To Whom It May Concern:

Many television shows with potential have come and gone: Crusade, Prey, Sliders, The Sentinel, The X-Files, etc. They self-destruct due to changing the "winning formulas," turning deaf ears to honest fan reactions, losing vital actors/actresses and writers, killing and/or devaluing favorite characters, introducing unsuitable replacements for them, having the stories change for the worse, going against established canon, falling victim to internal politics, destroying long-running friendships between characters, or some combination thereof. In the case of Stargate SG-1, ALL of the above has taken place.

Never before have I witnessed blatant and deliberate character assassination on a television program. Over the past two years, I have watched the part of Doctor Daniel Jackson be reduced from a hard-earned co-starring role to that of discarded wallpaper. This is a character who many people, including myself, can relate to on a personal level due to his compassion, curiosity, desire to understand, intelligence, passion, strength of his beliefs, stubborn refusal to give up, tragedy, and very human flaws. Even when his role is significantly reduced and his closest friends turn from him, he is still the same decent human being, searching for answers and proving that the pen is mightier than the sword. As many before me have rightly pointed out, Daniel was, is, and always will be the heart and soul of SG-1, the emotional and ethical bond holding the team members together as a functional whole.

Without him, the mystery of the Stargate would never have been solved so swiftly. Without him, the people of Abydos would still be slaves under the false god Ra. Without him, Teal'c would have never become a staunch ally of Earth, fighting his former masters. Without him, the Tollan would have never regained their freedom in Season 1. Without him, Earth would have fallen to the Goa'uld years ago, judging by those alternate realities plus Apophis' thwarted attack. Without him, the "Spirits" would have kept SGC personnel hostage, the false Seth would have lead his followers to yet another catastrophe, the Enkarans would have been destroyed by the Gad-Meer, Sam would have died inside the "Entity's" memory mainframe, and Chaka would still be enslaved. Without him, Stargate SG-1 would have become a futuristic Outer Limits, with the Tau'ri getting their heads handed to them after riding roughshod over one galactic power too many.

Yes, I know he is a fictional character. So are many others whom writers throughout history have created, basing them either on real people or legends passed down through time. The best of them reflect the human condition in all of its sorrows and successes, tragedies and triumphs. They show us that if they can win with brains, courage, high ideals, skill, and standing up for what's right, then so can we. Well-known ones include King Arthur, Robin Hood, the Scarlet Pimpernel, Sherlock Holmes, John Carter of Mars, Spock of Vulcan, Luke Skywalker, Indiana Jones, and Daniel Jackson. Just because they are fictional doesn't mean they are not real on an emotional and intellectual level, nor does it lessen the value of what we learn from their examples.

Thanks to www.savedanieljackson.com, I have become aware of both sides of the story concerning Michael Shanks' departure plus the future of Stargate SG-1. After discovering what would happen in and post-"Meridian," I have chosen not to watch it, "Revelations," and Season 6. With the triple loss of Daniel Jackson, the living history of other worlds, and friendships forged under fire, nothing there holds my interest any more.

In my universe, on May 3, 2002 at 10:45 PM EST, Stargate SG-1 has concluded its series run with the end credits of "The Sentinel." To the cast and crew who have made the treasures that are Seasons 1-3 plus the scattered gems within 4 & 5, my deepest thanks and respects.

Gisela "Jayce" Riggio <Jayce6@gte.net (Flames forwarded to the SGC circular file)>
Known Universe - Tuesday, May 28, 2002, 5:50 PM

Katie <DeadlyAngelOfChaos@hotmail.com>
None, London - Tuesday, May 28, 2002, 3:38 PM

Jonathan Drew <jontyiddo1961@yahoo.co.uk>
Bristol, England - Tuesday, May 28, 2002, 9:43 AM

This letter is in regards to the departure of Michael Shanks from Stargate SG-1.

I have been watching 'SG-1' from the very beginning. I enjoy the show very much and hardly ever miss it. I am not a Sci-Fi nut, but am a fan of this program. I never thought of myself as having a favorite character from this show because every role is equally important. Everyone plays their part and they work as a team to be successful in their endeavors. This, to me, is the central theme of the entire series: working together to achieve a common goal. I didn't realize how essential 'Daniel Jackson's' role was is all of this until he was killed off. I don't think you realize it either. I am very dissappointed. I hope it is not too late, but I fear the show will suffer greatly with out him. It will never be the same. Please don't take him for granted. His character is the key to the future of the team.

