Richard Dean Anderson’s Sci-Fi Western Precedes Stargate: An Ambitious Series Before His Iconic Role

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Before ‘Stargate,’ Richard Dean Anderson Led an Aspiring, Largely Forgotten Sci-Fi Western

Richard Dean anderson, an icon of television, first gained prominence in 1976 on “General Hospital,” where he portrayed Dr. Jeff Webber for an impressive 611 episodes over five years. he afterward starred in leading roles in the short-lived series “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and “Emerald Point N.A.S.” before achieving widespread recognition as the lead in the hit spy drama “macgyver” in 1985. That show ran for seven seasons and 139 episodes, solidifying Anderson’s reputation as a dependable television star. Many viewers also remember Anderson as Jack O’Neil,the resolute military figure from the long-running series “Stargate SG-1,” a role he embodied in 173 episodes of the core show,with occasional appearances in its spin-offs. The “Stargate” universe became a notable and enduring part of his career.

A Hidden Gem Between Blockbusters

However, nestled between these well-known roles was an obscure 1995 Western adventure series in which Anderson again played the central character. This show, titled “Legend,” co-created by “Star Trek” veteran Michael Piller, is largely absent from collective memory, largely due to its limited success. It debuted around the same time as the similarly themed (and also unsuccessful) “The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.” and just before the modestly prosperous “Jack of All Trades.” “Legend” became lost in television history, remembered mainly by those who keenly followed 1990s TV and its intriguing genre blends.

The Intriguing Premise of “Legend”

Despite its short run, “Legend” presented a captivating concept. Anderson played Ernest Pratt, a well-educated writer in the late 1860s, known for his popular series featuring Nicodemus Legend, a heroic and resourceful adventurer who utilizes unconventional gadgets to solve crimes and assist others. Pratt’s novels were written in the first person, leading readers to believe they were autobiographical accounts.

The narrative took an unexpected turn when Pratt, a timid novelist, found himself thrust into situations requiring acts of technological bravery, all while maintaining the persona of Nicodemus Legend. His inventions were provided by Janos Bartok, portrayed by john de Lancie, a former Hungarian scientist.

A Stellar Supporting Cast and Unique Style

“Legend” wasn’t just Anderson’s project; it benefited from a compelling supporting cast. John de Lancie, famously known as Q from “Star Trek,” partnered with Anderson to create a unique blend of Old West adventure and steampunk innovation. Bartok’s character clearly drew inspiration from Nikola Tesla, ofen lamenting the perceived theft of his ideas by Thomas Edison. The series also included appearances from actors like Mark Adair-Rios, Bob Balaban, Fionnula Flanagan, alex Hyde-White, James Hong, Robert Englund, Ashley Laurence, and even G.W.Bailey as Ulysses Grant.

The story begins with Pratt discovering a rogue vigilante operating under the name of Nicodemus Legend, prompting him to seek out the imposter in Sheridan, Colorado. He finds Bartok and his assistant, Huitzilopochtli Ramos, who propose a collaboration. Bartok would provide the cutting-edge technology – electromagnets, hang gliders, and more – while Pratt would embody the heroic Legend, a partnership born from Pratt’s desire to protect his creation and overcome a bout of writer’s block.

A key element of “Legend” was the contrast between the characters of Pratt and Nicodemus Legend. The fictional Legend was portrayed as charismatic,adventurous,and appealing,while Pratt was reserved,and averse to violence. This created a dynamic where the duo had to find non-violent ways to achieve justice, making the series remarkably admirable.

A brief Run on UPN

“Legend” premiered on UPN on April 18, 1995, but concluded after its first season on August 22nd. Like many shows that debuted during UPN’s inaugural year, it was canceled following a management change at the network. Piller’s other series, “Star Trek: Voyager,” proved more durable, however “Legend” was cut alongside shows like “Platypus Man,” “Deadly Games,” “Marker,” and “Pig Sty.” Today, it remains a relative obscurity.

Despite this early end, “Legend” garnered mostly positive reviews, though it often drew comparisons to “The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.” Both programs shared a similar blend of Western and science fiction elements,whimsical tones,and protagonists who were initially reluctant heroes. Choosing between Richard Dean Anderson and Bruce Campbell as a leading man remains a matter of personal preference.

“Legend” is available for purchase on Amazon and can also be found on the secondhand DVD market. While not widely remembered, it continues to attract those familiar with 1990s television. If you enjoyed “The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.,” “Legend” provides a complementary flavor of adventure and wit.

The Enduring Appeal of Sci-Fi Westerns

The sci-fi Western genre, while niche, has a dedicated following. Shows like “Firefly,” which aired in 2002, demonstrate the continued appeal of blending futuristic technology with the aesthetic and tropes of the American West. As of late 2024, streaming services are showing a renewed interest in Westerns, with series like “1883” and “Westworld” finding significant audiences. This suggests a potential for a revival of the sci-fi Western, should a compelling concept emerge.

