MGM Studios DVD presents

Stargate SG-1: Season 8 (2004-2005)

O'Neill: I've spent my whole life sticking it to the man.
Jackson: Well now you will be the man.
O'Neill: I don't think I can be the man.- Richard Dean Anderson, Michael Shanks

Stars: Richard Dean Anderson, Amanda Tapping, Michael Shanks, Christopher Judge
Other Stars: Tony Amendola, Carmen Argenziano, Vince Crestejo, Cliff Simon, Ronny Cox, Jolene Blaylock, David DeLuise, Claudia Black, Gary Jones, Colin Cunningham, Torri Higginson, Patrick Currie, Don S. Davis, Tom McBeath, Isaac Hayes
Director: Various

MPAA Rating: Not Rated for (suitable for television audiences)
Run Time: 14h:30m:03s
Release Date: 2005-10-04
Genre: television

Style Grade	Substance Grade	Image Transfer Grade	Audio Transfer Grade	Extras Grade
A	A-	A-	A-	A-

 

DVD Review

Entering its eighth season, Stargate SG-1 had become a remarkable success story and earned a companion series Stargate Atlantis. The concluding events of the previous year were designed partially to set the stage for the effective spin-off. Luckily, the ambitious cliffhanger finale of season seven opened the door for numerous stories on Earth involving the SG-1 members. The remaining Goa’uld System Lords still provide a nasty threat, especially Baal, who has acquired Anubis’ super soldiers. The Replicators also escape from their prison and return to wreak more havoc with everyone. In similar fashion to the seventh season, the quality of each episode varies considerably, but the overall verdict is success.

The SGC’s new civilian leader Dr. Elizabeth Weir (Torri Higginson) has a very short tenure, and the open position at the Atlantis outpost seems more attuned to her skills. Weir’s successor is none other than Jack O’Neill (Richard Dean Anderson), who has been promoted to brigadier general. This new role allows the producers to comply more easily with Anderson’s time limitations. He still disappears for unusually long periods, but the absence is explainable since he remains hard at work on the base. Anderson makes the most of his screen time and delivers numerous charming moments with his unique brand of humor. This change also places even more emphasis on Daniel Jackson (Michael Shanks), Colonel Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping), and Teal’c (Christopher Judge), who are all capable of carrying an episode. Each character must deal with considerable personal issues during the season that will change their lives forever.

Unfortunately, this season’s early and mid-year episodes struggle to find the proper tone and appear to face considerable budget difficulties. Many entries occur on Earth and miss the off-world team camaraderie that has become the show’s trademark. Each tale does offer some interesting moments, but they often lack the wondrous scenes that would truly inspire us. Following an exciting two-part premiere, the stories range between solid (Avatar, Sacrifices) and tedious (Icon, Affinity) territory. This trend also occurred in the seventh season, which rebounded with several groundbreaking stories to retain the series’ high quality.

Luckily, this season succeeds greatly due to its final five episodes, which would have worked perfectly to conclude the show. The two parts of Reckoning offer tremendous action scenes and an all-out war between the SGC and its two primary enemies. Threads was aired on the Sci-Fi Channel as a special 90-minute presentation, and it needs every minute to tell its pivotal tale. The two-part finale Moebius takes us back to the beginning and involves a complex time-travel plot. Numerous important scenes occur during this final arc and make it must-see viewing for even the casual fan. The emotional stakes are extremely high, and countless surprises arise during each entertaining narrative.

Unfortunately, MGM has missed the boat with this release and unfairly given the fans a shorter, syndicated version of Threads on this collection. This episode is the only one lacking a commentary, and a reportedly completed “Director’s Series” featurette is also missing. In response to complaints from devoted fans, MGM released a statement claiming that replacements would be offered at some time.The omission of the original version of Threads is extremely frustrating, and MGM deserves our anger about the shorter version. Hopefully they will resolve this situation acceptably in the near future. Now on to the episode reviews!

