Approaching the Possible: The World of Stargate SG-1 
asked by ragtop on November 24, 2006 3:09 PM
Stargate SG-1 has been a television hit for eight years (an almost unheard-of run in science-fiction television), with a ninth in production, and boasts a devoted and vocal online community. Based on the feature length movie, the series SG-1 is Sci Fi Channel’s highest rated show. It follows the flagship team, designated SG-1, of a secret military base. Transported instantly by a Stargate to distant planets, Colonel Jack O’Neill (MacGyver star Richard Dean Anderson) and his team race to save the galaxy from ruthless enslaving aliens, the Goa’uld. What is it about this show that has made it so popular? What makes it different from other science fiction series on television today? Approaching the Possible: The World of Stargate SG-1 answers these questions and more. It serves as a comprehensive introduction for those who are just starting to watch SG-1 with an episode guide to the series, examining SG-1 season by season. For the long-time viewer, author Jo Storm explores multi-season storylines and character developments. Interesting facts for each episode and numerous sidebars uncover the mythology and science not only of the stories, but of the writing, directing, and special effects used to tell the stories. Exclusive interviews with cast members such as Teryl Rothery, Alex Zahara, and Christopher Judge, and writer Joseph Mallozzi and special effects supervisor James Tichenor, engage the Stargate universe from multiple angles. Including chapters devoted to the franchise as well as the âfanchise’ element of the MGM original series, the book showcases the passion this show inspires in its viewersâfrom real-life scientists to fan fiction writers. Approaching the Possible offers insight into the multiple reasons for the show’s popularity while tackling everything from the mythology of Ancient Egypt to the series’ evolution as a CGI wunderkind. With no other episode guide on the market that covers every season of the series, this book is a must-have addition to any fan’s library.
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"Approaching the Possible" is a nice enough episode guide with some detailed, thoughtfully written extra features on the actors, the mythology and the fandom of Stargate. Yet I found myself in constant disagreement with the author's opinions. Episodes that seem to be generally well-received by the fans (such as season three's "Legacy"), she pans, yet episodes that even the most diehard fans scorned (such as season five's "The Tomb"), she praises. The author also makes some unusual selections when picking memorable quotes from each episode, often snubbing funnier, deeper or just plain more familiar lines for less interesting ones. While all the actors are praised at different times, Ms. Storm seems to have a particular fondness for Amanda Tapping; it seems that hardly a review goes by without Storm gushing over a line delivery or facial expression of Ms. Tapping's. The Sam worship gets a little nauseating in its excessiveness. Finally, while the candid color photos in the center of the book are lovely, the small black and white ones scattered throughout the book, almost exclusively taken at conventions, are a bit boring and repetitious.
Knowing now that this will be the last season of Stargate, I'm wishing I'd waited a year or more and purchased an episode guide featuring all ten seasons of Stargate.
Knowing now that this will be the last season of Stargate, I'm wishing I'd waited a year or more and purchased an episode guide featuring all ten seasons of Stargate.
reviewed by bigchad on November 25, 2006 7:35 AM
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I bought this book because it's the most comprehensive one of its kind on the SG-1 market, and it's worth every cent (it's over 500 pages, too - although Amazon has it at 300). Not only does it include a fascinating entry into the show (how it developed from the movie, the main differences in terms of atmosphere, characters, plots, mythologies), but I also discovered a lot of information about the actors, the fandom, the online scene, and how the series fits into the CanCon tradition. Really interesting surrounding material that adds many layers when you're looking at the episode themselves. Great selection of quotes from the cast, crew, and fans, too!
As other people have mentioned, the episode guide in and of itself is wonderful. Unlike other books out there, it doesn't just give a summary of the episode, it delves into each one, looking at various aspects of the show including science, underlying mythologies and philosophies, character arcs, and large thematic issues. Funny (or sometimes achingly hard) quotes from each episode bring out the flavour of the show, which is one of the reasons I watch it.
My favourite part of the episode guide is definitely the `gods and scientists' - it gave additional insight into episodes and characters, giving a textured and layered look at the show. I found out a lot about the different mythologies, scientific theories, theologies, and philosophies behind each episode - the author clearly did a lot of research, and didn't restrict herself to one mythological or religious influence.
This book is worth getting for the sheer volume of information alone - not to mention that it's well written, and has a ton of photographic material (I'd never seen quite a few of the beautiful colour inserts before). The author obviously loves SG-1, and it shows; the book isn't doting, but it reads like a critical analysis of, and homage to, Stargate.
As other people have mentioned, the episode guide in and of itself is wonderful. Unlike other books out there, it doesn't just give a summary of the episode, it delves into each one, looking at various aspects of the show including science, underlying mythologies and philosophies, character arcs, and large thematic issues. Funny (or sometimes achingly hard) quotes from each episode bring out the flavour of the show, which is one of the reasons I watch it.
My favourite part of the episode guide is definitely the `gods and scientists' - it gave additional insight into episodes and characters, giving a textured and layered look at the show. I found out a lot about the different mythologies, scientific theories, theologies, and philosophies behind each episode - the author clearly did a lot of research, and didn't restrict herself to one mythological or religious influence.
This book is worth getting for the sheer volume of information alone - not to mention that it's well written, and has a ton of photographic material (I'd never seen quite a few of the beautiful colour inserts before). The author obviously loves SG-1, and it shows; the book isn't doting, but it reads like a critical analysis of, and homage to, Stargate.
reviewed by tubi on November 27, 2006 6:54 AM
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Fans of the science fiction TV series Stargate SG-1 will welcome a survey of its first eight seasons in APPROACHING THE POSSIBLE: THE WORLD OF STARGATE SG-1. Here's a comprehensive episodic exploration which will be appreciated by new viewers and old fans alike, covering everything from the background details of myth and science presented in the shows to interviews with cast, crew members and all involved. A color centerfold of photos adds some lovely close-ups of the major actors; but it's the episodic reviews that make APPROACHING THE POSSIBLE a fine survey.
reviewed by madfool on November 28, 2006 3:52 PM
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This was a pretty good synopsis of the show. It included some info about the characters and the stars of the show. The synopsis of each show was pretty good. It included interesting information and facts along with some of the memorable dialogue. Granted I think a whole book could be published with just the interesting and humorous dialogue alone.The author like most of us Stargate Fans has her favorite episodes and I agree for the most part about the episodes she says are not that great. All in all it is a good resource. I am giving it four stars for that.
One thing I wish it had was more information about the names of the peoples and places the team visit. Everything named in the Stargate univiverse has a reference either to mythology or the ancient world. I thought some more information about that would be helpful.
One thing I wish it had was more information about the names of the peoples and places the team visit. Everything named in the Stargate univiverse has a reference either to mythology or the ancient world. I thought some more information about that would be helpful.
reviewed by speed5599 on November 29, 2006 12:59 AM
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I already have the official companions to seasons 1 thru 6 but this book definitely gives you much more. Detailed storylines, descriptions, best lines by the characters and more. And COLOR PHOTOS!!!! It is definitely a book to buy and refer to when watching the shows and just to read as enjoyment. This is surely a best buy.
reviewed by mattisboss on November 29, 2006 8:07 AM