Sci-Fi Showdown - Week 7

Welcome back to Khyron's Sci-Fi Showdown. The Winter season of Sci Fi Friday is nearing its end, and the score between Sg-1 and Battlestar Galactica is all tied up. Will the return of the Genii put Atlantis on the scoreboard? Or will Battlestar, known for mind-blowing finales, pick up its pace in preparation for the end of the season?

Let's find out.

Stargate Sg-1 - Ep. The Scourge

Coming back from a strong showing last week, Stargate gives us a killer swarm, see how long you can hold off, type episode. The previews for it were pretty good looking, so I had fairly high hopes for this episode.

In episode 9.17, The Scourge, Cameron Mitchel (Ben Browder) and team are recalled from their previously scheduled mission for another one of high-importance: babysit a bunch of diplomats (who make vital funding decisions) to the Gamma site and show them a good time. However, after an over-zealous scientist feeds a specimen of 'space bugs' meatloaf, the base soon develops a bit of a bug problem. Now Sg-1 must fight for their lives against the unstoppable swarm, all the while trying to reassure the needy group of diplomats. Will they be able to alert the Odyssey before the planet is cleansed with poison gas?

The Scourge is best described as Stargate's attempt at an Arachnophobia/Starship Troopers meets Tremors crossover. They even go so far as to mention Starship Troopers at the end.

I mentioned above that I had high hopes for this episode. I love the desperation of a well done 'last stand' story. So did The Scourge live up to my expectations? Yeah, I guess. But not by much.

I think were this episode went wrong is how little we see of the bugs. I guess the computer animation needed to make the swarm was too taxing, because they took a minimalist approach--having the bugs burrow underground, simulating the low-budget effect used in the B-movie, Tremors.

Unoriginality was a downside, as well. The situation and set location was very similar to a past Sg-1 episode about a disgruntled swarm of yellow orbs. Moreover, the effect used when the bugs would swarm over an unlucky soldier was a bit too close to the one used for the scarab beetles in The Mummy.

But, as is the case with many Sg-1 episodes this season, the comedy was its saving point. Teal'c (Christopher Judge) and Mitchel (Ben Browder) get some alone time in this episode, with comical results. Likewise, a couple of meatloaf jokes were more successful than I would have thought possible.

Stargate Atlantis - Ep. Coup d'etat

In last week's Sci-Fi Showdown, I expressed my fondness for the Genii episodes of Stargate Atlantis. Lead by Star Trek's Colm 'Chief O'Brien' Meaney, I think the Genii are a more interesting enemy than Atlantis' main threat, the Wraith.

In episode 2.17, Coup d'etat, Atlantis is contacted by the Genii operative Ladon (Ryan Robbins). He brings with him a plan to overthrow his leader, Cowan (Colm Meaney). In exchange for weapons and supplies to assist the uprising, Ladon will give Atlantis back their stolen zero-point module. Meanwhile, Tayla (Lattrell) and Ronon (Momoa) investigate the supposed death of one of Atlantis' teams. Can Atlantis trust the Genii traitor? And what secrets will Tayla and Ronon reveal?

I anticipated a good episode, and, sure enough, my wish was granted. Coup d'etat is a prime example of what Stargate Atlantis does well. And I'm happy to say that this was one of the few Atlantis episodes that didn't seem like a rehash of a past Sg-1 plotline.

We haven't seen much of the Wraith in a while, and you know what? I don't much care. As far as I'm concerned, the Genii are a much better enemy. We've seen the whole "an unstoppable enemy with technology far beyond our own" thing on Sg-1 since the beginning. Part of what made that show interesting was how Sg-1, despite overwhelming odds, managed to use ingenuity and stealth to take down the powerful Goa'uld. Now, with the Genii in Atlantis, the roles have changed. The earthlings are now the all-powerful ones, and the Genii are forced to use guerilla tactics. Now that's good television.

By all means, Atlantis came back really hard this week. I feel that it had a superior episode compared to Sg-1, and by all means would have earned a much desired Showdown point this week. Well, that is if it wasn't for...

Battlestar Galactica - Ep. The Captain's Hand

I was all set to give the point to Atlantis this week. Then I saw The Captain's Hand.

In episode 2.17, The Captain's Hand, Lee Adama (Jamie Bamber) has been promoted to the rank of Major and sent to the Pegasus, nicknamed 'The Beast', where he meets up with the disobedient Kara Thrace (Katee Sackhoff). After 2 Raptors go missing during a training run, the new Pegasus commander, Garner (John Heard), takes the ship without Admiral Adama's support to bring back his men. But instead of disabled Raptors, the Pegasus finds itself ambushed by 3 Cylon Basestars. When Garner leaves to help repair the Pegasus' FTL drives, Lee is put in command. Meanwhile, Gaius Baltar (James Callis), using the President's decision to ban abortion, announces his candidacy for the coming presidential election. Wow.

As you can probably see in the above summary, The Captain's Hand had one helluva layered story to it. Which is exactly how I like my Battlestar Galactica.

I'd say what pleased me the most about this episode was the return of Gaius Baltar. I've expressed this many times before, but James Callis' performance and his relationship with fellow actress Tricia Helfer is my favorite aspects of the show.

The only thing that didn't really work for me was the very overt abortion section. Battlestar Galactica has always had a basis in current events, but until now the writers have been good to keep things simple and hidden. When the president was discussing it with Adama, however, it felt like I was just being spoon-fed the topic.

Hopefully using this as a springboard to transfer popular support to Baltar over Roslin will be the end of this subject matter.

Winner: Battlestar Galactica (The Captain's Hand)

Sorry, Atlantis. You gave it your all and had a fine episode, but I'm afraid Battlestar was just too good. Nearing the end of the Winter season, if BSG can keep this pace going, I see no reason why it wouldn't retain its title as Showdown champion.

Memorable Scene: The look an Gaius Baltar's face when he announces his candidacy for president. Classic.

Standings:

Stargate SG-1: 3
Stargate Atlantis: 0
Battlestar Galactica: 4

Stay tuned for next week's Showdown.

~Khyron, 2006