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Lt. Col. Cameron Mitchell

Summary

Lt. Col. Cameron Mitchell is an accomplished F-302 pilot and led the F-302 squadron in the battle with Anubis over Antarctica. He was gravely injured in the battle, protecting the lives of SG-1 as they gained access to the Antarctic Outpost and the Ancient weaponry powerful enough to destroy Anubis' attacking fleet. Mitchell was promised a position in Stargate Command once he made a complete recovery. He chose to join SG-1, but upon his entry into the Stargate Program, he found that he was to become the commander of SG-1 and pick his team. Mitchell wanted to have the former members of SG-1 on his team and set about rounding them up from their new assignments or retirements. He finally managed to reunite the previous team members and Lt. Col. Cameron Mitchell, Dr. Daniel Jackson, Lt. Col. Samantha Carter, and Teal'c make up SG-1.

Cameron: A Visual History

Comprehensive Character Biography

Mitchell has/had loving parents. His father was a test pilot before a crippling accident (9.12 "Collateral Damage"). It is unclear if Cameron has any siblings. Mitchell appears to have been raised in the Southern United States. At least his extended family was very religious. He makes references to spending weekends at his grandmother's where he had to attend services at St. Hilda's Church of the Grand Epiphany (9.03 "Origin"). He has often referred to his grandma's bible thumping in observing the zealotry of the followers of Origin.

One humorous childhood memory was when a family member drank some rancid orange juice and caused a mess in the kitchen, including over Cameron's Aunt Emma (9.13 "Ripple Effect")

The most traumatic moment of his young life was when his father suffered a flight accident and had to have both legs amputated above the knees (9.12 "Collateral Damage"). Cameron was more frightened when he first saw his father than he had ever been in his life, but he put on a brave smile, and was rewarded by an equal grin from his father. Mitchell's strength of character was there at an early age. Several months later, he sat on his father's hospital bed and they watched the first launch of the Space Shuttle Columbia lift off on television (April 12, 1981). Mitchell's recollection was that he was around ten years old at the time, which would make his birth year around 1971.

His father was still alive early in Mitchell's military career. When a captain, Cameron confided in his father that he was considering quitting the Air Force after faulty intelligence made Mitchell drop a bomb on innocent refugees (9.12 "Collateral Damage"). His father talked him out of that decision, explaining that taking the safe route of being an airline pilot would not work for his son. He recognized Cameron was too much like him and wouldn't be satisfied for anything less than reaching for the horizon. Cameron replied he did not have the fortitude of his father, but his dad refuted that, saying: "Ah, that's where you're wrong, kid. You just don't know it yet." His father's words proved prophetic considering the strength of spirit Mitchell showed in continuing his therapy after his crippling injuries, and was recognized by the Ancient knight hologram in Avalon. (9.02 "Avalon Part 2").

Mitchell continued with his military career, eventually becoming a Lieutenant Colonel. At some point, he was cleared for the classified program revolving around the Stargate technology. Mitchell led a squadron of F-302s. At some point he served with Col. Lionel Pendegast aboard the Prometheus, as indicated by Pendergast's warm welcome back on the ship to Cam "Shaft" Mitchell. (9.06 "Beachhead"). Also, his position allowed him knowledge of the SGC, including SG-1. When he was briefed that his mission had changed from battling Anubis's forces in Earth's orbit to protecting SG-1 in Antarctica, he accepted it without question and quelled any skepticism by his pilots (9.01 "Avalon Part 1").

During this battle, Mitchell's craft was damaged by enemy fire. His wingman, Redmond, downed the death glider before it deliver a killing shot to Mitchell, but ended up getting shot down himself. Mitchell's craft was hit again, killing Cameron's co-pilot, Banks. Mitchell was unable to eject, and his aircraft crashed into the snow. Before completely losing consciousness, Mitchell overheard the excited radio chatter proclaiming SG-1 succeeded in their mission and Anubis's fleet was being torn to shreds.

