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Stargate Universe – Review

October 3, 2009 By 202 Comments

Stargate Universe looks to be trying to balance a lot of things, and while the series reinvention seems to be the science-fiction hopeful of the season, I'm not sure how all that balancing is going to work out. For now, it isn't working so well, but there is certainly enough potential to look past the stumbles of the first episodes. Once the general theory stabilizes and gets past the establishment work, we may find we're onto something here.

stargateuniverse4

Brian J. Smith as Lt. Matthew Scott, Robert Carlyle as Dr. Nicholas, David Blue as Eli Wallace -- Syfy Photo: Carole Segal

Last night's two-hour premiere was a good move in theory, because we have to hope for the uninitiated, but the effort dragged before long, and many were the moments of overly dramatic, overly extended subroutines that amounted to very little in the end. Eventually, the show spilled into a sort of insecurity, and instead of being quite serious and dramatic, it was just saying it was serious and dramatic.

The premise of the show revolves around the Stargates, which are basically magic portals that transport you millions of miles through space instantly, left throughout the universe by a species known in the show as The Ancients. Our story begins when a large group of people are forced to go through a Stargate when they aren't sure where the other end leads. It turns out that it opens up on a spaceship so far from Earth that the numbers are incomprehensible.

Louis Ferreira as Col. Everett Young, Robert Carlyle as Dr. Nicholas Rush -- Syfy Photo: Art Streiber

Louis Ferreira as Col. Everett Young, Robert Carlyle as Dr. Nicholas Rush -- Syfy Photo: Art Streiber

The group we have is basically what's left of a research and military base that's studying a Stargate on another planet, along with a few civilian visitors who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Led, sort of, by Dr. Nicholas (Robert Carlyle), the group discovers that the ship was made by The Ancients, and that the life-support system is failing. The clock is ticking on how much air they have left, and if they solve that problem, they get to move on to figuring out how to get home.

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We're then left with a kind of Star Trek: Voyager reinvention as well.

The trouble with the show is that you've got to imagine the road ahead far more than you can rely on what's given early on. I have a strong feeling that at the eighth or ninth episode, this is going to live up to the possibilities, and be a fun yet serious science-fiction adventure that could well take up the mantle of Battlestar Galactica. However, it's a bit rough out of the gates, with a lot of heavy-handed work trying to set up the initial character interplay. Are people really being uppity at the only person who can get them home and/or the people with all the guns in this situation? Really? Does the military commander really stomp around and think he can push everyone around when he isn't even really there? A good note there is that it doesn't work, but still.

Syfy Photo: Art Streiber

Syfy Photo: Art Streiber

There is conveniently a cliffhanger aspect to the premiere, which will hopefully get people to the next episode, but there isn't exactly such a draw at the end of that one. After next week's episode, you're sort of just in or out. Hopefully, a lot of people will show up for the fun of a show that really can do absolutely anything week after week. They might show up for the characters, but right now the characters are being abused, and aren't allowed to deliver anything to really engage viewers. There's just too much going, and too much that the writers are trying to squeeze in while devoting amazing amounts of time to stretching out the drama. Next week won't change matters any either.

I feel nearly forced to recommend you give it a try, because in a few months I think you'll wish you had, but the first few episodes are more in the class of that which you have to suffer through, as opposed to true parts of the good stuff itself.

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About Marc Eastman

Marc Eastman is the owner and operator of Are You Screening? and has been writing film reviews for over a decade, and several branches of the internet's film review world have seen his name. His reviews have brought him personal praise from the director of a major motion picture, and have been used as required reading in a course at a major University. These priceless rewards, along with just bags of cash, keep him from straying from freelance writing. He is also a member of The Broadcast Film Critics Association and The Broadcast Television Journalists Association.

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  • Robin Shiller

    Let me weigh in here: After four hours (three weeks), I'm still waiting for SG-U to do **something**. With the exception of the Geek Kid (who is likable and obviously growing into the 'McKay' role ) and the Crazy Scot, the characters for the most part are as paper-thin as the storyline and the supporting scripts.

    In fact, considering that most of the production team has been carried over from SG-1 & SG-A, it really surprising as to how bad this show is.

    And, yes it is really, really bad.

    Maybe it’s the show's 'left-turn' approach to the SG franchise, which has been characterized by a sense of drama amidst light-hearted adventure. Big moments were B-I-G when they showed up in the previous series, but in SG-U, they barely register.

    Two examples, beginning with the Senator's death scene in the pilot. A moment that should have been filled with impact and emotion, yet went by with barely a twitch on the 'Big-meter'. Why? Because the writers (for whatever reason) failed to make us care about the character, his daughter or their situation. The story gave us no reason to relate.

    Secondly, “finding an alien life form' on the sand planet. The writers focused us on the risk of the soldier's survival (who was he again?), and when the alien dust bunny save the day, the Big-meter – which the writers want to have focused on the life saving qualities of the sand, barely moves.. and the 'unique' alien is cast aside with nothing but a small mention.

    Poor writing is the bane of a great story. So is Direction without a purpose.

    The comparisons to Battllestar Galactica are inevitable, but they flatter to deceive: SG-U is no match for Battlestar Galactica, which stands as one of the very best-written and -directed drama series, ever. If you don't believe me, do your own research on the show's qualities and the wide net that it cast.

    Without great writing (character and plot development) and visionary production, SG-U can be nothing more than a half-baked success. BG's 'stark reality' had purpose and **gave** purpose. We immediately bonded with the characters and the plot.

    No such empathy exists with SG-U, or within it, for that matter. I get no sense that these characters care for each other in any meaningful way, and this, combined with a lackluster and unfocused storyline, leaves us wondering “why should we care?”

