You read right, dear readers. This week’s Stargate Universe recap is actually a review, because there is a lot to discuss after this mind blowing episode. While tonight’s airing was actually my second time seeing it, it still held a dramatic punch and contrasted how far this makeshift crew of the Destiny has come along.
Love and Revenge
Tonight we saw the loss of Ginn (Julie McNiven) as well as the loss of Dr. Amanda Perry (Kathleen Munroe) at the hands of Simeon (Robert Knepper). This tragic double death sent both Dr. Rush and Eli into a state of vengeance, which governed their actions (or in Eli’s case wannabe actions) aboard and off the Destiny. In my personal opinion, Rush had the most logical reason for a breakdown than Eli did, because there was a history between Rush and Dr. Perry that extended pre-Desitny days. Eli had only known Ginn for a couple of days, maybe a week or two, depending on the time lapse on the show. If Ginn had have been Chloe, then I would understand the extent of Eli’s anger. With that being said, I’m not suggesting Eli shouldn’t have been upset at all, but the extent of his vengeance over someone he barely knew was a bit much to me. Gladly, Young talked some sense into him, but that talk still didn’t stop Eli from acting like a kid.
As for Rush, Amanda’s death was senseless, because she was an innocent bystander in the whole debacle with the Lucian Alliance. Plus, Dr. Rush beat himself up because of his inability to trust those around him indirectly was the cause of Amanda’s death, which could’ve been avoided if he had have come clean with the rest of the crew about the bridge. Does that mean he has himself to fault for her death? Not really, because Rush might lay some blame on Col. Young and Camile Wray for even letting the Lucian Alliance remain on the ship. This last statement leads me to my next assessment…
Power and Control
Rush killing Simeon was significant as more than just a vengeance kill in my eyes, because it raised new scenarios on how the
aftermath can play out. First, if it ever got out that Rush knowingly killed Simeon, who was willing to give up information about the attack on Earth, then the newly formed truce between he and Col. Young is basically nullified. That was some epically important information and by Rush acting with instinctive vengeance and not rationally will make him even more distrustful in the eyes of his “companions.” However, the chance of that coming out is slim to none, unless Rush stupidly admits it to someone on the ship. I also feel that Rush killing Simeon kind of works in his favor for Destiny’s overall mission. If the crew is still worried about saving Earth, then their mind is still on home, which can put a damper on the new mission at hand. Without a “home” to yearn for, the crew will have to focus on the destination in front of them. I know that’s a bit extreme, but that’s just me.
In short, the Power War goes to Rush this time, but the question now is if he’s fit to actually use it?
Other Observations
– I’m not feeling how the crew is treating Chloe. While I know she might be a risk, I hate that she’s been demoted to a lab rat to be yelled at out of fear or anger when she doesn’t comply with everyone’s comfort zones. Instead of fearing what she’s capable of, they might want to embrace her abilities and try to use them to their advantage, without acting as if she will literally stab them in the back.
– I personally didn’t see why Simeon would abandon ship. If he was that down for the cause, then why not kill himself and be done with it? I know he might’ve had a plan to hop gates back to the other Lucian Alliance members, but then what? I guess I wasn’t meant to understand the minds of intergalactic pirates.
– Lt. Scott is quickly becoming the sane, moral compass on the ship, which is a vast difference from last year. He’s growing into his own and is comfortable with his role as second in command on the ship. He’s smart, resourceful and knows how to hold his head in crazy situations, which has gotten a lot of people out of trouble recently. Move over, Eli. There is a new wonder boy in town.
So what did you guys think about the episode? Was there something you saw that I didn’t? Do you think the aftermath of this shake up will bring the crew together or not?
I think you (Mark) should stick to some other show where you don't sound like a spaz. You clearly have no idea about this show. Don't quit your day job.
Um, I've covered this show since the beginning of it's inception, plus some of my reviews and posts have been included on Joseph Mallozzi's webpage. So I do think I have a clear idea about the show. "Spaz?" Really? Thanks for the read though.
Mark, you really shouldn't have even given him a response. He posted that to incite a reaction from you, and you played right into it. Trolls like him should just be ignored.
I know and you are right. Thanks for having my back though, that means a lot. :D
Oh, come on.
Troll comment.
"If Ginn had have been Chloe"
This was a terrific episode.
I disagree with you about Eli's reaction; I think it was relatively realistic. Yes, he's acting a bit immature, but we've always seen that about Eli's character. I believe early on he got into trouble for using the Kinos to spy on women taking showers — something you'd expect of a high school kid.
