Looks like CSI, sounds like CSI, but it’s not
It’s been two weeks since I watched an episode of CSI. It was creepy and was a very good transition (or beginning of) between two characters/actors. William Petersen is leaving, Laurence Fishburn is coming. I have been waiting out the shows holiday hiatus and keeping myself from bugging Tim about it.
Sunday night we watched the 2nd to last episode of Stargate: Atlantis. This series is ending and another, Stargate Universe, is coming. Tim has been waiting for a big ending. I was aware this episode would take place on earth. I was a little surprised when John Sheppard is a detective investigating a series of murders in Las Vegas. He is not pretending to be a detective. The atmosphere is just like CSI. Panning the strip, flashing colored lights, etc. Though the only hotel they show is labeled “Planet Hollywood.” I think they even threw in a little NCIS – black and white end-of-scene stills. Mr. Woolsey is an FBI agent, Jennifer Keller is a coroner, Rodney McKay works with Woolsey interrogating Sheppard. They, however, are pretending while searching for the source of an energy signature. “Todd” even makes an appearance.
Sheppard turns out to be tracking a wraith who is disguising himself as a human. The wraith makes himself look good; a dangerous, goth, mystery “man.” He could be a rocker I think. Tim pointed out the music is better than usual. The wraith’s background is all electronica/techno. Sheppard’s is Johny Cash, “solitary man.” They seem to have emphasized audio (making it sound like CSI) instead of visual (space effects).
There was no lead up, no “previously”. It just drops you in a confusing alternate reality but it took me a while to realize this. Rodney tries to explains alternates to John and he mentions meeting the John Sheppard from the reality we normally view.
They have done plenty of alternate reality shows on Atlantis and SG-1 but this episode reminds me most of SG-1 Season 1 Episode 19 “There But for the Grace of God.” In the case of Atlantis we are viewing another dimension with no confusing crossover (as when Daniel finds himself in a parallel dimension), except for the viewer, and there is only a passing mention of our dimension.
I was confused and almost annoyed. Two worlds crossed, literally and figuratively. It was just wrong. The place, the work, was CSI, all shot almost the same. The jargon was a little off, more cowboy-like, it is a spoof after all. The people and threat to earth was Stargate. I’ve been waiting for CSI, but I didn’t get that. I was prepared to watch Atlantis but didn’t really get that either.
I do know Stargate Universe will feature an Ancient ship. I do not know how the shows will tie together, if at all, in action or characters. Part of me says end it already, and part is happy to stay in the Stargate world and see what new craziness new lovable characters get up to.
Please Leave a Comment: