SGU, of course. [annerb]

I managed to somehow walk in to the Stargate: Universe premiere without a single spoiler. (Thank you all so much for that!) I hadn’t even watched a single trailer. Go me. Lol. I went in a complete blank slate. And here’s what I think:

Well, I am already half in love with some of these characters. I could have done without some of the “my father just died drama” (I liked the death scene, the scene where the daughter beats the hell out of Rush, but bonding with Scott was a bit much). I could have done without the gratuitous sex (which is funny, because even the future scenes seemed pretty sexed up, and if you really think about it, sex has never been a huge part of Stargate. It’s why ship whores like me exist, to sex the show up recreationally. I hope I’m not out of a job. ;)

So, yeah, definitely Stargate, but definitely grittier, which actually works for me. Sure, they’ve departed from the basic equation of using humor as an anchor, but it was a blast you out of your seat two-hour opener, so maybe the humor will come out later. Though I somehow doubt it. And I’m not sure I mind. It’s apocafic come to the screen and I’m excited to see what comes next.

Um, one thing though. Will there be more Lou Diamond Phillips or was that it? And way to underutilize your actor cameos. Not that I didn’t jump up and down on my couch at Daniel’s lectures, and Jack’s “I can’t believe this is my job, hustling after Generation Apathetic computer nerds,” and Sam’s “I am awesome and in charge and I look good doing it.” (Any one catch sight of say….rings? Lol. I have to admit I didn’t pay too much attention. I was too happy to see my pretties on the screen *gets plot bunny for DC Series #4,986*).

I know we already have more than enough awesome white boy characters, but I still already have a fangirl crush on Lt. Scott. I like Colonel Young and am so relieved he didn’t die. Rush is interesting, but elusive. I still have no idea what his deal is, and I kind of like that. He’s a rogue element that will no doubt throw some interesting wrenches into the works. TJ has potential to be cool, but we shall see (anyone else see the ‘she slept with Col. Young’ thing coming? Just me? Hunh.) Ming-na’s character barely even hit the screen, and time will tell if Senator’s daughter emo girl will settle in. And how could I not love Eli? I mean, he’s us! (Also a genius plot device for explaining everything to a potentially new audience.) One would hope he find a work ethic at some point.

So, was it perfect? No. But I think it was really good. (and not just because of the awesome special effects and pretty people. Lol) There is already an interesting ensemble cast and a good set up of a situation that offers nearly endless plot potential. So, will I tune in next week? You bet your ass I will.

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Lovely review and of course I've zeroed in on the one itty bitty thing that isn't SGU related . . . IDEA FOR DC SERIES! *bounces happily* So - how's that coming. . . ? LOL!

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Haha. You are shameless. :P

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Yes? And?

Hey, I haven't begged for another installment for at least a week!

I'm not the only one waiting impatiently for the next one:)

I second this motion - I'm not gonna get to see it for a while, so I am in need of a consolation prize:-D

Ack! No rings. So that means you still have a job. Best line of the night...."and by lawyer you mean your mother?"
Really liked Eli. He was like a younger, doughier, less conceited McKay. I also wondered what was up with LDP. I thought maybe he died half-way through and I missed it.

No ring only because she doesn't wear it on duty . . . I believe that to be true! I do! I do! :)

Yeah, Eli has potential to end up a great character, but I also worry that he could get really annoying if he isn't written well. Dunno about LDP, we shall see. I have this feeling a lot of scenes got cut for time out the pilot. (especially the Rush talking through Bill Lee scenes, Jack "giving" Rush command. Though maybe we aren't meant to see those scenes so we keep guessing what the heck is going on.)

Rush kinda pissed me off - Daniel's occasional inability to remember that peoples' lives were at stake taken to the Nth degree and driving his every action. Yet rewatching it, it must have SUCKED to have a smart-mouth kid, MIT dropout solve the problem that obviously obsessed him for years.

