As promised, here is an annotated version of that Stargate poem I posted before production began. Let’s see how you’re all doing so far…
The dawn of each season brings ideas galore
Some which survive, others shown the door,
(For various reasons, things like production demands, actor availability, and a plain old change of heart may kill a given story or spin it out in a completely different direction)
Like that time travel story,
(Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow in which a temporal incident involving that time-hopping puddle jumper from Good to be King sends a version of SG-1 to the past, another to the future, and leaves a version in the present to deal with the inevitable ripples in time)
or the love romp not done,
(A freelance pitch which involved the various members of Sheppard’s team afflicted with an extreme case of Spring Fever)
Or the Dark Daniel arc trimmed from six tales to one.
(It was originally suggested that Daniel would disappear at the end of Quest II, be M.I.A. for two episodes, and then make a shocking reappearance for a big three-episode arc. In the end, it was decided that the latter would work better as a single episode).
We begin each new year with the best of intentions,
Seeking to craft our inspired inventions.
But conditions are altered, storylines change,
From the original notion so far may they range.
So as we look forward to two thousand and seven,
I can’t help but think it would truly be heaven,
To see the ideas pitched out, some produced,
Make it as finals, not crossed out or reduced.
Atlantis assailed by the stuff of nightmares,
(Refers to a season four episode and given the spoilers that are out there, it shouldn’t be that hard to figure this one out).
While the team will explore that dark sunken lair.
(Refers, of course, to the season three’s Submersion).
For one player worship, adoration and fame,
As he and his rival find it’s more than a game.
(Refers to, appropriately enough, season three’s The Game).
Receive a grand gift from an all-seeing shaman.
(Refers to a season four episode. Again, given the spoilers out there, this one shouldn’t be all that hard to figure out either).
Find the wraith and our allies have something in common.
(Refers to a season four episode and a revelation to come).
A tech-savvy group who progress via pillage.
(Refers to a season four episode. Again, there are spoilers out there that should point you in the right direction).
A wild west High Noon in an inapt Dutch village.
(Refers to none other than season three’s Irressistible a.k.a. Shootout at De Dutch Pannekoek Corral).
Too late the value of that friendship he’ll learn.
(Refers specifically to McKay in season three’s Sunday)
A strange disappearance feeds another’s dark turn.
(Refers to a season four episode. The title pretty much gives it away. Alas, this is one that may not play out as planned as the originally envisioned dark turn arc has been superseded by another necessary arc).
Find survivors concealed in an orbiting rock,
(Refers to season three’s The Ark).
While the thinker receives an enlightening shock.
(Refers to season three’s Tao of McKay).
Mutations discovered,
(Refers to season three’s Vengeance).
O’Neill is all wet.
(Refers to season three’s Return II).
With a change of location all will forget.
(Refers to a season four episode. Another case where the title should let you know).
Hyperion’s wrath threatens total destruction.
(Refers to season three’s Echoes, Hyperion being an allusion to Helios the sun god).
Our hand will be forced by ominous construction.
(Refers to season three’s First Strike).
Carter arrives; a reunion of sorts.
(Both references to a season four episode. Again, not that hard to figure out).
One of our own the enemy courts.
(Refers a season four episode – maybe a little harder to figure out).
Isolation imposed and a grand battle looms,
(Refers to an early season four episode).
While an alien contact this player dooms.
(Refers to another early season four episode).
Self-doubt for one,
(Refers to a season four episode).
parenthood for another,
(Refers to a season four episode. This one was the biggest longshot to come to fruition but we were considering making McKay a daddy. However, circumstances led us to change this particular storyline as we didn’t want to have two characters facing parenthood in the same season).
And that brilliant young mom may be needing her brother.
(Refers to a season four episode. Given the spoilers out there, this one should be pretty easy to guess as well).
From innocents lost he’ll produce strict adherence
(Refers to a season three episode that I won’t name because this storyline will continue in season four).
While the late fallen one makes a surprised reappearance
(Refers to a season four episode and the return of a much-beloved physician. This was a possibility we toyed with early and it finally became reality not too long ago).
Scheduling conflicts, production demands,
Changes necessitate all won’t go as planned.
But let’s hope these ideas do well find their way,
And all see the light of a t.v. one day.
(Overall, not bad. Over half the scripts are in play and none of these notions have been bounced – although a couple have been altered ever so slightly).
Mailbag –
Wilson writes: “If season five doesn’t come to pass, will you guys be able to wrap up all the Atlantis storylines?”
Answer: We’re staying positive and operating under the assumption that we will be back for a fifth season.
Vikitty writes: “Do you guys base any characters on people you know?”
Answer: There’s a little bit of the writers in all of the characters.
Desiree writes: “ Have you ever tried chocolate liquer?”
Answer: I have a fair selection of chocolate liqueur that I use to top my ice cream.
Anonymous #1 writes: “Do you think scifi will look in to how the shows fared wherever they were first run before freaking out about the state side ratings?”
Answer: No idea.
Just Jess writes: “Can you recommend a good scifi book to start?”
Answer: John Scalzi’s Old Man’s War.
Luis Jr. writes: “Have you ever playe any sports?”
Answer: In College, Paul and I used to play pick-up football every Friday afternoon and a little one-on-one basketball on weekends.
Little Raven-Hawk writes: “What helps you get into a “writing” zone?”
Answer: A looming deadline does the trick. Getting up early and forcing yourself to write also helps a lot.
Little Raven-Hawk writes: “How technical do you get with the science and stuff like that in the first draft?”
Answer: Your first draft should be as thorough as possible.
Linzi writes: “I read yesterday, that a poster on GW found a site that reported SGA season 4 will premiere on Sunday 15th July.”