Mitchell then started the long road to recovery. He was laid up for months in an Air Force hospital, visited by members of SG-1 and his mother, among others. At one point, he was in such critical condition his heart stopped. Still, he continued to struggle with his therapy, eventually becoming well enough to return to active duty. His facing death not only this time, but also when he almost died from a Prior plague gave him a unique perspective on life (9.05 "The Powers That Be"). When the Sodan leader Haikon challenged his words on faith by indicating he may feel differently when he was at the point of death, Mitchell darkly replied: "I've already been there" (9.08 "Babylon").

Military Career

Lieutenant Colonel Cameron Mitchell is a career officer in the United States Air Force. An experienced combat pilot and leader, Mitchell has earned the nation's highest award that can be granted, the Medal of Honor (commonly called the Congressional Medal of Honor). Already given the highest clearance to fly the nation's most secret combat fighter, the F-302, Mitchell was granted his choice of assignments after he recuperated from extensive combat injuries. He chose to join SG-1, and was given command of the disbanded team. He was able to entice the veterans of the unit back, and now works in tandem with Lt. Col. Samantha Carter, Dr. Daniel Jackson, and Teal'c.

Mitchell is a career military officer.

One mission Mitchell undertook while he was a Captain almost made him quit the Air Force (9.12 "Collateral Damage"). He was ordered to fly his F-16 to coordinates where an unnamed enemy target was moving in a convoy along a desert road. Mitchell dodged enemy anti-artillary fire and requested confirmation that intelligence was accurate and that the mission was a go. He received that confirmation and released his bomb. After the point of no return, he was ordered to abort. The intelligence was faulty after all. Mitchell watched the bomb strike the convoy and confirmed the target was destroyed. He was later told it was likely a group of refugees. Though not blamed by the Air Force, Mitchell's own guilt over the incident was overwhelming. After speaking to his father, Mitchell decided to retain his commission.

Before even joining SG-1, Mitchell sustained life-threatening injuries as leader of a squadron of F-302s (9.01 "Avalon Part 1"). They protected SG-1 from Anubis's fleet, and Mitchell's craft took damage. He was able to still take out an al'kesh before crashing into the snow. He was in critical condition for a while, and then in several months of therapy. Though they believed he may be paralyzed for life, Mitchell fought back to be able to return to active duty. For his heroic efforts during that battle, General O'Neill offered him a position anywhere he wanted, he chose SG-1.

Getting the Band Back Together

Commendations

Cameron Mitchell has earned several medals for his heroic actions. Notable among them are:

• Purple Heart—Mitchell has likely earned several of these, both from the Antarctica incident, and injuries he has sustained on SG-1.

• Medal of Honor— Earned for saving SG-1 and his comrades during the Battle for Antarctica (9.01 "Avalon Part 1"; referencing battle in 7.22 "Lost City Part 2")

• Impeccable service record (9.01 "Avalon Part 1")

True American Hero

Part of the reason General O'Neill gave Cameron his choice of any post he wanted was Mitchell's selfless actions in saving O'Neill's team and protecting the planet. Mitchell's heroic nature has continued to benefit his teammates and this galaxy while being part of SG-1.

Saving Earth

• Before joining SG-1, Cameron Mitchell was leader of a squadron of F-302s. His mission was to fly to Antarctica and protect SG-1 from Anubis at all costs. He was able to ward off a death glider from one of his fighters. After his own craft was critically damaged and his copilot killed, Mitchell was still able to destroy an al'kesh about to take out SG-1's cargo ship before he himself crashed into the snow. His actions helped SG-1 survive to complete their mission and save the planet from Anubis. (9.01 "Avalon Part 1" see also 7.22 "Lost City Part 2").

• Mitchell set a Mark IX Gatebuster weapon to detonate in a failed attempt to prevent the Ori from establishing a beachhead in the Milky Way galaxy. (9.06 "Beachhead").

• Mitchell came up with the idea of beaming a naquadah filled building into space to prevent a Goa'uld planted bomb from destroying Seattle, Washington. (9.07 "Ex Deus Machina").

