While Stargate Universe keeps gaining momentum, this week’s episode, “Light,” ended up being just a touch predictable. That’s not to say the episode wasn’t good — but with such a young show, it was quite obvious that the main characters weren’t going to die in the fifth episode of a freshman season.
Despite the episode’s predictability, it didn’t take away from the many emotional scenes. From Sergeant Greer’s emotional testimony to the man-to-man between Dr. Rush and Colonel Young, “Light” ended up being a very powerful episode. Most of all, “Light” became extremely special when the Destiny herself came into her own as a character.
People can say that the Battlestar Galactica was a character in Ron Moore’s re-imagining of the show, but that ship didn’t have a life of its own. The Destiny so far in SGU is constantly making decisions for herself, or to help out her ragtag crew — whether that’s finding a planet with a Stargate that has the right kind of lime to replenish the CO2 scrubbers or, this week, “stopping for gas” inside a star. This has truly been one of the most unique ways in which a story is told and hopefully, it left viewers wondering what the Destiny herself is going to do next.
Colonel Young (Louis Ferreira) and Dr. Rush (Robert Carlyle) both remain very strong characters and any scene that involves the two of them in the same room usually turns out being some of the best dialogue in an episode. The scene between the two of them in the shuttle was particularly well done. Even the scene at the end of the episode where Young gets very suspicious of Rush, while short, was played out very well. It’s obvious that these two actors take their jobs very seriously.
“Light” was another good episode for character development. We finally find out why Greer was in detention on Icarus Base, not to mention that there is a soft side to the tough guy persona. This actually comes into play with Young’s backstory, as is turns out that neither he nor Greer are big fans of Colonel Telford. It’s going to be very interesting to see where that goes in future episodes in which Telford will be prominent.
While Camille Wray (Ming-Na) got a lot more screen time and growth, it was Eli’s flashback that was the most intriguing. Here is a kid who is a math genius who won’t even give himself a chance to succeed. We’ll have to see if that ever becomes an issue when a problem happens aboard Destiny gets too hard for him to handle.
Unfortunately, “Light” had some problems, including the aforementioned predictability of the episode. While the sex scene between Lt. Scott and Chloe was understandable, the part after — in which Scott was telling Chloe that he wants her aboard the shuttle but she doesn’t think she was going to make it — ended up being terribly cheesy. This was rather unexpected coming from a character like Scott, who tends to be one of the stronger.
The biggest issue with this episode was that probably everyone knew before watching that the Destiny was going to be solar powered. It wasn’t like there was a planet that they could have magically gotten enough energy from to bring the ship back to life. Having said that, the concept of the having a ship that has flown through countless galaxies run on power from the stars themselves is intriguing. It’s going to be really cool to see in future episodes what else Destiny can do now that she is running on full power.
While “Light” had a few more flaws than the first few episodes of this young show, it still turned out to be equally as powerful. With great scenes between Rush, Young, Eli and Chloe and the Destiny really being the star of the episode, “Light” came out just as strong as previous installments. Hopefully now that the major issues are solved (excluding water and being billions of light years away from home, that is) the show will start to focus on this new galaxy to which Stargate has taken us.
Episode reviews represent the opinion of the author, and not that of GateWorld or its owner.
I for one didn’t expect the Destiny to be solar powered. Though it makes sense. That’s why I avoid the forums. I haven’t been to the forums until Atlantis was canceled & before that it was right before Atlantis’ first season.
I did feel like the post-sex scene was a bit overdone for characters that really haven’t had a lot of experiences together. I also like Eli’s facial responses when he sees Scott and Chloe in the hallway as well as when she hugs him and leaves to see Scott.
This episode was SOOOOOOOO predictable. I want Atlantis back! At least you didn’t know if the main characters were going to survive or not.
Are the people who write these reviews MGM employees?
@mattcci: No, and I find the insinuation insulting.
Believe it or not, some viewers are actually enjoying SGU.
Reviews are really funny looks like they get paid for this.
