STARGATE SG-1 LIVE ONLINE CHAT

On September 8th and 9th, the cast and producers of Stargate SG-1 visited the Yahoo Chat Room for a live online chat to answer questions submitted by online fans.

RICHARD DEAN ANDERSON AND MICHAEL GREENBURG

TVGEN:
Welcome to the Prevue Online/TVGEN chat with Stargate SG-1 star Richard Dean Anderson and producing partner Michael Greenburg. Later we'll be joined by Stargate SG-1 producers Jonathan Glassner and Brad Wright. Welcome, guys. Any opening comments?

Richard Dean Anderson:
Has Mark McGwire hit his home run yet? We're pulling for Sammy! It's nice to be here.

Michael Greenburg:
I just want to apologize. It seems to be the thing to do.

Richard Dean Anderson:
My dog is humping my leg now, if that is an opening statement?!?

Question from DEATH_HAWK88:
What show did you like working on the best: MacGyver or Stargate?

Richard Dean Anderson:
Legend. Hands down, it's got to be Legend. Both Mike and I were executive producers on it. For me, it was the most fun I ever had as an actor and as a producer. It was an absolute joy to go to work every day. It still is a sore spot for both of us, in that we still miss it terribly. It was a lot of work, don't get me wrong, but it was the kind of work where the payoff was spectacular and so much fun, we loved it.

Question from mycroft50:
Do you guys do any pranks on each other on the show?

Michael Greenburg:
Sometimes we hand Rick scenes that don't work.

Richard Dean Anderson:
That's no prank, that's normal course of action!

Michael Greenburg:
This hasn't been a very pranky show. I'm trying to think of pranks. Maybe we should go to the next question.

Question from LoriMacPack:
Are we going to see the Stargate in Antarctica again?

Michael Greenburg:
No plans for that right now. Actually, it got moved. We will see the Stargate, that gate that was there, but it no longer is in the glacier in Antarctica.

Richard Dean Anderson:
The gate itself we brought back and put in storage some place. Right now we are doing post production on an episode that deals with that other gate that does exist somewhere. It got put in storage somewhere and now, well, I don't want to give too much away, but yeah, it's around and does come into play soon.

Question from _DayWalker_:
Of all the episodes thus far, which is your favorite and why?

Michael Greenburg:
The two-hour pilot because we had the most money!

Richard Dean Anderson:
Spoken like a true producer!

Michael Greenburg:
Favorite? Hmmm.

Richard Dean Anderson:
I am a little torn on this one, because my favorite one to do as an actor was Brief Candle, when I got to age to 100 years old, and went through all the stages of makeup, etc. The episode itself was never fully realized in my opinion, because we had mistimed it, and basically it got edited down to the point where a lot of that process was not seen.

Michael Greenburg:
We had to cut out 16 minutes, which is a quarter of a 42-minute show.

Richard Dean Anderson:
Cold Lazarus was kind of fun to do as an actor because there was a duality of role that I was able to play, and it also had an emotional story line to it in the discovery and confrontation with O'Neill's lost son that was fun to play. It also had a motion control special effect that allowed me to talk to myself. We've done that a couple of times actually. We've also done a split screen, I forget the title of the episode, where I got to play two different O'Neills. That was fun to do.

Question from mycroft50:
How long does it take to film and complete an episode?

Michael Greenburg:
It takes us 7½ to eight days of principal photography, and then there's anywhere from, oh, one to four days of what we call second unit photography, which is dealing with elements that go into visual effects shots or action sequences, that may or may not utilize our regular cast, like Rick. And that's just photography. Then it goes through anywhere from, depending on how many visual effects in an episode, it goes through anywhere from four to eight weeks of post production to complete an episode.

Question from NutZo13:
Will your show ever make it to broadcast television? I don't have cable, but I love your show.

Michael Greenburg:
I think it starts next week on FOX. I think we're cleared in over 95 percent of the country, through FOX Television. And they'll be starting with the two-hour pilot.

Question from kamui_rikkoan:
Are there any differences between Showtime version and FOX version?

Richard Dean Anderson:
Very slight. Commercial breaks. We're not dealing with broadcast standards on Showtime. It's a cable outlet. So things like language and content can be expanded a little bit. We tend to be fairly cautious. As film makers, we are responsible. We are also very aware of the fact that we do have a syndication outlet with FOX Network, so that has to be tempered a little bit. Anything that might be a little edgy we tend to soften a little bit. It's one of the pitfalls of working on network or syndication television.

Question from Pearls_59:
Michael, what's it been like working with Richard for so long?

Michael Greenburg:
It's great. I mean we know each other so well, when it comes to film, that it's a reason that the partnership has lasted so long. We are in sync about how we see shows being developed, first of all, and then how we see them being shot and executed, and we are very similar in how we like to see shows finished, edited, etc. So, for me, it's a great situation because we are so in sync in that area. And plus he catches a lot of things that I miss.

Question from sarao_1998:
This is for Richard. First of all let me say congratulations on the birth of your daughter. Now, for my question. Will we be looking into Jack's past at all? I guess what I mean is will we be meeting any of his family?

Richard Dean Anderson:
Hopefully. We are in a position now where we have been extended to 88 episodes for Showtime. And of course, with the syndication package, who knows how long that will go on? Now that we have the liberty and freedom to delve into one of the earthbound elements of our earthbound character's past, we can go home with him. What was established in the movie was the fact that Jack O'Neill had lost his son, so we had dealt with the emotional side of that, and how O'Neill confronted his own sense in a kind of science fiction manner. So obviously the door is open to us to do that for all our characters. And to address things like what happens to O'Neill when he goes home at night, when he disappears from Cheyenne Mountain, who is he with and where does he go. Those kinds of stories we'll have the ability to explore from this point forward, which in my opinion will be a lot of fun, because of all of the special effects involved.

Question from mycroft50:
How is the Stargate hockey team doing?

Richard Dean Anderson:
Well, we have great uniforms! What's good about our shooting schedule up here in Vancouver, is that we shoot through the summers up here in Canada, which are beautiful.

Question from Volcano_Lady:
How is it different making Stargate SG-1 from making MacGyver?