Answer: Sorry. That’s B.S.
Anonymous #2 writes: “Now you make it sound like her contribution was just to walk on set and read a few lines, and that the entirety of her character was all in the writing.”
Answer: Not at all. As someone who has been involved in various productions, I am well aware of the many contributions made by numerous individuals – actors, writers, directors, editors, and producers – in the creation of a great character. My point is it’s incredibly ignorant to presume that one individual alone is responsible for the success of a given character.
Anonymous #3 writes: “Joe M said “I never claimed the ratings system was unfair, wrong, inaccurate, yada, or even yada.” I know you didn’t and I didn’t say you did.
Answer: Then what were you suggesting when you wrote “if the ratings were still in the 2.2 – 2.4 range like they were for season 8 (32 short episodes ago BTW) would the ratings sytem still be unfair, wrong, inaccurate, yada, yada?”?
Anonymous #4 writes: “ Just hoping that you will find your way clear to answering a question posed previously – will Carter be (1) playing an active role (action, out with the team sometimes, sam-whumping, commanding her ship, etc.), (2) be more like Hammomd where it is basically talking and directing the teams what to do or (3) just a figure-head that you can say is there and in charge but with no real role or action to play?”
Answer: Carter will be playing a support (not unlike Landry) but her background will allow her greater involvement and, yes, could even see her heading off-world.
Carolina writes: “Hi Joe, I will be flying to Canada tomorrow for a quick meeting, just one night! it will be my first time in your country, is there anything I should know and be prepared for?”
Answer: Beware the carnivorous seals!
Kate writes: “Do any of the actors or writers on atlantis have any suprising additional skills?”
Answer: Martin Gero can kill a man with his bare hands in less than the time it takes to down a can of coca cola. Does that count?
Anonymous #5 writes: “1. What does your heart tell you about a season 5 for SGA?
2. Are we going to see all three earth ships together in an eppy in season 4?
3. What is your position regarding sci-fi’s awkward decisions regarding the timetable changes?”
Answer: 1. My heart tells me we’ll be back. 2. 2 out of 3 aint bad. 3. I wasn’t a fan of the delay but, at this point, what’s done is done.
Anonymous #6 writes: “Is the Ori storyline going to become an issue in Atlantis at all?”
Answer: No plans to introduce the Ori to Atlantis.
Anonymous #7 writes: “Teyla’s pregnant? […] It just proves that if you can’t figure out how to develop a female character you off them like you’re doing with Elizabeth or you get them pregnant… where have I seen that again? *insert rolling of eyes here*”
Answer: As far as I know, there are three ways in which shows have dealt with pregnancies: 1) They’ve reduced the actress’s onscreen time drastically and ignored the fact by shooting around her, 2) They’ve written the actress out of the show entirely, 3) They’ve supported the actress by writing the pregnancy into the show. If there is a fourth option you have in mind, I’d love to hear it. Maybe a “Teyla has an eating problem” arc?
“As far as I know, there are three ways in which shows have dealt with pregnancies: 1) They’ve reduced the actress’s onscreen time drastically and ignored the fact by shooting around her, 2) They’ve written the actress out of the show entirely, 3) They’ve supported the actress by writing the pregnancy into the show. If there is a fourth option you have in mind, I’d love to hear it. Maybe a “Teyla has an eating problem” arc?”
Does that mean Rachel is pregnant?! If so, please tell her congratulations from me! If not, I apologize for misreading your answer.
The ratings drop seems to be across the board, and could just reflect people taking advantage of spring weather (especially since so many have already seen all the episodes).
Also: or the love romp not done,
(A freelance pitch which involved the various members of Sheppard’s team afflicted with an extreme case of Spring Fever)
Please, please, please don’t let this idea get dropped! It sounds like an absolute scream.
Blue Rebecca
Answer: Carter will be playing a support (not unlike Landry) but her background will allow her greater involvement and, yes, could even see her heading off-world.
Thanks very much Joe.
Wow.
I just want to ask one little question:
Next time I have a nasty negotiation with a lender, can I call you in as a third? Because you, sir, are the master of the rational, reasonable yet rankled retort.
Shame on that commenter for dropping that big of a spoiler! But bully for you (all of you writers/producers/grand-poobahs) for taking the most decent (and interesting!) path for Rachel’s “condition.” I’m so excited for Season 4!
joe/Answer: Carter will be playing a support (not unlike Landry) but her background will allow her greater involvement and, yes, could even see her heading off-world.
thank you, joe, for your honesty. i’ll be able to keep my expectations in (some sort of) control. :p but, really, thanks. 😉
you might be interested to know that i’m reading up on atlantis today. i’ve spent a lot of time on gateworld’s homepage, reading the summaries of each atlantis episode. hey, sounds like a great show! :p (i just really wanted to be able to follow conversations about the show and not be lost in what’s going on, since my sam is going over)
just thought you might be interested. and thanks again for sam’s role update. 🙂
sally 😀
I’m with Rebecca! That plot sounds AWESOME!
I have so many aching questions about Michael but I somehow doubt you’ll answer. How many lines of the poem refer to Michael? In my over optimistic mind, 3 could possible have something to do with Michael (*begs* please don’t be 0). Also, how long will we have to wait into the season before we have a Michael episode?
Joe,
Three questions,
First, You’ve said that during filming of Irresponsible that nothing went right, have you of making Irresponsible a non-canon episode, and making Kolya die in a better way than he did?
Second, why was there only one Prometheus-class ships made?
Third, why wasn’t the Prometheus destroyed in Lost City? And why was Anubis’ mothership the only ship firing on the Prometheus in Lost City?
Thanks Joe.
Whoa….. I would’ve love to see Rodney as a dad. It’s such an interesting prospect as he made his feelings on children before.
