SGU First Timer: ‘Subversion’

What happens when a long-time Stargate fan finally watches SGU for the very first time? Join Sara Kehoe on the adventure and see Stargate Universe through fresh eyes!

It’s almost season finale time! Sara’s very first trip through Stargate Universe’s freshman year is drawing to a close, and this week we are ready to set the table for the shocking finale.

“Subversion” sets everything thing in motion, as the Lucian Alliance works to reach Destiny and seize the Ancient ship — and its secrets — for themselves. We’ll meet the cut-throat Commander Kiva (guest star Rhona Mitra). Colonel Telford (Lou Diamond Phillips) will finally get what’s coming to him. And we’ll also see a few old friends from SG-1 along for the ride.

Over to Sara:

SUBVERSION

Based on the “Previously On” segment alone we are in for one hell of a ride this episode! I am more than crazy intrigued when we get started. Rush is having flashbacks/memories/dreams about a clandestine meeting on Earth, about the top-secret Icarus Project. Possibly the Lucian Alliance. And it turns out Telford may be the leak that tipped off the Lucian Alliance, so they could attack Icarus base and set everything in motion back in “Air.”

Rush goes undercover by connecting with Telford using the communication stones. He’s going to use Telford’s body to contact the Lucian Alliance. Young follows (without Rush knowing) and lets General Jack O’Neill know what their plan is.

On the Destiny, meanwhile, there is a baby shower for T.J. — I guess the entire ship knows now? Eli and the other scientists know that something is up, but not what specifically is up.

Telford was not expecting to be switched with Rush. He can tell something is up, too — as does Camille, though she is being kept out of the loop and doesn’t know what the plan is.

On Earth Rush breaks into Telford’s home, finds a deposit box key, finds a cell phone in the box, calls the only number dialed ever, and meets up with the creepy men in black suits. O’Neill apparently sends Daniel to play Jessica Jones and tail Rush. And it’s a good thing … because Rush sucks at playing Undercover Cop! His cover is blown the second he tries to set up a meeting. For all his brains and swagger, Rush didn’t consider that maybe there was a simple identification code. He gets himself abducted by the Alliance.

On the Destiny, Young and Lt. Scott set up Telford to pump him for information — and confront him for his crimes. Greer goes full-on Bad Cop and beats the tar outta Telford.

The Alliance is torturing Rush not knowing who he is … only that he’s not Telford. Kiva — the Alliance head dog — thinks he might be Colonel Young, or possibly Scott. When he admits who he is the Alliance realizes what he’s worth to them, and now it’s almost like he has ego-swaggered his butt into a trap. Now Rush is being pressured to help the Alliance make the connection to Destiny: it’s time to dial the ninth chevron again.

General O’Neill himself makes the trip to the Destiny and Telford goes full comic villain, giving a speech about the Alliance’s evil plans. How dare Earth decide what’s best for others? How come we get to be in charge? Just who do we think we are? What makes us so special?

With O’Neill’s permission Young takes it Too. Damn. Far. and starts venting atmosphere from Telford’s cell, against the protest of pretty much everyone.

And we’re left on a cliffhanger: Does Young kill Telford … and Rush in the process?

Luckily, I have the DVDs and didn’t have to wait to find out.

No real commentary on this one; things are getting G-O-O-D and I just want to keep watching. As I watch this episode, I actually don’t have much in the way of notes. I was so sucked in and ready for every twist and turn that I didn’t have time to think up theories, or jokes, or compare this to SG-1 or SGA. That’s how good this episode is. I was 100 percent sucked in, locked and loaded, mouth agape, loving it.

Praise Thor this show is getting awesome.

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In the Next Installment: The invasion of the Destiny arrives in the exciting 2-part season finale! Join Sara as the crew takes on Kiva’s forces in “Incursion,” Parts 1 and 2.

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Read more about “Subversion” in GateWorld’s SGU episode guide.

The guys at GateWorld discussed this episode, right after it aired, on the GateWorld Podcast.

Sara is watching through Stargate Universe for the first time! We’d love to read your comments below … but please don’t spoil future events for her.