SGU Reviews/Articles (Announcements only) Spoilers S1-2

[prion]

http://whatever.scalzi.com/2009/09/3...ltant-answers/

or http://tinyurl.com/y9kcwj3

On Being the Stargate Universe Creative Consultant: Answers!

EXCERPT:

Having given you most of a day to ask questions about my gig as the Stargate: Universe Creative Consultant, I will now start answering them. Prepare yourselves!

Roger E: I’d like to hear a bit of the story of how you came to get the actual gig. (Are the producers fans of OMW?, etc.)

Well, the short version of the story is that a couple of years ago I got an e-mail from Joe Mallozzi, who was a producer on Stargate: Atlantis, letting me know how much he enjoyed Old Man’s War. We started up a friendly correspondence after that, and at some point he asked if I might be interested in doing something for Atlantis, or possibly for another Stargate series they were thinking of for the future. I demurred on Atlantis, because I hadn’t watched enough of it to feel qualified to do anything for it, but I said when or if they got the new series off the ground I might be interested in doing something.



REST AT LINK ABOVE

[prion]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/7...-Stargate.html

or http://tinyurl.com/yavxuae

Do we really need yet another 'Stargate'?
No, but the 'Universe' series starts off better than was expected

After a dozen years, three series, 340 episodes and a couple of direct-to-DVD movies, is there any need for a new "Stargate" series?
After all, it's not like those three series were exactly television classics. The most recent, "Stargate Atlantis," was kind of, well, um, not exactly good.
And the producers of the new "Stargate Universe" are the same guys who've been steering this franchise for 15 seasons of "SG-1" and "Atlantis." Do they have anything new to offer?

REST AT LINK ABOVE

[prion]

http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/09/30...facebook/29110

or http://tinyurl.com/yckxdf3

Syfy rolls out plan to connect viewers in person, on syfy.com, Twitter, Facebook
Press release:
SYFY ROLLS OUT UNPRECEDENTED PLAN TO CONNECT WITH VIEWERS IN PERSON, ON SYFY.COM, ON TWITTER, AND VIA FACEBOOK


Syfy to host a Series of Live Viewer Meetings, Events, Exclusive Screenings and Giveaways – Online Fans Can Enter and Win the Stargate Universe Sweepstakes

New York, NY – September 30, 2009 – Syfy announced today a plan to directly connect viewers with network executives both in person and via Syfy.com, Twitter and Facebook. Syfy senior executives will engage in open, direct dialog on all things Syfy through Syfy.com, Twitter and Facebook, and through upcoming live events, including regular executive/viewer meetings, meet-ups and tweet-ups in New York and Los Angeles, and exclusive screening events.

“We want to talk directly to our viewers by literally bringing them into the office to sit down with us one on one, as well as through social media sites and on Syfy.com,” said Craig Engler, Senior Vice President/General Manager, Syfy Digital. “We want to hear their thoughts, answer any questions they might have, let them be the first people to see our new series at special screenings, and give them a chance to meet the awesome cast and crew members from our shows.”

Syfy’s first digital-social event kicks off Friday, October 2 in support of the highly anticipated series, Stargate Universe. Syfy Digital will host an exclusive afternoon screening of the two-hour premiere at Planet Hollywood in New York City’s Times Square, before it premieres that night at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. Fans will be selected via Syfy.com and Twitter for a chance to win tickets to attend the screening and attend a private meet and greet with series stars, Ming-Na and Lou Diamond Phillips. To learn more about the Stargate Universe Sweepstakes and your chance to win, please click at: http://www.syfy.com/universe/sweepstakes/

Engler has also been talking directly to viewers on Twitter using the handle “Syfy” since April, and the network created a new presence on Facebook during the relaunch of Syfy, posting behind the scenes photos and exclusive trailers for viewers. A series of upcoming events will be announced on Syfy.com, Facebook and Twitter.