SG1 = Good
SGA = Still OK
SGU = Joke
@segaxgames: While you are entitled to your opinion, that statement is surely out there. Atlantis, you were almost guaranteed survival. Only the case of Beckett and Weir did something happen to them. I think there is more fear whether or not the main characters are safe. After all, TPTB did say no one is safe. Overall, good review. I knew that the Destiny was gonna survive, etc., but how it was written still allowed for suspense, leaving us to wonder, how? Also, it was written to show us that while we knew they would survive, the characters were portrayed very… Read more »
@Outbreaker:
Outbreaker = your opinion among many
This is my first post on Gateworld, and i was thinking of getting into the arguments with ppl who were putting down SGU before it even came out but decided to wait untill the show came out and how i see what it was like. For the record i was looking forward to SGU before it came out and couldnt believe how many fans are afraid of change, but was hoping that once people seen it they would embrace change and move on from your petty vendetas against a new serious thats not trying to be just for you anymore.… Read more »
^_^
http://www.lilformers.com/comics/2009-10-05.jpg
At first I was a bit weary with SGU, but Air part 3 really sold the show for me. Even though I could care less about intra-character drama, its the sci-fi that interests me and Light really fed that interest. I loved that the Destiny deployed ram scoops and literally took solar power (which is most likely hydrogen plasma to fuel fusion reactors).
It’s funny how different people react to knowing things in advance. Although some of my friends avoid spoilers like the plague, I’ve never been particularly concerned. Surprise is not the most important emotion for me when watching a program. Of course the Destiny would not be destroyed, but that doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of watching the situation and the characters reactions play out. (Remember that SG-1 episode heroes? Nobody REALLY expected O’Neill to die, right? And that episode was quite well regarded.) I have been somewhat baffled by the intensely negative responses to the show on this site. True,… Read more »
While I found the solar power predictable, I expected it. Rush kept talking about how the ship did things on purpose and suddenly, after centuries, make a hug mistake like this. Thinking back, Rush probably did know. He really used the situation to make people have to listen to him in the future.
I do find it hard to believe that the shields can’t keep air in the ship, but can protect the ship from diving into the sun.
Poor Eli.
They show better end the show it’s not great to see how a good Stargate (SG1) show gets ruining step by step.
And in me option SGU has already failed in the ratings.
This image says it all what SGA is:
http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/io9/2009/09/stargate.jpg
UPS SGA = SGU bad mistake.
I was really upset at first when I heard that Atlantis was getting prematurely yanked. I was even more upset when I found out that it was getting replaced by something called Stargate Universe which would feature a bunch of 20 somethings and it being likened to 90210 in space in order to go after a younger demographic. I had made up my mind that I was NOT going to watch SGU. Well, I for one can say without hesitation that my feelings about SGU were dead wrong and the descriptions of SGU prior to its coming out were also… Read more »
“Light” was EPIC.
Do people not understand that it’s not about who lives or who dies, but HOW the story is told!
This episode was powerful/emotionally intense combined with incredible acting, great music, beautiful vfx, and perfect timing made “Light” one of the best Stargate episodes in a long time.
To all those still whining about Atlantis: please go home and remain in Science Fiction isolation.
When we see the new SGU ratings from 23/10/09 ? I want samthing to LOL at. ^_^
@ Darren Sumner: My apologies for the offence. However, I stand by my underlying thought, which is this: The reviews written for Universe so far on Gateworld seem to be quite contrary to the reaction to Universe I’m seeing out here in real life. I’ve watched Stargate for well over a decade now, and have a solid circle of friends who do as well. None of us seem to be enjoying this show. In fact, the comments texted back and forth during commercial breaks seem to mostly consist of “seriously”, “come on” and some expletives. One thing I take offense… Read more »
Just my opinion: The reviews and even more so the Podcasts on Gateworld relating to SGU is what I and many people agree with (The episode polls on Gateworld can back this up). SGU is different and because it is so different from SG-1 & Atlantis there will be fans who don’t like its new direction and thus sites like Gateworld which have been dedicated to the Stargate franchise will be where you find the most naysayers. They still can’t seem to understand that SGU was never meant to be like its predecessors, if SGU kept with the same premise… Read more »
I’ve watched SG-1 and Atlantis both from the very beginning and was looking forward to SGU even though I didn’t like Atlantis being cancelled. That being said, I LOVE SGU. It’s a great show and I love how they’re doing it. I know the detractors and haters will keep on putting SGU down, but hopefully some of them will watch it and give it a chance.