Disc One

Jackson: The System Lords can't be trusted, either as a group or individuals. They're posturing egomaniacs driven by an insatiable lust for power - each one capable of unimaginable evil.
Weir: So why should I be nervous? Sounds like an average day at the United Nations.

New Order, Part 1
Written by: Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie
Directed by: Andy Mikita
Guest stars: Torri Higginson as Dr. Weir, Patrick Currie as Fifth, Kira Clavell as Amaterasu, Steve Bacic as Camulus, Gary Jones as Walter Davis, Kevan Ohtsji as Oshu, Vince Crestejo as Yu
Commentary: Director Andy Mikita and Actor Gary Jones

The events of the Season 7 finale Lost City brought tremendous changes to the Stargate program. General Hammond was replaced by Dr. Elizabeth Weir (Torri Higginson), a civilian treaty negotiator who would bring a friendlier non-military face to other countries. In this episode, her skills are immediately tested when the Goa’uld System Lords wish to form a partnership with the SGC. O’Neill remains in frozen stasis to stay alive with the ancient library clogging his brain, and his fellow SG-1 members search for a method to save him. In search of the Asgard, Carter and Teal’c journey to the world trapping the human-form Replicators, which places them directly in harm’s way. This plot-heavy episode does an excellent job of juggling multiple storylines and showcases the best aspects of the series. Torri Higginson takes over for Jessica Steen as Weir and creates a more believable leader with a commanding presence.

This premiere represents one of the strongest openings in the show’s eight years, which leads to 4.5 out of 5 Stargates.





New Order, Part 2
Written by: Robert C. Cooper
Directed by: Andy Mikita
Guest stars: Torri Higginson as Dr. Weir, David DeLuise as Pete Shanahan, Patrick Currie as Fifth, Kira Clavell as Amaterasu, Steve Bacic as Camulus, Gary Jones as Walter Davis, Kevan Ohtsji as Oshu, Vince Crestejo as Yu, James Bamford as Replicator
Commentary: Director Andy Mikita and Actor Gary Jones

This conclusion originally aired combined with the first hour as a single show, so it immediately continues the events of its predecessor. In this exciting story, Carter faces off with the Replicator Fifth, who SG-1 betrayed to trap the Replicators in Season 6’s Unnatural Selection. Thor appears and tries to utilize O’Neill’s ancient library knowledge to defeat the Replicators. Weir and Jackson continue to struggle with the proper route for dealing with the Goa’uld at the SGC. This big-budget episode keeps thing moving in exciting fashion and opens the door for both this season and the spinoff Stargate Atlantis.

Things will definitely be different for General O’Neill. This entry equals the first segment and deserves 4.5 out of 5 Stargates.





Lockdown
Written by: Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie
Directed by: William Waring
Guest stars: Gavin Hood as Colonel Alexi Vaselov, Aaron Pearl as Major Kearney, Alisen Down as Dr. Brightman
Commentary: Director William Waring and Director of Photography Jim Menard

Settling into his new job, General O’Neill must immediately deal with the arrival of the enthusiastic Russian Colonel Alexi Vaselov, who requests an assignment on SG-1. This prospect is highly unlikely and becomes even less possible when Vaselov falls victim to a strange illness. When the possibility of an alien intruder appears, O’Neill must lock down the SGC. This episode falls considerably from the effectiveness of the premiere, which is not surprising but still unfortunate. I always enjoy seeing episodes that feature Richard Dean Anderson, and his interactions with Michael Shanks remain highly entertaining. However, this tense episode is a bit too familiar and includes two fairly dull guest characters, Vaselov and Dr. Brightman. In addition, it brings a recurring enemy into the fold who was believed dead, which feels a bit desperate on the writing side.

It is fun to see SG-1 shooting each other. This episode receives 2.5 out of 5 Stargates.





Ba'al: You have one day.
Jack: Is that one Earth day, or . . . ?

