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Stargate SG1: The Essential Scripts edited
by Sharon Gosling
pub: Titan Books. 350 page enlarged illustrated paperback.
Price: £16.99 (UK), $17.95 (CAN). ISBN: 1-84023-887-9.
check out website: www.titanbooks.com
With
the growing popularity of 'Stargate SG-1' and the premiere of its
spin-off series 'Atlantis', the writers of the show have collected
together what they feel to be the 'essential scripts' of the first
six seasons. These are six episodes - almost one from every season
to date - which they believe to be the most popular with fans as
well capturing the essence of the show and/or its characters. From
season one there is 'Torment Of Tantalus', which introduces the
audience to the race of Ancients, who built the Stargate and sets
up the idea that there were four great races working together to
defeat the Gou'ld, SG-1's enemy.
This is a Daniel Jackson-centric episode and also has links back
to the original film which the series is based on. It develops the
characterisation of the main cast, particularly Daniel, and focuses
on the mythic and exploration aspects of the show's early episodes.
From season two there is 'The Fifth Race', in a sense a sequel
to 'The Torment Of Tantalus', in that Jack O'Neill meets one of
the four alien races and the SG-1 team learn more about the Ancients.
This is a Jack O'Neill-centric episode, exploring some interesting
aspects of this character. 'Window Of Opportunity' and '2010' are
both from 'Stargate SG-1's fourth season. They are interesting as
being quite different to the series usual episodes. 'Window Of Opportunity'
shows the humour which developed through the seasons, in a 'Groundhog
Day' situation which was also thought-provoking. '2010' is a time-travel
episode, allowing viewers to see the cast in a very different location,
which was also full of tension and angst.
'Wormhole Extreme', from season five, is noteworthy in being its
100th episode. This again is an unusual episode, using the show's
premise and making fun of it. 'Abyss', from season six, is one of
the most popular in that season. It brings back the character of
Daniel Jackson, who was not part of the main cast that season. Invoking
much dialogue between Jack O'Neill and Daniel Jackson, in one set-piece,
this episode shows similarities to a theatrical play and has very
strong characterisation.
The full shooting scripts of these six episodes are surrounded
by introductions and conclusion from the writers, comments from
directors and producers, photographs of episode stills and behind
the scenes and extra information on how the script may have changed
between writing and airing including actors' improvisation or the
cutting of scenes. It is an interesting if perhaps indulgent look
behind the scenes of the writing and production of 'Stargate SG-1'.
Fans will enjoy it for the chance to savour and/or discover favourite
episodes as first conceived and be amused by the little details
of insight into cast, crew and production.
Those less familiar with the show may appreciate this book as an
introduction into what makes 'Stargate SG-1' what it is, showcasing
some of the best-written and more popular episodes. However, this
book is probably one mainly for fans' bookshelves but worth it if
you are a dedicated follower of the show.
Laura Kayne
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