Thank you for your time,

Paloma Love Merritt
Allen, Texas, USA - Tuesday, May 28, 2002, 8:13 AM

Sue Twist <starwood17@thenewfocus.com>
Gloucester, England - Tuesday, May 28, 2002, 3:43 AM

I was less pleased to see the way Jack became more stupid with each episode, and that Sam appeared to advance to some strange level of know-everything-solve-every-problem super status. I was puzzled at the way Daniel's role seemed to diminish each season until one wondered just why he was still on the team if the writers couldn't find something for him to do.

And I do blame the writers for this. It's your job to put the words on paper for the actors to say. It's the actors' job to make those words come alive in a way that makes us, the viewer, believe that what we're seeing is real.

Michael Shanks succeeded too well, I think. Watching him die, pardon me, watching him SUFFER and then ascend, in "Meridian" was like watching it happen to a member of my family. Unless you bring him back to the show I won't be watching Season Six.

Bill Taylor <tinkertaylor66@yahoo.com>
North Olmsted, OH - Monday, May 27, 2002, 10:49 PM

How many people have to call and write before you start to notice that you are doing something wrong? That you're killing the show you're trying to promote? That you've taken a GREAT show and turned it into shoot-em-up kiddie cartoons?

The new Stargate page at scifi.com sounds like it's trying to appeal to an 8-year-old, and quite possibly insulting them at the same time. How to care for your stargate! Excuse me????

Actually, as my wife and I will no longer be watching Stargate now that Daniel is gone, it doesn't really matter what I think of sixth season or the idiot website.

You guys have really blown it here. We were willing to put up with the crap you were trying to pull in seasons four and five because Daniel still made it worthwhile. He is "every-person," and had the unique ability to give hope to everyone.

We Hope you bring him back for more than one token expisode. Otherwise, you can probablykiss any spin-offs or movie good-bye since there won't be anyone left watching.

Chris and Deborah Ung <ChrisDebUng@yahoo.com>
San Jose, CA - Monday, May 27, 2002, 10:35 PM

Thank you for reading this (hopefully).

Pauline Breckenridge
Ayrshire, Scotland - Monday, May 27, 2002, 8:23 PM

I don't think the creators of this series realise what they are doing...

It's almost a classic tale where a man gets his riches from selling the best crops on the land yet fails to care for his crops properly, choosing instead to fund other interests... a neglected crop will not make nearly half as much as before.

I am one of many who have followed the series on dvd, this doesn't come cheap, and I feel betrayed by the fact that after having spent a hell of a lot of money on the whole dvd set that i'm not really getting what i paid for.

All the special features on the discs feature commentaries and behind the scenes footage which describes the characters as people that you would like to invite into your living room, if this was the case then why is one being treated like a stranger. Clearly Dr. Daniel Jackson is no stranger, having as much support as he does, the family of sg1 is incomplete without him.

PLEASE COME BACK MICHAEL SHANKS

GIVE MICHAEL SHANKS/DANIEL JACKSON A DECENT ROLE!!!!

Many Thanks...

Kevin Appadoo
Sutton, UK - Monday, May 27, 2002, 8:20 PM

The beauty of Stargate is in the characters. The series has sculpted four individuals who are believable, and at the core of this is the dynamic between the Jackson, O'Neil and Teal'c characters. The result is that Stargate is the most watchable Sci-Fi on television, far better than Star Trek or Andromeda. Its a delicate balance you have there. Don't ruin it.

Alex Whitehead
Reading, UK - Monday, May 27, 2002, 8:19 PM

Georgi Coldren
Connersville, Indiana, USA - Monday, May 27, 2002, 8:18 PM

With all the ugliness I see every day, I need the outlet that TV and movies provide. I need the entertainment. Stargate was a show I looked forward to every friday night, and without fail I was there in front of the TV, ready to start on another adventure with Jack, Daniel, Sam and Teal'c.

I didn't care for the direction the show seemed to be heading in the fourth and fifth season, but I didn't let it detract from my enjoyment of the show. Some things were hard to explain away in my mind, like why Jack suddenly began to belittle Daniel, but I let it go.

What I can't ignore, or let go, is a show without Daniel. He was the guiding light, the hope of humanity, and as this website put it, the heart and soul of SG-1. Without his presence (and I mean a physical presence, not a gust of wind or glowing cloud) then I'm afraid all you have left is an empty shell.

