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« Michael's 24 & Stargate SG-1 Blog
Unending
Well, its all come down to this: 10 seasons. Over 200 episodes. Adventure. Laughter. Tears. And as this is the last episode of our journey together, I will make this my last TV Guide blog entry.
Thanks be to all of you who have grown with us over the years. It has been a true pleasure, and one I’m sure I will not see the likes of again. The years have gone by so fast… so fast. So much has changed, in my life, and in the lives of those around me. And I’m sure of yours too.
I was reminded as recently as yesterday how much can happen in 10 years. I shared a conversation on the plane with Katee Sackoff (of Battlestar Galactica fame — for those living under boulders) who enlightened me that she used to watch the early seasons of Stargate with her father… when she was 17. Holy crap. That aged me.
I was a single boy of 26 years when we took our first steps through the gate, and now I speak to you as a father of three at 36 years old. It really does fly, doesn’t it?
“Unending.” An appropriate name for a show that has ended, been critically bashed, changed its cast and been written off by so many. And still we survived with a new tomorrow. Forgive me, but…NEENER-NEENER-NEENER! I am so proud of the cast, the writers, the crew, the producers, and yes, even the executives who endured many whips and scorns, only to show up ever day and make this journey possible. But most of all, I am proud of you, the viewer, who really has made all of it feasible. Without you, we as ‘players’ truly have no purpose. You are sincerely what has made the gate spin week after week. Be proud.
I know that not all of you have supported every decision that the storytellers have made. Fandom, has become over time like a dysfunctional family: separated in agenda, but united in a love for what is, what was, or what simply could be. It’s all OK now. I believe that the entire family can now embrace, mourn or celebrate the end of an era. Together, whether some like it or not, we have made television history. Be very proud.
Today, we keep our chins held high, or faces turned clearly toward the sunset and can acknowledge with a clear conscience that “we made this.”
I cannot comment too much on the episode itself as a final episode. Its not a final episode. It’s a beginning point for the further adventures of SG-1. I’m so happy that Robert Cooper chose to end the series with the team just climbing up the ramp again for “just another mission to save the universe.” That way, these characters will always live on in our collective imaginations, doing whatever it is that you want them to do. I was equally grateful that it was made a point to film that scene last, so that everyone involved in the production could be there to say goodbye together. Trust me, this was not an easy task either, as both booze and tears were flowing at any given moment (Chris Judge was blubbering like a preschooler). We did eventually get the shots required (at close to midnight, if memory serves), hugged each other, shook hands and reluctantly went our separate ways. Ouch.
I think that it is a colossal understatement to say that I will always treasure this experience. Personally, I have spent the majority of my adult life working with these people, and only time will tell what life will be like without seeing them every day. Chris Judge’s pranks, Amanda Tapping's infectious smile, Ben Browder’s optimism, Beau Bridges’ "Tales of Hollywood," Clauda Black’s untold friendship, Don Davis’ tall stories, Teryl Rothery’s giddy laughter, and of course, Richard Dean Anderson’s relentless humor, sarcasm and massacre of everything cliché or mainstream. The dogs on set, the growing army of children on set, golf balls whizzing in every direction, gallons of coffee, reading scripts, Ivan Bartok shooting endless B-roll, Stargate hockey, Mallozzi’s suits and chocolate, prosthetic puppets, thousands of rounds of P-90 ammo, and rubbing the DHD’s red centre in just the right way. I could go on, but it might just be… unending.
So, as we say goodbye, and move on to whatever happens next, I leave you with these borrowed words: “Life is too short.” I aim to really enjoy the rest of my years. Hopefully, as much as I’ve enjoyed the last 10.
For more on the Stargate SG-1 TV finale, see Friday's Interviews & Features.
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Jun 21, 2007 9:00 PM
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This episode goes as one of my all time favorites. It was heartbreaking, heartwarming, emotional, action, and the whole ball of wax. Thank you.