    Compare that to 'Flash Forward', '24' or 'Sleeper Cell”. Love 'em or not, they grab you and make you invest.

    If SG-U doesn’t want to be the lighthearted space romp that its predecessors were, fine. But if it wants to be a serious drama, it needs to really, really ramp up quickly.

    There are too many fine dramas which compel us to watch, and no new series can afford to spend 8-10 weeks trying to make us care.

    Right now, it’s not happening.

    B-I-G time.

  • Robin Shiller

    Let me weigh in here: After four hours (three weeks), I'm still waiting for SG-U to do **something**. With the exception of the Geek Kid (who is likable and obviously growing into the 'McKay' role ) and the Crazy Scot, the characters for the most part are as paper-thin as the storyline and the supporting scripts.

    In fact, considering that most of the production team has been carried over from SG-1 & SG-A, it really surprising as to how bad this show is.

    And, yes it is really, really bad.

    Maybe it’s the show's 'left-turn' approach to the SG franchise, which has been characterized by a sense of drama amidst light-hearted adventure. Big moments were B-I-G when they showed up in the previous series, but in SG-U, they barely register.

    Two examples, beginning with the Senator's death scene in the pilot. A moment that should have been filled with impact and emotion, yet went by with barely a twitch on the 'Big-meter'. Why? Because the writers (for whatever reason) failed to make us care about the character, his daughter or their situation. The story gave us no reason to relate.

    Secondly, “finding an alien life form' on the sand planet. The writers focused us on the risk of the soldier's survival (who was he again?), and when the alien dust bunny save the day, the Big-meter – which the writers want to have focused on the life saving qualities of the sand, barely moves.. and the 'unique' alien is cast aside with nothing but a small mention.

    Poor writing is the bane of a great story. So is Direction without a purpose.

    The comparisons to Battllestar Galactica are inevitable, but they flatter to deceive: SG-U is no match for Battlestar Galactica, which stands as one of the very best-written and -directed drama series, ever. If you don't believe me, do your own research on the show's qualities and the wide net that it cast.

    Without great writing (character and plot development) and visionary production, SG-U can be nothing more than a half-baked success. BG's 'stark reality' had purpose and **gave** purpose. We immediately bonded with the characters and the plot.

    No such empathy exists with SG-U, or within it, for that matter. I get no sense that these characters care for each other in any meaningful way, and this, combined with a lackluster and unfocused storyline, leaves us wondering “why should we care?”

    Compare that to 'Flash Forward', '24' or 'Sleeper Cell”. Love 'em or not, they grab you and make you invest.

    If SG-U doesn’t want to be the lighthearted space romp that its predecessors were, fine. But if it wants to be a serious drama, it needs to really, really ramp up quickly.

    There are too many fine dramas which compel us to watch, and no new series can afford to spend 8-10 weeks trying to make us care.

    Right now, it’s not happening.

    B-I-G time.

  • Robin Shiller

    Let me weigh in here: After four hours (three weeks), I'm still waiting for SG-U to do **something**. With the exception of the Geek Kid (who is likable and obviously growing into the 'McKay' role ) and the Crazy Scot, the characters for the most part are as paper-thin as the storyline and the supporting scripts.

    In fact, considering that most of the production team has been carried over from SG-1 & SG-A, it really surprising as to how bad this show is.

    And, yes it is really, really bad.

    Maybe it’s the show's 'left-turn' approach to the SG franchise, which has been characterized by a sense of drama amidst light-hearted adventure. Big moments were B-I-G when they showed up in the previous series, but in SG-U, they barely register.

    Two examples, beginning with the Senator's death scene in the pilot. A moment that should have been filled with impact and emotion, yet went by with barely a twitch on the 'Big-meter'. Why? Because the writers (for whatever reason) failed to make us care about the character, his daughter or their situation. The story gave us no reason to relate.

    Secondly, “finding an alien life form' on the sand planet. The writers focused us on the risk of the soldier's survival (who was he again?), and when the alien dust bunny save the day, the Big-meter – which the writers want to have focused on the life saving qualities of the sand, barely moves.. and the 'unique' alien is cast aside with nothing but a small mention.

    Poor writing is the bane of a great story. So is Direction without a purpose.

    The comparisons to Battllestar Galactica are inevitable, but they flatter to deceive: SG-U is no match for Battlestar Galactica, which stands as one of the very best-written and -directed drama series, ever. If you don't believe me, do your own research on the show's qualities and the wide net that it cast.

    Without great writing (character and plot development) and visionary production, SG-U can be nothing more than a half-baked success. BG's 'stark reality' had purpose and **gave** purpose. We immediately bonded with the characters and the plot.

    No such empathy exists with SG-U, or within it, for that matter. I get no sense that these characters care for each other in any meaningful way, and this, combined with a lackluster and unfocused storyline, leaves us wondering “why should we care?”

    Compare that to 'Flash Forward', '24' or 'Sleeper Cell”. Love 'em or not, they grab you and make you invest.

    If SG-U doesn’t want to be the lighthearted space romp that its predecessors were, fine. But if it wants to be a serious drama, it needs to really, really ramp up quickly.

    There are too many fine dramas which compel us to watch, and no new series can afford to spend 8-10 weeks trying to make us care.

    Right now, it’s not happening.

    B-I-G time.

  • Robin Shiller

    Let me weigh in here: After four hours (three weeks), I'm still waiting for SG-U to do **something**. With the exception of the Geek Kid (who is likable and obviously growing into the 'McKay' role ) and the Crazy Scot, the characters for the most part are as paper-thin as the storyline and the supporting scripts.

    In fact, considering that most of the production team has been carried over from SG-1 & SG-A, it really surprising as to how bad this show is.

    And, yes it is really, really bad.

