
"Remembering the Original Plans for Vala: An Interview with Claudia Black"
In the world of Stargate SG-1, Claudia Black’s character, Vala Mal Doran, was introduced as a thief and con artist who becomes an integral member of the team. However, in an interview with GateWorld, Black revealed that the original plans for Vala’s character were quite different from the dynamic, sassy, and lovable character audiences grew to love.
Initially, show creators Brad Wright and Robert C. Cooper had a different vision for Vala. "I think we wanted to play it in a much more serious and darker tone," Wright explained. "We wanted her to be a very troubled character, someone with a lot of psychological baggage, and we wanted to explore that in a more dramatic way."
Black remembers being drawn to the script, but was taken aback by the darker direction. "I remember reading the script and thinking, ‘Oh, this is a really interesting, complex character, but I’m not sure I can play this level of trauma and drama every week.’ I think the pilot script was quite different from what the show ended up being, and I’m glad it did, because I think it would have been a very different show."
As the character developed, so did Black’s understanding of Vala’s back story. "As we started to work on the show, I think we realized that we didn’t need to make her so dark, and that we could find a way to balance the darkness with a sense of humor and wit. Claire would often say, ‘Don’t make me too cute, don’t make me too silly.’ I think that’s what we did, really – we created a character who’s got a lot of depth and complexity, but also a lot of humor and wit."
The decision to humanize Vala and make her a more likable character was a collaborative effort between Black, the writers, and the rest of the cast. "Michael Shanks, in particular, was a great help to me, because he would often give me notes on the script and say, ‘You’re still too serious, you need to lighten up a bit.’ And I would say, ‘Okay, I can do that.’ So, it was a really collaborative process."
The reworked character development not only improved Black’s understanding of Vala but also had a significant impact on the show’s dynamic. "I think having a character like Vala, who’s not just a scientist or a military officer, brought a different energy to the show. She was a bit of a wild card, and her unpredictability added a level of excitement and unpredictability to the team. I think that was really beneficial for the show."
In the end, Vala’s character became a fan favorite, and Black’s performance earned her several award nominations, including a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television. "I’m so grateful that we made the changes we did, because I think it would have been a shame to miss out on the opportunity to play this character. Vala has been an incredible ride, and I’m so grateful to have had the chance to be a part of it."
When asked about her favorite moments as Vala, Black shared, "I think one of my favorite scenes was when Vala and Daniel are in the Ori’s false paradise, and they’re trying to get out. That was a real challenge for me as an actress, but it was also incredibly fun. I loved playing that sense of desperation and urgency. And, of course, working with Michael Shanks was always a pleasure – our chemistry on screen was really organic and natural, and I think that came through in that episode."
The evolution of Vala’s character, from a darker, more troubled individual to a lovable and dynamic member of the team, was a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Stargate SG-1 cast and creative team. As Black reflected, "I think that’s what makes Stargate SG-1 so special – the way the characters evolved, the way the show tackled different themes and genres. It was never static, it was always pushing boundaries and taking risks, and I think that’s what made it so beloved by fans."