Go through the Stargate with Stargate: Atlantis star Torri Higginson and co-creator Robert C. Cooper in this very special double episode.
As many of you may know by now, I am a huge sci-fi fan. But when people ask me Star Trek or Wars. I say neither, Gate. Stargate is one of the most story and character-rich franchises in the history of science fiction.
The world building is second to none, the characters are ingenious and their chemistry undeniable. It all started with the Dean Devlin/Roland Emmerich-produced movie entitled Stargate. After the success of the film, the first television show, Stargate SG-1, was created by Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner.
The popularity of the show proved enormous, and MGM asked for a spinoff. That show was called Stargate: Atlantis, and ran simultaneously with the original series until SG-1 signed off in 2007. Atlantis ran for two more seasons, ending in 2009.
Both shows follow a team of Air Force members and civilian scientists as they explore strange new worlds through the titular Stargate, a portal created by a technologically advanced race of mysterious ancient humans.
Our first guest today–Tori Higginson played lead scientist on the Atlantis expedition, Dr. Elizabeth Weir. Higginson’s performance added a sincerity and vulnerability that balanced out the cast, which included Joe Flannigan as Colonel John Sheppard, David Hewlett as socially inept genius Rodney McKay, and even a young Jason Momoa, as the aggressive warrior Ronan-an early role that foreshadowed his megastardom as an action hero.
In this chat, Higginson opens up about her life in Science Fiction. From the TekWar TV movies with William Shatner to the endearing and enduring Stargate fandom, Higginson is grateful for what the genre has brought her.
But she is an actor first and foremost, and never set out to become a sci-fi star. We talk about some of her early, non-sci-fi roles.
Torri currently stars as head nurse Claire Malone on CTV’s Transplant. Season one of the medical drama–which already aired in Canada–is expected premiere in the US on NBC this fall amid a pandemic that has forced TV networks to get creative for the new season.
This interview with Torri Higginson provides real insight into the life of an actor.
After Torri, we hear from Stargate: Atlantis co-creator Robert C. Cooper. Cooper co-created Atlantis along with SG-1 co-creator Brad Wright. Cooper also co-created the third series in the franchise, Stargate: Universe.
Universe in particular was not as well received by fans of the other two series. Still, Cooper is particularly proud of that series. You’ll hear why.
In addition to Stargate, we talk about what Robert has been up to since the pandemic. Plus, he goes into great detail about what he has been doing to help nurture young television and film writers.
I truly hope you enjoy this double episode with these icons of science fiction.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS