Subj : Re: Stargate
To   : alt.tv.farscape
From : Ken McElhaney
Date : Sun Sep 18 2005 14:37:04

From Newsgroup: alt.tv.farscape


TNW7Z7Z7Z12345 wrote:
> Finnigann wrote:

(stuff snipped)

> > Can it possible that the movies are exerting a trend towards the flash rather
> > than the script? They (the movies) can afford both where as the small screen is
> > not so well endowed.
>
>
> Actually, these days I think the best writing is to be found on TV. BSG
> and Lost are amazingly good.

I think it is well known my feelings about BSG, it's overwritten,
poorly cast, and still cannot convey a solid storyline without
interrupting it with needless "character" development which slows
things down to a crawl.  Still, it is the best sci-fi show on tv today
which unfortunately is saying very little.

"Lost" has had an amazing run for a first season, managing to balance
character background with real suspense and mystery.  I cannot believe
that the writers can keep this up, especially once the "big" mystery is
explained (what is the connection of the passengers OUTSIDE the fact
that they were on the same plane, which has been hinted at all season).
 So this could turn into the 21st century version of "Twin Peaks" next
season.

> Seems to me that SG-1 is breaking every
> rule of good storytelling.  And they have run out of ideas.  In the
> early years there were interesting stories in the midst of fighting the
> bad guys.  Now it's all "bad guy, threat to earth, find out bad guy's
> weakness, prevail."  And within that framework, there's nothing
> interesting in terms of character development, irony, plot twists, etc.

I agree, although I'll add that they simply lack an overarching
storyline (like Farscape had) that ties everything together.  Something
that Farscape ditched during the first half of the fourth season much
to its detriment.

> I feel like we're watching the end of the original Star Trek where every
> episode became Kirk fighting someone (or some thing) to save the
> Enterprise.  Boring, uninspired, just going through the motions.

Hmm, "Day of the Dove" was an exception....one exception. Although you
have to admit "The Way to Eden" is a real hoot, even if for all the
wrong reasons.

> One problem is that, as with all writing teams that try to do 2 shows at
> once (think Star Trek, even David Kelley shows, etc.), the writers can't
> do it.  They obviously put more time into Atlantis than SG-1, but
> neither is any good.

I think "Stargate SG-1" simply should've been cancelled a while ago.
It's only on because of the ratings. So it will continue it's downward
spiral quality-wise until people finally stop watching it.  But I don't
blame SciFi, after all why cancel something if it's still a ratings
winner, even if it sucks.  You don't see ABC cancelling "According to
Jim", do you?

Ken

.