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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, "Bane" (Written by Robert C. Cooper, Aired by September 25, 1998) is the one where Teal'c (Christopher Judge) gets stung by a giant insect and starts turning into something else. To make things worse, Colonel Maybourne (Tom McBeath) takes Teal'c away from Stargate Command because he wants the infection or whatever it is to run its course, so that means SG-1 to the rescue. Unfortunately "Bane" has a couple of mine, the first being that Jack has not decked Maybourne yet, and the second being any episode of any science fiction series where the characters start mutating. I buy the mutating part, but the getting back to genetic square one at the end of the episode always bothers me. Three Stargates.

Episode 12, "Spirits" (Written by Tor Alexander Valenza, Aired October 23, 1998) finds SG-1 visiting a planet inhabited by Native American Indians, who claim to be protected by spirits who turn out to be advanced alien shapeshifters. To make things more interesting, O'Neill (Richard Dean Anderson) gets hit by an arrow shot through the Stargate, so Captain Carter (Amanda Tapping) gets to be in charge of the mission. This episode has some interesting ideas but when General Hammond (Don S. Davis) decides to repeat history and advocates taking the trinium they want, that seems a bit much. Fortunately, the spirits are a lot stronger this time around. Four Stargates.

The relationship between Samantha Carter and her father, Jacob (Carmen Argenziano), who is dying of cancer, is at the emotional heart of the two-parts of "The Tok'ra." For the first half of Season 2 there have been several awkward encounters between Carter and her father, with him trying to pull strings to get her into the astronaut core and her refusing to give up her work without being able to explain she to her father that she has already done more than all of NASA's astronauts combined. In Episode 11, "The Tok'ra, Part 1" (Written by Jonathan Glassner, October 2, 1998) SG-1 makes contact with the Tok'ra, the Goa'uld resistance movement that opposes the System Lords, and tries to make an alliance. However, the Tok'ra not only reject the idea, they will not let SG-1 and SG-3 return to Earth, where Sam's father is dying. Pretty good, and it gets better. Five Stargates.

Episode 12, "The Tok'ra, Part 2" (Written by Jonathan Glassner, October 10, 1998) centers on trying to resolve the impass between the SG teams and the Tok'ra, which comes down to Carter finding out that the symbiote can cure cancer. Besides having a rather satisfying emotional payoff to the relationship between Carter and her father, there are some long range implications to the conclusion of this one. This was is more an important episode than a classic "Stargate SG-1" episode, but there is nothing wrong with that. Five Stargates.

Episode 15, "Touchstone" (Written by Sam Egan, Aired October 30, 1998) has Maybourne back causing trouble again for the second time on this DVD. SG-1 is accused of stealing an weather-controlling device that is wrecking havoc on a planet, but it turns out that whoever did it went through the other Stargate on earth. Gee, whoever could be doing that? Even on the dark side of U.S. policy the government has to go behind its own back. Another episode that has long range implications for the series. Five Stargates.

Overall this volume has episodes that are clearly more important in terms of Stargate's mythology than being classics per se, but there are some important things that happen here, especially for Captain Carter.

great stories, great DVD
I bought this disk just to have the 2 episodes about the Tok'ra but it has some other great episodes too.
Ep. 10, Bane, is about Te'alc being stung by a giant insect. Yeah, right, sounded hokey to me too. But the NID twist & the ever resent Col. Mayborne makes this a good story.
Ep. 11 & 12, The Tok'ra parts I & II. More information on the mysterious, good-guy Gou'alds. But more importantly the story behind Capt Carter's dad, Jacob Carter, becoming a Tok'ra host.
Ep. 13, in Spirits, Native Americans on another world have been adopted by aliens impersonating the spirits of the native american religion. A mediocre story line with a weak ending.
Ep. 14, Touchstone. The Touchstone, an alien weather controlling device, is stolen by someone impersonating the SG team. Don't let the title fool you, the real story is less about an alien device and more about mystery & intrigue. Spies, espionage and that pesky Col. Mayborne again make this episode a favorite. It also continues the story of the 2nd stargate discovered in the Antartic in the Season I episode, Solitudes.

Solid Entertainment
I have the Stargate SG1 DVDs for both season 1 and 2 and I am eagerly, if not impatiently, awaiting the release of the other seasons.

I have had them now for about 3 weeks and have watched all of them at least 3 times.

I highly recommend this series to everyone. The storylines, the cast, the props and the presentation are all excellent.

I am hoping that the producers will produce some feature length movies with the same cast and characters (with some new story lines of course).

