Sam Carter/Amanda Tapping Discussion/Appreciation

[astrogeologist]

First of all, what a great thread! I’ve enjoyed reading all the posts and remembering some wonderful Sam Carter moments.

Welcome aboard NearlyCircular!

In my opinion, one of Amanda’s best performances was in Heroes 2, when the camera crew gets in her face after she comes back from the mission. The raw emotion on her face reflects Sam’s anguish and she lets it out as anger at the camera crew. We usually don’t see Carter emotionally out of control and Amanda did a wonderful job portraying it.

EMMETT: Don't look at him we're cleared to shoot here. Just follow me.
*rushes towards Sam* and bring that bring the sound. Major, what happened?
SAM: Please *holds her hand up to him, she's crying*
EMMETT: Now I know that at least one person was injured back there.
*still moving* and all I want to say is-
SAM: Look leave me alone and shut that damn thing off.
*The cameraman shuts off the camera*


This was another scene where it was difficult to get stills because AT was in constant motion - and they were filming this as if from the camera crewman's shoulder - so the camera is not in synch with AT's movements... so most of the stills are blurry, fuzzy and/or have scan lines. Very effective filming for the Point Of View and effect that the director was attempting to accomplish.

Photos are screen captions from the episode 'Heroes pt. 2'
Transcript excerpts after the website Stargate SG-1 Transcripts
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[astrogeologist]

How much of Carter is actually Amanda Tapping?

I was just flipping channels on TV and happened upon a biography of Barbara Stanwyck. Idly watching some of the snippets and tales of her life, one recounting caught my attention... Ms. Stanwyck apparently expressed these sentiments:

"Women are too often shown as the victims on TV and film.
I want to play a woman of strength.

I’ll show emotions, I’ll show vulnerabilities...
My character can be victimized, but I will not play the victim."

And when I heard those words, they seemed to capture the spirit of what AT has tried to convey with the role of Sam Carter. Barbara Stanwyck almost always played a woman of such inner strength and fortitude... and I can see a strong similarity with how AT has attempted to portray Colonel Carter. I am however, glad that AT smiles more than Stanwyck did
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The Hollywood Collection - Barbara Stanwyck: Straight Down the Line (1997)
In the 'quote' above, those are not the exact words, of course... I heard them and then had to boot my computer before I could type it out as closely as I could remember.
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[aeromathlete]

I just watched the "Not Just Another Pretty Face" video, and must say that I adored it! Sam is a super gal!

[the dancer of spaz]

Haha, I just realized I'm a Stargate Criminal or something. I'd never seen all of the Torment of Tantalus! So I watched it after reading about naked Ernest, and I thought it was hilarious. Sheesh...

Another funny ep was Urgo. I just cannot go through that ep without nearly DYING! It was a team-funny ep, you know, but the part when Sam's walking down the hall with her SF escort and Urgo, and she bumps into Hammond and Janet... Ah... Priceless!

SAM: "Oh, hi... I was just talking to Urgo."

HAMMOND: "I see..."

SAM: "Ooohh, I wish you did..."

Then...

JANET: (Looking in the opposite direction) "Now, Urgo, Sam needs -"

SAM: (Looking a bit desperate and sheepish) "Uh, Janet, he's... right there."

Good drama in Divide & Conquer, which I guess is quite obvious, but some of those scenes never cease to amaze me. You can see four different emotions in the span of ten seconds. Very cool.

[aeromathlete]

Divide and Conquer will always be one of my favorite episodes. Great emotions, great acting. So much potential in that ep.

[Coley]

Hi "nearly circular" welcome to the thread!

