Stargate SG-1 Ends Its Ten Year Run

Science fiction addicts said goodbye to a dear old friend on Friday, June 25^th, when "Stargate SG-1" bid its fond farewell. The Sci-Fi Channel's hit show completed an amazing 10 year run without losing much of what made it the quintessential Friday-night anchor.

Based on a cult favorite movie, which originally starred Kurt Russell and James Spader, the television series managed to eclipse its big screen forerunner. Not only was the writing and direction stronger in the TV version, but the ensemble cast proved to be one of the strongest ever put together for any television drama anywhere.

Cast members included:

Richard Dean Anderson played Jack O'Neill, the original leader of the SG team. Anderson brought a bit of scientific skepticism to the show, which he balanced with his own unique brand of wit and charm. Unlike Russell, who played the movie version like a hard-ass military lifer, Anderson brought warmth and caring to his leadership. He commanded his team with respect and heart for nine years before semi-retiring to spend time with his family. However, he returned periodically in response to cries from his fans; some of the most loyal in the business.

Michael Shanks played Dr. Daniel Jackson, the archeologist responsible for originally figuring out the secret of the gate. Shanks played the role much in the same vein as his movie counterpart, James Spader. In the beginning, he played more of a bookish nerd who constantly tried the nerves of O'Neill. However, as the show progressed so did Shanks, bringing the very heart and soul of the show to life. He viewed everything with a childlike sense of wonder that was both enchanting and heart warming. Fans were broken hearted when he took a hiatus in the middle of the series. But luckily he returned, melding the team back together and taking it to the end.

Amanda Tapping played Samantha Carter, the brilliant scientific mind that kept the team out of trouble on more occasions then anyone could count. Part astrophysicist and part military professional, Carter walked a tightrope between the real world and the military; never letting either side down on her journey. Although fans never got the payoff that they had hoped for with a Carter/O'Neill union, Tapping's expressive face made it clear where her heart always laid. All woman and yet the epitome of total professionalism, Carter may have well represented the best role model for young girls that television has ever produced.

Christopher Judge played Teal'c, the Jaffa warrior that saved SG-1's lives in the movie pilot. Leaving everything behind that he held dear, Teal'c fought side by side with his human companions for all ten years. His belief in his new friends was steadfast and pure, finally paying off in spades with the freedom of his people from servitude at the hands of the Gou'ald false gods. Often the straight man to O'Neill's playful puns and wry sense of humor, Judge's deadpan portrayal never wavered and won the hearts and minds of fans everywhere.

Ben Browder played Lt. Col. Cameron Mitchell, the person pegged to take over as leader when Anderson left his role in season nine. Fresh off a stint with another popular science fiction series, "Farscape," he tried valiantly to bring the same kind of wit and charm to his role here. Unfortunately, the fans didn't have enough time to take to the new character before it became clear that the show was on its way out, which was a disservice to a truly wonderful actor with a great deal to offer.

Claudia Black played Vala Mal Doran, another alien member added to the SG team during season nine. Black, who played opposite Browder in "Farscape" brought something fresh and new to this sci-fi role. Vala was a bit of a scamp, a hint of a vamp, and totally adorable as the new comic relief for the team. Smarter than anyone gave her credit for and every bit as courageous as her military counterparts, Vala captured the hearts and minds of fans everywhere almost instantly.

Although Anderson did not make a return for the season finale as hoped, his presence was none-the-less felt as the series drew to a close. One could easily imagine him on Carter's mind as she relived day after day without her long lost love.

In the finale, appropriately named "The Unending," the team is aboard the Odyssey on the way to meet with the alien race, the Asgard. It seems that the little gray men have finally given up their fight to further extend their lives and decided to commit mass suicide before the painful deaths that await them can possibly set in. However, they have decided to transfer all of their knowledge to those they deem the most worth - - "The Fifth Race" (Earthlings) - - so that it can be preserved.

Once the knowledge has been input into the Odyssey's computers, the Asgard carry out their plan. But as SG-1 attempts to return home with their new-found knowledge they find themselves blocked at every turn. The Ori, a supposed religious race that demands total belief or death, intend the conversion or destruction of SG-1.

With every hyperdrive jump, the Odyssey manages a brief escape. But everytime they stop, the Ori are right behind them. Eventually, it becomes clear that something in the Asgard technology allows the Ori to track them.

Carter attempts to solve the problem by putting a time bubble around the two ships to severely slow down time until she can come up with a solution. The problem is that, inside the bubble, time proceeds at a normal pace with the team aging as more than 50 years past before a solution can be found. Even then, one of them must stay behind - - as their older self - - to both save the ship and the Asgard knowledge.

I personally felt a little let down by the series finale. I understand that they intend to do a better job of wrapping up through one or more straight to video movies. Still, much of the series finale was depressing and did not resolve the many relationships and issues that the fans have so longed hoped for.

There is, however, no denying that Stargate SG-1 is one of the finest science fiction series of all time. Rarely, beyond Star Trek, have all the pieces come together to create such a perfect blend of outstanding work, including writing, direction, acting, photography, and special effects.

The stories of Stargate were not just science fiction. They were stories about people, relationships, family, and friends. They were tales of bravery, courage, and honor. And they were silent prayers of faith and ever eternal hope. They were, in short, the stories of mankind. They will be missed as will the characters that made them so believable.