is this episode the first mention of the System Lords? Or did we hear that term in season 1?

- By this point General Hammond has really become one of the team, and his gruff personality from the earlier episodes is pretty much gone. I like him much more like this!

RATING: 9 out of 10

[mathpiglet]

Did anyone else notice the look of pure glee on the little boy Jack is carrying at the beginning?

[Nindif]

Not a really smart Tok'ra here. Came off a little too agressive for a being that wants to be trusted. Maybe this is where Jack started to build his distrust for them. I always agreed with his assessment of the Tok'ra

Agreed, I think it is very out of character for a Tokra to have exposed itself and behaved the way it did when first discovered. I suppose it tried to make Sam understand but Jack and the others would never believe it anyway. And yes, I also agree Jack's distrust comes from this very episode and eventually spirals into almost disrespect/disregard for the Tokra race as their interactions develop.


I love this episode. To me, it represents a turning point in SG-1 in much the same way that Solitudes did. It opens up the world a bit more and begins new plot threads which will spread out as the series continues. The episode even looks different to what has come before, with new locations, bigger sets, impressive effects and more adventurous cinematography and lighting.

- My memory isn't great, but is this episode the first mention of the System Lords? Or did we hear that term in season 1?


I think the opening attack on the planet really hits the viewer like "BAM!" you thought the action/budget was over after the season2 opener but no, it's still going. I love that.

A think it may be the first mention of System Lords, I do not recall it earlier in season 1.

My favourite part of the episode is by far Daniel's complete ignorance to everything that is going on around him. His opening line in the Gateroom when Sam/Jolinar is trying to espace "Jack... What the heck is going on???". And then later again in the Gateroom he has no clue who that guy is and cannot understand why he would be there. I think Daniel has had two fantastically understated episodes in S2 so far. Shanks plays them both brilliantly.

[dtheories]

Agree that AT shows her native chops shifting smoothly between Jolinar and Sam.

And I don't know about it being the first "System Lord" mention, like another's question about Teal'c not yet spouting, "Indeed." I did notice Jack and Sam in the briefing room in BDUs and I'm trying to think when they stopped wearing blue uniforms.

Each time the writers introduced a new element to the show, today, the Tok'ra, the universe just expands so much. It's unlike any other show ever.

That Teal'c can't sense Jolinar's presence, but does sense Goa'uld in later eps is puzzling as is the question earlier asked about the Ashrak ring. Viewers would like to know!

The most fun part of this ep for me though has to be the focus on Janet's dimunitive size. It's shouted out when she and Jack are outside the door Cassie's locked and then most definitely when she's wheeled into the infirmary with Sam after the Ashrak attack.
Cute!

[KayLyne]

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about this episode (apart from our introduction to the Tok'Ra) is the appearance from Judy Norton. I grew up watching 'The Waltons' and loved that she was part of this episode. I don't think I had seen her previously in anything non-Waltons related when I first saw this episode, so this was a joy for me.

As for the introduction to the Tok'Ra, every time I watch this episode, it frightens me how easily the Ashrak was able to penetrate the SGC undetected. I realize that we haven't come across all of the cool gadgets, knowledge & intel that we'll have later on in detecting such things, but it's still disconcerting to see how he hid in plain sight.

I think AT did a wonderful job in portraying the differences between Sam & Jolinar. We see later on in more detail throughout this series that the Tok'Ra are not afraid to die for their cause, but it was still shocking at the end of this episode to see Jolinar give her life for Sam.

Jolinar obviously had access to all of Sam's thoughts & feelings, but I wonder how much of the compassion & awareness to not take another innocent life (Sam) dying along with her was actually Jolinar's own personality?

One of my favorite parts of this episode is seeing Janet riding on the gurney when they're bringing Sam into the infirmary, and seamlessly issuing orders. Up to this point, it was quite rare to see that immediacy of the medical personnel saving someone on the base. And of course, the scene makes me chuckle thinking that they probably did it that way because TR would have looked very short when trying to run alongside as they brought her in.

And just for the record - short people (I'm one of them) ROCK!

I also find it a bit baffling that Teal'c was never able to sense Jolinar or the Ashrak, when Cassie was able to detect Jolinar in Sam. I guess the only thing I can think of is that Cassie didn't notice it until she hugged Sam. Teal'c was never that close to either of them.

