[SG-1 producer] Cooper reveals BB's character...

[samati75]

Sory if someone revealed this already, didn't know if it was OT-TV news or Farscape news...

http://www.gateworld.net/news/2004/12/cooperrevealsbrowdersisg-1.shtml

Cooper reveals Browder's SG-1 role
MONDAY - DECEMBER 20, 2004


Ben Browder will indeed join the SG-1 team when he joins the regular cast for the show's ninth season (story), executive producer Robert C. Cooper revealed to Sci Fi Wire. And he'll be someone already familiar to SG-1.

"Ben is playing a military guy, a Lieutenant Colonel," Cooper said. "And I can't tell you his name yet. It hasn't been legally cleared yet, so it could still change."

Though he has been involved with the Stargate program in an important way in the past, viewers have never met the character, Cooper explained. "He's actually played a key role in some major events that went on ... in the Stargate universe and was in fact very instrumental in helping SG-1 succeed in one of their more important missions. And as a result of that, he was given ... his choice posting. And he ultimately chooses to join SG-1.

"So when he first appears on the show, SG-1 will already know who he is. And we'll see some of those scenes and how he was basically woven into the tapestry of the show through flashbacks."

Visit Sci Fi Wire for the complete story, in which Cooper also talks about Stargate SG-1's eighth season and its fresh direction for Season Nine. The season begins filming in March for a summer premiere on The SCI FI Channel.

(Thanks to Charlie for the tip)

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[The Keeper]

Ooooh *is excited*

Sounds very clever. Hope everything goes well for Ben, and his character is welcomed well into SG1. :D

[SabaceanBabe]

If they allow Ben any kind of creative control of his character and if they have good writers for season 9, then oh, boy, oh, boy, oh, boy am I EVER looking forward to this. :D

[LiLOrion]

"Ben is playing a military guy, a Lieutenant Colonel,"


So would his character be over RDA's character or below him in terms of rank?

[Red]

"Ben is playing a military guy, a Lieutenant Colonel,"


So would his character be over RDA's character or below him in terms of rank?
Below. Jack O'Neill is a Brigadier General. Ben's character's rank is the same as Sam Carter's, who took over SG1 when Jack was promoted.

[stlscape]

"Ben is playing a military guy, a Lieutenant Colonel,"

So would his character be over RDA's character or below him in terms of rank?

Air Force ranks in descending order of precedence:
General (4 star)
Lieutenant General (3 star)
Major General (2 star)
Brigadier General (1 star)
Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel
Major
Captain
First Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant

O'Neill's a Brigadier General. Ben's character will be a Lt. Colonel so O'Neill will definitely outrank him.

FYI, with regard to a Colonel or a Lt. Colonel, they are both informally called "Colonel" (i.e., if Colonel Smith or Lt. Col. Smith gave an order requiring an affirmative response, the response would be "Yes, Colonel" to both ranks.)

[I-am-so-Johns-girl]

Interesting news! :D

[LiLOrion]

Thanks Red and stlscape. :)

[malachilenomade]

Below. Jack O'Neill is a Brigadier General. Ben's character's rank is the same as Sam Carter's, who took over SG1 when Jack was promoted.

And to point out one more thing (though I doubt they would pay attention to such a small detail) is that, unless it's stated otherwise, Ben's character may have less time in rank, so Carter could still outrank him for "time in rank."

[rayjb6]

Though he has been involved with the Stargate program in an important way in the past, viewers have never met the character

just thought of a really stupid idea... "past" as in...time traveling? ha, like I said...really stupid idea, and not one I think is actually true. :P But I can just imagine them editing Ben into "flashback" clips from the 1973 ep... ;)

[samati75]

http://www.gateworld.net/news/2004/12/wrightrevealsbrowderseason.shtml

Wright reveals Browder, Season Nine plans
WEDNESDAY - DECEMBER 22, 2004


Executive producer Brad Wright answered many nagging questions about the future of Stargate SG-1 in today's installment of Chicago Tribune columnist Maureen Ryan's "The Watcher" -- including new details on actor Ben Browder's new character.

