SGU S02E06 Trial and Error (SPOILERS)

[Adrian McNair]

Here we are at the sixth episode of Universe's second season. These are my thoughts:

- This was a massive step-up after last week's pointless shitfest. I'm glad that the writers realised that this is Stargate Universe instead of the "Matthew Scott Relationship Hang-Ups Happy Fun-Time Hour." That being said I'd really, really like to see some mysteries resolved and for there to be greater plot progression.
- This was yet another example of a promo being total bullshit. Did anyone really believe for one second that Destiny was going to be obliterated? That being said, the visuals of the Blues firing upon the Destiny (and the ship's subsequent destruction) were decent.
- The stress of it all finally took its toll on Young. Consequently his unlikeable douchebag level was off the charts this week. He shouldn't brush off T.J. like that and he really should lay off the bottle. It was uncomfortable to see Adama constantly gulping down ambrosia in BSG's fourth season and this wasn't much better.
- Good to see that they're still acknowledging Riley's death.
- Young got a Choose Your Own Adventure experience where failure was the only outcome. It's interesting that Scott went from being suicidally stupid in the first one to violently confrontational in the last.
- Thank goodness there was an actual explanation for Young's visions this time. I just can't say that with enough emphasis. After reading the plot blurb I was worried that we'd be mired in more supernatural bullshit (this is coming from someone who detests ascension as an aspect of the Stargate universe, by the way). This also neatly ties in with Rush's visions of Gloria and Franklin. In light of this episode it seems more likely now that they're a manifestation of the ship. Destiny may have a degree of autonomy like the Doctor's TARDIS.
- I was rolling my eyes when Scott was stating that Young was a "good commander." If he was such a "good" commander then the Lucian Alliance would never have taken control of the ship. I guess Scott had to say something even if it did fly in the face of reality.
- Pretty Lucian Alliance Redhead received a name this episode (Ginn) and Eli has finally scored with someone who is willing to reciprocate his affections. I think he can stop carrying a torch for Chloe now. I liked Greer's role as the matchmaker. He does seem to be more trusting of Ginn than the other Lucian Alliance personnel.
- They should promote Julie McNiven (Ginn) to series regular and kill off Chloe ASAP. As it stands the only reason Chloe is actually of any use is because of the Blues genetic augmentations, not because of any talents of her own. Conversely Ginn has extensive knowledge of Ancient systems and seems to be enthusiastic enough about her place in things. Who's with me?
- Here's something completely different.

Four out of five from me this week.

[dragon]

I love how they had Young break down under the pressures, which in his situtation is understandable, and while Scott was saying he had to deal with it might be true, young always has the option of using the stones to take to a shrink.

And I think Scott was saying what he did as he did not want to be in charge.

The dinner conversation was nice as they thought Young saved them but in truth it was Rush.

[Kodiak]

I thought this episode was one of the best so far. As others have said, Young breaking down was totally believeable- though I thought he was a jerk when TJ describes something that's basically the same thing that happened to him. Actually, I'm thinking now that maybe her vision was Destiny trying to let her down easy or something. Also, the moments with Greer being a "Big Brother" to Eli were probably the first in the series that made me laugh out loud. I hope we see more of problem->character growth->plausible explanation in this series instead of angst->confrontation->bullshit->angst like we've been having.

[JME2]

It also demonstrates again that Greer has surpassed our fears as becoming Ford 2.0.

I also like Destiny's role here again. One of the biggest mistakes SGA made was that Atlantis never really felt like a character in its own right. It was portrayed as their base of operations and nothing more. Heck, even the Daedalus was more a character than the Atlantis gate. I'm glad it's being avoided here.

Definitely a good episode.

4/5

[CaptJodan]

At first when Scott blew out the window, I thought "oh god, this episode is going to suck" because either it was a dream or we were in a time loop of some kind, and not the good RDA kind of time loop where we play golf through the stargate. Also I was angry that the preview was so misleading.

