I have several new ideas for my next few fanfics, but I need some opinions on one idea I have that might rub some of you the wrong way. Basically, I want to write one where Sam, MacGyver's supposed "son" isn't portrayed, shall we say, in the most positive light. Given the volume of debate surrounding the discussion of The Stringer episode, I thought it might be interesting to write my own version of what happens after Mac and this guy meet, but again, as I said, it won't be a positive portrayal of Sam. I won't do it if too many of you protest or think that I shouldn't mess with that ending of the series. I know some of you like Sam and some of you are split on the ending, but I just want to hear what you think. Would you hate me if I wrote my own take on the Sam thing?

Never! (Hate you... I mean!)

The whole idea of writing is to stretch your creative muse. I know that I will read anything you write, because you write well... and I've enjoyed all your stories thus far.

And Sam really did not have time to build a character and history. We pretty much took it on faith that's he's a good guy... he's pretty much a blank slate.

If you're worried about how some will recieve your fic, just give it content warnings. You pretty much have to anyway.

So, write away. I'm looking forward to what you come with!

MC this sounds like a very fascinating idea! I love it- how interesting and creative. I'm not nuts about the whole Sam thing, but since he's already here...you can't unring a bell and all...might as well have fun with it and try a different take! I would love to read it, and unless somebody comes right out and says "I hate MacGyver" or something, I'm pretty hard to offend. And, Lord only knows...it can't be more offensive than the fan-fic I came out with a while ago... So have at it- can't wait!

Thanks, guys! I mean, the whole idea is that Sam is actually a mystery at this point--we really don't know much about him, and who he is. I just think it would be interesting to question his true identity, and I certainly have an interesting theory...

What? What is it?! Ohhhhhh! I have the tendencies of a 5-year old when it comes to mysteries! And patience.

Do it!

I don't know. Surely you have good ideas. But why not a positive portrayal? What would make him bad and why making him bad? Because he is his son? Because MacGyver has a son? Is that the reason to make someone bad?
The way we saw Sam was determined and confident and most of all a kid who did his homework.
The way I see it now is like reversing something that's good into something bad. Like making MacGyver a killer and Murdoc a saint.

Absolutely, you're right on that. But does that have to be a reason to make Sam a negative character?
Sam was taking in by MacGyver with open arms. They're very much alike. Determined, confident, knowing what to do in difficult situation. They both got a hunger for adventure.
I think I would've done the same thing. You know actually Sam isn't more than all the other characters he has met during the series and builded ongoing friendships with: Jack, Mike Forrester, Penny, Breeze, The Woodmans, Booker and Cynthia Wilson, The Coltons, Willis, Novis Reilly, the cops. He is his father, Sam is his son and they are friends.

And he is one.

I'm not making Sam a bad person because he's MacGyver's son. Actually, it's more like questioning whether he really IS MacGyver's son, which from what I understand some people think he's an imposter. As I said, I knew this would ruffle some feathers, but this is just my interpretation. If it upsets you, either don't read it, listen to my content warnings, or give it a chance. You don't quite know what I'm going to do with the character yet, so be patient.

Actually, this is a fascinating idea. He could have made up all the things, if he really wanted to. Even the things he did in exactly the same way like Mac does, just to convince him. If he spied on him first like Deborah did.

But for what agenda?

I would read it!


It can be some sort of AU, some "what if..."-story, if you want to.

I'd find it hard to believe to think Sam's an imposter.

I reckon we probably got more people here who didn't like Sam or the idea of Sam than not.. so I don't think you'll be ruffling to many feathers.

And we've all now been forewarned by this thread... so anyone who really doesn't like the idea.. should just not read it.

As I said in the episode thread, I liked him - still I would read this story.

Just stop asking questions, MacsChick, and start writing!

Hmmm... interesting concept. That would be a hard, cruel thing to do to MacGyver. After that business in "The Wall" when they were trying to prove or disprove Maria's relationship to her grandfather, I imagine that Pete might have a healthy suspicion about SAM's claim-- for one, he would have been unable to see any family resemblance. I imagine him trying to get discreet samples for blood or DNA testing, so that he didn't anger MacGyver if he was wrong...

I say go with it! Sounds like you've got good basis for a story. Go forth! Create!


I just worry about what you're going to do to poor Mac!

Thanks for your permission to go ahead with it, Rock. I was going to contact you privately about the idea, but I wanted to get a broad spectrum of opinions from everyone before I started. I probably won't have time to begin it until tomorrow or Saturday, which was why I wanted to hear from you guys first.

Loth--don't worry, I'll try not to hurt poor Mac too much! I like him too much to cause too much damage to the poor guy.

I'm all for it! Maybe some won't agree with the ideas you come up with, but that's the idea behind fanfic, in my opinion...you fix something you don't like, you explain something that needs it, or you just tailor it to your own MacVerse. I'm really intrigued by what you'll come up with!

Just go ahead with it. Maybe it's not going to be as bad as I think it's going to be. So the idea is that what if Sam isn't his son, right? I more had an idea of putting Sam in a negative light for something he did in his past. Like maybe he killed someone.

Yes, please do it!

Oh no, MG, Sam didn't kill someone. It's not that kind of negativity. You'll see soon. I think I might have the first part up tonight!