Is Stargate SG-1 any good?
 

I wasn't too big a fan of the movie - but I've heard the TV show is much better.

I'm a big fan of Buffy/Angel, Farscape/Babylon5. I don't really care for Star Trek (though I kind of like DS9).

Are the Stargate dvd sets a good deal at $35 each?

Should I take the plunge?

Plenty of interesting points on your question in this thread.

I’ve just recently (just today, actually) come to the realization that some folks will ignore mediocre writing and only-average acting if they can latch on to something with a continuing story arc as a central theme. If you want something arc-driven (Buffy/Angel) you won’t find it here.

das’ post (in the thread Chew linked, is about as accurate it they come, generally speaking.

I enjoy it a lot and usually catch an episode each day, thanks to Tivo. I think it’s the characters and dialog that does it for me.

I don’t consider it a guilty pleasure, but it’s close, I guess.

SG-1 is good. Ine of the few shows that take things to thier logical conclusion and doesn't throw away common sense to make a contrite plot work.

The thing I like most about it is the characters act like people and not just goody 2 shoes stereotypes.

D

I've caught a few episodes and they were okay, but I don't make it a point to watch it.

Also, I enjoy the movie more.

SG-1 is a great show. If you start at the beginning though, there are definitely some low points before they hit their stride. Fell into that "primitive culture" of the week syndrome. But the acting and interaction is excellent.

But like mentioned above, it has all been covered in previous threads. And I know everyone around these parts think highly of das's opinions of shows, but I can't seem to jump on that bandwagon. Don't take what one guy says for fact. Watch a handful. Rent them if you can.

the reruns on mondays (4 eps in a row) on sci-fi will be starting back at the beginning soon. give me a few minutes and I'll get the date that it will restart
I recommend watching

starting Monday April 19th at 7pm sci-fi will be rerunning the series from the beginning

<b>slop101</b>, I think the key thing you should take from this thread is what <b>Wizdar</b> noted above. You mention <i>Buffy</i>, <i>Angel</i>, <i>Farscape</i> and <i>Babylon 5</i>, but <i>SG-1</i> is really not in that category of show. You may indeed find that you love it as much as those you list, but it would be irresponsible for anyone to give you the impression that it's a similar type of series. Although arguably a better show, the linked comparison to shows like <i>Highlander</i> or <i>Hercules</i> still seems a lot more valid, maybe even something like <i>Sliders</i>. Decent stories, likeable characters, entertaining show. Nothing spectacular, and plenty of stinker episodes, but certainly not a bad series. Also, your thoughts on the film won't really be relevant.

I guess the way I look at it -- and this is by no means a progression of quality, just the way I look at blind buys ... I'd recommend <i>Babylon 5</i> as a blind buy to anyone at any time; <i>Buffy/Angel</i> as a blind buy to a lot of people; <i>Farscape</i> to a select crowd that I thought could handle its daring nature; and <i>SG-1</i> probably to almost no one (not because it's bad, just because it doesn't seem blind buy material). It just doesn't scream "buy me!" To me, it's one of those shows I'd never go out of my way to watch (e.g. popping in the DVDs), but if it's on, I'll watch it and more often than not enjoy it. It falls somewhere between above average and pretty good, but far from great.

A lot of this is rehash from that other thread, but I wanted to note that from your original post, there's not much to go on to give you a recommendation since it's not like the film, and it's not like the shows you list. $35 isn't that bad a price, but considering the number of seasons, IMO lack of rewatchability and stinkers, buying it sight unseen doesn't strike me as a good idea.

I can't bring myself to recommend what a previous poster recommended, but you can read between the lines. If that doesn't work for you, like <b>Corvin</b> suggests, I'd try to rent them before you "take the plunge." Good luck.

das

<i>Edit: I think it would also be irresponsible for me not to note that Teryl Rothery gives me teh hot.</i>

I just finished season 6 on dvd and man did she look hagard. Rough. Looked like she aged 15 years since season 5. Definitely looked like they are covering up a lot of age with makeup.

Thanks for the replys - If it's not going to blow my socks off, then I think I'm gonna take a pass. I already have more than enough quality movies/TV-shows to get through, with more coming out each week.