Richard Dean Anderson:
Well a couple of different elements. Both start with production. It has to become a well ordered machine to get what you are after. MacGyver is a thinking man's action adventure show, if you will. Stargate is a more science fiction genred show. Therefore, we lean a little heavier on special effects. Mike is far more learned about that than I am. But in dealing with special effects you have to deal with a lot more technical elements to do what we do, blue screen, etc. MacGyver was pretty straightforward. It differed in that when the character saw a problem, the solving of that problem started from scratch. This is one man seeing a problem, seeing the elements of solution, and then seeing him put it all together to solve the problem. Stargate obviously involves a lot more in the making of what we do visually, and also conceptually. We go to other places in the galaxies, so there is a little more involved. Instead of getting in a jeep and saving the damsel in distress, I go into the Stargate and save a planet.

Michael Greenburg:
So our transportation budget is much higher!

Question from rda23:
I love the humor in Stargate. Is some of it ad libbed?

Michael Greenburg:
There's humor? Yeah, I would say it is. Rick does a lot of that. He has a great flair for humor, as you could see in Legend.

Richard Dean Anderson:
What happened when Mike and I signed on to be part of the project, we had a couple of important meetings with the brass at MGM. We were essentially being asked to be a part of the project. I had done my research, having seen the movie a couple of times, and realized in order to portray the character of Jack O'Neill, there was no way I was going to be able to replicate what Kurt Russell had done. First of all, my hair would not do that, he actually has a jaw, and the character as portrayed by him really didn't have much of a sense of humor. So for me to be entering into a project that had a future of four years or so, I had to make sure that MGM was amenable to my bringing my sense of humor to the role because life is just too short to be serious for that long. And so, a lot of, some of, the written dialogue gets a little manipulated. I know the voice of the character better than anyone, and bless Jonathan Glassner and Brad Wright, Mike, and the other writers, for allowing me the freedom to bring some humor and a slant on the character that I need. Because it's not easy to be around me sometimes when the process is taking place, basically, because I tend to try and find things as we are rehearsing.

Question from Psilady:
How's it been being part of the producing team in addition to being an actor, Richard?

Richard Dean Anderson:
It sure facilitates that last answer, regarding the rewriting and such. I've actually been on the coattails of Mike regarding the producing end of things. I've learned more about behind the camera from Mike than from anyone. It helps things a lot, because Mike and I are in sync in a lot of aspects of total production, we can pretty much usher ideas through. Mike has the technical background, the schooling and the experience.

Michael Greenburg:
Rick has the good ideas!

Richard Dean Anderson:
I kind of bounce off the walls, and Mike has a strong vision line.

Michael Greenburg:
I spend the whole day going, "Yeah, that IS better!"

Richard Dean Anderson:
But as far as the process of making the show goes, and being in that position, it facilitates it. Because all modesty aside, we do have some fairly good ideas. And it is nice to be able to make a decision on the spot. But I want to be very clear about what we'll call the collaborative effort, because Jonathan and Brad are pretty much the nucleus or hub of the script writing. They took the franchise concept and expanded it to what it is becoming. So it's a wonderful relationship actually, and it's rare that four extremely experienced and talented people can get together and agree. And that's what we have. Basically our philosophy among the four of us is: The best idea wins.

Question from capt_carter:
So what do you make of all the fan pages dedicated to the show?

Michael Greenburg:
Confusing!

Richard Dean Anderson:
First of all, I am such a neophyte computer potential geek, that sometimes I know they exist, because Jonathan Glassner is an absolute computerphile. So I'll stow away in my office at night and just try and find them, first of all.

Michael Greenburg:
I need everything bookmarked. My assistant does it.

Richard Dean Anderson:
But I think they are great. I don't know if I've seen them all. But my answer is, the more the merrier, basically. Mostly because I like the idea of communication in general. So any information, collaboration, any idea that comes from or facilitates the exchange of ideas is great with me, so if that's a Web page, more power to them.

Question from mdbfan:
Are you using any new writers this season on Stargate?

Michael Greenburg:
Yes, we have a new writer named Tor Valenza.

Richard Dean Anderson:
And Robert Cooper, who was with us last year, is back. And then there's some that just haven't made the cut, basically. It's not an easy gig, let's put it that way. Part of what makes it so difficult is that it's such a volatile genre. But you have to, in something like Stargate, that has a franchise concept to it and characters that are established and voices to those characters, it is hard to fit in, to get in there, to get your idea fully realized, because Jonathan and Brad ride herd on the whole process, the whole story-to-script process. And then of course, Mike and I are fairly strict taskmasters when it comes to script and all elements of production. So we've lost a couple of writers along the way. We've kind of had to send them off on their own little spaceships. I think it's the toughest job in the whole process actually, writing. I respect those guys a lot.

Question from Narf15:
Are there any new permanent characters coming this season?

Michael Greenburg:
There are recurring roles that have been beefed up this year, that are becoming more and more recurring. Like Janet Fraiser, our resident doctor.

Richard Dean Anderson:
Who also seems to be an optometrist, a psychologist, I think she's a bridge champion too! Again, we have the luxury of expanding virtually endlessly. Jonathan and Brad are the guys to tap into for this answer, really. We already know of some "bad guys," and the impending doom of all that, we know. Daa, daa, daa, daa!

Michael Greenburg:
But in 42 minutes, we're already trying to service five regulars, so... It's an ensemble cast and trying to spread the wealth around is tough in such a short amount of time.

Richard Dean Anderson:
Which is why you might eventually start seeing more two-parters, some extended story lines, that will bridge over a couple of episodes.

Question from judyofhamburg:
Will you ever visit the Nox again?

Michael Greenburg:
I hope so, I like them.

Richard Dean Anderson:
The Nox were cute.

Michael Greenburg:
They have great hair!

Richard Dean Anderson:
We had fun with the Nox. It was actually directed by one of our favorite people and directors, Charlie Correll. So yeah, we would like to go back there. They will recur, let's put it that way -- maybe. All of this is untrue!

First of all, I've gotten a lot of written mail, a lot of responses congratulating me on the birth of my new baby, and nothing has made me happier than the arrival of Wylie Quinn. So thanks to everybody for your notes!

Michael Greenburg:
Big thanks to all the fans! And sorry we couldn't answer all the questions!

TVGEN:
Thanks for participating in our chat. Stay tuned for Stargate SG-1 producers Jonathan Glassner and Brad Wright, the guys that Rick and Michael said to ask all the other questions to.

JONATHAN GLASSNER AND BRAD WRIGHT

TVGEN:
We'll be chatting with Jonathan Glassner and Brad Wright of Stargate SG-1. Welcome, everyone!

Brad Wright:
Hello, here I am!

Question from Liz_Bees:
How far can the story lines go? Is it an endless galaxy from a creative viewpoint?

Brad Wright:
I think it is. I think our stories could go for as many seasons as they'll let us go on the air.

