The night’s entertainment, a wiry fellow in an ill-fitting suit, was banging out a tune on the electric piano as the middle-aged women at the neighboring table sang along, a boisterous rendition of Roll Out the Barrel in German while their dour-looking husbands concentrated on their appetizers: liver dumpling soup and lentils with sausage. “You know who’d love this?”I asked. Normally, Fondy would answer: “Jelly?”. True, that dog will eat just about anything. But, on this night, Fondy wasn’t with us and, as much as Jelly loves a good schnitzel, I know my buddy Carl loves it even more more. In fact, I could just imagine Carl, seated between the matronly woman with the fearsome blond do and the stout, bespectacled guy staring dreamily into his spaetzle, whooping it up, lustily bellowing out the lyrics and banging his beer stein on the table as he’s want to do during our writers’ meeting until Paul gets fed up and tells him to stop. Carl would’ve loved this place.
The place: The Little Munich (Le Petit Munich for pure laine Quebecers fearful that the mere presence of the original English signage would further geld their French culture). The plates: a four sausage sampler platter that included lamb sausage (the clear winner), a cheddar-bacon sausage (a tasty close second), currywurst (which I’d heard so much about but wasn’t blown away by), and Susie (a spicy sausage with a bit of an unpleasant metallic aftertaste); Jagerschnitzel (in a too-salted mushroom cream sauce), Hunter style veal strips (nicely grilled and served with some excellent spaetzle), and a Schnitzel Paprikash (served in a creamy paprika sauce), potato dumplings (meh), and bread dumplings (scrumptious!). The desserts: a hazelnut cake (kind of dry), and some sort of traditional German dessert of almonds, phyllo pastry, honey and cream (very good). I still prefer the schnitzel at Vancouver’s Budapest Restaurant, but must give this place props for the best spaetzle I’ve ever eaten.
I’ve almost finished City of Pearl (which I’m really enjoying) and, fearing I may run out of books before I run out of vacation days, I swung by Chapters where I picked up a copy of Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Talents (I loved Parable of the Sower) and the creepy-looking The Dreaming Jewels by Theodore Sturgeon. I also swung by a second-hand bookstores and picked up some titles I’ve been having a hard time locating, like Stephen R. Donaldson’s The Real Story, Stanislaw Lem’s The Cyberiad, and Poul Anderson’s Tau Zero.
My Auntie Jeanette joined us for the Mallozzi Easter Sunday lunch. At eighty-ninety, she’s still as spry and opinionated as ever, bursting with depressing or horrifying stories sourced from friends of friends of friends or the News of the Weird sections of the local rags: mothers gone berserk, grotesque bobsled accidents, weird births. Before my grandmother passed away at age 112, Auntie Jeanette used to pick up her prescription medication. Whenever she’d go by, the pharmacist would caution her regarding the possible side-effects she could experience. “They’re not for me,”my then late-seventies aunt would inform him. “It’s for my mother.” “Suuure it is,”the pharmacist would reply, exchanging knowing looks with his co-workers, no doubt mentally noting the early onset symptoms of Alzheimers – “It’s for your mother.”. Anyway, between Auntie Jeanette’s observations on everything from her lack of appetite to Islam, and the half-dozen ill-timed phone calls from relatives phoning to wish us a Happy Easter, we enjoyed mom’s home made orecchiette (“little ears” pasta), some excellent roast capretto (that’s goat for you non-Italians), great ox-tail with coconut milk and ginger (my sister’s contribution along with some very tasty -), bang-bang shrimp, fried spicy green peppers (which, for some strange reason, I can’t find anywhere in Vancouver), broccoli, and rapini. For dessert: mom’s friendship cake and ricotta-chocolate chip cake, and a Toblerone cake Fondy picked up.
Tonight, Fondy’s sister’s in-laws have invited us out for what I can only assume is the traditional Greek Orthodox Easter meal: Chinese buffet. I’ll have a report tomorrow complete with appetizing pics of the deep-fried chicken-less chicken balls, cloying honey-garlic wings, and diced hot dogs in sweet and sour sauce.
Hopefully, the festivities will wrap up well before 9:00 p.m. so that I can swing by my sister’s place for the Sopranos season premiere. I’m predicting a bad end for Tony, Paulie, Silvio, and Baccala.
Some Q&A –
SG Team Leader writes: “Has there been an episode of either series where things have gone so wrong behind the camera (accidents or technical failures or whatnot) that made filming difficult or almost impossible?”
Answer: Rain is always a problem as it screws up with continuity. Counting on a Western location that suddenly becomes unavailable was a big problem for a certain late-season three episode.
Someday Scientist writes: “Perchance, will there be any field-trip type Jumper moments? You know the kind, Rodney sniping at Ronon, Teyla searching for some sort of Athosian Tylenol, and John getting fed up and crying out “I *will* turn this jumper around!”
Answer: There will even be some jumper-less field-trip type jumper moments.
Anonymous #1 writes: “Answer: Hmmm. Well, technically I asked for ET or Access Hollywood
Hmmm. Well considering they’ve managed to get you more publicty than you’ve managed for yourselves lately I wouldn’t be so dismissive if I were you.”
Answer: Not being dismissive, just cryptic.