I'm very sorry to say I won't be watching the new episodes when the premier on the SciFi Channel in June. I have enough loss in my life without mourning a character on a TV show, too.

I wish you would bring Daniel back. Apologise to Michael Shanks and--the fans--and get Stargate back on track!

Kelley Rupp <kelleyrupp@yahoo.com>
Fairview Park, OH - Monday, May 27, 2002, 6:52 PM

Well, guess what? I want Daniel back, too! I also think what you did to Michael Shanks is despicable and needs to be fixed immediately in order to get him back on the show. You gambled, powers that be, and you lost. Daniel is the favorite character of thousands of people, and for you to assume that you know better than the fans is not only arrogant, but also stupid.

This particular member of your highly-touted demographic didn't like the "dumbing down" of Jack, the idiot romance between Jack and Carter (can we say "no sizzle"?), and I loathe the fact that you destroyed the friendship between Jack and Daniel. Their relationship was unique to television, two such opposite, yet impassioned men, who still managed to work together and care for one another. And you trashed it.

If you don't get a move on and bring home the prodigal son, this member of your demographic will not be watching the show when it debuts on the SciFi channel. Actually, I won't be watching it at all UNTIL Daniel returns. Neither will my fiancée, and she's the one who controls the remote.

You threw the baby out with the bath water, as my gramma was fond of saying. Hopefully you can pick it up, dry it off and start again.

Mike Slater <MSlater@EchoDev.com>
Globe, AZ - Monday, May 27, 2002, 11:43 AM

To anyone interested! "Look! It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a. . .FISH!?" The Super Jonass Web Page was updated! http://www.geocities.com/stargatefanner/superjonass.html This site is only meant to be for fun. Who knows, I might love the character Jonas. But I doubt it considering how he and Corin Nemec joined the team.

Tom Mahoney
Monday, May 27, 2002, 11:41 AM

But, Daniel Jackson is definitely tied for 1st in importance, along with O'neill, Carter, Teal'c, Hammond, and even Frasier, so I think he deserves to be an EXTREMELY vital part of season 6, even in guest appearances if needs be. The movie is also an issue.We NEED Daniel!!!!!!

P.S. Please give Shanks a leading role in the upcoming movie!!! Flood him with cash if needed!!!

Colbey Benigar
Miami, Florida - Monday, May 27, 2002, 8:09 AM

The friendship between Jack and Daniel, which was one of the highlights of the series, degenerated into nasty snipes and hostile fights; we began to wonder if these two men were even on the same side, let alone the same team.

And then came the final straw. The Ascension of Daniel. All because, wonder of wonders, an actor--the bright young man who played Daniel--saw what the fans were seeing: the under-utilization of not only the character of Daniel, but also of Teal'c, and the loss of the original team dynamics, and went to the producers and writers and questioned them about it. When they didn't see fit to listen to him, or the fans, Michael Shanks left the show.

His final episode showed the true colors of the people he worked for: he wasn't even given the dignity of a proper farewell (anybody see ER when Green died?), but was forced to share the screen with his "replacement."

Since the new season will be broadcast on the SCI-FI channel, and that station is part of out cable package, we don't have the option of cancelling it, the way we did Showtime once "Revalations" had aired. We do, however have the option to not turn to that station, and we won't. Without Daniel in his proper place with his team--preferably the team from the first couple of season--we won't be watching Stargate.

Scott and Margaret Thompson <TheThompsons@magnamail.com>
Barbourville, KY - Monday, May 27, 2002, 1:02 AM

Greg <gahardwick@cox.net>
phoenix, az - Monday, May 27, 2002, 12:02 AM

A friend pointed out the SaveDanielJackson website and, man, were my eyes opened! I thought Michael Shanks departure was just another one of those actors-too-big-for-his-britches thing, like the red-headed guy on NYPD Blue. I was shocked to find out how totally untrue that is!

What you peoples have done totally sucks. Not only did you trash a very fine young actor, but you destroyed a character that thousands of people love.

When we invite you into our livingrooms each week, we are trusting you to care for our hearts and souls. You write stories that make us fall in love with the characters then complain when we get upset because you've killed one? That doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

I've decided not to allow you into my home anymore. You can make your sixth season with that HORRIBLE creepy Jonas Quinn, and you can make your movie, but I won't be watching. You've betrayed my trust and the trust of thousands of other fans by doing what you did to Michael Shanks and the character he spent so many years bringing to glorious life.

