One of the many nice things about having dinner with my agent Robb is getting him to regale us with his wonderful Hollywood stories. Nothing seedy or salacious, just humorous accounts of his poker nights with the writers of The Simpsons or dinners with colorful clients. Sitting there the other night, listening to his reminiscences, I couldn’t help but reflect on my short-lived career in Tinseltown, back to when I first broke into the business as a hungry young actor.
At the time, I shared a Santa Monica apartment with two up-and-coming mimes, an angry performance artist, and an embittered stage magician who had since fallen on hard times. Every second Saturday, I would tour as the sole male member of a feminist comedy troupe, Bra-ha-ha, while every Sunday, my roomates and I would head down to the Third Street Promenade where we would sell painted seashells and re-enact scenes from classic commercials like Clara Peller’s memorable turn as the “Where’s the Beef?” lady at Wendy‘s. It was during one of these performances (“I’m not gonna pay a lot for this muffler!“ I nailed it.) that I was discovered by an equally hungry but far-more-struggling talent agent who signed me on and, in a few short weeks, got me my big break as Brown Corduroy Pant Wearer #3 in a Sears Summer Catalogue.
From there, things really picked up: Satisfied Customer for Garden Shack’s big West Hollywood flyer campaign, Brown Corduroy Pant Wearer #2 in the Sears Fall Catalogue, Blue Corduroy Pant Wearer #1 in the Sears Winter Catalogue, a bit part as a very impressed dinner guest in a Norelco Ice Fish commercial, and, finally, a minor speaking part in the underappreciated near cult classic Hercules vs. Godzilla. It all culminated in my landing the role of a lifetime on a new science fiction series. Although it was a small part, I was assured at the time that it had the potential to grow into something much, much bigger. I thought I was destined for greatness, the next Jan Michael Vincent. But alas, the fates conspired against me. Well, the fates and the series lead, let’s call him Bill, who seemed to resent my natural charisma and wonderful onscreen chemistry with my fellow co-stars. I came in to work one morning and discovered the letter of dismissal in my dressing room (which, incidentally, doubled as one of the show‘s Jeffries Tubes). No one was there to say goodbye. To add insult to injury, my parking spot was given to the guy who played the guy with the pointy ears.
Eventually, I gave up acting and turned to more satisfying pursuits like bee-keeping, screenwriting, and playing xylophone in a White Snake cover band. My only keepsake from those heady times is the cast picture I have posted. Ah, those were the days.
Checking the mail…
Jodi writes: “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.”
Answer: I don’t believe anyone has ever called the ratings system unfair. What we have discussed are some of the elements that have worked against the show in the ratings. Of course it’s the same ratings system, but when the show was pulling in 2.0 + numbers, it hadn’t already aired around the world, wasn’t already available online, and television ratings had not taken a hit across the board (a recent Nielsen article points to the fact that the past three weeks have been among the lowest-watched t.v. weeks in recent memory).
Anonymous #1 writes: “What do you think the ratings will be for Friday’s episodes?”
Answer: Better.
Anonymous #2 writes: “Joe, joe, joe. *sighs and shakes head* You do realise that you’ve just pissed off the Sam/Jack shippers now on top of the Terri fans?”
Answer: By providing an honest answer to a question asked? Sorry, but we have no plans to work Carter’s love-life into Atlantis. For SG-1 movie-related questions, however, feel free to post them on Brad and Robert’s blogs.
Exangeline writes: “What anime do you like? Oh, and – subbed or dubbed?”
Answer: Subbed, never EVER dubbed. Berserk is my fave followed by Cowboy Bebop, Now and Then Here and There, Noir, Trigun, Utena, Kino’s Journey, Last Exile, GTO, Samurai Champloo – to name but a few.
Amy writes: “Any chance either of the crews will be out “on location” Monday? […] And what in the world was that LOUD boom this past Wed. about 10:30 am ish at the studio? About scared me to death!”