    Maybe it’s the show's 'left-turn' approach to the SG franchise, which has been characterized by a sense of drama amidst light-hearted adventure. Big moments were B-I-G when they showed up in the previous series, but in SG-U, they barely register.

    Two examples, beginning with the Senator's death scene in the pilot. A moment that should have been filled with impact and emotion, yet went by with barely a twitch on the 'Big-meter'. Why? Because the writers (for whatever reason) failed to make us care about the character, his daughter or their situation. The story gave us no reason to relate.

    Secondly, “finding an alien life form' on the sand planet. The writers focused us on the risk of the soldier's survival (who was he again?), and when the alien dust bunny save the day, the Big-meter – which the writers want to have focused on the life saving qualities of the sand, barely moves.. and the 'unique' alien is cast aside with nothing but a small mention.

    Poor writing is the bane of a great story. So is Direction without a purpose.

    The comparisons to Battllestar Galactica are inevitable, but they flatter to deceive: SG-U is no match for Battlestar Galactica, which stands as one of the very best-written and -directed drama series, ever. If you don't believe me, do your own research on the show's qualities and the wide net that it cast.

    Without great writing (character and plot development) and visionary production, SG-U can be nothing more than a half-baked success. BG's 'stark reality' had purpose and **gave** purpose. We immediately bonded with the characters and the plot.

    No such empathy exists with SG-U, or within it, for that matter. I get no sense that these characters care for each other in any meaningful way, and this, combined with a lackluster and unfocused storyline, leaves us wondering “why should we care?”

    Compare that to 'Flash Forward', '24' or 'Sleeper Cell”. Love 'em or not, they grab you and make you invest.

    If SG-U doesn’t want to be the lighthearted space romp that its predecessors were, fine. But if it wants to be a serious drama, it needs to really, really ramp up quickly.

    There are too many fine dramas which compel us to watch, and no new series can afford to spend 8-10 weeks trying to make us care.

    Right now, it’s not happening.

    B-I-G time.

  • Robin Shiller

    Let me weigh in here: After four hours (three weeks), I'm still waiting for SG-U to do **something**. With the exception of the Geek Kid (who is likable and obviously growing into the 'McKay' role ) and the Crazy Scot, the characters for the most part are as paper-thin as the storyline and the supporting scripts.

    In fact, considering that most of the production team has been carried over from SG-1 & SG-A, it really surprising as to how bad this show is.

    And, yes it is really, really bad.

    Maybe it’s the show's 'left-turn' approach to the SG franchise, which has been characterized by a sense of drama amidst light-hearted adventure. Big moments were B-I-G when they showed up in the previous series, but in SG-U, they barely register.

    Two examples, beginning with the Senator's death scene in the pilot. A moment that should have been filled with impact and emotion, yet went by with barely a twitch on the 'Big-meter'. Why? Because the writers (for whatever reason) failed to make us care about the character, his daughter or their situation. The story gave us no reason to relate.

    Secondly, “finding an alien life form' on the sand planet. The writers focused us on the risk of the soldier's survival (who was he again?), and when the alien dust bunny save the day, the Big-meter – which the writers want to have focused on the life saving qualities of the sand, barely moves.. and the 'unique' alien is cast aside with nothing but a small mention.

    Poor writing is the bane of a great story. So is Direction without a purpose.

    The comparisons to Battllestar Galactica are inevitable, but they flatter to deceive: SG-U is no match for Battlestar Galactica, which stands as one of the very best-written and -directed drama series, ever. If you don't believe me, do your own research on the show's qualities and the wide net that it cast.

    Without great writing (character and plot development) and visionary production, SG-U can be nothing more than a half-baked success. BG's 'stark reality' had purpose and **gave** purpose. We immediately bonded with the characters and the plot.

    No such empathy exists with SG-U, or within it, for that matter. I get no sense that these characters care for each other in any meaningful way, and this, combined with a lackluster and unfocused storyline, leaves us wondering “why should we care?”

    Compare that to 'Flash Forward', '24' or 'Sleeper Cell”. Love 'em or not, they grab you and make you invest.

    If SG-U doesn’t want to be the lighthearted space romp that its predecessors were, fine. But if it wants to be a serious drama, it needs to really, really ramp up quickly.

    There are too many fine dramas which compel us to watch, and no new series can afford to spend 8-10 weeks trying to make us care.

    Right now, it’s not happening.

    B-I-G time.

  • Robin Shiller

    Let me weigh in here: After four hours (three weeks), I'm still waiting for SG-U to do **something**. With the exception of the Geek Kid (who is likable and obviously growing into the 'McKay' role ) and the Crazy Scot, the characters for the most part are as paper-thin as the storyline and the supporting scripts.

    In fact, considering that most of the production team has been carried over from SG-1 & SG-A, it really surprising as to how bad this show is.

    And, yes it is really, really bad.

    Maybe it’s the show's 'left-turn' approach to the SG franchise, which has been characterized by a sense of drama amidst light-hearted adventure. Big moments were B-I-G when they showed up in the previous series, but in SG-U, they barely register.

    Two examples, beginning with the Senator's death scene in the pilot. A moment that should have been filled with impact and emotion, yet went by with barely a twitch on the 'Big-meter'. Why? Because the writers (for whatever reason) failed to make us care about the character, his daughter or their situation. The story gave us no reason to relate.

    Secondly, “finding an alien life form' on the sand planet. The writers focused us on the risk of the soldier's survival (who was he again?), and when the alien dust bunny save the day, the Big-meter – which the writers want to have focused on the life saving qualities of the sand, barely moves.. and the 'unique' alien is cast aside with nothing but a small mention.

    Poor writing is the bane of a great story. So is Direction without a purpose.

