22 ● THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2004
'Stargate' universe expands with spin-off
The Associated Press
VANCOUVER, British Columbia Brad Wright appears as weathered as the rugged Canadian landscape on this misty morning on the Bridge Studios lot.
"I've never worked so hard in my life," said the co-creator and executive producer of the Sci-Fi Channel's Stargate SG-1, and his fatigue is showing.
For the last six months, he's been spending many a late night writing for both the long-running space series and its much-anticipated spin-off, Stargate Atlantis, as their season premieres rapidly approached.
In the time it once took to develop 20 episodes of SG-1, Wright and producing partner Robert Copper are having to
write twice as many shows because they're writing for both series. And they're only halfway done.
But Wright's not complaining, saying, "It's one of the classiest problems you can have."
The eighth season premiere of Stargate SG-1 — presented in two consecutive one-hour parts — airs 8 p.m. Friday and Stargate Atlantis debuts with a two-hour movie 8 p.m. July 16. Then on July 23, SG-1 and Atlantis begin their regular schedules (8 p.m. and 9 p.m.).
Based on the 1994 feature film, Stargate SG-1 was acquired by the Sci-Fi Channel two years ago after five seasons on Showtime.
Richard Dean Anderson, who rose to TV fame on the popular MacGyver
series, stars as Jack O'Neill, leader of a covert military commando squad. Also on the crew: archaeologist Daniel Jackson (Michael Shanks), astrophysicist Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping) and alien warrior Teal'a (Christopher Judge).
With "zat guns" at the ready, and plenty of computer-generated effects, the SG-1 team steps through the shimmering Stargate each week to be transported around the universe to fight the Goa'uld, evil overlords who kidnap and enslave humans.
The new Atlantis series will offer fans more from the Stargate universe. Led by Torri Higginson as Dr. Elizabeth Weir, and co-starring Joe Flanigan, Rainbow Sun Francks, David Hewlett and Rachel Luttrell, the explorers have only enough
energy to power a one-way trip through the Stargate.
Not only must they contend with unknown technologies, they encounter a sinister new enemy, the vampirelike Wraith, which they have unknowingly unleashed on a civilization that has so far managed to avoid the life-suckers.
"We just keep showing up on planets and screwing up the worlds with all the best intentions," says David Hewlett, who reprises his SG-1 role as Dr. Rodney McKay on the new series. "That's the human dilemma in itself, and we see that in all different facets of society."
But for Wright and his creative crew, the real challenge of Atlantis is twofold. "It's gotta be different, and it's gotta be the same," he says.
BURGE: Director oversaw union growth
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Graduating students made Burge an honorary member of classes 1972, 1977, 1979 and 1980.
He was the University's first employee of the year in 1975, and was awarded the University of Kansas Alumni Association's Fred Ellsworth
Medallion, the most prestigious award for service to the University, in 1982.
A highly respected member of the Lawrence community, Burge served as a director of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, a Red Cross Mass Feeding Chairman and as a member of the Governor's Committee on Civil Defense.
He was also a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2211 Inverness Drive, and a past president of the Noon Rotary Club.
Years after his retirement Burge continued to make frequent visits to campus, often on his bicycle, to continue his lasting role as "unofficial host" of the University.
Memorial Services for Burge were yesterday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. He was buried in a private ceremony at Pioneer Cemetery on West Campus.
Burge is survived by his wife, Gladys, and sister, Marge Young of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The family suggested memorials be sent to the Frank R. Burge Student Union Activities Scholarship fund, or to the Good Shepherd Church, care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
- Edited by Jay Senter