I have some favorite episodes: The Nox, The Enigma, etc. ... Read more

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Concluding the cliffhanger from the end of Stargate SG-1's first season, "The Serpent's Lair" is a rollercoaster of wit, plot twists, and cutting-edge special effects as the SG-1 team resign themselves to a suicide mission. Then it's a case of ignorance of the law being no excuse in "Prisoners," as they wind up in a penal colony striking a deal with someone who will have a far-reaching influence on their future. In "In the Line of Duty," Sam is stalked by an assassin after a rescue mission. She saves someone in the most unique of ways--by taking over as host of their Goa'uld symbiont. This introduction of Jolinar is a key to much of the continuing story line. Dwight Schultz guest stars in "The Gamekeeper" in a garden that forces the team to puzzle their way out of reliving secrets of the past. But all is not what it seems. --Paul Tonks ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Bra'tac
This set is a must for all Bra'tac fans - and people who think
Jack could use a sock in the mouth for some of his uppity
behavior :) Bra'tac in "The Serpent's Lair" pretends to capture
the team then reveals himself and chews them out.
They come up with a plan, or as Bra'tac would say,
"You will do as I tell you".

The other episodes on the dvd are great as well, we get
introduced to Jolinar and the idea of a Tok'ra, and get to
see the group get tormented in The Gamekeeper.

But basically - get this dvd if you are a Bra'tac fan!
*does Bra'tac glare*

A couple of new plot threads and two great guest stars
When last we left our heroes SG-1 was on a Goa'uld warship heading for Earth and with that rather dramatic cliffhanger we begin Season 2 of "Stargate SG-1." Adding insult to injury, the ship is commanded by Klorel, the "son" of Apophis, who possesses the body of Skaara (Alexis Cruz). By the end of the DVD it is clear that the series that had the best first season in the history of science fiction television is going to be even better:

Episode 1, "The Serpent's Lair" (Written by Brad Wright, Aired June 26, 1998) the SG-1 team is now on a suicide mission having planted explosives on the warship. Unfortunately, there is more than one Goa'uld ship on its way to Earth. Then they are captured by Bra'tac (Tony Amendola), Teal'c's Jaffa mentor who also wants to free his people from the control of Apophis (Peter Williams). Bra'tac has a plan to stop both warships but the SG-1 crew will still end up just as dead and Jack O'Neill (Richard Dean Anderson) still wants to free Skaara from Klorel's control. Meanwhile, back at Cheyenne Mountain there is a frantic effort to save part of American culture by sending people through the Stargate to an Alpha Site. General Hammond (Don S. Davis) is also preparing to defend the base as long as possible and is finding lots of subtle ways of telling Lt. Colonel Samuels (Robert Wisden), "I told you so, you arrogant jerk." Just because we have ever reason to believe the Earth is not going to be conquered at the end of the episode does not take away from the fun. 4.5 Stargates.

Episode 2, "In the Line of Duty" (Written by Robert C. Cooper, Aired July 3, 1998) introduces a major new element into the series. SG-1 is sent to Nasya to rescue survivors of a Goa'uld attack. When she resuscitates a wounded man Dr. Carter (Amanda Tapping) is taken over by a Goa'uld and the only one who notices when SG-1 gets back home in young Cassandra (Katie Stuart). Eventually O'Neill catches on and we learn that the Goa'uld in Carter is Jolinar of Malkshur, a leader of the Tok-ra Goa'ulds, a group in rebellion against the system lords. The threat, he tells them, comes not from himself but from an assassin who will kill him by killing Carter. Clearly in this second season there is an emphasis on expanding the show's roster of good Goa'ulds. An above average episode involving paranoia at Stargate Command with long-range implications for the season and the series. 4.5 Stargates.

Episode 3, "Prisoners" (Written by Terry Curtis Fox, Aired July 10, 1998) are exploring a planet when a frantic fleeing man begs to be saved from his pursuers. However, the man turns out to be a murderer fleeing justice and by helping him the SG-1 team is judged guilty of the same crime and receives the same punishment: life imprisonment on the prison world Hadante. Oddly enough, the person who appears to be in charge in this brutal environment is Linea (Bonnie Barlett), an old woman who actually strikes fear into the hearts of the prisoners. Linea is a scientist and if she can power the Stargate with a cold fusion power source, then SG-1 will help her escape with them. This certainly sounds like a good deal, especially since General Hammond is making little progress in negotiating the team's release from their captors. However, things just do not add up and the question is whether SG-1 can rework the math in time. Hopefully down the road there will be a sequel to "Prisoners," but even if there is not it will remain a classic episode with a great payoff at the end. 5 Stargates.

