IMHO, don't blame the scifi channel, they only gave the go ahead for another season. Why Michael Shanks took a "sabbatical" after season 5 isn't talked about by the studio (MGM) or the cast members other than the official press release. Plenty of rumors out there, but nothing concrete. As far as anybody can tell, the scifi channel had no direct input or influence into shows direction or creativity. Can read these links to get an insight:
http://www.michael-shanks.com/interviews/starlog24.html
and scroll down to read the "Shanks' Return Embraced By All":
http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue324/letters.html
Even the gaters had some controversy at that time, but in the end worked it out. Here's both sides of that story:
http://www.pink-khaki.net/sjhw.html
http://www.pink-khaki.net/sdj.html
A partial quote:
Quote:
Personal issues aside, even before Michael Shanks left, some Daniel fans were dictating what the show *should* be about; what it was *supposed* to be about. Our commentary never had anything to do with the character himself, it had to do with the behavior of the fans desiring to take creative control away from the rightful owners, the powers that be.
|
It should be noted that the "Save Daniel Jackson" website has been since taken down and dissolved. And more importantly, the SG1 fandom is back discussing/critiquing episodes, the story arc, and the acting performances.