Episode 120 Prometheus

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Feb 182012
 

 Ambushed by a journalist Sam has to fend off questions about a top secret military project named Prometheus and when faced with disclosure a deal is done to allow the reporter access to the base with all materials held unto it goes public and they would have the exclusive. Of course it’s going to be a double cross by the US Air Force but they get double crossed first as elements of the NID take possession of the Prometheus and then demand the release of two very significant players. The SGC capitulate and then the bad guys steal the ship which came as a surprise since it really wasn’t ready to fly but it’s flaws help to save the day.

Lets make a deal

Prometheus sees the return of Frank Simmons and Adrian Conrad both under arrest for treason although Conrad being a Goa’uld is really a whole different ball game yet surprisingly the impetus behind the investigation into the project is from a true journalist perspective with it only be co-opted at a later date when not doubt the NID heard about the camera crews visit. The weakness in the narrative is of course the NID are not known for their ethical or moral core and thus would not be the type to die for the beliefs so suicide via a power core blast really didn’t make sense. Of course capitulating to terrorist or hostage takers demands is the norm in our society so perhaps even the .1% chance of losing Nevada was enough to risk losing the most powerful vessel created by the US.

All the grace of a brick

Of course when SG1 is involved the bad guys plans rarely work out and stealing an unfinished ship (which they did only as the opportunity arose) meant Jack and Teal’c could get on board rather easily but that surprise allowed them to take over a little too easily. That said Sam kicked ass both physically and intellectually and was probably the star of this episode despite John De Lancie delivering a wonderfully smarmy and moustache twirling performance. Prometheus is the first part of a two parter as made obvious with the final scene and the arrival of an Asgard starship commanded by the newly bodied Thor who saves the day yet than asks for some series help.

Not pretty but has potential

This weeks promo is from Tyrions Landing as we are getting close to the return of Game of Thrones and next week we watch and discuss “Unnatural Selection”. This weeks episode was constructed from 4 recording sessions spread over an evening punctuated by power cuts, it was not pretty.

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Episode 119 Cure

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Feb 112012
 

 First contact is made with the people of Pangar a society that is technology wise a few decades behind the Earth but with a stable culture albeit not exactly a fair and just one. SG1 as representatives of the Earth pay them a visit and are offered access to a drug (Tretonin) which the Pangarian people use to combat all forms of disease with almost god like success and in return they ask for training and information on gate travel, granted access to Goauld worlds is their goal but even that makes some sense based on their as yet undisclosed circumstance. It’s always nice to see airships in alien cultures even those that may be advanced enough to have moved passed that solution to air travel.

A very nice view

Jack is at his diplomatic best as he tries to point out the “stupidity” of these people going to any of the Goa’uld homeworlds whilst Jonas and Teal’c investigate the ruins which provided these people with their Stargate lore. It’s here the discovery is made which reveals the secret Pangar is hiding and opens up a whole new can of worms and brings the Tok’ra into the mix. Cure is pretty much a standalone episode but is vital for two reasons, the first is the importance to the long running Tok’ra storyline and the second to the future of the series which becomes more apparant as we go along:)

Expecting Guests

As always there is some very nice location work and for once it didn’t look like it was raining, the guest stars and their characters were well suited to the story and while overall the episode was nothing special it’s well worth repeated viewings especially in light of what comes later in the series.

I’ve got a secret

This weeks promo is from Pulp Audio Weekly and we’ll be covering “Prometheus” next week so any all feedback is appreciated and if anyone fancies joining us for an episode drop us a line.

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Episode 118 Allegiance

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Feb 042012
 

 The Tokra are attacked and take refuge at the Alpha site unaware of the large group of rebel Jaffa  are based there themselves refuges from an attack on their world. Almost immediately conflict arises and suspicions aired and then despite the deaths from the attack a Tokra is murdered and a Jaffa suspected but complications arise when that Jaffa is then found murdered.
Has the Alpha site been infiltrated by a Goauld or are the SGC simply dealing with the millenia old greivances that are being brought to the surface by such close proximity?

Nothing to see here.

This is the first look at this Alpha site and the first episode in which both Bra’tac and Jacob come face to face, two excellent characters and actors who have graced the series with their presence over the last few years. An interesing titbit is that the majority of the extras in Allegiance were also featured in the early episode “Warrior” whose Jaffa rebels were driven from their home to the Alpha Site, a nice touch.

