"scorched earth" or "the otherside"

[schlemmbot]

which ones a better ep in terms of a moral dilema and/ or overall enjoyment?

[Coronach]

which ones a better ep in terms of a moral dilema and/ or overall enjoyment?

Hmm...in this case I think I'm going to choose "The Other Side". I remember this episode surprised me with the "Oh...they're actually helping out the wrong side" thing. Also, I remember that the arguments between Daniel and Jack were pretty heated in this one, and I don't remember it (though it was a while ago) being played up as much in Scorched Earth?

Both are very good though...I really did enjoy them both.

As a side note, Gateworld gave them both the same rating, but the fan poll rates "The Other Side" as slightly higher than "Scorched Earth".

[lordofseas]

Yes, seeing SG-1 on the same side of the table as the Tollan made me laugh. The Other Side was just better in respect to conflict and resolution, by a slight bit.

[XxX_Kavan Smith_is_Mine_XxX]

The Other Side...it was interesting to see how earth almost got some of that awesome tech

[Khentkawes]

That's a tough call.

I think in terms of my personal enjoyment, I'd say The Other Side. For some reason I really enjoying watching the conflict between Jack and Daniel play out, and seeing how Sam, Teal'c, and Hammond react to it. And the acting from everyone involved is just superb.

But in terms of the moral dilemma... that's a harder question. The Other Side is a bit heavy-handed in some ways. What I like about Scorched Earth is that the plotline resolves neatly, and so you would assume that the conflict is resolved, but the tension is still there, even at the end (RDA does wonders with just a simple look). So I always feel uncomfortable and unsettled at the end, in a way that I don't with The Other Side. And that unsettled feeling leaves the episode somewhat open-ended because the team never really finds an answer to the moral dilemma at hand. If Daniel hadn't come up with a miraculous last minute solution, then what should they have done? Was Jack justified in going against orders and building the bomb? Or was Daniel justified in going against orders and returning to the ship? Was Sam culpable for following Jack's orders when she knew those orders went against Hammond's orders? There are just so many unanswered questions and for me, the fact that there are no easy answers makes it a better moral dilemma story. But it also makes it more uncomfortable to watch.

So, best for personal enjoyment: The Other Side

Best for complex moral dilemma: Scorched Earth

[Descent]

That's a tough call.

I think in terms of my personal enjoyment, I'd say The Other Side. For some reason I really enjoying watching the conflict between Jack and Daniel play out, and seeing how Sam, Teal'c, and Hammond react to it. And the acting from everyone involved is just superb.

<snip snip>

So, best for personal enjoyment: The Other Side

Best for complex moral dilemma: Scorched Earth

That's exactly how I feel about the two. Well said.

Both episodes are ones that I love to rewatch, but I have a particular fondness for Other Side.

Daniel and Jack's constant clashes are something that I will always love about the early seasons ("Next time I tell you to shut up..." "I didn't hear you tell me to shut up." "Too subtle for you?"). Great stuff.

And naturally, both episodes are standouts for Daniel and rightfully so.

[amconway]

That's a tough call.

I think in terms of my personal enjoyment, I'd say The Other Side. For some reason I really enjoying watching the conflict between Jack and Daniel play out, and seeing how Sam, Teal'c, and Hammond react to it. And the acting from everyone involved is just superb.

But in terms of the moral dilemma... that's a harder question. The Other Side is a bit heavy-handed in some ways. What I like about Scorched Earth is that the plotline resolves neatly, and so you would assume that the conflict is resolved, but the tension is still there, even at the end (RDA does wonders with just a simple look). So I always feel uncomfortable and unsettled at the end, in a way that I don't with The Other Side. And that unsettled feeling leaves the episode somewhat open-ended because the team never really finds an answer to the moral dilemma at hand. If Daniel hadn't come up with a miraculous last minute solution, then what should they have done? Was Jack justified in going against orders and building the bomb? Or was Daniel justified in going against orders and returning to the ship? Was Sam culpable for following Jack's orders when she knew those orders went against Hammond's orders? There are just so many unanswered questions and for me, the fact that there are no easy answers makes it a better moral dilemma story. But it also makes it more uncomfortable to watch.

So, best for personal enjoyment: The Other Side

Best for complex moral dilemma: Scorched Earth

Agreed on all points! The end of Scorched Earth is much more uncomfortable, and makes it clear that Daniel will disregard Jack if he thinks it's necessary (in a way that The Other Side does not), and that Sam will follow Jack's orders (even if they run counter to a superior officer's), although she did voice objections. Both these things have serious implications that are in no way resolved at the end of the episode.

[Shan Bruce Lee]

I'm gonna have to go with 'The Other Side'

Scorched Earth had it's moments, but in the end it all worked out for both sides. In The Other Side, Jack pretty much turned the tide of war and walked away.

[amconway]

I'm gonna have to go with 'The Other Side'

Scorched Earth had it's moments, but in the end it all worked out for both sides. In The Other Side, Jack pretty much turned the tide of war and walked away.

Actually, I'd say Jack ended the way, causing total defeat for one side. Not disagreeing with you about the moral dilema--that's subjective, but there wasn't much to stick around for.

[Shan Bruce Lee]

Actually, I'd say Jack ended the way, causing total defeat for one side. Not disagreeing with you about the moral dilema--that's subjective, but there wasn't much to stick around for.

That's what I mean. He shot down the fighters and escorted the enemy bombers in and just left while the bombers destroyed the Clone people (don't remember their name)

[Muh_tuttles]

I agree, "The Other Side" is pretty good in terms of ethical dilemmas. I am glad that O'Neill isn't too proud to admit when he's wrong. And boy, was he wrong! Sides, who'd want their technology? Does awful things to the brain