Battlestar Galactica

Mary McDonnell participated in a live chat this evening where she talked about her hopes for an Emmy nomination for her work on Battlestar Galactica and her thoughts on the Roslin/Adama relationship. Here are a few excerpts:

Moderator Tom O’Neil: “What’s your theory about why the Emmys have so far ignored BSG even though its one of the most cheered shows by critics? Do you think it’s a bias against sci-fi that Oscar voters have too?”

“The more people understand what is being offered by BSG it’s merits become obvious. The amount of people who are willing to entertain seriously sci-fi … has not quite made it to the mainstream but hopefully we are changing that with BSG.”

“There is something quite special about representing a show and a genre and a channel that has so far not been recognized by the Emmys,” she said. “If my position in the industry combined with Laura Roslin can help move the genre forward, I’d be extremely happy.”

When asked why she chose Crossroads for her submission episode, she said “I felt that Crossroads more clearly represented the integrity and complexity of Laura Roslin.” She wanted her submission to be true to who she thinsk Roslin is, and said she always aims for that kind of complexity and honesty in her acting.

One person asked about the show’s theme of mistakes and amends, and what she thought Roslin’s greatest mistake was. She responded that Roslin the character does not look back, but she as a person had the hardest time committing to the idea of genocide. The part has changed the way she looks at the world, and she feels she has a “deeper understanding of what it is like to hold a position of power and being able to simultaneously maintain one’s humanity.”

Mary McDonnell had breakfast with Ron Moore this morning and said she could not tell what was in store for season four, but it would be great. Fans who have speculated the storyline is not solidified are correct, and her personal hope is that Roslin gets to see her people to Earth.

That chatroom was full of Roslin/Adama ’shippers, and many questions were asked about their relationship. She said “it almost happened on New Caprica” and “Whatever happens between Roslin and Adama happens in spite of her thoughts about what shouldn’t happen.” As for why it “shouldn’t,” her thought is that the character’s loyalty is to the fleet and she cannot afford the vulnerability that would come from surrendering her heart or the “emotional vulnerability an actual relationship would require.”

Overall Mary was very classy and gracious in spite of the frequent off-topic comments and requests. She graciously said “Hi Matt!” for an absent fan and was happy to find out the name of a soldier who had given her a coin at a public appearance and was now serving in Iraq.

Moderator Tom O’Neil stated he thought she had a good chance of a nomination, and the L.A. Times (The Envelope’s parent site) would be running a large article on her chances this week that may even include the cover spot.

Mary McDonnell, Battlestar Galactica, Emmy, nomination, L.A. Times, theenvelope.com, Laura Roslin, Adama