Anonymous #7 writes: “Teyla’s pregnant? […] It just proves that if you can’t figure out how to develop a female character you off them like you’re doing with Elizabeth or you get them pregnant… where have I seen that again? *insert rolling of eyes here*”
Joe,
Thank you so much for your strait and to the point answer to this. I cannot believe that people don’t realize that this is a JOB for an actor. They complain about how shabbily the actors are “treated” when you are really working around their lives. Bravo to you and all of those on the set who are sticking up for REAL people and not just the CHARACTERS they play. If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t, but at least you are showing commitment to your “Stargate” family. Every fan should appreciate that.
Martin Gero can kill a man with his bare hands in less than the time it takes to down a can of coca cola.
Woah! And here I thought the question was asking about how well they could do math (had to read it again before I realized it wasn’t asking that)…;D
If you had to make off with one piece of Ancient technology (that you could hide under a jacket or something. No gate for you), what would you sneak?
FRIEND: Hm. So many to choose from.
ME: I’d take Dr. Z’s glasses.
FRIEND: …those aren’t Ancient technology, dork.
Me: >> Shhh. The people in the back don’t know that. <_< >_> <_<
;D
Jeez, that’s a shame. Way back when you first published the poem I was kinda hoping/figured that the parenthood bit was for Rodney. It’s one of the few avenues of advancement that could have led to tangible, believable development for Rodney. He’s so advanced a character already, mostly due to an egregiously unbalanced first three years. Despite that being the case, Rodney really could have benefited from having to take on that kind of responsibility.
Honestly, without trying to be too negative, I’m rather distraught over the idea that Teyla’s big character arc now must be the pregnancy bit. I get that you guys are backed into a corner and, no, I don’t have a better idea of how to handle the situation. But it’s really not something that I think the character needs. Nor do I think the necessary gradual diminuation of Teyla in plotlines and episodes will help the already busted chemistry/structure of the show. Given these recent revelations, I really can’t imagine why you guys would cut Torri Higginson. Surely some of the slack from Rachel’s pregnancy could be taken up by Weir. I’m not a crazy Weir fan, but I do think that this could drastically unbalance the show. Rodney and John are so much up front already. Sure, Carter is coming over, but she won’t have the presence of a true regular. At least I hope she won’t (I’d much, much rather have Sam wall to wall in those movies; she deserves to be a HUGE player in them). Is there any chance that Torri could come back for the last ten episodes or something? If Rachel really is pregnant, then Teyla won’t be able to fulfill the role of warrior woman as effectively as she has been. I think you guys got lucky with Amanda Tapping’s pregnancy in season eight. Production was relatively uninterrupted. I dont’ see how this could be the case here. Sorry to be so down, but given all of these massive changes and difficulties, I just feel like the whole show is falling apart. That’s what it seems like.
grape ape
Heh. They should name a battle cruiser after Sheppard. Definitely never after McKay, though. His ego’s inflated enough as it is ;D. Maybe after Dr. Z or Carson >D.
Thanks for the revealing poem and the accompanying explanations… that’s what really made it rock.
One question, however:
You posted in an earlier blog entry that you thought “The Seer” was a good Carter episode. Yet, the spoilers make it seem like a big Teyla episode. Any way you could come up with a hint or two on how it relates to Carter?
I had a quick question: Over the past ten years, SG-1 has had some gorgeous musical themes that were developed after the season one soundtrack was released, such as themes from Divide and Conquer, Meridian, Redemption, New Order and Lost City (among many others). Are there plans to release a cumulative SG-1 soundtrack? If not, to whom do you suggest writing to get the idea out there?
parenthood for another,
(Refers to a season four episode. This one was the biggest longshot to come to fruition but we were considering making McKay a daddy. However, circumstances led us to change this particular storyline as we didn’t want to have two characters facing parenthood in the same season).
OH. MY….Joe, please Please PLEASE tell me someday we might see Rodney as a daddy ON SCREEN and not just in…well…you know where…
Oh and incidentally, there’s this little rumor/running joke that all the SGA fans think there MUST be a writer/producer from the show going undercover and reading…fan writings…and it’s assumed that it’s Martin Gero because his nickname with some fans is “the ultimate SGA fanboy” but now I know the truth. Under that calm, cool, professional visage there lies the heart of an undercover fan writer…JOE MALLOZZI!! Just kidding…but I mean you are too awesome for words most of the time. 🙂
Last thing by moi:
And that brilliant young mom may be needing her brother.
(Refers to a season four episode. Given the spoilers out there, this one should be pretty easy to guess as well).
OMG OMG OMG OMG…Joe as a personal favor (and I do believe in offering bribes and/or homemade wine and other *ahem* spirits) PLEASE tell me that means Jeannie McKay-Miller is coming back!!! I’ve stayed clear of ALL spoilers that are about season 4 SGA…I tried to stay away from season 3 spoilers but…yeah didn’t so much happen but I’m okay with that. Anyway, PLEASE tell me Kate Hewlett’s gonna be on another episode because she and David acting together as Rodney and Jeannie is PRICELESS!!! I mean they just seem to have a natural ease with each other and a real life sibling rivalry that they easily tap into to get that loveable friction that Jeannie and Rodney have.
(And I meant it about the homemade wine and spirits. I have a friend who refuses to buy wine or liqueur or even beer/mead. He only buys vodka to use as a base for his liqueurs but that’s it. And he can and is in the process of working out his own chocolate liqueur. He’s not satisified with it because he’s a perfectionist and likes his spirits to be smoother than store bought but I’ve tried his chocolate liqueur and it doesn’t taste at ALL like a liqueur…it tasts more like liquid chocolate with NO alcholic after taste. And I have an uncle-in-law *to be* who makes muscadine wine as well as just about any kind of wine, including plum wine. So when I say I bribe…I bribe with only the very best.)