One question I still have with this episode -
Was it actually Sam that pleaded to Jack in the cell ("Oh God, he's telling you the truth! Please, Jack!") or was it Jolinar pretending to be Sam? Because we know how rarely (even through the entire series) that Sam calls him "Jack".

Another small point that I always seem to note when watching this episode is Teal'c mentioning that Bra'tac was the first to tell Teal'c about the Tok'Ra. It's another reference to reiterate what Teal'c mentioned in "the enemy within" that basically Jaffa have no written history. Their history, stories, & legends are all passed down to the younger generations verbally. As this series goes on, I keep thinking just how much "folklore" there is for Jaffa to remember during their fairly lengthy lives.

And finally - Cassie consoling Sam at the end... priceless!

[Jae'a]

My LiveJournal post (http://jo-r-lee.livejournal.com/7288.html)

I agree that this is a great episode, and I love Amanda's acting. :D

[SG3Marine]

Not a really smart Tok'ra here. Came off a little too agressive for a being that wants to be trusted. Maybe this is where Jack started to build his distrust for them. I always agreed with his assessment of the Tok'ra

I agree with this. I understand it was written that way so the audience would think it was a regular Gou'ald.

Other than that it was a fantastic episode. AT did a wonderful job.

[Krisz]

I wondered about the bit where Sam is herself for a moment pleading to "Jack", yes it did seem out of character.

Then, on thinking about it, the Tok'ra was accessing her memories and feelings. To me this showed that Sam privately thought of him as a good friend and Jolinar picked up on this and thought to use it, but misunderstanding that it was not the way she behaved towards him in normal every day interactions. It reminds me of that other scene earlier in the episode where Sam sounds very businesslike and then tries to be like a buddy to Jack with the "I'll go right now. Wouldn't want to break post-mission protocol, right, Colonel?" line in a jolly voice and a friendly playful thump on his arm along with it.

This was a good episode in that it introduced the idea of 'good' Goa'ulds, although that seems to be a hard thing to accept for SG-1. I liked the way they introduce these sorts of things and you can never be absolutely sure of what they are. I think we were always kept guessing by what the Tok'ra really wanted.

[NowIWillDestroyAbydos]

Better than average ep. Sam is a Tok'ra, who we'll learn more about later this season. Forgot Cassie was back in this one.

So Hammond (of Texas) is now wearing his normal clothing. After watching season 1, I forgot what he normally wore (the unbuttoned collar).

Monday's Episode, is an average one.

[hlndncr]

I think this is a great episode. We get an interesting new frienemy that will play an important role in the show's mythology.

I love seeing Cassie again and how she continues to be a part of our characters' lives.

As for Jolinar, I can't say I much like her. Just from what we know of her right now, she seems very bold and agressive for a Tok'ra, leading an army in rebellion. And she also seems very arrogant to me. Although she claims to be different from the goa'uld we know she's taken at least two unwillingly hosts in order to save herself. Her actions lead to the goa'uld attack on the Nassians, Sam almost dying at an assassin's hand, and Daniel being held at gun point. What makes her think her life is so much more important than everyone around her? Or that she has the right to take what she needs at the expense of others? That's a very gou'aldish attitude if you ask me. No wonder Jack and the others didn't trust her.

Even if she had behaved meek and submissive from the beginning instead of being so confrontational I don't think it would have changed their attitude toward her. As far as we know at this point, a snake's a snake and there is no way for them to know that she isn't really just tricking them to get their gaurd down. Teal'c's only heard of the Tok'ra in legend. And her actions in taking the Nassian man and Carter as hosts certainly wouldn't engender trust.

I do think that being possessed by a Tok'ra and the repercussions from that experience make Sam and even more interesting character and it gave her a storyline that wasn't just about being "the girl."




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[KayLyne]

As for Jolinar, I can't say I much like her. Just from what we know of her right now, she seems very bold and agressive for a Tok'ra, leading an army in rebellion. And she also seems very arrogant to me. Although she claims to be different from the goa'uld we know she's taken at least two unwillingly hosts in order to save herself. Her actions lead to the goa'uld attack on the Nassians, Sam almost dying at an assassin's hand, and Daniel being held at gun point. What makes her think her life is so much more important than everyone around her? Or that she has the right to take what she needs at the expense of others? That's a very gou'aldish attitude if you ask me. No wonder Jack and the others didn't trust her.

