More Universe News...

[Wraithicator]

From TrekMovie.com

Ming-Na To Play First Openly Gay Character on Stargate
Ming-Na, who plays one of the regular characters Camille Wray on "SGU: Stargate Universe", will be playing a lesbian, one of two openly gay characters on the show, Gateworld reported:

"There are at least one and potentially more gay characters on Universe," series creator Robert C. Cooper said, with executive producer and creator Brad Wright adding, "There’s actually two."

The other Wright is referring to is Camille’s significant other, who’ll we’ll meet in the show’s seventh episode, "Life". Its in that episode that the character’s orientation will be revealed, as well as when we meet her longtime partner, Sharon, who lives on Earth. The character Sharon is listed as a lead guest, and could be recurring. Cooper and Wright said that other "Stargate" shows had gay characters, but none were revealed on screen:

"This goes towards our goal to make the characters on Universe as complex and complicated and realistic and identifiable as we can, to as many people as we can," Cooper said. "And that’s not just a desire for ratings. That’s the desire to portray humanity and make a show that is saying something about who we are."

Stargate has had gay characters? I never would have guessed. I suppose the slash fans are happy now. But I'm only posting this for the news value, not trying to stir up any conflicts or anything. :)

[Anissa T]

Interesting. Thanks for the update.

[Wraithicator]

Again from TrekMovie:

Producers Talk SGU: Stargate Universe + Shanks On His Cameo
"SGU: Stargate Universe" creators/producers Brad Wright and Robert C. Cooper spoke at length about the upcoming series at last week’s official Stargate convention on Stargate. Here are some highlights of the answers they gave to fan questions [via Gateworld]:

Cooper on the show’s aliens: "They’re not going to be human beings wearing prosthetic make-up, or speaking English. They are going to be as alien as you would hope to find out there in the far reaches of the universe."
Even though the Destiny (the ship the crew will be travelling on) is locked on course in another galaxy, SGU will still feature Earth-based stories with the help of a piece of Ancient technology: “There’s a component to the new show that allows our characters, even though they are trapped on the ship, to still relate back to Earth and to people on Earth,” Cooper said. “It’s going to allow us to tell stories about them interacting with their loved ones, and essentially tell Earth stories.”
The gate will be very different from what we’ve seen in the past: “We don’t want to give too much away, but I do think this is the coolest gate ever,” he said. “I will spoil one thing: There is a shot of the Earth gate in which you see a chevron lock you’ve never seen locked before.”
The style of the show will also differ, and Cooper says that while they didn’t intend to emulate any other show, "Firefly" is one that it’s styled after: "That’s how Firefly was shot. There’s a lot of hand-held stuff. Cameras were placed in places that were non-traditional or [not] typical of film-making. But we examined that quite closely and looked at other dramatic shows that are shot like that, as well.”

The aliens sound good, but I'm not sure I like this whole "not your father's sci-fi" thing going on with both Star Trek and Stargate.

[brymstone]

i'm into it now for the same reason i was for sga - the tech. there's just no replacing sg1 stories. about which, if they are good, that'll be a bonus ;) more ancient tech is gonna be sweet, and it'll give me some more interfaces to mess with. maybe inspiration for new features to be integrated into the hud. anyone wanna bet the new gate feature isn't the use of the 9th chevron? :D

cheers for the updates, wraith!

[colonel Mitchell]

SGU sounds like BSG with a stargate twist

[brymstone]

you wouldn't be the first to say so mate.

[AC'S Mom]

If you don't try on new sci-fi shoes how are you going to know which direction to go next?. Maybe the old ones fit just fine but sooner or later they'll wear out and the won't be anything else around. Hmm.... too philosophical????? :blush:

[Wraithicator]

But I don't wanna try on new shoes! I like these ones!

[brymstone]

if you know the sci-fi is stargate, the awesomeness was cooked a long time ago?

[Wraithicator]

ROFL!
The funniest part is that you phrased it like a question...you made my day, Brym, thanks!

[Wraithicator]

Even More From TrekMovie:

SG UPDATE: SGU and Stargate: Extinction news
Titles for three more episodes of "SGU: Stargate Universe" have been revealed, although they may be temporary. Episode 14 is tentatively titled "Lucid" and will focus on Dr. Rush (Robert Carlyle), episode 15 is titled "Sabotage" and episode 16 will be called "Lost": “The episode numbers and titles are subject to change, so nobody get too attached,” Joseph Mallozzi said. Meanwhile a source tells TV Guide that fans of the Jack/Sam relationship won’t be disappointed in the two characters’ reunion in ‘SGU’: If it’s quality Jack/Sam time you’re looking for, you won’t be disappointed."

