Ep 6. The First Commandment

SG1's sixth episode, "The First Commandment" is a thrilling adventure that sees the team travel to a planet haunted by a former team leader who has become a tyrannical ruler. The episode begins with SG1 on a routine mission to explore a planet previously deemed uninhabitable. Their scouting trip takes a turn for the worse when they discover that the planet is home to an old friend and former team leader, Colonel Harry Maybourne.

Maybourne, who has gone rogue, is using the planet's primitive natives as his personal army and ruling with an iron fist. SG1 is quickly captured and must figure out a way to escape Maybourne's clutches. The team soon discovers that the former colonel has become paranoid and delusional, and is using the natives to build a temple in his honor, demanding their worship.

Maybourne's demands become more and more extreme as the episode progresses and the team must quickly act to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. SG1 must work together to stay alive and get off of the planet without causing any further damage to the natives or themselves.

"The First Commandment" is an inherently tense and intriguing episode due to the presence of Colonel Maybourne, a character who initially comes off as a friend looking out for his team. However, as his actions become more erratic, it becomes clear that Maybourne's authority and power have gone unchecked for too long. This poses serious problems and obstacles for SG1's ability to maneuver around the planet and accomplish their mission.

The episode's setting on a seemingly desolate planet that is rich with culture and history adds to the overall suspense. Not only must the team navigate the hazards of unknown terrain, but they must also be cautious of the natives and their unknowable culture. The team's resourcefulness is tested as they must use their knowledge of cultural anthropology and survival skills to outsmart Maybourne, while keeping in mind the safety of the natives.

Ultimately, "The First Commandment" is successful in showcasing the range of SG1's abilities, highlighting the resourcefulness and intelligence of each of the characters. The episode is full of tense moments that keep the viewer engaged, as well as emotional moments that highlight the humanity of the characters and their relationships to one another.

Fans of sci-fi and action/adventure will appreciate the rich world-building and intriguing premise of "The First Commandment", as well as the clever writing and excellent performances from the cast. It's an episode that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, while also offering a nuanced exploration of power dynamics and trust.