Stargate SG-1

[Bloodshot]

Hi all!

I was hoping to solicit some opinions from those "in the know" on Stargate SG-1. Ya see, like most people round these parts, I'm a huge fan of Babylon 5. My girlfriend is a huge fan of SG-1, and we are in the process of watching both shows on DVD. Problem is, that while my girlfriend is finding B5 to be interesting, I've yet to see the appeal of SG-1... in fact, I keep falling asleep when we watch it. Bad boyfriend!

So, can anyone share their thoughts on the show? I keep looking for the little glimmer of "something" that will capture my interest, but am also concerned that I'm holding Babylon 5 sized expectations up to this show, when perhaps I shouldn't.

Thanks!

[Ranger1]

I don't like SG-1,saw season 1 and 2 and then i decided that its too boring for me.

[Jan]

Re: Stargate SG-1

Originally posted by Bloodshot
So, can anyone share their thoughts on the show? I keep looking for the little glimmer of "something" that will capture my interest, but am also concerned that I'm holding Babylon 5 sized expectations up to this show, when perhaps I shouldn't.

Thanks!

I like it okay but, yeah, you're making a mistake holding up B5 expectations up to it when it comes to story.

There are some items of story arcs and the characters do change a little over time but it's basically an episodic adventure story with great special effects. One enjoyable thing is that there are a fair number of recurring characters which brings a sense of continuity between stories. I also like the chemistry between the members of the SG-1 team.

To me, SG-1 is a 'watch once or twice' show where B5 never pales for me. Maybe with lowered expectations you can enjoy it for what it is.

Jan

[jal]

yeah, you're making a mistake holding up B5 expectations up to it when it comes to story.

iv`e enjoyed B5 & Stargate since they first started, two totally different shows.

Stargate is not as deep as B5 and has never aimed to be so, don`t put one up against the other, they are totally different experences.

as Jan said Staargate it is more episode orientated, with just a light overall theme.

i`d say stick with it, the series is interesting and sometimes very funny, it rarely takes itself too seriously and the main characters interact really well.

the lead character in charge (O`Neill) isn`t really that bright (and he knows it).

it might not have the drama and seriousness of B5 but it is enjoyable for a change of pace.

[colonyearth]

Actually, the premise is that O'Neill is bright, very bright, but never lets on. He's no dumby, he just doesn't like techno-babble, which is how we get the layman's version of things.

No, don't compare them. B5 is deep and powerful SF. SG-1 is fun, action oriented SF that's very well written and made (Probably the best FX in SF today by far -- some of their FX people have gone on to work on the new SW films). They're very true to their continuity and have recurring characters and themes, so it's not completely episodic. What ST is being praised for doing now, SG-1 has been doing from the start.. small arcs that tie to a bigger picture.

The thing with SG-1 is that they're having a blast making it. Watch some of the commentaries on the DVD's. They are by far some of the best commentaries I've ever found, especially Peter Deluise's (yes, that's Dom's son, who is a Co-Producer, Writer, and Director on the show starting around S3 I think).

And while SG-1 never takes itself seriously, it does have some wonderfully serious moments and has made some great social commentary. Especially in the S7 two-parter, HEROES, which is one of the best stories they've ever done.

The series started a bit rougher than it eventually became. If you can get through S1 (where the actors where still making the character their own) and into S2 you'll start to see things coming together very well and backstory playing a bigger part. You'll also see Rick Anderson's true face of the O'Neill character start to fully emerge. The banter between O'Neill and Jackson becomes one of the best interplays in the show (not to mention they have fun with the insinuated gay sexual innuendo on a subliminal level...as well as the sexual tension between Carter and O'Neill).

Stick with it...and remember, it's fun and exciting SF adventure with only a dusting of arc and a pinch of seriousness.

But IMHO, one of the best SF shows ever. I would put B5 first by far, then OC ST, but overall, SG-1 is in my top five. And SG: ATLANTIS is gaining my respect more and more with each ep.

SG-1 hasn't lasted 8 seasons and constantly gained more and more audience for no reason.

So, say with it...you'll be glad you did.

CE

[Bloodshot]

Thanks for all the replies, everyone. I'll definitely stick with it, and will take into account all that you've said.

Meanwhile, we're at the beginning of Season 2 for B5. I love seeing my gf get more intrigued about the show... the new opening credits really grabbed her attention when Sheridan mentioned the Great War. Can't wait till we get to 'The Coming of Shadows', I anticipate her jaw will be on the floor!

[Jan]

Originally posted by Bloodshot
Can't wait till we get to 'The Coming of Shadows', I anticipate her jaw will be on the floor!

Speaking of which, I'll be seeing Peter Jurasik and Malachi Throne at a convention this weekend so I'll be able to get them both to sign my script copy. Life is good....

Jan

[I love Lyta]

"... especially Peter Deluise's (yes, that's Dom's son ..."

One episode even featured Dom. Needless to say he was hillarious like always.

SG: Atlantis ?!
Never heard of that. Have to find out about it...

[Milkman]

Ya know.. i think im in the minority when i say i liked the earlyer seasons better then the later. But i like ancient history, don't know alot about it, but think its cool. The way they visited different cultures and such was a big draw to me, and the fact that we were using current tech and knowledge to explore the universe was quite cool.

