I hate to be a TV blog (or admit how much television I watch, for that matter), but I'm compelled to mention that I'm quickly becoming a Stargate SG-1 fan. Considering I didn't like the movie on which it is based that much, and have all but given up on science fiction on television, I'm quite impressed at how steadfastly the show holds my attention. Charming cast, reasonably engaging characters, and-- let me see if I can put this the right way-- some of the best damned science fiction screenwriting I've ever seen. Even the plots recycled from the science fiction canon are self-aware and well-executed. After watching six or seven episodes from several different seasons, I'm comfortable saying SG-1 is more consistently entertaining than any of the Star Trek series, though I've seen a lot of Star Trek, so that might be unfair.
The show's art design and production values play a big part in keeping me interested, I'm sure. SG-1 is conservative in its alien designs, with most aliens looking just like humans; no crinkly noses or giant heads to remind me I'm watching a TV show. (I understand this is consistent with the backstory of how these planets, including Earth, were colonized.) Color choice is equally conservative, with heavy use of glowing blue (how long before it goes out of style?) and military grey. The show is obviously filmed in Canada, as skies are almost always overcast or cloudy, which makes it seem all the more real and familiar to a Seattleite like me. (Sunshine just seems so... fake!)
The SciFi Channel is airing brand new episodes weekly (currently on season 6), and older episodes nightly. The show is also syndicated (on Q13 in Seattle), one season behind. Seasons one and two are out on DVD.