Episode 4 "The Gamekeeper" (Written by Jonathan Glassner & Brad Wright, Teleplay by Glassner, Aired July 17, 1998) offers the comic relief on this volume with guest star Dwight Schultz who plays the Keeper. The SG-1 team travels to P7J989 where they find a beautiful garden and a dome containing metallic chambers housing unconscious humanoids. While inspecting some empty chambers the team is ensnared. The next thing we know O'Neil and Teal'c are reliving a mission Jack had in his younger days where he lost a man. One of the members of his team was Captain Kawalsky (Jay Acovone). Meanwhile, Dr. Jackson and Captain Carter relive the accident that killed his parents. As soon as each scenario ends it restarts as if nothing had happened. Both O'Neil and Jackson try to change "history," but nothing works and eventually they both decided they do not want to play this sick game anymore. That is when the Keeper (Schultz) shows up and explains they are being given a chance to make things right. But the more the Keeper explains the situation and the rules, the more it becomes clear he is hiding something. I can only imagine how many times they had to reshoot scenes because the cast was breaking up at Schultz's vocal affectation. Even the most innocent lines become a real hoot with that voice he created for this character. There is a slight hole in the episode in terms of the inability of O'Neill and Jackson to save these lives (O'Neill's soldiers apparently do not know how to do a standard reconnaissance of a building they want to attack), but Schultz's performance redeems such problems. 4.5 Stargates.

One classic episode and three above average adventures is pretty good for a single volume of "Stargate SG-1" episodes, but if you have been working your way diligently through the first season and beyond then you should be completely hooked on this intelligently crafted science fiction series. I am most impressed by the effort to work in new elements right from the start of Season 2 to set up some important moments down the road. You also have a pair of excellent guest stars in Barlett and Schultz.

More Great Episodes From Season 2
Another great set of episodes from the 2nd season. The Serpent's Lair is of course the 2nd part to first season's cliff hanger finale. You'll love this episode even if you didn't see the first half of it. They also do a terrific job of filling you in on the previous episode so you don't feel lost.
In the Line of Duty is the introduction of the Tok'ra and specifically Jolinar who is mentioned repeatedly throughout the duration of the series. The episode itself it kind of thin, but it introduces and lays a foundation for later story lines.
Prisoners is more intense & will keep you guessing until the end. The crew is stranded on a prison planet because of crimes they unknowingly committed. They manage to rescue themselves by befriending another convict who was also seemingly misconvicted. Exciting end and lots of potential for future plots.
The Gamekeeper episode is rather shallow & not up to usual Stargate standards. Once again I felt like I was watching a take off on an old Star Trek episode. Still a couple of good episodes and one outstanding one make this DVD well worth the money! ... Read more

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Las Vegas: Then And WOW!
This DVD has three separate sections, each lasting approximately 45 minutes. "Stories From The Strip" begins with a brief history of Las Vegas, from the legalization of gambling and prostitution, to the era of Benjamin 'Bugsy' Siegel and the Flamingo Hotel. This is followed by the arrival of Howard Hughes, which began the era of the corporate takeover of the casinos. Steve Wynn began buying properties and opened the Mirage in 1988, among the first of the hotels with a specific theme. Later he opened Treasure Island, a more family friendly casino. Steve Wynn's latest creation is the beautiful Bellagio, the most opulent casino in the current era of the megaresort. Speaking of megaresorts, the Venetian hotel is also profiled. A brief mention of adult entertainments and the proliferation of wedding chapels nicely completes this section.

"Destination: The Strip" also beings with a brief history of Las Vegas. This is followed by a brief history of Sin City's world class entertainers, including the always popular showgirls. The swinging era of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis, Jr. (the Rat Pack) is followed by the greatest entertainer who ever lived, Elvis Presley. Wayne Newton, Siegfied and Roy, Lance Burton (an excellent magician) and Danny Gans (a great comedian and impressionist) are also mentioned. The Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, Circus Circus and the Rio Hotel are featured for their unique offerings to visiting tourists. A visit to the natural beauty of Red Rock Canyon makes a nice contrast to the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas. "Thrill Rides, Las Vegas Style" is the bonus feature. It shows the Big Shot ride on the top of the Stratosphere tower, as well as the roller coaster outside of the New York, New York casino. Bungee jumping, water slides and helicopter rides are among some of the other thrill rides featured in this section. It's an interesting extra to go along with the main sections of this well made DVD. ... Read more