Syfy is a media destination for imagination-based entertainment. With year round acclaimed original series, events, blockbuster movies, classic science fiction and fantasy programming, a dynamic Web site (www.Syfy.com), and a portfolio of adjacent business (Syfy Ventures), Syfy is a passport to limitless possibilities. Originally launched in 1992 as SCI FI Channel, and currently in 95 million homes, Syfy is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. (Syfy. Imagine greater.)

[Madwelshboy]

GLAAD Report: LGBT Characters Hit New High on Broadcast, Decline on Cable

HBO, Showtime and Sundance account for a big portion of the 25 cable characters, but the report applauded both ABC Family and SyFy for becoming more LGBT-friendly in recent years with series such as Greek and the upcoming Stargate Universe.

http://www.tvguide.com/News/GLAAD-Re...T-1010370.aspx

REST AT LINK

[Madwelshboy]

Exclusive: Stargate Universe's Robert Carlyle

Those who've been following the development of "Stargate," ever since the concept was introduced in the 1994 movie by Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin, will have a chance to explore new worlds aboard the starship Destiny with the premiere episode of the new series "SGU: Stargate Universe" on Syfy starting Friday, October 2.

Following on the heels of previous series "SG-1" and "Atlantis," the new show involves a diverse group of people who have been stranded on the Destiny after escaping through a Stargate, and they have to work together to survive and uncover the mysteries of the ship.

American audiences first met Scottish actor Robert Carlyle when he co-starred in Danny Boyle's Trainspotting, followed quickly by his part in The Full Monty and other mainly British films--he even did a stint as a Bond baddie in The World is not Enough). "Stargate Universe" is his first major television show in the United States, in which he plays Dr. Nicholas Rush, the genius scientist who seems to know a lot more about the Destiny's workings than the others who end up onboard.

continues:
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/tvnews.php?id=59544

Exclusive: Ming-Na on SGU: Stargate Universe

Ming-Na first got attention when she appeared as part of the ensemble cast of Wayne Wang's adaptation of The Joy Luck Club and she provided the voice of Disney's Mulan before she became a regular on NBC's hit drama "E.R." for nine years. Besides providing her voice for Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, "SGU" is Ming-Na's first foray into science fiction, which is surprising considering what an admitted sci-fi geek she considers herself. (She was even the President of her Sci-Fi Club!) Even so, with the likes of Ming-Na aboard, it's almost guaranteed the quality of acting will be elevated, making this a more character-driven television series than the previous two shows. Here's what she was able to tell us about the new show and her character, Camille Wray.

continues:
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/inter...s.php?id=59590

[prion]

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertain...e_on_syfy.html

SGU
'Stargate Universe' makes leap into hipper space on SyFy
4 stars

EXCERPT:
With 19 episodes remaining in this season, there's plenty of time for all this drama to intensify and the characters to sort themselves out as good and not-so-good.
"Stargate Universe" aims, bluntly, to make the "Stargate" franchise hip and flashy to a new generation. Accordingly, there's more emphasis on characters than in past productions, which were often driven by complicated plots.
At the same time, director Andy Mikita retains enough familiar trappings, so he's hoping core fans will want to stick around.
Eli's not the only one playing a high-stakes game here.
Rest at link above

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http://www.airlockalpha.com/node/6736

Preview: 'Stargate: Universe' Gives Franchise Fresh New Life
Not exactly 'Battlestar Galactica,' but definitely deserves similar level of respect

EXCERPT:
What Worked
Constantly moving action. And not just fight scenes or moments where you're on the edge of your seat.
The story moves fast in the pilot, even if everything is told in an order that's anything but. That's good, because the last thing you want to be doing is wondering if you should turn the channel or not. But with a good pace set by director Andy Mikita, you simply don't get time to think about it.

What Didn't Work
Robert Carlyle is a great actor, but his character of Dr. Nicholas Rush needs some serious work. He gives audiences reasons to dislike him, and maybe even a little to empathize with him. But unless he defines himself at least one way or another, he could easily become a throwaway character that no one would miss.

