Stargate Universe

Ah yes, Stargate. The movie that introduced sci-fi, Egyptian culture and Alexis Cruz (Skarra - the boy who befriended O'Neil). I was nine years old when the movie came out and I've been a fan ever since. I have several copies of the original movie including DVD and VHS and several collectibles from the film including knob hangers and the original book.
There are a few different shows that sparked from the movie. The first being Stargate SG-1. Talk about an addictive show. From the silly Jack O'Neill, lovable Dr. Daniel Jackson, caring Captain Carter and of course the serious but none the less entertaining Teal'c - what's not to love? For ten years...ten years I watched the show as if it were my new found religion. And then in 2007 the final episode ended.
The second show came in 2002 and unless you are a die hard Stargate fan you probably didn't even know this show existed. It was a cartoon called Stargate Infinity. I didn't even get to see it and I'm not actually sure how many episodes was aired. It didn't make it long at all.
The third show to come from the world of Stargate was Stargate Atlantis which sadly, I lost interest in during the second episode. It just wasn't cutting it for me. It didn't "feel" Stargate to me and though some of the characters were likable - others fell short. Haven't followed the show so I'm not sure if it is still on. I think, however that the last episode was in 2009.
The fourth show caught me from the Syfy commercials. I thought 'wow....if the commercials are this intense...the show might be worth a shot.' So the first episode aired and I was.....HOOKED! Now there are some people who argue that Stargate Universe isn't very Stargate like at all. I have to disagree. SGU, to me, has captured the feeling of the Stargate movie. It's intense, the characters are all very interesting, and to my surprise.....feels a bit like SG-1. (However it couldn't be more different!!!)
Stargate Universe is different from any of the previous Stargate shows. It's serious, it's raw and it's pushing the boundaries that the previous shows hadn't explored. With a fantastic cast including David Blue (whose character adds comic relief to the situations), Robert Carlyle (whose character is totally opposite of Daniel Jackson), Lou Diamond Phillips (who is a reg guest appearance) and many many mannnny more - the cast delivers a rewarding performance.
With the first season at an end, fans have to wait almost four months to see the outcome of the season finale. -Which nearly gave me an anxiety attack because every single character is in a bad situation.- I highly suggest this show not only because I think original Stargate movie fans would enjoy Stargate Universe, but the special effects are flawless, the storyline is tasteful and the acting is far far far much better than Atlantis. (Not that Atlantis acting was bad...just wasn't believable)