My Journey through Stargate SG1 - episode by episode.

[blueray]

i agree, that season 7 seems season finally like, but not as much as season 8 does. anyhow the acting is great in heroes, especially Michael Shanks performance.

and as for sga

Spoiler:

and yeah, I'm still disappointment on how they "killed" Carson. a exploding tumor really? but at least they brought him back ).

[TryWhistlingThis]

They were planning on ending the series at the end of S7, which is one of the reasons the producers felt they could take this drastic step. RDA wanted to leave and Brad Wright already had a movie script he was holding on to since the end of S6 (which they also thought would be the last season), and they wanted to start a new series. But the network wanted more only if RDA agreed to stay and continue SG1, which he eventually did with certain conditions. So the movie script became the S7 finale and the springboard for the spin off series Stargate Atlantis. S8 sees some major changes to the cast. (I think S8 in general is an improvement over S7 because they aren't trying to convince you that RDA is still the star of the show, but he's there in a way that makes sense for the character and allows for new avenues of storytelling. When RDA leaves for good it becomes almost an entirely different show.) IMO it's true that they never recapture the magic of the early years. And they spend the last three years trying and failing to replace the character they lost in Heroes.

It's a shame how network politics can stand before logical creative decisions. It's a shame because it would have seemed like such a more tightly knit show. The changes over the next few seasons just seem to drastic to be thought of as the same series. No more O'Neill or Hammond, a new enemy and new crew members.

7.19: Resurrection

The first thing I noticed is that this was written by Michael Shanks. I was excited to read this but sadly couldn't help feel a bit let down by it. While I can see they were trying to create a character that had intrigue and mystery to it, unfortunately it didn't work because they didn't really give us a reason to care outside of the fact that she was trapped in a glass box for most of the time. The grim ending didn't do much to help that either. Strangely, I did like the X-Files sort of tone that the episode established and they avoided the generic shoot outs to push the plot along.

So, the least that can be said for Shanks' writing is that there was a fairly genuine attempt to create an arc by revealing the psyche of her layer by layer. But, it lacked a basic humanity to it which is what kept me from being interested in her. At least it wasn't turned into a love story. That would have been both the easy way and an utter cop out. It wasn't a bad episode, but, like most of the season, just not memorable.

2.5 out of 5

[hlndncr]

It's a shame how network politics can stand before logical creative decisions. It's a shame because it would have seemed like such a more tightly knit show. The changes over the next few seasons just seem to drastic to be thought of as the same series. No more O'Neill or Hammond, a new enemy and new crew members.

They tried to make it a new show--called Stargate Command--in S9, but the network put the kibosh on the idea. They didn't want to loose the established brand even with all the radical changes.

I really don't care for Resurrection. (Christopher Judge was by far the better writer.) This was also the only episode directed by Amanda Tapping. She did her best with what she had to work with, which wasn't much considering these last couple of eps before the huge S7 finale were all meant to be money savers. So she had one location (albiet really large and cool) and not much of an effects budget. That's not to say lower budget episodes can't be really good, but as you pointed out the story and the characters just couldn't carry it.

[TryWhistlingThis]

7.20: Inauguration

This episode would have caused quite a stir in the fandom I imagine because not only did it have "clip show" elements but, apart from Hammond's scene, it didn't feature any of the SG1 cast. Personally, I felt it was the best for the entire season. It certainly had clip show elements but the flashbacks formed no more than 10% of the episode. They were used legitimately to tell the story for this episode.

What I love about the episode is that, aside from an outstanding performance from Picardo, this episode by far used the least amount of locations and sets. It purely relied on the dialogue as a means of portraying the tension between the characters. Not only this, but it was a sound reminder to the audience that despite good intentions and past glory, that SG1 in a number of ways in a threat in its semi-autonomous capacity to operate in the way that it does. Without episodes like these, it's hard to really see the characters for who they are. I absolutely loved this episode, particularly in a season where many of the sci-fi elements have just ended up being a shadow of the show's former stronger moments.

