Episode of the Week: ‘Descent’

SG-1 boards an abandoned Goa’uld mothership that has mysteriously arrived in Earth’s orbit, and must escape the doomed vessel when it crashes into the ocean.

“Descent” Facts:

• Instead of Major Davis this episode originally was scripted to have an extra scientist (named “Nolan”). Actor Colin Cunningham got wind of the storyline and (having not been on the show for some time) convinced the producers that it was a great spot to give to his character.
• To fill the corridor of a Goa’uld ship with water the production team lowered a portion of the set into an Olympic-sized pool. This filming is particularly taxing on the actors. The same strategy would be used later for episodes like SGA‘s “Grace Under Pressure.”
• The rather unsual “ninja Jaffa” hiding in the ship work for Anubis. Unfortunately, they were never seen again.
• Thor’s consciousness was recorded by Anubis’ technology in the fifth season finale, “Revelations.” He’ll eventually return all better (in a new, cloned body) in “Prometheus.”
• Director Peter DeLuise puts in a cameo appearance near the episode’s end, as a naval officer who shows up to help the team evacuate. Look closely at his nametag: the character is named “Dagwood,” after the character DeLuise played on the NBC deep-sea drama Seaquest.

“Descent” on GateWorld:

• Episode Guide
• Episode Review
• Photo Gallery
• Screencap Gallery
• Discussion Thread
• Season Six Podcast
• Video interview with Corin Nemec (2008)
• Interview with Colin Cunningham (2008)

Download “Descent” now from Amazon or iTunes!

Rewatch “Descent” this week! Then post your comments below, or head over to the “Descent” discussion thread and see what people were saying back in the day. What are your favorite moments?

Each week we’re highlighting a favorite episode from Stargate’s 17 seasons. Watch the episode with us this week and join in the fun!