Not Lost, But Gone Before...
By: Thomasina Gibson
Publication: Starlog #024 (UK)
Date: March, 2002.

Not so long ago, a young scientist named Daniel Jackson managed to decipher a set of symbols, thereby allowing various explorers to visit new worlds, via a series of Stargates. Having travelled the universe for five years, as part of the illustrious SG-1 - the top team in anybody's solar system - the aforementioned archaeologist/anthropologist decided to turn in a different direction and left for pastures new. Who would have guessed that his brave action would have caused so much trauma to so many individuals, not least the executives at MGM? Talk about being hit by a blast from a staff weapon!

Ever since Stargate SG-1's co-creator and executive producer, Brad Wright, was forced to announce Michael Shanks' departure from the series during a Q&A panel at the Gatecon event in Vancouver, shockwaves have reverberated round the entire Stargate SG-1 fan community. Dismay turned to anger in some quarters when comments made by the actor suggested that the decision to leave wasn't entirely voluntary but that editorial and conspiratorial circumstances precipitated his decision. Nothing, in this world, could have prepared MGM bosses for the deluge of correspondence via letters, emails, phone calls and adverts that has poured in from 'Danielites' expressing their views at the loss of 'their' Dr. Jackson.

In Starlog issue #21 we ran a letter from Stargate SG-1 fan Alison Butler regarding the controversy over Michael Shanks' sudden departure. Alison felt so strongly about what she perceived to be a concentrated conspiracy to get rid of the character that she wrote to MGM, Starlog and every other magazine on sale in the UK not once, but several times over to make her views known. She even started a website so that other supporters of the 'Save Daniel Jackson' campaign could rally to the cause. Alison's letter set the ball rolling and we received many others protesting in a similar vein.

Shanks a lot

Somewhat surprised by the intensity of people's reactions, Michael Shanks had this to say: 'In terms of the big internet campaign and things like that, I think it's great. That said, it has also been a bit overwhelming. I mean, it's all been supportive and a lot of people I've talked with have been very sad about the character's death, which again is quite an ego boost. But really, it's just great to see that people feel strongly enough to do something about their feelings and I think they've gotten enough of both sides of the story - both mine and MGM's - to have enough information to take a perspective on the whole situation.'

For the record, MGM has repeatedly stated that it supports Michael Shanks' decision to leave the series and that everyone at the company and Stargate Productions extends good wishes for his future. At no point has anyone intimated in any way that the Daniel character had to go. Speaking for Stargate Productions, Brad Wright - who has been much maligned as 'chief baddie' in the whole debacle, but who, in fact, has been open and honest with fans from day one of production - did offer his opinion that: 'Daniel's arc [as it had been outlined in the original premise] was done.'

That's not to say that there were no more avenues to explore with the character, but, as Wright points out: 'Michael expressed a desire to move on; had made his feelings known for some time and we did our best to accommodate his wishes.'

Internet frenzy

Seemingly dissatisfied with the response from anyone except Michael Shanks, an internet campaign sparked a wave of protest with pro-Daniel Jackson fans actually raising funds to place ads in various printed publications, including the prestigious Hollywood Variety and several UK magazines. Rowan from Washington State, in the US, explained her reasons for such a drastic manoeuvre. 'I've been a fan of sci-fi television for a very long time and have seen many a campaign to save a show or save a particular character succeed because the powers that be are made aware of how much TV-watching time is invested because of that show or individual. Sometimes, the executives of a particular network or corporation have no real idea of the impact of the production on people's lives. They kind of live in a vacuum and can often make decisions based on a lack of knowledge, rather than listening to and taking on board how those of us out here actually feel.

"With SG-1, the main reasons we put the ads in the paper were two-fold. First, we wanted to show our support for the show in general and let anyone and everyone know that "We love Stargate SG-1." We're not advocating a boycott of the show or of the movie. This is not a kindergarten. We just want our show back to its original groundbreaking formula. All of the people who donated money to place the ads share the same view. SG-1 won't be SG-1 without Daniel. SG-1 is a team. Let's keep it that way. The second reason for the ads was to make it clear how dear Daniel Jackson is to our hearts and to thank Michael Shanks for sharing his talent with us for five great years. He took that character and made it his own and we love him for it.'

