Fondy and I celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by going out for Singaporean food yesterday. We exercised perfect timing in arriving downtown about twenty minutes after the St. Patrick’s Parade festivities had broken up, allowing us to find some terrific parking right around the corner from Prima Taste. For Sunday lunch, we had excellent Hainanese chicken. It’s a dish I usually avoid because the many versions I’ve tried in the past ranged from tasteless to unremarkable, but Prima Taste’s version is very tender and flavorful. We tried the prawn laksa. The spicy coconut-based curry broth was tasty and satisfying, lending the prawn and tofu puffs a bold richness, but I wasn’t a fan of the noodles. We also had an order of the garlic sautéed water spinach which turned out to be one of the best versions of this hollow-root veggie I’ve ever eaten (“Ten on ten!”was Fondy’s assessment).
After lunch, we swung by Chapters and, as is usually the case, I didn’t leave emptyhanded. Pictured are my four purchases: what looks to be a fairly comprehensive collection of the works of the great Harlan Ellison, a collection of short stories by Ursula K. LeGuin, Heinlein’s Time for the Stars (did I mention how much I liked The Moon is a Harsh Mistress?), and an interesting-looking little book – Mr. Thundermug by Cornelius Medvei – whose protagonist is a talking baboon. Not pictured but also purchased: China Mieville’s The Scar. Meanwhile, I’m halfway through World War Z and am finding it a difficult book to put down. The fact that it details the events of the zombie war after the fact does mute some of the tension, but the wholly believable description of society’s dissolution and the individual experiences amid the chaos make for a terrifyingly enjoyable read.
By the way, we watched our very first director’s cut late last week. Rob Cooper did a terrific job on Doppelganger. Some wonderfully way-out sequences in this one as well as some effectively creepy scenes as well, not to mention the full-contact extreme Shep whumpage in this one. This one is a lot of fun and, believe me, you cannot wait to see it! But, alas, you’ll have to.
An extra special thanks today to Lorr54 for sending some premium, hard-to-find, Scharffen Berger special editions. As per your request, we will be switching Zelenka’s background from Czech to Indonesian. Thanks again.
Speaking of Zelenka, David Nykel wanted a new uniform so he got one. Check it out. Styling, no?
Questions…
Peter writes: “Can you drop any hints with regards to the mid-season 2 parter? It seems to me that most of these 2 parters have something attacking/taking Atlantis (except Lost Boys/Hive). Will this be similar?”
Answer: No hints but I will say that it will be very different from previous mid-season two-parters.
Anonymous #1 writes: “What segment of 200 did you write?”
Answer: I wrote the zombie sequence, Invisible O’Neill, and the Farscape take-off.
Anonymous #2 writes: “I strongly believe that Brad, Rob, Paul and yourself did a superb job on SG1 and SGA regarding the art of story telling and suspence, and special effects removing the ships and all related stuff will be like castrating the last male of an endagered specie.”
Answer: Well, one of the problems with the introduction of the ships (and the beaming technology in particular) is that it sometimes takes away from the human element (the team). That said, we simply have to find ways around relying on our ships to save the day because, at this point, we have no intention of “castrating the last male of an endangered species” (although we may kick it in the nuts a couple of times).
Thor94 writes: “ 1)You say that in first movie, SG1 will go in ori’s galaxy. Will we see space-battle with earth ship(oddyssey,F302) and ori mothership and especially ori-hunter?
2)Will we see the asgard weapons acquired in “Unending” in SGA season4 to fight the wraith. 3) Will we find real ally with advanced technology (…) beause there are ever 3 season and all people with advanced science was enemy(assurans,wraith,olesian) or destructed(ancient,people of “the ark”)?”
Answers: 1) Now that you mention it, you may see a space battle or two. 2) Wait and see. 3) Yup. Check out Travelers.
Kirsten writes: “…six hours from Bellingham to Vancouver?! I really hope they weren’t driving in the left lane, or I’d be tailgating their ass.”
Answer: I suppose it depends on the back-up at border. The few times I’ve gone to Bellingham (to take our pugs to visit their eye specialist), it’s taken me anymore from one and half to three hours. Six hours? Well, maybe they rode their bikes.
Mikey writes: “Are we gonna see the surviving Satedans in Season 4?”
Answer: Chances are good.
Anonymous #3 writes: “The cello music in Unending was awesome and heart-breaking. Could you please tell us who played it (the filming of it was referenced in an article in the Stargate magazine) and what was the name of the composition?”
Answer: This one is a question for Brad Wright as he wrote the piece in question.
Arctic Goddess writes: “ What other series will Beau Bridges be on that you know about? Are you serious about the thought of a character becoming psychotic?”
Answer: Beau’s new series is “Two Families”. And as for the psychotic character episode – when do I kid?
John Manzione writes: “My wife suggested that it might be a good idea to let everyone involved in the shows know that they have fans out there that consider what they do to be something really special. Something sublime that we love to experience together. Where might we send such a letter?”
Answer: No need to send a letter. I’ll direct them to this blog entry.
Zabadoo writes: “What’s your favorite SG-1 season finale post-season 4? What’s your least favorite?”
Answer: Favorite is a tie between Moebius II and Camelot. Least favorite: Revelations (the only non-cliffhanger finale).
Anonymous #4 writes: “Granted, the cancellation of SG-1 was announced early in the season, but apart from the plots of the two movies, what else was planned for season 11?”