Apparently, Extinction is the title of the Atlantis movie...I'll post that news in the Atlantis forum. :)
Well, I'm not looking for quality Sam/Jack time, but that's just my opinion.

[AC'S Mom]

Sometimes I think the writers put sticky notes on a wheel with titles of potential episodes,then spin it to see which ones come up for however many shows are needed. THEN they try to make a story work for what title was picked. Who knows! :rolleyes: And of course there is the "cover our butt" answer big business loves "subject to change without notice" or "may not be as discribed, substitutions may occur". :huh1:

[Wraithicator]

I'm with you on that, ACM.
Two Writers:
"Hey, you know what sounds like a great episode?"
"What?"
"Lucid."
"What will it be about?"
"Oh, we'll figure something out."
Kinda backwards writing, ain't it?

[Wraithicator]

Fellow co-creator Robert C. Cooper discussed why they settled on the new setting for ‘SGU‘:

"The universe is a bigger place," Cooper said in a group interview last week at Comic-Con in San Diego. "In order to not be restricted by the mythologies that have been established within each individual galaxy, the Milky Way and Pegasus, we took this show out into the universe, into the frontier of places we have never been to. Because we’re constantly going forward, we can tell a story that’s new every week. It doesn’t have to be ‘What are the Wraith doing this week? What are the Goa’uld doing this week? What is this character up to?’ When we drop out of FTL [faster-than-light mode], who knows where we are? Who knows who we’re going to meet? Just because we’ve encountered these aliens this week doesn’t mean we’re going to see them three episodes later."

Cooper also downplayed any similarities between ‘SGU’ and Star Trek: Voyager:

"The fact is that if I pitch you a story about somebody getting lost and trying to get home, that’s a story that’s been told countless times throughout history," Cooper said. "That aspect was not unique to Voyager. What’s very different about this show and Voyager is that it’s about us, in a contemporary sense of you and I beamed off out of our houses onto a spaceship. What are we going to do, and what are our concerns? We’re not in Starfleet. It’s not an antiseptic future militaristic happy place where everybody gets along. I don’t apologize for telling a story about people trying to get home. In many ways, that was somewhat built into the first season of Atlantis as well."

*sigh* I don't like where this is going...they're purposely moving away from any evolving story arc and making it an 'alien of the week' thing...at least that's the feeling I'm getting. What do you guys think? Drama-that-just-so-happens-to-be-in-space can get tedious in a hurry.

[brymstone]

definitely sounding more voyager-like, and straight from the horses mouth too!

[AC'S Mom]

Considering he specified that this is a non-military show, it takes a different view of 'spacing' shows we have all been watching since the inception of Star Trek. This may give us all a break from the rigid military "formula" that has been the space staple for so long. Nothing wrong with military story lines but when was the last new spacey show on that didn't involve the military? Last one I remember other than Dr. Who, was Lost in Space,( campy as it was).I'll give it a chance when AC,can record it for me.(thrumms fingers while waiting)

[Chris]

Huh, seems... interesting, to say the least. I dunno, a lot of this stuff could be hit or miss and all really depends on how it's pulled off... I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt and watch it of course; I made myself suffer through Infinity and this can't be THAT bad.

And who knows, it could turn out really cool.

[brymstone]

I don't think Infinity can really be lumped into the same category as this. Yes, it's SG. But it was a cartoon series which lasted as long as the end result of one of my curry nights. And I make them very spicey!

Although none of the cast or crew are going to admit it, I think Jo saw an opportunity to make a "something similar" product with a shiny SG sticker on it after the end of BSG.

I can see SGU getting a solid year or two before the cancellation rumours start up. Possibly harsh, but if it's following SGA's trend, it's set to last around half the duration of the previous show before it's done and dusted.

Doesn't mean I won't enjoy the ride though ;)

[Chris]

Oh, I didn't mean much more with my Infinity comment than "If it has StarGate in the name, I'll watch it".

[Wraithicator]

I tried Infinity once. I made it to one commercial break.

