
I wasn't too upset watching "Meridian" when it aired. I simply assumed this was another one of those cliffhanger things and Daniel would descend in the next episode.
I was not happy to find out that was not the case. The way Jack, Sam and Teal'c talked it was pretty obvious that Daniel was gone.
I'm not very internet saavy, I don't spend my time "surfing" the web, but when I realised that Season Five was over and Daniel was gone, I started searching-- I found this website. And I discovered the disgusting background story to the removal of Daniel Jackson from my favorite show.
I refuse to watch season six, with the exception of the one episode Daniel will be in; I refuse to watch any spin-off series concerning Stargate, in any form; I refuse to spend my money on any movie that MGM puts out, Stargate or not; and I will make a concerted effort to NOT support the advertisors that the Sci-Fi channel has lined up for the newest season of Stargate.
Without Daniel I have no reason to watch the show. He was the catalyst that made it a success
Karen Combs <KCMom1964@yahoo.com>
Solvang, CA - Thursday, May 23, 2002, 9:11 PM
You need to sit up, open your eyes and Get A Clue. You're losing fans right, left and upside down with all the crap you're pulling. You tried to start a romance between O'Neill and Carter. You turned Jack into some strange creature that was two cards short of a full deck. You basically ignored Teal'c. You got rid of the exploring new worlds plots and tried to become X-Files in Space. Jack and Daniel-- the best friendship on screen since Starsky and Hutch, suddenly turned spiteful and mean.
Over and over fans complained and you...didn't listen. Now, you've handed out the straw that has broken the camel's back and multitudes of people are rising up out of the woodwork and screaming thier outrage. WE WANT DANIEL BACK. If you do nothing else, get rid of that idiot Jonas Quinn and put Daniel Jackson back on the team where he belongs.
Someone on this guestbook said: NO DANIEL, NO STARGATE. I can only echo that sentiment.
Brian Renaud
Blackwell, OK, USA - Thursday, May 23, 2002, 7:58 PM
I go out of my way to see one TV show -- ONLY ONE: SG-1. If I happen to catch others, fine. If not, that's okay, too.
The first few seasons of SG-1 dealt with human, cultural, and scientific problems. The writing was excellent, doing what science fiction should do: hold a mirror to human reality and possibility and make us look at ourselves. "New Ground" is the best episode in the entire series.
Lately ("Proving Ground", "Warrior", "Fail Safe") the plot lines have become trite; character exploration has vacillated between weak and non-existent. We don't look at the human condition any more; we don't look at cultures; we aren't developing characters and relationships. Plots focus on running around and shooting, as in "Revelations."
Come on, creative team!!! People can see heros shooting in to save a comrade any number of places. Even "New Ground" had its shooting spree--but with a lot more to say about us as human beings.
I can understand why Michael Shanks left. I'm surprised the rest of the caste and the creative writers haven't left as well.
Please -- PLEASE -- return to the thoughtful exploration of humanity, to the science, to the cultural exploration, and to the character development that created the huge base of fans in the first place.
If the shoot-em-up stuff continues, you've definitely lost this viewer.
With regrets at what I've seen lately,
Sharon K Richards
White Bear Lake, MN, USA - Thursday, May 23, 2002, 7:57 PM
richard dean anderson: "will i see you again?" michael shanks: "i don't know..."
please, do not disappoint us let the answer be yes...
sincerely,
Tiffany Ifeoma Okoye
Houston, Texas, USA - Thursday, May 23, 2002, 7:55 PM
After five years of watching Stargate, it's over for me. I won't watch without my family intact. If Daniel's not there, then the family isn't complete.
Mary Corcoran
Memphis, Tennessee, USA - Thursday, May 23, 2002, 7:52 PM
I am a longtime Stargate SG-1 fan. I was originally attracted to the show because of Richard Dean Anderson's presence on it, but soon grew to enjoy it because of the talent of the ensemble cast. The idea of removing Michael Shank's Daniel Jackson character is an insult to all SG-1 fans. His role and his acting is as much a part of the success of the series as any of the other cast members.
I implore you to rethink your position on this matter. Take a lesson from the mistake Babylon 5 made in not signing Claudia Christain for season 5, the show suffered greatly from not having her there. Stargate SG-1 will suffer if you remove Michael Shanks from the mix.
Robert Stout
Norristown, PA, USA - Thursday, May 23, 2002, 7:51 PM
I am totally unbelieving that this will do the show any good.
thank you for your time, A TOTALLY ANGRY FAN,
Sheila Waller
Bensalem, PA, USA - Thursday, May 23, 2002, 7:50 PM
To Hank Cohen, Bonnie Hammer and Brad Wright--
You need to sit up, open your eyes and Get A Clue. You're losing fans right, left and upside down with all the crap you're pulling. You tried to start a romance between O'Neill and Carter. You turned Jack into some strange creature that was two cards short of a full deck. You basically ignored Teal'c. You got rid of the exploring new worlds plots and tried to become X-Files in Space. Jack and Daniel-- the best friendship on screen since Starsky and Hutch, suddenly turned spiteful and mean.
Over and over fans complained and you...didn't listen. Now, you've handed out the straw that has broken the camel's back and multitudes of people are rising up out of the woodwork and screaming thier outrage. WE WANT DANIEL BACK. If you do nothing else, get rid of that idiot Jonas Quinn and put Daniel Jackson back on the team where he belongs.
Someone on this guestbook said: NO DANIEL, NO STARGATE. I can only echo that sentiment.
Brian Renaud <Blessedboy5681@yahoo.com>
Blackwell, OK - Thursday, May 23, 2002, 7:38 PM
Have you sent your comments to Hank Cohen? We cant assume they read this site. If they did they would know that we are not talking about just a few Danny fans here, but LOTS and LOTS of fans all over USA and the world. They are still trying to say that true fans will watch and true fans vastly outnumber people posting here, so they dont need to worry and dont need to do anything to get MS back.
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 - Thursday, May 23, 2002, 5:51 PM
WE WANT MICHAEL SHANKS BACK ON STARGATE!!! WE WANT DANIEL BACK WITH HIS FAMILY. As soon as possible would be nice.
We want Jack back to the smart man he was in the first couple of season. We want Cartet to stop being the supergirl know-it-all fix-it chick some writere turned her into it. And it would be really nice to see Teal'c DO SOMETHING once in a while!
Most importantly WE WANT DANIEL BACK. We love Daniel; he's kind, considerate, compassionate, caring and craves a peaceful resolution to conflict.
Soooo, like almost everyone else here, I won't be watching the show on the SCIFI CHANNEL-- hear that, MS HAMMER? What happened to your prideful boast that you were bringing flocks of women to the channel? This is not the way to do it.
Give us Daniel, and we'll give you a Multi-million dollar Franchise.....
Andrea Steiner <LaRosa3745@aol.com>
Waterville, ME - Thursday, May 23, 2002, 3:26 PM
I have been a fan of Stargate SG1 from the beginning. I was a fan of the film and even though I thought it showed potential for a TV series I also had fears that TV would ruin it. Once I knew Richard Dean Anderson was involved and that the character of Daniel would be part of the show I decided to 'give it a go'. I may not have liked every episode but I was never disappointed in the show up until the 4th and 5th seasons and can well understand Michael's reasons for leaving. Whatever has been said on both sides the evidence is there for everyone who has watched since the beginning. Jack and Daniel are the heart of the show and frankly episodes without them both doesn't bear thinking about. No matter how much gushing about Season 6......special effects, flooding ships, big bad Goa'ould, great new guy, the only episode I'm looking forward to is Abyss. With Season 6 probably being the last season please bring the show back to its roots and re-unite Daniel with his family. I was also looking forward to the film but if this is without Michael/Daniel in a significant role then I don't much care if it gets made or not because I for one won't be watching if it does. I hope you at least give regard to the thoughts of the fans that have been there from the beginning and helped make the show the success it became.
Thank you for reading this (hopefully).
Pauline Breckenridge <p_breckenridge@hotmail.com>
Ayrshire, United Kingdom - Thursday, May 23, 2002, 3:12 PM
After five years of watching Stargate, it's over for me. I won't watch without my family intact. If Daniel's not there, then the family isn't complete.