Answer: You mean the LOUD boom that rattled the windows and set off all the car alarms? It was Ark of Truth. As for being on location on Monday – which location?
Linz writes: “I was wondering if the Wraith from Common Ground is definitely coming back in season 4?”
Answer: Yup. And we’re going to ship him with Carter.
Anonymous #3 writes: “Do the Atlantis teams have a designated team idetification number like the SG teams have, say like AL1?”
Answer: Yup. They are First Atlantis Reconnaissance Team.
I could totally hug you right now, despite the fact that it would be stalker-ish and creepy and I’m on the other side of the world. We are in total agreement over the subbed versus dubbed thing. English just never fits. I also like your anime taste. Japanese animation is so fun. I’m probably being really annoying now, but do you read manga?
Oh, and before I jet:
“Linz writes: “I was wondering if the Wraith from Common Ground is definitely coming back in season 4?”
Answer: Yup. And we’re going to ship him with Carter.”
I hate chat speak as much as the next person, but that totally deserves a ROFLMFAO reaction.
Insanely yours,
Exangeline
Joe,
Listen. You guys need to pay more attention to the way the two series are being promoted. I know you say that the adverts are on Sci-Fi, but if you really want to be renewed then you’re going to have to start to take an interest in the messages that are being sent to casual viewers.
Next week you’ve got Richard Dean Anderson in SG-1, which is the lead-in show for Stargate Atlantis. Not once, nowhere, not in one frame was Jack O’neill shown in the commercial. Anderson has proven to be the number one thing that can bump ratings for you guys these days, but there’s nary a mention of him or his character.
When asked in the past about why Jack was “wasted” on three episodes of Atlantis you responded that you didn’t regret the decision to split RDA’s time because, “Atlantis needed the bump.” But what good is it trying to “bump” ratings with RDA’s guest appearances if you’re not going to bother advertising them? He was scarcely shown prior to The Return Part Two as well.
Basically, I’ve seen several posts by you bemoaning the Gate’s poor promotion, yet it continues to happen. Why don’t you do something about it? Why not take a more active role? I want a season five for Atlantis, but with promotion like this you might as well throw in the towel now.
joe/Answer: By providing an honest answer to a question asked? Sorry, but we have no plans to work Carter’s love-life into Atlantis. For SG-1 movie-related questions, however, feel free to post them on Brad and Robert’s blogs.
~~~
i know you well enough, joe, to say thank you.
sally 🙂 🙂
Watched Road Not Taken. Thought it was terrific. Loved AT, wish she’d been given more to do these last two years. She’s the real star now that Rick is gone. Loved having DSD back. Totally regret losing Hammond and wish he could be around more. Two great eps in a row. Can’t wait till next week and hope it turns into a hat trick.
Ciao,
LeatherIsHot
First Atlantis Reconnaissance Team?
FART?
Huh. Recently expelled from a wormhole near you.
Every season of any show there’s a few bad episodes. I’m still a loyal fan and will keep tuning in and so fourth. My question regarding “Irresponsible” is this. When one sat down to dream up the concept for the eppy…what was the original thought about combining one of SGA’s ‘funny’ guest characters into the same script as one of SGA’s BEST villains?
I don’t understand. Kolya was a wonderful, devious, brilliant bad guy. He tried to take Atlantis, kill almost every member of the Team on several occasions. Even developed oddly twisted vendetta type associations with McKay and Sheppard. Why or why was he not saved for a more dramatic episode with a meaty scene with Sheppard? After the events of “Common Ground” were the fans not entitled to a better show down or clash between these two?
The old west thing aside, I just don’t get why this story was fused with another plot involving Lucius.
Do look forward to next week’s.
In regard to Teyla’s pregnancy are we going to know who the father is (Or find out during the episode), or will it be a mystery for a while?
Also if you can say is the father part of the main cast? I understand if you can’t say.
I’m no good at small talk, so here are my questions:
1- How do you hire your extras? Do you tend to favour certain agencies, and what specifically do you ask for?
2- Do you know where I could send a fan letter to an actor who worked on SG-1? I’m clueless as to what to do now.
Thanks.
Anonymous #3 writes: “Do the Atlantis teams have a designated team idetification number like the SG teams have, say like AL1?”
Answer: Yup. They are First Atlantis Reconnaissance Team.
Ok you brought me out of lurkdom for this. LOL!!! Atlantis has the premiere team of F.A.R.T. Did you snitch that from Peter Delouise?
I know that this is most likely beyond your control, but I was wondering if you had any idea why it is taking so long for episodes to show up on iTunes? I don’t have one of those nifty Neilson’s boxes so the way I show my support is by buying the episodes off of iTunes…
“Yup. And we’re going to ship him with Carter.”
HAHA
Be careful Joe, The Carter/jack Shippers will be after you!!!
Answer: Yup. They are First Atlantis Reconnaissance Team.
I’ll pay you in chocolate to use that in an episode. Double if the team leaders meet in a Panel Of Offworld Teams.
Wow. Up till now I’d been the one defending TPTB for the last two years when it came to continuity. I’ve tried to talk other fans down when they became irate over the Jack O’niell sitution. But how in the hell did you guys make The Road Not Taken and NOT mention Jack! Sam even asks about every single other character, except Jack. In that scene, I actually thought you guys were leading up to something about Jack in the alternate reality. But there was nothing. Come on, do you really believe that Sam would wind up in an alternate reality and not ask about Jack? What’s going on up there when you’re making these episodes? You can’t keep ignoring Jack!!!! He’s not like Jonas. Everyone who watches the show remembers and misses him!
speakerphone
I love to read your blog posts – hate to read most of the comments. But I guess you have to take the good with the bad right? Right.
You know, I thought I’d recognized you from somewhere. You were one of those fellows in the red shirts, weren’t you? I never forget a face – or a grizzly death.
Now for the question…have the ratings for SGA fallen off in syndication at the same rate they’ve slipped for cablenet airings? I know that for SG-1 the two sets of numbers were usually within just a few points of each other, and SGA’s first year in syndication seemed to hold true to that. (I was always able to accurately predict syndie performance based on the previous week’s ‘net numbers). I guess it’s the salesman in me, but if the syndie numbers have held true, it’s a definite indicator that the problem is with programming decisions, not the show itself.
*pokes nose in again*
I don’t know of anybody who really LIKES anime who actaully LIKES dubs. They are evil, and not in the good way. Have you ever seen Slayers or Fushigi Yuugi? Good stuff.
Also:
Answer: Yup. They are First Atlantis Reconnaissance Team.
You are a strange, twisted man, and I am so thankful for that! Then again, this is coming from someone who’s father would call her a Special Helper In Training…
*runs away again*
Oh my gosh, you are so obnoxious! I love it!
Three year olds usually do upstage actors — isn’t that why actors say never to play opposite children and animals? Had we known last year of your lofty origins when we were filming our internet Star Trek episode, we could’ve offered you a more adult role. There was, however, the patter of little feet as we had to find an Asian baby to play Sulu’s (George Takei’s) granddaughter.
Mel said…
“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 ;)”
“Ditto.
Joe and Rachel? Zero chemistry.
Joe and Torri or Joe and David? Massive chemistry. We know you’re going to dump poor Elizabeth, so please, turn Shep gay before you go with Sheyla!!”
LOL…
I don’t know guys…at one time I was right there with you both…entirely against the whole concept of these two ever coming to fruition, but I will admit now the idea of a Sheppard and Teyla doesn’t quite gross me out like it use to; infact they’ve kind of grown on me–and no not like a fungus…lol.
I actually didn’t mind what I saw happening between them in the latter half of the season, and that surprised me because I really believed that anything remotely hinting at the notion of them becoming a duo would make my skin crawl, but their interaction of late has been more than tolerable…in fact it’s been rather charming; hence, no hurling on my part. JMO of course.
