Stargate, revisited

[DigiFluid]

Thinking on the earlier question....I think (this time ) I'm going to have to give it to season 5 as my favourite Showtime season. The ratio of great episodes is just terrific, and it's come to a point when they can throw arc stories at you left and right and it all makes for great storytelling




6.01 "Redemption, Part 1"
Original Airdate: Jun 07, 2002

And we enter into the show's first year on Sci-Fi. For such a transitional episode, I think they did quite well. They plunged right into existing plot threads without wasting time on reintroducing things, excepting perhaps Jonas. And I do think he made a great fit here (as well as in the whole year), which is perhaps kind of surprising given how he entered into the series.

There was always something kind of charming about him. While it might've seemed at the time a bit like sacrilege to have Jonas hanging out in Daniel's office, there's something appropriate about it. He had big shoes to fill, and having his first scene in there kind of acknowledges that. I do get a kick out of him constantly eating (grapes, this time) and loving the weather channel, as well as asking Sam how they know what colour uniform to wear And a bit later on, I will proudly admit to a smug smirk when Jonas' calculations showed up McKay's (regarding the instability of the naquadria)

But, that aside, it was a solid entry into overall series lore as well. Drey'auc has (finally) died, and this time they didn't even bother to hire an actress to do it. Rya'c shows up again, now a teenager and being a grief-stricken little snot (naw, he did just fine here for what he had to do). And Bra'tac was really fantastic as a kind of sagely father figure to Teal'c.

It's nice to see some follow-up on the free Jaffa story here, that they've all been settled on this world with Earth's help. They've got a whole camp up and running, and nobody seems to think much of it when a cargo ship shows up and lands. I liked that.

They also jumped right back into the fray as far as the whole Anubis angle goes too. Right away, first episode of the first season on Sci-Fi, Anubis launches an attack on Earth via the Stargate-destroying-thingy. And he appears in hologram to the SGC, a nice nod to the final episode of season 5. Really, the whole episode was over so fast I was really surprised that this was the closing scene of the episode.

One odd little thing that I noticed right near the beginning of the episode is that Don S. Davis looks like he's lost a little weight. I can't help but wonder whether that was the beginning of those larger health problems that forced his eventual departure from the series.

SGC Deaths: 0
Date: Sep 01-03, 2001 (Jonas has been on Earth for 3 months)



6.02 "Redemption, Part 2"
Original Airdate: Jun 14, 2002

And straight on into part 2....I think it's neat that it's the Jaffa coming to our rescue for a change, not even just Teal'c and Bra'tac, but this time Rya'c and the pilot whose name I don't remember. It's an intimidating approach too, they come out of hyperspace and immediately see half a dozen Ha'taks orbiting the planet in question. And then it just gets worse, as it becomes apparent that Anubis' ships can now detect a ship even while cloaked.

Watching the three of them take on the planet was pretty awesome too. The assault on the Jaffa at the rings was just intense and really cool action And then, later on, Rya'c destroying the weapon with a Death Glider, HA! Even funnier (for me) is when Teal'c and Bra'tac get captured; the Jaffa who questions them is Chief from BSG!

There is some really odd stuff in this ep though. Teal'c points out that he recognizes the design as being Ancient. Why would the Ancients have built a Stargate-destroying weapon? And at one point Sam says that the gate weighs 64,000 lbs. I couldn't help but laugh at that....there's just NO WAY that people could be lifting it and burying it all the time (with ropes!) if it weighed that much.

Oddly....Jack doesn't appear in this ep till 24 minutes in for some reason. Perhaps even more strangely, Jonas doesn't show up till 17 minutes in either. A bit odd, considering that the redemption of the episode title is presumably his More stuff about him I find hilarious happens this time too....he's kind of just chilling on the ramp (drinking tea), and has the solution to their problem
jack doesn't show up till 24 mins in

SGC Deaths: 0
Date: Sep 03-05, 2001

[jelgate]

S6 is when RDA started reducing time to be with his family so it doesn't surprise me he didn't appear until halfway in. And lets be honest most of Jack's scenes in Redemption II was in a X-302. Not a heavily demanding scene.

As for the Anient blowing up device I can see Anubis with his Ancient knowledge modfying such a device for his own evil plans

[Jeff O'Connor]

Great new post for a stellar two-parter. I'll be back later (probably) with more. I think I remember Season Five being my favorite of the Showtime years, too, and I look forward to proving myself either correct or incorrect.

