AirLockAlpha.com

By Jenn Falls.

This review may contain spoilers.

Following the pattern of previous episodes, this episode’s title, “Time,” encases the primary issue although it reveals itself in an interesting manner. Discovery and use of a Kino by Eli (David Blue) to record video has been entertaining, distracting, and revealing for both those on Destiny as well as those watching. For everyone on board, the Kino could be lifesaving.

There is a familiar sense and pattern to the stopping of Destiny in order to find supplies and to explore new worlds. Eli’s insistence to use the Kino to record for posterity seems annoying to Dr. Rush (Robert Carlyle) as well as shirking duties to Lt. Scott (Brian J. Smith). But when medic T.J. Johansen (Alaina Huffman) deals with Dale Volker’s (Patrick Gilmore) sudden inexplicable sickness and MSG Greer (Jamil Walker Smith) and the other military personnel handle vicious alien life forms, we see the dramatic death of Chloe (Elyse Levesque) and potential end to the exploration group. While at first surprised that the writers may have attempted a very bold move in the death of a major character, we are at once shown that it is a video from a recovered Kino showing them their possible future.

But what is the time line? Is the skull Rush finds one of theirs from the past? How many times have they been on the planet? What causes the time rift? Time travel is not foreign to sci-fi shows, and is tricky to make seem new. Using the stargate and solar flares as the possible reasons for the break in time is not unusual. However, using the Kino to unveil actions and reactions of the group allows a different way to reveal more about characters through their talking and the reactions to watching themselves. More importantly, it shows them essential information like the night attacks of the aliens, who more than coincidentally resemble those from a famous movie franchise referenced at least twice by Eli.

With all of the obvious threats, why go to the new world at all? TJ discovers the cause of the sickness being the water that Scott and COL Young (Justin Louis) brought back with them implying that everyone on board the Destiny is at risk. The quick solution to the illness is making the bite of the alien life forms the cure. Because of the Kino, they are more prepared when they return in real-time. However, the episode ends on a climax of unfinished business with more death by aliens while Scott creates another Kino warning to send through the stargate hoping to affect future actions. We will have to wait to see if the current list of the dead changes in next week’s episode.

What Worked

David Blue continues to shine as Eli based on his ability to go from believable dramatic scenes, especially the one with Chloe, to being comic relief. How many of us are still creating our Top 5 Island Movies list? The scenes where Eli, TJ, and Rush reveal more about themselves are important and give more depth. It even forces more questions about Rush and whether he will ever help them get home. There are some nice allusions to other works sprinkled throughout the dialogue.

What Didn’t Work

It would be nice for the writers to evolve past simple problems and simple solutions, although they seem to be trying with this episode and its unfinished ending. Also, due to the imposed quarantine by TJ and COL Young, this episode only features a few of the cast. Ming-Na and Lou Diamond Phillips, major players from the previous episode, are sorely missed. The episode seems a little out of order, and with the bombshell from the previous episode, it is hard to have to wait to find out what happens with those on Earth and the resolution to this week’s crisis.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

“Stargate: Universe” stars Robert Carlyle, Brian J. Smith, David Blue, Jamil Walker Smith, Justin Louis, Elyse Levesque, Min-Na, Alaina Huffman, and Lou Diamond Phillips. “Time” was written and directed by Robert C. Cooper.

“Stargate: Universe” airs Fridays at 9 p.m. EST on Syfy.