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00:00:00 – 00:10:51
The video explores the dynamics behind cast changes in the "Stargate" franchise, examining both "Stargate SG-1" and "Stargate: Atlantis." Various reasons for departures are discussed, including career shifts, like Amanda Tapping moving to her own show "Sanctuary," and Michael Shanks leaving temporarily due to feeling underutilized. Health issues led to Don S. Davis's reduced role before his passing, while character dynamics were refreshed with new additions like Jason Momoa's Ronon Dex. The video also highlights producers' dramatic decisions for plot impact, such as the unexpected death of Teryl Rothery's Dr. Janet Fraiser, influenced by network demands to boost viewership. These changes reflect the franchise's efforts to adapt and innovate its storytelling.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the discussion centers around the reasons for various cast changes in the Stargate franchise. Specifically, it delves into why Kurt Russell and James Spader did not continue their roles from the original 1994 film into the spin-off series SG-1. It mentions that the series creators tweaked aspects of the universe and that the transition from film to television was seen as a step down in the nineties. Richard Dean Anderson, who took over the role of Colonel Jack O’Neill, left the show after season eight to spend more time with his daughter. Amanda Tapping, who played Samantha Carter, remained a main cast member throughout SG-1 and appeared in the fourth season of Stargate: Atlantis, eventually transitioning to occasional guest appearances.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the discussion revolves around why some key actors left the “Stargate SG-1” franchise and their subsequent careers. Amanda Tapping left to focus on her own show, “Sanctuary,” where she not only starred but also produced and directed episodes, drawing on her prior directing experience from SG-1. Michael Shanks, who played Dr. Daniel Jackson, temporarily left during the sixth season due to feeling underutilized but returned by season seven. During Shanks’ absence, Corin Nemec played Jonas Quinn, filling in as Jackson’s replacement. Although Quinn was initially well-received, his role reverted to a minor character upon Shanks’ return. Finally, Don S. Davis, who played General George Hammond, had to leave due to health issues after eight seasons.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the focus is on various character departures and replacements in the “Stargate” series, particularly “Stargate SG-1” and its spinoff “Stargate: Atlantis.” Don S. Davis, who played General Hammond, transitioned to a guest role in seasons nine and ten of “SG-1” due to health reasons and was replaced by Beau Bridges’ character, Hank Landry. Despite his departure, Davis reprised his role in “Stargate: Continuum” before his passing in 2008. The character and actor were honored by naming a spaceship after Hammond in the franchise.
Rainbow Sun Francks, who played Lieutenant Aiden Ford in “Stargate: Atlantis,” saw his character replaced by Ronon Dex (Jason Momoa) after season one, likely due to the writers wanting to introduce new twists. Francks noted that his character lacked development, which contributed to his diminished role.
Torri Higginson’s character, Dr. Elizabeth Weir, also faced a reduction in presence. After sustaining severe injuries, she was written out as a main character in season four to accommodate shifts in the storyline following the conclusion of “SG-1.”
Another notable departure in “Atlantis” was Dr. Carson Beckett, played by Paul McGillion. Beckett, a fan favorite, died unexpectedly in an explosion in season three, although he appeared in subsequent seasons as a clone but in a reduced capacity. These changes reflect the writers’ attempts to keep the series fresh by modifying character dynamics.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the focus is on the producers’ decision to kill off a beloved character for shock value, specifically in “Stargate SG-1.” Teryl Rothery, who played Dr. Janet Fraiser, was portrayed as a gentle physician who appeared in over 70 episodes. Fraiser typically stayed at Stargate Command but occasionally joined field missions, putting her in harm’s way. In season seven, her character was unexpectedly shot and killed, surprising fans who had been misled to believe another character might die. Despite fan backlash and co-star Don S. Davis’s frustration, it was revealed that the decision was influenced by the show’s move to the Syfy Channel, which wanted a major event to attract viewers. Rothery reprised her role once more in a later episode from a parallel universe.