Zero Hour
Written by: Robert C. Cooper
Directed by: Peter Woeste
Guest stars: David Kaufman as Mark Gilmor, Cliff Simon as Baal, Eric Breker as Colonel Reynolds, Colin Cunningham as Major Davis, Pierre Bernard as O'Brien, Bill Dow as Dr. Lee, Steve Bacic as Camulus, Gary Jones as Walter Davis
Commentary: Director Peter Woeste and Producer John Lenic

Each day brings plenty of new challenges for General O’Neill, who had no idea of the annoying aspects of General Hammond’s former position. For example, he must deal with an out-of-control plant, which continues to grow while baffling (and exciting) Dr. Lee, and frustrating negotiations by Major Davis with two squabbling factions on a friendly planet. The largest difficulty lies with the apparent capture of the three-person SG-1 by the System Lord Baal, who wants to exchange them for a valuable commodity. O’Neill’s new assistant Mark Gilmor should help to alleviate the burden, but even he possesses a secret agenda that could create problems. Richard Dean Anderson shines in this offbeat episode and reveals what’s missing from the ninth season, sublime humor. The only drawback is that again it rarely leaves Earth, which is probably due to constraints on budget on Anderson’s time.

Being a general can be a fun job. This episode receives 3 out of 5 Stargates.





Disc Two

Icon
Written by: Damian Kindler
Directed by: Peter F. Woeste
Guest stars: Matthew Bennett as Jared Kane, Amy Sloan as Leda, Gary Jones as Walter Davis
Commentary: Director Peter Woeste and Producer John Lenic

When SG-1 activates the Stargate on a less advanced planet, they provide the spark for a Civil War between the current government and religious separatists. When Jackson is seriously injured, he must recover under the care of Leda, whose husband leads the former soldiers. While his buddies search for him and attempt to negotiate with the religious freaks, Jackson must deal with their role in starting the war. This dreary episode crawls along and includes few unique moments. Similar to several other early entries, it reveals the series’ limited budget and the lack of a “team” feeling to the show. The premise is fairly interesting, but it has been presented much better in past seasons.

This tired story receives 2 out of 5 Stargates.





Avatar
Written by: Damian Kindler
Directed by: Martin Wood
Guest stars: Bill Dow as Dr. Lee, Andrew Airlie as Dr. Carmichael, Gary Jones as Walter Davis
Commentary: Director Martin Wood and Actor Christopher Judge

While testing a new training simulator using the chair discovered from Season 2’s The Gamekeeper, Teal’c becomes trapped in an ever-changing game. While the other SG-1 members and the base scientists struggle to keep him alive, our favorite Jaffa hero cannot find a way to defeat the simulator. The problem lies in Teal’c mentality, which will not allow him to ever quit a battle. The game includes several Super Soldiers and the random villainous Goa’uld, but new elements keep appearing to defeat him. This action-packed episode offers an intriguing premise that works much better than you might expect. The dilemma is extremely difficult, and Christopher Judge does an excellent job in portraying Teal’c’s frustrations.

This energetic story deserves 3.5 out of 5 Stargates.





Affinity
Written by: Peter DeLuise
Directed by: Peter DeLuise
Guest stars: David DeLuise as Pete Shanahan, Erica Durance as Krista, Peter Bryant as Hoskins, Gary Jones as Walter Davis
Commentary: Director Peter DeLuise and Actor/Stunt Coordinator Dan Shea

Teal’c mentioned during Lockdown that he is moving off-base to an apartment, and the payoff occurs during this unfortunately dull episode. The primary story involves a conventional love triangle with Smallville’s Erica Durance as his attractive neighbor with boyfriend problems. When violent complications ensue, Teal’c is implicated and could lose more than his apartment. Meanwhile, Pete Shanahan tries to move his relationship with Carter to the next level, which causes her to evaluate her life’s direction. The idea of Teal’c living in an apartment should be rife with comic possibilities, but instead we receive an awful and predictable plot. The Carter/Shanahan arc is slightly better, largely due to one quick but poignant moment between her and O’Neill. Even given a few interesting moments, this episode falls flat.

