Season 4 casting spoilers - who will be in command of Atlantis

[wraithfodder]

They're totally changing the dynamic of SGA and it's not for the better. Read at your own peril.

Just a few quotes from the latest issue of SciFi magazine.

 

"...Amanda Tapping and her character, Col. Samantha Carter, who'll be taking over as the new leader now that the TV series SG1 is coming to an end."

 

Cooper said "It's about time she [Carter] got a command, and we had to keep that from happening to SG1 becuase we wanted her to be part of the team."

 

Bad news for Weir fans: "I can't make people feel better who just love Torri and Dr. Weir and want to see her on the show," sighs [Robert C] Cooper. "Unfortunately, that's just not going to happen. All I can say is that Sam Carter is a wonderful character, and Amanda Tapping is a wonderful actress, and i think she will fill the role on Atlantis admirably. I'm excited about seeing the evolution of her character. Brad and I created the character Dr. Weir and we love the character and torri, but the change needed to be made."

 

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

Why not just cancel Atlantis, and make the third series and put Carter in command? The people at Bridge seem obsessed with having Tapping in every project they do (SG1, SGA, Sanctuary, etc.) I have nothing against the actress, but the "change needed to be made" comment is just pure crap. The people who created the show didn't know how to write Weir, so, hey, let's bring over technobabble Carter from SG1 to take her slot. The article says what TPTB have been denying - that Carter IS going to be in command of Atlantis. Sucks. Sucks. Sucks.

WHY did the change need to be made? Do they explain that? Nope.

 

This is going to change the dynamic of the show. Weir is out, Carter is in charge, McKay will act like an idiot around her. God, I can only hope that Shep's team gets stranded offworld for most of the season just to avoid Atlantis.

 

This is just my kneejerk reaction from reading the article (posted over at http://ailurophile6.livejournal.com/29013.html)

Comments

[clight000.livejournal.com]

Ah great... Seriously, the decisions over at Bridge seem to be getting worse by the month. I love Amanda in SG1, but putting her in charge of Atlantis just isn't a natural choice! Whatever happened to all the "civilian in charge"...

And yeah, I don't want to know what kind of idiot McKay is going to be in the next season. All I can say is, I hope for the best, but am not optimistic.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

I can only hope that McKay really sums up Carter and goes, eh, she's not worth it and totally ignores her. I'd hate to have him slobbering/acting like an idiot over her for a whole season.

Constant changes in shows means the people in charge have no idea what they're doing, so I really don't have faith in the show getting a fifth season, not if they think killing characters and replacing characters is the way to fix crappy WRITING.

[nebbyjen.livejournal.com]

'I can only hope that Shep's team gets stranded offworld for most of the season just to avoid Atlantis.' We can only hope.

Maybe they could make a second Atlantis show about them being stranded and not being able to get back to Atlantis. Oh wait, ST Voyager already did that..... Things are really going haywire on that show.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah, Voyager. I forgot about that.

Maybe instead, Carter could vanish! Or have her be one of those bosses that just phones in. Yes, just keep her on Earth and off Atlantis.

[ex-nonniemou154.livejournal.com]

You know, it almost makes you wonder WTF Amanda Tapping has over those guys that they're so determined to keep her employed. What is it about her that they are so freaking in love with?

And that was my first thought about their third series; got myself smacked over at GW for articulating it: When are they going to announce that Sam Carter is the main character? Why don't they just give up on EVERYTHING else and rename the franchise: The Sam Carter Universe?

*seethes*

I like Sam, too, which makes this that much more frustrating. She doesn't work in Atlantis, not without seriously retooling the show--and though they're saying they won't, I have no hope that they won't write McKay as the socially inept 14-year-old they tend to think he should be around her. And she trumps Shep in military matters now and... ARGH!

*seethes*

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

I think it's not AT, but the producers are just, I dont' know, enamored of AT so much thatit affects their logic??

Yeah, so Carter will outrank Sheppard, McKay will drool over her (God, please PLEASE let him get over that stage) and Carter will save the day.

My hope is that the transition of her taking over will NOT go over smoothly and there will be lots of clashes. Would at least make up for the stupid producers dumping Weir.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Sure, feel free to do so :)

[alaxes.livejournal.com]

First: I like Sam Carter... in SG-1! Putting her in Atlantis? Not a great idea! How will that work - she isn't even a good diplomat!?
So Atlantis will no longer be a civilian mission!?

