For Cryin’ Out Loud is GateWorld’s weekly editor’s column! If you have questions or suggestions about what you’d like us to talk about, e-mail the editors now.
I loved (most of) what the cast and crew of Stargate Universe gave us in the first 10 hours of Stargate Universe … but of course, the story of the Destiny is just getting going. I knew that the first part of Season One would be about establishing the characters, their relationships, and their responses to being stranded on a rust bucket in deep space. It would be about survival — finding basic elements like air, power, and water.
But I wanted more. As nice as it is to have a character drama in the Stargate family, I still want some action and adventure. I want crises from without, not just from within. I want to see space ships shooting at each other and, yes … I want aliens!
Well, my friends, last week’s episode of Stargate Universe delivered in spades. Without giving away any spoilers here for those who have not seen it yet: the story is intense, fast-paced (in all the right places), and emotional.
“Air” was a solid intro to the series that offered a balance of action (Part 1), drama (Part 2), and adventure (Part 3). And “Time” was a damn cool, high-concept episode. “Space,” however, is SGU‘s first master stroke.
If you listen to the GateWorld Podcast, you might have heard David and I mention “The Torment of Tantalus” and “Before I Sleep.” For the first seasons of Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis, respectively, those were the episodes I think represent the first time that each of the series realized their potential. After a bit of feet-wetting, they were the first truly great episodes of Stargate‘s previous incarnations. And I have been hoping that “Space” might be the same for Universe.
It is. Oh, is it ever.
Note that in both cases, those episodes came in the second half of the first year. “Torment” brought the newly-formed SG-1 team, just now starting to gel, to a planet where Ernest Littlefield had lived alone for 50 years — the first human from Earth to travel through the Stargate for millenia. There, before the cliff-top castle where Ernest lived was destroyed in a lightning storm, Daniel learned that the people who built the Stargates used to meet with three other advanced races in the galaxy — a sort of “United Nations of the stars … Catherine agrees.”
“The Torment of Tantalus” had a challenging problem for SG-1 to solve (how to dial the gate when the D.H.D. is broken beyond repair), multiple levels of series mythology, outstanding performances from Michael Shanks and Keene Curtis, and an underlying emotional thread in the reunion of Catherine with the fiance she believed for decades was dead. And it was episode #11.
On Atlantis, “Before I Sleep” did much the same for the show. The team arrives in Atlantis from Earth for the very first time, activating systems and depleting what little power remained in the Z.P.M.s. The shield holding back the ocean begins to fail and the city is destroyed — the expedition from Earth wiped out. Only Elizabeth Weir survives, and a trip back in time introduces her to the Ancients themselves 10,000 years ago and gives her a chance to change the future and save her people.
With the first close-up look at living, breathing Ancients, a strong performance by Torri Higginson, and a rip-roaring science fiction premise, the episode made me as a viewer feel like the new spin-off was finding a unique and compelling voice. That was episode #15.
Now there are a lot of episodes of Stargate, both before and after those, that I’m not crazy about. My point is that these represent high-water marks for two of my favorite shows. They were turning points in quality. “Space” does this for Stargate Universe. It gives fans exactly what we’ve been asking for.
And let’s recognize that the Powers That Be wrote, filmed, and produced the episode months before we ever saw “Air.” They didn’t do it in response to outcry on the Internet; they did it because their story was moving toward this climactic encounter, because they recognized long before we did that for everything else the show is, it needs these elements, too.
Does that mean every episode will shine this brightly from now on? Realistically, probably not. The bigger budget and higher adrenaline of those season premieres, finales, and mid-season events usually help to make them fan favorites. They also represent what I, as a geek for series mythology, love most: payoff. That’s why episodes like SGA‘s “Be All My Sins Remember’d” and SG-1‘s “Reckoning” are so universally loved — not just for the incredibly cool battle sequences, the visual effects, and the heroes coming up with a plan to save the galaxy in the nick of time. It’s payoff for the months or even years of build-up that came before.
That’s what Stargate Universe has done in the first half of its inaugural year. The writers decided to tell a larger story, slowly. So we got build-up: Meet the characters. See how they bounce off of one another. See how they start to make allegiances. Find out where their priorities lie, what they want to get back home to. Then, when you’ve seen them crying in the corridor over lost comrades and falling into bed to try and cut out a little bit of happiness in the midst of hell … then you threaten them from the outside. Then the space aliens come knocking.
I think the conversation about SGU these past four months would have gone a lot differently if “Space” had aired as the December finale, as the producers originally planned. “Justice” had a nice punch-in-the-gut ending that showed the writers’ desire to take risks with their main characters. They risked turning not just the ship’s crew but also the audience against Colonel Young. (Listen to our recent podcast on “anti-heroes” for more on that.) But “Justice” wasn’t a stand-up and cheer episode like the one we got last week. It wasn’t payoff for ten hours of slow build-up.
Instead, we had to wait an additional four months without the payoff, without the action beat of the story and the external threat. And so a lot of fans concluded that this — the slow burn that focuses exclusively on inward turmoil and relationships — is simply what SGU is all about. If “Space” had aired in December, I think the naysayers might have been a lot more forgiving and optimistic about what is to come.
I only hope that they come back for the payoff. A recent GateWorld poll showed that 24 percent of our readers weren’t planning to watch “Space.” That’s a remarkably high (and disheartening) number for a Stargate fan site. Another poll we ran showed that 22 percent of readers gave SGU some or all of the first half of the season to hook them — but no more. I hope that, when the reviews come in and fans start buzzing about the show, those fans who tuned out will give the series another shot.
For the rest of us … SGU just got awesome.
Has this ‘for crying out loud’ thing changed to rant thread or are we still doing the Q and A stuff?
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.
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.
Hi Emily! I’d like to focus it on reader Q&A … but we’ve been getting somewhere between little and nothing.
If anyone has questions (or comments) you want included in a future column, click here and choose “Letter to the Editor” from the drop-down. Thanks!
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….
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.
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.
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 »
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.
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 »
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.
Space was indeed a step towards the light.
SGU needs to keep walking beyond this step, if not running.
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.
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.
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 »
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 »
24% of GW members polled weren’t going to watch Space? That’s not disheartening. That’s appalling.
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 »
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 »
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 »
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.
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” …
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.
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.
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 »
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.
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 »
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 »
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 »
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!!!
“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
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 »
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 »
I have a question. How does 10 times 40 minutes add up to 10 hours?
Other than that, I totally agree.
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 »
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 »
*
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.
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.
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 »
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.
@Cube
you comment are innsightfull and understand easy to. Keep up good the work, Cube!
I apologize. The freshman English teacher in me took control of the keyboard in a moment of weakness.
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 »
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 »
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.
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 »