Gosh I'd sorta forgotton about Hero's. I've only watched it once as I was so upset that Janet was killed. There was loads of good AT work in part 1 and 2 - including the scene you mentioned - brilliant.
Also - her nervousness about being filmed, her wonderful look when the interview guy said "lets get a shot of the stargate" after she had been babbling about the stargate's energy consumption (and her lines after her look) (in fact the shot of the camera crew just looking at her before the interviewer made that comment was brilliant). Her shiftyness when the interviewer started to ask about O'Neill. Her scene with Jack (in the room) after he's been hurt, her scene with Teal'c when she was trying to write her speech for the ceremony. Her delivery of that speech at the ceremony. I remember it all distinctly - even though I have just seen it once!!

Dancer of Spaz - Yes Urgo is one of my favourite ep's. I think all of them - especially RDA are brilliant in that. I liked AT's acting when Urgo was telling her he reminded her of her Uncle Irvin???, then her changed expression after O'Neill prompted her, that whole scene was brilliant - again by all the actors.

Two more brilliant eps have been mentioned - Exodus and Enemies - my fave moments already mentioned (my favourite beeing "I'm having a good time now Sir!")

Also from enemies when O'Neill asked her to try the control panel to get them out of the room they had been locked in. Both RDA's and AT's body language and expressions and timing were perfect. I just love the fact that it is the woman that is shown to have the techno capability to sort that stuff out.
Despite all the flack the writers have got for s7 and 8 - they have done a remarkable job with the character. I would love to see another military female joining the team. Perhaps not a scientist, but someone with more tactical and weapon capability. I think it would open up a wjole new dialoge for AT. Sadly they've chosen another male, but hopefully he will bring out as much acting in AT as RDA has done

Entity was mentioned on the thread, so I watched it last night and another favourite scene is in there. The one where Janet tells Sam to go to the infirmiry to have her hand looked at, Sams a doesn't want to, but O'Neill orders her to, then Janet tells them (O'Neill, Daniel and Teal'c) they have to as well ASAP then pulls her rubber gloves off - her timing is excellent, the remaining dialogue with the 3 chaps and the General is brilliant too. On the AT acting front she did an exceptional job of looking like she really hurt her hand when the em spike shot through the control panel. Left me wondering whether she really actually hurt herself somehow.

More AT moments. Did anyone clock the look she gave Kawolski in Children of the Gods when they had gone to Tulac. She had just laid a line of Clamores 10m intervals and the Col turned to Kawolski and asked him if it sounded about right, Can't quite remeber what Kawolski's reply was but Sam flashed him a really snarky glare - brilliant.

Also in Emancipation after the Chaps had freed her from the camp and she said "I've never been so glad to see you guy's" and the Colonel replied "Oh I don't know Carter -remember that time on P******* when you accidently took some of that..." Sam interups him and says - lets not talk about that shall we - again with a great expression.

Also her expressions at the end of the Brocca Divide when she says to O'Neill - "Err about my earlier behaviour Sir" the resulting dialogue and Sams expressions - a number of different ones - were superb!!

I've also noticed how she is always very protective of everyone in a danger situations (I am talking about non team members) she always make sure they get to cover, or she gives covering fire and puts herslef in between them and the fire/threat. I've noticed it quite a number of times.

Thanks to astrogeologist yet again!!! for all the captures. It's great fun to see the appropraite snippets and expressions from stuff mentioned peoples posts.

I'm laid up with a really bad cold at the mo, so I shall be watching stargate I should think. So shall post more Sam/AT moments again soon.

Thanks to everyone to participating, it is fun recalling all the great Sam/AT moments!!

[ChopinGal]

You've got to see it... and I guess it takes a quirky sense of humor to enjoy a main protagonist and heroic character set to the music from a cartoon... but the video is well put together... won a Stargate Music Video Award for best vid based on an episode... and I can't watch the vid without smiling... now is that because it's lighthearted... or because it's AT sunny face smiling on the screen?

Regarding the "Fireman Sam" video: BTW, astrogeo, did you point out that the very first clip of the fireman coming down the pole is actually AT' s husband, Alan? I think she kinda dared him to make a "guest appearance" in one of her shows - and to experience what it's like to be on a set, etc. She said in an interview that he was very happy to go back home after that filming and respected her even more for the kind of work day she put in

Didn't mean to get off topic - just viewed the video and it's really cute!

