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?

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.