So … what did your humble GateWorld editor think of last week’s season premieres of Stargate?

Pretty darned impressive.

The first half of “Avalon, Part 1” feels, in many ways, like Stargate: The Next Generation. For those who want the show to forever stay the same, this isn’t a good thing. But faced with the fact that key cast members are starting to move on, it’s either a reinvented show, or it ends forever. So how it compares to the “good ol’ days” is irrelevant; the question is: Will the “new” Stargate SG-1 be a good show?

So far, so good. Ben Browder brings a gravity, an enthusiasm, and a straight-up cool-factor that the show has been missing for a while. And seeing the broader world of the Stargate universe (in this episode, Mitchell’s alternate P.O.V. on a key historical moment) always gets me jazzed.

It almost makes me wish it were Stargate: TNG. As much as I love Michael Shanks, Chris Judge, and Amanda Tapping and want them to stick around as long as possible, the show could benefit from another new SG-1 team member. Think spunky and cute, like Atlantis‘s Sora (Erin Chambers). Maybe next season.

“Avalon, Part 1” really seems to be about introducing new regulars and re-firming the foundation. The story is almost secondary, and there isn’t much more to it than a popcorn-munching romp through an ancient cavern. What will make Season Nine a success is interesting and entertaining science fiction stories that ask hard questions and put our characters in tough situations — not just one-liners, jokes, and, well, popcorn romps.

Atlantis finished off the “Wraith are coming” arc in fine form, with great character moments and spectacular effects. Frankly, it’s a story I’m glad to see finally come to an end; the Wraith’s attack on Atlantis has been driving Atlantis for more than five episodes, a quarter of the entire series to date.

For a second opinion on the season premieres, check out our episode reviews from Lex and Taylor Brown.

Now, without further ado, the latest and greatest news bites from the Stargate universe!

Forum lovers, new MGM owner Sony has launched discussion boards for SG-1 and Atlantis. (Thank God they’re using vBulletin!) You can find these through the shows’ official sites … just remember to also dance with the one who brung ya! GateWorld Forum just celebrated its 9,000th member.

Creation Entertainment has added a few nifty new items to their licensed merchandise on sale at their Web site. Notable is a new fan club kit (just what makes this an on-going “fan club” remains to be seen), gi-normous autographed banners, and a Stargate mug that changes when you put hot liquid into it. Neato.

Video phone company Packet 8 is holding a contest to win a trip to the set of Stargate or a video phone call with one of the actors. Check out the site for details.

Game Informer has published a new gallery of screen shots (and new info) from the upcoming video game Stargate SG-1: The Alliance. Sweet. We can wait to pick up a SAW and go postal on a Jaffa army.

The casts and producers of Stargate were at Comic-Con in San Diego last week! Here are two very nice photo galleries from two fans in attendance.

Amanda Tapping’s on-again, off again “Weekend With Her Fans” event (sponsored by GABIT Events) is on again! The dates are October 28 to 30; the place is London.

Finally, we’ve gotten a lot of inquiries about the new DVD releases. For those who can’t find the FAQ, SG-1 Season Eight has an October 4 release in North America (Region 1), followed by Atlantis Season One sometime in November. Region 2 (Europe) is already getting single-disc releases, but we don’t know when you’ll have boxed sets released. All other regions: We just dunno yet.

All-new episodes continue tonight at 8 p.m. Eastern/Pacific on SCI FI in the U.S.! Me and my shiny new Tivo will be ready.

(Thanks to Morjana, Julia, Elaine, Denise, and Becky Preen for contributing)