Stargate: SG1, season 8

FOUR STAR - none
NOTEWORTHY
-New Order ***
Wait a minute...THAT'S not Dr. Weir! After only two episodes, Jessica Steen is replace by Torri Higginson (who would go on to a starring role in the spin-off, ATLANTIS). We love Torri, and maybe just maybe she does bring a little more gravitas, but we liked Jessica (EARTH 2) too.
-Icon ***
Really well-made. Jackson is stranded on an alien planet that has been plunged into holy civil war by the appearance of SG1. The ending is a bit too cowboyed-up, and it's questionable whether Earth would interfere to this extent...but it's tight and well-written, with a fine guest turn by Matthew Bennett (BATTLESTAR GALACTICA).
-Avatar ***
Every so often SG1 trots out a cliched, overused plot line, but just as you're rolling your eyes, they take it to a place that feels new. Teal'c gets stuck in a virtual military training simulation which feeds off his own personality. Because he would never give up, but ultimately believes the war against the goa'uld is unwinnable, he is unable to win or free himself from the game. Nicely done.
-Affinity ***
Hold on to your hats. Is this the first time in eight seasons that a romance on SG1 displays...what's that word - oh yes, chemistry? Okay, that season 4 thing with O'Neill and Vanessa Angel thing had some sizzle. But these are banner times for Christopher Judge. He's gotten as much character development in two episodes as he had in the previous seven seasons combined. He moves into an apartment in the "real world", much to the concern of the pencil-pushers. After playing "good samaritan" neighbor a little too Charles-Bronsonly, The Trust frames him for murder, in order to get ancient translations from Jackson. His neighbor (Erica Durance - SMALLVILLE) has an abusive boyfriend. Teal'c teaches her martial arts, and they fall for each other. Sexy, believable, and long overdue.
-Sacrifices ***
The second and final turn for Jolene Blalock (ENTERPRISE). A bit better-written (again, by Mr. Judge), but a bit more scattered too - with annoying gobbledygook about marriage. Christopher gives Jolene a slightly-contrived (but nice) vulcan moment with one of her lines about how someone shouldn't be "so emotional".
-Prometheus Unbound **
General Hammond returns, to lead the Prometheus' first mission to Atlantis. Diverted by a distress signal, they find a drifting ship. Its inhabitant manages to kidnap them onto her vessel (except for Jackson), then steal theirs. Daniel, Meet Vala Mal Doran (Claudia Black - PITCH BLACK, FARSCAPE), in her debut before joining the cast in season 9. Fun, but a bit "high school drama club".
-It's Good to be King **
Why do white people like Wayne Brady? And wouldn't it be cool if the SG1 episode to employ the otherworldly talents of Mr. Brady weren't a bit cheesy? Wouldn't that be so cool?
-Citizen Joe ***
This one burbles along, but its humor and heart ultimately win you. A barber (Dan Castelleneta - THE TRACEY ULLMAN SHOW, THE SIMPSONS) accidentally gets a goa'uld artifact that creates a mental link between he and Jack. For seven years, he has visions of SG1's adventures. The visions take over his life, once he becomes convinced they're real.
-Threads ***
Episodes like this make you think of all SG1 could have been. They were very nearly great, when they really tried. Jack and Sam resonate with character depth and development, in a way that is both understated and large - no mean feat. Have their walls finally dropped away? It sure feels like it, and it's nice. Add to that a Daniel plot line that couldn't be any better, as he waits in a celestial way-station, facing re-ascension or mortal death. If he ascends, he'll be prevented from interfering in Anubis' plan to eliminate all life in the galaxy. A three-way NO EXIT ensues, with Mel Harris (THIRTYSOMETHING) as the guilt-ridden being who helped him ascend the first time, and the sublime George Dzundza (BASIC INSTINCT, CRIMSON TIDE) as the hidden, half-ascended Anubis. Reunited, the SG1 team end the episode with a subtle, gratifying tip of the hat to the final episode of STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION.
-Moebius ***
A love note to the fans who've supported the show for eight years, and a fitting send-off to the Dean Anderson years. Let's be accepting of his departure - doing one season of a TV series is enough to burn out more than a few, and he did eight. Few shows go the distance...and what sci fi goes more than seven seasons, he probably figured. All those STAR TREKs? Seven. MACGUYVER? Seven. So let's give him a big hug, as he takes a well-deserved break (and relax, it's not like he won't be back in numerous guest spots and a couple movies). Here, the team goes back in time to get a ZPM, and end up stranded 5000 years ago in Egypt. A video they make is recovered in a present timeline where SG1 doesn't exist. The team is rounded up, and try to make things right. Throw in series stalwarts Jay Acovone, Peter Williams, and David Hewlett, plus ANOTHER death for Daniel, plus Jack and Sam sucking face righteously...it's all a bit obvious, but for once, that's not a bad thing.