I don't really love the lack of any officers between Colonel and Lieutenant, but then I adored how Jack mentored the junior offices and growth we saw between Captain Sam to Major Sam etc etc. I hope we see that kind of relationship and growth between Col Young and Lt Scott.

I really really hope Col Telford isn't dead and is one of the injured beamed up to the Hammond. Lou Diamond Phillips is way too awesome to kill in the pilot. Col Scott - also a very cool character.

Lt. Scott is so so cute... and Eli is a great character. The sex was out of place, but whatever...

Excited for next week!

I couldn't tell if Rush was written inconsistently or if I just haven't quite put my finger on his character yet. Dunno. It is weird there is that huge gap between Colonel and Lt, and then just a bunch of Sgt. What happened to all the other officers?

I tuned in expecting to watch, enjoy, but then forget for the first season, and then maybe enjoy it more the second season as I began to be more familiar with the characters, but I enjoyed it right away, and am looking forward to next week. I think the Apocafic angle is probably a big part of this. And I've always been a sucker for "here's what they have, now how are they going to get out of their pickle with it?" plots. All in all a pleasant surprise.

Yes, I agree. I was pleasantly surprised (and I don't know if all the gatefail complaining and wank lowered my expectations or what). Now let's just hope they can tap into all that potential.

thank you so much for this. i'll make a point to watch the streaming version sometime this week. so glad to know the cameos happened! yay.

you make me want to give it a chance.

and i doubt you'll ever be out of a job, lol!

Yes, a nice appearance by Indiana Jackson. Lol. Definitely give it a chance, I think. Though I understand it won't be everyone's cup of tea. I was sort of skimming through some comments over at gateworld and it seems the people who only tuned into Stargate for the planet of the week, shoot 'em up part of SG-1 are profoundly disappointed. This one is clearly going to be more character driven.

I'll watch next week. Hell, I'll probably rewatch the opener before then, too, if nothing more than to squee over Sam and Jack. Like you, I thought too late to look for rings. That right there means that your job security is assured.

Onto the show itself instead of the stupid!cute: Why bother to rephrase what you just said because you summed it up so nicely? Cause you did, but hey, why not say a few more things because I can? I did see glimpses of SG1 humor when Eli and Emo!Girl first met in the mess. Their conversation was funny and shades of SG1. Toss me some of that every ep and I'll be back. I love Rush. Is he evil? Definitely has potential and Robert Carlyle gave a great performance. SenatorDaddy was a red shirt from the moment I saw him with a prescription bottle and I like that he was layered, both arrogant and noble, rather than just arrogant. Glad that Colonel Young didn't die, too.

So, stay tuned next week. I wonder if we'll get more SG1 cameos as it's early on and the story line legitimately could have them discussing what's going on?

ETA: Left out a sentence. It's early and I'm hungry and I spent too much time last night at the Pit and obviously it had deleterious effects on my brain.

Edited Date: 2009-10-03 12:00 pm (UTC)

Yeah, there will have to be a rewatch or two while I wait for next week. I also think Jack had a crap load of stars on his shoulders. Does he really have three now? At this rate he's going to be commander-in-chief any day. Lol. (And, on a shallow note, this had better not be the RDA we get in the next film *fingers crossed*)

I think I'll just put a post on my lj to direct people to this one--you said it all, and very well, as usual!

I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected to and I was moderately spoiled, having seen trailers, read Mallozzi's blog, etc. I had not sought them out, but did not look away when I found something.

I did find the sex scene to be really gratuitous but other than that I liked it. Loved seeing "our team" (3 of them, anyway) again, and while they didn't have much, it was all worth watching, so I was fairly well satisfied on that point. I did hear the Hammond referred to by name twice but wish it had been more, and more prominently, just out of love for General Hammond (and Don Davis).

All in all, well worth watching, but I don't think, this time around, that I will also tape. I did with SGA and have realized I have never rewatched any of them, other than the Jack episodes. SG1, of course, I have on dvd now and rewatch regularly!