Question from Martabrew:
How did you decide on actors for SG-1?

Brad Wright:
That was a tough process. Of course, John Symes suggested Richard Dean Anderson to Jonathan and I when we were first conceiving the series. And we both thought, that's our O'Neill. As far as the other characters were concerned, we held auditions in Toronto, Vancouver, New York and LA. But speaking for Jonathan and myself, the moment we saw Amanda Tapping, Michael Shanks, and Christopher Judge we knew we had our SG team. And also when we were writing the character of General Hammond, we were already writing it for Don Davis.

Question from rainmaker_skywalker:
Is there any real science involved in the making of Stargate?

Brad Wright:
We hope to think so! But let's face it, the Stargate itself is a concept that is way beyond any science we know. We try!

Question from rosebud1092:
How long does it take you to write one episode?

Brad Wright:
That depends. I've taken a month to write an episode. I've written episodes in as little as a week. Sometimes those are the ones I like the most. But I suppose with most of our writers, from concept to finished screenplay, it's three to six weeks.

Question from MarsiDoats:
I love the balance of character/story/action. Will you be holding it that way for the new season?

Brad Wright:
I'll speak to season two. For season two, we hope to achieve exactly that balance. Often it comes as a function of budget. When we do a very big action story it means naturally that we have to follow it with a smaller, more character-based story. But those ones are my favorite to write.

Question from marc182_98:
What do you consider your weakest and strongest shows to date?

Brad Wright:
Hmmm. On the weaker side, I have to include some of our earlier episodes of season one. Perhaps First Commandment, Emancipation. These are examples of shows where the concept was simply larger than we could achieve on a small screen. My favorites include Enemy Within, Singularity, The Torment of Tantalus and There But For the Grace of God. Tin Man, as well. Obviously, I seem to have more favorites than those I consider poor episodes.

Question from MarsiDoats:
Your characters are so rich and real and all have such well developed voices. How do you plan to have them grow?

Brad Wright:
Both Jonathan and I, Robert and Tor, feel that the actors playing the roles are playing as much a part in the character growth as we are. Every one of them is concerned and cares about where their character is in the series, and we try to make sure we're all on the same page. But thank you, we try.

Question from capt_carter:
Which character is the hardest to write for?

Brad Wright:
Good question. Teal'c, for me. He speaks with a formality that is difficult to make sound natural. When he speaks at all. Having said that, I love writing for the character, because he is one of the most intriguing to me. He is, after all, our alien and therefore the most science fiction-oriented character in the series.

Question from Fangirl_:
Will we see more of the other SG teams in future episodes?

Brad Wright:
I think we're going to see them in episode one of season three. We tried to include as many of the SG teams as we could to create the impression that it is a larger organization than SG-1. However, SG-1 is the equivalent of our flagship. They are our Enterprise.

Question from Eagle_FC:
Do you plan on having some of the minor characters, such as Dr. Fraiser, be integrated more into the group? As of now, she is a sort of sidebar.

Brad Wright:
We try to include Teryl as often as we can. Since she is a recurring character and not really a series regular, she is not always available to us. But she has certainly become part of our family. As far as Apophis is concerned, his legacy will go on into season three no matter what you see in season two.

Question from Italian_Desert_Rat:
How much say do the actors have in the changing of the script for their characters, and how much ad lib goes on?

Brad Wright:
I would say a great deal. Certainly Rick, as executive producer, will often ad lib or change dialogue to suit the scene. But we almost always agree with those changes, and I, for one, think the actors make our scripts better. We have read-throughs with every episode so that we may discuss every scene and make the script as good as possible before we begin shooting. All of our actors take their characters very seriously so that when they have concerns we listen.

Question from AliCat_SG7:
Hi! I'd like to know if all of the episodes will be available on video sometime in the future.

Brad Wright:
Yes. The two-hour pilot is already available.

Question from marathronman:
How do you come up with these great names for the characters?

Brad Wright:
We bounce them back and forth until we both agree on one.

Question from Big_Baller28:
What was the most intense episode to shoot?

Brad Wright:
That depends on what you call intense. For The Nox, it rained so hard we were actually rained out of our location. I remember being on the phone with Michael Greenburg, looking out my office window, and telling him to get the crew to shelter because I could see the lightning hits on the mountains. For me, that was intense. For sheer difficulty of production, I could include our season two opener, The Serpent's Lair, as well as There But For the Grace of God and Solitudes, where we actually built a glacier crevasse, and refrigerated the studio. Poor Rick and Amanda were really freezing onscreen.

Question from Martabrew:
How much filming do you do on location, and how much is on soundstage?

Brad Wright:
That depends on the requirements of the script. If we feel we can do it in the studio we would prefer to do it that way. But sometimes the scope of the action, such as explosions or large matte paintings, requires that we go on location.

Question from LadyTrvllr:
Who is responsible for the mythology research that goes into the show?

Brad Wright:
While we each do a little of our own, the lion's share of our mythology research goes to Katharyn Powers, who is very knowledgeable about ancient gods and civilizations.

Question from Fangirl_:
I'd like to see more of the characters' lives outside of the SGC complex. Any chance of that in future episodes?

Brad Wright:
Absolutely. We would like to see that too, and have explored some of each of our characters' lives in season two. On the other hand, the show is called Stargate, and most of our audience, we feel, wants us to go through the Stargate.

Question from Eagle_FC:
Are we going to have any chance today of getting some inside tips on next season??

Brad Wright:
No, sorry, you'll have to watch!

Question from Rianna24:
Do you have a favorite special effect?

Brad Wright:
Let me think, I have lots of them. I loved the crystal entity in Cold Lazarus from season one. All of the visual effects in our cliffhanger were spectacular. I think we have the best visual effects in science fiction television right now.

Question from kaliope_k:
Do you ever check out the SG-1 sites on the Internet?

Jonathan Glassner:
Yes, we do. We check out quite a few of them. We kind of split them up between Brad, myself and some other people on the show.

Question from Gr8Writer:
Is it expensive to create the wormhole effect?

Jonathan Glassner:
Well, that's a multi-part effect. The Kawoosh, that is rather costly, which is why you don't see it every single time it happens. The puddles are what we call the surface of the gate when it's settled, and those are also expensive, especially when someone walks through them. But the wormhole itself is inexpensive because we've already built several versions and we reuse them.

Question from marathronman:
How many people are on the set crew on an average day of shooting?

Brad Wright:
Between 60 and 80 in the shooting crew, including second unit.

