Stargate SG-1 - Season 9 [DVD]

I was lucky enough to be able to watch this ninth season of `Stargate: S.G.1' in conjunction with the second `Stargate: Atlantis' season and while Atlantis continues to be an enjoyable, engrossing and genre-experimenting addition to the original, for me this ninth season proves that the big boys (and girl) are still S.G.1 and reigning supreme as they approach their tenth year on our screens.

`Avalon, Part 1' is a weak season opener, especially for new kid on the block Ben Browder, as it doesn't inspire the viewer with much confidence in this replacement for veteran cheeky-chappy Richard Dean Anderson. However, as the season progresses the character is definitely fleshed out more and he soon fits in nicely with the tightly-knit S.G.1 team. However, the bottom line is that this is still a character who bares a striking similarity in disposition to Browder's other well-known TV personality- Farscape's John Crichton- with that same irreverent humour and easy-going attitude, but it's a style that clearly works for Browder and it's difficult not to find that likeable (eventually). Beau Bridges' introduction is made with equally little fanfare, but his character is one who I found myself liking more readily- he approaches the role of the General of the base differently to Don S. Davis, with more of an everyman approach, although he never hesitates to exert the full force of his office against unfriendly aliens, or humans when required.

Largely thanks to the development of this season's main story-arc with the introduction of God-wannabes the Ori and their powerful minions known as Priors, this ninth season becomes surprisingly mesmerising in very short order. Beginning with the concluding part and then into episode 3- `Origin', this season soon establishes itself as one of the best `Stargate: S.G.1' offerings in years. The use of Arthurian legend in this season is spread pretty thickly in the beginning and had me worried that this fantasy element might not work in a predominantly science-fiction-oriented series, but very soon the parallels the writers draw between the Arthurian myth and the familiar Stargate set-up, become very inventive and come to work surprisingly well at contrasting against the new and growing force of evil spreading through the galaxy. In the first five episodes that other recognizable `Farscape' regular Claudia Black and her seductively disobedient alter-ego Vala are another reason to be enchanted by this season. Vala brings such humour and life to the series that I was really disappointed when she parted company with S.G.1, despite the welcome return of Sam Carter following her brief career change. Thankfully Vala returns towards the end of the season and here's hoping it's not the last we see of her.

This season's other major success is in its stand-alone stories that continue to present unique, punchy and creative sci-fi ideas to its audience. In particular episode 9- `Prototype' and episode 13- `Ripple Effect' are a couple of my favourites, the first of which concerns the discovery of a prodigy of Anubis frozen on a distant planet and the second has multiple S.G.1 teams pouring through the Stargate from diverse alternate realities (high jinks ensue), both of which had me glued to my seat. As with many previous seasons of `S.G.1' a lot of development in the main story-arc is left to the last ten minutes of the final episode, only to leave the viewer with an excruciating cliff-hanger to be endured until the release of the tenth season on DVD. I love it!

Okay, so the Goa'uld are finally defeated, along with the Replicators, and the Jaffa have gained their freedom, bringing the Milky Way into a state of peace, or as our heroes find out, not a long-lasting one as an offshot group of the Ancients (The Gatebuilders), ascended and forcing many into a religious cult or else they will die, and they are called the Ori, the deadliest foes yet.

Richard Dean Anderson sadly retired from the series as a main character, and he is replaced by Ben Browder of Farscape fame, those hearing about this now and worrying about it, don't, as Ben is a talented actor and you quickly care for his character, Cameron Mitchell. Another temporary shock is that Amanda Tapping is absent in the first few eps of this season (Due to having a child), but her boots are filled in by ANOTHER Farscape veteran, Claudia Black.

Not to worry, this show does not become 'Fargate', it still shares the same quality writing, as a whole new can of worms is opened up for writers to use, and even new writers come in, such as Alan Macolough who writes several eps, all of which are highly memorable. But not a single bad or boring episode is in sight.

Extras are plenty too, with commentaries brimming along with behind the scenes footage for fans to enjoy, so please do as another season of pure Stargate goodness is in your hands.

Since I have the other box sets I had to have this one. I hadn't seen all of the episodes including the finale. When I did see them all I was cheered up. Although some may say that Ben Browders replacement of Anderson was just a way to add a new and younger version of the O'Neill character I for one dont. He adds his own spin on SG-1's leader even going as far as to admit he is certainly now replacement for O'Neill.

Vala is by far the funniest character with her unusual look on life and not to mention the sarcastic yet expected jokes she and Mitchell have proved to be good gambles.

Another replacement is the General Landry bringing back the spirit of General Hammond and yet again some new ways of how to deal with Stargate Command. Critics would say that this show should have ended in the 7th season but with the new enemy 'the ori' we now learn more about the Ancients and how they lived.

In keeping with tradition, old myths are given a new spin with Camelot, Arthur and Merlin having a makeover this time. We also learnt that even the ascended are not safe and the realistic threat of disease is finally realised.

The box set designs have once again changed (I have no idea why they keep changing)and I was unfortunate to have a mis-print on the cover of my 3rd disc and the outer box with regards to episode line-ups. (3 episodes were in the wrong order yet correctly played on the disc).

I enjoyed this season and its good to learn more about those that played heavily in our own evolution. Sadly with the ever looming ending that would be the 10th season I rest in peace knowing that with the addition of season 9 to my collection was and is well worth the money I paid.