CREATOR CHAT

Natalie Barnes

Natalie Barnes talks to Titan Books about her experience writing the Official Companion for the last ever season of Stargate SG-1…

As a science fiction show, Stargate SG-1 never took itself too seriously. The writers know how to tell a great story, but they also know how to find the humour in dramatic situations. It's not fun to watch something that is invariably bleak and hopeless.

The continuity of talent behind and in front of the camera also speaks volumes about the relationships on set, and that subsequently translates onto the screen. A large majority of cast and crew on the show have been there for years and that has allowed both creative and personal continuity.

It has to be '200'. A hilarious send-up of the series, it was a complete departure from anything the show has ever done before and was more like a comedy sketch show than stock science fiction. Robert C. Cooper called it a "love letter to the fans", and I think that's exactly what it is. The cast are obviously in their element when you watch the episode and they're committed to every joke - even when it's at their own expense.

Not only was it an extremely amusing episode, but it was also the mark of a momentous occasion - earning Stargate SG-1 a place in the Guinness World Records book as the longest consecutive running science fiction show of all time. It's a wonderful milestone, and it's great that they allowed us to be privy to their celebration.

I thought it was sad, because the show had so much life left in it. As a storytelling device, Stargate SG-1 could go on forever. Ten years is a phenomenal run by any standards, but I'm positive that it could have successfully continued for a long time to come. Whilst it may have ended in its present television incarnation, the fans know that Stargate SG-1 will continue in another form. As Ben Browder said, "Stargate SG-1 is a vampire" (in a good way!) - and I think he's right.

It would have to be season seven's dramatic two-parter, 'Heroes'. The second part, in particular, is a distinctly memorable episode for me due to its emotional subtext. Robert Cooper's powerful script acts as a tribute to the unsung heroes of the Armed Forces, and the death of Dr Fraiser underscores the danger of working in a military environment. It's exceptionally poignant and compelling drama at its best.

Honestly, it was quite a daunting task. When I was told I needed to write 46,000 words, it seemed near impossible - especially when I was working full time as a magazine editor (on the Stargate magazine). But bit by bit (and after numerous nights of sleep deprivation) it came together. Thankfully the lovely Sharon Gosling agreed to help out at the last minute, and I'm really pleased with the end product.

Interviewing the cast and crew on set has been by far the most enjoyable aspect of writing this book. I only hope I did them all justice!

No, not really. Most similar is perhaps Michael Shanks, who admits that after ten years of playing the same character, the line between actor and character has inadvertently begun to blur. But Michael's good friend Chris Judge is so far removed from Teal'c, it was a real shock when I first met him. The stoic, silent warrior is actually played by a very loud and very funny prankster! Now that�s the sign of a consummate actor.

Oh, that's really very difficult. Each and every one of them is just a pleasure to interview. Can I pick two? For sheer hilarity, it has to be Ben Browder. That man can talk. He may not answer the questions you ask him - he begins analysing Mitchell's character development and ends up talking about pole-vaulting - but it's always such fun speaking with him. And I really love talking to Amanda Tapping. She's a very genuine and warm lady, and her interviews are incredibly honest and heartfelt.

Yes. When I'm lucky enough to visit Bridge Studios, I'm spoilt rotten by the cast and crew, in particular set publicists Brigitte Prochaska and Carole Appleby. It's so interesting to see firsthand the different stages in the filming and production process, and it's great to see how much fun the actors have on set.

I was very privileged to be allowed to witness Stargate SG-1's final shot. When season 10 finally wrapped at about 2am, the very last shot filmed was of the team stepping through the Stargate. The set was full of family and friends of the cast and crew. Some of these people had been on the show for ten years. There were a lot of tears and it was clearly a very emotional time for them all. At the end, Chris Judge made a very touching speech. He said: "This is a seminal experience. We laugh every day, and we truly love each other. We�ve had ten years of love and laughter and we thank you so much for allowing us to be part of your lives." To be part of that was really something special.