The crew finds a device that may hold the promise of getting them home. Lt. Scott and Camille visit their loved ones using the communication stones.
"While exploring the Destiny, the crew stumble upon a device that carries the promise of a way home. Meanwhile, Lt. Scott and Camille reconnect with loved ones." (Sky1)
NEW! November 8 - "Lt. Scott and Camille return to Earth via the communication stones to spend time with those they left behind. On the Destiny, the crew explores new sections of the ship, which yields the discovery of a promising Ancient device." (TV Guide)
NEW! November 15 - Watch the "Life" episode promo from Syfy Channel:
NEW! November 16 - "Using the communications stones, Lt. Scott and Camile Wray use their time back on earth to visit those they've left behind. Camile returns home to spend time with her partner, trying her best to make the strange circumstance normal. Meanwhile, Lt. Scott learns a past relationship might not have ended as he thought.
"Aboard Destiny, Dr. Rush supervises the exploration of new areas of the ship. Looking for resources to make their everyday lives easier, the crew stumbles upon a piece of Ancient technology that carries the promise of a way home. While somewhat familiar with the find, Dr. Rush can't guarantee the safety of using it, bringing him and Col. Young to a standoff on what to do." (Syfy Channel)
NEW! November 19 - Watch a preview clip from "Life:"
PRODUCTION
"Life" was originally slated to be the eighth episode of the season, then was bumped up to the #7 slot before finally settling into the #9 position.
"Carl also submitted an outline for episode #8, received notes, and is poised to do a rewrite -- just as soon as he finishes work on a certain movie script." (Consulting producer Joseph Mallozzi, in a post at his blog)
"Carl, meanwhile, is deep into 'Life' -- writing, thinking, rolling his eyes, pacing in frustration, and, occasionally crying. Given my experience, this indicates the script is coming along swimmingly." (Consulting producer Joseph Mallozzi, in a post at his blog)
"New director Alex Chapple is deep into prep on 'Life.' Brian [J. Smith] (a.k.a. our Lieutenant Scott) worked with him on Law & Order and had nothing but great things to say about him in the lead up to his arrival. Alex, meanwhile, had some equally great things to say about Brian. Looking forward to their collaboration on this episode which will offer some significant insight into our various players including a little surprise or two. Or three." (Consulting producer Joseph Mallozzi, in a post at his blog)
Series creators Brad Wright and Robert C. Cooper revealed on stage at the Vancouver Creation convention that SGU will include at least two gay characters. Early casting documents for "Life" revealed that one of them is Ming-Na's character, Camille Wray.
In the documents, Sharon was described as Camille's "long term partner. Sensitive, soulful. Strong emotional scenes." She was listed as possibly recurring. (SpoilerTV casting notice)
"After lunch, we sat down to watch the director's cut of 'Life.' I can't say enough good things about this episode, from Carl Binder's script to the individual performances to Alex Chapple's direction. Some incredibly poignant moments delivered by Brian J. Smith, Ming Na, and a couple of wonderful guest stars. I LOVED this episode." (Consulting producer Joseph Mallozzi, in a post at his blog)
"Today, we watched the Day 1 Mix of 'Life' (Episode #8). Director Alex Chapple, another Stargate newbie, delivers big time with an episode that explores the hidden lives of our characters. Some incredibly warm and touching performances in this one.
"Of all the romances, potential and otherwise, the Camille-Sharon relationship is the one that resonates the strongest with me. Every time I watch this episode, I always get a little, uh, dust in my eye watching their scenes. Kudos to Carl Binder who wrote the brilliant script and kudos to Joel Goldsmith who continues his winning composedly ways with a truly beautiful score." (Consulting producer Joseph Mallozzi, in a post at his blog)
"'Life' really meant a lot to me -- I love what Matt went through in that episode and the stuff I got to do as an actor. It's a real heartbreaker." ("Matthew Scott" actor Brian J. Smith, in a fan Q&A at Joseph Mallozzi's blog)
"I bring Patrick [Gilmore, 'Dale Volker'] up because we were watching the Day 2 Mix of 'Life' today and there's a performance he gives that, despite repeated viewings, has never failed to delight. Check it out. When it airs." (Consulting producer Joseph Mallozzi, in a post at his blog)
"A surprising find for the Destiny crew leads to renewed hope, while an equally shocking discovery staggers one of our regulars. To those of you wondering when we're finally going to get to know more about Ming-Na's character, Camile, I suggest you make a point of tuning in. An incredibly touching episode that never fails to impact notoriously-heartless-me every time I watch it. No, no. I've just got something in my eye. Ahem." (Consulting producer Joseph Mallozzi, in a post at his blog)
"I think for those who don't follow Twitter or any of the Stargate blogs and Web sites, for the few who will be surprised to find out that Camille is gay, that will be a big opener. But what I think you see in the relationship between Camille and Sharon is just a lovely, stable, warm, long term relationship and you get to see a side of Camille, you know, her more vulnerable side, that she doesn't really show in the work place.
"I've been really fortunate as an actress to have so many opportunities to play everything from comedy to major dramas and all different types of roles, but I've never played a gay character before. And to me that's a huge challenge, because for one, I know being a minority, being an Asian-American, and a woman, a lot of times there are a lot of sensitive issues and you're dealing with a minority group that is extremely vocal and want to have a good portrayal of a gay character. So shouldering those responsibilities along with the writers, I felt that it would be a challenge on a social level.
"But on a personal level as an actor, it's like any other job. I'm just trying to understand who she is, what her strengths are, where she's coming from, what her greatest fears are and what her motivation is from day to day. So as far as those challenges are concerned, it's pretty much the same. Except I've never kissed a woman before, on or off camera, so that was the only other new challenge.
"You know Reiko, I'm so happy they cast her. We just instantaneously had great chemistry. Both of us had never played gay characters before, so it was really exciting for us to explore all that, and talk about who these two people are. I mean, they've been together for twelve years. So I've been in a long term relationship, so I've been able to offer up a lot of insight into what that would entail. And for us it was just great to have such a comfort with each other, because that was really, really important for the characters." (Actress Ming-Na, in an interview with The Huffington Post)
"I really think that their relationship will be the most stable and most loving of any relationship on the series. Which to me is a wonderful take on showcasing a lesbian relationship that is extremely healthy and supportive. And yet they are put through the wringer as far as the challenges the separation brings.
"And you'll see in 'Life' that there is such a bond between them, and to be ripped away from each other ... it will be very heart-warming to see that kind of love between two women showcased on television." (Actress Ming-Na, in an interview with AfterEllen.com)
