Musings on the Casting Developments for Atlantis

[gategrrl]

I'll have to get an Atlantis icon today, I think.  I have one! I have one!

So, Robert Picardo is slated to replace Amanda Tapping as the commander of Atlantis, eh? 

Frankly? I think this is a GOOD development. Picardo is an excellent actor, well-established in the SF world in MANY different series as well as a series like China Beach. His IMDB shows how busy he is. I think the Atlantis producers lucked out getting him.

Instead of a 'diplomat' like Weir, or a by-the-book officer like Carter, we get a total bureaucrat; decent in the middle, but with gray character flaws. I think Woolsey will bring interesting dimensions to Atlantis. After all, having a YES Commander all the time is rather boring for the characters, eh? What Atlantis has lacked (especially during Carter's tenure) is a commanding presence, or at least a commander who doesn't automatically back-up every single wacky way-out idea that Sheppard and Rodney and the others dream up. I think even Daniel Jackson in the commander chair on this show would end up as boring as Weir and Carter. He's too righteous, too often right, and honestly? That's boooring. And who needs an actor who's bored stiff with his character after playing him for over ten years? (looking at you, Tapping)

It would be ideal to have a commander who doesn't back them up all the time. Atlantis is known for its iffy ethics, poor moral choices, and expedient decisions. How does Woolsey NOT fit in? 

Besides, he's a guy, and these sexist writers have easier times writing for other guys.

Let's see...other casting news. 

The Scottish doctor is coming back for a few episodes. 

Have no idea how they'll manage that, and frankly I don't care. I thought this character was the worst of the bunch, even worse than Weir, because, not only did he do atrocious things against his better judgement, he let himself go against everything doctors are trained to believe in, to uphold their oaths and DO GOOD. Unfortunately, although his angst about his decisions could have been used for good effect, his actions, supported by his commander, were so beyond good taste, current morals and ethics, that even his minor angsting couldn't make up for it.  McGillion is a likable actor and person. I just hope his character rectifies his mistakes. But coming from a family that had family wiped out in Europe (even fifty years ago or more), I personally think that no matter how the assholes in Bridge try to gloss over their character's actions, he'll still always be their dream-Mengele doctor.

And the final bit of confirmed (sort of) casting news - Daniel Jackson will be visiting Atlantis.

:::yawn:::

It was bad enough that Carter had her tour of duty on Atlantis. At this point, I personally am not looking forward to seeing Shanks coast through another incarnation of his character, unless it was a VERY gripping story that had something to do with a subject other than the tired out Ancients or Ori. We don't know who on Atlantis is capable of translating Ancient - although in some Stargate episode it was dropped that many people now know how to translate: only that he's the best at it. Perhaps if he'd been gone from Stargate back at the end of season 6, and suddenly showed up all glowy and stuff - then I might be interested and curious to see what he'd been up to; but now? Heh. I'd really enjoy it if Shanks stepped into an Ancient machine and came out as James Spader, for a guest spot. THAT would be worth watching.

I can't see Daniel Jackson drawing the numbers, like Carter was also supposed to, and didn't. His character has simply become so campy and exaggerated over the years, with occasional bouts of actual drama...well, we'll see. (or I will)

Here's to hoping that Vala will not be making the trip with him. I'd rather see him interact with the Atlantis crew rather than be trapped with her during a visit. What would be the point of having him guest star? But, I'm heartened by the amount of publicity Black has NOT pulled on the DVDs and photo shoots (and yes, I realize she was pregnant at the time: but perhaps she also suffers from Higginson's problem? ie: having a big mouth when it comes to how women are written on Stargate?)

And those are my thoughts on Picardo, MacGillion and Shanks. 

What do YOU think?

Comments

[aizjanika.livejournal.com]

Actually, I didn't know! Your post is the first one I've seen about this.

I'm not happy about Picardo, if that's the case. I dislike Woolsey as a character and his dynamics with pretty much everyone he interacts with. I find it off-putting, and I'm not at all interested. Damn. I was actually enjoying Atlantis this season. I actually *liked* Sam being there as a sort of non-presence. Or at least, it didn't ruin the show for me as I thought it might. It didn't become The Sam Show or the Sam/Rodney show and they didn't go out of their way to make her the hero in every situation.

So...damn. I'm not happy about this news at all.

I'm not sure how I feel about Daniel Jackson visiting Atlantis. I'm with you in hoping that Vala is not with him, but to me, the damage to his character (in association with her) is already done, and I don't think I could bear to see him again. I still can't bear to watch earlier seasons most of the time.

:::sigh::: So, I guess this is bad news for me. I was just convincing lyraeinne to watch again. I made copies of season 3 and I'm busy copying season 4 for her as I write.

Ah well... Now I feel like...why bother?

[gategrrl.livejournal.com]

I was surprised, actually, by how low-key and subdued, not to mention little-seen, Carter was this season. I almost didn't mind her.

And yes, re: Daniel and his exposure to Vala, and being tainted. But...it's not only the character with Vala, it's the character himself. I know, I know - Daniel has to change (but so many characters on television DON'T change) but did he really have to change in the direction he did? Meaning, he had already absorbed a lot of Shanks' own personality and foibles and was more Shanks than Daniel for a long time before Vala was even on the scene.

