Picardo Talks Leading Atlantis
Written by Ian Cullen on July 2, 2008 – 11:30 am -
By Ian M. Cullen
In a press telephone conference held yesterday Actor Robert Picardo shared his enthusiasm about joining the cast of Stargate Atlantis on a full time basis. When asked about his role in the series – the actor was quick to point out how much he thought Woolsey an unlikely choice for leader of the Atlantis Expedition.
“He’s an unexpected choice for this job, and that is what I think the viewers will hopefully respond to the way I have. I think that it was a bold thing for the producers to pick a guy like this who doesn’t seem to be necessarily the first choice for a leader, but to have him try and make himself into one. And that is the interesting and creative choice.”
Over the course of the series 5 seasons Atlantis has had two leaders – Woolsey is the third – but the first male leader that Atlantis has had.
When asked about the likelihood of Torri Higginson who played Doctor Weir the original leader of the Atlantis expedition returning to the show. Producer and lead writer Joseph Mallozzi said a return from Higginson was not likely – and it would not be for lack of trying.
“We sent her a script to review, and ultimately, she passed,” Mallozzi said. “It’s too bad. We would’ve loved to have her come back and see her on the show. I think at this point she has moved beyond the show and is looking elsewhere.”
One thing, which fans have been debating, is whether or not Woolsey with his lack of social skills would make a good choice as leader for the Atlantis team. His first appearance in a leadership role is a brief scene in the season four finale where he rather gruffly relieves Carter of command – but the second episode of the 5th season promises to test Woolsey’s metal in a command capacity.
“He has broken protocol five times in his first crisis, and that puts him in a personal crisis at the end of the show,” Picardo said. “He’s always defined himself as someone who knows the rulebook and evaluates others to live by it. He earns the respect of Col. Sheppard, and demonstrates a capacity [to evolve] that he hasn’t shown thus far.”
Stargate: Atlantis premieres its fifth season July 11 at 10 p.m. ET on SciFi Channel. Sky One will probably show Atlantis sometime in September.
You can read more about this telephone press conference here at SyFy Portal where you will find the original transcript.
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- Colm Meaney Talks About US Version Of ‘Life On Mars’
- Angelina Jolie Talks ‘Wanted’
- Bonham Carter In Talks For Terminator
Tags: Joseph Mallozzi, Robert Picardo, Stargate Atlantis
Posted in SF-TV & Movie News | 1 Comment »
By Felicia on Nov 6, 2008 | Reply
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