The series “Stargate SG-1” was based on director Roland Emmerich’s summer blockbuster film, “Stargate.” The premise of the film surrounded an ancient Egyptian artifact. The artifact turns out to be the Stargate, an inter-planetary portal capable of sending travelers almost anywhere in the galaxy, if they know the ‘address.’ The main character, Dr. Daniel Jackson (James Spader), goes through the Stargate, along with a team of soldiers led by Colonel Jack O’Neill (Kurt Russell). On the other side they find what they believe to be descendants of our own Egyptian ancestors. What they discover is far more shocking, with ramifications which could lead to the enslavement, if not the total annihilation, of the people of Earth. I was a nut for the film when it first came out and got totally into the mythology it presented. The idea that the ancient Egyptian Gods were a race of aliens known as the Goa’uld, has some basis in real life theories that have been presented in books such as “Chariots of the Gods.” Whether or not there is any truth to these theories? I’m sure one day we’ll find out. In the meantime, the possibility alone is enough to sustain my interest in the movie and subsequent series.

Like many other series that have their start on cable networks, I missed a lot of “Stargate SG-1” during its initial run on Showtime, which started back in 1997. I had read all about it, and was familiar with some of the problems it had getting off the ground. Most notably, there was the fact that Emmerich didn’t want anything to do with it, and certainly didn’t want anyone else doing it. He lost the battle, and series’ producers Brad Wright and Jonathon Glassner won. As did legions of fans.

Last year, my wife and I finally got to watch the first season of “Stargate SG-1” when it was released on DVD. And even then we didn’t’ see it right away cause I’m a cheapskate and had to wait to buy it second hand. I was a bit hesitant to watch it, not because I was worried that it might not be any good, but for the necessary casting changes. There was no way anyone could have convinced Kurt Russell and James Spader to do a TV series, so the choice that had to be made was to either write whole new characters to base the stories around, or re-cast the roles. They chose to re-cast the roles. They made the right choice.

Taking over the role of Colonel Jack O’Neill was none other than Richard Dean Anderson (MacGyver), while Michael Shanks was cast as Dr. Daniel Jackson. In watching the series, both actors took the characters and made them completely their own. The actors were able to keep enough of the characteristics of their predecessors to make them instantly recognizable, but took them into newer, and quite acceptable, directions.

The series took up pretty much from where the movie ended, which again was a wise move on the part of the producers. It became a continuation as opposed to a whole new direction. They addressed problems that were left over from the movie and left nothing out. Dr. Jackson had a good reason to come back, and O’Neill was allowed to finally confront his own personal demon, the death of his son.

Watching the first season, where there is usually a need for a show to ‘come together’ as it were, I was surprised to find that the series appeared to have it’s legs from the first episode. Usually not one to sit for hours watching TV (though it seems so at times), I found myself working through the first season in a matter of days. There was nothing about the series I didn’t like. Even though they had a smaller effects budget than the film, everything looked great.

But the two areas that really make the series shine were the writing and the acting. Taking a series like this, where the general plot involves moving through space with the use of this Stargate, is both a blessing and a curse. It’s great that you have this unlimited amount of places you can go and adventures you can have, but you have to have a creative team that is creative enough to keep the stories original and fresh. Once again “Stargate SG-1” scores. There was even a time travel episode in season two, and how many times have you seen time travel episodes in Sci Fi shows? I almost rolled my eyes, thinking that “Stargate SG-1” had finally ‘jumped the shark’, but was humbled by the time it ended. It was a great episode, and oddly original to boot.

The series is now in it’s seventh season, which almost didn’t happen. After it ended it’s run on Showtime it was thankfully picked up by the Sci Fi Channel. The stories are compelling and offer up just enough variation in tone to keep the show interesting. Unlike a lot of series, this one has found just the right balance of humor, drama and action, and very rarely goes overboard in any area.

As for the acting, there’s not a weak link in the bunch. Richard Dean Anderson leads the pack and is terrific in his role as O’Neill. His character is so natural and likable, and his humor kills me. He’s the smart aleck of the group, and he gets the best lines. Going beyond the individual performances, the interaction between the characters is amongst the best of any series. More so than most series I can think of, the way they play off each other often offers wonderful ‘moments.’ I would get into each of the other characters in detail, but I think I’ve already gone on long enough.

However, I do want to take a moment and mention one of my favorite character actors in the show, which would be Don S. Davis. He plays General Hammond, the head of the Stargate facility. He’s a familiar face, whom I first remember seeing on Twin Peaks as Major Garland Briggs. Then I caught him as Dana Scully’s dad on “The X-Files.” Somehow I always catch him playing a military guy. But he’s a great actor to watch and his character on “Stargate SG-1” is the best. He’s the top guy who stands up in the face of adversity, whether it comes from space, or within the upper echelon of the military he serves.

The first two seasons of “Stargate SG-1” set a certain standard for the series, which I can see has carried over into the third. The plots are becoming more complex, as the continuing story arc of the battle between the humans and the Goa’uld becomes increasingly violent and dangerous.

The second season left us with a cliffhanger involving the evil Hathor and her plan to implant one of the members of the SG-1 team with a Goa’uld symbiont. I’d tell you what happens in the third season opener, but I hate giving away a good surprise. What I will tell you is that I’m finding the third season of “Stargate SG-1” to be the best of the series so far.

The extras in this 5-disc set are few, but they are helpful for those new to the series. There are three fairly lengthy featurettes, including one that focuses on Colonel O’Neill. Through clips and interviews we get an idea of how Anderson views the character as well as how he himself is involved with the production. The other two offer up a an overall look at the series and its plotlines, as well as another that allows some of the other members of the cast to talk a bit about their characters, favorites episodes and the like.

Bottom line, I love “Stargate SG-1.” I rank it amongst the best that TV Sci-fi has to offer. Anyone who disagrees with me, well you have a right to your opinion and… wait a minute. No you don’t. If you think this show isn’t any good, then you ought to have your head examined (or at least put into the Stargate…minus your body…).

Episodes:
Into The Fire
Seth
Fair Game
Legacy
Learning Curve
Point Of View
Dead Man's Switch
Demons
Rules Of Engagement
Forever In A Day
Past And Present
Jolinar's Memories
The Devil You Know
Foothold
Pretense
Urgo
A Hundred Days
Shades Of Gray
New Ground
Maternal Instinct
Crystal Skull
Nemesis

Starring: Richard Dean Anderson, Michael Shanks, Christopher Judge, Amanda Tapping, and Don Davis
Specifications: Widscreen 1.78:1 Enhanced for 16x9 Televisions, 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: MGM
Release Date: 6/17/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give StarGate SG1 - Season 3 an A.