Answer: The movies were planned after the cancellation. We hadn’t even begun thinking about season 11 when we received word of the show’s cancellation.
Mr.Mallozzi,
Hello, have you and ms. fondy ever tried moroccan food? I was also wondering why you haven’t included deleted scenes and bloopers in the SGA season 2 box set just recently released. Will you consider making this possible for the season 3 dvd release next year. Also, is the Stargate Atlantis budget for season 4 bigger due to the cancellation of SG1 or is it the same?
Your Moroccan fan
Joe,
Thanxs for anwering and clarifying the question about ships, funny analogy at the end.
your montreal fan,
You are very welcome for the Scharffen Berger. I do enjoy spreading the love around and chocolate is the major (tangible) food group for the soul. There must be 2 Lorr54s running around. I don’t think I asked for Zelenka to change nationalities. And, I do love the character as is. BTW, please add my appreciation for the job well done on SGA. Season 3 has been fabulous!
Joseph,
Your episode The Tower was very unique. I mean this in the sense that it allowed us the fans to believe very vividly in the story, that there was actually another city ship in pegasus, with different inhabitants, and not forgetting a different setting (another planet). But, in reality it just took some transformations to the regular set and the addition of different faces. I liked this concept not only because its a smart way to save money for the season but also because it gives prospective film directors such as myself an emphasis on the importance resourcefulness. I was wondering if you will be planning for season 4 something similar as a writer or producer stand point.
Molson
Joe, this is random but, are you a “Pirates of the Caribbean” fan?
I gave up on LeGuin after I couldn’t stop my eyes from bleeding all the way through the pain that is The Left Hand of Darkness.
On another note, will there be much location shooting for the movies, or will it be primarily on sets? I think the show lost a bit of its appeal in seasons nine and ten when it moved indoors pretty much full time.
Hey Joe! I have a couple of Questions,
1) What are the chances of getting Patrick McKenna back for an Atlantis episode for some great McKay/Carter/Felger banter?
2) What is going to happen to Hermiod now his home planet has been distroyed?
Thanks, I think you’re all doing a great job!
Joe, How much will RDA be in the second movie, i.e., what size is his role?
Cool shots of David Nykl. Post more 🙂
Zelenka in a space suit. I like it. I especially like how in one pic the red-eye effect makes him look like he got possessed by some alien entity and turned evil…or maybe I’ve been watching too much sci-fi.
You get all concerned about eating Chinese to celebrate the Chinese New Year, then make a point to not eat Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Have you something against the Irish? Is this why there hasn’t been an Irish character on Atlantis yet?
OMG!
I can’t believe all the carry on about people saying bad things about JF on GW and LJ. The only negative JF things I remember ever reading or being involved in is annoyance over his tendency (more than the others) to cancel conventions, though many of us came to the conclusion that he’s not as ‘out there’ with the fans as PM or DH or DN are, so perhaps that’s part of the reason.. maybe they make him uncomfortable. (why isn’t he listed for Vancouver, btw? You’d think they’d want the star of the show front and centre for that one!)
The only things I’ve seen written about JF personally relates to how he’s always so family focused. Anyone who saw him at the NJ con could tell you he talked a hell of a lot about his wife and kids. He took a call from his wife while he was signing autographs.
I think that the things that are said negatively about that side of his life comes from weirdos who honestly want him to leave his wife so they have a chance of getting their hands on him (As if!!)
Then there are the people who write that vile real-life person fic. OMG! You should check it out, JM. I’ve read two of those stories, and they grossed me out. They play Joe up to be a sleaze who cheats on his wife, and they always set Torri or David Hewlett up as the homewrecker. (yes, there are those who really want JF and DH to be having a gay affair! Haha! I wonder what their significant others would think of that!)
What enters the minds of people who write that stuff?? Awful!!!
The majority of Shep/Weir fans love Shep/Joe. Otherwise why would you ship him with Elizabeth?
The criticism hasn’t been of Joe. It’s been of John. The guy flirts and carries on while ON DUTY OFF WORLD (at least in season 2). Not very becoming behaviour for an airforce officer who’s essentially responsible for the safety of an entire colony.
Will Dan Shea move on to another show or will he keep doing Stargate now that SG-1 is cancelled? Are Siler and Bra’tac going to be in the movies? What season of SG-1 would you compare Season 4 of Atlantis to?
Wow Joe, you really know how to set the fangirls on fire!
While Shep whump is my favorite, I have to tell you that Team Sheppard whump is almost as delightful. Will the team see some collective whump as well in Doppleganger and other episodes?
Joe, did you write that comment about The Tower yourself? And about RDA’s screentime in Continuum, let’s just say it better be a lot. Huge even.
Hi Joe, enjoy your blog immensely. Just wondering for curiousity’s sake whether Dr Keller has a first name as of yet?
Joe, thanks for the shout out for Doppelganger. While not the most challenging episode I’ve directed logistically, it was the most difficult because of the deadly virus I barely managed to ward off during production. On another subject, I noticed you gave credit for the chello music in Unending to Brad and wanted to correct you on that. While Brad wrote a most stirring and emotional piece of music originally intended to go with the chello playing, alas, Joel Goldsmith our genius composer had a tough time making it work in sync with the notes played by the on set hand double for Amanda. The music that was actually played on the day was copywritten and could not be used so Joel had to write something new that would both suit the mood and the obvious playing motions of the hand double. IMO a brilliant job. For now, we can only hope Brad’s composition may yet find an audience in the score to Continuum.
