First, this is a major revision of my initial review of "200". When I first watched it, I mostly disliked it. I have re-watched it several times since then, and have come to enjoy it a lot --hence the edit. Judging by the number of reviews "200" has attracted, it is easy to see that it is a unique, "love-it-or-hate-it" episode.
The plot first sounds like a serious re-hatch of Wormhole X-treme: SG-1 is drafted to proofread the script of dear old Martin's future film based on them. But beyond reminding us how bad our series might have been if left in less gifted hands, "200" creates alternate versions of our series "in the style of" classic movies or series. The transitions between reality and fantasy are always original and funny, and some of those creations constitute something of a technical feat (I'm actually reminded of Scrubs --go figure!). However, this is where Mileage May Vary: if you are expecting a strong plot line with a lot of action and character development, you will be disappointed --there is none to speak of. If you can just sit back and enjoy a series of hilarious skits, you will love "200".
Beyond the homage to its role models, however, the series also takes some time for self-reflection (and as usual, does it well). "200" toys with never-used plot lines (some of which must have originated from fan groups) and has a great time sabotaging them (here every 'shipper will smile guiltily at Vala's wedding scenario.) Where I am a bit more confused is that the series mocks cheap action movie devices that it HAS ACTUALLY USED --and openly says so! It goes as far as to lampshade its own lampshading, if that makes any sense. Now I don't blame the series for resorting to convenient plot devices once in a while, especially considering that it usually does it well; but this much honesty really spoils them for me, and even feels a bit hypocritical in the end.
So as I said, don't look for a plot line. This episode is a standalone, mostly made up of a series of really great but disconnected skits; every character gets one or two ideas to explore, all coherent with their personalities and most often including some unexpected twist in typical Stargate fashion. Add a few glimpses of Carter's latest technical woes, another visit by Wolsey and a welcome last-minute guest, and that's it. We will never really learn why this mission is so important that it warrants a collective trip through the Gate (unless Vala's final scenario was not that off the mark, as everybody's reactions might suggest? or is that just wishful thinking on my part?) Never mind; in the end, you have to grant that "200" is special just because The Scripwriters Said So, and either go with the flow or hate it.
The plot first sounds like a serious re-hatch of Wormhole X-treme: SG-1 is drafted to proofread the script of dear old Martin's future film based on them. But beyond reminding us how bad our series might have been if left in less gifted hands, "200" creates alternate versions of our series "in the style of" classic movies or series. The transitions between reality and fantasy are always original and funny, and some of those creations constitute something of a technical feat (I'm actually reminded of Scrubs --go figure!). However, this is where Mileage May Vary: if you are expecting a strong plot line with a lot of action and character development, you will be disappointed --there is none to speak of. If you can just sit back and enjoy a series of hilarious skits, you will love "200".
Beyond the homage to its role models, however, the series also takes some time for self-reflection (and as usual, does it well). "200" toys with never-used plot lines (some of which must have originated from fan groups) and has a great time sabotaging them (here every 'shipper will smile guiltily at Vala's wedding scenario.) Where I am a bit more confused is that the series mocks cheap action movie devices that it HAS ACTUALLY USED --and openly says so! It goes as far as to lampshade its own lampshading, if that makes any sense. Now I don't blame the series for resorting to convenient plot devices once in a while, especially considering that it usually does it well; but this much honesty really spoils them for me, and even feels a bit hypocritical in the end.
So as I said, don't look for a plot line. This episode is a standalone, mostly made up of a series of really great but disconnected skits; every character gets one or two ideas to explore, all coherent with their personalities and most often including some unexpected twist in typical Stargate fashion. Add a few glimpses of Carter's latest technical woes, another visit by Wolsey and a welcome last-minute guest, and that's it. We will never really learn why this mission is so important that it warrants a collective trip through the Gate (unless Vala's final scenario was not that off the mark, as everybody's reactions might suggest? or is that just wishful thinking on my part?) Never mind; in the end, you have to grant that "200" is special just because The Scripwriters Said So, and either go with the flow or hate it.