Stargate is back on Sky One after the Christmas break and now running several weeks ahead of the US, so it’s time for UK fans to feel on top for a change, and if you’re watching in HD, then so much the better.
The first instalment of The Quest two-parter was at times too much like the old British kids game show The Adventure Game and rather cheap looking, but the producers pulled out a few more stops for the opening of part two.
The pre-title teaser set its sights much higher as our heroes confront the Balrog at the Bridge of Khazad Dum, or something very much like that. The fire-breathing dragon FX held up quite well in HD, though they probably did blow the budget for the rest of the episode...
For the most part, Teal’C serves an expository role here, pointing out that Jack O’Neill saw Ancient-made technology similar to the artefacts that SG-1 discover this time; however, he does get a good verbal gag when they have to work out the dragon’s ‘name’ in order to control it, and Teal’C suggests “Puff”. Later there’s lively gender-centric friction between Sam Carter and Ba’al, too.
The main thrust of the plot concerns the discovery of 'Merlin' (played by Matthew Walker), who is revived from suspended animation and compares SG-1 to the Knights of the Round Table. There’s barely any sign of Monty Python tomfoolery as they go on a planet-hopping adventure with the duplicitous Adria and the Ori in hot pursuit. It all leads to yet another cliff-hanger but at least there are only few days to wait now.
One of the frequent joys of Stargate SG-1 is how it manages to shoehorn a broad range of classical myths and legends into a unified present-day concept. We know the writers never imagined dealing with Merlin when the TV spinoff from the Stargate movie began ten years ago, but somehow it works and continues to be fun, not least thanks to the easygoing persona of Ben Browder – reunited with his sparky Farscape co-star Claudia Black – who pretty much compensate for the departure of Richard Dean Anderson.
There are just nine more episodes to go until the show dials out forever as a regular series, though occasional small-screen movies are planned.
Related stories: Also look out for SG-1’s companion series, Stargate Atlantis as well as season three of Battlestar Galactica.
Thanks for the review.
One correction: you say that the UK is several weeks ahead of the US. In fact, you are several *months* ahead. We don't get this episode until April over here.