After all, many of us sci-fi fans know how a studio can milk a franchise merely for the revenue without giving much thought to its fan base (Star Trek Enterprise anyone?).

However after attending the Stargate Universe Panel and listening to the panel guests, I feel excited and  confident that this new approach will push Stargate Universe in a bold, new direction while still continuing the legacy of the Stargate world.

The panel event began with a trailer from the upcoming series slated to air this October on the SyFy cable channel.  Afterwards, Brad Wright entered and introduced the panel.

On the panel from left to right were Jamil Walker Smith (Master Sergeant Ronald Greer), Alaina Huffman (1st Lt. Tamara Johansen), David Blue (Eli Wallace), Robert Carlyle (Dr. Nicolas Rush), Ming-Na (Camile Wray), Brian J. Smith (1st Lt. Matthew Scott), Elyse Levesque (Chloe Armstrong), and writers Brad Wright and Robert Cooper.

Brad immediately tore into some panel questions that were pre-posted on the web.  One of which concerned the ability of viewers who are new to Stargate world to watch the new show.  He expressed emphatically that viewers can watch Stargate Universe without having seen the first two series, Stargate SG1 and Stargate Atlantis.  The new series does a good job explaining the function of a Stargate and preparing audiences for a new adventure. It is different, not only in story, but also in its presentation. Camera shots and visuals are presented in a way that is new to Stargate.

The questions soon went to the audience, many of which were addressed to veteran actor, Robert Carlyle.  Responses revealed that Carlyle was selected because they wanted an actor who was not the typical hero or villain – a more complex character. Carlyle also added that he does not truly see a difference between film and television, but rather a difference in characters to portray.  After reading the script, he was attracted to the character and the writing. “All our characters are heroes and villains,” added Brad Wright

One of the final questions from the audience hinted to a common theme between the Stargate Series, and the fate of the doctor.  In the two previous series both Dr. Janet Frazier (Teryl Rothery) from SG1 and Dr. Carson Beckett (Paul McGillion) meet their end during the series. “We kill the doctor right away on this one…we’re not kidding.”

Tune in this October 2009 for Stargate Universe.