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Emily
Emily
13 years ago

Has this ‘for crying out loud’ thing changed to rant thread or are we still doing the Q and A stuff?

Jason96706
Jason96706
13 years ago

Yes “Space” was better but the show in my opinion still has a long way to go before I can consider it to be good.

LailaH
LailaH
13 years ago

Hi Darren,

I gotta say, while the episode was good, I’d disagree that it’s the high watermark. It’s value is the promise of what is to come, a bridge from where they were (solitude and attempted murder) to where they need to go (the so called pay-off).

My feeling is the pay-off is coming, and it’ll be damn cool.

Xenomorph
Xenomorph
13 years ago

While the aliens were cool looking and the episode story was good, I was really underwhelmed with the space battle. I mean you saw more of the shuttle fighting then the Destiny. I would have like to see more shots of the Destiny exchanging fire with the big alien ship. You only saw Destiny’s shields impacted once if I’m not mistaken, and you only saw the Destiny’s attack hit the alien ship once. Sure, I wasn’t expecting something on the level of BaMSR, but at least as good as the Hammond vs. the Lucian Alliance Hat’aks….

Xenomorph
Xenomorph
13 years ago

Another good shot they could have done was show the Destiny at a distance underfire. Maybe from the point of view of the alien ship.

angel
angel
13 years ago

Can’t say I agree with any of your view on Space, but I won’t comment on that as that ship has sailed for me, and it certaintly didnt take me to episode 15 of Atlantis to come to the conclusion that the new spin off had found its voice. I discovered that after Rising. Atlantis hooked me from the very first episode and the characters engaged me immediately. I didnt need 10 episodes to wait on them to grow on me.

Craig MacD.
Craig MacD.
13 years ago

I thought Space was a good episode, with some stunning visuals, especially aboard the alien ship. However, my favorite episode of SGU is still Time. In regards to Justice being the mid-season finale, I personally liked the fact that it ended with the Rush/Young fight and Young lying about what happened. It felt like a moment that was a long time coming and it kept me guessing over the last 4 months as to what would happen as a result. Space, while it did introduce a new alien threat and had a space battle, did not end on as strong… Read more »

Dalek317
Dalek317
13 years ago

I agree that Space airing in December could have curbed most of the negativity about SGU. I like where things are going and how things have progressed mostly so far. Cant wait to see the rest of this season and what season 2 holds for the show.

skittles
skittles
13 years ago

To be honest, I didn’t think it a very good episode. It was okay, and wasn’t as vastly disappointing as the first 10 episodes, but it still has the fundamental problems I see with this series–characters I don’t care about, and a setup that doesn’t enthrall me. I really WANT to enjoy this series, mind you, as I’m a great fan of SG-1 and the first four seasons of Atlantis. I’m not someone you’d call a rabid “hater” (though I really do hate that term), so I’m genuinely open to this new version of Stargate (obviously, or else I wouldn’t… Read more »

memnarch
memnarch
13 years ago

I personally think you’re giving Space too much credit. I found it enjoyable, but it didn’t knock my socks off. While the aliens were very impressive and I wouldn’t mind seeing more of them, their interest in Destiny and in Chloe of all people seemed unclear and a bit convenient. It’s a solid episode yes, and certainly better than say, Life, but Time is still the best episode so far this season.

DocScience
DocScience
13 years ago

Space was indeed a step towards the light.
SGU needs to keep walking beyond this step, if not running.

skittles
skittles
13 years ago

I just wish I could find something to care about with these characters. I want to…but I don’t. With so little decent sci-fi on TV these days, I keep holding out hope that SGU will get better. But most of the characters are so bland, in my opinion. Characterization is very important to me, and if I can’t embrace the cast and the roles they play, it’s very difficult for me to enjoy a series. I’m not sure how much longer I’m going to wait for SGU to begin thrilling.

Ryster
Ryster
13 years ago

LailaH, do you actually know what “high watermark” means? Clearly not, seeing as you disagree with “Space” being described as such.