If you’re enjoying World War Z, also check out Max Brook’s earlier book called The Zombie Survival Guide. It is usually shelved in humor.
You also might enjoy Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Clarke, Wicked by Maguire, and anything by Christopher Moore. Moore has a completely irreverent smack-sassy humor in his novels that I think you would find refreshing.
And now for a random SGA question: How many words per minute can McKay spew techo-jargon when he’s in his ‘angry-place’?
The real person fic authors operate in a closed LJ community because they know most fans find it repugnant. I have no idea whether they’re whumpers, thunkers, shippers… what they are. They’re very secretive. That in itself should tell you that they know they’re doing something that others find offensive.
I hope Katherine Flanigan never reads any of that stuff!
Hello Joe, I know you must be having a lot of fun with all this ‘ship nonsense because you keep posting comments. Particularly in the March 18 comment section, there were a number of stunning (at least to me) statements. I have been a member of the S/W shipper thread on GW for 2 years and have no idea what those people who seem to hate us are talking about. We absolutely love Joe/John and only on occasion criticize the character never the actor. I have read all 41,000+ posts and don’t recall anything I would find insulting, especially to Joe. On the contrary, we have posted much about how we admire him for his obvious love and adoration for his family. I have, however, seen things on the Sheyla thread that might cause discomfort or embarassment if taken seriously. So let’s not believe everything you see written by people with an agenda. In other words, believe me not them. LOL. I joined this ship because I see the potential for a mature meaningful relationship based not just on appearance between two people who have grown to care for each other and played by two actors whose screen chemistry is unlike any I’ve ever see, but that’s just me. Now can we please move on and let the shippers of all stripes take their war elsewhere. We are all digging ourselves a deep hole.
I just read the news about Jack being in Continuum. Well done. I may just check out the movies now afterall. The show had pretty much lost me, but I’m probably willing to give it a go again in the hopes of having some good old teamy goodness. As the poster above me said, here’s to lots and lots of Jack in those movies.
“Answer: Favorite is a tie between Moebius II and Camelot. Least favorite: Revelations (the only non-cliffhanger finale).”
What about Full Circle? Unending? Revelations is great. I love the ending to that episode. I had always envisioned the show as a whole ending with a shot of Jack just like the one at the end of Revelations.
Are you going to use the indoor village again in season 4? I have to say that although they did a great job of constantly trying to make it look like a different village, I started to get kind of annoyed at seeing that same damn village every time. I’d love to see different village like the one in season 9’s Babylon.
Hey Joe! Just wanted to say great job in SGA and SG1. I know you guys get a lot of critisim from angry fans that feel the need to blame someone for disicions they don’t like.
1.) Stop taunting us with tid-bits of info! When are we going to get some more extensive info on s4 episode?
2.) There’s a lot of really great fanfiction on the web. Ever thought of holding a contest where fans get to submit their own scripts and the grand prize is for it to be made into an episode? Probably not 😉
Thanks, scifi_lemon
Hi Mr. Mallozzi.
Can you give us hints on Elizabeth Weir. What exactly does the future hold for her character as Torri has become a supporting member of the cast? And will Carter be in charge of the whole Atlantis expedition now since she outranks Sheppard?
I have been reading your blogs on and off for the last couple of weeks thanks to a co-worker of mine at Chapter’s. This won’t be an SGA question so I hope you don’t mind. I see that you are an avid reader as well a foodie 🙂 Can I ask what you recomend as restaurants to visit while in B.C.? (we are looking for different experiences) Thanks
Mangoturkey
I suppose it depends on the back-up at border. The few times I’ve gone to Bellingham (to take our pugs to visit their eye specialist), it’s taken me anymore from one and half to three hours. Six hours? Well, maybe they rode their bikes.
Ah, crossing into the US takes forever because our Customs officers are a bunch of lameass slowpokes. Crossing into Canada is much quicker. 😉
Joe,
I was wondering if you’ve ever been in front of the camera on an stargate episode – a random guard, background scientist, etc
Thanks, and looking forward to more stargate!
“1) What are the chances of getting Patrick McKenna back for an Atlantis episode for some great McKay/Carter/Felger banter?”
First, let me say that I hated Felger. That said, this could be hilarious.
McKay: He’s an idiot.
Carter: He just needs a push in the right direction.
McKay: Like away from idiocy?
Carter: McKay…
Felger: You know I can hear you, right?
McKay: Ah. Right. How’s it going, Folger?
Felger: It’s Felger…
Question for Mr. Mallozzi: If the city’s shield could only last 24 hours at full output (First Strike), how long could it last if it were reduced to its skin-tight form from Rising?
Good job on trying Singaporean food! I’m actually quite familiar with it, even though I’m from the US.
I know you weren’t a big fan of the laksa noodles, but if you want to try it again, try fish laksa (assuming it’s on the menu.) Or try satay. (Again, assuming it’s on the menu.)
It’s spelled “cello”, not “chello”. I’m sorry, but it’s not every day I get to correct Robert Cooper’s spelling.
Rob Cooper!! Can we please get Jack in Ark of Truth as well? It might seem like a small thing, but a lot of us are really dying to see Jack back in action. It’s been a long draught for us Jack fans. Thanks for checking in and reading Joe’s blog (and hopefully our zany comments).