[superbadgirl]

And yes, re: Daniel and his exposure to Vala, and being tainted. But...it's not only the character with Vala, it's the character himself. I know, I know - Daniel has to change (but so many characters on television DON'T change) but did he really have to change in the direction he did? Meaning, he had already absorbed a lot of Shanks' own personality and foibles and was more Shanks than Daniel for a long time before Vala was even on the scene.

I've thought this, too, but was too chicken to ever publically say it back when I was immersed in fandom. I love Daniel, but the Daniel-can-do-no-wrong-you-shut-up-you-hater! fans can be scary. (I get the same vibe from Dean Winchester fans in the few places I've ventured out into SPN fandom...)

I...want to see Shanks act again, damnit. I want to forget he's Shanks and see only the character.

I don't watch SGA, but I have to say I disliked Carter's hair long like that. ;)

[gategrrl.livejournal.com]

I guess I *could* say it on OS, in my new Delphi persona, but then I'd out myself big-time.

However, you don't have to be chicken in your own LJ!

No, I'm actually disappointed in Shanks' acting. I was disappointed with them ALL for a long time, really, when they moved over to SciFi and they realized they could coast because, heck, the producers didn't give a rats' tiny ass if they did or not. Heck, the producers probably didn't WANT the actors to act, so the show could get cancelled yadda yadda yadda.

At most, the "acting" I've seen between him and C Black is of the mugging variety. The very type of acting Tapping has specialized in. I think the last time I really saw him act was when Vala was burning in at the stake (and damn, she didn't stay crispy). After that...nada.

[superbadgirl]

I remember venting about what was going on on OS once or twice and getting hammered for it (more than usual - at least one BNF/mod over there always had it in for me, for reasons I can't quite figure out even now). Of course, that's not the same as "bashing" a beloved character or actor, but you can bet your sweet bippy I didn't want a repeat of that. ;)

No, I'm actually disappointed in Shanks' acting. I was disappointed with them ALL for a long time, really, when they moved over to SciFi and they realized they could coast because, heck, the producers didn't give a rats' tiny ass if they did or not. Heck, the producers probably didn't WANT the actors to act, so the show could get cancelled yadda yadda yadda.

That's what I meant by wanting to see Shanks act again. I wasn't particularly impressed by his 24 and CSI:Miami appearances, and his Lifetime movies are just plain awful. ;)

[aizjanika.livejournal.com]

I agree with you about Daniel, but I didn't mind that so much until Vala was on the scene. It's how he changed to be the kind of person who would accept her and interact with her in the ways that he did that just crossed that invisible line for me to being a character that I no longer liked or wanted to see.

I'm all for characters changing and growing, but it has to make sense. As much as I love comedy, I keep seeing the same pattern over and over on sitcoms where they exaggerate traits of characters over time until they all become one-note characters. I also hate it on shows (such as currently on Supernatural) where they just decide a character is different and he is! Everyone refers to him as if he were always this way and past events are wanked to fit in with the new persona.

Or like what they did with Cameron Mitchell in season 9 of SG-1. He was a straight-laced, by-the-book, Mr. Military officer--someone on the fast track. Then he was the wild & crazy guy who'd do anything like charge ahead alone to the rescue, use alien technology for personal reasons, and sleep with an alien off-world while on a diplomatic mission. Then he was Stupid Guy and everyone on SG-1 rolled their eyes at him and I wondered why they'd even go off world with him. (And I mostly liked Mitchell. *g*)

But Daniel? I don't know. I think I loved him too much, so when he changed in ways that I really couldn't stomach, I just stopped liking him.

Nothing to see here, basically

[ndmzero.livejournal.com]

I had no idea any of this was happening - you're the one who informed me that AT was leaving SGA and now you've brought me up to date.

Thank you.

I can't say I have much reaction -- although I did like Woolsey's character. The command structure of Atlantis never made any sense to me - I thought Weir was completely unqualified based on what they said of her background originally. Woolsey seems, on the face of it, even less so. But I don't know that they were ever specific about his background.

I don't watch Atlantis, so I have no opinion as to how this will affect the show.

I like Michael Shanks (although imo his Eureka appearance was not impressive) and I like Daniel Jackson - hey, I even like Vala. I'll probably watch that episode, if I can pay enough attention to catch it.

Otherwise, I don't watch it and nothing they've done will convince me to watch it.

But it's nice to hear the news about a few people I used to care about a lot.

Thanks again.

Re: Nothing to see here, basically

[gategrrl.livejournal.com]

LOL - I'm not a huge fan of this show. What the Stargate people *have* done for me is keep me amused by their incredible fickleness in casting and backbiting and politicking. There's more drama behind the camera here than in front of it!

And weirdly enough, I started half-way *enjoying* it in a thoroughly popcorn way this season. Don't know why, but there you go.

Re: Nothing to see here, basically

[aizjanika.livejournal.com]

Me too! I hadn't even planned on watching it, but I had recorded it and left it on the Tivo for months. I think I started watching it again and getting caught up over the holidays when most shows were in repeats or not airing at all. I was surprised that I rather enjoyed it on, as you mentioned, a popcorn level. As long as I didn't look too closely or care about the characters too much, it was entertaining enough to watch and, considering there aren't many shows airing new episodes right now, I was content to watch the new episodes as they aired.