Denise Seidmann <Denise1958@eudoramail.com>
Blairsville, GA - Sunday, May 26, 2002, 10:06 PM

You great-and-mighty powers that be couldn't have caused more pain if you'd actually severed a limb off my body. In actuality that is what you did; after five years Daniel Jackson had wormed his way into my heart and it was like watching a member of my family die.

The manner of his death was horrible; could you have devised a more painful, hideous death than this? You had the unmitigated bad taste to introduce the creature who will take his place in the same episode that you killed him.

Then to compound the grief we're all feeling, you announce that, even though you no longer had any need for Daniel's character, this new guy is so perfect and wonderful that he's going to go into Daniel's library, speed read all his books and thus acquire all Daniel's knowledge! Why didn't you fix the problems that were causing Michael Shanks so much unhappiness and KEEP HIM?

You've shown that people can "descend". I suggest you start writing the script for Daniel's descension before there's nobody left watching your show. You lose a family member and life goes on. However the life that is Stargate SG-1 is going to go on without me watching it.

Do you even realise what you've done?

Laura Belle <BravaBelle@hotmail.com>
Maggie Valley , NC - Sunday, May 26, 2002, 8:16 PM

Daniel Jackson (Michael Shanks) is the heart of Stargate SG1. To get rid of him now is to burn the whole show. You have to ask yourself what was the point? If The Powers That Be allow Daniel Jackson’s character to leave now, what was the point?

He knows all the languages, the culture, his personal reasons for fighting the Goa'uld, and let’s not forget that it is Daniel Jackson’s character that started the ball rolling with the movie. The simple fact is that there is no show without him.

After watching Meridian I tried to shake off the hurt and anger I was feeling. Movies and Television enrich people’s lives; they make us forget who we are for a while. When a show goes for five great seasons and then decides that one of the most lovable and founding character is written out is nothing short that losing a loved one. I found myself not been able to stop thinking about the death of Daniel.

I reluctantly finished out the season and came to one conclusion; Stargate SG1 came to an end with the death of Daniel. As painful as it is Meridian was the final episode. I know on some level everybody knows that. I also know that Sci-Fi has picked up the series, and is running a sixth season, put it does so without me as a viewer.

The Powers That Be have made a critical error in writing Daniel out of the show. However, all could be recovered with a new episode inserted early into season six.

Stargate deals with a lot of different mythologies. One mythology that intrigues me is the one of The Phoenix, the legendary bird that arose from his own ashes. Daniel could do the same as that which was done in Ascension. There are many different ways to spin it; the point is that if Stargate Sg1 is to continue it needs Daniel Jackson. The show does not work without him.

I implore you to reconsider the fans deserve it, and without them Stargate would not have made it to a fifth season. I know that this letter may not even make it to the eyes of The Powers That Be, or even be given a second thought, but it can not be ignored the great injustice that has befallen.

The consequence, one less loyal fan, and to quote Charlton Heston from the sci-fi masterpiece Planet of the Apes, “where there is one, there is another, and another”.

Disheartened, Ken B.

Ken Barrett
Twin Falls, Idaho, USA - Sunday, May 26, 2002, 7:34 PM

Kathy Gibbons
Surrey, UK - Sunday, May 26, 2002, 7:32 PM

I just wanted to tell you about my extreme disappointment at your decision to make Stargate SG1 into just another mindless soap opera. I have been watching the show in syndication since it began and have slowly been loosing interest in it since you decided to write out the character of Daniel Jackson.

Your inclusion of the unstated or thinly veiled "romance" between Jack and Sam reminds of nothing more than the preludes to the "sex" scenes shown on daytime soap operas. I am saddened that you think so little of the fans of this show that you feel that you have to use sex to keep our attention.

One thing that has not escaped my notice is that you seem to be employing writers who probably received their college diplomas (if they even received any) through the mail. I feel this way because the writers you have do not seem to know what a tragic hero is. For your edification, I will enlighten you by paraphrasing what I first learned in high school. A tragic hero is one who is constantly befallen by very bad luck, but who continues to fight evil, the bad luck, or the universe at large no matter what. This is what the character of Daniel Jackson was meant for. It is disheartening that you are not able to see this fact. This character could give hope to everyone who watches the show.