Sweet Pea writes: “Sorry to hear about Fondy’s aunt, please send her my best wishes, my thoughts go to you and your family. I lost my Dad not long ago, so I know how hard it is to lose a family member. It kinda puts things into perspective doesn’t it?”
Answer: Thanks to you and everyone who passed along their thoughts. And I’m sorry to hear about your dad.
Crazymom writes: “Our couch might be available post-Stargate, although you’d probably have to share with our dog. Radar seems to think it’s rude to leave guests on their own and insists on sleeping with them to keep them company. Where do your dogs sleep?”
Answer: I love Radar. He is more than welcome on our couch anytime (though it might be a tight squeeze). As for our dogs – they used to sleep on the bed until Fondy started complaining about their snoring. Since then, they’ve been banished to the various doughnut beds that dot the bedroom (although Jelly seems to prefer the laundry hamper.
Vikitty writes: “Do fans ever send the writers flowers?”
Answer: On occasion they do. By the way, what is your avatar?
Joshua Meyers writes: “Is Lt.Ford dead? Whats Tealc’s purpose in his cameo?.
Are we gonna see more about Teyla though?”
Answers: Maybe. Wait and see. Yup.
Monty the radioactive gopher writes: “I think with that episode in the works you’ve covered just about all your major fan bases (except for Ronon) Tut tut Mr M, can’t forget Ronon) unless of course he’s already been killed off in Adrift and you didn’t want to spoil it for us.”
Answer: Right. I forgot to mention Ronon because he’s part of the B plot that involves him, off-world, trying to babysit a bunch of rambunctious Athosian children. He has his hands full with the mischievous scamps but, when the camp comes under wraith attack, the little devils become Ronon’s greatest allies…
Grapesofwraith writes: “Have you ever been recognized by people on the street as a producer? If so, have you ever been asked to sign anything/ be in a picture/ do any of those strange things? “
Answer: The only time I have ever been recognized was at a pharmacy check out line where I had to provide I.D. with my credit card. The girl behind the counter looked at my driver’s license and asked: “Joseph Mallozzi? As in Latin for the Novice Joseph Mallozzi, PhD?” Yup, and that‘s Dr. Mallozzi to you.
Majorsal writes: “1- do you like ‘the ten commandments’ movie? 2- any chance of getting to see what fondy looks like? 3- have you ever been to a fastfood restaurant called ‘weinerschnitzel’? 4- have you ever been to southern california amusement parts ‘disneyland’ and ‘knott’s berry farm’?”
Answers: 1. Haven’t seen it since I was a kid so I don’t remember much. Except for the parting of the Red Sea sequence. 2. I‘ve posted pics of her throughout my blog entries. Check out my early (Nov-Dec 2006) posts in particular. 3. No, never. But it just so happen that we had schnitzel last night. 4. Not yet.
Allison writes: “Answer: Hmmm. Well, technically I asked for ET or Access Hollywood…My, my. Splitting hairs, aren’t we? XD I think the late night shows would be a better agreement. No one really watches ET/AH anyways.”
Answer: The Today Show appearance was admittedly impressive…
Tauri Sith writes: “Have you ever read “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” or any of the sequels? Or seen the movie, which was TOTALLY messed up?”
Answer: Read all the books and watched the original t.v. series, but didn’t see the movie.
Michael writes: “Will there be an episode dealing with the stargate itself next year? The technology behind the stargates and such”
Answer: Possibly.
Peter writes: “TPTB at Battlestar Galactica has been doing video blogs and all of that online stuff; have TPTB at Bridge ever thought about doing this?”
Answer: Haven’t really thought about it as I have my hands full with this blog. Oh, and production.
Shawna writes: “Once the actual act of fertilization takes place […] Okay, assuming you bothered to read all that, how close am I to the truth?”
Answer: Check out the back half of season four to find out.
Anonymous #2 writes: “I’m somewhat surprised that you haven’t read the sequels to Ender’s Game. Should you get around to it in the midst of your ever-busy schedule, I would recommend them. They are indeed different, but quite enjoyable. I find that the later Ender trilogy is very philosophical/moralistic in nature. My favorite, though, is OSC’s companion Bean series (starting with Ender’s Shadow). Great political intrigue and military strategy.”
Answer: I loved Bean from Ender’s Game. I read the first book on Martin Wood’s recommendation and will follow-up on his recommendations of some other books (including more Ender, some Greg Bear, and the Chung Kuo series).
Anonymous #2 also writes:“And speaking of books, you mentioned a few posts back that from time to time you read fantasy. Have you ever read Piers Anthony?”
Answer: I did pick up On A Pale Horse yesterday.
Joshua Meyers writes: “I’m just curious which countries you have been to?”
Answer: Italy, France, Japan, Hong Kong (I suppose we’d call that China), and the U.S.
Linzi writes: “Which episode would you say so far, has the most physical action in it? By that I mean fighting, being thrown around,running around, firing guns etc?”
Answer: Lifelife, Travelers, Missing come to mind.
Anonymous #3 writes: “What will we have to watch in first: SG-1 movies or Atlantis season four premiere ?”
Answer: Whatever premieres first.
Benny writes: “1. Who would you think will win if one was to pit an Aurora class warship in mint condition versus an Ori Battle Cruiser; that is if you were to bet money on who will you gage on? I really would like to see a fight of that nature.
