Episode of the Week: The N.I.D. Hijacks The Prometheus

FEBRUARY IS N.I.D. MONTH!

A news reporter threatens to expose a top-secret military project, but when Carter and Jonas give her a tour of the X-303, they discover that she is a pawn in a much larger plot.

Our rewatch of favorite moments in Stargate history continues! Each month we’ll pick a theme, and feature a key episode every week. Join us by watching the episode this week, and then head to GateWorld Forum (or posting below) to talk about it!

Meet the N.I.D.:

• The Founder: Colonel Harry Maybourne
• The Successor: Frank Simmons
• Hello … Neumann.
• Calling the Shots: The Committee
• Trying to Go Legit: Malcolm Barrett
• Evolved Into: The Trust

“Prometheus” Facts:

• “Prometheus” marks a watershed moment for Stargate SG-1. It introduced the first of what would eventually become a fleet of advanced ships capable of interstellar travel, making Stargate Command no longer entirely dependent upon either the Stargate or its advanced allies (like the Asgard) to lend a hand when they found themselves in a bind. It opened up new kinds of stories the show could tell (evidenced by the following episode, “Unnatural Selection”), but also made it increasingly difficult to depict Earth as an upstart planet trying to make its way in a galaxy that often seemed too big and too dangerous for humans to be venturing into.
• So just how did Earth develop a deep-space interstellar vessel after less than six short years exploring the galaxy? The development of Prometheus owed a lot to Earth scientists’ long-term access to alien ships, in particular the recently crashed Goa’uld mothership from “Descent” and the partially-constructed Goa’uld ship from “Nightwalkers.”
• Having departed the show’s main cast, Michael Shanks (“Daniel Jackson”) makes his second return appearance … this time behind the scenes, as the voice of Thor. Shanks (with a little digital modulation had provided the character’s voice since his introduction in Season Two’s “Thor’s Chariot.”
• Vancouver actor Ian Tracey has a huge list of genre credits to his name, including Continuum, The 100, Supernatural, Sanctuary, and The 4400. Somewhat remarkably, his role here as the innocuously named “Smith” is his one and only appearance in the Stargate franchise.
• “Prometheus” also introduces Kendall Cross as reporter Julia Donovan, probably the only new character in this episode who would return. Starting with “Covenant,” the S.G.C. would have multiple occasions to make use of her TV show, Inside Access.
• Richard Dean Anderson (“Jack O’Neill”) made use of his role as executive producer to provide feedback on scripts, and writer-producer Joseph Mallozzi tells the story that Rick had particularly sharp objections to the original script for this episode — such as the fact that Earth’s prize new ship could be stolen right out of the hands of SG-1 and the U.S. military. The story was re-written so that Jack was nowhere near the incident when it happened, and he was given a chance in the episode to dress-down another officer for having allowed it to happen.

“Prometheus” on GateWorld:

• Episode Guide
• Photo Gallery
• Screencap Gallery
• Discussion Forum
• Stargate SG-1 Season Six Podcast
• Video Interview with Colin Cunningham (2008)
• Interview with Bill Marchant (2002)
• Q&A with writer Joseph Mallozzi (2002)

Download “Prometheus” now from Amazon or iTunes!

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

Every month we’re featuring a new theme from Stargate’s 17 seasons. Watch the weekly episode with us join in the fun!