Reviews (5)

Great season, transfer and extras still lacking
Law and Order's third season is the beginning of the golden years of the show, six or seven seasons in which this became one of the best crime shows ever.Part of it is the plots, but a larger part is the addition of Jerry Orbach to add both character and humor to a narrowly written role.The show itself is 5 stars, but I knock off a star for yet another season in which the transfers and extras leave something to be desired.Still, very much worth buying.

What makes this season golden?Nostalgia for the early 1990s helps, with big hair, Times Square full of strip clubs, crime labs using old IBM 386 computers, colored shirts and narrow ties, and a general feeling that a far more gritty New York made a better backdrop for a crime show than today's sanitized version.

Some of it is the writing and source material.Episodes include the standard ripped-from-the-headlines stories - Tailhook (Conduct Unbecoming), sweatshop workers (Wedded Bliss), doctors assaulting patients (Helpless, Promises to Keep), drug smuggling rings (Consultation), hackers (Virus) - but one reason the first few seasons are more robust is that they had just started to scratch the surface of historical crimes, like a restaging of the Malcolm X murder (Conspiracy) and a medical device company scandal (The Corporate Veil).This means that while the bang-bang plot advancement really comes into its own this season after a couple of years of slower episodes, the writers don't have to resort to cheap plot tricks to keep things interesting.Routine false leads and judges throwing out evidence every episode can wait for the formulaic later years.I also particularly like several of the non-Hollywood endings, like Prince of Darkness ("What happened to the little girl?" "She was picked up at school by her uncle.""She doesn't have an uncle.")

But a larger part is the acting.With the mid-season addition of Orbach - who plays first-year Briscoe a bit more troubled and edgy than in later years - the Law side of the series finally has two actors that don't think that playing an NYPD detective is beneath their talent.Briscoe's trademark wisecrack helps ("They brought the hookers in?I thought they were on the room service menu"), but there's a chemistry between Orbach and Noth that makes the makes plots come to life.In addition, several of the regular guest stars (Tovah Feldshuh and Lorraine Toussant as memorable defense attorneys, Leslie Hendrix's first appearances as the irascible medical examiner) add life to the show in their brief roles.Finally, one fun part of watching the early years are the stars who have gone on to bigger careers: Claire Danes, Edie Falco, Sam Rockwell, Gloria Foster (the oracle from the Matrix), Desperate Housewife Felicity Huffman, Alias' Ron Rifkin, ER's Paul McCrane and Julianna Margulies.

As I have for the first two season sets, I take a star off for transfers and extras that aren't up to the quality of the show. I have mixed opinions about cheaply producing double sided DVDs in three slim cases without any written material, but at least it takes less space on my shelf.Transfer quality is in fact better than the first two seasons, but it's clear remastering was cursory as there is still periodic flecking.After no extras in the first two seasons, at least this set includes some.However, they're still disappointing especially after the long delay in putting this out.The 8 deleted scenes don't add much, although we finally see one of Briscoe's brassy middle aged girlfriends (for the only time in the series!)A five minute interview with and six minute tribute to Orbach by fellow stars doesn't even include the master of ceremonies of his celebration, Sam Waterston; they would have been better served just putting a copy of that on the DVD instead of getting Trial By Jury actors on the profound effect his 4 episodes with them had on their careers.What the series really needs is interviews with writers and actors on the various episodes.At least they don't include an ad as they did in the first year.

However, this is very much worth picking up for Law and Order fans.I just wish if Universal is going to price something at a premium that viewers can watch for free on basic cable, they'd at least add premium content.Maybe next season.

Great as Usual
Terrific show as usual. They also improved in my opinion on the dvd case which now has three individual slim cases for each disc. Enough can't be said about this show, but, I'm partial to it being a Criminal Justice major...but the show is good as always..I just hope they speed up the release of the next seasons.

Law & Order: The Early Years, The Best Years!
Law & Order is my favorite series, possibly of all-time because there have always been great characters and a great cast with fantastic writing to drive it forward.The early seasons are the best, and the third year gives us a little more Paul Sorvino until about 1/3 of the way into the season.This is when the beloved Jerry Orbach joined the cast, and gave us 11 years of television memories.This season has my favorite line up with Orbach, Chris Noth, Dann Florek, Michael Moriarty, Richard Brooks, and Steven Hill.TNT has aired several third season episodes lately, and I can't wait to see these all sharp, clear, and cleaned up on DVD instead of the old muggy broadcast versions.The first and second seasons look fantastic on DVD, and horrible on television - get these sets!

Also, this set features never before seen deleted scenes which ought to be a special treat for every fan along with the Jerry Orbach featurettes.I have a lot of favorite episodes in this season, and I will cherish this set just as I have all my other law & Order DVD sets (I've probably watched the first two seasons dozens of times already).

-NJM

The best season of Law & Order
The third season of Law & Order found Detective Mike Logan (Chris Noth) assigned another new partner in the sardonic Lenny Briscoe (Jerry Orbach), who would become the face of the series for eleven more seasons.The interplay between Briscoe and Logan is one of many highlights of the third season of Law & Order, as characters became more developed (such as Dann Florek's Captain Cragen) and the cases and investigations take twisting turns when the viewer least expects it; something that many cop/crime dramas have imitated throughout the years.However, this would be the last season for original cast members Florek and Richard Brooks, as the revolving cast door of Law & Order began to spin more than ever before.All in all, it's nice to finally have these episodes on DVD, and series afficiondos should consider this landmark season a must own.

Its good there putting the older seasons on DVD
Law & Order's early seasons were really the best. In The third season you have Jerry Orbach coming into the show.All these episodes are great becuase i have seen many of them before.The Dvd is finally being released after a long wait after the 2nd season. The 15th season which is still on NBC on wedsnday is going to have a DVD release as i have heard.Also the New Law
& Order TrialBy Jury is going to be out on Dvd. Law & Order and all its other series are absolutly the best ... Read more

Description

Includes CSI Seasons 1-4 ... Read more

Amazon.com

With the release of Wiseguy on DVD, one of the best TV series of the 1980s gets a new lease on life. Long before Donnie Brasco brought similar drama to the big screen, Ken Wahl brought charisma, credibility, and chutzpah to his small-screen role as Vincent Terranova, a handsome 30-year-old agent with the FBI's Organized Crime Bureau. As conceived by cocreators Stephen Cannell (of The Rockford Files and The A-Team fame) and Ken Lupo, Wiseguy followed an innovative "story-arc" structure, allowing Vinnie's deep-cover missions to last only as long as necessary to bring each case to a sensible conclusion. Since copied by countless TV shows, this unique approach to storytelling attracted a devoted following of viewers addicted to the self-contained plots that forced Vinnie, his sourpuss OCB handler Frank McPike (Jonathan Banks), and disabled covert liaison Dan "Lifeguard" Burroughs (played by double-amputee Jim Byrnes) to achieve their objectives within 6 to 10 hourlong episodes.

Season 1, Part 1--the first of six Wiseguy DVD sets--includes the entire nine-episode arc (plus pilot) in which Vinnie infiltrates the New Jersey mob family of Sonny Steelgrave, a silk-suited kingpin played by Ray Sharkey in his finest TV role. Their brotherly relationship poses a moral dilemma for Vinnie (giving the arc its dramatic core and primary source of suspense), and Wiseguy earned its reputation as a well-written series that favored character-driven tension while providing the requisite pulp fiction (i.e. occasional murder and mayhem) that kept viewers and advertisers happy. While the DVD packaging gives bogus equal billing to Annette Bening (who appears here in one pivotal episode), her pre-stardom appearance is indicative of the show's consistently high standards in writing, casting, and stylish direction. The styles may be dated (including poodle-puff hairdos for women, including Bening), but there's not a weak episode in the bunch, including the stand-alone shows (involving domestic crises for McPike and Burroughs) that allowed character growth beyond the story-arc structure.