Even if she had behaved meek and submissive from the beginning instead of being so confrontational I don't think it would have changed their attitude toward her. As far as we know at this point, a snake's a snake and there is no way for them to know that she isn't really just tricking them to get their gaurd down. Teal'c's only heard of the Tok'ra in legend. And her actions in taking the Nassian man and Carter as hosts certainly wouldn't engender trust.
I understand that part of Jolinar's resistance was about trying to escape again so she could flee from the Ashrak. Also taking into account the Tok'Ra hadn't really previously encountered true allies (someone willing enough to join with them to fight and destroy the Goa'uld) like the Tauri, so I'm guessing Jolinar had no reason to trust any of them.

I know we see through the seasons that the Tok'Ra still have quite a bit of the Goa'uld arrogancy, but how much of Jolinar's increasing aggression in this episode was due to the fact that Sam was fighting her internally?
later on in "The Tok'Ra Pt 2", Sam tells Jack, "If I wasn't fighting her and I knew what it meant for Jolinar to be a Tok'ra, it might have been…I don't know, enlightening."
I also ponder the thought of what if Jolinar hadn't died? What if the Ashrak had been killed, Sam realized that Jolinar was a "peaceful" symbiote and decided to stay blended? Just think of the powerful force the two of them (Sam & Jolinar) working together as one would have been. How would Sam's personality have changed with having access to not just Jolinar's memories, but her current thoughts and, ultimately, actions/reactions.

[hlndncr]

I understand that part of Jolinar's resistance was about trying to escape again so she could flee from the Ashrak. Also taking into account the Tok'Ra hadn't really previously encountered true allies (someone willing enough to join with them to fight and destroy the Goa'uld) like the Tauri, so I'm guessing Jolinar had no reason to trust any of them.

That doesn't really fly as an excuse for me because what makes her life so much more important than an entire village and two unwilling individuals? It makes her claims of a symbiotic relationship and not taking unwilling hosts seem more of a convenience than a principle because when push came to shove she chose to be parasitical.


I know we see through the seasons that the Tok'Ra still have quite a bit of the Goa'uld arrogancy, but how much of Jolinar's increasing aggression in this episode was due to the fact that Sam was fighting her internally?

And why wouldn't Sam fight her? She was acting like a gou'ald. She took her as an unwilling host. She threatened a child (one Sam dearly loved). She tried to blow up the base. She was entirely focused on her own interests. Given her actions and attitude I can't see Sam believing her to be anything but an enemy.


later on in "The Tok'Ra Pt 2", Sam tells Jack, "If I wasn't fighting her and I knew what it meant for Jolinar to be a Tok'ra, it might have been…I don't know, enlightening."


The only thing Sam's statement demonstrates for me is the deep lingering trauma of Jolinar's possession. As Jack points out, she had previously stated that it was the worst experience of her entire life. Throughout the episode Sam is painfully confused and emotionally overwrought, even stating at one point that she understands what it must feel like to be schitzophrenic. She's also desperate to save her dying father. Many times victims of abuse will try to justify and protect their abusers in order to give their ordeal some sense and meaning. And later, as Sam learns even more about the depths to which Jolinar would sink, I think she is disgusted and knows this is not someone she would have wanted to be a part of her.



I also ponder the thought of what if Jolinar hadn't died? What if the Ashrak had been killed, Sam realized that Jolinar was a "peaceful" symbiote and decided to stay blended? Just think of the powerful force the two of them (Sam & Jolinar) working together as one would have been. How would Sam's personality have changed with having access to not just Jolinar's memories, but her current thoughts and, ultimately, actions/reactions.

To me that sounds like an absolute horror! I'm so glad Jolinar died. Seeing Sam deal with the consequences was interesting, but having her live as a Tok'ra would not have incorporated well into the show IMHO. I do not consider Jolinar, with her arogance and situational ethics, a sympathetic character. She would have ruined the essence of Sam's character, the strength with grace that she embodies for me.




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[Nut_ty]

My take on the Sam/Jolinar relationship is there was something there of a positive nature. Otherwise, why was Sam so depressed? If there was only a struggle, why wouldn't Sam just be angry?

Amanda ROCKS! and I love Cassie!

[fems]

Otherwise, why was Sam so depressed?

Maybe because she'd been infested with a parasite who messed up her mind, made her (body) do awful things like threatening everything/one she tries to protect and was responsible for her nearly dying only to end up with gruesome memories of all the stuff Jolinar has done (which isn't pretty, like we learn later on) and imprints of feelings about things/people she doesn't even know?

