You need to put the heart back in 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. Transplants are very rarely successfully for very long. You should be getting an inkling of that by now. You'll stop doubting by the end of June, when you realize that nobody is watching season six.

DJ <DJN1957@aol.com>
Lompoc, California - Thursday, May 16, 2002, 11:44 PM

Well I think you may have gotten your first up close and personal *right on your own doorstep* indication of the enormity of your mistake in not trying harder to keep Michael Shanks from walking away from the role of Daniel Jackson is sheer frustration over lack of material and participation.

Your own employees are so worn down by the pressure of hundreds of fans calling into your offices to express their disbelief and discontent, that one or possibly two of them have involved themselves in very unprofessional behavior and have created an embarrassing situation for you.

We want Michael back as Daniel Jackson. We KNOW why he left so there is no use hiding behind the *pursuing other projects* excuse anymore or running from your own blame in the matter. WE know you pushed him away by not listening to his complaints which echoed our own.

More than just wanting Michael back as Daniel, we want OUR team back and you can't give us that with a substitute. We want Jack O'Neill saavy, slightly sarcastic and intelligent(not the ditzy guy he's turned into) who has real compassion and affection for all his team(not just Sam Carter). We want Sam Carter, smart, caring and just a bit insecure ( not Ms. Black Widow Saves the day). We want Teal'c with more than one line to say and we want to see him unfolding more (not wallpaper that occasionally utters *indeed*).

We want exploring the galaxy (save the battle supreme against the Goa'uld for the Motion Picture). We want friendship, a bit of fussing at each other and looking out for each other.

We want the SG1 you asked us to take into our hearts and homes so long ago. There is plenty of room for them to grow and change and evolve that doesn't require them to become shallow shells of themselves with one vital member gone aglowy missing.

So give your poor overstressed employees a break and bring back Daniel Jackson..I'm sure they will thank you for it.. I know we will:)

GateAngel
USA - Thursday, May 16, 2002, 10:17 PM

I mean honestly, at this point, it should be clear to you at MGM and SciFi that he is an enormously popular character and integral to the entire storyline. Although I believe change is necessary at times and certainly for a shows overall development, I'm not sure it should come at the expense of the fans. Granted, I don't know the circumstances of the split, but I do know that Shanks added something to SG-1 that no one else could. Every week I commented to friends that the best part of watching a show like SG-1 was the chemistry of the leads. ALL OF THEM. And it was astounding. It was immediately noticeable (to me) from the very first epsiode! I have never seen an ensemble cast play off each other so naturally. I was hooked.

The beauty of the Daniel Jackson character was not only the depth of his knowledge, his humanity, his ability to be a "cool geek", but how much he managed to annoy Jack and the others in the military. Sometimes he even annoyed me! But his character offered the skills, passion and humor necessary for the team (and ultimately the show)to be effective.

It's so easy for you to please the fans (which in the entertainment industry IS what it is supposed to be all about!) and I seriously doubt it could ever be such a etriment to MGM that they couldn't recover whatever they felt they've lost by bringing him back......

Please reconsider and allow Michael Shanks to return as Daniel Jackson.

Hopefully yours,

Gretchen Grove

Gretchen Grove <gretchenegrove@yahoo.com>
Tempe, AZ - Thursday, May 16, 2002, 7:48 PM

Valerie Crites
Carthage, MO, USA - Thursday, May 16, 2002, 6:26 PM

I am not particularly a fan of Michael Shanks. I have little difficulty separating fantasy from reality, and I don't much follow the real (or for that matter, even the professional) lives of actors. However, I am a fan of Stargate. O'Neill is the backbone and cojones while Jackson is the heart and soul of the story. One is useless without the other, and all we, the end consumers of your product, have to look forward to now is an anecdotal collection of short stories populated by purely ancillary characters. Kinda like the first time I picked up a live stingray - I expected it to have substance, but it turned out to be more like a pair of pantyhose full of jello.

Season 6 sounds hopelessly lost. If you want the fans to like the movies you are considering making, you need to return to the core of the story - O'Neill and Jackson save the universe from evil (and occasionally from each other).

Polly Wilke
Garland, Texas, USA - Thursday, May 16, 2002, 4:59 PM

You made it possible the way it ended. BRING HIM BACK.

Patricia Morris
Louisville, KY, USA - Thursday, May 16, 2002, 4:17 PM

Do you rememember Babylon 5? It was one of the greatest sc-fi shows on TV, yet most sci-fans I know say "Nah, I stopped watching it when the first commander left. I didn't like that new guy". People get attached to the main actors. Taking one of them out is like gutting the show. Don't do it.

If there is any way you guys can write him back in, please, please do so. As a person, not an energy being. :)

Michael Edelson
Brooklyn, New York, USA - Thursday, May 16, 2002, 3:37 PM

Chris
Ireland - Thursday, May 16, 2002, 3:27 PM

I want Daniel back on the show. I want Jack's brains put back in his head. I want Normal Sam back. I want Teal'c to do more than nod wisely.

I want JONAS QUINN off the show. He doesn't belong there. He's scum and doesn't deserve even a "howdy" from the SGC, let alone a place on SG-1.

Without Daniel I won't watch the show on Sci-Fi. I don't like the team-minus-Daniel enough to watch without him.

Pam Stanger <at work>
Ventura, CA - Thursday, May 16, 2002, 2:03 PM

If the office buzz is large enough surrounding our phone calls to protest Daniel Jackson's demise and Michael Shanks' departure, it is highly likely that some of these employees might think it would be "fun" to troll this website in return, not realizing the negative impact their unprofessional behavior will have on MGM's image.

My guess is there is a mailroom intern or something similar about to lose his job. I doubt very much that anyone associated with the public relations or administrative departments would dare behave in such an adolescent fashion.

(On the other hand, given the way some prominent Stargate employees have posted online in the past, I could be wrong.)

Peace!

Heather Bungard Janney <heather@lapa.net (go ahead, I have a delete button)>
Lafayette, IN, USA - Thursday, May 16, 2002, 12:56 PM

And to the MGM employee who referred to Stargate as "just a tv show" and the fans who watch it as "freaks" - if it wasn't for this tv show and the "freaks" who watch it you wouldn't have a salary. Maybe you and your fellow trolls should remember that the next time you feel the urge to harrass people who are simply exercising their right to voice their opinions.

Nell
USA - Thursday, May 16, 2002, 12:47 PM

Bad move, MGM. Unless you can bring Daniel back and put the team together again, you've lost me.

Ken Jurgensen <KenJ@sbtravel.com>
Santa Barbara, CA - Thursday, May 16, 2002, 11:57 AM

J.T.
Helsinki, Finland - Thursday, May 16, 2002, 11:52 AM

Claire <no>
Bristol, Thursday, May 16, 2002, 11:49 AM

MJFOSTER <MJFOSTER_53@yahoo.com>
Sturgeon Bay, WI - Thursday, May 16, 2002, 10:52 AM

I find that to be totally unacceptable. I was willing to give the sixth season a chance, even though I had my doubts about the show without Daniel's peaceful influence, but now? There is no way I will watch as the actors playing Jack, Sam and Teal'c are forced to make their characters accept with man who treated Daniel so shamefully. It's ludicrous.

Andrea Spanos <Aspanos@fielding.edu>
Ventura, California - Thursday, May 16, 2002, 10:34 AM

D. F.
Baton Rouge, LA - Thursday, May 16, 2002, 8:54 AM

In Emmerich’s movie, Daniel is the main character. Why is not in « SG1 » ? Maybe Michael Shanks is not a so much popular actor as Richard Dean Anderson, but his character is the most important in stargate’s universe. Making SG1 without Daniel Jackson is like making a Dracula’s movie without a vampire !

Michael Shanks must return and at last he must have a leading place.

Carbonnier Marie
Ris Orangis, France - Thursday, May 16, 2002, 8:11 AM

Christopher R Davidson
Grove, Oklahoma, USA - Thursday, May 16, 2002, 5:30 AM

I am a faithful fan of the stargate series and I would like to protest about the removal of Danial Jackson. He is a main line character and I cannot believe that you would give up on such an essential part of the series.

I fail to see how you can keep the series interesting and worth watching if you do not reinstate this character. Please don't try to replace him as he is most definately irreplacible. Without a human (non-military) aspect to the series it will become just another war-type sci-fi programme and probably go the same way as Starship Troopers and Earth 2 (or whatever it was called).