And this has been asked of David Hewlett but I think it applies to you as well…Joe Mallozzi, how are you so awesome? Seriously, I am so making a tshirt for DragonCon that says “Joe Mallozzi is my hero” because yeah SO TRUE!
Bon nuit!
Desiree
I couldn’t help but ask this… As we know, getting someone pregnant takes two people… So, who did the nasty with Teyla??
Answer: Carter will be playing a support (not unlike Landry) but her background will allow her greater involvement and, yes, could even see her heading off-world.
Another reason to look forward to season 4.
Congrats to Rachel Luttrell! And kudos to you that you have “supported the actress by writing the pregnancy into the show.”
Claudia Black’s pregnancy (though it was for only two episdoes) worked very well for SG-1, so I’m sure RL’s will as well.
Joe, will “Sam Carter” Rodney’s whale friend be back and/or mentioned in Season 4? Will the real Carter ever find out that McKay named a whale after her?!
Hey Joe we still want Sam and Jack together ! Just check the GW appropiate thread ! Are there any plans for this for the movies or Atlantis ?
Congrats to Rachel, then. And it’s good to know that some productions are supportive of their actors in that way.
Hmm. Thanks for the annotated version of the poem. I’m really excited for S4 of SGA!
And thank you for answering all my questions. ^.^
“we were considering making McKay a daddy”
ROLF! man thats funny as! that would be alot better than teyla having a kid.
Anyways, Will teyla have the child in S4 or S5 or at all?
Wow, I had no idea Rachel is pregnant! Congrats to her and kudos to the production for writing it in! I must admit I would have loved to see a daddy McKay. I’ve read so many great fics where McKay is smitten by a daughter. Ah well, real life must win out there. 🙂
Are we allowed to ask just how McKay would have become a father (i.e. what circumstances and with whom)? I’m dying of curiosity!
Lovely poem, Joe!
Joe Joe Joe, you’re the master of double-speak. Is Rachel pregnant? Given the spoilers out on Gateworld and despite your attempts to play coy, I think the answer is obvious.
I enjoyed the poem. I was wondering if you ever write (non-work related) fiction in your downtime. Does writing as your job take away the pull towards creative writing as a hobby?
Wow, that’s cleared up a lot of questions I had. 😀 Thanks Joe.
And I agree with Blue Rebecca – the “love romp not done” with Sheppard’s team sounds like a great storyline! Season 5 anyone?
Love the poem and thanks for the insight. It must be very hard as a writer to come up with plots and ideas only to have them transformed into something very different by the final showing. Or is that part of what makes it so much fun? I’m guessing a little of both.
McKay as a dad… that would’ve very interesting, indeed!
Anyhow, thanks for sharing the poem again, I hadn’t gotten to read it the first time (and I kept forgetting to go look for it). I must say, SGA S4 is looking more and more exciting!
“…. Maybe a “Teyla has an eating problem” arc?”
No, no, thanks for going the other way with this one, lol.
EC
Sounds like congratulations are in order for Rachel? Please do pass on our very best wishes – the usual fandom nonsense aside, I’m sure most people are thrilled for her.
Or the love romp not done,
(A freelance pitch which involved the various members of Sheppard’s team afflicted with an extreme case of Spring Fever)
That sounds madly entertaining… I’m having visions of ST:TOS’s The Naked Time and ST:TNG’s The Naked Now. 🙂
sounded an interesting history arc to McKay be daddy. Hypothetical, Katie Brown had been the mammy?
I gotta say, I’m bummed to see the “McKay as a daddy” storyline didn’t make it. That would have been really fun to see, between his history in dealing with kids and the sort of “softer side” we’ve seen coming out in recent episodes. Would have been a blast! (Don’t throw that storyline in the trash permanently! ;))
I had a feeling when I heard the spoiler about Teyla being pregnant that it meant the actress was pregnant – and given your answer it sounds like I was right. Thanks for going with option three instead of one of the other two!
I know people are still going to be upset about the development but if it means Teyla is kept around rather than reducing her role I’m happy.
And also thanks for that answer about Carter. The more I hear the more it sounds like it could very well be awesome. I’m still a little nervous about the Rodney and Carter interactions (sometimes it ends up not being funny to me even though I KNOW it’s supposed to be funny) but I’m willing to wait and see.
Joe
Wow we have another Leonard Cohen in our midst.. Not as good as ‘Halilujah’ but not bad….
I refuse to entertain the posibility that there will not be a season 5 and 6 and 7 etc. There’s no Sci Fi show currently running that compares.. so there…
Martin Gero with that special ability he has should be on the Sopranos don’t you think or maybe your body guard.
Ever thought of doing an impromtu show.. You know where you writers supply the story line and let the actors supply the dialogue. I wonder what type of show we would end up with?
Take Care
Dori
Joe, a few questions today (culled from my wife, my daughters, and of course my self)…
1. If the SciFi channel understood the Gates fans they would have been promoting this Friday’s episode as a “Hammond returns!”. I would watch this one for that reason alone, I love that character. Question, any plans for more Hammond in the future?
2. I know its been asked a million times, but any plans to finally let us all know whether Jack and Sam are a couple? With Sam heading to Atlantis I’m kinda doubting any Jack/Sam relationship, but I can always hope.
3. My wife thinks the Furlings have been shown in the show before, perhaps that underwater creature looking in Daniel’s mind for his wife Amarosa (sp), or creature trapped with Jack on a planet and who changed his appearance to that of a black soldier and altered SG1’s memory to make them believe he was a member of the team…any chance the Furlings have been shown but not identified?