Also their most recent scenes together have been quite subtle, and I very much appreciate subtlety which is why I feel I now can welcome anything (if tptb continue in this way) more from he and her other than friends and co-workers without a feeling of disgust.
Anyways I didn’t see my liking them coming at all, especially since I was drawn more toward Elizabeth and John and saw them before as a sure thing…but, and I don’t mean to be a downer here, not any longer (and my not seeing them as a sure thing anymore has nothing to do with Elizabeth’s status going recurring…no I started feeling this before I found out about her future)and it’s because I now can and do see a believable chemistry between Sheppard and Teyla I hadn’t seen between them before…maybe not seeing it earlier on was due to the very little interacting they’ve had–I don’t know.
At any rate, if they’re written well enough I wouldn’t mind seeing a little something more develop between them.
Anything can happen…especially where tptb are concerned, including nothing romantically happening between any of the characters at all.
Joe said “Answer: I don’t believe anyone has ever called the ratings system unfair. What we have discussed are some of the elements that have worked against the show in the ratings. snip, snip”
Joe – Perhaps by the broad term “anyone” you are refering to “anyone invovled with Stargate”. Please acknowledge that I already said you did not say it and I thought my second attempt cleared up that I was in fact referencing the many myriads of people who are in fact talking about the ratings system being unfair – it is a fact – on your blog as well as on many sites and forums.
Jodi
Jenny’s Review:
The Road Not Taken ***
Iresponsible * (Sorry Joe)
I was just looking at the official Stargate Magazine and look sparky in the Most Romantic Moments. Top 5. Wee. I celebrate small victories. LOL.
1. John and Chaya picnic
2. Carter and Mckay kiss
3. Cadman (in Mckay’s body) kissing Beckett
4. Carson and Perma
5. Sheppard and Weir kiss
6. Weir hugs Sheppard
7. Sheppard and Weir eye contact.(this made me laugh)
8. Sheppard and Teer after he returns from the cave with supplies
9. Sheppard kissing Teer
10. Sheppard breaking isolation to save Weir.
And just to make this on topic, look you made it to #4 as a favorite writer. I’m confused as to why Carl Binder didn’t make it *shrugs*
1. Robert C. Cooper
2. Brad Wright
3. Martin Gero
4. YOU
5. Paul Mullie.
You’ve got me intrigued… the hint for how you bring Beckett back… can you tell us if the hint is in an episode before or after ‘Sunday’?
I loved Mckay in SG1 tonight. I hope he’s like that (serious) in Atlantis next year! No bumbling Rodney, more “48 Hours” McKay!
Wow, Joe, you haven’t aged at all since the 60’s! What is your secret?
Linz writes: “I was wondering if the Wraith from Common Ground is definitely coming back in season 4?”
Answer: Yup. And we’re going to ship him with Carter.
I thought you’d talked about shipping Shep with that wraith, though…and with Carter…Ooh, I sense a new OT3.
First Atlantis Reconnaissance Team.
LOL! So, that’s why we never hear them say the team’s name. Let me guess: McKay came up with that, and that’s why Sheppard never lets him name anything.
Also, I recently visited my aunt, who has a pug named Millie. I thought you might like to see her (she’s adorable), so I snapped a few pics with my cameraphone:
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/Samus45/millie4.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/Samus45/millie3.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/Samus45/millie2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/Samus45/millie1.jpg
Cam Mitchell–Born on the 4th of July
Intersting, if unoriginal. I would have preferred an angrier, more insecure about his place Mitchell over the past two years in our reality. I would have like seeing something more than fanboi!Cam.
Have you visited the new Sci-Fi website for SG-1’s “Grand Finale”? There’s a section where fans can leave comments, with ones like this all over the place. It was right at the top. Check it out.
“Love SG1! The best episodes are the ones with all four together…Jack, Sam, T and Daniel. It has not been as good since RDA and part of that is the disappointment that the new guy got billing and Sam lost command of SG1…no excuses for that…eight years and the new guy gets top billing and command of SG1……lost respect but still watch the 1st eight on dvd and keep up with SGA. Thanks SG1 for all the great adventures.”