But I do NOT understand why last blog? Can we not get you to do one weekly? Or every other week? Heck we'd take the once a month!!! PLEASE! Don't make us set up a "Save Michael Shanks Blog" petition web site!
You have projects, movies, a long life of work ahead, what better place to share your thoughts with your fans than here. Sad enough to be losing SG1 as a weekly without you not blogging! It was, dearest Michael, one bright spot out of this ending... that you were beginning a new mode of sharing. Please reconsider.
Debra
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Jun 21, 2007 9:07 PM
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You made me cry *sob*
But it's all good.
*sniffle*
Thanks,
-Whisper
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Jun 21, 2007 9:09 PM
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LAST BLOG! say it ain't so! 
if not here, then at your official site.
don't make me beg. it won't be pretty
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Jun 21, 2007 9:18 PM
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I was the same age as Katee when Stargate first begun. Oy, that does tend to make one feel a bit old.
Unending was truly an inspiring episode, beautiful in it's rendering and a treasure to watch. We are all forever indebted to you, the rest of the cast, crew and writers for giving us such a treat. Kudos to all.
It's been a real great to read your thoughts, sad to see this end so soon. But just remember we, your loyal fans, will follow you wherever you go.
How scary is that? 
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Jun 21, 2007 9:20 PM
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Dear Michael:
Thank you for 10 years of entertainment on Stargate SG-1. I look forward to seeing you in other projects for many years to come.
Hopefully you will continue this blog or find some other public venue, to keep your fans informed of any upcoming opportunities for yourself or Lexa.
I wish you both all the best and great success where ever you may go from here.
Cats
--
Edited by Ms_Cats_Meow at 06/21/2007 6:27 PM - Because it makes more sense when you type ALL of the words. 
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Jun 21, 2007 9:26 PM
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> Well, its all come down to this: 10 seasons. Over 200
> episodes. Adventure. Laughter. Tears. And as this is
> the last episode of our journey together, I will make
> this my last TV Guide blog entry.
Awww must you? Really? You will be missed your blogs are very entertaining. >
> Thanks be to all of you who have grown with us over
> the years. It has been a true pleasure, and one I’m
> sure I will not see the likes of again. The years
> have gone by so fast… so fast. So much has changed,
> in my life, and in the lives of those around me. And
> I’m sure of yours too.
And what a life you have led and so much fun to watch what you are starting to accomplish now
>
> I was reminded as recently as yesterday how much can
> happen in 10 years. I shared a conversation on the
> plane with Katee Sackoff (of Battlestar
> Galactica fame — for those living under
> boulders) who enlightened me that she used to watch
> the early seasons of Stargate with her father…
> when she was 17. Holy crap. That aged me.
Aww great story; nope no boulders here were I live
> I was a single boy of 26 years when we took our first
> steps through the gate, and now I speak to you as a
> father of three at 36 years old. It really does fly,
> doesn’t it?
Yes time does fly!
>
> “Unending.” An appropriate name for a show that has
> ended, been critically bashed, changed its cast and
> been written off by so many. And still we survived
> with a new tomorrow. Forgive me,
> but…NEENER-NEENER-NEENER! I am so proud of the cast,
> the writers, the crew, the producers, and yes, even
> the executives who endured many whips and scorns,
> only to show up ever day and make this journey
> possible. But most of all, I am proud of you, the
> viewer, who really has made all of it feasible.
> Without you, we as ‘players’ truly have no purpose.
> . You are sincerely what has made the gate spin week
> after week. Be proud.
Wish we the viewers could have kept it going longer.>
> I know that not all of you have supported every
> decision that the storytellers have made. Fandom,
> has become over time like a dysfunctional family:
> separated in agenda, but united in a love for what
> t is, what was, or what simply could be. It’s all OK
> now. I believe that the entire family can now
> embrace, mourn or celebrate the end of an era.
> Together, whether some like it or not, we have made
> e television history. Be very proud.
I'm proud and you will be missed on friday nights; the night will never be the same without stargate there.
