Meme: Season 5 Cast Changes in Stargate Atlantis

[wraithfodder]

By now, who hasn’t read the press release on the cast changes in Stargate Atlantis’ season 5 put by NBC/Universal. I don’t say SciFi or other fan sites, as they’re just reworking the original PR from NBC, so I went straight to the source and have reprinted it in this post. If you don’t want to know, don’t click on the cut. However, if you want to discuss it, click away and read on. 

 

http://www.nbcumv.com/scifi/release_detail.nbc/scifi-20080205000000-people039schoice.html

 

PEOPLE'S CHOICE WINNER 'STARGATE ATLANTIS' BEGINS PRODUCTION ON SEASON 5
Published: February 5, 2008

Robert Picardo To Join Cast

Show Will Hit 100th Episode This Season

SCI FI Channel's recent People's Choice Award winner, Stargate Atlantis, will begin production later this month on its fifth original season. The new 20-episode season will include the series' benchmark 100th episode. Produced and distributed by MGM Television, Stargate Atlantis is filmed in Vancouver, Canada.

As Atlantis speeds toward its centennial episode, the Stargate universe promises new and surprising developments. The status quo is shaken following the events of season 4 (currently airing on SCI FI, Friday nights at 10pm) – some cherished friends are lost, others are found. New alliances are forged while new races are introduced.

Robert Picardo, whom Stargate fans will recognize as International Oversight Committee rep "Richard Woolsey," joins the Stargate Atlantis cast this season as Woolsey assumes command of the Atlantis expedition. The team, led by Lt. Colonel Sheppard (Joe Flanigan), Dr. Rodney McKay (David Hewlett), Teyla (Rachel Luttrell), Ronon (Jason Momoa) and Dr. Jennifer Keller (Jewel Staite), must adjust to his unique leadership style.

Fan favorite Paul McGillion, will return for five episodes to reprise his role as the beloved "Dr. Carson Beckett." Amanda Tapping ("Colonel Samantha Carter"), who remains a fixture of the Stargate universe, will appear as a special guest star in several episodes this season and Stargate SG-1 star Michael Shanks ("Dr. Daniel Jackson") will appear as a special guest in episodes as well.

Stargate Atlantis follows the adventures of an intrepid team of military and civilian explorers who travel the distant Pegasus galaxy by means of a Stargate, a portal created long ago by a highly advanced alien civilization called the Ancients. In their never-ending quest to seek out other technologies left behind by the Ancients, the Atlantis team encounters alien cultures – some friend, some foe.

The series is executive produced by Brad Wright, Robert Cooper, Joseph Mallozzi, Paul Mullie, Carl Binder, and Martin Gero. Mallozzi and Mullie share the reins as showrunners.

(and I snipped off the Scifi and MGM business stuff cuz, well, does anybody really read that? f)

------------------------------

So, is this news good, bad, or what?

 

Woolsey. Although I think if Woolsey is kept in his present form, it won’t be long before he gets the city destroyed or he ‘accidentally’ falls off a balcony to his death. * cough * I don’t want the buffoonish Woolsey that yes, is amusing in sporadic guest appearances that  few and far between, but now he’ll be a regular. He’s got to up the ante, get some backbone, and hopefully, provide conflict. Face it, does anybody on Atlantis go “Wow, Woolsey’s coming back! Can’t wait!” Nope, Sheppard thought little of the guy on his first trip to the city, maybe even less on his next visit. Woolsey, if written properly though, could provide an interesting contrast to the folks already there. He’s got no friends – he’s always been an outsider – the guy who digs and rattles cages to find dirt. He’s like the Internal Affairs Division in a police department. He’s there to ferret out problems, not hand out accolades.I would hope like hell the writers don’t have him being buddy-buddy with anybody for quite a while. It would be unrealistic. For Woolsey, this is a job – and probably not one he wanted either considering his experiences when he has been on Atlantis. I hope that the writers avoid the temptation to use him for comic relief (like they did with Dr. Lee) and instead give him the nitty, gritty administrative headaches that they avoided giving Sam.

