Stargate Universe

:

Season 1
  • Network: SyFy
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 2, 2009
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 498 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 282 out of 498
  2. Mixed: 33 out of 498
  3. Negative: 183 out of 498
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  1. rabii
    Mar 6, 2016
    0
    Boring and very drab. I tried watching this with my daughter hoping it would be like SG-1 or Atlantis but it is more like the "standard" badly made formula TV show. Reminds me of a cross between a badly played Skyrim and a computer generated plot. None of the characters are interesting except for maybe Eli. It is just so uncreative. You have the standard "attitude"; the setting has theBoring and very drab. I tried watching this with my daughter hoping it would be like SG-1 or Atlantis but it is more like the "standard" badly made formula TV show. Reminds me of a cross between a badly played Skyrim and a computer generated plot. None of the characters are interesting except for maybe Eli. It is just so uncreative. You have the standard "attitude"; the setting has the drab and dreary colors that are so much today's Hollywood. Sure they just beam some dude up without training or even having him say bye to his mom. It is just bad and you keep hoping it gets better but it doesn't.… Expand
  2. Barny
    Jan 29, 2016
    0
    I could not get engaged in the show. I tried but there are too many aspects that are not interesting. The drama is quite similar to any soap-opera with the occasional addition of romance and sex (and the now all necessary depiction of homosexual romance/innuendo). The camera work: zoom in, zoom out, shakiness, what exactly is it supposed to bring to the show ? I am still puzzled, is itI could not get engaged in the show. I tried but there are too many aspects that are not interesting. The drama is quite similar to any soap-opera with the occasional addition of romance and sex (and the now all necessary depiction of homosexual romance/innuendo). The camera work: zoom in, zoom out, shakiness, what exactly is it supposed to bring to the show ? I am still puzzled, is it live action (sometimes) ? I found the characters to be annoyingly flat, fully inconsistent. The development of the story is painstakingly slow (even paint dries faster than a season ends !). It does not look like the crew is actively attempting to explore the ship, despite the existence of space suits and remote controlled camera (which are used on some occasions). The scientists are excessively passive (even in SGA, there are consistent proofs the crew is active) despite the fact they should have been working on a critical scientific discovery on "icarus". The crew does not feel any impending sense of danger or wonder, they are consistently placid. The yoga scenes, oh dear ! The accent of the actor playing Dr Rush is such that I was wondering when someone would give him a tissue to blow his nose. The jokes (because they are trying to make jokes from time to time) fall flat. Also, it looks like the audience is meant to either simply nod, or fill in the plot holes to give any form of consistency in the story, or the characters. There is no emotional rollercoaster but rather a slow waltz between boredom and somnolence. It may really have suited some viewers, which is fine, but I do not feel the termination of this show was shocking, rather a logical conclusion.… Expand
  3. jono1701
    Aug 27, 2012
    1
    As a big SG1 and SGA fan i was thrilled to see another spin off show had been created, after watching half a dozen shows the level of disappointment has been overwhelming, absolutely nothing happened. Its so different to SG1 that it is unrecognisable, the characters are unlikeable, the spaceship is dull, the plot is thin, the alien technology that allows the crew to zap themselves back toAs a big SG1 and SGA fan i was thrilled to see another spin off show had been created, after watching half a dozen shows the level of disappointment has been overwhelming, absolutely nothing happened. Its so different to SG1 that it is unrecognisable, the characters are unlikeable, the spaceship is dull, the plot is thin, the alien technology that allows the crew to zap themselves back to earth is so obviously just there so that extra earth based plots are available to be inserted when the rest of the story is thin which is most of the time. Its just awful and does not deserve the SG prefix.… Expand
  4. Penner
    Jul 31, 2012
    0
    Their were so many things wrong with SGU, I just don't know where to begin. I guess, I will start with the main cast of unlikable characters, that were stuck on ship. I found most of the main characters to be unlikeable, but three did stand out (that being, Rush, Wrary, and Greer- they did stood out from the others but Rush was an SOB and they really didn't do anything with Wrary andTheir were so many things wrong with SGU, I just don't know where to begin. I guess, I will start with the main cast of unlikable characters, that were stuck on ship. I found most of the main characters to be unlikeable, but three did stand out (that being, Rush, Wrary, and Greer- they did stood out from the others but Rush was an SOB and they really didn't do anything with Wrary and Greer), and I just didn't care about any relationships on the show. Second, like what happened on Caprica, the plot didn't really go anywhere and most of the time we were left with seeing people moping about how screwed they are, screaming at each other, having random sex, and sometimes plotting against each other (which I guess was supposed to be the drama on this show). Third, if you liked the other two Stargate shows, just skipped this one. You will end up offended at what the writers did to some of the most beloved characters and established canon, from the previous two Stargate shows. This list just goes on, but I will say, do not watch this show. Instead, you will have a better time watching the other two Stargate shows, which are Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis.… Expand
  5. sg1fan75
    Oct 3, 2011
    0
    I am and always be an SG1 fan I also love SGA. I tried to like SGU but there was nothing to connect me to these characters the only it had in common with SG1 was a Star Gate. I gave up hope for it to improve the show was clearly going for a new audience not fans of the original show. SGU was the first Syfy cancellation I was happy about.
