Stargate SG1 started off strong in its first season and only got better the next year. I can pretty much just ditto everything I said about season 1, but that would be pretty boring so I'll have to think about some other aspects to hold your interest.

 

There aren't any substantial changes to the show that come to mind, just a progression. We're still visiting lots of new worlds, meeting lots of strange aliens, and getting into a lot of really odd situations. Apophis is still the most pressing threat, but new system lords take notice of Earth because of their effective resistance. The universe has grown more complex, the mythology deepened, the writing and acting have tightened, and the special effects are more special.

 

I never disliked Don Davis as General Hammond, but there is a noticeable improvement in his portrayal this season. He seems more natural. I guess he settled into his character more. Dr. Fraiser gets more screen time which is great. I like the character and the actor.

 

Four notable elements are added this season. First, Thor and the Asgard are revealed for what they truly are. They were introduced somewhat in the first season, but they remain mysterious until this season. They will become frequent guest stars for most of the remainder of the series. The Tok'ra are established. These are similar to the Goa'uld in that they are parasitic beings needing hosts to survive. However, they have a harmonious relationship with the host sharing consciousness and working together. They desire the downfall of the Goa'uld lords and ultimately peace for the galaxy. They become Earth's first real allies in any strategic sense, but they often disagree especially when dealing with Jack. The Tok'ra seem to have the best of intentions but sometimes travel too closely to the route of the ends justifying the means often deceiving and even manipulating the humans.

 

To add to that is an Earthling of status and personal connection to SG1 who becomes a Tok'ra (I don't want to say who for those that haven't seen the episode). He becomes the liaison, but often takes a more Tok'ra than human viewpoint. The difference is that he's the only human who can really make these kinds of judgment calls.

 

The Harcesis child is born. He will become vital to pretty much all of Daniel’s pivotal character moments at least for the next few seasons. He will also become extremely important to all of SG Command. For now, though, we just get the idea of his existence planted.

 

And finally there's the rogue division of the NID. This group will become SG1's most challenging Earthly nemesis and pop up at times when you least expect it. They are a dangerous group that shapes the future for better or worse. They were actually briefly introduced in season 1, but it was more of a kind of background thing. Now they become an active force.

 

Some off-the-wall concepts make up the stories of season 2: time travel, characters swapping minds, getting trapped in a sort of video game, people turning into bugs; it can be quite odd at times, but remains good throughout.

 

Music and special effects are near-movie quality. I sometimes find myself forgetting that I’m watching a TV show. There are some moments that stand out as effects, but usually you have to look pretty hard for those spots.