Maybe Sliders, is science fact.
by Thomas Birchfield
slidecage.com
May 9, 2024
Kari Wuhrer became a regular cast member in the middle of the third season in 1997. She portrayed the military Captain, Maggie Beckett. John Rhys-Davies left the series after the season three episode The Exodus and their time on the set both overlapped as she joined and John was departing. That episode also featured Roger Daltrey from the rock band, The Who. During season 4, Maggie’s character become more laid back from that season 3 firm military mindset. Kari was a member of the cast for 2 and 1/2 seasons. After some time off she’s ready to get back to work. I was able to ask her some questions regarding her time on Sliders.
How have you been since your departure from Sliders?
“I went on to do some fun movies, a stint on a soap, I had three babies I’ve raised up to be smart and kind, and I’m ready to get back to work!”
Were you well acquainted with Sliders before your audition?
“Not at all. It was the very beginning of the show. After the first 1 1/2 seasons it moved to the brand new SyFy network. That’s when they offered me the role. I didn’t need to audition, but I did love the premise and Tracy Torme is a legend.”
Fans will get upset if I don’t ask, so what’s your favorite episode(s)?
“I really loved when Charlie O joined the cast. He was so lovely and sweet. We did that episode where we landed on a world where drug use was mandatory. It was so much fun playing “high” with Charlie.”
The season 4 episode “Just Say Yes” portrays a world where drugs are mandated by the government. It’s essentially the opposite of our world’s “say no to drugs”. Colin Mallory (Charlie O’Connell) and Maggie get drug, no pun intended, into the wild world of drugs. It’s left up to Quinn and Rembrandt to “stay low” and rescue them both. Odd isn’t it, of how getting low and getting high, can have multiple meanings.”
What was it like working with Jerry O’Connell? I understand he was a mentor.
“Jerry is one of the most authentic people. And the funniest guy I’ve ever worked with. I cherish that experience and love seeing how he has grown.”
Do you think you would’ve liked working in Vancouver like the first two seasons instead of the Universal backlot? Tracy Tormé was driving around in his convertible in the cold up there.
“I did my very first movie in Vancouver. “Fire With Fire”. It’s so beautiful up there. I didn’t have kids yet, so it would have been heaven. But there is nothing like the feeling of having your own parking spot on the Universal lot.”
Gotta ask what was it like working with Cleavant Derricks? He seems like a great guy.
“He was my favorite. We got pretty close. He was the heart of the show for sure and so talented.”
I heard a rumor you were wanting to wear purple hair for season 4. Is this true? If not, just fill me in about your favorite hair styles.
“Yeah. I was going through some big life changes and recording a lot of music. It was a self exploratory time. I look back at that dark hair and can’t believe how stupid I looked.”
People ask about the perks a lot, but what were the cons of the Sliders job?
“The cons? It was a dream job. The cons were only that I didn’t appreciate it enough while I had it. I’d give anything to have that opportunity again.”
Could you tell everyone about the vortex scenes. I assume they used a green screen and trampoline? How long did it take actors to do those scenes?
“By the middle of the season it was such a no brainer. We did it all different ways to mix it up. Jumping in. Falling in. Running in. Green screen no green screen. We had to keep it interesting.”
Do you have any worlds in mind you’d like to slide to? Better yet, ones you’d like to create?
“It would be great to slide into a world where we could tackle the social issues we deal with here on earth one. Racism, politics, maybe even spirituality. Kinda like Star Trek has done from its inception. I think it wasn’t the time back then maybe for our show, but it would be cool now.”
Thank you Kari, do you have any final thoughts or comments you’d like to add?
“I just want to thank the fans. It’s really satisfying to see the legacy the show has left. Science fiction is getting closer to science fact every year and new shows are pushing the envelope more and more. Sliders was a sweet piece of showing what one day may be possible. (If it isn’t already!)”
Sliders was way ahead of it’s time and paved the way for Marvel franchises among others. One thing is sure. Sliders has left a mark on society in the realm of pop culture and current events. As I keep my eye on social media I see people randomly mentioning how a particular episode or scene connects to the current events of today. They mention the show randomly out of the blue. The science community has also discussed how parallel worlds may no longer be a form of sci-fi. They may actually exist. Sliders was made of scifi, comedy, pop culture and more. If a TV series can make you suspend your belief, make you laugh, and see how it could parallel situations of our world I think it’s done it’s job. It makes you think. There’s not a whole lot of TV shows that can make that happen.