Question from rda23:
What is it like to work with Rick?

Jonathan Glassner:
Great! He's a pleasure, he doesn't have any "star" airs about him, he's a regular guy.

Brad Wright:
He's also very creative. And his suggestions are very constructive for the series.

Question from SiReNa_forever:
Who is your favorite character on the show?

Jonathan Glassner:
That's not fair! I like each of them for different reasons. The easier for me to write is probably Daniel.

Question from SiReNa_forever:
What was the most expensive episode?

Brad Wright:
Aside from the pilot, our two-part cliffhanger that began with the episode Within The Serpent's Grasp at the end of season one, and ended with our season two premiere.

Question from karenannt:
Sam Carter is such a well written female character. Do you ask a woman to critique your work when you write dialogue for female characters?

Jonathan Glassner:
No, although sometimes Amanda Tapping will comment on it herself. And her comments are usually very constructive.

Question from Dev522:
How much do you contribute to the art design and set construction?

Brad Wright:
All four of us, Jonathan, Brad, Michael and Richard, make suggestions to our production designers. But their vision is generally something we want to embrace.

Question from jimpack:
Any good bloopers?

Jonathan Glassner:
There was one very good one, but I don't know if you'd call it a blooper, it's more of a practical joke. During the episode Solitudes, there was a scene when O'Neill was asking Carter if she could figure out what their problem was. To which Amanda Tapping replied, "What's more, Mr. MacGyver, YOU can't figure it out." And proceeded into a five-minute rant about how Mr. MacGyver can do anything with bubble gum and a rubber band, but he can't figure out how to get the Stargate to work.

Brad Wright:
Our hope is that Richard Dean Anderson will become known as that guy who played Jack O'Neill, not MacGyver.

Question from kaliope_k:
Do you have a preconceived idea of how the shows will go until the end of the fourth season?

Brad Wright:
Yes, we hope they will go well!

Jonathan Glassner:
The truthful serious answer is that we know how some arcs will go, but others will hopefully organically find themselves.

Brad Wright:
We have set up some stories that beg continuing. And we'll see where that takes us.

Question from SGXF:
What is the cast like together off screen?

Brad Wright:
We have the nicest, most accessible cast on or off screen that I've ever worked with.

Jonathan Glassner:
Me, too.

Brad Wright:
Jonathan and I consider ourselves the luckiest producers in the world.

Question from MagdaPhil:
Not asking for details, but will the reporter's death in Secrets ever be resolved?

Brad Wright:
It was an accident. That's our official answer until next time!

Question from seamstress_home:
Who do you think is most like their character?

Brad Wright:
Rick. There is a lot of Richard Dean Anderson in Jack O'Neill.

Question from Liz_Bees:
What episode are you filming at the moment?

Jonathan Glassner:
It's called The Fifth Race.

Brad Wright:
I think it's 15 of this season.

Question from kathlin9:
Do you ever watch your own shows??

Jonathan Glassner:
Over and over and over!

Brad Wright:
Remember, Jonathan and I also spend a great deal of time in the editing room.

Jonathan Glassner:
And in music spotting, visual effects spotting, etc.

Question from Gr8Writer:
Is there anything about any of the main characters that you've based on personal experience?

Jonathan Glassner:
No, neither of us have been through a Stargate, though we'd love to.

Question from karenannt:
Any more "behind-the-scenes" type shows planned for the FOX outlet?

Jonathan Glassner:
That's up to Showtime, but none that we've been informed of.

Brad Wright:
Although we thought the "behind the scenes" that Showtime did was very entertaining, and that our Christopher Judge did a good job hosting it.

Jonathan Glassner:
We'd like to thank everyone for watching the show, and we hope you keep enjoying it!

Brad Wright:
Jonathan and I love to watch our fan following online through all the fan sites, and feel it's a great way of communicating with our audience.

Both:
Thanks!

TVGEN:
Thanks for participating in our chat. Goodnight, everyone!

MICHAEL SHANKS

TVGEN:
We're here with Michael Shanks... Get those Stargate questions in, folks!

Michael Shanks:
Hi!!

Question from sarao_1998:
Michael, what aspect of your character do you find the most intriguing?

Michael Shanks:
His wardrobe!

Question from Gooch_1:
Did you ever expect the show to get so popular?

Michael Shanks:
I didn't realize it was! I think, probably, personally, Need was my favorite so far. And one we are about to do, Holiday, is also dear to my heart. The Torment of Tantalus is probably my favorite ensemble piece, a wonderful story.

Question from HaphazardMH:
What do you find most annoying about Daniel?

Michael Shanks:
I think the whole allergy sideline I find, and have found, very annoying, very stereotypical. I think it's a generalization that was made in the feature, that has sort of persisted, that has been trimmed back nicely. I don't mind doing it every now and again.

Question from Rianna24:
Michael, do you think that Daniel is gaining the respect he needs from Jack since Need?

Michael Shanks:
I think the relationship is growing. I think there will always be antagonism between Daniel and Jack by the nature of their "opposite pole relationship" that our show requires, and it provides and interesting contrast of perspectives.

Question from Gooch_1:
For Michael: How did you get started in acting? Was it something you always wanted to do?

Michael Shanks:
Yes, it was something I always wanted to do. And I've been doing it since I was about five years old on a very amateur basis, mostly through school and community theater. A high school teacher made me pursue it, and I am grateful to her for that.

Question from latouf:
Sometimes it seems that Daniel's only reason for being a part of SG-1 is the quest for his wife. Do you believe that it is his only motivation?

Michael Shanks:
No, I don't think so. I think that any adventurous archaeologist would be absolutely flabbergasted by the opportunity that Daniel is provided. And I believe that long after that story line is resolved, that his choice would be to continue to travel through the Stargate.

Question from SB_AK47:
What can we expect from the new season?

Michael Shanks:
Less trees! LOL! I think a growing arc of story lines, and continued character development. Lots of fun stuff!

Question from Tigress35_:
Michael, I laughed when CJ called you "Young Lord of the Internet". Was this an inside joke? Do you ever get teased by cast or crew for your 'Net popularity?

Michael Shanks:
Yes, it was an inside joke. Yes, I do sometimes get teased by the cast for that, but it's all in good fun.

Question from HaphazardMH:
How do you think your character has developed through the series?

Michael Shanks:
That's a long question to answer. I think Daniel has become more of a team player, and less of an outsider than he began as, by the nature of the growing character relationships. I stress that his attitude toward violence hasn't changed, though his involvement in the action seems to have increased. But I don't think his beliefs or genuine sensitivity towards the subject will ever change.