> Today, we keep our chins held high, or faces turned
> clearly toward the sunset and can acknowledge with a
> clear conscience that “we made this.”
>
> I cannot comment too much on the episode itself as a
> final episode. Its not a final episode. It’s a
> beginning point for the further adventures of
> SG-1. I’m so happy that Robert Cooper chose to
> end the series with the team just climbing up the
> ramp again for “just another mission to save the
> universe.” That way, these characters will always
> live on in our collective imaginations, doing
> whatever it is that you want them to do. I was
> equally grateful that it was made a point to film
> that scene last, so that everyone involved in the
> production could be there to say goodbye together.
> Trust me, this was not an easy task either, as both
> h booze and tears were flowing at any given moment
> (Chris Judge was blubbering like a preschooler). We
> did eventually get the shots required (at close to
> midnight, if memory serves), hugged each other, shook
> hands and reluctantly went our separate ways. Ouch.
Its a great eps you should be proud I enjoyed it; one scene in particular won't go on about it but the scene was very well done by you and the other person in the room with you
>
> I think that it is a colossal understatement to say
> that I will always treasure this experience.
> Personally, I have spent the majority of my adult
> t life working with these people, and only time will
> tell what life will be like without seeing them every
> day. Chris Judge’s pranks, Amanda Tapping's
> infectious smile, Ben Browder’s optimism, Beau
> Bridges’ "Tales of Hollywood," Clauda Black’s untold
> friendship, Don Davis’ tall stories, Teryl Rothery’s
> giddy laughter, and of course, Richard Dean
> Anderson’s relentless humor, sarcasm and massacre of
> everything cliché or mainstream. The dogs on set,
> the growing army of children on set, golf balls
> whizzing in every direction, gallons of coffee,
> reading scripts, Ivan Bartok shooting endless B-roll,
> Stargate hockey, Mallozzi’s suits and
> chocolate, prosthetic puppets, thousands of rounds of
> P-90 ammo, and rubbing the DHD’s red centre in just
> the right way. I could go on, but it might just be…
> unending.
Go on Go on please
>
> So, as we say goodbye, and move on to whatever
> happens next, I leave you with these borrowed words:
> “Life is too short.” I aim to really enjoy the rest
> t of my years. Hopefully, as much as I’ve enjoyed
> the last 10.
Ain;t that the truth and very well said by Daniel
>
> For more on the Stargate SG-1 TV finale,
> see Friday's Interviews & Features.
Thanks again for blogging and hope you will come back and blog again and talk about the movies or future projects!
Good luck on Rage of Angels if becomes a series and the Scifi Calendars we wait word on the Men of Scifi
Sue
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Jun 21, 2007 9:29 PM
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Hi Michael
I will see the final ep tomorrow and it's a bittersweet thought! I've watched SG-1 from it's beginings on showtime and I've enjoyed spending time with the team every week! It's going to be really sad to not have that opportunity but at the same time kudos to being the longest running sci fi show in the states!!! I look forward to the movies with the continuing adventures and also future projects that you are in!
The best of luck to you and your family and a huge thank you to the cast and crew of SG SG-1 for giving us fans 10 incredible years!
I'm sorry to hear this is your last blog entry. I love your sarcasm and your willingness to share your personal oppinons and feelings with everyone!
Peace out Michael! It's been a pleasure!
Hugs,
Cara
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Jun 21, 2007 9:42 PM
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Thank you for 10 years of a great adventure. I've thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
Sad as I am to see it go, it's been a fabulous ride, hasn't it? I can't wait to see Unending, but wait! I can, because it's the last.
Crossing my fingers for a great response to the movies so we can get more. And of course, I look forward to wherever your journey takes you next.
Best of luck and thank you again!
Courser
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Jun 21, 2007 9:46 PM
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 You brought tears to my eyes. You aren't suppose to do that. I have to say, I wonder if I'll cry more tomorrow night than I did for "Meridian".
It's amazing, I was pregnant with my younger son when the show started and now he's finishing up 3rd grade. It's amazing how the time did fly by.
