(S01E12) 'Stargate Universe' took a bold stab at character drama last night and delivered a fine and compelling hour of sci-fi TV. The eagerly anticipated Dr. Rush origin story didn't disappoint: 'Human' dropped us right inside of Rush's head to expose all of his secrets, pain and insecurities. Robert Carlyle would certainly be in the running for an Emmy Award this year for his amazing performance -- If they gave Emmys to shows with names like 'Stargate Universe.' You'll have to enjoy your Saturn Award instead, Mr. Carlyle. And I hope you do, because you really earned it with this episode.

Rush's mini 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' trip took up the bulk of the hour, but last night's B-plot was a lot of fun, and it even put some of our lead crew members in serious old school peril. The situation with the away team almost felt like it was ripped straight outta 'Stargate Atlantis,' with the team blasting a giant spider-monster and getting trapped inside of an underground cave. But before we get into that, let's talk about Rush's heartbreaking head trip.

Most of the first act cleverly played with our ideas and expectations of Rush -- he was cold, distant and awkward with his wife and obsessed with his work. This fake flashback had me fooled for a few minutes. I even thought Rush's pixie dust vision (please, someone come up with a better name for it than that!) was part of the flashback. But the truth was revealed when the dapper Dr. Daniel Jackson (guest star Michael Shanks) appeared to recruit Rush for the Stargate program.

'Human' did a great job of explaining Rush's misanthropic and hostile behavior. It seems his conscience died along with his wife, who suffered quietly while he was away trying to unlock the secrets of the universe. He devoted his life to work but failed at his efforts. His heart and mind grew colder and his personality more spiteful when slackerboy Eli unlocked the ninth chevron without even trying.

I was pretty blown away when Rush admitted that Eli was "the genius I'll never be." We all know Eli is a genius; he just lacks confidence. But I never thought I'd hear the arrogant Dr. Rush admit that his own knowledge and expertise comes second to Eli's natural brilliance. And that fact is tearing him up inside.

Here's a question: Would the Rush we met 10 or 12 episodes ago have risked his life to unlock Destiny's secrets and help the crew? I remember Rush refusing to sit in the chair when they first discovered it. (Instead, poor ol' Franklin became the ginny pig and ended up in a space coma.) But he did seemingly risk everything when he dialed the ninth chevron address in the pilot and got everyone stranded on the ship. And he did it all in the name of scientific curiosity and exploration.

I guess it was only a matter of time before Rush sat in the chair. He's a very obsessed and curious fellow. And let's not forget about his encounters with the Blue Meanies. A kidnapping and a space battle with those bad boys was probably all the motivation he needed to risk his life to learn how to control the ship. It would be great if Destiny could actually, you know, turn left and right and even jump to warp if under attack.

Rush found what he was looking for at the end of his lucid dream, and it had something to do with the number "46" (not "42" Daniel Jackson, you big nerd!). He woke up with a new, and less selfless, ambition and a more positive attitude. I'm looking forward to seeing a renewed Rush work with the team in their efforts to control the ship and rescue Eli, Chloe, Scott and Greer.

I loved loved loved watching Eli and Chloe's little comedy routine ("Stratification!") when trying to convince Young to let her go through the gate. And the death stare Greer gave Eli at the entrance to the cave was hilarious. It's great to see the show finally feeling comfortable enough to give us some humor.

It was also a little surprising to see the ep end with a cliffhanger. I know our heroes will probably get rescued next week, but I like that they seem to be in real peril. I certainly wouldn't want to be stuck in Shelob's lair like a sitting duck. We all saw what she did to Frodo.

Other Thoughts:

- Really enjoyed Chloe's "nerd moment." I say the nerdier she gets the better.

- I guess Eli and Chloe have made up. I can't say the same for Chloe and Scott.

- It was great to see Young chuckle a few times throughout this ep. The guy could really use a laugh.

- We got a quick flashback to Greer's childhood. Maybe the show is planting seeds for a Greer origin story.

- Great classical music in the flashbacks. It really helped transport me away from the ship and to that time in Rush's life.

- Next week: Dinosaurs?

(Watch free episodes of 'Stargate Universe' on Slashcontrol.)