[Robin K]

I have found that not every 'spin-off' is worth the time. Just because it says "Stargate" doesn't mean that it has anything at all to do with the Stargate universe I'm interested in. Or that the new show won't totally screw up already established canon (remember the major faus pax that Star Trek: Enterprise managed to create in the first season, totally screwing up established canon????)

Given that the writers are the same bunch that screwed the pooch on Stargate SG-1, I certainly don't expect much from them. But then again, once burned, twice shy...ya know?

I've seen the trailers and read the premise...I'll pass.

[Wraithicator]

I second that, Robin. I haven't always seen eye-to-eye with your take on the SG universe...but I have to agree this time. I don't like the premise, the format they're going for, or what I've seen of the characters. I'd rather stick with my already aired SG-1 and Atlantis episodes and my ever-evolving (albeit slowly) fanfiction.
Another thing...I'm not sure what faux pas you're referring to, but I didn't like the entire first season of ENT...and the series finale was a massive travesty.

[Angelica Constantine]

Do not diss the ST:Enterprise! :cool:

[Wraithicator]

Oh, no, no, no Ang...don't get me wrong. I love that show. I just have to admit the first season was not the best, and killing Trip was ridiculous and pointless. At least when Daniel died, there was hope. Trip died in the last episode!

[Angelica Constantine]

Yes, I know that I am an avid Trekkie.

But Trip dying was well.. he is not really dead. There are two books stating that fact. hehe It was all a cover up. :D

[Wraithicator]

I still don't like TATV. :) But I do take some comfort from that fact, thanks for sharing Ang...I think I heard that somewhere before, too.

[AC'S Mom]

:smiley: I think someone here has pulled an Ang er Annie Lennox, walking on broken glass,about the Star Trek.(hallowed ground). I will with-hold my opinion on the newer series from the SG powers that be,until I've seen them. :huh1:But I agree that the ST:E was not well managed.The end was a nebulus gas cloud in need of a big BURB :2cents: XD

[Robin K]

I second that, Robin. I haven't always seen eye-to-eye with your take on the SG universe...but I have to agree this time. I don't like the premise, the format they're going for, or what I've seen of the characters. I'd rather stick with my already aired SG-1 and Atlantis episodes and my ever-evolving (albeit slowly) fanfiction.
Another thing...I'm not sure what faux pas you're referring to, but I didn't like the entire first season of ENT...and the series finale was a massive travesty.


When I first heard the premise of Universe, my first thought was "Stargate Voyager". Then I read about the characters. Not one of them is engaging even in the synopsis. Which doesn't bode well for the show. Some of the actors chosen...not my faves, so that was just another turn off. The more I heard/read/saw about the show, the less it attracted me. Just because they tack "Stargate" on the front of it doesn't mean it will be worth a tinkers d@yum, ya know?

There are just some things best left alone. And after the way this group has treated the fans...bah, I'm so done with all of them!

There was a comment made at the Vancouver Convention...someone had said that Universe was aimed at a 'younger' audience. There happened to be a nine year old girl sitting with her mother. The volunteers overheard her ask "What am I, chopped liver?" So even the kids who watch the show are picking up on the disregard the suits have for the fans. Not a good thing for the franchise.

[Robin K]

:smiley: I think someone here has pulled an Ang er Annie Lennox, walking on broken glass,about the Star Trek.(hallowed ground). I will with-hold my opinion on the newer series from the SG powers that be,until I've seen them. :huh1:But I agree that the ST:E was not well managed.The end was a nebulus gas cloud in need of a big BURB :2cents: XD


Hubby is a HUGE STOS fan. He can see an oddball screencap, tell you the episode title, the season, and usually the dialogue for the entire show! LOL! He watched Enterprise for the first season, but was so angry that he didn't watch the rest. Like he said, following canon wouldn't have been difficult, and SHOULD have been done.

Sometimes, it's like the writers of these shows go totally stupid, the suits forget just who is responsible for making the shows 'hits' (a clue...it ain't them!) and the whole thing feels like a FUBAR for the fans.

[Angelica Constantine]

No comment further on that from me...:cool:

As for SG Universe....still not planning in watching it.

[brymstone]

I enjoyed Ent. Wasn't bothered that it wasn't cannon. Frankly, cannon never bothers me that much. If the show's entertaining, and can maintain my interest for the length of an episode, it's doing alright by me! I do enjoy the large, spanning storylines too. But it's only entertainment, you know? Certainly nothing for me to worry about if one episode, or season doesn't tie up with the rest. They go through the gate, blow sh up, kill the bg's. Nice one!

