Sci-Fi Showdown: Catch-up Edition
Sci-Fi Showdown GATE-TO-GATE - Weeks 6 and 7
Welcome to this special 'catch-up' edition to the Sci-Fi Showdown. Due to a hectic schedule, I've had to take a break from my weekly Stargate re-caps/reviews. I feel a little guilty about this, as I missed my chance to comment on a couple of monster Sg-1 bombshells. First off was the groundbreaking 200th episode, then the announcement of the Sg-1 cancellation soon after.
Being the huge Stargate fan that I am, I certainly have quite a lot to say on the subject of Sg-1 being cancelled. However, I was unsure on how I should handle the situation. I finally decided to just write up a series of quickie reviews for the shows I had yet to cover. As for Sg-1 having been cancelled, you can expect more on that on a later date.
So here we go. Get ready, because these reviews are about to hit you at wormhole speeds.
Stargate Sg-1 ("200")
This was probably one of the most hyped episodes of Sg-1 of all time. I remember first hearing rumors about this one when season 9 was still coming to a close. However, as is the case with such hype, I'm afraid to say "200" didn't quite live up to it. Don't get me wrong, it was an extremely entertaining episode, but I think it fell short on a couple parts.
The comedy was excellent, but suited more towards the long-time fans (rightfully so, I guess). The show played out similar to a sketch comedy program, with several imaginary scenarios filling in the thin plot. My favorite among these was a clever take at Farscape (the show from which stars Ben Browder and Claudia Black first broke out on). I only wish the segment was longer.
Yes, the comedy was good, but I only wish it was more consistent. A few of the jokes fell totally flat. Chief among these is a 'Team America'-esque puppet sketch that went on far too long.
Definitely a love-it/hate-it kind of episode, "200" delivered for long-time fans. But, most importantly, it seemed like the cast and crew had a fun time making it.
Rating: 9/10
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Stargate Sg-1 ("Counterstrike")
It's really starting to hit the fan on Sg-1. With the Ori now invading deep in to our galaxy, things are looking grim.
"Counterstrike" picks up on the plot after the brief pause for the 200th episode. The big shocker on this one was the revelation of Vala's now fully grown daughter. How appropriate she is played by Morena Baccarin--known among sci-fi fans primarily as Inara from the short-lived 'Firefly'. Strange that all of these failed sci-fi stars made their way over to Sg-1 just in time for it to get cancelled...I guess some people just can't catch a break.
If season 10 is to be the last for Sg-1, I hope the final episodes start to take more risks. Thankfully, if they're anything like "Counterstrike," we can expect an explosive ending to this fine show. The giant explosion to mark this episode's climax was certainly unexpected and will have far-reaching effects on the dynamics of Sg-1. Bravo for not letting this season go stale.
Rating: 8/10
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Stargate Atlantis ("The Real World")
I liked this episode...I liked it a lot. Stargate Atlantis has really impressed me this season, and "The Real World" is no exception. Featuring guest-star Richard Dean Anderson, the plot focuses on Dr. Weir and her trip into insanity.
I've noticed a lot of style experimentation in Atlantis lately, and this latest episode would best be described as Stargate meets Stephen King. Being such a departure from the normal Atlantis adventurous flair, I couldn't help but be drawn into the story.
It faced a difficult task of following the 200th episode of Sg-1, but I think held its own in terms of an enjoyment factor.
Rating: 8/10
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Stargate Atlantis ("Common Ground")
I got a little ticked at Comcast for this episode. As I have revealed in the past, I rarely have the opportunity to watch Stargate in real time--instead I rely on my Comcast DVR to record it for me. Well, for the first time in a long time, the DVR failed to record this episode. Thankfully I was able to get home in time to watch the vast majority of it (I missed about 10 minutes, or so)...but that's just too bad, because this turned out to be a superb episode.
I'm always happy when the Genii return to Atlantis. As far as enemies go, I'd rank them above the Wraith (but below the new Replicators) in terms of coolness. This episode also gave us some more information on the attitudes and inspirations of the Wraith. It seems each episode this season tries to humanize them more and more. I wont say this is a good or bad yet, but I'm definitely interested to see where the writers will take the show's primary bad guy.
Rating: 7/10
Thus concludes this special catch-up edition of the Sci-Fi Showdown Gate-to-Gate review. Check back again next Monday when the Showdown returns to its usual format.
~Khyron
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