I’ve written extensively about MGM’s releases of the series “Stargate SG-1.” I came to the series late as I was a huge fan of the movie “Stargate”, which heavily borrowed from books like “Chariots of the Gods” to create a world in which the ancient gods of Egypt were actually aliens. As much as I liked the movie, I stayed away from the TV series since I had little doubt it would pale in comparison. It wasn’t until around 2001 that a friend suggested I watch the series. After all, it had survived a few seasons on Showtime, then was picked up by the Sci Fi Channel and continued a highly successful run. I agreed that I must have been missing something so I picked up the 1st season on DVD. My wife and I have been hooked ever since. Aside from the occasional foray into cheesiness, “Stargate SG-1” proved to be a highly entertaining series.

This was not only thanks to the tremendous work of the cast, which included Richard Dean Anderson as the irascible Colonel O’Neill. I didn’t think it was possible for the writers to sustain an aura of quality in a series that pretty much took our heroes to new worlds each week via the ‘Stargate’, a device capable of creating a wormhole in which travel to distant worlds (also containing Stargates) was possible. However, the writers continued to prove me wrong for ten seasons, a couple of movies, and the five season series “Stargate: Atlantis.” (You can catch my thoughts on both here.)

A strong level of terrific writing continued to be present throughout every subsequent season of both series and I was ticked off when the first was cancelled, then again when the spin-off only had five seasons. Still, the “Stargate” universe lives on in, ironically enough… “Stargate: Universe which premiered back in 2009. “Stargate Universe” took off in a whole new direction as well as having a whole new look. Where the original series’ had a kind of ‘clean’ look to them, this new series was far grittier. This overall look remined me a lot of the updated version of “Battlestar Galactica”, which is what I believe the creators were going for.

(Before I start the rest of this review, please note that I will be referring to subjects that may seem ‘alien’ to you if you have never watched any version of ‘Stargate.” I can refer you back to one of my earlier reviews for a little catch-up, which you will see a link to 2 paragraphs back.)

“Stargate SGU” takes place onboard a starship that was built by a race of ‘Ancients’ and has been roaming the universe for millions of years. Our new cast, after finding themselves caught up in the middle of a firefight, escape through a Stargate and wind up aboard the “Destiny” as it hurtles through space. (Round and round it goes, where it stops nobody knows…) This new premise allowed our cast to travel to new adventures, without being able to escape back to Earth or any other planet on the main Stargate network.

The cast was made up of an interesting array of characters including, Dr. Nicholas Rush (Robert Carlyle), a brilliantly egomaniacal scientist, Eli Wallace (David Blue), a young computer genius who was ‘forced’ into joining the Stargate program, the chief medic, Tamara Johansen (Alaina Huffman), SG team leader Everett Young (Louis Ferreira), Chloe Armstrong, (Elyse Leveque) a Senator’s daughter, First Lieutenant Matthew Scott (Brian J. Smith and an IOA representative named Camile (Ming-Na).

Whereas the earlier editions of “Stargate” had a relatively colorful palette, this show is darker in both tone and color. Everyone seems to have a secret agenda, and trusting anyone can be deadly. Though most of the show takes place on the ship, the writers wisely took advantage of some technology that was introduced towards the final seasons of the original “Stargate.” The actors are able to utilize stone communication devices that are linked to the same devices on Earth and the individuals ‘swap’ minds. So the person on the ship inhabits the person on Earth and can interact with those around them, and vice versa. Sounds confusing I know… but it works and makes for some very interesting interactions. It also allows for some guest spots from “Stargate” favorites.

While this series was very different in tone, and I still miss what came before… I really did like it. It took a couple of episodes to win me over, but I’m now a fan. Which if course, is where the sad part comes in. The second season premiered, and the show was summarily cancelled before a third season could take off. (GRRRR).

MGM just released the second (and final!) season on DVD and Bluray and I jumped right in so I could catch up after the first season’s cliffhanger. This sophomore season took off running and made the series a winner in my book. The writer’s took the stories into even darker places, and I was hooked all the way through the end. And speaking of the end… the series was able to film a final episode, and the direction they took it in was downright perfect.

As has always been the case for “Stargate” releases, the extra features really make for a fantastic package. Every episode includes a commentary, from the funny to the sublime, there is a lot of talking going on and all of it is interesting. There is a vast array of short featurettes (see below) that give viewers a lot to take in as far as how the show was put together,

“Stargate Universe” definitely took fans in a vastly different direction, but I saw the same excellent storytelling and character development that I had come to expect from a “Stargate” franchise. I was so looking forward to more than two seasons.

Episodes:
Intervention, Part 3
Aftermath
Awakening
Pathogen
Cloverdale
Trial and Error
The Greater Good
Malice
Visitation
Resurgence, Part 1
Deliverance, Part 2
Twin Destinies
Alliances
Hope
Seizure
The Hunt
Common Descent, Part 1
Epilogue, Part 2
Blockade
Gauntlet

Starring: Robert Carlysle, Louis Ferriera, Brian J. Smith, Elyse Levesque, David Blue, Alaina Huffman, Ming-Na
Special Features: Interviews with the Cast of SGU; Deconstructing Destiny; Audio Commentaries on all episodes; Pitches – A Journey of Friendship and Discovery; Robert Carlyle Directs; Andy Mikita Directs;•Eli’s Mom Comes on Board; Brian J. Smith’s First Fight; Crashing a Shuttle; The Seed Ship with Joe Mallozzi; Saying Goodbye to Sgt. Riley; Lou Diamond Phillips on Guest Stars; Lt. Scott Gets Hit By A Car; Inside Cloverdale with Brad Wright; How to Get Sucked Into Space; Deconstructing Destiny;• A Day in the Life of Jamil Walker Smith; Transplant Day; Sitting Down with Mike Dopud; Bringing the Bridge to Life; Louis Ferreira vs. Colonel Young; and Behind the Season 2 Finale – Gauntlet.
Release Date: 5/31/2011
Studio: MGM
http://www.mgm.com

We'll give Stargate SGU: Season 2 an A.