Please don't ruin a great show, because the fans tend to drift off if you kill major characters. I for one will not be able to watch if Daniel is not returned.

C. Hamilton
London, UK - Thursday, May 16, 2002, 5:29 AM

I do not understand why pulling someone from a show, a main character too, i shall say, that has been in from the very beginning (at least the character). Personally, Michael Shanks is the greatest actor of all in my opinion, he is, my role model. Pulling him from the show makes me seriously angry and i do not wish to associate any way with stargate anymore. Giving us 1 episode with him in it in season 6 is just crucial, for it makes me want him back in SG-1. Michael Shanks, although I do not know of him personally, has to be the coolest guy around. Daniel Jackson is the center of the show, no its not Jack, for Daniel was the decoder of the Stargate. If he did not come in the picture the show would have not been created of course. I do not understand why you would want to pull such an important character from the show. Many people have no need to watch it anymore. Please try to work something out (At least more than 1 episode, how about the whole season, and movie?)

Taylor Gunnoe
Princeton, West Virginia, USA - Thursday, May 16, 2002, 5:29 AM

I've been a fan of Stargate SG-1 since the very first episode, and sadly, I've just watched my last. Killing off the character of Daniel Jackson was the last straw in a long line of goofy decision-making regarding the direction of this show. This is very sad for me, and I'm angry and grieving.

How dumb is this? Dump the character who - hello??? - OPENED THE STARGATE!!! Reeeeaaallly dumb.

I've written, called and generally made my feelings known, but I'm not sure that you care. This saddens me even more. I was a loyal fan, and I feel it is not reciprocated.

I'm no teeny-bopper. I'm a 40+ professional who loved this show, but it has been evident for some time that it's only a shadow of its former self. And with the disastrous decisions made to change the formula, minimize crucial characters' importance, and compromise the quality that abounded in the first three seasons, I can hardly blame Michael Shanks for leaving.

I would hope that you could work things out with Mr. Shanks to bring him back for more than just one episode. His character's popularity got you this far. He deserves better than being offered only one episode, and so do we.

Until then, you've lost a viewer. Was this what you were going for? It worked. With all due sarcasm: Well done, TPTB.

Marcia
St. Louis, MO USA - Wednesday, May 15, 2002, 11:35 PM

"Thank You Your email has been sent to MGM Online. Your comments and request are important to us and we appreciate your feedback. Unfortunately due to the high volume of e-mails we can not respond to each and every request."

Right if our "comments and requests are so important to you and you appreciate our feedback" then why are you doing this why are you ignoring us, can you not see that the fans of this show, and I'm not talking about "just Daniel" fans, I'm talking about fans of the whole show, we don't want our team torn apart.

As for the "high volume of e-mails" all I can say guys is it's not over yet, but it could be for the future of Stargate Season 6. I don't think of this show as SG-1 anymore because its not and never will be until Daniel return as a part of that team.

Katherine
VA, USA - Wednesday, May 15, 2002, 10:03 PM

With the death of Daniel Jackson, the light will have left the show. As will we as viewers. IF Daniel returns in Season Six, we will once again become avid watchers.

You had yourself a great show. We're sorry you had to ruin it.

Mike and Sue Cooper
St. Paris, Ohio - Wednesday, May 15, 2002, 7:07 PM

The show will not be as good without him, and if he's not there, then I have no interest in seeing any more episodes.

Nate Taylor
Mt Blanchard, Ohio - Wednesday, May 15, 2002, 7:04 PM

Dorothy Norris
Fostoria, Ohio - Wednesday, May 15, 2002, 6:57 PM

Dennis Miller <dmiller4@hvc.rr.com>
Kingston, New York - Wednesday, May 15, 2002, 6:34 PM

You did not handle his departure well. I do not like the new person. If you try and make the fans and what is left of the SG-1 team like him, you will be making a mistake.

Thank you.

Rena Cole <Rcole@mentor.com>
Santa Barbara, California - Wednesday, May 15, 2002, 3:25 PM

I just watched "Meridian" last night with my husband. We taped the episode Friday night and then didn't get a chance to watch it until last night.

We've both been loyal watchers since the beginning and even subscribed to Showtime so that we could watch the show. And I was a McGyver fan long before that.

The thing we loved about the show was the team dynamic and that they really seemed to care about one another and became a family. I'm not a "shipper" one way or another. In fact, we liked when they showed all the team members as being important. We liked that things that happened had repercussions for all of them as a group.

In many ways, that has changed over the last couple of seasons. They've acted more and more like they don't even like each other. I've especially disliked how they've seemed to have this need to dumb up Jack and make Teal'c and Daniel's characters little more than wallpaper. And suddenly Sam has become this superwoman who seems to kill any man who has the misfortune to like her.

I'm glad I watched this episode with someone I loved because it really ripped my heart out. Suddenly they were acting again like the team we've been fans of the last 5 years. But it was only so they could kill off Daniel's character. And, I'm sorry, but I truly disliked the Jonas character, maybe because of the way he was introduced. My husband was really lukewarm toward him as well and thought the whole introduction seemed really forced.

I was excited when I heard that Sci-Fi was picking up the show for another season, now I'm not so sure we will even watch it. We didn't become fans of just another "blast 'em with ray guns" kind of show. We cared about the sg-1 team and the family they had become for one another. That's broken now.

And, we're not just a couple of rabid, don't change my show fans. We just hate to see such a great show changed into something so unrecognizable.

Thanks for listening, this just really hurt.

Barbara Staton <bstaton@iglou.com>
Louisville, KY - Wednesday, May 15, 2002, 3:05 PM

We would like Daniel back in the show as soon as possible, please. He is the whole reason there is a Stargate, he was the star of the movie and he is the guiding light behind Jack, Sam and Teal'c.

A little too MUCH of a guiding light at the moment, in our opinion, so please bring him back to his body and put him where he belongs: with the rest of his team.

Without Daniel there is no reason to watch the show when it debuts on SCIFI. The chemistry between Daniel and Jack, Sam and Teal'c is wonderful. The lack of that interaction will leave a large hole in the show.

Bill and Wendy Schaap <no spam >
Salt Lake City, Utah - Wednesday, May 15, 2002, 2:50 PM

There are things we don't like from the past two years: the Jack and Sam romance attempt, the way the friendship between Jack and Daniel seemed to diminish as Jack turned into Snidely Whiplash and grew stupid.

We would like Daniel back, please. If he doesn't return we won't be watching the show on SCIFI. We'll miss the other actors, but it was Daniel, and the interaction between Jack and Daniel, that made the show for us.

Bud and Rose Norris
Tiffin, Ohio - Wednesday, May 15, 2002, 1:56 PM

This is the only show I watch on a regular basis. It is serious, yet has its funny parts, it covers serious issues as well as some pure fantasies. It has been very entertaining while keeping close to its "roots" (The movie).

If Michael Shanks wants to leave for other avenues, that is his wish, although for the sake of the show, I hope not. If my vote has any sway, I hope he comes back. After all, "Daniel Jackson" saw the Stargate even before "Jack O'Neal".

Sherri Stovall
USA - Wednesday, May 15, 2002, 1:17 PM

I was very dissapointed that Daniel died on Sunday. Daniel was the beginner. If it wasn't for him they never would have figured out the Stargate in the first place. I mean, come on,the military thought it was a gate way to heaven! Daniel is not as strict as Colonel O'Neil.He brings the show to an ease.His amazement at everything is the way things should be. He would not raise a gun the second they got through the stargate.If the show didn't have Daniel, who would dial up the stargate?

Sarah Corey
Torrington, Connecticut, USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 6:08 PM

Ramona-Lisa <english_ramona@durham.edu.on.ca>
Oshawa, ON, Canada - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 5:51 PM

Leona <wadjet01@hotmail.com>
Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 5:45 PM

Sam Ashman and Emma Jones
UK - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 5:16 PM

I have never before written a letter over a television show. I never cared enough. Actually, considering the state of television over the last several years, I haven't cared enough to even watch it. But Stargate SG1 was different, it was special, and from even the pilot episode I could see part of that was because of Daniel Jackson and Micheal Shanks, a wonderful and talented actor who portrayed him so well.

