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Was there ever a Stargate miniature game?

Seems like a great skirmish game could of been made.

I know there was an RPG, and scale models of the Gate. But I honestly don’t know if there was a miniatures game.

But you’re right, it’s well suited to a skirmish, especially as it allows for asymmetric battles, where the Tau’ri need to box clever, perhaps having a greater selection of tactics than the Goa’uld.

If you played as Ba'al, you would have to run away as soon as your minions were reduced to a minimum.

On the plus side, painting a Replicator force would be super easy.

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
It’s definitely a landmark tv sci-fi. I still feel the space borne CGI is a bit naff looking. But the design work, and especially the physics of the thing carries it all the same.

The brilliance of the plot takes a bit to get going, and like all sci-fi that turns out amazing, it’s entirely expected that a fair chunk of the first season is working out the kinks and getting the fine tuning in.

Even so? Like SG-1, that first season lays an incredibly solid foundation.

Yeah, the CGI stopped me from getting into B5 when it first launched, but when I came back to the show some years later, I thoroughly enjoyed it. What it lacks in special effects, it makes up for with a solid storyline and some fantastic characters.

Dr Who S2 E5.

A slightly shaky ‘huh?’ start, but definitely picks up into a nicely satisfying tale, with some interesting ideas.

Elementary (2012-2019) A Sherlock Holmes set in the modern day but not the one with Benadryll Cucumberwater on the BBC. Sherlock Holmes (Johnny Lee Miller) and Joan Watson (Lucy Lui) solve cases in New York working with the NYPD after Sherlock has left London to get clean from drug addiction. I vaguely recall when it launched and watching it a bit then but was busy on other things. Popped up on streaming so watched the first season and it is fine. A little better than your average US crime procedural type though I'm only going by season 1, so it may have devolved into generic procedural over time. Was surprised to see it went seven seasons. It did remind me that I am kind of glad shows aren't standardized at 24 episodes a season anymore. Might watch the final season as a bookend.

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Dr Who S2 E5.

A slightly shaky ‘huh?’ start, but definitely picks up into a nicely satisfying tale, with some interesting ideas.

It was a good episode, but one where I really miss the Classic Who multi-episode format, there were a lot of ideas they were trying to cram into 45 minutes.

Wife and I started in on the Wheel of Time a week or so ago.

Currently halfway through season 2. Neither of us have read the books, so can't speak to how faithful it is, but even with it being incredibly predictable, it's enjoyable enough.

Some of the acting and overuse of exposition in the first season took some getting past, but it got better...

Not a fan of the Mat recast for season 2. I understand it was unavoidable, but the new guy is just a completely different character, and having people use his name as often as possible to remind you who he is supposed to be doesn't quite cut it.

Likewise the suddenly colourful magic streams... From a bit of quick internet sleuthing, it appears the season 2 version is more like how it should have been, and the new VFX head who took over this season wanted to do it 'right'... but after a whole first season of the magic just being white (or black) having all the colours all of a sudden was just jarring.

And it features some of the most non-threatening looking 'wolves' I've ever seen on screen. That's a pack of very good boys, right there.


They're all pretty minor quibbles, though. The characters are (mostly) likeable enough, and the story interesting enough despite its predictability, to keep us going for now.

Got a bunch of British Film Institute curated British TV Horror from the 70’s coming today. And in the same genre from the same era? Tales of Unease.

No. Really. That’s its name!

Needless to say I’ll be back with thoughts and comments in due course.

First episode is entitled Ride, Ride. And whilst definitely dated (sound mix isn’t great, especially the bits filmed in a gymnasium), what could’ve been a fairly short and predictable ghost tale is nicely crafted into something longer and pretty satisfying. It could’ve been more atmospheric, but for a low budget 55 year old bit of telly, it’s perfectly acceptable, what with censorship standards in those days.

One thing of peculiar interest? Despite many scenes of young people at a dance, in a show from 1970? Hardly anyone is smoking.

Anyways, this could well stand a remake if you ask me.

Calculated Nightmare

Oooh, an early computerised office story! I can see an influence here on Black Mirror, however indirectly given this all aired the year before Mr Brooker was born. Same with Inside No 9. And again, despite being an early “careful what you automate” tale? It doesn’t go exactly where you might initially think.


