SG-1 going downhill?

[imported_Nemesis]

I know a lot of people think SG-1 has been going downhill since it maybe about season 3-4, but im just wondering why you think that is?

I never really believed it was but now that I relaly think about it, I do think later seasons could have been a lot better. It seems that everytime I think of Stargate, I always end up remembering episodes from earlier seasons

I think it could be because they started the show off with a very heavy focus on mythology, but this aspect of the show isnt that strong anymore in later seasons because it either focuses on science or building on things they discovered in old episodes. Neither of which really provides much room for anything new mythologically

Then we have the whole 'present day' idea which was so appealing to almost everybody at the beginning. You actually felt like this show could be happening right now because all the events take place on earth in the present. Then I think in S6 onwards we really lost that when we introduced the prometheus and from there earth technology just became light years ahead of what we know today and for me, when they showed the prometheus episode, it almost felt star trekkish And also in late S7, they showed the president, who of course wasnt the real world american president so now we know it definately cant be modern earth kinda thing

During later seasons we somehow managed to lose that excitement of visiting new planets. Even though we hardly visit new planets like we used to, the feeling we get when we do isn't what it used to be. We all felt like daniel jackson whenever they stepped onto another world; excited to meet new cultures, link their religion and mythology to Earths, discover what technology they have etc but we dont really get that anymore. It feels like everytime they go to a new planet, theyre going their for a specific purpose, and not just to go and possibly make new allies

However, I still think the team dynamics are as strong as they used to be. You really feel like each member of the team would literally die for each other, so its kinda cool that they managed to keep that in it because then we feel comfortable with spending an hour each day with these characters

And with the introduction of SG:atlantis, I think a lot of focus is being put onto that show and SG-1 will only get worse SG-1 is reaching the end now, I guessing S10 (if there will be one) will probably be the last, so Im really hoping we bring back some of these old elements that made us fall in love with the show in the first place to end the saga on a really big high

Anyway, thats just my opinion. Anyone agree? Disagree? What do you think?

 

[PTeppic]

Systematic summary and I would agree with almost all of it. The main discussion I would have would be the team dynamic...
Daniel's no longer nerdy, innocent, always putting his foot in it, Teal'c's now more human than most of the team, Sam's less rigid, in some ways less geeky and Jack - RDA just turns up, wanders round and goes home again.

 

[webmouse]

And the cast has changed dramatically. Frankly, if they had to bring in new folks, who better than Ben Browder and Claudia Black. As for the change in generals, well, I always thought it odd that Hammond stayed on for years after his supposed "retirement" -- as did O'Neill. Military personel changes over all the time in the real world and retirement quite often occurs in one's 50s. Beau Bridges is a fine replacement.

Daniel is less nerdy, but after 9 years it is time for his character to grow. Jaffa politics and the loss of his symbiote have caused Teal'c to change as well. RDA has been saying for years that he wants to retire, and slowly the writers have been moving O'Neill progressively out of the picture.

As I understand it, Ms. Tapping has recently become a 'mum' and will not be appearing in any great capacity for several episodes. RDA can now freely wander in and out, and the shippers they can have their dearest dream -- Jack and Sam together. Meanwhile we can enjoy Varla tormenting Daniel which I think is ever so much fun.

I agree that the seasons have not been balanced in quality, but few shows entering the 9th season would still have such a loyal fan base as SG1. Changes in writers, cast, etc. are to be expected. Some changes are for the better, others not. For this coming season I am prepared to wait and see.

 

[Dave]

Or, has SG-1 'Jumped the Shark'?

I think that Nemesis & PTeppic are referring to S8 while webmouse is now talking about S9, which I've yet to see (but which sounds like a vast improvement over S8.)

Therefore, I think I agree with all the above comments.

Someone else in another thread compared the changes to the X-Files in Season 9 (which were good, but then they went and cancelled it anyway!)

It seems that there is a finite limit to the number of Seasons a show can run with the same cast - None of the Star Trek series went past Seven Series - and if you look at very long-lived series - shows like M*A*S*H - then they went through several major main cast changes.

From all the comments I've read, SG-1 has handled a major necessary cast change very well, and is now well prepared to continue a lot longer.

 

[JacksLover]

I think the series has done well over all through the years. Some of my favorite episodes are from the early years. To me season 6 was the worse not only because Michael was gone but I just didn't like Jonas at all. (Nothing agianst Corin he is a fine actor and I enjoyed him "The Stand" mini series). I think that it should of taken longer than a couple episodes for Jack to warm up to him.

You know that since season 5 they kept saying this is probably the last season for the show and they always came up with great endings to each season.

As I said in the other thread I am really kind of p*&^%ed off at how Landry is just there with No explaination on what happened to Jack. I know Amanda is or was off on maternity leave so they had to come up with something for her to not be there. I don't think she would give up command of SG-1 to do R & D at Area 51.
They needed something better if they wouldn't of killed her father she could of gone off to help the Tok"Ra which would of made more sense to me.

I'm still a fan and will watch the show to see how it develops.


Cathy

 

[Texane]

jumped the shark.

After the completion of season 6. Seasons 3 and 4 were the best, the most interesting, funny and with a much broader variety in stories and sets. They were also more enjoyable as they were more intricate.

 

[lisasg1]

I kind of agree that the show is going downhill because I always compare the new eps to the old ones, I always found something to like and enjoy in the old eps, but the newer ones are hit and miss, you know? I haven't seen the newest eps, but I hope that the new characters don't completely ruin the show

 

[xaviersxmen]

I think no matter what I will always love this show. The new enemy is gonna be great.

 

[lisasg1]

I don't really know much about these new enemies, does this mean that the Goa'uld won't be seen again?

 

[xaviersxmen]

Maybe wrapping them up and killing them all off.

 

[imported_Nemesis]

hopefully the new enemy will be a goauld, dont really wanna see an end to those guys
or maybe the wraith come and attack from pegasus

 

[xaviersxmen]

The new enemy I think is the guy that we seen in the last one at the end.

 

[imported_Nemesis]

ah well ive not seen any S8 yet so dont spoil it

 

[lisasg1]

LOL! ok then, well I haven't seen the newest eps yet either, but I kinda hope the Goa'uld won't be gone completely!

 

[McHorde-Trooper]

The new season is transitioning to a new as of yet unknown threat and introducing new mythology aspects.

Only time will tell if this will work, but introducing new stuff should help breath life into the show. Though so far season 9 has me wanting to see more.

The "to be continued" thing for the first 3 episodes so far could be a new a writing shift.

I think the issues with season 8 and 9 (what we've seen of it) is that they seem a bit shake-n-bake. Semi-pre-packaged writing just tastes off to me.

Some plot themes were pretty risky like "ascension" and "super solders". They push the suspension of disbelief and seem like territory that's already been covered by other shows. I'm not saying that they didn't turn out some good stuff didn't turn out from it, but . . .

The real shocker when it came to writing was "8.18: Citizen Joe" if you haven't seen it, don't. It was like a bad fan fic combined with a clip-show. It was original, but painful to watch. And the writers mocked themselves a bit. A little 4th wall breakage can be clever, but it broke "suspension of disbelief" too much.

SG-1 has had it's ups and downs. I'm not sure if it's totally down hill, but . .
Even if Season 9 turns out to be amazingly cool, I hope it will be the last one.