The gym must have been full

Alligeance is an ok episode, it works more due to it’s production value (Location, stunt work and guest stars) then as an overall story but it is more than the sum of it’s parts and adds a lot of depth to the relationship between the two shaky allies and the humans who stand between them. It also has RDA shooting a really big gun in slow-mo so props to the steadicam operator.

Say hello to my little friend

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Episode 117 The Other Guys

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Jan 282012
 

  On a babysitting mission SG1 are captured by the Jaffa of the system lord Khonsu but two members of the science team decided to play hero and ring up to the orbiting Ha’tak and discover that SG1 do not want to be rescued, they are on a mission which requires an unorthodox means of communication. It turns out a Tok’ra undercover agent buried deep is searching out the source of Anubis’s technology and has information to pass on but who is playing who and have SG1 walked into a trap.

Way to defy gravity.

The Other Guys is an out and out comedic episode yet still has time to provide it with firm footing in the overall season arc. The two scientists (Felger and Coomb) played by Patrick McKenna and John Billingsley are wonderful comedy actors who not only excelled with the script they were given but we’re able to expand on the limits writers by design impose on their characters. While Abyss holds the lead in terms of drama there is no doubt this episode has the laughs and even though the events spin around the two scientists it doesn’t preclude SG1 from playing the “straight” men in the performance.

Act casual

The Other Guys is an episode that you can cherry pick for someone new to the show and looking for a way in, it’s not typical but the humour fits right into the series as a whole, highly recommended episode and looks fantastic to boot and if you have the time have a listen to the DVD commentary with Peter DeLuise and Chris Judge.

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Episode 116 Shadow Play

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Jan 212012
 

  A delegation from Kelownan arrives to discuss the possibility of an alliance despite the events which led to the death of Daniel Jackson, Jonas Quinn stealing some Naquadria and then turning his back on his home world. The three visitors a scientist, soldier and diplomat ask the SGC for military aid in exchange for more of the Naquadria as their nation is now the target of a new alliance between the two other states on their world and war is imminent. With technology similar to our 1940’s they face overwhelming odds in terms of man power and strategic aircraft and their only ace in the hole is a Naquadria bomb whose power rivals any of the SGC’s most modern enhanced nukes. Jonas enters into discussions with his former mentor Dr Kiernan who claims an internal resistance is looking to overthrow the current government and with similar movements with the Andari and Tiranian nations with the goal of peace and prosperity.

Let the party begin.

The SGC have a big decision to make, they know that giving the Kelownan’s even some basic military technology aimed at defence  will eventually be used in an offensive manner and they show some mature restraint given our worlds oft used policy of arming societies with weapons well beyond their means and suffering the consequences.

Shadow Play is a merging of two proposals/stories aimed at given Jonas more background as well a homage to the movie “A Beautiful Mind” and it does that but falls a little flat despite a stellar guest performance from Dean Stockwell as Dr Kiernan. You could even argue it’s very much in the vein of a Trek morality tale and in many ways that would be correct, it’s a little more subtle but the message is certainly relevant when you look at the state of our world.

Love the classic Laboratory.

The episode is also interesting as Jack seems to be channelling Daniel at times, granted he has an aversion to the Kelownan’s due to their betrayal of Daniel so he’s never going to be waving the flag in support but he seems well into sync with the Tollan/Nox attitude of limited or no technical assistance beyond basic humanitarian. Overall an interesting episode with some some top notch casting but more of a drama than an action piece with some wonderfully moody lighting.

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Episode 115 Abyss

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Jan 142012
 

  Jack now blended with the Tokra Kanan is innjured and captured whilst attempting to escape for a system lords secret research facility. The Tokra consider Kanan and by default Jack as being lost in action but the SGC are not prepared to give up so easily and demand access to all the mission data from Kanan’s spying. Meanwhile Jack is being systematically tortured and then murdered by Baal who uses the sarcophagus to revive him and then a miracle happens. Daniel in his ascended form visits Jack to offer comfort and solace with an offer to help him ascend as that is the only direct help he can offer as the Ascended are not allowed to interfere. The search for Jack continues but time is running out, there is only so much of Jack that can survive the multiple visits to the life giving sarcophagus.