• Mitchell shot Khalek twice to prevent the clone's escape from the SGC and his injuring any more personnel. Later he shut off the electrical power when Khalek pulled to SFs onto the rigged floor; Mitchell tried to stop Khalek from escaping and was knocked unconscious. He later assisted Daniel Jackson in killing the clone. (9.09 "Prototype")

• Mitchell led a mission with Daniel Jackson and SG-22 to use untested technology to capture and possibly turn a Prior, getting a necessary blood sample to try and find a cure to the plague sweeping Earth. Mitchell's and Jackson's mission was successful, and though their contribution did not save the people currently afflicted–they were cured by other means, their efforts helped develop a vaccine to prevent any further outbreaks (9.10 "Fourth Horseman Part 1" and 9.11 "Fourth Horseman Part 2").

Saving Others

• Mitchell adopted the Sodan ways in an effort to convince Jolan and Haikon that the Ori were the enemy. Though Haikon was unmoved, Jolan grew to accept Cameron's sincere efforts. (9.08 "Babylon").

• Mitchell and the rest of SG-1 thwarted a plot by their doubles from an alternate universe to steal the ZPM from Atlantis (9.13 "Ripple Effect").

Saving His Team

• Though technically Daniel Jackson was not a member of SG-1 at the time, Mitchell had been actively trying to recruit him to rejoin the team. He was very concerned when Daniel and Vala collapsed after activating the Ancient Communication Terminal. When Vala went into arrest, he ordered Lee to remove the stone. When that didn't work, Lee prevented him from shooting the device, explaining that could even cause and explosion. Mitchell and Teal'c eventually came up with the idea of tossing the device into kawhoosh created when the Stargate first activated, thus disintegrating the device and releasing Daniel and Vala from its control. (9.02 "Avalon Part 2", 9.03 "Origin")

• When under hostile fire Mitchell ordered SG-1 to fall back while he covered their rear. His team successfully escaped, but Mitchell was injured in one-on-one battle with a Sodan warrior, Volnek. (9.08 "Babylon").

• When ambushed by Sodan warriors, Mitchell engaged one in hand-to-hand combat, gaining the upper hand until being outnumbered. He surrendered before risking his life and that of Daniel Jackson and SG-22. (9.10 "The Fourth Horseman Part 1")

• Later that same mission, Mitchell volunteered to be the guinea pig to test the Prior's powers so that they would know when the anti-Prior device was transmitting on the correct frequency. Mitchell risked his life, and was almost choked to death before Daniel Jackson found the correct frequency. (9.11 "The Fourth Horseman Part 2")

Family and Relationships

Family

Mitchell and father

Cameron had a close relationship with his father (9.12 "Collateral Damage"). Though scared after first seeing his father after the test pilot accident, he smiled for his father and was embraced by his dad. Mitchell's father was also his confidante after the F-16 incident that almost made Mitchell quit his commission. Mitchell keeps a picture of himself and his father in his locker at the SGC.

Cameron's mother was at his hospital bedside while he recuperated from injuries sustained during the Battle of Antarctica (9.01 "Avalon Part 1"). She was very distraught at his condition.

Cameron has also described having a "bible thumping" grandma and an Aunt Emma. (9.03 "Origin" and 9.13 "Ripple Effect", respectively).

Romance

Reya and Mitchell

• Wondered when Carter was discussing alternate realities if, in some parallel universe, he got to second base with Amy Vandenburg (9.13 "Ripple Effect")

• Reya Varrick— Mitchell shared a mutual attraction with the Galaran scientist Dr. Reya Varrick (9.12 "Collateral Damage"). He especially expressed his interest after being exposed from a memory by the Emissary, whereby the Emissary indicated a similar interest in the doctor, which was not reciprocated by her. It is unclear if this implanted memory had any influence on Mitchell's own attraction, but unlike with the Emissary, Reya returned his affections. Cameron walked her to her home after she became upset at an official reception. Once there, they shared drinks and kissed before Mitchell was knocked unconscious by some type of electrical charge. Reya was killed and Cameron framed for the murder, even to the point of having the murderer's memories of striking her down implanted in the Colonel's mind. Cameron was later cleared of the crime, and was able to have the false memory implants removed. He mourned her death and was pleased he still remembered her after his trauma with the Galar memory device.

