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Trouble at Stargate SG-1

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the shows-people-dig dept.

jonerik writes "Salon has this article today about the troubles behind the scenes for Showtime's "Stargate SG-1." Since Michael Shanks left the show in October (a result of his unhappiness with the show's change in focus to "X-Files"-influenced government conspiracy plotlines), women have been abandoning the show in droves. The problems come at a bad time. MGM, which produces the show, is looking to be bought out by a sugar daddy. And the Sci-Fi Channel, which is taking the program over from Showtime for its sixth and final season, can't be happy at the prospect of ending up with a troubled show with plummeting ratings and a fanbase in revolt. " I have yet to see the more recent episodes, but several of the episodes I have seen have been quite excellent (and some others well... weren't) but I know a lot of people who consider SG1 among the best SciFi on TV. Personally I'll take Lexx & Farscape over it, but its not bad.

6 of 267 comments (clear)

  1. I've observed something... by Scoria · · Score: 2, Interesting

    The Sci-Fi Channel's original television programs rarely air for more than one season before being cancelled.

    There has to be a reason why Showtime is selling them ownership of the series, too; my guess is that they had anticipated this.

    I've watched it a few times late at night (reruns); it didn't seem to be "the best of Sci-Fi," but it's certainly watchable and occasionally exhibits signs of intelligence among the writers.

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    Do you like German cars?
    1. Re:I've observed something... by CTachyon · · Score: 2, Interesting
      The biggest problem with the series from my POV is Richard Dean Anderson, who is either a really bad actor or else is doing a really good job on a really bad part. (I suspect the former.)

      I think it's the latter. The problem, IMHO, is that he's a pretty decent actor but is mediocre in at least some of the creative, behind-the-scenes stuff that he insists on doing. Because of his level of creative control on the show, he's one of few people who gets to write his own character. I think he's shooting for a realistic (in D&D terms) 10 INT 17 WIS character in his scriptwriting, but is too close to the character to spot the flaws in what he does.

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  2. That sucks... by TechnoLust · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Stargate SG1 was a great series. I can't understand why everytime they get a great thing going, they try to imitate something else and end up a failed ripoff of another show's concept. Seems like everytime I find a show I like, they change it or cancel it. Meanwhile usless garbage like Crossing Over with John Edward is STILL on. I didn't buy it the first season. Who is watching that con man?

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    "Da ist ein Technölüst in mein Unterpanten!"
    1. Re:That sucks... by nomadic · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Head over to the Skeptics Society's web page if you want to read a good debunking of John Edwards.

    2. Re:That sucks... by mikeage · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Re: Edwards...
      Didn't some guy sue him for his fraudulant presentation of the show? I.e., this guy was in the audience, and they'd splice clips of him saying something, Edwards responding, and the guy nodding approvingly. The viewer therefore thought he was agreeing: except that the "yesses" were to other statements. IIRC, he (the guy) also wrote about how they sat in the audience for about 2 hours before the show started, so the producers could eavesdrop on people and listen for what people wanted to hear...

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  3. Re:What ?! by coyote-san · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Now try that again counting how many conspiracy episodes occured in each season. I know that some of these characters first appeared in the first season, but what was once a rare appearance is now fairly common.

    A more subtle point, count the number of episodes that involved cooperation and finding "positive sum" solutions. Now count the number of episodes that involved conspiracy subplots where humans can't trust their allies. The former were common in the first few years, but now the latter are common. During the first half of the fifth season you have the lying Tollan (Between Two Fires), the lying Russians (The Tomb), the lying Achen (2001), etc. Hell, even Jake had to dress down Jack for his attitude in the season opener.

    When you put it all together, it's hard to find a recent episode that doesn't seem like it there was an angry teenager on the writing staff.

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    For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong. -- H L Mencken