Ep 3. Fragile Balance

Fragile Balance is the third episode of the seventh season of Stargate SG1. The episode begins with SG1 receiving a message from Thor, the leader of the Asgard, who informs them that he has located a young human boy who possesses the genetic makeup of Jack O'Neill. The team is confused and skeptical at first, but Thor assures them that the boy, named Loki, is indeed a clone of O'Neill and was created by the rogue NID organization.

Thor brings Loki back to Earth for SG1 to investigate and determine his true identity. The team soon discovers that Loki not only possesses O'Neill's genetic makeup, but also his memories and personality traits. However, because Loki was only created a few years ago, he has not aged like O'Neill and remains a young boy.

As SG1 tries to figure out how and why NID would create a clone of O'Neill, Loki begins to exhibit troubling symptoms that suggest his body is unable to handle the genetic manipulation that created him. These symptoms include intense headaches, seizures, and temporary loss of consciousness.

SG1 works to find a way to help Loki, but their efforts are complicated by the arrival of Colonel Maybourne, the former NID agent who oversaw the creation of Loki. Maybourne claims that he has turned over a new leaf and wants to help SG1 figure out how to save Loki. However, the team remains wary of Maybourne's intentions and motives.

As Loki's condition worsens, SG1 faces a race against time to find a way to save him before it's too late. They eventually come up with a risky plan to use the Stargate to send Loki's clone body back to Thor's ship, where the Asgard can hopefully stabilize his condition.

Fragile Balance is a classic Stargate SG1 episode that explores themes of cloning, genetic manipulation, and the consequences of playing God. It also provides a rare glimpse into Jack O'Neill's past and personal life, as we see the result of years of covert experimentation conducted by the NID. The episode is full of tension and suspense as SG1 races against time to save Loki's life, and features strong performances by the entire cast, particularly Richard Dean Anderson, who gets to explore a different side of his character.