The US and Russia disclose the existence of Stargate Project with France, Britain and China since they form the bulk of Earth's military might (and the UN's security council). The ambassadors of these three countries are suitably angered, Senator Kinsey tries once again to take over the Project, and Thor shows up at the end to whip his ass verbally.
"Disclosure" provides examples of the following tropes:
- Bottle Episode: Discounting clips, this episode takes place entirely in a meeting room in the Pentagon.
- Bullying a Dragon: Senator Kinsey finds out the hard way that while Thor is the top officer of the Asgard fleet, he’s also a very savy politician. And if he wanted to, Thor could simply send Kinsey off to a distant planet.
- Clip Show: The show's third, following season one's "Politics" and season two's "Out of Mind".
- Continuity Nod:
- Kinsey reminds everybody of his initial belief that the Stargate should be shut down.
- When Kinsey suggests that NID have control of the program, Major Davis points out that they recently tried to have him killed.
- Deadpan Snarker: The British ambassador, naturally, and frequently.British ambassador: Oh no, no, no, what could be more clear? There were two different sorts of alien ships. I follow completely. You know, this is much more believable than the accidental loss of a Russian submarine.
- The Exile: When Kinsey tries to speak, Thor recognizes him by name and explains that O'Neill suggested he should be sent to a distant planet for his machinations. Thor passes it off as a joke, but the fact that it's something he could seriously do if he felt the urge serves to demonstrate his power all the same.
- Fatal Flaw: Hammond claims that the fatal flaw of the Goa'uld is their arrogance, which is why the team have been able to best them on previous occasions.
- Flat "What": The British Ambassador, in disbelief.
- Graceful Loser: Kinsey, surprisingly, who merely remarks after Hammond plays his trump card, gaining the support of the other ambassadors, "I'll say this, General. Well played."
- Hypocritical Humor: The Chinese ambassador claiming that "The government of China does not believe in keeping secrets from its people". The look that Chekov gives him is priceless.
- Insistent Terminology: When Kinsey refers to Thor as "Commander" a second time, Thor swiftly corrects that his full title is "Supreme Commander Thor".
- Nice Job Breaking It, Hero: Kinsey insists that Hammond and the SGC are responsible for Anubis's rise to power by creating a power vacuum in defeating the lesser Goa'uld, particularly Apophis.
- No Name Given: The British, French, and Chinese ambassadors. The Russian ambassador is Recurring Character Colonel Chekov, thus breaking the pattern.
- Nothing Is the Same Anymore: The other permanent members of the UN Security Council are informed of the Stargate's existence, and from this point on would have some say in the running of the program.
- Real Politik: The main theme of the episode is Hammond playing political games with Kinsey to convince the ambassadors of the importance of the Stargate Program.
- Second Place Is for Winners: When the Chinese ambassador snidely asks Chekov if he's happy playing second fiddle to the Americans, Chekov points out that running the Stargate program is both dangerous and extremely expensive. So yes, Russia is quite happy to let America eat all the costs while they can sit back and reap the benefits, citing the Prometheus as an example of something they'll be able to build at half the cost and none of the risk once the Americans get all the bugs sorted out. Chekov suggests that China take the same deal.
- Shame If Something Happened: No less than Thor uses this to shut down Kinsey.Thor: It is the opinion of the Asgard High Council that Stargate Command should be left in the very capable hands of General Hammond and his team. And while our continued friendship with Earth is not contingent on that ... it is preferred.
- Summon Bigger Fish: Hammond knows that when it comes to politics, Kinsey has him beat, so he calls in a trump card of his own: Thor. Hammond's ability to simply call up an alien fleet commander to back him convinces the ambassadors to take his side.
- Tranquil Fury: It’s clear through Thor’s tone of voice that he’s rather annoyed by Kinsey, but he maintains an air of professionalism that impresses the ambassadors.
- Worthy Opponent: At the end of the episode, Kinsey (very) grudgingly concedes to Hammond that his 'Thor Trump Card' was well played.