Really enjoyed the episode. Thought it was loads of fun, even if we knew they wouldn’t die. Love the ‘through the star’ moment. Thought Greer, Young and Rush were fantastic in it.
Only downside was the Chloe/Scott thing, because it came completely out of no where, felt forced and was just incongruous with what we’ve seen so far.
BYE
As for me, I’m going to keep this to review SGU’s Light… I’m loving it. And every episode keeps getting better and better. I love how it wasn’t just a bunch of solar panels, but it flew through the star and scooped up the “material” it needed. It makes sense that if it’s that old, still running, and based on it’s mission that it would run off a power source that can be easily renewed. Very well written. I’m still having a hard time deciding which character I like the most. Eli is a great comic relief and a nerd.… Read more »
Uhm, who’s Julian Landau-Brown?
@Outbreaker:
SG1: Bloody awsome.
SGA: A big joke. Failed to live up to it’s potential.
SGU: Good, almost great.
All IMO ;)
SGU is not even in the Weeks TOP 10 shows that have aired this month.
@ Outbreaker: Whilst I agree with most of your thoughts (and the pictures you’ve linked to – hilarious), you’re going a bit overboard with the negativity. ;)
Also, in my opinion, whilst Atlantis is better, I am enjoying Universe thus far. Not as bad as I anticipated.
@mattcci Im glad you and your friends in the “real world” are all on the same page, fortunitly this show wasnt meant for ppl like you who live in their moms basement and txt eachother back and fourth when your prob right next to eachother. I think so many ppl like you are pissed because this show was aimed at different market then just hardcore fans and your bitter, maybe even a lil hurt. Maybe there just trying to tell you its not you its them, its ok man, youll meet up with something else, it will get better. Sometimes… Read more »
@Cape: Actually I’m a lawyer who lives many hundreds of miles away from both my parent’s basement or friends who watch the show. (However, it would be nice to see either the parents or the friends more, but such is life.) I would venture that anyone who feels the need to post angrily on the fan-site of a sci-fi show is a “hardcore” fan. That, I’m afraid to say, includes you. And, I would take issue your statement that this show is aimed at a different “market.” Certainly the show’s creators were hoping to expand the audience and bring in… Read more »
@mattcci: Thanks for that. I recognize that for many long-time Stargate fans, SGU just won’t be their cup of tea. It’s a different kind of show, and it would be foolish to think 100 percent of the SG-1 / SGA audiences would cross over without missing a beat. That said, I would suggest that the response of you and your circle is far from universal. A lot of people are watching the show and not liking it, and a lot are really enjoying it. We’ve found a reviewer who is generally liking the show so far, but we don’t expect… Read more »
@Cape
Soap-Opera People are you one of them ?
http://www.helium.com/items/979195-why-people-watch-soap-operas
I would have to say that I enjoyed the episode as well. Over all, I am thus far really enjoying Universe… much more than I ever expected to. I thought that using the star to recharge was predictable, because a ship cannot have flown around the universe for a Million or so years without losing power or somehow recharging its batteries. I also found the characterization of the ship impressive. I wonder if they will actually get it to start talking to them eventually? The one gripe that I had with the episode (if you can call it a gripe)… Read more »
I don’t understand how people can argue over OPINIONS. Honestly. It’s like fighting over what tastes better: chocolate or vanilla. It’s a matter a personal taste. I don’t mind reading other’s opinions and viewpoints but beating each other up over it is retarded. Now as gar as the actually episode in concerned, sure it was predictable but I still enjoyed it. I would rather watch so I already know about well executed that poorly executed plot twist. I have enjoyed all 3 Stargates so far. Sure, Atlantis was stopped in it’s prime. And I still don’t like that. But SGU… Read more »
Forgive my above typos. There should be a edit feature.
I was a fan of Stargate, from the 1st movie.
I was a great fan of SG1
I was very sad when SG1 was cancelled.
SGA was not as good as SG1 but I still liked it.
SGU is not Stargate, I don’t recognize it.
SGU is not science fiction at all. It’s just soad opera. And a low quality one.
So it’s the end for me, I do go out, I’ve watched 4 episodes of SGU and I’ll never watch one more, and I will not buy the DVDs
Finished. They killed “my” Stargate.
I’m amused at how many people who bashed battlestar for being slow and lacking humor and having lots of sex and love triangles are now praising universe for doing the exact same thing. Mental gymnastics 10/10!
