 September 22-24, 2000 Vancouver, British Columbia
  Amanda Tapping, SG-1's Major Samantha Carter, was one of many stars featured at GATECON. |
Now that's dedication
As veterans of conventions in London and Australia, Amanda Tapping ("Samantha Carter") and Teryl Rothery ("Janet Fraiser") both appeared quite comfortable interacting with GATECON attendees. Teryl surprised me with her natural Dr. Fraiser-type instincts at both the cocktail party and the banquet; and Amanda's obvious empathy with GATECON volunteers was well appreciated.
While I did not witness this event myself, I have been informed from several sources that Teryl jumped to the aid of someone at the cocktail party after a wine spill. Uttering something to the effect of "Dr. Fraiser to the rescue," Teryl was said to have hurried to the bar for some club soda. Her concern in this instance might be understandable, given that it was said to be her own wine which she had handed off for safe keeping as she signed autographs. Another instance, however, and one which I did witness, far more clearly depicts her true, instinctive compassion.
Teryl Rothery (Dr. Janet Fraiser) was on hand to meet the fans! |
Saturday was a long day. The con events of the morning and afternoon were followed by the evening banquet, which itself led into a lengthy and entertaining auction. The excitement of all of these events proved to be just a bit too much for one attendee. When Teryl observed a young lady leaving the room leaning heavily on the arm of another woman, she immediately left the stage and went to assist them. Dr. Fraiser, indeed.
Amanda's compassion was displayed with her often-voiced "thanks" given to the GATECON staff and volunteers. When I took my turn at the photograph sessions, Amanda saw my "volunteer" shirt and instantly gave me a look of genuine concern as she asked how I was holding up. Admittedly I was not one of the hardest working volunteers; nonetheless, I took heart in her interest.
On stage during the Q&A sessions, Amanda and Teryl were as natural together as old friends. They fondly revealed some little games they play during the long work day, as well as the pet names they use for one another. One day Amanda started referring to Teryl as "Turtle," to which Teryl quickly responded by calling Amanda "Gazelle;" and these names have apparently stuck. The two also do a little role playing as hairdressers with Southern accents. A favorite story, however, was the infamous "puff and ruffle."
Amanda and Teryl both complained that whenever a beautiful woman comes to the set "all the boys" immediately start to do the "puff and ruffle," i.e. puffing out their chests, ruffling their tail feathers and strutting around like proud roosters or peacocks. Both actresses quipped that they might be shivering, their teeth chattering, yet "the boys" culd ignore them, instead gathering around the visitor and offering jackets, coffee or whatever she might need. However, both ladies agreed that when it really matters, when they could be feeling somewhat threatened, the guys treat them with the utmost respect and kindness.
Vanessa Angel plays Anise/Freya on "Stargate SG-1." |
Several times during the Q&A sessions on Saturday attendees brought up the Freya/Anise issue. Even fans who have not yet seen any of Season Four's episodes seem to be well aware of the outcry caused by the introduction of this character, a Tok'ra played by Vanessa Angel. Ms. Angel is a gorgeous, shapely, Barbie-doll type, and her character's revealing costumes added a degree of emphasis that was said to degrade the show. (The producer's panel did, by the way, confirm that the voice of the fans has been heard, and the character of Freya/Anise will not return.)
I could well imagine the "puff and ruffle" displayed by "the boys" when Ms. Angel first appeared on the set. However, Amanda and Teryl insisted that the guys were sufficiently able to sense what might be construed as a threat, and treated them both very well.
As to favorite scenes or episodes, Amanda noted "Singularity" for the major change the episode brought into Samantha Carter's life with the introduction of Cassandra; and "A Hundred Days," for the friendship depicted between Carter and Janet Frasier.
Colonel O'Neill suffers from an alien virus in "The Broca Divide." |
Teryl, on the other hand, stated that she loved Richard Dean Anderson's work in "The Broca Divide," where Jack insisted Dr. Fraiser experiment on him in her efforts to develop a cure for an illness that was turning its victims into Neanderthals. Teryl was also partial to "Hathor," in which the ladies have to save the base.
The highlight of the session for Amanda surely must have been the final question. Someone in the front row raised his hand, got a hold of one of the wandering microphones, then promptly stood and wished Amanda a "Happy Anniversary." She was momentarily overwhelmed; after all, the bright lights on the stage made it difficult to actually see the audience. Then she shared her little secret with us. The questioner was her husband, and Saturday was, in fact, their anniversary.
We all owe Amanda a world of "thanks" for spending her anniversary weekend with fans. Now that is dedication!
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