    The comparisons to Battllestar Galactica are inevitable, but they flatter to deceive: SG-U is no match for Battlestar Galactica, which stands as one of the very best-written and -directed drama series, ever. If you don't believe me, do your own research on the show's qualities and the wide net that it cast.

    Without great writing (character and plot development) and visionary production, SG-U can be nothing more than a half-baked success. BG's 'stark reality' had purpose and **gave** purpose. We immediately bonded with the characters and the plot.

    No such empathy exists with SG-U, or within it, for that matter. I get no sense that these characters care for each other in any meaningful way, and this, combined with a lackluster and unfocused storyline, leaves us wondering “why should we care?”

    Compare that to 'Flash Forward', '24' or 'Sleeper Cell”. Love 'em or not, they grab you and make you invest.

    If SG-U doesn’t want to be the lighthearted space romp that its predecessors were, fine. But if it wants to be a serious drama, it needs to really, really ramp up quickly.

    There are too many fine dramas which compel us to watch, and no new series can afford to spend 8-10 weeks trying to make us care.

    Right now, it’s not happening.

    B-I-G time.

  • Robin Shiller

    Let me weigh in here: After four hours (three weeks), I'm still waiting for SG-U to do **something**. With the exception of the Geek Kid (who is likable and obviously growing into the 'McKay' role ) and the Crazy Scot, the characters for the most part are as paper-thin as the storyline and the supporting scripts.

    In fact, considering that most of the production team has been carried over from SG-1 & SG-A, it really surprising as to how bad this show is.

    And, yes it is really, really bad.

    Maybe it’s the show's 'left-turn' approach to the SG franchise, which has been characterized by a sense of drama amidst light-hearted adventure. Big moments were B-I-G when they showed up in the previous series, but in SG-U, they barely register.

    Two examples, beginning with the Senator's death scene in the pilot. A moment that should have been filled with impact and emotion, yet went by with barely a twitch on the 'Big-meter'. Why? Because the writers (for whatever reason) failed to make us care about the character, his daughter or their situation. The story gave us no reason to relate.

    Secondly, “finding an alien life form' on the sand planet. The writers focused us on the risk of the soldier's survival (who was he again?), and when the alien dust bunny save the day, the Big-meter – which the writers want to have focused on the life saving qualities of the sand, barely moves.. and the 'unique' alien is cast aside with nothing but a small mention.

    Poor writing is the bane of a great story. So is Direction without a purpose.

    The comparisons to Battllestar Galactica are inevitable, but they flatter to deceive: SG-U is no match for Battlestar Galactica, which stands as one of the very best-written and -directed drama series, ever. If you don't believe me, do your own research on the show's qualities and the wide net that it cast.

    Without great writing (character and plot development) and visionary production, SG-U can be nothing more than a half-baked success. BG's 'stark reality' had purpose and **gave** purpose. We immediately bonded with the characters and the plot.

    No such empathy exists with SG-U, or within it, for that matter. I get no sense that these characters care for each other in any meaningful way, and this, combined with a lackluster and unfocused storyline, leaves us wondering “why should we care?”

    Compare that to 'Flash Forward', '24' or 'Sleeper Cell”. Love 'em or not, they grab you and make you invest.

    If SG-U doesn’t want to be the lighthearted space romp that its predecessors were, fine. But if it wants to be a serious drama, it needs to really, really ramp up quickly.

    There are too many fine dramas which compel us to watch, and no new series can afford to spend 8-10 weeks trying to make us care.

    Right now, it’s not happening.

    B-I-G time.

  • B

    Stargate Galactica

  • Sheena

    Boring! More of a soap box drama than a Battlestar Galactica episode. Oops! Is it Stargate Universe?

  • http://www.stopbuyingcrap.com/ Cap

    Its a review people. Not sure why people’s panties are in a bunch. Just watched all 4 episodes at once and it was.. okay. Made me cringe at many points and am unsure of the writing/acting chemistry yet but I do agree that the writers along with actors will find their pace, most likely. If not then this will be an awfully short series.

    Hate to be negative since running and producing a show takes lots o’ work.. but yeah, so far the initial episodes are pretty mediocre. Not bad, not good. Just… okay.

  • DG

    Hi all, I’ve watched the entire Stargate SG-1 + Stargate Atlantis collection, as well as the entire BSG franchise. When I found out Stargate Universe was goin to air, I was overjoyed. Boy! was I wrong. This has got to be the WORST stargate series ever! So far, I’ve watched four episodes of stargate universe and I’m sorry to say, but Syfy just bought a cropper. Each episode just drags on one after the other and half the time I feel like shooting myself for even watching it. It lacks the intrigue as well as the captivating action scenes of all the other stargate franchises. In most films there has to be someone that captures the attention of the audience, like the cockiness / sarcasm of Gen. Jack or Col. Sheppard as well as a female heroine like Col. Carter. But Stargate Universe just has a bunch of people all trying to feel important. I’ve even decided to stop watching it cos its a complete waste of time.

    Syfy, u used to be on the right track. I can definitely tell u that the train has derailed and you’re truly heading for a train wreck

  • Anonymous

    I can’t understand the people saying “Give it time”. Why not? Lets come back after 100 episodes (yeah I know, too much…).
    BUT, if a show doesn’t ‘catch’ you from the start – then you know it’s BAD, and SGU is bad. Yes, there are always ‘fine tuning’ done in the first few episodes, it’s normal, but it has to have a ‘golden core’, and again – SGU doesnt go it.
    Characters: No one care who lives or die, they are not interesting, they are cartoonish, sometimes less than that.
    Note to producers: we don’t like lazy ass kids as heroes – we want them to look like say Brad Pit, we don’t wanty chubby bitch-boys as ‘heroes’. (just checkwho was starring the previous shows & other shows = no Fat Bastards please)
    And the ‘military guys’ – they look like toy soldiers at most, pathetic!.
    So it’s bad, you cant win with this team.
    Plot: nothing important iswas happening, this could be a submarine, a underground mine etc., where a bunch of idiots got stuck because of their stupidity. And nothing interesting really happens. When the highlite of the episode is Eli playing with his balls – you know you got a problem…..
    So, RIP SGU

    • Anonymous

      I cant edit my mas for some reason – so xcuze the mistakes.
      Also: Megan Fox – now thats an example of a ‘good heroine’,
      not that crying baby-girl: “oh daddy… oh daddy, oh bhoooo, STFU! your dad is a blood sucking politician! who cares if he’s dead, in fact it’s a good thing we got rid of that weasel, now suckit up bitch” – thats rwhat they should have said to the annoying brat + a good bitch slap across the face.