Rest at link above

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http://blogs.amctv.com/scifi-scanner...television.php

John Scalzi - The Best and Worst Television Adaptations of SciFi Classics
EXCERPT:
I'm going to engage in a bit of shameless self-promotion and tell you that this Friday marks the debut of Stargate: Universe, a television show for which I am the Creative Consultant, and if you wouldn't mind watching it (whilst, of course, setting your DVR to record AMC's scheduled offering Field of Dreams, and promising to watch all of it, including the commercials), I would be deeply appreciative. Appalling personal advertisement out of the way, the debut of Stargate: Universe is also notable because the television series has cinematic roots in 1994's Stargate, directed by Roland Emmerich, who would go on to make Independence Day and the upcoming 2012. And while Stargate has been the most successful science fiction movie-to-television crossover (SG:U is the third series that can trace its ancestry back to the movie) of course it's not the only one; a number of science fiction flicks have beamed down from the silver screen to the the small screen. How did they do? Let's take a look.

Rest at link above

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http://www.winnipegsun.com/entertain...21641-sun.html

Ferreira back to his roots

EXCERPT:
Louis Ferreira had three good reasons to change his name: His dearly departed mother; his kids; and his own sense of comfort with his career.
Until recently, Louis Ferreira's professional acting name was Justin Louis.
But Louis Ferreira -- whose new series Stargate Universe debuts tomorrow on Space -- is his actual name.
"When I initially started acting, it was simple: I was a Portuguese kid growing up at Jane and Finch (in Toronto) with his mother on welfare, and I had an opportunity to make some money in acting," Ferreira said.
TOO ETHNIC?
"But they were like, 'The name is too ethnic, change it.' And I said, 'OK, whatever you want.'

Rest at link above

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http://www.mercedsunstar.com/160/story/1088640.html

'Stargate' back with new twists
EXCERPT:
Ming-Na knows taking the role comes with a big responsibility because the franchise has a strong fan base -- something she got a glimpse of at this summer's Comic Con in San Diego.
"I was a bit overwhelmed at how strong of a fan base the show has," she says. "But because I was a sci-fi fan when I was younger, and could recite every line of the 'Star Wars' films, I knew exactly where that loyalty comes from."

Rest at link above

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http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Art...8067/?UserKey=

Carlyle’s lost in space
Glasgow-born Robert Carlyle stars in Stargate Universe on Tuesday. The Full Monty star tells Mark Layton why this series is the most intelligent Stargate yet, and why he would like to return to his most famous role

EXCERPT:
So when the makers of Sky’s Stargate Universe approached Robert to take the lead in the latest entry in the sci-fi franchise, the actor was sceptical.
“The first thing I said to the guys was: ‘Are you sure you’ve got the right guy?’ They kind of laughed and said: ‘Well, what do you mean?’
“I said: ‘My style is not what you’ve been doing. I can adapt and I can change and stuff like that, but I don’t think I would necessarily want to specifically for this.”’
You can see his point. After all, he’s not exactly cut from the same mould as Richard Dean Anderson or Joe Flanigan, the leading men in the previous two shows – Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis. But then this, Robert explains, is a very different kind of Stargate.

Rest at link above

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http://www.comingsoon.net/news/tvnews.php?id=59544

Exclusive: Stargate Universe's Robert Carlyle & Ming-Na
EXCERPT:
hose who've been following the development of "Stargate," ever since the concept was introduced in the 1994 movie by Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin, will have a chance to explore new worlds aboard the starship Destiny with the premiere episode of the new series "SGU: Stargate Universe " on Syfy starting Friday, October 2.

Following on the heels of previous series "SG-1" and "Atlantis," the new show involves a diverse group of people who have been stranded on the Destiny after escaping through a Stargate , and they have to work together to survive and uncover the mysteries of the ship.

