Recognizing that some heroes are born and some are created
Who knew that when it first aired that “Stargate Universe” was going to challenge our perceptions on what makes a hero? Yet, over the course of nearly two seasons, the show has done just that. It has offered up a large array of examples of heroism, but it has been very difficult to pinpoint who is the hero of the story.
In what will undoubtedly be the most dividing proposal, I propose an unconventional perspective: the hero of “Stargate Universe” is Eli Wallace (David Blue). With so many other larger than life characters to choose from, this seems a bit incongruous. Yet as the journey continues, it only solidifies this determination.
When first encountered, Eli was but an unsuspecting computer geek who just happened to crack the most sophisticated alien code that Earth’s military had uncovered. As Eli opened the door wearing his signature t-shirt, nothing foreshadowed his future destiny. He was simply the lucky (or unlucky, depending on your perspective) guy who solved an ancient puzzle and who the government wanted to assist them in the Stargate program. Untrained in either military protocol or scientific research, he was still the designated “most valuable player.” Eli was immediately cast in the role of MVP – but still a far cry from “hero.” So what happened? When did his status change from geek with a brain to savior?
Unlike Col. Young (Louis Ferreira) or Lt. Matthew Scott (Brian J. Smith), who were trained to be heroes, Eli’s journey was much more subtle. He faced terrifying danger and impossible situations time and time again – with virtually no training. He had not been taught how to suppress or conquer his fear. He was not instilled with the militaristic drive to protect others no matter what the cost. No, in Eli’s case, he was simply a guy snatched out of obscurity to help with a cool puzzle that got ensnared in a war zone and pushed through a gate onto an out-of-control alien ship.
So initially Eli was the guy that was just trying to find his place. Like everyone else, the alien space ship Destiny was a vast puzzle to him. Yet he embraced the challenge of traversing the labyrinth of Destiny’s alien computer system, by using his math and computer skills to help unlock its secrets. He understood that in the Destiny-ites quest for survival, he had to contribute and help where he could. He strove to learn more, do more, and find ways to make their lives better even in the smallest of ways. Whether it be giving his cellphone to Chloe (Elyse Levesque) to use as a light or providing a nearby shoulder to cry upon, being the son that Col. Young never had, or the sounding board for Rush (Robert Carlyle) to bounce ideas off of, Eli was there. In fact, he frequently volunteered to help and he did not stop until he had finished. For example, in “Darkness,” when Col. Young asked Eli, “So you’re working the problem?” Eli quickly assured him that he was. Prompting Col. Young to snap at the other two scientists standing nearby doing nothing, “Does the computer-hacking drop-out have to save our asses? Or are you going to get your heads out of yours?!”
No matter how dire the circumstances, Eli never ran away or shirked responsibility. Instead, he simply jumped in and helped. He also unflinchingly did whatever was asked of him.
Eli has utilized his innate sense of curiosity, his superior intellect and his desire to please and help where he could, to grow into the man we see now. He took initiative to learn under his mentor, the ambiguous Dr. Nicholas Rush. He volunteered to help for both off-planet excursions and around the ship as needed. He befriended Chloe after she lost her father and was left stranded like he was amongst a multitude of military personnel and scientists. Eli also reminded everyone of the importance of recording their journey and created a method for everyone to have a bit of self-help therapy by encouraging them to talk into the Kinos.
In “Darkness,” it was Eli’s idea that everyone should record a message into the Kino for posterity – just in case someone else came along and discovered it long after they were gone. It was also a way for everyone to release their darkest fears. Then in “Light,” Eli remembered to use one of the Kino aboard the shuttle as it moved away from Destiny so that those behind could see for the first time what the ship looks like from the outside. Even Rush was grateful for this foresight as he said, “Thank you, Eli. I never thought I’d see the ship from the outside.”
Eli never failed to reach out to help, learn, and be someone that they can all count on in a pinch; but his one really endearing trait is how he has bonded with Chloe. He may be carrying an unrequited torch for her, but he always puts aside his feelings and makes sure that she is protected and safe. That is his first priority. Thus, in “Cloverfield,” when Chloe refused to leave Scott and was willing to die with him, Eli’s protective nature was to persuade her to abandon Scott, who was dying, as staying meant certain death for her. It was a moment of conflict within Eli’s soul as he desperately wanted to protect Chloe, yet he also sensed that what may ultimately be best for her was to let her stay. He ultimately acquiesced to her wishes because for better or worse, he only wanted what was best for her — even if it cost Chloe her life. That will always be the toughest choice for Eli — does he protect Chloe or does he honor her wishes? It said a lot that he cared enough to let her make her own decision.
Finally, the perfect example of his heroism is how Eli voluntarily steps into the line of fire. He willingly does so for those he cares about – despite the fact he did not rise through the ranks of the military with Young, Scott, Greer (Jamil Walker Smith), and T.J. (Alaina Huffman), or spent years working on the civilian side of the government like Camille (Ming-Na), Chloe or even Rush. With or without a gun, Eli will place himself between those he cares about and any danger they face. It is without thought to his own well-being. His instinct is to protect, even unto death. This selflessness is a rare trait. In the case of Young, Scott and the military-trained personnel, they learned to protect others. Eli was never trained, he does it without thought. Somewhere in his soul, he was born a hero and it was just waiting for the chance to surface.
When they first found themselves stranded on an out-of-control alien ship eight billion light years from Earth, Rush regretfully told Eli, “I’m sorry I got you involved with this.” To which Eli smiled and said, “Actually, I’m not.” Rush quietly responded, “Yet.” But two seasons later and it does not appear that Eli truly regrets where life has taken him. This incredible journey (which is at times terrifying and frequently fueled with octane stress) is one that has made Eli into the man he is. It gave him the opportunity to realize who he is and not who he could be. He is a born hero.
Related article:
http://www.airlockalpha.com/node/8072/tv-watchtower-the-unsuspecting-hero-of-stargate-universe.html