Now, on topic, let me tell you and Major Sal what a terrific thread this is turning out to be ... I've been away from the postings but, wow, am I impressed looking at all the wonderful screen caps/scenes you've posted for the fans to enjoy, along with their "favorite-moment" posts. It makes this thread come alive!

It has also invited some really good and intelligent responses on why we all have fallen under the character's spell. Sam Carter, a Woman for All Seasons What stands out, especially, is the strong agreement that no other actor could have made this character so believable, so watchable, so ... er, for want of a better word, addictive!

Hope to get back on task here with all of you soon - right now, I'm still writing my fanfic Sam Carter out of her predicament in Head Trip ...

KUDOS again to all of you (but especially MajorSal and AstroG) for making this one of the best of the newer threads up here! And THANK YOU for all your hard work.

[NearlyCircular]

Thanks for the welcome everyone, and thanks for the screen caps, astrogeologist! Your Barbara Stanwyck quote is perfect:
"Women are too often shown as the victims on TV and film.
I want to play a woman of strength.

I’ll show emotions, I’ll show vulnerabilities...
My character can be victimized, but I will not play the victim."

I’m one of those older viewers who has been reading and watching science fiction for decades now. (Oh crap, that sounds awful!) One reason for my love of scifi is that in the past, it was one of the few genres where strong, independent, capable women were portrayed. The character of Sam Carter is one of the best I’ve ever seen.

By the way, as I've been reading the posts on this thread, I've discovered that some my all time favorite fan fics have been written by people commenting here. Not surprising, I guess, since we all seem to share the same feelings about the team and Carter in particular.

[astrogeologist]

Regarding the "Fireman Sam" video: BTW, astrogeo, did you point out that the very first clip of the fireman coming down the pole is actually AT' s husband, Alan? I think she kinda dared him to make a "guest appearance" in one of her shows - and to experience what it's like to be on a set, etc. She said in an interview that he was very happy to go back home after that filming and respected her even more for the kind of work day she put in

Chopingal - I remember reading or watching that interview... but I couldn't find it as I went back through the most likely website... Do you remember which interview it was?

At any rate, I did remember that she said that her husband, Alan, got to play one of the firemen in the episode 'The Changeling'... and she said that 'he looked sexy' in the fireman's uniform. I tried to see if I could pick him out in the video, but I couldn't get a good enough look at most of the firemen in the scene (lots of motion). Soooo... thanks for the info on which one he was and where he comes into the scene!



I also remember that AT had commented that when his days of shooting were finished, and the alarm went off the next morning, he didn't get out of bed... he just made some comment about not knowing how she did it everyday

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Photos are screen captures from the episode 'The Changeling'
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[astrogeologist]

Another funny ep was Urgo. I just cannot go through that ep without nearly DYING! It was a team-funny ep, you know, but the part when Sam's walking down the hall with her SF escort and Urgo, and she bumps into Hammond and Janet... Ah... Priceless!

SAM: "Oh, hi... I was just talking to Urgo."

HAMMOND: "I see..."

SAM: "Ooohh, I wish you did..."

Then...

JANET: (Looking in the opposite direction) "Now, Urgo, Sam needs -"

SAM: (Looking a bit desperate and sheepish) "Uh, Janet, he's... right there."

Scene: Corridor
CARTER: I don't have time to play, Urgo. I don't care if I'm "it".
Because I have work to do. No I am not hungry.
Look, go eat pie with Colonel O'Neill. I am very busy right now.
HAMMOND: Major.
CARTER: Hi. I was just talking to Urgo, sir.
HAMMOND: I see.
CARTER: Oh, I wish you did.
FRAISER: All right, look, Urgo, Major Carter would like….
CARTER: Ahh, Janet he's….over here.