Rest at link above

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http://www.collider.com/2009/09/30/c...-hours-of-sgu/

Giveaway: Autographed Posters of the STARGATE UNIVERSE Cast - Plus Steve Has Seen the First 3 Hours

EXCERPT:
I’d never seen an episode of any “Stargate” show before last week. The only “Stargate” I’d ever seen was the feature film and I liked it but didn’t love it. While I understood how a weekly show featuring the Stargate technology could work, I never felt the need to tune in. But with a friend of mine as one of the leads on the newest “Stargate” show, “Stargate Universe ”, I knew I’d be checking it out. Thankfully, I’m happy to report after watching the first three hours, the show was a lot better than I expected and I’ve already added it to my DVR’s season pass. But the best part of the show is I don’t have to lie to my friend about his performance or that I think the show is cool.
While I have more to say on the show, let’s get to the reason you’re here: autographed “SGU” posters. If you’re interested in getting one, hit the jump for what you need to do:
I have 5 autographed posters featuring the entire cast. Here’s what they look like (without autographs).

Rest at link above

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http://www.sfuniverse.com/2009/09/30...the-dark-side/

Stargate Universe Takes a Walk on the Dark Side

EXCERPT:
Stargate Universe is dark in theme and in design. Destiny, the ship in the show, is a beautiful piece of work. The production designers did a great job capturing that feel of ancient tech that’s decayed with age. Add to that the minimal lighting, hand-held cameras and a haunting soundtrack and you’ve got a very claustrophobic, tension-filled hour. The only thing missing here is the alien chest busters but it’s only the first episode of the season, so there’s hope.
The premiere is two hours long but some of that time is devoted to those annoying flashbacks that flesh out the character backstories and way too much time is spent acquainting scifi geek Eli (David Blue) and us with the details important to the Stargate franchise.
Rest at link above

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http://www.fresnobee.com/entertainme...y/1657787.html

A 'Universe' of possibilities
Longtime sci-fi fan Ming-Na welcomes the acting challenge


EXCERPT:
For Ming-Na, who has been in "ER," "Two and a Half Men" and "Mulan," this is her first chance to work in a science-fiction series -- something she's always wanted to do.
"When I was younger I wanted to be in the 'Star Wars' trilogy. I wanted to be Luke Skywalker. I have always loved the sci-fi genre because it is such a challenge. One day you might be talking to someone who is a friend and the next day they could be embodied by another being," Ming-Na says. "It's even better because I am a part of this amazing franchise."

Rest at link above

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http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/TV_Sh...menttelevision

Latest 'Stargate' opens Destiny
By BILL HARRIS - Sun Media

EXCERPT:
Hey, Louis Ferreira, you're basically the Stargate Universe version of Captain Kirk.
"I didn't think of myself that way, and to be completely honest, it probably was a good thing, because I love my Shatner!" Ferreira said with a laugh.
Ferreira then launched into a spot-on William Shatner impression for a few seconds.

Rest at link above

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http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09274...ertainment.xml

Intriguing 'Stargate Universe' needs to find its way
Thursday, October 01, 2009
By Rob Owen, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

EXCERPT:
Give "Stargate Universe" credit: It doesn't abandon its premise the way the last lost-in-space show, "Star Trek: Voyager," did soon after its debut.
This latest iteration in the "Stargate" franchise, which debuts with a two-hour premiere Friday at 9 p.m. on Syfy, begins with both promise and some hokey crutches. And then in next week's episode, the show gets lost in the desert -- literally.

Rest at link above

[MediaSavant]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09274...ertainment.xml

Intriguing 'Stargate Universe' needs to find its way
Thursday, October 01, 2009
By Rob Owen, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

EXCERPT:
Give "Stargate Universe" credit: It doesn't abandon its premise the way the last lost-in-space show, "Star Trek: Voyager," did soon after its debut.
This latest iteration in the "Stargate" franchise, which debuts with a two-hour premiere Friday at 9 p.m. on Syfy, begins with both promise and some hokey crutches. And then in next week's episode, the show gets lost in the desert -- literally.

Rest at link above

This is one of the reviewers--the other 2 are Maureen Ryan and Matt Roush--who I've been waiting to hear from because we've agreed on shows in the past.

[MattSilver 3k]

http://au.tv.ign.com/articles/103/1030296p1.html

The Stargate Universe premiere is a solid start to this new series. The special effects are top notch, and so is the set design and direction. There's not much to complain about, besides a few awkwardly delivered lines here and there. This is a brand new direction for the Stargate franchise, not a spin-off like Stargate Atlantis. Though the premise is familiar and some of the faces are too, this story has its own unique tone, and it adds some intriguing new material to the Stargate lore.