To the guy complaining about advertising. Scifi just added a comments section to their SG1 webpage. It is full of fans saying goodbye and thankyou. It is very touching to read and almost made me cry. Joe, I hope you guys stop over and read what the fans are saying.
You were an actor on a Star Trek series before becoming a writer?
Answer: By providing an honest answer to a question asked? Sorry, but we have no plans to work Carter’s love-life into Atlantis. For SG-1 movie-related questions, however, feel free to post them on Brad and Robert’s blogs.
To be honest Joe, shipping Sam/Jack in Atlantis doesn’t make sense- shipping Sam/Rodney makes more sense but what will happen to Katie brown in that case??
Also, where does the season 4 timeline fit with the 2 stargate movies? Do the movies come before season 4 because I wouldn’t think that Sam would leave her team in the middle of the Ori battle.
And- where would one find Rob and Brad’s blogs???
I like TRNT alot but what was Jack doing in the AR? Atlantis was okay, not the best but they all cant be great. Still love the show but sorry to see Kola go.
Lefs77
Mr. Mallozzi. You ARE a writer of note ! Even in a blog, you make up good stories ! You are just a wee bit too young for those exploits, not to mention the references reflect quite a ‘spread’ in time ! So I watched the ‘Gates tonight, and again (still) am thoroughly entertained.
Thanks for all your time, and TALENT !!!
JB
—
Hey Joe, i just re-watched ‘Unending’ and was wondering if there will be any references or reprocussions in future movies/Atlantis about Teal’c age? Thanks
YOu have excellent taste in anime. Kino’s Journey is a very very good series.
Tokyo Pop is releasing the novels now. They’re easy, and quick reads- I finished the first one in pretty much one sitting, but… it’s still a good book and left me wanting for more.
The whole series is written in short stories- sort of how the TV series is very episodic.
And I also salute your love of Last Exile. That series is absolutely amazing. 🙂
FART = name of the Atlantis team?
Hmm, I wonder if Lorne’s team has a name?
I’m just commenting to say I gotta laugh at that – thanks for the joke.
Cheers.
I don’t believe the tv ratings can truly give a sense of how loved or watched a show is. There are so many other ways of watching nowadays, with the internet, iTunes, and Tivo, things change. I belong to one of those “Nielsen families” and can’t believe that attention or love of the Stargate has waned the least. I used to watch SG-1/SGA episodes the minute they hit the air when I had cable, but now I have to wait for them since I went back to broadcast. Good luck with production, I can’t wait to see the movies! (And season 5 of SGA…bwahaha).
one word for Joe: thanks
“Mel said…
I was just looking at the official Stargate Magazine and look sparky in the Most Romantic Moments. Top 5. Wee. I celebrate small victories. LOL.
1. John and Chaya picnic
2. Carter and Mckay kiss
3. Cadman (in Mckay’s body) kissing Beckett
4. Carson and Perma
5. Sheppard and Weir kiss
6. Weir hugs Sheppard
7. Sheppard and Weir eye contact.(this made me laugh)
8. Sheppard and Teer after he returns from the cave with supplies
9. Sheppard kissing Teer
10. Sheppard breaking isolation to save Weir. “
Interesting stuff indeed. Where are the romantic Sheyla moments? Oh, that’s right. There aren’t any.
Oh Joe, Joe, Joe. You see which regular characters feature in those top moments? Mostly Sheppard, Weir and McKay. Those three are a winning combination, however you match them up.
For the person who says that Sheyla’s grown on her (I presume you’re a her) not unlike fungus, I feel sorry for you! That pairing would be enough to make me burn my DVDs and tune out for good.
As for getting rid of Torri … theres an ‘interesting’ rumor about why you didn’t keep both her and Amanda which was posted on GW just a day ago. All I can say is if there’s any truth to that rumor, you’ve made a huge mistake.