We don't know how a Goa'uld/Tok'ra controls a host and how they suppress them, but considering what we know they can do and what we learned from Kawalsky's infestation in the pilot, I think it's safe to assume they use a lot of hormones/neurotransmitters (either natural occurring in the host or produced by the snake) which would mess up the host's body chemistry.

All that and knowing the Goa'uld (since Sam still refers to it as such) is being reabsorbed into your body would be enough to send anyone into a depression, in my opinion.

[hlndncr]

My take on the Sam/Jolinar relationship is there was something there of a positive nature. Otherwise, why was Sam so depressed? If there was only a struggle, why wouldn't Sam just be angry?

Amanda ROCKS! and I love Cassie!

Anger is not the most common response to severe abuse. More often than not it leads to depression and self-loathing. I actually think her reaction at the end of this episode is perfect, as is her emotional confusion later on.




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[majorsal]

One question I still have with this episode -
Was it actually Sam that pleaded to Jack in the cell ("Oh God, he's telling you the truth! Please, Jack!") or was it Jolinar pretending to be Sam? Because we know how rarely (even through the entire series) that Sam calls him "Jack".



this is a long standing debate on the shipper thread :p, but years ago, i asked amanda this very question in an online q/a, and amanda said it was 'sam' yelling out to jack.

amanda said it wasn't stated in the script, but for her, she played it as it being sam.

[Lieutenant Sparrow]

I hate the Tok'ra :jack_new_anime25: I understand Jacks distaste for them.

Still a great ep though. Death Gliders to start off an ep is definitely good in my books.

[jelgate]

I'm at odds with this one. Thier are some things I like about this one while their are other things I just can't stand. I like the idea of rebellious of Goa'uld but I have to wonder what Jolinar was trying to achieve by threating human lives. Doesn't sound like Tok'ra that we see later. Its interesting to see how easily an Ashrak enters the SGC. A little too easy for my liking. I understand they are good at stealth but I have problems how he escapes security. Especially the palm scan check-in. Was no one watching? Although the end where Jolinar dies was fantastic.

[SG1Member]

I don't know if this has been mentioned already, but the Ashrak's weapon looks looks like the one Ra used in the movie to execute one of his guards. Could they be the same?

[SaraBahama]

One of my favorite eps! AT did an awesome job!

I agree with hlndncr's observations on Jolinar as an individual (not to cast aspersions on the Tok'ra as a whole). Perhaps the haughtiness and fluid ethics has to do with the fact that she was born a Goa'uld, and later went against her genetic memory, rather than being a child of Egeria (a Tok'ra by birth)?

Just a thought.

I'm glad the Tok'ra arc was added to the storyline, though.

[jelgate]

It was said in the past all Tok'ra come from Egeria. No exceptions

[SaraBahama]

"In the Line of Duty":

TEAL'C
The missing Nasyan is an Ashrak. A Goa'uld assassin sent by the System Lords to eliminate Jolinar.

DANIEL
That's the name of the Goa'uld in Sam?

TEAL'C
It is. Jolinar once tried to overthrow one of the System Lords but was defeated when Apophis joined the battle. He escaped during the slaughter of his armies.


I think it was this that implanted the idea that Jolinar was a reformed Goa'uld in my mind. The Tok'ra MO does not typically include leading armies into battle, but rather inserting themselves as covert agents into the ranks of the Goa'uld.

There is some additional canon indications that Goa'uld defection is possible:


'Crossroads':

ANISE
Correct, Dr Jackson. Egeria came to the Tau'ri to stop the Goa'uld from taking humans through the Stargate as slaves. Ra found her and killed her, but not before she had spawned our movement.

CARTER
Literally?

ANISE
Yes.

O'NEILL
Thanks for the image.

HAMMOND
Then the original number of Tok'ra is all you have?

ANISE
Very few Goa'uld came over to our side, but none in the past few hundred years. Our numbers have diminished as symbiotes unable to find new hosts died or fell in battle. That is why Shaun'auc's offer is so provocative. Until the symbiote is blended with a host we cannot be sure of the outcome. But if what she claims is correct we could one day increase our numbers.

[Starscape91]

Some things I noticed in this episode that we never see again is the academy hospital, the glowing stomach thing the Ashrak does to heal himself, and the hand print scanner. I agree with Jack I don't like the Tok'ra except for Selmak and thats because she's awesome!

