 
FILLING THE GAPS
 Examining casting options for Season Nine of the born-again sci-fi series
Typically Chevron Nine is used to analyze information from within the Stargate universe, but we're going to make an exception for one or two entries, considering the fact that this is a crucial time in the development of the franchise. I have to admit, I seriously doubted that a Season Nine would happen, primarily because I did not wish it. SG-1 could instead have a great run in DVD movies with O'Neill-heavy stories. He is, after all, the man front-and-center on the boxed sets, so he must be important. But if Season Nine has enough good stories like "Heroes" and "Fragile Balance," and the producers are conscious of their audience, of course another year of the TV series has a potential to do well.
I'm certain Stargate Productions has serious decisions to make. Not only do they have to consider turning General Jack O'Neill into a guest character, but they'll also have a new opportunity to reintroduce a fourth into the SG-1 team itself. And for the sake of argument, let's say that Amanda Tapping (Congratulations, by the way!) will sign on for a ninth year.
JACK OUT?
The rumors are swarming. Richard Dean Anderson has declared Season Eight as his final year (again). So what does this mean for SG-1's leading man? If General O'Neill is reduced to a guest character, who will take the President's pesky phone calls? What will it do to the franchise?
As executive producer Michael Greenburg has said, Stargate Atlantis has proven that a Stargate series can survive without O'Neill. But if Jack is out, we'll need someone to give commentary on a level of humor equivalent to his. That's his magic. It's been recognized in Joe Flanigan, the spin-off show's leading man. Certainly others can provide it, too, though some in the audience may be afraid to accept it coming from someone other than Jack.
In the seven and a half seasons that have aired, many examples have come and gone of interesting characters that could fill one, if not both, of Jack's gaps. SG-1 will certainly be strengthened by the reintegration of a witty, fourth member. Aliens need to have their cages rattled a little, and that's not happening now. Yet even if that's done, the S.G.C. will have to be commanded by someone. God forbid we get "Chain Reaction's" General Bauer back.
But I digress. Let's take a look at some of the great characters that have been introduced, and see if we can build a new group to lead SG-1 (and the S.G.C.) into a ninth, tenth, and eleventh year, even if their presence is just for a string of shows rather than necessarily a permanent position.
Let's first take a look at a list of possible fourths for SG-1.
COLONEL DAVE DIXON
"Heroes" was a delight, largely due to the introduction of Colonel David Dixon, leader of SG-13. He has many qualities that O'Neill prizes, including razor-sharp wit and a head-turning gravitas -- but he is also a family man who loves his job and respects the opinions of annoying archaeologists (which would give him an "A" in Daniel's book), not to mention a good balance of the chain of command.
A huge bonus is the fact that actor Adam Baldwin wanted a permanent role on Stargate Atlantis. For a time it is believed he was even up for the role of Colonel Marshall Sumner, but he didn't get the part -- most likely in part because he did not fit the age description. Atlantis has proven that something works in the way of returning beloved characters to more permanent roles. David Hewlett has reprised Dr. McKay as a lasting fixture on the show, and according to GateWorld polls he is a well-liked character. Part of this is because his story was pre-established. Many viewers already have a base of respect for Colonel Dixon, so if he joined SG-1 it would not necessarily have to be earned all over again.
Dixon has proven himself in battle as an arsenal-wielding drone neutralizer. But the character didn't get his fair share of attention in "Heroes" -- it felt more like Baldwin was being tossed a bone -- and I believe the majority of viewers wouldn't mind seeing him more regularly.
MINI-JACK
Those darn Asgard devices can be so unpredictable (not to mention some of the Asgard themselves). Consequently, there's a girl-chasing Mini-Jack running around Colorado, and he guards all of the classified knowledge of the Stargate program, not to mention years of black-ops missions. If he hears the full-size O'Neill has moved on to a new assignment or become incommunicado, he may begin to realize that chasing women 40 years younger doesn't have to be at the top of his second take on childhood.
Let's admit it. Loki made all sorts of adjustments to O'Neill. Young Jack may contain important memories that were removed from Big O'Neill, either by Loki, the brain-sucking
Ancient repository, or any number of things. Again, if Big Jack is unavailable, Young Jack may be the key to solving a plethora of problems.