Mary Corcoran <merry_mary@yahoo.com>
Memphis, TN - Thursday, May 23, 2002, 2:44 PM
I respectfully request that the character of Dr. Daniel Jackson be brought back into the series,"Stargate SG-1," played by Mr. Michael Shanks. I doubt that I can say anything that you have not already heard before regarding this issue.
Dr. Jackson is a cornerstone and main strength of this series, and the show can only be diminished in a most serious way by his absence. The character of Dr. Jackson strongly represents the values of morality, humanity, and knowledge- values that are rapidly being eroded away in our society.
Please use Dr. Jackson and the vehicle of television to help restore what is slipping away from us.
Sincerely,
Kevin Peltz
British Columbia, Canada - Thursday, May 23, 2002, 9:23 AM
Claire
Lancashire, England - Thursday, May 23, 2002, 4:55 AM
When I first began to watch the show, I liked it because of the character development. I really cared about what happened to each team member. However, lately, the show has been mostly concerned with fight scenes. I've found that when shows tend to go from interesting storylines to a year or more of straight war episodes (in an attempt to attract more viewers), they tend to bore existing viewers. I found this to be true in the case of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Once they stopped focusing on individual characters, I simply stopped watching it. I've been more worried about this happening since the Sci-Fi Channel bought the rights to the series. Another science fiction series that I used to enjoy, Sliders, upon joining the Sci-Fi Channel network, quickly became unwatchable. Much of the original cast left, and the storylines were quite boring. With Michael Shanks already gone, and with the rumors that Richard Dean Anderson is not signed for all the season six episodes, I fear that this could easily happen. Please, don't let it. Bring Michael Shanks back for more episodes in season six, and bring better storylines than what we've been given so far.
Kimberley Wood
St. Louis, MO, USA - Thursday, May 23, 2002, 2:59 AM
Please reconsider your decision to let Micheal Shanks leave the show. His character, Daniel Jackson, is a very important part of the Stargate history and I don't believe you do the show or the fans justice by permanently writing him out. Having watched the show regularly for the last two years, I've noticed how Daniel Jackson's role in the show has deminished and had hoped that this would change. I was quite surprised when he appeared to be written out all together.
It is my hope that this situation will change and that you'll bring him back for the fans' sake and for the sake of the integrity of the show. Stargate is a great show and I'd like to see it countinue.
I feel it is my duty to mention how your decision may affect the future of the show by giving an example of what could happen. Although I'm not a hardcore X-Files fan, I loved the show and, having recognized the difficulties that occured off screen, I also saw how much of what the show represented to the fans and to it's history changed and was ruined with the departure of David Duchuvny's character. Many fans stoped watching all together and stories no longer worked without the established dynamic of the original characters.
Needless to say, I don't want to see the same thing happen to Stargate: SG1. I truly hope you reconsider your decision and bring Micheal Shanks back.
Thank you for your time,
Maria, A Stargate Fan
Maria Lucas
St. Louis, MO, USA - Thursday, May 23, 2002, 2:57 AM
You need daniel on the team, the TEAM needs daniel.
Alia Struble <Kasperkitty@aol.com>
Beresford, South Dakota - Thursday, May 23, 2002, 12:32 AM
It's amzing that people can be so blind. Did you really think that forcing Michael Shanks off the show was going to HELP you get that franchise you're so hot for? Daniel "everyman" Jackson?
You can look around you and see what's happening in today's world. Wars, bombs, guns...and you've taken away the one person on your show who advocated peace.
You're going to begin to understand, if you haven't already, when the ratings for you re-vamped show start trickling in from SciFi-- assuming they're not to embarrassed to release them.
Get Michael back, now, and you just might get your movie and franchise. Assuming, of course, that the young man even wants to come back to the people who treated him so shabbily.
I don't know that I would.
John Phillips <womp_rat69@yahoo.com>
Meriden, Ct - Wednesday, May 22, 2002, 11:20 PM
I remember going to see the original movie and thinking "Wow, that would make a superb T.V. series!". A couple of years later, my wish was granted and the show turned out to be a worthy successor to the film, quickly becoming my all-time favourite. I have to give kudos to those involved in every aspect of the production of the show; from the tea lady right through to the script writers, producers and actors. The first three seasons of the show were superb.
Fast forward two years to season 5 and we find that the show has radically changed. The initial premise which worked so well for three seasons has been dumped in favour of weak X-Filian conspiracy threads, scantily-clad alien babes and a move into more shoot-em-up storylines. I have to say I'm disgusted!
There's a wise old maxim - "If it ain't broke, why fix it?" This is a question I can see that thousands of loyal SG1 fans around the world are asking and it looks like we're never going to have a proper answer. However it's easy to indulge in speculation and the obvious answer in this regard is the old, old mistaken fixation that upper echelons of television series have with the Seven Of Nine demographic. Honestly, can anyone please explain why every show that's produced always has to fall into this demographic? I'm not a part of that audience and I liked the show they way it was before someone came up with this bright idea to re-structure the series premise. So, it would seem are the majority of SG1 fans and by alienating this large audience, the show has lost all credibility.
The re-working of the show's plots are bad enough, but the biggest, single crime has been the loss of Michael Shanks. It's perfectly obvious that Daniel Jackson, as played by Shanks was the single most popular member of the cast and his decision to leave the show (although somewhat understandable given the way the show was heading) has left a huge proportion of formerly loyal viewers feeling angry and bitter. I count myself among this faction and have grave reservations about the forthcoming season 6.
This has to be the biggest error of judgement since the cancellation of Star Trek in 1969. Indeed there are parallels with the Star Trek saga with a secondary character (as judged by the star billing) proving more popular than the lead star; and also the series backers not realising what a potentially huge franchise they had on their hands, leading to a generally awful final season of Star Trek. History seems to be repeating itself. It remains to be seen whether Stargate SG1 can survive this neglect.
Make no mistake. These are not the opinions of a small minority. These are the opinions of a huge group of dedicated SG1 fans who feel that their show has been taken away from them on the whim of some suited executive(s) who never understood what the show was about. Michael Shanks did and his pleas fell on deaf ears. Also, the spin that we have had to put up with regarding his departure has left a very bitter taste in the mouth.
As I write, the show is approximately halfway through filming season 6. You could do a lot worse than admit you were wrong, swallow your pride and give us, the loyal fans, back the show (and the much lamented Daniel Jackson) that we came to love for the last few episodes. If anything, you know it makes for good business.
Sincerely,
Dave Morrisey
Clane, Ireland - Wednesday, May 22, 2002, 7:51 PM
I am a long time fan of SG-1, and was quite shocked when Michael Shanks' character died in Season 5. It took much researching for me to find out that he has been written out of the show. I find is sad and discouraging that you could let such an integral member of your cast just walk away like that. I really enjoyed the banter between his character and Richard Dean Anderson’s character, as well as the humanity (vs. military mentality) that Daniel Jackson brought to the storylines.
Please consider bringing Michael Shanks back to the show, if for anything, for the sake of your fans.
Sincerely-
Kathy Wauer
Chicago, IL, USA - Wednesday, May 22, 2002, 7:49 PM
I am very particular and selective with how I spend my free time, and, so far, seeing Stargate every week has become something that I look forward to and plan the rest of my schedule around - but, I don't know if I'll feel the same about it without ANY Michael Shanks/Daniel Jackson!
Do the smart thing and work something out with Michael Shanks - bring back more "Dr. Jackson". After all, there are always new weekly series coming out all the time, and viewers like me who become disenchanted with their old favorites may "channel surf" their way onto another channel. . . it happens all the time.
Thanks for listening!
Ronda Bingham
Franklin, NC, USA - Wednesday, May 22, 2002, 7:48 PM
My husband and I have been devoted fans of Stargate SG1 since the Showtime Movie aired. We subscribe to Showtime only to watch this show. We both feel the interaction between all four main characters is what makes the show so good. There simply is no show without ALL of them. Daniel Jackson above the others is the heart and soul of Stargate. He brings an element of sensitivity and humanity to the show. The fans are what make or break success and the fans have spoken. Please listen to us. Thank you.