  6. klawhammer
    May 3, 2011
    0
    Every week this show finds a why to smother the science fiction genre to death. It really is not so hard. Every week you beam (or gate) down to a planet shoot some alien in the face and hook up with some green chick.
  7. Vasot
    Nov 3, 2010
    0
    THIS IS ONE OF THE WORSE SCI-FI SERIES THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN !!! (if you consider this as Sci-FI...). The series is way claustrophobic and most episodes are very boring....
    The action is stale and as a sci-fi the fantasy section feels way way limited.... Most of the series plot is about curing some alien disease or about visiting some boring planet with no local people or some boring    THIS IS ONE OF THE WORSE SCI-FI SERIES THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN !!! (if you consider this as Sci-FI...). The series is way claustrophobic and most episodes are very boring....
    The action is stale and as a sci-fi the fantasy section feels way way limited.... Most of the series plot is about curing some alien disease or about visiting some boring planet with no local people or some boring personal incidents of the team inside the ship !! I even watched the 2 episodes of Season 2 hoping it will be better but again i was very disappointed.. I will not even bother with this series again, as a Sci-Fi fan i am very disappointed of how pathetic Stargate has turned out...    … Expand
  8. bluemoondog
    Oct 10, 2010
    3
    I really, really wanted to like this show. I could like it--I like science fiction and some of the actors featured on this show--but the writing is persistently so very, very, very bad. Please get new writers to save this show. As it is, the script--what the actors do and say and decisions they make--is completely unbelievable 90% of the time. I spend most of the show thinking,I really, really wanted to like this show. I could like it--I like science fiction and some of the actors featured on this show--but the writing is persistently so very, very, very bad. Please get new writers to save this show. As it is, the script--what the actors do and say and decisions they make--is completely unbelievable 90% of the time. I spend most of the show thinking, "you've got to be kidding me." I cringe every time the writers over explain the obvious with lines that underestimate the intelligence of the audience and and provoke a "duh!" response. They could have done so much with this show; it had so much potential, and an eager Sci-Fi audience. Such a disappointment. The characters are just bad tempered, mean, some of them irrelevant--I end up thinking, "Who cares about these people?" Some have called SGU "dark" and "depressing" I think the "dark" aspect is just plain bad writing. I think the "depressing" aspect is that it leaves the viewer depressed because it so just so bad. It is so bad, it can't even be funny bad. I do watch this regularly because I am a big Sci-Fi fan, and I am persisting in my belief that a turnover in writers and actors could save this show. So I watch every week with hope, and end up disappointed. I won't stop watching--because I love Sci-Fi, have loved the SG series, and because I seem to be pathetically optimistic that next time will get better.… Expand
  9. eugen1809
    Aug 17, 2010
    0
    This is a shame and a disgrace for the Stargate franchise. Incredibly boring, cheesy characters and no action whatsoever. Don't waste your time watching it.
  10. StephanieC
    Apr 15, 2010
    3
    I can't wait for the next episode.
  11. DanteI
    Feb 2, 2010
    0
    Horrible. Frankly, i loved all stargate's franchise, but this is a joke. Drama sucks, that's why we watch Science fiction.
