Stargate Universe - "Visitation"

Col. Young (Louis Ferreira) questions Dr. Caine (Tygh Runyan) about his mysterious return.

Photo Credit: Syfy

Review by Paul Steven Brown

'Stargate Universe'
Season 2 - Episode 9
"Visitation"

I was not expecting "Visitation" to be my favorite episode of the the second season of 'Stargate Universe'. Caine and his preaching really got on my nerves last season when he and a few others decided to leave Destiny and stay on a lush planet in the appropriately named "Faith". However, my curiosity was piqued during TJ's dream journey back to Eden in the season premiere. It certainly opened the door that Caine and the others may be making a reappearance in some form or other.

The result is a compelling reunion and an ending that does not at all feel like a cheat. Something is out there and it had the ability and compassion to resurrect Caine and the others, albeit only temporarily. It doesn't take a giant leap in speculation to connect this to the mysterious signal that Rush believes is Destiny's mission to find. Is this God or a highly advanced civilization? A little of both, maybe? Eli wasn't too far from what is possibly the truth when he referenced Arthur C. Clarke's statement about advanced technology being indistinguishable from magic. I would not be surprised if we run into Riley later in the season.

I can be as cynical as the next sci-fi geek, but I'm also a romantic. I couldn't help but be moved by the timely flash of light that seemed to be the answer to Caine's dying prayers. I also felt by for TJ when it became very clear that her baby wasn't on the shuttle or that Caine had any recollection of the events from her vision.

The hits kept coming during Greer's visit to Chloe's quarters/cell. Despite his hard exterior, it has been clear from the beginning of the series that he is a man that feels emotions deeply. Scott is probably his closet friend on the ship, and in his own way, Greer is trying to prepare him for the inevitability of Chloe's transformation and the danger that it poses. Ronald also sees Chloe as a friend, too, and feels that it should be his burden to take care of business when she becomes too far gone under the alien influence growing inside of her.

Chloe for her part, sees what's ahead too and she tries to help Greer by absolving him of what he will surely have to do in the near future. Chloe has never been one of my favorite characters on 'SGU', but this current arc has been fantastic for her. Elyse Levesque has finally been given some meaty material and has really been great at conveying Chloe's simultaneous fear and acceptance of her predicament.

Overall, "Visitation" was a great episode. My only quibble would be due to the apparent ease of Wray's hypnosis sessions. Other than that, this is another example of how season two of 'Stargate Universe' is shaping up to be considerably better than the first.