When "Stargate SG-1" premiered in 1997, it faced a difficult task. As a spin-off of the successful 1994 blockbuster "Stargate", the show had to continue the storyline, premise, and themes of the film. Yet, television and cinema are two completely different mediums and while SG-1 followed its parent, it also had to establish its own identity. It is a testament to the creative team that the show managed to become the longest running North American sci-fi program, running for 10 years. That success allowed the franchise to expand the world beyond SG-1 through yet another spin-off, "Stargate Atlantis", which premiered in 2004. But would the new show be a worthy addition to the Stargate world? Would the first season be a winner? The answer is, simply, yes.

Season 1 opens concurrently with Season 8 of SG-1. A research team has been dispatched to the Ancient Outpost in Antarctica which was discovered in the Season 7 finale "Lost City". Their hope is to discover a clue as to the fate of the Ancient's Lost City, Atlantis, which SG-1 had spent Season 7 trying to locate. Dr. Daniel Jackson discovers an 8-symbol address, pinpointing Atlantis' position in the neighboring Pegasus Galaxy. He theorizes that a group of Ancients managed to escape the plague that was killing their race (as established in Season 6's "Frozen) and started over in Pegasus.

With the possibility of meeting actual Ancients and the technological possibilities of Atlantis, General Jack O'Neill authorizes an expedition to go through the Stargate and make contact. When the Expedition arrives, however, things are not what they seemed. The city, while intact, is underwater and lacks the power needed to dial Earth for a return trip. Worse, the Ancients are long gone from Pegasus, having been forced out by a deadly foe that the team must now contend with if they are to unlock the secrets of Atlantis.

The cast is a combination of original characters and recurring faces from SG-1. David Hewlett is clearly having fun reprising the role of the brilliant, yet arrogant Dr. McKay while Torri Higginson is a confident, diplomatic Dr. Weir. Joe Flanigan's Major Sheppard embodies the best elements of O'Neill while Rachel Luttrell embodies the graceful outsider archetype that Teal'c had established. Rainbow Sun Francks' Lt. Aiden Ford, unfortunately is stiff and the last developed of the characters this season.

While the premise is a reinterpretation of the Atlantis legend, there is no mythological influence here, no aliens posing and deities. Yet, the familiar elements of Stargate are still present, from the technology to the sense of wonder and the familiar civilian/military conflict. Highlights from this season include "Rising", "Underground", "Poisoning the Well", "Before I Sleep", and "The Siege - Parts 1 & 2". While the series is cut off from Earth , SG-1 is not forgotten as a few familiar faces put in an appearance, both in the pilot and in other episodes. The main foe, Wraith aren't really fleshed out in this season, but they present a fierceness that the Goa'uld had lost as SG-1 had progressed.

If you are a fan of SG-1 and want to see the continuation of the Lost City storyline, then you'll enjoy Season 1 of SGA.

I have been watching all the Stargate SG-1 episodes on Hulu. I used to make fun of the show and now I seem to be addicted. As I was looking at the airdates, I saw how Stargate Atlantis was introduced. Since the first season wasn't available on Hulu, I decided to buy the first season and watch it on dvd.

I was skeptical the first couple of episodes but as the first season pushed on it really grabbed me. By the end of season 1 I was ready to start season 2. As season 9 of SG-1 started up, it has already begun to disappoint me. But season 2 of Stargate Atlantis has proven to be a good replacement.

I was glad to find the Stargate Atlantis DVD collection used on Amazon for a cheaper price (Cheaper than renting each disc individually at the video store). It was in good condition and the picture quality on HD looks very good (discs are not Blue Ray but the video quality is very good).

I would recommend the series for anyone interested in Sci Fi.

This is a good family type series. SG1 (StarGate 1) takes place "near" the MilkyWay galaxy. SGA (StarGate Atlantis), uses an additional chevron (place on gate) to go to the Pegasus galaxy. It is full of fun, humor, good stories, great characters, and great villians. This is the 1st season and it is when they are cut off from earth. Extras are mostly, commentary of the episodes. There are also some behind the scenes sections. Definitely a feel good show.

Star gate Atlantis
In galaxy far far away a more modern adventure takes place. A team from earth travel through an alien device that was left on the planet earth long long ago. The military of course finds and proceeds to manage the device and use it to explore the universe in an attempt to gain new technology in order to defend themselves from threats more close to earth. A military team with various scientists and specialists' travel through the stargate, which transports them to a distant galaxy in which they establish a base of operations in an ancient, abandon city that is far more advanced technologically then anything on earth. The city is found out to be the legendary city of Atlantis. The team quickly finds out that the city doesn't have enough power for a return trip to earth. Yet the city has enough power to visit plants closer to the city they made camp at. During the their first visit to a nearby plant they discover their enemy in this TV show the wrath. The wrath is an alien species that feed on human by absorbing the life force of the human through their hand. It is discovered that the wraths technology rivaled that of the beings that built the city of Atlantis, and it is also discover that it was the wrath that wiped out the builders of Atlantis.
The main theme of the show is the battle between the wrath and the human team that went through the stargate. Although several episodes are filler and have nothing to do with the wrath. The military branch at the team is a man named Sheppard who was an air force pilot. But his is the typical tough guy but with a sociable sensitive side as well. His is capable of using his gun and also being sympathetic when it is appropriate. The over all leader of the team is a female who is a scientist and has no military training what so ever. She has step outside the traditional female gender role, she is the typical take-charge woman who feels at ease bossing men around. More then once she had to pull rank on the military leader Sheppard. There are also other side characters such as a buff mach warrior that they meet up with and join forces with. And a more feminine yet still fearsome female alien who provide valuable Intel on the nearby worlds. There is also a scientist here and there that provides comic relief.
This television show is above average ethically compared to most TV shows today. There are minimal sexual images and references. The violence is done tack fully. And the language is minimal. This TV show is geared more toward the younger sci-fi crowd. Being a break off of the hit stargate and was a hit in itself. Overall this show offered minimal points at which to critize ethically of philosophically. The people attempt to preserve life when they can. They do present some religious aspects in this show leaving it open to a transcendent being. Although their version of this being must work through theistic evolution because evolution is a theme in the scientific attitude of the show. They have mixed current scientific belief and monotheism which some have done. It was probably and attempts not to put off either side of the issue to make their viewer base as large as possible.
The none traditional female role is something that the west has strongly walked away from and it is evident in the female leaders ship of the team. Although the leader does attempt to retain a little femininity and doesn't represent any feministic ideas. Overall this is a fairly clean and more wholesome show then most today.

A nice journey into the Stargate Universe that follows from the original Stargate TV Series. A must watch for any entertainment orientated Sci-Fi fans.