Stargate Universe: Season 1

A group of soldiers, scientists, and civilians, fleeing an attack, find themselves stranded billions of miles from Earth on an ancient ship known as the Destiny. Locked on an unknown course, they must fight to survive and find a way home. The danger, adventure, and hope they encounter on board the Destiny will reveal the heroes and villains among them.

It is evident from the outset that Stargate Universe (SGU) is a departure from the previous Stargate series. This is made clear when a Nick Drake-esque song, "Don't Forget to Breathe," is featured in the soundtrack near the end of the three-episode pilot that introduces this new series. While the stargate, an artificially created "wormhole" enabling instant travel to distant worlds, remains a central element, much has changed from the rough-and-tumble adventures that characterized SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis.

Gone are the charismatic and intrepid leaders like SG-1's Col. Jack O'Neill and Atlantis's Col. John Sheppard, as well as the memorable alien adversaries such as the Goa'uld, the Wraith, and the Replicators. In their place, the new series features a more minimalist approach, with a cast of earnest, intense, and mostly youthful characters grappling with personal demons and complex interpersonal relationships, including some involving LGBTQ+ characters. The series also delves deeper into technical issues more typical of science fiction shows, and the soundtrack features more sensitive tunes akin to those found in nighttime soap operas, creating a more introspective and emotionally charged atmosphere.

The series begins with the "Icarus Base" under alien attack, forcing both military and civilian personnel to escape through the stargate. They find themselves aboard the Destiny, a massive ship millions of years old and once the property of the Ancients, a race of advanced beings. The characters not only have to contend with the challenge of operating the ship, but they also have no idea where they are, except that they are billions of light-years from Earth. The responsibility of getting everyone home safely falls on the shoulders of two main characters: Col. Everett Young and scientist Dr. Nicholas Rush, who are often at odds with each other due to their contrasting personalities and approaches.

The majority of the action takes place on the Destiny, but there are occasional excursions to various planets in search of water and other supplies. The characters also have the ability to use "communication stones" to temporarily exchange bodies with people on Earth, allowing for trips back home.

While the series takes some time to find its footing, once it does, the results are often quite exciting. SGU may not be as lighthearted as its predecessors, but it is well-written, entertaining, and boasts excellent production values and special effects. The series also includes approximately two hours' worth of bonus material, providing viewers with a more comprehensive viewing experience.

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