This is to be a continuing series where I, the more unbiased writer, inform you, without a hint of bias, why a particular topic is cool. Today's topic is going to be Stargate (both SG-1 and Atlantis). Why is Stargate cool? Though there are a multitude of reasons, dating back to around the turn of the last decade before the millennium, I'll focus instead on some lesser known cool factors that should inspire you to check it out.1. Each Stargate has a unique symbol on it, which is like an ID for the particular Gate. It differs from the other 38 (SG-1) or 35 (Atlantis) symbols on the DHD (dial-home-device) This symbol is not repeated on any other Gate and is called the point-of-origin symbol. By dialing six symbols and then this unique symbol, an individual can travel the galaxy, nay galaxies. And with a very large number of possible six symbol combinations out of 38 or 35 symbols, It's safe to say there are a lot of Gates out there and a lot of unique symbols. Cool!
2. Though this unbiased informer enjoys shows like Star Trek, Stargate is set in our present time, with the only "futuristic" technology coming from other races we encounter or from reverse engineering technology we acquire. That to say this; Stargate science and it's technobabble are actually trying to be grounded in present day knowledge and theory. The writers aren't just making this up, it's a combination of imagination and current theories regarding space travel, wormhole theory, and a host of other strange physics, math, and science conundrums. Sure, in the future, the theories may be proved wrong, but for now, this show shows you what it could be if they're right. (Disclaimer: unfortunately, it's pretty much widely accepted that a wormhole event horizon, i.e. Stargate, would tear you to shreds by it's gravity before you even got near it...so let's give it up for those Ancients for figuring a way around it!)
3. SG-1 ran for 10 years, has two TV movies on the way, and has a spin-off, Atlantis, that's been running for 4 years already, three of which overlapped SG-1. Why is this cool you ask? Well I bet you didn't know it! It's the longest running science fiction show ever, beating out the X-Files and any Star Trek series. HA. SG-1 went through a network change, cast changes, and still managed to put 214 episodes under their belt. How many shows do you know of that made it to 200 episodes? Atlantis, the child of SG-1, came out from under its shadow right after their first season and is now the Stargate show and doing quite well with high expectations for a fifth season. Now it's also known that a third series is being planned, and you may say, "Hey, that's taking it a bit far. Don't you think we've had enough?" I would respond to that with just three letters: CSI. Need I say more? Apparently American networks believe that re-dying a show a different city or whatever is what the people want...I'm all for more Stargate (unbiasedly of course).
Well I hoped this helped. Obviously I couldn't get to everything, but count on me doing a sequel to this particular topic. Until next time...
