SGU Stargate Universe: Life   Rewatch 
August 17, 2017 12:21 PM - Season 1, Episode 9 - Subscribe

It's been the worst day since yesterday.

Episode Description
While searching the ship, the crew finds an Ancient Chair that looks similar to the one in Antarctica. Rush theorizes that it contains a repository of knowledge from the Milky Way, which may help them figure out how to get home. Meanwhile, Lt. Scott and Camille Wray visit loved ones back on Earth via the communications stones.

Episode Transcript at Gateworld.

Background
* Songs in this episode include "The Worst Day Since Yesterday" by Flogging Molly and "Comfort" by Deb Talon.
--
* This episode confirms for us that Camille Wray is the first out LGBTQ character on a Stargate series.
For some perspective:
- The Stargate movie premiered in 1994.
- SG-1 began in 1997 and ended in 2007.
- Atlantis ran from 2004-2009.
- And this episode of SGU first aired on November 20, 2009.
- If we only count the TV series', then various incarnations of the show had been on the air for 12 years prior to this episode, for a grand total of 321 episodes. (That is 221 episodes of Stargate: SG-1 and 100 episodes of Stargate: Atlantis.)
"I think for those who don't follow Twitter or any of the Stargate blogs and Web sites, for the few who will be surprised to find out that Camille is gay, that will be a big opener. But what I think you see in the relationship between Camille and Sharon is just a lovely, stable, warm, long term relationship and you get to see a side of Camille, you know, her more vulnerable side, that she doesn't really show in the work place.

"I've been really fortunate as an actress to have so many opportunities to play everything from comedy to major dramas and all different types of roles, but I've never played a gay character before. And to me that's a huge challenge, because for one, I know being a minority, being an Asian-American, and a woman, a lot of times there are a lot of sensitive issues and you're dealing with a minority group that is extremely vocal and want to have a good portrayal of a gay character. So shouldering those responsibilities along with the writers, I felt that it would be a challenge on a social level.

"But on a personal level as an actor, it's like any other job. I'm just trying to understand who she is, what her strengths are, where she's coming from, what her greatest fears are and what her motivation is from day to day. So as far as those challenges are concerned, it's pretty much the same. Except I've never kissed a woman before, on or off camera, so that was the only other new challenge.

"You know Reiko, I'm so happy they cast her. We just instantaneously had great chemistry. Both of us had never played gay characters before, so it was really exciting for us to explore all that, and talk about who these two people are. I mean, they've been together for twelve years. So I've been in a long term relationship, so I've been able to offer up a lot of insight into what that would entail. And for us it was just great to have such a comfort with each other, because that was really, really important for the characters." - (Actress Ming-Na, in an interview with The Huffington Post)
...
"I really think that their relationship will be the most stable and most loving of any relationship on the series. Which to me is a wonderful take on showcasing a lesbian relationship that is extremely healthy and supportive. And yet they are put through the wringer as far as the challenges the separation brings.

"And you'll see in 'Life' that there is such a bond between them, and to be ripped away from each other ... it will be very heart-warming to see that kind of love between two women showcased on television." - (Actress Ming-Na, in an interview with AfterEllen.com)
Quotes
--
Johansen: "Why don't you just tell me how you're doing?"
Franklin: "How I'm doing?!"
Johansen: "With life on the ship.
Johansen: "Well, it sucks! I hate it!"
Johansen: "OK, how about your hydroponics lab? Any luck there?"
Johansen: "Seeds won't sprout - which really sucks because I would have liked to have started to grow some food. I'm not really much of a fruit and vegetable guy, but anything would be better than the crap that you've been serving us. And there's not enough water, and the beds are rock hard and, oh, don't let me forget to mention that I was shot by one of your people!"
Johansen: (awkwardly): "So you're doing fine, then?"
--
Rush: "So what are we to do, Colonel? Just ignore what this Chair can do?"
Young: "I'm not telling you to ignore it. I'm telling you to study it without sitting in it."
Rush: "Look, Colonel, this pre-dates those found in the Milky Way. I'd be willing to bet the effects are far less severe."
Young: "Would you bet your own life?"
(Rush looks away.)
Young: "So you're fine as long as someone else volunteers."
--
Camille: "Well, so much for retiring to our beach."
Sharon: "None of that right now."
(Camille looks at the picture for a moment longer, then lifts her head, staring at it.)
Camille: "I forgot the row boat."
Sharon: "Hmm?"
(The picture that she drew earlier only showed the beach, the sea and the trees. This painting has a wooden row boat on the beach. Camille sits up, staring at the painting, upset.)
Camille: "Why did I forget the row boat?"
(She looks at the painting for a moment longer, then bows her head and begins to cry.)
Sharon: "Hey, come here. Come here. Come on."
(Camille sobs)
Sharon: "It's OK."
--
Sgt. Greer: "Look, there's a bad guy out there; put a gun in my hand, I'll go kill him. I'm not gonna lose any sleep over it. Your ass needs saving, I'm gonna save it or I'm gonna die trying. I didn't ask to be like this. Nobody made me this way."
--
Sharon: "You are gonna take a deep breath and you're gonna find the strength, OK? You're gonna go back to that ship and you are gonna work with those people, motivate them, do whatever you need to do to get yourself back home. (She clasps Camille's hands tighter.) ‘Cause I'm gonna be here. I'm not going anywhere."
Camille: "Promise?"
Sharon: "I already did that twelve years ago. The only thing that won't be here when you get back... will be that stupid chair over there."
posted by zarq
 
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