      • Nordi

        … megan fox.. lol..

        idiot.

        And yeah the “blood sucking politician” .. bias much? the show actually portrayed him as a good guy.. someone trying to advance the human race by believing in something more.. and oh yeah.. i guess there is the small thing about him sacrificing himself for the rest of the people on board the ship?

  • Anonymous

    Wordy reviews are not necessary, all you need to say is, SGU is ……….slow, boring, ……….slow, boring, ……… etc. Wake me up when something cool or exciting happens!!
    I’ll be watching SG Atlantis episodes for the 6th time, and enjoying them.

  • true

    I just took SGU out of my DVR programming today. I am so disappointed. I don’t like any of the characters, or actors for that matter. The stories have been so-so. Huge disappointment. Regretful because it is beautiful to look at. But that’s not enough to justify wasting 40 minutes of my time on people I don’t like watching.

  • Anonymous

    Stargate SG-1 had everything going for it. A terrific concept, incredible writers, and some of the all time best players on television. Stargate Atlantis had big shoes to fill and grew into a very enjoyable series. Stargate Universe is a perfect example of what happens when Hollywood executives take creative control. This series is a stinking mess. As I watch I cant shake the feeling they’re making it all up as they go along. Of course the basic Stargate concept is still there but the writing is bland and the characters are shallow. SG-1 was intriguing, the way sci-fi should be, but it was also whimsical and fun. Universe, on the other hand, is just tragic.

  • Nordi

    Why your an idiot for NOT liking the new SGU.

    1. Yes it started out as a huge mix of popular shows (BSG being one of them), but it HAS evolved in the course of only 5 eps.

    2. Did you expect a TOTALLY new stargate series with no introductions to just pickup somewhere? This show had to do the “flashback/into to lead characters”

    3. If you are.. or have EVER been a stargate fan, you will give the writers a chance to prove their worth before you totally bash the show. Welcome to the reasons why Firefly got canned early.

    4. There are large shoes to fill here, saying they failed right off the bat is wrong of epic proportions.

    5. I will be among the first to admit that the show had me hesitating on my continuing viewership, but after the past 2 eps (e6 and e7) the character development and overall storyline has proven to be something I would be dedicated to watch.

    I profoundly hate anybody that posts/writes reviews on shows that doesn’t have a clue about what the show is trying to accomplish. Please DO NOT WRITE REVIEWS until you actually have a plot to base a show on, your just proving your own faults and lack of intelligence, and on top of all that you would be killing a great show (and other shows) without giving a shred of thought.

    • thatbonnielass

      As a hard core SG1 and Atlantis fan, I eagerly awaited the arrival of Universe. That being said, I’m still on the fence. Half of the fun of the Stargate franchise is, as was previously stated, the light-hearted banter of team members who truly cared about each other. The Atlantis crew faced incredible hardship but still managed to keep up our morale despite desperate circumstances. I’m not sure the hard edge of the BSG does justice to the fans of SG. However, I am willing to continue to give it a go, if only because I am such a fan and am hoping that some spark of that fun I love in the first two series will arise, not to mention the great concepts and writing… I am concerned that I have been able to predict the outcome of every episode thus far, however and am keeping my fingers crossed that the writers will have some curve balls to toss our way shortly. As for another reviewers Firefly reference and giving it time–no offence meant, but Firefly was a kick-ass show from the first episode with tight writing and an amazing cast that leapt at you from the beginning. I’m not dissing Universe, but I haven’t felt any of that yet–I am starting to develop some attachment to a couple of the characters, but not in the way I had hoped.

      I guess, ultimately, my question is–for such a popular series, why reinvent the wheel when the premise worked so well? And why was there a need to so totally change the franchise, despite its huge sucesses? I will continue to watch the entire season and hopefully get an answer

      • areyouscreening

        Thanks for the comment.

        I think the answer is simply that there is popular and then there is popular. It seems the hope was to push through to an even larger audience, and try to wrangle a serious portion of the time slot.

    • areyouscreening

      I’m really glad for all the communication here, but this one has me a bit stumped. I’m the only one who really posted/wrote a review of the thing, and yet I didn’t remotely think it was negative.

      I’m also rather confused by “have a plot to base a show on,” no matter who you’re talking to.

      At any rate, good to see the opinions being put forward.

  • Bernstar

    What a waste of 6 hours of my life so far. It has been like having teeth pulled with a lot of anaesthetic, unpleasant and numbing.

    First off 3 episodes to kick it off Air 1,2&3 (more like hot air) followed by another 2 parter Darkness and Light (Dull and Duller)which has really helped to drag things out. They should have stuck to the 2 part pilot, mid-season 2 parter and maybe an end of season 2 parter or cliff-hanger.