IGN's review.

Spoiler:

8.8/10

[Madwelshboy]

http://au.tv.ign.com/articles/103/1030296p1.html



IGN's review.

Spoiler:

8.8/10

While i normally agree with IGN reviews, i've learnt never to trust the final scores!

[prion]

http://www2.arkansasonline.com/news/...nment/features

THE TV COLUMN: Friday night graveyard showing signs of life

EXCERPTX:
Ugly Betty, once the darling of critics and magazine covers, is in its fourth year and usually ranks around No. 52 in the ratings. ABC promises a jazzy new look this season. Betty will even lose her braces this season!
That brings us to Syfy’s Stargate Universe.
In the interest of full disclosure, I was not a fan ofthe first two incarnations of the Stargate franchise. That’s blasphemy in some circles, but Stargate SG-1 (1997-2007) and Stargate Atlantis (2004-2009) never appealed to me.
Stargate Universe might be different if the thrill packed two-part premiere is any indication.
In the new series, a secret military research base is attacked and a small band of civilians, scientists and military types escape through a Stargate to find themselves aboard a mysterious, uninhabited ancient spaceship locked on an unknown course through deep space.
The life support systems are failing fast. What will they do?
The series, which is being billed as “younger and edgier in tone,” stars (among many others) Scottish actor Robert Carlyle, with Ming-Na and Lou Diamond Phillips.
Of special note is DavidBlue as nerdy math wizard Eli Wallace. He might just save the day.
If the series can maintain the level of the premiere, I’ll be back to follow along. If not, well, then we just have another series where Mac-Gyver, I mean Richard Dean Anderson, pops up from time-to-time in a cameo.

REST AT LINK ABOVE

[Note: RDA is popping up time to time in cameos!]

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http://www.canada.com/Nanaimo+woman+...422/story.html

Nanaimo woman lands role in latest version of TV's 'Stargate'
Oct 1 2009

EXCERPT:

A homegrown Nanaimo woman and former city princess ambassador will make her TV debut on Stargate Universe.

The latest in the popular Stargate franchise, Sandy Sidhu beat out heavy competition to score her break-out role as Dr. Mehta, the right-hand girl to high-profile actor Lou Diamond Phillips.

REST AT LINK ABOVE

[Madwelshboy]

Nanaimo woman lands role in latest version of TV's 'Stargate'
Oct 1 2009

EXCERPT:

A homegrown Nanaimo woman and former city princess ambassador will make her TV debut on Stargate Universe.

The latest in the popular Stargate franchise, Sandy Sidhu beat out heavy competition to score her break-out role as Dr. Mehta, the right-hand girl to high-profile actor Lou Diamond Phillips.

REST AT LINK ABOVE

You havent given a link for this one?

[prion]

This is one of the reviewers--the other 2 are Maureen Ryan and Matt Roush--who I've been waiting to hear from because we've agreed on shows in the past.

I'd have to say of all the reviews, I'm waiting for Maureen's the most (Chicago Tribune). It's interesting that so many are coming out today, and not tomorrow, which is usually when reviews for Friday shows come out.

[MattSilver 3k]

I'd have to say of all the reviews, I'm waiting for Maureen's the most (Chicago Tribune). It's interesting that so many are coming out today, and not tomorrow, which is usually when reviews for Friday shows come out.

Maureen's will be interesting. Dare I ask, but will Maureen's love of Battlestar Galactica bleed over into SGU/BSG comparisons in her own review? I'm guessing yes, but we'll see...

[prion]

You havent given a link for this one?

Fixed!

[prion]

Maureen's will be interesting. Dare I ask, but will Maureen's love of Battlestar Galactica bleed over into SGU/BSG comparisons in her own review? I'm guessing yes, but we'll see...

Maureen's a pretty fair reviewer. She calls 'em as she sees 'em, so no, I don't think her love of BSG will influence her review.