Countdown - Only Two Episodes of SG-1 Left

Shortly, the second to last episode of SG-1 will air on the SciFi Channel--the ending of an era, and the beginning of a new one. However, there are great hopes with Atlantis being the next generation of StarGate. Tonight we will find out how Ardia survived, and the confrontation occurs between the Orici and StarGate SG-1 as Vala's heart hangs in the balance.

SG-1 Discussion Questions on Forum

For everyone who is going to miss StarGate SG-1 or who wants to muse over possible outcomes of the show, there are discussions going on over at mylot. No spoilers, please. Just click on the links below! ;)

1. Countdown: Only Two Episodes of StarGate SG-1 Left
2. StarGate SG1: Post Your Farewell Messages
3. StarGate SG-1: Who Will Live and Who Will Die?

P.S. : Please forgive any typos there as the forum hoster won't let me edit my discussion posts, or at least I haven't figured out how to do so yet.

Family Ties (StarGate SG-1 Review)

Airdate: 06/08/07

Written by: Joseph Mallozzi & Paul Mullie
Director: Peter DeLuise

In "Family Ties," Jacek, Vala's father played by Fred Willard, special guest star, claims to have heard that Earth is in danger from his source, Robak. The episode sub-plot involves Dr. Caroline Lam, General Landry's daughter. I love the way this episode starts off. It reminds me of a story from the Classic X-Men comic book between Jean Grey and Storm (But, of course the friendship between Ororo and Jean is played down in the movies to a mere co-worker status). And of course the klutz, from Episode 200 fame, has to stumble into something. It's good to see some more character development in SG-1, though SG-1 rarely disappoints.

Of course, from the look on Vala's face, we can tell that there is going to be trouble between the daughter and the father from the start. A flabbergasted Vala tried to get SG-1 and General Landry to not authorize Jacek's meeting regarding Arkad's plot to attack Earth. After Dr. Lam treats Sgt. Klutz, she speaks with her own father, General Landry, who has come to pay her a personal visit. Lexa Doig did a good job acting-better than usual, but of all the StarGate characters, we've spent the least amount of time getting to know her, which is why it's good that she is part of the sub-plot in this episode.

When Daniel asks Vala what she got from her dad, and she said, "some minor food allergies,"--it's hilarious because we immediately recall the "other" skill sets she could have gotten from him. Jacek, of course, wants to tell them everything he knows about the Jaffa attack in exchange for full sanctuary on Earth as only he knows the location of Arkad's planned attack. From a high orbit, SG-1 detects a load of Naquadah on the planet Jacek gave them, thus ensuring the deal. Jacek arrives, though Vala would rather see him in a penal colony, which says a lot. It is surprisingly tender that Jacek spent everyday for three weeks trying to reach Vala. But, until General Landry gives her a little fatherly advice, she isn't interested. Of course, we're thinking pot-kettle. It is interesting to see the changes in Vala's character in a role reversal for her character juxtaposed next to Jacek.

Of course, we should know by her calling Jacek by his first name, that there is turmoil between them. But scamming old ladies during a Bingo game is just atrocious even as Jacek claims to be attempting to change his illegal ways (and we won't even mention Pepitito). Oh, and then there's the "stardust" scam, which was funny as hell, undercutting the $19.95 ads. Fred Willard gives a dazzling performance as Vala's father, and is as funny as a tea party on a turnpike. Teal'c gives Jacek the advice: "Be less annoying," just before Jacek tries to get Vala to go with him to the "Virginia Dialogues," but instead gives the ticket to Teal'c. Of course what happens when aliens try to understand Earth culture is a complete mix-up. Poor Teal'c ends up watching Eve Ensler's "Vagina Monologues." Poor Teal'c!

Vala has not lost her lock-picking locks--this is good for SG-1. Jacek makes a deal with the renegade Jaffa to buy and sell the Naquadah, and had a Jaffa com-patch in his personal effects. Unfortunately, no one can find the cloaked cargo ship and with one dead Jaffa, SG-1 has to stop them before they detonate the Naquadah. Jacek asking Colonel Carter to dinner is hilarious, as is Carter putting him in his place. Finally, we see some real character development between Dr. Lam, General Landry, and Dr. Lam's mother. Vala telling her dad he's sloppy was a nice touch too; great character development for Vala. I love the way Vala signals SG-1 with the insulting phrase to her father. To be honest, I thought it was bad having Vala on the show initally until I realized what great depths Claudia Black could bring to the show as an actress (Not to mention the fact that I've fallen in love with the character).

Did Jacek really get away with his ultimate scam? Jacek is almost endearing when he gives Vala the necklace, and clicks his tongue, but somehow we know better, but not when it comes to Vala. The ending is perfect. Had no idea that "Jibbaran virility enhancers" were so tasty--Jacek is such a master scammer.

Though we can tell Vala lied to him about the box, it is a good ending except for the Sci-Fi channel voice problems. The talking was out of synch during one of the final conversations and during next week's preview with the Orici, Adria, Vala's daughter. During all the final female parts, the sound being off was the fault of the Sci-Fi Channel. Rather annoying for a perfectly humorous episode.

Spock's Disembodied Brain

After some apprehension, I decided to review possibly the worst episode in history of Star Trek: The Original Series(ST:TOS) entitled, "Spock's Brain (Episode 61)."

The Enterprise stumbles upon a small, highly advanced vessel, but is unable to communicate with it, and thus the episode starts off not too out of the ordinary for Star Trek, but true believers had no idea what was to come next--back in the day. My spouse and I sat down to watch the usual Sunday night digitally remastered Trek--both of us being avid Star Trek fans. The only reason my spouse gave was this: to see the remastered version.