2. Also I was wondering if that downed Wraith cruiser from episode Submerged will see the light in season 4?”
Answer: 1. Hard to say. The Ori Battle Cruiser is a little more contemporary. 2. Maybe.
Dori writes: “Any more hints as to this actor you’re pursueing for the show?”
Answer: I can’t reveal too much about him – except that he was recurring on a very popular network show.
Amararti writes: ” My Mum passed away a little over two weeks ago and it has been a sad time for the family.”
Answer: I can well imagine. My condolences. And thanks for the upbeat and amsuing post in spite of the circumstances.
Anthony writes: “What happens if you walk through the other side of the Stargate?”
Answer: My guess is you’ll step out on the other side.
Your dogs snore, too? My dog did that (we had to put her down a couple years ago), she also barked in her sleep, as well.
Anyhow–question. I just finished re-watching SGA season 1’s “Hot Zone” on DVD a moment ago and I was wondering if we will ever discover who created the nanovirus. We know it wasn’t the wraith and it was implied that it probably wasn’t the Ancients. Will the mad scientists ever be revealed?
“Answer: Not being dismissive, just cryptic.”
Oh, is that what you call it? We call that kind of behavior something else here in the real world. I’d tell you, but then you wouldn’t unscreen this comment.
Sorry to hear about your wife’s aunt. I’ve been fortunate enough to not have lost anyone close.
I’m glad that your Easter seems to be going well though. That home-cooked food sounds delicious!
How good are you at using chopsticks? I ask because in one of your pictures someone is using them.
Sadly, I can’t use them well. If something is round and I can’t pick it up, I find stabbing it is a good way to eat it. 🙂 It’s not at all proper, but it does the trick.
Mel said…
Anyhow–question. I just finished re-watching SGA season 1’s “Hot Zone” on DVD a moment ago and I was wondering if we will ever discover who created the nanovirus. We know it wasn’t the wraith and it was implied that it probably wasn’t the Ancients. Will the mad scientists ever be revealed?
I’m pretty sure that nanovirus was the work of the Asurans, because 1) They use nano tech, 2) They hate humans and 3) they are unable to hurt Ancients (people with the Ancient Gene count as ancients as far as the virus goes I think)
I get hungry everytime I read your blog. O_o
My avatar is of me five years ago, chibi-fied. I had dyed my bangs bright red for fun, and my friend thought it’d be awesome to chibi-fy all her friends. *shrugs* You do weird things when you’re a teen. ^.^
Speaking of chibis (and anime), have you ever watched Serial Experiments Lain or Noir?
Answer: The only time I have ever been recognized was at a pharmacy check out line where I had to provide I.D. with my credit card.
I’ll say hi if I ever see you at Yaohan or Aberdeen. ;P
Will we be seeing perhaps more needless yet always oddly hilarious “redshirts” deaths in the upcoming season?
hi there! i was reading anonymous’ comment which was kinda harsh. some pple just can’t let things go….
anyways, can i ask a question? what do you think about the daniel/sam ship? there have been some moments b/e them that has alluded to it: did you guys do it on purpose?
Seriously do you ever get sick of the wackos who anonymously attack everything you do? I mean most of the sane people in the universe happen to think you make a great show and that life might be too short to run around wailing at the injustice of a couple of creative decisions we might not like. Sadly we don’t post as voraciously as the true crazies…(and when we do they come and GET us, and no amount of holy water seems to help)
What I’m saying is do you guys round the office ever get upset by it? It’s fairly easy for me to have a giggle, but I’m not being personally targeted!
Have you seen this video which is ok if you like rap and sort of promotional for SGA? Its funny!
Also have you thought about doing the commentaries for the Stargate atlantis DVD’s?
I am not sure if you ever done it on SG-1, but I would love to hear your point of view on the episodes especially if you have written it. The commentaries by Gary jones and Peter Deluise was so boring and unrelated to what was happening on screen. I used to love hearing Peter Deluise’s commentaries (The one for Window of opportunity was really good!) but the new one’s with Gary Jones (What is he doing there by the way?) was..well…very Bad!
Having your name recognized in the pharmacy line is great! I had a bit part in the county sheriff’s department recruiting commercial–as an inmate. I’m still waiting for someone to recognize me from that.
The good news is Radar doesn’t snore. He does, however, have extremely twitchy dreams.
Joe said 😀 Right. I forgot to mention Ronon because he’s part of the B plot that involves him, off-world, trying to babysit a bunch of rambunctious Athosian children. He has his hands full with the mischievous scamps but, when the camp comes under wraith attack, the little devils become Ronon’s greatest allies…
Excellent! I’d love to see Ronon with the rugrats. I’m assuming that they’re all his when him and Teyla got together….oh no I forgot he’s supposed to be gay isn’t he ;)But that’s okay cos i’m sure the Satedan’s have turkey basters where they come from. 😉
Curious about the signage comment and was wondering about franchise signs in Quebec. Please don’t tell me they have Le McDonalds and Monsieur Timmies?? Le Donut?
Among the great stargate actors who has a blog aswell?
I know about Joe flanigan’s but its been more than a year.
Could you ask him to post something.
Happy Easter! I’ve really been enjoying reading your blog every day.
You’re very funny.