 

The biggest plus in having Woolsey in charge is that he’s a civilian. The military leadership under Carter suffered for basically one reason: it was sorta boring. Sorry, but Sheppard was so A-okay about her taking over that I was wondering if he’d forgotten about Weir at some points. And that’s a problem with some of the writing – having huge chunks of time (sometimes) between episodes where the characters deal with those nasty emotions of loss, etc. But, Woolsey in charge means that he isn’t always going to agree with Sheppard, or McKay (or anyone, probably) and is no doubt going to be the IOA’s puppet – having a civilian special interest group dictate actions in another galaxy- which shouldn’t sit well with those who live there).

 

And also another plus – Robert Picardo is a very good actor. I’ve been watching his work since China Beach and enjoy his work. I just hope the writers give him good dialogue/scenes when he’s on the show.

 

Carter? I’m okay with her not being on the show, or showing up just sporadically in guest shots. Alas she didn’t do much in season 4, alas. I do like Carter, but I like SG1 Carter, not SGA Carter. She’s just not the same. I had trepidation her character might be put in the forefront, which didn’t happen and much to my surprise, she didn’t do much at all. She just sort of faded in the background. If they couldn’t write her strong for the limited time they had, then why bring the character on board (besides pushing an SG1 character on the show to draw in SG1 fans)? And I hope Amanda does well with Sanctuary, as it could conceivably lead to bigger things for her.

 

Carson Beckett back? Yawn. Ha, no, just kidding! Quite honestly I didn’t believe it until the release came out. It’s good news. I’d rather have him back in MORE than five episodes though, and still can’t fathom how he’ll return, but I also believe (and no offense to the great folk at the SCB who did great work) that TPTB left a backdoor for his character to return long before they decided to kill him off, as I suppose they all remember how great the fact reaction was when Daniel Jackson got bumped off. * cough *

 

Daniel Jackson? Good news, but please use him wisely. In fact, please use any SG1 character wisely. SGA doesn’t need to become the dumping ground for SG1 characters (no offense, I do like that show), but I want to see SGA becomes its own show, with its own character, etc.

 

Keller. She’s going to be a regular. It’s been confirmed in Joe Mallozzi’s February 5^th blog entry. The trouble is that Keller needs some serious character development, and I’m not talking about background but a little more, well, confidence. She’s too meek at times, and I know fans complain she whines (and well, she did a lot of it in “Missing”). We’ll see how well she does in “Trio” and I hope she improves. Alas, with Keller in the regular cast, that means Beckett can’t be, but well, she could get killed off in season 5 and someone else could take her place. The writers seem to have this thing against medical doctors…. And why can’t they get some nice competent battle-experienced surgeons sucked out of the Middle East arena?

Zelenka and Lorne. Not mentioned anywhere, but I sure as heck hope they're going to be on season 5.

 

And that’s all I can think of for now, but did sorta want to open up discussion on LJ since other boards tend to be far too many one-line responses… so, pro or con, I'm curious as to people's responses.

 

 

 

Comments

[kensieg.livejournal.com]

I heard a rumor, don't know if it was a joke or not, that David Nykl wasn't going to be in Season 5. Is there any way to confirm or deny this?

Woolsey is the utterly Last person I'd expect to be the head of the Atlantis expedition. He is so the incompetent political appointee.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

I checked his blog (http://lettersfrompegasus.blogspot.com) and he said "I haven't heard anything definitive yet, but I do know I'm in two of the first four eppies which kick off season 5."

:)

As for Woolsey, if the writing matches Picardo's acting abilities, it will be fine, but I have more faith in the actor than the writers ;)

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

YOu might want to take your tags away on this entery so ppl who are avoidng spoilers and who don't click on things don't put two and two togther when you list both Picardo and shanks.

I'll be back with my thoughts as I'm still trying to gather them :D

[kensieg.livejournal.com]

Of course you do!

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Hmm, good idea. Deleted. oh my god, is that icon from the NJ con? I remember seeing that angle when he stood behind me :)

[nightspring.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I've been looking for the original press release, but couldn't find it. *off to read the release and your comments* :)

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I skip the rest as all they do is paraphrase this and even SciFi has a lamer article than the original PR. Go figure ;)

[tabby333.livejournal.com]

The Woolsey we've seen in SGA is not believable as the head of a large expedition that is in an alien galaxy surrounded by deadly enemies. He hasn't shown himself capable of making quick decisions or able to overcome his fear. In fact, in his last appearance he probably alienated every character on Atlantis. While I get that TPTB redeemed a somewhat irredeemable character previously (Rodney), I don't see how they can do it with someone who will be mission commander. Woolsey has zero margin for error when he steps in.