FRAISER: Well then Urgo, Major Carter would very much like to be left alone.
CARTER: Janet, um, as much as I appreciate it, please… Urgo that is rude!
FRAISER: What did he say?
CARTER: Uh…. if you'll excuse me, I have work to do.
Sam walks down the corridor...and you can see her telling Urgo off in the background.
HAMMOND: Doctor, are we entirely sure that the members of SG-1 are… What's the word?
FRAISER: Sane?
HAMMOND: That's the one.
FRAISER: Yes sir. Remember, everything we hear or see is processed in the brain. Urgo is creating an image of himself that they're responding to just like they would you or me.
HAMMOND: If you say so.
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The first shot below is the team's reaction when Hammond says that they will be grounded and under observation for an additional week after the EMP pulse disabled Urgo.

The second photo is Sam's reaction when Urgo says that Jack was thinking of Maui and little black bikinis...

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Photos are screen captures from the episode 'Urgo'
Transcript excerpts are from the Stargate SG-1 Transcript website

[Skydiver]

those little moments are why i love urgo

the spoilers...they sounded pretty bad. usually 'invisible aliens' is not a plot that ends well, but little bits, such as amanda's made the episode work

in things like this you can see that amanda used to be in a comedy troupe. she's a very funny person

[ChopinGal]

Regarding: "in things like this you can see that amanda used to be in a comedy troupe. she's a very funny person"

Yes, in fact, it would have been great to see the writers give AT a bit more in the way of doing comedy in the series ... another facet of her acting that her fans would probably love. Of course, that brings us to the pivotal question: Does Sam Carter have a funny bone?! I think she does - especially now that she's got more of a personal life and seems more relaxed.

Here we go: What Sam moments do you remember that show some more of the actor's comic timing (besides "Urgo")?

I have three scenes:

The way she played off RDA in "Ascension" when Hammond tells her to take some time off and they are leaving the briefing room. It's delightful to watch as she asks Jack: "Do I seem nervous? Anxious? When did you first notice?" and Jack's dry reply: "Ever since we met!" Astro - I'm just paraphrasing - see if you can find this on your DVDs with the exact wording

And, then, in "Chimera", once again with Jack - the elevator "humming" scene. The timing and comic beats were perfect! Her hesitancy and embarrassment, etc. in speaking with her boss about her somewhat unexpected blind date were played so lightheartedly and believably. And the quick beat when he says something like "You're humming" ... and she jumps right in nervously "I was? I am?" Sorry for the paraphrasing but, knowing my friend, AstroG, she'll make it all better.

Finally, in "Space Race" when she mimics Teal'c when she catches him in his little white lie in the beginning as he tells Jack and Daniel that he is needed to stay with her and give her assistance. She doesn't have a clue, but she looks him dead in the eye and plays his game with an "Indeed". If anyone is old enough to remember Emma Peele and John Steed on "The Avengers" in the 1960s - this one-word response seemed so "Emma Peele".

On another note, Astro, yes, I read the same interview about Alan Kovacs making this brief cameo appearance and, yes, you did capture the right "fireman" in the above photos - that's Amanda's handsome hubby!

[astrogeologist]

Does Sam Carter have a funny bone?! I think she does - especially now that she's got more of a personal life and seems more relaxed.

I think that AT's natural lightheartedness and appreciation of humor is one of the aspects that can't be completely restrained within the military decorum that rules the life of Sam Carter. AT smiles and chuckles and smirks... and just generally reacts to the antics and comments of her costars.... and AT's reactions are a part of Colonel Carter.

My reasoning is... if she can understand and appreciate O'Neill's sarcastic humor, then she definitely has a funny bone! She just doesn't get to let it show very often, as she is the subordinate officer when O'Neill is in the scene. And..., in general, the military doesn't lend itself to a whole lot of funny scenes for any of them.