I have never enjoyed a show like I have with SG-1. You and the gang will be missed on tv. I'll just have to watch syndication or my DVD's.
I'll ditto what a couple others have said. I hope you continue to blog, perhaps on MSOL. They do a wonderful job there.
Again, thanks for ten wonderful years. I'm looking forward to seeing you in some new endeavors.
All the Best,
Luv,
Angela
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Jun 21, 2007 10:05 PM
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Oh, now, look at that. You've reduced me to tears in front of my computer screen. Being just a viewer, I can only imagine how those of you who have actually worked on this show for so long must be feeling about the show's end.
People tell me it's silly to be so emotionally invested in a TV show about imaginary characters doing imaginary, fantastic things. But those of us who really love Stargate SG-1 understand. You -not only you personally but the whole cast, crew, writers, directors, producers, everyone involved - made this show *live* for us. You gave us something to look forward to every week, a world to write about and discuss endlessly and bond over, and characters who, unlike many other shows on the air nowadays, we were really able to care about, identify with and root for when things got rough (as they so often did). For me, SG-1 was never so much about the sci-fi aspect as it was the characters (and now I'd like to thank you, personally, for Daniel Jackson, a character I've grown very attached to over the years - you're the reason he's the most beloved character of the series). The 'ordinary-people-in-extraordinary-situations' combined with a perfect blend of sci-fi action, drama, romance and comedy was what made this series truly memorable and truly enjoyable. (Now I'm sounding like a Starbucks ad or something, so I'd better stop there....)
So, I thank you for ten amazing years of Stargate SG-1, and the best of luck to you and your loved ones for the future. And though it won't be quite the same, I'm eagerly awaiting the movies and the further adventures of SG-1 and co. It makes me, and hopefully you, feel a little better to know that the SG-1 fandom will be around and going strong for years to come....so I suppose it never really will end, will it?
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Jun 21, 2007 10:20 PM
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Michael, it has been a great joy to watch SG1 since the beginning. The show & the cast are the best & you will be missed! I know I'll be in trouble tomorrow night--your blog made me cry! Take care, enjoy life, & I will be watching for your future projects---just don't make the wait too long! SueAnn
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Jun 21, 2007 10:21 PM
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Thank you for a beautiful tribute to a show that has touched so many. I know it changed my life - in that I was so keen to attend a convention to meet you, I took a 12-hour plane flight alone to LA, despite an anxiety disorder that had me doubting my ability to fly even as I boarded the plane. To achieve the trip was a breakthrough for me, and an experience I will always cherish. Even if I am slightly ashamed of accosting you in a "Kiss me, I'm from New Zealand" t-shirt... (sorry!)
Unending is a wonderful way to round off the series. I was so happy to see a character-focussed episode to end things. I could tell Chris Judge was mighty red-eyed in the final scene!
Last blog? Nooooooooo! Can we not convince you to at least contribute again when the movies come out?
If not, it's been a blast. Thank you, and good luck.
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Jun 21, 2007 10:31 PM
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It doesn't happen often but I'm really at a lose for words.
Though I will continue to follow all of your projects in the future, the fact that SG-1 as a series is over is really very sad. I guess it will take awhile to really sink in.
Although we have never met, after so many years and so many show's I will honestly miss you Michael!
You have brought Daniel Jackson to life like no other actor could have.
There will not only be a hole in the universe without Stargate SG-1,
but there will be a hole in my heart as well.
Take care and please consider continuing your blog?
Lots of hugs and kisses,
Joanie
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Jun 21, 2007 10:38 PM
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Michael,
Thanks for 10 great years - and for coming - with your friends - into our living rooms and taking us places we never dreamed we'd go. Through your eyes, we met people in new worlds and faced death, danger and love.
It breaks my heart to know that tomorrow night, I'll see my last TV episode of Stargate SG-1. At least you will live on in DVDs- and I can't wait for the movies!
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Jun 21, 2007 10:44 PM
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