Now its getting more startrekish and while they do keep techno bable limited via Oneil's character... every episode has more and more of it.

Now, all that being said its currently my favorite show to watch on TV and the only other Sci-Fi series i own on DVD. The first being B5 of course.

[Bloodshot]

Originally posted by Jan
Speaking of which, I'll be seeing Peter Jurasik and Malachi Throne at a convention this weekend so I'll be able to get them both to sign my script copy. Life is good....

Jan

Me = Jealous

[I love Lyta]

Originally posted by Milkman
Ya know.. i think im in the minority when i say i liked the earlyer seasons better then the later. But i like ancient history, don't know alot about it, but think its cool. The way they visited different cultures and such was a big draw to me, and the fact that we were using current tech and knowledge to explore the universe was quite cool.

Then I'm a part of that minority too.
Now let's write a Minority Report.

I am much into ancient mythology (especially Egyptian, Greek and Norse).
So I liked much of those old episodes. The idea that the northern gods area ctually greys is kind of amusing.

[KoshN]

Re: Stargate SG-1

Originally posted by Bloodshot
Hi all!

I was hoping to solicit some opinions from those "in the know" on Stargate SG-1. Ya see, like most people round these parts, I'm a huge fan of Babylon 5. My girlfriend is a huge fan of SG-1, and we are in the process of watching both shows on DVD. Problem is, that while my girlfriend is finding B5 to be interesting, I've yet to see the appeal of SG-1... in fact, I keep falling asleep when we watch it. Bad boyfriend!

True, "Bad boyfriend!" Coffee is your friend.

Personally, I love B5 and Crusade, but only "like" SG-1. The latter is more of a "lightweight" show. It doesn't have the thread density and involvement of B5, doesn't take much to follow it, but is still enjoyable for the characters, both regular cast and guest cast, e.g. :

SG-1:
Tony Amendola as Bra'tac (Teal'c's teacher)
Carmen Argenziano as Gen. Jacob Carter (Samantha Carter's father)/ Selmak


B5 & Crusade:
Carmen Argenziano as "Urza Jaddo" in episode: Babylon 5 "Knives"

Tony Amendola as "Natchok Var" in episode "The Needs of Earth"

Originally posted by Bloodshot

So, can anyone share their thoughts on the show? I keep looking for the little glimmer of "something" that will capture my interest, but am also concerned that I'm holding Babylon 5 sized expectations up to this show, when perhaps I shouldn't.

Don't hold B5 expectations up to SG-1. Just enjoy SG-1 for what it is, a fairly obvious show (I can usually see what's coming a mile away.) with fewer layers and foreshadowing.

The part of SG-1 that I most enjoy are the regular cast interactions, the hard choices that the characters sometimes have to make (even if they are almost always bailed out at the end), and Jack's humor. Really, SG-1 is Sci-Fi-Lite. Don't expect it to be B5. Just enjoy it for what it is, a show on the "Sci-Fi" Channel that is not Scare Tactics or other Sci-Fi Channel bottom-of-the-barrel schlock*.

It's not bad. It's not B5, but it's not bad.


*Tonight's 6PM to Midnight Sci-Fi Channel Lineup:
6:00 PM STARGATE SG-1 NEMESIS
7:00 PM MOVIE BOA
9:00 PM MOVIE CENTIPEDE!
11:00 PM MOVIE SKEETER
I rest my case.

[colonyearth]

Originally posted by I love Lyta
"... especially Peter Deluise's (yes, that's Dom's son ..."

One episode even featured Dom. Needless to say he was hillarious like always.

SG: Atlantis ?!
Never heard of that. Have to find out about it...

Atlantis airs in the US right after SG-1 on Fridays. It's the new spin-off series and so far has been good and fun to watch. It also has one of the best opening themes I've heard in a while, thanks to the offspring of the great Jerry Goldsmith...Mr. Joel Goldsmith, who composes all of the SG-1 and Atlantis music.

BTW, the music is, IMO, one of the great things about SG...Goldsmith really accents the moments with style and depth.

While SG is SF-lite, it has it's deep moments. And while the earlier seasons were more ancient myth oriented, they've tried to get back to that a bit these last couple of seasons. All the time, however, they've kept the series very character-centric and the cast has wonderful on-screen rapore.

I think there's still a lot more to be revealed when the writers are ready.

But one thing I love about SG is that it keeps it's tongue firmly planted in its cheek and when they pay homage or borrow from other SF, they point it out and laugh at the fact that they're doing it.

Like I said, the people working on that show are a tight, tight family and are having a blast doing what they do...which shows tremendously in the final product and how good it is.

CE

[I love Lyta]

Thanks for the info. Looks pretty nice from what I saw on the sci-fi site about it.
Over here they haven't finished season 7 yet so it will be a while before we get it.
I'd be more than happy if they'd finally show season 8...

[Jan]

Don S. Davis was at the convention I attended this past weekend. He seems to be a warm, genuinely nice man. Having met Teryl Rothery and Coryn Nemic at past cons, I can imagine that they really do have a great time. Don actually choked up a bit when asked about Teryl's leaving the show.

Jan