Sci-Fi Showdown - Week 9

Welcome to week 9 of Khyron's Sci-Fi Showdown. It's the final leg of the Winter season, with only 2 episodes of each show remaining. If this season is anything like last, that means all three shows are primed to explode with entertainment.

Both Stargate Sg-1 and Battlestar Galactica aired part 1 of their season finales. Meanwhile, Stargate Atlantis is squeaking in one more one-off story before its big windup. Will Battlestar, known for its quality finales, take the cake? Or will the return of Claudia Black score a win for Sg-1? Lets find out...

Stargate Sg-1 - Ep. Crusade

Oh goody. Claudia Black is coming back to Sg-1. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that last year was a low point for Stargate. But now Sg-1 has really turned that around and salvaged a quality 9th season. So will Claudia muck up it all up?

In episode 9.19, Crusade, Vala (Claudia Black) finds herself in Jackson's (Michael Shanks) body. With vital intelligence from the Ori's galaxy, she recites her tale of where she's been for the last few months. She brings disturbing news: the Ori have finished their crusading army, and a new 'super' gate has already been established to bring it to our galaxy.

With all due respect to Farscape, Claudia Black just doesn't do anything for in Sg-1. I'm sure she's a great actress and everything, but the Vala character just doesn't feel like Stargate material.

Though this episode wasn't total rubbish. Much of that is because of the unexpected guest appearance by noted actor, Michael Ironside. Didn't much see that coming, but I like the man, and his performance gave the episode a sense of quality that set it apart as a season finale. Likewise, despite Claudia and her shenanigans, the comedy was pretty good at times.

Basically, and the same goes for Battlestar Galactica (*more on that later), Crusade Part 1 serves only as a setup for the big climax. Acceptable episode, yes. But ultimately worthless without its second half.

Stargate Atlantis - Ep. Inferno

Well, there's not much time left for Atlantis to make its mark on the Showdown scoreboard. It's been tough for the 'monkey in the middle' this season, because each time Atlantis has an exceptional episode, it seemed like Battlestar would find a way to one-up it. Could this finally be Atlantis' week?

In episode 2.19, Inferno, the Atlantis team ventures to a planet in the midst of powerful seismic activity. As Rodney (David Hewlett) investigates the cause of the increasingly powerful tremors, Sheppard (Joe Flanigan) discovers the indigenous people's most cherished item: a fully intact Ancient warship. But when they discover the Stargate is located in the center of a powerful super volcano, and that its about to erupt, will they be able to get everyone out in time?

I liked this episode. I really did. In fact, it was probably one of my favorite Atlantis eps. of the series. It just had a mixture of action, comedy, and suspense that reminded me of what made Stargate a successful show to begin with. The cast was in top form, the story was interesting, and the effects were top notch for a television show.

Yup, not much else to say about Inferno. Just a fine one-off episode that was a good change of pace from the build-up episodes of Sg-1 and BSG.

Battlestar Galactica - Ep. Lay Down Your Burdens Part 1

I've said this a number of times already, but the season 1 finale to Battlestar Galactica is my favorite of all time. The state of shock it left me in has yet to be matched by any other TV show. Hype has been big for season two's big sendoff. In part 1 of Lay Down Your Burdens, I can see something major building, but for now I need more.

In episode 2.19, Lay Down Your Burdens, Starbuck (Katee Sackhoff) leads a daring mission back to Cylon Occupied Caprica. Aided by Cylon Sharon (Grace Park), the team will jump under the Cylon's detection and rescue the resistance group surviving there. Meanwhile, Gaius Baltar (James Callis) and President Roslin (Mary McDonnell) duke it out in the debate arena as the presidential election nears. But after a wayward Raptor finds a secluded and habitable planet, Baltar finds the issue that can get him elected. And, as if that wasn't enough plot lines, Tyrol (Aaron Douglas) seriously injures Cally in an accidental bout of post-traumatic stress. Wow.

As with Stargate Sg-1, Lay Down Your Burdens part 1 was pretty much just a set-up episode. But a good one, at that.

The presidential debates were quality, with James Callis doing what James Callis does best. But I think my favorite part of the episode was the discussion between Aaron Douglas and the venerable Dean Stockwell. Playing a no-nonsense priest, Stockwell was the perfect choice for a Galactica guest-star.

I have two gripes with this episode, however. The first is how they found the habitable planet. It just seemed so sudden. I assume (hope) that the freak accident that allowed them to stumble across it wasn't so random, because as is, it just doesn't feel right. Secondly, the last scene leading up to the cliffhanger didn't have nearly the effect that it should have. Where I should have been on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what happens, I was instead a bit surprised that the episode ended when it did. It was just too sudden.

Oh well, I'll leave the mind-blowing cliffhanger until next Friday.

Not a bad spring-board episode, but I will wait to judge this current story line until the 1.5 hour finale.

Winner: Stargate Atlantis (Inferno)

Holy crap! Before everyone starts screaming, let me explain my choice.

Sg-1 and Battlestar both had filler episodes. They were spring-boards for the big finale. And that's all well and good, but their semi-powerful cliff-hangers are more frustrating than suspenseful. If their seasons were to end now, I would be pretty perturbed.

No, I think this week was finally Atlantis' time to shine. Sg-1 and Battlestar are sure to overpower it in terms of a finale, and I think its only fair that Atlantis get some credit this season.

Memorable Scene: It was good to see the Asgard Hermoid back. There is near limitless comical material to be had from this feisty little alien. Here's hoping we see more of him.

Standings:

Stargate Sg-1: 3
Stargate Atlantis: 1
Battlestar Galactica: 5