    Also there are too many charters to kick off with 4,5 max 6 would do, with a little bit of input here and there from other charters and develop them a bit i.e. Walter in SG1 who dials up the Stargate. Too much going on too soon.
    The charters also come with too much baggage broken marriage, dead parents, just dead farther, poor working class brining up, sick Mum and I am not supposed to be here, again they could have covered later in one episode later on.
    All the charters lack any backbone are weak even the commander (cannot be bothered to remember any of the charters names unlike SG1 SGA)and they are I dislike them all.
    There is a weak leader called Young (bad name choice) with weaker right hand man and a evil doctor from lost in space. Need I go on.

    The show really needs to take off and the crew need to win and not live on a knife edge all the time leaving me hoping they run out of air, water or burn up in a star to get it over with. In really hope it will get better but I think the damage is done for season hopefully there will be a second season and they get it right.

  • Bernstar

    What a waste of 6 hours of my life so far. It has been like having teeth pulled with a lot of anaesthetic, unpleasant and numbing.

    First off 3 episodes to kick it off Air 1,2&3 (more like hot air) followed by another 2 parter Darkness and Light (Dull and Duller)which has really helped to drag things out. They should have stuck to the 2 part pilot, mid-season 2 parter and maybe an end of season 2 parter or cliff-hanger.

    Also there are too many charters to kick off with 4,5 max 6 would do, with a little bit of input here and there from other charters and develop them a bit i.e. Walter in SG1 who dials up the Stargate. Too much going on too soon.
    The charters also come with too much baggage broken marriage, dead parents, just dead farther, poor working class brining up, sick Mum and I am not supposed to be here, again they could have covered later in one episode later on.
    All the charters lack any backbone are weak even the commander (cannot be bothered to remember any of the charters names unlike SG1 SGA)and they are I dislike them all.
    There is a weak leader called Young (bad name choice) with weaker right hand man and a evil doctor from lost in space. Need I go on.

    The show really needs to take off and the crew need to win and not live on a knife edge all the time leaving me hoping they run out of air, water or burn up in a star to get it over with. In really hope it will get better but I think the damage is done for season hopefully there will be a second season and they get it right.

  • Ya

    Just so you know, wormhole are actually possible. It's just that we don't have the ability to create them because of the extraordinary energies involved.

    • Tiago Roldão

      Well, so is laundry detergent ;)

  • Ya

    Just so you know, wormhole are actually possible. It's just that we don't have the ability to create them because of the extraordinary energies involved.

  • Ya

    Just so you know, wormhole are actually possible. It's just that we don't have the ability to create them because of the extraordinary energies involved.

  • Ya

    Just so you know, wormhole are actually possible. It's just that we don't have the ability to create them because of the extraordinary energies involved.

  • JOKA2788

    We all know that the writers wanted to take SGU to another level, but in the process they are destroying the roots of stargate. This show focuses on characters feelings and drama amongst themselves. Without sounding too chilish, where’s the action, enemies, new ancient technologies, and most importantly the ALIENS???????

  • Ya

    Just so you know, wormhole are actually possible. It's just that we don't have the ability to create them because of the extraordinary energies involved.

  • Jaws

    So far ive been unimpressed with SGU, the more I watch it the more sex scenes I see ; like seriously is there anyone in SGU that hasnt had an affair or had sex yet, and the more it feels like Battlestar Galatica. Also General Oneal ? I need to find out if that is really him, cause it sure doesn’t look like him nor does he have the amazing personality from the original Stargate. Only thing that keeps me watching at the moment is my boredom between shows. Seriously, the beginning felt like watching “The Last Starfighter” from like 1984 I think it was. I’m not impressed by this addition to Stargate.

  • Jimbo

    SGU is complete rubbish. A low-budget, washed out american soap drama set in space.

    They’ve even managed to dilute the personalities of the previous cast so they weren’t at all enjoyable to watch.

    The show is bad in almost every conceivable way yet I forced myself to watch it because it is stargate.

    I pray it gets axed so I don’t have to endure the torture for long.

  • Simon J Stuart

    7 episodes in and STILL the series is like a soap-opera that just HAPPENS to have the Stargate as a plot device to tell more immature stories of people skrewing other people, trying to skrew other people, and being skrewed BY other people.

    Calling this series “Stargate” is as big a mistake as calling McDonald’s “healthy” just because it HAPPENS to sell it’s version of a salad. The Stargate in this series is thus far used so rarely that it begs the question: What’s the point?

    The idea of having a young cast… are they SERIOUS? Like the USAF is really going to trust a bunch of 20-something punk kids with the world’s greatest secret, laughable at best, absolutely retarded at worst.

    The handheld camera concept makes even my dogs vomit, and makes me wonder if I’m having a stroke… it’s STUPID.

    From minute one it appears as though the producers KNEW the concept, script, and lead cast were so sub-standard they made the decision to dazzle their audience with supposedly “attractive” women with absurdly large breasts and tight-fitting T-Shirts. The camera angles of course supporting the eye-candy with absolute precision “side-boob” action. It’s pathetic, and whoever makes these decisions should be fired, perhaps even hung.

    It embarrases me to admit to being a Stargate fan now that this new addition to the franchise has utterly trashed every ounce of its credibility, and left me (and I’m sure many other Stargate fans) with a bitter after-taste.

    When first reading this series’ plotline, I said to many that it appeared this would be something akin to Star Trek Deep Space 9 but with stargates… having wasted so much time giving the series a chance, I must revise my prior statement and say that this is “HOME AND AWAY…. IN SPACE!”

    On a scale of 1 to 10, this gets 2… and that’s just for the visual effects. Enough time wasted, move on to something better and let Stargate die.

  • tay

    Having been a fan of sg1 and atlantis, i couldn’t wait for a darker edgier SG. any new show needs to be given at least ten episodes to develope plot and and characters. just finished watching “time” and we see a dramatic side to eli. this show will be great and won’t be any fun if you jump into late. get in now while the episodes are still fresh in VOD on certain systems

  • Ricky

    This show started off very well, but failed to keep me enthused by episode nine. With all the scientist, and high ranking military soldiers, you’d think they become better explorers of the ship. Nobody cares about there home life!!!! They were on an away mission before they were stargated away onto this ship. Start creating better episodes, or you going to lose your viewers.

