Stargate: Horizon premiered in November 2004 with a feature length pilot “episode” dubbed “Awakening”. Since its release it has seen the completion of the first series, the gathering of a huge fan-base and subsequent inspiration of many other script based series’ now being referred to as “virtual series’”. Most recently it has seen the release of a new and improved second series of which so far there are two episodes. Series two claims to be even better than the first with 3D graphics made by a talented team of designers. (This reviewer reserves judgement until he’s got somewhere past reading the first episode)

Stylishly delivered in the form of an pre-filming episode, released in script form with extra details in the text to describe locations, characters and events above that which a normal script would contain, Horizon’s not entirely original premise (vague similarities to DS9; space station, starship conveniently named after the sister ship of the Defiant, and nearby wormhole) sees the crew of the newly public International Stargate Command (ISC) vessel Valiant set off to track down the “new and dangerous enemy” that assaulted an earth archaeological excavation of ancient ruins. Ostensibly to prevent humankind of learning of a store of Alteran (Ancient) knowledge referred to as the “Circle of the Ancients”.

Not surprisingly this episode has the standard first-Stargate-episode format: New location, new bad guys and the obligatory team-mate/crewmember kidnapping. Not that this is a bad start, on the contrary, it allows for an excellent introduction to characters and great foundation for their continuing relationships throughout the series.

One qualm I have about the characters in the series is the people cast to play them by stargatehorizon.com. Ben Browder makes his second appearance in a Stargate series as Chase Reynolds (the clone of Mitchell or something as he also happens to be “the best pilot in the airforce”) and Keifer Sutherland cast in the role of Major John Grant just doesn’t sit well with me, Keifer, while my absolute favourite actor and I have huge respect for his work, just doesn’t suit a role in a Sci-fi series. Guys if I have to see him on the Horizon logo in the forums one more time I may just have to release my angry harpies of surprise sodomy. Final character qualm is the use of Thor. Why exactly would the supreme commander of the Asgard fleet join a primitive earth vessel when he has all the technology of the Asgard race at his disposal? But that’s just me being pedantic, he is written very well into the script and even with the lack of reasons for his being there, there is a definite sense that he belongs with the crew of Valiant/Horizon.

On the upside, all the women chosen for characters are undeniably perfect for the role (HOT!!). Their great… acting talent would definitely enhance the series.

As the story progresses we see the beginning of new relationships with the people of Horizon, the Vorians. Without revealing too much of the plot, suffice it to say that the predictable happens and they join forces with earth.

Overall the story is excellent and well written apart from a few teething problems and overuse of the word “cool” in place of accurate description of scenery/equipment which can be a bit annoying when you are trying to work out a scene in your head from a few adjectives and the word “cool”. If the episode was ever filmed it would probably turn out to be financially unviable because of the extensive use of CGI background and effects... We can all hope though, as this has all the hallmarks of an excellent series, definitely on par with some of the best written episodes of SG1 and Atlantis.

Right, now I have to read episode two.

From a purple blimp in geosynchronous orbit above Dublin, Ireland this is Wingless buggering off for some beer… Until next time.

Written by colonelroberts