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Stargate SG1: The Essential Scripts edited by Sharon Gosling
01/11/2004 . Source: Laura Kayne 
pub: Titan Books. 350 page enlarged illustrated paperback. Price: £16.99 (UK), $17.95 (CAN). ISBN: 1-84023-887-9. Buy from Amazon US - Buy from Amazon UK
nb: US titles may only be available from Amazon US, and UK titles from Amazon UK. check out websites: www.titanbooks.com
With the growing popularity of 'Stargate SG-1' and the premiere of its spin-off series 'Atlantis', the writers of the show have collected together what they feel to be the 'essential scripts' of the first six seasons. These are six episodes - almost one from every season to date - which they believe to be the most popular with fans as well capturing the essence of the show and/or its characters.
From season one there is 'Torment Of Tantalus', which introduces the audience to the race of Ancients, who built the Stargate and sets up the idea that there were four great races working together to defeat the Gou'ld, SG-1's enemy. This is a Daniel Jackson-centric episode and also has links back to the original film which the series is based on. It develops the characterisation of the main cast, particularly Daniel, and focuses on the mythic and exploration aspects of the show's early episodes.
From season two there is 'The Fifth Race', in a sense a sequel to 'The Torment Of Tantalus', in that Jack O'Neill meets one of the four alien races and the SG-1 team learn more about the Ancients. This is a Jack O'Neill-centric episode, exploring some interesting aspects of this character. 'Window Of Opportunity' and '2010' are both from 'Stargate SG-1's fourth season. They are interesting as being quite different to the series usual episodes. 'Window Of Opportunity' shows the humour which developed through the seasons, in a 'Groundhog Day' situation which was also thought-provoking. '2010' is a time-travel episode, allowing viewers to see the cast in a very different location, which was also full of tension and angst.
'Wormhole Extreme', from season five, is noteworthy in being its 100th episode. This again is an unusual episode, using the show's premise and making fun of it. 'Abyss', from season six, is one of the most popular in that season. It brings back the character of Daniel Jackson, who was not part of the main cast that season. Invoking much dialogue between Jack O'Neill and Daniel Jackson, in one set-piece, this episode shows similarities to a theatrical play and has very strong characterisation.
The full shooting scripts of these six episodes are surrounded by introductions and conclusion from the writers, comments from directors and producers, photographs of episode stills and behind the scenes and extra information on how the script may have changed between writing and airing including actors' improvisation or the cutting of scenes. It is an interesting if perhaps indulgent look behind the scenes of the writing and production of 'Stargate SG-1'. Fans will enjoy it for the chance to savour and/or discover favourite episodes as first conceived and be amused by the little details of insight into cast, crew and production.
Those less familiar with the show may appreciate this book as an introduction into what makes 'Stargate SG-1' what it is, showcasing some of the best-written and more popular episodes. However, this book is probably one mainly for fans' bookshelves but worth it if you are a dedicated follower of the show.
Laura Kayne
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