In Stargate Universe (Sci Fi) David Blue plays Eli, a video-gamer whose rushed from the console to the Destiny within a couple of days. What’s Playing recently had the chance to catch up with the former Ugly Betty star and discuss what it’s like being involved in one of the most successful TV brands of all time.

Stargate Universe seems to be a lot more accessible to a wider audience, would you agree? And why do you think that is?

I think SGU is a great next step in the evolution of the world of Stargate. It keeps a toe-hold in the established mythology that fans of the previous incarnations have grown to love, but it also pushes the envelope in a way that opens the world up to the rest of the… well… world. It invites people who have never seen a single Stargate: SG1 or Stargate Atlantis episode to watch a new group of people in a crazy situation. You can watch SGU having never seen anything before, but the great thing is, if you have, you’ll see so many people, things and references that you can catch. I like to call them easter eggs.

How did you get involved in the show?

It was the typical process. I heard about the role while I was shooting some additional Ugly Betty episodes in New York City. Having loved the original Stargate movie and having seen every television episode, I was intrigued. But the real thing that drew me to the project was the script for the pilot. I found it fascinating. Especially the role of Dr. Rush. I just had to know what he was up to, and I knew if I felt that way, the audience would as well. From there, the usual: audition, screen-test, etc.

What’s it like working with the wonderful Robert Caryle and Lou Diamond Philips?

Terrifying. They beat me daily. No, not really. They’re absolutely amazing. We have seemingly lucked out more than any show has a right to these days. The entire cast is comprised of supremely talented actors who have somehow remained humble and grateful. On top of all of that, we all have the same ridiculous sense of humor, which makes the long days not only bearable, but preferable. I’m proud to call the people I work with my friends and part of my family now.

Philips ever break into ‘La Bamba’ on set?

Holy cow, I wish. If he had, as much as I respect privacy, I think you’d have already seen it on YouTube. I have caught him (as well as everyone else in the cast) playing RockBand, but that’s only because I’ve hosted RockBand parties at my house for everyone. I must say, Stand and Deliver is the movie that really jumps to mind whenever I see him. That, or Young Guns.

Were you a fan of the Stargate series’ before?

I had watched SG1 whenever I got off of work or had the chance late at night. And that addiction led to watching Atlantis from the beginning to the end. The shows always ended up being things I had to look forward to when I got home late at night. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters like McKay, O’Neill, Carter, Jackson. I think it’s what helped convince me to take the project. I looked forward to getting to know my own character.

They’re talking about doing another big-screen flick. In your opinion, should it be a sequel to the Kurt Russell flick from years ago, or a continuation of one of the TV series?

That’s a tough one. It’d be difficult to create a new movie if you’re going to ignore the world that’s been fleshed out by Brad Wright, Robert Cooper, Carl Binder and gang. They’ve all done an amazing job adding to the mythology, it would almost be a disservice to pretend that never happened. However, Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich started the ball rolling. I’d be curious to read that script, for sure!

How much of the year are you based in New Mexico?

Only when they fly me there! We shot pieces of the pilot (Air: Part III specifically) there, but that was mainly location stuff. It was an amazingly challenging experience for all of us, but one I look back on fondly. I’d go back there anytime they’d ask me. The military was impressively welcoming and helpful. And God bless them all for putting up with those conditions.

What’s to do out there in Alamogordo (which is, where I believe, Philips shot Young Guns II?) after work?

The cast only had one or two nights before we started filming where we all felt comfortable doing anything extracurricular. We checked out the local nightlife and got to know some great locals the weekend before. Other than that, the days were too long and hard to do much else aside from grab a bite to eat at one of the few restaurants around and then promptly pass out. I had some great Mexican food with Robert Carlyle, Brian J. Smith and Jamil Walker-Smith. And I remember a wonderfully delicious bowl of soup at Chili’s while going over my lines one late night.

Were you crushed to hear that Ugly Betty had been canceled?

Every single person who works on that show is so special. They’re a truly great bunch, and there’s no need to hope the best for everyone because they’ll all end up working for a long time to come. I have no doubt we’ll soon hear about everyone working on new projects. I’ll absolutely miss those characters, though, both as a fan and as a cast member. I respect Silvio Horta and gang from here to eternity, so I know the decision, while extremely difficult, was made for the right reasons. I was sad, for sure. I’ve always considered the role of Cliff as a closed door, but an open window. I would’ve loved to return at some point in any way I could.

If you could travel through the Stargate to any time and place, where would it be?

The future, for sure. I want to know where we’re headed on this silly spinning rock we all call home. I’d love to go through and see Starfleet in existence, with peace planet-wide and a spirit of exploration to be found everywhere. It’s a nice thought that I hope for. Or at the very least, I’d love to see what the cockroaches have done with the place.

Stargate Universe airs on the Sci Fi Channel