After the intense "Sonny Steelgrave" arc of first-season episodes, the producers of Wiseguy faced the challenge of topping themselves, and they did it by casting a relatively unknown New York stage actor named Kevin Spacey, who proceeded to chew up the scenery as only a future Oscar®-winner could. But Spacey's not the only reason for the giddy success of the "Mel Profitt" arc, which finds OCB agent Vinnie Terranova (Ken Wahl) teaming up with sociopathic assassin Roger Lococco (William Russ) in an effort to infiltrate the global drugs-and-guns empire of the Proffitt siblings Mel (Spacey), a "manic-depressive genius with acute paranoia," and his codependent sister Susan (Joan Severance), who keeps her incestuously devoted brother happy by injecting home-brewed narcotics between his toes (hence giving Spacey his trademark line, "Only the toes knows!").

TV audiences in 1988 had never seen such a twisted sibling relationship, and there's plenty of eccentric chemistry between Spacey and then-newcomer Severance, who later developed a loyal male following as a B-movie sexpot. Completing their triangle of terror is Russ, playing Lococco as a tormented Vietnam vet with a massive chip on his shoulder, luring Vinnie into a life of luxury and lethal behavior, thus complicating matters considerably for Vinnie's covert handlers McPike (Jonathan Banks) and Lifeguard (Jim Byrnes), who grow increasingly worried as Vinnie gains Mel Profitt's hard-won trust. The quality of these 12 episodes remains consistently high as the Profitts reach "psychotic critical mass," leading to Mafia connections and a new direction for Vinnie's loving mother (well-played by Elsa Raven). Through it all, Wahl (who proves himself a man of few words in a sparse one-episode commentary) maintains his strong presence as a leading man, generously allowing Spacey's rising star to shine. Wiseguy still had some highlights in its future, but the "Mel Profitt" arc represents the series at its best. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wiseguy - Change in themes
I just finished the Sonny Steelgrave arc and was disappointed with only one thing. In the last episode of the Arc, when Sonny and Vinnie are in the theater, they changed the background music from the original. They kept Good Lovin', but replaced Nights in White Satin with some nondescript instrumental track. Other than that, the set was great! ... Read more

Reviews (65)

Videophile Bonus
All 3 episodes on DVD are actually high resolution, anamorphic/ 16:9 widescreen enhanced - the preferred format for High Definition TV sets. This was a special treat, as the storage case does not even list this! (the "technical info" notes here at Amazon incorrectly lists it as 4:3 aspect ratio).

The films themselves are a "must-have" for any Stargate or SG1 fan, & are a good way to introduce non-fans to the series.

The Jack O'Neil & Daniel Jackson characters are portrayed especially well, & are far more satisfying than their counterparts in the original 1994 movie. Richard Dean Anderson in particular brings a welcome bit of humour to the role - O'Neil isn't the one dimensional semi-suicidal tough guy of the 94 movie.

StarGate is right up there w/ X-Files!
I also have to admit that I haven't bought the video, but I have seen this 2 hr. episode. It was such a turn in Sci-Fi television for Showtime, that I haven't missed an episode since it's air date on June 27th, 1997! If you enjoy this movie, be sure to check out the rest of the series!! Their ideas are fantastic. Great add-on to the movie, with a stellar cast of WONDERFUL people, including Mr. Anderson, Michael Shanks, Chris Judge and Amanda Tapping. The only reason I haven't bought this video is the price. Mind knocking it down about $20?! What's the big deal w/ it?!? Is it imported?

A decent movie is turned into a pretty good TV series
I have stumbled across "Stargate SG-1" on cable television from time to time and so it was a real treat to go back to the beginning and see how Showtime was able to turn a moderately successful science fiction film into a very good science fiction television series. There is a special edition version of the 1995 theatrical film starring Kurt Russell and James Spader so even if you have seen it before you can refresh your memory as to what happened and get some added scenes as well.

The pilot movie, "Children of the Gods" (Written by Jonathan Glassner and Brad Wright, Aired July 1997) has General Hammond (Don S. Davis from "Twin Peaks") dragging Colonel Jack O'Neill (Richard Dean Anderson in the Russell role) back for one "last" mission through the Stargate. Since the huge, shimmering ring of glowing matter that allows instant transportation between different worlds could be used by the evil Egyptian-like aliens to use to Earth, it was supposedly destroyed. But there is now evidence that Dr. Daniel Jackson (Michael Shanks in the Spader role) might still be alive (a great use of Kleenex by the way). The pilot takes O'Neill and his team back to Abydos, where they have a confrontation with the Goa'ulds, who are now led by Apophis (Peter Williams), a Ra-wannabee. What makes this a good pilot is that not only does it assemble what will be the SG-1 team, adding Captain Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping), a theoretical astrophysicist, and Teal'c (Christopher Judge), a high-ranking Jaffa for Apophis who defects to the humans, but it establishes several elements for the series that can be exploited down the line. 5 Stargates.

Consequently, the first season of "Stargate SG-1" offers a blend of episodes that have the quartet visiting new worlds through the Stargate and those that deal with the continuing evil efforts of Apophis and the Goa'ulds. Many times, even if the Jaffa are not running around, the have had an impact on the planet being visited.

Episode 1, "The Enemy Within" (Written by Brad Wright, Aired August 1, 1997) is basically a continuation of the pilot with one of O'Neill's officers and friends, Major Charles Kawalksy (Jay Acavone), the host of one of the Goa'uld larvae. The contrast here is between a friend being turned into a traitor against his will by one parasite while Teal'c has to prove his loyalty. The attempt to get the larvae out of Kawalsky continues the theme in the pilot of making the conflict with the Goa'uld extremely personal for O'Neill. 5 Stargates.

Episode 2, "Emancipation" (Written by Kathryn Powers, Aired August 8, 1997) sends the SG-1 crew back out through the Stargate and makes it clear that each trip to a new planet is usually going to confront them with a people who are not as technologically advanced (there are a couple of key exceptions in season one). This episode also establishes that most of the people they are going to encounter come form Earth stock, such as the Shavadai, a tribe related to the Mongols, on the planet Simarka. The Shavadai consider women to be inferior, which means Carter is in for a series of rude shocks. The plot is rather predictable, but the episode does have its comic aspects and shows that Carter can hold her own with the boys both in terms of cracking jokes and fighting her way out of duel to the death. 4 Stargates.

Even if you never saw or were not overly enamored of the original "Stargate" film, if you make it through these first three episodes (keeping in mind the pilot is basically a movie) you will be impressed enough to move on to the next volume. I would encourage you to keep going because you should get seriously hooked on this series by the time you get to the fourth volume, let along the season-ending cliffhanger in volume five.

Let me put it to you this way. The first season of "Stargate SG-1" is a lot better than the first season of "Star Trek: The Next Generation," and you know how good that series got. It is also helping me avoiding suffering serious withdrawl from the end of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."

a must
If you love stargate, you must own this DVD with the pilot. What more is there to say?

