Tag: Ben Browder

“Fargate” special: Ben Browder speaks
Ben Browder wants to set the record straight.
Maureen Ryan, Chicago Tribune, 10th Feb 2005

[On watching all eight previous seasons of “Stargate SG-1” for the past few weeks] It’s not like it’s a burden, but it does take some time. Your family does end wanting to kill you. “But honey, the Tok’ra are in trouble!”

[On how he will pronounce the name of “SG-1” marquee enemy, the Goa’uld] Whatever Chris Judge [Teal’c] says is right. He knows. I mean, if you’re working for them, you must know what their name was, and he worked for them. Either that or I’ll just imitate Daniel Jackson [Michael Shanks’ character]. Or I’ll come up with a new pronunciation that will have nothing to do with anything that has come before.

[On meeting various “SG-1” people in advance of arriving in Vancouver] I’ve met a number of the writers and producers. Martin Wood, [executive producer] Brad Wright — Brad and I got on really well. I’ve met Joe Mallozzi and his writing partner [Paul Mullie], and I’ve met Michael Shanks.

[Whom you don’t look like at all] Yeah, he’s my secret brother [laughs]. We don’t look that much alike. That’s a myth. He’s six foot and built, and I’m 5 foot 3, 235 lbs and pasty.

[On whether “Stargate SG-1” and “Farscape” share a sense of humor] “Farscape was probably guilty of more irony that perhaps SG-1 is. I don’t know. They certainly have a sense of humor about it. We’ll see when I get up there how much of that was Richard Dean Anderson and how much is other people. You never really know, even after watching a show, because shows change, they evolve, they become different, that’s all due to the producers and where the story is going and the persons involved in telling the story. Season nine will probably be different from season eight and my only problem is that people will attribute that to me.

[On joining a show in its eighth season] It’ll be interesting for me to join a production going on for that extended period of time, to integrate into that environment. Everyone knows each other and knows the routine. Truthfully everyone up there knows what they’re doing and know their jobs, I’ll just be trying to figure out where the bathrooms are. In my first month or two I’m really just going to be learning names and where the bathrooms are and when’s lunch.

Probably a reasonable analogy is going to a new high school in senior year, it may be even more accurate to say, it’ll be like joining a high school football team senior year and trying to find your space.

[On contributing to the writing, as he did on “Farscape”] As far as stories and characters, that’s all someone else’s job. In a way, that’s kind of comforting. There are a lot of people there responsible for the show. My job is to do the best I can [bringing those stories to life]. Every time you get a job as an actor, you’re like “Great, I have a job!” Followed by, “Oh God, it’s gonna be my last job. I’m gonna be terrible.” I’m coming into a series that’s been successful for eight years — I’ve got to learn how they do things.

With “Farscape” it was an invitation to do [writing], I wouldn’t push to do that on “Stargate,” there’s way too much for me to learn before I figure out if I have anything to contribute or not. To presume that my job on the show is to write – it’s not my show. I may have watched the entire series, but I don’t know it the way that the people doing the show know it. It would be presumptuous of me to come in and say, “I want to write.”

[On working with Claudia Black in Season Nine of “SG-1”] They’ve shown a great degree of intelligence by hiring Claudia and bringing her in to do as much as they want her to do. Claudia is a great actress and it’ll be good for me to have a friend there. Is it weird for two actors from one show to be on another show [together]? Who knows. We’re gonna be playing different characters, and I’m not sure how big the [`SG-1’/ `Farscape’] crossover audience is. Most people won’t care past the first scene.

[On his new character] The truth is, I plan on doing everything exactly the same as John Crichton would [laughs]. No, the similarities [between Crichton and his new character] end fairly abruptly. I was talking with the producers, who were saying, “How does it feel to play another military character?” But John was an anti-military character, especially through the first year of “Farscape.” He was not in the military. He was a civilian pilot. Both characters fly planes, that’s about it [as far as similarities go].

Who the character is – that’s to be determined. I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do sometimes until I’ve done it. I have certain ideas, but my ideas are as likely to change as the wind. I haven’t met most of the cast face to face, I haven’t met the directors, there’s a lot for me to figure out.

[On comparisons between “Stargate” and “Farscape”] I know something about both series, they are sort of related. They were both on Sci Fi and they were in close proximity to each other for a period of time. I’m aware of the links but I’m also aware that they’re very different creatures. Fans of both will realize that. I’m an actor, I’m there to serve the story and the script and beyond that, what it means, well, I’m grateful to Sci Fi for allowing me to join another show on the network.

[On “Stargate’s” evolution] At a certain point, you have to keep swimming or die, you have to keep moving or die. Most shows, you look at great shows in TV, “Cheers” or “MASH,” any long-running shows, they have their transitions. “NYPD Blue,” too. The show itself, the story being told, is what’s important. You can change out cast members and the show will survive. Shows add characters, they lose characters, that’s the nature of a solid show.

