 
APRIL 2003
APRIL 25, 2003
Don't leave plot threads unresolved!
As a fan of Stargate SG-1, I am most concerned about ending Season Seven with a significant number of plot threads unresolved. I have been disappointed at the number of threads left hanging at the conclusion of certain other sci-fi series (Quantum Leap,
Star Trek: The Next Generation, etc.), and was very much hoping to see some kind of resolution to issues like:
- Will the Asgard become extinct, or find some reliable way of perpetuating themselves?
- What happened to the Tollan people?
- Will the Replicators free themselves?
- Are the Tok'ra doomed to extinction, or will they be able to reproduce?
- Will we save the people of Aris Boch's race ("Deadman Switch") from drug-induced slavery to the Goa'uld?
- Does Jack have a child on Edora ("A Hundred Days")?
- Will Daniel's grandfather appear again ("Crystal Skull")? What about the aliens from this episode?
- Will things be resolved with Sarah/Osiris and Daniel?
- What happened to the Aschen ("2010," "2001") and Sam's "not husband," Joe?
- What will happen to Cassandra in the future ("1969" / "Rite of Passage")?
Looking at the listing of projected Season Seven episodes to date, I see a lot of original episodes that appear to take the series in new directions, rather than resolving previous plot threads. Can you offer any hope that some, most or all of these will be resolved by the end of Season Seven? If Atlantis goes off in a new direction, I do not have much hope that many of the issues started in the first Stargate series will be resolved in the second series ...
Jeff Waldrop
Good observations, Jeff -- but I think that it's inevitable that we won't get all of our questions answered. Sometimes that's frustrating (what about those bugs who were supposedly on their way to invade the Federation in TNG's "Conspiracy?"). But I think we need to have some unresolved issues ... so that we know that this universe goes on. Like real life, it's not all wrapped up with a neat little bow. There's fodder for movies, Atlantis episodes, fan fiction and more! - Darren
Will Jack use Goa'uld tech?
I know I speak for many fans when I ask: Is Jack going to use and Goa'uld technology (such as hand devices, healing devices, etc.) in Season Seven? Or will they be playing with the idea that Jack wants to forget as much as possible about his experience with the Tok'ra blending ("Abyss")?
I'd like to say a big "Thank you" to everyone who is involved in the series from everyone here in Ireland!
Cronin
Sad to say, Cronin, that I really doubt this one will come to pass! Kanan (Jack's symbiote) left his body, so he didn't leave the same protein marker that Jolinar left in Sam, allowing her to use Goa'uld tech. Same reason why he couldn't use Goa'uld tech after being temporarily blended in "Into the Fire." - Darren
SG-1 needs a big-bang ending
I, for one, am looking forward to a new Stargate spin-off. Stargate SG-1 is an amazing show, and I have enough confience in its writers to make another compelling show. However, a TV movie is a big no! If SG-1 has to end, it should go out with a theatrical release, a movie which would keep us all safe and sound in the knowlegde of what our favourite characters in the show were doing. But perhaps it could even introduce Atlantis.Either way, I think a big-bang ending is needed for SG-1.
Derek Patterson
Give Sam and Jack a happy ending
Thank you, Mike Watson, for your request for a happy ending for Jack and Sam ["O'Neill and Carter belong together"]. These characters have been through so much sadness, grief and pain for the past seven years -- loosing Daniel, Jack being tortured, etc. It would be nice to see our favorite characters have a happy ending. The producers of the show have been saying for the past seven years that they love each other. Well, why not give us a Jack and Sam episode? "Ship" is always enjoyed by viewers. The "regulations" are the main reason for them not being toghether ... but hey, you can bring people back from the dead! This is TV show -- anything is possible!
Ashley Wells
Season Seven will be worth the wait
What a pleasure it is coming to your site every day. Most of the time I beat the newsletter, and have already seen the updates to the site by the time the newsletter gets to my inbox. I just wanted to say thank you for such a wonderful job on the site.
Second, I would really like to tell The Sci-Fi Channel that I have never tuned in to their network as much as I have since SG-1 has landed there! I loved every minute of Season Six equally as well -- if not better in some episodes -- as the other five seasons. I am ecstatic about another season, even if Jonas doesn't get a chance to stick around.On a final note, the 3-hour premiere on June 13 was an awesome idea. Kudos to Sci-Fi! I can't believe I have to wait another seven weeks to see it, but I know it will have been worth the wait. Keep up the fantastic job, GateWorld!
urdreamkeeper
APRIL 18, 2003
SG-1 deserves a video game
I am writing because some friends of mine, who also think that the Stargate world is incredible, told me that there are ideas about making a video game of the Stargate Infinity series. Well, what about SG-1?! Over the years SG-1 has become one of the most popular sci-fi shows on the planet, but you dont see ads saying: "Coming Soon: Stargate SG-1 for X-Box."