You’ve mentioned that Joe Flanigan sometimes likes to discuss scripts with the writers. Did he come to you and/or Paul regarding ‘Irresponsible’? Looking back at that episode, what would you have done differently, or was it a matter of directorial misinterpretation?
JM Answer: “Answer: Carter will play a support role on Atlantis. The focus will remain on Shep’s team. However, Carter’s science and military background will allow her to play an active role should the need arise.”
Okay so you are going to all the trouble to bring AT and Carter over – will she basically be (1) a desk-jockey used to bring in AT/SG-1 fans but without substance (2) more like the role Hammond played or (3) more active and getting involved in some action, like will there be any Carter-whump — either given or taken? Will Carter ever accompany the team on missions?
Thanks so much for answwering as Carter is the only reason I am willing to give SGA a tumble (haven’t watched it yet but this Carter thing intrigues me) and if she is basically going to be a non-entity leader with no real action or role than I will continue to give it a pass.
Please, please don’t say “you’ll have to watch to find out” because in all honesty I won’t unless there is some hook there and AT and Carter simply “being there” are not it (just like Browder and Black and their characters “being there” were not enough of a hook – their characters fell flat with a lot of people who didn’t bother sticking around –supposed fan-base or not).
Not really knowing what you mean by “support role” there is no real reason to bother watching right now – what’s the hook for the Carter character other than “she will be there as leader of Atlantis playing a support role” — that does not exactly have much in it to entice people like me to watch. Or are you just hoping to bring in all the people you pissed off on SG-1 by making her commander of the whole SGA kit-and-kaboodle to try and fix the mistakes of season 9 when you all decided, for some still illogical reason, to make her co-leader with Mr. No-experience Mitchell?
Geri
I know it will be difficult for you, but I must leave you once again, this time for a trip to Michigan for work. I understand it is snowing there lately, but we had snow in Dallas yesterday…in April…snow…in Dallas…so nothing will ever shock me again.
Also, my birthday is Tuesday, and I am not above proclaiming it to the world. Happy Birthday to me!
Unfortunately I will be en route home during the show airings this coming Friday, and I don’t have cable or sat service set up yet, so I will have to iTunes the episodes upon my return.
Joe, best of luck for high ratings.
Oh God, I have to thank whoever left the comment the other day about OurStargate. I had no idea. It’s fantastic. Totally entertaining. Joe, if you’ve known about this, how dare you not share all the fun?!
My fave from today is that MS left in season six because “the character’s popularity was his downfall” and that RDA was jealous of Shanks’ superior abilities. This place is in my bookmarks now, so thanks! 😀
Ever tried to get anyone from Lost on the show, like the guy who plays Sayid or “Lord of the Rings” Charlie? How about Nathan Fillion? PS: Whats your least favorite major Goa’uld baddie from the show (not counting Hathor or Seth)? What’s Rob’s favorite?
Dear Mr. Mallozzi,
Man, you got to go see grindhouse its a superb movie. Its got to be a one of my favorite 2007 movies so far; if you are into humor “noir.”
Molson
Tell me what you think of it when you get a chance
Awww, now I’m REALLY looking forward to season four. I really love the Team Dynamic when it’s played out like the little family that they are. ^_^ It’s really what pulled me in when I finally started watching SGA (I’ll admit it – I was an SG-1 elitest until a friend convinced me early on in season 3 to give SGA a try… thank goodness for the Movie Network’s on demand feature, I was able to catch up on the whole season. I am however having to be patient and catching up on the first two seasons weekly on CTV).
Okay, I’ve been wanting to ask this for a while, and I know there will be a lot of groans from the peanut gallery who don’t think it’s appropriate, but, as one of the writers, I don’t think it’s an inappropriate question (I’d never ask the actors about this).
Anyways, how do you feel about fanfiction? Do you find it to be an encroachment on your’s and the other writer’s creation, or do you find it an acceptable way for fans to show their love of the show? Or do you just not care?
I am just curious, because as a sci-fi writer myself (albeit unpublished, lol) I would be flattered to have my characters loved by others that much.
Thanks,
Ayla McKay
Nova Scotia
QUOTE “Oh God, I have to thank whoever left the comment the other day about OurStargate. I had no idea. It’s fantastic. Totally entertaining.”
Hey, no problem and glad I could help brighten your day – it’s a hoot over there isn’t it? Sometimes I cry because I’m laughing so hard. I hadn’t had time to get there in awhile so thanks for the tidbit you posted – nice to see they are still as entertaining as ever.
Regarding the comment from anonymous:
“Carter is the only reason I am willing to give SGA a tumble (haven’t watched it yet but this Carter thing intrigues me) and if she is basically going to be a non-entity leader with no real action or role than I will continue to give it a pass. “
Look at the fans you’re bringing in, Joe. People who’ve never watched atlantis before, don’t know the characters don’t care about the characters. You’re doing it while pissing off people who’ve watched from day one and LOVE Carson and Elizabeth.
You lose in that scenario. You think the Carter fans are going to tune in to see her behind a desk saying “Good luck” and “welcome home”? You think they’re going to watch to see Sam away from Jack in another frigging galaxy?
As someone who USED to be a Carter fan, I can tell you, that wouldn’t be enough for me.
Not that I’m going to know anyway. I’m not watching because you’ve offed one of my favourite characters, and you’re in the process of offing the other. And Cooper can’t even give Torri the respect not to say “She had to go” in an interview.
