I have an audition this afternoon to host a Sci-Fi show, and one of the things they’re asking us to do is conduct a mock interview with Edward James Olmos.
If I book this show, I’ll solicit questions from WWdN readers for the interesting guests whenever I can, so, without revealing any spoilers (I’m only on episode 5 of season 2.0),
if you could ask him anything about Battlestar Galactica, what would it be?
To be clear: I’m not actually going to talk with him. It will probably be a casting assistant, but they will want to see that I understand my subject, know how to move an interview along and react to the subject’s natural ebb and flow, and make with the occasional funny. I’m also pretty sure that I’m in a very unique position, with the ability to connect with WWdN readers and take a consensus question (does that make sense?) back to the interviews.
I think I’ll ask him the most controversial question I can come up with: Is Deckard a Replicant?
He won’t answer, but then again, who does?
Update: Thanks for your questions and discussion. For me, personally, I want to know about the father aspects of Adama and find out if it’s intentional that that thread of nurturing and inspiration runs through all of the great characters he’s played over the years (I suspect it is.) I also want to know how he’s dealing with being the new Picard/Kirk/Sisko/Malcolm character, and if he would speak at conventions, and get involved in all that fandom stuff that we all love so much.
I think I’ll present the WWdN consensus as: "Do you feel vindicated that your BSG is widely seen as the best SF series ever, especially since you advised original series fans (who were highly critical before the miniseries even aired) not to watch? Does it feel as cool to be a part of this as we all think it is?" I’ll mix in some comments about how there are TNG parallels, and then I’ll ask him if he’d like to grab a Flaming Moe after he show.
Well, I’m off now, so wish me broken legs!
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Wil,
Not only did you get me hooked onto BG, but my wife watches them with me. Friday nights are hard for us to watch them so we tape them and watch them in twos and threes. The season three final show is two hours….it stopped recording at 90 mins! Arg. Right during the critical scene of the show when……
Ask EJO if he realizes that he is now going to be a sci-fi icon for the rest of his life. No matter what he has done in the past or future this will be the benchmark of his career and if he understood that when he accepted the role.
Triston
You might want to ask him how it feels to become an icon in his lifetime. His portrayal of Jaime Escalante shaped the Teach for America movement and now his portrayal of Adama in BSG will be shaping how young people view what Sci-fi can be. Is it difficult to be the ideal for so many future leaders?
Wil,
Good to hear about the audition, I trust you will let us know what the show is after you book it.
As for the question:
Now that you have had this role for several seasons, how much influence do you have over the characters development? Have you been given a script that you felt did not live up to how you feel about the character? If so, how did you deal with it and did it make it to the final cut?
Wil,
Good thoughts are coming your way for that one. It sounds like it is a pretty cool gig!
I would ask EJO, what he has taken away from portraying Commander Adama? And if he has any memorable moments.
I’m glad that you posted that “DEMAND IT!”… hopefully you can make it out to the Midwest one day!
Kick ass on the Audition today!
Morgan
“Would you have allowed a kid on YOUR ship?”
😉
Other than who’s idea was it for that moustache in the last ep, how does BSG differ from Bladerunner…
Ask him about the conversion of the faithful.
When BSG was first announced, and details started to come out, there was quite the backlash. EJO even made the point that many of the original fans would not be happy with the changes, but he hoped they’d give it a chance and appreciate what had been done. Things like Starbuck changing sexes angered many people. Of course, this isn’t a new phenomenon, look at the initial backlash to TNG, DS9, and all other Trek iterations. Heck, Tycho over at Penny Arcade didn’t watch the show until halfway through this season because it didn’t have Muffit in it.
Now, it’s hailed as the best show on TV, the best sci-fi show evah, and has nary a bad thing said about it. What’s it like from the perspective of someone who was vilified at the beginning. I recall people bashing the concept of EJO being the commander, and now he’s loved.
Ask him “After shooting was over for the day who would he rather have a drink with, Crockett or Baltar?” You did say mock interview didn’t you?
It’s new to see a Latino in a leading role in the sci-fi genre here in the U.S. Do you feel as though you are opening the door for other Latino actors in the genre in the future and which other Latino actors (m or f) would you like to work with in the sci-fi genre?
