Solar Flare: Science Fiction News

So season 9 of Stargate SG-1 has arrived and it opens with Avalon, Part One. From the get go, it’s obvious that they are presenting this as a new jump-on point for viewers. As a result the opening half of Avalon is rather so. It does however serve as an excellent introduction to both Ben Browder (in the role of Lt. Colonel Cameron Mitchell) and also Beau Bridges (as General Hank Landry).

Essentially SG-1 has disbanded, much to Cameron’s disapointment. He makes several unsuccessful efforts to get Teal’c, Daniel Jackson and Samantha Carter back. A large chunk of the first half of the show is given over to flashback’s giving us some recent history for the character of Colonel Cameron Mitchell. We also get a couple of brief appearances from Richard Dean Anderson as General Jack O’Neill.

However, things begin to pick up when Vala (played by Claudia Black) arrives through the gate looking particularly hot. From there, things pick in pace and we begin to discover about a possible Ancient who may have been Merlin. There’s lots of snappy dialogue and while Samantha Carter is missing, the remaining members of the team, plus Vala make for entertaining viewing.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger with more to follow next week, and I’ve got to say that there is a really refreshed feel to the show right now. If they can keep this up then SG-1 could run for several more seasons.

I’m sure there will be some who simply won’t accept the absence of Richard Dean Anderson, but in all honesty, most of the time I didn’t even miss his presence. Ben Browder’s character manages to fill the role that O’Neill played without being a direct copy of O’Neil’s character.