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.
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