Go Wil Go! You can do it!
“Do you feel that by appearing on Battlestar, you are making a comment on our own democracy, here, today?”
Good luck with the audition! It’d be more of a coup for Sci-Fi than for you, I am sure.
“is Deckard a Replicant?”
I thought I’d caught all the episodes of BSG, but I can’t remember the Deckard character. Was he one of the guys on the surface of Caprica?
When are Crocket and Tubbs going to show up?
Wil,
I was a fan of the original series. Sure I was young at the time (only 29 now), but I did enjoy it. Also, EJO has always been a truly amazing actor. When he played as Jamie Escalante (with Lou Diamond Phillips as one of his students no less), I instantly became engrossed in the story and was truly amazed by how completely EJO played the part. Watching him again as Adama on BSG, I am once again fascinated by his extraordinary talent, frankly it is truly awe-inspiring to watch him fill the role so completely. How this amazing man could have worked so long in the industry and not be lauded for all his wonderful work I will truly never know, especially since he should have won an Oscar for portraying Jamie Escalante not just receive a nom.
Now to my question for the man himself in your mock interview:
“In speaking with many fans of the Battlestar Galactica series, a significant number are wondering just how it is that you are able to present Adama as such a complete character through your acting?”
or
“So, just how much do you enjoy working on the BSG series? Are you as infatuated with it as the fans are?”
Probably not the most perfect questions, but they certainly are on my mind!
KeithD,
“is Deckard a Replicant?” refers to the classic sci-fi film, Blade Runner starring Harrison Ford. If you have never seen it, you have GOT to check it out! I haven’t watched the new BSG, since I don’t have cable, but it would be cool to ask him about his input into his character’s development like Budo suggested.
Larry
Throw Off The Shackles Of Oppression!
Or as my friend Kit said “LIBERATION DAY! Death to the pomps of Redmond and all its corrupt works. Have FUN with your computer again!”
I erased all partitions on my hard drive and started over. I mentioned a short while ago I was working with a new ope
Yes, Deckard is definately a replicant. Nothing to do with your question or BSG (Great show, btw. My wife likes it too), but I think this is more important.
There’s hints all over the movie. From the start, the count of missing replicants is off by one. There’s the glowing/reflective eyeball thing that only Deckard and the replicants have. There’s his un-natural physical strength (he holds himself up on the roof with one or two fingers). And then there’s his pictures — old black and white photos, that obviously reflect implanted memories.
And don’t forget the dream (of Unicorns, standing in for Electric Sheep) that even the director admits means he’s a replicant.
Awesome movie, and I’ve never seen the like. All of Philip K. Dick’s stuff is great — some has even been made into decent movies. I’m definately looking forward to A Scanner Darkly.
Love the question Wil, in fact if you book the show you ought to ask everyone “Is Deckard a Replicant?”. Probably best to preface those not affliated with the movie if they had seen it.
It would either make a funny off topic question or nice material for a DVD if the show ever put one out.
As for another question “Who would win in a Celebrity Deathmatch New or Old (random BSG character)?”
Having not seen the new series yet, these discussions on BSG bring me back to the original Universal Studios tour, where the tram would go through the Battlestar Galactica experience and up&coming actors would portray Lt. Starbuck (Dirk Benedict) & Capt. Apollo (Richard Hatch). I can still hear the laser fire and smell the fog machines!
I wonder if the execs at Universal Studios would consider re-introducing that experience in the current tram tour, but base it upon the new series….
That was quite a ride in the early 80’s.. I’m thinking of checking out the new series after participating in the discussion on this subject.
Ask him if he has seen any fan fic involving Adama and any other Starship Commanders. It oughta be good for a laugh.
I had temporarily forgotten that EJO was in Blade Runner, so when I read your “Is Deckard a replicant?” I took that to mean you were subtly saying that your real question would be, “Is Adama a Cylon?” That would be an interesting question, IMHO.
As far as Blade Runner goes, I know that Ridley Scott says Deckard was a replicant, and others (including the script writer as well as Harrison Ford) maintain that he was not. Either way, it’s a great film but an even greater book. If you’ve never read “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” you must. Now. It’s short, but potent.
