Window of Opportunity - A Stargate Rewatch Podcast

Sam is transported to an alternate universe, and we see what could have happened should the Stargate program have been made public in The Road Not Taken. This episode is a fun side quest that hits a little too close to home these days. The casting decisions made to populate the alternate universe are really great. It helps to hit home that something is just a little off as soon as the episode starts. We really like how initially there's an actual dialogue happening with Sam and Hammond & Lorne about why they need her. It's nice to see them not going immediately evil and keeping her prisoner because they need her more. The one question we have about the Earth being out of phase is: shouldn't the moon and all the objects that orbit the planet shoot off into space because there is no longer a planet for them to be in orbit around? And then what happens when the Earth comes back? Would everything on the planet now be out of whack because there's no moon for tides and everything related to that? Could the moon be retrieved? Do we need to get Vector involved? INSTAGRAM: SG_Rewatch THREADS: SG_Rewatch DISCORD: https://discord.gg/65kMPzBuaN MERCH: https://showclub.redbubble.com/ EMAIL: woosgrewatch@gmail.com

There's something a little spooky happening in Atlantis when members of the expedition start seeing visions of the past in Echoes. We really like all of the various character interactions in this episode in addition to the change in vibe. We always enjoy a good mystery. And when we finally get the full story of what's actually going on, we did not see that coming. We discuss our favorite whales and learn that Orcas aren't actually whales. We also try to cast the Atlantis members as the Scooby Gang but that doesn't go as well as we hoped…. INSTAGRAM: SG_Rewatch THREADS: SG_Rewatch DISCORD: https://discord.gg/65kMPzBuaN MERCH: https://showclub.redbubble.com/ EMAIL: woosgrewatch@gmail.com

SG1 (minus Daniel) test out Merlin's phase-shifting device in a big way when they attempt to hide a village from the Ori in Line in the Sand. This whole plan seems a little strange. We can understand how they got there, but when you break it down, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense. How do they expect this to be any sort of long-term fix to the Ori problem? We do really like all of the pairings we got in this episode: Mitchell with Sam and Vala with Tomin. It leads to some really amazing character moments, and we're glad to have some resolution on Vala and Tomin's relationship. And since there are still no listener emails, we have a little chat about what we've been up to and Rachael has officially earned her Old Woman At The Movie Theater Card! INSTAGRAM: SG_Rewatch THREADS: SG_Rewatch DISCORD: https://discord.gg/65kMPzBuaN MERCH: https://showclub.redbubble.com/ EMAIL: woosgrewatch@gmail.com

John and his team try to save Atlantis from the Asurans and from being destroyed by the Daedalus while also rescuing General O'Neill and Robert Woolsey in The Return, Part 2. Apologies in advance for the sound going garbly at some points. That was not present during the recording and was only discovered during editing. It's really great having Jack back in the show. Especially when he's the Jack we know and love from the earlier seasons of SG1. The "twist" in this episode is really well done and a general plot device we love when employed properly. It's especially fun here because this is not how Stargate episodes usually go. INSTAGRAM: SG_Rewatch THREADS: SG_Rewatch DISCORD: https://discord.gg/65kMPzBuaN MERCH: https://showclub.redbubble.com/ EMAIL: woosgrewatch@gmail.com

The trials for the Sangreal continue in The Quest, Part 2. And this episode isn't really the conclusion you think it is. We're a little unsure as to the origins of the dragon/wyvern. Where did Morgan get it from? Also, it just blips out of existence at the end, so what is it even real at all? We would like answers to that, please. There also doesn't seem to really be any reason for Merlin to be so cryptic about what he's doing. Especially when he leaves his memories for Daniel to complete the task of building a new Sangreal. Why not just tell them what he's doing and what they'll need to do? Ba'al's actions are interesting. It's been fun seeing the evolution of the team's reactions to the goa'uld now and how they interact with each other. One of our listeners sends in suggestions for Stargate themed Escape Rooms and someone needs to make them happen RIGHT NOW. Anyway, off we go! INSTAGRAM: SG_Rewatch THREADS: SG_Rewatch DISCORD: https://discord.gg/65kMPzBuaN MERCH: https://showclub.redbubble.com/ EMAIL: woosgrewatch@gmail.com

