Family Ties (StarGate SG-1 Review)

Airdate: 06/08/07

Written by: Joseph Mallozzi & Paul Mullie
Director: Peter DeLuise

In "Family Ties," Jacek, Vala's father played by Fred Willard, special guest star, claims to have heard that Earth is in danger from his source, Robak. The episode sub-plot involves Dr. Caroline Lam, General Landry's daughter. I love the way this episode starts off. It reminds me of a story from the Classic X-Men comic book between Jean Grey and Storm (But, of course the friendship between Ororo and Jean is played down in the movies to a mere co-worker status). And of course the klutz, from Episode 200 fame, has to stumble into something. It's good to see some more character development in SG-1, though SG-1 rarely disappoints.

Of course, from the look on Vala's face, we can tell that there is going to be trouble between the daughter and the father from the start. A flabbergasted Vala tried to get SG-1 and General Landry to not authorize Jacek's meeting regarding Arkad's plot to attack Earth. After Dr. Lam treats Sgt. Klutz, she speaks with her own father, General Landry, who has come to pay her a personal visit. Lexa Doig did a good job acting-better than usual, but of all the StarGate characters, we've spent the least amount of time getting to know her, which is why it's good that she is part of the sub-plot in this episode.

When Daniel asks Vala what she got from her dad, and she said, "some minor food allergies,"--it's hilarious because we immediately recall the "other" skill sets she could have gotten from him. Jacek, of course, wants to tell them everything he knows about the Jaffa attack in exchange for full sanctuary on Earth as only he knows the location of Arkad's planned attack. From a high orbit, SG-1 detects a load of Naquadah on the planet Jacek gave them, thus ensuring the deal. Jacek arrives, though Vala would rather see him in a penal colony, which says a lot. It is surprisingly tender that Jacek spent everyday for three weeks trying to reach Vala. But, until General Landry gives her a little fatherly advice, she isn't interested. Of course, we're thinking pot-kettle. It is interesting to see the changes in Vala's character in a role reversal for her character juxtaposed next to Jacek.

Of course, we should know by her calling Jacek by his first name, that there is turmoil between them. But scamming old ladies during a Bingo game is just atrocious even as Jacek claims to be attempting to change his illegal ways (and we won't even mention Pepitito). Oh, and then there's the "stardust" scam, which was funny as hell, undercutting the $19.95 ads. Fred Willard gives a dazzling performance as Vala's father, and is as funny as a tea party on a turnpike. Teal'c gives Jacek the advice: "Be less annoying," just before Jacek tries to get Vala to go with him to the "Virginia Dialogues," but instead gives the ticket to Teal'c. Of course what happens when aliens try to understand Earth culture is a complete mix-up. Poor Teal'c ends up watching Eve Ensler's "Vagina Monologues." Poor Teal'c!

Vala has not lost her lock-picking locks--this is good for SG-1. Jacek makes a deal with the renegade Jaffa to buy and sell the Naquadah, and had a Jaffa com-patch in his personal effects. Unfortunately, no one can find the cloaked cargo ship and with one dead Jaffa, SG-1 has to stop them before they detonate the Naquadah. Jacek asking Colonel Carter to dinner is hilarious, as is Carter putting him in his place. Finally, we see some real character development between Dr. Lam, General Landry, and Dr. Lam's mother. Vala telling her dad he's sloppy was a nice touch too; great character development for Vala. I love the way Vala signals SG-1 with the insulting phrase to her father. To be honest, I thought it was bad having Vala on the show initally until I realized what great depths Claudia Black could bring to the show as an actress (Not to mention the fact that I've fallen in love with the character).

Did Jacek really get away with his ultimate scam? Jacek is almost endearing when he gives Vala the necklace, and clicks his tongue, but somehow we know better, but not when it comes to Vala. The ending is perfect. Had no idea that "Jibbaran virility enhancers" were so tasty--Jacek is such a master scammer.

Though we can tell Vala lied to him about the box, it is a good ending except for the Sci-Fi channel voice problems. The talking was out of synch during one of the final conversations and during next week's preview with the Orici, Adria, Vala's daughter. During all the final female parts, the sound being off was the fault of the Sci-Fi Channel. Rather annoying for a perfectly humorous episode.