• While speaking with Reya Varrick, Cameron expressed an understanding when she explained she had been married, but the job got in the way (9.12 "Collateral Damage"). It is unclear whether Mitchell was referring to his own personal experience, or just knowledge from seeing similar events happen to family or colleagues.

Superior Officers

Mitchell and Landry

• General Hank Landry: Landry was very belligerent to Cameron when Mitchell first reported for duty, looking for Cameron's "kryptonite". He seemed to find Mitchell's service record too good to be true. Even as he berated Mitchell, Landry had already confessed his strategy. "I like yelling at people, no one gives me the damned chance." Mitchell has become comfortable enough in Landry's presence to express his straight-forward analysis. However, he immediately recognizes when he has gone too far, such as when he realized Landry overheard him when he told Carter "He has no idea what you just said" or when he seemed to include Landry's question in his own description of "stupid questions. (9.05 "??" and 9.13 "Ripple Effect", respectively). Mitchell makes sure to observe military protocol in Landry's presence, immediately standing and/or coming to attention when the General first appears, and making sure his uniform is immaculate. He certainly seems to respect the leader of the SGC.

• General Jack O'Neill: General O'Neill visited Mitchell when he was recuperating from injuries sustained during the Battle for Antarctica. O'Neill expressed gratitude for Mitchell's efforts and offered him any posting he wanted. When Mitchell requested to join SG-1, O'Neill let him, however, he neglected to inform Mitchell that all of the members of SG-1 had moved on to other projects. His next surprise for Mitchell was much more pleasant. He set up a flight with Mitchell in an F-302, partly to get Mitchell "back in the saddle" flying the craft he crashed in, and partly to further gauge Mitchell's character. O'Neill appeared to approve of what he saw, since he seemed to echo the sentiment he claimed Landry told him: "you're going to be fine, Mitchell." (9.01 "Avalon Part 1" and 9.03 "Origin").

• Colonel Lionel Pendergast: Served with the commander of the Prometheus at one time, presumably during his stint as squadron commander of a squadron of F-302s. It was from Pendergast, that Cameron's call sign of "Shaft" was revealed (9.06 "Beachhead"). Pendergast and Mitchell have a cordial relationship, Pendergast even referring to him by his nickname "Cam" (9.06 "Beachhead", 9.07 "Ex Deus Machina").

Daniel Jackson

Jackson and Mitchell

Daniel Jackson visited Mitchell while he recuperated from injuries sustained during the Antarctica Battle. At this time he expressed his heartfelt gratitude for Mitchell's efforts in saving his life, and consequently helping their mission to save the planet succeed (9.01 "Avalon Part 1"). Daniel once again shared that sentiment when reintroduced to Mitchell upon the Colonel's transfer to the SGC. He offered Mitchell the use of his apartment, since at the time, Daniel planned on leaving Earth for the Atlantis expedition.

Mitchell, in return, had an almost hero-worship of Daniel Jackson and his team, and was why Mitchell worked so hard in his recovery to be able to join SG-1. "That meant Colonel Carter, Teal'c, and yourself. Not two letters, a dash, and a number. I wanted to be on the front line, working with the best. I wanted to learn from you." He used flattery, a sense of obligation, distraction, and genuine affection to entice Jackson back to the team. His constant haranguing of Daniel made him present when Dr. Jackson succumbed to the effects of an alien device, and Mitchell was able to call for help.

Even before Daniel officially rejoined SG-1, he worked with Mitchell on a few mission. Apparently, Jackson finally acquiesced to Mitchell's repeated requests, because the Colonel neither hesitated nor asked when he slapped the new SG-1 patch to Jackson's uniform (9.07 "Ex Deus Machina").

Since that time, Jackson and Mitchell appear to have developed a trusting and comfortable working relationship. They trade quips with each other and work as equals on missions (9.11 "Fourth Horseman Part 2", 9.13 "Ripple Effect"). Jackson respects Mitchell's sense of justice, similar to Daniel's own, and also recognized Mitchell's tenacity. He expressed this when speaking to the Emissary of Galar: " not going to let this one go." (9.12 "Collateral Damage"). Like Col. Carter's report of the incident on Galar, Dr. Jackson was apparently quite heated in his description of what happened on the planet and what was done to his teammate.

Samantha Carter

Carter and Mitchell

Although he refers to Dr. Jackson as "Jackson", in the familiar "buddy" way he also did his wingman "Redmond" and other colleagues, Cameron Mitchell is on a first name basis with Lt. Col. Samantha Carter. She calls him "Cam", and he calls her "Sam" (9.01 "Avalon Part 1"). Whether this is from an earlier acquaintance or just how things developed is unclear. They shared an easy camaraderie even before becoming teammates. She appeared genuinely happy at his transfer to her old position as leader of SG-1, and they planned to have breakfast together when she was "Earthside" again.

Samantha was part of the delegation who proudly presented Mitchell with his Medal of Honor while he was still in his hospital bed (9.01 "Avalon Part 1"). She also knows some of his background, such as his father being a test pilot (9.13 "Ripple Effect"). However, she was unaware of his tragic mission with his F-16.

Samantha and Cameron work well as teammates on SG-1, both following military protocol, and in knowing when to let the other's expertise dictate the course of action (see for example 9.09 "Prototype"). Cameron also enjoys teasing Samantha on her brain power, and acknowledges he does not understand most of what she explains (9.09 "Prototype", 9.11 "Fourth Horseman Part 1", and 9.13 "Ripple Effect"). Mitchell however, is smart in his own right, and has a keen awareness of what has happened, and what SG-1 has accomplished through reading the past mission reports. Though Cam may not follow Samantha's hows and whys, he does follow the what, and, like with Daniel Jackson, will cut to the bottom line when reaching their explanations, such as when he flipped through her dense report on the anti-Prior device's ability to transmit a frequency blocking use of their powers by calling it an "anti-Prior gun" (9.10 "Fourth Horseman Part 1").

Teal'c

Teal'c and Mitchell

Teal'c has an interesting relationship with Colonel Mitchell. Based upon his response to Mitchell's reaction, he did not necessarily mean it as a compliment.

Injuries Received

Injured Mitchell

Although the newest member of SG-1, Cameron Mitchell seems to be making up for lost time in sustaining injuries on missions with the SGC flagship team.

Off-world Missions

• P8X-412: A Prior of the Ori unleashed a plague into the local population of the planet. Exposed to the disease, Mitchell fell into critical condition before the Prior cured the planet. (9.04 "The Powers That Be")

• Sodan Planet: Several minor injuries in hand-to-hand combat with a Sodan warrior. Minor staff blast wound to his arm. Major staff blast wound to his torso. Cured through local Sodan remedies. Several minor injuries during Sodan warrior training for "jomo se telek". Purposefully ingested sedative that gave him the appearance of death, knocking him unconscious for several hours. Before falling unconscious, sustained several minor injuries and struck in thigh by blade of krantu staff, likely leaving a scar. (9.08 "Babylon")

• Sodan Planet: Telekinetically knocked to the ground by Prior of the Ori. Similarly manipulated into the air. Choked by the Prior until his powers were blocked, whereupon Mitchell fell several feet to the ground. (9.11 "Fourth Horseman Part 2")

• Galar: Knocked unconscious for several hours by unknown electrical charge. Had memories manipulated by Galar technology based on a Goa'uld memory device. (9.12 "Collateral Damage")

Aboard Alien or Earth Vessels

• Prometheus: Struck several times by a Teal'c from an alternate universe. Shoved and presumably hit again by the same alternate Teal'c later in the mission, where his clothes were removed. (9.13 "Ripple Effect")