The Atlantis expedition finally meets living Ancients and it doesn't quite go as expected in The Return, Part 1. While the McKay-Carter Intergalactic Gate Bridge is a really awesome idea, there are some questions we have about how it works and how things might go wrong that we wish they would have talked about. While this episode is mostly fine, we do have some major concerns over how the Ancients actually treat the people currently inhabiting Atlantis. So much has changed since the last time the Ancients were in the city. They should want to know what's been going on. And the city is really big enough for everyone if they want to keep the expedition to the outskirts for a while. It also seems like there could be something nefarious going on with how quickly they insist everyone leaves the city. We just really hope John's plan works so they can get their home back from those pesky replicators! INSTAGRAM: SG_Rewatch THREADS: SG_Rewatch DISCORD: https://discord.gg/65kMPzBuaN MERCH: https://showclub.redbubble.com/ EMAIL: woosgrewatch@gmail.com

The hunt for Merlin's weapon is on in earnest as SG1 team up with some unlikely allies in The Quest, part 1. We love the barkeep in the village. She's amazing and is absolutely perfect for this part. How would you guys fare in a situation such as this? Or in an escape room? We debate if we would rock it or just completely fall apart. It is a little strange that there's no comment or conversation about trying to help the people stuck in the time dilation field. Even if they can't do anything in the moment, shouldn't they want to figure out how to help them later? Do you prefer "All flash, no photo" or the original "All flash, no substance"? And we end our episode with a discussion on the differences between dragons and wyverns and various other mythological reptile-like creatures. Also, let us know if you've ever been on a quest. INSTAGRAM: SG_Rewatch THREADS: SG_Rewatch DISCORD: https://discord.gg/65kMPzBuaN MERCH: https://showclub.redbubble.com/ EMAIL: woosgrewatch@gmail.com

Most of John's team starts losing their minds when they're trapped off-world with wraith experimental tech this week in Phantoms. We briefly discuss the possible non-cancellation of the new Stargate series. We're just so confused about what Amazon is doing. The technical decisions that were made to help tell this story are so appreciated. It would be very easy to get lost in what is actually going on, but we were never confused. This episode also has the characters making a lot of smart choices that we love until the circumstances end up getting in their way. Although we do wonder why John never once thought that there was no way he could be back in Afghanistan. He's an intelligent man and is aware that something is messing with people on this planet and their mental state. Why does he just fully give into it? And, somehow, Kagan lives!! INSTAGRAM: SG_Rewatch THREADS: SG_Rewatch DISCORD: https://discord.gg/65kMPzBuaN MERCH: https://showclub.redbubble.com/ EMAIL: woosgrewatch@gmail.com

There's a lot going on this week with SG1's Company of Thieves, but we're not sure the result is worth the sum of its parts. There are a few plot holes or missing scenes/dialogue that would help clarify some character choices that were made. It is fun getting confirmation that there are specific planets that were specifically held by the goa'uld to build their ships. Surely, there is a better plan than Mitchell going undercover and just keeping their fingers crossed that nothing goes wrong. Which, of course it will, because TV! We do like all the interactions with Sam, Daniel, and Vala. They're almost like siblings and it's just really fun to watch. Having to say Netan and Tenat back to back about 50 times was really rough this week. LOL INSTAGRAM: SG_Rewatch THREADS: SG_Rewatch DISCORD: https://discord.gg/65kMPzBuaN MERCH: https://showclub.redbubble.com/ EMAIL: woosgrewatch@gmail.com

Rodney and his sister reconnect after not talking for four years in McKay and Mrs. Miller. We are big fans of this episode. It manages to strike a balance in taking the stakes seriously but still has lighter moments, so the overall episode doesn't feel too heavy. And the ending is just great where everyone agrees that Rod was actually a little creepy and they much prefer their own Rodney McKay instead. We love that they cast David Hewlett's real-life sister, Kate, as Rodney's sister because that sibling dynamic is not something that can be faked. Are there any good nicknames for Meredith that a man could go by? We try to figure something out, but we got nothing. INSTAGRAM: SG_Rewatch THREADS: SG_Rewatch DISCORD: https://discord.gg/65kMPzBuaN MERCH: https://showclub.redbubble.com/ EMAIL: woosgrewatch@gmail.com

