By GustavoLeao / 19:22, 20 May 2008 / General Genre/SciFi

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The latest issue of Starlog magazine, just out in the US, features an interview with former Star Trek Voyager actor Robert Picardo, in which he talks about his new role in the hit science fiction TV Series Stargate Atlantis. Here are few excerpts of the article.

"I'm excited and looking forward to beginning our season," he enthuses. "STAR WARS is the only franchise with Star in the title that I've yet to conquer!

Woolsey will be using his unique leadership style to take charge of ATLANTIS.

"It's an intriguing choice to put Woolsey in command," Picardo remarks. "They're a science expedition to Atlantis, and they've had a civilian scientist commander, Dr. Weir [Tori Higginson], and a military commander, Colonel Carter [Amanda Tapping], and now they have a bureaucrat who has no expertise in either area!"

"That's built-in conflict right there: a non-scientist running a science expedition, and a non-military guy giving orders. There are all sorts of interesting mistakes in store. "

"First of all, we've established that Woolsey means well, even though he can rub people the wrong way and be difficult to deal with. He has ethical intentions. He's used to reviewing others' command decisions, but isn't used to making them himself. It's going to be interesting to see how he rises to the challenge of having confidence and (not letting) insecurity motivate his decision-making and (how he) deals with those he's in charge of directing.

Woolsey is going to have to find his courage. He's someone designed for one thing, and he has been thrown into a different situation, where he has to adapt and expand his abilities. That's wonderful stuff for an actor to play: to be tried in ways you never have been before, and to face obstacles such as inexperience, fear and impositions that you must overcome."

"STARGATE is a smart, fun show, and the SF audience is loyal and pre-disposed to check out an actor they like from another show.

I don't think Woolsey will ever be as lovable as the Doctor turned out to be, but under his crusty exterior, he's a bit of an overgrown child. and see what happens to him. The writer-producers Joe Malozzi and Paul Mullie have become good friends, and they have a great idea of my strengths as an actor.

I'm confident that they will write some interesting and challenging stuff for me to do."
 
More from Picardo on Stargate can be found here.

The full article can be found on the latest issue of Starlog Magazine, now on sale.