You’re gaining a bunch of people who’ll record the eps, forward through anything that’s not Carter and leave it at that.
You’re losing people who’ve loved the series, know the history of the characters, and can’t take seeing them being screwed over.
Again, you guys lose.
Just catching up on your past posts, condolences on the loss of your Aunt.
As per you epic space death/Ascenscion… hmm I like the lemon cream puff better, simple and uncomplicated.
Anyway enjoy the rest of Easter, ours has almost passed been in Australia. An a Sci-Fi author recomendation (as if you don’t get enough of them anyway :P) I’d recomend would be Sean Williams.
Cheers,
Have a good one mate.
Hi Joe:
I just wanted to say, thank you for taking time out over your Easter vacation with your family to continue your blog. That is an amazingly kind and generous thing to do.
Happy Easter to you and your family.
Have a great day.
Patricia
Answer: Not being dismissive, just cryptic.
So, in other words, those two Carson appearances may or may not be forthcoming, and we’ll just have to watch and find out? Well, that’s better than a dismissal.
On Ford…I certainly hope he’s not dead. Aside from the fact that he’s a really interesting character with a lot more potential, it would make Sheppard’s, “I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Ford again” line kinda anticlimactic. Like those old movies that ended with, “The End?”, and if they’d have followed that with, “…Yeah, it is.” Bit of a letdown. However, I’m more than willing to wait for his reappearance. Even if it’s the 5th, 6th, or 7th season…as long as he’s not forgotten for good.
Answer: Check out the back half of season four to find out.
But we stay in Sci-Fi’s-Screwing-With-Fandom Land, that’ll be over a year. Seriously, who thought a mid-season 7-month break was a good idea? I hope they don’t do that next year.
Aside from any possible actual appearances by Carson, will we be getting any references to him in other ways, like in things the other characters said? Will his death actually have repurcussions on the others (McKay, specifically)? Also, was that last scene in “Sunday” all in McKay’s head, like some sort of coping delusion?
Watch Ripple Effect tonight a question came to mind, why is it that so many different Asgard are used, I mean Thor is such a liked character why not just use him all the time, if I’m not mistaken Michael Shanks voices him so its not like you have to go out of the way to use Thor instead of some of the other Asgard.
Answer: I did pick up On A Pale Horse yesterday.
Ah, one of my favorite series’ of his. Very thought-provoking. I am quite fond of Anthony’s take on good and evil.
If you find you like his style, I would also recommend his Apprentice Adept series. It’s a great mixture of fantasy and sci-fi and incorporates mind puzzles and social commentary seamlessly.
Your food images looked exceptionally delicious today. I hope you enjoyed a very pleasant Easter.
I wish Sam was staying with SG-1. She just belongs with her team.
…you’ve never been to Disneyland?! That’s a crime! 🙁 I tell ya, these days, the fireworks show (“Remember… Dreams Come True”) alone is worth the price of admission if you get a spot right in front of the castle. Nearly 20 minutes of Action-Packed Pyrotechnic Awesome. 🙂
(spectacular enough that I waited 3.5 hours on the hot pavement to get the perfect spot to take those shots!)
Hi Joe That not so western replacement location that you mention- what is that place? I know you have used it a couple of times and I have always wondered what it is in real life.
Happy Easter.
Will Sam’s journey(s) to the Pegasus galaxy be acknowledged in the movies?
“As for our dogs – they used to sleep on the bed until Fondy started complaining about their snoring.”
LOL this made me laugh… at least Fondy didn’t blame you for the snoring, unlike my boyfriend, who for a couple of months would poke me awake for snoring (did he have a deathwish or what? I was seriously starting to get annoyed), only to discover it was one of the darn cats who was making the racket! Yes, my tabby cat snores, it’s true 😀
Safe to say, Sean’s limbs are still intact, and my sleep doesn’t get disturbed any more (apart from the cats, whose mission in life is to harrass you at 3am in the morning) 😉
What you said about Ronon and the Athosian kids…is that really gonna be in an epi…I would love to see that!!!
And I got a question about the three Satedans in Reunion…all male…or is there a female in thier somewhere??
Hi Joe
I’ve been thinking that maybe I was a bit too subtle about shirtless and semi nekid Sheppard before. So unlike me I know *insert big cheesy grin* So how about this. In Doppleganger we’ve heard nightmares may be involved. So, given that i’m assuming that Sheppard will be in bed when he has these bad dreams… I may be mistaken, although it happens so infrequently 😉 Firstly, very few men(on film)sleep with a top on. 😀 Am I being subtle enough 😀 Secondly, if he is in bed and he’s having nightmares, they can become exremely intense and you can get hot and sweaty and he may need to shower. 😉 And for all those that can’t believe i’ve just said that, they did it in Star Trek Voyager with a female no less…so i’m just saying it’s not beyond the realms of possibility 😀
Thanks for keeping me entertained 😀
Hiya Joe,
Will we see Oberoth and Niam this next season? Also, will we see those Asurans who wish to ascend?
Thanks Joe and take care!
What do you think of Channel 7 in Australia murdering SG-1 & SGA by airing then in such a horrific time slot? They used to exist in the much better 8:30pm Thursday slot, but now have been pushed back to 11:30pm.