But the episode was greatly saved by the explanation, as well as by Young's final "I've had it, I don't give a shit anymore" attitude that's been building for a while now. I really enjoyed the Greer/Eli dynamic as well. I never know what crazy ass thing Greer is going to do next, but I'm always fascinated to see where he goes. That man is on the edge of stable most of the time, and his character always keeps me guessing.

Having Rush be responsible for the ship jumping back into hyperspace as opposed to Young getting his act together was also a nice touch. It left a great deal of ambiguity as to whether it was really Rush, or the ship, and just what the ship was doing. It's pretty undeniable that the ship was somehow responsible for Young's dreams, so there is a link in there somewhere. By shutting down the program, Rush might have prevented the ship from staying longer, or the ship (perhaps with Franklin's help) could have helped Rush shut it down once it read that Young's brain was back in a proper leadership role. Just how responsive and aware Destiny is is still up for grabs.

There's not much for me to add. I think McNair covered pretty much everything otherwise.

[PREDATOR490]

Decent episode.

That said, I found the Eli / Giin ? thing rather... abrupt.

On the one hand its nice he might actually be getting past Chloe infatuation but now I get the impression this will end up being like Rodney McKay MKII awkward romance etc. If they dont do that fair enough but still, a little lead up to this 'new' relationship might have been appropriate ESPECIALLY when its an episode devoted to Destiny apparantly messing with people's heads. Now there becomes a question of how much Destiny manuipulation has occured since they arrived and why the Ancients would actually build a ship like that.

T.J could potentially take a nose dive if someone tells her Destiny can manipulate dreams and she assumes her 'dream' was a fiction.

[CaptainChewbacca]

Poor Eli. It turns out Greer is his best friend. He may not survive. I don't think they'll move past the relationship, because on Destiny you can't really 'find someone else'.

[AATC-86]

Did anyone else think that Ginn falling for Eli might turn out to be part of a ploy by the Lucian Alliance people? Gaining the originial crew's trust through the relationship between Ginn and Eli, and then use that for...something.

[tezunegari]

Did anyone else think that Ginn falling for Eli might turn out to be part of a ploy by the Lucian Alliance people? Gaining the originial crew's trust through the relationship between Ginn and Eli, and then use that for...something.

That's not very likely, I think. Their leader Varro reprimanded Simeon for playing games with the humans and directly stated that they are going to work together. Also it seems that every Lucian left on Destiny has given real information to the humans, well, save for Simeon who thought they were bidding their time.

[Adrian McNair]

Did anyone else think that Ginn falling for Eli might turn out to be part of a ploy by the Lucian Alliance people? Gaining the originial crew's trust through the relationship between Ginn and Eli, and then use that for...something.

Apparently not...
Spoiler

2.07 - THE GREATER GOOD

Dr. Rush and Col. Young are stranded aboard an alien ship.

Destiny comes upon a heavily damaged ship floating in space. Dr. Rush suggests that the alien vessel be explored in the hopes of salvaging any worthwhile data or technology. Without a shuttle, Rush and Col. Young must make a dangerous space-suited expedition to the derelict ship. Once safely aboard, they discover that the ship contains empty pods similar to those they encountered on the seed ship. As Dr. Rush gets the life support and power running, the ship's engines suddenly engage, propelling it away from Destiny. With the power now depleted the ships drift helplessly apart.

Unwilling to tell everyone that he has partial control of The Destiny, Rush claims he has been working on a program to manually fire Destiny's thrusters. Because of the complexity of the program he suggests Dr. Amanda Perry be brought on board via the communication stones to help. Once aboard, Rush covertly informs her of his success with Destiny's master code and directs her to the bridge. With Rush's help, Perry is able to steer Destiny back to the damaged ship. But when Eli unearths their plan, the big secret is revealed much to Rush's chagrin – especially when Young finds out.


2.08 - MALICE

Lucian Alliance prisoner Simeon escapes, creating a manhunt on a remote planet.

Ginn, using the stones to trade bodies with Dr. Amanda Perry, continues to fill in Homeworld Command of an impending Lucian Alliance attack. Suspecting she's giving up valuable information Simeon manufactures an escape by killing his guard then making his way to silence Ginn.

