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. SomeBody
    Nov 8, 2009
    3
    It's like the original SG1, but without the fun.
  2. KarlL
    Nov 7, 2009
    6
    Needs more swashbuckling adventure, exploration and comedy. Right now its just boring emotional crap about characters we haven't known long enough to care about. Completely different to, and not as good as the previous 2 shows.
  3. jwitt
    Nov 7, 2009
    1
    the ONLY show i have ever recorded where I fast forward through 1/3 of the episode, each episode. i wonder why i record it - it only makes me wish i didn't. i am not sure i could make a more annoying and grating and useless show, if i tried. it is so bad that i honestly think the positive reviews are by paid MGM folk....
  4. WillP
    Nov 7, 2009
    1
    I really was hoping this would be good because I love Stargate, SGU has a lot of potential but the truth is the writing is just bad.The characters have ZERO depth, the only character that has a little depth is Rush, but only for the obvious reasons. The bottom line is the whole thing is forced, it's like the writer's don't know how to grow a story naturally, so characters I really was hoping this would be good because I love Stargate, SGU has a lot of potential but the truth is the writing is just bad.The characters have ZERO depth, the only character that has a little depth is Rush, but only for the obvious reasons. The bottom line is the whole thing is forced, it's like the writer's don't know how to grow a story naturally, so characters end up doing things they most likely wouldn't; if you have any decent level of intellect you'll find yourself saying "Why the hell is that happening" a lot. A prime example is this, in an early episode you see a lieutenant and some other SGC member having sex, now this already seems like it's only done to make the show seem intense, but whatever. In a later episode you have the math wiz kid starting to get close to and getting feelings for some girl, the next eposide, she is having sex with the lieutenant from earlier, and from the dialog they are in a full fledged relationship, but they never interacted in anyway prior to this episode. That's just bad writing, they just moved him from being with the other girl to this new one for what looks like the sole purpose of adding some sort of conflict for the math wiz kid... that's terrible. You'll find many scenes like that in SGU which makes it very hard to watch. It's like the writes don't know how to develop their thoughts and just throw out what they wanted the end result to be. It's the same with all the forced dramatic scenes others have commented on. Build up the character first and then a scene will be dramatic because we care about them, playing dramatic music an making two people the audience views as strangers cry is not dramatic... or good.… Expand
  5. JerS
    Nov 6, 2009
    0
    I guess I'll just be rehashing what others have already said, and what I found out: SG-U is nothing but Battlestar Galactica. That is, it's a complete soap opera taking place on a starship. It's easy to hate all of the characters (except for Dr. Rush, who was pretty damn intelligent), and that's mostly because of how dark and gritty they're acting. It fits the I guess I'll just be rehashing what others have already said, and what I found out: SG-U is nothing but Battlestar Galactica. That is, it's a complete soap opera taking place on a starship. It's easy to hate all of the characters (except for Dr. Rush, who was pretty damn intelligent), and that's mostly because of how dark and gritty they're acting. It fits the atmosphere of BSG perfectly. While some may not have wanted another rehash of SG-1 or SGA, it would've been better to see something at least /remotely/ similar. The only similarity this has with the other SG series is the Stargate itself. Period. I hope to god that either most of the crappy characters will be killed off, or that the series will make a turn-around for the better.… Expand
  6. PaulI
    Nov 4, 2009
    2
    Tries to be Lost meets Star Trek but fails miserably (Lost in Space anyone?). Mediocre acting (Carlyle excepted), cardboard characters, bad scripts and poor direction. Episodes 1 to 3 should have been wrapped into just two. Boring and longwinded but can be forgiven as scene setting for the show. Episode 4 actually quite good. Entertaining. Carlyle starts to flex his acting muscles and Tries to be Lost meets Star Trek but fails miserably (Lost in Space anyone?). Mediocre acting (Carlyle excepted), cardboard characters, bad scripts and poor direction. Episodes 1 to 3 should have been wrapped into just two. Boring and longwinded but can be forgiven as scene setting for the show. Episode 4 actually quite good. Entertaining. Carlyle starts to flex his acting muscles and Eli's character is toned down a bit to make him more bearable. As the comic relief he is just annoying. Ship loses power and pops up in a star system supposedly so its passengers can head for nearby inhabitable planets but Oh No!..They're heading straight for a star! Hands up who realised immediately that it was the ships intention in order to refuel itself harnessing the stars power somehow..yup..nearly everyone. Will the writers acknowledge that its audience is reasonably intellligent and not spring this as the "surprise" conclusion to episode 5? Episode 5. Nope..they think we don't know. Oh dear. Perhaps an interesting side story will appear. Yes. A group can survive by heading for a planet on the shuttlecraft. Colonel young decides on a lottery system to choose. If you expect a group of humans to end their days alone on a planet you need a balance of men and women for obvious reasons. This could have been turned into an entertaining and comic vehicle for the actors and viewers (who gets the gal with big bazooms? etc), but no, as about 14 men and 3 women board the craft I