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Put Me In, Coach: A Few Suggestions for Two Tragically Underrated Actresses Who Should Be in All the Things

By Cindy Davis | Lists | June 10, 2014 |

By Cindy Davis | Lists | June 10, 2014 |


Battlestar Galactica is probably my favorite science fiction — and certainly in the top five, overall — television series, not just because it takes place in space or has the coolest non-human beings, but because of the great actors and characters. I mean, Edward James Olmos, Jamie Bamber, James Callis, Mary McDonnell…I could go on and on, but where I really want to stop is at two completely magnificent and underrated actresses: Katee Sackhoff and Tricia Helfer. For Sackhoff to take the beloved, formerly male role of Starbuck and totally own it like she did was a brilliant accomplishment; her Kara Thrace was tougher than half the military guys I’ve known, and at the same time, smart, vulnerable, warm, sexy, human…(well, ***SPOILER, kinda). I can’t think of any other actress who could have handled Starbuck better, as evidenced by her four Saturn Best Actress nominations. Helfer’s Six (and her many iterations), convincingly manipulated nearly everyone in her path — especially Baltar — in effect, bringing humanity to its knees. Helfer’s brilliant take on a humanoid robot was believable (both as human and robot); the lead given everyone to follow. Of all the Cylon models, her multiples were the most varied in character and nuance. Her Six model held captive on Pegasus was utterly heartbreaking; her Caprica Six, calculating and clever. Following Battlestar Galactica, both actresses found new series (Longmire, Killer Women) and films, but neither is getting the kinds of roles she really should be. Here are a few suggestions I’d like to throw out to casting agents.


1. Pair Them up for True Detective.

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I’ve already suggested this once, and since Nic Pizzolatto recently asserted that Season 2 casting has yet to begin, I’m putting it out there again. Katee and Tricia are friends who’ve worked together and have a personal relationship that would translate to this series perfectly.

2. Sons of Anarchy Could Use a Few Good Women.

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*SPOILERS If you’re not caught up to Season 7, do not swipe ahead: So, Jax is going to need a new baby mama, or at least a good lady-friend…and the Charming police are down a man. End Spoiler In this boy-heavy town, some interaction with a female crew would make a nice addition. Tricia would be awesome at the head of her own table, and it looks like both she and Katee already have the necessary bike experience. Alternatively, Katee could sign on to the Charming PD.

3. The Walking Dead’s Daryl Dixon Deserves a Riding Partner…or Two.

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Forget Carol, forget Beth; Michonne seems to have her eye on Rick. Daryl needs a couple of feisty ladies in his life, and I’ll wager a run-in with Katee and Tricia as a pair who’ve survived on their own is just the ticket Daryl needs. Maybe they’re even in on the rescue from the end of Season 4 events — NO SPOILERS — and maybe they provide a (good) challenge to Rick’s leadership…maybe they just kill anyone who gets in their way.


4. The Next Star Trek Generation’s Commander and First Officer.

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That photo of Katee is from a geeky shoot she did a while back and though she’s looking quite Kirk-ish, either actress could take on the Commander role — it would work both ways. We’re way overdue for a new Star Trek series *and* women running the show.


5. Succeed Tom Cruise at the end of Mission Impossible 5.

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Likewise, it’s time for Cruise to pass the spy-games mantle, and high time we had a great female franchise lead. In my head, Helfer would make a great Hunt-ress, and Sackhoff, a Phelps-like mission director — casting could really work either way. And not for nothing, but unlike Corey I’d have rather seen Katee or Tricia as Edge of Tomorrow’s Rita; Emily Blunt was just serviceable, and she had zero chemistry with Cruise.


Cindy Davis, (Twitter) is a casting director…in her head.