David Nykl on Radek’s relationships

Stargate Atlantis actor David Nykl (“Radek Zelenka”) recently spoke to TV Zone magazine about his character, an equally brainy foil for David Hewlett’s Rodney McKay, and their friendly rivalry as Season Two of the series continues high in the ratings.

“Both characters have been at odds acouple of times professionally as well as personally,” the actor noted. “In fact you’ve seen more foibles and human weaknesses in all our characters this year, which only helps further flesh them out as individuals. With McKay and Zelenka I feel they have great respect for one another in terms of the job each of them is doing. But when, for example, they’re working in close quarters, such as a Puddle Jumper or in Daedalus, things come to a head sometimes.”

Smiles Nykl, “The relationship between Colonel Sheppard is getting very interesting. I think the Colonel enjoys baiting my character, and I’m referring specifically to something the writers have started to explore with Zelenka, and that is he’s slightly nervous about going off-world or to a different environment. I find that rather amusing and it’s certainly a contrast to what Joe’s character is all about. That’s especially apparent in the episode ‘Grace Under Pressure’ where Sheppard and Zelenka have a lot of scenes together in a Puddle Jumper, and it’s a bit of a fish out of water for poor Radek.”

Zelenka apparently makes it through the second season unscathed, which bodes well for his return next year. Looking ahead to Season Three of Atlantis, in what ways would Nykl like to see his character further grow and develop?”That’s really up to the show’s writers,” he told the magazine. “To be honest I’m happy with whatever complexity the writers choose to give him. What I’m trying my best to do with Zelenka is bring a human element to everything that’s going on in Atlantis. There are all these threats, a lot of danger, plenty of fast action, etc. I want to put the indelible human stamp on all of that as opposed to just reacting to it as a blur, which it can sometimes be.”

Look for the complete interview with David Nykl in TV Zone Special #67, now on news stands! In the U.S., the magazine can be found at major retailers like Borders and Barnes & Noble. Also check out the actor’s official Web site, at DavidNykl.com.

Stargate Atlantis finishes its second season with the U.S. premiere of “Allies” on March 10.