There have been several things tried to make them change their mind, but they just don’t seem to care as long as no-one else gets the rights to air it.
Josh
crazedturkey said…
“Seriously do you ever get sick of the wackos who anonymously attack everything you do? I mean most of the sane people in the universe happen to think you make a great show and that life might be too short to run around wailing at the injustice of a couple of creative decisions we might not like. Sadly we don’t post as voraciously as the true crazies…(and when we do they come and GET us, and no amount of holy water seems to help)”
And aren’t you open-minded and tolerant of other people’s opinions though?
You don’t have to worry about Joe. I’m sure he is mature enough to realize that fans who are passionate about certain aspects of the show and choose to show their displeasure by posting on his blog are just using him as a convenient outlet for their anger/grief.
On the other hand, I am also sure that he is mature enough to realize that certain fans are going overboard in their praise and support in hopes of furthering their particular agenda. Received any polished apples yet, Joe?
Which brings me to a question. Do you guys use focus groups of any kind to test viewer reaction?
You have mentioned that the 2-part mid-season eps are in the works. In previous years, there has been a 3 month break (except for this year’s 6 month break). Has SciFi given you any indication of how they intend to air S4? Will there still be a long mid-season break since they are starting it so late, or will it be more like BSG with a six week break?
On a separate note, will Carter be given the ATA gene therapy?
Ummm Joe have you seen the new ad for SGA. It sucks. I mean big bugs, okayyyy, cause that’s what I want to see. I mean seriously anyone that catches one of this ads is just going to laugh so much. What happened to the good ads, like the one for mid s2 with the song “Ride” by The Vines. You guys should get the BSG ad guys tto make the SGA ads.
Anonymous said…
You don’t have to worry about Joe. I’m sure he is mature enough to realize that fans who are passionate about certain aspects of the show and choose to show their displeasure by posting on his blog are just using him as a convenient outlet for their anger/grief.
Oh, well that’s okay then. As long as Joe Mallozzi is just a convenient outlet for your grief and anger then that’s fine, you can be as rude as you like on his personal blog. Thank goodness your convenient outlet isn’t a human being with a reasonable expectation of being treated with a modicum of respect…
As a Torri/Elizabeth fan, all I can say is that I’ve lost any hope I had that I’d want to watch season four.
I can’t bring myself to watch it with Amanda in the credits. No offence to her, I just don’t like Sam and don’t think the character belongs in the Atlantis lineup
So many of us are going through the final stage of .. grief for this character. We had hope before but Cooper’s downright disrespect for the fans and for Torri herself in his interview just seals it. I don’t want to watch a show where the powers that be will allow themselves to be quoted saying things like that about one of their actresses in an interview.
She had to go? Why? Did anyone ask the fan?
I’ve been part of one of those viewer surveys at MGM in Vegas. I saw an ep of CSI, which was viewed by four other people.
Sure, they do these several times over to get bigger numbers, but you know what? Three of the five of us had never watched CSI before. That’s not giving you something representative of your audience. If you were targetting SGA and SG1 viewers, or scifi viewers as a whole? Sure. If you’re targetting randoms who happen to walk into a casino? That’s a crock of crap, and you know it.
The questions were so skewed to get the results they wanted. We all know they want to ship Grissom with Sara. There were questions about the two of them and their relationship, asking viewers about how they gel, etc.
I doubt your research, if there’s been any, was any different. Full of questions about the four team members, and not the others.
Torri is a wonderful, talented, generous person. She doesn’t deserve to be discarded like this. Her fans don’t deserve to have her discarded like this.
I’m really hoping she gets
something on Boston Legal or one of those other shows you watch, so you have to sit there and watch her over and over and over and realise what you lost when you dumped her.
Dear Mr. Mallozzi,
Which of these past episodes is most likely gonna have a follow up in season 4: The Brotherhood ( for the Dagan ZPM) , Before I slept( for the three unexplored planets with potential ZPMs), The condemned ( The fate of the Olesians and their technology), The Hive ( Ford’s whereabouts and the Wraith Civil war), Aurora ( wraith weakness), Common ground ( the noble wraith), Mckay and Mrs. Miller ( project acturus).
thank you
Benny
“Answer: Not being dismissive, just cryptic.”
We obviously have a different understanding of the word cryptic…..
On another point I’m coming to Vancouver in a few weeks for work and I’m wondering as I have a couple of days free, what in the Vancouver area are the 5 things that you would advise me not to miss seeing/doing?
Name recognized in the pharmacy, Dr Mallozzi? Good for you! Next – the internation Doctor’s convention!
Because we have never really seen any SG1 cast sing (unless you count Amanda’s humming in season 7), do you think it’s possible to see them sing your’s and Paul’s lyrics to the Stargate theme as a season 10 bonus feature? (If you really get into it, there could be a “follow the bouncing gate”!)
“The Sopranos” is appointment television at our house, too. (One of the few series that Husband and I both enjoy…he’s not into scifi.)
So, without spoiling, how did you like the premiere? (I could swear some of those snowy scenes were shot near my childhood home.)
My condolences to you and Fondy on the loss of her aunt. It is always hard to lose someone, but even worse in and around a holiday…
Have a safe trip back to the West!