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

I get the feeling they've lost sight of the original purpose of the show... :(

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Well, supposedly it's a working title but I'm not at all enthusiastic about it. It sounds like a show I might tape and watch when I have time. Maybe.

[piplover.livejournal.com]

Just so you know, in Japan, the number four is regarded with even more superstition than we regard the number 13. In Japanese, the word for four is also the word for death, and it appears that this time, the superstition is coming true. I really can't see Atlantis being renewed for a fifth season, not with how much the writers and producers are pissing off their already existing fan base. If they thought that bringing Carter over would bring more viewers, I think they'll find they are seriously mistaken, and the loss of those who already love the show will be more than they anticipated. Change can be a good thing when done in small incriments, but this is too much. I hated Carter with a passion in SG1, and I really doubt I will suddenly like her now. I hate to say it, but it appears that this show is in the death season.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Oh, hadn't realized that. Maybe season 4 WILL be the last season!

[ladybeth.livejournal.com]

What I think I hate even more then teh fact that they went back on what they previously said si now Carter is Above both John and Rodney in the chain of command. She outrank John for sure, and Rodney would have to fight with her all the time. It's going to be SG-1 all over again because Rodney won't have a chance because Sam Carter and Sam Carter can not be wrong /end-rant.

Besides, what happened to having a cilivan in command? Unless Sam has retired and they are keeping her on as a civilian.

When was this posted btw? Could it have been an April Fools joke?

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Alas, not April Fool's. It's from the latest issue of SCI FI channel magazine.

here via sga_newsletter

[mahoni.livejournal.com]

I'm trying really hard not to make judgements about season 4 spoilers or dislike the changes sight unseen, but they're making it really difficult.

So, no more civilian leader of Atlantis, which, suck. Does this mean Carter will no longer be in command of a ship, but instead will now be actually stationed in Atlantis, on site? Also, does that mean John is essentially being demoted from military commander of the outpost? Which if true, also suck. SUCK ROCKS LIKE WHOA ACTUALLY.

Gah. I am determined not to negatively prejudge. *tries and tries and tries*

Re: here via sga_newsletter

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Well, the whole coming by spaceship thing, said very cheerily by Brad Wright (think it was) never said she was in command of a ship, but the magazine article has said without a doubt she's taking over command of Atlantis. Does it mean John is demoted from being military commander? I'd suspect so because she outranks him, therefore, she gets the top military slot, just the same as if Caldwell came to Atlantis and stayed for a period of time.

And no explanation as to why Weir 'needed' to go. Tacky tacky.

[anjak-j.livejournal.com]

Ugh what a crock of shit...

God, I can only hope that Shep's team gets stranded offworld for most of the season just to avoid Atlantis.

Quite. It's not bad enough that McKay will be falling over himself in front of her, but she'll probably get an increase in rank that means she'll outrank Sheppard, and thus impede on his position as Military Commander too...

[poetryfiend.livejournal.com]

But how the heck is that going to work? Amanda Tapping is starting that new show, Sanctuary, plus the Stargate movies...so surely she can't make a furthur committment to this after the next (is it two seasons she's still contracted for?) are over?

Gah, Weir was never my favourite character, but she was established and she *worked*. They were just starting to do some interesting stuff with her and now *poof* it's gone.

Why do they like the shock factor so much? It's like killing off Carson, it didn't *need* to happen, they just wanted it to. Are they trying to make a point or something?

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

I think the shock factor is done because the writers are out of ideas, retreading SG1 scripts, so they figure killing people is a good way to distract the viewers. Bad move.

[a_starfish]

Ugh. I hope McKay gives her grief, Atlantis is HIS kingdom after all. This is total shoehorning, why not have Carter and Weir body switch, it'd be more believable than this seems like it'll be.

Or trying to come at it from a different perspective than being upset and angry, maybe the writers simply are scared/have little faith/fear that Atlantis does not have enough clout to stand alone as they originally said they hoped it would. Changes needed to be made in Atlantis, but not the ones they've made.

Still, if I were to have no hopes for S4 then it can only surpass my expectations surely?

[agentcat47.livejournal.com]

"A CHANGE NEEDED TO BE MADE?!?!?!!" I agree! CANCEL ATLANTIS! The season will all be about McKay and Carter. I wish it were about John! I mean, he's the lead! What assholes, TPTB.