High Watermark basically means, the best so far. In other words, the highest the water level has reached up until now.

zack
zack
13 years ago

I thought your analysis of Space was really accurate and I pretty much agree with most of what you wrote. And, I also think you succeed in making a interesting and compelling comparison regarding early episodes of both SG1 and SGA – each representing a point in the second part of their first year where each series began to bring together all its features so they shined together in one episode with how SPACE (also in the second part of SGU’s first season) similarly succeeds. A good interesting point and one I wouldn’t have thought of. But, I think you… Read more »

Coremae
Coremae
13 years ago

Though I’m scum and thoroughly morally soiled, the best bit about interesting and not interesting rest within the minds and eyes of depravity. Don’t believe me, women loves bad boys because they could soil their ‘goodness’. Guys like nasty girls because the guy doesn’t have to ask for corruption; it’s offered. And we love villains in our day time soaps, and on television and truthfully, we wish, we slept with villains on a daily basis. SGU can be a more awesome show filled with flawed characters realizing that they’re better off giving into debase desires since, all villains begins with… Read more »

ghostly
ghostly
13 years ago

24% of GW members polled weren’t going to watch Space? That’s not disheartening. That’s appalling.

Trojax
Trojax
13 years ago

Space was ok but it didnt make much sense. The aliens conveniently picked up Rush from the random planet he was on and conveniently take him right to the Destiny? I guess this is explained because they read Rush’s mind… but who knows how they tracked down the Destiny so fast. It could have been anywhere. Then the aliens want the Destiny and send a bunch of ships which get owned by one Destiny shuttle? So they were technologically outclassed clearly and yet still they attacked? Also its convenient the communication device facilitates a rescue so they dont have to… Read more »

davey1983
davey1983
13 years ago

I agree with most of what was said here. However, I think that the slow build up might have hurt the series. I personally did not like Earth and Life, but I thought Space and Time were excellent. I also think that Justice was a better episode to end the first ten episodes. Seeing Rush look up, stranded, was an amazing cliff hanger. The problem came from the 4 month gap between the episodes– I still think that Syfy scheduled that very badly (I still don’t get the decision– even after reading the official response as to why the huge… Read more »

comp734
comp734
13 years ago

Darren, I agree with you. Space was very cool and a new benchmark for the show. Destiny, a projected million year old spacecraft, kicks modern alien technology–that idea is neat in itself! The Ancients are hyper intelligent people. Also, keep in mind that the learning curve between earth understanding Ancient technology in SG1 and Atlantis took a while to develop, so why would SGU be any different? The SGU show is based on the Ancient story (well I hope it develops that way) and has much potential! I agree, give the show a chance to gain momentum and unfold into… Read more »

AbstractAlien
AbstractAlien
13 years ago

I thought it was alright – I enjoyed it, but the alien design was really boring and conventional, I was expecting much more from SGU in terms of aliens. I think they should read some HP lovecraft or Olaf Stapledon for inspiration IMO.

Eagalis
Eagalis
13 years ago

Not to be the downer of this post saying ‘Space’ delivered. It didn’t in alot of ways the aliens look too closely like the ones from the movie ‘Alien’ just changed abit. Also the ratings also said otherwise that it “delivered” …

wingsabre
wingsabre
13 years ago

Honestly, the fan response is expected. When SGA first came out, there were a group of detractors that complained that it wasn’t the same. They all said Sheppard was just a Jack clone and such. Eventually they changed their opinions. What we’re seeing now is some of the backlash from SGA fans for the cancellation, and such. They’ll come to SGU and realize like it. However, if it’s not your favorite series, then fine, move on. But don’t ruin the experience for others.

Togame
Togame
13 years ago

If we actually talk about pay-off and whatnot here, Space was underwhelming in one of its aspects. Namely, how Rush came back to Destiny. You’d expect that to be a long-swing plot with how they hang it up in “Justice” and then he just pops up the next episode! Even though it was some time separating broadacasts of “Justice” and “Space” this still comes off pretty weak, especially when this will be rewatched one after another on home video.

morrolan
morrolan
13 years ago

First, let me say I am a Universe fan aside from being a Stargate fan. I agree that “Space” is the best episode of Universe yet, but I was disappointed. It reminds me of “Revenge of the Sith.” I liked the movie, but the pacing was horrid. “Space” was the same for me. It seemed rushed in places and too drawn out in others. I am really hoping for a repeat of what was done with “Air” on blu-ray; an extended version of the episode. I might like it more. As for the series at large, I expect great things… Read more »

nyda
nyda
13 years ago

Comments like “characters I don’t care about” always make me wonder what characters you possibly could care about, if not for these. Unlike a lot of TV-show characters, these at least try to be *somewhat* realistic flesh and blood. Personally, I care more about something that could possibly be a person than a mere icon, but I guess that’s just me then.