[Matt G]

The laugh with this ep is that Sam's posession was spoiled in an interview C4 did with Amanda back when they were screening S1.

Either way...the day after I started in on SG1 S2 it was again 5pm and time for another ep. A few years later...I get the first part of S2 on DVD.

1. Sam's posession was still an 'eek' moment, I mean we didn't have a clue about the Tok'ra at this point.

2. Also yeah, very aggressive for a Tok'ra, I think the general assumption must have been that Jolinar mistook Sam's mouth to mouth for an invite. After that, hell knows what happens.

3. We also go on to see in S6 that...

The Tok'ra have grudges against the Jaffa which explains why Jolinar was so patronising with Teal'c.

4. Ashrak, like the concept, did think he was able to adopt Earth mannerisms a bit too quickly though.

Solid ep though they wren't going to top The Serpent's Lair. Decent first impression of the Tok'ra though I wasn't quite sure how big a deal they'd be.

[TheShinster]

This is one of my favorinte S2 episodes. I've seen this episode too many times to count and I know the series so well that it is hard to remember back to my first time seeing this episode and being shocked by Sam becoming infested with a goa'uld. Too bad you can only watch something for the first time once. In the perspective of Rewatch, I am reminded how pivitol an episode this is, with the first ever mention of the Tok'ra and Sam's exposure the Jolinar and all the things that went along with that. The writers were brilliant, throwing in the radical concept that there were "good" goa'uld and the introduction of a series changing ally.

[chaddergate]

A good episode, and a good way to bring in the Tok'ra. I ranks, for me, near the top of season 2.

[moondragon]

One of my favorite season 2 episodes! We have the first mention of the Tok'ra, opening a new storyline that becomes important in seasons to come. As mentioned above I was also shocked to see how easily the Ashrak was able to infiltrate the SGC. It found a way to easily become a member of the SFs, even fooling O'neill and Tea'c. Its great to know that in later seasons countermeasures have been put in place to prevent something like this. I pretty much agree with what everyone else has said with the Jolinar arc an how she was completely different than how the Tok'ra normally act. It is plain to see that this is where Jack's hatred and distrust of the Tok'ra comes from. Not only did Jolinar take Sam against her will, but it used her as a ploy to get Jack to set her free. In the end Sam's reaction after Jolinar's death was very spot on. She would be feeling depressed that her body was taken over. Even with Jolinar dying to save her life, she still has to live with the fact that her body was taken without her consent.

[ChulaksPrincess]

I really felt sorry for Sam in this episode. She went through something that, I believe left an emotional scar on her for the rest of the series, or at least most of it. I cannot imagine being taken against my will, sharing someone else's life, being hunted, and almost killed, even though I didn't do anything to the one seeking to end my life, and experiencing the scimbiot dying inside my body to save my life. Great galaxies, everybody,! I might have to be put away in a place for mentally ill people after that ordeal. In fact, I'm not sure that I could survive such a trama. However, Sam went through it, and lived to tell about her experience. She is an amazing and strong woman.

[Lunaeclipse]

I really felt sorry for Sam in this episode. She went through something that, I believe left an emotional scar on her for the rest of the series, or at least most of it. I cannot imagine being taken against my will, sharing someone else's life, being hunted, and almost killed, even though I didn't do anything to the one seeking to end my life, and experiencing the scimbiot dying inside my body to save my life. Great galaxies, everybody,! I might have to be put away in a place for mentally ill people after that ordeal. In fact, I'm not sure that I could survive such a trama. However, Sam went through it, and lived to tell about her experience. She is an amazing and strong woman.

Agreed. I thought the same thing about Daniel...not that he was a strong woman, but that he went through something emotionally taxing, not knowing whether he would live or die in Fire and Water.

[hedwig]

2. Also yeah, very aggressive for a Tok'ra, I think the general assumption must have been that Jolinar mistook Sam's mouth to mouth for an invite. After that, hell knows what happens.

I don't think Jolinar took it as an invitation. It was the only place to go, and the symbiote took it. Not to have done so would have meant it's death, so there was no place else to go. It took advantage of the situation in desperation.

[Dimes]

It's the reason they met the Tok'ra, so important episode!

[SnowWhite]

I may have missed something, I don't have the time to do some rewatches, so I hope you can help me:

Jolinar died inside of Sam after healing her, because she was fatally hurt and to weak to heal herself, too.