knew within a year most of the men would have clubbed each other to death fighting over the women. When Dr. Rush realises what is really happening he explains the power loss is due to the ship diverting all its power to the shields in order for it to enter the star and reenergise itself. So how did the shuttle manage to leave the ship with its shields at full strength? Episode 6. Water is disappearing so the ship pops up at an icebound planet so the passengers can get more water. Colonel Young decides to head a 2 man team with second in command Scott in tow. Hang on!? In the last episode Young takes himself out of the lottery of survivors as he is crippled and weak and wouldnt survive the arduous nature of survival on a barren planet. This week he's going on a mission to carve up and transport chunks of ice to the ship. A task requiring great physical strength and endurance. Two of his strongest grunts would have sufficed for this one. One more of the shows inconsistencies in plot development. Bet next week he's back on his crutch , hobbling around the ship. Seems the writers threw in this one to as an excuse to put Lt. Johansen in charge and deal with the aliens discovered aboard the ship. Seems a swarming group of particle sized aliens are taking thousands of litres of water at a time. How? How do these tiny aliens take the water. Absorb it? they don't have the body mass! Why do they need it? Such small creatures with simple anatomies probably exist by photosynthesis, turning sunlight into energy. There was no water on the desert planet they originally came from so if they need water to survive wouldn't they have died out on that planet? How did Johansen get them into the barrel? They obligingly swarmed in and that was it? Also, with the ship reenergised they can simply dial Earth using the Stargate and go home. Hurray! No. The ship only got 40% power back. Why? And if the ship is partially sentient, constantly sensing the needs of its passengers and obliging by popping up wherever its needed, why doesnt it sense their need to return home, head for a star, get full power and let them use the stargate? All these inconsistencies and more make this show a real loser. It underestimates its audience on every level. Where is the science in this science fiction? The lazy writers need a science advisor desperately. Any 12 year old in any education system in the world will do... This should have been so good but is so bad! Enoughs enough for me. Can't see this getting any better. Time to jump ship I'm afraid.… Expand
  7. MurrayB
    Nov 4, 2009
    1
    I would have rated it 0 but it is better than "The Starlost" which was a 0. Even though I have followed Stargate from the original movie with Kurt Russell and was a regular viewer of the TV series I was unable to finish watching the first SGU episode. Not only was it slow and dark it was very boring. It is also more anti-science fiction then sci fi. BSG is also anti-science where the bad I would have rated it 0 but it is better than "The Starlost" which was a 0. Even though I have followed Stargate from the original movie with Kurt Russell and was a regular viewer of the TV series I was unable to finish watching the first SGU episode. Not only was it slow and dark it was very boring. It is also more anti-science fiction then sci fi. BSG is also anti-science where the bad guys are the product of human science. Strangely, the good reviews on every forum I have looked at are all written by the same authors. Two or three people posting rave reviews under many different names. What is up with that?… Expand
  8. StevenH
    Nov 3, 2009
    7
    I think SGU is the right direction for SG. The other shows were too corny. I like the realism this brings to the franchise.
  9. jeremybrown
    Nov 2, 2009
    8
    If you are looking for a continuation of SGA then you may be disappointed by SGU. However, if you are interested in characters who take several episodes or even seasons to get a bead on you'll like it. Just like Lost and BSG all of the characters are flawed and why will only be revealed in time.
  10. RobbieC
    Nov 1, 2009
    10
    It is a new direction, slower in pace but still exciting in a different way. It is far more stimulating mentally then SGA or SG1. However only time will tell if stargate universe will be able to acheive the same heights of its predecessors.
  11. JulieB
    Nov 1, 2009
    8
    Very few complaints so far. Writing and acting are top-notch.
  12. PedroS
    Nov 1, 2009
    3
    The only thing even remotely related to the Stargate mythos this series has is the stargate they use to reach planets... that's IT! There is no overarching story (yeah their are on a spaceship, destiny unknown, but we know THAT since day 1), each episode is a one-off "we need food", "we need water", "we need energy", "we need mineral X" kind of quest. There is little or no action, no The only thing even remotely related to the Stargate mythos this series has is the stargate they use to reach planets... that's IT! There is no overarching story (yeah their are on a spaceship, destiny unknown, but we know THAT since day 1), each episode is a one-off "we need food", "we need water", "we need energy", "we need mineral X" kind of quest. There is little or no action, no tension, no sympathy for the characters, no nothing. Each episode I hope things pick up, that something interesting will happen, and each and every episode I'm disapointed! It's seems they intended to add a more serious tone to this series (heavily inspired by BSG, almost copy-cat like) but they failed miserably, this series is a compelete waste of time, don't bother with it! What were they thinking! My bet is this doesn't live to see a second season.… Expand
  13. amib
    Oct 31, 2009
    1
    Goodbye Stargate series, it was fun. Now it's not anymore, it sucks big timr. Who care about Eli playing with his balls?