Susan Murdoch
Charlestown, NH, USA - Wednesday, May 22, 2002, 7:47 PM
Penny Dunn
Grimsby, UK - Wednesday, May 22, 2002, 7:44 PM
It's always amazed us how some people can advance to such high positions in thier profession, and still have no idea what "the people" want. Hank Cohen, Bonnie Hammer, Brad Wright, you all sit there in your beautiful window-with-a-view offices and make choices you're not qualifed to make.
Why get rid of the ONE character in the show that had the unique ability to appeal to almost everyone. Old, young, male, female, adult, or child, Daniel touched the hearts of us all. He kept us watching a show that unfortunately didn't keep up to the promise of the first three years, but still had some sterling moments. It's not surprising that all the episodes of quality in the last two years were either completely about Daniel, or had a lot of input from his character.
Perusing this web site, we can see that you've angered and upset a lot of people-- not least among them the young man who played Daniel Jackson so amazingly well for five years. I expect to see Michael Shanks up on that Oscar stage one day, accepting his award for best actor, while you, Mr. Cohen, and you, Ms. Hammer, and you, Mr. Wright are sitting home in your living rooms ruing the day you ever treated that boy so badly.
Harry and Kay Cooper <cooptheman39@yahoo.com>
Solvang, CA - Wednesday, May 22, 2002, 7:30 PM
He was curious and eager to explore, to learn new things. Always questioning, wanting to know the answer to everything. A brilliant, beautiful, loving human being.
And, you, TPTB, decided in your "wisdom" that he was just so much excess flotsam and got rid of him. I don't know why--I can't for the life of me figure it out. Someday I hope we get the answer.
I won't be watching any episode in season six that does not include Daniel in his usual place on HIS team. It's not worth my time.
Nicole Court <cats01238@yahoo.com>
Lee, MA - Wednesday, May 22, 2002, 5:27 PM
Daniel really was the one thing that held the team together, he was the non-military one, the person who always looked out for the rights of other people, and the one person who continually reminded the others exactly what was important in life.
Now that he's gone, Stargate is left with nothing but military plots and guns. Bang, bang. You've shot down the Original Premise of the series and let the best character on the show "float" away.
I won't be watching any show on SCIFI that doesn't include Daniel Jackson, and I really doubt I'll be missing anything that way. The show was starting to go downhill the last two years anyway, and with Daniel skipping around in the ozone, rather than with his team.... Bye bye Stargate.
Linden Hale <Linden_Hale@yahoo.com>
Madison, CT - Wednesday, May 22, 2002, 4:51 PM
Thanks
DJ Duncan
Austin, Texas, USA - Wednesday, May 22, 2002, 7:52 PM
She is loving every second of it. Thinks it is a great show. I'm creating a new Stargate fan! So why am I feeling guilty?
Because my mom's favorite character has turned out to be Daniel. I'm building her up for a fall. I've told her what happens; she's not happy, but she's not got the five years invested into the show like most of us, so it's not quite the devistation for her that it is for us.
She's already not looking forward to "Meridian" and watching season six is out of the question for her, too. It looks like I've created a new Stargate fan, just in time for her to leave you!
Of course, if you decide to do the smart thing, and Bring Daniel Back Where He Belongs, then I won't have to worry about feeling guilty, will I?
Dana Jeanne Norris <Dnorris@sbtravel.com>
Santa Barbara, CA - Wednesday, May 22, 2002, 2:09 PM
Micheline Williams <michew102@hotmail>
Woodstock, Ontario, Canada - Tuesday, May 21, 2002, 10:30 PM
"SDJ does recognise and respect that not all fans agree with this campaign and some fans do support TPTB. This Guestbook is NOT for them; it is solely for SDJ supporters and those who want Daniel Jackson back in the show to directly address comments and questions to TPTB. To allow all fans to have a voice at the site, including those with dissenting opinions, we've provided the Discussion Board."
That is posted just above. Perhaps you missed it?
Miranda
USA - Tuesday, May 21, 2002, 4:47 PM
For your information, "Meridian" aired just 2 weeks ago here in the USA!!!!! I am still upset about the episode. I did not watch the last episode of season 5 and DO NOT PLAN ON WATCHING SEASON 6!!!!!!!!!!
Darlene <darlene@meginc.com>
USA - Tuesday, May 21, 2002, 4:33 PM
Interesting
Tuesday, May 21, 2002, 4:12 PM
Dr. Daniel Jackson and his interaction with the rest of the SG-1 team has been the reason I have watched Stargate SG-1 all these years. He is the heart and soul of the show, he was the one who opened the gate for all of us.
If Michael Shanks is willing to come back to Stargate SG-1 then why has he been offered only one script so far? You will be losing a great number of your audience for season six, I for one do not plan to follow the show any longer. Stargate without Daniel is like Star Trek without Spock, it simply can't be done and will only serve to destroy it.
Please let Michael Shanks have much more involvement in Season six. He is a character we all know and love and simply cannot bear to be without.
Sarah Hubbard
Wilmington, MA - Tuesday, May 21, 2002, 1:34 PM
Amy Wagner
Belleville, MI, USA - Tuesday, May 21, 2002, 1:33 PM
He is one of the pivotal characters of Stargate SG1. The rapport and banter between himself and colonel O'neal is second to none.
I have bought every episode and I feel that Daniels extraction from the series will not make it the same programe or as enjoyable to watch. Even Star Trek has more loyalty to it's characters and cast. Thats why they are one of the greats. Excluding Daniel will result in a sharp decline.
Clynton Scase
Dover, UK - Tuesday, May 21, 2002, 1:33 PM
Also Withheld
Tuesday, May 21, 2002, 1:23 PM
WITHHELD <SAME AS ABOVE>
Tuesday, May 21, 2002, 10:38 AM
After reading Mr. Wrights comments in the latest article I realized what might be wrong. He quit producing drama/SciFi and has been trying and failing to produce COMEDY. Because so far the new improved Stargate is a bad joke, we are a tough room, and we are not laughing.
MJFOSTER <MJFOSTER_53@yahoo.com>
Sturgeon Bay, WI - Tuesday, May 21, 2002, 9:40 AM
Are the writers so unimaginative that they have to dip into soap opera antics for new episodes? As I read the abstracts of the episodes in season 5 and 6, it's apparent there's a deficiency in creativity in the writing team.... I mean come on! It's a show about machines that can take you to thousands of planets throughout the universe! Make something up! And instead of stealing plot ideas from Jerry Bruckheimer movies (oh my god they are awful), emulate the fantasy storytellers like George Lucas and Toiken.
Brian Smith <alphapawn@sympatico.ca>
Toronto, Canada - Tuesday, May 21, 2002, 2:23 AM
Michael F DelMedico
Schaumburg, IL, USA - Tuesday, May 21, 2002, 2:02 AM
I'd love for Daniel Jackson to return...with a new twist of some sort as well. I really did enjoy that Carter tried to use the gould healing device -- FINALLY! I've been wishing for three seasons now that she would use the hand devices (healing and weapon). I mean -- they've been using zats and staff weapons now since the beginning. And why not take advantage of the weapons of the gould as well to fight them with.
I also HAVE to say that the writing the last few seasons are full of holes. I really hate to say this about my favorite show, but it is true. I used to love Sliders and then major characters started leaving, and it went to Scifi, so I've been dreading this for years as I know it has always been in the original plans to sell it to Scifi. So, let's not go down that road again!!!!
I'm saddened that any major character would leave the show in it's final stage. So I think that the writers and producers should have sat down and really discussed the evolution of Daniel's character, along with Michael's suggestions. It seems to me that the communication was lax. That makes me lose respect for all of the powers that be for not doing this. And it seems that RDA lost sight of this as well.
I can't help but quote from the movie "Office Space" (which I lend to all of the fourteen people who report to me in our office), it's the part that Jennifer Anison's character says "No one likes their job, but you find something you can do and you do it." Sometimes it's all about a paycheck and using what you can get to get to where you are going. Michael, is there any way in which you could still do this if you come back? Formulate your plan in case you can.
However, I'd really like to have Michael back (as I believe I read on another site that Scifi has agreed to 22 episodes??) The integrity and validity of the show needs another voice of reasoning besides the military one.