[aoihikari.livejournal.com]

can I please get the link for where the scans for this article is? :3

and as for my anger/hurt feelings about this whole issue, i just *LOVE* how how my feelings and emotions on loving Weir means next to nothing to these people. My love and support her her adds up to a big fat zero and i'm to be pushed aside and ignored while their 'we love carter so damn it why can't you!' bandwagon runs me over.

what they seem to fail to realize is that it's not making me like her more, nor it is psyching me up to see her in atlantis, the ironic thing is all this BS is making me HATE carter and all she stands for. figures eh?

they really can't get there preious die peacefully. it's just too bad. :(

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Oops, link is here
http://ailurophile6.livejournal.com/29013.html

[lovelokest.livejournal.com]

I'm going to voice a very unpopular opinion here and say that I'm looking forward to seeing what they do. If Carter is in charge of Atlantis, then I will be sad to see Sheppard no longer as the military leader but hey, a woman will be in charge. Even if she is undermined at every turn (like I expect her to be, these are the Stargate writers we're talking about who think that date-rape drug comedy is funny), it's a step in the right direction.

I think that also this will lead to some interesting power struggles on the show, and that can only be good for keeping the show fresh and alive. I want to watch as Sheppard has to adjust again to being under someone's command and not in charge and how that affects him. I want to see McKay react to having to work around Carter all the time. and lead to more of my sekrit het otp mckay/carter

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Honestly, I don't care which gender is in charge- I want someone with experience and who is competent. I don't think Carter has the experience to lead the expedition. I don't want to see Carter readily accepted, I want to see conflict, but because the writers adore Carter, I don't think that will occur. Just seen too much of everybody loving Carter on SG1 to not think they won't do the same thing on SGA.

[ladyflowdi.livejournal.com]

What I hate is that she'll technically be outranking both McKay and Sheppard. I thought the idea of leadership in Atlantis was a three-part system, where they balance each other in decision making. I mean, Elizabeth was always the leader, but she only functioned because Sheppard and McKay were there to bolster her, help her make choices, etc.

I just keep seeing a loop of Carter doing whatever she wants, and McKay and Sheppard 'reigned in' because of it. They're my favorite characters and my favorite dynamic -- either all these changes are going to kill it, or make it stronger.

Sigh.

[xfkirsten.livejournal.com]

I'm more than willing to give the show a chance... but honestly, the episodes without much Torri in them bored me horribly over the last couple of seasons. I'm not really sure how long I'll last before I drop the show. I certainly wish her all the best - she has the talent to go as far as she wants in the acting world.

[gaffer42.livejournal.com]

Lazy. Lazy, lazy, lazy. "Can't figure out what to do with Weir, we've screwed her character up, rather than fixing it let's just parachute a known quantity in."

Mind you, I can't see Carter being happy being Hammond, essentially.

I am NOT impressed.

[veracity]

"Can't figure out what to do with Weir, we've screwed her character up, rather than fixing it let's just parachute a known quantity in."

Great minds. I said the same thing pretty much, with "The only reason the change had to be made was because they didn't want to actually have to delve into what makes Weir tick when they had the option of using a known quantity."

[slashpile.livejournal.com]

O. M. G. I had decided not to read any more info about what's coming... but you're such a good highlighter, I gave in.

Just. Nothing. To. Say.

There are so many things they could do with the Stargate concept, and with Atlantis, but they seem so hellbent on knocking their own knees out from under them.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I like to pick out the crucial points of an article. The rest was how wonderful the changes were going to be....

Wish they could have left SGA as its own show...

[suki-blue.livejournal.com]

God, I can only hope that Shep's team gets stranded offworld for most of the season just to avoid Atlantis.

I was just thinking the same thing.

I had an awful feeling about this, damn it. I thought she was just going to have her on ship!

[veracity]

Ouch! That sonic boom was me falling off the turnip truck.

You know, I hadn't planned to watch Season 4 much after all the spin about AT being everywhere, as Carter for the most part. I'm sure she's an awesome person, and I don't hold her responsible, but this? Is for the birds. I don't see the point. All her performances will be mediocre at best, because she'll be stretched too thin. This isn't hard logic to figure out, folks. It'd be better to have one solid performance than three sucky ones.

"Robert Cooper says the series is up to the challenge of enticing any SG-1 viewers that haven't tried out their world."