Vala is on the run when her memories are accidentally wiped by The Trust in Memento Mori. We really like this episode. Especially everyone's treatment of Vala and how they're actually starting to appreciate her and make her a full member of SG1. We have fun imaging what Teal'c said to Weaver in that interrogation scene and also what Christopher Judge said to the actor. There's also a brief detour into the fun world of Duolingo and what languages you can actually learn with that program. It's just too bad they don't have a course for Diner Speak. As much as we love this episode, Rachael came up with a much better ending. INSTAGRAM: SG_Rewatch THREADS: SG_Rewatch DISCORD: https://discord.gg/65kMPzBuaN MERCH: https://showclub.redbubble.com/ EMAIL: woosgrewatch@gmail.com

An old foe finally returns when John is taken by Kolya as a ruse to trade him for Ladon Radim in Common Ground. We still wonder if there will ever be an episode of a show like this where the whole expedition risks everything for Dave from the cafeteria, and just when it's one of the Big Names at risk. What would you all do if you were in Ladon's position? It's not an easy decision because right now the situation is just bad for one person, but if they give in to Kolya's demands, it would be bad for the whole galaxy. What would your tagline be for a Buddy Cop movie between John and the wraith? INSTAGRAM: SG_Rewatch THREADS: SG_Rewatch DISCORD: https://discord.gg/65kMPzBuaN MERCH: https://showclub.redbubble.com/ EMAIL: woosgrewatch@gmail.com

The Jaffa take the battle to the Ori this week in Counterstrike. We get back into discussing interior design (which Ori is responsible for their ships?) and wondering if the SGC actually has a seamstress on staff. If they do, we want to see that series. There is a lot that happens in this episode, and the arrogance of the Jaffa and what they're doing is rather frustrating. We do appreciate the development of Daniel and Vala's relationship. And, actually, everyone's relationship to her. It's nice to see most of the antagonism starting to drop. Vala and Adria's relationship is really interesting, too. Vala trying to treat her like she's still a small child is a fun dynamic to see play out. We also go off on brief movie tangents about The Wedding Singer and Sneakers. And since there are no listener emails, we get into Gateworld's System Lord Tier Ranking. Who would your top goa'uld be? Watch it here: https://youtu.be/c0ztEk4VcSQ?si=3kn3Q89ohBZYM-BK INSTAGRAM: SG_Rewatch THREADS: SG_Rewatch DISCORD: https://discord.gg/65kMPzBuaN MERCH: https://showclub.redbubble.com/ EMAIL: woosgrewatch@gmail.com

Weir is in a psychiatric hospital and told that the Stargate isn't real in The Real World. This is not our favorite trope or scifi plot. We always know from the start that what the character is told is the truth isn't the truth and there's too much time spent there when we would much rather get to what's actually happening and spend the episode there. Rodney and Beckett are really fun together in this episode, though. Along with that older lady in the hospital who goes on about the cold-blooded aliens from one of Satrun's moons. INSTAGRAM: SG_Rewatch THREADS: SG_Rewatch DISCORD: https://discord.gg/65kMPzBuaN MERCH: https://showclub.redbubble.com/ EMAIL: woosgrewatch@gmail.com

It's Stargate's 200th episode, and we're doing this one commentary style! Grab a drink, grab a snack, and buckle in as we get into all the insanity that is this very special episode. Happy 200 SG1!! INSTAGRAM: SG_Rewatch THREADS: SG_Rewatch DISCORD: https://discord.gg/65kMPzBuaN MERCH: https://showclub.redbubble.com/ EMAIL: woosgrewatch@gmail.com

