Stargate Chamber in "Stargate Universe"
courtesy of SyFy
“Stargate Universe” (SyFy Channel)

The SyFy Channel has another hit in “Stargate Universe.” This show will bring in new sci-fi fans and will also please those devoted to the other “Stargate” series. With the pacing, plot and good acting found here this show should run for years. The only drawback is the “lost in space” aspect which has been done to death. It seems everyone in the future is lost in space and trying to find their way back home.

The show gets off to a weak start with scenes of the present and past flashing back and forth, but this only lasts for a short time though it seems longer. When the dust clears the plot boils down to a group of people having been sent through a stargate portal and ending up on a space ship that is unmanned and running out of air. Some of the people who passed through the portal are injured including the man in charge, Colonel Everett Young (Louis Ferreira).

Assuming command while the colonel is incapacitated is Lt. Matthew Scott (Brian J. Smith). Working on finding a solution to their air problem is Dr. Nicholas Rush (Robert Carlyle). He is also trying to determine where they are and how they can get back to earth. He is being assisted by video game geek Eli Wallace (David Blue). Hew is on board because he broke an implanted code in a video game. The Air Force had placed it there in order to identify people with special skills.

Since approximately eighty plus people came through the portal there is room for guest stars in the future. I didn’t see Lou Diamond Phillips come through the portal but he is listed as a member of the cast so I am sure he will show up soon.

A show like this has to have “stars” and also strong actors who can develop into stars. The casting of Robert Carlyle and Ming Na is what drew me to the show, and I think David Blue and Alaina Huffman can grow into their roles and make an impact.

If you like science fiction then this show is right up your alley. It holds on to the old “stargate” premise but also gives it a boost with a “lost in space” angle that can become distinct. With the right tweaking in the future this show could become the superhit “Battlestar Galactica” has been.

The two hour premiere episode of “Stargate Universe” airs Friday, October 5 at 9PM.
 

 

 

 

 

©2009 Jackie K. Cooper

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