Wow this is crazy because I'm currently rewatching SG-1 on season 6 also, and I noticed him doing the shush thing more when someone is explaining something scientific. But to me that doesn't seem retarded, more like tired and fed up. He seems to find every reason to go fishing in Minnesota. On the other hand, Daniel Jackson is getting really insufferable with the whole ascension thing and his "everything is fine, just trust me" attitude. I think the two characterizations are related to how the series itself is played out, now that most of the Goa'uld are defeated, and the Asgard went from cool mysterious beings to little buddies who need our help.
Keep watching. They make him seem more and more retarded.
I got through season 8 now, and maybe I'm older and grumpier, but he didn't seem half as dumb as when I watched it the first time years ago. Actually the character I hate this time round is Daniel or Jacob.
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