Columnist Jason Davis gives the Season Nine Premiere an A-
Davis’ review leans toward characterization rather than storyline, and with that in mind, rates Stargate SG-1‘s Season Nine premiere highly. One of Davis’ greatest concerns about the sci-fi series going into its ninth season is that it would become like X-Files and lose the opportunity to change direction and make the show last. Davis’ opening question, “Could it be that one series has actually learned from the mistakes of another?” It appears he believes that Stargate SG-1 not only learned from X-Files‘s downfall, but, “With a little, luck, part two will keep up the good work and STARGATE SG-1 will boldly set a new record for American SF TV longevity…”
Davis’ thoughts about the actors and their roles are very complimentary. Concerning Jack’s appearance with his replacement Hank Landry, played by Beau Bridges, and his very small visit to an injured Mitchell in his hospital room, he writes, “Wisely, Richard Dean Anderson’s guest appearance as Jack O’Neill was a subdued visit to the periphery of the story that didn’t step on the primary narrative, but clearly was appropriate for the episode.” He adds, “Sensible heads will keep Jack involved without upstaging those who have succeeded him.”
As for the new characters and their actors, Davis observed, “Speaking of Lt. Col. Mitchell and Maj. Gen. Landry, could the series ask for better relief actors to arrive so late in the day? Ben Browder, though still exuding a bit of Uncharted Territories wormhole wrangler, is immediately agreeable as Mitchell and his disappointment at finding his new assignment bereft of personnel is at once disheartening and amusing. Bridges, as the no-nonsense Landry, follows in a long line of career TV military men who’d rather not know from alien menaces, but quickly have to face the extraordinary nature of their new duties. Both men are in fine form throughout the hour and bode well for the continuation of the series. Similarly memorable is Claudia Black’s guest appearance as Vala. Quite a distance from FARSCAPE’s Aeryn Sun, Vala truly shows off the actor’s range and wisely arrays her considerable talents against those of Michael Shanks, who endures them much as Sun used to suffer Crichton. Her exclamation of “Let’s make babies!,” her disappointment in Jackson’s sexual prowess, and the hilarious stab at Browder and Shank’s physical resemblance are comedic high points that will be hard to top.”
Read the full review here
9.01 “Avalon Part 1” Episode Guide
Poll&Views thread on SG1Solutions Fan Forum
[Thanks to Sueb45 for the tip — DeeKayP]