RECONCILING FANDOM
This article includes minor SPOILERS for a few episodes of Stargate SG-1, particularly Season Three's "Forever In a Day" and Season Four's "Divide and Conquer."
Shanks' return to Stargate SG-1 should bring
fans back together -- if we want it to
"It is my hope that we can learn from our differences -- that they can bond us, and make us stronger." - Bra'tac, "The Warrior"
The differences that have fractured Stargate fandom over the last 13 months have suddenly evaporated, leaving fans young and old in an uncertain position: where to go from here.
Before we look at how to cure what ails us, let's take a quick tour of the history of Stargate fandom! Hopefully it'll lead us to a happier future; that is what this article is about.
A Brief History of Fandom
Long-time fans of the series who interact with the online fandom world will remember the relative peace that the group enjoyed in its early years. Some fans were particularly fond of this character or that actor, of Sam and Jack's relationship, or of Jack and Daniel's friendship. But we were all fans -- we all gathered together around the television on Fridaynights to watch one of the best shows going.
The biggest disputes between fans was over issues like story developments, the death of Sha're ("Forever In a Day"), and some characters being under-utilized. All in all, Stargate fans were some of the nicest people on the Internet. Fandoms for most other shows -- both long-running series like Star Trek and newer series -- were characteristically hostile.
Bickering abounded on the Web -- except in Stargate fandom.
 Our biggest "hiccup" came early in Season Four, when many fans were polarized by "Divide and Conquer." The episode finally vocalized the affections between Sam and Jack. "Shippers" (from "relationship") saw the episode as confirmation of what they'd known all along; those who were opposed to any hint of romance between the characters saw it as an egregious move on the part of the show's writers.
But the conflict passed, the "ship" faded into the background once again -- and Stargate fandom went on, happy and healthy.
Fandom Erupts
For Stargate fans, the date that will live in infamy is September 23, 2001. Executive producer Brad Wright announced at the Gatecon convention in Vancouver that actor Michael Shanks would be leaving the show at the end of Season Five. Shanks had played Dr. Daniel Jackson for five years, taking over the pivotal role from James Spader, who portrayed the character in the original film.
The show would continue for another year, but with a new cast member to replace Shanks. In Shanks' absence, Corin Nemec's "Jonas Quinn" quickly became a lightening rod for criticism.
As the story unfolded over several weeks, fans learned that the parting of ways between the actor and the studio was not quite as amiable as had originally been claimed. Shanks was unhappy with the show's direction (with an allegedly increased focus on Earth-based stories and government intrigue, rather than on off-world exploration -- for which Jackson the archaeologist was especially suited), and with what he saw as his character's being under-utilized through Seasons Four and Five.
 Fans who were especially fond of Shanks and Dr. Jackson quickly sided with the actor, against "The Powers That Be" -- MGM and the show's producers. A campaign was organized, using a mass of fan letters and donations to attempt to persuade MGM and the producers to bring back Shanks as a permanent cast member. It was entirely their fault, they argued, that Shanks left; if they asked him to come back and agreed to reshift the show's direction, all could be well again. The team could be whole again.
It didn't happen, and most of Stargate fandom continued to watch the show into its sixth season. Now on The Sci-Fi Channel, the show gained tons of new viewers and set a ratings record for the network.
Fandom, meanwhile, was fractured into a thousand pieces. Fans of the show now had something to truly fight about -- and fight they did. Disputes over the political and creative issues erupted in nearly every corner of the Web, from discussion boards to mailing lists to fan sites. Tempers flared, lines were drawn, feelings were hurt, and many left online fandom altogether -- sick of reading the same arguments and bickering.
Then, everything changed.
Reconciling Fandom
The Sci-Fi Channel announced on November 7, 2002, that the show would return for an astonishing seventh season -- and just one day later that Michael Shanks would return to his role as Daniel Jackson, as a regular cast member.
The division between those who continued to enjoy SG-1 in Season Six -- including a new character and a new network -- and those who did not has evaporated. Shanks will rejoin the cast next season, returning the show to its former glory. To quote O'Neill, "All members of SG-1 are present and accounted for!"
 Will fandom reunite? That's not a sociological prediction I'm prepared to make. Rather, Stargate fandom can reunite -- if fans on both sides of the now-vanished line want it to.
For those who departed during Season Six: Our prayers have been answered! Daniel Jackson will rejoin the team for Season Seven. It's not ideal that we were without him for a year, but accept it as one chapter in the Stargate story. Daniel has been through an incredible experience, and now continues his journey with SG-1. Jonas in all likelihood remains, and has some great character qualities to look for.
For those who have clashed with them: Our prayers have been answered! The only issue that has ever been able to fracture Stargate fandom has been resolved. Move past the past, and enjoy the show -- and fandom -- in the season to come. Getting Daniel back is a great victory for the show, and in the hands of these great writers, it can only make the show better. Welcome back those with whom we have disputed over the months; Friday nights are fun for all once again, and that's ultimately what is most important in a fan community.
For everyone else: If you don't really care about the issue one way or the other, be a peacemaker. Help those fans polarized on both sizes of the issue to find common ground in Season Seven. At the end of the day, we're all Stargate fans. Still.
Ignore the politics, the speculation on why Shanks returned, and who gets the credit (or blame). As fans of the show, we should turn our eyes to what is best for the show.
Cliques in fandom are great! Some love Daniel, some love Sam and Jack ship, some love Jonas' boyish face and ability to hold his breath. There's no need to end the variety that we fans have in our appreciation for different aspects of the best show on TV. Different strokes for different folks.
 But it's time for fans to be reconciled with one another. It's time for us to put down our zat guns and our P-90s, to return to the show that has returned to us. We're a part of Stargate fandom because we love Stargate -- the show into which these writers, producers, crew members and actors have poured their blood, sweat and tears.
Stargate fandom won't become "nice" again by itself. Don't wait for a faceless sociological movement you can examine from afar. It's up to each and every fan within the dispute to call a cease-fire, and to look to the positive -- a great show that is everything it can be, that we can love together.
Where do we go from here? We make fandom a fun place to play again.
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