Stargate *was* a joy to watch. I enjoyed all the characters, even Sam, which is rare for me. I especially enjoyed watching the playful banter between Jack and Daniel. Jack and Daniel, as unlikely 'buddies', and the exploration of new worlds which often had ties to our own histories and mythologies are what hooked me. And kept me hooked, until the changes in seasons 4 and 5, when Jack appeared to no longer even like Daniel; when suddenly Sam and Jack, who have absolutely no chemistry, had 'feelings' for each other; when Teal'c and Daniel disappeared more and more into the background, mostly coming out when Sam for once didn't have the answer or for 'comic' relief, or, in Daniel's case, just to be yelled at and all but shunned by those who supposedly care about him; when one-shot characters dominated the episodes at the expense of the main cast; when the stories had more plot-holes than wormholes and too often were just plain bad overall.

However, as much as the show was degrading into what lost my interest in tv in the first place, at least Daniel remained and remained essentially himself, no matter how little we saw him. Plus, there was always the hope that Jack would act like his friend again, Sam like his big sister, and Daniel and Teal'c would get equal treatment on the team. Obviously my hope and trust in those controlling the direction of the show was misplaced.

Daniel was the only element keeping me watching. Daniel is a unique character not only in sci-fi but in television in general. He showed us strength of character and of one's principles can be as important as strength of arms, if not more important; He showed us that often 'there is another way', but also showed the courage to recognize and act accordingly when there isn't; He showed us that an intelligent, compassionate, and gentle man can be a hero in sci-fi, as such men are heroes in the real world; He showed us the wonder of discovery of knowledge, people, and cultures outside of our own; He showed us the best of what it is to be human. Daniel Jackson is very much the heart and soul of SG1, both the team and the show.

Now that he's gone, I have no interest in season 6. All the comments I've read regarding season 6 do nothing to encourage me otherwise. They have only shown me that the downward spiral is continuing. I don't like what I've seen or heard of Jonas Quinn, and am insulted that this character is deemed a suitable replacement for the irreplaceable. Aside from Jonas', a supposed ethicist's, glaring moral and character faults, how am I to be accepting of a character who possesses most of Daniel's scholarly skills, and none of his strength of character, when you couldn't bother to write a place for Daniel anymore?

No, I don't want the 'Daniel Jackson Show', I just want the team back and that team must include an equal place for Daniel. No Daniel, no Michael, then no me as a viewer. I won't watch season 6, except for 'Abyss', I won't watch any spin-offs, and I won't watch the movie. I don't trust anyone who can make as many incomprehensiveably stupid mistakes as have been make with Stargate SG1 -- letting Michael go being the far biggest and stupidest of them all. You've ruined one show, how can I trust that you won't ruin another?

I ask you to please recognize and admit to the mistakes made, and fix them. Sincerely ask Michael to return to his role as Daniel -- a real role as Daniel, as a permanent part of SG1, not some cameo appearance, or as some cloud of light. Show him the respect he deserves for all the hard work he has put into the show. And show us fans the respect we deserve for making the show a success. Bring back the heart of SG1 and you will bring me back as a viewer.

I leave you with this final thought, one I'm sure you've heard quite often: 'If it isn't broke, don't fix it.' Stargate wasn't broken, but all the attempts at 'fixing' it during seasons 4 and 5 broke it. Now it is 'broke'. Fix it.

Renee Franke
Virginia Beach, VA, USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 3:30 PM

Kate
UK - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 3:28 PM

I wrote to you a while ago voicing my concerns about the TV programme Stargate SG1 but have not received a reply. I am writing again as I feel that it is still possible to remedy the situation.

As I understand the situation, this is the final season of Stargate however you wish to make a spin-off show, Stargate Atlantis and a Stargate SG1 movie. In order to obtain financial backing for these projects, it is essential that you gain high ratings for Season 6 of Stargate SG1. Such ratings will NOT be achieved without the characer of Dr Daniel Jackson as portrayed by Mr Michael Shanks.

If you truly want the spin off series and movie to go ahead, please scrap the episodes of Season 6 which have already been filmed, contact Mr Shanks and arrange for him to return to the show as a descended human being for all twenty two episodes, return to the 'team ethos' of the first two and three quarter seasons and do not, I repeat NOT, continue with the absurd idea that a dishonest, cowardly traitor could possibly become a member of an elite military squad. If you follow these suggestions, then the ratings will soar. If you do not, the ratings will plummet. This will mean NO spin off series and NO movie. No spin off series and no movie will mean loss of revenue and lack of profits for MGM. It might even lead to a re-assessment of your own position within the company.

Mr Shanks has repeatedly said that he wishes to return to the role of Dr Jackson as long as he is given stories in which he has something to do. This does NOT mean lots of 'Daniel Jackson' episodes, it means lots of 'team' episodes in which Dr Jackson is allowed to use his archeological, linguistic and diplomatic skills. I realise that the new season is scheduled to premiere in less than a month but I'm sure, with the best SG1 writers (Peter deLuise and Robert Cooper spring to mind) and the very talented cast and crew, that this can be achieved in time as long as action is taken immediately. If you feel that it would be totally impossible to have a revised first episode in place in time, then have an episode or two without Daniel, then show him descending in say episodes 3 and 4.

You (and MGM) can only win by these actions.

Yours sincerely

Alison Prater
London, UK - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 3:27 PM

While the producers for Stargate SG1 have been largely silent regarding their decision to let Mr. Shanks leave the series, one comment from Brad Wright has stuck in my mind. In an online chat a few months ago, when a fan questioned him about falling ratings he replied (I paraphrase), "Not true. Stargate's ratings in syndication are as high as they've ever been."

Some thought Mr. Wright was lying to them, since episodes from more recent Seasons Four and Five have in fact shown a notable slump in the Nielsen standings. However, Mr. Wright was talking about the ratings *in syndication* -- that is, the reruns from Seasons One through Three. Of course, those ratings would be as high as they've ever been; according to many fans, those seasons produced most of the series' best episodes.

My husband and I never purchased Showtime as part of our cable package; we simply don't watch enough TV to feel the need to pay extra for channels we won't use. I've watched Stargate while visiting friends who do have Showtime, as well as watching those reruns that air on the Fox Network in my area. The many viewers who intend to cancel their Showtime subscriptions are sending a powerful message, but only if they also explain to Customer Service *why* they are cancelling. Furthermore, with Stargate moving permanently to the Sci-Fi Channel anyway, hitting Showtime in its wallet does nothing to wake up the administration at MGM.

What I intend to do may or may not make any impact at MGM. I like watching shows on the Sci-Fi channel. As that channel is part of our regular package, I'm not paying any extra to keep it, and with Sci-Fi picking up syndication rights as well I will finally be able to catch ALL the reruns from Season 1 onward. So I'm going to stick around, and watch or tape as many of those older episodes as possible. I will not, however, watch anything from Season Six with the possible exception of "Abyss".

My thinking is that, perhaps/maybe/possibly, MGM will notice what the ratings results are like for the various episodes and will be able to make a concrete comparison of how many people watch, say, "Legacy" or "Maternal Instinct" (in which Mr. Shanks' talent is simply breathtaking) versus how many people watch "Wormhole X-Treme" or some other ridiculous dud of an episode.

Sure, they can be as smug as they want about their cash-cow continuing to provide for them in syndication; but they won't be able to turn a blind eye to the ratings flop that Season Six will likely become.

It occurs to me that this could be deliberate on the part of the producers. Sci-Fi has plans to air the older episodes every night -- which means we now have more Stargate SG1 available to us than ever before -- concurrent with MGM prepping for their movie and spinoff deals. MGM may think that they can afford to let Season Six slide into mediocrity.

All I can say is, it's a damn dangerous gamble; and no matter how you slice it, a miserable display of disrespect for Mr. Shanks AND the fan base they desperately need in order to make their potential franchise take off.

I'm never impressed by mediocrity or discourtesy; hence, reruns only for me. I'll watch episodes from the days when the producers really did seem to care about the product they gave us.

