Decode SG-1.Stargate SG-1 was a television hit for ten years (an almost unheard-of run in science-fiction television), with ten seasons, and boasts a devoted and vocal online community. Based on the feature length movie, the series SG-1 is the longest-running North American science fiction television series. 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 'fanchise' element of the MGM original series, the book showcases the passion this show inspires in its viewers--from 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.
This book has absolutely everything! From info on the SG1 characters, to info on the actors, to a complete guide to all the episodes from season 1 to 8. It also has 16 pages of amazing exclusive colour pictures, which is a definite must-see! It is a must-have for new fans of SG1, because it gives an in-depth look at what the show is really about and also some vital info that will help you to get the maximum enjoyment out of Stargate SG1. However, seasoned fans should not think that there is nothing for them. I have been a fan of SG1 from the very first season and, by reading the book, I was surprised at how much I didn't know about the show. The book also gives you background info about the mythology and science involved in making one of the longest, most successful running shows on television and how the show has inspired from regular viewers to real-life scientists. Exclusive interviews with various cast and crew also gives you a feeling of what goes on behind the scenes of SG1, and each gives their unique take on the show. In short, everything you ever wanted to know about anything of Stargate SG1 is thrown into a wonderful mix and bound together in a book that is a must-have for anyone who considers themselves part of the Stargate SG1 'fanchise'.
Definitely a must read for Stargate fans
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
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.
FAN-tastic book, except for...!!!!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
This is a GREAT book! My only beef with it is the following. Pure and simple, it has no index. It just sort of drops off in the last pages. Now when you are looking for a book on a fave tv show to order, sometimes you don't think of everything, but when you use these books like I do, as a companion while you are watching the episodes, you need to sort of be able to look up the episode being aired. As it is,unless he has a photographic, volumnous memory, which many SG-1 viewers apparently seem to have, the reader is left having to page through page by page, title by title, until he finds the episode he wants. One gets the impression Ms. Storm, exhausted by her Herculean labor of love, just sort of dropped dead of exhaustion after compleating her research and interviews which comprise this very good volume. A fan could make a few bucks by going through the book and arranging the titles in alphabetial order, instead of in order by season as Ms. Storm has done it and selling it at a convention or over the internet. Also, along with an alphabetical episode list, other tv guides for popular shows, such as the Twilight Zone, and Law and Order have included in their indexes actors names, etc...which fans might also want to look up. All in all though, a wonderfully written and conceived work which differs from other tv show guides in that it doesn't give an episode description, which could ruin it for someone who hasn't yet seen the show, but instead a philosophical and artistic commentary.
THE Stargate Guide
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
Having patiently waited for the release of "Approaching the Possible," I was pleased to see it waiting for me upon my return from vacation. After ripping open the box I settled into my favorite chair and opened the book. I was not disappointed. I scanned the Table of Contents for a moment, and then said to heck with it. I went for the color pictures, which are a nice addition to the book. After thumbing through them (several times... wonderful Michael Shanks photos), I moved on to the episode guide, which is for Seasons 1 through 8. Each episode contains a one to two line blurb describing the episode, and then continues with a discussion regarding a particular scene in the movie, select story lines, and sometimes the philosophy of the episode. Following the discussion is "Gods & Scientists," "Interesting Fact", "Why We're Space Monkeys," and "Parlez-vous Gate?" All of this wonderful information is packed into 2 to 2.5 pages, a few just a little longer. Starting with Season 1, I found I could not just read the book through in order; there was too much information for one sitting (not that I'm complaining). I started with the "Parlez-vous Gate?" section, reveling in some of my favorite lines from the show. The author did a great job picking specific lines to represent the episode. I have no idea how she managed, considering how many zingers appear within just one episode. Once finished with "Parlez-vous Gate?" I then flipped back and forth through the seasons, reading the "Gods & Scientists" and "Interesting Fact" sections, both of which imparted the myths behind the series as well as facts regarding the filming of the shows or of the characters/actors themselves. The "Why We're Space Monkeys" section contains interesting tidbits of information about the specific episode, which could be about the cast, characters, crew and so on. The author even adds a few quips on occasion, noting where SG-1 may have messed up or even caused a mess beyond their control. Beside the episode guide, where I seem to lose myself every time I sit down with it, you will also find wonderful articles that include: - Approaching the Possible: The World of Stargate SG-1 - Making Myth: The Story of Stargate SG-1 - The Cast of Stargate SG-1 - Everybody CanCon - Coding the Wormhole - Out of the Blue ... and my favorite... - No Red Shirts Within the resources section you will find addresses to Stargate related websites, several of which I've already visited and enjoyed. Although the book does lack an index, I find it to be a minor inconvenience; after all, I don't mind thumbing through the book to look for a given piece of information. I tend to run across other interesting pieces of trivia that I've missed through prior viewings. This is, by far, the best book on the market and I look forward to any additional Stargate books published by the author. Hey Jo! Hint, hint!
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