I do have to agree with the other post here, I was born on an Air Force Base and known military people all my life, and O'Neill is a very different character than what I've ever seen. He is also very far removed from the movie O'Neill, even with natural evolution of a character.
The writers have a tremendous opportunity to bring Michael back and complete a story line that Daniel was to take care of the Haresis child. hint hint. This child develops quickly and it may be time for him to come back and do the Anakin thing to bring "balance" i.e. destruction, to the system Lords. Daniel Jackson is a great person to do that kind of grooming, and it sounds as if Michael is willing to consider it.
Y'all would be a fool to miss that opportunity!!!
Sheri <jadedmara@stargatesg-1.com>
Tulsa, OK, USA - Tuesday, May 21, 2002, 2:01 AM
I believe the absence of "Daniel Jackson" will definitely change the whole complexion of the cast. You cannot amputate a limb and not feel the effect. He is a fine actor and I enjoy his performances in many othe presentations. It's funny, but I never noticed him until I saw him on SG1 and was impressed with him in his portrayal of his role in the series.
Please reconsider and somehow get him to come back! I don't think the show will be the same without him!
Mary J. Ledoux
Yakima, WA, USA - Tuesday, May 21, 2002, 2:00 AM
He was the best of the show. A geek with muscles. Could hold his own and didn't need guns to get a problem solved. Without him you people don't have anything decent left. The other three characters need Jackson in oder to be complete.
Parker Lewis in Daniel's place? Oh, Puh-leeze. I'll probably give you MGM dudes a call in the morning, let you know what I think verbally.
Dumb move on somebody's part, yessireeeebob, as my grandad used to say.
Craig Stevens
Lompoc, CA, USA - Tuesday, May 21, 2002, 2:00 AM
Amy Fowler-Howell
Havelock, NC, USA - Tuesday, May 21, 2002, 1:58 AM
Thank you,
Gary Richardi
Burbank, CA, USA - Tuesday, May 21, 2002, 1:57 AM
Thank you for your consideration,
Nate Tabor
Butler, MO, USA - Tuesday, May 21, 2002, 1:56 AM
That is the amazing way Jack O'Neill has rapidly lost what little intelligence he seemed to have at the beginning of the series. I work on an Air Force Base. I KNOW just how intelligent a person has to be to get to Colonel in the US Air Force. These are not dumb birds. These are men and women who are responsible for the lives of the servicemen and women under them, for the civilians back home; they must inspire an unbelievable amount of trust from young men and woman who are expected to follow them blindly, without question.
I wouldn't trust Jack O'Niell to get me safely to the corner store, let alone put him in command of the SG-1.
However, that's not what this current campaign is about. If Daniel Jackson seems able to put his trust implicitly in Jack O'Niell, then so must I. And I must also ask you to bring the young Doctor back to the family fold, reunite him with his team, and give us back the Stargate SG-1 we grew to look forward to each week.
Sara and I will not be watching any episodes in the new season with Daniel Jackson. Please-- as more than a slight breeze ruffling Jack's hair.
Richard and Sara Phelps-Domingos <Rickskywalker62@yahoo.com>
Lompoc, CA - Monday, May 20, 2002, 11:00 PM
The worst move was pushing Michael Shanks so far that he finally jumped the sinking ship. If he couldn't convince the boys in the ivory tower to fix what they'd torn apart, I don't know that we can either. Then again... Spock came back.
Of course, Paramount may be just that much smarter than MGM.
We (the wife and I) will not watch Stargate when it begins on the Sci-Fi Channel. No Daniel, No stargate.
We've already called MGM and told your PR people this.
Sam and Kara Phelps <SWFan1956@yahoo.com>
Lompoc, CA - Monday, May 20, 2002, 10:50 PM
Charles K <kck@hotmail.com>
Carol Stream, USA - Monday, May 20, 2002, 10:34 PM
I saw "Stargate - The Movie." in 1994 and fell in love with James Spader's portrayal of Daniel Jackson. I discovered and became an avid MacGyver/Richard Dean Anderson fan, sometime after that, and it was with much trepidation, that I watched the first episode of "Stargate SG-1" Thinking... "I Don't know so much about this...." But I instantly fell in love with the Michael Shank delivery of the Peaceful, honest and compassionate, Daniel Jackson. I became a loyal fan, of the show.
When will the powers that be, recognise and listen to the veiwers of their shows, the people who supply their ratings... rather than killing off important key Characters Which "always" ruins the dynamics of a show??? And for what?? One "final" season on the Sci Fi Channel and the "new" veiwers I am sorry that doesn't wash with me. That is so much BS
There is still time, for the producers and writers, to rethink their decision, before the end of season 6, so that they can secure the profit ability, (IMHO) of making a film. I and many of the friends I know will only consider the episode "Abyss" and any others in season 6 with Daniel Jackson's character in them. And I won't be spending one movie dollar, on a Movie without Daniel's character in it.
Thank you for providing a place to grieve.
Helen Sempel <sha@speedymail.com.au>
Campbelltown, NSW, Australia - Monday, May 20, 2002, 10:30 PM
I ask that you reconsider this decidely foolish action. If you cannot find writers who can deal with the richness and complexities that this charcater brought, perhaps what you really needed to do was find new writers.
I was uncertain as to whether or not I would be able to continue to view the show when it moved to the Sci-Fi channel. Despite being a huge fan of Richard Dean Anderson, I am no longer sure I even want to try.
Catherine Clack
Houston, Texas, USA - Monday, May 20, 2002, 3:21 PM
Sure, the fans love Richard Dean Anderson. And Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge, and Don S. Davis are great. But why destroy the wonderful dynamic that is added with ORIGINAL character Dr. Daniel Jackson? I think the end of the episode "Need" is a great illustration of SG-1's "original spirit": Jack O'Neill acting like a compassionate human being, comforting his best friend Daniel in his arms as Daniel withdraws from a serious narcotic addiction. That epsiode had me in tears and is what locked me into the show for the long haul.
Please bring Michael Shanks back, and give him some substanial storylines. Make Jack less of a dumb ass and give him a slightly higher IQ. And don't waste Amanda Tapping's and Christopher Judge's time with crappy scripts.
If Daniel doesn't return, I hope MGM offers a real nice 401K plan. Looks like early retirement for you guys.
Lynn Yelich
Jackson, MI, USA - Monday, May 20, 2002, 2:46 PM
I was extremely unhappy regarding your decision to drop the character Daniel Jackson from Stargate. This character lends a balance to the four lead characters and seems to be the voice of human dignity for the show. As a long-time Star Trek fan, I can tell you the most successful shows are those that have story-lines similar to current events and speak out on human issues. The Daniel Jackson character should have been used to promote humanity and peaceful resolution of conflicts rather than written out of the show. It seems you have chosen to ignore the great potential this character hasss.
I hope you will reconsider your decision and look to a responsible future of balance between good and evil or peace and war on Stargate.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Cindy Maria Garner
Grapeland, Texas, USA - Monday, May 20, 2002, 2:35 PM
Glad to see that's all Daniel is now. I wonder if they'll keep pulling that shit through Season 6. Sci-Fi is so known for taking dead shows (add Sliders, and countless others) and burying them.
Someone Somewhere
Monday, May 20, 2002, 10:44 AM
I cannot begin to express how seriously upset I was when I watched the episode where Daniel went to a high level of existance. I was hysterical!!(Don't believe me, ask my husband, who has no clue how important Daniel is.) I had nightmares about it. This is how hooked I am on this show. Now my question is this: Who in their right mind would let one of the key members leave this series??? As I understand it's this charactor named Hank Cohen at MGM. Hank, do you not realize the importance of keeping the SG-1 team together. Daniel Jackson has given this show depth that other shows do not have.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, bring Michael Shanks back. You will not regret this discission. It makes it very hard to watch the show not having Daniel there. I know you will do the right thing, not only for you conscience but for the dedicated fans.
Cheri Hutson
Lincoln, NE, USA - Monday, May 20, 2002, 2:36 AM
MGM should be ashamed of its embarrassing antics surrounding this campaign.