[Wraithicator]

Yeah. 'Canon' describes what's in the Bible. Not Star Trek.

[Angelica Constantine]

'Canon', refers to the "official" source material upon which fan fiction can be based.

A 'cannon' is any tubular piece of artillery that uses gunpowder or other usually explosive-based propellants to launch a projectile.

:wink:

[Robin K]

Without canon, there is chaos. Really. Or cr ap. Whichever.

[brymstone]

Former Artillery here. Easy slip up. The RA's colours are it's guns (i.e. cannons - not rifles, which everyone else mistakenly calls guns). TV-land's colours are it's canons :D

[AC'S Mom]

Robin K [ without canon, there is chaos. Really. Or cr ap. Whichever.] Oh so true Robin! To a true fan of any program, the storyline must be followed. It is the 'history' of the story. To change the events or characters is to tell the fans the history they knew in the story was not valid enough for the new story.If it was valid enough then to hold the storyline it must be kept as an essential story history, leave it alone. Mother Goose didn't have ducklings,Cinderella wasn't a plumber, and Superman is not a chef in East Side Mario's. Here's a line for the writers:" Leave off,ya bunch of addle pated,know it nots! "

[Robin K]

Exactly, AC'sMom! If the writers have written 'back stories' to flesh out the characters, changing midstream is just lousy writing, and not very good to fans either.

It would be like Tom Clancy deciding that Jack Ryan is going to start teaching knitting at the University of Denver, and that he'll be a wimp unable to defend himself. (I'm a big Tom Clancy/Jack Ryan fan...teehee!)

It's just a bad thing...no, it's a stupid thing to do!

[Wraithicator]

Hey, I agree with the idea. Just not the word usage. It just seems a wee bit sacrilegious to me. But whatever, go ahead and use it. :) I do agree retconning is stupid.

[Wraithicator]

Oh boy...more news...

SGU Webisodes In the Works + Updates on the SG-1 and Atlantis Movies
The first season of "SGU: Stargate Universe" will be accompanied by 30 webisodes that will be made available on a weekly basis either on Syfy.com or Stargate.MGM.com. Co-creator Brad Wright told TheStar that the episodes will tie directly into the series via a flying camera ball called the Kino [via GateWorld]:

"It’s flying around and spying on people," he says. "They are literally just voyeuristic scenes we’re shooting specifically for the web." Wright says he has an entire production unit dedicated to the task. "It’s an extra way to get a window on our program and gives fans a slice of life look at our ship."

Okay, webisodes sound kinda cool. But there's more. Brym, you're not gonna like this!

Meanwhile star Lou Diamond Phillips reassured fans that the series will be a faithful addition to the "Stargate" franchise — with the Stargate remaining at the center of the show — while at the same time noting that it’ll also be doing some new things:

"I think audiences today are looking for something that’s a little more grounded, so to speak, even when you’re doing sci-fi," Phillips said. "It’s grittier. It’s darker. It’s very much character-driven. It’s about the dynamics between very real people in an extraordinary situation and not so much about heroes and villains, you know? And also not as much about the hardware anymore. I mean, certainly it has created its own world, it has its own mythology, but it’s about how these everyday human beings—be they military, scientific or political—fit into this scenario."


Less about the hardware? What is wrong with you people? Grr...

[AC'S Mom]

WHAT! NO TOYS! No shiny, blinky, tweetery bobbits! Sacrelege! What is Sci-fi coming to? We cannot abide by this. We must protest this inhumane idea!!!!!

[Angelica Constantine]

LOL XD

[brymstone]

I'm sure they'll still have some gadgetry in there. No-one in their right mind would produce a Sci-Fi show without at least some kind of toy. The ship itself probably does some cool things! I'm sure I'll manage though, what with Eureka being back :)

[Lemuria]

I just wanted to see if anyone else knew if this was true or not. I heard on another forum that the new season will begin on April 2.

[Angelica Constantine]

I told ya that a few weeks ago... just I never wrote it down here, Yet!

[AC'S Mom]

Like so...officially, umm you are infurring , that ahh, Stargate Universe will be returning, ohhh about ummmm, April 2, of this year, 2010? :huh1:

[Lemuria]

I told ya that a few weeks ago... just I never wrote it down here, Yet!

Sorry. Didn't know I wasn't supposed to say anything.