Little did I know that the woman in the skimpy purple outfit transporting onto the Bridge would signify the beginning of the most ludicrous Star Trek episode ever made. I mean ludicrous in the sense of being uproariously funny, and altogether bad at the same time. At first it looks like Captain Kirk's new fling, but we quickly see that the Brunette Barbarella bombshell has other plans--none other than stealing Spock's brain. Her spaceship does look impressive with the new effects. This "Barbarella" has had way too many drugs, for she is far too happy for words (You have to see it for yourself). Kara's purple outfit was vintage if not cool. The "Boing" waves knock out the crew by the push of a button on her wrist that makes you wish Jeannie from "I Dream of Jeannie" were guest-starring--at least she could have knocked out the crew at once and not have had to merrily go deck by deck.

When they all wake up, we hear McCoy tell Kirk, "Jim--his brain is gone." You do have to give the actors credit for taking this so seriously because it must've been hard to keep a straight face, and Kelly's classic eye wrinkle is so convincing--if only the episode were. Here, we see Kirk facing a Kobayashi-Maru, a no-win scenario for Spock again, and he fights Spock's fate. The Class M planet they were supposed to go to was Sigma Draconis Six, with sapient life, but later in the episode, it is referred to as "Sigma Draconis Seven." This error in the plot makes me feel sorry for the writer, Lee Cronin--hope he had work after this episode was over. As always, Kirk, the luckiest Captain ever, makes the right guess of which planet Spock is on due to the energy bursts emanating from it in regular intervals.

Once on the planet, we learn that the men are called Morg, and they fear the "Givers of Pain and Delight," the Eymorg, as well as that the men have no concept of the word "woman." You might wonder how these people reproduce at first, but luckily, the Eymorg have the apish male slaves for that. Again, Kirk's luck holds up as the trap doesn't go off the first time they enter the cave, but you're going to wish that it did because of what happens next: we see Spock in the "Brain Body Movement Device," which clicks around like winding a mechanical clock. The away team meets Luma, and later Kara, the woman who took Spock's brain--both of whom possess the minds of children. Gosh, it is so cheesy even saying that.

Once they hear and trace Spock's voice on their transmitter, Spock chimes by attempting to crack a joke. The frightening consequences of being captured by the "Givers of Pain and Delight" that Kirk is so concerned about appears to be turned into sex slaves such as the other men the women provocatively were feeding. We learn that Spock has become "the Controller," and thus controls their sprawling, underground complex built by the ancients. Shatner is so good at those throes of pain! We cut to Lieutenant Sulu for an update on "stating the obvious." As Kirk points out that the delightful aspects are strictly under the control of the women, we learn that this is, of course, a perplexing issue to him--what a womanizer! As a commentary on a society domineered by women, this episode fails miserably. McCoy gets denigrated by Spock, but points out that "the skill to replace a brain does not yet exist in the galaxy."

Next, we see Spock (let's just rename him Creepy Nimoy meets Jason. shall we?) clicking around in Barbarella-land. Of course, when this was aired, the notion of a society ruled by women was apparently treated as some male fantasy land, yet speaks to a parallel between the pain and pleasure involved in all relationships on a universal scale. And last, but not insignificant, we find that Spock is in a black box tied with light rays into a futuristic machination.

This episode has brought me to a startling conclusion: Trek is Trek. However futile this episode may seem, the concept of "The Teacher" is a science fiction concept that has been revisited time and time again--from the quagmire of this episode, a gem of science fiction emerges.

Though the teacher looks more like a modified hairdryer prop with no special effects, the concept was revisited in StarGate:SG-1--first with Colonel Jack O'Neill, and then with Daniel Jackson. Like "The Teacher" in "Spock's Brain," the knowledge of the ancients does not last--a kind of flash drive of downloaded knowledge. Hello--anyone ever heard of "The Matrix?"

A moment of foreshadowing of the greater concepts of Star Trek II and III occur in this very episode. Spock believes they should not have risked so much for the one(himself), and likewise, Kirk risks everything to save him. Then, the cheesiest part of the episode is when Spock gets right up after McCoy finishes operating and when "Bones" starts to forget the ancient knowledge--even if he saved Spock--the following part where they reconnect Spock's vocal chords is so utterly implausible. The first time I watched this, I burst out into loud laughter. And of course, there is no sign of the surgery, as Spock himself is as if nothing had ever happened. "Truly terrifying, Captain, . . ." as Scotty would say.

StarGate SG-1 Preview of Dominion - Only Two Episodes Left!

I can't believe that there are only two episodes of StarGate SG-1 left to watch ever! It's the end of the show we thought would never end, and apparently, the SciFi Channel is in disbelief as well. As a tribute to the series, the SciFi Channel is hosting a Grand Finale Countdown Celebration at SG-1 central: http://www.scifi.com/stargate/. Also available for scrumptous consumption are: Top ten Moments, Character Moments, Cast Farewells, and the Forum for discussions and such. And don't forget to vote for the "Best Episode Ever," while you surf the site.

Watch the preview to the next episode entitled, "Dominion." From the preview on SciFi.com, SG-1 somehow learns that Adria, The Orici, is alive (Yes). Check out the promo video here: http://video.scifi.com/player/?id=117363.

This is Your Brain on Spock's Brain

Parents-don't let your kids watch this episode of Star Trek: The Original Series(ST:TOS) entitled, "Spock's Brain (Episode 61)." Your ability to think logically will become greatly impaired. Though, what I'm not kidding about is how bad the medical science is in this episode-- even for an ancient civilization. Thank heaven that Spock was practically reincarnated from the Genesis planet; he may not have lived too much longer with Dr. McCoy's patchwork job on his neurons. This episode has been touted by some as the worst Star Trek episode ever, which could be arguably compared to certain Enterprise episodes by critics and fans alike. Such episodes may be funny but make for a debacle that beggars description.