DVD Release Date: September 2, 2003

Cast: Richard Dean Anderson, Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge

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By Dan Phelps

Following the success of the major motion picture Stargate, MGM hopped onto the idea of creating a television series out of it. A very, very brilliant move indeed. The Stargate series is an excellent, exciting, and incredibly involving continuation of the blockbuster film. While I have not seen the entire series from its inception, I have been able to catch most of the episodes on TV. When the chance to watch and review Season 4 came around, I was more than willing to do it. This 5-disc set is worth its weight in…viewing pleasure. Don’t let the fact that it only weighs a few pounds fool you though. Really.

For those who haven’t had the pleasure, and I do mean pleasure, of seeing this show, let me take a second to explain it. The Stargate is a device that allows its users to “dial” other planets. Planets, which also have Stargates. And on any space adventure, you know there’s ultimately an uber-villian vying for control of the universe. In this case, those villains are the Goa’uld, a race of beings that pose as Gods, enslaving world after world on their trek across the galaxy.

If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll know that the Goa’uld are the ones responsible for the building of the Pyramids in ancient Egypt – as Rah, the Egyptian Sun God was actually a Goa’uld in charge of Earth. Rah was nuked at the end of the Stargate movie for those who don’t remember. Many other Egyptian Gods and Pharaohs were also actually Goa’uld. But the real kicker is, they are not just human-looking beings…they are host bodies. Oh yes. Living inside them is a, well, a really mean snake. This Symbiote is the actual Goa’uld…having a mind of its own and possessing whatever host it can find. The Goa’uld Empire is broken down into systems, each system having its own Lord. But throughout the galaxy, the Goa’uld are the ultimate nemesis – much as the Borg are in Star Trek.

Leading the worst of the Goa’uld though, is one system Lord who is slowly taking over the entire Empire – Apophis. As one watches the entire series, you begin to see how Apophis fits into the whole scheme of things. The Jaffa are the “Storm Troopers” of the Goa’uld, under the impression that they are Gods. They are the servants, and the soldiers of the Goa’uld Lord they serve. But there are many Jaffa who have realized the Goa’uld are false Gods, and have rebelled, along with many Goa’uld who oppose the System Lords and their ways (these are known as the Tok’ra). All of these races, along with Earth, are trying to rid the universe of Apophis and the Goa’uld. There are other races that are mainstay in the series, such as the Asgard, and the Tolan’s, but these are the core species of the Stargate universe.

Sorry, I rambled there for a bit, but it’s important. Anyway, onto the cast. I’ve got one word for you: MacGyver. Yes, MacGyver. He’s back, and better than ever (minus the mullet). Not only does he still carry with him the ability to form a working bomb out of a toothbrush and a hairclip, but he’s got a military team, and lots of weaponry to back him up. Richard Dean Anderson heads the team known as SG-1, a part of the SGC (Stargate Command). These are the teams that travel to the different worlds, meeting new races, and collecting information. Anderson’s character is that of Colonel Jack O’Neill – yes, the guy Kurt Russell played in the Stargate movie. Personally, I love the casting of Richard Dean Anderson as O’Neill. What he adds to the show, and the chemistry of the cast is great. When he cracks a joke, I actually laugh. And in the special features you find out that Anderson often adlibs lines – usually with a great outcome. Also notable: he loves The Simpsons. Keep an eye of for random Simpsons references throughout the show (he says “D’oh” a lot, and in the episode “Beneath The Surface” the reference is blatantly obvious).

Accompanying Colonel O’Neill on his many missions are Major Samantha Carter, Daniel Jackson, and Teal’c. Carter’s character, played by Amanda Tapping, is a strong willed, and incredibly smart one. Oh, and she’s a damn beautiful woman too.

The character of Daniel Jackson returns to join the team as the permanent archaeologist and translator. Played by James Spader in the movie, the character here in the series is portrayed by Michael Shanks. Shanks is actually a perfect replacement. Not only does he almost look like Spader, but also he maintains the character almost exactly. You’ll find that you also will enjoy having him around.

Teal’c is the token alien member of the team. He is one of the afore mentioned Jaffa – one who has realized the Goa’uld are false Gods. He proves to be an invaluable source of reasoning, help, and knowledge for the team, especially with his experience off world. Teal’c is played by Christopher Judge, a large African-American man whom seems to fit the role just right, and could most certainly break me in half. I think he is a great addition to the cast, and if he weren’t there, SG-1 just wouldn’t be complete.