That Erica Durance is quite a charming lady. Even given this fact, this episode only receives 1.5 out of 5 Stargates.





Covenant
Written by: Ron Wilkerson and Robert C. Cooper
Directed by: Martin Wood
Guest stars: Charles Shaughnessy as Alec Colson, Tom O'Brien as Brian Vogler, Kendall Cross as Julia Donovan
Commentary: Director Martin Wood and Actor Amanda Tapping

After remaining a secret for many years, the Stargate program appears destined to become public knowledge thanks to the efforts of billionaire Alec Colson. This idealistic aeronautics enthusiast believes that people have a right to know that intelligent life exists outside our planet. Carter has past ties with Colson, and knows he means well, but she must convince him to stop his energetic crusade. Events become even more complicated with the revelation that the Trust, a rogue element of the intelligence community, may also be involved in thwarting his claims. The premise of humanity discovering the truth about the Stargate is compelling, and Charles Shaughnessy (The Nanny) brings an undeniable warmth to Colson. However, this story falls short of being overly memorable due to shoddy execution and some other less-than-stellar supporting performances.

This solid episode receives 3 out of 5 Stargates.





Disc Three

Kar’yn: I have chosen poorly for a husband!
Rya’c: Then perhaps I have chosen poorly as well!
(They storm off.)
Bra'tac: I can see why one must rehearse these events.

Sacrifices
Written by: Christopher Judge
Directed by: Andy Mikita
Guest stars: Jolene Blalock as Ishta, Tony Amendola as Bra'tac, Neil Denis as Rya'c, Jeff Judge as Aron, Mercedes de la Zerda as Kar'yn, Royston Innes as Moloc, Gary Jones as Walter Davis
Commentary: Director Andy Mikita

Teal’c faces some serious emotional conflicts when his son Rya’c announces his marriage to the stunning female Jaffa warrior Kar’yn. Also, Ishta returns with plans to overthrow the Goa’uld Moloc, which would not assist the larger goal of total Jaffa victory. This creates a major rift between Teal’c and Ishta, who enjoyed some romantic chemistry in the past (Birthright). Penned by Christopher Judge, this impressive story raises several key issues regarding Teal’c’s past and his relationship with his son. Jolene Blalock is more convincing this time and appears more comfortable as Ishta, which helps to generate added intrigue within this effective tale.

This moving episode receives 3.5 out of 5 Stargates.





Endgame
Written by: Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie
Directed by: Peter DeLuise
Guest stars: Brandy Ledford as Zaren, Mark Gibbon as Zel, Rob Lee as Major Pierce, Gary Jones as Walter Davis, Peter Bryant as Hoskins
Commentary: Director Peter DeLuise and Actor/Stunt Coordinator Dan Shea

In a shocking development, the Trust steals the Stargate and starts using it for extremely nefarious purposes. They believe that their cause is just and have considerable financial means, which makes it more difficult to stop them. Jackson and Carter must scramble to discover the whereabouts of the Stargate before it’s lost to them forever. Meanwhile, Teal’c investigates a string of mysterious Jaffa deaths, which could connect in some way to the Trust’s actions. This mid-season finale utilizes a surprising premise that could mean the end of the program and cause serious damage. The Trust storyline on Earth is mildly interesting, but it still falls a bit short of being executed without some hitches.

This worthy episode receives 3 out of 5 Stargates.





Gemini
Written by: Peter DeLuise
Directed by: William Waring
Guest stars: Patrick Currie as Fifth, Gary Jones as Walter Davis, Dan Shea as Sgt. Siler
Commentary: Director William Waring and Director of Photography Jim Menard

SG-1 is shocked to discover that Fifth has created a Replicator version of Carter, who contacts them in hopes of being destroyed. O’Neill and Teal’c seem to have no major issues with this course of action, but Carter has sympathy for this unnatural creation. But all is obviously not as it seems, and their new blond-haired friend may not have the SGC’s best interests at heart. This slow episode basically serves as a plot device to move the story forward towards Reckoning. Amanda Tapping does a good job playing two entirely different roles, but the Replicator Carter storyline feels recycled and is less than inspiring.