Time to wake up Jack

Abyss is a fan favourite and easily demonstrates how well Jack and Daniel have evolved their close and rewarding friendship, it’s made more evident because we have been denied this interaction after Michael Shanks left the show and as of yet Jonas’s character  is still under development. The Tok’ra back story once again highlights the divisions between the SGC and their weakening resistance against the System Lords but it’s a nice idea to have Jack’s ethics and personality drastically effect the reasoning of Kanan who probably was a very direct and decisive operative willing to sacrifice anyone regardless of any personal feelings.

Pure evil but with style

The production of this episode is once again top notch, some clever movie making is used to create the visuals and tight writing and direction required to make the most of the intense dialogue between Jack and Daniel and Jack and Ba’al.

To put it simply Abyss is the highlight of the season so far.

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Episode 114 Nightwalkers

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Jan 072012
 

  A desperate call for help has Sam leading an investigation into the death of Dr Richard Flemming a former employee of Immunitech a concern with links to Adrian Conrad and may have had access to Goa’uld research. Finding evidence of a conspiracy a more indepth look into the town reveals some strange behaviour by the inhabitants and a startling discovery and double cross.

Studying, Jack is notably absent.

Nightwalkers is an unusal SG1 episode, it’s style is different to the bulk of the series and it’s also the first episode Richard Dean Anderson does not appear in which may have been the impetus to try something new. The direction and photography is reminiscent of the X-Files and includes homages to a number of offbeat shows and noir features and boasts some nice costuming and a strong guest cast.

This can’t be good, pretend we’re not in.

The episode does offer up a fine supporting cast and ultimately it is rewarding even though it’s not high on any viewer popularity list but it starts the ball rolling on one of the pivotal events of the series which we will be covering at the appropriate time.

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Bonus Episode December 2011

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Dec 292011
 

  Well I said I might come up with a little something for the holidays and while this small edition of The Gatecast doesn’t include the review I had intended to do (Big Finish Audio Story) it does have the review for a Stargate SG1 novel.  Sometime in 2012 I would like to do an indepth review of some of the audio books out there for the franchise assuming funds and time allow it because I think along with the novels they are all we’ll have for years to come.  So we present a review of Ashley McConnell’s Stargate SG1 novelisation and the favourite episode entries to the 100th ep competition we had earlier this year.

Ashley McConnell Website

Fandemonium Stargate Portal

Have a great New Year

 ♥ Stargate Forever ♥

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Episode 113 Frozen

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Dec 172011
 

  At the Antarctica facility a discovery is made in the ice near the location where the gate and DHD were found. A body is revealed embedded in ice which is close to 50million years old, the surprising bit is that there are signs of life and who would has been around that long ago and surrounded by technology that is linked to the gate system?

SG1 arrive at the base after all who else but our heroes could handle a pure science mission, yeah I know it really doesn’t make sense at the point, after the woman is revived and her heritage identified then yes it makes more sense to have SG1 on hand. That said I love this style of episode even more so when it’s in an icy wasteland, The Thing and ICE (X-Files) all exploited the huge scale yet paralysing confinement at the top and bottom of the world, oh lets not forget that episode of House either:)

Are we there yet?

Things start to go wrong when SG1 and the scientists fall ill, no co-incidence I guess and as we know the Ancients had to deal with a plague on Earth and this could be it and now the clock is ticking and not everyone can be saved.

Doesn’t say a lot but speaks volumes.

Praise must be given to Ona Grauer who played Ayiana and if you watch some of the behind the scenes extras on the DVD you see how she had to put up with the body moulded plastic required to put her into the ice cube rather than a dummy. It really does pay off in the episode, no question Ayiana is real and in the ice and you do get the feeling she is helpless when lifted from the ice. Shooting on the same stage as the season 1 episode “Solitudes” extra ice-conditioning is fitted to shoot in -2 degree temperatures which allows the cast to work in warm gear and not cook, it all adds to the atmosphere of the episode.

Ok, I just like the scene:)

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Episode 112 Descent

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Dec 102011
 

  A Goauld Hatak appears in the solar system but makes no move to attack the Earth. Jacob along with SG1 and Major Davis investigate and find the ship deserted with no signs of battle damage except for one sealed doorway. Whilst exploring they come across a nasty surprise and then everything falls apart and they end up on the ocean floor slowly but surely flooding and the clock is ticking as the ship is set to self destruct. So much for Jack slapping a US flag on the hull and flying it to Area 51.