4. The Tollans; are they dead and gone? Any chance they survived the G’aould attack?
5. Will the Asguard on the Deadalus (sp) survive or will he/she suddenly disappear as well?
6. Jonas. I think all of us would like to see Jonas again. Any chance?
Feel free to answer any or all of the above. Thanks Joe!
Hi Joe!
You said you’d thought about making McKay a dad, but that with other plotlines this wouldn’t be happening…any chance of this idea resurfacing either later in season four or in season five?
Thanks!
Hi Joe, A friend and I are headed up your way in June – any good dining recommendations you can give us without breaking our bank?
Thanks!
Anonymous #2 writes: “Now you make it sound like her contribution was just to walk on set and read a few lines, and that the entirety of her character was all in the writing.”
Answer: Not at all. As someone who has been involved in various productions, I am well aware of the many contributions made by numerous individuals – actors, writers, directors, editors, and producers – in the creation of a great character. My point is it’s incredibly ignorant to presume that one individual alone is responsible for the success of a given character.
Thank you for that. That’s all I wanted to hear, and I don’t think anyone implied that the actors alone created the character. Every actor I’ve ever heard at a con always praised the writers.
Thanks again.
Hiya Joe,
Do you know if there was any plans for more depth to the whole King Arthur thing in SG-1 or just references to it? Also, I know you answered that there are no plans for Ori in Atlantis, but do you think there would be a possibility of them appearing in some shape or form in a possible season 5? I personally don’t know how it could be done but just thought I would ask.
Also, if someone wanted to bribe you, what kind of chocalate would one use?
Take care Joe.
Hey Joe some of us still DON’T want Sam and Jack to get together. Just check out the appropriate threads on G.W. Cam/Sam ship thread,Sam/Daniel ship thread,Sam/Mckay ship thread and my personal favorite Sam/Thor. So could you please pass on to Brad that alot of fans would like Sam and Jack NOT to get together in the movies.
I guess when you said Teyla’s role would “grow” in season 4, you weren’t kidding. Too bad. I thought you meant real character development.
So tell us, is Rachel Luttrell really pregnant?
Hello Joe,
Dans une news, j’ai vu un spoiler qui résume l’épisode “The Seer”, et il y a marqué que Davos prédit l’avenir et qu’il sais que Teyla est enseinte, est-ce que sa vision va se réalisé ou se sera un cannular?
En se moment, les forums de discusion explosent pour savoir qui est le pere de l’enfant, si c’est John, Ronon ou encore Rodney (bref c’est la guerre des ships^^). Il y à aussi une rumeur qui dit que ce serai Mickael le pere car il avait kidnapé Teyla dans “Vangeance”, et on ne sais pas trop ce qu’il lui a fait.
Donc voila mes questions:
1)Est-ce que Teyla sera vraiment enseinte? Et si Oui, qui sera le père de l’enfant?
Je vous aurai bien poser les question en anglais mais je ne maitrise pas encore la langue, la prochaine fais j’écouterais plus mon prof d’anglais au lieu de bavarder en classe^^.
I hope that you go to answer me
Spend a good day,
Nicolas
I know you said you didn’t want two characters facing parenthood at the same time but come ON, McKay being the potential father of Teyla’s child would be so… evil! The reveal could be the first part of a two-parter, and then you could hand the plotline over to Martin Gero and have him try to write his way out of it in the second half. I’m sure he’d appreciate it very much, since he’s used to being written into corners.
On a more serious note, how often are you called upon to balance these real world “challenges” with the overall creative process, and is that part of the fun, or a real headache that you just have to endure? I remember Gillian Anderson saying once that Chris Carter wasn’t particularly happy when she told him about her pregnancy. It’s very cool that you’re not simply writing Rachel off the show or decreasing her screen time, but was that ever a consideration? How much input does the actor have in creative decisions like that?
we were considering making McKay a daddy. However, circumstances led us to change this particular storyline as we didn’t want to have two characters facing parenthood in the same season
Why not having Rodney as the father of Teyla’s baby? 😉 Imagine Sheppard’s reaction to THAT news! Can’t wait to see new episode! 😀
Dear Joe,
Do you ever get tired of all these people bitching at you? I mean, seriously! I love SGA. Well, what I’ve been able to see, being personal computer and cable free. I find very little wrong with it, simply for the fact I know I don’t have the skills to create something like it. (Or I’m really too lazy to do something amazing.) Do you ever feel like giving up the whole public blogging thing?
Anonymous said…
I guess when you said Teyla’s role would “grow” in season 4, you weren’t kidding. Too bad. I thought you meant real character development.
I didn’t know Teyla’s pregnancy and real character development were mutually exclusive…
Howdy Joe!
One of our own the enemy courts.
(Refers a season four episode – maybe a little harder to figure out).
Hmm…I’m going to guess that this is “Reunion.”
Please send congratulations from this SGA fan to Rachel Luttrell and her stuntman boyfriend (apologies, I’ve forgotten his name) on her pregnancy (if that spoiler for “The Seer” is confirming a real life event). That’s one blessing my hubby and I hope we get to experience one day.
Trish in Texas
Given your reply, one is left to assume that Rachel is pregnant. Please pass on congratulations and best wishes to her and the father to be.
And many thanks to you and all the writers for writing in the “new character” instead of writing Teyla out. I don’t see how the option of hiding the pregnancy would have worked for a warrior like her. Atleast not well in my opinion.
And to reiterate an earlier question – who’s the Daddy? Or how about a hint? (And don’t go listing all the men in Atlantis, atleast narrow it down.) Will she give birth in the city? The first birth in Atlantis in 10,000 years sort of thing.
