Friday night has officially been taken over by the Sci-Fi channel. They are kicking out all the stops by airing new episodes of their three hit shows, Stargate Sg-1, Stargate Atlantis, and Battlestar Galactica. And, I must say, I have been completely blown away. These 3 shows comprise the 3 greatest, consecutive hours of television, ever.

Stargate Sg-1:

This is one of the few shows that I can honestly say that I have watched since the beginning. And, going into it's 9th season, it's as good as ever. So far, the season premier has me wanting more. The comedy (which is the core of Sg-1's success) is as funny as ever.

There are a few notable changes to the original cast: a lesser role for Richard Dean Anderson (Gen. Jack O'Neill), Christopher Judge (Teal'C) has a new dew, and Michael Shanks (Daniel Jackson) has grown some facial hair. The largest change, however, is the addition of 3 new actors to the show. Ben Browder and Claudia Black (of Farscape fame), as well as noted actor Beau Bridges. And, while I can't say I'm a Farscape fan (not that I don't like it, but I just never watched it), Browder and Black are excellent additions--sure to give Sg-1 enough energy for seasons to come. Likewise, Bridges is a fine replacement for base commander--not Don S. Davis good, but he will fit in just fine.

Stargate Atlantis:

The first season of Atlantis was sort of hit-and-miss. There were some great episodes (those with the Genei, mostly), but others seemed lacking when compared to the explosive Sg-1 episodes that aired before them. But, as was the case with Sg-1, the first season is often the hardest as cast and crew are finding their places.

I must say, they have found their places quite nicely. The season 2 premier was fantastic, and immediately quelled any doubt I had for this spin-off. The combat was intense, especially when in space. Mitch Pileggi (of X-files fame) having joined the cast was a great move. In line with Sg-1, the show's creators are attempting to build success with seasoned sci-fi actors, and, in line with Sg-1, it works.

What I think really sets Atlantis apart from Sg-1 are the space battles. The scenes in which the Daedalus is fighting with the Wraith hive ships are great. The Asguard (think the Greys) on board makes an excellent bit of comic relief. Here's hoping the Daedalus doesn't venture back to Earth--as this is a great contribution to the show.

Battlestar Galactica:

What else can be said about Battlestar Galactica? This is the best show on television...period. The characters, the acting, the cinematography, the special effects--they are all the best I have ever seen in a television show. Unlike Stargate Atlantis, this was a hit from the very beginning. And the ending of the first season...Wow! Never before have I been so shocked by an episode of television.

The season 2 premier has shown that the first season's success was not a fluke. This show is so brutal, intense, and emotional that I became completely entranced in it. With the premier, it has proven yet again to be a jack of all trades (in that it can represent almost all genres) by showing some rather graphic scenes of warfare. The struggle of the survivors on Kobal is enough for an entire season...but they don't stop there! We also get Gaius' excellently directed fantasies, as well as the politics involved in the colonial fleet. And, as if this show wasn't good enough, it also features some of the best looking, well scripted space-combat sequences I have ever seen.

In summary, if you must have a Friday night social life (though I don't know why you would with television like this), plan your night around Battlestar Galactica. It simply cannot be missed.