A Must See for Late Comers
Not everyone who loves Star Gate has watched it from the begining. If you're one of those late comers then this DVD is a must-see. It answers numerous questions of the who-how-whys behind the characters and especially the ever-mysterious Te'alc. While none of these episodes are ones you'll want to see more than once, everyone needs to see them at least once.
1) Children of the Gods, the made for TV pilot, brings back Daniel's wife Shar-rae and O'Neill's (with 2 L's) friend Scara, and sets the stage for the Daniel's constant search in later episodes for his lost wife.
2) The Enemy Within, answers more questions about the symbiote/host relationship.
3) Emancipation, a typical shallow 1st season episode, assumeably meant to build up Capt(Maj) Carter's character. Good casual watching & one of the rare episodes that is safe for younger viewers. Bonus points if you can identify the actor in this episode who later played a major voice character in a Disney animated classic. ... Read more

Amazon.com

You have to love a TV program whose titles alone manage to evoke the Oldand New Testaments ("The First Commandment" and "Cold Lazarus," respectively),Shakespeare ("Brief Candle"), Norse mythology ("Thor's Hammer"), and more--andthose are just four of the episodes contained on this, the second disc ofStargate SG-1's first season. Yet, while stories dealing with the natureof fear ("Thor's Hammer"), the value of enjoying life, no matter how short("Brief Candle"), and other weighty issues certainly offer the potential forpretension, these largely manage to steer clear of it. As usual, the creatorshave spent their money on special effects rather than a lot of elaborate sets orenormous action pieces; there's also a refreshing emphasis on the stories, withtheir elements of humor, suspense, drama, and emotional resonance. Each episodehas a menu for selecting the different scenes; DVD bonus features are limited tolanguage and subtitle choices, along with a very slight, self-serving cast andcrew featurette. --Sam Graham ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Do NOT have secon thoughts about it...
Just think about it, you ae looking at a 6 stargate spisoides DVD with two of the most espectacular episoides ever shown in TV. With an outstanding storyline, audio, video and acting, the Stargate Series are becoming the next TV cult. This DVD in particular contains the episoides THE BROCA DIVIDE, THE FIRST COMMANDMENT, COLD LAZARUS, THE NOX, BRIEF CANDLE and THOR'S HAMMER. All Stargate Fans know that THE NOX and THOR'S HAMMER are two classics on the Stargate Series (crucial for the future development of the series), and if you don't know the story, this is your chance to understand why Stargate is becomming the next Star Trek (but far more better). Stargate is not only a grate "sience fiction advnture", but it also has done its reserch. Mithology and sience convine with an explosive outcome. This MGM TV Serie, goes beyond the unspectable, with more quality than series such as MGM's The Outer Limits or Poltergist. I seriously advice that you see first the Stargate SG-1 Season 1, Vol. 1: Episodes 1-3 (1997) DVD, which includes the episoides CHILDREN OF THE GODS, THE ENEMY WITHIN and EMANCIPATION, for a complete understanding of the story. You may understand it anyway, but I promise you will enjoy it better.

A great DVD for a great show.
Stargate SG1 is a great Science Fiction Adventure series featuring a great cast led by Richard Dean Anderson. Michael Shanks is actually better in the role of Daniel Jackson than James Spader was in the original movie. The special effects in the series are all top notch, and the scripts are well written. Stargate SG1 is closer in spirit to the original Star Trek series of the 60's than any of the recent Star Trek shows (that's not comparing quality, just style - although SG1 holds up very well to them quality wise). That sense of adventure from the original Star Trek series is present in SG1, but SG1 just has more modern sensibilities. The episodes on the DVD Vol 2 are all good, with Brief Candle and Thor's Hammer as standouts. This DVD is well worth buying, and I highly recommend it, but you may also want to consider the Box Set of season 1. That's a great package. But you get great value with Vol 2 on its own as well (5 episodes on this disc). Either way - BUY IT! You will not regret it.

SG-1 Box sets
great show, great special effects, great stories, great actors!
my only GRIPE, being hearing impared is that there are no english subtitles for the hearing impared!!!This is a real bummer of an oversight as most dvd's have this feature and that is the reason most hearing impared people buy dvd's. please correct this deficency promply and if possible exchange the deficient sets for us. thanks for listening.

Richard Dean Anderson proves (repeatedly) that he can act
I think it is useful to remember that when you are looking at the first season of any series that the writing staff spends a lot of time getting everything set up in the pilot and then off of the various premises they have established they start spinning off stories. This means that everybody is writing episodes without having seen any, which explains why it takes a show a while to get going after a strong pilot. You will see that this is the case in the five episodes from Season 1 of "Stargate SG-1" that are collected here on Volume 2. The results are certainly not bad as they explore some ideas basic to the premise of the series, but this series really hits stride in the second half of this first season and finishes very strongly. The biggest common denominator for this set is that most of the episodes showcase the acting ability of Richard Dean Anderson, who gets to do a lot more than crack jokes in a sardonic manner. So just keep in mind that the pilot was good, that the best is yet to come, and that these are still enjoyable episodes and one of them is very good:

Episode 4, "Broco Divide" (Written by Jonathan Glassner, Aired August 15, 1997) has SG-1 visiting a planet when the people are divided into the "Touched" and the "Untouched." When the team returns home they discover that they have contracted the disease of the "Touched," which has General Hammond (Don S. Davis) and Doctor Frasier (Teryl Rothery) in a state of near panic. Although the problem of contagion is rarely as "real" consideration in these shows, this episode does deal with the problem and gives Jack O'Neill (Richard Dean Anderson) an opporunity to get primitive. 4 Stargates.

Episode 5, "The First Commandment" (Written by Robert C. Cooper, Aired August 22, 19977) has SG-1 going off on a rescue mission for a pair of members from SG-9. The planet has sunlight that is practically lethal and has caused Captain Jonas Hanson (William Russ) to go insane. Hanson has declared himself a god and is working the natives to death in a quest for something he insists will save them all. This is one of those episodes where the idea is something that "Stargate SG-1" wants to get around to, but the fifth episode is a bit early to play this card. 3 Stargates.

Episode 6, "Brief Candle" (Story by Steven Barnes, Teleplay by Katharyn Powers, Aired September 19, 1997) is one of those episodes when our heroes show up in a paradise and discover the place is more of a hell. On this planet people live at an accelerated rate and live their lives in terms of days and not years. O'Neill becomes afflicted by the nanocytic virus that afflicts the local populace and begins to age rapidly. The question of why some aliens would think this was an ideal way for people to live becomes secondary to Anderson's performance. 4 Stargates.

Episode 7, "Cold Lazarus" (Written by Jeffery F. King, Aired August 29, 1977) is the best episode on this set. After O'Neill is injured touchign a blue crystal on a mission an alien comes through the Stargate impesonating the Colonel and goes to see his ex-wife (Harley Jane Kozak). This is one of those episodes where you wonder what is going on and the payoff to the mystery is worth the wait. 5 Stargates.

Episode 8, "Thor's Hammer" (Written by Katharyn Powers, Aired September 26, 1997) takes SG-1 to the planet Cimmeria (where Robert E. Howard's Conan the Barbarian hailed) where they encoutner a Viking-like culutre that worships Thor, god of thunder, and his big hammer. Meanwhile they meet a woman who once had a Goa'uld but it now free of the parasite, which might have some significance for Teal'c (Christopher Judge), who has an encounter with Unas, the first Goa'uld. This is an episode where the stuff about the Goa'uld is interesting but the Viking stuff is rather unnecessary. But, again, remember this is the first season and the idea that the people on the planets you can reach through the Stargate originally came from Earth thousands of years ago has all the writers picking their favorite ancient cultures. 4 Stargates.