  12. JosephG
    Jan 22, 2010
    1
    DISGRACEFUL. The only reason I give this a 1 and not a 0, is that the characters of Eli, Rush, and the commander (forgot his name) are well acted. But good acting cannot make up for the utter embarassment, disgrace of a show that the writers have put together so far. I don't mind a desert planet at all. I don't mind a slow-build up. But don't insult our intelligence by DISGRACEFUL. The only reason I give this a 1 and not a 0, is that the characters of Eli, Rush, and the commander (forgot his name) are well acted. But good acting cannot make up for the utter embarassment, disgrace of a show that the writers have put together so far. I don't mind a desert planet at all. I don't mind a slow-build up. But don't insult our intelligence by focusing on plot lines that you would see in "Chuck" or some teenie-bopper show. Stargate fans are a sophisticated bunch, and very loyal to well-written shows. But you have totally abaondoned us - seriously guys. You gave sophisticated camera-work and more theatrical acting, with god-awful plots. And look - I was in the military. Of course there are gays in the military and there are people with other diverse backgrounds. You don't have to make that the focus of 50% of your shows!! This is such drivel, its so awful, its like being forced to watch "As the World Turns" or "General Hospital" dressed up in the Stargate franchise. Brad, and the other creator guy... time to rest on your laurels and retire. I'd rather watch C-SPAN than this c**p.… Expand
  13. CrystalD
    Jan 20, 2010
    1
    I can't believe they canceled Atlantis for this pathetic show! The characters are all boring and it seems to lack imagination at every angle. I kept hoping it would turn around but about the 4th show in just couldn't stand watching it anymore. It seems completely void of humor. It's like they were trying to turn Stargate and Battlestar all into one and save themselves some I can't believe they canceled Atlantis for this pathetic show! The characters are all boring and it seems to lack imagination at every angle. I kept hoping it would turn around but about the 4th show in just couldn't stand watching it anymore. It seems completely void of humor. It's like they were trying to turn Stargate and Battlestar all into one and save themselves some bucks. Well guess what it's not working. Neither fan group is satisfied. It's dark and depressing and not at all enjoyable to watch and the sex crap is just that CRAP{!… Expand
  14. DaveS
    Jan 20, 2010
    1
    Started out well enough but plunged down hill fast. To much Soap Opera who's sleeping with who. Any day now we'll find out Eli is his own grandpa.
  15. KOBESBM
    Jan 19, 2010
    0
    This show is horrible. A stain on the otherwise great and successful Stargate franchise. Not only is the show boring and predictable and VERY derivative (BSG, Lost, Big Brother, Melrose Place, etc), its dreary and the characters are totally unlikeable. The few scored of "10" on this site stand out as being completely contrived and fake. The messages these fly by people are making are This show is horrible. A stain on the otherwise great and successful Stargate franchise. Not only is the show boring and predictable and VERY derivative (BSG, Lost, Big Brother, Melrose Place, etc), its dreary and the characters are totally unlikeable. The few scored of "10" on this site stand out as being completely contrived and fake. The messages these fly by people are making are canned and sound silly when you have actually seen the show. I gave it 5 episodes before I stopped watching live, and after seeing Life, I removed it from my DVR recording schedule. It completely blows and shoulod be canceled. I cant see it getting past a second season (its already approved). Ratings will tank even lower than the 1.3m for the "cliffhanger" The DVDis not selling well, and the reviews are horrible at Amazon. Dont be fooled by the shills posting "10" ratings.… Expand
  16. andreww
    Jan 14, 2010
    1
    Like most other viewers, I kept hoping the sci fi would come out, but it views like East Enders in Space. What is all this crap with people keep popping back to earth in somebody else's body?? - drop it!, or the writers, or both! There is limitless potential for exploring the wonders of the ship - yes, they are on a ship- in case you had forgotten! it could be done on a low budget if Like most other viewers, I kept hoping the sci fi would come out, but it views like East Enders in Space. What is all this crap with people keep popping back to earth in somebody else's body?? - drop it!, or the writers, or both! There is limitless potential for exploring the wonders of the ship - yes, they are on a ship- in case you had forgotten! it could be done on a low budget if needs; but please stop all the over dramatic interplay between characters- simplify it, go read up on the strengths os the previous stargate series, and remember it's pobably the same viewers. YOU ARE BORING US TO DEATH GUYS! - and could the so-called proffessional critics take a look at what the normally silent majority think, because you guys are losing the plot, along with the writers of SGU. I am free next weekend, as a favour, if you want, I will knock out an episode that people will watch- because thats how difficult it isn't! - are the writers getting paid for this? - Why??… Expand
  17. BobbleHat
    Jan 12, 2010
    0
    Lost !! In Space !! Can it ever hope to be as good as SG1 or SGA? Can it ever hope to have a decent watchable episode? Can it ever develop characters ior plots into something we are interested in watching? No !!! So just CAN IT !!!