1) A Public Relations firm hired specifically for the purpose of fielding calls about the Stargate SG-1 Daniel Jackson debacle is staffed with some very rude and apathetic people. They've either grown weary of answering phones ringing off the hook about this issue or they've been instructed to ignore the callers and their messages.
As a consumer,I fear MGM is not getting these messages, because Paul Gendreau's people are not passing them on. I had to ask the woman I was on the phone with if she was going to pass this information along. I had to ask if she wanted my name or any information - she sure wasn't interested in finding that out. I doubt my call was logged.
Mr. Cohen, you're paying these people? For what? Why not just instruct your receptionists at MGM to just hang up on callers wanting to talk about this show? They're just as rude, it would save you money and would achieve the same result: minimizing the actual number of calls complaining about the loss of Daniel Jackson from this show and ignoring unhappy fans.
2) MGM employees were caught posting insults to your viewers on this website. Is that acceptable practice in the Employee Policy Manual at MGM? Hmmm? I know my ass would be kicked out of my company so fast, my head would spin. Tacky. Very tacky.
3) MGM and the producers of Stargate SG-1 continue to refuse to acknowledge to its fans that indeed this show did lose a well-loved, integral character - the one responsible for the ability to gate travel, one who brought warmth, compassion and humanity to a militaristic drama - and that loss is being grieved by not a vocal minority, but a rather expressive and not insignificant majority of longtime fans.
We are not "freaks", Mr. Cohen. We are fans loyal to this show and what it was meant to be, and you have seriously misjudged your audience.
Yes, we ARE loyal. It's unfair to label us as otherwise simply because we don't like what's happening with OUR SHOW.
Many, including myself, have been here from the beginning. We loved the adventure, the wonderment and discovery this show brought us every Friday - it was a nice escape in a weary world. We had that for three wonderful years until it was taken away from us and molded into something unrecognizable in seasons 4 and 5.
I hung around stupidly, hoping it could find its way back, hoping that we could see the old team dynamic, the desire to explore and discover again, to leave the X-file plotlines where they belonged - on the X-Files. Now, it's irretrievably lost without the man who brought us that wonderment in the movie and in the TV series.
Friday night is Farscape on The Sci-Fi Channel, but Stargate SG-1 died with Daniel Jackson. After supporting a season 6, I feel like I've been played.
Was that the effect you were going for?
Marcia
St. Louis, USA - Monday, May 20, 2002, 12:42 AM
Carol Campbell
Midlothian, TX, USA - Sunday, May 19, 2002, 3:45 PM
Thanks for your time!
Rebecca Bridge
Aston, Stevenage, UK - Sunday, May 19, 2002, 2:33 PM
Steve Martin
LaVergne, TN, USA - Sunday, May 19, 2002, 3:53 AM
Lisa Bonham
San Antonio, Texas, USA - Sunday, May 19, 2002, 3:51 AM
In the meantime, in those 20 minutes I've listend to Jack O'Neil make at least four non-verbal utterances that are supposed to pass for 'lines,' including a cough. I began to suspect Jelly had actually written Jack's dialogue when I heard him respond to Carter with "Uh. Hot." The immediate echo of "Want. Tuna." went through my mind. He intersperses these gems with more exposition that makes him look like a person with marginal brain damage.
Livening up these dreary proceedings is another wallpaper-chewing performance from Osiris, who looks about as dangerous as an anorexic, grown-up Shirley Temple in a silly dominatrix outfit. I kept expecting her to break into a chorus of "On the Goauld Ship Lollypop." Her lines were of standard Mallozzi caliber: "You think so." "We shall see." "Soon." But I think I've sussed out who Anubis is going to be. The jackel-headed god could only be...who else? Jelly! How appropriate would that be?
I couldn't stand it anymore. It doesn't look as if anyone will be able to watch Season 6; I'd certainly be in danger of tearing out every hair on my head by the end of a show, or else end up in the emergency room with terminal boredom. I have no doubt we'll get evidence that other viewers regarded this episode as an insult as well.
Ex-SG-1 viewer
Private, Saturday, May 18, 2002, 8:46 PM
Jay
Elmhurst, IL USA - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 6:23 PM
Maybe I better kill a few more brain cells. I felt like I'd been punched in the stomach when I watched those scenes, especially after watching Sam give vent to her (and many fans) feelings. I thought, It can't get any worse than this. Then came the scenes aboard the cargo ship. I literally started crying when Jack started joking around, making his (used to be) usual funny/sarcastic remarks. It was just *so* wrong. And the energy of those scenes were also wrong, not only because his foil was missing, but because for me, it was as if the Jack O'Neill I'd known was dead. His humor crushed me more than his harsh words to Sam, and I couldn't believe that smirk at the end! It's hard to believe, but I cried more this week than last week, because we've lost *two* of our team members, and not just one.
-mishel
Mishel Mullan <Mishel_Mullan@Hotmail.Com>
USA - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 5:11 PM
To anyone out there who might know... does Hank Cohen not have a boss, the parent company or something? Just a thought.He might be answerable to someone other than us the viewers because he sure as hell is'nt taking any notice of us.
emma <private>
Bristol, Saturday, May 18, 2002, 2:31 PM
If you ask me the whole series depends on doctor Jackson. Not only is he the one directly responsible for the sg-program, he's also the one that makes the series human.
It's mostly Daniel who finds the right thing to do (e.g.: "scorched earth). How many civilisations wouldn't be destroyed, if it wasn't for hem? I'm sure that without his character 'Stargate sg-1' will become a military mess.
PLEASE reconsider MGM !!!
Dennis
Merchtem, Belgium - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 2:15 PM
We are very disappointed in the "death" of Daniel Jackson. I feel that his perspective was a very necessary one within the overall military mindset of SG1. If the story lines are going to be reduced to the "them-against-us" warfare, I will lose interest in the show. Daniel represents the thoughtful and more humane approach to dealing with the unfamiliar and I believe it is more necessary than ever to present this as a way to resolve differences. If, indeed, we ever do get to explore other forms of existence, I surely want at least one Daniel Jackson on every group that is out there.
If the character can't come back "in body" then at least let his spirit help his friends and remind them that many things are worth fighting for, but there are often alternatives to weapons that will work even better. And I certainly want Daniel in any movies that are made.
Anna Schweitzer
Virginia Beach, VA, USA - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 11:20 AM
I am not at all surprised at RDA's comments. As the "STAR" he could have stepped in and kept the show from being destroyed. He had to agree with the bad decisions being made. Maybe a little of the older guy jealous of the attention the younger actor was getting. The "good boy" (JonASS, woof, woof) would not be a threat, he would at least have had to be good looking to be in competition with RDA. And JonASS is already disliked by a lot of viewers so theres no chance he will surpass RDA in popularity. The threat was removed along with a lot of viewers.
MJFOSTER <MJFOSTER_53@yahoo.com>
Sturgeon Bay, WI - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 10:45 AM
Anne Marie Robb
USA - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 10:35 AM
Rachel Banks
Los Banos, CA, USA - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 10:34 AM
I am a loyal SG-1 fan, but not one who lives and dies by it, or one who follows the fan sites. I just love SG-1 and the characters. They are part of my life as much as any character on Star Trek (in any of it's permutations).
I was not aware that Daniel had been gone for some time, because I only go by what I am seeing on TV. I saw the episodes where the system lords were meeting and Daniel was infiltrating, then the TV channel skipped a week or two for local programming. Tonight I saw the episode where the Asgard lab is attacked by Anubis and Osiris. My first reaction was "Where is Daniel, and what has happened to him?" At the end of the episode, Jack, Sam, and Teal'c are passed by a breeze, and Jack smiles and I think, that is Daniel and he will be back - it is some extension of the plot where he was infiltrating the system lords. Then I go out to the Internet to find out what happened to him in the episodes I must have missed, and find out he is gone forever.
If I could give my assessment of Daniel, he is the hero of the common man. Jack is the he-man, expected to excel. Sam is the brain, and beautiful on top of that. She excels because of her technical skills. (I like that - she never gets by because of her looks, but because of her skills.) Teal'c is the alien, who can be used to fill in when normal human skills can't be used. Daniel, however, is the regular guy, going about his normal work, which in the work-a-day world is as dry as most viewer's everyday life. Daniel studies ancient languages. Not really cutting or bleeding edge stuff in excitement. But he's good at what he does, and in SG-1, his knowledge is invaluable and saves the group at times. We regular folk can see ourselves in him. And now he's gone and only the super-heros and exceptions are left? What a shame!
