Of course, the universe is already very large, but in this season it will become even bigger. This will happen through the introduction of additional races, new planets and the linking of all of these. This will not only happen through visits, but also through storytelling about who shares what with whom or where which species could settle.
Of course, not everyone is well disposed towards the SG-1 team or humans in general; some want to get their hands on the team because of their reputation and the fact that they have Apophis on their conscience.
It is not uncommon for the Tok’ra to be called upon for assistance. What is nice, however, is that this is not a one-way street, as there are also situations in which the Tok’ra need the help of humans.
Another important topic that is expanded upon here, with a view to the continuing story, is the Goa’uld and their social system. This is still done very tentatively, but we get to know some of the System Lords and learn which deities or mythologies on Earth they represent.
Meanwhile, the show also tackles more serious topics, which it did before, of course, but which are explored in greater depth in the third season onwards. For example, episode E3S05 shows the consequences of children growing up without a childhood in a society. At the same time, O’Neill is also helped to come to terms with the trauma of his son’s death (which happens in almost every episode in which children appear).
Who exactly owns the body when a Goa’uld inhabits it? This is an interesting philosophical question that is addressed in S3E15. Was the right decision made there? This is a question that could certainly be debated at length.
The fact that actions have consequences is also an interesting theme that comes up again and again, because SG-1 are certainly no saints. They have to deal with the fact that, while breaking out of prison, they helped free a mass murderer who then wreaks havoc again in S3E11.
However, this also demonstrates that the consequences of actions are not limited to Earth, but have a much wider reach, which SG-1 and humanity as a whole still need to learn and understand.
It is evident in many places that the series has a larger budget, as CGI is being used more and more frequently. In addition, the matte paintings, which are used for many backgrounds to make alien worlds look like alien worlds and not just like a forest in a nature reserve, have also improved in quality.
However, this should not be taken as criticism; I love this technique of expanding existing locations, and I just noticed that something has changed in terms of quality here. This was also common in Star Trek, but since that series had been running for much longer, the backgrounds were of a higher quality almost from the start.
One way to recognise CGI is when practical effects are mixed with animation, as in Thor or other Asgards. If I recall correctly, this will become more common in the future, but unfortunately there are also negative examples that, from today’s perspective, have not aged very well (more on this in the next season’s article).
Races are also returning, and not just the Nox or the Asgard, but also the Tollans, who were already somewhat unusual in that they were unwilling to share their technology with humans at almost any price.
However, the writers went a little overboard in this episode, S3E15. Suddenly, the Tollans are able to build a Stargate, and yes, the Ancients have already been introduced by name, but they have not yet been established as the superior race that they will later become. With this fact in mind, it makes very little sense that the Tollans are suddenly able to build a Stargate. Just like that, as if it were nothing. I didn’t find it quite so sensible and a little too simplistic.
Of course, you can’t always end up in a forest, desert or mine as soon as you tumble out of the Stargate. Sometimes you also have to encounter civilisations that are somewhat more advanced, or at least the remains of them.
That’s why it can happen that you come out in a building complex or something similar, which is of course enhanced by the matte paintings mentioned above. But for me, these structures often have the charm of a university or a school.
When I think about it, I’ll see if I can find out where some of the episodes were filmed. I remember that the Stargate Centre itself, as well as the spaceships and similar facilities, were filmed in a studio.
The bonds within SG-1 are also becoming increasingly intense, even if there are frequent conflicts, but that is precisely why I am saying this. Because only when you are truly aware that a relationship is strong and resilient will conflicts such as those we have seen and will continue to see be resolved. Because you know that you can meet again on equal terms.
At the end of the season, we encounter an enemy that will occupy us for a very long time. Of course, we’re talking about the replicators! But that’s not all. We also learn that even the Asgard are at a loss and are asking humans for help because of their stupider brains.
Disclaimer
Of course, I haven’t forgotten him, don’t worry! He just didn’t really fit in anywhere else, so now he’s getting his tribute here.
Of course, I’m talking about Sam J. Jones and his one-off appearance in episode S3E07. If you’re now wondering who Sam J. Jones is, then you should be ashamed of yourself, because he played Flash Gordon in the 1980 film adaptation of the same name!
Yes, I’m only joking about the embarrassment, of course. I understand that you can’t know everyone in the nerd universe. However, you should definitely watch Flash Gordon. Even though the film is quite cheesy in places, it’s still a great film. It’s on a par with Masters of the Universe from 1986, and please don’t hit me for the comparison. Both were, for their time, quite vivid films and very enthusiastic attempts to adapt existing material.
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