Even in four years on “Farscape,” we lost characters and added characters. Whether the audience embraces that [on “Stargate”] or how they respond – there’s absolutely nothing I can do about that. Other than enjoy the experience and see where the thing goes and hope the producers feel that they made a good decision.

The great thing with introducing a new character is that he’s got no powers. He’s useless. That’s a great thing. He can’t sense when a symbiont is present. He doesn’t know anything about Ancient technology. He’s not a translator.

If nothing else, it’s going to be interesting. That’s a good thing. On the bright side, everyone can blame me if it doesn’t work out.

[A few random favorite episodes] “The Torment of Tantalus,” “Cold Lazarus” and “Heroes.”

Read the full article in Maureen Ryan’s column at the Chicago Tribune

Rockne S. O’Bannon, Farscape creator/executive producer

“That’s great news for Stargate. When I heard about it, my first question to Ben was: ‘Exactly how many fan conventions do you think you can do in a year, anyway?’ For the record, though, the first time Ben’s character uses the word ‘Frell,’ my lawyers are going to be all over his ass!”

David Kemper, Farscape executive producer

“When Ben told me about his new role, three things sprang simultaneously to mind, all being mutually compatible. One: the wonderful folks at Stargate are getting one hell of a talented actor. Two: Ben is joining an exceptional show that should afford him plenty of chances to spread his wings and captivate everyone who watches. Three: the fans win all around.”

“I am, however, troubled that he insists on gaining 100lbs to play the part. I keep thinking that when they said he’d be a ‘military heavyweight’ in the show, they had something else in mind…Maybe I’m wrong. Either way, I’ll be watching.”

Richard Manning, Farscape co-executive producer

“I’m delighted – Ben’s got steady work. This is always something to celebrate: doubly so for someone as talented as Ben… It’s a shame any time he’s not working.”

David Bassom, Dreamwatch #126, February 2005

From America’s national institution and biggest-selling magazine, TV Guide
Farscape vet jumps into Stargate
By Ileane Rudolph

It’s a sci-fi scenario straight out of internet fan fiction: studly Farscape pilot John Crichton gets sucked into a wormhole and wakes up on Stargate SG-1. Well, it’s real — or at least it’s kind of real.

Ben Browder, who played the marooned astronaut on Sci Fi Channel’s late, lamented Farscape (and last fall’s miniseries The Peacekeeper Wars), has been recruited to join the intergalactic soldiers of the network’s Stargate. His character — all producers would reveal is that his initials are M.M. — will be introduced when the series begins its ninth season this summer.

While this news will have Farscape fans buzzing, hardcore Stargazers might be disappointed to learn that Richard Dean Anderson, who plays Stargate Command chief Jack O’Neill, will no longer be a full-time cast member. “My decision to leave the show is purely a personal one, based first and foremost on my desire to spend as much time as possible with my 6-year-old daughter in Los Angeles,” Anderson says. (Stargate is filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia.) At press time the former MacGyver star was in negotiations to appear in a handful of episodes.

To ease the transition, viewers will learn that Browder’s character “has been involved in a very key way in some of [the Stargate crew’s] major events,” excutive producer Robert C. Cooper says. Flashbacks will link M.M. to past adventures.

As if the news doesn’t give Farscape fans enough to celebrate, Cooper hints of a possible reunion between Browder and his former co-star Claudia Black. Black is guest-starring on Stargate’s January 28 episode as an alien, and “we’d love to have her back and meet up with Ben in some capacity,” Cooper says. “That would be too much fun to resist.”

Browder hopes his new, higher-profile series will help the cause of another Farscape project. “It’s not only a good career move for me, but it could be good for the whole Farscape cast.” — Ileane Rudolph

Maureen Ryan
Chicago Tribune

BACK TO THE FUTURE: Ben Browder of “Farscape” fame is joining the cast of “Stargate SG-1” in the show’s upcoming ninth season, and executive producers Brad Wright and Robert Cooper have already decided that Browder’s character will be a military guy, part of a Stargate team viewers haven’t seen yet on the Sci Fi show.

“Specifically, he’s the [pilot] that led the squadron that fought [an enemy named] Anubis in Antarctica,” Wright wrote in an e-mail. “He was badly injured when his fighter crashed, nearly killed but was promised a place on SG-1 if he made it back to fighting form.”

Here’s my e-mail exchange with Brad:

Q: How did Ben’s name come up in connection with SG-1? Was there a desire to add a character to the ninth season, and the names of various actors came up? Or was Ben the only actor that was under consideration?

A: Actually, we asked casting to generate a list as we usually do, but we’ve been interested in working with Ben for some time. Meeting him for the first time in San Diego at Comicon last year reinforced that interest.