I am also shocked that after the events of the last year you are more concerned with selling violence rather than using the character of Jackson to sell hope to the people of America and even of the world. If you were really responsible people, you would have considered these facts long before the tragedy that has happened. You have the power to make the life of anyone who watches this program better, if you would only care enough to try. I am angered that you do not care to try.

Eva Randolph
John Day, USA - Sunday, May 26, 2002, 7:26 PM

Linda White
Somers Point, New Jersey, USA - Sunday, May 26, 2002, 7:23 PM

With all due respect, I believe the lot of you are totally off your rockers. I can't believe that 1) you were so oblivious to how popular the character of Daniel Jackson was--and still is--to the MAJORITY of viewers all over the world; 2) that you could blithely murder the character after spending two years ripping him to shreds; and 3) that you are ignoring the wishes of the people you are making this series for, the ones who are putting THIER money into YOUR bank accounts..

Not only all that, but your appalling treatment of Michael Shanks is completely revolting.

I will not watch any of the shows in season six that do not include Daniel Jackson/Michael Shanks in a prominent role. I will not watch a movie that does not include Daniel Jackson/Michael Shanks in a prominent role. If Daniel Jackson/Michael Shanks is NOT brought back to the show as more than a gust of wind or a bobbing night-light, then I shall do my best to avoid any future productions associated with MGM, Brad Wright and his associates, and the SciFi Channel.

Pearl mcClelland <pearlygates@mailorama.us>
Crossville, TN - Sunday, May 26, 2002, 5:07 PM

Please if you havent done so already, please send your comments to Hank Cohen, and SCIFI, just as they are worded here. The message is loud and clear but it needs to go directly to the person who can change things so he cant say he hasnt had the message. Is Michael Shanks the draw that would get you watching again? If he is you need to say that when you write to MGM. Can you watch season 6 without him? Would you be interested in a film without him? Would you buy DVDs of season 6 , the spin off and the film if Daniel is gone or just a puff of wind occasionally.

This isnt a post to TPTB because I've done that , and letters from USA will have much more impact I'm sure than anything from UK , Europe or elsewhere.

PLEASE encourage MGM to see that it is in their interests to get Michael back and to get someone to negotiate with him who can see what an asset he will be if he comes back. It isnt too late but it soon will be!!! Thankyou USA, carole

carole campbell <carolecampbell1@hotmail.com>
Leicester, UK - Sunday, May 26, 2002, 2:19 PM

I'm a big Richard Dean Anderson fan, and originally tuned into the show because of him. I was almost immediately drawn to the character of Daniel. I don't know why; perhaps his innocence, his eagerness to learn, or his adamant belief that there is always an alternative to violence. Whatever it was, I grew to love this Daniel, to grieve with him when Sha're died, to suffer with him through episodes like "Need," "Legacy," and "Absolute Power."

I was saddened to watch his innocence disappear as the seasons went on; while I knew it was a fact of life, people grow and change as they experience life, it was still sad to see. I hated watching Jack lose patience with Daniel more and more until the wonderful father/son, big brother/little brother relationship that I enjoyed so much was almost non-existant.

Rather like Daniel's role with the team.

As much as I like Richard Dean Anderson, it's not enough to make me continue to watch the series without the firm, earthly presence of Daniel. The team balance and dynamic has been destroyed, and no replacement (especially the one you chose!) could ever return it to the original.

I don't know what was more painful to watch: the "death" and ascension of Daniel Jackson, or the callous, heartless way a beloved character and excellent actor were cut from their team. "Meridian" paid homage to no one, least of all the young man who gave five years of his life to making the character of Daniel Jackson into a living, breathing "real" person.

Connie Rowan <Connie@mg.zzn.com>
Taos, NM - Sunday, May 26, 2002, 1:32 PM

susan <stv192@AOL.COM>
Sunday, May 26, 2002, 2:27 AM

Oh yeah—and return Daniel to his team. I won't be watching this summer unless he's back where he belongs.

Arla Drury <private>
Festus, MO - Saturday, May 25, 2002, 11:38 PM

He's stated repeatedly that he'd love to come back. Exactly what are you waiting for then, an engraved invitation? "You are cordially invited to ASK MICHAEL SHANKS TO RETURN TO STARGATE SG-1. Please RSVP immediately."

