Celebrating 25 Years of Stargate SG-1 - The Future of Stargate

I wasn't expecting to do a post about Stargate, but the 25th anniversary of Stargate SG-1 is, well, today. So I figured, "Why not give my two cents on the franchise?"

Over the years, Stargate has brought much joy to me. It was my first proper obsession that I dove into head first. I would daydream about the characters and make up my own stories... even though an idea I had for a potential show was shot down by fellow fans. Other fans of any franchise, really, can be brutal sometimes, but even back then, I never allowed it to get to me. My adoration was high and intact. My daydreams persisted, and over the years, I even got the chance to meet many Stargate actors and actresses - some who appeared once like adult Orlin and others a little more famous like John Sheppard.

When the franchise died out, however - no shows, no movies - it was a sad time. It was as if every sci-fi fan knew about Stargate, but nobody wanted to talk about it. There were books and comics which persisted; I believe there is even a comic which continues where Stargate Universe left off. Audios and audio dramas popped up, most notably from Big Finish Productions (I should do a separate post on them). Heck, even a mini-series called Stargate Origins surprisingly came into being, although not everyone really took to it which was a shame since I thought it had the potential on telling some really interesting stories like how exactly did Bra'tac know the Goa'uld were false gods? 

The franchise was in a state of limbo: nothing big was really done, but it was not entirely forgotten.

Then came along revivals of Star Trek and Star Wars, two big sci-fi franchises. It started off slowly, mind you, movies here and there; but eventually both franchises dove deep in creating more: Star Trek received more shows, and Star Wars began to dive into live-action television outside the realm of cartoons. I can't speak for any other die-hard Stargate fans, but this one here was starting to think that maybe there was hope in reviving another big sci-fi name.

My thinking was - and still is - that if the latest trend is revivals, then perhaps Stargate may get that treatment? And no, I do not mean reboots. I am well aware how there was talk of rebooting Stargate and redoing the original movie, branching off into a trilogy like it was planned out. Thank the Ancients it never happened! Reboots I detest and are not the same thing as a revival. I will die on that hill. But even though I want a big screen revival of the franchise, I also do not want it to be half-assed or worse: completely changing the vibe of it to suit xyz.

Enter the sale between Amazon and MGM. At first, all I heard was rumours, It was exciting: maybe there was hope after all. Then it actually happened. Amazon bought MGM - Amazon now owns the rights to Stargate.

What can this potentially mean?

It could mean absolutely nothing, a concept which is not ideal to a Stargate fan. Don't forget MGM also is synonymous with James Bond. I think if anything that would be more of their priority since Bond is a household name. It sucks, but that is reality. But I think Amazon really should think about Stargate more.

I, personally, consider Stargate as one of the big sci-fi franchises out there. After ten seasons of SG-1, five of SGA, and two of SGU, not to mention the original movie and two other ones, I wouldn't exactly say it is a "small" franchise.

"But girl, quantity doesn't mean quality," you may cry.

That is true. But for Stargate, there is a reason why SG-1 went to ten seasons: the quality was immensely there with the characters and their development as well as the stories - engaging stories with thought provoking thoughts. I still often point to Samantha Carter as an example of how to create an outstanding female character. She really is an icon - smart, feminine, tough as nails. The creation of such female characters should be encouraged. Creation is key.

And I firmly believe that if it wasn't for the "politics" of MGM back in the day - I firmly believe Atlantis also would have had a very long run, longer than five years. The potential storylines this series had! I am still bitter about its ending and cancelation and its movie that was indefinitely shelved. But that's a rant for another time.

What I'm trying to say is this: Stargate is a franchise which offers limitless possibilities, if you adhere to its principles. One could dive into what past characters have been doing. It would be nice to know what exactly the Atlantis team has been up to. Diving into past characters, though, is more of a fan service, and that's not necessarily a bad thing, but it could alienate newcomers. But at the same time, you can still have new characters come into the picture and bring past characters in to "pass the torch" so to say. It has been done with other franchises, but it must be done in a respectful way.

Or one could create a brand new team to go off gallivanting across the galaxy on new missions, perhaps encountering a new enemy. But again, with that same respect and adhering to that basic formula. There's a reason why the basic Stargate formula works: all you need is engaging stories. Atlantis proved that. Universe? Well, they tried something new.

The main thing to keep in mind for creating new Stargate is this: respect the past and remember what made Stargate, well, Stargate. If Amazon can do that, then Amazon would be successful in reviving the franchise. Sci-fis like Stargate don't come along all the time, and in my opinion, Amazon would be missing out if they simply decided to ignore what they have. 

I want to highlight a very good piece from Gateworld which dives into why Amazon should revive the franchise by a continuation of what is known.

In the meanwhile, Big Finish Productions have re-released their Stargate audio dramas they did years ago which is a huge thing cause years ago they had lost the license to sell them. The possibility for more? I personally wouldn't rule it out, and I really hope that comes to fruition cause they really are a good listen. 

"Audio" may be a five letter word a lot of Stargate fans may not like, but truth be told, they really are some good character stories as well as stories itself. Series three, especially, is top notch (and my favourite) and really showcases what Big Finish does on a normal basis: they are episodes for your ears, and I really could imagine those particular stories as actual episodes - nay, I wished they were! That's how blown away I was with them! Sometime I'll have to do a blog post on them cause I really think many Stargate fans are underestimating theses gems! Also, three of those stories has the late Cliff Simon as Ba'al, and he simply knocked it out of the park! (May he rest in peace.)

There is definitely a hunger for more Stargate. Audios are only a scratch. Exclusive Stargate conventions still happen, people still cosplay as Stargate characters - I once saw two Wraith at a convention - so why not satisfy that hunger, Amazon? #WeWantStargate