GateWorld: We still have most of the back half of Season One yet [to air]. And you’re well into the production of Season Two. Where would you like to see Chloe go? Both from a character and an actor standpoint?
Elyse Levesque: Well, I kind of already know where she’s going. And I’m super surprised with the direction that they have taken her. It’s way cooler than anything I could have come up with. Let’s put it that way. Way cooler.
I totally pegged her for taking the route that you were talking about before — taking on some sort of leadership role on the ship. I think as we become more accustomed to the fact that this is it — we have to accept the fact we are living here — more and more of a society will be built. And I think she will be able to take a place in there somewhere.
I would love to see her go kick butt with the boys, too. I think that’s fun! To finally get in the action! But who knows what is in the cards for her? Definitely, some of the stuff that’s happened in the last couple episodes, that will be felt throughout the remainder of the season. And quite predominantly in the second season, which we just started shooting. Good stuff!
GW: Is there anything you can say to fans that are on the fence about where SGU is headed? There’s been a tonal shift from what’s come before it.
EL: Mmm-hmm.
GW: And not everyone is a fan, although there are some people that have really latched onto it. But for maybe those who are stuck in the middle, who aren’t quite sure — what would you say?
EL: It’s a tough situation, because I don’t want to have to convince anyone to like something. We all have our own tastes. I don’t like everything that’s on television. I can’t expect everyone to like our show.
But, I think, hang in there. The payoff is so great in the back half of the season. Even in the past few episodes.
GW: I’ve heard the term “gut-wrenching” being tossed around, in terms of the finale.
EL: Let’s put it this way: I’ve seen it. And I’m very proud of the show. And, of course, being a part of it — but I showed it to a friend of mine who doesn’t watch the show, who doesn’t watch sci-fi. I showed her the last 20 minutes. She didn’t even know what was going on. And she was clawing at me for information as to what happens after. She was like, “That can’t be the end! NO! NO! That can’t be the end!”
GW: You are such a tease! [Laughter]
EL: And for fans of the older shows, we have some familiar — maybe reinvented, I think. I don’t know enough about them to be giving an educated opinion of the differences. But there is a force that sort of comes at the end to change everything on Destiny. I think that is something that fans are going to go crazy for.
And we’ve got some pretty kick-ass aliens!
GW: Yeah, you do!
EL: Mmm-hmm! These blue guys.
GW: A last question. Is there any message that you’d like to give to fans that are new to you, and are going to come to know and love you over hopefully the next five, six, seven years … let’s go a full decade! You’ll last ten years!
EL: Oh, my goodness! That’s so overwhelming! I feel like I need to be a guru right now with an inspirational quote. [Laughter] Let’s just keep having fun. Let’s keep loving it and supporting it.
We all appreciate so much the fan support because it lets us go do what we love to do. And the franchise would not be anything if it weren’t for the dedicated fans who tune in every week, and who come out to events like this and support [us]. It really makes this world, this realm, this niche, a special place. Just keep hanging in there. We’ve got all kinds of surprises in store. It’s going to be a fun ride.
Interview and transcript by Chad Colvin
Oh, how exciting! I’ve been waiting for you guys to interview Elyse forever; I’ve been really curious about her character & this interview is both informative & fun.
I remain very skeptical about this character. For now all she really has done is warm the bed of Lieutenant Scott. Having this rich girl take a leadership role will really take a wide stroke of the writer’s pen. But from what we have seen with this show’s writing, anything silly is possible. Not a bad actress, just a weak role.
Sadly, her character is the only one i don’t care for in SGU.I’ve finally grown on these characters, but as for Chloe, i wish they’d axe her from the show.
Ooh, now I want to know what’s going to happen to Chloe in S2. :D
Great interview.
It’s great to see how even the actors are impressed and surprised by the writing. Now the time has (finally) come for old fans of Stargate to help make the new members of the Stargate family (the actors) feel welcome. And also, to cut the writers a little slack.
I’m looking forward to the Season 1 finale and to Season 2.
@Stormin. That isn’t all she’s done. Unless you’ve skipped several episodes, you know that already.
Seriously fun interview :D Thanks!
Gaeth, like what? Read the symbols in the tunnels? Big whop! Her character is weak. Contrast the number of times she does something useful to the number of times they show here in bed with Lt. Scott. Her character is dull and uninteresting, but not to Lt. Scott, obviously.
I kinda wish she’d break it off with Scott and get with Eli, it’s annoying that the hot girl goes for the typical hero guy. At least Scott isn’t really a *bad* guy, but so far it seems that their relationship is purely sexual.
I don’t like Scott/Chloe like everybody else – just because it feels like “they are the lookers, its obvious!”. But I don’t like it ten times more to bring Eli/Chloe together. It’s just not believable, and its even an insult that Eli is that shallow. Yes, they will try to “brain up” Chloe in S2 obviously ;) But I would rather see Eli hook up with one of the other “normal people” crowd. Even if the woman is years older it would have a better feel to it. “Waste the nerd”-plots are really worn out, it’s not even Scifi anymore… Read more »
Stormin I think you’ve summed up how I feel about almost all the characters. I do like Rush, and Eli is ok.
I don’t know, I’d like to see a Stargate show about, I don’t know, the Stargate maybe?
I was trying to listen to this on iTunes. However, this interview is not listed. The last one available is David Blue’s “Just a Geek” from last October. Did anyone else have this problem?
Stormin, Zenofstars and others, I’m glad I’m not the only fan that got disappointed that the cute girl Chloe went right to the arms of the hunk instead of the likable nerd. Eli is one of the few people in SGU who’s really a nice, relatable guy. Besides, I never liked Matthew Scott. He’s empty, shallow and unlikeable. At first he bangs James, then goes for Chloe. The Lt. Buxom Brunette makes fun of Eli just for him being himself (and I think Eli has got more character than all the military personnel together), and Chloe.. we all know. I… Read more »
Holy c**p, I just got my 5 seconds of fame and didn’t even know it until now. Elyse Levesque actually mention me in this interview. *bows & blushes* Mom will be so proud.
I am Slam :)