They can do what they want to at the studio. Perhaps Michael Shanks made more money than they wanted to pay for a character they wanted to be a minor character. What they may not realize is that all 4 members of the SG-1 team are major characters. All 4 were important to us quiet, non-fan-site-following fans. If SG-1 quits being true to what it was, it will lose me and I would guess many more viewers.
The only show I have ever seen where they have successfully taken out a main character and replaced them has been "Doctor Who", and that was because it was in the nature of the character to regenerate into another person. And even then it was awkward and we had to get used to the new guy.
I am sad that Daniel is gone. I hope your campaign to bring him back is successful. If the changes to SG-1 do not suit me, I will not waste my time to watch it. Perhaps I am the viewer that MGM really has to worry about the most. Not a die-hard avid fan who haunts the websites (no offense intended, just not my thing). But the regular joe who made a point to be there every Friday night when it came on, and only missed it when it was unavoidable.
Best of luck with your campaign,
Cherry Reedy
Denton, TX, USA - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 10:31 AM
Please, bring back Michael Shanks as Dr. Daniel Jackson.
Joyce Conklin
San Mateo, CA, USA - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 10:30 AM
I intend to watch the reruns until I have the eps from season 2 & 3 that I am missing in my collection taped and I will watch Abyss to honor Michael Shanks and Daniel Jackson, (not sure if it can be considered a “team” episode yet) but, other that that....unless the situation changes.....I am done!
MGM and SciFi Channel, you blew it! I am just one person but I know so many of my family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances that were Stargate SG-1 fans that will not be watching season 6 and beyond because of ALL the changes of the past 2 years (Not just the loss of Daniel) that it has to be an indicator of what is "not" in store for the future of Stargate SG-1 and franchises.
Sadly, I say “Good Bye”. Sharyn and family
Sharon Wood <sharyn@shadowmyst.com>
Centereach, NY, US - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 9:43 AM
Carter: It's over. O'Neill: Is that all?
Yup. That was about it. Lots of running up and down corridors, a boring rescue, wallpaper chewing Goa'uld, Anubis (apparently the new "Big Bad" who was about as scary and interesting as a cockroach), and Daniel has apparently been reduced even further from the wallpaper act they gave him for most of the 5th season so that now he is no more than a fault in the ventilation system... Like Daniel, the show is a wisp of its former self.
I do have to say that Amanda Tapping was lovely in this episode and acted her socks off, as did Chris Judge (when he was allowed to speak). RDA, without Shanks to play off of, unfortunately did a good imitation of what I like to call "Zombie" Jack.
At the end of the show, I was left saying, like Jack: is that all?
Ann Wortham <ashton7@aol.com>
Altamonte Springs, FL - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 3:48 AM
Joanne Schaaf <joschaaf@mycoupons.com>
Van Nuys, CA, USA - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 3:07 AM
20 minutes into REVELATIONS, and I walked away from the TV. Joe Mallozzi's script has a grieving Sam getting "Learn to live with it" from Hammond, "You should be grateful he's achieved ascension" from Teal'c and "Get over it" from O'Neil, as if the writer wants to hammer the same message home over and over again to 'fangrrrl' Carter on the subject, as if she should feel embarrassed at having the sensitivity to miss a dead compatriot.
In the meantime, in those 20 minutes I've listened to Jack O'Neill make at least four non-verbal utterances that are supposed to pass for 'lines,' including a cough. I began to suspect Joe Mallozzi's dog, Jelly, had actually written Jack's dialogue when I heard him respond to Carter with "Uh. Hot." The immediate echo of "Want. Tuna." went through my mind. He intersperses these gems with more exposition that makes him look like a person with marginal brain damage.
Livening up these dreary proceedings is another wallpaper-chewing performance from Osiris, who looks about as dangerous as an anorexic, grown-up Shirley Temple in a silly dominatrix outfit. Her lines were of standard Mallozzi caliber: "You think so." "We shall see." "Soon." But I think I've sussed out who Anubis is going to be. The jackel-headed god could only be...who else? Jelly! How appropriate would that be?
I couldn't stand it anymore. It doesn't look as if I will be able to watch Season 6; I'd be in danger of tearing out every hair on my head by the end of a show.
Leah Rosenthal <bizarro7@aol.com>
Orlando, FL - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 3:01 AM
Just saw "Revelation" (Episode 522) tonight - and I am SHOCK to hear that Daniel is dead... I almost fell off my chair. I love SG1, but what the heck happened?! I went to the SG1 official site... nothing on Season 5 (too ashamed of their actions?) Then I found this site ... revelations to me indeed.
Others have already explained why they love Michael Shanks as Dr. Jackson. For me, Dr. Jackson is part of the original plot. Simple as that. He contributes immensely to the plot. And no, I don't really need another dose of government conspiracies, as X-Files is closing down their grand conspiracies (as their rating plummeted) and the series itself.
MGM: Read Our Lips - WE WANT DANIEL JACKSON (MICHARL SHANKS) BACK!
I guess from now on my Friday nights I am gonna watch "Iron Chef" with mom then (I kicked my mom off "Iron Chef" to watch SG1 tonight)...
Everyone here, keep fighting...
Wing K Lok
Hercules, CA, USA - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 2:48 AM
DeAnne White <toofatcats@aol.com>
West Linn, OR, USA - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 2:05 AM
CWMcClintock <surf.lbi@verizon.net>
Phila, PA - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 1:34 AM
GUESS WHAT I DIDN'T WATCH THE SHOW TONITE!!! AND I WON'T BE WATCHING IT UNTIL DANIELLE IS BACK. I WATCH CONAN INSTEAD!!!
BRING DANIEL BACK NOW!!
Maysoon <Maysimmons@aol.com>
Waldorf, MD - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 1:20 AM
Betty <tnt2020@msn.com>
New York, NY - Friday, May 17, 2002, 11:51 PM
Pride is an awful thing. I can see no other reason for the indifference on the part of certain people at MGM, or the production staff of Stargate SG-1, toward such a large portion of their audience. There have been too many mean spirited comments hurled from both sides. It would take alot of humility and concern for the customers (viewers) to back down now.
Shannon Polfer <shaniefer@aol.com>
Meridian, ID, USA - Friday, May 17, 2002, 11:21 PM
Wendi Van Sickle <Gwendells@aol.com>
Meridian, Idaho - Friday, May 17, 2002, 11:19 PM
Starla & Charles Parsons <crpsr13@aol.com>
Bowling Green, KY - Friday, May 17, 2002, 10:58 PM
Lisa Lebert
Ontario, Canada - Friday, May 17, 2002, 6:41 PM
Lori P. <SouthernCkk1224@aol.com>
SLC, Utah - Friday, May 17, 2002, 4:47 PM
An earlier posting mentioned a petition what a good idea - is there one cos I'd sure sign. I saw Meridian weeks ago and still feel unhappy about the way the whole thing was handled, and now with the re-run looming I don't feel any better. I miss DJ already (and yes I do know its fiction) and don't think I can watch season 6 apart from Abyss. I'll be just making do with my DVDs which means I won't have to suffer the grinning Jonas(well maybe just once so I can complain to MGM).
Sue Post <lunar@blueyonder.co.uk>
Croydon, surrey, UK. - Friday, May 17, 2002, 4:24 PM
Put the team back together.
Thank you.
Wayne and Marcia Cumley
Portland, Oregon, USA - Friday, May 17, 2002, 4:12 PM
what is happening to the character of Dr. Jackson in Stargate?
He filled a really nice niche, of other thought and action. I really liked the SG-1 team the way they were and I hope you will not dissappoint all the fans young and old by writing him out altogether. That would take away from the show tremendously and would not be worth watching any more. I like the chemistry of those 4 characters very much. I have seen it in other shows when people got replaced and usually it did not work out and I quit watching.