Question from Gooch_1:
Do you ever visit some of the other sites they have up on the sites, or go into the chats to speak with your fans?

Michael Shanks:
Occasionally I visit the sites, but I have never chatted with fans. Not that I don't want to, but I think it's best to keep a little bit of the mystery.

Question from Inclined2Dance:
Do you believe in life on other planets?

Michael Shanks:
I'd be a fool not to!

Question from SG1_Rulz:
Michael, what's it like working with Michael Greenburg and Richard Dean Anderson?

Michael Shanks:
Oh boy! It's always interesting. A lot of fun, youthful energy, and a diligence to the work that we do every day. I've learned a lot from those two.

Question from abydos6:
Do you find it difficult to remember all the jargon that goes with your character?

Michael Shanks:
Just today! Sometimes I do. But I talk fast, so it keeps me afloat!

Question from Gooch_1:
What kind of relationship with the other cast members is there off set? Do you go out and spend time together? Parties, hockey games and such?

Michael Shanks:
I think that compared to most sets that I've been on, there is a tremendous amount of socializing that goes on after work with this cast. We all get along very well and enjoy each other's company sincerely. But I won't get into specifics!

Question from Tigress35_:
Do you like sci-fi? What is your favorite genre?

Michael Shanks:
I think action adventure is my favorite genre, and I've always been a fan of science fiction beginning at a very young age, with Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, and Space 1999, etc.

Question from HaphazardMH:
Has anything really funny happened between you and the others behind the scenes?

Michael Shanks:
What goes on behind the scenes, stays behind the scenes! These walls have ears!

Question from SGXF:
How much of yourself is in the character of Daniel?

Michael Shanks:
I'd say a lot. The role isn't a huge stretch for my own personality, but there's other facets of Michael's personality that manage to stay away from the character -- gratefully!

Question from Mirai_z:
Michael, you do a sterling characterization of Daniel! Do you still do a lot of outside research for your portrayal, or has the pace slackened?

Michael Shanks:
I think the amount of outside research that gets put into the character has diminished considerably, but the everyday diligence to the character and the continual discovery as we go is an hour to hour process that will never slacken.

Question from Michele_s_98:
Michael, seeing that you lurk on the sites, will you ever do any conventions?

Michael Shanks:
Yes, I'd attend conventions, but that is something for the future.

Question from submarinecommander:
Do you think Daniel will ever save his wife?

Michael Shanks:
I honestly don't know. And the mystery of that fuels both the actor and the character.

Question from The_Goauld:
How do you feel about Daniel getting hurt so much in the show?

Michael Shanks:
A lot has been said about Daniel being the whipping boy of SG-1. But like a rubber ball, he continues to bounce back, and as long as he does that, then I'm okay with it.

Question from Gooch_1:
Do you have any major distractions in life other than acting? Such as hobbies?

Michael Shanks:
I'm an avid hockey player. A big fan of video games. And a newborn golfer and skier. If I had more time, I'd probably be doing all those things and more.

Question from Prxqxgl:
Do you watch the finished eps?

Michael Shanks:
Yes.

Question from Gooch_1:
Do either of you have any wishes to direct an episode of the show?

Michael Shanks:
I think my own career aspirations head in that direction. But I have a lot to learn about the film-making process before I'd explore that. For now, I'm like an apprentice, watching all the details and taking notes 'til my turn comes.

Question from HaphazardMH:
Do you get any say as to what goes into the script?

Michael Shanks:
Sometimes, but in terms of story lines, I leave that to the people who know best, because it keeps me on my toes.

Question from drbertie:
So, has RDA hit you up to join the Celebrity Hockey Team?

Michael Shanks:
He hasn't made the proposal yet, but I think that he, like I, has his mind on other things right now.

Question from IBCyndiB:
What has been your favorite special effect?

Michael Shanks:
It was way cool! It would have to be the collapsible armor from Secrets.

Question from HaphazardMH:
With who do you think you have your funniest scenes with?

Michael Shanks:
I think everybody gets their fair share of comic scenes, but I think my funniest scenes have come with Teal'c, because he makes the perfect straight man.

TVGEN:
Thanks for being here this evening, Michael... Thanks for participating in our chat. Good night, everyone...

AMANDA TAPPING

TVGEN:
Welcome to the Prevue Online/TVGEN chat with Stargate SG-1 stars Amanda Tapping and Don Davis. Welcome Amanda...

Amanda Tapping:
Thank you for watching the show, and it's great to be here!

Question from Gooch_1:
Are there any new characters planned for the next season?

Amanda Tapping:
Yes, we have quite a few recurring characters that will just keep popping up. My dad is one that we'll see occasionally, and that's probably the most exciting one for me. And then we'll have some aliens that will come back now and again.

Question from Gooch_1:
Are you anything like your characters?

Amanda Tapping:
Yes, and no. Yes in that I'm very driven, and I like to think that I'm very strong, though not as strong as Samantha. I'm not as smart as she is! I think that I personally have a better sense of humor than Samantha, or at least I'm allowed to show it more.

Question from Mirai_z:
Where would you take Amanda, if you had Ultimate Control?

Amanda Tapping:
LOL! Hmmm, that's a great question! That's hard to answer! I think I would show a bit more of her personal interactions. I'd love to write a really great scene between Samantha and Teal'c, and show that relationship a little more.

Question from DaguconRathsackStuff:
Amanda... Is working with Richard Dean Anderson great? Is he as good looking in person as he is on the screen?

Amanda Tapping:
He's better looking in person! He is absolutely charming and it is truly a privilege to work with someone who has had as much experience as he has, and is as generous.

Question from Gooch_1:
What was your first acting experience like? Did you always know that this was what you wanted to do with your life?

Amanda Tapping:
Yes, according to my mother, this is what I always wanted to do. My very first experience, if this qualifies, was in fifth grade as Mrs. Gulch in The Wizard of Oz, but I didn't get to play her when she turns into the Wicked Witch of the West. I just got to ride a bicycle up the center of the auditorium. One of my friends played Toto. But if I want to be a little more serious, it was probably when I was 18 and did a play called The Lion in Winter. I played Alais Capet. That was my first taste of real theater, and I loved it. An interesting sidenote to that was that my dad told me about the audition and wanted me to go because he thought I wouldn't get the part, and that that would cure me of this acting bug!

Question from rda23:
Hi Amanda. Do you think anything will happen romantically between Carter and O'Neill this season?

