Hmm, yes... I'd think they'd try to find another 'name', personally – because RDA obviously wasn't chosen for his similarity to Kurt Russell, so all that really mattered was the fact that he'd got a proven record for leading a show, surely? Although it probably helped that he already knew the people coming up with the idea (was that Greenburg? I forget). But then these circles all tend to know one another, anyhow - so presumably Greenburg may have known other lead-type actors he might have called on, if Rick said no.

It was already a film, they still had the Stargate prop, and the hook was pretty unique, pretty strong, so I'd imagine all that gave it a good chance of being made, with or without Rick.

Iiiiinteresting. It would have been totally different with someone else playing Jack, because Stargate has Rick's personality all through it. And yeah, then they might not have had Amanda, Chris, and Michael. Weird idea. Although I tend to think those three would have stood a good chance - having that chemistry with one another... and with Michael's similarity to James Spader, he'd surely have been in the running, at least.

And yes, I know what you mean about Firehouse feeling very 80s for such a late 90s show. I think that may be due to the lack of talent behind the camera. I think they had some ambitious, 90s ideas, but not enough ability or talent (or money) to carry that through.

It reminded me a little of NYPD Blue – not quality-wise, but in that it felt like they were aiming to do something similar but for the Fire Dep't: mess about with filming conventions, that sort of thing. They weren't able pull off what NYPD Blue did, but well done to them for trying, I guess. :)