As for the episode, I thought it was pretty good but not really outstanding. It seemed a bit rushed after all the previous “slow” episodes. Could probably have been better as a two-part episode.

lastofthelight
lastofthelight
13 years ago

I agree that ‘Space’ was a watermark. It and ‘divided’ have gone a way towards actually getting things moving, which was one of the two big downsides of the show. It was, in fact, a high point for the show, yes. But it still wasn’t enough. The other fundamental problem of the show is that all of the characters are either fools, have the emotional maturity of teenagers, or both. Frankly, I don’t like -any- of them except Eli, and possibly Rush. There is nothing good or redeeming about any of them, and no real reason to care who wins… Read more »

jonno
jonno
13 years ago

I’m sorry Darren, but the argument that it the first 10 episodes was worth it to establish the characters and thus get a pay off doesn’t wash with me, because after those episodes I actually care less about most of them than I did before the first episode aired – Eli is fine and Rush interesting but apart from that Scott, Chloe, and TJ are dull, Wray is irritating, and Young an idiot. The bigger problem is there is no sense of cameraderie between any of them. In SG-1 and Atlantis, I cared about them all because I cared about… Read more »

lmaceleighton
lmaceleighton
13 years ago

I was watching some SG-1 the other day, the episode called 48 Hours where Teal’c got stuck in the Gate. Well they also introduced Rodney McKay, who in the beginning was an annoying, and very distasteful character whom I hated very much because of his arrogance, and general attitude toward Sam Carter. Then over time During some SG-1 and then Atlantis he slowly became one of my favorite characters. I am wondering if this is something that they are trying to achieve with these characters a bit. Start off with them not being so likable but over time give them… Read more »

junebug
junebug
13 years ago

I thought it was great. I am liking that this is not a cookie cutter show. If someone wants this to be exactly like SG1 then why don’t they go watch SG1 again. I know, lets make every single show on SyFy the exact same, that way no one has to think any more than they need to to plop themselves on a couch!!!

altera
altera
13 years ago

“As for the pay-off – the aliens, action and really wild things?”

The Big Pay-off are the results of the Character Development. The Aliens and such Things are a good supplement

macc
macc
13 years ago

I’m glad that so many people think that Space is a great episode. I’m one of those who won’t be watching it though. I said at the beginning I wanted to give SGU a whole season to grip me and I was determined to do that even though (despite some marvelous moments) most of the characters and stories didn’t grip me. What completely scunnered me though, was the totally ridiculous 4 MONTH mid season break. (with a young family my attention span just can’t take a 4 month break in the middle of a season) So I’ve given up…for now.… Read more »

flmatthew
flmatthew
13 years ago

Well I finally enjoyed an episode of SJU. Finally we take most of the interaction amongst the people we all like to hate and add a race who just might kill a few of them off. For some reason I expect SGU to be space sci-fi and considering it is aboard a ship in space this episode works for me. I hope they have done enough in the concluding episodes of season one to hold the interest of us who are considered by most of you to be the “haters”. Good review guys. Keep up the good work. And, by… Read more »

Evilslayer
Evilslayer
13 years ago

I have a question. How does 10 times 40 minutes add up to 10 hours?

