Stargate SG-1

Season 1 – 55% – Long-running series from the late 1990s usually have a weaker start and mythological background or character depth usually come later. Stargate SG-1 is no exception. The space adventures in the first episodes are mostly repetitive missions of discovering ancient cultures. However, there are occasionally episodes that go deeper (Cold Lazarus) or hint at mythological possibilities (The Nox, Enigma). The main storyline is clearly designed for many more seasons, so it's possible to catch me on another journey at the moment. Season 2 – 65% – The Tok'ra, the first hints of completely relaxing episodes, and perfect script pieces like Message in a Bottle and The Fifth Race. The evolving mythology, atmosphere, and soundtrack add to the series. Unfortunately, there are occasional weak episodes that make me wonder if it's all just the same show. The journey continues... Season 3 – 75% – Solid genre episodes (Shades of Grey), romance in alternative universes (my personal favorite, Point of View), or as a bonus the genuine Jaffa Joke. And who would have expected that the finale would revolve around the resolution of the Harcesis subplot, delivering a shock during the fight with the coolest enemy yet. Stargate definitively proves that this long journey is worth it. Season 4 – 90% – The golden age, silencing all critics and proving that shows don't use their best ideas right at the beginning. The writers stick to what has been working best so far and, thanks to a solid fan base, they dare to take even more surprising genre leaps. O'Neill and Teal'c have their funniest quotes yet, the mythological twists are at their peak, and memorable episodes appear, such as Upgrades or Window of Opportunity. Adventures have never tasted so sweet. Season 5 – 85% – Pushing the boundaries of the world around Cheyenne Mountain once again. This time the focus is on resolving the Aschen plot, the increasingly complex relationship with the Russian counterparts, and a surprising and original idea in the form of a Stargate-themed series. The greatest advantage is the fact that even at the SGC, irreparable losses sometimes occur, which makes the atmosphere of the whole series more personal. And the arrival of the villain, carefully prepared for almost half the season, promises great things. Season 6 – 85% – The altered main team helps fight against Anubis, regularly restores their reputation, and even returns to the place where it all started years ago. The series finally becomes an adventurous classic, which surprises the most by managing to provide enough stories on a similar theme without falling into long-term repetitiveness. And Teal'c becomes an irresistibly cool character. Season 7 – 85% – A season of contrasts. While there is a great start, there are also unexpectedly bad episodes like Space Race, which make the whole thing seem messy. However, the second half of the seventh year shows the path to the peak and how to get there. No more irrelevant diversions, just an incredible pace towards the gate, where episodes like Grace, Heroes (part 2), and the final Lost City are the best experiences I've had with O'Neill and company. Season 8 – 90% – Something ends, and something begins. Not only with the initial changing of the guard on the command deck, but also with the grand finale closing a beautiful and long era. However, the final sprint, where there isn't time to catch one's breath for six episodes in a row, is worth it – and not just that. What makes the eighth season a fantastic ride is the new challenge for O'Neill, further insight into Samantha Carter's private life, and the subtle closure of long-running side storylines (Kinsey, Maybourne, etc.) as a warning of future major changes. The era of classic series ends here, but the golden age continues. Season 9 – 85% – Without major delays and farewells, a leap into unknown waters. Young blood arrives in the form of Cameron Mitchell and with him a completely new enemy, bringing a new perspective on gate travel and fighting enemies. Stargate, in its old age, deviates from classic sci-fi and delivers what it lightly touched on in several standalone episodes – fantasy. And unsurprisingly, this experiment by the creators works, too. It means not only Ori or Merlin, but also the occasional atmosphere of chivalrous duels or the transformation of classic episodic "village" episodes into episodes crucial for further development. Season 10 – 90% – It almost seemed like the heroes were running out of strength at the very end, but after an uneven first half, the two-parter The Quest delivers an unprecedented fantasy ride, followed by a magnificent final run. The last season has two huge advantages – the first one being Adria. The amazing, fascinating, and stunning Morena Baccarin seems born for this role, and any episode dealing with the highest representative of the Ori is automatically a top-notch acting performance. The second advantage is the final episode, Unending. It doesn't conclude the Ori or the series, but it might be the most emotional episode of the entire series, focusing more on the characters than any other season. Anyone who loves SG-1 shed a tear during this episode. Thank you for ten seasons full of adventures. It wasn't always an easy journey, but it was worth it. (01/11/2008) (less) (more)