Thanks for a good review.
I hope it does well, for the sake of the overall franchise.
Melissa M.

Yeah, I'm not sure the SG-1 cameos were even needed, which makes me feel like they only slipped them in to "trick" us old fans into watching, which...I don't need to be manipulated like that. I was going to give it a chance either way! Though I imagine there are lots of people who wouldn't have. Sad.

Now if only MGM won't topple into bankruptcy. *fingers crossed*

I couldn't decide if TJ slept with Young or the doctor that died on Icarus Base. Either/or. (I'm spottily spoiled).

I loved Ming Na's character, even if we only saw her briefly, and Rush is really interesting.

I think/hope LDP will be recurring, but I'm not sure. Hey at least he didn't die onscreen (like Robert Patrick).

Glad you liked it.

I could have done without the gratuitous sex (which is funny, because even the future scenes seemed pretty sexed up, and if you really think about it, sex has never been a huge part of Stargate. It’s why ship whores like me exist, to sex the show up recreationally. I hope I’m not out of a job. ;)

Cracks up.

Or maybe there is something going on with TJ and Ming-na's character? Who knows. Just where did LDP go? Beamed up to the Hammond? I think I will have to rewatch again.

But did you like it? You didn't really say. Lol.

LDP was piloting one of the F-302s in the firefight with the gliders. Presumably when the "Hammond" (I love saying that!) was bugging out, the surviving F-302s landed on board.

ETA: Did I like it? Not as much as you, sorry to say (I'm a bit twitchy about non-linear storytelling sometimes, so that may give me a bit of a bias). But I didn't dislike it. I liked Camile and I liked (well was entertained by, not necessarily "like" like) Rush. Eli was cute and I see potential in a few of the other characters like that one scientist dude and the lieutenant. So, I'm along for the ride for a bit.

Edited Date: 2009-10-03 06:27 pm (UTC)

I'd managed to remain mostly unspoiled and I'm rather glad I did. I see a lot of potential in this show - lots of unknowns that aren't going to be revealed right away, lots of potential for character conflicts. We were spoiled with SG-1 in that we had 10 seasons to get to know them and at least as many years of fandom to fill in the blanks, so I can see where some people might feel disappointed right away.

I also really like the sets (especially the rotating/grinding stargate!) with the whole steampunk feel to them - this ship was built by old ancients, and it sets it apart nicely from Atlantis or the SGC. *g*

I'm not instantly in love with this show (mind you, had I started watching SG-1 with the pilot and not somewhere near the end of the first season, I don't know if I'd have liked it quite as much either), but I do like it and it's got a lot of potential for good storytelling.

Yeah, I think the pilot accomplished everything it needed to. Set up a situation that is believable and large enough to house many many episodes, and introduced us to characters just enough to empathize with them, but still leave a lot of room for development (particularly the women of course. *eyeroll*)

I think it's really rare to fall in love with a show just on the pilot (though I can think of exceptions). I didn't even find SG-1 until season 7, and SGA never completely clicked for me, even after five seasons (even though I still miss it).

I thought the sets and special effects were great.

I think it's really rare to fall in love with a show just on the pilot (though I can think of exceptions).

*cough* Leverage *cough*

anyone else see the ‘she slept with Col. Young’ thing coming? Just me?

Nope, not just you. I'm seeing an affair or harrassment as her reason for wanting to leave. I also think he's hiding a medical condition that compromises his ability to lead. Of course, it's possible that's the issue between the two of them, but I think not. I'm thinking that I might end up liking Young as a leader, but not as a man.

The graphic sex irritated me to no end, although it fufilled it's purpose in diminishing my opinion of Scott and making him very fallible. Luckily, for me he got points back for his attempts through the show to be responsible, compassionate, and basically a good guy.

I liked Chloe much more than I thought I would (especially when she gave Rush the smack-down), which is a major victory considering how much I disliked her on paper. Eli, I expected to like, and do.

