La porte des étoiles

10 years since the final episode, and 20 years since the first episode, and I finally watched the series in it's entirety. Although I had previously seen upto Season 7 from previous viewings (TV or DVD purchase) I never did see Seasons 8-10 and the two TV Movies.

Wow, 20 years later, and the story lines, the scenery, costumes and the general feel of the show still have a current day feel to it. Certainly does not feel like a 20 year old show. It certainly helps that all the episodes I have are in the 16:9 TV format. Unlike Star Trek TNG (which I tried to watch immediately before SG-1) and three episodes in I was already cringing and rolling my eyes.

A show well done! The cast dynamics were critical in it's success. For me, the standout was Richard Dean Anderson and Amanda Tapping. And that is why I felt Seasons 9 & 10 stumbled a bit.. maybe a 7 rating for those two seasons, instead of the overall 9 rating.

We haven't had a worthy, long running sci-fi show since... what a shame.

A magnificent program which shows just how imaginative and professional TV can be when the director, cast, crew and screenwriters all work to the best of their considerable ability. The simple fact that it doesn't play like the film over and over again (Something which has plagued many film-cum-TV-shows of late) shows how original it really is and though yes, I admit, the first series was very 'Star Trek' in its recycling of the same story types it always remained somehow different.

Congratulations must primarily go to the cast as they are all incredibly believable and easy to relate to. Richard Dean Anderson is excellent as the hard-bitten, cynical soldier, Michael Shanks plays the James Spader role to perfection, Christopher Judge is fantastic as the Moses-like Teal'c (His range of facial expressions is unparalleled) and Amanda Tapping is possibly the best of the bunch simply because she makes her character so believable as the tough female soldier/scientist (Denise Crosby in Star Trek:TNG is a good example of how NOT to do it).

The show looks fantastic, the special effects are great and look exceedingly expensive but no show can survive on sfx alone and fortunately a masterful screenwriting crew keep the stories exciting and thought-provoking (You don't get much of that these days) and the blending of so many different story arcs is a great achievement. All in all a brilliant show and long may it continue.

Perhaps to the chagrin of some but the joy of others Stargate refuses to die, with yet another season being signed on for.

What was once signed on for as a four year deal Stargate Sg-1 has went from strength to strength. With memorable episodes sometimes poignant and heart rending like season ones 'Singularity' and season six's 'Meridian' and the hail to the real heroes of the military 'Heroes parts 1 & 2',to the hilarious laugh your ass off episodes like @urgo' and the classic and fans favourite groundhog day episode 'Window of opportunity'. Special fx and great stunt work provide some great action episodes like 'Full Circle', 'Heroes 1&2' and 'The Lost City' Stargate keeps producing. There are numerous fans of every genre it represents whether it be the science, the characters, the adventure, the romance or lack between every type esquire relationship, shippers can imagine.

Stargate SG-1 also has one of the biggest fanfiction bases, with quality writing of every genre produced by numerous writers willing to write about their favourite show and put it out there on the net for people to see.

And now with a widening franchise, from books about the shows best scripts to extended universe and SG Atlantis, it shows it has the staying power that another popular Sci-fi series once did, Star Trek.

If you've never seen it, give it a try, either from the first season or the current eight. Stargate has something which appeals to everyone, whether it be humour, action, or the fact that the characters are so likable and more so drop dead drooling gorgeous. And if that doesn't impress you, take a look at the great amount of stars wanting to be on the show, it's an impressive list.

I'm a little bias since I grew up watching this show; I have literally seen the entire series more times then I can count, since it is one of my favorites, but maybe that's why I am also qualified to review it.

If you watch Stargate Atlantis first and then try this one; you wont like it. Stargate Atlantis was made beautifully and has more action and go to it. Stargate SGI is a little slower and can get boring after awhile, compared to today's newer Sci-Fi series it has a hard time standing up. But there are so many good things about this show as well, that I recommend you give it a fair chance before crossing it off the list. The idea behind the series; being able to travel to any limit of planets, and what you might find on those planets is beyond endless for possibilities. I find Stargate SGI did a very good job with coming up with creative stories to tell in each episode. They also did an extraordinary job of building each episode off of the last. You can't just watch this show from anywhere, you need to start from the beginning for it to make sense.

The cast in this show and their characters were very well chosen, they play off of each other beautifully, adding lots of humor to each episode, but not too much to make it goofy. Instead each episode has a perfect amount of heart and grit, making you fall in love with each character.

The first episode does contain explicit content, but ONLY the first episode. There is no other nudity in the entire show. As the seasons progress, I do find the last two seasons are the best in the entire series. It's to bad that they faze out Richard Dean Anderson; he truly was the heart of the team that made the show, but by introducing Claudia Black and her wicked humor it made up for the loss that was felt.

Very few TV shows based on films are ever good, this one is. Very few TV shows can maintain their pace and originality over the years, this one has. I've just watched the first 6 episodes of season 4 and each and every one of them has been a cracker.

This show has lots going for it; intelligent and convincing plots, great multi-dimensional characters, superb actors (both major and minor players), expert direction (hats off to Peter DeLuise), continuity of story, consistent use/appearance of sci-fi technology, witty but subtle dialog and almost as an aside, stunning FX.

The only thing left to say is that I feel sorry for people that haven't been watching up till now. Please, it's not too late.