Ep 21. Politics

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In this episode, Major Kawalsky is grievously injured in a combat mission. SG1 returns to Earth with him and naturally, his injury raises questions by the Joint Chiefs about the value of the Stargate program. At the same time, an ambassador from another planet arrives to discuss the possibility of Earth joining a coalition of planets created to challenge the Goa’uld. The coalition has allegedly been created to counter the powerful Goa’uld and the weakened alliance of earth would benefit by adding its resources to it. General Hammond wants SG1 to attend the meeting where the ambassador is presenting the invitation.

The team decides to go, hoping to make Earth's case for joining the alliance, but also hoping to alert the other planets to the fact that Earth's military is powerful, and that they shouldn’t mess with them. During the meeting, SG1 quickly finds themselves caught in the middle of an internal power struggle among the planets. When the team inadvertently takes sides in the fight, they are accused of treason and face a death sentence.

The episode deals with a lot of personal struggles, as well. For instance, Sam has to deal with the loss of her friend and colleague. General Hammond has to confront the possibility that he may lose his job as well. He argues with Senator Kinsey, who is pushing for the Stargate Program's closure due to recent events and cost overruns. Meanwhile, the ambassador's beautiful assistant seems to have taken a liking to Jack, and the two share a few tender moments.

Overall, this episode is a classic SG1 mix of action, politics, and personal reflection. We not only see how the Earth's powerful military can be a double-edged sword, but we also explore the idea of how other powerful nations and planets may view Earth's current political structure. Finally, we also get to see the human cost of war and conflict, as SG1 deals with their own personal struggles, even as they try to save Earth from aliens.