Amanda Tapping:
No. I think that it would work against the show and against our characters, and against the military, seeing that he is my commanding officer. I don't think the Air Force would be too impressed.

Question from N_Sain:
Amanda, to you find the techno-babble difficult?

Amanda Tapping:
Actually, not so much anymore, because I truly understand what I am saying, and I've done a lot of research. So now I actually understand the science of what I am talking about, even though the writers really like to cram it in there sometimes. But I like the challenge, and I like the learning.

Question from Jolinar:
Has Stargate made you a Sci-Fi fan?

Amanda Tapping:
Yes. I was never usually into sci-fi, even though I loved Star Trek: Next Generation. But doing this show I've learned so much about the genre, and I truly appreciate it.

Question from Pearls_59:
This question is for Amanda. Do you feel any pressure to be a role model, being the only female in the cast of SG-1?

Amanda Tapping:
Definitely. I think that the roles for women on television are definitely opening up, and they're creating some strong, fabulous female characters. And due to the fan mail I get, I get a strong sense she could be a great role model, so I do feel a lot of pressure -- happily. I think that she could be so many things, that as a woman in this business, I feel very strongly that my character is represented well.

Question from mcynnis:
Have you ever run into any problems with props on the show, humorous or no?

Amanda Tapping:
LOL! Let me think. My gun sometimes frightens me. But no, not really. Our props guys are fabulous, and they take you through everything you need to know. I work with a lot of props because of the scientific aspect of my character. And the only trouble I have is working with so many of them at one time, like carrying my gun, the GDO, and then any sort of radiation sensors or anything. Trying to juggle too many at one time. I just hope that I look legitimate when I do this!

Question from The_Goauld:
Do you have any input to the SG-1 story lines?

Amanda Tapping:
Not into the story lines so much, but once the scripts come out, if something doesn't sound quite right in terms of Carter, I can definitely speak up since I know her voice better than anyone. But if anyone out there has any great ideas, send them in!

Question from subcommand:
Who is the person who keeps you laughing while you're filming?

Amanda Tapping:
Christopher Judge. I absolutely adore that man.

Question from meckten:
How many episodes have you taped?

Amanda Tapping:
We're in the middle of episode 39 right now.

Question from Gooch_1:
What have been your favorite episodes so far?

Amanda Tapping:
Solitudes. Singularity. Just in terms of the challenge for me as an actor. In the Line of Duty. And I guess I would also say that these were episodes that I was fairly heavily in, so that was a challenge.

Question from MagdaPhil:
For Amanda: Was the line in Solitudes about "it's my sidearm" in the script or ad libbed?

Amanda Tapping:
It was actually in the script. But I think that's a sign of our writers keying in to our personalities. And I think it behooves them to pick up on what we're like as people, and they have. So that was a writer, but it definitely plays into who we are as people. That was a great line, and a lot of fun to do.

Question from Gooch_1:
Do you have a computer, and if so, do you visit chats often? And if you do, do you let people know who you are?

Amanda Tapping:
I do have a computer. And I do go on the Internet occasionally. I have never been in a chat room before, and I am trying to figure it all out. But I have gone on the Stargate web site.

Question from Gr8Writer:
What's the funniest ad lib you've ever done that made the final cut?

Amanda Tapping:
Probably, actually, in the pilot when I did the MacGyver line. It shocked me that they kept it in. And there was another one, I can't remember the episode, when the guys all had something really important to say to General Hammond, and I said, "But I was there," because they didn't give my character anything to say, and they kept that in, which I thought was great.

Question from Patmor29:
Will SG-1 be back in 1999 for another season???

Amanda Tapping:
For two more, as far as I know. Showtime has picked up another 44 episodes, two more seasons.

Question from sarao_1998:
Who would you say is the most like, and not like, their character?

Amanda Tapping:
That's really hard. I'd say we're all a little like our characters. But I think maybe the least like his character is Christopher, because he smiles and talks a lot more than Teal'c does.

Question from choclair1:
Would you consider making a movie based on the television show?

Amanda Tapping:
That is an interesting question. I don't know that they would go that route with the show. But yes, if it was a good script, if it furthered our characters in the story, then yes, definitely.

Question from Liz_Bees:
What elements do you take from your own experiences to build into your character?

Amanda Tapping:
I guess on a personal level, I grew up with three brothers, so it's easy being the only woman with three men. I guess that would be the strongest aspect. And I have a telescope!

Question from N_Sain:
How will your character develop with her new powers?

Amanda Tapping:
That's an interesting question, because right now she has the ability to occasionally access memories of Jolinar. And she has found out that she can use the Goa'uld technology. I guess it would be her memories that will come up now and again, so that will give her the ability to suss out certain situations, based on what she can remember. But I wouldn't say they are new-found powers, like she suddenly has these super-powers, so that makes it very rewarding and also very frustrating for Carter.

Question from Grifter41:
Have you ever watched the Stargate movie?

Amanda Tapping:
I watched it when I found out I was auditioning for the show, and I wished that I had seen it in a big theater, because I rented it and loved it.

I can't thank the fans enough for their support, because really that's the only gauge that we on the show often have as to how it's going. And the fans have been so incredibly supportive, and supportive of me personally, that it's been wonderful. And I am so touched by the letters I get. And I'd like to thank personally Sean Fitzgibbons for running the SG-1.NET, a fan-based web site. And I hope that people continue to enjoy the show, and thank you, thank you, thank you. And I'm sorry that I didn't get a chance to answer all the questions, but I hope that we have a chance to do this again soon!

TVGEN:
Stay tuned, folks... Don Davis just walked in...

DON S. DAVIS

TVGEN:
We're here with Stargate SG-1's Don Davis... Get those questions in, folks... Welcome, Don!

Don S. Davis:
I am glad that we have an audience that is enjoying the show. We are trying to create a mythology that we hope people are understanding and are receptive to.

Question from SkidsPoppe:
Mr. Davis, do you like working a regular series as opposed to a movie?

Don S. Davis:
I enjoy working on a series. Any actor, especially a character actor, if he's honest, prefers working on feature films. Just as any actor who's honest prefers working before a live audience, because you have the luxury of rehearsal, which you don't have on episodics. Plus, before a live audience you have immediate feedback. The primary objective of any actor is to create a believable character with as much depth to the character as possible. And to create that depth necessitates the luxury of time, to create and to explore. You don't have that luxury in episodic television, except when you have a character that is developed slowly over a season's run. That is rare for a character player like myself. It is seldom the main character in any scene or episode. In a feature film or in a stage play they do take more time to develop peripheral characters, and that is why character actors prefer film or stage.

