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July 15, 2005
New Beginnings
Well, just like in Poltergeist….”We’re baaaaa-aaaaack”. Yup, SG-1 Season 9 and Atlantis Season 2 premiere tonight and it’s going to be a whole new season of sci-fi twists, turns, new villains, new heroes, old villains in new roles, old characters in new stories… hey… I’m telling you… there are some great story lines for both shows…
For Stargate SG-1, Avalon Pt. 1 will introduce Lieutenant Colonel Cameron Mitchell, played by Ben Browder of Farscape fame. In case you were wondering if he is a worthy successor to Richard Dean Anderson, let me assure you: this guy is the real deal. We’re talking about an actor who is prepared, talented as hell, prefers to do his own stunts (when the producers will let him), has good comic timing, and some serious screen presence. And leave it to Robert Cooper (“Coop”) to come up with an ingenious back story for our new hero. I can tell you that when Rob came back after the Christmas break with the script for Avalon Pt. 1, people were seriously excited about this new character and new story line. As you’ll soon find out, the “We’re getting the band back together” story line is priceless, classic SG-1 stuff. You gotta love a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Here’s something you probably didn’t know about Ben Browder: big Duke basketball fan.
You’ll also get to see Beau Bridges holding down the SGC. And, of course, we’ll be welcoming back the show-stopper: Claudia Black – and I’m not just talking about her wardrobe. Okay, I am. The show stopping part is definitely partly wardrobe related. But beyond that, she’s freaking hilarious and her character is such a trouble-maker...
Now, I was a fan of last year’s cast, don’t get me wrong, but having seen half the season now in various stages of post, and I can tell you that I am an even bigger fan of this year’s cast. I know, I know… it’s like parents – you’re supposed to love them equally. But I can’t. The way they interact and the way the arc of the season has pulled them together is making for great character-based story lines.
Sorry this all sounds so gushing… it’s just that… well… when I came onto the show I was the new guy surrounded by all the old crew… so I didn’t really feel a sense of connection as much as I do seeing this new season, and new characters and new stories being created. Seeing it all happen from the inside is a thrill and I can’t help but feel connected to the results. I’m just happy the results are so good.
On Atlantis, you get the riveting conclusion of The Siege. I know, it’s a shame what happened to Major Sheppard (Joe Flanigan’s character) in The Siege Pt. 2, but hey! That’s what heroes do. They put their lives on the line. Time and again, when duty calls, they’re the first to dive in. Think of Braveheart… the hero’s always gotta lead the charge. So a big “sorry” to those of you who got really attached to him. But sometimes you gotta stir the pot. That’s what the writers and producers tell me…
Having just watched the final cut of Siege Pt. 3, though… I know what gets my MVP award. The visual effects. For a television show with a budget not even in the realm of sci-fi feature films, I am stunned by the quality and power of the visual effects in Siege 3. These guys are doing an unreal job making the show look visually stunning and producing intense, tension-building effects. Keep an eye out for a scene between Weir and Sheppard under the glow of the onslaught of the Wraith hive ship attacks. It’s surreal.
Alright, enough blabbing about Premiere week. Check in next week and I’ll tell you a little about Avalon Pt. 2 and … The Intruder… and the new character on Atlantis: Ronon Dex, all the way back from his inception in the writers’ room.
ATL
Posted by Alex Levine at July 15, 2005 10:54 PM
