Those who missed the "Vegas" episode of "Stargate: Atlantis" missed, not only one of the best episodes of the series, but one of the most subtle parodies ever crafted for the small screen. In this case, though, the parody wasn't necessarily done for humorous effect (though there was comedy to be found within the standalone episode). Instead, the show served to satirize the procedural format in general, and the CSI franchises specifically.
Pump enough loud music out, coupled with sped up camera movements (making sure to overexpose the light sources), then add a faithful recreation of the gruesome crime of the week (but not so gruesome the series couldn't be syndicated as part of a Sunday afternoon block of time wasting programing on a station that doesn't have NFL rights). Enter a brooding, somber detective with a raspy voice who makes Jack Webb seem like Mr. Charisma. And don't forget the last minute plot twist, which is little more than a feeble attempt to fake viewers into thinking they haven't just sat through one of the most formulaic hours of television (as if last minute plot twists aren't compulsory in procedurals). In this case, the twist also functioned to bring the events of the alternate Stargate universe to the primary universe... and set the stage for the series finale next week... which will set the stage for the pending straight-to-DVD movie. "Stargate: Atlantis" is not without flaws, but I'd rank this final season up with "Stargate: SG-1" when it was in its prime. I am looking forward the the finale next week, and hope Jewel Staite finds work (or my apartment) soon. -- Kevin M. (RPCV) --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ Like TV only smarter. You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "TV or Not TV" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/tvornottv?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