Okay, that right there is the major problem. SG-1 fans have more than likely seen Atlantis, given it a chance, and either stayed or left. Common sense. Instead of playing up the base they have, they're purposely trying to just keep one shows for the sake of another. Joss Whedon had two shows on when Angel became a spin-off. The thing was, they used guest star crossovers rarely and let each survive by their own merit. Different settings, especially with something like Wolfram and Hart and The First. Both were bad guys, but with completely different agendas. Because of that, the characters were different, not just the same retooled episodes done a couple times. SG producers aren't understanding the necessity of that type of division. No one wants to see SG-1 plots fit into Atlantis if they don't work. Atlantis was meant to be a different angle.

Sacrificing Weir for Carter is extremely stupid. Carter is the Maryest Mary Sue to every set foot on the screen, and this is from someone who watches Days of Our Lives (Marlena anyone?). She has no flaws, no bad decisions. Weir did, and things like teaming up with the Wraith had severe consequences. That made for good television. Watching everyone drool over Carter is not my idea of a good show. I wonder if they could get Hailey, I think was her name, back and tell Carter she needs to calm her butt down. The problem I've found is that the writers think everyone loves Sam, and we don't. Of the episodes I've seen, I'd say...I liked her in maybe 4 outta 100.

Okay, I haven't seen the back half yet (even though I totally have it), but why did they mention the Athosians as bad guys? Did I miss something there?

"I can't make people feel better who just love Torri and Dr. Weir and want to see her on the show," sighs Cooper. "Unfortunately, that's just not going to happen. All I can say is that Sam Carter is a wonderful character, and Amanda Tapping is a wonderful actress, and I think she will fit the role on Atlantis admirably. I'm excited about seeing the evolutation of her character. Brad and I created the character of Dr. Weir and we love the character and Torri, but the change needed to be made."

That line is the final straw, for me. After I get through this season, I'm done. I don't appreciate being undervalued because I happen to like a character that isn't Little Miss Sue. I know how great Sam is, they tell me enough on SG-1. The only reason the change had to be made was because they didn't want to actually have to delve into what makes Weir tick when they had the option of using a known quantity. It's easier to think in the box than out. And the very obvious disrepect makes me not so happy. I showed the quote to my friend, who doesn't watch the show or in the fandom, and her response was "nice to see they care so much." Thanks, but no thanks. If I want that kind of treatment, I'll go call my mom.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

I think they were talking about the Asurans, not the Athosians. The Athosians are still good guys, but they're just... gone.

[marimba26.livejournal.com]

You hit the nail on the head. I think I'll watch the eps with Weir but otherwise, I'm all done. I don't know what they think they're playing at but it's going to backfire on them bigtime. I think they're trying to bring over the SG-1 folks who don't watch SGA (no, I don't understand that either :) ) and I think they're going to end up alienating their SGA fans in the process. Just MHO.

Thanks for posting this so we're all prepared at least.

[veracity]

And they seem to have missed the memo where majority of the SG-1 fans know of the show's existence, and either watch or don't. This isn't brain surgery. *sigh*

Upset

[smingus.livejournal.com]

I will not watch s4. They blew up my up my favorite character for no reason and then never mentioned him again. Replaced him with "baby Barbie". I even liked firefly. Now they are putting Carter in charge! I don't like Carter and I never have. Nothing against AT. She will out rank Shep and Rodney will be dummied up to the alter of Carter. They also booted Weir for what reason? Men like her boobs less then Carters? She was too civilian? It feels like the people in charge are lost and scrambling in fear of cancellation. In reality these changes are going to be the undoing of Atlantis.

[parisindy.livejournal.com]

i have ranted and i have raved... and well

i got nothing to add that i haven't already said

its sucks and its sad

[tringasolitaria.livejournal.com]

God, I can only hope that Shep's team gets stranded offworld for most of the season just to avoid Atlantis.

*laughing* I so understand. This really sucks. You know, I enjoyed Carter in Seasons 1-3, but I was so ready for her to be gone by the end of Season 8. I was basically gritting my teeth and watching around her for Seasons 9-10, and now I have to do the same with Atlantis. I agree with the person who posted that she's the "Maryest Mary Sue" of all. I just can't imagine how the golden girl of the MW is going to fit into the Pegasus group. Being Shep's boss, Rodney's boss... *sigh* This is depressing.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Here's a piece of fanfic on this casting news that might cheer you up. I found it fun to write ;)

http://wraithfodder.livejournal.com/58756.html