The classic Stargate SG-1 episode “Shades of Grey” shocked viewers when it first aired, with Richard Dean Anderson’s Colonel Jack O’Neill starting off the episode by shamelessly stealing technology from Earth’s allies the Tollan. O’Neill is summarily dismissed from his position, and as the story plays out he joins a rogue operation off-world.
Meanwhile SG-1 gets a new team leader for the first time in its history: SG-3’s Colonel Makepeace.
Reading the script for the episode was an experience for actor Steve Makaj, as he explains to “Dial the Gate” host David Read. After three seasons in a support role, was it finally time for Makepeace to step up and have his time in the spotlight?
“It was a large table reading and I hadn’t seen the script at that point,” Makaj revealed. “And as I proceeded into reading the script it was learning about Richard Dean and what he’s done, and he’s going to retire. And I was getting a little excited — in the back of my mind I’m thinking, ‘Are they maneuvering Makepeace here into the top spot? Could this be more than just a five-episode deal? Could I go six years with the show from here on in?'”
Check out this clip from the conversation:
By the end of the episode, of course, not only was Jack revealed to be on a secret mission to infiltrate the rogue N.I.D. operation. Colonel Makepeace was also revealed to be their mole inside the S.G.C., and was arrested — never to be seen again on the show.
“As I read further and learned what my fate was, my heart began to sink a little,” he said. “I realized this could be it for Makepeace. And I was disappointed, to tell you the truth.”
Before the big character twist in “Shades of Grey,” Colonel Makepeace had been a key player among the show’s supporting roster. In the memorable third season premiere, “Into the Fire,” he put his life on the line in courageously leading a rescue mission to save SG-1 from Hathor.
“Looking at those battle scenes, and when I’m with Amanda [Tapping] and Michael [Shanks] in the tunnels and we’re fighting together … I thought we really kind of bonded there. We really kind of liked each other. And then in the last episode I thought that all kind of went out the window.”
Check out “Dial the Gate” on YouTube to find the full interview with Steve Makaj. And subscribe to GateWorld’s YouTube channel for more Stargate while you’re there!