The Worst Stargate SG-1 Episodes: An Analysis of Hometown and Hathor
The Worst Stargate SG-1 Episodes: An Analysis of Hometown and Hathor
When discussing the worst episodes of Stargate SG-1, two stand out prominently: Season 1 episode 11, "Hometown," and Season 1 episode 13, "Hathor." While both episodes have their flaws, "Hathor" often receives more attention due to its more apparent inconsistencies and plot holes. However, "Hometown" also deserves a place among the less-than-stellar offerings from the franchise. Let's delve into why both these episodes are considered among the worst of the series.
Episode Breakdown: Hometown
Summary: The episode follows SG-1's response to a distress signal from a village called Hometown, which has an eerie similarity to Earth but with a few differences. Soldiers seemingly have the ability to generate metreorites, and the inhabitants are not native to Hometown. As their investigation deepens, they realize the individuals are in fact Asgard replicating humans, created to launch an invasion on Earth.
Problems Identified:
Historical Inaccuracy: The episode fails to acknowledge the vast differences between the ancient legends of Earth and the fiction created for the show. For instance, it mentions Vikings, which are historically inaccurate in that context. Character Development: The characterization of the villagers is underdeveloped, and their motives remain unclear throughout the episode. Sharon Small, who plays Major Siler, seems especially out of place in her limited role. Plot Logic: The idea of Asgard replicating humans to serve a specific purpose feels contrived and does not align with known Asgard technology or practices as established in the show. Newsflash Relevance: The episode seems to exist as an interesting side story but has no bearing on the more overarching plot of the main Stargate SG-1 series, making it largely redundant.Episode Breakdown: Hathor
Summary: In this episode, an archaeological expedition discovers an Egyptian sarcophagus, and an attractive woman named Hathor emerges, claiming to be a goddess and the mother of the Goauld. The men on the base are entranced by her, and the women must find a way to stop her and save the men on the base.
Problems Identified:
Timeline Inconsistencies: The episode presents a timeline where Christianity and Egyptian religion coexist, which is historically inaccurate. Furthermore, the Goauld, when the episode is set, would not have had the interaction described, given the timeline and established universe of the show. Aliens and Time Travel: The concept of the sarcophagus as a form of time travel is nonsensical and does not fit within the established lore of Stargate SG-1. It introduces a previously unexplored method of interstellar travel. Character Relationships: The lack of meaningful interaction between the characters and the absence of the beloved Hufton and McCarley (from Season 2) detracts from the overall quality and atmosphere of the episode. Plot Credibility: The idea that a goa'uld could influence humans to become hosts is by no means a new concept, but the execution in "Hathor" feels rushed and underdeveloped.Why These Episodes Are the Worst
Both "Hometown" and "Hathor" suffer from basic errors in worldbuilding, character development, and timeline inconsistencies. While these shortcomings are more apparent in "Hathor," "Hometown" also introduces a level of complexity that does not fit well with the established Stargate universe. These episodes fall short of the high standards of storytelling that fans and critics have come to expect from the show.
Conclusion
The worst Stargate SG-1 episodes often remind us of the importance of maintaining consistency and world-building to create a cohesive and captivating story. "Hometown" and "Hathor" stand out as notable failures in these aspects. However, it's worth noting that despite their flaws, these episodes still contributed to the show's metaseries and showcased the diverse range of stories that Stargate SG-1 explored over its ten seasons. Episodes like these can serve as a valuable exercise for aspiring writers and creators, emphasizing the pitfalls to avoid in story development and narrative coherence.