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The Black Goddess.

Men trapped down a mine. One more touching that tense. Notably I think they actually filmed it down a mine. Either that or the set dressers really went to town.

It’s Too Late Now

Not gonna say too much about this one on the off chance you want to actually get a copy of the DVD for yourself. It’s oddly effective in its way, all done through monologue for the most part. And I dare say it would’ve resonated with a good percentage of the population at the time.

Superstitious Ignorance

Interesting opening of two Hip Young Cats, the equivalent of modern day influencers, driving an impractical buggy car thing. Dunno what the plot is about, but I can tell you right now they almost certainly deserve whatever unpleasantness is about it happen to them.





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Bad Bad Jo Jo

Another interesting one. Wee bit predictable from around the middle of it, but still an enjoyable tale, and like the others, told reasonably well.

The Old Banger.

More of a black comedy, in which a couple are stalked by their old car, which rather than dispose of properly (this is the 1970’s!), the abandon elsewhere. Only. For. It. To. Slowly. Make. It’s. Way. Back…..including into their front room, which genuinely gave me a giggle.

And that’s that. All seven episodes.

Definitely showing its age (some of the language in Bad Bad Jo Jo would not pass muster today, despite being a pastiche), but all decent examples of doing a fair amount with not a lot. And whilst I can’t be sure if it originated some tropes, they at least feel somewhat original here.

Whole of the thing is on YouTube if you want to check it out.

SG-1 S2 E6, Thor’s Chariot

Ahhh, glorious. Sequel to a S1 episode, and the proper debut of the Asgard, and their “Stop That It’s Silly” beams.

We also see Carter begin to really explore her post Tokra blending advantages.

First three episodes of Andor, season 1.

Not terrible but it feels like it would be better off in the Blake's 7 universe, than Star Wars. Sadly, there just isn't enough to keep the viewer's interest going unless they hang tough for episode 3, but even then - and I hate to say it - it feels like they took the least appealing parts of Rogue One and made them into a TV show.

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
So, once again it seems I may be a filthy lying turd.

For yet again, I’ve found an anime I greatly enjoy - The Mysterious Cities of Gold.

Whilst adapted for a Western audience, it has its roots in Japan and remains as superb today as when I first saw it as a nipper.

Sing it with me!

Doo doo doo doo doo doo, ahhhh ahhh ahhhh!

Saw this pop up today on the Secret Galaxy YouTube channel...

I love Secret Galaxy. Now I have to watch it.

Watching Seasons 1 and 2 of Highlander.

Sure, it doesn't make the most sense, but I'm enjoying the heck out of the best 1994 had to offer (I'm looking at you X-Files).

So Adrian Paul aka Duncan Macleod, is a relative of movie Highlander, Conner Macleod (who appears in the Pilot and has the Queen soundtrack follow him around), and has an odd habit of staring off into space whenever someone mentions a potential villain.

The historical flashbacks are fun as long as you don't think too hard about how Duncan spent the last 400 years traveling non-stop around the world, joining every nation's military, without ever changing his name.

So far, my favorite is Duncan Macleod, soviet soldier (Episode: The Sea Witch).

Also, I don't mind Ritchie, the human Macguffin, whose sole job is to find trouble week after week. I know a lot of people thought the character was dumb, but every TV show in the 80s and 90s had the friend whose sole position in life was to get captured, falsely arrested, witness drug deals gone wrong, or just be haphazardly at the scenes if murders, robberies, and other shenanigans.

Finally, having a new, different sword fight scene every episode is fun.

It's not the highest form of entertainment, but I'm looking forward to watching more.

P.S. I'm also enjoying listening to the Princes of the Universe by Queen everytime an episode begins.

Weird Science

No, I’m not in the wrong thread. The TV show. From the later 90’s.

It’s alright. Gary and Wyatt are well cast, and Chet is doing a passable impression.

Is that the one with Vanessa Angel?

SamusDrake wrote:
First three episodes of Andor, season 1.

Not terrible but it feels like it would be better off in the Blake's 7 universe, than Star Wars. Sadly, there just isn't enough to keep the viewer's interest going unless they hang tough for episode 3, but even then - and I hate to say it - it feels like they took the least appealing parts of Rogue One and made them into a TV show.