Regards, An old European born lady (over 60)
Gisela Love
Baltimore, Maryland, USA - Friday, May 17, 2002, 3:56 PM
I had lunch with a friend of mine today; The Powers That Be might like him, since he thinks protest websites like this one are silly. On the other hand, they might not like him, since he has no plans to watch Season Six on the Sci-Fi Channel without Daniel Jackson in them.
It should be noted at this point that my friend *is* an Egyptology buff and knows more of the true mythology and culture of ancient Egypt than anyone I know.
My friend and I talked about the change in the show's development, and found we were in agreement that getting rid of the character of Daniel Jackson was a really dumb move on the part of the producers of the series. With my friend's permission, I'd like to quote what he told me:
"The number one rule in sci-fi: Listen To Your Fans. Two reasons -- first of all," and he laughed, "they're crazy! Ya don't want to piss them off!" While he was laughing as he said this, his point was clear. We, the fans of sci-fi, are crazy enough to want to believe in a universe where the things that happen on your show are possible. We're crazy enough to stand in line and even camp out for movie tickets, crazy enough to dress in costume and attend conventions, and crazy enough to spend way too much money collecting paraphernalia related to the series and its characters.
"Second," my friend said, "your fans are generally smarter than you." At first I thought he was talking about how fans know what we want, and producers should listen to their fans so that they can produce what we want. In fact, what he meant was that sci-fi attracts GEEKS. We're generally a lot more educated than, say, the average fan of the Jerry Springer show. We have money, and we either earn it in jobs that relate to science, technology, engineering, and computers, or we spend it in areas that relate to those fields. We typically know quite a bit about the "real" science behind the fiction, in some cases more than the show's creators, and we won't hesitate to offer our expertise wherever it may be needed.
As geeks, we love it when a geek hero shows up in a sci-fi series. Hmm, I should say, a *believable* geek hero. No one was particularly impressed with Star Trek's wunderkind character Wesley Crusher, just as no one is really thrilled about Stargate's SuperSam Savior of the Universe. We did, however, love Spock, Data, and Dr. Daniel Jackson. If you wanted, you could conceivably add Star Wars' C-3PO to the list. They had quirks, but they were believable.
Also as geeks, we should be listened to because an angry geek is a dangerous, deceptively subtle, force to be reckoned with. Angry geeks don't get into brawls; they release computer viruses. They don't slash car tires, they simply disassemble the entire car and reassemble it on the top of a building somewhere.
Geeks in general are highly creative people with very active minds. Angry geeks turn that mental energy against the object of their frustrations, and let me tell you they can be relentless. Why do you think "Revenge of the Nerds" was such a popular movie? Why do you think this campaign has gone on so long?
I am a geek; I'm not the Ubergeek I could be, mind you, but I'm a lot more of one than most of my coworkers, and I like being a geek. My friends are geeks. A lot of the fans, especially the newest batch of ex-fans, of Stargate SG-1 are geeks. Daniel Jackson was OUR voice on your show. He's OUR geek, and we want him back.
If you're smart, you'll pay heed to science fiction's number one rule, Listen To Your Fans, and bring our geek back into the fold where he belongs, annoying the heck out of the military types and making them think with something besides their... guns.
If you're *really* smart, you'll hire writers that are geeks too, since geek writers hold themselves to standards like Bradbury, Asimov, Sagan, Heinlein, and Tolkien. Geek writers are even smarter than geek fans, and that's why we love them. Geek writers know how to create a story with substance, how to develop a plot in new and unexpected, unpredictable, directions, and most importantly how to create characters that appeal to the rest of us geeks. Geek writers maintain their dignity and refuse to stoop to rehashing tired cliches, unless it is to twist the elements into something that really is new. And geek writers know how to admit when they've screwed up -- because geek writers instinctively follow the number one rule and Listen To Their Fans.
Here is my wish that you'll wake up and start following the number one rule soon. Without the support of geeks, sci-fi wouldn't be as popular as it is; and without geeks supporting Stargate, you'll have a much harder time getting your spinoff series and your movie franchise off the ground, with all the revenue that goes with them.
Sincerely,
Heather Bungard Janney <heather@lapa.net (go ahead, I have a delete button)>
Lafayette, IN, USA - Friday, May 17, 2002, 2:17 PM
I really think they need to do something fast to bring him back.
Pat Coscia
Conshohocken, PA, USA - Friday, May 17, 2002, 1:27 PM
I personally was very dismayed to see the character of Daniel Jackson go. I think that the combination of the four main characters, jack, sam, tielk and daniel held a perfect balance that opened up potential for great dialogue and character development. To me, this dialogue and the unique qualities of each of the character in contrast to the others, was what really made the show. The team really worked well. Daniel also off-set jack's slight lack of caring about the well-being of other races on different worlds. Daniel's character cared immensely about what happened to them and upheld the moral aspects of the team's off-world expeditions. With the balance now thrown off, I can't imagine how the producers and writers of Stargate SG-1 will be able to keep that same fun, serious and creative balance the same. I hope that you realize the problems that will be caused by the loss of daniel and reconsider his removal from the show. Thank you for your time,
Nathaniel Meierpolys
Minnesota, USA - Friday, May 17, 2002, 1:25 PM
>From a pure characterization point of view, Daniel Jackson's background has been developed centrally to the story. He just isn't any old egyptologist with a flair for translation - storylines have linked the whole destiny of Daniel to the Stargate program, from his parents and uncle 'earthside' to his relationships with the offworlders which have cultivated some of the best episodes of the series.
Do nothing to re-instate Michael Shanks and you are doing a lot to the demise of a show. Obviously as fans we can only put forward our point of view and hope that the humanity of it all hasn't been lost on you.
Mr Cohen - don't be as depressing as your namesake Leonard. Do the right thing!
Sharon CS
Dublin, Ireland - Friday, May 17, 2002, 1:24 PM
Have you all lost your minds? I was SHOCKED and angry when Daniel died on this week's episode! I had no idea this was coming and I could not believe it actually happened! I kept shaking my head, asking myself what moron made this stupid move?
I have been a Stargate fan since it started and it is positively my favorite television show. I had heard that this was it's last season on Showtime and was already grieving for it's loss. Then I saw on SciFi channel that it was moving there with all new shows. Yay! I wouldn't have to be without my Stargate fix. But Stargate without Daniel? It's just not right. He has always been my favorite character, no offense meant to the other terrific cast members. Daniel is the perfect foil for the irreverent Jack. His sense of humor is charming. And for God's sake - they never would have ever opened the stargate if it weren't for him. His knowledge of Egyptian history is invaluable to the team. I just can't imagine watching Stargate without him. If Michael Shanks really wants to move on to other things then I guess I'll have to get used to it. But if Mr. Shanks would like to return I hope you have the common sense to welcome him home.
For your information, I am a 50 year old professional female. I love Star Wars, Star Trek, Outer Limits, The Twilight Zone, etc.
I don't believe I have ever written a letter of this nature before. But I am begging you, please bring back Daniel to the Stargate team.
Patricia L Hardy
Loxahatchee, Florida, USA - Friday, May 17, 2002, 8:02 AM
please someone from this site start a Massive petition directed to the MGM officials. If everybody that ever posted to this site signs the petition we could be heard.
It will cost nothing to set up a petition like this. Please let the webmaster of this site organize and post infos about this petition. Do not created a petition for this site.
I want to SIGN a Save Daniel Jackson petition NOW !!!!
(that s unless I have missed one already here...otherwise please make it so)
Foxone
Friday, May 17, 2002, 12:46 AM
Or you may not concern yourselves at all, who knows? May 13th—Tuesday—the copy of Daily Variety had the entire back cover devoted to the SG-1 Team. With the emphasis, quite rightly on the polite request to bring back Daniel Jackson.
One has to wonder what was going through your head, Mr. Cohen, when you took over the reins of MGM Television three or so years ago. Was it you who decided the direction of Stargate had to be changed so drastically? Or was it simply coincidence that at the same time you appeared, Jack seemed to grow stupid? The Jack and Sam wanna-be-romance started? Daniel became redundant. If you don't travel to other planets where there are different cultures then you certainly don't need an archaeologist/linguist, do you? No matter how popular he is with your viewers. Did you also invent the NID storyline? Bad move.