JackAttack
The cello bit was awesome. Thanks for the update. Carter’s cello playing made the episode so emotional.
Hi Joe:
Thanks so much for answering my questions. You are really sweet.
Hi Rob Cooper:
Looking forward to seeing you at the Vancouver Convention this weekend. We will miss you at our fan party on Thursday evening.
Have a great day, gentlemen.
Patricia
Had no trouble crossing the border from BC into WA. The only thing the customs guy wanted to know was whether we had anything to declare.
We said “Yep, chocolate!” He said “Good choice!” and off we went.
It was much more of an interrogation getting into Canada, so I can see how that would take time.
Oh, and can I ask, any update on the number of eps Torri will be in yet? Can we hope for at least half the season? Fingers are crossed for more than that. She’s too fabulous not to be a big part of this show!
Joe,
Do you and Fondi ever eat at home once in a while ??I look at all those food photos and I wonder the portions are huge are you ove 200lbs. and do you work out some to maintain .
Extreme Shep whumpage in Doppelganger?! *runs around like a mad woman* I love this episode already! Is it fall yet??!!!!
Thanks for the tidbits, Joe! I’m extremely excited about season 4, even more so now that I know there’ll be Shep whump! 🙂
Jess
May I congratulate you on a job well done, sir? The GW Shep Whump thread is now awash with giddy excitement and will likely remain so until Season 4 airs! 🙂 *takes hat off to Joe*
Of course, you do realise we’re going to be badgering you endlessly for further details now, don’t you? 😉
Here’s a popular question – will we be getting any further info on Sheppard’s heretofor mysterious background in Season 4?
Kirsten said…
Ah, crossing into the US takes forever because our Customs officers are a bunch of lameass slowpokes. Crossing into Canada is much quicker. 😉
Heh. Crossing the border at Niagara Falls – 4 British folks in an RV:
Into Canada – “Everybody got passports? Okay.” *stamps passports* “Thank you. Enjoy your stay.”
Back into US (later the same day) – Man with an automatic machine gun, “You’re in the wrong lane. RVs should be in that lane. Where are you from? Who does the RV belong to? It’s rented? Where from? (the gun convinced me to refrain from pointing out the HUGE logo of the rental company on the front of the RV) How long have you been in the US? How long are you staying? Open the door to the van, I want to come inside. Passports. Who’s David? Who’s Helen? *checks every one of us against our passport photos* How long have you been in Canada? (he’s holding our passports stamped *that morning*)
He then proceeded to open and search every cupboard in the place – we’d been in the RV for 3 days and didn’t know until he opened it that there was a storage area under the main double bed! 😆
He finally decided we weren’t terrorists or drug dealers and weren’t smuggling in a Vietnamese boat family in a 3 x 1 foot storage space and gave us back our passports and told us, “It’s always nice to meet British people – you’re so polite”!!!
Note to US Customs Staff re British people – we don’t have armed policemen in our country. We are always verrrrry polite to people with big guns! 🙂
Wow. Someday, those of us in the US will get to hear the wonderful cello that everyone’s gushing about. (Not that I’m pouting or anything.)
And poor David Nykl. He looks positively miserable.
So, on to my question (if you choose to answer).
Stargate enjoys paying homage to different movies and series. What, if any, homages will we be seeing in the first half of Season 4?
Hey Joe
I’ve been keeping track when you mention episodes for season 4.. is this the right order? Adrift, Lifeline, Reunion, Doppleganger, Missing, Travellers,Tabula Rasa.
You mentioned that Irresponsible was quite unlike how you envisioned it, what went wrong?
Thanks!
I like David Nykl’s new uni!
What’s up JM? I have a question, which may have been asked in the past but I was wondering if you could tell me.
1)Why was John Sheppard’s character chosen to be in the Air Force versus any other military division?
2)Since we know that John’s dad is “a respected Cold War Colonel”, could you tell us which military division his dad is/was? Or could we expect an answer in S4?
VB
Hi, Joe!
The more I read your blog, the more I can’t wait for Season 4. And there’s still so much time before the fall. Thank you for the pictures, too- Zelenka got a very nice new uniform 🙂
You wrote two of my three favorite segments in the 200th –(because I can’t pick just one)-the Invisible O’Neill and the Farscape take-off 🙂 Who wrote the Sam and Jack wedding segment?
And thanks to Robert Cooper for the explanation about the cello part in Unending-that was beautiful music.
Is it true that Goran Visnjic will guest star in season 4?
Anonymous said:
” I have read all 41,000+ posts and don’t recall anything I would find insulting, especially to Joe.”
How strange. Because, at least twice I’ve seen pretty awful things there written about Joe F. that members of the Shep/Weir thread itself threatened to report to the mods. They were very quickly deleted, so you obviously missed them, but a storm was caused at the time, I can assure you. They have stuck in a lot of people’s minds though. So, please don’t say things haven’t been said when they have. The people who posted those things know who they are. Shame on them.
As for people ‘hating’ shippers. I personally don’t hate anyone, and certainly not online people I’ve never met – that would be pretty weird.
However, I do dislike all ship intensely now, mainly because of the wars that seem to go on online. I do have to say though, that I personally have never seen any disrepectful comments from other Sheppard ship pairings about Joe F, only from S/W people, I’m sorry to say.
As for space ships… I love them. From the PJ’s to the Daedaulus, Apollo, Promethius RIP,..etc. I genuinely love them all. The only one I haven’t taken to is the Ori ship. It really does look like a giant toilet seat!!!
Again, Shep/Weir shippers do not hate Shep. Please go read the Shep/Weir thread at GW. Several people were upset at his behavior in season 2, when hormones seemed to take over the character – and it wasn’t just Shep/Weir fans who were upset. Just read this anti-kirking/Shep thread – there are a lot of fans who dislike Shep’s skirt chasing, and they aren’t all shippers:
http://forum.gateworld.net/showthread.php?t=21120&highlight=anti+kirking
Here is the Kirking poll done at GW:
http://forum.gateworld.net/showthread.php?t=22002
Yes, I have made some angry Shep comments, but only because I love the guy and hated what the writers were doing to him in season 2. As for season 3, I like him better, but not as much as the Shep of season 1. The “shy guy who can’t talk to girls” of season 3, next to the Shep of season 2 who never saw a girl he didn’t like, is a bit jarring. I’d like to go back to season 1 Shep, please.
Answer: Well, one of the problems with the introduction of the ships (and the beaming technology in particular) is that it sometimes takes away from the human element (the team). That said, we simply have to find ways around relying on our ships to save the day…
I’m glad that you mentioned this. Early on in SG-1 and SGA, getting out of dire situations required a balance of technology and cleverness and determination. The ability to “beam out” just as the blade was about to fall came across as more of a plot device and left me as a viewer feeling let down. What is the point of creating danger if beaming and holography will solve the problem? The tech did interfere with the human touch. I feel hopeful about the SG-1 movies and S4 of SGA knowing that you recognize that good sci-fi is about people first and technology second. Thanks.
The real person fic authors operate in a closed LJ community because they know most fans find it repugnant. I have no idea whether they’re whumpers, thunkers, shippers… what they are. They’re very secretive. That in itself should tell you that they know they’re doing something that others find offensive.
Have you ever thought that perhaps this is considerate?
I’m not saying I have an opinion either way but, like fanfiction in general, isn’t it simply another way of a person expressing and sharing their ideas/fantasies/etc amongst others with a similar idea?
Yes, whilst it is more disturbing to some because it uses the names of people, it is still ultimately fanfiction as these are peoples’ perceptions and expansions on people they know snippets about, not the actual performers that they don’t or probably wont ever know.
From what I’ve seen they keep themselves to themselves and don’t throw their opinions in other peoples’ faces, which is preferable to the multitude of rabid shippers who can’t see past their own delusional protestations enough to realise that, ultimately, your opinion doesn’t change reality – it’s just a show.
Joe,
Completely non stargate related. It’s a Pug thing. My little guy Dolby had an allergic reaction to his “lepto” shot a few weeks back, he’s OK now after much Benadryl and fawning (I brought him to work every day for a week – I was pretty worried for a while), but he continues to have an annoying case of the sniffles, he’s pretty stuffed up sometimes and chokes on occasion, this is three weeks later. My vet (whom I usually adore) has told me not to worry, but I was wondering if any of your guys had ever gone through an extended period of allergy like this? Further benadryl hasn’t helped – beyond making him sleepy – and I’m about ready to march him to a respirologist.
Not that you’re a vet, of course. Just wondering if you had any experience with this, your guys seem (look) older than mine, my oldest is 3.
Cheers,
mg
Full contact extreme Shep whumpage!!!!!! Woo hoo!!!!! (hopes for an infirmary scene too) 🙂
Hello again Joe!
Well, I must say, this Shep whumper woke up very happy this morning on reading your snippets of info on Doppelganger. The Shep whump thread at GW has been…er, squeeing with excitement. Yes, I know, it’s embarrassing…but we just can’t contain ourselves!! At least we have fun!
From spoilers I’ve seen, (uncomfirmed spoilers – I hope they’re correct though,) it appears as if it will be a really exciting and fun episode!!
How on Earth are we going to wait so many months to see it?
David Hewlett said he thought it would air 8th or something similar. Has Doppelganger’s airing number been determined yet?
Thanks so much for keeping us feeling so positive through this very long hiatus, even though it’s only just begun for me! Well, I am horrendously impatient at the best of times. (Here in the UK, season 3 has sadly ended, but it was absolutely fantastic. Now I’m eagerly awaiting the release of the season 3 dvds!!)
Joe,
Glad to see you’re still blogging and critiquing food since you stopped blogging at gateworld. Haven’t had a chance to catch up on all your posts. Are you still making ice cream?
Joe, I noticed that you write David Nykl´s name Nykel. So..it´s wrong 😉
FoolishPleasure said…
Again, Shep/Weir shippers do not hate Shep. Please go read the Shep/Weir thread at GW. Several people were upset at his behavior in season 2, when hormones seemed to take over the character – and it wasn’t just Shep/Weir fans who were upset. Just read this anti-kirking/Shep thread – there are a lot of fans who dislike Shep’s skirt chasing, and they aren’t all shippers:
http://forum.gateworld.net/showthread.php?t=21120&highlight=anti+kirking
In that thread the vast majority of the posts are made by a small and vocal minority. There are only 22 people in there who have more than 20 posts in the thread (and at least 9 of those 20 are Shweir shippers/Torri fans). So not really empirical evidence of an overwhelming majority.