My advice is to stick with it. The work they put in on Ferrix, establishing the people and the culture of the community, in those first three episodes pays off.

SamusDrake wrote:
Is that the one with Vanessa Angel?

That’s the one.

I love my the Highlander TV Series. Season 1 is rough, especially the first episode; but it keeps going from strength to strength.... until the final season when they were desperate to get a spin-off going of some type.

I also did not hate Highlander: The Raven either.

If you like Highlander, you might want to check out the free RPG I made from the TV Series for some added Highlander goodness:

https://www.wargamevault.com/browse.php?keywords=blood+and+spectacles&x=0&y=0&author=&artist=&pfrom=&pto=

Look for Princes of the Universe and I also have a One-shot called The Golden Kali for the game. Not too shabby for free! IMHO. LOL!

 A Town Called Malus wrote:

SamusDrake wrote:
First three episodes of Andor, season 1.

Not terrible but it feels like it would be better off in the Blake's 7 universe, than Star Wars. Sadly, there just isn't enough to keep the viewer's interest going unless they hang tough for episode 3, but even then - and I hate to say it - it feels like they took the least appealing parts of Rogue One and made them into a TV show.

My advice is to stick with it. The work they put in on Ferrix, establishing the people and the culture of the community, in those first three episodes pays off.

Well, those episodes were free on the Star Wars Youtube channel, but if I get the opportunity I'll give the forth episode a try. As far as I'd go with it.

One thing I will say is that I was worried they were going down the same road as Battlestar Galactica, where they threw in swearing and sex, and over the top violence. I think I would quit Star Wars altogether if it ever got that bad, but so far Andor was keeping it reasonable.


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 Easy E wrote:
I love my the Highlander TV Series. Season 1 is rough, especially the first episode; but it keeps going from strength to strength.... until the final season when they were desperate to get a spin-off going of some type.

I also did not hate Highlander: The Raven either.

If you like Highlander, you might want to check out the free RPG I made from the TV Series for some added Highlander goodness:

https://www.wargamevault.com/browse.php?keywords=blood+and+spectacles&x=0&y=0&author=&artist=&pfrom=&pto=

Look for Princes of the Universe and I also have a One-shot called The Golden Kali for the game. Not too shabby for free! IMHO. LOL!

OMG I ended up loving the series, and The Raven. And the RPG was indeed a very cool offering!

SamusDrake wrote:

 A Town Called Malus wrote:

SamusDrake wrote:
First three episodes of Andor, season 1.

Not terrible but it feels like it would be better off in the Blake's 7 universe, than Star Wars. Sadly, there just isn't enough to keep the viewer's interest going unless they hang tough for episode 3, but even then - and I hate to say it - it feels like they took the least appealing parts of Rogue One and made them into a TV show.

My advice is to stick with it. The work they put in on Ferrix, establishing the people and the culture of the community, in those first three episodes pays off.

Well, those episodes were free on the Star Wars Youtube channel, but if I get the opportunity I'll give the forth episode a try. As far as I'd go with it.

One thing I will say is that I was worried they were going down the same road as Battlestar Galactica, where they threw in swearing and sex, and over the top violence. I think I would quit Star Wars altogether if it ever got that bad, but so far Andor was keeping it reasonable.

Really, stick with it. It’s the same with the second season. You watch the first triad of episodes and it’s a really slow burn intro, but then the pressure and drama and trauma all just build up and it gets under your skin.

The most interesting thing I find is that Andor himself is mostly a spectator to the story. He has important roles to play and critical points to deliver, but it’s the weaving of the other stories around him that I find most compelling.

If I had Disney+ I'd give it another episode. But I certainly wouldn't sign up on the strength of those first three episodes.

I agree, the first episodes were so acutely boring, I gave up, but people on a boardgaming forum convinced me to continue and it was worth it.

It's similar to what Watchmen did to the superhero genre - deconstructed the infantile, dumb premise to build something familiar but compelling and mature. Not every episode is good but overall it is excellent fiction.

