Samantha Carter in Atlantis

[Bogwoppit]

What are everyone's thoughts on this development?

I'm looking forward to the interaction between Sam and McKay, but I can't see that they are going to gain anything by having two 'genius scientists' in Atlantis.

I can see it becoming a kind of 'who's going to save our butts this week?' kind of thing

[angiebaby]

I like the idea of Sam being in Atlantis and if they are looking to put the military in charge of the expedition I couldn't think of anyone better to take the position.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[wabit]

I personally don't want Carter in 14 episode's of Atlantis. 3 or 4 yes, but not 14, I can see Teyla's character becoming less and less. While the interaction between McKay and Sam will be interesting to watch, I just hope it does not cut down on the interaction between McKay and Sheppard. But I will put my faith in TPTB and hope they make season 4 the best yet. And considering that season 3 was AWESOME, they have a very hard job. ;D

[angiebaby]

I dont understand why everyone is so down on the fact that Sam is joining Atlantis? Why do you automatically assume it is going to change things between the main cast members?

She could have a Hank Landry role for all we know and he doesn't interfer with anything in SG1, I say give it a chance and start watching her with an open mind I cant see the TPTB making any drastic changes.

(rant over)

[Bogwoppit]

I'm not 'down' on her joining at all personally, I said I'm looking forward to the exchanges between her and Rodney.

I think she'll be a great addition, and I have great faith in TPTB, always have, always will. Even where Carson was concerned, even though I thought the episode itself could have been done better. (And I for one would rather he didn't come back if they are just going to drag out the old alternate reality thing again, but that's another discussion entirely.)

I just think that in real life they would be more likely to have someone like Daniel go to Atlantis, because they have no one like him there already. But then, I think a lot of things they do on both shows aren't what would happen in RL, and I realise this is because the entertainment value wouldn't be as much if they stuck to 'the rules', so it doesn't bother me.

[hullfire]

I'm not a massive fan of how McKay is written when Carter is around, but if the writers only make him obnoxious for a few episodes, that'll be fine by me. I guess I'm a bit wary because I'm not into SG-1 and I feel a bit protective of my 'Lanteans

Besides which, I'm waaaaay more hyped about Zelenka having a massive 15 eps

[fififolle]

I think how one feels about Amanda Tapping being given a bigger role in Atlantis depends on whether you are an SG-1 fan as well, and just maybe how interested one is in the whole production side of things. (See how detatched I made that )

For example, I always liked SG-1, but I was never drawn into fandom until Atlantis came along. So although I think Amanda Tapping is wonderful, I don't see her as Atlantis cast per se, which colours the view a little, as I probably have more loyalty to Weir than Carter. Doesn't mean I'm not going to give a new boss a chance, as they say.

However, seeing Amanda Tapping in Atlantis is rather a ghastly reminder, in a more RL kind of way, that a) SG-1 is cancelled, which of course is rather dire, and b) a reminder that the writers and producers are making all kinds of cast changes and such in a desperate attempt to stay afloat? Well, that's how it feels, anyhow. It's all about money etc. And of course, Carson. Enough said. Seems silly to equate seeing Carter with the loss of Dr Beckett, but there you go.

So it kind of explains why people booed at Pegasus 2. Poor David H, I think it shocked him. But that's why, I think. Fans of Atlantis don't dislike Amanda Tapping, I suspect, they just don't want reminders of RL

[angiebaby]

Well to be honest they had no choice but to write something for Amanda as she is contracted for another year so they have to honour that! I wasn't being disrespectful to anyone in particular on the board I was stating, as fifi metioned, booing when David mentioned Amanda was joining, I just think that an open mind needs to be kept.

(Don't worry I will say no more on the subject as to not fuel any disagreements)

[Bogwoppit]

fififolle said:

I think how one feels about Amanda Tapping being given a bigger role in Atlantis depends on whether you are an SG-1 fan as well, and just maybe how interested one is in the whole production side of things. (See how detatched I made that )

Very diplomatic!

I agree about the whole booing thing at P2, although I wasn't actually there so I have only heard about it. From the sounds of it though it was totally uncalled for. Personally I think an awful lot of people take it all far too seriously!

[angiebaby]

Thank you Teejay that is the point I was trying to say in a round about way!

[fififolle]

angiebaby said:

Well to be honest they had no choice but to write something for Amanda as she is contracted for another year so they have to honour that! I wasn't being disrespectful to anyone in particular on the board I was stating, as fifi metioned, booing when David mentioned Amanda was joining, I just think that an open mind needs to be kept.

(Don't worry I will say no more on the subject as to not fuel any disagreements)

You have every right to put in your 2 cents worth - or your tuppenceworth - and indeed, I was shocked at the booing, I have to admit.

I don't think the fans would have been half so vocal if her increased profile on Atlantis hadn't come at the same time as the loss of one regular and extremely popular character, and the 'downgrading' of another, well-regarded leading character. It's just all too much for some people, and I can see why.

I don't know a lot about ratings, so I have no idea whether the tactics of the producers will work. It's hard for existing fans to care as passionately about ratings if the show they actually enjoyed changes into something else.

I suspect it will be just as entertaining next season, dammit. Doesn't mean I won't miss those characters who aren't there any more