Don't get me wrong -- I'm not entertaining the idea that a child take the lead on SG-1 for an entire ninth season, especially considering the fact that production on actor Michael Welch's hit Joan of Arcadia typically begins in July each year. Do your math and you'll find that approximately four months of Stargate shooting would coincide with an open schedule for the young actor. I can just see a string of shows with Young Jack leading the way to an important discovery or two. You get the idea. And in the end, we get our Jack back. Sort of ...
Welch has been continually voted as one of Stargate SG-1's most popular guest stars -- after only one appearance. I'd imagine a lot of it is because he's so believable as O'Neill that fans do feel like they are watching Jack's role continue, even without Richard Dean Anderson. This is a tremendous compliment to Welch. It would be in the show's best interests to consider bringing this character back, to see just what has changed in Jack O'Neill after being back in high school for two years.
 Osiris invades Daniel Jackson's dreams to learn the secret of the Ancients' lost city. From "Chimera." | |
DE-GOA'ULDED GARDNER
Unfortunately, Sarah Gardner will not be returning in Season Eight. Actress Anna-Louise Plowman currently resides in London; it's a job just to get her over here, so a permanent role seems out of the question. But just imagine how much knowledge the character might have retained from her time as a Goa'uld host.
Sarah was able to influence Osiris on more than one occasion, even to the extent that many believe the symbiote developed an affection for Dr. Jackson that was almost as powerful as Sarah's. The reaction on her face when she learned of Daniel's death was truly a character moment. If she could influence her symbiote that much, certainly Sarah retains some type of knowledge from Osiris.
Needless to say, this knowledge could be invaluable in the continuing fight against the Goa'uld. Not to mention with the absence of excitement in Daniel's personal life, the good Dr. Jackson could use a little loving right about now. Fortunately, co-executive producer Joseph Mallozzi is committed to pushing for stories involving the character's return. If we are lucky, the return of Anna-Louise is only a season away.
HAMMOND'S RETURN?
Many-a-fan would appreciate the return of General George Hammond, recently promoted to oversee "Homeworld Security." It's been wonderful to have him back a few times this year, but a lot of fans want him back for good. Jack's absence in Season Nine could be caused by any number of things, possibly resulting in the need to bring the Texas-born soldier back to Stargate Command for another year of adventures. In any case, the General's office would have to be filled by someone. Actor Don S. Davis would be an ideal candidate.
 General Hammond commands the Prometheus in the defense of Earth when Anubis attacks. From "Lost City, Part 2." | |
Michael Shanks ("Daniel Jackson") took a year-long break -- though that might not have been his original intention -- and it was worked into the series brilliantly. Plus, Davis has recently married the lovely Ruby Fleming. Don himself has told me he has been looking forward to the "golden years" for a long time, when he can finally put paint to canvas and create the masterpieces he's had in his head for years.
He might not be immediately eager to jump back into the fray of acting on SG-1 full-time, though if he is convinced to sign just for a ninth season, something might work out. One thing is certain: He loves the fans and knows they want him back.
FULL SPEED AHEAD
SG-1's future is assured, but the direction it will take is not. Again, important decisions have to be made. Thus far there have been some pretty impressive results, including the casting of Farscape's leading man, Ben Browder, as a new full-time cast member -- and perhaps as SG-1's fourth.
In my humble opinion, the show is in the best of hands -- but new writer's blood is just as important as the people in front of the cameras. Without fresh material they will be unable to put on as good performances. Not that any of the current staff should get the boot, but anew writer or two should be introduced in the new year. When Peter DeLuise joined the team, amazing things happened. There are other DeLuise-equivalents out there with brand new ideas, eager to aid the established writing staff and propel Stargate into an even brighter future. If the writers recognize that a stand-still in the staff is probably not in the best interests of the series, I can't even imagine what a magnificent year Season Nine could be.
It won't be long before GateWorld begins to receive information on the new season. Count on us to report this information, and see how many of our predictions are verified, and how many of our wishes come true.
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Colonel Dixon defends his position on P3X-666. From 
The Asgard create a clone of O'Neill -- a teenage O'Neill. From 
