Sam Carter/Amanda Tapping Discussion/Appreciation

[ChopinGal]

I love reading all the supportive posts about Amanda changing roles from Sam to Helen. This change is so gutsy on so many levels.

First of all, the format itself is high-tech, computer-generated, green screen. I remember reading an interview where AT spoke about getting used to acting in front of a green screen as Stargate used that effect more and more. I think she is comfortable in that context and I bet that not every actor can master such a delivery system. Think about it. She will be delivering her lines and her reactions to a blank screen! It takes quite a polished actor to do that.

Secondly, Amanda and co-producers are walking the walk by funding this project so that it does, indeed, move ahead. There is a confidence here and a belief in self and product that show a certain maturity.

Third, Amanda is playing a professional woman who is obviously older and has an adult child. The anathema of acting and casting - women who have reached a certain age. "Don't know what to do with them." There is a bias in the business but she is hitting her 40s head on and being true to herself, not afraid to portray a character like that. I see so much growth and courage in that.

I, like many of my fellow Samandans, was quite upset at how the character of Sam was handled (er, mishandled) in the beginning of S9. The word went out "we don't know what to do with Sam Carter" and the writers flubbed and the producers pushed and shoved for the newbies. AT, just back from MLA, seemed tired and subdued in her early return scenes. Adjusting to the demands of motherhood and professional responsibilities would do that.

To her credit, Amanda is so resilient and beautiful that she rebalanced, handled what was given her with grace and humor, and Sam Carter survived to live and fight another day (S10). How fascinating that S10 "knew what to do with Sam Carter", eh? Someone got the message.

Now, with Stargate cancelled, Amanda is at a crossroads and she's chosen the path less traveled: Sanctuary. New, cutting edge, financially risky. She's doing theatre again (TVM). She's producing and may get to direct and probably blog a piece or two at Damian's website. All good, so good.

Amanda is modeling what she gave us in Sam Carter for so many seasons: a savvy multi-dimensional professional woman who can say to the world "I'm here. I've arrived. Deal with me!"

Obviously, she knew what to do with Sam Carter.

[KatG]

Someone had expressed a concern about episodes expiring after they were downloaded. Here is the answer from Dan "The Man" Woodland.

There is NO WAY that webisodes will expire. Once you pay for it, it is yours for as long as you want. I have had a few e-mails about gift cards and the ability to buy episodes to burn for friends/family. This is a really interesting request that we will seriously consider. Keep all the great ideas coming...

Dan Woodland
[email protected]

It's really nice to know that they're listening to us and want to make this a great experience for as many as possible.

[ForeverSg1]

Yeah ROX! 2000 posts!

If Sam had a totem animal, it would be a really brave one, so I'm going with the eagle.

If Sam had a totem animal I think it would be a Panda Bear.

She's lived most of her adult life alone - much like the Panda.

She's quite unique - a national treasure.

And she's strikingly beautiful and deceptively dangerous.

Both may look all cute and cuddly, but I wouldn't want to pi$$ off Sam or a Panda bear.

[Mandysg1]

Wow CG, this post deserves to be repeated!

I love reading all the supportive posts about Amanda changing roles from Sam to Helen. This change is so gutsy on so many levels.

First of all, the format itself is high-tech, computer-generated, green screen. I remember reading an interview where AT spoke about getting used to acting in front of a green screen as Stargate used that effect more and more. I think she is comfortable in that context and I bet that not every actor can master such a delivery system. Think about it. She will be delivering her lines and her reactions to a blank screen! It takes quite a polished actor to do that.

Secondly, Amanda and co-producers are walking the walk by funding this project so that it does, indeed, move ahead. There is a confidence here and a belief in self and product that show a certain maturity.

Third, Amanda is playing a professional woman who is obviously older and has an adult child. The anathema of acting and casting - women who have reached a certain age. "Don't know what to do with them." There is a bias in the business but she is hitting her 40s head on and being true to herself, not afraid to portray a character like that. I see so much growth and courage in that.

I, like many of my fellow Samandans, was quite upset at how the character of Sam was handled (er, mishandled) in the beginning of S9. The word went out "we don't know what to do with Sam Carter" and the writers flubbed and the producers pushed and shoved for the newbies. AT, just back from MLA, seemed tired and subdued in her early return scenes. Adjusting to the demands of motherhood and professional responsibilities would do that.

To her credit, Amanda is so resilient and beautiful that she rebalanced, handled what was given her with grace and humor, and Sam Carter survived to live and fight another day (S10). How fascinating that S10 "knew what to do with Sam Carter", eh? Someone got the message.

Now, with Stargate cancelled, Amanda is at a crossroads and she's chosen the path less traveled: Sanctuary. New, cutting edge, financially risky. She's doing theatre again (TVM). She's producing and may get to direct and probably blog a piece or two at Damian's website. All good, so good.

Amanda is modeling what she gave us in Sam Carter for so many seasons: a savvy multi-dimensional professional woman who can say to the world "I'm here. I've arrived. Deal with me!"