You will notice that the airdates are out of order. I have no explanation for why this does not jive with the episode numbers presented here, but I will offer the observation that the obvious result is to put three solid acting performances by Richard Dean Anderson on this one DVD. Of course, this makes it seem like the whole point of "Stargate SG-1" is to see what they new makeup job they can make their star endure each week, but I can assure you that is not the dominant theme of the first season. I would rate this disc 4.5 stars if they would let me.

Good disc, but loses points for no extras
I won't go into a rehash of the series plot, but this disc sets up some of the later storylines. If you are a fan of the series, you need this disc. If you are just getting into the series, you need this disc.

The video quality is good, everthing looked sharp and clean when I was watching it. Likewise audio is good, but is you have a good setup you might be disappointed in only having a Dolby 2.0 audio track.

What disc fails at is in the extra's department. Having only a featurette on the disc just isn't enough anymore. Maybe a episode with a commentary track would be good, or a who's who of the universe. Something other than a long commerical for the series. One other thing that bothers me is the lack of subtitles. The only way to have them is to turn on closed captioning which is kind of annoying.

Equipment used:
Sony Playstation 2 DVD player
Phillips 21" televsion ... Read more

Amazon.com

"The Nox," considered a classic by Stargate SG-1 devotees, is the centerpiece of this, the third of five discs comprising Stargate SG-1's first season. It's not hard to see why; with its combination of theme (the futility of fighting), characters (including Apophis, the recurring Goa'uld villain, and the appealing, fairylike title race), and the usual special effects wizardry, "The Nox" has all the elements that make Stargate SG-1 a superior sci-fi/adventure show. But the other episodes included have merit as well, including "The Torment of Tantalus," about a young professor who went through the gate 50 years ago, and "Bloodlines," in which Teal'c, the former SG-1 adversary, reveals the existence of the family he left behind when he joined the good guys (the other episodes are "Fire and Water" and "Hathor"). Once again, the only disappointment is the DVD bonus features, here limited to a profile of SG-1 big shot General Hammond (played by Don Davis). --Sam Graham ... Read more

Reviews (7)

no problems for me
i did not have problems with the set it all worked fine also the episodes are great ones i highly recommend it.

A great series of personal episodes for the SG-1 crew
Volume 3 of Season 1 of "Stargate SG-1" offers up episodes 9-13 from the inaugural 1997-98 season, as the science fiction series starts to hit its stride. You will notice that one of the recurring themes in this episode is the quest of technology and/or knowledge from advanced civilizations and that several of the episodes have to do with the revelation of deep dark secrets:

Episode 9, "The Torment of Tantalus" (Written by Robert C. Cooper, Aired October 3, 1997) uncovers a story about the early days of the Stargate Project. Daniel Jackson (Michael Shanks) is going over all the old records about the Stargate when he discovers footage of someone going through the Stargate in 1945. Confronting Catherine Langford (Elizabeth Hoffman) about the incident, the SG-1 team learns that Ernest Littlefield, Catherine's fiancé, went through the Stargate and never returned. Using computer enhancements SG-1 is able to go re-dial the location and go there, with Catherine, to see if they can find out what happened to Ernest. What they find is Ernest (Keene Curtis), which is good news, and a broken Stargate that will prevent them from returning, which is bad news. Meanwhile, Ernest shows Dr. Jackson the marvelous wonders left by alien races. 4.5 Stargates.

Episode 10, "Bloodlines" (Story by Mark Saraceni, Teleplay by Jeff King, Aired October 10, 1997) has Teal'c (Christopher Judge) revealing to his SG-1 teammates that he left a family behind on Chulak when he joined them. He kept the secret because he did not want them to doubt his loyalty. But now his son, Rya'c has reached the age at which he will be given his Goa'uld larva, and Teal'c wants to stop this from happening. General Hammond (Don S. Davis) allows SG-1 to go to Chulak, with the provision that they bring back a Goa'uld larva that can be studied. When they get to Chulac they discover that Teal'c's family has been declared outcasts and the news just keeps getting worse from there. Certainly a very personal story for Teal'c, it only heightens the sacrifice he made in betraying Apophis. 5 Stargates.

Episode 11, "Fire and Water" (Written by Brad Wright, Aired October 17, 1997) finds SG-1 returning from the planet Oannes almost immediately after leaving on a mission, but without Dr. Jackson, who was apparently consumed by flames. While Stargate has a funeral service for their friend, Jackson is being held captive by a creature called Nem, who is looking for information about his partner, who apparently lived in ancient Babylon. Daniel learns he and Nem have something important in common while the rest of the SG-1 team cannot shake the feeling that Jackson is not really dead. The only real problem with this episode is that it suffers in comparison to the rest of what is on this DVD. 4 Stargates.

Episode 12, "The Nox" (Written by Hart Hanson, Aired September 12, 1997) has the government really pushing the Stargate Project to show results in discovering and bringing back superior alien technology. Teal's suggests they visit a planet where the locals, the Fenri, have the power of invisibility. But when they arrive there they find the Goa'uld are there for the same reason, led by Apophis (Peter Williams) himself. Colonel O'Neill (Richard Dean Anderson) tries to ambush the Goa'ulds, but only succeeds in getting the SG-1 team killed. However, this does not prove to be a problem to the Nox, the strange creatures who also live there and whose leader Anteaus (Armin Shimerman), seems totally unconcerned by the threat of Apophis and his warriors. This is simply a classic episode, although I have to admit you would think O'Neill had watched enough "Star Trek" episodes to know that simple folk on alien planets are not always simple folk. 5 Stargates.

Episode 13, "Hathor" (Story by David Bennett Carren and J. Larry Carroll, Teleplay by Jonathan Glassner, Aired October 24, 1997) has everyone going back to their Egyptian mythology to recall that Ra had a wife named Hathor. In this episode she shows up in the flesh (Suanne Braun), discovered in a sarcophagus covered in Egyptian hieroglyphics found in a Mayan pyramid in Mexico. Making her way to the Stargate Project where she proceeds to quickly set herself up as a queen bee. While O'Neill, Jackson, Hammond and the other boys turn into dutiful and obedient worker bees and soldier bees, Captain Carter (Amanda Tapping) and Dr. Frasier (Teryl Rothery) have to come to the rescue the base from the evil seductress, aided by Teal'c. I really like the Girl Power aspects of this episode, which benefits from having a pretty good villainess. 5 Stargates.

These five episodes continue to prove that "Stargate SG-1" was one of the finest first seasons for a science fiction series in television history. The writers do a great job of taking the initial premises and key elements of the series and coming up with good plot lines to play out in each episode. By the time you get to Volume 3 from this first season you will be hooked big time (especially since Volume 4 is even better).

How do I get a replacement for Volume 3?
I have nothing but good things to say about Stargate SG-1. My gripe is the missing voice of Aphophis in the episode "The Nox". Can anyone out there tell me if there is a way to get a replacement for it? I can afford to replace it, but why should I have to pay for something that should have been right to start with.