Taking Park hostage, Simeon forces Volker to dial a planet and escapes off the ship. When Rush finds Ginn's lifeless body, knowing what it means for Dr. Perry, he gates to the planet on a mission of vengeance. But Homeworld Command, believing Simeon has information that could prevent an attack on Earth orders he be captured alive. Col. Young must send Lt. Scott and Msgt. Greer to bring Simeon back before he kills Rush or is killed himself.

2.09 - VISITATION

Crewmembers left behind on a seemingly ideal world over a year earlier make a mysterious return.

The Destiny crewmembers left behind on an idyllic planet over a year ago suddenly turn up aboard a shuttle, giving Tamara renewed hope of finding her lost daughter. The circumstances surrounding their surprising return remain a mystery however. Dr. Caine and the others have no memory of how they got there.

Young, fearing alien involvement, isolates Caine and co. Tamara's examination of the former crew verifies not only their identity but also that they are all in perfect physical condition. The investigation of the shuttle reveals the same: it is like new. The mystery takes an unsettling turn when one of the returned crewmembers abruptly drops dead. Wray lobbies Young to let her use regression therapy in the hopes of learning what really happened back on the planet. Young agrees, but the memories stirred prove disastrous for those who've returned.

Meanwhile, as her alien transformation progresses, Chloe prepares her final goodbyes.


2.10 - RESURGENCE

All is not as it seems when Destiny follows a remote energy signature that leads them to a sea of damaged and lifeless ships.
Destiny detects a remote energy signature originating from an area outside its set course. Dr. Rush believes it could be coming from a potential new power source or could be a sign of intelligent life arguing that whatever is out there could prove to be of great benefit to the crew and Destiny's mission. Col. Young reluctantly agrees and permits Dr. Rush to manipulate navigation and take Destiny off course.

After a day in FTL the ship reaches a sea of wrecked ships, the carnage of a centuries old battle. With no visible signs of danger, Lt. Scott, Msgt. Greer and Volker set off in the shuttle to take a closer look. Eli uses Destiny's systems to recreate a simulation of the battle only to discover the debris is not what it seems.

Chloe succumbs deeper to the alien infection, knowing she poses a greater risk the longer she stays aboard the Destiny. But when a lost friend comes to the rescue it's no longer Chloe's alien abductors the crew has to worry about.

On Earth, Eli struggles with how to tell his mother the truth about what has happened to him. Wray (MING-NA) takes leave to visit Sharon but finds the distance is starting to take its toll on their relationship.

[Darksider]

those spoilers might be a bit out of date. According to the last one, Eli's on earth "struggling with telling his mother what's really happened to him." He's already done that.

[PREDATOR490]

Apparently not...
Spoiler

2.07 - THE GREATER GOOD
2.08 - MALICE

Lucian Alliance prisoner Simeon escapes, creating a manhunt on a remote planet.

Ginn, using the stones to trade bodies with Dr. Amanda Perry, continues to fill in Homeworld Command of an impending Lucian Alliance attack. Suspecting she's giving up valuable information Simeon manufactures an escape by killing his guard then making his way to silence Ginn.

Taking Park hostage, Simeon forces Volker to dial a planet and escapes off the ship. When Rush finds Ginn's lifeless body, knowing what it means for Dr. Perry, he gates to the planet on a mission of vengeance. But Homeworld Command, believing Simeon has information that could prevent an attack on Earth orders he be captured alive. Col. Young must send Lt. Scott and Msgt. Greer to bring Simeon back before he kills Rush or is killed himself.

Spoiler

If this is accurate... it appears Giin and Dr. Perry are about to get killed. I presume Giin must be the one doing the swap with her.
Looks like Eli got the shaft again and I can see much angst being generated if his new girlfriend gets killed within two episodes.

Makes sense why they made the romance so 'abrupt' since they intend to kill her but since I actually think that actor is hot AND been more useful than Chloe I am going to fucking hate this episode with a passion.