Death from above.

Descent continues a number of plot points from the season opener in terms of Anubis and Thor it also builds upon the baby steps Jonas is having to take to be accepted as part of SG1 mainly it has to be said from Jack. As we’ve seen already the production side of the show continues to set an amazing standard with some excellent CGI and real water/submersion tank work with the actors. This also adds to the feel and texture of the episode and worth every penny it cost especially when you watch some of the behind the scenes coverage of the shooting of the water scenes.

Swim Forrest Swim

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Episode 111 Redemption 2

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Dec 032011
 

  Anubis has made his intentions known to the SGC and they are desperately looking for options to defeat the use of his energy based wormhole weapon, meanwhile Tealc and company are engaging the enemy on his own soil not knowing if it’s already too late to save the SGC and their friends.

The conclusion to the season opener two parter is every bit as good as the first, expansive lineup of guest actors, excellent CGI and lots and lots of action. We see Teal’c, Bra’tac and young Rya’c showing us what special forces Jaffa are truly capable of which makes you wonder once again if the arrogance of the generic system lord blinds them to what a powerful and precise weapon they had. Too many times we’ve seen old style line ’em up and rush the enemy tactics employed which with throw away troops is maybe not too much of an issue but when you see these three kicking ass then run for the hills.

Yes we always need grenades.

What is also evident once again is that Anubis himself seems to set a standard for his Jackal tattooed Jaffa which is much higher than that of other System Lords, his men seem more intelligent and capable but of course for purposes of the show our heroes have to keep surviving but we can get them into some dire straits at times:)

The natives are not friendly!

Once again it was great to see the early days of the Rodney McKay we came to know and love, his interactions with authority and the few people who were his peers ( he may refuse to admit that) is always fun to watch and of course this is where Jonas finally gets his chance.

Next week we’ll be watching and discussing episode 3 of the season “Descent”.

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Episode 110 Redemption I

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Nov 262011
 

  Life without Daniel is tough on SG1, while Sam deals with Jonas setting up residence in Daniels old office Jack has to deal with finding a replacement and is going through candidates with wild abandon until such time as Hammond drops the Russian demand for one of their people to take the vacant place. Faced with doing the improbable and with Tealcs encouragment he finally considers Jonas Quinn as the fourth member of SG1 but first there is the apparant attack on the SGC by Anubis using the Stargates ability to deliever energy into the system eventually leading to a catastophic explosion.
As luck would have it Teal’c is offworld dealing with his families own issues and is in a postition to aid the SGC at a time when gate travel is denied them and their only unproven interstellar vehicle is in dire need of field testing and incapable of transporting them off world.

Just a snack

Redemption (Part 1) is the season six premiere and the first episode of SG1 to debut on the US Syfy channel. While their are not any obvious signs of a change in production style or intent the show does feel different thanks to the loss of Michael Shanks and all the things he and his character Daniel brought to the party. Ultimately the episode hits the ball out of the park by being an excellent season opener and a kickstarter to the new team dynamic and the prospect of facing a uber system lord but without may of the crutches the SGC has relied to survive this far.
Corin Nemec now a regular cast member with credit carries own the almost happy go lucky approach with Jonas whose is a friendly and outgoing express delight at of all things the weather channel and despite some reservations his intelligence and reasoning gets him out of the base much quicker than Teal’c was able to achieve.
So we have an excellent season opener with drama, comedy and suspense not to mention a fair amount of out and out action combined with some top notch CGI, what more could you want.

Trust me I’m an alien

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Season 5 Wrap Up Show

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Nov 192011
 

  Welcome to the season 5 wrap up show with guest host Adriana as we gossip about the fifth and final season of SG1 on Showtime and have a brief chat about each episode and our thoughts on other aspects of the show. We also have a season overview on Tealc and his use of the word “Indeed” both as a statement and in sentences as well as a few laughs which were not always related to the show.