  18. ElizabethD
    Jan 11, 2010
    1
    SGU was one of the worst things I have ever seen! I loves Stargate Atlantis. It was an epic win! This is a epic fail! The characters have no personalities, the story sucks! And 8 episodes could be one episode. Everything is so slow and it never happens anything! I mean, I can watch slow TV shows, I mean Ghost Whisperer is pretty slow, but it happens stuff in that show that makes you more SGU was one of the worst things I have ever seen! I loves Stargate Atlantis. It was an epic win! This is a epic fail! The characters have no personalities, the story sucks! And 8 episodes could be one episode. Everything is so slow and it never happens anything! I mean, I can watch slow TV shows, I mean Ghost Whisperer is pretty slow, but it happens stuff in that show that makes you more excited! So it's not that I can't watch stuff taht is slow. It's just that this is so slow and nothing ever happens, the 3D animation sucks, the actors dosen't bring life to the characters! I can go on for hours! But this is an epic fail! Stay away from this if you're an SG fan! Go and watch SGA all over again instead and wait for the upcoming S´GA movie "Stargate: Extinction" instead. Wow, what a dissapointment!… Expand
  19. GuyS
    Jan 8, 2010
    0
    It's just a bad soap with the stereo-typical mad scientist. Just plain awful
  20. NigelN
    Dec 29, 2009
    3
    Its like a soap opera-esque knockoff of low budget battlestar galactica with terrible writing and no chemistry between the weak characters. Robert Carlyle is phenomenal given the material and he's basicaly holding this fluff show together and Ming Na is underutilised, more of her perfomance would boost the show to less mediocre. I think the Stargate creators should stick to their Its like a soap opera-esque knockoff of low budget battlestar galactica with terrible writing and no chemistry between the weak characters. Robert Carlyle is phenomenal given the material and he's basicaly holding this fluff show together and Ming Na is underutilised, more of her perfomance would boost the show to less mediocre. I think the Stargate creators should stick to their strengths or hire the writers and some of the cast from Battlestar galactica. I was patient, i thought maybe i wasnt listening properly or that i wasnt giving it enough attention turns out it really isnt a good show. Its very forgetable and the episodes lack scope and depth, my goodness what where they thinking. If this is a joke of some kind someone should tell Brad Wright and Robert Cooper that its not funny.… Expand
  21. keithr
    Dec 28, 2009
    1
    Every time I watched it I expected it to get better. But it is just boring and deary every time. Definaitely soap not sci-fi. In fact if it did not say they were on ship they could just as well be on an oil rig. We have had 10 episodes and know nothing obout the ship. There is no humour or anything sci-fi ish to hold my attention any longer, so I am going to drop it.
  22. richardd
    Dec 28, 2009
    0
    All the weaknesses of BSG (unlikeable charactes, petty interpersonal dramas), but none of the strengths (compelling writing, depth of charctes, philisophical issues). Poorly acted, poorly written; such a shame... Finally, as others note, the ultimate condemnation: more boring than watching paint dry.
  23. DanielW
    Dec 23, 2009
    2
    Stargate is a franchise known for it's humor and traditional sci-fi plot lines, not character development or drama. And yes, after a total of 15 years of that kind of show, a change was needed (the later seasons of Atlantis showed us this). Unfortunately, Stargate Universe tried to be too different. The show feels much more like a soap opera set in space. The best episode yet was Stargate is a franchise known for it's humor and traditional sci-fi plot lines, not character development or drama. And yes, after a total of 15 years of that kind of show, a change was needed (the later seasons of Atlantis showed us this). Unfortunately, Stargate Universe tried to be too different. The show feels much more like a soap opera set in space. The best episode yet was only on par with some of the worst SG-1 or Atlantis episodes. Like previous commenters, I watched this show hoping each week that it would get better; that it would stop focusing on the sex and the drama and actually have an episode with a real science-fiction plot. I've since given up. SGU continues to show a pattern of relationship drama and, well, sheer boringness. Perhaps this show will attract more mainstream viewers who aren't necessarily sci-fi fans, but I don't think even they'll be interested for that long. I'd be surprised if this show lasted longer than 2 seasons.… Expand
  24. MarioT
    Dec 23, 2009
    1
    Let
  25. CalebF
    Dec 20, 2009
    0