  14. Scott-LeeN
    Oct 31, 2009
    7
    This show needs abit of a boost as it seems to be very slow but have a feeling that this is leading to an explosive finish to the 1st season.
  15. jackow
    Oct 31, 2009
    4
    The initial plot building has been so slow that the first 4 episodes or so could have been condensed into about 2. I mean, an episode starts with the need to find material to scrub CO2 build-up and almost nothing happens until they find it an hour later... c'mon that could have been interesting in a 10 or 15 minute segment.
  16. PauloC
    Oct 24, 2009
    10
    I have been a fan of all the Stargate series. And I insist all the fans give this series some credit stop comparing it to BSG. On its own it has enormous potential and I am certainly enjoying every episode! Great Work!
  17. CarlA
    Oct 23, 2009
    4
    The 4 rating is purely for the potential this show may have and that I desperately hope for. Otherwise, wake me up when something exciting or interesting happens. I'll be watching SG Atlantis for the 6th time, and loving it!!
  18. KamP
    Oct 22, 2009
    0
    The characters are awful. They have no depth and they are very annoying plus the actors can't act to save their life. I am actually rooting for them to either freeze to death or the show to get cancelled. Although the idea is good the execution is the worst. I've seen 3 episodes and I am not interested to see anymore. I loved the first 3 seasons of SGA why not bring that back.
  19. eliasc
    Oct 20, 2009
    8
    SGU will take time to find an audience but it just might do it. SGU takes the SG franchise in a new direction. This is often a dangerous move because it tends to alienate the fan base and SGU seems to be taking baby steps instead of going full bore with a total re-imagining of the SG series. But I like what I see so far and will keep with it. SGU is a sort of BSG set in the Star Gate SGU will take time to find an audience but it just might do it. SGU takes the SG franchise in a new direction. This is often a dangerous move because it tends to alienate the fan base and SGU seems to be taking baby steps instead of going full bore with a total re-imagining of the SG series. But I like what I see so far and will keep with it. SGU is a sort of BSG set in the Star Gate universe. Characters are troubled, they make bad decisions, they argue, they bicker. The ship, like Battlestar Galactica, is dark and dismal and constantly in threat of falling apart. The humans try desperately to survive and don't seem to understand that the ship, like all Ancient SG ships, knows better how to survive than its human stowaways. Unlike the other SG series, the main character's personal flaws are emphasized and we learn more about these people in a few short episodes then we every did in a year of the previous series. SGU has a lot of potential. I have always felt that the SG series should have been terminated long ago. This new take on the Stargate universe may be worth the viewing. We will know soon enough. Will the producers continue to emphasis human conflict and survival, or will we once again retreat into the more fan popular villain of the week?… Expand
  20. DeniseL
    Oct 18, 2009
    0
    Are they kidding? I hope that they all freeze to death.
  21. BruceH
    Oct 18, 2009
    1
    This new show focuses more on interpersonal drama than exploration or discovery. It's nothing more than a soap opera set on a spaceship. This is not the Stargate I watched, and it is not a show I will continue to watch. It may win awards, but I believe this is the show that kills the franchise.
  22. EikC
    Oct 18, 2009
    4
    For each episode I watch, I hope that they've now done away with the near-constant personal tragedies and crying that happens every single moment for some reason. Well, 3 episodes in and they haven't. Why do they make characters the viewers don't even care about yet go all-out emo in the first episodes?! Something tells me these characters are gonna be paper-thin and dull For each episode I watch, I hope that they've now done away with the near-constant personal tragedies and crying that happens every single moment for some reason. Well, 3 episodes in and they haven't. Why do they make characters the viewers don't even care about yet go all-out emo in the first episodes?! Something tells me these characters are gonna be paper-thin and dull when they're laying it on that thick right off the bat. They can still salvage this if they throw the emo chick and half the cast out an airlock accidentally, and stop the constant wannabe-dramatic atmosphere which they pretty much nicked off of Battlestar Galactica. Speaking of constant drama, what's with the gamer dude? He is clearly comic relief, but this is Battlegate Universica, so how do you expect him to make light of anything with the constant drama you've imposed?… Expand
  23. ColinB
    Oct 18, 2009
    9
    A superb new series. I loved Atlantis and this looks like it's setting up to be just as quality. I do agree to an extent with some of the people saying it hasn't quite come together yet, but then they are thrust onto an alien spaceship - so it's bound not to be as solid as the others in the SG series just yet. I love the atmosphere of it and particularly Robert Carlyles A superb new series. I loved Atlantis and this looks like it's setting up to be just as quality. I do agree to an extent with some of the people saying it hasn't quite come together yet, but then they are thrust onto an alien spaceship - so it's bound not to be as solid as the others in the SG series just yet. I love the atmosphere of it and particularly Robert Carlyles character - great acting. I have a feeling I'm going to enjoy this one immensely.… Expand
  24. RobertK
    Oct 18, 2009
    10
    I think this could be the best stargate series yet. I've loved every minute of it so far.