What's up with the 'jack doesn't show up until 24 mins in' thing at the end of the 'Redemption, Part II' write-up, by the way?

[Jeff O'Connor]

Originally Posted by DigiFluid

Thinking on the earlier question....I think (this time ) I'm going to have to give it to season 5 as my favourite Showtime season. The ratio of great episodes is just terrific, and it's come to a point when they can throw arc stories at you left and right and it all makes for great storytelling

That's another of those aspects I enjoyed watching become more prominent in the third season compared to the first two. The writers were smart. Very smart. They realized they had a plethora of stories already painted onto the canvas that could be given more elegant brushstrokes to be turned into ongoing masterpieces -- and they did it in such a way as to make the sequel episodes wholly enjoyable to the more casual viewer, too.

It's the kind of thing that secures DS9's place as my favorite series of the Trek universe -- watching plot arcs develop naturally over time and come to gripping conclusions. At its best, SG-1 did this as well. At its worst, at least it tried. Seeing something tantalizing and then never seeing it again can be maddening. To this day, the people who blabber on about the Furlings, the Re'tu, the 'Foothold' aliens... this is testament to that. But at least the series developed many of its introductions over the course of more than the single outing, and that makes upcoming seasons in this rewatch all the more enjoyable. Knowing there will be a satisfying end to this, that and the other thing is a wonderful feeling.

So while I'm no further than 4x1 until further notice, I could very well see myself agreeing with you about the fifth year. I've often cited it as a great season; that much I do remember about it. Your mini-reviews for it have also helped remind me of this. I can't wait.

6.01 "Redemption, Part 1"

Original Airdate: Jun 07, 2002

I really don't remember much at all (surprise...) but I do strangely remember Don S. Davis and my thinking he lost a bit of weight as well. The last time I watched this two-parter, I believe it was mid-2008, so... more recently than most of the series. It was right around the time of his passing, and I definitely put the pieces together. I'm glad to see I'm not alone in this deduction.

I can't emphasize this enough: He is sorely missed.

Jonas' scene with Sam while staring at the Stargate all casually was amazing. I was hooked on his character during my initial run through the episode from this moment onward.

6.02 "Redemption, Part 2"
Original Airdate: Jun 14, 2002

Oh, the bit you said you found hilarious was probably in reference to what I just mentioned, so I guess it was from... this episode. Also, jelgate is more than likely correct in bringing up the likely cause of RDA's late appearance. I think this is the season a lot of folks cite as the first really noticeable lack of Jack, which makes sense since this is the first season it was... really noticeable. Yeah. I need to sleep soon, I guess.

I always enjoyed the big Death Glider bit. As much as Rya'c isn't exactly my favorite character, he gets better here. A lot better. I think I was about his age when I first saw this, so I must admit it was a bit of a silly teenage thrill watching some teenage Jaffa saving the day. Of course, I had enough ridiculously-conceived scenarios involving teenagers saving the day from all my hours logged into Final Fantasy games.

[DigiFluid]

Originally Posted by Jeff O'Connor

Oh, the bit you said you found hilarious was probably in reference to what I just mentioned, so I guess it was from... this episode.

Yep, you guessed it

Jonas standing on the ramp pondering how the gate got into the room, while sipping tea.

Originally Posted by Jeff O'Connor

Also, jelgate is more than likely correct in bringing up the likely cause of RDA's late appearance. I think this is the season a lot of folks cite as the first really noticeable lack of Jack, which makes sense since this is the first season it was... really noticeable.

Yeah.... It just never occurred to me that it was quite so prominent before. No reason why it shouldn't have, maybe I've just gotten a bit more observant in my old age

Originally Posted by Jeff O'Connor

I had enough ridiculously-conceived scenarios involving teenagers saving the day from all my hours logged into Final Fantasy games.

Oh dear, you and FF too huh





6.03 "Descent"
Original Airdate: Jun 21, 2002

I kind of got distracted by watching V after watching this so I'm going to have to remember what I watched a few hours

Again....I really love Jonas, he cracks me up. He's a bit dejected about having to stay behind on the cargo ship (even though Teal'c is staying too), but spends his time eating a banana and trying to figure out if Teal'c is joking. I can't help but smile at his cheery optimism all the time, and how he's always smiling because it's his first time doing things. And, speaking of firsts, its the first time we see rings get used in water here; Jonas transporting out from a flooded section of the ship. That's damn cool.