Wouldn't even play
I love the series and would love to see these episodes again. Unfortunately the DVD wouldn't even play. I tried it in three different players and it didn't work in any of them. The only signal I got was a "no disc" signal after the disc supposedly got done loading. I have the other four DVDs from Season 1 and have problems with Vol. 5, also.

The best sampling from Year One
If you are not very familiar with Stargate SG-1, you may not want to splurge on the whole boxed set. If you just want to dip a toe in the water, this individual DVD is probably the best of the group. "The Nox" is considered a classic, but I always thought "Torment of Tantalus" had a good story and good guest actors. "Fire and Water" seemed a little hokey with the alien makeup, but repeat viewings have shown me that the character studies of the SG team are quite good. "Hathor" is an unconventional baddie who will recur in the future. It lets the doctor step out of her bedside manner role. "Bloodlines" not only provides good background for the Goa'uld culture; it lets Christopher Judge do more than arch an eyebrow.

You'll need to buy the boxed set to get the whole pilot-thru-cliffhanger experience (recommended!), but as a sampler, this one probably the best example of how the series makes good use of the stargate premise and lets the team members have real dimension. ... Read more

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Hollywood's film archives overflow with the carcasses of dismal movies based on lame '60s and '70s television shows, a syndrome that shows no sign of abating. But here's evidence that the reverse effect, turning a movie into a TV series, can have surprisingly positive results. Indeed, Stargate SG-1 is not only significantly better than the 1994 feature it's derived from, but arguably the best-made, most compelling sci-fi program on television.

The central conceit of the original Stargate--the existence of an artificially created "wormhole" through which one can travel to different worlds light years away from Earth--was an intriguing one. In seizing on the obvious possibilities for expanding on that premise, series executive producers-writers Jonathan Glassner and Brad Wright smartly retained some of the film's basic elements (its amalgam of myth and theoretical hokum, or the ongoing clash of wills between scientists and soldiers), while adding a variety of fresh ideas (including new characters, new locations, and a welcome dose of humor, much of it supplied by Richard Dean Anderson, MacGyver himself, who replaces Kurt Russell in the central role of Colonel Jack O'Neill). The result is a show with multidimensional heroes and villains and consistently compelling story lines (many of them introduced in the pilot and carried forward through subsequent episodes) balancing excellent special effects and production values.

In the second season, "The Serpent's Lair" concludes the cliffhanger from the end of the first season in a rollercoaster of wit, plot twists, and cutting-edge special effects as the SG-1 team resign themselves to a suicide mission. In the two-parter "The Tok'ra," Sam's estranged father is dying of cancer, but her obligations sway her toward saving a member of the Goa'uld renegade Tok'ra who is also dying. In "Show and Tell," the central story arc takes a dramatic turn when a child arrives to warn that some survivors of a Goa'uld attack are determined to eliminate anyone who might host their enemy--which means Earth as a whole.

To resolve the season 2 cliffhanger, General Hammond rounds up every conceivable ally to rescue the SG-1 team from Hathor's clutches and gets a much-needed field trip in the process. In subsequent episodes in season 3, Daniel Jackson is intrigued by the planet Orban's scientific advances over only a few years. In a two-part cliffhanger, Sam must attempt to rescue her father, face Satan himself on a prison moon, and resurrect "Jolinar's Memories" from the Goa'uld she was briefly possessed by, then "The Devil You Know" reveals an embarrassing secret that could allow the team to escape the clutches of Satanic Sokar.

It wasn't until the beginning of the fourth season that fans knew to take the Replicator threat seriously. The spidery nasties had only seemed like one of many new enemies introduced in previous years. But when the one seemingly omnipotent backbone of the galaxy was asking Earth for help, clearly we were in real trouble! In fact, the team's list of enemies expanded and got far more complicated. There were quite a few Earth-based stories in the year, but not all the new enemies were originally local. Willie Garson comically guest-starred as Martin, a geekily suspicious guy with too much knowledge of the Stargate. More sinister was an old flame of Daniel's turning into something far more painful than an old wound (thanks to an ancient Egyptian curse). Thankfully, the writers hadn't forgotten the importance of one-off storylines too.

It now seems clear that season 5 will be remembered as the one in which something went awry with Daniel Jackson. Lots of behind-the-scenes rumors fueled the idea of cast tension, but whatever the problem, his sudden departure from the show was obviously through a quickly contrived scenario. Most shows go through a run-around, skin-of-their-teeth period awaiting renewal, and it certainly seems to have affected storylines this year. For example, a next generation of younger SG teams is introduced. The most unfortunate aspect, however, was that every single story was dependent on a part of the greater interwoven warring-species threads. Some of the one-off tales were terrific in and of themselves, but it was as if the writers fell into the trap of having to refer to as much backstory as possible, perhaps to ensure loose ends could be easily wrapped up? Ultimately none of this mattered since the show went on for quite a while.

The biggest change for the sixth season was its move to the Sci-Fi Channel. Financial rescue or genre haven from cancellation? With the addition of Daniel Jackson's replacement, Jonas Quinn, the new show dynamic (hinted at by the new title theme) meant far more convolutedly involved story arcs and less individual focus. One of very few solo spotlights came from Christopher Judge writing his own show, when "The Changeling" saw Teal'c act out a life as a fireman. There'd be several cameos through the year, culminating in a finale that relied on how much attention you'd been paying to that all-important back-story.

A gradual shift in overall style, character homecomings and departures, and evolving on- and off-screen roles for the major players are among the attractions of the seventh season. Perhaps most noticeable is the reduced role of star Richard Dean Anderson, who opted to limit his number of trips to Vancouver, where Stargate SG-1 is filmed. But that's not a bad thing. The show's ability to poke fun at itself has always been a strong suit, and while Anderson still brings a welcome sense of humor to his portrayal of wiseacre and loose cannon Col. Jack O'Neill, his act is getting a little smug by now. What's more, the other principal cast members have taken up the slack, both behind and in front of the camera: The seventh season also finds the series somewhat more earthbound than in the past; indeed, there are episodes in which the Stargate (the "wormhole" our heroes use to travel to different worlds) doesn't appear at all. On balance, the stories are more personal, and more political--especially the final two, with the newly elected U.S. President (William Devane) struggling to decide the fate of the Stargate program (and, of course, the fate of the entire known universe as well!). And then there's the ultimate villain, Anubis, who makes perennial nemeses the Goa'uld (of which Anubis is one... sort of) look tame. --Sam Graham and Paul Tonks ... Read more

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"One False Step" gives the SG-1 team a guilt trip for accidentally infecting a race with a disease. Then in "Show and Tell" the central story arc takes a dramatic turn when a child arrives to warn that some survivors of a Goa'uld attack are determined to eliminate anyone who might host their enemy--which means Earth as a whole. Episodes 21 and 22 finish season 2: there's great fun to be had in "1969" and a time-travel plot that loops many aspects of the show's story lines together. The cliffhanger finale, "Out of Mind," has Colonel O'Neill experience an Aliens-style awakening 79 years into his future. What the hell happened? And why is he being asked so many questions about Earth's defenses? --Paul Tonks ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A humorous review
I really just bought this DVD for the one episode, 1969, where Teal'c gets hair and they meet hippies. Fun times. But there's a hidden gem in here: "One False Step" is a real cracker-upper. Those aliens look like teletubbies!! watch for it and you'll see what I mean. The early episodes of this show are so fun to make fun of! Here's another question to giggle over: why do they never leave Canada? Ever considered it? Announcer: "Meanwhile, back in northern canada, our crew was facing some mighty opposition..." ... Read more