Over all, a good, well produced, well acted show, that I may or may not end up liking. I'll definitly continue watching, but I don't like dark fic, and I may not like this. It depends on just how challenged these people are, and how quickly they can step up to the plate. Even one character that I can really identify with will probably be enough if it's not too dark. I suspect that will be Scott.

For folks that do like darker stuff, though, I think this is a clear hit.

Edited Date: 2009-10-03 06:28 pm (UTC)

Yeah, I can see if dark fic and apocafic are not your thing, this show might not hit for you. (And yes to the Young medical thing, I had forgotten the weird scene with his wife in the kitchen where he collapses.)

I generally agree with most comments made here, but it was almost enough to make me stop watching when we found Lt. Scott in the closet with another female officer....the graphic nature was over the top for a prime time show.
......but then I realized, "Hey, this is Apocafic!" And so, I will keep watching....

Yeah, I hope the sex thing isn't a common theme in the show. You can make a show edgier and 'younger' without the gratuitous sex. It's just harder to pull off. ;)

Our bigggest complaint was the commercials. The show was never allowed to get any momentum because it literally never went more than 10 minutes (usually less) without commercials. Mostly it was one scene, 5-10 minutes of commercials, one scene... My theory is that Scifi (I refuse to use that sissy new spelling) decided that since they would have a captive audience they would load up on the sales. What happened to LESS commercials for a premier??

I *think* the show was okay, but honestly, it was so cut up and we got so fed up with the ads, it's hard to say. I may wait and rent the DVDs whenever they come out. Or not bother at all.

Agreed. It was hard to stay inside the show with those awkward cuts away to King Kong.

I must say I didn't notice the commercials. (I was watching on the DVR and just fast forwarded.) Sorry you didn't find it very interesting!

After watching certain parts a second time, I think my favorite thing was the *total* lack of sirs that did not come from Carter's mouth, during the J/S conversation.
One big "General",the first word out of her mouth, almost like she was surprised or biting at the bit to talk to him. But after that ...no sirs or generals. She would have sir'd after every sentence 3 years ago. I guess she got out of the habit when they got married. And I don't even think he Cartered her at all did he?

Hee hee! I love how easily pleased we are. She didn't call him sir!!! That meeeeeeans something! :D

I walked in unspoiled, watched 30 minutes, was bored, and came into the office and watched Glee instead.

Is it worth watching? D kept on and said I didn't miss much, and he's a fan of both SG-1 and Atlantis as well. I love apocafic, but what I saw just seemed... and GAH, I hate to say it about a Gateverse, dull.

(For what it's worth, I've still never finished Atlantis' first episode for the exact same reason. It suffered from "I shoulda been only one hour" syndrome.)

Huh. I didn't find it boring. I was actually pretty enthralled. *shrug* Different strokes for different folks. :)

Well, that's kinda why I'm asking if I should give it another go. This week was not exactly a good one, and I was definitely needing more escapism than something heavy at the time I tried to watch.

(In other words, not intending to harsh any squee here - just honestly asking if it's worth another go on a better-rested brain.)

Yeah, I totally understand. I guess the only reason I hesitate to say, "Of course! Watch it!" is that I seem to be in the deep minority when it comes to this show. Lol. I think it's a combination of my unwillingness to vilify a show before it aired, and my love of apocafic. It's not Stargate in a lot of ways, the optimism and humor seems to be missing, and it looks to me like the planet of the week, villain of the week equation has also been abandoned. If that was what appealed to you, about Stargate, you might want to pass it up. But if you like the dark and gritty, long character arc stuff, I'd say give it a go. And feel free to blame me if you hate it. :D

The only thing I'm hoping (aside from more Jack/Sam) is, I hope they don't end up beefing up Eli's body by next season. I like the "he's just us" pudginess.

Yeah, I'd like to see Eli keep his civilian, every man appeal. Though for some reason I sort of like the idea of the senator's daughter (Chloe?) sort of sucking it up and becoming more kick ass over time (she has the spunk potential, methinks).