Well, I suppose it’s time to actually review the show, huh? Ok, well, I’ll make it simple: Buy this. Watch it. Love it. I give it two enthusiastic thumbs up. If I had more thumbs, they would be up. Do big toes count? Who cares, they’re up, albeit it feels a bit odd.

Season 4 begins with an episode called “Small Victories,” the continuation of the final episode of season 3 “Nemesis.” SG-1 finds themselves joining with the Asgard and fighting the Replicators once again – small machines that replicate on their own using whatever raw materials are around. Basically, they are metal bugs with a bad attitude. But they make for some interesting CG animation. The season continues with a number of excellent episodes, many of which continue to follow the main storyline – the fight against the Goa’uld - including “Upgrades,” “Crossroads,” “Divide & Conquer,” “The Serpent’s Venom,” “Double Jeopardy,” and “Exodus.” Personally, that is what I like the most. This series does a wonderful job maintaining a continual timeline and story. Everything is intertwining, continual, and exciting, but they are still able to have single episode stories that work perfectly. I watched this entire 5 disc set (all 22 episodes, and the special features) in under 3 days. Now, I know what you’re saying – I’m a big dork. And you’d be right. But if you’ve ever watched the show, and happened to buy this season box set, you’d enjoy it. Some other episodes that are worthy of mention include: “Window Of Opportunity” (a hysterical Groundhog Day spoof episode, during which O’Neill actually mentions Groundhog Day…), “Watergate,” “Tangent,” “The Curse,” and “2010.”

The show itself is a visual feast. The CG effects are wonderful, the landscapes are magnificent, and like I said, Major Carter is a total babe. The acting is superb, and the interaction between the characters, and their environment is key. I must give the computer geeks a “shout out.” Guys, the Stargate effect – it’s awesome. The creatures, and worlds you create – awesome. Keep up the good work.

Ok, now, onto the special features:

- Disc 1: Enhanced Visual Effects Featurette – Here is a look behind the scenes at what I was just talking about. What makes Stargate SG-1 look so damn good? These guys. This is a pretty in depth tour of how they create the effects, and what goes into doing it. From acting in front of a green screen, to playing with puppets, it’s all here. Oh, and you’ll enjoy how they make the Stargate effect.

- Disc 2: Alien Species: Friend & Foe Featurette – Those of you who are confused as to whom you should be rooting for, look here. This is a fairly good look at and explanation regarding the different species of the Stargate universe. It covers the basics for the most part – The Goa’uld and Jaffa, the Tok’ra, the Asgard. There are many, many other races, but these are the most integral. It’s a good background provider.

- Disc 5: Stargate SG-1: Timeline To The Future – Legacy of The Gate. Want to know where SG-1 will be taking you in the future? Want to meet the cast and crew, and see what they have to say about the show? Have a look at this. This feature is just the first part of a series that will be included on future sets. Each part of this three-part documentary showcases different things. I found this to be a rather entertaining diversion. I’m sure you will too.

- Audio Commentary – There are commentaries for every episode on this 5-disc set. That’s a lot of talking. While I didn’t listen to them all, I found most of them to be entertaining. They embodied what I look for most in a commentary: explaining the episodes. The creators and executive producers do most of the commentating – explaining how they did the camera shots, how they arrived at the final scene, what was CG and what wasn’t…it was all really fascinating. It’s kind of like sitting behind the director’s chair during filming. Definitely check it out if you’re interested.

Well, I’ve either wasted about 10 minutes of your time, or talked you into buying Stargate SG-1 Season 4. I hope it’s the latter. I guess in conclusion, let me say this: Stargate SG-1 is one of the better shows out there right now. It’s strong cast of characters and extraordinary storyline proves that good TV making still exists. It’s a pleasure to watch, and holds your attention without problem. It’s full of CG eye candy, as well as touching emotion for our gentle viewing audience. Mix in the perfect amount of humor from Richard Dean Anderson, and Christopher judge, and you’ve got a TV show that hopefully will continue for many more seasons. So, watch it!

Oh, and buy the box set too. Tell them I sent you. But don’t be surprised if they’ve never heard of me.

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