Only 20 episodes?

[Dominique]

Are there only 20 episodes this season (season 8)or are there only 17 listed on gateworld at the mo cos further information hasn't been released?

Love and peace.

[Martouf84]

I remember reading at Gateworld that there will only be 20 episodes this time due to money-reasons. It is a bit expensive for the SciFi-Channel to buy both Atlantis and SG-1 so they reduced the number to 20 episodes each.
Correct me if I am wrong...

[Major Fischer]

The other speculation is that the reduced schedual is because of the expensive of building the Atlantis sets.

[SG_Mike]

I had thought that the reduced number was attributed to the possible last season. But I would rather think it was due to money concerns. I very much hope for another season.

[Daniel Jackson]

Are there only 20 episodes this season (season 8)or are there only 17 listed on gateworld at the mo cos further information hasn't been released?

Love and peace.

My guess is that instead of having Atlantis have a short first season, they decided to ballance out SG-1 Season 8 & SG:A Season1, so both seasons have 20 episodes.

[Sy~]

I think they're still building to have a film.

Sy~

[Steel_Thunder]

If they shortened the season for both of them to 20 episodes, then I think it makes it obvious that I was right about the purpose of SG: Atlantis. As stated from the thread I started a couple days ago, I believe that Atlantis was invented so that viewers could have two hours of Stargate a week.

If SG-1 were truly ending this season and SG: Atlantis was invented to take over after SG-1 stopped production then I would think that they would have shortened SG-1 much more and made SG: Atlantis the standard 22 episode season. Also, I would think they would have shortened SG-1 further if there was to be a film directly after this season.

A much more likely reason is that if it is because of production costs for a SG film, then hopefully they are preparing for a film after a ninth or tenth season ... in which case, the 20 season episodes might become standard till the end of SG-1.

Of course, there is always a chance that there won't be a ninth season or simply a short ninth season for SG-1 from which a point will made for the movie to continue and bring SG-1 to a closing. In which case, of course, I would be proven wrong with my assumption that SG: Atlantis was to give the viewer a second hour of Stargate. But once again the storylines are different enough that I think the purpose of Atlantis is to accompany SG-1 and not to replace it.

[Major Fischer]

I'm all up for believing TPTB, especially since JM repeated this only a few days ago, that they do not know if season eight is the last season. They've functioned so much on the basis that the current season (be it sixth or seventh or eighth) is their last that they aren't about the make those kinds of plans for two more years and or a movie....

[Larry]

I can't get as enthused about a Stargate SG-1 feature film after the X-Files debacle. The Star Trek films were hit and miss. I'd rather have RDA say I'll commit to do one more season, then we're done.

[Daniel Jackson]

If they shortened the season for both of them to 20 episodes, then I think it makes it obvious that I was right about the purpose of SG: Atlantis. As stated from the thread I started a couple days ago, I believe that Atlantis was invented so that viewers could have two hours of Stargate a week.

I hate to shoot your theory to pieces, but the original plan was to end SG-1, do a movie, then do Atlantis - it's most deffinately a replacement for SG-1. The only reason why both shows are on at the same time is becuase SCIFI wanted an 8th season, so the 2nd movie was pushed back with the script used for the Season 7 finale.

If SG-1 were truly ending this season and SG: Atlantis was invented to take over after SG-1 stopped production then I would think that they would have shortened SG-1 much more and made SG: Atlantis the standard 22 episode season. Also, I would think they would have shortened SG-1 further if there was to be a film directly after this season.

Maybe they just wanted both seasons to be the same length.

A much more likely reason is that if it is because of production costs for a SG film, then hopefully they are preparing for a film after a ninth or tenth season ... in which case, the 20 season episodes might become standard till the end of SG-1.

I doubt it. When Star Trek: Deep Space Nine premiered durring Star Trek: The Next Generation's 6th season, DS9 had a 20 episode 1st season while TNG had a 26 episode 6th season. It's just a budget thing, due to set construction and series development.

Of course, there is always a chance that there won't be a ninth season or simply a short ninth season for SG-1 from which a point will made for the movie to continue and bring SG-1 to a closing. In which case, of course, I would be proven wrong with my assumption that SG: Atlantis was to give the viewer a second hour of Stargate. But once again the storylines are different enough that I think the purpose of Atlantis is to accompany SG-1 and not to replace it.

There's no need to have a short 8th or 9th season to do a movie. Star Trek: The Next Generation had a full 26 episode final season which ended just 4 months before the movie Star Trek: Generations was released.