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The Indeed Count…

  • Statement
    • Rite Of Passage
    • Beast Of Burden
    • The Tomb
    • 2001
    • 48 Hours
    • Failsafe
    • The Warrior
  • Sentence
    • The Tomb x2
    • 2001
    • Proving Ground
    • Summit
    • Failsafe
    • The Sentinel

We’ll be back next week with Season 6, for those interested we’ll be switching to the Region2 PAL DVD versions of the show so runtime will be a little shorter.

Many thanks to young Mr Waller for this weeks itunes cover art.

 

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Episode 109 Revelations

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Nov 122011
 

  Life without Daniel is tough on SG1, while Sam deals with the loss aimlessly walking around Daniels old lab an unexpected visitor arrives and in time honoured fashion circumvents all the safe guards in place to protect the SGC. Yes Freya from the Asgard is paying them a visit with news that Thor has been killed by the Goauld but assistance is required to protect a secret lab on the planet Thor had been protecting and it’s vital to the Asgard. Jack jumps at the chance knowing that the best way to get over the loss of Daniel is to throw themselves back into the job so off they go in a captured cargo ship and on arrival are ringed into the secret lab. It’s there the experiment into the genetic manipulation of the Asgard race is being done by Heimdall a younger Asgard and a 100% CGI creation which allows some wonderful shots to be produced for this episode. The tension escalates when Anubis arrives to take over the interrogation from Osiris of the captured Asgard while SG1 put together a rescue plan whilst knowing they will eventually be discovered.

Osiris faces down Thor

Revelations the season 5 finale is epic on many counts, the first win for the Goa’uld against the Asgard in open battle must send shockwaves through both camps for different reasons and the loss of Thor even more so but even worse Anubis captures Thor and is able to pretty much drain the knowledge out of his brain opening up even more possibilities. The CGI in this episode from the wonderful Heimdall (Voiced by Teryl Rothery) to the beautiful starships in orbit around the planet is top notch and the skill required to merge CGI and live action in the lab is a major achievement on a TV budget, there are truly some beautiful and clever shots.

Assume the position!

Puppets, CGI, Green screen, Real people

 

 

 

 

 

In hindsight the lack of an uber cliffhanger makes a lot of sense as the show was leaving Showtime and moving to the Scifi channel (as it was then) and while at times show runners/studios seem to delight in sticking it to their fans this time Showtime viewers got a good send off. I’m not sure in this day and age if a show moved then they wouldn’t try to maximise the impact of a finale but they would certainly not miss the opportunity to make sure the viewers knew a former much loved character always had a chance to return.

Everything will be just fine, trust me:)

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Episode 108 Meridian

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Nov 052011
 

  Disaster strikes on the planet Kelownan and to the Langaran people who have recently discovered a treasure trove of Goauld technology in a long lost and ruined temple believed to have been part of a former civilisation from a few thousands years ago. There discovery of the Stargate allows a visit from SG1 who find a culture whose technology and political status echos the 1950’s as states face eachother down and a belief the bigger bomb will solve everything. Whilst experimenting with a new mineral translated as Naquadria shown to be hugely more powerful than Naquadah an accident floods the lab with radiation and threatens the entire facility if not the entire region and Daniel leaps into the fire to disengage the run away reaction and pays the ultimate price.

Never a safe work place when suits are required

The collapse of the Langaran experiment and deaths of the scientists is blamed on Daniel who at this time is simply decaying as the radiation blast ruins his body but Jack despite the logic of taking the political compromise to get access to the Naquadria refuses to have his friends name dragged into the mud. With his life hanging by a thread Daniel once again meets the enigmatic Oma Desala who appears to him in human form and offers the possibility of accession and tries to convince him that despite his own doubts and specific failures he has been a force for good in the universe and deserves to take the next step.

Oma & Daniel take life, the Universe and Everything

Whilst Daniel has his out of body experience and listens to the words of Oma and his friends Jack continues to push the only real witness to the event a guy named Jonas Quinn who thinks very much like Daniel. Jonas is forced to face the realisation that his people are doing the wrong thing and his future and that of his people could be tied to what the Humans can do with this new mineral and chooses the only viable option to abandon his world and offer the mineral to Earth in the return for access to the defence tech it will power.

Not quite a light at the end of the tunnel but it’ll do

Accession, the evolutionary step an advanced mind can take to move on from the physical plane and inhabit the ethereal as pure intellect and intelligence, an ideal way to have Daniel leave the narrative but always have him just hovering in the background if required:)

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