Skip to main content

stargate - What are the main thematic differences between SG-1, Atlantis, and Universe?


The Stargate franchise spans three main series, an RPG, an animated series (which I understand to be non-canon), and more.


My wife and I watched and loved SG-1, but I'm having a hard time convincing her to watch SG-Atlantis and SG-Universe. She's been burned by spin-offs in the past, and thinks that the quality is never as good as the original, and feels that the feel of the series won't be similar. She also enjoyed SG-1 largely because she likes the characters and the dynamic that evolved over 10 seasons.


I don't have much exposure to SG-Atlantis (watched some of the first season on TV, as I could) and none at all to SG-Universe, so I can't honestly tell her that the stories are as engaging, the characters as entertaining, etc.


Aside from the obvious differences in cast, setting, and antagonist, are there any significant differences in characterization, story telling, tone, or 'feel' between SG-1 and SG-Atlantis, or SG-1 and SG-Universe?




Answer



Without delving into an in-depth analysis of Atlantis and Universe, I'll try and be as succinct as possible.


There are definitely noticeable differences between the shows. Atlantis, being the first spin-off, has much the same feel as SG1, as it began alongside season 8 and ran in parallel, with many crossover episodes where characters from SG1 would visit Atlantis, and vice versa.


As SG1 came to an end, Atlantis kind of developed into its own show and, in my opinion, improved upon the more lighthearted tone set by the later seasons of SG1 (season 10 in particular). But still, it remained much closer to the SG1 concept as opposed to the latest development: Universe.


SG:U is less like SG1, and more like a combination of other sci-fi shows. For this reason, many people have criticised it. Imagine a cross between Star Trek: Voyager and Battlestar Galactica. Personally, I think it's great, as those are two of my most favourite sci-fi shows. Universe has a much more "gritty" feel, using similar camera techniques as Battlestar Galactica (unstable/erratic camera shots in space, etc). In my mind the Voyager influence comes from the fact that they're stranded on a ship flying through space unable to get home. To be honest, the only thing linking SG:U to the original shows is the fact that they have a Stargate, on an Ancient ship, with occasional contact back to earth with some familiar SG1 characters. The majority of the show feels like a completely new concept. The acting of most characters is average, with the exception of Robert Carlyle, who is, in my opinion, excellent.


If you loved SG1, you'll definitely enjoy Atlantis. However, I wouldn't recommend SG:U to just anyone. It's nothing like SG1, and it shouldn't be expected to be. You really need to decide for yourself by watching a few episodes. It's very slow moving in terms of action, and focuses more on character and scene development.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

futurama - How much time is lost in 'Time Keeps on Slippin''

In time Keeps on Slippin' , Farnsworth creates a basketball team which he matures by abusing Chronitons. This leads to time skipping forward by random, but ever increasing amounts. How much time was skipped in this way? Answer Unfortunately, I don't think a good estimate can be made for this, for two reasons: Many of the time skips move forward by an indeterminate amount of time. At one point, the Professor mentions localized regions of space skipping forward much more than others. We then see two young boys on the street below complaining about having to pay social security, only to suddenly become senior citizens and start complaining about wanting their money. Thus, each individual could have experienced a different amount of time skippage.
Post a Comment
Read more

harry potter - How could Expelliarmus beat Avada Kedavra?

I want to be very careful about how I ask this question – I am not asking How did Voldemort die? [CLOSED] Below the text is the relevant passages from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows if anyone wants to review them (I'm sorry for the amount of text). How did Expelliarmus beat Avada Kedavra and kill Voldemort? I feel the reason Harry's Expelliarmus overpowered Voldemort's Avada Kedavra curse has to do with who was master of the Elder Wand and how the Elder Wand works. I've always had trouble understanding fully how the Elder Wand works, though. How much did the fact that Voldemort never truly won or mastered the Elder Wand factor into how Expelliarmus reacted to Avada Kedavra and caused Avada Kedavra to rebound and kill Voldemort? An answer based in book canon would be especially welcome, but any canon source really is fine. Harry heard the high voice shriek as he, too, yelled his best hope to the heavens, pointing Draco’s wand: ‘ Avada Kedavra !’ ‘ Expelliarmus !...
Post a Comment
Read more

game of thrones - Is Syrio Forel dead?

In the episode 'The Pointy End' (Season 1 Episode 8) when Arya runs from the Lannister guards you hear the sound of a sword being dropped (around 4:56): [embedded content] After that neither Syrio or Ser Meryn Trant is never mentioned or seen in the show again, except when Arya mentions to the Hound that Ser Meryn Trant killed Syrio. Is there any mention in the books that Syrio actually dies?
Post a Comment
Read more

tolkiens legendarium - Difference between elves and dwarves blacksmithing in the Lord of the Rings

Both the elves and the dwarves were famous for their metal work in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but what is the difference between what they made, and which one had the better skill of making amours and swords? Answer James Christopher's answer sums up the second part of your question well, but as to the difference in what they made, a little more detail is needed. Once the Elves learned to forge with steel, the shape of the sword changed, now being able to take on the form of a great broadsword or a light and agile curved sword. Additionally, they took great pride in decorating their swords. As we see in the Lord of the Rings , some swords like Sting had magical properties such as glowing blue when orcs are near. As far as the use of Mithril, lotr.wikia has two contradictory passages: Thus, Elven blades became renowned as great weapons, capable of performing deeds beyond the skill of their handlers and were even more glorious when the use of Mithril was allowed to the Elves. ...
Post a Comment
Read more