Obviously, she knew what to do with Sam Carter.

[the dancer of spaz]

Hey Spacegirlnz! It's nice to see you around these parts! Thanks for answering the 10 questions, too. And lol at your mom... Heh, you gotta love it.

But oops! I missed these other questions somewhere down the road.

Hey everyone. Eileen has been going on at me to come and post here. I have a couple of times before but she insisted that I do the 10 questions. So I started reading from where she linked me.. but then I never managed to catch up (silly computer went caput, but it's off being fixed now) So I have just spent the last 2 hours reading the last 30 pages

So, first of, Eileen is good. We hung out today and wandered through the uni. Courses start next week, so for now we're just relaxing. I think tonight she got to go on a Ferry somewhere with her hostle.

<snip>

And, since I took so long in reading all the new pages, more questions turned up.

Spoiler:

1. If you could only save one DVD boxset due to a plane crash on a remote island....which season would it be?

Season Eight, hands down. That, in many ways, was the last season of Stargate, and it had so many cool moments between the team.

2. If there was a crime commited at the sgc and the CSI specialists were called in, what would they find in Sam's locker?

A palm pilot, some other handheld gadgety thingies, a picture of Cassie, some civvies...

3. If Sam were a patient of Dr. House what quote would she use to reply to him?

Hmmm... I don't know either. Something snarky that she would've used at McKay? "I hate you..."

4. If Sam was in an accident in Chicago and had to go to the hospital which Dr. would treat her and why?

Kovac would treat her first, but Abby would help out, too. Sam would be there. If it's a slow day, maybe Pratt would help, too.

5.If Jordan was called in for a unexplained deathof a victim with an strange mark on his forehead how would Sam explain it?

She'd explain it as a tattoo gone bad.


6. If Sam had 24 hours to find a nuclear bomb, with her partner Jack, who would defuse the bomb first?

I think it depends... If only wires need to be cut, Jack might be able to figure it out.

[Tracy Jane]

I would answer the questions but I don't know the cultural references. Here's what I think when I read them....

1. If you could only save one DVD boxset due to a plane crash on a remote island....which season would it be?

Easy. My BUGS boxset. It's my fave ever TV show and all four seasons in one box. Oh. You mean Stargate? Possibly six. Or one.

2. If there was a crime commited at the sgc and the CSI specialists were called in, what would they find in Sam's locker?

Clothes, towel, washthings? Isn't that what people usually keep in their lockers? Unless your name is Vala, of course. I mean, if the woman keeps a hairdryer and a glass cutter in her backpack, goodness knows what she keeps in her locker.

3. If Sam were a patient of Dr. House what quote would she use to reply to him?

Dr House? Ooober got her medical license? God help us all!

4. If Sam was in an accident in Chicago and had to go to the hospital which Dr. would treat her and why?

I just hope it's not OOoobs. Is there something special about Chicago doctors? How should I know their names?

5.If Jordan was called in for a unexplained death of a victim with an strange mark on his forehead how would Sam explain it?

Why would a glamour model with big (fake) boobs be called in for an unexplained death?


6. If Sam had 24 hours to find a nuclear bomb, with her partner Jack, who would defuse the bomb first?

Ummm, didn't they do something along those lines in an episode of SG1? Though unless Jack had the ancient repository in his brain, I don't think he stands a chance.

I like the idea of Jack being her "partner" though.

[kes]

Oh woh. Apperently I'm a tester
The show will be available worldwide

[Gate gal]

Oooh... Great question. From the vagueness of memory having not watched this one in a few months, I'm thinking she did a good job. But will have to rewatch. I think she managed to accomplish her mission goals - finding the other SG team -- in a minimal amount of time with a minimal amount of resources. How was she to know shape-changing protective aliens?

Don't give your opinion until at least tomorrow, please!

I'll need to rewatch it, too, but I think I agree with Jenn (that happens quite often). I'll let you know after I rewatch it.

[scarimor]

1. If you could only save one DVD boxset due to a plane crash on a remote island....which season would it be?

What am I going to do with the DVDs? Play frisbe on the beach?

2. If there was a crime commited at the sgc and the CSI specialists were called in, what would they find in Sam's locker?

The lockpicking tools responsible.

3. If Sam were a patient of Dr. House what quote would she use to reply to him?



4. If Sam was in an accident in Chicago and had to go to the hospital which Dr. would treat her and why?

The one with SG clearance.

5.If Jordan was called in for a unexplained death of a victim with an strange mark on his forehead how would Sam explain it?

"I had to. He was hitting on Janet."

6. If Sam had 24 hours to find a nuclear bomb, with her partner Jack, who would defuse the bomb first?

Let me think for an hour...