[Steel_Thunder]

Technically you didn't shoot my theory to peaces. The ORIGINAL plan may have been such, but that is not to say that there isn't a newer plan that makes more sense. As I've stated in the other thread, I don't believe that Stargate Atlantis could stand on it's own legs for more than a season or two after Stargate SG-1 is no more (at least not without a replacement for SG-1). Refer back for more details. Either way, this original plan sounds more like wishful thinking than reality on the part of the producers. I simply can't see how in the next 10 episodes that they would be able to form some sort of worthy end for SG-1 unless of course it is a rush job (even with a long detailed movie). So I'm not saying it couldn't be done, it is just that if the eighth season really is the end before a movie, the end for SG-1 probably won't be as thorough as it probably should be.

As for both seasons being the same length, I just don’t see such mathematical perfection in show business. Stories are laid out as art, not math. So I don’t believe the chances lie in favor for Stargate SG-1 ending this season for that fact alone.

In the third section you analyzed, I was trying to stress that there will more than likely BE a ninth or tenth season - the statement that the 20 show season would become standard was only a possibility.

The reason why I listed a short ninth season (or possible short tenth) is because as I stated above, I don’t see any other way it could end so soon unless of course the end for SG-1 isn’t as clearly thought out as it probably should be. In other words, if it ends this season, I foresee a crappy ending. If they at least made half a ninth season, then I could possibly see a worthy and well covered ending with a movie afterwards. The other minimum would be for the show to end at the end of a full ninth season.

[Elite Anubis Guard]

atlantis is 22 eps right? well if s8 is the last season, atlantis will get more eps wen sg1s finished.


would be nice to have a film later on tho, a film that ends the goa'uld war!

[walter_MacChevron]

no, i'm pretty sure atlantis was ordered 20 also

[Ace]

no, i'm pretty sure atlantis was ordered 20 also

It was...both SG-1 and Atlantis were only ordered 20 episodes this season. I suspect that if this is truely the last season for SG-1, Atlantis will receive an order for 22 episodes. And everything will return to normal...

Ace

[Daniel Jackson]

Technically you didn't shoot my theory to peaces. The ORIGINAL plan may have been such, but that is not to say that there isn't a newer plan that makes more sense.

Hmm...

As I've stated in the other thread, I don't believe that Stargate Atlantis could stand on it's own legs for more than a season or two after Stargate SG-1 is no more (at least not without a replacement for SG-1).

This just doesn't make sense to me. Atlantis is a replacement series, it's not ment to be a "side show" to SG-1. It is the successor to SG-1. I don't understand why you're in denial of this.

Refer back for more details. Either way, this original plan sounds more like wishful thinking than reality on the part of the producers.

Whut's wrong with thinking big? Back in Season 1, did you think Stargate would be where it is now? Did you know they had the entire franchise planned out as early as before SG-1's series premiere hit the TV screens?

I simply can't see how in the next 10 episodes that they would be able to form some sort of worthy end for SG-1 unless of course it is a rush job (even with a long detailed movie).

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine wrapped up in 10 episodes. Why can't SG-1?

So I'm not saying it couldn't be done, it is just that if the eighth season really is the end before a movie, the end for SG-1 probably won't be as thorough as it probably should be.

The ending shouldn't be thorough if there's going to be a movie.

As for both seasons being the same length, I just don’t see such mathematical perfection in show business. Stories are laid out as art, not math. So I don’t believe the chances lie in favor for Stargate SG-1 ending this season for that fact alone.

Actually, TV is about money, not art, unfortunately. However, that doesn't stop creative TV producers from giving us shows like Stargate SG-1. MGM or SCIFI probably figured that instead of giving SG-1 a full season and Atlantis a short season, that fans would appreciated having a long SG-1 8th Season and SG:A 1st Season via balancing out the episode order. If it were me, I'd do the same.

In the third section you analyzed, I was trying to stress that there will more than likely BE a ninth or tenth season - the statement that the 20 show season would become standard was only a possibility.

It's very unlikely that there will be a 9th season, and I won't believe that there will be a 10th season untill SCIFI or MGM says so. RDA's been wanting to leave the show and retire from acting to spend more time with his daughter. He really expected Season 6 to be the end of the show. Why do you think we have O'Neill-lite episodes in Season 7 and General O'Neill in Season 8? If SG-1 goes for Season 9, one of two things will happen - either O'Niell is reduced to a Hammond-type role (in terms of stories, not his character's rank) with Amanda Tapping as the star of SG-1, or RDA leaves the show and makes guest appearances. I think the show could pull off Season 9 with 5 or so heavy RDA episodes, but Season 10... that'd just be pushing it. I'd rather stick with Atlantis then watch SG-1 go down the drane like The X Files did.