Will O’Neill still trust Carter’s judgment? This episode receives 2.5 out of 5 Stargates.





Prometheus Unbound
Written by: Damian Kindler
Directed by: Andy Mikita
Guest stars: Claudia Black as Vala, Don S. Davis as General George Hammond, Ellie Harvie as Dr. Lindsey Novak, Gary Jones as Walter Davis, Eric Breker as Colonel Reynolds, Morris Chapdelaine as Tenat
Commentary: Director Andy Mikita

Farscape star Claudia Black makes her first appearance as Vala—a fun, conniving thief who rarely tells the truth about anything. In addition, the beloved Don S. Davis returns as General Hammond to captain the Prometheus on its maiden voyage to Atlantis. Unfortunately, the appearance of a super soldier creates complications that could end things for everyone. Against O’Neill’s objections, Jackson enthusiastically has joined the trip, but events do not go as planned. Michael Shanks finds great chemistry with the charismatic Black, who plays a much different role than Aeryn Sun. While Vala will be annoying during five episodes to start the ninth season, her first appearance is a classic one. The one problem occurs with the dull Prometheus crew, especially Dr. Novak, who tries unsuccessfully to create humor with a hiccup problem.

Daniel acts really crazy in this humorous episode, which receives 3.5 out of 5 Stargates.





Disc Four

Maybourne: Jack. How long has it been?
O'Neill: Oh, since you got us stranded off-world and tried to kill me.
Maybourne: Ah. Takes me back.

It’s Good to Be King
Written by: Michael Greenburg, Peter DeLuise, Joseph Mallozzi, and Paul Mullie
Directed by: William Gereghy
Guest stars: Wayne Brady as Trelak, Tom McBeath as Harry Maybourne, Nancy Sorel as Garen
Commentary: Writer Paul Mullie

To quote Jack O’Neill, I miss being off-world. Finally, this highly entertaining story brings all four original SG-1 members together on the same planet. This episode also reunites them with the wonderful Tom McBeath as Harry Maybourne, who started out as a conventional military villain and eventually became a likable ally for O’Neill. Learning that Maybourne’s quaint village may be targeted for a Goa’uld attack, SG-1 arrives to save him. However, they quickly discover that the goofy man has become King Arkhan I and has a method for predicting the future. The result is an adventurous tale that effectively combines humor and tense action. Comedian Wayne Brady guest stars as an enemy Jaffa leader, and he is surprisingly believable. This script also effectively brings some elements from Stargate: Atlantis into play, which raises the stakes considerably.

I kept expecting Wayne Brady to break out into song while threatening our heroes. This refreshing episode deserves 4 out of 5 Stargates.





Full Alert
Written by: Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie
Directed by: Andy Mikita
Guest stars: Francoise Robertson as Captain Daria Varonakova, Garry Chalk as Colonel Chekov, Gary Jones as Walter Davis, Ronny Cox as Kinsey, Mike Dopud as Colonel Chernovshev
Commentary: Director Andy Mikita and Writer Paul Mullie

Ronny Cox has always been particularly eerie as Robert Kinsey, the power-hungry guy who was the U.S. Vice President for a short period of time. The nasty character returns here to actually ask SG-1 for help in defeating the Trust. They are attempting to escalate the animosities between Russia and the United States, possibly leading to a nuclear war. This mediocre episode is noteworthy for the changes in the Trust’s activities and for the return of Kinsey. The premise is intriguing, but the execution lacks the creative punch needed to truly sell the story.

This episode receives 2.5 out of 5 Stargates.