Heather Bungard Janney <heather@lapa.net (go ahead, I have a delete button)>
Lafayette, IN, USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 3:22 PM

Cynthia Stockwell
Anaheim Hills, CA, USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 5:08 PM

Rae <raeandtom.raeandtom@verizon.net>
PA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 2:07 PM

From the beginning Stargate has been the story of Daniel Jackson and Jack O'Neill. Without Daniel, what is lost from Stargate is what made Star Trek the enduring series it became, namely forward thinking, spirituality, and sensitivity. Daniel is Stargate's Mr. Spock. Consider what Star Trek would have achieved without Mr. Spock. Daniel's sense of non-agression and desire of a more spiritual approach to living, as with Spock's view in Star Trek, is necessary too in Stargate. Also, as with Spock in Star Trek, Daniel Jackson is the spiritual and intellectual link between our civilization and other worlds. He brings a higher meaning and purpose to the SGC...and to the show.

Best, John

John Kirtley <johnkirtley@hotmail.com>
Louisville, KY - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 2:03 PM

Matthew Cordell
Phoenix, AZ, USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 1:55 PM

RR
Jupiter, FL - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 1:54 PM

Letting Michael Shanks leave and not listening to his character development requests were your first mistake, thinking the fans would stand for the loss of such a great character was your second, not coming up with a way to reinstate his character will be your last mistake. Because right now that seems to be the only way you are going to keep the fans.

Get back to the original scripts and off-world stories and give us back the endearing character of Daniel Jackson. I for one will not be interested in any SG1 episodes without Michael Shanks. You underestimated his value to the series and the SG1 team.

Shame on you for allowing him to leave the series. Shame on you for ignoring what the fans want.

Swallow your pride, call Shanks, make a deal and get him back on the show. And this time listen to him and the fans.

Roger L Ross
Jupiter, Florida, USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 1:30 PM

Larry Lacy
Memphis, Tennessee, USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 1:29 PM

I am writing to voice my disappointment of the direction in which Stargate SG-1 has taken. With the elimination of Dr. Daniel Jackson/Michael Shanks, you have essentially ruined the show for me. His character is what attracted me to the movie and television show. Michael Shanks' fine protrayal of the character (tv series) drew me in immediately.

After the airing of "Meridian", I felt like my favorite show was gone forever. I called my cable company this past Monday to cancel Showtime. Without Daniel/Michael, I have no desire to even watch the last episode of season 5. I do not plan on watching SG-1 on the Sci-Fi Channel either, with the exception of the ONE episode Daniel/Michael is in.

I used to look forward to each new episode of Stargate SG-1. Please bring Daniel/Michael back in his original capacity. It's sci-fi, you can do anything with that. I would even go for "it was only a dream," just bring him back to the series and get rid of this irritating "Jonas" character.

Darlene Roberts
Winchester, KY, USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 1:29 PM

He is one of the main characters and SG1 will not be the same without him, in fact I will no longer be watching SG1 as without Daniel its just another sci-fi program. Who is going to be a foil for Jack O'Neal, Daniel could always see the other persons point of view.

Who is going to read ancient languages ( don't tell me it'll be t'ealc) that will go down like a lead brick, If MGM knows anything about Movies or T.V they will reinstate Daniel

A very dissapointed Fan

Joy Sweeting White
Ruislip, UK - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 1:28 PM

I was a relative newcomer to Stargate sg-1 over here in England, but I soon found I couldn't get enough, as it is an exceptional series and an improvement on the film.

As with every series where its success depends predominantly on story and charactor development/ interaction, I found that Stargate initially more than fulfilled these criteria, which is why it worked so well. Consequently, without knowing anything about what was going on in America, I was very puzzled and then disappointed to notice that ( in what I later discovered to be end season 4/season5) there seemed to be less of the chemistry and cohesiveness that gave the series its earlier charm, in particular between the Daniel Jackson charactor and the rest of the team. In effect, he seemed to have been given less to do/say, and was fading further and further into the background. It was not a subtle transition and made subsequent episodes very uncomfortable to watch. The overall tone of the series was obviously changing, and not for the better.

It was thus when by pure accident (I work long hours) I caught the Meridien episode, and I couldn't believe what I saw. I was so appalled at what happened in the episode/how insensitively it was handled/how little sentiment was expressed/effectively how he was pushed out concurrent with his replacement being introduced- not even meriting a whole episode to himself-I was left with a very bad taste. For a hugely successful series to terminate one of its main charactors was unbelievable enough, without the way it was handled not taking into account the feelings of the target audience aimed at up until that juncture, upon whom its success had been built on.

This is therefore why I am respectfully writing this letter. I don't have alot of time on my hands, and I'm not in the habit of doing these things lightly, if ever, so I can only hope you will kindly listen. Please re-instate Michael Shanks. It's just not the same without him; his role was an essential part of the delight of watching Stargate- the exciting contrast and balance he gave to the military environment, the banter with the other charactors (especially O'Neill), the huge potential for storylines which only his charactor afforded- that's what Stargate was built on in the first place. His charactor was instrumental right from the start in the whole 'Stargate project'- without that large chunk the series feels unfeasible. It feels like its been somehow ruined. I do miss watching Stargate and feel the the whole horrible episode could be rectified if politics were set aside for the good of the show, which is after all what I thought it was all about.

I appreciate you may get innundated with letters like this all the time, I can only hope you realise that may paint a significant picture, and give this one the individual attention it merits.

Thank you for your time.

Roxana Mohabaty
London, UK - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 1:27 PM

I was shocked this past Friday when I watched Stargate to find out that Michael Shanks has left the show. I was even more shocked to find out that he left because the powers that be didn't think his character was important to the show anymore. Are you nuts? Daniel Jackson's character is as important if not more so than any of the other characters including that of Jacks. How freeking clueless can you be? I subscribed to Showtime just so I could watch Stargate. Now you've really gone and ticked me (and it looks like a lot of others) by causing him to leave the show.

Please, get him back on the show!!! If you don't, I will gladly participate in any boycott of the show and I hope there is one. I love the show but if Daniel Jackson is not a part of it, it just isn't Stargate any more.

I read the interviews with Michael Shanks and I know the reasons he left the show. Do any of the executives at MGM have a clue or are they just a bunch of moronic bean counters? Well there will be a few less beans to count if you don't get him back on the show.

Paul Noble
Charlotte, NC, USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 1:26 PM

To begin this letter by saying I am shocked of the discontinuation of the character "Daniel Jackson" (Michael Shanks) would be the ultimate understatement.

My husband and I have been faithful viewers of Stargate SG-1 since the beginning, and are extremely disappointed that such a central figure would be allowed to leave the show without a fight.

I hold a Bachelors degree in Business and this is a prime example of supply NOT meeting demand so to speak. The fans want him. I am outraged that someone of your position and business experience would not understand the implications of your company's actions of discontinuing a character who was reponsible for not only the beginning of the stargate's travels, but who led the way of the whole premise of this series!!!

Please reconsider your decision and do whatever it takes to get Michael Shanks back for next season. I can safely say my husband and I refuse to watch Stargate SG-1 until this happens. He was our favorite character and is the "glue" of the team. His character represents all that is good and may I say, TOLERANT of other cultures, languages, as well as enthusiastic about learning from others. If only our politicians could be of that nature.

I have always thoroughly enjoyed the relationship of the two characters, Daniel Jackson and Colonel O'Neal as they butted heads and seemed to compromise as to how to approach new worlds in a diplomatic way. One style and approach cannot work without another.

The show needs this character and needs Michael Shanks continued portrayal of him. Without him, the central focus is lost. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Julie Smith
Louisville, Kentucky, USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 1:25 PM

Thank you.

On behalf of my husband, Bruce, and sons, Kristopher and Daniel, and our budding fan, Samantha,

Patricia Boys
Princeton , TX, USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 1:24 PM

BRING BACK SHANKS!!!

Ric Rainbolt <ricrain@removenospam-airmail.net>
Dallas, Texas - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 1:15 PM

Stargate SG-1 was a one-of-a-kind phenomenon and was golden in the early years when the team dynamic was growing and reached its peak. The interaction and chemistry between these four actors, Richard Dean Anderson, Michael Shanks, Amanda Tapping and Christopher Judge as they developed the characters of Jack O'Neill, Daniel Jackson, Sam Carter and Teal'c was something that I have never seen in any series before. It drew me in week after week and got me hooked. The supporting cast was perfect and the entire production put out one exceptional episode after another.

Then something happened. The family/team dynamics changed, became uncomfortable, at times distant, cold and hurtful. Story lines became stale, situations seemed wrong. Character acted against their developed personalities. Clearly something was not working. I remained a loyal fan because the Team (and the actors who comprise the team) continued to show the spark that made me feel that things could return to the high standards that I came to expect from Stargate SG-1.