Um.... Disaster Davis was along for the ride here for some reason, I'm not really sure why since he's usually a Pentagon attache. And for some reason his hair was unusually dark in this ep too. Oh, and bloody frickin' Peter DeLuise, man. I know there's a certain director's prerogative for giving himself cameos, but does he have to do it so damn often? It's getting kind of annoying.

SGC Deaths: 0
Date: Nov 01-02, 2001 (Jack tore a ligament in "Redemption", that's 2 months recovery)



6.04 "Frozen"
Original Airdate: Jun 28, 2002

Well this is a....big, big episode. So much happens that it's hard to know where to start! Right away we find out that there's been an Antarctic base in operation since the events of "Solitudes", looking for more stuff buried in the ice. We find out that the Antarctic gate is at least 50 million years old, and that the DHD from that site died not long after it was discovered--its power source having finally run out (suck it, Energizer Bunny).

I have to say, I got a kick out of it that Byers (of the Lone Gunmen) is one of the Antarctic scientists, all of whom did a really solid job in guest capacity here. And Ona Grauer is just absolutely terrific in this episode as well. She's just radiant, stunning, and so much moreso than she is in SGU for some reason. I don't know why, it might just be because I really dig a chick in dreads.

Aaaaanyway, she's really fantastic in this, as is the SGverse lore that they build around her. We find out that she's been buried under the ice for about 3 million years, and that her healing abilities have somehow preserved her all that time (!!). And when we finally do see her use her healing powers, it's one of those really terrific "holy ****" moments in Stargate history. It really speaks to how well the character was written and acted that it's really quite sad when she dies.

Janet and Jonas are really good in this one too. She really shows off how good she is at all this cloak-and-dagger, top secret medical stuff and it's quite the revelation that we are the second evolution of human form. And Jonas, wow. For a guy who's still new at this point, he really hit his stride quickly. There's something very charming and very appropriate about it being him who is the one to communicate with and relate to Ayiana.

One thing I find interesting, and a touch puzzling. It's suggested at the end of this episode (and proven over the next couple) that Goa'uld/Tok'ra symbiotes can heal the Ancient plague. How that particular curiosity of evolution came about has never really been touched upon.

SGC Deaths: 0
Date: Nov 09-13, 2001

[jelgate]

Originally Posted by DigiFluid

SGC Deaths: 0
Date: Nov 01-02, 2001 (Jack tore a ligament in "Redemption", that's 2 months recovery)

When did that happen? We know Stargate has never been good at highlighting injuries

6.04 "Frozen"
Original Airdate: Jun 28, 2002

Well this is a....big, big episode. So much happens that it's hard to know where to start! Right away we find out that there's been an Antarctic base in operation since the events of "Solitudes", looking for more stuff buried in the ice. We find out that the Antarctic gate is at least 50 million years old, and that the DHD from that site died not long after it was discovered--its power source having finally run out (suck it, Energizer Bunny).

I have to say, I got a kick out of it that Byers (of the Lone Gunmen) is one of the Antarctic scientists, all of whom did a really solid job in guest capacity here. And Ona Grauer is just absolutely terrific in this episode as well. She's just radiant, stunning, and so much moreso than she is in SGU for some reason. I don't know why, it might just be because I really dig a chick in dreads.

Aaaaanyway, she's really fantastic in this, as is the SGverse lore that they build around her. We find out that she's been buried under the ice for about 3 million years, and that her healing abilities have somehow preserved her all that time (!!). And when we finally do see her use her healing powers, it's one of those really terrific "holy ****" moments in Stargate history. It really speaks to how well the character was written and acted that it's really quite sad when she dies.

Janet and Jonas are really good in this one too. She really shows off how good she is at all this cloak-and-dagger, top secret medical stuff and it's quite the revelation that we are the second evolution of human form. And Jonas, wow. For a guy who's still new at this point, he really hit his stride quickly. There's something very charming and very appropriate about it being him who is the one to communicate with and relate to Ayiana.

One thing I find interesting, and a touch puzzling. It's suggested at the end of this episode (and proven over the next couple) that Goa'uld/Tok'ra symbiotes can heal the Ancient plague. How that particular curiosity of evolution came about has never really been touched upon.