"He's the F-302 pilot (our Earth-designed space fighter) that led the squadron that fought Anubis in Antarctica," Wright revealed. The climactic battle took place in the Season Seven finale, "Lost City, Part 2." "He was badly injured when his fighter crashed, nearly killed -- but was was promised a place on SG-1 if he made it back to fighting form." Executive producer Robert C. Cooper recently said that the character has played a role in SG-1's past, which will be shown on-screen through flashbacks (story). The character's intended name has not yet been cleared through legal channels.

What about comparisons made by some between Browder and SG-1 co-star Michael Shanks, who many say look alike? The two characters won't be related, and "once we've shaved Ben's head it will be far easier to tell them apart," Wright joked. "We'll come up with something. I'm not worried about it."

The producer is also unconcerned with comparisons that might arise between the new character and John Crichton, the character Browder played for four years on Farscape -- originally Stargate's companion series on Friday nights when the show moved to The SCI FI Channel in 2002. "SG-1 is a unit of the U.S. Air Force and so he should be an officer, but it's a very different show. ... I think Claudia [Black, 'Vala'] and Ben should bring a few Farscape fans aboard, but that's not why we're doing this. They're great actors."


Vala (Black) and Daniel Jackson (Shanks) get a little closer. From "Prometheus Unbound."
"Claudia has already proven herself on our show," Wright said. Black appears in the upcoming Season Eight episode "Prometheus Unbound," and will appear alongside Browder in a 5-episode arc in early Season Nine (story).

Wright also confirmed to the Tribune that Browder's deal as a series regular means that he will appear in the entire, 20-episode season -- and, should the show continue to an astonishing tenth year, Browder would continue as well.

"Season Nine will have a new beginning with a new enemy," Wright said. "I think once you've seen the end of Season Eight you'll understand why we're doing that. Yes, I hope there will be crossover between the two series [SG-1 and Atlantis]. I have an idea, but I'm still working it out."

In the full interview, Wright also talks about Richard Dean Anderson's reduced role, what led to Browder's casting, and whether Season Nine will include more off-world stories. Check it out at http://www.ChicagoTribune.com !

(Big thanks to Maureen for the tip!)

<< BACK – TALK ABOUT IT AT GATEWORLD FORUM >>

[samati75]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-tribtv.story

BACK TO THE FUTURE: Ben Browder of "Farscape" fame is joining the cast of "Stargate SG-1" in the show's upcoming ninth season, and executive producers Brad Wright and Robert Cooper have already decided that Browder's character will be a military guy, part of a Stargate team viewers haven't seen yet on the Sci Fi show.

"Specifically, he's the [pilot] that led the squadron that fought [an enemy named] Anubis in Antarctica," Wright wrote in an e-mail. "He was badly injured when his fighter crashed, nearly killed but was was promised a place on SG-1 if he made it back to fighting form."

Here's my e-mail exchange with Brad:

Q: How did Ben's name come up in connection with SG-1? Was there a desire to add a character to the ninth season, and the names of various actors came up? Or was Ben the only actor that was under consideration?

A: Actually, we asked casting to generate a list as we usually do, but we've been interested in working with Ben for some time. Meeting him for the first time in San Diego at Comicon last year reinforced that interest.

Q: Did Sci Fi Channel execs or anyone at MGM suggest Ben, or was it an idea cooked up by you and Robert Cooper? Or did Ben just show up at your house and demand a part?

A: We already knew that the execs at Sci Fi were fans of Ben because of Farscape, so we were on the same page. Ben was the only actor we made an offer to.

Q: Do you have strong ideas about the character that Ben will be playing, or is his character still being developed?

A: Rob and I had talked at length about the character and he came up with a very interesting backstory. You should actually ask Rob about that, since he's writing the script introducing his character. [Ed note: I plan on doing just that.]