Having said that, I like Robert Picardo and I think he has enough savvy to understand the character challenges. I have faith in his abilities. I also am willing to give writers/producers the benefit of the doubt. Some cast changes I liked, Carter and Ronon, others I didn't, namely Keller. Still, with Carter, they were careful and I liked where they were going. With Ronon, he had to grow on me. I trust they may win me over with Woolsey.

But it'll be an uphill battle.

Keller? They need to give her a bit more umph and Jewel Staite needs to kick it up a notch. Telling us her backstory doesn't automatically make her sympathetic. I have yet to like her at all. I remain eternally hopeful that this will change. I'm worried that there will be two characters to dislike. I hope not.

I am happy that the core team remains and that Daniel will visit (Please, let it be good. Sounds like some scenes with McKay may be forthcoming). It'll be good to see Carson too.

All in all, a mixed bag of an announcement.

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

I've thought about things and here's where I stand.

Woosley.

I think he's pretty cowardly, doesn't have the stones to make good choices and is too rash because his real, actual experience is reports. Which makes him sort of interesting. He's not likable..I mean he's not a jerk and a decent guy, but he's IOA...and will appear to be their puppet. As Joe Flanigan has said, its no fun with 'everyone' gets along and I'm sure Joe/Sheppard will have fun with that increase in tension and drama.

Someone like Woolsey is what I think TPTB wanted all along in that position. A paper pusher, make command decisions, and not the type of guy who went off world. It makes John the expert on military matters and in charge again. Makes McKay an expert on everything techy. I don't think the TPTB ever thought Elizabeth would ever grow as a character and become a fan favorite so when she pushed for more—and it what was beyond what they intended for the role, we saw the result.

Also with needing a Season 5 pick up they went with Carter in hopes of ratings and the fact she's a familiar face and all around wonderful actress. I hope they make use of her appearances wisely when she does come on board, but honestly I fear cast bloat and would be happy with only a few.

Carson.

Yay he's back! I'll take five episodes, wished for more. Honestly ideally they would cut Keller back and give HIM more screen time, but if they both have to share, Id rather have him more prominent role in fewer episodes

Maybe something really bad will happen requiring both Keller and Carson have to team up.

Keller.

If she's staying she needs to be fixed I agree. I don't want more woe is me, background, just make her stronger. And for Pete's sake more compassionate! She's a tin man right now for me. And mousy and weak..I'd like her more if she would get some confidence as you said.

Daniel.

I like him, I do. But I'm already smelling a two-part McKay and Jackson geek fest written my Martin G. Um, let's keep him to a nice two parter, keep it special. I don't want SGA to be the backboard for SG1 people..they had ten years.

With all this craziness and we get nothing on say..I don't know..the TEAM. You know in all my other ensemble casts I always heard what the lead's development and story lines were going to be...I hear crickets.

Sigh.

All this doesn't really bother me if its handled right. They handled season 4 pretty darn well. I love SGA and I'm going to be open and optimistic to all this as I was this year.

As long as the TEAM remains the focus, I'll be find with the support cast.

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

Keller? They need to give her a bit more umph and Jewel Staite needs to kick it up a notch. Telling us her backstory doesn't automatically make her sympathetic.


I agree as I mentioned in my long-winded response. She needs to buck up, stop whining, stop the woe is me act and grow a pair. After that, lets see some compassion in her interactions with people, act more like a doctor and maybe I'll like her more.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Definitely a mixed bag, I'll agree on that. I would have loved to have seen Torri's name in the announcement but after listening to her interview last week, figured that wasn't happening.

As for Keller, as some folks have said of her (and Woolsey). Needs to get 'a set' ;) If Keller vanished, I probably would not notice it. I thought they got her hanging around with Shep's team FAR too early. Ditto with Carter.

Daniel and McKay scenes sound promising!