I liked it too. Didn't know much beforehand on purpose and was pleasantly surprised with the characters, there's a lot to develop there. Funny, what disapointed me most was the sg1 cameos,they could have been played by anyone else. Daniel's video explanations and Carter's role were ok but General 3 star Jack knocking on doors?! really!

Yeah, it's pretty obvious the cameos were just to draw us old veterans into the show, especially since fandom by and large has been very reluctant to give it a chance.

I think Jack lost a bet or something and that was why he had to go to Eli's house. Hah.

Did anyone else catch - or did I mishear - Ming Na's character say to TJ, "Does Colonel O'Neill know?" Confused the heck out of me, especially since I immediately thought she was referring to Sam, but then TJ answered "No, he doesn't" (or something like that).

Huh. I dunno. I'll have to go back to check. :)

Apparently, I do not think deeply enough about my escapist television, because I've seen a lot of vitriol around lj about SGU. Does it break canon? Yeah. Are there morally ambiguous people creating their own problems? Yeah. Was there a gratuitous sex scene? Um, yeah. (And didn't we learn something from CotG, people?)

Do I like some of the characters? There's potential.

Did I enjoy watching it? A LOT more than I thought I would, considering I'd already heard a couple of negative reactions from people. Also: SAM! JACK! DANIEL! (No Teal'c, though, hmmm?) Am I willing to watch it next week? Yup.

Well, on the one hand, I am not exactly pleased with the casting per se, but maybe I am a stupid eternal optimist, I just saw potential a lot of places. Though I am sad that there isn't a kick ass military woman so far. But then again, confusing 'strong woman character' for 'kick ass woman' is another weak point of our critical watching. They are not the same. And woman can be strong and interesting and well written without physically kicking ass. So, yeah. I would love to see more minorities, of course.

Apparently I am going to hell for enjoying the pilot. Oh well. I've liked many a stupider show (how many years did I watch ER? lol) I am glad you enjoyed it. We will just squee and talk amongst ourselves so as not to upset fandom at large. lol

At least we have each other. I was quite relieved to read your post, actually. :-)

I was going to say that I see the cameos as being there for a different purpose. I always feel that the cameos are more to establish all of the shows as really, truly being in the same universe. It's different from ST, where the series-crossing beings served both that purpose and usually a whole storyline. Also, I kinda thought Daniel was hilarious. *snickers* Plus, Sam and Jack TALKED TO EACH OTHER OMG. That was pretty much all I really wanted.

Oh thank goodness, because I began to think I was one of the only people in fandom who enjoyed watching it. Was is flawed? Sure, but what isn't? But did I have a good time when I watched it with my online buddies? Absolutely!

Me too! Apparently it's highly unpopular to admit some enjoyment was found. Don't worry, you can always come squee here without judgment. :D

So, I finally get to read this post now I've watched the show. The four days between the airing in the US and the airing in the UK have been torture!

Personally, I have a shiny new toy and its name is SGU.

I loved the show. I think it has real potential. Loved that it seems to be getting back to the core SG1 premise of real people from now faced with alien situations and how they survive that.

I think the characters have great potential: love Rush - just so complex and murky in terms of motivations (you just wonder all the way through if what he's saying is actually true); love Eli - love his wry remarks all the way through; surprisingly found myself liking Chloe (hats off to the actress); Young seems to be a solid leader with some intrigue over his health; TJ seems OK so far but needs to be rounded out more (and yes, there did seem to be a hint of chemistry in the 'infirmary' scene); Wray and Greer seem to be good for stirring the pot...and Scott, well the word scrummy comes to mind. Would definitely like to see more on the women but hopefully that will come in time.

And the cameos! You know what I loved? That actually it wasn't a big deal that they were there. It was just normal and seemed right for Daniel to be doing the videos; Sam to be in charge of the Hammond; Jack to be the General (loved his scene with Eli, Jack at his sarcastic best).

So, I'm a very happy bunny.