Jul
19
Well, the above statement isn’t technically true – I’ve seen two episodes of Stargate SG-1, and to be honest, I didn’t get on with either of them (they were from season five). I’m pretty set in my ways when it comes to drama. I tend to like shows that are especially bleak, for one reason or another, a preference I carry over to videogames, comics, books, music and movies, in one way or another.
While I’ve seen the Stargate Universe pilot before for research purposes, it was only yesterday that I watched it for pleasure. It turns out, the show is really good; you just have to be in the right frame of mind to watch it.
I think there was too much pressure on this series from the beginning – canceling Atlantis and then essentially saying, SGU is the primary Stargate series, now, built up a level of hype that a show this slow-burning would never match. Watching it on DVD is oddly satisfying, though, to the point where I’m glad I don’t have to watch it on TV. Each arc in the show tends to be like a stage play, with three acts, and the fact that every character has something to hide makes it a fascinating viewing experience for me.
I wouldn’t like to make a judgment on the entire Stargate franchise based on my brief viewing of SG-1 – that would be unfair, and from many of the shows I’ve seen in the past, I’m aware it can take a whole season for the audience to ‘get’ something.
All I know is, I’m glad there’s now a Stargate series that’s compatible with my taste for shows like Caprica, Battlestar Galactica, even Mad Men, The Wire or Wallander. It’s not an exact fit, but Stargate Universe probably belongs more in this category of shows than that which houses its predecessors.
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Now that you are watching SGU are you going to watch all the other Stargates too? You will like them – honest! :)
Don’t you think it’s a bit far-fetched to put SGU in the same basket as BSG or Mad Men, actingwise there are worlds between these shows.
I agree, the execution on something like BSG and Mad Men is altogether more subtle and the quality is rather higher – but in terms of aspiration, I think SGU is gunning to be that type of show.
‘something like BSG and Mad Men is altogether more subtle and the quality is rather higher’
Yeah, cos the actors on SGU are lousy. I mean its not like they’ve gone and employed a heavyweight actor like Robert Carlyle. The quality of this show is much higher in terms of VFX than BSG which suffered from lack of budget.
Loving SGU, wish it got better ratings. In that regard it is similar to BSG, which I also loved.
I didn’t say lousy – I think there are a number of great actors on the SGU cast.
I might want to try SGU after reading this. But perhaps I may start with Caprica, considering that I also liked BSG a lot!
I like this show for exactly the same reasons. It’s darker both in tone and lighting than Atlantis (Which I thoroughly enjoyed despite their killing off the original commander and the doctor).
I’m not sure I like the development with the Lucian Alliance, but I love that Rhona Mitra is on board. I like the conflicts between Rush, Wray and Young. The standout episode for me was “Justice”, with Rush deliberately abandoned by Young.
I’d like to see more complex storylines though…getting even darker, with some surprising twists and revelations. I’d also like to see some new cast members arrive and others leave…i’m thinking Eli and Telford.
Looking at IMDB I think I’ve got my wish with Telford, but Eli stays…I hope they develop his character more because as it stands he’s boring.
Looking forward to season 2 episode 4 “Pathogen” which is directed by Carlyle and scripted by Binder!