Did you Know? The steampunk aesthetic, prominent in “Legend,” has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, influencing fashion, art, and design.

Pro Tip: Exploring other overlooked 1990s television series can often reveal hidden gems that offer a unique viewpoint on the decade’s television landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions About “Legend”

1. What is “Legend” about? “Legend” is a 1995 sci-fi Western series starring Richard Dean Anderson as a novelist who becomes the real-life inspiration for his heroic literary creation, Nicodemus Legend.
2. Who created “Legend”? The series was co-created by Michael Piller, known for his work on “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”
3. Who starred in “Legend” alongside Richard Dean Anderson? John de Lancie,best known as Q from “Star Trek,” played a prominent role,along with actors like mark Adair-Rios and Bob Balaban.
4. Why was “Legend” cancelled? The series was cancelled after one season due to management changes at UPN, the network it aired on.
5. Where can I watch “Legend”? “Legend” is available for purchase on Amazon and may be found on the secondhand DVD market.
6. Is “legend” similar to other sci-fi Westerns? Yes, it shares similarities with “The Adventures of Brisco county, Jr.,” both blending Western tropes with science fiction elements.
7. what is the key appeal of “Legend”? Its unique premise, blend of genres, and strong cast make it a compelling, though often overlooked, television series.

What are your thoughts on this forgotten gem? Do you think a revival of the sci-fi Western genre could be successful today?

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What specific elements of the "Backstep" device's limitations - traveling only seven days into the past - drove the narrative conflicts in *Seven Days*?

Richard Dean Anderson's Sci-Fi Western Precedes Stargate: An Aspiring Series Before His Iconic Role

MacGyver Wasn't His First Brush with Genre-Bending TV

Before Colonel Jack O'Neill became synonymous with Richard Dean Anderson, and long before MacGyver cemented his status as a television icon, Anderson starred in a surprisingly ambitious and largely forgotten sci-fi western: Seven Days. Airing from 1998 to 2001, this series offered a unique blend of genres, showcasing Anderson's versatility and foreshadowing his success in Stargate SG-1.Understanding Seven Days provides valuable context to Anderson's career trajectory and the evolution of science fiction television in the late 90s.

The Premise: Time Travel and the Backstep

Seven Days centered around Charles "Charlie" mcgee (Richard Dean Anderson), a former Navy pilot who becomes part of a top-secret government program. This program utilizes a revolutionary device called the "Backstep," allowing McGee to travel back in time - but only seven days.

The Core Conflict: McGee doesn't travel to change the past, but to observe and prevent catastrophic events. The rules were strict: no direct intervention, only subtle adjustments to mitigate disaster.

Genre Fusion: The show skillfully blended elements of the western - the lone hero facing unachievable odds, the moral ambiguity of intervention - with hard sci-fi concepts like temporal mechanics and advanced technology.

Key Characters: Supporting Anderson were actors like Jonathan Silverman as Captain Nathan Hale and Justina Vail as Agent Janis Wolfe, forming a dynamic team navigating the complexities of time travel.

Development and production: A Bold Experiment

Created by Herbert Wright, Seven Days premiered on UPN in 1998. The show's concept was undeniably ambitious for network television at the time.

Visual Effects: While not on par with modern standards, Seven Days employed impressive visual effects for its era, especially in depicting the Backstep process and the ripple effects of temporal adjustments.

Production Challenges: The show faced budgetary constraints and struggled to find a consistent audience, leading to shifts in creative direction throughout its three-season run.

Network Positioning: UPN,a relatively young network at the time,aimed to attract a younger demographic with genre programming,making Seven Days a key part of its strategy.

How Seven Days Influenced Stargate SG-1

The connections between seven Days and Stargate SG-1 are more than just a shared lead actor.The experience gained on Seven Days directly informed Anderson's approach to Stargate.

Commanding a Sci-Fi Series: Seven Days gave Anderson valuable experience leading a science fiction series, understanding the demands of the genre, and working with complex special effects.

Character nuance: Charlie McGee, like Jack O'Neill, was a character with a hidden depth and a dry wit. Anderson honed his ability to portray these nuanced roles on Seven Days.

Team Dynamics: The collaborative dynamic between McGee, Hale, and Wolfe mirrored the team-based structure of Stargate SG-1, where Anderson excelled at leading a diverse group.

Thematic Resonance: Both shows explored themes of duty, sacrifice, and the consequences of intervention - whether in time or across the galaxy.

the Show's Cancellation and Legacy

Despite its innovative premise and Anderson's star power, Seven Days was cancelled after three seasons in 2001. Several factors contributed to its demise:

ratings Struggles: The show consistently faced low ratings, particularly in its later seasons.

Creative Shifts: Attempts to revamp the show's format and introduce new storylines proved unsuccessful.

Network Changes: UPN's eventual merger with The WB to form The CW led to a reassessment of its programming lineup.

However, Seven Days* maintains a dedicated cult following. Fans appreciate its unique blend of genres