Chicago Tribune scores interview with Mallozzi re Season 4 changes

[wraithfodder]

http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2007/02/amanda_tapping_.html

Click on the cut below for excerpts from the article:

Chicago Tribune reporter Maureen Ryan managed to wrangle some responses out of Joe Mallozzi regarding the changes to SGA

 

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Feb 20 2007 

 

Here are some excerpts:

 

“Changes are afoot in outer space.”

“Stargate SG-1” is wrapping up its long run with 10 episodes that begin airing April 13, Sci Fi Channel announced Tuesday. A spinoff series, “Stargate Atlantis,” will also air 10 episodes of its third season starting on the same date.

The biggest news, however, is that Amanda Tapping, who played “Stargate SG-1’s” Lt. Col. Samantha Carter for 10 seasons, will join the main cast of “Atlantis” for its fourth season, which arrives in the fall.

…………………………..
Mallozzi didn’t want to be specific about how Higginson and Tapping’s characters will fit into the command structure of the Atlantis expedition in Season 4, but he did say that Carter will provide “more of a support role.”

……………………………..
Mallozzi would not confirm one development that has been widely discussed on “Stargate” fan sites for months, which is the alleged death of “Atlantis’” affable Scottish doctor, Carson Beckett, who’s played by Paul McGillion. The actor told Starburst magazine that his character is killed off in an upcoming Season 3 episode called “Sunday.” 

……………………….
Asked whether any other cast members of “Atlantis” are leaving, he said, “stay tuned on that one.”

……………………….
On fan reactions to the upcoming season of “Atlantis”: I think fans are needlessly worried. They read spoilers and get upset [before they see the episodes]. The heartache and the anger – fans would save themselves a lot of that if they would wait and watch the episodes. I’m sure they are already starting their letter-writing campaigns. But in our case, to be brutally honest, they don’t really have an impact on creative decisions.” 

 

Go the URL above for the full article!

No comment. At least none that are printable, at this point in time (grrrr).

Comments

[poetryfiend.livejournal.com]

So if we have nothing to do with their creative decisions...who the heck does?!?!?!

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Lord knows. Don't you sometimes feel like an ant under some stupid kid's magnifying glass?

[poetryfiend.livejournal.com]

Worse, I feel like the ant they didn't bother looking at and just trod on.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Ouch

[xfkirsten.livejournal.com]

But in our case, to be brutally honest, they don’t really have an impact on creative decisions.

Yep... pretty much what I've suspected all along. One of the major reasons that I haven't been at all involved with the campaign, really, despite being a huge Weir fan. They've never listed to the fans in regard to casting in the past, what makes anyone think that they'll start now? :(

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Alas, that's probably right, otherwise they wouldn't churn out turkeys like "Irresponsible."....

[xfkirsten.livejournal.com]

At least I think they got the picture after that one... I recall JM making at least one disparaging remark about it in his blog...

[dejla.livejournal.com]

And -- many years ago when a save our show campaign resulted in an incredibly awful renewal season, I vowed to never again participate in one. It's not worth what you get.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Alas, that's true. Maybe there should be a campaign to 'get rid of some writers' instead....

[xfkirsten.livejournal.com]

Well-said. I'd rather have nothing at all than watch it turn into a pile of crap. *stabs at The X-Files*

[alyssa22.livejournal.com]

I hate these people. Their arrogance is astounding.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

I can't bring myself to waste the time to hate them. I dislike their attitude, and unfortunately, it's tolerated and even encouraged by some. His remarks also show how clueless he is to the fan base of the show that provides his livelihood.

[whisper99.livejournal.com]

Seems like all that is old news. Hm...anyway, JM is a freak and he likes to say things to freak out and upset people. I think it makes him feel special.

[alyssa22.livejournal.com]

I hope that so many people stop watching because of what's happened with Carson and Elizabeth that the show gets cancelled before season four even finishes going to air. That would be karma coming back to bite them on the butt.

[dejla.livejournal.com]

Actually, we do have an effect -- on their ratings. We stop watching, the ratings go down, suddenly SciFi wonders why they have this show on that isn't doing anything for them. He ought to think about that end of it.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

I just feeling sorry for the actors/crew who haven't been canned yet in this 'reincarnation' of SGA - foisting SG1 cast and new cast members onboard to 'shake up things.' I like Shep, McKay, Teyla, Ronon, etc., and am tired of seeing things changed becuase the writers CAN'T write. It's as simple as that. They've got marvelous tools with the actors but if the writers can't get past retreading an old SG1 script, we're doomed.

[alyssa22.livejournal.com]

They can't be feeling confident at all. What they fail to understand is that giving your cast an unstable, uncertain environment is inevitably going to impact on their performance. They are screwing over a bunch of people, all for the sake of keeping SG1 alive.

[tringasolitaria.livejournal.com]

……………………….
Asked whether any other cast members of “Atlantis” are leaving, he said, “stay tuned on that one.”

……………………….

Well, that's a kick in the gut. I read this article, even posted a link on my own LJ, and still managed to miss that line. Like I needed to be more depressed about the future of SGA tonight. Not that I'm blaming you...please don't take that way. But surely they wouldn't....would they? I've said I would probably hang in there no matter what, but if they kill off Shep or McKay I'm done. Not that I would be happy if they killed off Ronan or Teyla either. Here's an idea...why not kill off Carter?

I hope I don't offend anyone by what I said-if I did, I will delete. I'm just frustrated tonight, and it sounds like you all feel at least somewhat like I do.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Oh hey, your post is okay, don't need to delete. Not like I haven't vented myself on this matter. I figure it's better to vent than to hold it in.

Well, can't kill carter due to the movies, but it was a thought ;) I'd hate to see Teyla or Ronon get offed simply for dramatic effect.

[tringasolitaria.livejournal.com]

Thanks. :-)

I'd hate to see Teyla or Ronon get offed simply for dramatic effect.

Yeah, that would really not be good, after what they did to PM this year. (depressed face)

[alyssa22.livejournal.com]

Kill of Carter? We can only hope.....

I'm in a state of "if I didn't laugh at their idiocy, I'd cry!"

They're screwing the one show I actually care about.

[stclare.livejournal.com]

he boggles the mind doesnt he! sg1 was canx for a reason maybe people were fed up after 10 years people like ME!!!

I dont like carter, not even a smidgen..why does he persist in the belief that everyone must like both shows esp cater.

its just idiotic to make a statement about fans making no impact and not expecting it to create even more bad feeling towards him and by extension the show aswell. i think he feels its funny to poke at fans to get a reaction, unfortunatley i think he has pushed this a little to far and may get a shock when he sees the viewing ratings come season 4. i think a lot of fans annoyed by his attitude will not watch on tv but probably use other web based sites to decide wether its worth tuning in therefore dropping the ratings through the floor!

shakes head and bemoans idiotic crap writters/producers who should stick to writting about food and ony have control of there blog and nothing else!!!

[weeboots.livejournal.com]

OMG what?! How can he have that attitude - But in our case, to be brutally honest, they don’t really have an impact on creative decisions?

I can't believe they don't care what the fans think - I mean without the fans, there are no rating, no merchandise sales and then no show!

Thanks for keeping us up-to-date with all the developments :)

[agentcat47.livejournal.com]

That's pathetic that TPTB don't care what the fans think. If enough fans stop watching, ratings will go down, the show is cancelled, then they can't make money! Good. The deserve it for screwing with our show. And STAY TUNED to find out whether or not more people leave the show? That's just asking for fans to drop out. God, they are such idiots, especially Mallozzi. I'm a step away from dropping out completely.