How about anyone wanting to continue the shipper/STAKKER/Shep-hate debate does so on a more suitable public forum – like say GW? – instead of doing such a darn good job of convincing Joe that we fans are all nutters! 😆
I’m racking my brain, trying to remember seeing anything anti Joe in the Shep/Weir thread. Nope,not anti Joe. We love him. How could you not?
I will admit there’s been anti-Shep stuff every now and then. Not anti-Shep as a whole, just anti some aspects of the character in season two. He seemed so far removed from the wonderful season one Shep we all knew and loved.
What I have seen on GW is some appalling, and I mean really, really appalling stuff written about Jason and Torri. Where people get the idea that it’s okay to say horrible things about the two of them just because they threaten a perceived ship is beyond me. The posters who do this know how to walk the fine line between actor and character bashing and often get away with it.
And there was also that sig that had a hand drawn picture of Joe and Rachel in wedding attire. I think it was Bam Bam who had to point out to the owner of said sig that it probably wouldn’t be appreciated by Joe’s wife or Rachel’s boyfriend if they saw it!
Also when it comes to the RPF stuff, I don’t believe they’re being respectful or whatever that poster said by hiding it all. There’s nothing respectful about writing that one actor’s going to leave his wife and kids for one of the others. That’s the kind of stuff that’s written. There’s a fine line in fandom and that’s on I don’t think should be crossed.
And one more thing. I hope you’ll be out there with trays of Irn Bru to ease the thirst of the Scots when they arrive, JM.
Oh, and I lied, one other thing, you have to tell David Nykl that Zelenka’s the cutest thing on this show! He’s especially cute with McKay and Weir!
What’s all this excitement about “whump”? Am I correct that some people actually want to see Sheppard broken and bleeding? Yet shippers are the ones who are nuts? Color me confused?
Hi Joe,
Have just read a wonderful interview by Joe Flanigan where he has given his thoughts on season three, and mentions how much he loved this season. He has stated that episodes like Common Ground were among his favourites and he had such fun doing it. He also mentions that he would love to see his character go on a bit of a bend.
I was wondering if there would be any kind of episode like this in season four where we get to see Sheppard go off the rails a bit. I understand you don’t want to compromise his leadership abilitiesl but I’m sure the great group of SGA writers could come up with a plausible scenario where this could happen, either he is effected by drugs/brainwashing or some other imaginative scenario.
Joe is an amazing actor but sometimes I feel that he doesn’t get the opportunities to flex these great acting skills of his, and I think his charcter runs the risk of becoming a little one dementional. Scenes where we see a little more of what is behind the “cool flyboy image”, are also great, and I think the scene with John opening up to Teyla in the mess hall in Sateda, gave us a whole new perspective on the guy.
So to summarise can we expect or hope for any good meaty, emotional, of the rails kind of scenes or episodes for Sheppard in season four.
Many thanks.
In that thread the vast majority of the posts are made by a small and vocal minority. There are only 22 people in there who have more than 20 posts in the thread (and at least 9 of those 20 are Shweir shippers/Torri fans). So not really empirical evidence of an overwhelming majority.
Ali, to correct you – the STAKS (anti-Kirking) thread at GW has over 150 different posters, with almost 2,000 posts. You say 9 out of the top 20 posters are Shep/Weir fans, but that still isn’t the majority. If you look closely, a good number are also Shep/Teyla fans, as well as no-romos. The viewers against the Babe Magnet run through all aspects of SGA fandom.
Now look at the “I don’t mind Kirking” thread (where you frequented), which has a scant 135 posts total.
Just because you fancy the “pretty” that is John Sheppard, doesn’t mean others don’t see the flaws and mistakes the writers have created. Yes, Sheppard is pretty, but that only goes so far. There has to be an interesting, three-diminensional character for me to keep looking. Anti-kirkers don’t hate the character. We just don’t want him turned into a walking joke, which is what was happening in season 2. Season 3 is better for Sheppard, but we still know very little. He is still little more than a cardboard cutout. Pretty – yes. Deep and developed character – not yet. I’m still waiting for the episode that shows me just “who” John Sheppard is.
That’s all I’m gonna say on that. ;o)
Anonymous said…
What’s all this excitement about “whump”? Am I correct that some people actually want to see Sheppard broken and bleeding? Yet shippers are the ones who are nuts? Color me confused?
That’s something I have a hard time understanding as well. Glad someone pointed it out.
hi Joe I was wondering why Andee frizzell doesn’t get the regonicisation she deserves she is a great actress and when ever she is in an episode of Atlantis her name should be at the beginning credits and not stuck at the end of an episodes credits
In answer to Foolish Person, (apt name, by the way):
Sheppard isn’t just ‘pretty’. He’s a great character with plenty of substance. He certainly is incredibly popular, so you’re in the minority with your views, of which, of course, you’re entitled to spew all over the internet … non-stop, all the time, everywhere you frequent… Talk about being obsessed with a character you hate! Oh, you don’t hate him? Really. I suppose I could wade through GW to find the many posts where you’ve said you hate him…but that would be sort of sinking to your level, and you know what? Atlantis is a TV show, and some of us just want to sit back and enjoy it, because that’s what it’s all about. I love the show, and watching it makes me happy and keeps me entertained.
I love all the characters, and I hate to see anything negative about ANY of them.
Joe, you and your colleagues do a great job. Please keep up the good work. Some of us really appreciate what you do. 🙂
Mr. Mallozzi,
Thanks for your constant question answering. I was previously unfamiliar with this level of fan interaction, and am glad to have found it for my favorite show ever. Thank you and Congratulations by the way, on being a part of the making of my favorite show. When I first watched SG-1 I thought it would be my favorite show forever, but now I think I like Atlantis even better, so you guys are obviously doing a good job. In regards to all the worry over season 4, I am very excited for the season, although admittedly a little worried as well. I’m trying to remember that it’s part of the greatness of the show that it can make me worry over it. I suppose I don’t really have any question for you because I’m sure everything I want to know I’m just going to have to wait to find out. If you can offer any more reassurance on the fate of Elizabeth, and any insight into how John will react, I’d appreciate it. If not, I understand. Thanks for the great stories that I love, keep them coming!
alipeeps said…
Heh. Crossing the border at Niagara Falls – 4 British folks in an RV:
Into Canada – “Everybody got passports? Okay.” *stamps passports* “Thank you. Enjoy your stay.”
Back into US (later the same day) – Man with an automatic machine gun, “You’re in the wrong lane. RVs should be in that lane. Where are you from? Who does the RV belong to? It’s rented? Where from? (the gun convinced me to refrain from pointing out the HUGE logo of the rental company on the front of the RV) How long have you been in the US? How long are you staying? Open the door to the van, I want to come inside. Passports. Who’s David? Who’s Helen? *checks every one of us against our passport photos* How long have you been in Canada? (he’s holding our passports stamped *that morning*)
He then proceeded to open and search every cupboard in the place – we’d been in the RV for 3 days and didn’t know until he opened it that there was a storage area under the main double bed! 😆
He finally decided we weren’t terrorists or drug dealers and weren’t smuggling in a Vietnamese boat family in a 3 x 1 foot storage space and gave us back our passports and told us, “It’s always nice to meet British people – you’re so polite”!!!
Note to US Customs Staff re British people – we don’t have armed policemen in our country. We are always verrrrry polite to people with big guns! 🙂
That’s exactly how it goes! I actually got grilled more going into Canada (being a US citizen, traveling with an Australian), but there was ONE car ahead of me in line. Coming back into the States, I waited at least 45 minutes in line! Coming back, though, all I was asked was if I had anything to declare, which pretty much amounted to a memory card full of digital photos and a bag of Skittles. 😉
“Anonymous said…
hi Joe I was wondering why Andee frizzell doesn’t get the regonicisation she deserves she is a great actress and when ever she is in an episode of Atlantis her name should be at the beginning credits and not stuck at the end of an episodes credits”
I wondered if Ms. Frizzell’s name hasn’t been at the beginning of the guest credits because we’d all know a wraith queen would be in the episode, which sort of gives away what’s going to happen. Don’t know if I’m right there, but I agree she does a fantastic job. I love her performances!
Anonymous said…
“What’s all this excitement about “whump”? Am I correct that some people actually want to see Sheppard broken and bleeding? Yet shippers are the ones who are nuts? Color me confused?”
Colour you green with envy because whumpers are getting some of what they like to see, and you’re not! Lol!
Seriously, enough with the snide remarks. Let’s live and let live, eh? Each to his her own? Those that whump enjoy whump, those that ship, enjoy ship 🙂
Rob Cooper! 🙂 Is there a chance for the season 10 episode commentary for DVD by you together with Claudia Black?
OMG seriously people Shep is not perfect, no one is get over it. I mean it seems some of you can’t even take some criticism of your favorite character. No one is saying he can’t be your favorite character, people are just saying that to them he’s not what he was in s1.
Guys I’ve heard worse about Torri and Jason, so really I have no idea what your talking about Joe. Well I do but just because someone says oh he didn’t really sell Thalan, OMG NOOO someone dared criticize his acting. It’s the end of the world. LOL. Which really is the only thing I remember where Joe’s name came up, I think it was also on the general episode thread.
Also its so nice that shippers are telling on shippers, I would tell on the shep/teyla shippers too, but I’m not petty. The nicest shippers I’ve come across are the Teyla/Ronon and Mckay/Weir ones, I heart them. And I still have no idea what most of you are talking about anyways. Yes Sheppard has been criticized, just like Elizabeth. Sheppard is pretty and I like him but he needs more. He used to be my favorite character in s1 but now, not so much.
Dear Anonymous,
As I said, I have NEVER said I hated the character of Sheppard – EVER. I have hated the way the writers have used him at times – “The Tower” for example where he couldn’t say no to a high school cheerleader-type, or grabbing the blonde bimbo in “Inferno” – embarrassingly awful stuff. I do not hate the character, nor have I ever said so. Over and over I have said Sheppard is a 40 year old, senior Air Force officer and I HATE it when the writers have him acting like a sex-starved 20 year old. There is a huge difference and if you don’t understand it, there is nothing I can say to convince you otherwise.
I’m sure Mr. Mallozzi can fill us in on scenes where characters have been given terrible lines, or behaved OOC. As quickly as these shows are put together, it is inevitable that characterization can be lost, but poor Sheppard seemed to be on the losing end of it in season 2.
By now the writers should know what works, and doesn’t work for poor Shep, so season 4 “should” have some improvement. :o)
Holy crap, Joe. The Shep-nutters are out in full force lately. Is there any chance that so much fan mongering actually puts you off of the character and makes you want to write less for him?
I loved the invisible O’Neill segment–good call lol.
Question about “Revisions” (I’m just now getting through S7–I know a late bloomer lol). It was a fun episode. I really like stand-alones. Anyway, I was wondering, were you inspired by the Original Star Trek episode “Return of the Achrons” and the “Landru” computer?
Thanks much,
Royal
Can we please leave the shipping/kirking debate out of JM’S blog. Doesn’t really seem the appropriate place for such discussions and all I see so far are Shep/Weir fans saying how nice they are but then quickly throwing “blame” on other fandoms and making sweeping general statemtents. Please take it somewhere else – its just getting so old and pathetic.
hello, joe,
i just finished watching ‘unending’ again, and i’d like for you to tell rob he did a *fantastic* job with it.
i must admit that i haven’t taken to this new team much… until now. season 9 i really disliked, but season 10 has been much better. but that last episode… i *finally* fell for the new team.
‘unending’ made me want to cry, for the beautiful and poignant character tapestry woven through out. mitchell i’ve fallen for (and was falling through s10). teal’c was the hero, which was wonderful to see. landry kept the team centered, like a good leader is meant to do. even the daniel/vala relationship was touching, and i’m an s/j shipper to the core. (and an s/j shipper waiting for her *love* story to come to full fruition too). but sam… this was almost more her story than anyone elses. her bone-deep loneliness and guilt was extremely movingly played by amanda.
a very, very affecting story, played wonderfully by everyone involved.
so please, joe, pass along this message to rob.
sally 🙂
I see Sheppard as a very complex and complexed person since Rising. Would that be a correct assessment? Will we find out more about him in season 4? And Teyla too since I’m at it? We didn’t find out anything new about her since The Gift in Season 1. What about Ronon? Any chance of seeing some of his people again?
Will whatever happens in Doppelganger be a generalized or localized phenomenon?
Joe,
Please disregard most of the “ship war” comments. I think it’s ridiculous to base anything that happens relationship wise on the show off of whether or not people fight on the internet. I’m a fan of the relationship between John and Elizabeth myself, but I refuse to stand up for fellow fans or put down those who disagree. I don’t have control over what they’re saying. The way I see it: it’s a tv show meant for entertainment, and however you who create it see fit for the story to go, make it go that way. The rest of us will either be happy or get over it. Thanks for putting up with all us fans, no matter what we’re raving about.
What the hell happened here? 🙁 🙁 🙁
Joe, whats YOUR favorite comfort food?
I just like to have fun watching television. I have too many other things to get upset about.
Totally unSGA related question: do you like white chocolate?
I think Joe is enjoying the wank, otherwise he wouldn’t be unscreening comments. You are evil, but I’m also enjoying it, even though I am a Shep/Weir shipper and Shep thunker. LOL.
Wow, Joe, you must *really* be bored to be pushing through all the posts squabbling about ship and actors, etc.
Meanwhile, will Caldwell and the Daedalus return for season 4?
For RC Cooper, if it’s not bother: Is it Arc, or Ark, of Truth? I’ve seen it spelled both ways.
I love Shep, and having seen Joe at a con and seen the way he talks about his family, I like Joe just as much.
The fact with Shep, though, is that I love his interactions with McKay, which are too, too funny, and Elizabeth, which just prove that he’s more than just a dude with a gun.
It’s sad to me that the inclusion of Sam will probably take something away from the Shep/McKay relationship (which is truly the best thing on the show) and the loss of Elizabeth will mean he loses that softer side that you get with her so often in their balcony/office scenes.
I’d been wondering who wrote the invisible O’Neill section in “200”. I love that part-I’ve played it over and over.
Also, since I’m here, wanted to say I also really enjoyed “Bad Guys.” I know I’m a little behind things – everyone’s talking about “Unending” right now, but I haven’t seen that one yet. Hope you don’t mind a late compliment. 🙂
Oh my, I love the pics of Nykl in a space suit… you know, he did mention in his blog that he was stuck in the same blue shirt!
As for food… now that’s right up my alley. I actually speak Hainanese since it’s my dialect and I also know a lot about Singaporean and Malaysian food (being from there).
The Asian food looks very westernised… but otherwise very yummy! I’m not the biggest fan of laksa but there are variances throughout Malaysia. Penang Laksa is distinctly different. As for Hainanese chicken, well, I learnt that from the best person – my mum! It’s a fantastic way to cook chicken – with all the herbs and spices, and uh well, fat.
I don’t have an SG1 or SGA question but I was going to add that if the S3 DVDs are released, I would really love to see bloopers and deleted scenes!
Take care!
I hope there’s more Ronon/Teyla scenes with McKay. It’s always fun if if anyone share screen with Rodney. Especially Zelenka.
Mr. Mallozzi,
If a fan, like myself, wants to share an idea or two concerning the creation of a future episode for season 5 of SGA, where might he send a draft of the brainstorm. I mean I’m sure you would be at least interested in skimming through an the work of serious fan who would like to contribute on his own way; and who knows just probably might like it and would want to buy the copyright 🙂
Your Moroccan fan
I like the water spinach done the Malaysian/Singaporean way best… chilli, blachan and garlic.
Yay for Singaporean food!
Although, instead of the very long name you called those vegetables, just use “kangkong”, it’s what we call it (Singaporean speaking here) and I’m not a big fan of the noodles in the Laksa either.
On a lighter note, you ever tried Nasi Lemak?