6 out of 5

[EvilSpaceAlien]

Yep, Inauguration is probably one of the high points of the season, despite having some clip show tendencies. So now it's just Lost City left of the whole season. Are you going to watch it back to back like it originally aired, or are you going to split the episode in two? Though I suppose that on the dvd it's possible that the episode isn't split, so it all just runs without any break.

[hlndncr]

I wouldn't call Inauguration the best episode of the season, but it is a good episode and certainly the best clip show of the series IMO. I agree that the performances are excellent and it is a great set up for Lost City (my favorite episode of the series).

You should definitely watch Lost City as one long episode; the way it was intended.

[TryWhistlingThis]

I will definitely watch lost city as a 90 minute episode

[hedwig]

I will definitely watch lost city as a 90 minute episode

On my DVD set, "Lost City" runs as one 90 minute episode. There is no break to separate it into two parts.

[TryWhistlingThis]

7.21: Lost City [Parts 1 & 2]

With the exception of the final couple of minutes, it cannot be said enough how ideal this would have served as a series finale for SG1. It brought together everything that made the series great. It had the chemistry between the cast that has been lacking for most of Season 7, it brought back some of the humour, political tension, sci-fi elements and the pacing made for some of the most endearing parts yet. Best of all, the action was kept to a minimum but at the same time, this episode had the greatest battle sequences to date in this particular series. It was about build up and it was served well. In fact, it worked so well as a 90 minute episode, I cannot imagine being able to divide this into two 45 minute halves. There's no mid-episode cliffhanger. It just blends together perfectly as a telemovie.

If I had to nit-pick, it's a bit vague as to why this episode was the moment that Anubis decides to make their big push toward Earth. The Lost City plot line has always been there in the background throughout the season but barely addressed. Once again, it returns to that old point I made weeks ago where this is the episode that the writers should have been focusing on by having the Lost City as a motif. The absence of the Asgard was a bit weird too, especially with such a pivotal part of the series.

But, with that minor point aside, it worked wonderfully as a series or season finale because not only did it provide closure for SG1, but it did a fine job of setting down the foundations for its next series, Atlantis. This leads me to my next point.

For about a month or so, i'll be taking a break from SG1 because the Season 1 Blu-Ray of Atlantis is due out in July. I intend on picking up a copy and running it alongside SG1's Season 8 as I understand the plot line for that runs directly into Atlantis' first episode. So, i'll start with S8 then immediately watch S1, Ep1 of Atlantis. Therefore, S8 is on hold until Atlantis gets its blu-ray release next month.

It's been a hell of a journey. I'm thinking on simultaneously running a "Journey" thread in the SGA part of the forum too.

5 out of 5

[hlndncr]

Note that the first two episodes of Season 8 (New Order 1 & 2) are a necessary precursor to the SGA premiere (Rising). So you could watch and review those two episodes while you wait for SGA S1 to arrive.

[blueray]

lost city is one of my favorite episodes. i love the scene with them all sitting in Jack's house. and of course:

Daniel: "Sphere. Planet. Label. Name."
Jack: "Following. Still. You. Not."

yeah, watch new order first. and while the proper way is to alternate them. you could continue with sg-1 until your sga dvds arrive, the show wouldn't spoiler the first season of sga for you.

[EvilSpaceAlien]

Only remember that, just like Lost City, the first two episodes of Season 8 (New Order), originally aired as one 90-minute episode and should therefore be watched in one sitting. The same is true for SGA's pilot (Rising). Because just like Lost City, there is no real break between parts. and you would only notice where the break is if you watched the syndication version.

[EvilSpaceAlien]

So do you have any general idea of when you'll get back to doing these episode reviews? Because I greatly enjoyed reading them and seeing what your reaction would be to certain episodes, so it'd be a shame to see this gone.