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Scattered through the five episodes contained on this fourth DVD from Stargate SG-1's first season are echoes of such science fiction classics as The Terminator (the cyborgs in "Tin Man"), Aliens (Carter's maternal instincts in "Singularity"), and Planet of the Apes (the story twist in "Solitudes"), along with such popular themes as cloning ("Tin Man" again) and the might-makes-right preoccupation of the military ("Enigma"). So the show is derivative. Stargate SG-1 still does a better job than most of creating engaging stories--such as "Cor-ai," which deals with issues of retribution and forgiveness when Teal'c (Christopher Judge) is put on trial for his actions when he was still a Goa'uld henchman. And let's face it: the effect of going into and through the gate itself never gets old. What is lacking are superior DVD bonus materials; here they include a featurette spotlighting Carter (Amanda Tapping) and an overview of the show that provides more promo than the promised behind-the-scenes insights. --Sam Graham ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The apex of the first season of "Stargate SG-1"
Volume 4 is the best single DVD out for Season 1 of "Stargate SG-1," which you will discover in due course after you have gone through the pilot movie and the episodes on the previous three discs. When the series begins its 8th season next year it will become the second longest running science fiction television series in the history of the universe (people keep guessing "Star Trek: The Next Generation" is number one but the answer is "The X-Files"), and such longevity is not a surprise given how great a first season they put together:

Episode 14, "Cor-ai" (Written by Tom J. Astle, Aired January 23, 1998) finds O'Neill (Richard Dean Anderson) and the SG-1 team traveling to P3X1279, which Teal'c (Christopher Judge) announces is Chartago, one of the favorite worlds from which the Goa'ulds like to gather human hosts for their larvae. Unfortunately, one of the locals, Hanno (David McNally) recognizes Teal'c as the Jaffa who killed his father. For this crime Teal'c stands trial. O'Neill and Carter try to defend their friend, but Teal'c freely admits to having killed Hanno's father and seems resigned to his fate. The outcome is rather predictable, but the key conflict here ends up being not between Hanno and Teal'c but between Teal'c and O'Neill. 4 Stargates.

Episode 15, "Singularity (Written by Robert C. Cooper, Aired October 31, 1997) has the SG-1 team traveling to P8X987 where another SG team had been getting ready to observe a black hole. But when they get there a strange disease has killed everyone on the planet except for a little girl named Cassandra (Katie Stuart ). Carter (Amanda Tapping) brings Cassandra back to Earth and the two quickly establish a strong bond. That is why Carter is upset when they learn that Cassandra's chest pains are caused by a metallic device growing around the child's heart. The device was planted by the Goa'uld to destroy the Stargate on Earth and as the bomb counts down to detonation Carter has to make some tough choices. This is a gut wrenching episode that gives Tapping a chance to shine as her character's emotions and intellect come colliding together over a frightened little girl. The resolution of this episode does justice to both. 5 Stargates.

Episode 16, "Enigma" (Written by Katharyn Powers, Aired January 30, 1998) sends SG-1 to Tollan, a planet with an erupting volcano and dead bodies all around its Stargate. The team rescues the few survivors they can find but back on Earth the Tollans are not at all grateful. Omoc (Tobin Bell), their leader, dismisses Earth as a primitive society and wants to be sent to a suitably advanced world. He also refuses to say anything about his people's advanced technology, which is a constant source of pressure from above on General Hammond (Don S. Davis). It seems that once upon a time the Tollan shared their technology with a planet like Earth, which then destroyed itself. SG-1 has encountered relatively few advanced races on its trips to date, so dealing with the Tollan is a welcomed change of pace and underscore the pressures from up high that will set up the cliffhanger to the first season. "Enigma" offers up another satisfactory resolution and shows that the story editors are paying attention to what has been going on. 4.5 Stargates.

Episode 17, "Tin Man" (Written by Jeff King, Aired February 13, 1998) begins with the members of SG-1 being dropped by an electrical charge as soon as they arrive on PX3989. They wake up to find Harlan (Jay Brazeau), a strange little fellow who claims to be 11,000 years old and is the only one of his people left in this giant underground lab. SG-1 returns home, over Harlan's objections, and are stunned when Dr. Frasier (Teryl Rother) finds they are all machines. O'Neill finds this particularly hard to swallow because he still thinks he is himself. To make things worse, they have to return to Harlan's world before they run out of power or end up dead. Back on PX3989 they discover that Harlan is also an android (or robot or whatever) and that he has done this to help him take care of the lab and to ease his loneliness. This is another episode where I am impressed by Richard Dean Anderson, who brings some nice nuances to O'Neill as a robot (or android) that thinks he is human. The final scene on this one is a hoot. 4.5 Stargates.

Episode 18, "Solitudes" (Written by Brad Wright, Aired February 6, 1998) finds the Stargate malfunctioning when SG-1 is retreating from a shootout on a hostile planet. Daniel Jackson and Teal'c make it back home, but O'Neill and Carter end up in an icy cavern on an unknown planet. O'Neill has suffered a broken leg and punctured lung, which means it is up to Carter to find and repair the Stargate so they can get back to Stargate Command, where Dr. Jackson is trying to narrow the odds on where rescue teams should look to find their comrades. Another classic episode with Tapping and Anderson working off each other all alone somewhere out there. 5 Stargates.

The common denominator on these episodes is that with the exception of the first one they all over very impressive resolutions to the dilemmas confronting our band of adventurers. I especially liked the twist on the last one. If Volume 2 showcased the acting talents of Richard Dean Anderson, then Amanda Tapping is the one who has the two standout performances in this quintet (and we still have the cliffhanger for the first season left to go).

Another must see for late comers
All of these episodes are winners & are great viewing. In addition, three of the episodes on this DVD contain background stories of characters who have shown up in more recent seasons. With 5 episodes on this DVD you can't go wrong buying it! Lots of good viewing for the money.
1. Cor-ai - Teal'c on trial for war crimes. An interesting plot & good story line.
2. Singularity - the background story of Cassandra, the girl who shows up in season 6 as a telepathic teenager.
3. Enigma - introduction of the Tollan people & Nareen, who figure prominently into later episodes.
4. Tin Man - Harlan, a lonely sole survivor of an alien race transfers the SG-1 team into androids. Harlan & the androids also show up in a later season.
5. Solitudes - Carter & O'Neill are trapped inside an "ice planet" when the gate malfunctions during their return to Earth. "Cool" ending, (pun intended), and an enjoyable episode. Also introduces some possibilities for other stories that haven't been explored yet.
Featurette on Capt. Carter was typical "bonus material." No real insights or new information. Behind the Scenes Feature was some better. Don't buy it for the bonus material, buy it for the shows.

Great Cast & show
This has been a great series cant wait for the rest of the seasons to come out. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Glad it's being released on DVD.....but
I'm so glad these Gunsmoke movies are being released on DVD. But, can someone tell me why this wasn't released as a 3 DVD set and not indivdidual DVD's. Like the "Sarah Plain and Tall" 3 movie saga. It was released with all 3 movies together in one case. I'm pretty sure most people are going to purchase all 3 movies of gunsmoke. I'm thinking "SPACE", "ROOM" to keep all these DVD's that are being released or have been released. Not everyone has all the space in there home for so many shows being released on DVD. To the manufactures of these movies: Next time do a survey to find out what people would like. I sure would of liked all 3 Gunsmoke movies in one case (jacket).

