With this interview, everything I've feared about SGU has been confirmed:

lue added: "You end up with a group of people who weren't supposed to be there, ... counting on each other, who aren't necessarily the ones with the skill sets for survival ... on the far side of the universe, trying to figure out how to survive. How to not die. How to not kill each other. And genuinely having to deal and cope."

"The show differs from previous installments in the popular franchise. 'Unlike past shows, where you have rubber-faced, British-speaking aliens, it's more about the ensemble cast,' " Blue said.

(How derogatory could one be? SGs 1 and Atlantis, so far as I know, were *proud* of their aliens, posthetics or not, and they were decidedly NOT all "British-speaking.)

"The people you become invested in. Who you get to relate to and find catharsis in, ... it's great, because you can see all these new layers and levels to situations you normally get the chance [to see] in shows these days."

(This translates as "It's real, it's the grit of "real life," it's about the *people,* not about rubber aliens and soulless technology." Well, I think new tech and fascinating aliens are the MAIN draw of science fiction, not navel-gazing into ourselves and wondering what our place in the universe is. And somebody, please, ask Michael Shanks how not-human-centered HIS character was, or Christopher Judge, regarding the Jaffas' fight for freedom, with the loss of friends and family along the way.)

SGU has been described as darker in tone then its predecessors, but Blue has a different way of looking at it. "I tend to say it's not as much darker as it is more real," he said. "And maybe that's a pessimistic way of looking at the world, but I think that ... reality itself is darker. It's not just shiny, 'Hey, we survived again! Woo-hoo!' There are more levels, where you look at the person sitting next to you, and you start thinking to yourself, 'Do I trust them today?' And you look at someone sitting next to you and start to see a spark and go, 'How do I really feel about that person?' And when your life is being threatened, you tend to actually, in a weird way, find humor to make yourself cope. You can say 'darker,' because in some ways it is, ... but when you really get down to it, it's like everyday life.

(YOUR frickin' everyday life, maybe. And yes, it *is* a more pessimistic view of the world. That p.o.v. is exactly *why* what I say is 'darker' is what YOU call 'more real.' Much of all this comes down to what viewers want to watch as entertainment. I prefer action, adventure, escape, high ideals, heroic acts. A lot of people today seem to prefer the opposite: talking heads, high emotional drama, and instead of adventure and escape, wallowing in the morass of self-examination, self-pity, and recrimination of others in an attempt at catharsis for the pitiable worldview that's their own damned fault.
Oh, please!)

I am not interested in all the "dynamics" of character development and interaction, if I wanted to see that, all I would need to do is to tune in to the latest stupid reality TV show.
I want to see more ACTION on forested planets with British-speaking aliens. All I can say is this had better not be a stupid rip-off of BSG which totally sucked, otherwise, I am tuning out!

3456 out...

"(YOUR frickin' everyday life, maybe. And yes, it *is* a more pessimistic view of the world. That p.o.v. is exactly *why* what I say is 'darker' is what YOU call 'more real.' Much of all this comes down to what viewers want to watch as entertainment. I prefer action, adventure, escape, high ideals, heroic acts. A lot of people today seem to prefer the opposite: talking heads, high emotional drama, and instead of adventure and escape, wallowing in the morass of self-examination, self-pity, and recrimination of others in an attempt at catharsis for the pitiable worldview that's their own damned fault.
Oh, please!)"

juss, spot on! You are 100% correct! But,
I wonder if MGM got a new show *if and only
if* it was "darker", more "grittier", more
reality TV show-like for the "Syfy" channel
,otherwise, they would have not given them
a "green light" as is the buzz word in $&itwood
these days.

3456 out...

It's pretty easy to pick apart the press releases and rail at how bad the series is going to be, but personally I don't find anything offensive in the paragraphs above.

Despite my disappointment in some of SyFy's recent decisions, I still trust the creative and production teams of the Stargate franchise. They've never let me down before, and they've always kept me entertained.

Having said that, as a general rule of thumb I give a series a season to work their way into the characters, so that the writers and actors make them believable. There have been very few exceptions to this rule, and I intend to give SGU that amount of time to really work things out.

This last trailer is the best I've seen yet, and the most hopeful sign as well. David Blue's character seems like the kind of person that a lot of fans think they are: Intelligent, eager, and with a deep immersion into geek culture (sorry, I love the Hoth reference, and the fact that he has to explain it to the other characters). He's like Rodney McKay without the arrogance, but we'll know more later.

My biggest concern is Lou Diamond Philips. Not because he's not a good actor (although he would give Shatner a run for his money in the "ham" department) but because I've noticed a tendency for him to get involved in nearly disastrous projects. I'm hoping this is not the case.

