When Stargate Atlantis begins its Season Four this coming summer, as we have already reported, one major character will pull a disappearing act while a shiney face comes on board with her own brand of stethoscope.

Firefly/Serenity Actress Jewel Staite spoke briefly about her recurring role as Doctor Keller on the show in her blog.

Most fans should already know that Paul McGillion, who plays the popular Dr. Carson Beckett, while not totally leaving the show, will disappear toward the end of Season Three, with guest starring spots in Season Four. This is where Staite’s character comes into play and here are her own thoughts on the matter:

“I know it’s finally been revealed that Paul McGillion is leaving the show,” Staite wrote to fans, “and since I’m coming on the show, a lot of you have it in your head that I’m ‘replacing’ him. First of all, our characters are quite different from each other. … [And] I’m not a regular cast member and I’ve only signed on to do a certain number of episodes (not 15 — or at least that was news to me when I heard that on the Internet!).

“One thing I should tell you is that Paul and I are very close friends. He lives three blocks away from me (in my mom’s building — how weird and random is that?) and we see each other all the time. I can honestly say he’s one of the sweetest and most lovely people to work with (the crew of Atlantis raves about him), and I really just adore him.”

“I can’t comment on the why in terms of his character’s absense in the next season,” she said, “but the best thing about sci-fi is nothing is forever! … I’m really excited about coming on to Atlantis and playing another prodigy — genius mechanic to genius doctor, I am truly moving up in the world! Maybe next time I’ll play the president!”

“Just please have an open mind, and don’t hate me — it’s not my fault,” she added. “I’m just an actor who jumped at the chance to work with a really fun cast in my favorite city (mine) and play a young smarty-pants M.D. with a cool uniform. Can you blame me?”

The completion of Season Three begins in the U.S. this coming April, with Season Four promised for the Summer of 2007.