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Mutant X takes the useful SF trope of the mutant minority persecuted by the state and adds potentially interesting spins. The charismatic villain Mason Eckhart of the Genetic Security Agency (Tom McCamus) professes an ideology of service and sacrifice for which many mutants fall, unaware of his genocidal and exploitative real intentions--though his habit of dumping failed minionsinto glass tubes for subsequent vivisection might give them a clue. A quest for redemption underlies the apparent smugness of Adam (Michael Shea), the good guys' mentor, who used to work for the GSA's front, research company Genomex. The pretty central quartet themselves--fierce acrobatic Shalimar, reliable density-shifter Jesse, laddish electro-boy Brennan, and sensible mind-twister Emma--alternately rescue new mutants from Eckhart and neutralize those who are threats. In "The Shock of the New," shopgirl Emma discovers her powers of persuasion have made her the target of murderous Eckhart and his henchman Thorne. Rescued by Shalimar and Jesse, she refuses their offer of passage into the mutant underground and is attacked a second time. Captured rescuing Emma, electricity-shooting Brennan is forcibly recruited into Eckhart's kidnap squads in "I Scream the Body Electric." Can he be rescued or avoid corruption? --Roz Kaveney ... Read more

Description

Contains: Episode 103: Russian RouletteAdam and his Mutant X team match wits against a Russian duo hired by the Genetic Security Agency to round up mutants. The sexy agent, Sonya, and her tough guy partner have a powerful and highly experimental energy weapon.

Episode 104: Fool for Love
It's love at first fight! Shalimar falls hard for a handsome research scientist who has developed an experimental serum to reverse genetic mutations.DVD Features: Full-length audio commentary for Episode 104 featuring Victoria Pratt (Shalimar) and Director T.J. Scott; outtakes; episodic photo gallery; character profile - Shalimar Fox; cast biography - Victoria Pratt; original TV promos; and Previews.Spoken Languages: English. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

developing story lines
Five great episodes on this DVD develope some of the existing story lines and explore new territory.
Ep. 5, Need, is about chemical dependancy and overcoming a god-complex.
Ep. 6, Thor's Chariot, is a great episode and further developement of the story of the alien race that protects Earth. One of the 2 episodes that make this disk worth buying.
In Ep. 7, Message in a Bottle, the team brings home an "artifact" that decides to take over Earth.
Ep. 8, Family, revisits the planet Chulak in order to save Teal'C's son. Unfortunately he doesn't want to be rescued, and endangers the team and the planet Earth.
Ep. 9, Secrets, is a double plot episode that brings back Daniel Jackson's wife as he attempts to save her from the Goa'uld that has taken her for a host. At the same time Carter & O'Neill are off in Washington to receive a medal for what they did in Ep. 1, The Serpent's Lair. While there O'Neill is confronted by a reporter who threatens to blow the cover on the Stargate program, and Carter is confronted by a dying father who wants her to quit what she's doing to pursue her dream of becoming an astronaut. Key points of this episode are the introduction of Jacob Carter who plays prominently in later episodes, and Daniel finally getting to see his wife again. This episode is THE reason to buy this disk.

I highly recommend this DVD for anyone who wants some good basic episodes for viewing, or for those who want to revisit the history behind some of the current season's stories. ... Read more

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The second season of Andromeda unveils a change in approach. A new traditionally heroic title theme, accompanied by rousing voice-over, is one noticeable difference. Another is Kevin Sorbo's even shorter haircut! But it's back to the gore and violence that marked the cliffhanging finale of the first year with "The Widening Gyre," in which many perils are resolved while others are revealed. An all-too-short deadline is also imposed on Dylan's Commonwealth dream (confirming the show's additional two-season renewal), when it's confirmed how long it will be before the traveling Magog arrive. "Exit Strategies" is all about inner demons. Poor Harper is left with a very real internal problem that leads him to contemplate the unthinkable. Rommie is wrestling with an alternate physical self. Rev is battling his religious conscience against his very survival. With so much B-plot, you could almost overlook the main story that sees the Maru crash land on an ice world--if the dazzling FX would let you, that is. Beka gets an overdue share of romantic attention in "A Heart for Falsehood Framed." A sacred gem is the nub of a diplomatic dispute. In typically unpredictable fashion, the plot contrives to see all interested parties caught up in a multi-layered game of switching fakes.--Paul Tonks ... Read more

Description

"Lava and Rockets" (Episode 213)
When Dylan’s commerce trip is ambushed by ferocious Ogami hit men, he hijacks a tourist starship to escape. The novice tour guide is Molly - a beautiful ace pilot. The action’s hot as Dylan and Molly head for a volcanic planet to escape… and discover each other on the way.

"Be All My Sins Remembered" (Episode 214)
When Beka learns that a former lover has died and listed her as next of kin, Dylan and Harper accompany her for "moral support." Harper remembers the "dearly departed" as a scoundrel, but as Beka reminisces about her violent sweetheart, he turns out to be… not… quite… dead. ... Read more