Candace Parker

Stargate SG-1, based on the movie Stargate, is one of the most unique sci-fi series ever on TV. Instead of being set in a future, where humans are already technologically advanced, this story takes place in the here-and-now. Our heroes are fighting a parasitic enemy, the Goa'uld, who once dominated Earth by masquerading as the gods early humans worshipped, but were ousted from power by the humans they enslaved and physically possessed. The story centers around a team of alien, civilian, and military specialists who are using the 'gate to gather technology, information, and allies to help protect Earth, and later the galaxy, and defeat various alien threats they trip across along the way. All of the usually sci-fi tropes are present: laser weapons, over the top bad guys, cool ships, the lead male and female hiding their desire each other, a ton of tech talk, dead/not dead characters, and so on. Modern politics come into play as well. Sure we want weapons to stop the alien bad guys... and our Earth bound enemies too. Some of the heroes' most dangerous enemies are within congress and the Air Force! Not to mention the interactions between alien governments and internal fights between the very aliens the team fights. There are some serious character angst on the show too. Could you forgive and befriend the man forced to kidnap and kill your wife? Could you ignore feelings between you and your commanding officer for the sake of mission and career? Could you live knowing the part you played in your child's death? Could you do "the right thing" even if it costs you everything? How could the foundation of a friendship between two incredibly different people be so strong that nothing can destroy it? Why is it normal for a naked Roswell-type alien to be in your office chilling out? Trust me this show is funny and smart sci-fi in all its glory yet truly relatable.