Unfortunately my hopes were completely dashed last Friday with they killed off Daniel Jackson. Even with him "ascended" and "not really dead" the team dynamics are damaged forever. I find myself totally confused about the new character. Am I supposed to dislike this character? Is he slated to be a "bad guy" eventually? The way he was brought into the cast has me suspecting that this is the case because I disliked him immediately. I can't help but feel that he is largely responsible for what has happened to Daniel and I can't believe that the direction of the show is that he will replace Daniel on the team and be accepted by Daniel's friends and co-workers. This would truly be bad Science Fiction in my book and not believable at all.

Daniel's removal from the team and the heart of the show has been the final straw for me. I will not be continuing on to watch Stargate SG-1 for season 6 on SciFi and I will not be purchasing Stargate SG-1 merchandise or supporting future projects based on this show. This is especially true if I see that any of the names of the people who appear to be the decision makers for this fiasco are attached to any of those projects. I won't trust my time and emotional investment to them ever again.

If it is not too late for a change of course and a correction of these mistakes and I hear of a return to the exceptional show that this once was, WITH the original team intact, with Daniel Jackson/Michael Shanks on that team, I will consider continuing to support Stargate SG-1 and all future projects connected with this series. Otherwise……I will remain a…

Disappointed Ex-fan and an Ex-viewer,

For your sake as well as all the fans, PLEASE make it right! Sharon O.

Sharon O. <shryn@mistweavemail.com>
Rochester, NY - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 5:00 PM

1-- Bring back the orignal team of Jack and Daniel and Sam and Teal'c. The group from seasons one and two.

2-- Of course, to do that you need to BRING BACK DANIEL

3-- Stop Dumbing-down Jack. To have risen as high as he has, you need a Master's Degree. Dumb idiots don't get Master's.

4-- Listen to your military advisors and can the Sam and Jack romance. It doesn't work. They both have more chemistry with Daniel than each other.

5-- Remind yourself that you still have a fourth member of the team: Teal'c. You know, the one who gave up his family to help the Taur'i fight the Goa'uld?

6-- Get rid of Jonas Quinn. He's a slimebucket and not worth the CLEANING Daniel's shoes, let alone attempting to fill them.

That's it. If you can accomplish those few things, then we will be tuning in to the show when it hits the Scifi Channel. If you can't manage to do any of the above, we won't be a member of the viewing audience.

Paul and Bev Boyd
Erie, CO - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 11:25 AM

I believe that Daniel should stay in Stargate SG-1 and be given a greater role. All the characters work together as a gestalt. I'm sure your great writers could find a way to reinstate Daniel as a major and effective character.

Diane Varty

Diane Varty <Diane@handywriters.totalserve.co.uk>
Newcastle upon Tyne, England - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 10:54 AM

You had a great two, almost three years. A Family of four very different team mates all contributing something unique to the group. They met their problems head-on and solved them together. They cared for and about one another. They were a group I wanted to know better, to be a part of, a group I trusted to protect my fantasy world.

What happened? Almost overnight, Jack not only seemed to lose a good portion of his intelligence, but he also began to lose patience with Daniel, to ignore him or snipe at him. Jack and Sam--no chemistry at all between those two, need I say more? And Teal'c gradually disappeared onto the sidelines, only coming out when brute strength was needed. Sam-the-wonder-woman who saves the world is an insult both to the actor who plays her, and to military women everywhere.

When you finally forced Michael Shanks off the show, you basically signalled the beginning of the end of the series. You just can't arbitrarily dismiss a character as popular as Daniel the way you did and not expect people to be upset. I find it apalling that you not only introduced his replacement in the same episode where you killed him off, but indirectly made Jonas Quinn the murderer.

And then, to top it all off, you have the gall try and turn Quinn into Daniel? If you no longer needed an archaologist/linguist on the show--which apparently you did not since you got rid of Daniel--then why on earth make the new interloper into an imitation, albeit a poorly construced one-- of Daniel?

I will not watch the episode on scifi this summer, I will not knowingly support anything put together by MGM whether it be on TV or the Theaters. I think that about covers it.

Dave Matthews
Lenexa, Kansas - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 10:48 AM

l for one will no longer be tuning in to the show when the season 6 is shown in this country,that is apart from the episode "The Abyss" where once again the character of Daniel Jackson will be seen.Please reconsider and write more episodes with Daniel Jackson in them,before the season is completed.

The actor Michael Shanks is part and parcel of Stargate SG1

Ann Cooling
Lincolnshire, UK - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 10:10 AM

MGM seems to have a similar view of MGM television--it's the show dogs they breed and sell to support their cat (films). The difficulty seems to be that the people managing their kennel seem determined to turn their prize-winning line of show dogs into a puppy mill.

MGM needs to reevaluate a business model which appears to involve trashing whichever product is currently making money.

Therrethlofkee
Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 7:49 AM

Heidi Smith
Sydney, Australia - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 6:44 AM

I am sad to think that one of the main characters has been let go...To say that Danniel Jackson has no place on SG-1 is ridiculous, and shows that TPTB have no idea of the fans he has!...

His character balances out the cast from being too military and goes straight back to the history of the show!... I am a big fan of Michael Shanks and for one do hope that TPTB bring him back full-time!...The only reason that I have Showtime at all is because of Stargate!...Now, I might not be watching the show all that often! Sad!..Since I have seen every episode at least 3 times!...

Please bring back Michael Shanks and his character Dr. Daniel Jackson!...

Stacie E. Adams
Palmdale, CA, USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 5:26 AM

Heather Baker
New Albany, IN, USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 5:25 AM

Rebecca Baker
New Albany, IN, USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 5:24 AM

You have just swopped a SEX GOD for a WET FISH!!!!Good luck with season six and goodbye from a once loyal viewer.

Claire <no>
L.A., Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 4:36 AM

I enjoy watching Stargate. I understand that the television and movie production industry involves an enormous amount of ego management from all postions. I also understand that as a production company, you sometimes have to nip things in the bud with an overzealous actor, or the negativity can spread through the entire project, diminishing the quality of the entire show.

However, as pertaining to Michael Shanks and the role of Daniel Jackson on Stargate, I hope that you can see that your point has been made. If both yourself and Mr. Shanks could simply compromise, I believe that you could maintain the authority you need within the production company, and yet still maintain an integral part of the show.

Without Daniel, who will engage in witty banter with Jack O'Neal. A large part of the allure of the show, is that it is dramatic, while still maintaining an element of humor.

I know that there are some very obsessive people writing to you. I am not a member of the Stargate Fan Club. I only found the Save Daniel Jackson site, in an attempt to find out why you could possibly be writing Daniel out of the show, after seeing last weeks episode. I was saddened to read about the difficulties that you and Mr. Shanks have experienced over the past few years.

I simply hope that you can both put the integrity of the show ahead of your personal pride, and find an equitable solution that will allow Mr. Shanks to return to the show as Daniel Jackson.

I know that I will not likely continue to watch the show if Daniel is gone. And I guarantee that I will not watch the show if Jack (Richard Dean Anderseon) or any of the other main characters,for that matter, also leave.

But then again, most shows get stupid by the fifth year anyway and are soon after cancelled. Maybe your reasoning for letting the situation degrade to the point that it has is based on the fact that you don't expect the show to last much longer.

Regardless, I hope that you will re-evaluate your decision, and give Mr. Shanks a reasonable and fair opportunity to return as Daniel Jackson. Likewise, I hope that you will make every effort to keep the other cast memebers, who have been the basis of the show over the past few years. There just aren't very many quality shows on television anymore, so I hate to see the few that do exist fade into mediocrity or cancellation.

Good luck with your future. I hope that you can work things out.

Sincerely,

Ali Foutz
Scottsdale, AZ, USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 4:10 AM

BRING DANIEL BACK

Kathy Ma West
USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 4:09 AM

I for one will be sad to see the demise of a show I have come to enjoy.

Susan Silvester
Sacramento, CA, USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 4:07 AM

Judy Tutwiler
Mobile, AL, USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 4:06 AM

Having viewed the most recent episode I was shocked to find he died. I'm not a "nut" about these things but I do enjoy the incredible way the writers have tied the history of Earth to the premise of Stargate and used it to "explain" our ancient Earth history. The character of Daniel Jackson is more than a minimal contribution to the entire story having been told since 1994; to remove the character is a grave error to the continued success of the story as it progresses.