FANTASTIC!!!!
Charles Correll directed a stupendous flick!My favorite! All characters were superb. Mandac was a character who was extremely memorable. I watch this dozens of times and always see something new. Hats off to a brilliant movie and a brilliant director!!

Gunsmoke reunion movie No. 2
Gunsmoke - The Last Apache -- James Arness as Matt Dillon returns for the second of the Gunsmoke TV movies. Again the story reaches into Matt's past. Matt receives a letter from a woman he hasn't seen in 20 years -- Mike played by Michael Learned. (Flashback scenes from Gunsmoke are presented. From the episode "Matt's Love Story" -- a wounded Matt Dillon loses his memory and falls in love with a widow.) Mike requests his return in the urgent letter. Matt arrives to find her ranch in flames following a raid by the Apache Indians. He is stunned to learn that he and Mike have a daughter named Beth. Beth has been kidnapped by Wolf, a warrior chief for Geronimo. Wolf is played by Joe Lara (star of the syndicated TV series Tarzan: The Epic Adventures). Richard Kiley and Hugh O'Brian also guest star. Color. First aired on CBS in 1990 as a two-hour Gunsmoke movie. Very entertaining. ... Read more

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More headaches fro the Goa'uld for Jack and the SG-1 team
At the end of Season 2 of "Stargate SG-1," Hathor (Suanne Braun) was holding out a parasite to the human members of SG-1 and wondering which one of them was going to be the new host for this Goa'uld. Volume 1 of Season 3 resolves that cliffhanger and then gets the SG-1 gang back to the normal Stargate range of problems:

Episode 1, "Into the Fire" (Written by Brad Wright, Aired June 25, 1999) finds things getting worse for SG-1 as Hathor decides Jack O'Neill (Richard Dean Anderson) should be the host. Meanwhile there two ongoing efforts to rescue SG-1. The first is on Earth with General Hammond (Don S. Davis) and Colonel Makepeace (Steve Makaj, while the other is on Chulak, where Teal'c (Christopher Judge) has joined forces with Bra'tac (Tony Amendola). Obviously the idea is to get the show back to "normal" by the end of this season premier episode, and while this was an interesting cliffhanger, it pales in comparison to what we had a season earlier. Solid but not specatular. Four Stargates.

Episode 2, "Seth" (Written by Jonathan Glassner, Aired July 2, 1999) has Jacob Carter (Carmen Argenziano), Sam's father and Earth's liaison to the Tok'ra, visiting SGC to report that the Goa'uld Seth (Robert Duncan) has been hiding out on Earth ever since the Stargate was buried in Egypt several thousands years back. Apparently Seth has managed to keep on being worshipped as a god having formed the Cult of Seth. Meanwhile, Jacob has some unresolved issues with his son. The idea of a Gao'uld doing a cult is a good one, but over thousand of years he has never tried to go global? I do not think so, Jack. 4 Stargates.

Episode 3, "Fair Game" (Written by Robert C. Cooper, Aired July 9, 1999) starts off with Carter (Amanda Tapping) finally being promoted to Major and O'Neill being whisked away in mid-sentence by the Asgard. It seems the Gao'uld thinks that killing Hathor makes Earth a threat, so the System Lords want to pay a visit. However, the Asgard want to mediate a non-aggression treaty between the humans and the System Lords to that Earth is one of the planets protected by the Asgard (and you thought intergalatic treaties were confusing in the "Star Trek" universe). The negotiations are compounded by the fact that apparently some System Lords are more trustworthy than others. I am not sure what the point is in trying to suggest the Gao'uld are not the bad guys of the series, so this one comes with a grain of salt. 4 Stargates.

Episode 4, "Legacy" (Written by Tor Alexander Valenza, Aired July 16, 2003) is where Daniel (Michael Shanks) goes insane and SG-1 has to deal with Ma'chello's anti-Goa'uld technology. Of course, Daniel is not really insane and there is a tangible threat to Earth behind what is happening. This is the best episode in Volume 1, mainly on the basis of Shanks' performance and the way in which the truth slowly emerges. We know he cannot really be insane, but figuring out what is really going on is difficult. 5 Stargates.

Although she is not the focus of any of these episodes, Sam Carter is showing some interesting abilities off of the Goa'uld protein marker left by Jolinar of Malkshur. These are all solid episodes but none of them qualify as "Stargate SG-1" classics and the best of Season 3 is yet to come. ... Read more

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This fifth and final DVD from Stargate SG-1's first season contains three episodes that, unlike the rest of the show, are intended to be viewed in sequence. In the first, "There but for the Grace of God," Dr. Daniel Jackson (Michael Shanks, a dead ringer for James Spader, who played the role in the feature film) finds himself in a parallel reality in which the dreaded Goa'ulds are attacking Earth. In the second episode, "Politics," the SG-1 team goes head-to-head with a sardonic, ignorant senator bent on closing the gate down; numerous flashbacks from earlier shows are included. "Within the Serpent's Grasp," the season finale, has the Goa'ulds actually on their way to Earth, with our heroes the only ones capable of stopping them. But be warned: this episode is a cliffhanger as well, so those who missed the second season when it aired will just have to wait until it's released on DVD, too. However, we're guessing everything turned out OK. --Sam Graham ... Read more

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"Stargate SG-1" ends Season 1 with a great cliffhanger
I suppose you could complain that there are only three episodes on Volume 5 of the "Stargate SG-1" Season 1 DVD collection, but that seems a minor matter given we are talking about the final three episodes from the best first season of a dramatic science fiction series ever (as in way better than "Star Trek: The Next Generation," better than "Farscape" and "Star Trek: Voyager," and even slightly better than season one of "The X-Files"). Besides, there is a thematic unity to this trio of episodes:

Episode 19, "There But For the Grace of God" (Story by David Kemper, Teleplay by Robert C. Cooper, Aired February 20, 1998) has Daniel Jackson (Michael Shanks) stepping through the looking glass he finds in an alien Stargate complex on P3R233. When he returns through the Stargate he finds himself in an alternative reality on an Earth where the Goa'uld have killed millions and are about to take Stargate Command. This is a world where Jack O'Neill (Richard Dean Anderson) is the general and George Hammond (Don S. Davis) the Colonel at Cheyenne Mountain. But Dr. Jackson is able to convince Elizabeth Hoffman (Catherine Langford) that he is speaking the truth and as the base is attacked by Teal'c (Christopher Judge), who is still the head Jaffa of Apophis it is clear it is too late to save this Earth. But there happens to be another one out there to which the Goa'ulds are also on their way. This episode gives you all of the fun elements you expect to find in an alternative reality program (Samantha Carter with long hair), but it also provides the first half of the equation for the first season's cliffhanger. 5 Stargates.

Episode 20, "Politics" (Written by Brad Wright, Aired February 27, 1998) has Senator Kinsey (Ronny Cox) showing up with Lt. Colonel Samuels (Robert Wisden) in toe, ready to bring his righteous legislative fury down on the heads of Stargate Command. Dr. Jackson warns that the Goa'ulds are on their way, but the Senator only wants to talk about how wasteful and dangerous (in that order) the Stargate program has been. This is one way of reviewing the highpoints of the first season and we all know that Ronny Cox can play a powerful jerk as well as anyone (remember him on "St. Elsewhere"?). Yes, the ending is rather predictable, but clearly the point is to set in place the season finale. 4 Stargates.

