Cameron Mitchell: Family and Relationships
Family
 Father and son |
 Mitchell's mother |
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. Somehow, his father's attitude made him feel like everything was going to be okay. 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 is close to both his parents, who seem to be very understanding. Despite this close relationship, he was embarrassed to think his mother thought he and Vala were romantically involved, and was unwilling to hear tales of Wendy Mitchell's own wilder youth back in the 1960s (10.15 "Bounty").
Cameron has at least one younger brother (9.20 "Camelot"). Cameron has also described having a "bible thumping" grandma, an Uncle Marvin, and an Aunt Emma. (9.03 "Origin", 9.01 "Avalon Part 1", and 9.13 "Ripple Effect", respectively).
Cameron also had a grandfather that apparently died before he was born. Captain Mitchell served in the Merchant Marines in the 1930s, and ironically was commander of the freighter Achilles that brought Langford's Giza Stargate from Africa to North America in 1939 (Stargate: Continuum).
Romance
 Reya and Mitchell |
 Mitchell and Amy Vandenberg |
|}
- Wondered when Carter was discussing alternate realities if, in some parallel universe, he got to second base with Amy Vandenberg (9.13 "Ripple Effect"). He was able to renew his relationship with Amy at their twenty year high school reunion (10.15 "Bounty"). There, Amy revealed she too had a crush on him. Even an invasion by an alien bounty hunter did not dissuade her. When Mitchell returned to the base, he and Amy left things on very good terms, including the possibility she may visit him in Colorado Springs.
- Had a tryst with a flight attendant at some point in his past (9.14 "Stronghold").
- Mitchell shared a mutual attraction with the Galaran scientist Dr. Reya Varrick (9.12 "Collateral Damage"). His interest was first noticeable by his team right after he had been implanted with a memory from the Galaran Emissary. During this memory, the Emissary indicated an unreciprocated romantic interest in Varrick. 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 Mitchell'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
General Hank Landry: Landry was very belligerent to Cameron when Mitchell first reported for duty, looking for Cameron's "kryptonite". 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 complete with informal quips (9.02 "Avalon Part 2" 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. When both were off duty, Landry repeatedly ordered Mitchell to relax to little effect; when Mitchell finally did, he joked later at Landry's expense and it went a bit too far (10.05 "Uninvited"). He certainly seems to respect the commander of the SGC. Landry in return, has shown respect and concern for Mitchell. He sympathized with Mitchell's wish to remain with Daniel and Vala before insisting he needed Mitchell's judgment to observe the missionary for this new Origin religion (9.03 "Origin"). When Teal'c was captured by Ba'al, Landry told Mitchell he did not have to return to duty, and helped Mitchell gain access to the Galaran memory device on Earth (9.14 "Stronghold").
General Jack O'Neill: General O'Neill visited Mitchell when he was recuperating from injuries sustained during the Battle of 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 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 had a cordial relationship, with Pendergast even referring to him by his nickname "Cam" (9.06 "Beachhead", 9.07 "Ex Deus Machina"). After Pendergast was killed in the destruction of the Prometheus, Mitchell made a point to go in person and extend his condolences to Pendergast's wife and children (9.15 "Ethon").
SG-1
Mitchell came to the team full of hero-worship for the veterans, wanting to learn from the best (9.01 "Avalon Part 1"). Instead he was in charge of the team, which consisted of SG-Me. He gradually reunited the three veteran members, but as he later pointed out to General Landry: "Carter and I are the same rank. Teal'c's an alien. Jackson's a civilian. I learned a long time ago, I don't "control" anything (10.04 "Insiders"). When Vala joined the team some weeks later, Mitchell had already learned he could not control her either, but was pleased enough to plan a celebratory dinner when she officially became part of SG-1 (10.08 "Memento Mori").
Daniel Jackson
Daniel Jackson visited Mitchell while he recuperated from injuries sustained during the Battle of Antarctica. At this time Daniel 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. He used flattery, a sense of obligation, distraction, and genuine affection to entice Jackson back to the team. 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"). When Vala and Daniel were in comas from the Ancient Communication Device, Mitchell sat vigil as long as his duties allowed, and worked to try and save his new friend from the device (9.02 "Avalon Part 2" and 9.03 "Origin"). Either from this hero worship, or the familiarity that has formed between them, Mitchell not only knows how Daniel takes his coffee, but what his favorite blend is (9.13 "Ripple Effect"). He refers to Daniel respectfully by his title to others, but to Daniel himself, Mitchell uses his last name only, calling him "Jackson", in the same way he referred to his "wingman" Redmond and his co-pilot Banks (9.01 "Avalon Part 1").
Jackson and Mitchell appear to have developed a comfortable working relationship. They trade quips with each other in an easy banter and work as equals on missions (9.04 "The Ties That Bind", 9.11 "Fourth Horseman Part 2", 9.13 "Ripple Effect", 9.17 "The Scourge", 9.20 "Camelot", 10.03 "The Pegasus Project", etc.). Daniel has appeared aggravated when Mitchell's enthusiasm becomes overwhelming to his mind (hitting Khalek's button in 9.09 "Prototype", going offworld while out of phase in 9.18 "Arthur's Mantle", excited to help Martin Lloyd in 10.06 "200"). However, Daniel has shown some respect for Cameron and will defend his teammate (9.12 "Collateral Damage"). They also play basketball together, which indicates they enjoy spending some free time with each other (9.06 "Beachhead", 9.10 "The Fourth Horseman Part 1").
When Cameron was feeling depressed after the loss of Prometheus and his friend Col. Pendergast, he approached Daniel in his office where they shared a beer (Mitchell was obviously off-duty at the time based on his apparel) (9.15 "Ethon").
He showed a great deal of concern and empathy for Daniel when he was using Merlin's Ancient device to save them, explaining to Vala that the worst part of being part of this team was not risking your own life, but watching your teammates risk theirs (10.11 "The Quest Part 2").
Samantha Carter
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 (9.12 "Collateral Damage"). However, she was unaware of his tragic mission with his F-16. She appeared genuinely happy at his transfer to her old position as leader of SG-1 after she had transferred to Area 51 and/or Prometheus, and they planned to have breakfast together when she was "Earthside" again (9.01 "Avalon Part 1").
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"). Although he refers to Dr. Jackson as "Jackson", in the familiar "buddy" way he does other colleagues, she calls him "Cam", and he calls her "Sam" (9.01 "Avalon Part 1"). 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", 9.13 "Ripple Effect", 10.02 "Morpheus"). 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 with their explanations (9.10 "Fourth Horseman Part 1", 9.13 "Ripple Effect").
Like the other veterans of SG-1, Sam shows her concern at some of Mitchell's impetuous decisions. She and Daniel both expressed their doubts at Cameron's suggestion that he pretend to be a buyer for the addictive kassa crops (9.16 "Off The Grid"). She was visibly upset when Cameron informed her he was going after Teal'c while they were out of phase, but knew she would be unable to counter his stubbornness (9.18 "Arthur's Mantle").
When Mitchell was reliving traumatic memories of his past to absolve himself of a murder, Carter stood by his side while Jackson and Teal'c worked on other aspects of the investigation to clear their teammate (9.12 "Collateral Damage). Ostensibly she was monitoring the Galarans' equipment, but she spent most of her time by Mitchell's side, just trying to be supportive. She also took time to comfort Mitchell and empathize when he struggled with the impending death of his friend Bryce Ferguson (9.14 "Stronghold"). She was relieved to learn he was alive after the battle at P3Y-229 (10.01 "Flesh and Blood Part 3"). Like his teammates, Mitchell was very concerned for her when she was held hostage by Ba'al in the SGC (10.04 "Insiders")
When Samantha Carter was struck by an Ori weapon, Mitchell stayed by her side, giving first aid medical treatment and refusing to let her give up (10.12 "Line in the Sand"). Later, he baked some of his grandmother's macaroons especially for her. She didn't appear to like the taste, to Mitchell's chagrin, but she appreciated the sentiment.
Teal'c
Mitchell has shown the same enthusiasm and interest in Teal'c as he did the other members of SG-1. He has declared Teal'c a genius a few different times and trusts his knowledge and wide experience (9.01 "Avalon Part 1"). From the first, Teal'c has tested Mitchell. When trapped in a stone chamber, Teal'c fired his weapon against the stone slab blocking the door, in an apparent hazing (9.01 "Avalon Part 1"). He was resistant for a long time to the entreaties for him to rejoin SG-1 before finally agreeing (9.07 "Ex Deus Machina"). An alternate Teal'c's reaction to Mitchell indicated that at times Mitchell's demeanor annoyed the Jaffa when he seemed to take undue pleasure in physically beating up the Mitchell of this reality...a move that disquieted the alternate Mitchell of his own team (9.13 "Ripple Effect). In this reality, Teal'c took an out-of-phase Mitchell up on his offer to "hit with his best shot" and attempted to strike Mitchell with a serious blow to the head (9.18 "Arthur's Mantle"). Mitchell was a bit surprised at the lack of hesitation. Mitchell offered to help Teal'c find an offbase apartment, and when Mitchell did not take the hint that it was not necessary, Teal'c felt obligated to stress the point (9.17 "The Scourge"). Despite this obvious admiration, Mitchell has never appeared intimidated by Teal'c, questioning some of his sources and not abashed at impersonating Teal'c within the Jaffa's hearing (9.08 "Babylon").
Despite the teasing, Teal'c has shown genuine concern for Mitchell. When noting approaching Jaffa on Ba'al's ha'tak, he immediately called to Mitchell for backup (9.16 "Off the Grid"). He was Mitchell's F-302 copilot during the events over Tegalus (9.15 "Ethon"). Teal'c was quick to act when he realized his teammate was in very real danger from the zombified warrior Volnek and risked his own life to save Mitchell (9.18 "Arthur's Mantle"). He vowed to return for Mitchell when both were near death from a strange infection as soon as he could (10.02 "Morpheus"). Teal'c looked for Mitchell among his friends when he first announced the referendum for Jaffa democracy was going to happen, and appeared genuinely remorseful at Mitchell's friend's death, making a point to reach out to Cameron (9.14 "Stronghold"). After Mitchell saved his life and that of Bra'tac's in Ba'al's mothership, Teal'c acknowledged he was in Cameron's debt (9.14 "Stronghold"). Cameron denied the gesture, saying he was just doing his job to watch his teammate's back, with Teal'c only giving a knowing nod in response. The two work well together in the heat of combat (9.16 "Off the Grid", 10.07 "Counterstrike", 10.09 "Company of Thieves").
Vala Mal Doran
Cameron Mitchell first met Vala when she arrived at the SGC with an Ancient tablet for Daniel (9.01 "Avalon Part 1"). There he saw Vala Mal Doran's conniving nature first hand in her interactions with Daniel Jackson. Later, when she approached him to help "rid the galaxy of evildoers", he responded without malice that she was "selfish and untrustworthy" and that anyone who trusted her would be in trouble (9.05 "The Powers That Be"). Even after she became a member of SG-1, he exchanged several skeptical looks with Daniel at her offering to get them a cargo ship (10.09 "Company of Thieves").
However, Mitchell also showed sympathy for Vala when she explained her mysterious pregnancy and her three day ordeal chained at the Ara of Ver Isca (9.19 "Crusade"). He explained what he meant by some of the Earth culture references she didn't get, like Santa Claus (10.03 "The Pegasus Project"). When Vala was taking over plans, even over General Landry, it was Mitchell's subtle eye gestures that clued her in she should stand down (10.05 "Uninvited").
Although stern with her in explaining her probationary status at the SGC, Mitchell also offered her welcome after the slightest nudge by Daniel (10.02 "Morpheus"). He appeared unflappable at her antics (9.04 "The Ties That Bind", 9.05 "The Powers That Be"). He was a bit more nonplussed when she stripped down and handcuffed to a bed while he was unconscious after kidnapping him at gunpoint, but then became aware of her amnesiac condition (10.08 "Memento Mori"). Soon afterwards, he was proud to witness Landry's presentation making her a full-fledged member of SG-1, and he and Teal'c placed the patches on her while he proposed a celebratory dinner at a rib joint near his apartment.
When Vala was concerned about Daniel, Mitchell sympathetically but forcefully explained to her how having someone else on the team suffer for the greater good was the most difficult part of this job, and having Vala realize that truly made her one of them. He later tried to comfort her by giving her hope Adria would keep Daniel alive (10.11 "The Quest Part 2"). He maintains an easy banter with her as they work together (10.14 "The Shroud"), and even relented (with reservations) to have her join him at his class reunion (10.15 "Bounty").
Biography Articles
- Cameron Mitchell Biography Home and Links
- Early Life and Military Career
- Personality and Motivations
- Family and Relationships
- Injuries Received
- Favorites and Expressions
- Key Episodes in Cameron's Character Arc
--Aurora 16:34, 29 January 2006 (PST)