Stargate's Robert Picardo Conquers Space Again
Robert Picardo by Eike Schroter/Sci Fi Channel
One of the best parts of
Stargate Atlantis' (Fridays, 9pm/ET, Sci Fi) fifth season has been the unlikely ascent of
Robert Picardo's uptight Richard Woolsey to team leader. Woolsey is a stick-in-the-mud, but Picardo's good humor about his eclectic career (
China Beach,
The Wonder Years,
Star Trek: Voyager, etc.) proves he's quite the opposite. -
G J Donnelly
TV Guide: Describe Woolsey.
Robert Picardo: He's a bureaucrat trying to reinvent himself as a leader. We've seen examples in various governments where that hasn't always succeeded. He's a Monday-morning quarterback who is now on the field.
TV Guide: How does Atlantis compare to Voyager?
Picardo:
Trek is probably more cerebral and philosophical.
Stargate does seat-of-the-pants adventure and humor better. Having done both, it's great to be a part of more freewheeling storytelling.
TV Guide: Any pet peeves about space?
Picardo: [On
Trek], my pet peeve was there were no zippers. Or pockets! On
Stargate, I not only have pockets, but I have four or even six! [
Laughs]
TV Guide: You have a great series track record. A favorite?
Picardo:
China Beach. It was a tremendous responsibility to try and heal some of those Vietnam wounds.