Question from Gooch_1:
This is for Don Davis: Will they be sending you on any Stargate missions?

Don S. Davis:
I hope so. But for my character to be real, he has to be framed within the restrictions that a general officer, a troop commander, would be framed in real life. And regardless of what you see in a Schwarzenegger or Wesley Snipes, or a star-driven character would indicate, in reality a general never goes to the front lines. He's back at headquarters planning the action. He can't do that if he is having a fist fight with the villains. In real life, a General Schwarzkopf or Colin Powell spends his time in headquarters, planning the overall strategy for the war. They aren't up there fighting the individual battles with the platoon. That's what Jack O'Neill does. He is the spearhead of the maneuvers that I am directing. I have to rely on him and his judgment, and I have to support him, but I can't be him. And he lives the actions that I dream about. He is like a super marionette. I pull the strings, but he performs actions that surpass the movements that I direct. And if he's good enough and if I have the insight and the guidance to let him be all that he can be, the battle will succeed. If I fail him, the maneuver will fail. The general is simply a chess master. His troops are really the heroes. Everyone loves a hero. But someone has to decide where to send the hero to do the deed. That's what the general does.

Question from MagdaPhil:
What has been your favorite show?

Don S. Davis:
I think my favorite so far was that episode early on in the first season when Jack met an alien who became his son, where at the end of the episode, he and this creature who he realized was simply representing his son, walked back through the gate. I think you have to realize, when you look at Stargate, that the person that I play had been a man of action who was in the twilight of his career, who was really in a job that he thought would allow him leisure time to write memoirs, and to color his career experiences in a way that would reflect glory on himself, and pass on his personal creed to any future generation that happened to read those memories, wound up intertwined with someone who embodied all that he admired about this military ideal that he had based his own career on, the man of action, the hero that goes out and fights the dragon, and then became that person's protector. That's all the general is. He's a man of ideals who realizes that he's got people who care more about principal, about what's right, about getting the job done, than they do about themselves, and he loves that and tries to protect them. He's a by-the-book character, he has to be, he's a general. You couldn't rise to his level without knowing how to play the game. But these people, Jack O'Neill, Daniel, Sam Carter, and Teal'c embody every facet of heroism that he has dreamed about, that he has idealized, that he has based his own life on. So he'll do whatever is necessary to let them succeed, to protect them, and let them do the job.

Question from Diorite:
Do you feel type-cast, playing military officers in both SG-1 and X-Files?

Don S. Davis:
Only to the extent that I play a military character. I also played a military officer in Twin Peaks. Major Briggs. I was a Captain in the United States Army during the Vietnam period. Fortunately, I was stationed in Korea rather than Vietnam, so I'm not claiming that I am a battle scarred veteran, but I was in the service during a period of great conflict, overseas in Southeast Asia, during that period. One of the things that I discovered, was that the kind of person portrayed by Hollywood in the John Wayne films or those type of films, had little or no relationship to real life, that the people who made the decisions about who was to live or die on a hill or on any given battle were the kind of people you run into in real life. They knew that if you put someone in danger you had to face the consequences of what happened to them because of your actions. And if you got someone hurt, it didn't matter if someone else did the hurting, you felt the guilt for placing them in that situation. And if you were fortunate enough to be the person who set forth the plan or activity, you might get the glory, but the glory if someone was killed because of your plan could never assuage the guilt of the knowledge that they were killed because of your mistake, or because of your need to sacrifice them to achieve a goal. We're all human. We all want to feel that if we had to stand before a judge we could say that we measured up to the mark. Because of an action that he put forth that was in the end really unnecessary, I think that is the real horror of war. It's never as simple as a homerun race, you know, or any athletic contest. The problem that people face today when they deal with terrorism or wars or injustice on any international playing field is that you make decisions that are politically correct but morally bereft. I think General Hammond is one of those that feels the pain of knowing the consequences of the compromise that his position at times forces him to make. I think that it's to his credit that he does back Jack O'Neill and Sam Carter and Daniel Jackson and this wonderfully heroic creature, Teal'c, when their integrity forces him to a decision that goes against the book that he normally lives by. We all look for simple stories about cowboys and Indians. If you are a cowboy, you're a hero for every Indian you kill. That's the old American mythology. If you are an Indian, you wonder who the hell these devils are that are raping your lands and going back on their promises for some purpose that has nothing to do with the philosophy that your whole heritage was based on. I think that's the beauty of science fiction. It shows both sides of that coin. And lets you know that both sides can be right and both sides can be wrong.

Question from _Starzy_:
Any clue on the leak in Secrets, and did the General have something to do with the reporter's death?

Don S. Davis:
I don't think so. In fact, we asked that when we were filming it. I think that both the General and Jack O'Neill knew that there was a damn good possibility, and indeed probability, that the reporter's death was an orchestrated accident. But I also believe, and it's the way we're playing these characters, and the only way we can play these characters, that both of these men, Hammond and O'Neill, are men of great integrity, and that they had to believe, regardless of their suspicions, that it was indeed an accident. I don't believe from the time of the original movie through the series to date that anyone who accepts either of these characters, could think that they would be party to cold blooded murder of a person who was simply trying to bring out the truth. I don't think that there is any argument that any superior could give to either one of those men, Jack O'Neill or George Hammond, that would cause them to sit blithely by and allow a man to be murdered. I also believe that neither one of those men is so naive that they would fail to see the possibility that that is what happened. I think it's one of those situations in which, if you are in battle, and a sniper is firing at you from a tree, and you realize that that sniper may be a wonderful person with two kids and a loving wife at home, who is only firing at you from that tree because he believes that everything he stands for and believes in depends on him eliminating you from the field of battle, makes him a target that you can't counterfire to. I think they realize that there are times when a person has to be eliminated in war, no matter how good that person may be. And that both of them, realize consciously how abhorrent and distasteful the act may be. There are going to be victims in war that don't deserve to die. They don't want to be part of their deaths, but they won't abandon the fight because of that death. I think that the reporter's death in Secrets, I think that was the name of the episode, became a questioning moment for each man. I think that was one of those times when the General became a father and said "No, Jack, that was an accident." I don't think the General believed that, or if he did, he wasn't 100% certain. But it was one of those times where Jack felt that there couldn't be any justification for it. I think Jack is one of those guys who believes that every life is sacrosanct. I think at times the General is more pragmatic.

Question from Liz_Bees:
What's your relationship like with the rest of the cast?