Immediately, also know as ASAP. You're losing viewers in droves; I for one won't be watching the show come June 7th, nor will my husband, although we're eagerly waiting for "Abyss." We'll be looking very carefully at our future TV viewing for anything connected to MGM, Brad Wright or Joe Mallozzi so we can make sure we avoid whatever it is.

We want Michael back on the show, we want Daniel back with his team, and for God's sake get rid of that loathsome Jonas Quinn.

Tara and Randy Saake <RJ_Saake@yahoo.com>
Casper, WY - Saturday, May 25, 2002, 11:05 PM

You have done everyone a grave disservice by forcing Michael Shanks off the show and keeping Daniel from us. There is now a huge void where he used to be.

I will not watch the show unless daniel is brought back.

Thank you.

Syliva Thorpe <SillyThorpe@aol.com>
Billings, MT - Saturday, May 25, 2002, 11:27 AM

What in this universe, or any other, is MGM thinking? Are they so isolated from the public that watches Stargate SG1 that they could not possibly realize that "Daniel Jackson" is an essential balance and compliment to the character of Jack O'Neill"? Without both of these characters, the show is seriously "off balance" and will eventually bounce from episode to episode, shedding fans along the way like a comet approaching the sun untill the plug is pulled on the show, much to hardly anybody's suprise.

I have noticed the trivialization of the character of Daniel Jackson and the more geocentric (earth-centerd) and militaristic bent of the show, much to my disapointment. Somebody in spin control, I suspect, pronounced that this is a safe and affordable direction for Stargate SG1 to travel and we are expected to tag along. Unfortunately, these people seem to actually believe the spin they are spewing out and are placing Stargate SG1 on the video event horizion, soon to be sucked into the black hole of TV mediocraty.

Back to the real world. MGM, like almost all big corporations, does not care about what the customer (us fans of the show) want untill their bottom line is threatened. If MGM determines that it is in their best interest to keep the fans happy, well, us happy fans will welcome "Daniel Jackson" back. If MGM determines otherwise, well another stupid corporation bites the fan ... oops ... hand that feeds it.

Paul Stiles
Mountain View, CA, USA - Saturday, May 25, 2002, 3:34 AM

It is a great shock. I am not sure I'll continue to watch StarGate. It is not that Dr Jacken is the only reason why I watch StarGate, but it is like the breaking up of a family.

I suspect it'll become like X-Files, after the key characters were gone, the show started to go downhill, and then it has to end.

Carrie Law
Sydney, Australia - Saturday, May 25, 2002, 3:33 AM

I like many others was very upset with the leaving of Dainel. I just couldn't belive he was leaving the show. However since I have found out it was not of his choosing, I am very upset, and YES Angry too. I have been a devoted fan since the first movie and have seen every episode there has been. I just cannot image Stargate without him. How can you take one of the leading actors out and expect your loyal fans not to be upset? Since the new season hasn't come out yet, I cannot say weather or not I will be happy with our show. (yes I consider it my show since without viewers like me there may not have been a show). I do know your decision about Mr. Shanks does not make me happy. You know if you take a leg off the table, it can still stand but isn't as strong and as appealing as it once was. Thank you

Amanda M <amanda@totalmail.com>
Indianapolis, IN/USA - Saturday, May 25, 2002, 2:09 AM

I'm joining the thousands of people you must have heard from already to let you know that we have been unhappy with Stargate for the past two years now. The changes that were made to what was already a hugely successful show resulted in a drop of viewership, and much discontent among those who stayed with the show.

You took a great and unique friendship between the older, military man, Jack O'Neill and the young, peace-loving brilliant scholar, Dr. Daniel Jackson, and turned them into a couple of bickering fish-wives. As Jack's intelligence diminished, his nastiness towards Daniel become more and more pronounced.

You attempted to convince us that there was a romance blooming between two people who have absolutely no sexual chemistry together at all, not to mention that fraternization in the ranks is against military regulations.

Where did Teal'c go?

As fifth season went on, Daniel seemed to disappear. His lines became fewer, and often he was simply hovering in the background looking bored. What was on your minds, people? You have an actor of Michael Shanks' calibre and you set him next to Teal'c as a mis-matched pair of candlesticks doing nothing. I can't blame the man for leaving, although I wish he hadn't.

Perhaps if you wrote some scripts that gave him BACK his useful position on the TEAM, things would start looking up. Unless this happens, you can count me OUT of the sixth season on Sci-Fi.