But isn't that the same situation Jacob and Selmak found themselves in in S8? (except for Jake not being hurt that much) So if Jolinar was too weak to leave Sam, why didn't Sam die of symbiote-poison which is set free when a symbiote dies.
If I recall correctly, Jacob said Selmak would have had to leave him, so he could survive.
Or is it possible for a symbiote to willingly hold back the poison and I simply can't remember?
*confused*

[fems]

I may have missed something, I don't have the time to do some rewatches, so I hope you can help me:

Jolinar died inside of Sam after healing her, because she was fatally hurt and to weak to heal herself, too.

But isn't that the same situation Jacob and Selmak found themselves in in S8? (except for Jake not being hurt that much) So if Jolinar was too weak to leave Sam, why didn't Sam die of symbiote-poison which is set free when a symbiote dies.
If I recall correctly, Jacob said Selmak would have had to leave him, so he could survive.
Or is it possible for a symbiote to willingly hold back the poison and I simply can't remember?
*confused*


From Threads (8x18):

JACOB
It's Selmak. He's dying.

CARTER
Oh, my God, I'm sorry!

JACOB
It's okay. He's okay. He led a pretty full life.

CARTER
I didn't live with Jolinar that long, but I think I have some idea of what it's like.

JACOB
Well, this is a little different, Sam. As you know, when a Tok'ra symbiote dies, they can prevent their host from dying, as Jolinar did with you.

[Carter nods.]

JACOB
The problem is, that last selfless act requires a certain amount of energy and a conscious effort.

CARTER
What are you saying?

JACOB
By all rights, Selmak should have been dead weeks ago. I wouldn't let him go. I thought we needed him, that I needed him to help you stop the Replicators.

CARTER
Dad?

JACOB
He hung on as long as he could. Then he slipped into a coma just after we activated the weapon on Dakara.

CARTER
You've known all this time, since then?

JACOB
I didn't want to spoil your wedding. Now, I thought we could make it.

CARTER
(emotionally)
We?

JACOB
He's barely alive. I'm gonna die with him, Sam.

[SnowWhite]

thanks, fems :)

[Sam-n-Jack-in-<3]

First glimpse of the Tok'raa!

Observations:
-Sam was clearly affected by the fact that Jolinar saved her life. It's what makes her the most receptive to the Tok'Raa later.
-Jack, of course, doesn't trust anyone with glowing eyes any farther than he can throw them...
-Yay, a follow-up on Cassandra! She's one of only a very few characters that pops up beyond one episode and has a longer story arc. Too many of the others we never see or hear from again.

I need to re-watch this one...I forgot too much about it. :o

[Major Clanger]

ah, the arrogant Tok'ra. Brilliant stuff.

[SeaBee]

So I'm watching this on PickTV and the bit where Teal'c is called in to the cell by Jolinar/Carter comes up.

Jolinar says "You must convince them to let me go."
Teal'c replies "they will not let you go."

And my brain adds Bohemian Rhapsody as a soundtrack. :D

[GusF]

Watched this episode today as part of my rewatch. For such an important episode, I found it fairly boring, if I'm honest.

[Falcon Horus]

This is an episode I really enjoy watching, even though in the grand scheme of things there's not much happening -- besides Carter being taken over by a Tok'ra and the Ashrak trying to kill Jolinar.

It mostly serves as a way to introduce us to the Tok'ra and what they are in terms of being Goa'uld but different (however it's not until a few episodes later that we'll learn how arrogant they really are -- looking forward to it though).

It's nice seeing Cassie -- especially when she's running towards Sam only then realizing the paint on her fingers. :p Sam would have some explaining to do to the SGC's laundry service. :D

Continuity-error occurs when Cassie goes to Sam at the end, the way Daniel, Jack and Janet are positioned switches between shots.
And Teal'c swipes his keycard through the lock the wrong way when he leaves the cell-block. The magnetic strip's on the opposite side, so technically speaking that door shouldn't have opened at all. :p

[Seaboe Muffinchucker]

(however it's not until a few episodes later that we'll learn how arrogant they really are -- looking forward to it though).

Oh, I think we get quite a good snapshot of how arrogant they are.

Seaboe

[Falcon Horus]

What I forgot to mention before, and remembered only yesterday... the lake is also the same lake where they build Teyla's village in Rising (SGA's pilot episode), and it's also the place where the 4400 return.

Just a bit of trivia... :p