Don S. Davis:
Oh, I love them. I owe my whole career to Richard Dean Anderson and Michael Greenburg. I was a college professor who was semi burned out teaching, and starting out in the film business, and they gave me my first break, my first guest star role, they took care of me. Those two guys have more integrity than anybody I've ever met in this business. And I think that Michael Shanks is one of the best young actors in this business, and I've worked with some of the so-called cream of the business. And Amanda, the myth they created for Doris Day, that IS Amanda. She is warm, the camera loves her, and she can take a scene that really should never be in public and make it ring like a diamond. And I feel the same way about Chris Judge. You know we live in an age in which PR is everything, and heroes are just people that somebody writes pretty stories about. And then somebody digs beneath those stories and you find out there's nothing there. Well, Chris is a man. He's talented, he's got charisma, but he's got something else. He's the kind of guy that you just want to know, the kind of guy that you hope that your son will run into some day. Richard Dean Anderson is the same kind of guy. He's a good guy. I'm sure it's not what you expected to hear, and I just don't care. Richard Dean Anderson is the kind of guy you don't hear about anymore. He's the kind of guy that 20, 30, 40 years ago would be an adventurer, or the kind of guy that you would hope that your own kid would emulate. It's been my entire experience with him. He's not phony. He's got charisma, and that's what makes him a television personality. But he is the man he portrays. He's a man that does the things that we used to think a man was supposed to do. He's the kind of guy a man's supposed to be. I love this guy, I love Michael Greenburg. I'm damned happy to be a part of this show, and that it runs forever and ever, and that I get to be a part of it. My only fear is that they're going to kill off the General. I started with MacGyver, and I started out as the photo double for Dana Elcar who played Pete Thornton, Rick's boss on MacGyver, who is an actor whose shoes I could never fill. And now thanks to the largesse of Richard and Michael, I'm actually getting to play his boss on Stargate. It makes me a happy camper!

TVGEN:
We'll be chatting with Christopher Judge in just a moment...

CHRISTOPHER JUDGE

TVGEN:
We'll be chatting with Christopher Judge in just a moment... We're ready to go...

Christopher Judge:
Nice to be here talking to some fans of the show, and getting a chance to answer some questions you may have about the show or my character.

Question from debisparks:
Christopher, how did they pick you for the role of Teal'c, over anyone else?

Christopher Judge:
As I understand it, they had pretty much seen all the actors in LA and New York and Canada, and I kind of heard about the audition through a friend, called my agent, and told him to get me in. So I actually came in on one of the last days of casting. I read, they put me on tape, and two weeks later I went in for my screen test, and pretty much found out at the screen test that I had got the part. It was obvious to me, because everyone else that had come in to screen test, they sent home. So I had a pretty good inclination that I was going to get the part.

Question from ozzykat98:
Christopher, do you ever get to smile in the show?

Christopher Judge:
Actually, this year, I'm trying to... It's not that Teal'c doesn't have a sense of humor, it's that he is very straightforward of purpose. And I think until his super objective of freeing his people and being reunited with his family is achieved, I don't really think he finds all that much humorous. I don't think that Teal'c is one to dabble in quips and smart-alecky sayings, because he has so much to achieve, which is the freeing of his world. But this season, as he is achieving his goals, I think you will see a bit of sense of humor appear. I don't know, though, if you will ever see Teal'c guffaw!

Question from TracyDawnA:
Chris, I saw the special you did for Showtime. Will you be doing another? It is so interesting to see how they do all the FX.

Christopher Judge:
If the need arises, I would actually love to do another one. It is actually as interesting for me, probably as it is for the viewer, because I myself didn't know how they achieved certain effects and certain images that they were able to create. So it was as enlightening for me in certain ways, as it was for the viewer. It was actually nice for me to be seen as Christopher, so that people would know that Teal'c is a character I play, and I'm not actually that surly.

Question from Rianna24:
How would you describe Teal'c's relationship with Jack?

Christopher Judge:
I think, I would hope, that it is one of mutual respect, not only as warriors or soldiers, but as one who always has what is right in mind when taking any type of action. No matter what is right for that particular character, it is always what motivates their actions.

Question from dbutlerjr:
Chris, what has been your favorite episode working on so far?

Christopher Judge:
The working experience, I hope this isn't corny, is usually on a day to day basis, very pleasant. I really enjoy just coming to set and being around the rest of the cast and crew. And I don't know if working on any one episode was any more or less enjoyable than any other, because frankly, I've pretty much had a good time every day I've been there.

Question from submarinecommander:
According to Amanda, you are the jokester in the cast... Who makes you laugh?

Christopher Judge:
I think that, you see, I don't want to get anybody in trouble! Everybody has their own particular sense of humor. We all get along really, really well. And it's sickening to say, but after some of the other shows that I've worked on, this one's like a big love-in. I'm flattered that Amanda says that, but she is certainly as witty, or more witty, than I am. And Michael, who can imitate any character in any movie ever made, is certainly a source of continual laughter. And I think that Rick's on-set demeanor is legendary. But when I want a really good laugh, I play golf with Don Davis!

Question from cruzzie:
What is your favorite trait of Teal'c?

Christopher Judge:
Honesty. I think that's what I admire most. With him there is no gray area. With him, it is either it is or it isn't. He has such an advantage over some of the other characters, because everything to him is either right or wrong, and there is no in between. So every question that he takes is clearly defined by those parameters.

Question from _Starzy_:
Will we see Teal'c go to a mall or something like that?

Christopher Judge:
I've actually heard they are planning a "Teal'c day out" episode. And I don't know what all that entails, but it sounds like it might be pretty good. How Teal'c would just deal with a day on Earth.

Question from The_Goauld:
Do you like to ad lib things into the script whether vocal or just expressional?

Christopher Judge:
I think that's one of the nice things that the writers have allowed me to do, is to bring what they refer to as "Teal'c-isms" to any situation that might occur. Because they do give me the credit of having fleshed out Teal'c more than they have. So they give me a pretty wide berth when it comes to interpreting my lines. And also subtextually, they are always open to what Teal'c might be thinking underneath what he says, even if it's exactly what they had in mind. So I'm very fortunate in that regard. I just hope that we are living up to what our viewers think the show should be, and could be. I hope that we continue to expand and grow, and flesh out everyone's characters and personal developments, because this show has the unique opportunity of touching on the "what if", but still being launched from reality, and I certainly hope we live up to that.

____________________
Online chat held at Yahoo Chat in conjunction with TVGEN and Prevue Online. September 8-9, 1998.