The reason why I listed a short ninth season (or possible short tenth) is because as I stated above, I don’t see any other way it could end so soon unless of course the end for SG-1 isn’t as clearly thought out as it probably should be.

I'm sorry, but it shouldn't take a year or two to wrap up a TV show, no matter how complicated. Seasons 5-7 were all thought to be the last. With Season 8, it's possible it's the last season too. 10 episodes should be plenty of time to wrap up a sci-fi show.

In other words, if it ends this season, I foresee a crappy ending.

I don't think you're giving the producers enough credit.

If they at least made half a ninth season, then I could possibly see a worthy and well covered ending with a movie afterwards. The other minimum would be for the show to end at the end of a full ninth season.

I just don't get it... it doesn't take a YEAR to wrap up a TV show. I've seen lots of shows have to wrap up in 5 or less episodes. DS9 got lucky in that they new Season 7 was it, so they had a 10-episode arc to end the show. With SG-1, I suspect they'll do the same thing.

[Steel_Thunder]

Hmm...

Stargate SG-1 is one of, if not THE, best Sci-Fi series to date. The reason why those others seasons could have been then end of Stargate SG-1 is simply because Sci-Fi has a habit of doing horrible endings for their series. They are always in a hurry and never seem to invent a thorough ending. I don't know what your definition of a good ending is and of one that could be done in 10 episodes, but I know for sure that it isn't mine.

I never said that they would conclude the show through the series or that there wouldn't be enough room to make a movie with my ideals. I said that with the detail of Stargate SG-1 that I seriously DOUBT that they will be able to conclude the series well even with 10 episodes left and a movie. That means that I didn't say that I wanted them to be so thorough that a movie wouldn't be necessary. I said that they couldn't be as thorough as they should be with 10 episodes and a movie.

I've been able to watch the Stargate movie and Season 1 - 8 plus Stargate Atlantis all between Christmas of 2002 and now. You could probably say that I've had too much Stargate for two years. I've also just started watching Season 1 and 2 again. I know the plot of the series very well and trust me, there are so many holes that if they even TRY to finish the series in 10 episodes and a movie that it'll be crappy from anyone's stand point who has seen Stargate and have the details in their mind as fresh as mine.

I'm not going to even finish this conversation trying to convince you otherwise. You obviously have your mind set against me otherwise you would have read my posts more thoroughly. Your arguments are sound against posts that weren't even posted. Perhaps you should re-read all my posts and the posts that they refer to before you post again? Also, please understand that I am not going from one extreme to another. I've been trying to say the same thing in all my posts and it seems like you just keep missing the points I have been trying to make.

I really appreciate your replies and your attempt at an intelligent conversation, but please try to make more of an effort to understand my point of view and what I am trying to say.

[Daniel Jackson]

Stargate SG-1 is one of, if not THE, best Sci-Fi series to date.

I'm sure it is.

The reason why those others seasons could have been then end of Stargate SG-1 is simply because Sci-Fi has a habit of doing horrible endings for their series. They are always in a hurry and never seem to invent a thorough ending. I don't know what your definition of a good ending is and of one that could be done in 10 episodes, but I know for sure that it isn't mine.

Incorrect. SG-1 was cancelled by Showtime, thus ended with "Revelations" with plans to do a movie. However, SCIFI ordered "one more season." Season 6 ended with the series finale "Full Circle." The producers ended the show so they could do the movie and SG:A. SCIFI ordered "one more season." so they post pone the movie and spin-off for one more season, and decide to do a season-long search for the lost city. The season almost ends, then SCIFI orders "one more season." The movie becomes the Season 7 finale. Then they were gonna use a different idea for a movie, but that became the SG:A series premiere. Now we have SG-1 S8 and SG:A S1. Now SCIFI's thinking of orderring "one more season." It has nothing to do with SCIFI giving shows horrible endings. SG-1 was planned by the PRODUCERS to end at Season 5, 6, 7, and now again at 8, but SCIFI will probably pick up Season 9 and, for the fouth time, make this the final season. Personally, I'm tired of the "This is the final season!" news. I'm ready to move on with Atlantis. Besides, SG-1 has run it's coarse.

I never said that they would conclude the show through the series or that there wouldn't be enough room to make a movie with my ideals. I said that with the detail of Stargate SG-1 that I seriously DOUBT that they will be able to conclude the series well even with 10 episodes left and a movie.

