So I came across this article the other day…
10 Most Underrated Stargate Episodes
It’s a lot of fun, but I do question some of the episodes included in this list, not because I don’t believe they’re deserving, but due to the fact I don’t consider them underrated. Maybe by critics or the greater audience at large, but that would apply to the entirety of the franchise’s 300+ episode run. There are a few notable exceptions, but I would argue that episodes like Crystal Skull, Time, and Vegas tend to place high on most fandom lists.
So, if I was asked to come up with what I deemed the 10 most underrated episodes of the franchise’s run, I’d have to go with – in order of airing….
#10. Learning Curve (Stargate: SG-1, Season 3)
My first exposure to Stargate was an episode called Emancipation. It was so bad that it almost ensured I would never watch another episode of the show. Until, that is, our agent got us a shot to pitch. I was even reluctant to try – until I read the scripts the production had forwarded us. They were all terrific and I remember really being impressed with this one in particular.
#9. Upgrades (Stargate: SG-1, Season 4)
I’m a sucker for the funny episodes. Super powers are just the cherry on top. But the small moments stand out for me in this episode, like the steakhouse scene. It’s nice to see the gang enjoying a night out.
#8. 2010 (Stargate: SG-1, Season 4)
Next to the funny episodes, there’s nothing I love more than a good AU story and this is a great one, exploring what might have ben. The climax that sees our beloved SG-1 fall in a last-ditch attempt to right the timeline gets me every time.
#7. Revisions (Stargate: SG-1, season 7)
I’m casting humility aside to include one of mine in the mix, this pure sci-fi story reminiscent of the science fiction stories I used to love as a kid. A stand-alone episode involving a strange alien civilization, a perplexing mysterious, and cool technology – with a melancholy conclusion.
#6. Collateral Damage (Stargate: SG-1, Season 9)
Even though I shared the writing credit, this one was all my former writing partner – another terrific standalone story involving a strange alien civilization, a perplexing mystery, and cool technology.
#5. Poisoning the Well (Stargate: Atlantis, Season 1)
One of my favorite episodes from Atlantis’s inaugural season was this moving episode, my favorite Carson Beckett story.
#4. Harmony (Stargate: Atlantis, Season 4)
I had a lot of fun breaking this story in the room with writer Martin Gero, and his script is executed to perfection, thanks in no small part to our terrific pint-sized guest star, Jodelle Ferland, in the titular role. Loved the twist at episode’s end that sees McKay and Sheppard’s roles reversed – a rare occurrence.
#3. Remnants (Stargate: Atlantis, Season 5)
Okay, sorry. I’m going to have to offer up one more of mine. Three seemingly disparate stories that dovetail nicely in the episode’s conclusion, capped off with a nice little Zelenka twist.
#2. The Greater Good (Stargate: Universe, Season 2)
Carl Binder excels at quiet, character-focused stories and this is a great one, pitting Young again Rush on an abandoned alien vessel. Secrets are revealed – and they don’t go over well.
#1. Stargate: Universe (Season 2, Malice)
As far as SGU episodes go, this one is pretty epic, a space-western showdown on a desertic alien world.
And you? What are your favorite underrated Stargate episodes?
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A reminder that we’re kicking off our Dark Matter rewatch. I’ll be joining the gang at Orville Nation for a livestream post-Episode 1 discussion this Monday, October 5th at 5:30 p.m ET –
Come join us. And tell your friends!
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