OMG, so far we have about 10 people who will not watch season four. How will the show survive. Bites nails and rocks back and forth. Oh god my favourite show will be cancelled because ratings will plummet. Atlantis will not be Atlantis anymore – no one will be interested because Weir will not be around. BRING HER BACK – save the show – we need those 10 viewers. Please!!
I hate the character of Weir and would really like to see her go. She hardly has anything to do in most episodes except fighting with the IOA and the military. That said, I would not like to see Carter in Atlantis either. I would like to see the 2 shows as seperate and mixing in the two like this would not be wise. Why not bring in a totally new face like Jewel Staithe replacing Beckett? There are many great talents out there. Amanda Tapping is a great actress and a wonderful person, but we have seen her for 10 years and its starting to become a bit boring. You have always maintained that the decision to let Torri go was not related to Carter coming in. Then why not give a new actor or actress a chance? That would be more interesting and add a twist rather than seeing the same old character from SG-1 again.
Alipeeps said…
“Anonymous said…
You don’t have to worry about Joe. I’m sure he is mature enough to realize that fans who are passionate about certain aspects of the show and choose to show their displeasure by posting on his blog are just using him as a convenient outlet for their anger/grief.
Oh, well that’s okay then. As long as Joe Mallozzi is just a convenient outlet for your grief and anger then that’s fine, you can be as rude as you like on his personal blog. Thank goodness your convenient outlet isn’t a human being with a reasonable expectation of being treated with a modicum of respect…”
So how did a compliment on Joe’s ability to withstand criticism turn into a rant against the fans who maybe disagree with you?
You frequently post here tearing down the legitimate feelings being expressed by people who care as much about the show as you do just because they say what you don’t want to hear. If your precious Shep had been reduced to recurring and possibly gone forever, you would be yelling the house down.
Please spare us, and Joe, the condescending arrogance. He is a professional and he understands viewer displeasure. He also knows it can turn in a different direction on a dime.
If the Save Carson fans succeed, are you going to let them know? Or are you just going to make them wait and find out when the season airs?
I’m sorry to read about the family loss. We had a scare last week: my grandmother had two strokes either side of last weekend, but she’s now feeling better, if a little shaken.
It was the Currywurst comment that made me want to comment. Before I moved to Germany (I taught in a German school for a year), I had heard a lot about Currywurst. My colleague in the Languages Department took me to the “original” Currywurst house and I was also underwhelmed by it. Saying that, I used to enjoy a tray of Currywurst whilst watching the football (I suppose the German equivalent of pie and chips!).
Found a good way to get rid of that leftover turkey: My parents’ nextdoor neighbours have a pair of pugs who seem to adore the stuff! Wooohoooo!
Anonymous said…
Oh God, I have to thank whoever left the comment the other day about OurStargate. I had no idea. It’s fantastic. Totally entertaining. Joe, if you’ve known about this, how dare you not share all the fun?!
My fave from today is that MS left in season six because “the character’s popularity was his downfall” and that RDA was jealous of Shanks’ superior abilities. This place is in my bookmarks now, so thanks! 😀
I’ve been over there and read some of the posts too. Their are some that are really funny.
My favourite one right now is that AT had to “buy” her role in Sanctuary.
Anonymous said:
“So many of us are going through the final stage of .. grief for this character. We had hope before but Cooper’s downright disrespect for the fans and for Torri herself in his interview just seals it. I don’t want to watch a show where the powers that be will allow themselves to be quoted saying things like that about one of their actresses in an interview.”
I’m sorry, but you’re grieving for a fictional character that’s perhaps leaving a TV show? Really? I find this extremely strange. Have you lost someone close to you in real life? Because if you had I don’t think you’d be grieving for a character on a TV show.
As for RCC being disrespectful? Again, really? I thought his repsonse showed he was very sad about it all, but unable to do anything about it.
Seriously, this is fiction and not real life.
Decisions are made that are business decisions and we, the fans, have no right to know the reasoning behind them. Say you lost your job, would you want the general public to know the reason why? Because I damn well wouldn’t.
Some things, out of respect for the employee who’s been let go, are best left unsaid. We don’t know anything about the situation, so we have no right to judge.
I’m sorry, but some people really need to grow up and face a few hard facts about living in the real world – forgive the pun.
Hi again Joe.
I’m not sure my last post went through correctly. So, if it did, I apologise.
To summarise my last post without the waffle, I asked if Reunion will air 7th, as reported on a fan site recently, or will it air 3rd, as you previously posted.
Also, do you know when Doppelganger will air. I’ve heard 8th? Any chance that rumour is true?
Thanks very much!
Hey Joe
The one thing about Montreal chinese food that is unlike anywhere else is their pineapple chicken balls and their chow mein. I really miss those 🙂 Boston chinese food is not the same.
I was wondering whether we’ll be seeing Caldwell again for the fourth season? I suppose it’s actor availability but with his other show being cancelled hopefully he’ll be available for Atlantis. With Carter coming the dynamic that was civillian vs military, Weir Vs Caldwell will shift into a more military environment.. Will there be any civillian capacity?
Thanks
I was wondering if you have any tips for getting through writers block?
[concerning: Sentient Gorilla John and AU Rod]
go go gorilla
I’m sorry, but I just couldn’t resist drawing this one … and poking some fun at shippers/slashers 😉
Hi there!