“With Adama being the stuffed shirt father figure of the cast, do you think he should stay that way or does he need to break down and show he is really just a man?”
—
OR
—
“Do you take personal gratification in the fact that so many people were wrong on how this series would turn out? or do you give a flying frack?”
—
OR
—
“Has there been a moment in the writing where you personally thought, ‘Is this gonna work?’, but turned out to be to better than you thought?”
—
OR
—
“Did working in a SCI-FI environment come easy to you or did you have a time of adjustment?”
I was just kidding, forgot to add that at then end of my post. I saw Blade Runner inthe theatre with my dad when it first came out, I was, 9 or 10? One of my top ten movies ever.
EJO really adds a huge amount to BSG, he’s tremendous.
How cool! I don’t really watch Battlestar Gallactica (I know, I can get kicked out of the geek club for that), so I can’t give you any ideas on a question to ask. But I do hope everything goes well today!
There’s a pretty heavy religious subtext to the show. You could ask about his own religious beliefs versus the seemingly lip-service-only beliefs of Adama and his thoughts on the mix of religion and sci-fi in general — or lack thereof. That can then lead into the whole religion/politics question and how that plays out on the show and any parallels/commentaries on our current administration. It might bring out an interesting extra dimension and depth to the discussion. Then again, this show you’re hoping to host may not want something that “deep.”
There are a few things I’d like to know, but I think I good questions would be does Adama ever want to punch Baltar in the head? I do think Baltar is beautifully flawed as a man.
Another would be will Adama and Roslyn ever allow themselves to be more that friends? There is a real affection there.
I could probably write a dozen more questions, but I’m at work so I better not. Break a leg!
Ask a question that -you- care to know about.
For instance, I think the “You’re Latino, are you opening doors etc.” question is a good question, possibly intriguing, but it doesn’t connect with me (Irish whitey)
So ask the questions that matter to you as an actor/writer/fan/father
(I don’t think the father angle has been explored much in interviews…)
Personally, I want to know if there was a moment that he wishes he could go back in change during either season…nah easy cop-out answer. Um. Maybe, where have you had the biggest creative difference with the directory/writers and how was it resolved? Was it to your satisfaction?
Posted by Rob Matsushita, “Would you have allowed a kid on YOUR ship?”
TOO funny!
Good luck with the audition, Wil!!!
Re: Deckard, don’t like to think he’s a replicant. Bummed that he actually… is.
It may be too late at this point, but another idea came to me. As a way to work into the whole Latino roles in the industry thing, ask if he ever could have dreamed, while watching Bonanza, that one day he would be up for a role that was also played by Lorne Greene — the father figure, the big wasp overlord of the ranch.
Ask him what happened to Wilford Brimley. Enquiring minds want to know.
Thanks.
Guess you’ll read this when you get back, so… Just wanted to let you know I got all excited for you when I heard about the audition and interview (however fake it may have been) and I’m sure you did a wonderful job. =D
*was aghast at how much more informed about the show all the blog-readers are* Now I feel like an idiot for never tuning into the new season when I had the chance. *shakes fist at the sky in defeat* Can you ever forgive me?
You said Flaming Moe (make that Homer) again. XD *hugs, or something* Look at that – I’m even shy over the Internet. Ah, well. Keep on keeping on; I wish you many more broken legs.
*notes the weird time-difference between her post and everyone else’s and realizes for the first time the difference time zones can make* XP
break both legs Wil!
sounds like an awesome gig.
hope its fun.
Belated Break-a-Leg Wil!
By the time you read this, you should have already nailed the job! Loved reading about your experiences at Grand Slam, too. Wish I coulda been there.
And why NOT ask Ron Moore for a recurring role on BSG while you’re at it? (Hey, he already knows what a HAWESOME actor you are….)
Keep on keepin’ on.
Oh, and for possible questions: Did Harrison Ford really wanna punch Sean Young’s lights out in that “romantic” moment?
I missed the boat time-wise here, but I’d have so many questions I can’t help but share.
