I must admit, to being a bit of a science fiction snob. Yep, as much as I enjoy they realm of science fiction, I am a bit choosy as to what exactly I will watch and or read. As a young lad, I must admit to watching a lot of Star Trek, but that was just because I didn’t know any better 
Don’t get me wrong, I do very much enjoy Captain Kirk and the gang of the Enterprise . . . albeit it in small doses. In fact, I do think that some of the episodes in that original series stand the test of time and are every bit as relevant today as they were decades ago. The episode “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield” comes immediately to mind. Still, in my mind, good science fiction makes us ask question about ourselves and how we define ourselves as humans. What it means to be human, is a recurring theme in many sci-fi television shows, movies and books. It remains one of my favorite to ponder. Blade Runner the movie is one fine example of this on the big screen.
So, before I diverge too far from my original premise for this article, let’s again consider my query concerning the relatively new television series Stargate Universe. Now, while Stargate Universe may be relatively new, the history of this fictional universe is not. The original Stargate movie starring James Spader and Kurt Russel, spawaned the Stargate SG-1 television series which ran for a pretty darn impressive 10 years. I never watched the series when it first aired, but became interested in it a few years ago, and started watching the series from the beginning. I was somewhat pessimistic as to the quality of the show in the early years, as it was a bit too light hearted for my sensibilities. Science fiction is serious stuff after all. Suffice it to say though, that the series did grow on me. I rather enjoyed the show, and it’s own ability to poke fun at itself. Check out episodes 100 and 200 for proof of this.
After completing SG-1, I felt obliged to continue my viewing, with Stargate Atlantis. This show used pretty much the same formula of fun science fiction with lots of bullets and bad guys around every corner. Once again, I enjoyed this series, which again ran for a respectable five seasons. Cameos from cast and crew of the original series continued to add continuity to the series. As usual, good light hearted science fiction.
But, I’m also a big fan of the more serious side of sci-fi. Cue my intro into a discussion of Battlestar Galactica. In my mind, one of the best television shows of any genre to grace my television screen. A very different experience than the Stargate one has been for me though. I must admit though, that I do love the dark stuff when it comes to science fiction. The way Battlestar blended politics, religion, sociological issues and interesting/strong characters within a sci-fi setting was truly amazing. If Star Trek opened the door for science fiction in mainstream media, the Battlestar raised the bar.
Now, when I started watch Stargate Universe, I couldn’t help but think, “Hey they’re doing that whole dark think just like BSG”. And in a way, they kind of are. But, they also haven’t forgotten from whence they came. Eli is still there to keep things a little bit lighter at times, and I love his reference to other Sci-Fi stories. His reference to the Genesis Device during the last “Faith” episode of Stargate Universe was just one example. I love it how the other characters give him blank stares when he does this stuff. Just like he’s the alien in the series. It kind of just highlights how the shows writes and producers continue to enjoy poking fun at themselves and the whole Sci-Fi genre. Somehow, without offending sci-fi fans that as we all know can be incredibly sensitive. Anyway, to sum things up, I must admit that yes I do think the new Stargate Universe show is worthy of my attention. It’s a little bit of the old Stargate universe, with a bit of the darkness from BSG thrown in for good measure. I think, that in the long run, it will make both the show and the characters that much more interesting to watch.
