TVSquad

I am really desapointed that you change Stargate it was very good the way it was. I will not watch it anymore,
P.s. I also liked Farscape the way it was.
J. Mann

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I was/am a fan of both Farscape and SG-1. I haven't been up on the news lately, so wasn't aware until they really started hyping the new season that Ben Browder and Claudia Black were being added. I loved Farscape for it's entire cast and the episodes being sometimes so far out and leaving me thinking "what the frell". SG-1 is a totally different show. I have to describe it as more laid back and more ummmmm "realistic" in scope than Farscape was. That is why I like both shows.....because they were different. I agree that the powers that be at SciFi made a mistake in cancelling Farscape, but that is water over the dam now. I loved Ben Browder as an actor, although, there were times on Farscape when I felt like he was too loud and was always shouting at everyone. I will be interested to see how he progresses with his new character. On SG-1, I always loved Michael Shanks and Don S. Davis. I'm really behind in the news so I don't know the circumstances behind Mr. Davis departure, but I do miss him. Beau Bridges I do like and I'm sure I'll get to like him even more as the show goes on. What can I say about Michael Shanks? When he departed the show previously, I started not watching the show as much. It just wasn't the same without Daniel Jackson. I love Michael and think he is a very good actor. Watching the first two episodes, Ben often reminded me of Jack. There were just certain phrases and certain poses that just reminded me of Jack. I love Ben Browder as much as I love Michael Shanks. As far as I'm concerned, both on the same show is a jackpot. Claudia Black's role in the first two episodes, to me, was a comedic role. I thought she kind of vamped it and I liked what she did with the character. If she doesn't become a regular, I hope she appears from time to time as the same character much the same as John DeLancey would turn up as "Q" from time to time on the Startrek series. It would be kind of fun to see her turn everything upside down for the other characters on the show every so often.
As for how Ben and Claudia got on the show; I seriously doubt that SciFi Channel had much to do with it. These shows are produced by independent companies, and I think SciFi really only has the power to purchase a show or cancel it. So, saying that, I assume that someone at SG-1 recognized the acting abilities of Ben and Claudia and suggested they be brought on board. Since RDA is a part owner of the production company, it's entirely possible that it was he who had some considerable input into the hiring. If RDA was involved, I say BRAVO, RDA. I will miss you on the show, but I fully understand wanting to spend more time with the family. Let's face it folks, RDA is now around 55 years old, probably has a nice income from his production companies, doesn't really need the acting gigs, and probably just wants to take life a little easier. I'm sure I'll receive some criticism for that last statement, but I'm guessing it's the truth.
I agree with a number of the other writers that the writing has been going downhill. Actors can deal with what they are given, and if they are given crappy scripts there is not a whole lot they can do to save them. I think some fresh writing blood is called for. If they let Ben write some episodes, things could get interesting. I'm not sure how I'm going to like the "new" enemy the Ori. My first reaction has been "you've got to be kidding". I am willing, however, to let them run with the premise and see what they can do with it.
In conclusion; Addition of Ben Browder and Claudia Black, even if Claudia is temporary, and Beau Bridges is a plus. Departure of Mr. Davis and RDA is a minus. Upgrade the writing and I will continue to be a fan of SG-1. One question....what is Lexa doing on the show as the Doctor? I thought she was on Andromeda, or am I behind the times, again?....and isn't she married to Michael?

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I've loved Stargate for quite awhile now, though I do agree that the later seasons are definately not as good as everything was in the beginning. My best friend is the 'scaper, and has lent me her dvds, so I've seen seasons 1-3 of Farscape (according to most people, 4th season is pretty bad...?) I like Farscape okay (read: there are aspects I absolutely *love*, then some aspects I can...tolerate watching.)

I'm definately liking Ben Browder as Mitchell; not so sure about Vala. I've got great respect for Claudia Black as an actress, but I really hated the character Vala from the beginning. For me, she's fallen much too far into the sci-fi cliche role of the slutty alien chick. But she did have a couple of really nice moments with Daniel, which made me a lot more receptive.

But I'm loving the new cast and new direction for the show: 'tis a *much*-needed refresher. I dunno if the addition of a couple of Farscape actors could ever force Stargate to cross over even close to Farscape... (As many have stated before me, the shows are way different, and one of Farscape's good points is that outrageous spunk and weirdness that few shows will ever be able to rival.) Regardless, Browder and Black are reviving one of my favorite shows and I'm happy.

(IMHO, slap a real shirt on Vala, give her a good dose of characterization, and keep Claudia Black for good. If they'd just keep her on the show, I bet she could turn out to be a really neat character. After all, she must have some pretty interesting background to make her as obnoxious as she is now. I'd totally love to see Black play that out and stay.)

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