Spoiler

2.10 - RESURGENCE

All is not as it seems when Destiny follows a remote energy signature that leads them to a sea of damaged and lifeless ships.
Destiny detects a remote energy signature originating from an area outside its set course. Dr. Rush believes it could be coming from a potential new power source or could be a sign of intelligent life arguing that whatever is out there could prove to be of great benefit to the crew and Destiny's mission. Col. Young reluctantly agrees and permits Dr. Rush to manipulate navigation and take Destiny off course.

After a day in FTL the ship reaches a sea of wrecked ships, the carnage of a centuries old battle. With no visible signs of danger, Lt. Scott, Msgt. Greer and Volker set off in the shuttle to take a closer look. Eli uses Destiny's systems to recreate a simulation of the battle only to discover the debris is not what it seems.

Chloe succumbs deeper to the alien infection, knowing she poses a greater risk the longer she stays aboard the Destiny. But when a lost friend comes to the rescue it's no longer Chloe's alien abductors the crew has to worry about.

On Earth, Eli struggles with how to tell his mother the truth about what has happened to him. Wray (MING-NA) takes leave to visit Sharon but finds the distance is starting to take its toll on their relationship.

Spoiler

1: Lost friend comes = Yay, Telfod comes back !
2: A bunch of seemingly dead debris field that isnt what it seems = It's a Trap !
3: Eli is going to go home and have some angst about his potential girlfriend getting killed or this is a reference to the previous episode

[Themightytom]

So Young is cracking up again, only this time, he is not addressing it with his rather unsympathetic commanding officer but rather drinking himself into a stupor. I was amazed at the shitty handling of his character when Johansen told her story. that would logically have triggered insight, and understanding on young's part. "Ahh I see whats going on here..." and would have seque'ed into a semi mystical explanation involving aliens, allowing young to function and engage the situation, allowing Johansen some vindication right up until Eli figured out what was REALLY going on. Then Johansen starts thinking "Oh Shit, Either The Ship Lied, or My baby just Got Downloaded..." until the inevitable FUTURE episode where the planet creators make their re-emergence.

Nah fuck all that, Young was too drunk to hear what she was saying.
Sigh.


Why did it not occur to Wray and Rush to simply ask the SGC to relieve Rush. Why was a LIEUTENANT suddenly a good idea?

Rush is presenting a hell of a sociopathic streak here, its REALLY important to him to be "in control". The crew is getting more and more open about acknowledging that he's a dangerous dangerous guy.

I missed that.

This was after all the man responsible for the entire situation they found themselves in. he demonstrates a consistent disregard for others yet for some reason people were treating him like a fluffy ol' mad scientists for a while. I think the burden of hiding the bridge from the others and his unpredictable behavior is distancing him from everyone however.

Scott can go fuck himself for being smugly OK after getting Chloe's blood in him. Seriously there's no justice in that.

Grear is... nice? Actually I can kind of see that. His character is definitely becoming my favorite. They took the basic mold of Ford and made it work rather than fail, this is really getting interesting. honestly with his sarcastic fatalism I kind of identify more with him than Eli.

I object however to his willingness to leave Jinn alone with Eli. Sure she has been cooperative but she was recently an enemy combatant who calmly blew her CO away, she could have eaten Eli for lunch, and so they plopped her down in front of a computer terminal and left her alone.

Is it a bad sign that the best episodes of this series are the ones where the characters all die horrible deaths repeatedly?

[Slacker]

I really liked it, unlike last week it was a very good 'we have to build the characters up to the point where they can handle the plot' episode. I really hope they don't kill off the Lucian Alliance chick-besides being hot, she actually adds interesting elements to the dynamic-same with the LA leader. Their backstories really help illustrate that the Milky Way really isn't a nice place aside from Earth and a few other spots and the SGC's Gou'ald stomping didn't necessarily make everything better.

[Adrian McNair]

those spoilers might be a bit out of date. According to the last one, Eli's on earth "struggling with telling his mother what's really happened to him." He's already done that.