An unlikely enemy is discovered in the Pegasus Galaxy this week in Progeny. We do start off with some sad news and the cancellation of the recently green-lit Stargate sequel/reboot. We don't understand why this happened or what changed since it was given the go-ahead back in November. We think there were perhaps some missed opportunities to hint at what was going on before the big reveal. Perhaps something weird is happening with the life signs detector? How they showed us the backstory of what actually happened with these human-form replicators was really well done. We appreciate that they showed us the story and didn't just tell us. But does this mean that two different civilizations both created replicator-type beings or did Reese's "father" find Ancient research related to what happened here? The one thing we love, love, love (and always will) is the banter between John and Rodney. They do it so well and it's so much fun. INSTAGRAM: SG_Rewatch THREADS: SG_Rewatch DISCORD: https://discord.gg/65kMPzBuaN MERCH: https://showclub.redbubble.com/ EMAIL: woosgrewatch@gmail.com

Unknown mutated creatures are attacking people off world and on Earth in Uninvited. Are the two related? What's causing this? The casualness of the death of all the people that are killed by these creatures is kind of upsetting to us. It just seems like the SGC writes it off as, "Oops. Our bad." Everyone being so dismissive of Vala is also confusing. She has actual relevant experience in what's happening and no one wants to even listen to her ideas. In general, this episode of perfectly fine but there is quite a lot to nitpick. Also, what is the point of this episode? Even back when filler episodes still existed, this one seems to serve no purpose. There's no character growth; nothing that happens impacts any of the larger story points. We just don't get it. As a final discussion point, what would be the worst creature to get infected with one of those parasite things? INSTAGRAM: SG_Rewatch THREADS: SG_Rewatch DISCORD: https://discord.gg/65kMPzBuaN MERCH: https://showclub.redbubble.com/ EMAIL: woosgrewatch@gmail.com

Ronon is taken home by the wraith and made into a runner again in Sateda. This is just a great episode overall and we're glad we got this part of Ronon's story where he revisits a planet he had been to previously. Rachael really wanted this episode to be a two-parter so we could have gotten more of Ronon's past, though. How does the gate know when to shut off? Is this just another "Because TV!" type of situation. The scene between John and Teyla on the Daedalus is so amazing. Joe is really great at playing the awkwardness of what John is trying to say but can't. INSTAGRAM: SG_Rewatch THREADS: SG_Rewatch DISCORD: https://discord.gg/65kMPzBuaN MERCH: https://showclub.redbubble.com/ EMAIL: woosgrewatch@gmail.com

Great Ba'als of fire!! The SGC is overrun with Ba'als (and we're overrun with puns, sorry) as SG1 gather up all the clones in exchange for information on how to find Merlin's weapon. Of course, things don't go as expected. It's Insiders. We really like that little conversation Mitchell has with Landry about how much control he doesn't have over SG1. He's just gotta hope everyone is in line with the goals and will follow the plan. We do have some issues with Ba'al's plan. It just seems overly complicated for what the goal ended up being. Surely, he could have just brainwashed someone to get him the list of planets. Sam makes one of the dumbest mistakes ever by handing over the planet information to the Ba'als. There is no way anyone on base is more important than that data. Still, we enjoyed this episode. It's never a bad idea to have more Cliff Simon. INSTAGRAM: SG_Rewatch THREADS: SG_Rewatch DISCORD: https://discord.gg/65kMPzBuaN MERCH: https://showclub.redbubble.com/ EMAIL: woosgrewatch@gmail.com

Richard Kind returns as the absolutely Irresistible Lucius in this week's sitcom version of Stargate Atlantis. As much as we really like this episode (and we do genuinely think it's a lot of fun), there are a couple of plot holes that we wish had been dealt with. First off, where exactly is the gate for this planet? Is it in orbit or not? And then, what Lucius is doing does have some date rapey vibes to it that are not cool. We do find it interesting that being away from Lucius causes people to go through an actual physical withdrawal. We've never seen something like that in these situations before. If you discovered the herb that Lucius found, would you use it? INSTAGRAM: SG_Rewatch THREADS: SG_Rewatch DISCORD: https://discord.gg/65kMPzBuaN MERCH: https://showclub.redbubble.com/ EMAIL: woosgrewatch@gmail.com