    Its like stargate/bsg on a pbs budget. but in bsg you at least got to see the vipers in dog fights. So far in nine episodes they have been to five plants and three of them were very obviously small sets. Furthermore I am getting tired of seeing the same three rooms on the "destiny". Also I have not seen a DHD next to any of the stargates. Why is it in the old galaxies all the stargates Its like stargate/bsg on a pbs budget. but in bsg you at least got to see the vipers in dog fights. So far in nine episodes they have been to five plants and three of them were very obviously small sets. Furthermore I am getting tired of seeing the same three rooms on the "destiny". Also I have not seen a DHD next to any of the stargates. Why is it in the old galaxies all the stargates had a DHD and in this new galaxy not one of the gates has a DHD? Also in nine episodes they have learned how to open the doors, take showers, and that the ship has a chair. And they have dedicated whole episodes to each of these. Furthermore, they have these stones that lets them change places (in their minds) with anyone with the matching stone on earth, so instead of switching with really smart people like daniel jackson, samantha carter, rodney mccay, or other brilliant people that can help them, they keep switching out with military people that want to take command from the guy in charge. All in all the show is like big brother (I hate big brother) where they send people on the worst field trips ever, and instead of it being funny it is kinda depressing, and everybody on the show seems to be the worst person for the job, which very stupid because the stargate program is supposedly supposed to be super top secret and yet they seem to be having the most mentally unstable people on this mission. I could go on but most of the other posters have made the points. But all in all it is very disappointing, cheap nock off of the star gate universe.… Expand
  26. BJT
    Dec 20, 2009
    0
    Too much like BSG for my taste. No need for this to have the title of StarGate at all.
  27. KlarkK
    Dec 20, 2009
    0
    This is not Sci-fi but Syfy which means more soap opera and less of what we the fans want.
  28. AndrewD
    Dec 19, 2009
    0
    Take a brilliant franchise (SG1 anyway) then give it the lowest of low budget treatments...disaster. I feel sorry for Robert C who I think is a very fine actor
  29. carlb
    Dec 17, 2009
    2
    I have given it enought of my time 10 episodes in and well i dont like it at all. The actors are doing the best job anyone could do but the hap-hazard story line lets the whole franchize down. I LOVED SG-1. I LOVED Stargate Atlantis. I had high hopes for SGU but it has failed all SG Fans in every way. i would normally watch an episode and be smiling with glee and wanting more and annoyed I have given it enought of my time 10 episodes in and well i dont like it at all. The actors are doing the best job anyone could do but the hap-hazard story line lets the whole franchize down. I LOVED SG-1. I LOVED Stargate Atlantis. I had high hopes for SGU but it has failed all SG Fans in every way. i would normally watch an episode and be smiling with glee and wanting more and annoyed because i would have to wait a week for the next but with Stargate Universe i am ANNOYED and disheartened because there is no real scifi stargate journey P.S. PLEASE fire the writers… Expand
  30. GC
    Dec 10, 2009
    0
    i've already abandoned the show. didn't even bother with the midseason cliffhanger episode. here's why. - the characters are all unpleasant - the characters argue and create drama for no apparent reason. every episode - the political correctness of the show annoys me - the ancient stones allowing communication with earth are a cheat. takes away any sense that these people i've already abandoned the show. didn't even bother with the midseason cliffhanger episode. here's why. - the characters are all unpleasant - the characters argue and create drama for no apparent reason. every episode - the political correctness of the show annoys me - the ancient stones allowing communication with earth are a cheat. takes away any sense that these people are a zillion light years away from earth - too much sex for the sake of sex - setting up the lead scientist to be a bad guy not interested in the welfare of the others has been done before. see "Lost in Space" - very little humor - did i mention that the characters are all unpleasant. why would i want to spend an hour with unpleasant people every week when i can just change the channel? it's a horrible, horrible show. the writers and producers need to be fed to the wraith.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

62
#62 Best TV Season of 2009
1
#1 Most Discussed TV Season of 2009
34
#34 Most Shared TV Season of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    50
    Stories aren't particularly dense or surprising, and some of the conflict feels quite contrived
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  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Marc Bernardin
    67
    Hopefully the story itself, which finds a band of alien-attack victims jumping blindly through a Stargate and landing on a mysterious spaceship billions of light years from Earth, will eventually transcend this premiere's BSG-lite-ness.
    Read full review
  3. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    80
    With 19 episodes remaining in this season, there's plenty of time for all this drama to intensify and the characters to sort themselves out as good and not-so-good.
    Read full review
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