  25. GabrielaA.
    Oct 17, 2009
    10
    It's perfect! After SGA I was very sceptical... common, after 12 years of Stargate what can be new? The answer is: almost everything! Congrats!
  26. AlexT.
    Oct 17, 2009
    9
    I wasn't too impressed after the first episode, but after having watched the next two episodes, I'm intrigued. I'm not really digging the Battlestar Galactica feel (simply because BSG BLOWS), but I'm hoping that with some humor and character development, that this show can become classic just like the rest of its counterparts. Give it time, don't get too pissed I wasn't too impressed after the first episode, but after having watched the next two episodes, I'm intrigued. I'm not really digging the Battlestar Galactica feel (simply because BSG BLOWS), but I'm hoping that with some humor and character development, that this show can become classic just like the rest of its counterparts. Give it time, don't get too pissed off yet people, we'll have to wait and see how this one turns out. If it doesn't pull people in, I doubt they'll give it a second or third season because you know this one is costing a ton of money to produce.… Expand
  27. TimO
    Oct 17, 2009
    10
    Yes this show has some similarities with BSG (camera angles are similar, characters are not black or white), but this series has a different pull, instead of fighting cyborgs or aliens across the universe, where faced with a broken down BSG looking ship thats failing as the people are on it. Instead of jump to new stargate, solve the problems of the beleigered inhabitants, and jump back; Yes this show has some similarities with BSG (camera angles are similar, characters are not black or white), but this series has a different pull, instead of fighting cyborgs or aliens across the universe, where faced with a broken down BSG looking ship thats failing as the people are on it. Instead of jump to new stargate, solve the problems of the beleigered inhabitants, and jump back; we are presented with a group of completely dissimilar individuals who all are completely stuck on a ship they know nothing about, with no way to get off. Ity's a different premise that is refreshing and combines several good ideas from different shows into a great idea. I especially like the keno recordings and the visits through the Ancient stones which both give you a feeling for the individuals history and their personalities.… Expand
  28. zULUeCHO
    Oct 17, 2009
    2
    The biggest flaw of the show is it tries to take itself seriously using characters which don't have much depth by adding lots of useless melodrama.
  29. GlynnF
    Oct 17, 2009
    8
    Good show with a good premise and group of actors/characters. Can't for the life of me figure out how people are comparing this to lost it's completely different through the fact that the know where they are just not where they're going. More comparable to Sliders than anything else. Admittedly the first planet was a flop but they probably blew their pilot budget on the Good show with a good premise and group of actors/characters. Can't for the life of me figure out how people are comparing this to lost it's completely different through the fact that the know where they are just not where they're going. More comparable to Sliders than anything else. Admittedly the first planet was a flop but they probably blew their pilot budget on the ship and special effects in the first two parts of the show. So here's hoping for better planets in the coming episodes.… Expand
  30. AndrewS
    Oct 17, 2009
    8
    Another incarnation of the Stargate narrative with plenty of room in which to impress us. I look forward to see what they come up with.
  31. TauQ
    Oct 15, 2009
    7
    It has potential, a bit of a weak start, but SG-1 had a weak start too, too early to make a call.
  32. BuzzT
    Oct 15, 2009
    10
    It's a more grown up version of Stargate. Not as much action, but definitely a higher dramaturgic level. Like it!
  33. emmaw
    Oct 15, 2009
    0
    I had hoped that if they were going to "go for it" and do something else, that it would mean doing more than just borrowing ideas of other shows. Boring characters none of whome id care about if they did infact get left behind or accidentally fell out of an air lock. Sorry but i think me and stargate will part ways here.
  34. DanielC
    Oct 15, 2009
    2
    Oh my God. They turned one of the best SciFi franchises in a piece of crap like Battlestar Galactica. That hurts!
  35. RogerO
    Oct 14, 2009
    3
    You dropped SG-1 and SGA for this !?? SGU is not sci-fi, it is a soap opera in disguise, and a bad one at that. Bring back SGA or keep losing viewers by the scores.
  36. StevenN
    Oct 14, 2009
    9
    A new twist to the SG storyline. Gotta get used to that but it is a welcome addition. Ep 1/2 was a tad too much BSG, but ep 3 was SG style all the way. Great show!
  37. VictorV
    Oct 14, 2009
    1
    Most boring, annoying, irritating and confusing pilot of a new TV show I've ever seen in my life! Flat characters, unnecessary scenes, a simple plot streched over 3 episodes filled with melodrama and stupid / senseless dialogs! If you're a Stargate fan, don't look for anything familiar here. If you're somebody looking for whining, crying, more whining and more crying Most boring, annoying, irritating and confusing pilot of a new TV show I've ever seen in my life! Flat characters, unnecessary scenes, a simple plot streched over 3 episodes filled with melodrama and stupid / senseless dialogs! If you're a Stargate fan, don't look for anything familiar here. If you're somebody looking for whining, crying, more whining and more crying because you have no real life, you actually might like it!… Expand
  38. JaL
    Oct 13, 2009
    10
    This show is incredible. It looks like BSG and feels like SG-1. For those complaining "Atlantis was cancelled for this?" you need to brush up on your facts before you call yourselves fans. Atlantis was being cancelled, with or without this show. They are mutually exclusive.