Daniel Jackson adds a flavor to the team that cannot be removed without significant degradation of the story line. Without him, the characters are military and Jaffa only; Daniel Jackson adds a perspective to the team that will surely leave a huge void should he not return. Do not make the mistake of thinking he will not be missed, please reconsider his return.

Robert E. McBride
Gilbert, Arizona, USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 4:06 AM

H White
USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 4:04 AM

He was one of the things that made Stargate better & different than most other shows. Without him, you can expect a serious demotion in the eyes of many women - and the college educated crowd as well.

Bryndis Tobin <tise@amphibious.com>
San Francisco, USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 2:38 AM

Carolyn W DesRochers <starstuff30@aol.com>
Houston, Texas - Monday, May 13, 2002, 11:52 PM

Damn I wish daniel had stayed. I am not going to enjoy the show as much as I did.

And finally, a news section on the first page would be nice, the flow of the site is very hard to follow and gets confusing. Drop me a line if I can help (I am a produciton designer and do sites for living 'christophe at mac.com' I didn t put the @ sign to avoid spam spiders)

Chris <christophe at mac.com>
Chicago, IL - Monday, May 13, 2002, 10:37 PM

Lest there be any doubts, I have watched every single episode of SG-1, since its ionception. I have recorded every single episode on videotape since its inception, and I am in the process of buying every season of SG-1 on DVD as they become available (note to SG-1 powers that be -- it is insulting that new SG-1 seasons are first made availabale in Europe -- millions of Americans like me are your bread and butter; yet, Britain gets new shows and DVD's before we do? Please respond in writing as to why it is so in your minds that the vast bulk of SG-1 viewers from the U.S. are treated like second class citizens when it comes to releasing Stargate SG-1 episodes and season DVD's) (I will personally send you $5 if you can justify this discrimination against American SG-1 viewers).

For the demographics people at Showtime/SG-1, I will tell you that I am a 43-year-old male, who is a trial lawyer, and shareholder in one of the most prestigious law firms in Nebraska. I do not say that to brag, but simply to point out what I believe is an extremely broad spectrum of the public fan-base for SG-1. Basically, I just wanted the powers that be (and those who they pay to respond to these E-Mails) to be sure of their facts and their attitude before they dare to respond in a condesending "take it or leave it" attitude).

I do not write to criticize the SG-1 writers or producers for the episode content and quality over the last couple of seasons, as I have seen more than a few others do. My purpose is to point out to who ever is in charge at SG-1 a simple truth -- to kill off Daniel Jackson is to destroy a fundamental premise upon which Stargate -- the movie was based-- and upon which SG-1 was undeniably based.

I recognize, at least from what I have read on various web sites, that Mr. Shanks may have gotten a little too big for his britches during contract negotiations, and the network called his bluff. Fine, I can accept the realities of business -- I deal with that in depth every day -- but the network should also understand business realities. You cannot have a realistic and believable Stargate SG-1 without Dr. Daniel Jackson as a main character and moving force.

Dr. Jackson made the Stargate work and he is the character who discovered and initially deciphered the gate-maps on Abadose. To kill off the Dr. Jackson character out of veangance or to "teach a lesson" to Mr. Shanks is, quite simply, the height of economic stupidity. There are other, quiet and more effective, ways to deal with a party who overreaches in contract negotiations without cutting off your nose to spite your face (any lawyer involved in the negotiations who irresponsibly recommmended destroying the Dr. Jackson character to management should feel free top call me -- I love a good argument -- I do not know who represented Mr. Shanks in the negotiations, but Dr. Jackson should still be alive, without Mr. Shanks having to grovel).

Before anyone jumps to a wrong conclusion, I should point out that Colonel Jack O'Neill, as portrayed by Richard Dean Anderson, has always been my favorite character on the show. However, part of what makes Jack "Jack" is how he and Dr. Jackson play off against and compliment each other's characters.

In the end, I write in the hope that someone with say-so at SG-1 reads this e-mail, and does the right thing -- not for me, not for any network, but for the show. I am a realist, and I know that angry, emotional responses will be dismissed out-of-hand, which is what I would do if bombarded by emotional or threatening e-mails.

On the other hand, I also write to challenge anyone involved in the decision to kill off Dr. Jackson, to an open and public debate on this decision, and what reasonably, if anything, could be done to overcome it -- or on any other artistic or economic aspect of SG-1 upon which any of you would have the courage to debate me. I know that sounds cocky, but I have been through the negotiation wars in my career, and I have never allowed my desire to punish an impertinent party to overcome my desire to do what is best for my client, on a pure cost-benefit analysis. I challenge any of the powers that be at SG-1 to explain, objectively, how in the name of economic reality killing off Dr. Jackson supports the company's bottom line -- unless you have heretofore undisclosed plans to kill off the entire SG-1 show.

In closing, I would simply say that Stargate SG-1 was a brilliant idea in the beginning and it has been an excellent series for five years. To kill off the Dr. Jackson character is to plant the seeds for the death of the SG-1 series. Only uninformed arrogance could lead any intelligent person to conclude that SG-1 can simply go on its merry way without one of its two founding members. Accordingly, I respectfuly request that those who are in charge of SG-1 casting decisons, reconsider the ill-fated decision to terminate Dr. Jackson's character, get over whatever "ego" issues exist, and resolve the impasse with Mr. Shanks (P.S. -- this goes for you to Mr.Shanks). If both sides can do this simple thing, the show will not just survive, but thrive, and everyone connected with SG-1 will make a boat-load of money, now, and in the years to come. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Gregory D. Barton

Gregory D. Barton <gbartonsg-1@yahoo.com>
Lincoln, Nebraska - Monday, May 13, 2002, 10:32 PM

SRL
Baltimore, md - Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 9:01 AM

I will write the producers.

Frank K. Dickman, Jr. <fkdjrbus@yahoo.com>
Manteca, CA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 9:56 PM

Anthony Seiffert <aseiffert@aol.com>
Indianapolis, IN/USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 9:08 PM

The heart is gone and the soul is dying.

Eliana Chase
Rugby, UK - Monday, May 13, 2002, 7:43 PM

What are you going to do when the ratings for season six start coming in and they end up being the bottom of the Sci-Fi totem pole? Go running after Mr. Shanks, and hope he doesn't have a prior commitment?

Good Luck. He's been rather busy these past seven or so months, from all I've read. And even if he weren't, I wouldn't blame him at all if he didn't want to have anything to do with you anymore.

I certainly don't. I just feel sorry for the Sci-Fi channel who aren't going to get the show that they paid for. Out of the two main leads, one is completely gone, and the other is only going to be there part time. Pretty lame, if you ask me. Or even if you don't ask me.

Eve Leger
Monroeville, PA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 7:18 PM

I've got no intention of watching any of Season Six on the scifi channel, EXCEPT "Abyss." If you want the last season to succeed enough to give you your movie, you'd best be getting on the phone to Michael Shanks and practice some humility. You need Daniel. Period.

Casey Lord
Indianapolis, IN - Monday, May 13, 2002, 6:59 PM

My wife and I will not be watching the show when it moves to SCI-FI, nor do we plan to watch ANYTHING put out by MGM in the future. Your loss, not ours.

We want Daniel back on the team, and we want the team back the way it was during the second season.

Dave and Judy Landon <dont want spam sorry>
Logansport, IN - Monday, May 13, 2002, 6:16 PM

Bonnie Valka <Bjvalka@cs.com>
Madison Heights, Mi, 48071 - Monday, May 13, 2002, 6:08 PM

Tamara Long
Oklahoma City, OK - Monday, May 13, 2002, 6:03 PM

Monica Dorsey <pureuneek@aol.com>
Philly, PA, USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 5:45 PM

I'm from UK and so saw Meridian in February. I was totally shocked by what I saw and heard about the way Michael Shanks was pushed out of Stargate.

Like many fans in UK, I have posted here several times already, written to MGM,written to Hank Cohen,written to SCIFI, and posted my feelings on MGM's discussion site and SCIFI discussion site.

The first wave of response from fans watching Meridian on SKY resulted almost immediately in Brad Wright announcing that Michael had accepted ABYSS and we could all leave him ( Brad Wright ) alone now!! He also said that this site could not take any credit for Abyss!

