Stargate Universe Premieres–Nice

Robert Carlyle, Ming-Na, Lou Diamond Phillips and Christopher McDonald all in one show! Stargate Universe debuted looking more like Battlestar Galactica than Atlantis or SG-1. This isn’t your usually Stargate fair. But a welcome change of pace.

The characters are good. It’s nice to have normal people mixed with the ‘best of the best’ of the US Military. This the way to do what Voyager tried to do. The only resemblance to previous incarnations is the gate mythology itself, and the few cameos.

Speaking of cameos, the way that the old-guard handed of to the new-guard was really good. It was handled so matter-of-factly. Any new viewer wouldn’t have even known Carter, O’Neil or Jackson were anything special; as opposed to the handoff between SG-1 and Atlantis. Anytime SG-1 characters were part of an Atlantis episode it was treated as a special event.

The character of Eli is going to be very polarizing. You’ll either love him or hate him. I for one love him. Bringing an everyman into the Stargate realm is just what is needed. Daniel was close, but was already an expert. Eli brings us into the show, and it works well. The only issue I had was that he should have been on the base longer before the event that puts them on the ship. A montage or wipe that shoots them ahead a month would have given more credibility to his character. But after a few weeks, we’ll forget about this.

I hope they don’t try to be too much like BSG. I like the grittier version of Stargate, but I don’t want BSG-Lite. I’m looking forward to this series. Especially more of the talented Ms. Ming-Na. What did you think?

Stargate — Voyager?

Fresh off of canceling Atlantis, Sci-Fi has announced the new series “Stargate Universe”. Read more

Sci-Fi Sinks Atlantis

In a typical Sci-Fi Channel bonehead move, they have decided to prematurely end “Stargate: Atlantis” after 5 seasons. Read more

Stargate’s Don S. Davis dead at age 65

One of the strongest presence in “Stargate: SG-1″ was that of General Hammond. The beloved actor who portrayed him, Don S. Davis, died Sunday of a heart attack.

Gateworld has the following message that was provided by Don’s representative and his wife, Ruby Fleming-Davis:

Dear Fans and Friends of Don S. Davis,

So many of you have been touched by not only the work and art of Don S. Davis, but by the man himself, who always took the time to be with you at the appearances he loved, that it is with a tremendous sense of loss I must share with you that Don passed away from a massive heart attack on Sunday morning, June 29th.

On behalf of his family and wife, Ruby, we thank you for your prayers and condolences. A family memorial where Don’s ashes will be scattered in the ocean will take place in a few weeks, and should you wish to, please make a donation to the American Heart Association in Don’s memory.

I always loved Davis, and his portrayal of Hammond was both commanding and fatherly. He had a great career, and was an acting force in the ’80s and ’90s on television with roles on the hottest shows of the time. He will be missed.

When Davis left Stargate for medical reasons, Beau Bridges stepped in and filled the role nicely. Although nothing could replace the hole left by the departure of General George Hammond. I had hoped to see Davis again in future Stargate movies or as a guest on “Stargate: Atlantis”.

Did you like Davis’ portrayal as Hammond? What did Bridges bring to the show that Davis lacked?

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