It may seem easy to come up with a spin-off of a popular television series but statistically the opposite appears to be true. Most spin-off series tend to be much shorter lived than their parent. Although such factors as a built in audience and pre-established premise the overwhelming factor is coming up with something that walks the thin line between keeping thing fresh and remaining true to the founding elements that made the original; show a hit. One of the more recent examples of the follow-up falling short of the primary can be found in the recently cancelled SG-U: Stargate Universe. After a full decade run for the original ‘Stargate-SG-1’ and a five season run for the first spin-off, ‘Stargate: Atlantis’ it seems the franchise is running out of steam. There were contributing factors such as franchise also started with a popular film and spawned a kid’s animated show perhaps the ideas just began to run a bit thin or interest with the fan base waned as often naturally occurs. From a personal perspective I did find myself more readily drawn to ‘Universe’ than ‘Atlantis’. Both series were well made and interesting but ‘Universe’ took an inherently more mature approach to the franchise which afforded the writers to develop characters with a greater edge to them. I was disappointed when I discovered that ‘Universe’ was cancelled. I just felt that there was more to do with the characters and situations with addition exploration of the story ahead. While not ‘Brilliant but Cancelled’ it curtained earned its place on the ‘Cancelled before it time’ manifest. This just is a bad time for science fiction and fantasy on television. While these genres are traditionally abandoned early on television this last few seasons have been especially arduous for them. One after another interesting shows have been tossed aside before a decent opportunity to become established was afforded by the network executives. As a lifelong fan of Sci-Fi and fantasy it is disconcerting to sit by and watch but with ‘Universe’ potential once again goes unfulfilled. At least there is a DVD of both seasons although it is unusual the unlike season 1.0 and 1.5 season two did not receive a Blu-ray release, at least not at this time.

The underlying fascination that this entire franchise offers is universal. Many people have dreamt about a portal that just by stepping through it can instantly transport you to an unimaginable new world. Whether it’s a magical mirror, mysterious rabbit-hole or an enchanted wardrobe the intrigue that a mystical portal holds is universal as well as enduring. Within the Stargate franchise this feat is accomplished by the titular Stargate; the remains of an ancient, advanced civilization that opens a stable wormhole between distance spots in the universe. Magic has given way to theoretical quantum physics but the appeal remains the same. In this last variation of the story the characters are trapped on a giant space craft, dubbed ‘The Destiny’ that the ancients used to seed the universe with the Stargates. For diehard fans this did address the question of how did the vast network of Stargates get delivered planets all over the vastness of space. This culture was obviously more advanced than us; we can’t even get a sofa delivered on time. The lone ship concept was undoubtedly instigated by the overwhelming popularity of the SyFy network’s ‘Battlestar Galatica’ employing another perennial plot device; a group of antagonistic characters trapped on a vessel adrift in the void. This did set up the circumstances for a darker, more mature treatment of the basic storyline. First of all it does away with the ‘us against then’ feel that is provided by a tight knit team that formed the foundation of the previous incarnations of the franchise. The rivalry, posturing and infighting are a major divergence from the usual ‘SG-1’ teamwork. This did permit story arcs that can focus on the tumultuous aspects of human nature and story lines that investigate ambition and political machinations. The backdrop for the action also shifted for this incarnation. Replacing the two main drives previously used; exploration and global defense, the goal here has collapsed down to a singularity common to most species; survival. This streamlined the underlying motivations while still allowing the inclusion of extraneous influences on the characters.

As the second and final season begins the cliff hanger from season one needs to be resolved. A group of hostel aliens, the Lucian Alliance, has taken control of the Destiny. Colonel Everett Young (Louis Ferreira) has to use every resource he can muster to retake his command but most of the crew is held hostage. Only a few managed to escape captivity and become instrumental to resolving the issue. Once the Colonel and the ever devious Dr, Nicholas Cage (Robert Carlyle) was regained control their old internal issues begin to reassert themselves. In a typical plot twist for this type of adventure is employed. They locate ‘communication stones’ that permit some crew members to return to earth. Some other familiar elements find their way into the story including a bomb, radiation poisoning and dangling a happy resolution as just within their grasp only to pull it away at the last second.

As is frequently the cast in premature cancellation quite a number of plot threads are left unresolved. The stand thought is this leaves the door open for a made for cable movie but realistically don’t hold your breath. The cast was predominately drawn from the vast talent pool of Canadian actors. Considering the demand for north of the border thespians most probably have moved on to new jobs. The series was driven more by character development and dependence on circumstances and the situation. When coupled with the mandated darker foundation and for awhile it looked as if Sci-Fi on TV was being given a chance to grow up.