SGC Deaths: 0
Date: Nov 09-13, 2001

Frozen is really nice as in the past we get little tidbits about the Ancients but Frozen gives us so much plethora that we don't really understand for a few seasons

[DigiFluid]

Originally Posted by jelgate

When did that happen? We know Stargate has never been good at highlighting injuries

At the very beginning of Part 1, coming back through the gate with the only rejected candidate we saw. If you watch, RDA actually limps through the rest of the 2-parter as well.

A torn ligament, afaik, actually requires about two to four months of recovery, so I thought I was erring on the conservative side of things

Originally Posted by jelgate

Frozen is really nice as in the past we get little tidbits about the Ancients but Frozen gives us so much plethora that we don't really understand for a few seasons

Very much agreed....I think it's nice in how it answers a ton of questions but raises a heap more that get resolved as things go on.

[jelgate]

Originally Posted by DigiFluid

At the very beginning of Part 1, coming back through the gate with the only rejected candidate we saw. If you watch, RDA actually limps through the rest of the 2-parter as well.

A torn ligament, afaik, actually requires about two to four months of recovery, so I thought I was erring on the conservative side of things

But did they actually say that on the show or maybe RDA was just injured in some injury?

[DigiFluid]

Originally Posted by jelgate

But did they actually say that on the show or maybe RDA was just injured in some injury?

It's part of the dialogue, they do say that he (O'Neill) tore a ligament. Though if the show was being true to medicine, he'd be on crutches and probably not able to fly the X-302

Still, Hammond does say that O'Neill is off the duty roster till it heals and if he was going to be ready to go in a day or two I have to wonder if he'd even bother with that.

[jelgate]

Originally Posted by DigiFluid

It's part of the dialogue, they do say that he (O'Neill) tore a ligament. Though if the show was being true to medicine, he'd be on crutches and probably not able to fly the X-302

Still, Hammond does say that O'Neill is off the duty roster till it heals and if he was going to be ready to go in a day or two I have to wonder if he'd even bother with that.

If my medicine knowledge is accurate not all torn ligments take 2 months to heal but 2 day is too short. But when has Stargate been accurate with medical issues? I just suspend my belief for those occasions.

I still laugh when they try to do CPR

[DigiFluid]

Originally Posted by jelgate

If my medicine knowledge is accurate not all torn ligments take 2 months to heal but 2 day is too short. But when has Stargate been accurate with medical issues? I just suspend my belief for those occasions.

Indeed. Which is why I'm attempting to judge these things based on conservative estimation. Besides--two months doesn't really bring it a heck of a lot closer to the airdate anyway. Though I'm thinking there might be a few episodes this season that help to that end; specifically "Abyss", "Paradise Lost", and "Memento".

[AVFan]

Originally Posted by DigiFluid

One thing I find interesting, and a touch puzzling. It's suggested at the end of this episode (and proven over the next couple) that Goa'uld/Tok'ra symbiotes can heal the Ancient plague. How that particular curiosity of evolution came about has never really been touched upon.

Well we really have no idea how they work.. For all we know, they could heal any disease. Certainly seems like it.

[Jeff O'Connor]

Originally Posted by DigiFluid

Yeah.... It just never occurred to me that it was quite so prominent before. No reason why it shouldn't have, maybe I've just gotten a bit more observant in my old age

Oh, don't say that, I'm just behind you

Oh dear, you and FF too huh

Indeed. I've been a fan since a few months after VII debuted. I can't quite shake it. There's enough decency strewn throughout the series to keep my interests relatively piqued.

6.03 "Descent"
Original Airdate: Jun 21, 2002

I remember thinking this was an excellent, excellent Jonas episode. The bit with the water near the end was terrific. I actually read recently that Davis' actor felt like he was a bit unimportant in this episode, so he initially tried to act his scenes like he had an attraction to Carter, for spice. Thankfully, someone told him not to. I do wish he had more going on for himself, but not another Carter fanatic!

6.04 "Frozen"
Original Airdate: Jun 28, 2002

I effin' love this episode. It opens up so much. And you're damn right, Ona Grauer is fantastic.

I'm not even going to say anything else. I'll likely end up saying things when I get this far. A lot of things. Such a great mythology piece. Top five episodes of the sixth season, at LEAST. (And I'm a fan of the sixth season, most assuredly.)[/QUOTE]