Stargate SG-1--"Cor Ai"

“Cor Ai” is a compelling episode that deals with the question of redemption of one who has committed evil acts in the past, but is now reformed. The accused in question is Teal’c, who, while under the service of Apophis, murdered a civilian to serve as an example for the rest of a captured population. When the SG-1 team visit’s the planet, Teal’c is recognized and put on trial for the crime.

The subject of war crimes has been of particular interest to me. I have published a law review article on the subject of the Japanese enslaving women from occupied countries to serve as concubines. The “comfort women” system was never directly addressed during the war crimes trials. Survivors from the system were issued a formal apology decades later, but no restitution for their suffering. The United States bares some responsibility for that. Survivors filed suit under the Alien Tort Claims Act in federal court only to have it quashed in the name of Japanese sovereign immunity and the preservation of good diplomatic relations. There is general concern when dealing with war crimes that the change in political winds can render justice obsolete, particularly when there is a question whether it is justice or revenge sought.

The circumstances surrounding Teal’c’s crime are very similar to the ’comfort women” system. Years ago, Apophis lead an assault on the planet Cartago to gather hosts for Goa’uld larva instead of as concubines, but the principle is the same. The military is forcing civilians into service, personally violating them in the process, without fear of retribution in the future. The Japanese even thought they were blessed by their gods the same as the Jaffa.

The people resisted, so Apophis ordered Teal’c to kill a random person to show of power. Teal’c chose a one legged man to shoot dead. His young son, Hanno, witnessed the murder and vowed revenge. It is Hanno that recognizes Teal’c when SG-1 arrives. Teal’c agrees to stand trial for the murder. He even admits he did it. The murder of Hanno’s father is but one of many war crimes Teal’c committed, but never faced punishment for. He believes he ought to do so.

The story nearly backs itself into a philosophical corner with no way out. Not only does Teal’c want to stand trial, he argues against jack’s assertions that he was a0 just following orders and b) is a changed man now. There is an underlying feeling here that jack feels guilty over some of the things he has done in the line of duty for which he will not only never face punishment, but is hailed as a hero. But the bottom line is that jack killed soldiers in the line of duty--some of them fathers, no doubt--but Teal’c committed an atrocity on a civilian.

Hanno sees the difference as well. While he acknowledges SG-1’s testimony that Teal’c has reformed is valid, he nevertheless has committed a crime he has not been punished for. The matter stands even after it is established teal’c shot the one legged man as a matter of choosing the lesser of two evils. Apophis had ordered him to kill one or all of them would die. Hanno wants Teal’c executed. Teal’c cooperates with the sentence.

The resolution is the weakest part of the episode. The goa’uld return to capture more slaves. Teal’c proves himself reformed by defying the Jaffa and killing Shak’l. His actions prove his worthiness to Hanno, who finally admits teal’c is not the same man who murdered his father. Actions certainly speak louder than words, so teal’c fighting on behalf of Hanno’s people is more meaningful than his friends’ testimony, but is a Jaffa attack right before talc’s execution a wee bit contrived?

So “Cor Ai” ends on a weak note. It still produces some thought provoking questions about redemption versus paying the consequences for past actions. Hanno granted teal’c mercy that he does not necessarily deserve. Had we not already become emotionally attached to teal’c, that fact might be more obvious. I am going to award four stars even if the ending does peter out. The issues raised were right up my alley. Your mileage may vary.

Rating: **** (out of 5)