[Mandysg1]

Ok since Jan posted the questions, here's our answers...did we mention it was a slow night



1. If you could only save one DVD boxset due to a plane crash on a remote island....which season would it be?
Mandy "but how can you play it Jan?" JanSam "cause you find a hatch with a DVD player....." Season 3 (cause Jan was being very threatening)

2. If there was a crime commited at the sgc and the CSI specialists were called in, what would they find in Sam's locker?
Many boxes of stollen blue jello

3. If Sam were a patient of Dr. House what quote would she use to reply to him?
House you're an idiot everyday of the week, couldn't you take one day off.

4. If Sam was in an accident in Chicago and had to go to the hospital which Dr. would treat her and why?
Dr Carter....confusion abounds as everyone tries to decipher who is being spoken to.

5.If Jordan was called in for a unexplained deathof a victim with an strange mark on his forehead how would Sam explain it?
He was an alien from a remote village and he wanted a closer look at that bus.

6. If Sam had 24 hours to find a nuclear bomb, with her partner Jack, who would defuse the bomb first?
They would diffuse it together, then get back to ....

[/COLOR]

so what shall we do next time we get bored......

For those foreigners out there these questions were based on American TV shows, here's a bit of information you many need

1. Is based on the show Lost, and Jan says there will be a DVD player and electricity in the secret hatch
2. Is referring to CSI, the original of course
3. Is based on the show House, which has a very miserable Dr. House.
4. What! You don't recognize the ER reference I'm losing hope for our foreign friends
5. Jordan, refers to Crossing Jordan, who is a medical examiner who helps solve crimes.
6. Is in reference to the show 24, which has its own Jack...but don't let that stop you from thinking of another Jack.

Hope that helps make sense, and if not, hey we always enjoy funny answers

[Tracy Jane]

See, Mandy... I've watched the whole of ONE of those shows. In Germany. For about five episodes (Lost). Now, here's MY six questions.

1. The SGC have given clearance for a design to be sold to "Gizmos". What design would it be and which team member do you think Sam would work most closely with?

2. SG1 get wind of a time dilation device being used by a primary school boy called Bernard. How would Sam deal with him?

3. Sir Humphrey Appleby is sent as representative to the International Oversight Committee. How would Sam deal with his political spin?

4. Whilst exploring the Arthurian legends in Britain, SG1 are involved in a freak incident involving solar flares, sending them back to the 1960s. How would they explain their predicament to Phil Bellamy? And what would Sam order from Gina?

5. Sam is invited to judge the science competition at Dibley primary school. What is her excuse to Geraldine?

6. Sam is stuck on the old Ragdoll. What does she do to amuse herself? Or more appropriately, what pranks do the residents of the Ragdoll pull on Sam to amuse themselves.


How's that for cultural reference?

[SamCarterFan]

It is just crazy, when you think about how many men have tried to hit on Sam. I was just watching 'Forsaken' and then it hit me, almost every male who comes on the show tries to hit on her. it's ridiculous how many of them there are. But also very cool ;-) there are just to many names to mention, I mean can you? I can't but I would be very impressed if someone knew all those names.

[PengYn]

6. Is in reference to the show 24, which has its own Jack...but don't let that stop you from thinking of another Jack.

[ForeverSg1]

Ok... I got all of the show references (but thank you for the reassurance, Mandy! )... but I don't watch all of the shows... so I'm not entirely sure about answers...


Dr. Carter of course!! lol - but maybe not, if they're really related and all... and that whole oath about treating your family members comes into play... - still it would be funny to see!! (PS... seriously - have you ever noticed how many times the word/name Carter appears in North America?? My cousin and I started paying attention to it as a game, and it's insane!!!)

I have an entire family full of Carter's. Ooh so if Sam were real, she might have been a long lost cousin. Funny though because I met someone from SaGC at Shore Leave and after talking for awhile we discovered there may be a small possibility that we are related. I'm sure I'm on the removed side of the family as we always tend to be the black sheeps.

[dipsofjazz]

See, Mandy... I've watched the whole of ONE of those shows. In Germany. For about five episodes (Lost). Now, here's MY six questions.

1. The SGC have given clearance for a design to be sold to "Gizmos". What design would it be and which team member do you think Sam would work most closely with?

2. SG1 get wind of a time dilation device being used by a primary school boy called Bernard. How would Sam deal with him?

3. Sir Humphrey Appleby is sent as representative to the International Oversight Committee. How would Sam deal with his political spin?

4. Whilst exploring the Arthurian legends in Britain, SG1 are involved in a freak incident involving solar flares, sending them back to the 1960s. How would they explain their predicament to Phil Bellamy? And what would Sam order from Gina?

5. Sam is invited to judge the science competition at Dibley primary school. What is her excuse to Geraldine?

6. Sam is stuck on the old Ragdoll. What does she do to amuse herself? Or more appropriately, what pranks do the residents of the Ragdoll pull on Sam to amuse themselves.


How's that for cultural reference?

I receive the same tv shows as you, and I only recognise the Vicar of Dibley and Yes, Minister.
I think I'm too old for many of these shows.