Q: Related to the question above, if Ben's character has already been somewhat defined -- will his character be a member of the military? A Stargate SG-1 team member? An alien? Can you talk at all about what kind of man Ben will be playing?

A: Rob will tell you this, but yes, he's a military man. Specifically, he's the F-302 pilot (our Earth-designed space fighter) that led the squadron that fought Anubis in Antarctica. He was badly injured when his fighter crashed, nearly killed but was was promised a place on SG-1 if he made it back to fighting form.

I'm not concerned with Crichton comparisons that may arise. SG-1 is a unit of the U.S. Air Force and so he should be an officer, but it's a very different show.

Q: When does filming begin for Season 9 (are you already in production for Season 9, or are you still filming Season 8)? And is Ben committed to be in the entire season, or only in a certain number of episodes? Is he committed beyond Season 9?

A: We'll start shooting Season 9 at the beginning of March. (I can't believe I just said that)

Ben will be with us for the entire season and if we keep going, he'll keep going. (I'm not so sure if I'll keep going ;)

Q: Everyone's been commenting on how similar Ben and Michael Shanks look -- is there any possibility that their characters will be related?

A: No, they won't be related but once we've shaved Ben's head it will be far easier to tell them apart ;) We'll come up with something. I'm not worried about it.

Q: Is Richard Dean Anderson coming back at all for Season 9? There was some talk of 4 appearances for Season 9, but has anything been confirmed? If he does not come back for Season 9, what happens to him at the end of Season 8?

A: O'Neill will continue to be a part of the SG-1 universe. Whether we actually SEE him is up to Rick, but the character will continue to exist on or off screen. He may appear in one or two or more episodes. But let me add this: I handed over the reins of the SG-1 to Robert in season seven because I needed a rest and wanted to spend more time with my family.

That's all Rick wants to do, and I don't blame him. I came back. The door is open for Rick to do the same.

[Next season] Claudia is going to appear in a five-episode arc in the role of Vala. She's great. You'll get to see just why we wanted to bring her back in "Prometheus Unbound," which has yet to air.

Q: Can you confirm that Claudia Black will come back during Season 9? Would having Claudia and Ben on the same episode(s) of SG-1 be a great opportunity to get Farscape fans to check out SG-1, in your mind?

A: I think Claudia and Ben should bring a few "Farscape" fans aboard, but that's not why we're doing this. They're great actors. Claudia has already proven herself on our show.

Q: Have you heard/read any feedback on Ben's casting from SG-1 fans? From "Stargate" fans? Are both camps generally happy with the news? What's the general feeling you've been getting from people?

A: As to whether or not the "camps" will be happy -- I honestly don't worry about that. We do read what is posted on the 'net but then we make our shows the way we think they should be made. We'll see.

Q: In Season 9, is there a desire to do more off-world, mythology stories? Or will they be more Earth-set?

A: Forgive me, but this question drives me nuts.

Despite the fact that I think the Earth-based stories are important to the series, it is not entirely a creative decision. Since the beginning we've done Earth-based stories to offset the costs of offworld stories. We don't have unlimited resources. It is a fact that Earth-based shows are -- generally speaking -- less expensive to produce. (Antarctica doesn't count).

Off-world stories require visual effects, matte paintings, otherworldly sets, remote locations, costumes, props and set [decoration] that all has to be constructed to our standards. I know that fans hate that answer but that's the way it is. It is NOT our inability to come up with stories that take place on other planets.

Q: Regarding Season 9, can you talk a bit about the general direction or theme of the season? Will there be any crossovers to Atlantis?

A: Season 9 will have a new beginning with a new enemy. I think once you've seen the end of Season 8 you'll understand why we're doing that. Yes, I hope there will be cross over between the two series. I have an idea but I'm still working it out.

Q: Is Don S. Davis coming back in Season 9?

A: Possibly. Nothing has been set.