Paco Denton <paco946@aol.com>
Bar Habor, ME - Saturday, May 25, 2002, 1:07 AM

RDA mentioned they were filming "The Cure", the tenth episode for season six. I found the following to be rather interesting:

Events Moderator: can you tell us what your favorite episode of Season 6 has been so far and why?

Richard: Oh, possibly Abyss, Mike Shanks came back and I was trapped in a jail cell with him. It was good to see and work with him, we battled it out on screen, it was great.

Out of the TEN episodes they've filmed so far, the lead actor and one of the exec producer's favorite episode is the ONE episode that features the departed Daniel Jackson/Michael Shanks.

I guess we fans aren't the only ones who miss our resident archaeologist.

DJ <Yesjackyes@yahoo.com>
Sunny California - Saturday, May 25, 2002, 12:10 AM

I just don't know what to say. I knew that when Daniel ascended that there were no plans on bringing him back, but what I didn't know was that Michael Shanks was being forced to leave. For starters, I wish I could tell Michael Shanks how sorry I am for the way he's been treated. The whole thing was done poorly, and Shanks is truly a wonderful actor and simply IS Daniel to a 't'. The injustice of it makes a mighty stench if you ask me.

It blows my mind how anyone could even consider writing Daniel's character off. Daniel IS Stargate. The entire thing began with him.

The only reason I ever had an interest in the show was Michael Shanks and his interpretation of Daniel. Without him the show will simply be some "souped-up", long distance warfare. How much depth is there to that? Daniel was the heart and soul that made me want to laugh sometimes simply by that quirky-eyebrowed smirk and made me want to wail at the cruelty of the world when I saw his teary smiles and cries. You're ripping that piece away in the most thoughtless, brutal, and uncaring way; and I want no part of it.

As I said before, Daniel was the beginning, he was the life, and it is becoming apparent that with his absence will come the end of it as well.

Without Michael Shanks returning to play Daniel, I have no reason whatsoever to watch the sixth season of SG-1 or any of the other movies, etc. that come from this. This fan will no longer be watching the coming travesty.

Bring Michael Shanks back, and apologize.

Kelly Shelton <sezaic@mercurous.net>
Greeneville, TN USA - Friday, May 24, 2002, 9:11 PM

I couldn't believe that the final episode of Season Five came and went without Daniel "descending" back to his mortal form. I thought for sure, after Meridian, that all would be back to normal the next Friday.

Wrong.

I finally came on line to see if I could find out what was going on, and the first thing that came up under "Daniel Jackson" was the www.savedanieljackson.com website.

What are you DOING? Daniel made the show. Kept it human, and real. Evened the balance between the military and the rest of the world. He represented "us," those people who want peace first.

I know there are always two sides to every story. The website seems to have down an excellent job showing both sides (as much as possible) by presenting the interviews of all the parties involved. It made very interesting reading. I found I was quite disgusted with what you—the people in charge—have done to the young man who plays Daniel. Here you have an excellent actor, and instead of exploiting that, you down-play him and cut his lines till he's so much window-dressing.

I won't be watching Season Six. I have no desire to either watch the show without the banter between Jack and Daniel, or watch a show where you've put spineless traitor in Daniel's place.

Sally Comer <mageblue@mbay.net>
Carmel, CA - Friday, May 24, 2002, 3:36 PM

Daniel was the person who made everything seem real. If HE could go through the gate, then so could we. Without him, I'm afraid your show is headed for extinction.

We want Daniel back.

Fran and Mark Fiocco <Fiocco@impulse.net>
Lompoc, CA - Friday, May 24, 2002, 1:35 PM

Even though we were disappointed in season four and five--Jack and Daniel seemed to no longer be friends--we continued watching.

Now that you have removed Daniel we will no longer be watching.

DeWayne and Sandy Eacret <private>
Lompoc, CA - Friday, May 24, 2002, 12:53 PM

Daniel is courageous, compassionate, caring, moral, curious, always striving to do what's right, to find the peaceful resolution to conflict. He gives Jack choices, makes him think about different ways to accomplish the same goal. Peaceful ways. Ways where nobody dies.

Why get rid of the one person who embodies all that's good in humanity? Don't give me the line that "Daniel's arc was over and there was nowhere else to go." That's what writers are paid to do: create storylines for their characters. Give the actors the cues so they can go on and create a person who's almost real, that captures our imaginations, and our hearts.