Chloe's suspect. I'd suspect her, even though I'd have sympathy for her. She doesn't know what she's doing, and *really might* literally stab them in the back.
Simeon's only choice was to abandon ship, since he wouldn't be overpowering all of them by himself.
Rush is brilliant, but not a military man, and I loved the contrast between his approach and Scott's measured tactics in tracking Simeon. Scott really shone in this episode, and his confrontation with Rush shows both that Scott's able to take command, and that Rush will listen to reason even when it comes from those he wouldn't respect intellectually.
On a side note, I've been developing a real liking towards Greer. Straightforward, with strong morals and a kind heart (note how nice he was to Eli in helping his relationship with Ginn flourish, even though he didn't like Eli early in the series). Seems he'll hold a grudge against Rush, though, and I can't say Rush hasn't deserved it.
I also appreciate seeing Dr. Park playing a bit more of a role in this episode, and there seemed to have been something unsaid between her and Brody, as if one or both of them didn't think he really did enough to protect her (despite the reality that he didn't really have options). And that she momentarily accepted her own death, hurriedly telling Rush "It's okay, just go, just go!" when he had a momentary lapse trying to disable the bomb.
Finally, note that they did say, "We're not really sure that's what happens" in reference to Amanda/Gin's death. It might be possible that Gin is still alive in Amanda's crippled body, or that Amanda got shifted back to her body on the death of Gin's. Either could mean more work for both actresses (the dying one getting the mirror shots). If the writers wanted to be especially arcane, maybe even both minds survive in the single body left alive.
problem being that they said that dr perry had died back on earth…I really am pretty sad about this whole thing, which i guess is what attracts me to the series: the hardcore pure emotional flip-flops that happen almost every episode. Cant wait til next weeks!
Whats the deal with Rush and Eli telling people to 'shut up', 'not to touch anything because you'll screw it up', and to 'stop bugging me so that I can save the day'. That seems to be a favorite Stargate Atlantis joke or skit.
Also, why is Eli suddenly acting like Rush? Why is it a common belief that smart people don't talk and the smarts come naturally instead of coming from experience? Maybe this belief is our excuse for not acting smartly…
well – even the most talented/gifted/brilliant/genius peps react differently in a live threatening stress situation – i confess in SGA that was one of McKays most annoying character flaw.
You are right smarts or even wisdom comes with experience (Eli is young and lived behind his computers and took inadequate jobs out of necessity). But (a) natural talent(s) / genie without experience is still some kind of advantage. An intellectual skill set does not necessarily guarantee social competence a.s.o.
can anybody tell me was that T-Rexs i saw run over semeon on STU last night
No, they were not. Aside from being on another planet, their morphology was somewhat different — I only counted two limbs (they had feet, but no arms, and also the neck seemed more flexible).
Even if I mis-saw something there, though, there's the simple fact that T Rexes were not herd animals and therefore did not stampede. T Rexes were almost certainly solitary predators (imagine if you'd even had pack predators like velociraptors or wolves — they wouldn't have run over Simeon, they would have eaten him).
All of which does point out either a flaw or at least an unknown of last night's episode (that will never likely be answered): what do large herd animals eat in a largely plant-free environment?
Known as pica or geophagy, eating soil is widespread among animals on every continent. Antler-growing deer eat soil rich in calcium and magnesium. Some animals seek out sodium. In Zambia and Zimbabwe giant termite mounds attract cows and giraffes.
Wow, and I almost forgot — in a reference to the ultimate mission of Destiny, Scott or Greer asked, "So, it's like a message from God?" and Rush responded snappishly, "I bet you'd like that, wouldn't you?"
From which I'm guessing Rush is an atheist — which would make sense about him but which I'm not sure has been explicitly or even implicitly stated until now. I suppose I'll forgive the response falling into the "angry atheist" mold since Rush was already pretty agitated at the time. Still, if he'd been religious he would likely have just agreed with the idea (though it would be neat if someone deeply religious flat-out *refused* to believe it could be a message from God — a refusal there might be any number of theological and psychological justifications for).
Jeremy, I'm going to be reviewing my DVR, because I'm not sure how they might have confirmed that Amanda Perry is dead — whether they really knew it for sure or just supposed it.
Speaking of religions, is there a record somewhere? I'd guess:
Rush – atheist
Eli – Lutheran
Chloe – Catholic
Greer – Baptist
Scott – Christian
Wray – agnostic/spiritualist
Young – no idea
Park – Buddhist, perhaps?
Actually, I think it's likely their respective religions might become a lot more evident as the mission continues.
