STARGATE SG-1: Ex Deus Machina

By: Jason Davis
Review Date: Tuesday, August 30, 2005

It would seem that the Ori are done. For now, at least, their Priors and planet-sized stargates have been sent packing courtesy of Vala's "sacrifice." Thus, the series turns its attention to the Goa'uld currently hiding out on Earth and the slowly building tension with the Jaffa leader Gerak. Though the Ori storyline had built to a nice crescendo, this episode is something of a nice change of pace. The return of Amanda Tapping as Samantha Carter is a welcome move that takes the show one step closer to its routes even as the Goa'uld become the story's antagonist once again.


Cliff Simon does a great turn as Ba'al, at once amenable to behaving like a human, but still lording his former status over Landry and company with his threats of reprisal. Like any unchallenged dictator left in control for too long, Ba'al has a hard time relinquishing the power he's grown used to and even the concessions he seems willing to make have to be backed with a powerful threat or he feels week. At the same time, Ba'al's failure to give up his status provides a narrative mirror for Gerak who has seized his authority and will now do anything he can to stabilize and accentuate it.



Louis Gossett, Jr., an excellent choice for the part of Gerak, has been making an extended meal of his portrayal which finally comes into its own in "Ex Deus Machina." In only three installments, he's become a formidable adversary for Teal'c and his capture of Ba'al will no doubt allow his star to continue its ascent...a prospect that no doubt delights those who would welcome a Jaffa civil war. Speaking of ominous tidings, the title of Gerak's next episode, coincidentally the finale for this half of the season, is an apocalyptic allusion that portents a disaster of epic scope.



Amanda Tapping has settled back into position with ease, though it'll be a while before her interactions with Colonel Mitchell establish a familiar feel. Gone is the humor of Vala, but her absence isn't as devastating as it might have been now that her former Moya-mate Ben Browder has got his combat boots firmly on the deck plates. The regular cast have plenty of opportunities to shine as they labor to discover Ba'al's bomb before it wipes out a city. The revelation that their success may be a hollow victory in the face of the Goa'uld's apartment full of replicas is likely the set-up for the season's second act. The only questions now are what will become of Gerak's reign and will the Ori step back in to complicate things later in the season? Time will tell, but it sure is nice to have the seventy-five percent of the old team back on screen.




As to the title, a nice play on words spoils the ending for anyone with a little Latin. From a god machine indeed...