Author: Gabe Feinberg
Whoever said science fiction was for 30-year-old men living in their parents’ basements clearly has not seen “Stargate Universe.” Moving into the second half of its first season and already scheduled for a 20-episode second season, “SGU” (as it’s called amongst the fanboys) is causing quite a stir, if only on this planet.
The new show, which follows a group of soldiers, scientists and civilians trapped aboard an alien spacecraft on the other end of the universe, reflects a growing trend toward more sophisticated and mature sci-fi television shows.
The first thing you may notice while watching SyFy’s new show “Stargate Universe” is how it favors human drama over interplanetary alien encounters, thus a de-emphasis on the Stargate itself.
For those not well-versed in the franchise, a Stargate is a portal that allows people and things to travel instantaneously to any other Stargate in the same galaxy. This basic concept lies at the core of a number of films and three distinct live-action television series, one of which is the longest-running science fiction TV show of all time. As can be imagined, fans were a little nervous when they heard their favorite sci-fi franchise was being reinvented yet again, but now they have cause for excitement.
“SGU” is decidedly darker, grittier and ultimately more human than previous Stargate shows. While the previous two series, “Stargate SG-1” and “Stargate Atlantis,” relied heavily on weekly action-adventure plots and a small, well-defined cast, “SGU” presents a large ensemble cast where characters struggle with each other more often than they encounter aliens (only two so far this season) or distant planets. Tonally and stylistically similar to the critically acclaimed SyFy series “Battlestar Galactica,” “SGU” is a claustrophobic exploration of human interaction under the greatest of stresses.
As soldiers and civilians struggle for power or scramble for diminishing food supplies, the series reveals itself as more interested in human nature than in exploring other worlds.
While new viewers may, at times, feel lost because they are unfamiliar with the franchise’s complex mythology, “Stargate Universe” makes a clear and effective effort to appeal to new audiences. For old fanatics and new viewers alike, “Stargate Universe” achieves the rare combination of thought-provoking science fiction and entertaining television. New episodes air on SyFy every Friday at 9 p.m., 8 p.m. central.
Because “Stargate Universe” thrives on strong and true human relationships, the show’s cast is studded with powerful veteran actors and refreshing new faces like Jamil Walker Smith.
My phone interview with Smith quickly turned into a casual conversation. A northeast L.A. local, Smith began by rattling off the names of local food joints (Auntie Em’s, Swork, The Bucket and Antigua Bread to name a few) that he missed while shooting “SGU” in Vancouver.
Breaking our stream of casual banter, I asked Smith about how his career had developed. We discussed his wide spectrum of gigs, from starting in L.A.-based children’s theater, to being voice of Gerald Johanssen on the popular cartoon “Hey Arnold,” to his current role as Master Sargeant Greer on “Stargate Universe.” Smith found his voice-acting work for “Hey Arnold” to be fun and relaxed, saying he “just sat in a booth with six others kids and read the script.” Today, while working on “SGU” in Vancouver, Smith retains a similar positive attitude, saying that he’s “on vacation” for eight months out of the year.
After appearing in a low-budget short film he made with friends about Hurricane Katrina, Smith was enthusiastic when he landed the role of the no-nonsense soldier Ronald Greer on “SGU.” Smith feels that Greer is a type of character he wishes he saw more on the screen. According to Smith, Greer is “a man being a man,” someone willing to put his own life on the line for the greater good and die for his ideals. At times, Smith said that he even feels as if he isn’t acting when playing Greer, as the character reflects his own “ride or die” mentality towards his relationships with the other actors on set and other people in his life.
Though Smith admits to not watching much of the previous series (he was, however, a fan of the film when it was released in 1994), he says, “The experience has been humbling . . . because it’s something bigger than myself.” Being a part of such a long-lasting franchise, Smith is one of many individuals who have been privileged to work on such a successful show.
Though the Stargate franchise has a massive fanbase, Smith tries not to concern himself with their reactions to the new series, for he worries these fans may suggest alternative character choices that Smith as an actor does not agree with. Smith looks to his family, his co-workers and himself to determine his own satisfaction with the finished product. However, he does love the fans’ support and encourages everyone to watch “Stargate Universe.” You can also look for Jamil Walker Smith in his upcoming feature film and directorial debut “Make a Movie Like.”
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