Then, after a few months of Infinity (which I personally think is no way near as good as SG-1) being on the air, and already there is talk of a computer game franchise. This rumor that has come to my attention makes me very angry, as for years I have been hoping that one day I will be able to sit down, turn on my PC and guide Jack O'Neill through Apophis' mothership!
Sam Parish
I agree, Sam! We need an SG-1 game (for PC or a console) quick! The rumor mill is churning, and we may just get some news on this in the next few weeks, so stay tuned to GateWorld. As for Infinity -- nope, there's no video game in the works that I've heard about. I'm not sure if the show is even in production any more. - Darren
Letters section provides civil forum
I would just like to say how much I think this letters page has been an excellent addition to GateWorld. It is refreshing to be able to read other fans' comments and have a civilized discussion about Stargate without being flamed for expressing what, in the case of most fans, are inoffensive opinions, written in innocence and, what was in my case, naivity.
I was appalled by the way some so-called fans dealt with Daniel's departure and the arrival of Jonas, a subject which I am not even going to begin to comment on for fear of offending the afformentioned so-called fans and provoking them. I think I can speak for my fellow fans in saying how grateful I am that people connected with the show itself, such as Joseph Mallozzi, have continued to connect themselves with the Stargate online fandom, kindly giving up some of their time to provide us with information and spoilers. I would like them to know that their kindness is, as ever, greatly appreciated.
Felicity
Thanks very much, Felicity -- a place for civilized and thoughtful conversation is exactly why we created the Letters section. If readers have suggestions on how to improve it, I'd love to hear them. - Darren
Looking forward to a Stargate movie and spin-off
I have seen MGM be really quite supportive of the show, which is the reason we now have seven seasons of SG-1 instead of the intended four or five. Because of MGM's on-going support of the show, I think they will go for a theatrical release on the big screen for the movie, as they understand how popular SG-1 has become. Let's face it: all the people who work on, in and around SG-1 deserve the oppotunity to take it to the big screen, just as we fans would love to see some of our favorite SG-1 actors on the big screen, too.
Graham
Stargate is character-driven
I can understand the concern regarding a spin-off. However, I for one would miss SG-1 as a team. Let us face the reality that the show is character-driven as opposed to only sci-fi driven. It is the unique dynamic of the main four (Jack, Sam, Teal'c and Daniel) that has sustained the series to date; I do not discount Jonas. However, I do so miss the jazzy banter of Jack and Daniel. That made the show much more fun!
Perhaps if Season Seven must be the last, a theatrical film would be the start of introducing more folks to Stargate. (Truth be told, I'd go see anything with Richard Dean Anderson in it!) I think I'll just sit back and enjoy SG-1 while it lasts, and be grateful for something to watch on TV that is fun as well as thought-provoking.
Cjay
Where's that DHD?
I just finished watching "Touchstone" for the gazillion time and for the first time something occured to me: what happened to the DHD from the Antarctic gate? I don't remember it ever being mentioned again, but something must have happened to it since in "48 Hours" the SGC needed the Russian DHD (which was found in Giza). So, did the writers goof or is there an untold story here waiting to be explored?
Michael Sacal
Very observant, Michael! This one remained unexplained for half of a season, until Carter gave us the explanation in Season Six's "Frozen." The DHD from Antarctic was used a few times (like in "Touchstone") before it ran out of energy. Sam says it was the first sign that the gate's power system has a limited lifespan. - Darren
Atlantis could use fresh blood
I think Atlantis is a great idea for furthering the series -- new characters, new ideas, the same creative force behind it. But let's just not be afraid to "stir the pot" a bit. Get in new writers, with fresh thoughts that can be supervised by the old guard. That's one of the reasons Star Trek is stagnating: the same old people writing the same old plot with the same old cookie-cutter characters.
SG-1 can and should be more than ho-hum sci-fi, and it's proven to be more time and again. I hope all fans -- shipper and non-shipper, SDJ and Jonas Quinn worshippers alike -- can throw their support behind Atlantis to make it just as big as the original. I, for one, cannot wait!
