Stargate Universe "Life" Detailed Analysis & Review

In the latest episode of our Stargate Universe Rewatch Podcast, we take a look at the first season episode "Life". This is very much a character-driven episode. We explore elements of character with Scott and Camille as they return to earth via the communication stones. The conflict between Young and Telford intensifies, and Rush makes a startling discovery. That's right, the chair device makes its first appearance in Stargate Universe. This episode is of note because it features no great threat to the crew. In fact, the lack of any great danger is what finally gives the crew time to reflect on their situation. And that causes its own problems. ----more---- Transcript Welcome to Nerd Heaven I’m Adam David Collings, the author of Jewel of The Stars And I am a nerd. This is episode 58 of the podcast. Today, we’re talking about the Stargate Universe episode “Life” But before we do, I want to acknowledge the tragic passing of Cliff Simon, who played the Goa’uld System Lord Ba’al in Stargate SG-1. From my perspective, this was just announced yesterday, but you won’t be listening to this until the 19th of April, just over a month away. He died in a kiteboarding accident. In addition to being an actor, he was also quite an athlete. He was only 58 years old. My heart goes out to his wife, his family, all those who loved him. Today’s episode of Stargate is called “Life.” The description on gateworld reads Lt. Scott and Camille visit their loved ones using the communication stones, leading Colonel Young to a discovery about Telford's activities. On the Destiny, Rush discovers technology he believes may be able to get them home. The episode was WRITTEN BY: Carl Binder It was DIRECTED BY: Alex Chapple And it first aired on the 20th of November 2009 The episode opens with an unconventional choice of music for a sci-fi show. It’s a country-kinda sounding tune. The line that clearly stands out in the lyrics is “It’s been the worst day since yesterday.” That’s kinda thematic to the episode, and the show as a whole. This song is by a band named Flogging Molly. The characters are starting to come to terms with the fact that this is their life now. They’re on this ship and they’re not leaving any time soon. This is how it’s gonna be. It’s not what any of them wanted (except maybe Rush) but they can’t change it . They just have to try to find a way to get through each day. To find the positives. To make a life for themselves. So we’re starting to see activities taking place. A bunch of them are exercising together, while Chloe exercises alone. And then, of course, there are those who have managed to hook up with someone. You can have a relationship with somebody no matter where you are. That actually reminds me of Tom and B'elanna in Star Trek Voyager. They found happiness. They were married and even had a child. In late season 7, Harry asks Tom “Don’t you want to get home?” And Tom replies “I am home, Harry.” These Doctor Park and Greer are not at that stage. She seems to just be using the activity as a stress-relief, although I think it means more to Greer. But I can definitely see how building a more committed relationship and family would change your perspective on the place where you are. Spencer is in his quarters. I don’t think he’s still confined. He’s taking the last tablet of some kind of medication. Not sure what it is, but I imagine it’s important. Let’s hope he doesn’t rely on it to stay alive for his sake. Telford is still obsessed with stone duty, so that he can get back on board Destiny, but when O’Neill orders him to take a break, he calls up Young’s wife. They’re having dinner together, but it seems he’s being himself at the moment, not pretending to be Young. He says he feels an obligation to tell her something about her husband. Young wants everybody on the ship in shape. And that makes sense. They don’t know what dangers they’ll face in the future. Physical fitness isn’t everything, but if you’ve got it, it’s one less disadvantage you have in a situation. Eli isn’t overly keen to take part. IT seems he’s less enthusiastic about losing weight than the actor who plays him. Young also wants TJ to do psych evaluations on everybody on board. And again, that makes very good sense. With all the stress they’re under, the hardship of being stranded so far from home, nobody is going to be in peak mental health. Some could be really struggling. Spencer seems to be one of them. Perhaps the pills he was taking were antidepressants or sleeping pills. Rush has opened a new section of the ship and is exploring it. Eli can’t help him explore because working on a secret mission for Young. Rush is amused by this. From his perspective, Eli isn’t military, and therefore doesn’t have to do what Young tells him. Eli still sees Young as the leader of this community. The ...