Stargate SG1, season 9

It was mostly morbid curiosity that drove me to watch this. After being unable to stomach more than the first two seasons of the series, i wanted to know what happened when Richard Dean Anderson left. You know what? As incandescent as Anderson is, his mishandling by the writers may have been SG1's fatal flaw, as this incarnation is better. And jumping gingolds, Shanks may have actually taken some of his "look, i'm an actor" money, and purchased acting lessons. The visuals have been kicked up to SGA's level, and new lead Ben Browder loses the ingratiating quality he had on FARSCAPE. Also joining the cast is Claudia Black (PITCH BLACK, FARSCAPE{!}), as saucy Vala Mal Doran. Lexa Doig (ANDROMEDA) is the new sawbones. Grrrowl. Plus the ever-underrated Beau Bridges as the new SGC general.
FOUR STAR - none
NOTEWORTHY
-Avalon ***
This two-parter kicks off the season with interest and excitement. Browder's Cameron Mitchell takes over SG1, only to be disappointed that the team has gone their separate ways. Fine flashbacks introduce his story. He tries to re-recruit the originals, as Richard Dean drops by to smooth things over. An Ancient communication device from the time of Merlin transports Jackson and Vala's consciousnesses into the bodies of two people a galaxy away. They discover humans who have been granted special powers by a species of ascended beings, the ori, who demand that all mortals worship them.
-Origin ***
Part 3 of "Avalon". Julian Sands (BOXING HELENA, LEAVING LAS VEGAS) is a creepy high priest who begins a crusade to convert our galaxy to ori worship, sending super-powered minions. Frightening and beautifully shot. Plus Louis Gossett, Jr, lending his weight to a recurring role!
-The Ties That Bind ***
A pleasantly amusing episode about Vala's charlatan past, pushed into noteworthyland by...Wallace Shawn! Yay!
-The Fourth Horseman ***
It's wonderful when the staggering number of elements that come together in any television episode, do so this seamlessly. An ori plague is loosed on Earth. They finally learn how to subdue a prior. A myriad of previously-established supporting actors hit just the right notes. Louis Gossett, Jr. gives his life in a literal blaze of (non)glory.
-Ripple Effect ***
A recycled sci fi idea, wherein different SG1 teams from alternate universes must work together...but it's so charming and tight, you might be surprised by your smile.
-Arthur's Mantle ***
Gripping, unpredictable, and deftly woven. You can't imagine how these disconnected plot lines might come together (Cam and Sam get phased into another dimension, while Teal'c investigates a disaster on another planet). When they finally do, hold on to your britches. And how about a little Doug Wert (Jack Crusher, STAR TREK TNG) and Tony Todd (DS9, VOY, TNG)?
-Camelot ***
SG1 races to find an anti-ori weapon created by Merlin, while the fleet assembles to face an invasion force coming through a super stargate. Grand, funny, fun.