Sam, Vanessa James used the communications stones to find out that Dr. Perry was indeed dead. As for your comments about the character analysis of Rush and the others, I'm impressed. I hope to hear more from you for the rest of the season!
my character analysis after Season 1 :
Doctor Nicholas Rush (R.Carlyle) : The next generation scientist – compared to him Samantha Carter and Rodney (SG-A) were simple characters. He is brilliant, obsessed, manipulative, tragic, envious (Math Boy), insecure as well as overconfident and his manchester accent tops the canadian predecessor – a 21st century Salieri.
Colonel Everett Young (J.Louis) : Leader by accident. He tries to keep the balance between the civilians (the scientists who have power by knowledge), the military (that depends on the scientists) and the politicians/diplomats. He is not a power position seeker per se and his biggest flaw is that he was not able to find allies in the 2 non military groups.
Lt. Matthew Scott (B.J.Smith): Just the C.O. of Cl. Young – he carries on the story/action – young person that had quite a history – soldier instead of priest, has a child left behind.
Eli Wallace (D,Blue) : Joker (Cards) – Math Boy – Cloes best girl friend – Best Boy – university drop out who made the whole story possible by solving an ancient code embedded in a video game. Seems to be the only straight forward person in the whole drama (mostly speaks his thoughts – no matter what) – Similarities to Rodney (SGA) – without the arrogance or overgrown ego.
Chloe Armstrong (E. Levesque): Senators Daughter – politics/diplomat cast. She*s a picky brat with no real function for the story till now – she screws Lt.Matthew – but as soon as Matthew is not available or she gets in trouble or needs profane help she turns towards the chubby Math Boy Eli.
MS Tamara Johanson (Alaina Kalanj) : carries the child of Cl. Young – nurse who should be somewhere on earth in med-school rather than a space ship – as the acting doctor her role is vital.
SSgt Ronald Greer (J.D.Smith) : At the begin he appears to be a narrow minded jar-head squared – by time his personality reveals to be quite complex formed by his biography. Not totally dislikeable – when facing certain death by falling into a star he gives a remarkable video statement as his legacy – and he is the only one who completely undreses for that event :woot:
Camille Wray (Ming-Na) : a power-hungry, conniving, asian lesbian who is a IOA representative – so politician/diplomat cast – her function is unclear as well – except for co-staging a bounty and setting up schemes to gain personal power.
all the other characters have no carrying roles so far they are merely around to solve problems.
It only can get better – i`m quite sure it will (may 2010)
i hope that religion / believe systems stay outside that show ….
So is TBag like a super Lucian? How he is able to take out trained SGU soldiers without really sneaking up on them was quite irritating. Those guys guarding the armory… were they asleep? As soon as they discovered Ginn's body… all of them should have been on guard… Destiny needs to borrow the Enterprise's Red Alert system.
Also did they not think to switch their walkies to a more secure channel in case TBag was listening to them?
At least I know the SGU might see another season… unlike the last two shows Robert Knepper was on. I'm still not sure why this newly discovered "mission" is more important than getting home.
Will Eli have a new respect for Rush now that he killed his first hookup's murderer? Let's hope they run into more Lucian Alliance… like Ginn's sister… I like Eli better as the puppy-love struck math genius than the whiny lonesome nerd.
u need to watch more carefully in episode 2.07 Wray visits Ginns room and at the end of the scene she detects Elis red sweater on something like a couch/bed – a loathing grin of/by Wray ends the scene …
i do not think Eli took just a shower there because his own crashed :) ….
so even worse and frustrating.
Has anyone else noticed that universe is avoiding talking about the Ori? Personally I'm glad that the Lucian alliance is the villain and that the Ori have been essentially written out of the canon! ( Except for the comm stones)
Were The Ori that bad? I dabbled in SG-1, before I fell in with SGA and SGU. I thought the Ori were pretty big villains given the attention paid to them in the SG-1 movie The Ark of Truth.
Why isn't anyone sorry about Mandy? She's a much more interesting Character and she's liked Rush for years while Eli has only known Ginn for a few weeks. Maximum. Besides I think Eli was really annoying. I was constantly going: "Shut up and stop whining!"
I wonder how Ginn and Mandy can both be dead, I mean wouldn't Mandy's body just live on without a consciousness? Or maybe Ginn is still alive inside Mandy's Body. I really, really, really hope they're going to find a way to bring them back. PLEASE!
No offence Mark but you should really go back to Recapping. Personally I just find that much more interesting. And since the show isn’t airing over here anymore I need to find out what happened.