There has been a lot of discussion on the forums since Seer spoilers were released. So what we want to know if was the pregnancy written in because Rachel is pregnant? If she is then okay, but if she’s not then this show has just jumped the shark.
So, Carter will be the new Atlanits leader for all the fourth season. And she already come in the first episode. But Amanda Tapping has only signed for 14. That means what 6 episodes will be completely off-world, without scenes in Atlantis?
Joe,
I think when I posted my little rant about “character development” last night (and how awsome your answer was e.g. pregnancy), I typed the name Torri instead of Teyla (meaning Rachel). oooops. I guess you know what I meant. Awsome job supporting your actors! Sometimes my fingers get ahead of my mind… not hard to do. Sometimes I swear my mind is so behind my physical self it is still in the womb.
Is she or isn’t she really pregnant? Well after reading the episode spoilers, it was “Duh – Yeah”. But after reading your smoke and mirrors answer on the topic, it sounded too much like a vague attempt to deflect criticism from a cliche storyline. If Rachel was pregnant eveyrone on the show would know by now and with the spoiler already out there would be no reason for you NOT TO confirm it.
The sharks are circling.
9 times out of 10 whenever a t.v. character becomes pregnant its because the actress is expecting. So the odds are good 90% that Rachel is pregnant.
Avery in Avery
As seen in the Return, Elizabeth has a huge emotional attachment to Atlantis. Will we see any more development with that in Season 4?
Wow. I can’t believe you didn’t post my comment.
Grape Ape
I think McKay and Teyla trading parenting advice would be a riot! How fast would McKay go from terrified to know-it-all, I wonder?
I have to go search GeekBoy’s room. He lost his glasses in there somewhere amid the 1000s of Legos and video game components and accessories.
If Ms. Luttrell is expecting her first child, please congratulate her on my behalf. I wish her well along with her loved ones.
On that note, Teyla’s story arc, will it be more in-depth than simply her pregnancy and its consequences?
Season 3 dealt a lot with the team’s relationships with each other. The evident signs of a relationship developing into something more intimate between John and Teyla was growing stronger by the end of Season 3.
At first, the thought of this being John’s baby came to mind, but since you’ve commented that there won’t be two characters in one season dealing with parenthood, that rules out Sheppard as the father of this child, or did I misinterpret that?
So, will Teyla’s pregnancy change the direction or the possibility of a more intimate future between John and Teyla? Or is it possible that it will actually continue to strengthen it further?
In either case, I’m looking forward to Season 4.
After reading your Stargate poem again it reminded me of a question that someone had asked awhile back on your blog about whether or not Michael would be able to do the commentary for “The Shroud”. I believe you responded that it was possible but depended on actor availability.
I loved “The Shroud” and would love to hear Michael’s thoughts on filming the episode. Could you tell us if the commentary for this episode has been done and if Michael was able to do it?
Anonymous #7 writes: “Teyla’s pregnant? […] It just proves that if you can’t figure out how to develop a female character you off them like you’re doing with Elizabeth or you get them pregnant… ”
Wow – hey Joe – Anon #7 giving you a lot of credit there … er, does Fondy know?
Carolina writes: “Hi Joe, I will be flying to Canada tomorrow for a quick meeting, just one night! it will be my first time in your country, is there anything I should know and be prepared for?”
Answer: Beware the carnivorous seals!
Thank you so much! just in time for me to wear my wet suit to protect me from the seals and the rain, does it always rain in Canada???
It has come to my attention with how worried I am over Elizabeth that I am far too emotionally involved in this show. As a writer, that’s what you want from your audience, but do you ever find it annoying as well? And do you ever find yourself too emotionally involved as well?
Answer: As far as I know, there are three ways in which shows have dealt with pregnancies: 1) They’ve reduced the actress’s onscreen time drastically and ignored the fact by shooting around her, 2) They’ve written the actress out of the show entirely, 3) They’ve supported the actress by writing the pregnancy into the show. If there is a fourth option you have in mind, I’d love to hear it. Maybe a “Teyla has an eating problem” arc?
Didn’t you realize you were suppose give up all special affects for season four and CGI her in?
Seriously, I can’t wait for season four. I try to avoid the major spoilers (like who will be Teyla’s baby’s daddy), but I can’t wait to see everything turns out. Since the both the Gates are the only TV series I own on DVD, obviously y’all (i.e. the writers, producers & actors) are doing something right. While I may not always be happy with or love each episode and I have become invested in the characters and their world; which is why the Gates are among the few shows I make a point to watch each week.
McKay is the father of Teyla’s baby – problem solved! and one heck of storyline!! If its a girl they could call it Micheala.
Is this “From innocents lost he’ll produce strict adherence” a reference to Vengeance??
On the of chance I ever visit Canada can I come and stay with you??
Blue Rebecca said “Also: or the love romp not done,
(A freelance pitch which involved the various members of Sheppard’s team afflicted with an extreme case of Spring Fever)
Please, please, please don’t let this idea get dropped! It sounds like an absolute scream.”
Please, please, please, please let this idea get dropped. It sounds like Irresistable Mark II.
Are you a strictly 9 til 5 person?
Or are 16 hour days and work on weekends required occasionally?
If 16 hour days are required do you actually bring sandwiches from home?
Or is it a case of “Sandwich? What’s that?”
Some friends and I had a marathon of Atlantis episodes, and during one of the food breaks we started to wonder what had happened to Sheppard’s dog tags. We saw them in 38 minutes, but haven’t been able to spot them since, even though Joe F has worn shirts which should have shown the chain at least. So my question is: Did Sheppard lose them/ have them stolen by hostile aliens in season one? Did he forget to replace them while on Earth, or has the prop department forgotten to provide them 🙂
Hey Joe.
I’m joining forces with Nebulan here.