  • Anonymous

    I miss Rodney Mckay :( I saw the new one and I can see they heading toward a lot of stupid drama. No fun at all.

  • Anonymous

    I think the main reason why the show is not catching on, aside from the obvious stupid soap opera element is that they lack very interesting characters. Their military ranking officer is a rash blond guy that remind me of douches from my school, while the girls are nothing special either, their lead scientist is a boring old guy… the only guy who has a little bit of character value is the dude who won the game… but even him is not nearly strong enough a character. I mean he is ok, but he is no House, he can’t lead a entire show by himself, thus I think SGU isn’t going to change much unless they start changing their personalities. SG1 we have O’Neil, Jackson… basically a whole team of interesting people that can support the show (Sam is a bit bland tho, no offense), in Atlantis, we have Rodney Mckay and John Shepherd. Rodney has very strong characteristic power, he is almost like house in a sense they both have strong enough personality that they alone can support a entire show. (Well I will never knew if Rodney alone could, but SGA has John and Ronon as well so I won’t have to find out).

    So aside from the unbearable drama, more importantly they have no characters strong enough to support the show, and that’s why I think it’s heading for a EPIC fail.

  • Ray Southern

    From reading some of the responses, I get the feeling that people want
    more gunfights, fistfights, parasite aliens, and wisecracking in their
    Stargate. No real Sci-Fi, just action.

    This Stargate is different. It focuses more on character drama than
    blowing stuff up or looking cool.

    Granted, when it first started out, it was a weepy, emo version of Stargate.
    The constant camera interviews were REALLY getting on my nerves, however
    it’s grown out of that.

    Writers have figured out how to put character development in the background
    instead of shoving it in your face, so it feels like part of the episode.

    To anyone who’s complaining about “When is anything going to happen?”
    keep this in mind: The show has JUST STARTED. They have JUST gotten on the
    ship and begun to figure things out.

    A previous poster recommended the “Time” episode, and I strongly agree.
    “Time” is a great example of how SG:U…
    - Ties each episode together, so there aren’t really any standalones.
    - Now does character development without throwing it in your face
    - Makes good use of the mechanics surrounding the use of the Stargate
    - Takes better advantage of TV shooting techniques. Constantly seeing the
    expedition through the eyes of the Kino turns you into a sort of character,
    and adds a sense of claustrophobia, another way of sharing the pressure they’re
    under.

    Bottom line: The main review is correct. SG:U started off weak, but it’s episodes
    have been getting better and better, and is now one of the few shows on TV
    I actually look forward to.

    • areyouscreening

      I appreciate the thoughtful response. Thanks for visiting.

  • Anonymous

    So far the show sucks, too much like my little sisters soap operas, too much dialogue not enough science or real plot. I am a SG fan of many years so I will continue to view this series in hopes that it will improve with time real soon, before it gets canceled.

  • daphne

    I’m waiting for the real ‘stargate feel’ to kick in. I miss the sarcasim of jack and shepherd. I’m also tired of the dark feeling of this show. Turn on some lights already. I’m giving it more time and hoping that it will live up to the Stargate name

  • Anonymous

    Got to say one thing that ruined the show for me… The Scott character… Been watching a bit into episode 5 when I just turned it off, no point watching some series where a “christian” guy is screwing 2 girls on the side… Also a side note for Vernon, first of all, 9th chevron was supposed to be calculated from earth yes, but as I recall it there was an ongoing battle shortly after they realized that? Second, Eli was a MIT dropout. That do take brains even to get started there, and he is clearly not solving issues using taught skills but with reasoning outside the box… You got any idea how many layman are involved in science as ideagivers?

  • fatboy88

    I’m an avid fan of the SG franchise, and this latest version if you might call it that, does not really help the franchise, I agree with the majority’s it a frankenstein of some of the greatest sci-fi plots, which when combined becomes a total crap, not to mention getting old. I just hope this show gets a little better, if not…. just bring back stargate atlantis

  • Thatdellguy

    This show is terrible!! RIP the Stargate franchise…I was there at the theatre for the first movie, watched each SG-1/Atlantis/Extra episode at least twice. Watched the recent TV series movies at least three times. I was sad when SG-1 got cancelled but understood it had to end sometime. Atlantis took some getting used to but I loved it until they cancelled the series with a rushed to air episode . This Universe series needs to get cancelled. Its a cross between boring big brother character development vids, battlestar galactic drama, and startrek voyager. Thank god for Tivo and the ability to skip the character development vids and overly loud sudden commercials. Count me out of this series.

  • fail

    The problem with SGU:

    they cant give them control of the ship….to maintain the helplessness and inability to get home they are going for.

    Because of this….the characters are unable to deal with any formidable enemy, technology, phenomenon.

    This leaves them with the boring, unfufilling dribble they are trying to draw out each episode with.

    I am a long time fan of SG1 and SGA, also BSG…..this show does nothing to live up to the name Stargate and is a weak copy of the brilliant story BSG was.

    I see no hope for SGU…they have dug themselves into a corner where the best they can hope for is “Lost” in space.

    It’s an insult to even call this show Science Fiction, Stargate or Entertaining.

  • Guest

    The problem with SGU:

    they cant give them control of the ship….to maintain the helplessness and inability to get home they are going for.

    Because of this….the characters are unable to deal with any formidable enemy, technology, phenomenon.

    This leaves them with the boring, unfufilling dribble they are trying to draw out each episode with.