Geonn
APRIL 7, 2003
Looking Forward To Atlantis
I, for one, am looking forward to Atlantis. I can't wait to see what new directions the show's producers will take it. I think its success will depend greatly on the characters and the actors they get to play them.
I think the whole Stargate universe needs a new direction to go in now, just like Star Trek: The Next Generation took their universe in a new direction as did Deep Space Nine afterwards. Don't get me wrong, I love SG-1, but I think the whole concept needs some new directions to go in to keep it fresh and keep viewers interested.
My only concern right now is with The Sci-Fi Channel developing the series. The channel has had a history of really being behind shows and then dumping them quickly and unexpectedly (i.e. The Invisible Man). SG-1 has been a big hit for the channel. I hope they will take the time to properly develop Atlantis.
B.M. Dunlap
As a devoted fan of SG-1, I am sad at the prospect of their end. However, that sadness would not prevent me from forming a new love for a spin-off. I agree with Darren about Star Trek: The Next Generation, which I believe was a far superior series than the original. I continued to be a paying costumer for the Star Trek feature films as I tuned in each week to watch TNG.
I hope that the same situation can emerge for the Stargate universe, which would release a few SG-1 feature films, while simultaneously developing a new generation of the SGC. I have become increasingly excited about the prospect of an SG-1 feature film and would be very dissapointed if it were to be reduced to a television movie -- or worse, shelved altogether.
Rhonda
I for one am looking forward to Atlantis. We have had six incredible years of SG-1 and we have one more on its way. I will keep my SG-1 DVDs close to the DVD player and wear them out. I will most definitely tune into Atlantis. How can you doubt the team that brought us SG-1?
I will miss the current characters, but I am also looking forward to a fresh perspective in a universe full of endless possibilities. Seven years is an excellent run, and if Atlantis is even half as good as SG-1, I will be tuning in religiously.
Brandon Hall
SG-1 cannot go on forever without storylines becoming stale and repetitive. I would hate to see that happen to one of my favorite shows. Star Trek was wise to create a new series every seven years. It meant viewers could watch different ships facing different situations, and it still gave everyone enough time to get to know the characters they were watching and come to like and respect them, no matter what series they were from. The same can now happen with Stargate.
Atlantis sounds like a very refreshing idea, one that opens up many new directions for the Stargate universe to venture into. I wish it the best of luck.
Dave
We should be thankful that The Powers That Be have decided to continue to keep the Stargate universe alive in some way. Brad mentioned the fact that the spin-off will have mostly the same production / writing team as SG-1. This in itself is a comfort and gives us something to look forward to. While we have loved the characters over the years, we have also grown to love the production team that brings it all together. Stargate is the only show that I can ever remember being so involved with knowing and actually caring about the people behind the cameras.
No matter how Atlantis turns out, I'll know that it will be quality. I know that I will love it because I love the group of people who put it together.
Stargate is a legacy that will last for years to come. It's something we will look back on fondly (particularly those of us who are involved in the online fandom on a daily basis) and remember as some of the best times of our lives. So no matter what Atlantis holds we can rest assured in the fact that it will be quality and it will have the same magic that we have come to know and love with Stargate SG-1.
Shelby Schofield
APRIL 1, 2003
Still Have Atlantis Doubts
First, I have to give Brad Wright credit for replying to fan mail that quickly ["Concerned about Atlantis"]. You don't see that very often. Second, you can't compare this situation with Star Trek because Stargate SG-1 will finish in its prime one year and the next. They are taking the main idea (the Stargate) and changing everything else, where as Star Trek was changed and made so that it would appeal to today's generation of viewers.
If you and other creative crew members are going to all that trouble to write a spin-off series of Stargate, why not just use a feature film to open more doors for the Stargate SG-1 TV show instead of destroying all its history and strong storylines that have been alive for the past six and half years?
Andrew Johns
Praise For Season Four DVDs
The Season Four DVDs for Stargate SG-1 have just been released in Australia, and I'm impressed by the extra features that have Don S. Davis and Teryl Rothery playing themselves. It's entertaining and something that was unexpected. It's awesome that Davis and Rothery were good enough to do this making a funny feature.
DC
DVDs Need More Features
When I heard Stargate SG-1 was being released on DVD, I couldn't wait to go out and buy the boxed set as soon as it was released. When I got it home, I was a little disappointed about the lack of special features, but I was glad to get all of the first season at my disposal in fine, digital quality. When Season Two was released, I thought, 'They must have learned their lesson and added more special features.' So I bought it on pre-order without looking into it, and again I was dissapointed at the lack of special features.