I’m surprised no one so far would have asked about EJOs experience directing. Those episodes are remarkable, and are distinctly different in flavor from the rest of the series while still fitting in flawlessly. (I think they are some of the best.)
I’m also surprised that while people are mentioning his ethnicity, no one is noting that the rest of the cast is remarkably non-African American. For such a multi-cultural cast, it’s surprising (at least to me) that there haven’t been more black actors on screen. I’ve posited in my own mind that it’s a subtle comment (maybe not so subtle) on the socio-political atmosphere of the world at the moment that the Cylons attack. But that might just be my wishful thinking, not wanting to believe that it’s simply that the casting people didn’t hire a lot of African American actors.
I wonder if EJO has a favorite relationship to act on the show. I guess as a young(ish) woman I identify with the Adama/Starbuck relationship, and it seems particularly special to me. The Adama/Apollo relationship is certainly just as complex, though, not to mention Adama/Sharon. It’d be interesting if, from an acting standpoint, any of those relationships are more interesting or fun or challenging or potent to play out.
If we want to go down the Blade Runner road though (and who doesn’t) how about this one– Having read the book I’ve always known Deckard was a replicant, but until I watched the movie for the umpteenth time a week ago I never thought of the following: do you think EJO’s character is the actual blade runner who provided the “memories” for Deckard? I can find no real reason for his character otherwise. In fact, he never fit in as anything but an interesting side note to the movie until that idea hit me during this most recent watch. He was such a fascinating character–I’ll credit EJOs acting with that–but I wonder how EJO came up with all that from about three lines of dialogue.
Ok, enough. I could go on for hours.
Hope it went well, Wil! Your recommendation on Galactica a few months back spurred me to buy the miniseries, then the first season, then 2.0, then caught up with the rest of the second season — and now I have to wait until October for the next season. I’m very hooked 🙂
JG
Hope your audition went well.
I’ve enjoyed the paternal role that Adama has, not only to his own child, but to all the crew and now the fleet.
But what I really want to know more about is the Cylons both as machines and people. We keep seeing aspects of the humanoid models and how they have come so close to humanity but yet they also hate us. This theme goes through much fiction and I wonder if it represents our own disapointment at our wasted potential or some other aspect.
Ya know, I concur on that question, regarding the ability for an actor to become an inspiration for change during their lifetime. The role of Jaime Escalante inspired teachers and students alike, and with his role of Adama, he has a chance to reach a new audience with his patronly portrayal of a great man.
Oh tough one. I have a couple of questions regarding the later half, specficially the last three episodes, of season two but that would be spoiling you. How about this, will we ever find out who all 12 clyon models are?
Good Luck Wil!! Let us know how you did! When you get it, Tell us all the details! Later!
Good Luck Wil! We all have our fingers crossed for you. I have been reading the Wheaton saga since September. And have been glued to your blog since. Keep up the hardwork, I am positive it will pay off.
Good luck, buddy. thanks for the post.
and happy Pi Day.
eric
appleton, wi
Break a figurative leg!
To piggy back on something someone else asked, I wonder if there’s anything he’s done, on BSG or another show that he thinks is absolutely a vital part of the human experience—but that he wouldn’t want his children watching until they’re older…
Dude, fuck Battlestar Galactica….ask him about The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit!
Best of wishes to you, Wil! Break a leg!
I hope that the audition went well.
Yes, many broken legs…erm…ok. I’m relieved to see you’re a Firefly fan too. I’m a hardcore Browncoat, and not sure I could stand to keep reading if you didn’t get it. Well, I’d keep reading, but I would totally lose all respect for your taste!
Hope all goes well for you!
Wil,
Break a leg!!! This sounds so perfect for you!!
Hope the audition went well, missed you at the tourney last night.
Also, I wanted to let you know, just in case you were wondering if anyone got this line:
He won’t answer, but then again, who does?
I did, and I smiled. Good stuff.
So…………..
How’s the leg? ha ha ha!
Wil,
When I read this, I gasped with joy. Partly because I’m happy about hearing your good news and mines also, I’m doing an audition soon to do a course for acting, although neither of my parents approve, they want me to have a “normal” job when I’m older. Can’t help being a creative person.
Anyway, hope it goes all well. xxx