Citizen Joe
Written by: Robert C. Cooper and Damian Kindler
Directed by: Andy Mikita
Guest stars: Dan Castellaneta as Joe Spencer, Deborah Theaker as Sharlene
Commentary: Director Andy Mikita

A strange guy named Joe Spencer arrives at O’Neill’s house with a gun and claims that he ruined his life. This interesting premise appears to actually promise a more unique clips show, but instead we receive a sloppy recap that never really grabs you. The almost total lack of the primary actors here is understandable due to budget considerations, but the story needs a better punch. A veteran of The Simpsons, Dan Castellaneta brings the right amount of craziness to Joe, a barber from Indiana who relives all of SG-1’s adventures through a strange connection to O’Neill. This episode prepares newer viewers for the major events of the upcoming stories, but it never rises above being just passable entertainment.

Some clever in-jokes can’t save this episode, which receives 2 out of 5 Stargates.





Tolok: Are you prepared to risk our entire cause on this one action?
Teal'c: Indeed, I am.

Reckoning, Part 1
Written by: Damian Kindler
Directed by: Peter DeLuise
Guest stars: Tony Amendola as Bra'tac, Carmen Argenziano as Jacob Carter, Cliff Simon as Baal, Gary Jones as Walter Davis, Samantha Banton as Baal's Lieutenant, Mel Harris as Oma Desala, Isaac Hayes as Tolok, Jeff Judge as Aron, Dean Aylesworth as Old Anubis, Rik Kiviaho as New Anubis, Vince Crestejo as Yu the Great, Kevan Ohtsji as Yu's First Prime, Michael Shanks as Voice of Thor
Commentary: Director Peter DeLuise

Everything from the past eight seasons has been building up to this moment—the all-out battle between Earth, the Goa'uld, and the Replicators. Events begin with a major offensive from Replicator Carter and her band of nasty machines. She captures Jackson in an attempt to probe his mind for key information hidden there. Meanwhile, Teal'c and the rebel Jaffa use the opportunity to overtake Baal's outpost at Dakara. It is a great victory, but is only a single battle in a larger war. The return of a vicious enemy believed dead could mean the end for all civilization. This ambitious episode is packed with action and includes numerous important moments of emotion and surprises. Isaac Hayes guest stars as a wise Jaffa leader who offers council to Teal'c and Bra'tac.

This episode marks the beginning of a wonderful five-episode run of classic stories, and it earns 5 out of 5 Stargates.





Disc Five

Reckoning, Part 2
Written by: Robert C. Cooper and Damian Kindler
Directed by: Peter DeLuise
Guest stars: Carmen Argenziano as Jacob Carter, Tony Amendola as Bra'tac, Cliff Simon as Baal, Eric Breker as Colonel Reynolds, Gary Jones as Walter Davis, Isaac Hayes as Tolok, Jeff Judge as Aron, Dan Shea as Siler, Emy Aneke as Baal's Jaffa
Commentary: Director Peter DeLuise

The conclusion to this riveting two-part story has Carter and her father Jacob combining with Baal in a last-ditch effort to activate the only weapon that can defeat the Replicators. A gigantic space battle occurs around the planet between all three opposing groups. Meanwhile, Replicator Carter continues to probe Daniel's mind in hopes of gaining more Ancient knowledge, while he tries to stop her. O'Neill faces his own difficulties when the Replicators invade the SGC and try to reach the surface. This excellent tale includes major plot changes that will affect the series considerably and are enhanced by the upcoming entry.

Can I give a rating higher than 5 Stargates? This episode receives the greatest possible score.





Oma: Order what you want.
Jackson: Okay, I'll have the truth with a side order of clarity, please.

Threads
Written by: Robert C. Cooper
Directed by: Andy Mikita
Guest stars: Carmen Argenziano as Jacob Carter, Tony Amendola as Bra'tac, David DeLuise as Pete Shanahan, Clare Carey as Kerry Johnson, Gary Jones as Walter Davis, Cliff Simon as Baal, Isaac Hayes as Tolok, Mel Harris as Oma Desala, George Dzundza as Jim, Rik Kiviaho as Anubis
Commentary: None

All four heroes must deal with serious personal issues during this pivotal story in the entire series arc. Unfortunately, this 42-minute version is missing some of the key scenes, but it still packs an emotional wallop. Jackson sits in a diner that functions as a limbo world between ascension and death. Speaking with Oma Desala, he must decide whether to ascend again or choose his end. Carter must face both her father’s serious illness and complications with her upcoming marriage to Pete Shanahan. O'Neill has become involved in a relationship with Kerry Johnson, but his feelings may fall elsewhere. Finally, the Jaffa face an imminent threat from Anubis that could quickly halt their rebellion. This episode’s events work perfectly to push forward many of the important emotional issues of the show. The final scene provides a classic moment that should inspire cheers from devoted fans.

While the longer version is possibly the series' best episode, this shortened cut receives a lessened 4 out of 5 Stargates.





Alternate Reality Carter: Just because my reproductive organs are on the outside instead of the inside... God! That's horrible! Who would say that?!?

Moebius, Part 1
Written by: Joseph Mallozzi, Paul Mullie, Brad Wright, and Robert C. Cooper
Directed by: Peter DeLuise
Guest stars: Don S. Davis as General Hammond, David Hewlett as Rodney McKay, Colin Cunningham as Major Davis, Robert Wisden as Major Samuels, Georgia Craig as Sabrina
Commentary: Director Peter DeLuise

Following all the big moments of recent episodes, SG-1 is ready to take a much-needed break. However, Daniel discovers that a ZPM might possibly exist in Egypt. The catch is that it only is there around 3,000 B.C. O'Neill joins the trio as they journey back in time to acquire the important energy source. They must be very careful, though, as even a minor misstep can change the present. Predictably, things do not occur exactly as planned, which creates an entertaining alternate reality. This clever episode brings numerouis key figures into the picture from past seasons, including General Hammond, Major Davis, Dr. McKay, and others. In addition, SG-1 even has an encounter with Ra, the villain from the original feature film.

Time travel creates all types of fun possibilities, which helps this episode to receive 4.5 out of 5 Stargates.





Moebius, Part 2
Written by: Joseph Mallozzi, Paul Mullie, Brad Wright, and Robert C. Cooper
Directed by: Peter DeLuise
Guest stars: David Hewlett as Dr. McKay, Don S. Davis as General Hammond, Peter Williams as Apophis, Alessandro Juliani as Katep, Jay Acovone as Kawalsky, Sina Najafi as Egyptian boy
Commentary: Director Peter DeLuise

Carter and Jackson join O'Neill and our old pal Kawalsky for a mission to Chulak, but the plan goes awry when Apophis captures them. In a last-ditch effort, the team must again travel to the past in hopes of saving the unfortunate alterations to the timeline. This season finale includes some wonderful moments that would have lead to a near-perfect series end. Familiar faces like Peter Williams and Jay Acovone remain nicely suited to their roles and connect the story effectively to the show’s first episode. Stargate SG-1 did continue this past summer in its ninth season, but this entry marked the last hurrah for the original four members.

No one can replace Richard Dean Anderson. This episode receives 4.5 out of 5 Stargates.



Rating for Style: A
Rating for Substance: A-

 

Image Transfer

	One
Aspect Ratio	1.78:1 - Widescreen
Original Aspect Ratio	yes
Anamorphic	yes

Image Transfer Review: Stargate SG-1: Season 8 offers yet another remarkable group of transfers, presented in the 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen format. The amount of grain is surprisingly minimal considering its television origins, and the colors appear with sparkling brightness. The impressive visual effects of the premiere and late-season episodes spring well from the screen and help to create a believable environment.

Image Transfer Grade: A-
 

Audio Transfer

	Language	Remote Access
DS 2.0	French	yes
Dolby Digital 5.1	English	yes

Audio Transfer Review: This collection includes a powerful 5.1-channel Dolby Digital transfer on each episode that should please the show's devoted fans. The rear speakers are utilized very effectively, with music and effects coming from the entire sound field. It's unusual to hear this type of complexity from a television transfer, which makes this track even more worthwhile.

