TVGuide Online has a wonderful new interview with Richard Dean Anderson, in honor of this week’s airing of “200” in the U.S. Read it with images here, and we’ve excerpted it below. Beware of spoilers for “200”.
Richard Dean Anderson Marks SG-1’s 200th
by Ileane Rudolph
TV Guide caught up with Richard Dean Anderson on the Vancouver set of Sci Fi Channel’s Stargate: SG-1, where he was making his first visit back since he left the show one and a half years ago to spend more time with his young daughter. Sitting in a mock wedding chapel, Anderson looked just fine in a tux, as he waited for a nuptial scene to begin. (SG-1 fans, you’ll love it.) The occasion was special not only because of the former star’s return — the first of two SG-1 and three Stargate Atlantis visits this season — but because the episode was the 200th of the decade-old show (airing Friday, Aug. 18, at 9 pm/ET). Anderson talked to us about the anniversary, why he returned and what he’s been up to.
TV Guide: Is it true that the writers are also giving the fans what they’ve always wanted? Jack and Sam getting together, for instance, is a major fan wish, no?
Anderson: Yes, you’re right, the fan base always wanted this to happen, [though here it’s] in a coma or a fantasy, or whatever this is. By the way, I’m doing an Atlantis [episode] simultaneously, bouncing back and forth all week. I’m the character comparable to Dr. Weir, but she’s in a coma. And over here, I’m in somebody’s dream or fantasy.
TV Guide: So you’re not really in either place?
Anderson: Apparently not. Which means, I guess, they’re not paying me. I never showed up.
Anderson goes off to rehearse the big wedding scene. Sam (Amanda Tapping) is the bride, and Daniel (Michael Shanks) is the best man. No doubt saluting the fans who want Jack and Daniel to hook up, they do a couple of “Brokeback” takes. In one, Richard takes the bouquet out of Amanda’s hands and gives it to Michael. In another, Richard takes Michael’s hand at the altar, which causes the assembled cast and crew to erupt in applause. (You’ll just have to watch to see what ends up on air.)
TV Guide: That was cute, the hand-holding with Michael.
Anderson: [Laughs] Over the years, it’s been alluded to, so we did that just for us.
TV Guide: Should Jack and Sam wind up together at the end of the series?
Anderson: I know it’s a pressing issue for the fans, but luckily we’ve been able to justify not just doing it for doing-it’s sake. There’s always been something that’s kept us apart, obviously. But I don’t know whether there should be an allusion to it at the end, whenever the series goes its merry way.