Earth, SGC Base

• Outside Isolation Lab 2: Telekinetically thrown by Khalek against the corridor wall, sustaining a concussion. (9.09 "Prototype")

Other Earth Locations

• Antarctica: Before even joining SG-1, Mitchell sustained life-threatening injuries as leader of a squadron of F-302s . They protected SG-1 from Anubis's fleet, and Mitchell's craft took damage. He was able to still take out an al'kesh before crashing into the snow. He was in critical condition for a while, coding at least month. Later, he was in several months of therapy. Though his doctors believed he may be paralyzed for life, Mitchell fought back to be able to return to active duty. (9.01 "Avalon Part 1")

• Avalon, underneath England: Dueled with a holographic knight. The sword used by the knife did not cut him, but it did cause a painful energy surge into his body. The effects, though partially debilitating, were not permanent. (9.02 "Avalon Part 2")

Characteristics and Idiosyncracies

Cameron Mitchell is laid-back in nature. Sometimes for effect, and sometimes during times of stress, his Southern drawl becomes more pronounced.

His upbringing was in a religious household, and he is able to quote scripture easily as well as his grandmother. Cameron is also an aficionado of popular culture.

Movie References

• The Blues Brothers: calling his attempts for reuniting SG-1 "getting the band back together"
• Patton: He recognized Landry's Patton quote from the movie. 9.01 "Avalon Part 1"
• Buckaroo Banzai: "No matter where you go, there you are."

Star Trek

He's also a large fan of Star Trek, at least the original series.

• Referencing "Bones" (Dr. McCoy) when Jolan used a sedative to make him appear dead (9.08 "Babylon").
• Asking his double from an alternate universe if he was the bearded evil twin universe (9.13 "Ripple Effect").

Other Expressions

• All right, boys and girls
• Baby
• Brother
• Genius
• It's all good to me
• Man
• Now that's what I'm talkin' about!
• Yo

Sports and Hobbies

• American Football: Detailed discussion on NFL teams' playoff potential. (9.04 "The Ties That Bind")
• Basketball: Enjoys playing basketball (9.06 "Beachhead"; 9.10 "Fourth Horseman Part 1")
• Flying: Piloting does not just seem to be a career, Mitchell has a joy in flying (9.03 "Origin")
• Transportation: Unknown

Food and Drink

• Drink: Instant coffee (9.13 "Ripple Effect")
• Enjoys Chewing Gum
• Jello Flavor: Red (9.04 "The Powers That Be")

Related Characters

• General Jack O'Neill
• Doctor. Daniel Jackson
• Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter
• Teal'c
• General Hank Landry
• Dr. Carolyn Lam
• Vala Mal Doran
• Anubis
• Emissary
• Haikon
• Jolan
• Jup
• Khalek
• Mitchell's father
• Redmond
• Reya Varrick
• Volnek

Related Articles

• Ancients
• Antarctica
• F-302
• Goa'uld
• Goa'uld Memory Device
• Ori
• Priors of the Ori
• SG-1
• Sodan
• Stargate Command (SGC)
• Stargate

Key Episodes

Key episodes in Cameron Mitchell's character arc, in which major character development occurred, something big happened to him, or we learned something big about him or his past.

• 9.01 "Avalon Part 1"
• 9.05 "The Powers That Be"
• 9.08 "Babylon"
• 9.11 "The Fourth Horseman Part 2"
• 9.12 "Collateral Damage"
• 9.13 "Ripple Effect"

Related Links

• SciFi.com Bio of Cameron Mitchell
• [1] Wikipedia entry for Columbia's first mission.
• [2] The site for the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, where you can learn about the medal and the real life heroes who received their country's highest honor for service above and beyond the call of duty.

Actors

• Ben Browder as Cameron Mitchell
• Maximillian Uhrin as Young Mitchell

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--Aurora 16:13, 23 January 2006 (PST)