[TryWhistlingThis]

I'm back! My apologies for my especially long absence. I've just had lots going on with University, work, and life in general. Nothing bad, in fact, all positive things which have just kept me more focused than usual. I gave you my word I would not end this thread until I have reached the final episode and that commitment still stands. How have you all been? I hope you had a great Christmas and New Year. Over the break I picked up both SG1 Season 8 (DVD) and Atlantis (S1). I just watched the S8 opener and will be watching SGA tomorrow.

8.01: New Order [Parts 1 & 2]

In a funny sort of way this almost felt like a reboot of SG1 or a passing of the batten because we see the Goa'uld take a backseat to the Replicators who are now being groomed as a prime adversary of Earth, especially with their evolution as demonstrated in the final seconds of the episode. I must admit that the episode didn't really warm up until O'Neill made his appearance. It's almost like taking John or George out of the Beatles, the vacuum in his absence is noticeable because so much of his personality adds to the warmth of the group.

I did enjoy the pacing of the episode though and enjoyed the fact that despite being a two-part, 90 minute presentation, there wasn't a grand shoot out in the end. It reminded me a lot of the Series 1 Doctor Who episode, Dalek, where the confrontation between the Doctor and Dalek is built up and just as you expect the tension to come to ahead, it takes a surprise turn. But in the SG1 episode, there was an ulterior motive which makes for an interesting setup.

Dr. Weir is a great character though she just isn't right for SG1. She's basically a cross between Carter and Jackson which is why her role as a replacement for Hammond didn't quite work. Speaking of Hammond, is this the last we see of him? I'm aware that Don S Davis passed away but not sure as to which period of the series.

Though it's not the most remarkable episode of SG1, it was the necessary pre-credit teaser needed for Atlantis. I'm very intrigued to see what adventures await at the Atlantis outpost tomorrow

Good to be back!

3.5 out of 5

[Petra]

Great to have you back! Belated Happy New Year!

Dr. Weir is a great character though she just isn't right for SG1. She's basically a cross between Carter and Jackson which is why her role as a replacement for Hammond didn't quite work.

Do you have any thoughts regarding the change of the actress? Do you prefer one to the other or does it not matter?

Speaking of Hammond, is this the last we see of him? I'm aware that Don S Davis passed away but not sure as to which period of the series.

I don't remember when exactly DSD passed away but it was definitely after SG-1 had ended. He'll have a few more appearances in season 8 (including his worst ever IMO but also some of his best scenes in the entire series) and also seasons 9-10.

[discodiva]

Don died in June 2008....


Deeds xx

[TryWhistlingThis]

Great to have you back! Belated Happy New Year!

Likewise

Do you have any thoughts regarding the change of the actress? Do you prefer one to the other or does it not matter?

No, I was referring to Weir vs. Hammond. For SG1, I definitely prefer Hammond because he's just so perfectly suited to the role which is why his chemistry bounces off the remainder of the SG1 crew so well. As far as the Weir actress goes, I know there was a recasting but i've actually forgotten what the first Weir was like. But Tori Higginson does a fine job with the character, so no complaints at all.

I don't remember when exactly DSD passed away but it was definitely after SG-1 had ended. He'll have a few more appearances in season 8 (including his worst ever IMO but also some of his best scenes in the entire series) and also seasons 9-10.

I look forward to seeing him.



I also just watched SGA tonight, the pilot. I've been thinking whether I should create a separate thread in the SGA area, but it doesn't really seem to make much sense in creating a new thread from scratch since this one has been going so long and has so much involvement. So, because of the loyal following and the overall "journey" I seem to be taking, all SG1 and SGA commentary will be covered here. All SGA will be watched in High Definition.


SGA - 1.01: Rising [Parts 1 & 2]

Given the way I have been watching SG1, Rising does feel like the logical follow up to the SG1 first episode. Sadly, it does serve as a reminder that perhaps that either at the end of S7 or the beginning of S8, SG1 did have good opportunity to gracefully end and pass the batten over to SGA. But that's another discussion when I get to Season 10. As a pilot, one thing that Rising does really well is the brevity of story telling.

