Stargate SG-1 - Season 1 Gift Set (DVD, 2001, 5-Disc Set)

I came late to the SG-1 party, having not seen the show until it was beginning its eight season. Once I was hooked, I was eager to catch up on earlier episodes, so I headed to ebay in search of the older DVD sets, which are no longer readily available for retail purchase. I was not disappointed! Even though the first season of SG-1 is ten years old, the stories were remarkably undated(save for a cringe-worthy remark regarding reproductive organs made by Samantha Carter in her introductory scene - a line which the writers good-naturedly lampooned in a later episode). The special effects are absolutely astonishing in their quality, especially compared to the cheese-factor on series such as Dr. Who and Farscape. Okay, so everyone in the known Universe apparently speaks English and most inhabited planets looks suspiciously like Vancouver - but, even classics like Star Trek are guilty of that little bit of xenocentricity. Stargate SG-1 is interesting, entertaining, and full of action and even some edge-of-your seat excitement (think Earth about to sucked into a black hole via a malfunctioning Stargate that can't be closed). Unlike the "plastic" space hero characters of many sci-fi series, the very competent cast delivers believeable portrayals of the gamut of human emotions from sincerely funny humor to livid rage to heartwrenching anguish. I'd easily put it on a level with any of the Star Trek incarnations or the critically acclaimed Battlestar Galactica. It's ironic that in the closing scene of original Stargate movie, upon which the series is based, a key character comments on the adventure that has just taken place, and another replies with, "The adventure is just beginning..." Profoundly prophetic words, as the film spawned 214 episodes of SG-1, and so far, 70 episodes of the SG-1 spin-off, Stargate Atlantis (which is equally amazing in its own right). You really can't call yourself a sci-fi fan if you allow yourself to miss this awesome show!

I love Stargate SG-1. It's a fun sci fi series. The cast is wonderfully talented and captivating. They make watching Stargate SG-1 exciting and fun. Season 1 of Stargate SG-1 is filled with lots of action from military combat missions off world, adventure and suspense on and off world. During the first season you are introduced to the people of Abydos, the Goa'uld, the Nox, the Tollan, Hathor, Cassie as well as other alien races and people from other worlds. As the season progresses we see the characters' personalities shine through and the bonds and relationships between the members of SG-1 form. This is a season of Stargate SG-1 that should not be missed. An absolute must for any Stargate SG-1 fan.

I am a huge fan of SG-1, and to a lesser degree the spin-off Stargate Atlantis. SciFi channel really hit it big with this series, even though there aren't that many shows per season. The early seasons were a fantastic mix of classic Science Fiction and high-tech imagination. Richard Dean Anderson did a fabulous job in the role of Col. O'Neil, and the rest of the cast did an outstanding job in their roles as well (Amanda Tapping is not just eye candy!).

Take this from a person who did not like sci-Fi series up until
Stargate SG-1. I came across it by chance, and was hooked.
You'll find the writing dialogue is top-notch, the characters themselves
along with the situations can sometimes be stunning. If you are seeing
Stargate for the first time, you will be "Wowed" when you see the
Stargate work for the very first time.
In the first season we find out who the "Real" enemy of the galaxy is;
and that is the Gou'ld. Like me, you'll wonder how the team of SG-1 will get out
of danger (time and again). Season one is never boring; and unlike
other Sci-Fi series doesn't base it's show on a space ship, but right
on Earth. Take note of how strong the characters are. They keep you
interested and don't come off as being phoney. But in the end,
it is the stories and strong writing that will keep you coming back.
The "Pilot" of the series, called, "Childen Of The Gods" takes you
to a world we hadn't dreamed about. The first season and the others
are well worth your money. You'll find it wasn't over-priced after-all. :)

First seasons are never the best in the series, and this is no exception. That said, it is a far cry better than most seasons, as the actors find their groove quickly. If you can ignore some obvious unrealities (everyone across the galaxy seems to speak English), the plots are fun and the action is exciting. Richard Dean Anderson is a riot, and the other characters start and stay fresh (at least through season 8). I am strongly disappointed by the R-rated series opening (full female nudity); I never watch that episode. But that is never repeated in the rest of the show.