Admittedly, some of the things coming out about the show are less than inviting to those who are devout SG1 and SGA fans, but I will give the series a watch before making any real decision. I can only hope that they have learned lessons from the other ventures, and do longer story lines in soap opera fashion, which allows better character and story development, along with keeping the watchers coming back for more.
Time will tell,and then again, there is no guarantee that if we like it, the the sissified network (syfy) will keep it going...
Lord knows, they need plenty of time allotment for those other things we hate, which keep running, like Ghost Hunting, Destination Truth, and Wrestling! - KH

Although I'm totally underwelmed by everything I've seen about this new show, I am reserving judgement until I've seen a few episodes. When SG: Atlantis was first announced, I groaned out loud. I thought the main characters and actors were horrible; however, it turned out to be a very entertaining show.
I'll give this one a chance.

"I am not interested in all the "dynamics" of character development and interaction, if I wanted to see that, all I would need to do is to tune in to the latest stupid reality TV show.
I want to see more ACTION on forested planets with British-speaking aliens. All I can say is this had better not be a stupid rip-off of BSG which totally sucked, otherwise, I am tuning out!"

Does it hurt, being that stupid?

I would think it has to hurt.

Hey Del Coro,
Indeed it does hurt being that stupid, since that level of stupidity is stupidness to the truly stupid, but to the stupid, "stupid". Do you
understand what I just said? Probably not, stupid.

I cringed a little hearing Lou Diamond Philips for the same reason as datarat but it wouldn't keep me from watching.

What would keep me from watching is another Rodney McKay. He was the Jar Jar Binks of the Atlantis series.

Did anyone watch the latest video preview??? Its new, yes! Get over it. Anytime something is adjusted from a previous successful running franchise people always shut off. The video preview above, confirmed the higher level of production i was expecting. Stop looking at the dynamic and look at the overall production. I love SG-1 and SGA but the thing that bothered me the most about the two was the level of fabrication, it didn't immerse you into reality as much as this one seems to. I mean, going to a different galaxy and every alien race speaks english? I'm ready for some change and expansion into the Stargate Universe. In the event a character isn't working, they can always just leave them behind ; )

I'm in absolute agreement with 3456 & juss. As much as I still hold hope for SG-U, the descriptions & previews so far barely support that hope.
No, I don't want a political drama, or a psychological analysis of humans lost in space. It's sci-fi! I want adventure, aliens, some scares, plenty of laughter. A good sci-fi show will have all of that *plus* smart writing, originality, and realistic characters.
I'll give SG-U a chance, but considering my disappointment at the end of beloved shows like SG-1 and especially SG-A, it would take a miracle that this is not more of the same crap we've seen lately.
Oh, and LindaB? The *only* reason some of us are still fans of SG-A is because of Rodney McKay. I admit, when I first saw the character on SG-1 I didn't like him, but that soon changed and he became the life & soul of SG-A. David Hewlett turned someone I thought obnoxious into endearing with barely a lift of an eyebrow.

Like many of you, I 'am a huge Stargate fan and hope beyond all hope that the creators of this franchise don't mess it up with their latest installment, SGU. I 'am one of those that will watch the pilot episode mostly out of curiosity than excitement. I think that to veer away from the consistancy of the formula that worked so well for SG1 and SGA is a colossal mistake. My wife and I love this franchise and both of us were, and still are, a bit disappointed at what we are learning about SGU. They say, meaning the creators, that it will have some of the same elements as the other two shows, however, in all that I read, and in all that I watch, I don't get that feeling. I heartily agree with those of you who want a more lighter and entertaining show as opposed to a more darker/grittier/more real (whatever that is supposed to mean), and more character driven show. To me the very essence of this franchise and many SciFi shows is that they should be more light in tone yet still relay messages and/or morals, if you will. Why, and this doesn't encompass everyone, would you want to watch a show that is dark, gritty, and more in tune with real life, when that is just exactly what you are trying to get away from in the first place? These shows should be an escapism, not a show rooted in reality. If it's rooted in reality why call it SciFi.
Has anyone noticed that for some time now the whole genre of SciFi is being rewritten? It seems to me that there are less and less "SciFi" shows that are depicting spaceships, interplanetary travel, aliens, space stations, and cool and strange technologies? The very fact that SciFi changed to SyFy is a prime example of how "they" are trying to distance "themselves" from true Science Fiction. I fear that it stems from all the reality shows, even though they aren't as popular as they once were, yet their influence is still creeping into more and more genres. Soon the only true Science Fiction will be found in books.

So Eli is supposed to be a surrogate for the audience? This means we'll get an idea of how the writers view their fans. Chubby. Geek. Eli isn't off to a good start. LOL.

