Apparently Stargate producer Joseph Mallozzi has been hearing the not-so-pleasing rumblings that his new Stargate show, Universe, is little more than an odious attempt by the suits to “young up” their aging franchise. I’ve gone on record calling this a poor attempt at going the youth route (I think I’ve called it Stargate: 90210 in the past), while others have dubbed it Voyager: 90210. I kinda like my own name for it better. But in any case, Stargate producer Joseph Mallozzi would like to assure fans that Universe is not Voyager: 90210. By which I mean, Joseph Mallozzi apparently hasn’t read his own press releases, because if this thing isn’t stinking of Voyager: 90210, I don’t know what does.

Says Mallozzi, via Gateworld:

“Brad pitched us the series and its first five episodes and, I have to say, it’s a far cry from the shallow confection many fans are imagining,” Mallozzi wrote last month. “In fact, in many ways, it’s a much more cerebral and mature addition to the franchise. While firmly entrenched in pre-established Stargate mythology, Stargate Universe definitely strikes out in an exciting new direction. It’s a series that will delight veteran fans, but also appeal to newcomers who may not necessarily know the difference between an Alteran and an Asuran.

“In spite of what the indicators may suggest, this will definitely not be a Voyager: 90210. The assortment of characters that make up the character breakdown are certainly an atypical collection of heroes, far-removed from the skilled likes of Jack O’Neill, Samantha Carter, John Sheppard, and Rodney McKay — but there’s a damn good reason for that.”

Right. A show about a bunch of 20-somethings on a ship lost in space will be “more cerebral and mature” than both SG1 and SGA. Man, I don’t know if fans of SG1 and SGA should be insulted or if the writers of those shows should take offense. Either way, Voyager: 90210 is on its way, and if you don’t like it, then screw you, old SG fans. The suits want younger viewers, anyway, and you just don’t qualify anymore.

Below: “So, er, can you guys get younger or sumthin’?”