PLEASE say directly to Hank Cohen what you are saying here. Dont expect that they will respond to your posts on this site ( although I think its a fair bet that someone in MGM will be reading them!)

They are only going to try to fix this if they think they really really have to. We've tried, now its up to you. Carole

carole campbell <carolecampbell1@hotmail.com>
Leicester, UK - Monday, May 13, 2002, 5:18 PM

Bev Martin
Australia - Monday, May 13, 2002, 5:10 PM

HAVING SEEN THE ORIGINAL FILM AT THE CINEMA I WAS DELIGHTED WHEN I HEARD THAT A WEEKLY SERIES WAS SOON TO AIR HERE IN ENGLAND ON SKY ONE AND CHANNEL 4.

I HAVE ENJOYED EACH SEASON OF THE SERIES AS THEY HAVE AIRED, HOWEVER,I WAS DEEPLY SADDENED WHEN I SAW THE EPISODE WHICH DEALT WITH THE DEPARTURE OF "DANIEL JACKSON".

MICHAEL SHANKS PORTRAYAL OF DANIEL JACKSON HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF THIS SERIES I FEEL THAT HE PLAYED THE PART EVEN BETTER THEN JAMES SPADER DID.

HIS CHARACTER IS VITAL TO THE SERIES AND AS A FAN I FEEL BETRAYED THAT HE HAS BEEN DUMPED IN SUCH A DISGRACEFUL FASHION!!

DO THE RIGHT THING AND BRING HIM BACK!!!

Peter Everard
UK - Monday, May 13, 2002, 5:08 PM

Ramses Danta
Chicago, IL, USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 5:04 PM

Patricia A, Clifton
Dallas, Texas, USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 4:49 PM

Thank you for your consideration.

Marilyn Dobbs
Round Mountain, CA, USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 4:48 PM

I am hoping that my instincts are correct in that this is just a marketing ploy to increase audience response. If so, the need for such creative machinations would not be there if the artistic construct from the original film had not been lost to some executive's interest in securing a viewing audience that most have all but written off until they get older. An example might be the periodic interjection of characters that were obviously there solely for sex-starved young viewers, but which added little to the plot and easily forgotten once the show went off the air. Don't play with the art! Develop more innovative marketing decisions to increase the "buzz" and the fan loyalty!

Like any great play, it is not just the image you want (as a director) that makes the play work, it is the combination of strong writing, complex characters and excellent casting. If you examine the success stories in television history, the programs that addressed these issues were the ones that outlived all of the others. They became models of success bringing joy to billions of fans while generating billions of dollars in revenue for the producer.

To Hank Cohen and collaborators at MGM: I implore you to remove your own personal interests and "presumed" instincts. Give the viewers what they want! If you don't believe us, hire a new demographic firm and you will find that we are correct! The world and America most of all is reentering a period of much-needed nostalgia - meaning? We don't want or appreciate change; we want what we had.

With that said, our friends will not be staying at home any longer on Friday nights (in our area) anticipating StarGate SG1 or searching the listings for its repeat. We have better things to do with our time. We hope that you enjoy producing an expensive series solely for you and your family to watch. We will now be watching that God-awful knock-off of Star Trek - Enterprise!

Thomas Stephens & Trace Baxter
Columbus, Ohio, USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 4:06 PM

Andrew S. May
Baytown, Texas, USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 3:57 PM

What other primary and major character are you going to kill off? Jack because he's gotten so goofy, Teal'C because he's so quiet or wants to be with his son, or Carter because she wants to get married and have a family or just plain tired of being just the brains?

Daniel Jackson is just as much a vital part of the team as any of the others. He had a perspective that was unique to him and worked well with the others. He also brought a special humor to the group that I found very refreshing.

Please, for all that is good and holy, bring Daniel Jackson back!!!!

Kaye Campbell
Harvest, AL, USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 3:33 PM

Denny Tutweiler
Mary Esther, Florida, USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 3:31 PM

"You," the Powers That Be, had a great thing going. Four characters/actors who worked and played well together and had great chemistry. We liked these people, we wanted to watch them week after week to see where they went.

By kicking out Michael Shanks and "ascending" Daniel Jackson, you've killed any interest I had in watching the series on the Sci-Fi channel. His replacement is ludicrous and an insult to both Mr. Shanks and Daniel.

Tracy Lemen
Lompoc, CA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 3:30 PM

I hate that Daniel is gone, that the team is split up and that they've brought in this slimy Jonas person.

Really dumb move on somebody's part! They're gonna be losing viewers even faster than they did when they started screwing around in the middle of third season.

No more Stargate for me, I'm sorry to say. If they can't manage to keep a good thing going, then I don't want to see it. And in order for it to be a good thing, they need to Daniel back where he belongs.

Denise Hammersmith <private>
Santa Barbara, CA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 3:10 PM

John
Bardstown, KY - Monday, May 13, 2002, 2:38 PM

Barbara Beken <hw51274@yahoo.com>
Brussels, Belgium. - Monday, May 13, 2002, 2:37 PM

Mr Cohen,

I write for one simple reason; I am EXTREMELY unhappy with the Daniel Jackson situation.

I feel you should know a few important bits of information regarding this viewer.

* I am a 39yr old female. * I am an emergency room RN. * I subscribe to Showtime ONLY for Stargate SG-1. * I am married and "have a life". * I am NOT a member of any sci-fi clubs and have never been. * I have NEVER joined in any campaign, or written letters on behalf of any entertainment entities/characters. * Only after Meridian aired did I go to the net in desperation to see what the heck was going on. (The Official web site gave NO indication of the upcoming bad news). * I have read M. Shanks interviews and I agree that his character is underwritten as of late. Make no mistake, his is an EQUALLY important character; one that draws us regular people in and makes us a part.

That noted, it is important to tell you that I feel I am speaking for all the other silent non-techno people out there.

If I am concerned, you MUST realize how this bodes for your interests and the show in general.

Must I return to HBO? Thank You,

L. F. Snider
Austin, Texas, USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 2:36 PM

Kate
England - Monday, May 13, 2002, 2:35 PM

jeder einzelne charakter in diesem team ist wichtig. sam als wissenschaftlerin, jack als...jack, teal'c als berater und krieger und daniel eben als übersetzer, diplomat, pazifist. wie sollen sg1 und die anderen waffen, inschriften und sprachen übersetzen ohne ihn???er isst ein wichtiger teil der serie und des sg-center! die serie wird ihren reiz,vielleicht nicht ganz aber zumindest teilweise, verlieren!! ein team ist ein team und darf nicht auseinander gerissen werden!! stargate ist für uns fans nicht einfach eine serie mit ein paar schauspielern sonder eine eigene welt! für uns leben die charaktere und wir nehem die schauspieler dahinter nicht wirklich war! daniel ist nicht nur eine von einem schauspieler gespielte figur sonder eine existierende reale person!! somit hat er die gleichen rechte und auch das recht weiterzuleben und darf nicht einfach von ein parr menschen "ausradiert" werden, weil es ihnen grad in den kram passt!! bitte,lasst daniel in der serie!!!

mit freundlichen grüssen aus deutschland!!

Translation:

Hi! Stargate sg1 has become my favourite series and without the team it is only half so good!! Daniel is the reasoning part in the team, he doesn't immediately go for his weapon, but tries to understand and learn about the cultures of the peoples they meet on their travels.

Each individual character in this team is important. SAM as a scientist. Jack as... Jack. Teal'c as advisor and a warrior, and daniel as a translator, diplomat and pacifist. How are sg1 going to translate the other weapons and inscriptions and speak without him? He is an important part the series and the SGC! This is the attraction of the series, perhaps not completely however at least partly. Do not lose it!! A team is a team and may be torn not apart!! Stargate is for us fans not simply a series with a few actors, but its own separate world! For us the characters live and it is the actors behind who are not real! Daniel is not just a character played by an actor, he is a real person!! Thus he has the same rights. He has the right, to live on and not simply to become a "rubbed out" person, because it suits them!! Please, leave Daniel in the series!!!

With friendly greetings from Germany!

Stefanie Scharf
Bavaria, Germany - Monday, May 13, 2002, 1:43 PM

Sin comentarios.

Hi,

A while ago I sent a message to Corin Nemec because I thought he was going to face a difficult job. I don't like Jonas, but felt sorry for the actor. This is the response I got.

