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. 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.
  2. 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
  3. TristanM
    Nov 17, 2009
    2
    Teen drama in space. Very childish. Too much sex and voyerism. Not enough SCIENCE and FICTION. The producing are spitting on the old fans in favor of reality TV watching children. The show now panders to those who think with their hormones instead of with their minds. It won't make it til the end of the second season, unless it gets a major overhaul. I love stargate .. just not Teen drama in space. Very childish. Too much sex and voyerism. Not enough SCIENCE and FICTION. The producing are spitting on the old fans in favor of reality TV watching children. The show now panders to those who think with their hormones instead of with their minds. It won't make it til the end of the second season, unless it gets a major overhaul. I love stargate .. just not Stargate Universe.… Expand
  4. 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
  5. Jackf
    Dec 4, 2009
    2
    Univertse is terrible. The charachtes are two-dimensional at best and the whole show has the look and feel of a soap opera. And why for god's sake haven't they found the lights yet. every scene seems to be shot in twilight.......... it's very depressing.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. LizH
    Nov 30, 2009
    2
    Boring. If it wasn't for Robert Carlisle I'd have gave up weeks ago. Bit confusing at times. This had so much potential but it's being ruined with too much personal life back fill; why keep returning to Earth? Need more action on planets they're visiting to keep fans interested. No real plot, bit of a rehash of other series, e.g. Space 1999, Battlestar Galactica.
  11. MikeM
    Nov 21, 2009
    2
    My son and I watched Stargate SG 1 and Atlantis and loved the shows and the characters. SGU seems totally different...so far, 6 or 7 shows in and we don't like any of the characters. It's all talk, no action. It's more sexual which I think makes it more an adult show than a younger audience. It seem to highlight how to have interpersonal conflict...without resolving it. If My son and I watched Stargate SG 1 and Atlantis and loved the shows and the characters. SGU seems totally different...so far, 6 or 7 shows in and we don't like any of the characters. It's all talk, no action. It's more sexual which I think makes it more an adult show than a younger audience. It seem to highlight how to have interpersonal conflict...without resolving it. If it doesn't pick up soon, we're bailing on this and that'll be sad because we were anxiously awaiting its premier earlier this year. It's more like BSG not Stargate!! Are there any new stargates in production?… Expand
  12. JohnM
    Nov 27, 2009
    2
    Simple and poor idea about how to kill the briliate franchise.
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  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. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. ty
    Oct 5, 2009
    1
    Boring as this show has reached the end of its Universe. What's an Eli? Please!
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. DaveP
    Nov 22, 2009
    1
    It's confusing, and not getting any better. All the flashbacks are getting boring, and taking you away from the theme - whatever that is? It's more like a pyscho-drama, too much in the head, too drawn and contrived. So far It's put me to sleep, without fail, every time. Something which the original Stargate, or its successor Atlantis never did. If the older shows are on I It's confusing, and not getting any better. All the flashbacks are getting boring, and taking you away from the theme - whatever that is? It's more like a pyscho-drama, too much in the head, too drawn and contrived. So far It's put me to sleep, without fail, every time. Something which the original Stargate, or its successor Atlantis never did. If the older shows are on I watch them over and over again, even though I know the story well - just for the character interaction. Sorry this one leaves me cold, so much overacting to fill in for content.… Expand
  26. JamesM
    Nov 9, 2009
    1
    SGU is complete rubbish. A low-budget, washed out american soap drama set in space. They
  27. JohnH
    Dec 1, 2009
    1
    I hate the look and feel of it. Bad cast of characters that are too familiar with other hits. I can't get Labamba out of my head, among other shows. Hate the explicit sexual content. Hate the characters. I really liked sg1 and atlantis, but am super disappointed with this. I hope they scrap it and go back to their roots. Produce a family-friendly show without all of the crap.
  28. MarioT
    Dec 23, 2009
    1
    Let
  29. 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?
  30. AliH
    Nov 12, 2009
    1
    I really really wanted to love this show but it's so depressing - I'm all in favour of gritty realism but at least throw the audience a bone and put in a bit of humour in there, even if it's dark humour! I decided to stop watching it today when I realised I was bored and swiftly becoming depressed - that never happened to me watching Stargate SG1.
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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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