The difference is that SGU has humor and isn’t as depressing as BSG.
A couple of examples of the humor of SGU:
“Thank you, Lieutenant Rose Garden!”
“Wow! You can tell them apart!”
“Recipes. For the love of god recipes.”
“Why am I watching this on TV?”
@MasonC2K well said (regardless of typos lol) Like I said before I just wish that we could get back to talking about the episodes themselves and not about everyone’s opinion of SGU in general (In every single SGU related article). Yes some people don’t like it, fair enough that there opinion but continuing to insult SGU (It has been insults and not constructive criticism btw) does nothing but piss off those who do like it. That is all it does. MGM isn’t going to come on here, read your comment, see the “error of there ways” and decide to make… Read more »
To anyone that says that the ship and the crew surviving a total catastrophe makes the episode predictable I say, REALLY? Predictable in the way that a show doesn’t want to end 5 episodes into the 20 episode season? That type of predictable? Yes it was pretty evident that the ship would somehow recharge it’s batteries in the sun, that doesn’t matter. What matters is was the story well written and well acted. In spite spoiling it for others here were some other predictable movies/tv shows. Titanic – The boat sinks. Superman – The kryptonite doesn’t kill him. Any movie… Read more »
The irony of that post is truly staggering.
How many of you are from the US? Cause I’m trying to see a pattern here… Why is the “land of the brave” so afraid of some comfort sex in a tv show? That’s what people do… One wants to quote “while my guitar gently weeps” when seeing all that. It’s sex, people do that, for comfort too, in extreme situations. At least they do in ye olde world. I loved the episode. Eli and Chloe scenes where… familiar… Stopped liking Scott ;). Rush is still an awesome character. And I like Greer more then the actor portraying him…! Even… Read more »
I couldn’t care less what all you haters say about the show. SGU is freakin’ awesome so far in my opinion! Seriously loving it! :)
Okay, I’ve bashed the show in other posts. Too much money, poor writing, and lack of intellegence. Now whilst I also suspect some dodgy goings on in review land, maybe we as the ‘fans’ (be it of SG-1, SG:A, or even SG:U) need to remember sites and resources like this need the co-operation of the actors, cast and production. Without said co-operation they wouldn’t get as far as they have. With that in mind and the need for some form of stargate to stay on the air (on the part of GW,and yes guys you kind of do) is it… Read more »
Have there been any glowing reviews for Universe from other critics? All I saw were some average reviews before the pilot aired and then silence after that. Even Maureen Ryan, a big internet critic and fan of Atlantis and SG-1, went through 5 episodes of Universe and was so thoroughly unimpressed that she stopped watching.
It’s not that surprising seeing there’s only five episodes anyway. Crtics? Bah, humbug. All bunch of failed directors and knowitalls.
UNLESS she has been given access to the other fiteen? Makes me mad thinking someone out there has the whole season and I’m going to spend a year watching it…
I was pretty thrilled with Light. It was the first SGU ep that felt like Stargate to me. I was smiling ear-to-ear for a large portion of the episode, just enjoying it and excited by it. Anytime Peter DeLuise shows up I am almost guaranteed to love the show, and this was a very rewarding viewing experience overall. I especially loved getting the backstory on Greer’s time in the brig–perfectly timed after two episodes of Telford’s dickery to make Greer suddenly seem like a teddy bear, especially in combination with how solidly he backed up Young in the lottery scene.… Read more »
I’m still really enjoying the show. I honestly think the trick to that is not comparing SGU to what has come before. You need to judge it based on it’s own merits, not how it compares to previous incarnations. This is a new show, we’ve known that since Brad Wright first announced it. I’m not judging anyone else’s opinion, or saying anyone is wrong for not liking the show. This is just my advice. Forget SG-1 and SGA when watching this show. This is a clean slate and, quite frankly, it’s success may be our best hope for more straight… Read more »
I’ve been enjoying the show so far. A little slow in the plot development. I hope they spend some more time off world. Where’s the episode poll?
I am still going to give it a chance, but I don’t have much too say about “Light”. I was much too predictable. I had it figured out and that makes watching it a tad boring. I am looking forward to “V” on Nov.3 as you can’t have too much sci-fi. Hang in there people. Give it this 1/2 season and then decide.