Interview with Carson Beckett!

Paul McGillion, who will be returning to Stargate Atlantis in the role of Dr. Carson Beckett for a two-episode arc during the upcoming fourth season, told SCI FI Wire that it feels great to be back on the show after nearly a year away.

"Honestly, it feels like coming home," McGillion said in an interview on the phone from the set in Vancouver, B.C. "And everyone's been so terrific to me. The crew gave me a little round of applause when I came back on the set. And that was really sweet. That felt really nice. And everyone's been really gracious towards me and it's just been really nice. I love the character, and the chance to reprise Beckett is my pleasure."

McGillion's character perished in an explosion near the end of the third season, causing an outcry among fans, who began a Save Carson Beckett campaign in an attempt to bring him back. He said he's been encouraged by the all fan support, but was still somewhat surprised when he got the call to come back.

"When the fellas told me that they were going to be making some changes with the cast and stuff, they said, 'No one ever dies in sci-fi,'" McGillion said. "I was kind of surprised, but having heard a lot of the fan reaction and stuff, I think it was a big thing when my character died, and I think that has a lot to do with the writing they gave the character and the opportunity to play such a fun character and a well-loved character.

A lot of people have called him the heart of Atlantis. And I think the fans really stood behind that, and rallied behind the character a lot. So I was flattered and obviously thrilled to come back." The details of the episodes are being kept under wraps, but McGillion assured fans that they would be satisfied with his role in the story. "They gave me a really great storyline," he said. "I think the fans will appreciate it. Beckett has a lot to do in the storyline that they've given the character. So I'm really happy with it. I think it's a really great way to bring Beckett back. Without going into any details, because I really can't, he's heavily, heavily based in the episodes. They'll see a lot of Beckett."

The future of the character beyond the two episodes remains unclear, but McGillion is open to the possibility of coming back on a more permanent basis. "We'll see what happens," he said." I don't know what their plans are for the character or where I'm going to be, but it's always a pleasure to come back and work on the show, that's for sure. So I'm not ruling anything out." In addition to McGillion’s return, Atlantis viewers can also look forward to guest appearances by Torri Higginson (Dr. Elizabeth Weir) and Stargate SG-1’s Christopher Judge (Teal’c) in the upcoming fourth season. Stargate: Atlantis will return on Sept. 28 in a new timeslot on Fridays at 10 p.m. PT/ET