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Paul McGillion (Carson Beckett) Returns to Stargate Atlantis

News Type: Event — Wed Aug 8, 2007 4:23 PM EDT

Paul McGillion as Doctor Carson Beckett on Stargate Atlantis.

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Zap2it.com posted a story reporting that Paul McGillion will return to Stargate Atlantis in the upcoming fourth season in a two-episode arc, along with Torri Higginson, though not necessarily in the same episodes. I heard about McGillion's character being killed off before I had seen the episode where it happened, because I had gotten so far behind. DVRs are both a blessing, and a curse people.

You know what I'm talking about.

I thought it was odd that they'd kill off his character when, from what I understand, his character wasn't originally a recurring role, but more of a recurring guest star. When somebody got hurt, he'd roll in, and then right back out again. I liked McGillion a lot and what he brought to the show, though I thought he could be a bit condescending at times, but I was extremely pleased when he was upped to a series regular and I'm glad we'll be seeing more of Doctor Beckett in the future, hopefully lots more.

This appearance by McGillion's character won't be any kind of a cheat either, says Zap2it.

When the fans vehemently protested his undignified death, the producers reconsidered their action and figured out a way to bring him back in the flesh, and not as a flashback or a Beckett from the past or an alternate universe. According to executive producer Joe Mallozzi, a late Season 3 episode offers a "clue" about Beckett.

I'm not sure what Mallozzi means by the third season "clue", although I'm sure once Gateworld picks up this story, they'll hash it out in the forums and I'll link to that if I run across something that sounds good (or anyone from there, free send something to me.)

Obviously with the addition of Jewel Staite to the cast to replace McGillion's character's as chief physician for the Atlantis expedition, we can't expect him to just stroll back into the equation and resume his old duties as if nothing had happened. This article doesn't say that McGillion is returning as a regular at all, in fact, this is only talking about a guest appearance, just one that is going to be "real" rather than a game.

Along with appearances by McGillion and Higginson, Christopher Judge will be joining Amanda Tapping in the Pegasus galaxy sometime down the road. The only question I have is: where the hell is the foremost expert on the Ancients?! Where is Daniel?!

This post has been syndicated from: The Media Pundit.

The text of this article is Copyright © 2007 Paul William Tenny. All rights reserved./p>

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{"commentId":932588,"authorDomain":"pwtenny"}
Paul William Tenny

Meh, I thought this was new news. Oh well.

{"commentId":932588,"threadId":"135467","contentId":"885599","authorDomain":"pwtenny"}
  • 2 votes
Reply#1 - Wed Aug 8, 2007 4:42 PM EDT
{"commentId":932987,"authorDomain":"fdbryant3"}
FDBryant3

Its news to me. I was shocked when they killed Carson, he was perhaps my favorite regular. I kinda hate when they kill a character.........it always seems a bit forced and to deliver a "no one is safe message". Of course apparently in the Stargate universe apparently it is the "the doctor isn't safe". Anyway I hope they bring him back in a respectful manner.

Why the big thing about Torri Higginson - was she leaving the show? I hadn't heard.

{"commentId":932987,"threadId":"135467","contentId":"885599","authorDomain":"fdbryant3"}
  • 2 votes
#1.1 - Wed Aug 8, 2007 7:21 PM EDT
{"commentId":933906,"authorDomain":"pwtenny"}
Paul William Tenny
Why the big thing about Torri Higginson - was she leaving the show? I hadn't heard.

She is being replaced as the commander of the Atlantis Expedition by Amanda Tapping's character, Sam Carter, at the top of season 4. Given the season three finale and the foreknowledge of her replacement, it seemed likely she wasn't going to survive. Now we can debate that, too.

Personally, I'd have taken Michael Shanks over Tapping, even though Tapping is one fine looking woman. Daniel's character presents far more opportunities for interesting stories than Carter does.

{"commentId":933906,"threadId":"135467","contentId":"885599","authorDomain":"pwtenny"}
  • 2 votes
#1.2 - Thu Aug 9, 2007 9:17 AM EDT
{"commentId":934055,"authorDomain":"fdbryant3"}
FDBryant3

Ah - I had been wondering how they planned on integrating Carter into the show. As much as I like her, McKay pretty much fulfilled her role on the team.

I don't think I like the idea of her replacing Elizabeth though. I think that is going to break a lot of dynamics for the show. Carter just isn't the leader type (granted here is the opportunity for character development). I also think it is interesting dynamic of Elizabeth balancing civilian and military roles. Carter is of course military loyal.

I agree Daniel probably would be the better character to bring over since I don't think his role is really duplicated on the team.

Ah well, the creative team behind Stargate have yet to disappoint me so I'll trust that they will continue to produce a very entertaining program.

{"commentId":934055,"threadId":"135467","contentId":"885599","authorDomain":"fdbryant3"}
  • 2 votes
#1.3 - Thu Aug 9, 2007 10:04 AM EDT
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{"commentId":935521,"authorDomain":"shels86"}
shelsfcfan

Yay for the return of Carson & Weir!! How Carson might return has been a topic of discussion on GW for a while, since www.savecarsonbeckett.com announced it earlier this year: It's great news that they've actually made it offical now!! Woohoo!!

{"commentId":935521,"threadId":"135467","contentId":"885599","authorDomain":"shels86"}
  • 1 vote
Reply#2 - Thu Aug 9, 2007 5:29 PM EDT
{"commentId":940830,"authorDomain":"EPandora"}
EPandora

I certainly appreciate Carson Beckett's return for 2 episodes, but i really wish they would reinstall him permanently in season 5. the show is not the same without him. atlantis is missing it's heart ever since he was written out....

{"commentId":940830,"threadId":"135467","contentId":"885599","authorDomain":"EPandora"}
    Reply#3 - Sun Aug 12, 2007 5:56 AM EDT
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