Returning to the Sci Fi Channel in July, Stargate Atlantis will see some new changes to its regular cast. The spin-off to the hugely successful Stargate SG-1, Atlantis will see its third commander enter in its fifth season, a recurring character boosted to regular, and the return of an old friend.
With Amanda Tapping’s internet project Sanctuary picked up by Sci Fi, she had to pull her involvement from the show only a season after stepping in to the role of base commander. She had big shoes to fill in the wake of Elisabeth Weir’s departure, played by Tori Higginson, but she managed ably. But Tapping’s replacement is going to find himself in a much more difficult position.
Robert Picardo, aka, Richard Woolsey, will be stepping in to take command of the Atlantis base for its fifth season. Woolsey, an on and off character for the past few seasons and latter seasons of Stargate SG-1, was created so that fans didn’t like him. He’s a liaison between the Stargate personnel and bases with the bureaucracy that finances them: never a great starting position.
However a finer actor you will not fine, and many geeks will know him from his seven years aboard Star Trek Voyager as the ship’s holographic doctor.
Stargate Atlantis continued its talent picking from other sci fi shows by snatching up Jewel Staite for her role as Dr. Jennifer Keller. Known best for her role as Kaylee on Joss Whedon’s Firefly and its subsequent movie sequel Serenity, Staite came to Atlantis to fill the role of base doctor after Dr. Carson Beckett was killed. With the fifth season starting up, Staite will be moved up to regular cast member.
Speaking of Beckett, Paul McGillion will be returning for five episodes in season 5, to play his clone. You’ll need to watch the show!
Lastly, it looks as though season five could be Jason Momoa’s last season with the Atlantis crew, adding weight to the possibility that his character will head a little towards the dark side. Ronan Dex, as his character is named, was brought in at the beginning of season 2, and has really boosted the shows strength with his own formidable presence. Make sure to watch out for the dreadlock replacements as well!
[Source: SciFi]
As long as Jewel Staite is still on the show, I can keep my modest interest in the series up. Now if only the could get rid of the Canadian douchebag (can’t remember the character or actors name, which is a measure of how little I watch the show.)
[]Jewel Staite is far from the most interesting character on the show. Not to mention Rodney McKay has offered more than entertainment and vitality.
Looking forward to where this show goes. Loved the season 4 finale.
Woolsey replacing Carter….hmmmm….I’m done with this show. While Picardo is a fine actor, the character Woolsey doesn’t fit and is more annoying than I’m willing to endure. After following SG1 from the beginning to the end and hoping SG Atlantis would fill the gap it is now apparent that is not going to happen. I’ll find something else to fill my Friday nights now.