Spoiler

Or it could be referring to Eli struggling to tell his mother about his girlfriend's demise.

Spoiler

If this is accurate... it appears Giin and Dr. Perry are about to get killed. I presume Giin must be the one doing the swap with her.
Looks like Eli got the shaft again and I can see much angst being generated if his new girlfriend gets killed within two episodes.

Makes sense why they made the romance so 'abrupt' since they intend to kill her but since I actually think that actor is hot AND been more useful than Chloe I am going to fucking hate this episode with a passion.

Spoiler

Damn straight. In terms of poor decisions made by the writers this is just a stupendously bad move (Outside of keeping Chloe alive, that is). Do they honestly think we give a fuck about Chloe or her meaningless relationship with Scott (they no doubt do)? Hopefully Rush will exact vengeance on Simeon's worthless arse (and I don't see him holding back). I know I'll be cheering him on if he does.

[xt828]

Spoiler

Just to clarify though, are both Giin and Dr Perry going to be dead? From the spoiler it seems that Giin's body is killed with Dr Perry's mind in it. I suppose they might go the old gasp! switcheroo at the last minute, though.

[Adrian McNair]

Spoiler

Just to clarify though, are both Giin and Dr Perry going to be dead? From the spoiler it seems that Giin's body is killed with Dr Perry's mind in it. I suppose they might go the old gasp! switcheroo at the last minute, though.

Spoiler

Yes, unfortunately they both will perish. When one person dies while the communication stones are in use then so does the other (Case in point in the season one episode Subversion. When Brainwashed Telford was suffocating, so was Rush). Besides, why would Rush be gunning for Simeon if Perry isn't dead?

[PREDATOR490]

Spoiler

It did occur to me that only ONE person would die but SG lore specifically disproves this concept.
SG-1 Directly showed Vala / Daniel's bodys reacting to what they were going through in the Ori galaxy. When Vala was being burned alive, her 'safe' body died as well.

We also have SGU establishing Rush feeling the abuse Telford was taking.

Thus if Earth-bound Perry is killed by someone onboard Destiny, whoever the owner of that poor body is will die as well. Since we see 'Lifeless body' of Giin - Seems rather apparant Giin is K.O and Perry as collatoral damage.

I do not despise Chloe for being useless, only the fact they seem to be intent at bringing her to the fore when she IS that useless. We have Giin appearing briefly being useful and that makes her INFINETLY more likeable than a character that spends her time being part of the angst love triangle or just on-screen because... fuck knows ?

That said, I see exactly where the producers are going with this move. This is the same shit Joss Whedon liked to do with Buffy / Angel where any relationships were doomed to be mangled in some way or another. That and his infamous stunt in S6 with Tara finally showing up in the opening credits then killing her off.
As a dramatic scene it works and no doubt the producers will have a laugh bringing in someone people like for being useful and finally giving Eli someone to fawn over rather than the angst shit over chloe ... with all those Eli fan supporters being happy he got the girl...

... and then BAAM, kill her off next episode and watch everyone go apeshit for killing Simeone's ass.

That said, I find it rather hilarious SGC just randomly wants to keep this dude alive because he might have information. I.E The writers want to prolong the angst generated from this event and have us watch Eli and Rush fume in impotence. Wonder if Eli could convince Greer to 'disappear' for a few miniutes then, eh ?

[adam_grif]

Spoiler

Jesus, throwing Eli a bone with Giin is the only reason I didn't hate that last episode. If they kill her off 2 episodes later I'm gonna be fuckin' pissed. They better make up for this with some goddamn 304 vs Ha'Tak starship porn ASAP. I am so sick of watching the Destiny pathetically limp away from one indecisive conflict after another.

[NecronLord]

Spoiler

I have the hilarious image of Rush saying "If the SGC wants this guy's information, I have a solution," and taking one of those ancient neural-scrape implants that Anubis used out of a box.

[xt828]

Thanks for clarifying. I never watched Atlantis, and stopped watching the original series around the time Daniel came back to life, so this is my first encounter with the stones.