Please can you tell us (or just give us a magic 8 ball clue) as to whether we will be seeing Michael in the first half of season 4. What are the chances?
Also, I know you won’t be able to give an answer to exactly what happens to Elizabeth in season 4, but out of these 2 pairs which would best describe the emotion her leaving/disappearing in the first couple of episodes will show: angst/sadness or horror/panic?
hmmm. yeah that sounds about the best way I can put it.
Please please please (I will get down on my hands and knees if I have to) can we have a little bit of news about Michael for s4 though.
🙂 thankies.
Dear Joe
Have wa got any chance to save Weir for the five season? Please tell us, we are desperate fan
Avons nous une chance de sauver Weir pour la saison 5 merci de votre réponse, we are “desperate fan”
Just wanted to say: Thank you for NOT making Rodney a father in season 4. Admittedly, it surely would have been very cute and interesting to see him with a baby (in the way of how he handles the child and the situation). But no, the long-term effect it would probably have on McKay bothers me. I for my part am quite happy that you dropped that idea.
Quick questions: (1)How long does it take you to write a single Atlantis script, from start to finish? (2)Do you write them one at a time, or are you working on a bunch of them at one time?
Hi Joe,
Quick question…
Will the crystalline object that takes on Sheppard’s face and form be human-like in every sense of the word…that is will it have the ability to help in producing human-like offspring via copulation with a woman?
Just Curious
*waves*
Joe says: Also: or the love romp not done,(A freelance pitch which involved the various members of Sheppard’s team afflicted with an extreme case of Spring Fever)
*cough*
What was wrong with my script? I definately thought it had definate possibilities 😉 and with Rachel’s pregnancy (she says confidantly and with heartfelt congratulations) this is still a viable episode ;o)
I could simply step in to Teyla’s shoes as we’re the same height and i’m sure i’ve got a red wig here from my am-dram days.:p And let’s face it you wanted the ratings bringing up i’m sure that having Shep shirtless for those love romp scenes would attract lots of people ;o) See, Joe, i’m always thinking of the show :o)
You’ll be pleased to know that i’ve managed to get three new people to watch the show. Granted I still need another 497,000 people to get the ratings up, but it’s a start :o) Shame my veiwing doesn’t count….
*please delete profanities that follow*
Hi Joe. I’d just like to apologise on behalf of everyone here for hijacking your “personal” blog and turning it into a Stargate Q&A service. Having read your 2006 blog, I’m finding that I enjoyed reading that as much as I enjoy reading spoilers for SG so I hope you don’t feel that you continually have to write about what’s happening with the show/movies just to please us 🙂
Hope your trip to the dentist goes/went well and that Fondy and the dogs are okay. 🙂
So the proposed father to be McKay is no longer happening…whats on the plate for McKay? Is he going to play a major arc in Beckett’s 3-episodes arc?
Anonymous said…
Is she or isn’t she really pregnant? Well after reading the episode spoilers, it was “Duh – Yeah”. But after reading your smoke and mirrors answer on the topic, it sounded too much like a vague attempt to deflect criticism from a cliche storyline. If Rachel was pregnant eveyrone on the show would know by now and with the spoiler already out there would be no reason for you NOT TO confirm it.
Or maybe – just maybe – Rachel’s personal life is not really any of our business and we’re not entitled to expect or demand such information.
Dear Joe,
I’m not very good at math but please bear with me. Ever since the early twinkle of season 1 of Atlantis there was an estimated 60 Hive ships and if each Hive ship has three cruisers as escort ships, seen in Letters from Pegasus, than that makes it at around 180 cruisers. So far, in three seasons of Atlantis plus the five SGA novels from Fandemonium 11 Hive ships were destroyed and two cruisers. That leaves approximately 49 Hives and over 175 cruisers. My question sir, how the hell are our heroes going to flatten those numbers now that the asurans are in the equation? Also, this is very important sir, I couldn’t possibly go to sleep tonight without knowing, will season 4 in Atlantis prove to be a better season regarding the destruction of Hives. I mean it in the sense that would our heroes take out more than previous seasons combined now that they have multiple ships( Daedalus, Apollo, Odysee, tria, and a wraith cruiser) and a full storage of drones.
Thank you very much
Benny
Dear Joe,
If you were to ever introduce the furlings next season what would be so special about them? I mean the Ancients were amazing and technologically extreme. The Asgard were the close rivals of the ancients, very powerful and good allies to us. The nox very mystical, advanced and kind and pacifist beings. What can we expect from the furlings; so to speak their motto or prime directive, their position regarding evil doers.
thanks my friend,
your montreal fan
ps: I just bought The Androids Dream and I’ll tell what I think of it when I finish.
Anonymous said…
“Hey Joe some of us still DON’T want Sam and Jack to get together. Just check out the appropriate threads on G.W. Cam/Sam ship thread,Sam/Daniel ship thread,Sam/Mckay ship thread and my personal favorite Sam/Thor. So could you please pass on to Brad that alot of fans would like Sam and Jack NOT to get together in the movies.”
and do you ever notice that the VAST majority of ppl that don’t want a certain couple to get together is because they prefer x and/or z with someone else? i can’t think of a better reason to stop a romance storyline so others can pretend their preferred couple are really together. not.
sorry for the rant,
sally 🙂
Hello Mr. Mallozzi. First, I want to say, thanks for letting your blog be overrun by inquisitive fans. I think you are almost as good as JK Rowling when it comes to dropping hints and dealing with spoilers.
I hope you haven’t already answered this question, but here goes: you’ve stated that Dr. Keller’s first name is Jennifer, but I’ve seen conflicting claims about her nationality. Is she American or Canadian? I’m just curious.