Dear Nau;

Thank you very much for your email. My name is Clifford (Cliff) Woods and I am Corin Nemec's Assistant. I respond to communication from his web site for him in exact accordance with his wishes. He has asked me to I reply to you as he is flat out on the set of Stargate SG1 in Canada at the moment. He is playing the new romantic lead in the upcoming seasons.

Thank you for the well wishes - he is always very pleased to hear from his fans. Hope you enjoy the show.

Kind Regards; Cliff

Nausica
Barcelona, Monday, May 13, 2002, 1:37 PM

He had heart ,soul, compassion, he did things for the show that the other cast didn't. Richard Dean Anderson, Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge, and especially Michael Shanks and Don S. Davis do make the show the original cast . Its just like killing off Spock. The show just won't be the same and I just don't know if I can watch it after this . Daniel Jackson is considered one of my favorite characters on the show. And I hope that something is done to bring him back it will surely be appreciated by me and everyone else who watches the show.

sincerely a true Daniel Jackson fan

Lori Zzeolia
Jonesborough, Tennessee, USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 1:33 PM

Paul Nater
Ft. Lewis, WA, USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 1:23 PM

Of course, looking at SciFiChannel's new SG-1 website it appears that they don't expect anyone over the age of 8 or so to be watching anyway.

Daniel was by far the most important character on the show. He opened the gate. The movie was HIS story. You've trashed the whole thing.

I won't even go into the disgust I'm feeling for the spineless, lying, thieving coward you're trying to force on us as Daniel's replacement.

Lorena Brown <no>
Plainview, NY - Monday, May 13, 2002, 12:58 PM

Please Please Please don't ruin the only reason I have Showtime! Daniel is my favorite character and personally I find little reason to watch a show that is more Earth-bound and militaristic...I could watch CNN for that!!!!!!!

Kimberly Palmer <kimberlypalmer@yahoo.com>
Jacksonville, Arkansas - Monday, May 13, 2002, 12:29 PM

I have to agree with position of all those who seem so engaged. The character of Daniel Jackson is key to the story line. He can be very aggravating but he keeps a balance in the show that makes it so interesting.

I can not imagine where the story will go without him. It is like having the Beatles go on without George Harrison (or any one of them)for example back in 1970. I would not have been possible, they would not have been the Beatles. Withoug DJ character this will not be SG1.

Now I read half of the next season is already complete without him. I hope there is still something that can be done to correct this. Please try.

Jerry Taylor
Melbourne, FL, USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 12:03 PM

LampHammer
FL - Monday, May 13, 2002, 10:21 AM

As for your guy Jonas. He's a student of ethics? Didn't see much ethical about him in Danny's death episode. Seemed pretty UNethical to me. Read the spoilers. Jonas can read Danny's books and fill his boots? So Danny's like a computer to you people? My 10yr old can read physics books. That doesn't make her a rocket scientist. Jonas gonna read Sam's astrophysics book, maybe take over her job too? Start explaining her thing? Tell us how the gate works? Maybe he can read books about warfare and Air Force manuals, take over Jack's role as leader? Maybe he can learn how to operate a camera, he can direct the damn episodes. You can keep your Jonas. Shanks comes back as Danny and you show the characters a little respect or I'm gone. I can't respect people who don't respect their workers, their customers and their product. That's a waste of my time.

P. Casey
USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 9:37 AM

Amber <a_pless>
Carrollton, TX - Monday, May 13, 2002, 9:14 AM

I was deeply saddened to see the character of Daniel Jackson leave the show, Stargate SG1. Although his character may have been overshadowed of late, he was to my way of thinking the original mind that led to the greater understanding of what the Stargate was. Yeah, yeah, I realize it is all Sci Fi. But his character brought a sense of warmth to the other characters, who all seem to have a harder meaner shell. In many episodes, the friendship that Jack shares with Daniel is the only thing that allows a softer, less millitary side of Jack to come out. I am sure I could come up with many examples. I am not a fanatical fan of any television show. I am a Doctor of Internal Medicine, medical director for a nursing home, medical director for a hospice and on the staff at two hospitals. I rarely have time to watch the show and often miss several episodes in a row. However, I think Daniel is a crucial member of the team and am just simply sad to see him go.

Despite what you do with the series, I want to say how totally impressed I was with the show where Daniel checked out. I absolutely loved the part where Jack, says to Jacob to let him go. Having been in that position on countless occassions in my role in hospice care I know how hard a thing it is to say.

Finally let me hope that you will keep the show going for many years to come. I love it.

Joseph H. Roosth, MD
Pearland, TX, USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 7:52 AM

Shelly Benkman
Las Vegas, NV, USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 7:51 AM

Susan Chapman Jones
San Francisco, CA, USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 7:50 AM

I have been a fan of the show "Stargate SG-1" since it first started and when the movie first came out. I am VERY UPSET the character of Daniel Jackson has been eliminated from the show. MICHAEL SHANKS has a very important part and character in the show, without him the series has lost a VERY BIG PART OF IT'S FAMILY!!!! I believe that without him your ratings will drop immensly and the shows fan base also!! Thank You for taking the time to read this letter!!

PLEASE BRING MICHAEL SHANKS BACK TO THE SHOW- IT'S NOT THE SAME WITHOUT HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sincerely Your's -Joanna Daniels "A Very BIG FAN OF MICHAEL SHANKS"

Joanna Daniels
Marysville, WA, USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 7:47 AM

All things come to and end? I have certainly enjoyed this show very much and I am thankfull that I have had this many seasons to watch.

Chris <philos_sophia@yahoo.com>
Sac, CA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 4:56 AM

Darlene Johnson
CA, USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 4:38 AM

I was crushed and appalled this week upon watching Daniel Jackson's "death" on SG-1. SG-1 is one of the few TV shows that my family watches together, and we have enjoyed the cast very much. I'd have to say that Daniel is my favorite character.

At a time when television seems to have been dumbed down to an unimaginable level(Jerry Springer, Jackass, Survivor, and Friends), it has been fun to watch a show with some attempt at intelligence. This especially involves the character of Daniel Jackson. You forget that Sci-Fi is mainly watched by us, the "geeks" in the world.

I feel a bit silly, but I'm going to admit that I cried upon losing my favorite character. My 11-year-old son was watching the show with me. I asked what he thought at the end of the episode. He seemed as upset as me, a bit shocked I think. We had just finished reading the original Stargate book, and then we had to watch the main character being extracated from the story line as if he meant nothing. Suffice it to say he is NOT pleased and I am NOT pleased. Frankly, I can't imagine watching it without Daniel, so PLEASE, reinstate Michael Shanks.

Believe it or not, America (and the rest of the world) likes intelligent television.

Heather L. Powell
Anchorage, Alaska, USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 4:37 AM

I feel an obligation to write this letter after watching the episde that saw the demise of Michael Shanks' character in the Stargate SG1 series. I consider myself a moderate fan of the show. I have a PVR of mine set to record episodes past and current. I've thoroughly enjoyed the episodes up to the point at which I am writing this. I was, and am quite alarmed by the fact that Daniel Jackson has been removed from the series. His character in the show seems to be a cornerstone that holds the show's fabric together. The series was started by the movie in which his character had a co-starring role. Removing Daniel from the show does not make any bit of logical sense to me. A show based on archeological events that is without an archeologist? Am i missing something? Are you missing something? Could all of us be missing something? I am unsure. But the one thing i do know is that I am grieviously disappointed in the direction that the show has taken. I even found myself wondering by the end of the episode if I would be watching the remaining seasons without Daniel as a contributing actor. I am still lacking in an answer to that question. But the simple likelihood that a portion of fans could feel the same way that I do should raise some eyebrows, and some questions for the producers of the series. Or maybe i just am hopeful for the best. I sincerely hope that in some way this letter will help the producers at least second guess their decision to remove Michael Shanks' character from the show. I hope you make the correct decision for yourselves and especially for the fans.

A Concerned Fan

Michael Montgomery
Frisco, TX, USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 4:36 AM

Alan Dignon
Reisterstown, Maryland, USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 4:35 AM

It makes my whole family not want to watch the show any more.

T. Puiszis
Schaumburg, IL, USA - Monday, May 13, 2002, 4:34 AM

Reading media reports on the events leading to Michael Shanks's departure, I see that this was a thoughtless decision made by the producers. If Michael Shanks could be