Strong support

While this very public outpouring of support has warmed the cockles of Michael Shanks' heart, the financial sums involved have caused him slight discomfort. 'You know, as an actor you can't help but go "Wow! That's very flattering!" However, though I don't know exactly how much it actually costs to place an ad in a publication, I know that it's likely to be a considerable amount and my feeling is that if money like that is being spent, I can't necessarily say I support that aspect of it. What I really wish is that it could be given to a more important cause than Michael Shanks and the character of Daniel Jackson. I just think there are more deserving causes out there to put a little money into than characters on a television show. So I really wish that wasn't happening.'

As if the big internet and ad campaign wasn't enough, the strong physical demonstration of admiration towards Shanks has taken the actor completely by surprise. The five-minute standing ovation he received from 900 attendees at the SG-4 event in London reduced the man to tears. 'My eyes have been opened during this tour around the UK and other places. Doing the show for so long you become insulated in your own little world. You get information from the outside world as it's given to you from the corporation, so you get a sense of things. But until you actually get a chance to meet the people, you don't really get how strongly they feel about you.'

Shanks' sense of gratitude and humility was brought to the fore by two letters from Emma-Jayne Tiller from Bristol, and her mother, Maria. Emma-Jayne had been unaware of any spoilers so was totally unprepared for Daniel's demise when she settled down to watch Meridian on Sky One. According to her mum, she cried well into the night, which would have been distressing in any event, but the Tillers had more than the usual reason to mourn Daniel's departure.

Faced with such a responsibility, Shanks could only shrug and offer a virtual hug to the pair. 'Something like this really tears your heart out and throws it on the floor. No matter what happens in this career - because it is based in fiction and sometimes the business can be a strange egocentric diversion from real life - no matter what you feel about yourself in that vein; if you can give hope to someone or divert some of the positive energy directed toward you to make someone else's day, then that is the true benefit of doing the kind of job I do. That's why I like the character of Daniel so much. There were things about him that we cherish in human nature and to hear that what I did as Daniel and what SG-1 did together has such an impact on other human beings really is totally overwhelming.'

Positive Thinking

Now, although there has been much waiting, gnashing of teeth and threats to cease watching the show, almost as much shouting has come from those who applaud Michael Shanks' decision to venture into the blue yonder and look forward to what the future holds for the rest of the team who give the show its name. There aren't any ads in print yet, but umpteen websites and chat lists have been set up so that those still loyal to Jack (Richard Dean Anderson), Sam (Amanda Tapping), Teal'c (Christopher Judge) can have their say and share their views with the programme-makers. Almost as many readers have written to Starlog and other magazines to share their excitement at the forthcoming season.

I consider myself a fan first and writer second and am in the privileged position of meeting with and getting to know the brilliant people who make Stargate SG-1 so I'd like to volunteer my two-pence worth. First up, I'm not surprised in the least at the sheer volume of response from fans to Michael Shanks' departure. I've met literally thousands of people in person at events in the UK, Europe, Canada, the US and Australia and have chatted to a fair few over the internet. There was never any doubt in my mind that a great many more individuals than expected would bombard the studio executives with their views. Personally, I offer that great British phrase of encouragement - 'more power to their elbows' - but I choose to add 'within reason'.

Team spirit

Since this entire debacle started, I've seen and listened to various theories being bandied about regarding the perceived 'real' reasons behind Michael Shanks' departure and about the shameful way a new character has supposedly been slotted in to replace Daniel Jackson. I've watched two very distinct 'sides' slide into conflict over whether or not to watch the new last season of Stargate SG-1. However, both sides have reiterated that the show is put together by a team of great people just as the SG-1 characters form a great team. One of that team is no longer with us in the form we grew to love, but as the last few seconds in Revelations suggest - Daniel Jackson is not lost… just gone before.

Furthermore, the makers of the show have assured us that Daniel Jackson will be in further episodes of Stargate SG-1 if Michael Shanks is available. However, as much as I personally would like to see Daniel Jackson appear in Season Six, I too, fully support his desire to leave to explore new avenues. The man is talented, determined and his star is on the rise. I fully expect him to be swamped with offers of work and look forward to seeing him shine. If Michael gets the opportunities all his fans wish for him, he won't be able to return to the Stargate SG-1 show. I will miss Daniel, but add my warmest wishes to those from everyone else who wish Michael well.

As for the new season, I can't wait. There's a brand-new bunch of stories and the opportunity to see the team members of SG-1 develop to their full potential. There are at least two new recurring characters that are set to give 'the kids' a run for their money, and who are bound to add a certain frisson to the team dynamics. Five years ago, co-creator Brad Wright said: 'From the very beginning, our aim has been to try to incorporate new characters into the mix.' General Hammond (Don S Davis) speaks for me: 'SG-1! You have a go.'