Without the actors, you don't need writers and producers and directors. You tossed out your ace in the hole: Michael Shanks. And you killed the most well-rounded, beloved character in the show. It was watching Daniel interact with the rest of the SGC—especially Jack—that made the show a must-see for me. Without Daniel I have no desire to watch it.

Susan Delight <sues_delight@yahoo.com>
Grover Beach, CA - Friday, May 24, 2002, 2:33 AM

I sincerely thank you for considering.

Jen Sahlstrom
British Columbia, Canada - Friday, May 24, 2002, 2:29 AM

TV shows are no different than movies or burgers or lawnmowers or cars. They need to interest the consumer enough that our hard-earned money spills from our pockets into your hands. When the product your making ceases to be interesting, then we stop buying.

That's what we're doing here, Mr. Cohen, Ms. Hammer, and Mr. Wright. Except in this case we're actually trying to give you a warning, a heads-up: we're not happy, we're going to stop buying, BUT! You have a chance to come out ahead after all. Here's how:

Get Michael Shanks back. Put Daniel back on his team. Stop with the Stupid Jack, and the Super Sam, and the Sam/Jack romance-NOT. Jack and Daniel were great friends once-upon-a-time. Their banter was one of the best things about the show. We BOUGHT that banter. We did not buy the Stupid Jack and Super Sam and Silly Romance. You might remember Teal'c, too, while you're trying to fix things up again. You know, the tall warrior from another planet? The strong, honorable one?

If you want us to watch the show on SCI-FI, spend our money when/if the movie comes out, support anything else Stargate related, then see paragraph above. And do it.

Lisa Prime <Prime30@aol.com>
Arroyo Grande, CA - Friday, May 24, 2002, 2:06 AM

Yes, I found the www.savedanieljackson.com website after I went surfing on the net to try and find out what happened to Daniel Jackson when he didn't miraculously re-appear in the final episode of Stargate on May 10th.

I must say I was rather astounded to find out—after I'd waded through an amazing amount of information—that Michael Shanks had not actually "quit" as been forced to leave through the severe short-sightedness of MGM and Brad Wright.

Boys, boys, boys, what were you thinking? Or what were you thinking with, because it certainly wasn't your brains that were doing the work. Did you honestly not realise just how popular the Daniel character is? Or didn't you care? I'm betting you not only know, but you're caring very much now.

How many letters and phone calls have you received since Meridian aired in this country? If you received over a thousand calls when it aired in the UK, then I can't imagine how much greater the influx has been from the people here in the much larger United States.

Have you started paying attention to what we want? Here is my letter, one copy to MGM, one copy to Brad Wright, and one copy to the Sci-Fi Channel—which I will not be watching come June 7th, by the way. Tomorrow morning I will add my phone call to the thousands you've already logged.

I hope you start to listen. Before you have no TV show left. No TV show, no movie. No movie, no spin-off. No spin-off, no franchise.

If I were you, I'd be calling Michael Shanks right about now, with abject apologies on your lips and numerous scripts in your hands.

Mary Davancho <DJN1957@aol.com>
Lompoc, CA - Friday, May 24, 2002, 1:42 AM

I have read about the replacement you're going to replace Dr. Daniel Jackson with , I must say how very disappointed I am with this change. If leaving stargate is Mr. Shanks disire then we wish him all the best in whatever he does. However your dession to kill him off because you think the show needs something differant is poor judgment on your part. Heaven forbid the writers of the show actuly come up with some good new stories instead lets just kill off one of the cast and replace him , that way we can just revamp old stories for the new crew member. ( talk about been there, done that ).

The fact that O'Neil doesn't like him , he's a coward etc. don't we have enough problems with alien races that we distrust and don't like ? Do we realy need to incorporate that into an SG team ?

And this bit about him having a encyclopaedic brain , so he'll know everything Daniel knew really quickly . How boring can you get , where's the advinture in trying to understand another race , culture and language ?

Now we'll just send in Super Jonas !!!

He'll know everything all at once and solve the problem too! Please bring back our very much loved Daniel!!!!!!

Our family will be one of those that will not watch it if you indeed write Daniel out of the show. Don't you know by now that the reason Stargate SG-1 is so popular is our attachment to the cast? There is no member you could get rid of and still maintain the quality of the show.

In sincere hopes that you will keep our team together,

A. Paulus
Arizona, USA - Sunday, May 26, 2002, 7:30 PM

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