Since its launch on Showtime in 1997 the show has steadily grown in popularity, becoming the No. 1 rated weekly series on the network. Small wonder, then, that the powers that be are so pleased
with its success. Figures are so high for this quality production that a further 44 episodes have been commissioned, bringing the network's commitment to an unprecedented 88 in total. It's a feat of which those involved are justifiably
proud and happy to shout about. Executive coproducer Brad Wright is in no doubt that the show's continued prosperity can be attributed to the fact that they "have one of the best ensemble casts in televison, not just simply because of their
acting abilities, but because of the way they rise to every challenge given them, right across the board." He continues, "It opens up so many possibilities for us dramatically. They are wonderful."
Created by award-winning writers Jonthan Glassner and Brad Wright, the show follows the progress made by the characters first introduced in the motion picture Stargate through numerous such "doorways" -paths leading to new worlds,
intriguing civilizations, and increasingly dangerous situations. As executive producer Glassner says, "We've paid homage to what was best in the classic sci-fi shows, then tried to expand the concepts in every direction. This is a very ambitious
show, and some of the things we do incredibly difficult to pull off on a television schedule and budget. We've shown spaceships and battle sequences, things which would take a year to do on a movie, and we do it in weeks. We're very proud
of that fact, and that the finished product looks as good as most features."
Filmed on a specially designed set and on location in Vancouver, the series stars Richard Dean Anderson as Air Force Col. Jack O'Neill, leader of the SG-1 team. He is ably assisted and encouraged on a mission to save the Earth from the ravages
of a highly advanced and violent alien race called the Goa'ulds, by astrophysicist Capt. Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping); scientist Daniel Jackson, played by Michael Shanks, and Christopher Judge, who orginated the role of out alien ally Teal'c.
It's the relationship between these characters as they strive through a wealth of powerful story lines combined with the exemplary visual effects that have kept the audience hooked from the very first episode.
As the series starts its second of at least four seasons, the formula is set to become even stronger with the cast and crew alike looking forward to the demands that lie ahead. Amanda Tapping is particularly enthusiastic about the direction in which
her character (Capt. Samantha Carter) is moving. Determined to break stereotypes from the very beginning, she sat down with the writers at the end of the 1st season and asked, "Where is Carter going from now on? It's important to me that she is warm
and accessible and the type of woman that people could relate to." She confirms that, "even though Carter is in a very male-dominated section of the world doing a very male-dominated job, the writers have steered away from the gender war and allowed
her to become an integral part of the team without constantly bringing up the fact that she's a woman." She is also excited about the amount of scope given to her character in the second season. "Somthing quite extraordinary happens to her in the episode
called 'In the Line of Duty', which changes her life forever." She smiles enigmatically.
Ever mindful of the need to avoid "spoilers", she nevertheless reveals that, "Although Carter survives the experience, it does throw her into a little bit of a tailspin and gives her quite a different perspective. In fact," she adds, "we are currently
filming a double episode where this really comes into bearing." Another intersting facet is that a new character, Carter's father, is introduced this season, which opens up all sorts of avenues for her on a personal level. "I'm really excited about this wonderful
new relationship."
Ms. Tapping is not the only cast member eager to re-establish her role in the new season. Christopher Judge (Teal'c) thinks that while season 1 allowed the characters to become established, "We've really found our stride in season 2." He agrees that the dynamics
between the four main members of the team work extremely well and allows each othe them to fully expand their capabilities. With a fondness evident in his voice, he welcomes the fact that the camaraderie apparent in the series is carried over off camera too.
"Richard Dean Anderson has a great sense of humor, and we run a very loose ship. It's a lot of fun, which makes the days go very quickly." When asked if the possibility of working with the same group for an extended period of time was at all daunting, he was
quick to reply, "We have a great relationship on SG-1 and see a lot of each other off-set." During the winter hiatus period, they actually went skiing together. That says a lot for their professionalism and their friendships, considering they have to
spend most of each waking day in each other's company. The sentiment is echoed by Michael Shanks (Daniel Jackson) who admits, "I missed the cast and crew so much during hiatus, I couldn't wait to get back to work."
