(Please follow the link for the complete blog update and to view the NEW photos at the site, including Jason Momoa, Paul McGillion, Sharon Taylor, Robert Picardo, Martin Gero, Alex Pappas and Alan McCullough in their original format.)
September 18, 2008: Saying Goodbye to SGA, Looking Forward to SGU
Jason Momoa (Ronon Dex), Sharon Taylor (Amelia Banks) and Robert Picardo (Richard Woolsey)
...Well, yesterday was the final day of shooting for many of our regular and recurring actors: Rachel Luttrell, Jewel Staite, Jason Momoa, David Hewlett, Kavan Smith, Sharon Taylor, and Chuck Campbell. Today, marks Bob Picardo last day with us. Joe Flanigan heads to Vegas next week where he will complete filming on Vegas, and the series, alongside guest stars Neil Jackson, Steve Schirripa (The Soprano's Bobby "Bacala" Baccalieri), and Frank Vincent (The Soprano's Frank Leotardo). A bittersweet time for all; me in particular. Bitter in that it's been a great five years and I will sincerely miss the show and the many wonderful people who made it all happen. Sweet in that I like to sleep in.
1st AD Alex Pappas, writers Alan McCullough and Carl Binder
To those of you commenting on yesterday's video and those who skipped the video because they thought it would be depressing - the video was intended to be tongue in cheek. Terry is not really packing up my office (although the part about her wanting to move in is true). While I will be cleaning up, I won't be moving out. Paul and I have a movie to write. As for our involvement in SGU [Stargate: Universe] - still too early to say anything specific regarding our participation in the spin-off, but I'm sure we'll all be contributing in some capacity.
Paul McGillion (Dr. Carson Beckett)
Speaking of SGU, I notice that much of the reaction to the character breakdowns has been negative. While I respect everyone's right to express their opinions, I'd suggest holding off on making a final decision on the show until you've actually seen it. Last week, Brad pitched us the series and its first five episodes and, I have to say, it's a far cry from the shallow confection many fans are imagining. In
fact, in many ways, it's a much more cerebral and mature addition to the franchise. While firmly entrenched in pre-established Stargate mythology, Stargate Universe definitely strikes out in an exciting new direction. It's a series that will delight veteran fans, but also appeal to newcomers who may not necessarily know the difference between an Alteran and an Asuran. In spite of what the indicators may
suggest, this will definitely not be a Voyager 90210. The assortment of characters that make up the character breakdown are certainly an atypical collection of heroes, far-removed from the skilled likes of Jack O'Neill, Samantha Carter, John Sheppard, and Rodney McKay - but there's a damn good reason for that. Can't say more but suffice it to say I have a feeling this show will pleasantly surprise a lot of people...
Executive Producer/Writer/Director Martin Gero
Paul (in the background...David Hewlett, Rachel Luttrell, Joe Flanigan, Robert Picardo, Jason Momoa's arm and Sharon Taylor)