Finally, in "Space Race" when she mimics Teal'c when she catches him in his little white lie in the beginning as he tells Jack and Daniel that he is needed to stay with her and give her assistance. She doesn't have a clue, but she looks him dead in the eye and plays his game with an "Indeed". If anyone is old enough to remember Emma Peele and John Steed on "The Avengers" in the 1960s - this one-word response seemed so "Emma Peele".

I remember the Avengers! I watched the reruns on late-night TV when I was in my early 20's. Steed and Peele were a great combo -- wonderful dry humor! 'Indeed'! http://www.crazyabouttv.com/Images/avengers.gif

Emma Peele, another strong female lead
http://www.alexia.us/avengers/Rigg.jpg
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[astrogeologist]

More AT moments. Did anyone clock the look she gave Kawolski in Children of the Gods when they had gone to Tulac. She had just laid a line of Clamores 10m intervals and the Col turned to Kawolski and asked him if it sounded about right, Can't quite remeber what Kawolski's reply was but Sam flashed him a really snarky glare - brilliant.

Coley -- I just had to go and pop that DVD in to see that snarky look -- and you were sure right! I didn't remember that look, but it was great!


O'Neill joins Kawalsky, who's standing near the edge of the circle of stones.
Kawalsky: We'll have to set camp where there's better cover, Colonel.
Warren: (coming up to them) Sir, I found what looks like a trail in the mountains. Looks like it hasn't seen traffic in a couple of days.
Carter comes towards them, unspooling a cable across the campsite.
O'Neill: Thank you, Airman. (as the soldier leaves) Carter?
Carter: I set up a line of claymores along that ridge at ten-meter intervals.
O'Neill: Sound about right, Kawalsky?
Kawalsky: Yeah, that'll work. (smirking)
Carter shoots Kawalski a snarky glare as O'Neill walks off.
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My still shots don't do justice to AT's snarky look! (it was so quick)
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Coley, Hope you're feeling better soon!
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Photos are screen captures from the episode 'Children of the Gods'
Transcript excerpts are from the Stargate SG-1 Transcript website
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[Skydiver]

how about in fallen:

JONAS: "I got it." (We see him running down an SGC corridor. Teal'c is up ahead.) "I got it. Teal'c! Teal'c! I got it." (He taps Teal'c on the shoulder with the book and continues on his way. Teal'c raises his brow and looks after him, but does not follow.
<snip>
"Excuse me." (He continues his way down the corridor, side stepping a particularly bustling SGC.) "Watch it, watch it." (He runs into the control room and addresses Sgt. Davis.) "Hey, where's Major Carter?"

DAVIS: "Uh, sh-she's in, uh, Hammond's office."

Jonas heads up the stairs to Hammond's office and in the background we can hear Sam.

CARTER: "According to intelligence provided by the Tok'ra, Anubis is quickly decimating the forces of the remaining system lords."

Jonas steps into Hammond's doorway. He is quite out of breath and stops in the doorway to catch his breath.

JONAS: "I got it."

CARTER: "Hopefully, it's not contagious."

JONAS: "Ha, ha. The lost city..." (Hammond sits and looks quizzically at Jonas as he walks around to the front of the General's desk.) "...on the tablet."

SAM: "You found it?"

JONAS: "Yeah, only it's not the lost city. That never made sense to me anyway. I mean, t-t-the tablet is written in ancient. How could they lose one of their own cities? And even if they did, why would they call it the lost city? They wouldn't. They would call it by it's name, right?"

HAMMOND: "Mr. Quinn..."

JONAS: "It's not the lost city. It's the city of the lost."

CARTER: "Do you have a 'gate address?"

JONAS: "There's a reference in some partial translations that Dr. Jackson was working on from the library of the four races. It talks about a city of the Ancient s called VisUban as being a place where the plague began. This was going to be the crown jewel
in the entire ancient domain. Only it was still under construction when the plague broke out."

CARTER: "Two words...'gate address."

sam is so fantastically snarky, without being mean

you'd think she was channeling jack