Also it is interesting to see "sci-fi" going back to offering relevant social and political commentary, instead of pure escapism or power fantasies for 10 year olds. And Star Wars of all things! New Daredevil also gave off this eerie vibe with the story of Kingpin becoming mayor. I expect more shows in the "formerly embarassingly infantile escapism" genres to do that.

Finished "The Batman" and it's pretty good. It suffers from being made right after the Batman TAS, Superman TAS, Justice League Unlimited trifecta and got overlooked. It has has similar quality but it's its own thing. OK it could be written off as BATMAN EXTREME!

Everyone is leveled up, everyone knows kung fu and jumped like ninjas, even the Penguin. The Jeff Matsuda designs (a protege of Rob Liefeld) really add to that.

Season 3 brings in Batgirl, who is a lot of fun.
Season 4 has Robin who is even more so.

Season 5 suffers from the introduction of their version of the Justice League, so suddenly instead of The Batman, we get episodes about Green Lantern, Green Arrow and Hawkman, just the people I want to see when I watch a show called The Batman. It's OK but again it invites the TAS comparisons.

It's on US Netflix until the 21st so I finished it just under the wire.

Just started watching Castle again. The first few episodes are so whimsical and bad guy of the weeky. It’s a very comfortable watch being able to meet old friends all over again

Legion:- Season 2

Saw season 1 many moons ago and never realised they made more of it!
Re-watched that first and it's still an awesome bit of telly, season 2, not so much.
It's lost most of it's creepiness, and it's attempts at being different and kooky, often just make the episode kinda boring, overall, it just goes really downhill, really fast compared to season 1, and ends with some of the dumbest, plot-induced stupidity I've ever seen in a show.

Still want to watch season 3 though, just to see if they salvage anything, or if it gets even stupider.

Dr Who S2 E6, The Interstellar Song Contest

Look. I’m not enthused by the opening bit. This is threatening to be the RTD Episode Of Excess. Fingers crossed I’m mistaken. But if this goes a bit Space Babies, I won’t be terribly chuffed.

OK, glad I withheld judgement. And there’s stuff afoot I won’t even spoiler tag!


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Ending is dreadful though.


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Oh for gods sake PICK AN ENDING.

You’re not Return of the King, dammit.

 Flinty wrote:
Just started watching Castle again. The first few episodes are so whimsical and bad guy of the weeky. It’s a very comfortable watch being able to meet old friends all over again

Yeah, a definite comfort viewing show, I do think they make a mistake with having the Beckett's mother plot just keep spiralling out, though.

The world of the show just isn't set up to handle it, unlike say The X Files where the entire premise is built around conspiracies.

Castle is Easy Listening type viewing.

I think my favourite is the Halloween episode where we see him dressed as Mal, and his daughter just extracts the urine.


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Battlestar Galactica]

The original series.

As a TV show, for its era, this is pretty cool. The effects and even the dialogue aren’t up to Star Wars standards, but they’re still well above par for its time, and shockingly well invested in for a Made For TV Cash In.

Plot wise my main bugbear is whilst in one another’s presence, the other Battlestar’s just do nowt whilst Galactica is clearly having a good old punch up.

Gonna do the whole of this, then ideally the (vastly superior) remake.

 Kid_Kyoto wrote:
Finished "The Batman" and it's pretty good. It suffers from being made right after the Batman TAS, Superman TAS, Justice League Unlimited trifecta and got overlooked. It has has similar quality but it's its own thing. OK it could be written off as BATMAN EXTREME!

Everyone is leveled up, everyone knows kung fu and jumped like ninjas, even the Penguin. The Jeff Matsuda designs (a protege of Rob Liefeld) really add to that.

Season 3 brings in Batgirl, who is a lot of fun.
Season 4 has Robin who is even more so.

Season 5 suffers from the introduction of their version of the Justice League, so suddenly instead of The Batman, we get episodes about Green Lantern, Green Arrow and Hawkman, just the people I want to see when I watch a show called The Batman. It's OK but again it invites the TAS comparisons.

It's on US Netflix until the 21st so I finished it just under the wire.

Yeah. Aside from a bit of an odd interpretation of Joker visually, I think The Batman is a really good show that just has the misfortune of following the DCAU of old.

I actually though Kung Fu Penguin was a good twist for the character.