One of the biggest fears of many actors is to be typecast in a role, where its almost impossible to get any other roles because fans cant see them as anything else.

But for Amanda Tapping, who is now in her 11th year playing Samantha Carter in the Stargate universe, she isnt worried at all.

"I felt that we really had to tread lightly not only as Amanda, but as Sam Carter," Tapping told reporters during a Wednesday phone conference. "If I had any qualms, it wouldve maybe been in Season 6 or 7 [of 'Stargate SG-1']. That was just a matter of going up to the writers and asking whats next, and they always came up with something."

Tapping brings Carter over to "Stargate: Atlantis" for the shows fourth season, replacing Torri Higginson who spent three years as Elizabeth Weir. While Weir was more of a bureaucrat, Carter brings a desire to be a part of the action, but its still not the same Carter fans saw for a decade on "Atlantis'" sister show.

"The buzz that Im reading is varied," Tapping said. "There are some excited fans out there who are glad to see her out there and glad to see her in command, and there are some fans who have some trepidation. The only thing I can say is that as long as they keep their hearts open, and are accepting the fact that everything has to change at some point."

And Carter wont be as hands-on as Tapping would like.

"Its a much different role," she said. "Ive gone offworld just three times this year, and its extremely hard. Its especially frustrating for Carter to say that you have to go, and watch people go without her. Im kind of lost without my P-90, too. She doesnt go offworld nearly as much as she likes."

"Stargate: Atlantis" begins its fourth season on Friday on SciFi Channel, but filming of the entire 20-episode season is almost complete with just the final two episodes to go. That has given Tapping a chance to see how her character grows in her new role.

"Im very happy with the way the character was being introduced," Tapping said. "Bringing Carter from 'SG-1' to 'Atlantis' was handled seamlessly.

"I credit the writers with making it a fairly easy transition for her. [Carters] discomfort comes from the fact that she is completely out of her element. She is a woman who spent her entire career taking orders, and is suddenly in a position where she influences peoples lives by the decisions she makes. In that respect, she is really struggling in some ways, too, to find that strength."

But Carter wont be alone for long. Tealc will stop by for at least one episode.

"Christopher Judge showed up this year, and it actually made a lot of sense," Tapping said. "Its an episode that he does with Ronon (Jason Momoa) as the resident expert on being the new alien on board. Tealc has a lot of information he can pass on to Ronon."

For those fans who always wondered who would win in a fight between Ronon and Tealc? The answer is coming as the two characters will indeed fight.

"Atlantis" will no longer have a lead-in in the likes of "SG-1," but that doesnt mean the show cant stand on its own, Tapping said. In fact, if the show continues to do well, the actress said she would like to be back again in the fifth season.

All of that depends on how the show does this season. "Stargate: Atlantis" premieres Sept. 28 at 10 p.m. ET on SciFi Channel.