We have Daniel and O'Neill to set the scene, but it wasn't long before they handed the keys over to the SGA crew. I also like the idea of SGA avoiding the whole "putting the band together" type set up where they go out and gather the crew one by one, kind of like Star Trek: Enterprise (although it was intended as the first interstellar starship which is fair enough). Instead, their circumstances have drawn them together to which the mission really does commence upon the first step into Atlantis.

The first thing I noticed about Atlantis is that despite being uninhabited, it was just too neat. We saw Dr Weir just stroll on into what she believed would be her office, a plastic sheet covering the computer consoles for the new staff, no mess or litter of any kind, not even any blaster marks or wear and tear. It just didn't feel alien enough, especially since the crew integrated into their surroundings so flawlessly. Remember, they're not on Earth anymore. The failing of the shields did serve as a good plot, but the element of danger just wasn't all there.

Meanwhile, the Wraith are a terrific Marolyn Manson tribute act, the best in the galaxy in fact. They also make for a very promising adversary with their regenerative abilities. It was enjoyable to see that despite surviving their first encounter, the SGA team didn't truly defeat them. Rather, it was just a band aid job (2012/2013 Fiscal Cliffhanger style).

As for the crew, I have to be honest and say that so far I prefer the SG1 team for now. Sheppard is smug and cynical but without the humour of O'Neill, McKay is annoying but I might grow to like him, Weir is a nice enough character but comes off as Carter's younger cousin while Teyla does sexy quite well. That's not to say I dislike them, but the personalities haven't quite gelled which could be a symptom of the fast pacing of the first episode. It was sad to see Robert Patrick have such a short tenure on the show, though as the special guest star it wasn't hard to predict.

Overall, this is a really impressive first episode. I consider it to Stargate what Caretaker was to Star Trek in the way that the scenario has formed the basis of the friendships and future tensions while also being faithful to its mission of exploration and defending Earth. For now, the mission seems to be to learn more about the Wraith, explore the surrounding Universe, and find a way to dial back home.

4 out of 5

[TryWhistlingThis]

SG1 - 8.02: Lockdown

At first this episode looked as though it was just going to be a same old, same old type romp. In a way that it was because the plot of an alien being using a human body as a host is nothing new. But I liked this episode for the fact that it seemed almost inevitable that Anubis would succeed because even with Jackson's elaborate scheme to divide the complex into areas really wouldn't work that well for several reasons. So really, it was more a case of how they would lure Anubis to the gate or know when the right time to strike was.

This is where the surprise was because I really felt that this was going to open yet another chapter for Anubis to survive. But, even if he did, I doubt there was going to be anyone that will assist his escape. I'm also really enjoying O'Neill's role as installation commander. He seems like a worthy successor to Hammond. It would have also been ideal for RDA to hold that role because they could have kept him in the show but also reduced his role to a desk type job if he really wanted.

But I really loved this episode.

5 out of 5

[Petra]

Glad to hear it. Lockdown is one of my favourite episodes of the season.

I can't wait for your thoughts on Zero Hour (one of my favourites in the entire series).

[TryWhistlingThis]

SGA - 1.02: Hide and Seek

This episode was definitely a step down from the pilot. I think the main flaw is that it spends too much time setting the characters up when really a lot of that should have been covered in the first episode (one of my critiques of the pilot). While the looming threat was interesting enough along with the disappearance of the child, the payoff just wasn't there.

The pacing of the episode also seemed a bit disjointed because just as you anticipated some sort of development in the story, it would cut back to one of the sub-plots (McKay and the personal shield) and linger on that for a while longer. The trouble is that just as something gets interesting, you're distracted by a lesser element of the story so by the time it comes to return to the main plot, your attention has faded somewhat.

But, it definitely was great to get to know some more of the characters plus learn more about the Atlantis base. While the children in the episode weren't totally annoying, they weren't essential to the events (apart from the one which disappeared).

2.5 out of 5