User Reviews

I like the introduction of a new unknown alien species. One that is super intelligent and super powerful. It would have been better if these alien beings were encountered again in other episodes where we could learn more about them. When it comes to episodes that don't advance the plot very much, this is good example of how to create a decent filler episode. Stories like this should've been incorporated into those episodes where so much time is wasted on the crew's personal lives on Earth. I've said it multiple times that SGU could've been way better. If they had "wasted" more time with better stories like the one in this episode then maybe this show would have had higher ratings.

Depending upon the life experience you bring to this, you might be tempted to call it the most exquisitely-rendered human character drama in the history of science fiction. And you might be right. From the moment you realize that you're watching the show's breakthrough episode, your eyes may widen in your determination to not miss a single breath. You may laugh. Your chest may tighten. Destiny is brought out of FTL by a star and planet that shouldn't be there. In the month that it will take them to leave its gravity well, they send a crew to the surface. The discovery of an obelisk leads to the conclusion that this solar system was created by aliens. Eleven people decide that staying on the planet is preferable to returning to Destiny. Back on the ship, Young and Rush know that losing so many might cripple their chances to survive. The debate they share with Ming-Na is powerful, and stunningly unforced. All the human conflicts in this episode are breathtakingly rendered, and feel real in ways that few products of any genre do. The element of faith is brought in, as pertains to both god and a higher meaning in life; this too is perhaps the first time these issues have felt so rawly, unpatronizingly real in the sci fi universe. Choices will surprise you, and your ability to project how it will end is negated. At the heart of the episode is Alaina Huffman, as the ship's medical officer. She is pregnant, and the thought of raising a child on a sterile, possibly-doomed starship is unacceptable. Young's solution is unexpected, and as perfect as every other thread in this tapestry.

After reviewing it again it wasn't all that bad.

Some irritations caused by TJ Some drama, and the pregnant card being played last. We've seen it all in soaps, but it's a little unexpected in a sci-fi show.

Throughout the episode TJ is licking and pouting her lips more than usual. She's trying to convey something to the audience, not always succeeding, and your left wondering what's wrong with her. Handing out medication to Camile without diagnosing a lasting headache, a bit strange.

Chloe again tries to come of as strong. Annoying, but nothing new. I don't like her. She's bathing in a pond on a unknown planet, not very smart. I expected, or maybe hoped, a monster would pop up, or leeches. Some nonsense about maybe someone out there created this planer just for us to find. Really?

The "digging a latrine' scene was a bit weird, over acted by Greer or something. I don't understand why they don't redo short scenes like this.

Eli, the whizzkid, again seems the most sensible.

I think the most interesting scene was near the end. What if ...