First: my dog is a good one;) He doesn’t snore (at least I don’t hear it…)
I love your blog, it’s my first posting here but there will follow more 😉
I understand the people who are upset, but I have to say that in the position you are, it is easy to be attacked. I do not completely agree with you in all cases, in some cases I do even totally disagree with you, but that’s the treasure of personality…I still love your blog. I appreciate your honesty. The fact is, that you tell us about your life and the more you tell, the more disagreements you’ll have…we shouldn’t waste our time in making this differences grow to hate, should we??
take care,
Siba
1. How long will be the SG-1 DVD movies? 2-3 episode long (88-90 or 125-130 minutes)?
2. Do you plan season 5 next to the third SG series in 2008/2009? Will Amanda Tapping stay for the next year(s)?
3. Is there any chance that we will see Vala, Cameron or Daniel in the second half of season 4?
4. Will every main character get a 2-3-4 episode long story arc in season 4?
5. Why is so popular the “J” names in SG? Her is a sort list: Jack, Jackson, John, Jonas, Janet, Jacob, Jennifer (Keller), Jim, Jolinar, Jaffa etc? Is it because of you? 🙂
Thanks for the answers.
Mr. Mallozzi, can you give any assurance to all the Torri/Elizabeth fans? Thank you.
-Sophie
Some of you people need to get a grip on yourselves and realize this is only a TV show we’re talking about. Your dramatic talk of fans and actors is just so much hoey. Torri is a working actress, she’ll get another job! After all according to you she is the MOST talented actress in the universe and the nicest.
Be upset, fine. But be polite and at some point move on. What’s done is done and the sooner you resign yourself to that the better you’ll feel.
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog (and sticking with it though that small white print on black background is brutal on my eyes :)) and just wanted to add a positive word about the cast changes for Season 4.
I’m glad to see you’re not letting the Weir-whiners get you down. In fact, I really have to applaud you for letting them (or perhaps her?) continue to post hateful rants anonymously. I would have shut her down long ago, myself. You’re a nice guy.
The people I’ve talked to on other forums agree that Carter will most likely be a good addition to Atlantis, and Weir will not be that much of a loss, since she was seldom utilized beyond the (expected) Hammond type role on the show.
I have a feeling Carter will be utilized far more interestingly and I am really looking forward to the new season.
As for the poster who remarked that Ms. Tapping must have been coerced into joining the show, I can’t imagine why that would occur to anyone. It’s always seemed clear from interviews and the like that Ms. Tapping has always enjoyed her role and especially relishes playing against David Hewlett. Besides, a steady paycheque is always good when you’ve got a family to raise.:)
I’m excited about the new season and I hear from friends that they are too. It’s reassuring to see that the negative posters are not having much, if any, impact (and apparently providing some amusement at other sites). I wouldn’t be surprised if most of them settled down after the start of the new season and end up watching it too. It’s just too good to miss, and one of the few things on television currently worth watching.
Hey Joe,
I hope all is going well.
Four part question:
1) Is there a piano in Atlantis?
2) Can David Hewlett play the piano?
3) Will we ever see McKay play the piano?
4) Will we ever find out what the ancients did for music?
Also, sorry to hear about your family’s loss.
Brenda said…
You frequently post here tearing down the legitimate feelings being expressed by people who care as much about the show as you do just because they say what you don’t want to hear.
No, I frequently post here pointing out that it is inappropriate to be rude and aggressive on someone’s personal blog and to make what amounts to personal attacks on someone, just because the internet affords you some measure of anonymity. And it’s a shame that seems to need to be pointed out to people so frequently.
Just because Joe is a professional, doesn’t make it right or “legitimate” for people to post the kind of nasty comments that I see on here.
I have my own concerns about the changes to the show and I don’t necessarily disagree with some of the fears expressed by fans.. but I still believe such fears and questions etc can and should be posted politely. Joe doesn’t have to take the time he does to answer our questions and, besides, there is a such a thing as common courtesy and manners. As far as I am concerned, if you wouldn’t say something to someone’s face, you shouldn’t be hiding behind the anonymity of the internet to say it on their blog – no matter who they are.
I wouldn’t be surprised if most of them settled down after the start of the new season and end up watching it too. It’s just too good to miss, and one of the few things on television currently worth watching.
Eh, no. I’ll be watching Heroes. Your blog is hilarious Joe.
Will we see Teyla and Elizabeth’s friendship developed more in season 4?
Answer: The Today Show appearance was admittedly impressive…
The SCB folks are a very determined lot! 🙂 My only regret is that I am a poor, broke (soon to be) massage therapist in the middle of the US & am completely unable to travel anywhere far right now.
Funny how animals seem to snore as much, if not more so, than their human counterparts. My cat, Lovecraft, is a snorer – there’ve been times I’ve woken up for one reason or another during the night, to try and figure out what a noise was, only to realize, it’s him snoring. 🙂
Speaking of food – I will have to pass along the hash brown casserole recipee I found a while back. Nice, thick, stick to your ribs (and waistline) dish w/o high cholesterol.
Hopefully the script bug will bite and you will be able to get past your writer’s block for the mid-season finale. I lack the brain power this time of night to process the A + B = A(C – D) formula you mentioned being stuck on.
Don’t ask me – math, especially algebra, was never my forte. I was going to teach high school German and history. *laugh*