The Stargate SG-1 Finale Unending: Did the Asgard Deserve a Better Send-Off?

[HeartbreakKid92]

Unending is one of the most unusual series finales in science fiction television. The Asgard reveal their civilization is dying from genetic degradation caused by centuries of cloning. Unable to solve the problem they choose mass suicide to prevent their technology falling into the wrong hands. Their final act is upgrading the Odyssey with their complete knowledge and most advanced technology. Then they destroy themselves and their homeworld Orilla. The episode then follows SG-1 trapped in a time dilation field for fifty years aboard the Odyssey. It's a remarkable piece of television. But as an Asgard send-off it feels simultaneously earned and rushed. Did one of science fiction's best alien races get the ending they deserved?

[Rapid Crossing]

Fifty years trapped on the Odyssey is a beautiful way to give the main cast a finale while honouring the Asgard's sacrifice. Vala and Daniel's relationship developing over decades. Teal'c aging. It's exceptional television

[MiniElliot]

The Asgard deserved more than one episode to say goodbye honestly. They were part of the show from season one. A two-parter minimum would have been appropriate

[HeartbreakKidStinger64]

Thor's farewell to O'Neill is the emotional centre of the whole episode. Two friends saying goodbye knowing it's permanent. Michael Shanks voicing both characters in that moment is remarkable

[DarkMatter23]

The genetic degradation storyline was built up across seasons. Heimdall working on it. Loki's experiments being motivated by it. The ending was earned even if it came quickly

[SerialScroller]

The Vanir Asgard in Atlantis season five showing Asgard who survived by breaking away from the main civilisation complicated the Unending ending in interesting ways. Not all Asgard died

[RayOfLight31]

Passing their entire knowledge to Earth was the perfect final act. The Asgard's whole relationship with humanity was about seeing potential in a younger race. Giving them everything was the completion of that arc

[Bob93]

It's a sad finale but also a triumphant one. The Asgard didn't go out fighting or being conquered. They chose their ending on their own terms. That's consistent with how they lived