    I am a long time fan of SG1 and SGA, also BSG…..this show does nothing to live up to the name Stargate and is a weak copy of the brilliant story BSG was.

    I see no hope for SGU…they have dug themselves into a corner where the best they can hope for is “Lost” in space.

    It’s an insult to even call this show Science Fiction, Stargate or Entertaining.

  • bryannc42

    ok first i didnt even read your review..i just wanted to drop my 2 cents in.
    i used to be a HUGE stargate fan but this new one has just crumbbled!!
    my first main issue is What the fuck is up with the “military” staff on this project these “soldiers” are so unruly and disobediant they would have barely made it past boot camp …let alone be privvy to something as secret as the stargate and for them to be put on the All important super secret 9th ceveron project is just ludacris! The “soldiers” are an unruly pack of dogs i could go on with invidiual issue about them but …..that would be boring!
    Second the whole style of the sets and filming….could you rip of battlestar alittle more?
    Third the “scientists” i like em… poor fellow have Daniel Jackson or Rodney ever had to deal with out right insult and threats by the ” military ” staff that is supossed to protect them?
    i could easily put up a 1000 resaons Not to watch this show…but i will settle with 3.

  • bryannc42

    ok first i didnt even read your review..i just wanted to drop my 2 cents in.
    i used to be a HUGE stargate fan but this new one has just crumbbled!!
    my first main issue is What the fuck is up with the “military” staff on this project these “soldiers” are so unruly and disobediant they would have barely made it past boot camp …let alone be privvy to something as secret as the stargate and for them to be put on the All important super secret 9th ceveron project is just ludacris! The “soldiers” are an unruly pack of dogs i could go on with invidiual issue about them but …..that would be boring!
    Second the whole style of the sets and filming….could you rip of battlestar alittle more?
    Third the “scientists” i like em… poor fellow have Daniel Jackson or Rodney ever had to deal with out right insult and threats by the ” military ” staff that is supossed to protect them?
    i could easily put up a 1000 resaons Not to watch this show…but i will settle with 3.

  • bryannc42

    ok first i didnt even read your review..i just wanted to drop my 2 cents in.
    i used to be a HUGE stargate fan but this new one has just crumbbled!!
    my first main issue is What the fuck is up with the “military” staff on this project these “soldiers” are so unruly and disobediant they would have barely made it past boot camp …let alone be privvy to something as secret as the stargate and for them to be put on the All important super secret 9th ceveron project is just ludacris! The “soldiers” are an unruly pack of dogs i could go on with invidiual issue about them but …..that would be boring!
    Second the whole style of the sets and filming….could you rip of battlestar alittle more?
    Third the “scientists” i like em… poor fellow have Daniel Jackson or Rodney ever had to deal with out right insult and threats by the ” military ” staff that is supossed to protect them?
    i could easily put up a 1000 resaons Not to watch this show…but i will settle with 3.

  • bryannc42

    ok first i didnt even read your review..i just wanted to drop my 2 cents in.
    i used to be a HUGE stargate fan but this new one has just crumbbled!!
    my first main issue is What the fuck is up with the “military” staff on this project these “soldiers” are so unruly and disobediant they would have barely made it past boot camp …let alone be privvy to something as secret as the stargate and for them to be put on the All important super secret 9th ceveron project is just ludacris! The “soldiers” are an unruly pack of dogs i could go on with invidiual issue about them but …..that would be boring!
    Second the whole style of the sets and filming….could you rip of battlestar alittle more?
    Third the “scientists” i like em… poor fellow have Daniel Jackson or Rodney ever had to deal with out right insult and threats by the ” military ” staff that is supossed to protect them?
    i could easily put up a 1000 resaons Not to watch this show…but i will settle with 3.

  • bryannc42

    ok first i didnt even read your review..i just wanted to drop my 2 cents in.
    i used to be a HUGE stargate fan but this new one has just crumbbled!!
    my first main issue is What the fuck is up with the “military” staff on this project these “soldiers” are so unruly and disobediant they would have barely made it past boot camp …let alone be privvy to something as secret as the stargate and for them to be put on the All important super secret 9th ceveron project is just ludacris! The “soldiers” are an unruly pack of dogs i could go on with invidiual issue about them but …..that would be boring!
    Second the whole style of the sets and filming….could you rip of battlestar alittle more?
    Third the “scientists” i like em… poor fellow have Daniel Jackson or Rodney ever had to deal with out right insult and threats by the ” military ” staff that is supossed to protect them?
    i could easily put up a 1000 resaons Not to watch this show…but i will settle with 3.

  • bryannc42

    i also just wanted to add part of what was SO great about stargate sg1 or altlantis was it wasnt Always life and death and gloomy…there were some real Funny episodes in and this new “stargate” offers none of that and no hope of it in future episodes.

  • bryannc42

    i also just wanted to add part of what was SO great about stargate sg1 or altlantis was it wasnt Always life and death and gloomy…there were some real Funny episodes in and this new “stargate” offers none of that and no hope of it in future episodes.

  • bryannc42

    i also just wanted to add part of what was SO great about stargate sg1 or altlantis was it wasnt Always life and death and gloomy…there were some real Funny episodes in and this new “stargate” offers none of that and no hope of it in future episodes.

  • bryannc42

    i also just wanted to add part of what was SO great about stargate sg1 or altlantis was it wasnt Always life and death and gloomy…there were some real Funny episodes in and this new “stargate” offers none of that and no hope of it in future episodes.

  • bryannc42

    i also just wanted to add part of what was SO great about stargate sg1 or altlantis was it wasnt Always life and death and gloomy…there were some real Funny episodes in and this new “stargate” offers none of that and no hope of it in future episodes.

  • stayingtrue

    way to duul, the seriously need to apply some action to this almost boring series or whatever

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