  39. JessantS.
    Oct 13, 2009
    0
    I hate this show. There are no likable characters. There were big problems with plot in SGA but characters like John and Rodney made it bearable. I don't like anyone on this horrible mishmash of a show.
  40. SteveO.
    Oct 12, 2009
    0
    Boring show and it gets worse with every new episode... Completely weired science, irrational characters trying to be funny (the fat gamer dude)... Can it get worse ? Yes it can ! I hope this one gets canceled soon.
  41. AlexanderM
    Oct 11, 2009
    3
    Fans of Stargate and sci-fi steer clear of this one. Fans of Battlestar Galactica 2.0, take a look. With the renaming of the Sci Fi Channel to Syfy comes a similarly painful re-branding of Stargate, Stargate: Drama on a Spaceship. The premier was a mixed bag, the increased focus on inter-character drama was clear but it still appeared to have a reasonable amount of the Stargate focus but Fans of Stargate and sci-fi steer clear of this one. Fans of Battlestar Galactica 2.0, take a look. With the renaming of the Sci Fi Channel to Syfy comes a similarly painful re-branding of Stargate, Stargate: Drama on a Spaceship. The premier was a mixed bag, the increased focus on inter-character drama was clear but it still appeared to have a reasonable amount of the Stargate focus but the second episode has cleared up any confusion. Stargate Universe is a drama and the next few episodes appear to continue the character drama if the descriptions are correct. Fans of soaps will likely enjoy it but fans of sci-fi are in for a disappointment with poorly written characters, generic character drama, half-arsed sci-fi writing, and mediocre acting. The show has been summarized as Lost meets StarTrek Voyager but that's a misrepresentation because there doesn't seem to be any indication that they will run into other people anytime soon. SG-1's whole message about gods and the religions surrounding them being created by other mortal or once mortal beings, thus something to be avoided seems to be ignored in order to allow religion to work for personal conflict within one of the protagonists. While this generic drama tool can be used in many other series, it creates a conflict in overtones in the Stargate universe.… Expand
  42. GregoryB
    Oct 11, 2009
    0
    They have transformed a great sci-fi serie into soap opera. To much emotions and darkness, not enough sci-fi stuff. I don't expect this serie to survive next year.
  43. kyleb
    Oct 11, 2009
    3
    Not impressed so far. I knew the second they canceled Atlantis they had a bad case of BSG envy. SGU shows every sign of being BSG light--the worst of both worlds. What they're sacrificing is the fun, humor and charismatic characters that were Stargate hallmarks. And what they're overlooking is that BSG was only fantastic 20% of the time and the rest was pretentious crap.
  44. JakeO
    Oct 10, 2009
    10
    A great start, with potential to be one of the greatest Sci-Fi television shows of all time. With its Stargate lore, and a rich cast of characters we can relate to, all that's left is to mystify us on the journey ahead.
  45. ethanJ
    Oct 10, 2009
    3
    Ok this show hasnt made any sense. They should have made this more like SGA an lead up to this series. There was no mention of the 9th chevron in the past. Like i was sayiong before this show hast been making any sense we all know that the Deadulous class ship Hammond is one of the most powerful ships in the galaxy and would be able to withstand Orie ships. how come three Gauld could Ok this show hasnt made any sense. They should have made this more like SGA an lead up to this series. There was no mention of the 9th chevron in the past. Like i was sayiong before this show hast been making any sense we all know that the Deadulous class ship Hammond is one of the most powerful ships in the galaxy and would be able to withstand Orie ships. how come three Gauld could overcome the Hammond. it just doesn make sense. Also the thing that people enjoyed most about the SG was how people were familiar with the technology. This Rush guy seems to sound like he knows what he is doing but does not seem eligable for the role. Most of the characters seem be ok but if they do another desert like episode. im gonna proably stop watchng it and just watch reruns of SGA and SG1.… Expand
  46. ThomasC
    Oct 10, 2009
    0
    Could they have at least hired a few actors for the main cast? How about some writers who can put together a semi-realistic based storyline within the context of the plot? When the main go-to military guy looks like someone barely old enough to have just joined the military, it's hard to accept him as any kind of authority figure as a viewer. Female characters who look like they were Could they have at least hired a few actors for the main cast? How about some writers who can put together a semi-realistic based storyline within the context of the plot? When the main go-to military guy looks like someone barely old enough to have just joined the military, it's hard to accept him as any kind of authority figure as a viewer. Female characters who look like they were transplanted from reality tv and that looks mattered more than acting abilities. The doctor-medic is more believable as eye candy than a person we should care about. I guffawed so often during the pilot