Well, it’s not gonna blow your socks off.

Don’t get me wrong: I like it a lot. But it’s hardly High Art.


Teryl Rothery has too much of the Mom or older sister thing going (in SG-1) to give me teh hot.

Amanda, on the other hand... :drool:

auhhh yeah
:hump:

I love the show, but I'd still say watch at least a few episodes before buying

fixed.

To be clear, Teryl gives me teh hot, not really Dr. Fraiser. I met her a year or two ago, and she made quite the impession. Beautiful personality too.

Oddly, Amanda doesn't do it for me.

das

^ amanda tapping ^ Something about those bug eyes. They are enormous. Reminds me of A Clockwork Orange.

Understandable.

Judge Judy isn't on my list, either.

But if it works for you, who am I to complain?

;)

:lol: I wonder how many people thought I was serious with my <i>Judge Judy</i> comment in that other thread.

das

I love Buffy, Angel, and Farscape. I really enjoy SG-1.

SG-1 reminds me a lot of the original Star Trek series (which I also really enjoy). I don't think anyone could get away with saying Star Trek was high art, but they were damn enjoyable.

I just finished Season 6 on DVD and was surprised at the quality of the episodes.

The writing has improved greatly, and doesn't take itself too seriously.

And yes, there are story arcs, long ones, that continue for the whole length of the series- that's why it's highly recommended you watch them in order.

I'm a little dissapointed (in S6) they didn't deal with the implications of Just sort of happened and moved on.

I think SG-1 is a very enjoyable show. If you can fall in love with the characters it's that much better. Personally, it's a top 15 (maybe top 10) show for me.

I really love the show for it's adventure. Not a lot of shows really do that anymore . Breakfast with Girls is spot on comparing it to the original Star Trek in that regard.

SG-1 is nowhere near b5 in terms of anything(except maybe digital effects since SG-1 is the newer show...and B5 still has better SFX IMHO). But I watched both of those series at the same time (borrowed tapes from a friend) and derived pleasure from both. Just think of SG-1 as a fun show. They do have some GREAT eps though.

Just to weigh in ;) I love B5 (best of the lot of what's been discussed) didn't care for Buffy (liked the movie though), never watched Angel, and couldn't get past the muppet factor in Farscape... and I think SG1 is a very enjoyable show. Certainly not for everyone[1] and it does have its problem points (both wrt the production of the show and the theory of the show [staying within the physics/laws of reality they created for the show]). However, while it did take awhile to find it's stride, I disagree w/ this comment and wonder how much of the show Wizdar watched before passing on it?

Especially in the later seasons there are many arcs/themes they come back too IMHO. Actions taken in one eps have consequences later on it's not like sitcom where everything resets at the beginning of the next show.

WRT the DVDs themselves the main complaint I have is the amount of space it is taking up on my shelf ;) All of the season sets have some sort of special features (some of which are goofy ;)) and season 4 on have commentaries on every eps (which of course aren't always good to be fair ;)) but they are worth the money IMHO. Overall if you are into sci-fi I recommend atleast checking it out. Try netflixing the first season, but when you do remember alot of that is just trying to set the stage for what is to come later.


[1] but what show is?

Considering that happened towards the end of the season though (one of the better eps too IMHO) I have a feeling there is more to come about that.

I wonder how much of the post you read before coming to that conclusion. It’s interesting that you seemed to miss this from the same post: And, since I own three of the season sets and have a fourth on order, I’d hardly say I passed on it.

I have a feeling your definition of “arc-driven” is far too loose, and I stand by my statement, which also included the words continuing story arc as a central theme. That doesn’t mean, fer instance, that, since Voyager’s “central theme” is to get back to the Alpha Quadrant, it is an arc-driven series.

Try to remember the purpose of this thread, which is to provide info for an informed purchase. Folks who prefer an arc-driven series (such as Buffy) and eschew standalone episodes (such as those in Buffy) will be disappointed. To suggest otherwise is doing a disservice.

The actor who plays Jonah is quite a likable fellow. Michael Shanks made so many appearances in S6 it's not like he left the cast anyways.

Hopefully S7 will come out on DVD soon.