Stargate SG-1 is as well known for its extraordinary visual effects as it is for the characters. Season 2 is set to push the boundaries even further on that score. Thrilled with the oppurtunity to explore evergreater possibilities, the visual effects team,
under auspices of the extremely talented John Gajdecki, has created a wealth of spectacular sequences that would do justice to any "big screen" production. "We see outselves as pioneers and want to take the art as far as it will go." Using the latest state-of-the-art
technology, the team has delivered some truly awe-inspiring images. Computergenerated imaging enhances and creates many of the visual effects, but it is a "live action" example that is Gadjecki's favorite so far.
"In the opening episode of season 2, 'Serpent's Lair' enemy space-ships dive in to attack, with out heroes trapped on board. We made the model ships 20 feet in diameter, suspended them from industrial cranes, and then blew them to bits. It was pretty spectacular."
Smiling he explains, "It took about two weeks to set up, then we filmed the whole thing in one lon-n-n-ng day." He seems just as tickled by the fact that Oliver Stone, who was filming his latest epic in the field next door, stopped to allow his crew to walk over to view
the proceedings. Obviously looking to pick up some tips! Having taken SG-1's effects to heights previously unknown on small-screen productions, the team intends to produce yet bigger and better effects in the coming months. Gajdecki remarks that, "We're personally responsible
for the artistic content in that department, so we're constantly on the look out for the oppurtunity to do some really mad stunts." When asked how it's possible to achieve the continued hight standard, he is characteristically modest. "It's all down to team work. We have a great group
of people who work really well together. We all love what we're doing and just have a good time."
Brad Wright agrees that the reason the show works is "for lots of reasons, but the main thing is that we have a really nice family going on here. Everybody likes coming to work every day because it's not that often you get to work on a show that has this many exciting challenges in television."
He goes on to say that, "Often, you're doing a cop show, for instance, where the scenarios are kind of the same every day-but when you have to create a new world, it brings out the best in the artist that our cast and crew are really made of." Wright feels it's importantto fully acknowledge
their contributions. Speaking for himself and Glassner, he says that "The cast gelled nicely from the start; the one thing that Jonathan and I never dreamed about was how good they'd become." It's something that inspires them for the future too. With such a huge commitment to fulfill with Stargate SG-1
going to continue into a third and possibly fourth year, is there a temptation to diversify into other projects? "Not a chance," states Glassner. "The studio has hinted at some other stuff, but we just want to concentrate on SG-1 and make sure that it becomes steeped in television history
before we focus on something else. We have so many new ideas to develop that we'll be pretty busy creatively for a while." Asked to divulge any secrets regarding what we can expect to emerge from season 2, he will only admit, "We're very likely to meet an enemy in the universe who is more dangerous
than the Goa'ulds ever could be," and that in an acr "following on from 'Thor's Chariot,' we get to meet a new alien ally face-to-face- we think the fans will be quite surprised."
A very positive attitude toward their fans has certainly contributed to the show's success both on and off a television screen. Showtime launched a World Wide Web site alongside the very first episode which actively encouraged viewer participation. While "official ratings" give an idea of how many people are
watching, the producers are more interested in what the viewers actually have to say. Accessed through http://www.showtimeonline.com, the program markers are impressed with the honesty and immediacy of the feedback, and insist fans' comments actually enourage then and help to maintain the integrity and enjoyment of the show.
"We are very pleased about the fans' response," says Wright. "Hopefully we'll get as big a reception when the show goes into syndication. We're out own harshest critics, and though we're sometimes pleased, we generally feel we could do better. It keeps us striving to reach higher goals." Listening to their
audience helps keep them on track. "We're extremely proud of this show," concludes Glassner. "In the past, we've always been involved in other people's series, but for us, as creators of SG-1, it's kind of like the difference between raising your nieces and nephews and then bringing up your own child. This show
is kind of like our own baby, and it's great to know that people appreciate how we're doing." Judging by the reaction shown on its home turf and in other countries, the Stargate SG-1 baby is doing just fine.
Sci-Fi Entertainment Article: "When You Wish Upon a Star"
By: Thomasina Gibson
Volume 5, #5, November 1998