You do realise that it's ridiculous for them to tie up every single episode they ever made? That's just not practical. To say the show needs a year or two to conclude is just silly. In TV land, you should be prepared to wrap your show up at the end of the season if neccessary. This is why I say 10 episodes is more than enough time to wrap up the series. Believe me, I've seen enough shows and know enough about American TV to know that this is how it works. While your approach is admirable, it doesn't work in the real world.

That means that I didn't say that I wanted them to be so thorough that a movie wouldn't be necessary. I said that they couldn't be as thorough as they should be with 10 episodes and a movie.

It'd be impossible to end thoroughly enough to where a movie's not needed, unless you blew up the SGC and killed everyone off. lol

I've been able to watch the Stargate movie and Season 1 - 8 plus Stargate Atlantis all between Christmas of 2002 and now. You could probably say that I've had too much Stargate for two years. I've also just started watching Season 1 and 2 again. I know the plot of the series very well and trust me, there are so many holes that if they even TRY to finish the series in 10 episodes and a movie that it'll be crappy from anyone's stand point who has seen Stargate and have the details in their mind as fresh as mine.

I'm an expect on Stargate as well, short of Season 7, Episodes 3-22 and Season 8, Episodes 6-10. Unless major stuff happens in Season 7, I doubt they'd need even 10 episodes to wrap up the show. An epic series finale would be fine.

I'm not going to even finish this conversation trying to convince you otherwise. You obviously have your mind set against me otherwise you would have read my posts more thoroughly.

I'm not set against you, I'm just thinking this through logically.

Your arguments are sound against posts that weren't even posted.

Huh?

Perhaps you should re-read all my posts and the posts that they refer to before you post again?

Not neccessary, I read your complete posts before responding.

Also, please understand that I am not going from one extreme to another. I've been trying to say the same thing in all my posts and it seems like you just keep missing the points I have been trying to make.

It's not that I've missed your points, I see them clearly, I just disagree with them.

I really appreciate your replies and your attempt at an intelligent conversation, but please try to make more of an effort to understand my point of view and what I am trying to say.

Are you saying my replies are "attempts" at an intelligent conversation and are not infact an intelligent conversation? I understand your viewpoint just fine, but my understanding does not require agreement.

[Steel_Thunder]

I understand your viewpoint just fine, but my understanding does not require agreement.

Well as you've probably noticed, I've explained a few of my points more than one time. The reason is, you aren't understanding them the way I meant them to be understood. The reason why I say an attempt at an intelligent conversation is because obviously you, I, or both of us are missing what each other is trying to say. So while I would consider us each intelligent on our own, this conversation just isn't making much headway, thus the point of an attempt at an intelligent conversation.

What may be more likely, however, is that I am the idealist and you are the pessimistic. While I normally consider myself to be a realist, I understand that I may be taking more of a biased approach here since I treasure Stargate SG-1 enough to call it the best series ever. As such, I think it deserves much more than the average or even above average TV series ending. Sci-Fi and the Stargate producers have a good story going on here. No need to end it with an ending that is only mediocre or slightly above mediocre.

Btw, you are taking several of my statements to extreme and are simply assuming too much about them. I never say the words “all” or “every” unless I mean them. And in the states about tying things up and about a thorough ending, you act like I mean perfection. I mean far from it. There are plenty of loose endings that really need to be tied up. There are plenty more that can have assumption or don’t need to be tied up at all because they are so insignificant. I understand this and that is of my opinion. I have even read JMallozzi’s comment in the thread “Super Finale?,” but I just don’t see how they can wrap up all the loose ends of the past. Now it seems obvious from his post that he considers all of the past seasons already wrapped up and I think it is a shame that he thinks so. If that is indeed the thought process, then by all means they can easily wrap things up for a movie by the end of the season. I just hope they include more of those forgotten loose ends from season’s past.

Oh, and if you are wondering what some of those are … the one that seems to stand out in the Stargate crowd’s mind is the episode about Daniel’s uncle. Although that might not be one of the largest loose ends, I do think it is one of those loose ends that need to be tied up. Now I could go back and make a list of all of the instances that should have been returned to but were forgotten, but I fail to see the point in it unless the producer himself was to pay attention to my thoughts. Even so, I’m sure he would like several others to do the same so that an agreement could be made. This is unrealistic of course, but it would be nice to think some of those past loose ends were to be tied up before the end of the series.

[MasterPower]

There is only going to be twenty episodes this year.
They shortened it for some reason.

[David]

Are there only 20 episodes this season

Sucks, don't it??


Actually when you think about it, we've went from 22 new episodes a year to 40 new episodes a year. IMHO, not too bad.