10 Best Time-Loop Sci-Fi TV Episodes
3. Stargate SG-1 - “Window Of Opportunity”
SG-1 is on a mission to P4X-639, which is a planet with strong solar activity. There, they meet Malikai, an archaeologist working on an Ancient device tied to the Stargate. While Colonel Jack O'Neill and Teal'c are close to the Ancient altar, a geomagnetic disturbance strikes, and Malikai is struck.
Suddenly, Jack finds himself back at Stargate Command about to eat some cereal as Daniel asks him what he thinks about their conversation. He's confused, and later, he finds that Teal'c is also experiencing some serious déjà vu. They realize they are caught in a time loop that resets whenever Malikai activates the device.
The loop is incredibly frustrating for Jack and Teal'c, as they keep having to do the same things repeatedly. Teal'c's time resets the second he is struck with an opening door by an apologetic Airman, and the fun doesn't stop there.
Despondent, the two men give up for a while and enjoy living a life lacking consequence. Jack tenders his resignation so he can make out with Sam, and the two play golf through the Stargate. After three months of loops, Daniel translates the Ancient writing from the planet, and they travel back to the planet.
Malikai reveals that he is trying to use the machine to save his deceased wife, so Jack explains how his son died. He convinces him to turn off the device and abandon his plan, which finally breaks the loop.