By far the worst, though, was making Michael Shanks so miserable that you drove him away. I don't think what he was asking for was all that bad. It turns out he was asking for the same things Stargate fans are bombarding you with now. Live and learn, I guess. I'm sure Mr. Shanks learned some very hard and painful lessons this last year, and I reckon he'll be very careful who he works for in the future. I know I would be.
If you think you can entice him back, I'd get a move on if I were you, before all your viewers take a flying leap to another TV show.
Sam Norris <leftyn@impulse.net>
Goleta, CA - Friday, May 17, 2002, 12:27 AM
There were parts of the past two years we didn't like, but we hoped that they would change to go back to the way the team worked together in the first couple of years. I see now that is not going to be possible. We've talked about it a lot, the three of us, trying to figure out the reasons behind turning Jack into a "dippy dolt" (my daughter's words), taking the wonderful friendship Jack and Daniel had and changing it into something that leaves a sour aftertaste. . . And Jack and Sam? Aside from being against Military Regulations, it demeans both characters by assuming a man and woman can't work closely together without wanting to get horizontal together.
We're disappointed, and like most of the others from this website, will not be watching the sixth season on Sci-Fi. We're sorry for that, but we're glad for the five years we had with Daniel and the rest of SG-1. We have it all on tapes from Showtime, so we can always go back and re-visit old friends.
Tom, Connie and Hanna Smiley <TSmiley@occamnetworks.com>
Magnolia, TX - Friday, May 17, 2002, 12:13 AM
RE: Removal of Daniel Jackson from Stargate SG-1
We saw the "Ad" in the Santa Barbara Independent telling us there would be No More Daniel In Stargate. It gave your addresses and phone numbers along with the SaveDanielJackson website. We did a little "surfing the net," and as detailed as the site is, it took us quite some time to wade through everything.
What we read disgusted us. There are always two sides to every story, and while Michael Shanks allows that he "chose" to leave a show, and friends, and a character, he loved, reading all the interviews given by the cast, writers and producers, it leads us to believe that he was pretty much forced to "choose." This is sad.
Sad for that young man, who is an excellent actor (even though his unhappiness did bleed through his performances in the last year) and by all accounts a genuinely nice person; sad for his co-workers, who all seem to have cared about him and have only good things to say; sad for the fans, who spent five years getting to know Daniel Jackson, only to have him ripped away from them; and sad for MGM, and the producers/writers of the show, who've rather effectively taken a hit and potentially money-making franchise and ground it into ashes.
My wife and I will not be watching the episode Friday night without Daniel, nor will we be watching when the show premiers on the SCI-FI Channel sans Daniel.
I won't even go into what I think of the irresponsible way you introduced the replacement character, nor how I feel that a kiss-up, lying, thieving traitor would be even be allowed to walk free on Earth, let alone be made a part of SG-1.
Sincerely, Kevin and Sal Minasian
Kevin Minasian <DocKevin@egineering.ucsb.edu>
Isla Vista, Ca - Friday, May 17, 2002, 12:01 AM
I have been hooked on Stargate since the very first movie when James Spader played the archaeology expert and there wouldn't have been a movie with his character - so how they think Stargate will be the same without Michael Shanks is beyond me.
Here's hoping!!
Avril Marquis
St Peter Port, Guernsey - Monday, May 20, 2002, 11:58 AM
S.Savola <smsavola@hotmail.com>
Green Bay, WI - Monday, May 20, 2002, 10:27 AM
I guess I'm a little late in discovering what's happened to my favorite character in your Stargate SG1 series. I assumed Mr. Shanks was simply taking a little time off. I'm hearing now that the character is being written out of the series as a result of decisions made at the production level. I've never written any company on behalf of a TV program, let alone a single character on one. But I feel obliged to write at this point to say that without that character the show just loses too much coherency and too much of its basic appeal to be worth watching. So much of its dynamics and tone depend on the Jackson/O'Neill combo. The episodes where Jackson has minimal screen time are clearly demonstrate this, and I've found myself losing interest and looking for other programming in this time slot. Hope to see a turn for the better in the near future.
W. R. Shaw
Ellensburg, WA, USA - Monday, May 20, 2002, 2:32 AM
Dorothy Shafer <homesteadbb@hotmail.com>
Depoe Bay, OR/USA - Sunday, May 19, 2002, 7:30 PM
Please bring Daniel back!
Amanda Hillyard
Newfoundland, Canada - Sunday, May 19, 2002, 3:23 PM
Connie Gregory
Okeana, Ohio, USA - Sunday, May 19, 2002, 9:15 AM
I was incredibly disappointed by the episode called "Meridian". I was appalled that the writers and producers of the show killed off Dr. Jackson. When I told my husband, he didn't believe me. He thought I was teasing him.
This show needs Michael Shanks as Daniel. He provides balance in the cast. Don't mistake my meaning. I love all the characters, including General Hammond and Dr. Fraser and Jacob/Selmac. I have been happy to see more of them when they are incorporated. Amanda Tapping, Chris Judge and, of course, Rick Anderson are tops, but we need Michael as Daniel. He is very sexy and intelligent. He plays the character better than Spader did in the movie. Not all intelligent people are dweebs you know.
We have both been fans of the show from the beginning. I am so tired of finding a show I like, and then having the know-nothings in charge ruining it. Please bring Michael back. My husband and I miss his banter & cracks with Jack.
Thank you for hearing my request.
Valerie Alleman
Mooresville, Indiana, USA - Sunday, May 19, 2002, 3:52 AM
Robert Hamme <bob@stratmosphere.com>
Rush, New York - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 9:49 PM
Sorry RDA but until just now I was willing to listen to the voice of reason ( S.M.P) and give you the benefit of the doubt even though you have hardly had a word to say about losing Michael ( a good friend I hear).
You do have to wear 2 hats I know or is it three? The actor on the same show for 5 years hat; the very good friend hat ,and the producer hat.
Reference to Revelations - dealing with the loss of Daniel..
'Every character dealt with the part of Daniel appropriately. O'Neill was stoic/pragmatic. ...little twinkly smirk going on when he senses Daniel's presence. Carter wept a little bit and Teal'c [Christopher Judge] blinked." ( Is he trying to be FUNNY here ? I wept a LOT, so did Amanda and Teal'c and Amanda/ Teal'cs heartfelt scene was CUT OUT!)
"We're playing with the new character as much as we can," "O'Neill feels it's his duty to put everybody back on their heels. Corin's doing a good job, at least when we can keep him from playing with the props and get him to settle down. He'll be fine. He's a good boy."
Sounds great doesnt it? Nobody missing Michael here then. Business as usual and its going to be a great show. No problems with fandom, DJ fans are getting over it ( or will do if we ignore them). MGM are not getting many calls and the ratings will be the best ever. Oh, and sdj Many Voices is just a load of rubbish from a few demented fans writing in over and over.
It seems your producer hat is the most important. Some people tell us that you are VERY upset. NO sign in this lot though. Not a word of sadness, sympathy, encouragement . No tribute, no well wishing, no suggestion you'd like to see Michael back. No sign you're missing the chemistry between you. No sign that the friendship was built on anything.
I'm sorry for sounding so pissed off but really it is time RDA did say something sympathetic or I for one assume that he has nothing sympathetic to say. ( A sneaking suspicion I have had for a long time.)
There's positive spin, RDA and there's insensitivity!!!
Michael is a wonderful actor whose contribution to the success of this TV show has been tremendous. WE wish him well and wish very much to see him on the set of SG1 again. Do you? He doesnt deserve this and neither do we,the fans. FED UP Carole
carole campbell <carolecampbell1@hotmail.com>
Leicester, UK - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 7:22 PM
Sharie D. Jackson
Chicago, IL, USA - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 6:11 PM
Minna <minna.kahkonen@kolumbus.fi>
Finland - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 3:28 PM
You need to put the heart back into the body. Bring Michael Shanks back so he can return Daniel to where he belongs: at the heart and soul of SG-1.
We don't want a replacement part, especially one that is already damaged. Transplants are rarely successful for very long. You should be getting an inkling of that by now. If not, you'll stop doubting by the end of June when you realise nobody is watching Season Six.
DeeGee <yummytoes@yahoo.com>
Carpenteria, CA - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 2:16 PM
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