Q: What do you think Ben will bring to SG-1 -- what are you personally most excited about, regarding his coming to the show?

A: I think it's going to be fun to have him around.

[spocks2]

And if you scroll down a bit:

"THANK YOU, TV SANTA: Christmas is a time to reflect on the blessings the year has brought to us, and when it comes to the small screen, I'd like to offer my gratitude to the elves of TV-dom for the following shows:

Extreme gratitude: "Lost," "Veronica Mars," "Gilmore Girls," "Arrested Development," "The Office Special," "Without a Trace," "The Daily Show" and "Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars."

Yay Maureen! :D

[malachilenomade]

once we've shaved Ben's head it will be far easier to tell them apart ;)

:eek: He's kidding, right?! Shave Ben's head? uuuuuuuuuuuuh, ok. Not sure how Telly Savalis Ben is going to look ;)

[Boron]

Hmmmm.....All this is veeeryy innnterrrressssting. I will definitely watch the progress.

[samati75]

http://www.syfyportal.com/article.php?id=1652

[BackStageJim]

If they allow Ben any kind of creative control of his character and if they have good writers for season 9, then oh, boy, oh, boy, oh, boy am I EVER looking forward to this. :D


If any of you were in Burbank or NYC you will recall Ben speaking of 'writing', no doubt he is workign with SG-1 to build his character. H'Wood is small world, and they know he added greatly to the Farscape role creation.

Then again, it's just my $.05 (Bush inflation)

[BillFrugge]

"Ben is playing a military guy, a lieutenant colonel," Cooper said. "And I can't tell you his name yet. It hasn't been legally cleared yet, so it could still change."

This is the part that gets me... "Legally cleared." Do they have to do a background check on every name they dream up? Or are they trying to determine the legality of naming the new character something like "John Crichton?"

[stlscape]

This is the part that gets me... "Legally cleared." Do they have to do a background check on every name they dream up?
Yes, they do. Otherwise they run the risk of lawsuits. (You based this character on my life, you owe me...or...this is a nasty character and now people think I'm mean and nasty too, you owe me.)

ETA - See the link in post #27 for a real-life example.

[Frell-n-Grok]

You know, this may be the first time I'm actually excitedly awaiting the start of a Stargate season since the first season. Not that I think it's a bad show. On the contrary, I have always liked the show. But Ben's addition and this new character seems like a good thing to me. I have to agree with Michael Shanks, it's good to stir things up now and again.

[Spedoinkel]

The way they plan on introducing Lt. Col. Ben seems a little odd.

And I'm sure there will be much oncomfortableness about bald Ben.

[BillFrugge]

I'm sure they mean a military haircut.

[Spedoinkel]

Well even a buz would look off on Ben, since we are used to seeing him with short hair. Remeber how creepy Future Crighton looked?

[BillFrugge]

As long as it's not Scarren Crichton...

[samati75]

I'm pretty sure it was a joke, aimed at us Scapers!

[BenScarlato]

Yes, they do. Otherwise they run the risk of lawsuits. (You based this character on my life, you owe me...or...this is a nasty character and now people think I'm mean and nasty too, you owe me.) So kinda like that Simpsons episode with Max Power.

The Scarran Crichton in Unrealized Reality, even though I liked it more than the future, I thought was terrible compared with what Crichton usually looks like, but what would be really cool is if they had him be a full Scarran, maybe even one of the ruling order.

[stlscape]

So kinda like that Simpsons episode with Max Power.
And this (http://www.watchfarscape.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31652). (Todd McFarlane Productions, Inc., has filed for protection under Chapter 11 due to the aftermath of a $15 million verdict handed down last July in a lawsuit by retired hockey player Tony Twist over the use of the name of a fictional mobster character.)

[Spedoinkel]

Oh, that's just stupid.

Common, I went to high school with five girls named Courtney Cox. Any name that someone comes up with will be someone elses name.

Hmm, bad sentence.