Now, I see Season Three is being released with the same lame special features, and I am sad to say I may actually have to boycott Season Three. Now that the re-runs are being shown on The Sci-Fi Channel, I feel I am better off taping the episodes and saving the $50, as I'm not getting anything of real value in return.
My message to MGM: Wake up! Throw in some more interviews, behind the scenes views, audio tracks ... something that I can't find for free on Sci-Fi.
Adam McCarthy
While I do agree that the DVDs need more extra goodies, it's still worth the pricetag to get 22 episodes of SG-1 in pristine format. However, if the Region 1 releases follow the pattern of what they've already got in Europe, we should see a lot more extras starting with Season Four! - Darren
Fans Like Producer Interaction
I'd like to say that I appreciate the Web presence of many producers, writers and other high-level personnel in fandom of late.
I liked that J.M. Straczynski took the time to speak with fans and answer questions with Babylon 5, Crusade, etc. It showed genuine consideration, and opened the door for "legitimized" fan Web sites. I liked that Joe Mallozzi posted on GateWorld Forums. I thought it was pretty darn cool of him, especially since fans can often be a disparate and often unruly lot.
It's nice to know that the big guys are out there. Of course, the peculiarities of fandom often make me wince when I think that some things might end up getting back to The Powers That Be. I hope this trend continues, and that the writers and producers don't get scared off. We like having you around!
Nan
I have to agree, Nan! Joseph Mallozzi has gone far above and beyond the call of duty in interacting with many different fan groups since he joined the show more than three years ago. And hey, we even just got a letter to the editor from Brad Wright! - Darren
Stargate needs theatrical, not TV movie
I read the story about Stargate Atlantis ["Sci-Fi announces Stargate Atlantis in development"], and I'm concerned. I think it would be a grave mistake for SG-1 to have a TV movie that bridges the two series. In order for SG-1 to have a future in theatrical films, they are going to have to pursue a theatrical film first, and eschew any possibility of a TV movie.
I believe a theatrical film in 2004 would benefit MGM, Stargate and Sci-Fi, moreso than a TV movie. I think it's just as important to organize the fans on this issue as it was when we sought out a Season Six. We succeeded then, and we can succeed now.
John Berggren
It would be terrific if MGM has the confidence in SG-1's ability to support a theatrical film. From an exposure standpoint, a theatrical would certainly be a lot better for the franchise than a cable TV movie. Once you start down that path, it's hard to convince the average viewer that Stargate is anything more than a TV property. - Darren
Concerned about Atlantis
In reference to a previous letter and the spin-off series of Stargate SG-1 ["Atlantis doomed to failure"]: I would think that fans of Stargate SG-1 would agree that if Richard Dean Anderson called it quits after Season Seven, then the show could still go on effectivily without him because of the very strong history and connection that the characters not only have with each other, but to the great stories that have been presented over the years.
Many of the main cast and crew have replied in interviews that they would love to continue with the show if they could. So, over the past seven years, where fans have connected and come to know and love the characters and the history and tradition that the show has produced in the effort to entertain us -- all that gets thrown out the window and destroyed because of what reason?
I can understand how someone would hate to see everything in the current Stargate universe change, and I agree that if they can't continue in this way for whatever reason, then the show should bow out with all stories finalized, either at the end of Season Seven or with a film.
Darren Lockyer
Thanks for the letter, Darren. I can't help but continue to compare the situation with Star Trek, which had not seven, but 20 years when the original series was all that there was. Many fans booed The Next Generation, which went on to become arguably the best of the five series to date, and to establish Trek as a mega-franchise. - Darren
In reply to Andrew ...
Why do you assume Atlantis will be a dismal failure? For many reasons, SG-1 simply cannot go on forever. We're simply trying to keep the Stargate universe alive.Atlantis will be written and produced by most of the same creative team that currently makes SG-1.
Please don't judge our new series based on a press release neither Robert nor I had anything to do with. I don't have any idea what "a distant universe" is any more than you do ...
Brad Wright
Stargate SG-1
Brad, thanks for the reply! Is there anyone else out there looking forward to a new show with a new team? Let's hear from you! - Darren
|
Have your voice heard! Send a letter to the editors of GateWorld, about anything related to Stargate, GateWorld, or sci-fi in general. We'll choose a few to publish here for the world to read. Send a Letter >
|
|
|
|
|
