Although I was interested by the concept behind "Seth," I felt the script could have used asignificant overhaul. Many of the elements of a good story -- interesting characters, smartdialogue, development of the overall series story -- were present, but the plot had moreholes than a hunk of Swiss cheese.

For example, I thought the only remnant of the Tok'ra in Sam was a protein marker -- howcould Seth sense that? Does this mean Sam is going to be a liability every time they do anundercover operation close to a Goa'uld? Why did Jack tell that lie about being adeprogrammer after Sam let slip about the Tok'ra connection? He had to know Seth was goingto see right through that -- no human is supposed to know about the Tok'ra.

I groaned aloud when Seth said ordered his guards to take SG-1 away and kill them. He givesthem the chance to escape served up on a silver platter. I'm surprised he didn't tell themall his plans for world domination first, a la the James Bond super-villain who alwaysmakes the mistake of not killing his nemesis in plain sight at the first chance.

Additionally, those were fairly quick recoveries Jack and Daniel made from the hand deviceblast. And of course, Seth doesn't kill them after he blasts them back, when he has theperfect opportunity to fry their brains or just shoot them with one of the zats lying onthe floor. No, he decides they can wait for the bomb, giving Jack and Daniel that crucialescape chance again.

Then, all the escaping cult members just happen to put their hoods up, making Seth moredifficult to locate?

I also found it hard to believe that Sam could overpower an experienced Goa'uld with adevice she can't control. After her battle with Seth, Sam looks decidedly conflicted aboutthe power she has just used. I'll be interested to see if this is dealt with in a futureepisode.

I was willing to overlook most of the problems with "Seth" because of how much I liked toconcept and the character information. Many of the questions above didn't occur to me untilafter my second viewing of the episode, when I was less caught up in the plot. The actionand clever dialogue covered a multitude of sins.

My favorite part of this episode was the development of Jacob Carter. I've been interestedin the character since his introduction in "Secrets" and blending in "The Tok'ra, Part 2." I'm glad the powers thatbe chose to show us more of him, including his complex relationship with Sam and his son.To blend him and drop the character would not only be cheap plot device, but a waste theinteresting idea of symbiotic life with an alien organism. As the first modern earthling tohost a Tok'ra, his character would have unique and interesting insights into both cultures,and could serve as a bridge in the show, breaking down the mystique of the Tok'ra andgiving the viewer greater insight into their life and society.

It is interesting to see the teething troubles of his relationship with the symbiote,Selmak, including their conflict over Jacob's relationship with Mark. From Jacob'sinteraction with Agent Hamner, including his easy authority, it is clear he's still verymuch Jacob. Besides time-sharing a body, one would think sharing each other's thoughts isbound to change both characters. How much Jacob will be affected will be interesting tosee.

While were on the topic of the Tok'ra, I love how the not-always-so-flipping-helpful Tok'rabarge in to the SGC and ask for our assistance with a rogue Goa'uld. These people need tobe sent tapes of "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" so they can bone up on the elementary conceptsof sharing and respect. Another thing I have wondered about the Tok'ra is, given theirapparent technological advancement, what is with the nearly animal-skin style outfits andfuzzy boots?

The "Jaffa jokes" scene is my favorite. This was one of the series' more entertainingattempts at demonstrating cultural barriers. How utterly delightful to get a less gruesomelook into Jaffa life, and to see Teal'c's wonderful laugh and smile! Do it again, please!I'm waiting anxiously to hear "A Serpent Guard, a Horus Guard, and a Setesh Guard walk intoa bar ..."

Not at all humorous but just as interesting was the exchange between Jacob and Teal'cregarding parents and children. I loved the expressions of both Teal'c and Jacob whenTeal'c informs him that "many things are complicated, General Carter. In Jaffa society,loving one's children is not one of them."

The episode contained plenty of the snappy dialogue I have come to expect from the writingstaff. The exchanges between Jack and Agent Hamner were sharp and indicative of Jack'sfeelings for the overly bureaucratic and officious. Jack's introduction of the team to Sethhad me in stitches, as well as the scene in which Daniel informs Sam and Jack of the fateof those who fall under Seth's power. The look exchanged between Jack and Sam is classic,as is Jack's disbelieving clarification of situation, which happens to be my favorite lineof the episode: "Eunuch ... as in 'snippity-do-dah?' "

The effects were also great. I liked the floating gold pyramid, and I never cease to beimpressed with how realistic the transportation ring effect looks. I enjoyed the look ofSeth's compound. Modern godhood apparently has its perks: get all the trappings of ajeweled throne, but you can dress casually. You can't beat leather and cotton forcomfort.

My production qualm for this episode concerns the lighting of certain scenes. Any time thedirector chooses to finally force the production staff to light Daniel's office properlywould be fine with me. It's always dark and shadowy, which is O.K. for alien planets butannoying in the SGC.

"Seth" is long on action, production quality, character development, and dialogue.Unfortunately, this otherwise solid episode falls short in plausibility department.

Rating: * *