Imagine pouring your heart into a beloved sci-fi series for a decade, only to look back and wish you'd snapped a few more photos to cherish those final moments – that's the unexpected regret Christopher Judge carries from his iconic role in Stargate SG-1. And this is the part most people miss: it's not about bitterness over unfinished projects, but a simple longing for tangible mementos that could have preserved the magic of the show's swan song. But here's where it gets controversial: Could the decision to wrap up the franchise with direct-to-video films have robbed fans and actors alike of a grander cinematic farewell? Let's dive into the story behind this fan-favorite actor's only true lament, exploring the highs and lows of a series that reshaped sci-fi television.
Back in 1994, Roland Emmerich's Stargate film became a box office hit, which in Hollywood often signals the green light for sequels. The initial vision was for a trilogy of Stargate movies – a bold plan to expand the universe of ancient alien portals and interstellar adventures. However, things took an unexpected turn. Instead of more films, creators Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner pivoted to a television series called Stargate SG-1, seamlessly continuing the story from the movie's cliffhanger. This shift meant ditching the original big-screen stars, like Kurt Russell as Colonel Jack O'Neill, the no-nonsense leader of the SG-1 team, who guides explorations through the Stargate. In their place came Richard Dean Anderson, fresh from MacGyver, stepping into O'Neill's shoes alongside Michael Shanks as Dr. Daniel Jackson – a brilliant archaeologist who deciphers ancient languages and artifacts, replacing James Spader from the film.
Stargate SG-1 introduced fresh faces to round out the team. Amanda Tapping joined as Samantha Carter, the smart and resourceful astrophysicist, and Christopher Judge signed on as Teal'c, a reformed warrior from the Jaffa people. For those new to the Stargate lore, the Jaffa are genetically engineered humans bred as soldiers for the Goa'uld, parasitic alien overlords who rule as false gods. Teal'c's journey is one of redemption; he breaks free from his oppressive masters to fight alongside Earth’s heroes, becoming an instant hit with fans thanks to his imposing presence and the distinctive golden forehead tattoo symbolizing his past servitude. Judge's portrayal turned Teal'c into a beloved character, so much so that he holds the record for the most on-screen appearances in the series across its 10 seasons.
Judge was deeply invested in the show, often sharing how much he enjoyed filming. He fondly reminisced about the 200th episode as his favorite, describing it to IGN as 'the most fun [he's] ever had doing an episode.' The entire cast and writers were buzzing with excitement, crafting what was essentially a heartfelt thank-you note to the dedicated fans who had stuck by the series through wormholes, alien invasions, and epic battles. It's clear Judge took the show's impact seriously, valuing the deep connection it fostered with viewers who saw it as more than just entertainment.
Throughout the decade, Judge remained a core pillar of SG-1, outlasting even major characters like O'Neill and Daniel Jackson, who gradually appeared less frequently. He even championed a spin-off idea that could have revolutionized the franchise – envisioning 'Stargate's take on Black Panther,' a story focusing on the Jaffa rebellion against their Goa'uld oppressors, highlighting themes of freedom and cultural identity. But the pitch never materialized. So, with all this passion and a career-defining role under his belt, what could possibly trouble Judge about his time on the show?
Surprisingly, it wasn't the unrealized spin-off that haunted him. In a chat with GateWorld, Judge reflected on the 2008 direct-to-video sequels, Stargate: The Ark of Truth and Stargate: Continuum, which served as extensions of SG-1. Plans were in the works for a third film, but it never happened. When asked if the cast sensed Continuum might be the end, Judge admitted, 'You know, no, because we fully expected to, at least, do one more. So it's weird looking back on it. That if we had known that that was going to be it, I wish I had taken more pictures.'
That potential third movie, titled Stargate: Revolution, was tantalizingly close to production. It would have depicted a game-changing reveal: the general public learning about the existence of Stargate portals, forever altering Earth's place in the galaxy. Unfortunately, MGM's financial struggles, compounded by the decline of the DVD market, dashed those dreams. The crew wrapped up with Continuum without realizing it was their last gathering. Teal'c did make brief returns in Stargate Atlantis episodes like 'Reunion' and 'Midway' in 2007, and there was even a scrapped crossover film that could've reunited all the shows. Yet, Continuum stood as the SG-1 team's final adventure.
Despite the disappointment, Judge cherished the experience of making Continuum, calling it a joyous reunion. He recalled, 'The show had ended and it was just great. What I remember most is just the reunion and seeing everyone. Not just the cast, but also the crew. We had gotten almost our entire crew back. So, it was fifteen or seventeen days — whatever it was — of just a reunion.' Now, he only reconnects with his co-stars at fan conventions, which has given him a profound appreciation for those 10 incredible years. As he put it, 'It's really given me a real kind of perspective on what a great time we had for 10 years.'
But here's where it gets controversial: Some fans argue that wrapping up SG-1 with direct-to-video films felt like a cop-out compared to a theatrical release, potentially diminishing the franchise's legacy. Others might say it preserved the show's integrity by ending on its terms, without Hollywood's profit-driven pressures. And this is the part most people miss: In a world of reboots and revivals, should franchises like Stargate prioritize fan service through films, or let TV finales stand as the true conclusion? What do you think – was Christopher Judge's regret justified, or is it just a sentimental longing for closure? Do you agree that a grander send-off might have made all the difference, or was the series' original end satisfying enough? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear your take on how TV shows should wrap up their stories!