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure....I fell in love with it....he's so adorable in it. The icon maker is under my userpics.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it all boils down to team, which I forgot to mention as I was busy dissecting the PR, but that's what drew me to the show. I mean, I love Sheppard, but without McKay and the others to bounce off, it wouldn't be the same. Same with McKay, without SHep and the others, I'd be strangling him ;)

I'll admit I think I am more optimistic about season 5 than four because 1) Carson's back, and 2) Carter is now a guest star. And poor Keller, she needs to go to eBay and buy some balls. There, I said it ;)

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

May I swipe it? :) It is very adorkable :)

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

Sure thing.

It's by:graphicalrum

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Thanks. One can never have too many JF/Shep icons :)

[kriadydragon.livejournal.com]

Interesting. Very interesting. I think it will stir things up a lot to have Woosley there. The conflict should be interesting, and Woosley is the kind of character ripe for the picking in terms of character growth, kind of like McKay.

Yay, Carson! I love writing Carson. It's why I've been so reluctant to write anything in season four, espeically anything that ends in an infirmary scene :).

And that's all I can really say since I'm still stuck in season three.

[tabby333.livejournal.com]

I think we'll see Torri. I wouldn't put it past them to keep it a secret as they did with her surprise appearance at the end of BAMSR. I haven't listened to her interview, so I may just be deluding myself.

I do wish Robert Picardo luck and success.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

I know. I have yet to write anything in season 4 at all. I think. Er, it's been so long since I've written anything (beside insane pictorial script rewrites). I should finish the stories I started, and all are season 3.

[ancientcitadel.livejournal.com]

Woolsey has the potential to be good. While he was probably chosen by the IOA as their puppet commander, he's shown in the past that when it comes down to it, he'll made decisions based on his belief of what's right or wrong.

We'll just have to wait and see. At least he's not military.

[nightspring.livejournal.com]

Zelenka and Lorne. Not mentioned anywhere, but I sure as heck hope they're going to be on season 5.

Maybe we should leave comments at Joe's blog or otherwise write TPTB letting them know how much we are looking forward to seeing Z&L in s5 and beyond! ;)

[roxy-palace.livejournal.com]

Woolsey? WOOLSEY?! Could he be the catalyst for some kind of Written By The Victors type season story arc??! That would be cool, and also completely probable on account of him being a total dick.

Tapping was woefully underutilised this season...but funnily enough As I was dosing this moring I thought, 'How come Daniel has NEVER once visited Atlantis? He so wanted to in episode one...I really like that guy...I hope the SG-1 movies go well for him...What's his name from Farscape is so hot in BDU's...' and things of that nature. So, yeah, timely!

[roxy-palace.livejournal.com]

PS Carson - WICKED! I am very, very happy about this. But we could be dealing with flash backs here, so lets not get too excited. I was SO happy when I saw Elizabeth in Sins, I just want that feeling again with Carson. He was a really special character.

Keller - I like her and I like that she's a little feeble. It's a nice foil for Ronon's uber-capability. Also she is WAY cute. Keller just has her own girly brand of capable. We don't need another Teyla. We have a Teyla and she totally rules.

Lorne and Zelenka - Could it have escaped their notice that we freaking well love them?! Oh god...No Zelenka?! I can't even conceive of it. Although he is the kind of Character they like to kill off for shock value. I will cry for weeks. And Lorne? Too hot. Must stay.

[sgafan33.livejournal.com]

Daniel did visit Atlantis. It was in SG-1 10x03, "The Pegasus Project". You know, the one where John gave Cam that lemon and then Cam threatened Rodney with it to get him to finish the calculations to block Ori supergate using a gate powered Pegasus galaxy black hole (whoa!). It was the episode where Daniel deduced the Atlantis hologram he was talking to with Vala was actually Morgan Le Faye.

[sgafan33.livejournal.com]

From Joe Mallozzi's Feb 5 blog where he addresses some rumors, this is the last rumor -

"The show will also get to see a lot more from recurring characters like Major Evan Lorne (Kavan Smith) and Dr. Katie Brown (Brenda James), Rodney McKay’s (David Hewlett) love interest."

Half points on this one.

Since Mallozzi answered on Jan 20th

amac251 writes: (1) “While Rodney and Katie were an OBVIOUS pairing […] I don’t “get” the way their pairing ended. […] was the viewer suppose to conclude that this relationship is never going to go anywhere?

Answers: 1) Yes.

I think that definitely means Lorne is in season 5. Especially since Kavan doesn't have The 4400 to work on (damn, I wanted to see episodes with 2 Jed Garritys).