Audio Transfer Grade: A- 

Disc Extras

Static menu
Scene Access with 100 cues and remote access
Subtitles/Captions in English, French, Spanish
1 Documentaries
5 Featurette(s)
19 Feature/Episode commentaries by cast and crew on all episodes except for Threads
Packaging: Box Set
Picture Disc
6 Discs
1-Sided disc(s)
Layers: dual

Extra Extras:

1. Photo galleries

Extras Review: Stargate SG-1: Season 8 offers an impressive collection of extra features, but it feels thrown together and falls short of the high standards of previous season releases. A primary example of this approach is the shorter version of Threads and the lack of extras for this pivotal tale. The following sections describe each included extra in detail:

Cast and Crew Commentaries (19 episodes)
Beginning with the four season, each Stargate SG-1 DVD release offered a commentary with every episode. This collection almost matches that total, but inexplicably has no offering for Threads. Did the producers refuse to discuss the shorter version? Did the DVD creators run out of time? This answer is unknown, but the episode's exclusion puts a damper on everything. Also, these commentaries often include a single participant, which rarely occurred in the past. On the positive side, the participants still offer a wealth of information about each episode, which makes listening to them a worthwhile endeavor.

Beyond the Gate: An Air Force Experience with Richard Dean Anderson (12:42)
This feature includes footage from Richard Dean Anderson's appearance at the 57th Annual Airforce Association Anniversary Dinner. The down-to-earth star is charming while speaking to the military crowd, who award him with a prestigious honor. The last actor to receive this recognition was Jimmy Stewart in 1987. We also follow Anderson as he visits with leaders and injured soldiers.

SG-1 Director's Series: Avatar (9:08)
Director Martin Wood provides some of the best commentaries, but he spends too much time offering dull plot summary during this short feature. We do observe the fun atmosphere on the set through shots of Amanda Tapping and other crew members preparing for the shots.

SG-1 Director's Series: Covenant (8:04)
Martin Wood returns again for a much-better featurette that actually gives close insights into the production process. We receive an interesting look at the use of the Thor character during one scene in O'Neill's office. Another sequence involves Tapping and Charles Shaughnessy inside the X-302 and presents the filming and final scenes next to each other on the screen.

Super Soldier: The Making of a Monster (14:57)
Considering the limited screen time for super soldiers during the eighth season, this inclusion is questionable. However, this feature provides an impressive amount of worthwhile information. Executive Producer Robert C. Cooper discusses the origins for the super soldier and the need for this type of enemy. Art Director James Robbins also appears to present some impressive color drawings and models. The closing moments showcase actor Dan Payne, who plays every super soldier depicted in the series.

Beyond the Gate: A Convention Experience with Christopher Judge (13:54)
This light-hearted featurette presents Judge's experience on the convention scene. He strolls confidently across the stage and takes questions from the adoring fans. Judge has lots of fun discussing the conventions and the devoted people who attend them.

Director's Series: Reckoning (16:49)
It's unfortunate that this collection only includes three Director's Series featurettes. This longer behind-the-scenes includes plenty of interesting and entertaining moments from Director Peter DeLuise and the key cast and crew members. They discuss the acting styles, CGI effects, various props, and an array of other aspects of the two-part episode. We also view a happy birthday song for Tony Amedola (Bra'tac), which showcases the set's family atmosphere.

Photo Galleries
Each of the five discs includes a solid collection of photographs separated into typical pictures and production design images.

Extras Grade: A-
 

Final Comments

Stargate SG-1: Season 8 is the last season that includes star Richard Dean Anderson, and its final five episodes give him an excellent farewell. Currently airing in its ninth season and renewed for a tenth, this classic series is showing no signs of ending anytime soon. Even though it does miss a few times, this collection of interesting stories deserves a strong recommendation. Hopefully MGM will resolve the problems with Threads soon and give the fans the release they truly deserve.

Dan Heaton 2005-11-02