Looks like SGU is following BSG's lead in the "we're not a sci-fi show but a drama in a sci-fi setting" category. It's a shame they didn't hire new writers because the current crop are in over their heads. This could work but not with Brad Wright & Co.

...I didn't realise British was a language...

wow. you people are harsh.

I just hope you guys dissing on the show don't watch it so as not to waste the time you've spent frakin on a show you've actually never seen.

"Faced with meeting the most basic needs of food, water and air, the group must unlock the secrets of the ship's Stargate to survive."

Well on SG: Atlantis, I never saw them scrounge for food or water too often...I guess the ancients ate the same stuff and had a water filtration plant. Let alone almost....almost every planet they visited had breathable air. and they never suffocated on any of the other ancient ships so i don't think air is gonna be a problem.

The only thing i have to wonder about is the 'Ninth' Cheveron..... Considering the power requirements to just power an 'eighth' Chevron (it went to Atlantis). They would need i'm guessing here poorly, like 2-3 naquada generators? in addition, it would have to be supplied by the new Ancient ship. We 'haven't or have we' seen a ship with that much "power"?

First, I would like to state emphatically that I respect the views posted concerning SGU and what information has come forward thus far concerning the new Show. Given that I have taken the time to read what everyone has said, I would like to take a shot at giving my own view, for better or worse.

Alright, for the most part it would seem everyone's primary concern is that SGU will be taking a very large step back from the previous incarnations of the SG-universe. Frankly, if everyone has done their homework, you must be aware that this is furthest from the truth. Though the show is going for a new Cinematic quality in the visual sense it is still very much a Stargate series. During the Comic-Con panel, more than a few questions went up concerning the show's possible direction, and whether it would still be, at it's core, Stargate. The responses were always yes, and those 'yes' replies where always backed up. There will still be Aliens, strange new worlds, Ancient tech, and the tougue 'n cheek humor we have come to know and love. Yes, what we've seen in the trailers and previews would speak against that, for some anyway, however you must understand that SyFy is trying to bring in 'new' viewers for a 'new' show, and though some of us may not like the gritty depiction, some folks do; and SyFy wants to get them interested before they learn that it's not just gritty, but kind of fun too.

Lastly, I have to say that as a SciFi fan since childhood, from Asimov to Zeigler, I find it really dis-heartening to see so many other fans of the genre declair that SciFi 'has' to be Aliens and accents and cheep production values to be SciFi and fun at the same time. Since when has the genre been just about that?

SciFi has 'always' been more than just Buck Rogers and the early Star Trek series. It's been about exploring new vistas and new demensions of reality. About asking what does it mean to be human, and what it means to not be human. Who are we now, and who will we become as tech continues to advance beyond the precieved boundries. SGU is a show that will attempt to ask all of those question, but through characters that we can relate to. People who are 'real' -hence the show's goal of pushing for realism in some spots- and people who are more geek oriented or eccentric. For the first time a Stargate franchise is trying to reach a hand out to 'everyone' not just those of us who have been along for the ride since the get go. I hope all of you ripping the show to pieces come to see that, and choose to give it a chance.

Also, for those decrying that the show's 'reality' slant is a huge Con because people watch these shows to get away from the harsh reality of the world? Is this show about the U.S.'s damaged economy? Is it about tensions between England and Iran? Is it about human rights violations in third world contries? No, it is not. And though it may touch upon similar topics, it will do so in a manner reflecting Humanity on a cosmic scale. If you want to get away from the world that surrounds you, than you still will be able to do so.

Hey, a new show in a sci-fi universe that I'm a huge fan of! I'll go ahead and watch it... then lambaste it if and when it deserves it. Haters to the left.

JoeSGfan - Very well said! I for one want to be challenged to think about new ideas and points of view!

One of my favorite SG1 episodes is "Learning Curve", a non-arc story that let's us explore a new world and a different way of seeing things. The Orbanians rely on a few children to learn essential skills and ideas and later transfer their accumulated knowlege (via nanites) to the rest of the population. This allows the Orbanian society to make rapid advances that greatly benefit the many, but leave the one (the child) an empty vessel. O'Neill is especially horrified, and of course we, the viewers, understand his POV.

But, this is science fiction, and the story allows us to explore the ideas and values of this new world. Like Daniel, we are challenged when the father says "You claim to love knowledge, but when you find something you don't like, you demand that we change to please you." We begin to see why the children see this as a great honor, and how the Orbanians have some to depend on this system. In the end, we don't have to agree with the Orbanians, but perhaps we are able to at least understand how such a society may have developed, and why they may not see their practices as being abusive.

