Approaching the Possible: The World of Stargate SG-1 [Paperback]

Jo Storm (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2005

Serving as a comprehensive introduction for those who are just starting to watch, while also providing long-time viewers with an episode-by-episode guide to the entire eight seasons, this book is a must-have addition to any Stargate SG-1 fan’s library. Interesting facts for each show and numerous sidebars uncover not only the science and special effects behind the multi-season storylines, but also offer insight into the mythology of ancient Egypt. With exclusive interviews with cast members such as Teryl Rothery, Alex Zahara, and Christopher Judge, as well as writer Joseph Mallozzi and special effects supervisor James Tichenor, engage the Stargate universe from multiple angles.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jo Storm is an author who lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: ECW Press (December 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155022705X
• ISBN-13: 978-1550227055
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #360,749 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE Stargate Guide, February 8, 2006

By 

J. Bassett (Indianapolis, IN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Approaching the Possible: The World of Stargate SG-1 (Paperback)

Having patiently waited for the release of "Approaching the Possible," I was pleased to see it waiting for me upon my return from vacation. After ripping open the box I settled into my favorite chair and opened the book. I was not disappointed.

I scanned the Table of Contents for a moment, and then said to heck with it. I went for the color pictures, which are a nice addition to the book. After thumbing through them (several times... wonderful Michael Shanks photos), I moved on to the episode guide, which is for Seasons 1 through 8.

Each episode contains a one to two line blurb describing the episode, and then continues with a discussion regarding a particular scene in the movie, select story lines, and sometimes the philosophy of the episode. Following the discussion is "Gods & Scientists," "Interesting Fact", "Why We're Space Monkeys," and "Parlez-vous Gate?" All of this wonderful information is packed into 2 to 2.5 pages, a few just a little longer.

Starting with Season 1, I found I could not just read the book through in order; there was too much information for one sitting (not that I'm complaining). I started with the "Parlez-vous Gate?" section, reveling in some of my favorite lines from the show. The author did a great job picking specific lines to represent the episode. I have no idea how she managed, considering how many zingers appear within just one episode.

Once finished with "Parlez-vous Gate?" I then flipped back and forth through the seasons, reading the "Gods & Scientists" and "Interesting Fact" sections, both of which imparted the myths behind the series as well as facts regarding the filming of the shows or of the characters/actors themselves.

The "Why We're Space Monkeys" section contains interesting tidbits of information about the specific episode, which could be about the cast, characters, crew and so on. The author even adds a few quips on occasion, noting where SG-1 may have messed up or even caused a mess beyond their control.

Beside the episode guide, where I seem to lose myself every time I sit down with it, you will also find wonderful articles that include:

- Approaching the Possible: The World of Stargate SG-1
- Making Myth: The Story of Stargate SG-1
- The Cast of Stargate SG-1
- Everybody CanCon
- Coding the Wormhole
- Out of the Blue

... and my favorite...

- No Red Shirts

Within the resources section you will find addresses to Stargate related websites, several of which I've already visited and enjoyed.

Although the book does lack an index, I find it to be a minor inconvenience; after all, I don't mind thumbing through the book to look for a given piece of information. I tend to run across other interesting pieces of trivia that I've missed through prior viewings.

This is, by far, the best book on the market and I look forward to any additional Stargate books published by the author.

Hey Jo! Hint, hint!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An insightful, comprehensive, and attractive book on SG-1, September 20, 2006

By 

DP (Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Approaching the Possible: The World of Stargate SG-1 (Paperback)

I bought this book because it's the most comprehensive one of its kind on the SG-1 market, and it's worth every cent (it's over 500 pages, too - although Amazon has it at 300). Not only does it include a fascinating entry into the show (how it developed from the movie, the main differences in terms of atmosphere, characters, plots, mythologies), but I also discovered a lot of information about the actors, the fandom, the online scene, and how the series fits into the CanCon tradition. Really interesting surrounding material that adds many layers when you're looking at the episode themselves. Great selection of quotes from the cast, crew, and fans, too!

As other people have mentioned, the episode guide in and of itself is wonderful. Unlike other books out there, it doesn't just give a summary of the episode, it delves into each one, looking at various aspects of the show including science, underlying mythologies and philosophies, character arcs, and large thematic issues. Funny (or sometimes achingly hard) quotes from each episode bring out the flavour of the show, which is one of the reasons I watch it.

My favourite part of the episode guide is definitely the `gods and scientists' - it gave additional insight into episodes and characters, giving a textured and layered look at the show. I found out a lot about the different mythologies, scientific theories, theologies, and philosophies behind each episode - the author clearly did a lot of research, and didn't restrict herself to one mythological or religious influence.

This book is worth getting for the sheer volume of information alone - not to mention that it's well written, and has a ton of photographic material (I'd never seen quite a few of the beautiful colour inserts before). The author obviously loves SG-1, and it shows; the book isn't doting, but it reads like a critical analysis of, and homage to, Stargate.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tops for space monkeys, January 22, 2007

By 

Ruth Delaney "Xeno" (New Zealand) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Approaching the Possible: The World of Stargate SG-1 (Paperback)

While there's an attempt to include other material (brief bios of the lead actors, chapters on Stargate's fan following, etc), essentially this is an episode guide covering seasons 1 to 8 of Stargate SG1.

The unauthorised nature of the book is evidenced by the lack of any photos other than publicity stills of the main actors and candid shots taken at conventions. As a result, the illustrations are not a strong point. The text, however, is extensive and rather meatier than is the case in many "episode guide" publications. First and foremost, each episode receives a short critical essay, almost all of which are interesting, germane and erudite. As well as teasing out the themes, the author critiques whatever features of that particular episode have caught her eye; be it the acting, the scriptwriting, the direction, character development, the sociology, the contribution to the Stargate mythology, pop culture references, or even the actors' appearance (hairstyles get a consistent mention!). She's not afraid to slam weaknesses, or to give praise when it's warranted - and she's not above letting her tongue hang out over any notable eye-candy! I didn't always agree with her opinions, but she certainly prompted me to think again about some episodes, plot points and characters that I'd previously taken at face value.

In addition to the essay, each entry includes notes on any myths that inform the episode; interesting facts; the absolute pick of that episode's dialogue; and comment on what marks each episode out from `run of the mill' science fiction television. Although the original US airdate and writing and directing credits are given for each episode, this book doesn't try to give all the `vital statistics' that many other episode guides thrive on. For the most part this doesn't detract, though the extreme brevity of the plot summaries (one or two sentences at most) is not always helpful.

One major niggle; the lack of an index. Storm frequently references other episodes in her critical essays, but only by title. Readers without an absolutely encyclopaedic knowledge of every Stargate episode are going to want to flip back and check out "exactly what episode is that one she's referring to here", but the lack of an index (or even just the inclusion of an episode number with such references) makes this an exercise in extreme frustration.

All in all though, this is a satisfying and entertaining read (though perhaps for dipping into as you watch and rewatch episodes, rather than for reading cover to cover). The author has clearly put considerable thought into her analysis, and the breadth of her research is impressive, yet the style remains accessible.