Yes, yes, yes. This is a "clips" episode. Footage from previous season-one episodes are folded into "Politics," which is usually a clue that the writers were struggling with ideas or simply needed a creative break.
But I like this episode, so let me defend it. For one, the clips aren't terribly long, and they do fit better than they do in the much more forced "Out of Mind" that ends season two. Also, "clips" episodes typically have very flimsy frames that basically exist to set up the past footage, and though some might argue that "Politics" does exactly this, I disagree. An important character, Senator Kinsey, is introduced, played by Ronny Cox, who is phenomenal as the budget-conscious, God-loving (and God-invoking), probably Republican official who will become an important figure in future SG story lines.
Moreover, the episode's central premise, a heated debate in the conference room, is well-acted, well-scripted, and passionate. Kinsey wants to shut down the SG because it is a fiscal drain, and he also considers the Goa'uld an overrated threat (he believes that America, which is protected by the hand of God, can defeat any invader). Hammond, O'Neill, and the rest of SG-1 believe otherwise, of course. They've been off-world and know what's out there; they've dealt with the Goa'uld first hand.
So, sure, if you love action and a fast-moving plot, "Politics" will disappoint, and the fact that it also folds in clips will only deepen that disappointment. But for those who love debate-driven drama (think of courtroom scenes), there's much here to like once one forgives the past episode footage. This is where the O'Neill-Kinsey standoff begins, and the episode's ending actually sets up the excellent finale that follows. Give "Politics" a chance...even though it's a "clips" show.
But I like this episode, so let me defend it. For one, the clips aren't terribly long, and they do fit better than they do in the much more forced "Out of Mind" that ends season two. Also, "clips" episodes typically have very flimsy frames that basically exist to set up the past footage, and though some might argue that "Politics" does exactly this, I disagree. An important character, Senator Kinsey, is introduced, played by Ronny Cox, who is phenomenal as the budget-conscious, God-loving (and God-invoking), probably Republican official who will become an important figure in future SG story lines.
Moreover, the episode's central premise, a heated debate in the conference room, is well-acted, well-scripted, and passionate. Kinsey wants to shut down the SG because it is a fiscal drain, and he also considers the Goa'uld an overrated threat (he believes that America, which is protected by the hand of God, can defeat any invader). Hammond, O'Neill, and the rest of SG-1 believe otherwise, of course. They've been off-world and know what's out there; they've dealt with the Goa'uld first hand.
So, sure, if you love action and a fast-moving plot, "Politics" will disappoint, and the fact that it also folds in clips will only deepen that disappointment. But for those who love debate-driven drama (think of courtroom scenes), there's much here to like once one forgives the past episode footage. This is where the O'Neill-Kinsey standoff begins, and the episode's ending actually sets up the excellent finale that follows. Give "Politics" a chance...even though it's a "clips" show.