Sorry Majorsal but you know as well as I do that a lot of Sam fans on Samanda are not Sam/Jack shippers. Samanda consists of all different kinds of Sam fans including those who would prefer that she not be shipped with anyone. Just because they don’t come over to Joe’s blog doesn’t mean that these fans do not exist. I just hope that Joe, Brad and all involved understand this.
It seems that Mallozzi’s poem with notes
Has increased the level of some people’s hopes
Season 3, Season 4, Episode this one and that
Promise to provide arcing stories, not flat
Though some shippers may groan and some anons. cry
And a cruiser or hive ship may darken the sky
The city, the mission, the people, the team
A focus on these offers hope, it would seem
For some romping and rampage, and 11th hour saves
And some fine entertainment that will earn our high raves
So, Joe, you and Paul, Carl and Martin, et al
I can’t wait to see what adventures you all
Will write and produce for us to enjoy
I appreciate your efforts, go get ’em, big boy!
Regarding the now much ballyhooed question of whether or not Rachel Luttrell is pregnant and how said pregnancy may be written into the script of “The Seer”…
I think it would show a lot of respect to Rachel if you would lay the rumors to rest (and yes, your vague comments have instilled rampant discussion) with either a ‘yes, she is pregnant and she gave me permission to drop the news’ or ‘no, Rachel is not pregnant, you need not send baby gifts.”
After all, this is her personal life you’ve now laid open with your comments about actresses and pregnancy.
Thanks.
Ewww, no sheyla please or I will spork my eyes out and that is one less viewer because I won’t have eyes. LOL. I really don’t want to lose my eyes 😉
Anonymous said…
“Sorry Majorsal but you know as well as I do that a lot of Sam fans on Samanda are not Sam/Jack shippers. Samanda consists of all different kinds of Sam fans including those who would prefer that she not be shipped with anyone. Just because they don’t come over to Joe’s blog doesn’t mean that these fans do not exist. I just hope that Joe, Brad and all involved understand this.”
when 8 out of 10 non shippers/anti shippers say they don’t like so-and-so together, only to say in the next breath that they like so-and-so with someone else… what am i supposed to think?
now as for the topic: the show started this storyline, continued it for 8 full years… i’d just like to see where it went.
sally 🙂
Joe quote: “Anonymous #3 writes: “Joe M said “I never claimed the ratings system was unfair, wrong, inaccurate, yada, or even yada.” I know you didn’t and I didn’t say you did.
Answer: Then what were you suggesting when you wrote “if the ratings were still in the 2.2 – 2.4 range like they were for season 8 (32 short episodes ago BTW) would the ratings sytem still be unfair, wrong, inaccurate, yada, yada?””
Okay Joe let’s be honest – I wrote the following in my original post:
Question for everyone out there – including Joe if he chooses to respond:
if the ratings were still in the 2.2 – 2.4 range like they were for season 8 (32 short episodes ago BTW) would the ratings sytem still be unfair, wrong, inaccurate, yada, yada? Seems that when the ratings were up it was all the rage to shout the “great” and fabulous ratings numbers from the rooftops of Bridge and elsewhere – what happened, besides that fact that the ratings tanked, to change your minds that the ratings system is not fair and not an accurate portrayal? There are a lot of companies that pay a lot of $$ for ad time based on those very numbers so if they are so darn inaccurate and unreliable why on earth would any company spend a dime based on them?
Jodi
I was not clear and for that I apologize. My question was directed at those “out there” who are using the terminology/argument that the ratings system is all of a sudden not fair (I shouldn’t have generalized with that ever troubling use of “everyone”- my bad). I assumed, wrongly obviously, that those who used the “unfair” term/argument would know who they are. I added you to the question, in all honesty, as an after-thought to see if you would respond about the use of the unfair argument. By referencing Bridge and “elsewhere” shouting about high ratings I was referring to the fact that when ratings are up in the high 2.0+ range studios, and others, don’t hesitate to shout about it. This was an attempt to show examples of how the “unfair” argument cannot, IMO, hold water when it’s all the rage for studios, and fans, to use the ratings as a gold banner when they are high and then play the “ratings systems are unfair” card just because the ratings are low – it’s the same ratings system after all.
Jodi
Does Teyla’s baby have a father, or is the baby the result of immaculate conception? Whatever, please do not make this child the savior or destroyer of the Pegasus Galaxy. That sort of story line has been done to death by so many other sci-fi shows.
Hi Joe. 1)I have a question for you, I think I know the answer, but I would like to ask any way. If a fan has a story idea, can they tell you or do we just keep it to ourselve? 2) My son want to have a pug one day and unfortunately my husband only likes big dogs, are pugs good to have around 2 boys that are 7and 4? I know some dogs don’t do well around kids.
How do you take a character with absolutely no love interest, not even a date or picnic to being pregnant. that is so not cool for women. You guys have danced around Teyla’s personal life for 3 seasons, not you expect fans to buy she’s pregnant by whom/what. and what happens to her character’s image as Rachel’s pregnancy develops. you probably already shot “The Seer” based on the spoiler she has not told anyone in Atlantis so she wouldn’t be showing once she informed the stuido of her condition. No more stick fighting, no more sparing with John or Ronon,
Yes, I made a comment regarding Teyla’s pregnancy. You have a lot of young girls who admire and look up to the character as Rachel has indicated in many interviews and convention forums. Now you want them to go with character pregnancy without any romance. So you are going to conjure up some sci-fi experiment which caused her condition. The warrior image is what has worked for her character so that will have to be put on hold until after the baby is born, (if you guys survive on to Season 5 or 2nd half of season 4), my point is you guys are too extreme with very little story line flow. and you would think she would want to be around her people more in her condition for Athosian tradition and stuff