Tribute to Don S. Davis

Tis a sad day.

Don S. Davis, the gallant General Hammond from Stargate SG-1 died on Sunday 29th June 2008.

He's been part of many noteworthy products, but as an ardent fan of the gate travel series, he will always be General Hammond to me.

When I first saw the rather stern looking general in the series, I was quick to recall him from the delightfully dark Twin Peaks.

But he quickly became the force to be reckoned with, the one stern look that can deal with o' Neill's quip remarks, in other words, the General!!

As you explore the worlds along with SG-1 and, on an unlucky day go solo with Maybourne, the firm and reassuring face of the General watches over the team from the command center.

When alien goo hits the fan, you know he's going to stand up for the team. If need be, grab a gun and fight the demons. Hathor's influence notwithstanding.

It was Don S. Davis who made General Hammond; alrighty, it was a character well written by creative behind-the-scene teams. However, Davis gave it life. He provided the stern backbone, the commanding flair and, of course, a humane element to what could have been a strict rendition of a military commander.

I'm not a fan of military characters. Most of the time they tend to lurk on the far side of the reaky Scarecrow.

Thus, it is all the more surprising that I rooted for General Hammond in the entire series. Sure, the rest of the gang was a blast but at the end of the day, you had to have some respect and admire the man who has a direct line to the big guy. Otherwise it was just power crazy man with a self-destruct button.

I know, I know. I should mention other work by Don S. Davis. But then, I mostely watch scifi material and Stargate is my favorite series.

The Stargate franchise is a scifi fan's dream come true due to the talented people on and off screen. And Davis is an important part of this dream.

The world is a poorer place without Hammond from Texas. :(