at the absurd dialogue I should have started a drinking game. At the height of life or death, an hour of air left, the doctor and 2nd in command refuse to let the head guy sacrifice himself to save everyone. No one person should have to die so everyone else can live, better that they all go down trying. My eye's are still rolling over this. This didn't need to be another SG-1 or Atlantis. Didn't need to be another Battlestar or even Farscape. But what they are offering up as the new SG series on the new SyFy network makes me long for the Sci-Fi channel. I'm willing to give it a little time to shake out the chaff from the cast & crew, but so far the only thing keeping me coming back is Eli. I just pray they don't try to score kiss butt points with SG fans by finding a way to get McKay onto the ship via some sort of holo-program.… Expand
  47. JamesS
    Oct 9, 2009
    4
    So far, I would rate SGU below SG and SGA, and far below BSG. Blame it on the writing:. "Lost" meets "Voyager" and no one to root for yet. Casting doesn't look promising either, with the old cast of SG and special effects being the only bright spots in an otherwise off-key episode one. Maybe some of the characters will grow on us -- I hope so, otherwise, this show is DOA. Finally, is So far, I would rate SGU below SG and SGA, and far below BSG. Blame it on the writing:. "Lost" meets "Voyager" and no one to root for yet. Casting doesn't look promising either, with the old cast of SG and special effects being the only bright spots in an otherwise off-key episode one. Maybe some of the characters will grow on us -- I hope so, otherwise, this show is DOA. Finally, is it just me, or were the scenes in the promos for episode three deleted from the actual episode as shown? Pretty sloppy, if so. I'll continue to watch, hoping for improvement, but not expecting much. Caprica, where are you?… Expand
  48. DoodleFace
    Oct 9, 2009
    2
    Surprisingly bad. Not a single character has made me want to learn more about him or her. The story so far is also not engaging. And I hated BSG, so the imitation isn't doing it any good at all with me. Carlyle can do great comedy, so I wish they had utilized that part of his talent, but foolishly, they made his character all grim with no oddities. Damn, what a waste. I miss Stargate Surprisingly bad. Not a single character has made me want to learn more about him or her. The story so far is also not engaging. And I hated BSG, so the imitation isn't doing it any good at all with me. Carlyle can do great comedy, so I wish they had utilized that part of his talent, but foolishly, they made his character all grim with no oddities. Damn, what a waste. I miss Stargate Atlantis even more now.… Expand
  49. BenD
    Oct 8, 2009
    2
    Stargate in name only. The winning formula is MIA, replaced by a premise that is both hackneyed and shallow. The show borrows from genres that have already been done better and offers nothing new. The allusions to Lost, BSG, and Voyager are all valid -- only Universe fails to duplicate any of the aspects that made those shows memorable and captivating. Gone is the compelling team dynamic Stargate in name only. The winning formula is MIA, replaced by a premise that is both hackneyed and shallow. The show borrows from genres that have already been done better and offers nothing new. The allusions to Lost, BSG, and Voyager are all valid -- only Universe fails to duplicate any of the aspects that made those shows memorable and captivating. Gone is the compelling team dynamic of SG-1. Instead, we're treated to hollow drama delivered by mediocre actors. When the pivotal character tragedy of the pilot episode could have been avoided by duct taping a stick to an aerial observation drone introduced just minutes earlier, you know the writers haven't brought their A-game. Good sci-fi may be a little sparse right now, but do yourself a favor and skip this mess.… Expand
  50. 21nine
    Oct 8, 2009
    5
    Take the Eli character out and this was good...his tomfoolery brought it down several notches and destroyed for me any real sense of suspense....this as a result verged on everyday soap rather than tense adult drama/thriller....disappointed as the premise was good, not a fan of the other stargates, just seemed too run of the mill...but BSG is/was great...give it 5 to allow it to see where Take the Eli character out and this was good...his tomfoolery brought it down several notches and destroyed for me any real sense of suspense....this as a result verged on everyday soap rather than tense adult drama/thriller....disappointed as the premise was good, not a fan of the other stargates, just seemed too run of the mill...but BSG is/was great...give it 5 to allow it to see where it goes...why do so many dramas, and films for that matter, have to have token dumb nerdy types in them.… Expand
  51. AydinB
    Oct 8, 2009
    1
    This was not "the thing" i have expected after stargate sg1 and stargate atlantis. the scenario was really too poor. actings were not so good, in my opinion. sorry.
  52. Daniell
    Oct 8, 2009
    8
    Very promising series ! Very good start ! Just hope they'll not drop to lousy scenarios and bizarre creatures with lousy costumes. If they focus more on the characters, keep the suspense, write intriguing stories it could turn out to be a very good show.
