You know, I think TPTB learned from some of their mistakes with Jonas when they created Cam. The biggest one (in my opinion) is that you have to give the character an "in" on the team. Jonas was disliked by at least two characters with Teal'c only sometimes arguing his case. Cam came in with automatic relationships established and a seemingly close friendship with Sam already in place. He was new, yes, but he never felt like a complete outsider who had to prove himself to his team (although he did have to prove himself to the audience :p).
I think that if the CHARACTERS refuse to accept a newbie then it's nearly impossible for the viewers to, because we often view other characters through their eyes. I understand that you can't just gloss over the mourning process and the bitterness that accompanies a beloved characters' death *cough*Weir*cough*, but at the same time you can't let it go on forever at the expense of the characters and the team. That is what I perceive to be the biggest mistake of the character of Jonas, that the writers seemed to be counterproductive in their attempts to make the audience like him. Instead of trying to change your mind about this "replacement" for Daniel, they promoted your anger and dislike.
I agree with you about Cam though. I never saw him as a Jack stand-in or rip-off. I think they're two completely different characters. While it took me some time to warm to Cam, I love him now. Granted, I seem to collect the new characters...4 out of my top 5 are Vala, Cam, Jonas, and Landry (Daniel being the other). Although I do like all of the members...well, except Jack who I want to hit with a club sometimes!
Wow, that was long-winded! Yay for discussions though :p
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Date: 2008-09-27 03:55 pm (UTC)I think that if the CHARACTERS refuse to accept a newbie then it's nearly impossible for the viewers to, because we often view other characters through their eyes. I understand that you can't just gloss over the mourning process and the bitterness that accompanies a beloved characters' death *cough*Weir*cough*, but at the same time you can't let it go on forever at the expense of the characters and the team. That is what I perceive to be the biggest mistake of the character of Jonas, that the writers seemed to be counterproductive in their attempts to make the audience like him. Instead of trying to change your mind about this "replacement" for Daniel, they promoted your anger and dislike.
I agree with you about Cam though. I never saw him as a Jack stand-in or rip-off. I think they're two completely different characters. While it took me some time to warm to Cam, I love him now. Granted, I seem to collect the new characters...4 out of my top 5 are Vala, Cam, Jonas, and Landry (Daniel being the other). Although I do like all of the members...well, except Jack who I want to hit with a club sometimes!
Wow, that was long-winded! Yay for discussions though :p