Top 10 Stargate Moments
For this list, we'll be going over the best moments from the “Stargate” franchise, including the films and television series, at least up until this point. Step on through the puddle and join us, won't you?
#10: Meeting Teal’c
“Stargate SG-1” (1997-2007) Let’s start, appropriately, near the beginning. On one of their first missions through the ‘gate, SG-1 are captured by Apophis, a member of a parasitic race called the Goa’uld, who their Jaffa followers see as gods. Apophis’ lead soldier, or First Prime, is Teal’c, who has seen and participated in many of his master’s atrocities. Upon meeting SG-1, Teal’c sees their determination to resist, so when Jack O’Neill pleads for help, he decides to give it to them. Besides being a defining character moment, Teal’c really makes the rest of our entries possible by saving SG-1.
#9: Rush Reveals Destiny’s Mission
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“Stargate Universe” (2009-11) Dr. Nicholas Rush and Colonel Everett Young are two of the leading members of the ad hoc crew of the runaway ship Destiny, and they clash numerous times throughout the series, but their conflict comes to a head when it’s revealed that Rush has been in control of the ship for weeks. Young then pressures Rush to share what he’s learned, and the cunning, pragmatic scientist reveals that Destiny was charged by the Ancients to map a pattern they found in the background radiation of the universe; evidence of intelligence before the Big Bang. It’s too bad this intriguing idea never got to be explored, since “SGU” ended shortly afterwards.
#8: Atlantis Rises
“Stargate Atlantis” (2004-09) The opening episodes of the franchise’s first spin-off see an expedition from Earth travel to the lost city of Atlantis through the stargate. Atlantis did indeed sink into the waves, but the expedition finds the city intact and protected by an energy shield. However, the team’s presence there quickly begins draining the remaining power, and attempts at finding more power only ends up getting people captured. As the power fails, however, instead of flooding and dying, the city rises to the surface, in a thrilling sequence with gorgeous visuals and a soaring orchestral score. What had seemed to be the end was only the beginning.
#7: Battle of Asuras
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“Stargate Atlantis” (2004-09) We may be stretching the definition of a “moment” with this one, but it’s definitely worth it. With the malevolent, intelligent nanomachines called Replicators becoming a threat to the Pegasus galaxy, Atlantis puts together a ragtag alliance of Earth ships, local human vessels, and even their worst enemies, the Wraith, to battle the Replicators and distract them while the team destroys their planet, Asuras. The ensuing space battle is one of the most action-packed in the entire franchise, and the team’s solution to destroy the planet is, while a bit ludicrous, quite stunning to watch.
#6: Time Loop Montage
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“Stargate SG-1” (1997-2007) Plenty of franchises have dealt with time loop stories, and “Stargate” manages to do it better than most. Teal’c and O’Neill are stuck reliving the same day over and over, and their attempts to decipher how to break free, as well as their repeated attempts to convince the others of what’s going on, make for one of the funniest episodes of the whole franchise. The crown jewel though has to be a montage towards the end that sees them let off some steam when they realize they can do anything with no consequences, leading to a memorable game of golf, and an even more memorable kiss.
#5: Teal’c vs. Ronon
“Stargate Atlantis” (2004-09) When the hot-headed Ronon Dex faces a prospective interview that will decide his future with the Atlantis team, Colonel Samantha Carter calls on Teal’c to help Ronon prepare. The two of them get off to a rocky start, to say the least, and that initial animosity is only inflamed when a sparring match between them turns into a full-fledged fight that lasts over an hour and has onlookers exchanging bets. Seeing arguably the two best fighters from their respective series go toe-to-toe is a dream come true, and while their fight gets broken up, it doesn’t stop fans from making bets of their own on who might’ve won.
#4: Battle of Antarctica
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“Stargate SG-1” (1997-2007) The final episodes of season 7 see SG-1 in a race against time to locate a storehouse of Ancient weapons and technology before the System Lord; Anubis arrives at Earth. With the villain’s fleet bearing down on them in Antarctica, SG-1 is aided by Earth’s first hyperspace ship, the Prometheus, whose fighters engage in a spectacular dogfight. Eventually, Colonel O’Neill is able to activate the Ancient weapons, obliterating Anubis’ fleet. The entire sequence is full of fantastic action, accompanied by great music, and it acts as the culmination of a story arc that had lasted for several seasons, while also setting up “Stargate Atlantis.”
#3: O’Neill Meets the Asgard
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“Stargate SG-1” (1997-2007) After having a database of Ancient knowledge downloaded into his head that is slowly killing him, Colonel O’Neill constructs a device that gives a power boost to the stargate; opening a connection to another galaxy by means of the gate’s 8th chevron. After going through it, O’Neill encounters the Asgard, a benevolent alien race with connections to Earth. They explain that they were part of an alliance of legendary races, which included the Ancients, who were the ‘gate builders. They also expound on humanity’s potential to join the alliance themselves. With its ties to the series’ past, and everything it does to set up the franchise’s future, this is a pivotal moment indeed.
#2: Daniel Jackson’s Death / Ascension
“Stargate SG-1” (1997-2007) Upon being exposed to radiation from an unstable weapon on another world, Daniel Jackson lays dying in Stargate Command. A powerful being from his past, Oma Desala, is there to offer comfort however, and gives him a chance at a different life by allowing him to ascend to a higher plane of existence. His decision to do so was a small comfort to a lot of fans, and many were distraught at his departure; given that he was the first main cast member to “die”. Daniel did eventually return, but his final goodbye with Jack O’Neill still gets us choked up. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: McKay is Shot With an Arrow “Stargate Atlantis” (2004-09) The Wraith Siege of Atlantis “Stargate Atlantis” (2004-09) Eli’s Last Look “Stargate Universe” (2009-11)
#1: Replicators Defeated / Liberation of the Jaffa
“Stargate SG-1” (1997-2007) With the Replicators on the loose in the Milky Way, SG-1 is separated, but each member still does their part to overcome the threat. O’Neill leads the defense of Stargate Command, Carter works to modify a superweapon on Dakara that will wipe out the Replicators, Teal’c leads the Jaffa against the Replicator ships in orbit, and Daniel engages in a battle of wills with a Replicator duplicate of Carter. Things come to a head and the superweapon activates stargates all over the galaxy, wiping the malevolent machines out forever. The moment represents the defeat of both of the series’ biggest villains, the Goa’uld and the Replicators, and it is immensely satisfying.
