It seemed early on that the show was using a bunch of devices to carry the story and build characters (kino and communication stones), but they have drifted a bit away from that (well the kino-storytime parts at least). I think it was probably necessary to build up some of the characters. One thing I do enjoy is no aliens. Although there was the attack on the ship, the aliens did not dominate the storyline and the drama was more built on the characters reacting to the situation rather than aliens being equal in importance.
The series, like any other, isn’t without its faults. The show has a cast of thousand, not literally, but there are a lot of characters and a lot of storylines that just die or are never seen again. (For example, what about the civilian leader on earth telling Camille Wray to take control on board? Or what about Lt. Scott’s feud at the end the season) These might be little seeds for future seasons, but the some of the characters still suffer from underdevelopment. (For instance, Camille Wray) Rush and Young are much stronger characters and she is usually the one complaining while Rush and Young drive the action. This might be interesting to watch down the line, but too many times we see one episode designed to explore a character’s past and then don’t really explore it further. Maybe it helps build background, but there are too many characters to do that with and the focus is sometimes lost. There is no intense, intimate relationship we have with the characters like in Dexter.
The season ended with a storyline built over the last few episodes about the Lucian Alliance using Dr. Rush in Col. Telford’s body (who had been brainwashed) to dial the 9th chevron and boarding the ship. I think it was the best part of the season. It was interesting and exciting to see the crew deal with this new threat with their underlying conflicts present. If the season has shown anything, it shows that while Wray, Rush, and Young don't get along normally, they will work together against a common enemy, or problem. I thought there could have been a little more action and intrigue (like The Negotiator), but I was still excited to see each episode. The rays potentially killing everyone aboard also was a nice wild card thrown into the mix. I was also extremely pleased to see Col. Young’s notion that he can save everyone go down. I felt that was the downfall of the previous Stargates. There was always a way to bring back a character and they never left anyone behind even if it meant a bigger disaster unfolding. Col. Young knows he cannot save all the hostages held by the Alliance, but still is determined to (and if he could I would have lost respect for the series.) and it is interesting, but not surprising that Rush is the one to tell him it.
The really disappointing part of the season was that it didn’t end. The mid season ending had more of a finale feel. I understand the attraction for a cliffhanger, but it’s like they just forgot to show the last 10 minutes. Nothing was resolved just pushed until next season. I much rather prefer the way Chuck did it this season (unveiling a new storyline) or Dexter did it. (I won’t say again how expert it was to finish the season that way.) They both finished a major storyline, but made you want to continue next season. So now I feel obligated to watch the first episode, not that I wouldn’t have anyways. Despite my disappointment, I still am looking forward to see what they have planned for next season after they finish this one.
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