Q: Did Sci Fi Channel execs or anyone at MGM suggest Ben, or was it an idea cooked up by you and Robert Cooper? Or did Ben just show up at your house and demand a part?

A: We already knew that the execs at Sci Fi were fans of Ben because of Farscape, so we were on the same page. Ben was the only actor we made an offer to.

Q: Do you have strong ideas about the character that Ben will be playing, or is his character still being developed?

A: Rob and I had talked at length about the character and he came up with a very interesting backstory. You should actually ask Rob about that, since he’s writing the script introducing his character. [Ed note: I plan on doing just that.]

Q: Related to the question above, if Ben’s character has already been somewhat defined — will his character be a member of the military? A Stargate SG-1 team member? An alien? Can you talk at all about what kind of man Ben will be playing?

A: Rob will tell you this, but yes, he’s a military man. Specifically, he’s the F-302 pilot (our Earth-designed space fighter) that led the squadron that fought Anubis in Antarctica. He was badly injured when his fighter crashed, nearly killed but was was promised a place on SG-1 if he made it back to fighting form.

I’m not concerned with Crichton comparisons that may arise. SG-1 is a unit of the U.S. Air Force and so he should be an officer, but it’s a very different show.

Q: When does filming begin for Season 9 (are you already in production for Season 9, or are you still filming Season 8)? And is Ben committed to be in the entire season, or only in a certain number of episodes? Is he committed beyond Season 9?

A: We’ll start shooting Season 9 at the beginning of March. (I can’t believe I just said that)

Ben will be with us for the entire season and if we keep going, he’ll keep going. (I’m not so sure if I’ll keep going 😉

Q: Everyone’s been commenting on how similar Ben and Michael Shanks look — is there any possibility that their characters will be related?

A: No, they won’t be related but once we’ve shaved Ben’s head it will be far easier to tell them apart 😉 We’ll come up with something. I’m not worried about it.

Q: Is Richard Dean Anderson coming back at all for Season 9? There was some talk of 4 appearances for Season 9, but has anything been confirmed? If he does not come back for Season 9, what happens to him at the end of Season 8?

A: O’Neill will continue to be a part of the SG-1 universe. Whether we actually SEE him is up to Rick, but the character will continue to exist on or off screen. He may appear in one or two or more episodes. But let me add this: I handed over the reins of the SG-1 to Robert in season seven because I needed a rest and wanted to spend more time with my family.

That’s all Rick wants to do, and I don’t blame him. I came back. The door is open for Rick to do the same.

[Next season] Claudia is going to appear in a five-episode arc in the role of Vala. She’s great. You’ll get to see just why we wanted to bring her back in “Prometheus Unbound,” which has yet to air.

Q: Can you confirm that Claudia Black will come back during Season 9? Would having Claudia and Ben on the same episode(s) of SG-1 be a great opportunity to get Farscape fans to check out SG-1, in your mind?

A: I think Claudia and Ben should bring a few “Farscape” fans aboard, but that’s not why we’re doing this. They’re great actors. Claudia has already proven herself on our show.

Q: Have you heard/read any feedback on Ben’s casting from SG-1 fans? From “Stargate” fans? Are both camps generally happy with the news? What’s the general feeling you’ve been getting from people?

A: As to whether or not the “camps” will be happy — I honestly don’t worry about that. We do read what is posted on the ‘net but then we make our shows the way we think they should be made. We’ll see.

Q: In Season 9, is there a desire to do more off-world, mythology stories? Or will they be more Earth-set?

A: Forgive me, but this question drives me nuts.

Despite the fact that I think the Earth-based stories are important to the series, it is not entirely a creative decision. Since the beginning we’ve done Earth-based stories to offset the costs of offworld stories. We don’t have unlimited resources. It is a fact that Earth-based shows are — generally speaking — less expensive to produce. (Antarctica doesn’t count).

Off-world stories require visual effects, matte paintings, otherworldly sets, remote locations, costumes, props and set [decoration] that all has to be constructed to our standards. I know that fans hate that answer but that’s the way it is. It is NOT our inability to come up with stories that take place on other planets.

Q: Regarding Season 9, can you talk a bit about the general direction or theme of the season? Will there be any crossovers to Atlantis?

A: Season 9 will have a new beginning with a new enemy. I think once you’ve seen the end of Season 8 you’ll understand why we’re doing that. Yes, I hope there will be cross over between the two series. I have an idea but I’m still working it out.

Q: Is Don S. Davis coming back in Season 9?

A: Possibly. Nothing has been set.

Q: What do you think Ben will bring to SG-1 — what are you personally most excited about, regarding his coming to the show?

A: I think it’s going to be fun to have him around.

Posted with permission of the author: our grateful thanks to Maureen Ryan

Read Maureen Ryan’s article at the Chicago Tribune