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Reviews
Stargate: Atlantis: The Defiant One (2004)
Tense
Watchable episode which pits a team led by Shepherd against a solitary Wraith. Apparently they can survive for centuries on a crashed spaceship as long as they they can snack on stored humans and ,when supplies run out, fellow Wraith. McKay is accused by fellow scientists of generating "girly fear" ,which the Wraith can smell. As always the puddle jumper door is left wide open on alien terrain so that animals and insects ,viruses and bacteria can invade the interior. But for some reason the little buzzing lights which feature in episodes of Stargate SG1 are here interested only in bars of chocolate.
Stargate SG-1: Threads (2005)
Alas
After seeing this for the third time over the years,and thoroughly enjoying it,the feeling is of sadness. The makers know changes are coming. Farscape 2 is hovering above and about to land. There will be no more fun and adventure in outer space. Unscheduled off-world activation will no longer mean thrills and fascinating scripts but dull chat by humourless posers. We are all trapped in that weird diner with Daniel Jackson. We know the universe is threatened by Anubis and his greasy underlings intent on wiping out replicators,rebels and all humankind,but we are powerless. We have coffee and waffles and read the newspaper. Television will not be the same again.
Stargate: Atlantis: Aurora (2005)
Wraith
Gripping episode using a plot that has become a bit of a cliche in sci-fi tv. The set designers do a good job and the actors are,as usual,entirely convincing. I wish someone would teach McKay how to fire a pistol.
Stargate: Atlantis: Epiphany (2005)
Portal
A previous reviewer has likened this to Forbidden Planet but the true influence is Fire Maidens From Outer Space (1956). The Stargate version is a huge improvement of course and fits neatly into the new narrative. My only quibble would be the dress-sense of the inhabitants: why Russian peasant attire while awaiting ascension?
The Flying Saucer (1950)
Washing Up
It takes nerve and deserves credit to write,direct and feature as the lead actor in a film.Unfortunately it also needs talent and the financial backing to smooth over weaknesses in plot,acting,props etc.Conrad does his best, but the number of cigarettes he gets through on screen probably indicates his worries on these aspects.The end result is watchable but not deftly paced ,with too many flat scenes of passing landscape that tell us only that they moved the camera out of the studio.Pat Garrison ,as the romantic interest Vee Langley,is fine-worthy of better dialogue- and her trim figure going for a swim presents a nice contrast to the white Alaskan surroundings.Brrrr!