Other than that, I totally agree.

jonno
jonno
13 years ago

Rodney was dislikeable but entertaining and became likeable over time. This lot are dislikeable but to me mostly boring. That said, I said the same of Vala initially, but she got there by season 10. Junebug – that is a good point, and I’ll admit I’m not a soap opera fan, I can’t cope with all the melodrama. But I’m prepared to put up with it (I’m still watching), but I need some reason to cheer them on, and at the moment they’re all too flawed and unlikeable for me to really care whether they survive or not. And as… Read more »

mythos
mythos
13 years ago

I felt that Space was the best episode so far. Not just because it broke off from the earlier episodes but also because it made it clear why the characters weren’t working before. Rather than explaining how the characters grew into who they were for character development, they started them all off child-like so that they could show them growing. But it wasn’t working…and at some point, they realized it. It would have had to have been early on as the show shifted in Space and it shifted further in Divided. And this would have occurred before Air even, well,… Read more »

Eagalis
Eagalis
13 years ago

*

I have a question. How does 10 times 40 minutes add up to 10 hours?

Other than that, I totally agree.
Evilslayer | April 10 @ 7:36 pm

Evil 1 hour for each eppy that includes the commercials. Ya know there are some people who watched them when they aired so they couldn’t go past commercials. BTW this is not an attack its just a clarification for you.

ictus75
ictus75
13 years ago

SGU has been great so far and Space was a great payoff. The aliens were perfect, being non-human. And the space battles were enough. I look forward to the rest of the season.

As for how the aliens found the destiny so quickly, well, they are the same aliens we saw leaving the Destiny in a small ship (like the ones in Space) at the end of Air, part 3. So they have obviously been on board Destiny and are tracking it.

katebekett
katebekett
13 years ago

Hi Eagalis, I understand what you are saying. But on the same token, the conversation is about the 1st 10 hours of SGU. I kind of agree with Evilslayer, That commercials about Toilet bowl cleaner, and feminine sanitary products are not directly related to SGU. Sure there’s some form a toilets onboard, and I’m sure they require cleaning, and we know that there’s females onboard, and they probably have the products they require in the Emergency Medical Kits. But I don’t think the writers of the Franchise had anything to do with the commercials, or their content. So we still… Read more »

Cube
Cube
13 years ago

and to explain with spoilers.

I mean by acting strange Non of the alien crew mentioned they was taken over by the stones and on the same ship with the same humans they have in there water prison.

and if they was using stones by intent to get info on humans then they just let the possible human threat in.

there like a huge blue aliens that are as threating as the bumbling boris and natasha on rocky and bullwinkle.

And they got pownd by some gamer kid who did not know how to use the weapons. not impressed.

hebramleigh
hebramleigh
13 years ago

you comment are innsightfull and understand easy to. Keep up good the work, Cube!

hebramleigh
hebramleigh
13 years ago

I apologize. The freshman English teacher in me took control of the keyboard in a moment of weakness.

anparh
anparh
13 years ago

I think the SGU people have got something wrong about characterization. They have put the cart before the horse. Usually it is a better idea to narrate a person’s back story, his motivations, his emotional bonds after the character has become interesting for the audience, and not up front. Whenever one has a new 24 episode, new characters are introduced, and just by their interactions with their fellow characters and their behavior on screen, one gets to develop some form of sympathy or interest for them. Only after a certain is the character interesting enough that the viewer would want… Read more »

anparh
anparh
13 years ago

SGU should probably have started without this contact to Earth using the stones. The stones could have been brought into the drama in the second season. In the first season, the stones could have gone missing along with say some crew member responsible for them, who probably locked himself accidentally in some room on Destiny, and nobody knew that he managed to come on board or something, and in the second season, they find the missing crewman in the big ship. Whatever…. It is just an idea. In any case, it would have been much more interesting to get to… Read more »

katikatnik
katikatnik
13 years ago

Honestly, when I first read about the non-human aliens, I hoped that they would be similar to those SG-1 scorpion like invisible beings, you know, REALLY non-human.

AudioWizzard
AudioWizzard
13 years ago

I have been a supporter of the Stargate Franchise and SGU all along. I’m still thrilled with the endless myriad of possibilities and discoveries that await us in the upcoming episodes. That 24%(?) (Really, that many?) of Stargate fans who wouldn’t even watch “Space” does not change the fact that they are choosing to miss out on what will end up being a really cool new series. Their loss! I love the new show! I just hate the whole concept of the split season. That at the moment is my only complaint. I look forward to what comes next with… Read more »