I have decided to watch STARGATE SG1! It has been a series on my radar for a long time, I have seen odd episodes on television over the years but never committed to actually watching it. That was a huge mistake on my part. I am currently halfway through the first season and really enjoying this show, so much that I have decided to review episodes as I watch them.
At this point I have already watched a substantial number of episodes, 13 to be precise (I am classing Children of the Gods as episodes 1 and 2). For that reason alone I have decided to give each episode a rating between 1 and 10, with 10 being high and 1 being low. I will also write a brief review of the episode from my own personal opinion.
s01e01/s01e02 “Children of the Gods”
I decided to skip the Stargate movie for now as advised by a friend, but did read a brief synopsis and I am almost certain I watched that movie in 90′s anyway. Stargate immediately engages the viewer, the show easily introduces you to the Stargate universe, whilst respecting what has already happened but allowing the show to immediately become its own identity. It builds on a plot that was conceived in the movie, still managing to make it all feel brand new and exciting. The episode also did a good job of setting up a season/series story arc and introducing a set of characters who are likeable and engaging. It is also worth noting that the mythology and rules of the series universe are introduced and explained without it feeling like it was forced upon you, it all had a nice flow, the episode even manages to find humour in its lead characters, especially Jack. I am excited to see how all the characters evolve and interact as the series continues and the actors become used to the roles they are playing.
s01e03 “The Enemy Within”
I am so pleased that this episode happened sooner, rather than later. It was an interesting insight into Teal’c, the Goa’uld and the relationships between the characters. The episode introduces the sense of risk and danger that I feel was missing from the previous episode.
I enjoyed this episode for its partial focus on Samantha Carter and the focus on women's rights. However, it was an episode that left me wanting more information and more insight on the Stargate universe.
s01e05 “The Broca Divide”
This episode was great at highlighting what could happen if something terrible happened with the SG Command facility. In this instance the outbreak of a disease that turns the infected into a primitive and violent state, The episode is noteworthy for highlighting procedures within the compound in the instance of an emergency. Other highlights are Jacks devolution and the supporting performance of this weeks guest star of the week Dr Fraiser.
s01e06 “The First Commandment”
This episode had a brilliant concept, but I cant help but feel it was poorly executed. I like the idea of a rogue SG team or member, but a single episode and done story carried no impact for me personally, even with the complication of Samantha Carter having been involved with the rogue officer. This kind of story I feel would have been better served later in the season and maybe spread over several episodes.
This episode brings back Dr Fraiser to the drama, when Jack touches a strange blue crystal and is knocked unconscious. The episode explores aspects of Jacks past and the cruelty of the Goa’uld.
SG1 and Apophis encounter each other on the same planet whilst looking for something which appears and disappears. They discover another primitive race, who later appear to be far from it.
Dr Fraiser is back, helping the SG1 team once again. This episode focuses on Jack when he begins to age rapidly and needs saving as he faces death. The episode again touches on the impact of the Goa’uld and how they experiment on civilisations.
Thor leaves a hammer on a planet called Cimmeria to protect them, it responds to Teal’c and transports him and Jack somewhere else, whilst Samantha and Daniel try to help them. They destroy the weapon and leave, but not before leaving something behind to be given to Thor.
s01e11 “The Torment of Tantalus”
This has so far been my favourite episode. Why? no over the top special effects or alien emergency, just great characters with a great story. I adore the introduction of Catherine Langford and her story through flashbacks. It adds a history and depth to the series that was so far missing. They discover more secrets and even a long last character. My only hope having watched this episode is that Catherine and Ernest both reappear.
This episode was good. It gives us some more details on Teal’c and his family, whilst also introducing another Jaffa rebel in Bra’tac.
This episode makes us believe Daniel is dead, but he is not. I didn't really enjoy this episode, it loses the momentum and interest that the previous episodes had created.
It might be worth noting that I am watching these episodes on DVD and in the order they appear on those discs.