THIS is the power of science fiction. We may not have real Stargates or FTL ships to take us to new worlds, but thanks to the book or the television or whatever device we use, we can be teleported to these new world and explore ideas new - and not-so-new - and hopefully depart saying anything from "Hmmm..." to "Whoa!!!"

John states "Has anyone noticed that for some time now the whole genre of SciFi is being rewritten? It seems to me that there are less and less "SciFi" shows that are depicting spaceships, interplanetary travel, aliens, space stations, and cool and strange technologies?"
I say it is the channels treatment of the genre that has been the worst offense... Chiller is now in the NBC-Uni family for horror and the like, so why are we being subjected to so much trash horror on SyFy?
Additionally, the movies being cranked out by SyFy as their 'original works' are GARBAGE - see previews for Sat's Mega Shark & Octo movie... A Shark leaping from the water to grab a jet? At 10,000 ft, the shark would have to exit the water at about 400 miles per minute. Where did the SCIENCE go from Science Fiction?
I have hopes for this new series, but see the possibility of the same flaw there. Like has been mentioned, the language thing is a bit rediculous. Gates on atmosphere compatable worlds is acceptable, as they would be the only place to put them for an oxygenating race to put them. Water, wildlife, and vegetation are most likely to exist as well. But to make creatures, and then have them speak English is bad form, as are the other mistakes listed. We just have to see how well Science is adhered to in this new Science Fiction entry. - KH

Sounds like this show will be very interesting to watch. If some folks don't like the reality, or grittiness, of it, that's their deal. But I intend to watch for a few episodes and see how it goes.

-Tibbetts

divephotog: Well, technically, SyFy didn't make Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus. They just aired it. It was out on DVD back in May.

But back on topic, I think SG:U has some potential. We'll see how it goes I guess.

From that preview it looks pretty awesome to me...

Notice how everyone complaining about his "derogatory" comments about previous installments in the franchise fail to acknowledge the fact that he's a fan and has seen every episode. This guy is a fan... I think he's great, and he's only got me more excited for SGU. October 2nd couldn't come soon enough

I've been a Stargate fan almost from the beginning and I think that this 'darker' version of the show will be the death knell of the franchise.

From the fans I've talked too, the fan favourite episodes shown at Conventions, and the style of the original, I feel that the reason that Stargate lasted 10 years was the humour. If you don't have that, you aren't going to last.

Look at Battlestar Galactica... no humourous episodes... nobody even cracked a smile throughout the whole series... very depressing... and it died.

I watch TV to be entertained, as an escape. I have enough "real life' every day. I'll take lighter shows like Eureka or Warehouse 13 over a darker show like Galactica anytime, anywhere.

And it looks like SGU is going in the wrong direction. Sorry, but in my opinion, this show won't last three seasons.

I would rather have 3 seasons of a show like BSG than 10 seasons of a show like SG1.

Quality over quantity any day of the week.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to enjoy this a lot. We'll see.

Wait, wait, wait... a STAR of the new series (not to mention much-trumpeted "long-time fan") just insulted 15 years of Stargate with the comment "Unlike past shows, where you have rubber-faced, British-speaking aliens, it's more about the ensemble cast" Seriously?!

Oh yes, those sparkling credentials and honest rapport with true SG fans will really make me want to tune in. I've always been willing to give the Stargate evolutions a chance but this is nothing more than desperate pandering to a younger and stupider audience.

I never dreamed the scifi genre (or the SG producers for that matter) would sink so low. No, I really don't need a bunch of clueless characters with conveniently buff biceps or revealing cleavage to get me to tune in. That's what reality television is for.

I'd always respected and appreciated the Stargate shows for their intelligence and uniqueness, and the resultant demands put on the audience. Guess SKIFFY decided that's no more marketable than its old name. Big Surprise.

I want MORE British-speaking aliens not less!
Makes it feel more worldy somehow, a more universal and exotic world.

David blue is most irritating unfunny bad actor who should not have been casted for that spot. He will kill the show!.

Good thing this was not the first SG series on TV. It would never have survived as a franchise. This show is a colossal waste of time. The character of Eli is a "nothing" - its like David Blue won a contest where the winner gets to appear in a TV show for an episode (three in this case). If I was the Colonel, I would have decked "Dr. Rush" (what a misnomer) a number of times and had a search team find a secure room that could be used as a brig to dump his worthless carcass. I have watched the first three shows, expecting better, but instead, each show has been worse than the previous show. How unfortunate for Sanctuary to have been placed in the following slot. Instead, I'll watch the "Medium" on CBS (even though it has been proven that the real "Alison Dubois" is a fake and never did any of the things she claimed - all verifiable). After, I end up watching Numbers and taping Sanctuary. I would be surprised if SGU is given a second season (and maybe not even a full season) unless some radical changes are made.