  53. MartinL
    Oct 7, 2009
    0
    Can anyone tell me when it became acceptable to replace plot and good writing with buckets of angst?
  54. DavidW
    Oct 7, 2009
    9
    Reminded me of BSG, love the look of the show - much more dramatic than the previous SG shows. Robert Carlyle is on great form as Chase!
  55. BruceM
    Oct 7, 2009
    2
    We loved Stargate Atlantis, Bring it back. Stargate Universe was terrible, poor plot, poor acting. What were they thinking. The dialogue is horrible.
  56. MikeP
    Oct 7, 2009
    8
    A good, solid start for a series that promises to take the Stargate concept in a completely different direction. Not jaw dropping like the BSG mini-series was perhaps, but still pefectly good enough.
  57. ScottN
    Oct 6, 2009
    1
    Very disappointing. I went in spoiler free, so I didn't know there were doing a pale imitation of BSG, but that is what it is. The plot is the same old: "more power, another chevron and a big jump." The "new" thing, is a veneer of BSG, dark, depressing, with angry shrill characters yelling at each other. No fun at all. Not a single compelling character. I can't see it being Very disappointing. I went in spoiler free, so I didn't know there were doing a pale imitation of BSG, but that is what it is. The plot is the same old: "more power, another chevron and a big jump." The "new" thing, is a veneer of BSG, dark, depressing, with angry shrill characters yelling at each other. No fun at all. Not a single compelling character. I can't see it being fixed. It is Stargate sucked dry of any fun by design.… Expand
  58. SteveW
    Oct 6, 2009
    8
    I enjoyed the pilot, and the fact that Sci-Fi can be written in a more serious light. Let's see what happens in the next few episodes, but the pilot was an interesting success.
  59. JanetG.
    Oct 6, 2009
    10
    This show is GREAT! Edge of my seat watching. Loved the old SG1 and SGA, but the show has to progress. Eli, Young and Rush are awesome, taking an established fanbase on another arc.
  60. LesF.
    Oct 6, 2009
    9
    Best of the three Stargate premieres to me. I'd still put it below the Battlestar miniseries, but I think the show has the potential to be better than BSG, as that show's quality went down hill as it went on from it's great beginnings. Some of the cast members were underused, but I expect that to be rectified in the upcoming episodes, which I will happily stick around to see.
  61. JonDoe
    Oct 5, 2009
    2
    What the hell! Battlestar Galactica/Lost/ kind of stargate show what happen? If this crap doesn't change just bring back atlantis. what a waste of stargate goodness.
  62. DavidL.
    Oct 5, 2009
    0
    And they canceled SG Altantis for this, what were they thinking. It is a big loser for me.
  63. PeterT.
    Oct 5, 2009
    2
    I don't know what was worse, the jumping back and forth in time (rips away any suspense), the recycled actors (glad they were only on the one show), or the Dr Suess dialogue.
  64. ty
    Oct 5, 2009
    1
    Boring as this show has reached the end of its Universe. What's an Eli? Please!
  65. JoelF.
    Oct 5, 2009
    9
    A promising start - grounded in the familiar, but different enough to be interesting.
  66. TomenT.
    Oct 5, 2009
    8
    The Stargate Universe seems to be a new experiment. It has the seriousness of BSG, but does not seem to be as dark. One of the strengths f the stargate franchise was the interesting characters. Yet so far no character emerged as interesting as in the previous SGs. It will be a wait and see game. Otherwise the pilot was good. Good acting, very good special effects and interesting story line.
  67. CalebD.
    Oct 4, 2009
    8
    Good, not Great. I will continue to watch.
  68. ScottK
    Oct 4, 2009
    2
    I knew they were taking the show in a new direction, and by new direction, they meant everything that has already been done to death. Instead of coming off as edgy or even sci-fi in any manner of the word, they turn around and are actually quite generic on the base where the previous installments although safe, were very story driven and kept people coming back for more. With Universe so I knew they were taking the show in a new direction, and by new direction, they meant everything that has already been done to death. Instead of coming off as edgy or even sci-fi in any manner of the word, they turn around and are actually quite generic on the base where the previous installments although safe, were very story driven and kept people coming back for more. With Universe so far, were left with the only thing in this sequel that actually resembles the show stargate, being the stargate itself. The cast are all young and their acting ability shows through with how green they can be. Your best bet if you want to enjoy this show, is to most likely forget that its stargate and throw all your hopes and dreams out the window, because its no longer story driven, its a soap opera drama now, going off the fights among the characters, and from what we have seen from the premier, .are all forced conflicts do to poor writing. Some things to consider if you have watched SG-1 and SGA... The new "geek" who happens to be a gamer who solved some impossible code that apparently the combine force of McKay, Daniel Jackson, and Samantha Carter couldn't figure out, this kid apparently figured out without much effort. Within 2 days, he had acquired more knowledge on the ancients than the combine knowledge of Daniel Jackson and Mckay and was able to control ship systems with relative ease. The military personnel were weak at best, being what appeared to be weekend warriors serving their 1 weekend a month. The show has no control, no real direction and was very sloppy for a premier that was meant to bring people in...The show will get 2 episodes more at best before being ditched completly if things dont "fix" themselves. No im not looking for a rehash of SG-1 or Atlantis, however, solid acting and a story are a requirement...This is wormhole extreme all over again.… Expand
  69. Nikhil
    Oct 3, 2009
    8
    Quite Good. Wish the Dr. Rush character wasn't quite as sappy but Robert Carlyle can make bad writing look good. It looks like it has an interesting cast of characters.