Episode 21, "Within the Serpent's Grasp" (Story by James Crocker, Teleplay by Jonathan Glassner, Aired March 6, 1998) ends the first season with a pretty good cliffhanger. The bad news is that Stargate has been ordered shut down, but even worse a pair of Goa'uld ships are on their way to Earth. SG-1 intends to go down fighting and goes through the Stargate on a final, unauthorized mission to the location that they think is the point of origin for the attack. But they are in for a major rude awakening and O'Neill in particular is going to be stunned by what they find. I really do not want to spoil the rest of the fun for you. Is this as great a cliffhanger as "The Best of Both Worlds, Part I"? No, but nothing is so that is a moot point. The only problem is that "SG-1" is going to have a hard time topping this one (or maybe not; these writers are pretty good). 5 Stargates.

True, there are minimal DVD extras in this series, even on this volume where there are only the three episodes and plenty of space. But the good news is that Season 2 of "Stargate SG-1" is available so you do not have to wait a long time to find out what happens next. This series is going to become the second longest running science fiction television series of all time, behind "The X-Files," when it starts its eighth season. However, that is not all that surprising when you see how the solid premise for this series was developed during this great first season.

AWESOME! This DVD ROCKS!
If you can only have 1 DVD from the first season, THIS IS IT! Don't let the low number of episodes on the disk fool you, this DVD is well worth buying. The 3 episodes are not only meant to be viewed in order but they are also carry a very intertwined and on going story line.
Episode #19, There But For The Grace of God, is about Daniel's trip to an alternate universe where he gets a glimpse of a possible future for his universe. It is helpful if you had seen the previous episode, Torment of Tantulus, but not required. Very action packed episode.
Episode #20, Politics, takes up literally where #19 leaves off, with the SG-1 team cleaning up from the previous mission. An evil budget cutting senator is out to get the Stargate program and the team must justify it's existance in a hearing. Ends as a To Be Continued.
Episode #21, Within the Serpent's Grasp, is the season finale and begins with the SG-1 team AWOL in an attempt to thwart the Goa'uld attack against Earth and justify the existance of the Stargate program. Another "To Be" episode that leaves you hanging and wanting more.

Finally
I love this show. It took them long enough to put this out though. ... Read more

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Prepare for a science lesson (one of the series' strengths) in "A Matter of Time" as the gang ponders how to resist a black hole's pull. A voice from the past demands to be heard through Colonel O'Neill's lips in "Fifth Race." "The Serpent's Song" is a cry for help from the team's nemesis--Apophis--who they've been fighting since the beginning. It's a morality showcase all-round. While attempting a vacation in "Holiday," the team just can't leave alien artifacts alone, which gets them into all kinds of trouble playing with Ma'chello's body-swapping machine. This episode gives everyone a fantastic opportunity to impersonate one another. --Paul Tonks ... Read more

Reviews (1)

SG-1 saves the world (again) but will they save Apophis?
Somebody asked me the other day what my favorite television show was and I had to stop and think for a moment because the answer I have been given for the past six years, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," ended its run. So I went through all of the shows I watch regularly and found that the one I enjoyed the most, season after season, episode after episode, has probably been "Stargate SG-1." This DVD offering up Volume 4 of Season 2 provides evidence of the quality of this science fiction series and why Richard Dean Anderson turns out to have one of the drollest sense of humor seen on this planet or any other:

Episode 15, "The Fifth Race" (Written by Robert C. Cooper, Aired January 22, 1999) begins when a probe comes back from P3R-272 showing characters carved into the wall resembling one of the four languages inscribed on the wall of Heliopolis, the great meeting place of the four ancient races. This means Daniel Jackson is all excited since this could well be a clue to contacting one of those great races to help in the conflict with the Goa'uld. However, when they investigate, an alien device grabs O'Neill's head, and he collapses. Back as SG-1 O'Neill checks out but then starts acting weird: he starts speaking words in an ancient, alien language and then moves on to adding new Stargates into the computer database. Eventually these strange new abilities will lead O'Neill to an encounter with the Asgard and the identity of the fifth race. Obviously this is an episode with profound implications for down the road, but watching O'Neill use 90 percent of his brain is a hoot as well (5 Stargates).

Episode 16, "The Serpent's Song" (Story by Misha Rashovich, Teleplay by Brad Wright, Aired January 29, 1999) is where SG-10 dials up a real wrong number on their first mission when they gate to a world on the edge of a black hole. Unable to disengage the Stargate, the time-distorting gravity field threatens to destroy the earth as well. In addition to the threat to all life on the planet, there is the grim fact that even if earth is saved, nothing can be done for SG-10. Meanwhile, the black hole has enveloped SCG in a time bubble a lot slower than the rest of the world. Meanwhile, O'Neill has to put up with an unexpected visit from an old "friend." This is one of those episodes where the human drama is better than the imminent crisis (5 Stargates).

Episode 17, "Holiday" (Written by Tor Alexnader Valenza, Aired February 5, 1999) SG-1 discovers a room filled with advanced technology presided over by Ma'chello, an elderly scientist who has devoted his life to developing weapons to fight the Goa'uld. Ma'chello uses one of his devices to switch bodies with Daniel Jackson, however this turns out to be just the first in what eventually becomes a comic series of body jumps. This is one of those episodes where the comic contrivances are more enjoyable than the crisis, as the members of SG-1 take turns acting like each other (4 Stargates).

Episode 18, "Serpent's Song" (Written by Katharyn Powers, Aired February 12, 1999) takes an unbelievable turn as Apophis asks SGC for sanctuary from Sokar. Because he was defeated in his attempt to take over the earth, Apophis lost his status as a System Lord. Unable to regenerate in a sarcophagus, Apophis is dying in the infirmary and willing to bargain for his life. This engenders a big debate regarding Apophis, the Tok'ra, Sokar, and even the Egyptian host that Apophis has been using for all these centuries. Each of the SG-1 members gets a chance to spend a little personal time with Apophis, rehashing some shared memories. Then Sokar attacks through the Stargate and things become more urgent. "Serpent's Song" is a surprising episode, given that none of us ever thought the Apophis plot line would end with a whimper and not a bang (4 Stargates).

These four episodes are a good indication of the strength and scope of "Stargate SG-1." You have a couple of episodes dealing with the big picture regarding the Goa'uld, a couple of episodes emphasizing comedy, and several nice examples of pathos. This is just one of these series that you need to watch from the beginning because context means a lot in your enjoyment of these episodes. ... Read more

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Teal'c gets stung by a giant insect in "Bane," and Colonel Jack O'Neill is crippled in "Spirits." The best episodes are the two parts of "The Tok'ra." Captain Samantha Carter's estranged father is dying of cancer, but her obligations sway her toward saving a member of the Goa'uld renegade Tok'ra who is also dying. Although the resolution may seem apparent a mile off, the series takes one of many brave steps in not chickening out at the last moment. There may only be preliminary goodwill established between Earth and the rebels, but the dangling thread bodes well. In "Touchstone" the team is accused of stealing a gem from the planet Madrona that controls its climate. The revelation of who really stole it causes ripples in the pond back on Earth. --Paul Tonks ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Carter's relationship with her father comes to a head
You have to take the good and the bad with Volume 3 of Season 2 of "Stargate SG-1," which has already convinced me that when I start naming the best shows on television it should be included in the fingers on the first hand that I use. The good has to do with Captain Carter and the bad has to do with Colonel Maybourne:

Episode 10, "B