Amanda Tapping

Sorry Scifi (no, I still can’t handle the androgynous SyFy), you seem to have missed the point with this one. The reason for the Stargate franchise’s success in the past has been how light-hearted (even when serious) and drama-free (even in character-relationship development) it has always been. That, and the fact that the shows never took themselves too seriously. Stargate SG-1 was fun through it all, and it was made fun by great characters, great writing, and great imagination. The sad fact is that SGU more closely resembles the spoof-trendy-teen-scidrama-series from the SG1 episode “200″ than an actual show. This new series feels a lot like a cross between space-opera BSG (not to be confused with the classic Battlestar Galactica of the 70’s), which quickly went downhill after the mini-series, and Star Trek: Voyager.

I do have two positve things to say about SGU though. First, it is nice to see hear the result Joel Goldsmith’s new-found creative freedom. The SGA episode “Vegas” was our first hint at just how far his creativity and style could take us, and the score in the new show is nothing short of brilliant. Second, props to the visual effects team for creating some of the most stunningly hypnotic and surreal scenes ever to grace the network (which pairs with the music perfectly). It is a shame such talent is being wasted on a show that belongs on the WB.

Still, all is not lost for SciFridays (yeah, I liked that one). Amanda Tapping’s show Sanctuary (now in it’s second season) continues to focus more on the characters and the story itself, than drama for drama’s sake. It also sports some very cool visual effects, though I liked “Todd” better when he was allowed to say “Joooohn Shepaaaard.”