  70. ChristopherH.
    Oct 3, 2009
    8
    I'm sure there'll be people who dislike this prgram initially because, "it's not like any of the others". But that's exactly why I like it. I'm also sure that people will dislike this program initially because, "it's too much like Battlestar Gallactica". And this is where I disagree. I don't think it's a copy of the re-imagined BSG at all, but a I'm sure there'll be people who dislike this prgram initially because, "it's not like any of the others". But that's exactly why I like it. I'm also sure that people will dislike this program initially because, "it's too much like Battlestar Gallactica". And this is where I disagree. I don't think it's a copy of the re-imagined BSG at all, but a move to more reality based, speculative science fiction. Creepy crawlies and folks trading quips with stuff etched over their faces is fun, but what's wrong with some good ole fashioned drama out in space? Nothing, I hope..… Expand
  71. MikeB
    Oct 3, 2009
    9
    While the premise of the series is well trodden, even by the previous entry in the series, SGU looks to deliver on the promises Atlantis could never fill. Even while the setting has been retooled to be darker and grittier, this still fells like a Stargate.
  72. NatalieS
    Oct 3, 2009
    9
    I liked it! And you can tell it'll keep getting better as they find the characters. I haven't had anything to watch on Fridays since they canceled Terminator. Thank you, Stargate!
  73. fantasy
    Oct 3, 2009
    1
    I have watched all the Stargate series. Yesterday's offering was a two hour commercial showing the same scene over and over. It better quickly catch my attention as there were no memorable characters in the entire cast. And Eli? Where are they going?
  74. LorreceJ.
    Oct 3, 2009
    8
    The first episode seemed a bit predictable and stereotypical in terms of characters and plot points. However, I like Robert Carlyle and the dude playing Eli is funny, so I'll keep watching.
  75. LeventeS.
    Oct 3, 2009
    7
    Well, this wasn't that huge impact, lets hope it will get better! The characters are interesting, the plot is something like ST Voyager, but lets hope!
  76. MichaelS.
    Oct 3, 2009
    1
    As a huge fan of all things Stargate I was very disappointed. The plot was slow and boring and the screenplay was so full of logic holes it boggled the mind. Where are the villains? Where are the aliens either evil or good or somewhere in between? Where is all the cool sci-fi tech stuff? The only tech we saw on the ship other than a view computer stations was a floating movable camera! As a huge fan of all things Stargate I was very disappointed. The plot was slow and boring and the screenplay was so full of logic holes it boggled the mind. Where are the villains? Where are the aliens either evil or good or somewhere in between? Where is all the cool sci-fi tech stuff? The only tech we saw on the ship other than a view computer stations was a floating movable camera! That was it! Not exactly exciting stuff. Most importantly where is all the drama and the action. Other than the surpise attack on the base there was none. So far what we have to worry about is a misguided scientist who sent the survivors to the ancient spaceship and the old broken down ship itself which looks more like a tramp cargo ship from World War 2 than it does a cool spaceship. This is supposed to be the third stargate series not the sequel to Battlestar Galctica. I hope the show improves but with so little connection to the first 2 stargate series I don't see a lot of stargate fans sticking around for a full season and unless the show gets a lot more interesting and yes I dare to say a lot more exciting I don't see a lot of new fans staying for a full season either. For now I will keep watching in the hope of some serious improvement but from what I have seen so far I'm not all that optimistic. I mean, come on! For a show centered on a lack of air on a lost spaceship there was very little tension. No one lost consciousness or collapsed. All we had was people complaining about the bad air and about having headaches. And when the urgent air problem was solved for 24 hours the sacrifice of one character hardly seemed dramatic at all. The premiere of Universe was not what makes for exciting and interesting sci-fi. If this is suposed to be dark and edgy and realistic sci-fi then they missed the mark and hit dull and slow instead.… Expand
  77. Roger
    Oct 3, 2009
    0
    Worst Stargate series to date. Looks like they saw the success of the BSG franchise and tried to imitate it (very badly).
  78. cnib
    Oct 2, 2009
    0
    It felt like Battle Star Galactica, i really didn't like the characters. it was a downer ..... just dark and gloomy. i know there are many who like gritty realism served up with their entertainment, but it ain't my cup of tea.
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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
    Read full review
  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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