Watch Stargate: Children of the Gods

Stargate: Children of the Gods is a feature-length pilot for the television series Stargate SG-1 that first aired in 1997, and it is not a movie from 2009. The confusion might arise from the fact that a "Final Cut" edition of this pilot was released on DVD in 2009, which included re-edited scenes, a remastered audio track, and newly added visual effects. Since you requested a description without spoilers, I will provide a general outline of the plot along with insights into the main characters and the fictional universe of Stargate.

"Stargate: Children of the Gods" introduces audiences to an expansive narrative that blends military science fiction with ancient mythology. The story takes off from where the original 1994 Stargate movie ended. The Stargate, an ancient ring-shaped device capable of creating a wormhole that enables instantaneous travel to distant worlds across the galaxy, becomes the focal point of the series.

The pilot episode begins with a mysterious and hostile alien force coming through the dormant Stargate at the United States' top-secret military installation now headed by General George Hammond. This sudden attack prompts the military to reactivate the Stargate program, and a team is quickly assembled to address this newfound threat. This team is named SG-1, and they are soon at the heart of the series' exploration and adventure-heavy narrative.

Leading the team is Colonel Jack O'Neill, played by Richard Dean Anderson. O'Neill is a highly skilled but emotionally burdened air force officer, having experienced personal tragedy in his backstory. He's deeply skeptical of the Stargate program due to past events, yet his expertise and leadership skills are critical for the safety and success of the missions that lie ahead.

Accompanying O'Neill is Dr. Daniel Jackson, portrayed by Michael Shanks. A gifted archaeologist and linguist with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Dr. Jackson is the outsider scientist who, in the original film, first unlocked the mysteries of the Stargate. His intellectual curiosity often serves as a counterweight to O'Neill's military pragmatism, providing the team with invaluable academic insights into the civilizations and technologies they encounter.

Captain Samantha Carter, played by Amanda Tapping, is another essential member of SG-1. Carter is an astrophysicist and a fighter pilot with a firm belief in the potential of the Stargate as a tool for discovery and defense. Her expertise in science and the Stargate itself quickly proves to be an asset to the team, and her character balances professional competence with personal relatability, creating a strong role model.

Rounding out SG-1 is Teal'c, a character portrayed by Christopher Judge. Teal'c's background provides a unique perspective to the team, as he is a former warrior of the enemy forces, known as the Jaffa. His decision to join SG-1 is driven by a desire to fight against the oppression inflicted by his former masters, and his inside knowledge of the enemy's tactics and technologies is indispensable.

As SG-1 embarks on a mission through the Stargate to a world known as Abydos, they discover hints of a far-reaching empire ruled by beings that the human race once thought of as mythological gods. These ‘gods’ exhibit advanced technologies and powerful control over their subjects in several star systems, and it becomes clear that their malign influence must be countered.

"Children of the Gods" is both a standalone introduction to the Stargate SG-1 universe and a foundation upon which the rest of the series is built. Throughout the story, the theme of exploration intersects with that of a struggle against tyranny. O'Neill, Jackson, Carter, and Teal'c face the task of understanding alien cultures, defying god-like adversaries, and fostering alliances throughout the galaxy.

While engaging with alien societies and surviving perilous encounters, the members of SG-1 also navigate their interpersonal dynamics. The diverse characters bring their unique strengths, weaknesses, and worldviews to the table, creating a complex and complementary team dynamic.

This pilot episode sets a precedent for the blending of scientific and historical intrigue that characterizes the entire series. It also introduces the show’s principal antagonist and lays the groundwork for plot arcs that will be further developed as the series progresses.

Production-wise, "Children of the Gods" enjoys the same type of special effects, set design, and costuming that became hallmarks of the series. The 2009 release of the "Final Cut" version aimed to improve upon these aspects, incorporating retouched scenes and new visual effects to enhance the viewer's experience.

In summary, Stargate: Children of the Gods lays the groundwork for one of science fiction television's most beloved series. It extends the story of the 1994 film and brings new elements to the table, setting the trajectory for an expansive science fiction saga that combines adventures through space, encounters with alien races, and a deeper exploration of human nature against the backdrop of an ancient interstellar threat.

Stargate: Children of the Gods is a 2009 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.