——–
Linz writes: “I was wondering if the Wraith <> is <> coming back…
Answer: Yup. And we’re going to ship him with Carter.
———
Just watching any episode of the Stargates? Best Friday night T.V..
Getting restaurant recommendations from a certain Stargate writer?
Is a future evening in Vancouver, B.C. well spent.
Reading Joe’s impromptu stylings of favorite Stargate characters’ love lives?
Priceless.
I laughed so hard I scared my cat.
(Don’t worry too about him. He runs away from the ceiling fan.)
Joe,
About TRNT:
Pretty good episode Although I have one complaint
Sam should have asked about Jack in that reality !!!Leaving the ship, frienship angle aside, he’s the Head of Homeworld security in our reality, I would have thought he was in a position to help her …
Linzi writes: I was wondering if the Wraith from Common Ground is definitely coming back in season 4?”
Answer: Yup. And we’re going to ship him with Carter.
You’re going to shoot me for this, but – LOL! I would use that ROFLMOA, or whatever it is, but, I have absolutely no idea what it stands for, (and am too embarrassed to ask anyone online!) I sense a love triangle approaching. I mean, come on, you’d have to be blind not to see Sheppard’s attraction to the wraith, wouldn’t you? It’s all in the eyes,and lack of personal space Joe… snort…
As for F.A.R.T – I remember you first telling us that on your old ‘Ask Joe’ thread at GW some time ago. Nothing like having a FART on the show, eh? Snicker, snicker…see, I didn’t use text speak again!
In the Stargate Official Magazine poll, the kind shippy reader who informed you about the most romantic moments as voted for by readers, yes, my breakfast is making it’s way upward at the mention of romance again – though I’m please an original character and Shep scene won – didn’t tell you that Common Ground won the best episode for SGA, and Window of Opportunity for SG1. Those are two of my favourite episodes in the Stargate franchise, so I’m really pleased!Oh,and John Sheppard won Top Atlantis Male. That rather cheered me up too. Then again, I am, perhaps, a little biased!
Are you surprised which two episodes won the readers poll? I’m not. Then again, my bias might be clouding my judgement yet again 🙂
You know, if you weren’t offing people’s favorite characters, folks wouldn’t be so negative about S4 and unsympathetic to you.
Thanks for the amusement Joe – nothing like getting into work and spilling your Coco Pops over the keyboard.
(I just found out you don’t have Coco Pops in Canada; this makes me seriously reevaluate my plans to relocate…)
To whoever asked about the father of Teyla’s baby: Joe mentioned not going with the McKay story because they didn’t want two of the team involved in the parenthood thing.
My money’s on Carson 😉
Hey joe,
why did you or they keep chnaging the puddle jumpers interior?(bcoz i noticed)
can you just not post things about ratings unless they are really reALLY
bad because i am sick of Anonymous people bitching about it?lol
Or just not post the unhelpful questions?
Thanks for clarifying the S/J plans, Joe. Honestly, I think most of us shippers assumed you were talking about Atlantis, and the most we were hoping for on the show was the odd vague shippy hint anyway. I just hope you know there are a lot of S/J shippers out there who are continuing to watch and support the franchise and hoping for our happy resolution in the movies. Bye!! Sheila
Jan Michael Vincent? Are you an Airwolf fan by any chance?
FART. Priceless. I dare you to work that into a script.
Hi Joe:
Guess what! We are getting a pug and calling him Mallozzi! Little Joe for short!
*Stamps foot* Why is it that Col. Sam Carter can be on Atlantis and Ba’al can’t? The sexual tension between those two is amazing! Or, so I’m told. Maybe it was Cliff Simon who told me that…
Anyway, serious question now. Of all of the imaginative television shows that have aired over the years, which show do you think was the most well written – besides Stargate and Atlantis, of course?
Have a great day,
Patricia
They are First Atlantis Reconnaissance Team.
and I thought Awesome Squirrel Squad was bad *g*
on that note: those occasional squirrel references in your blogs … are they intentional ?
as far as Animé are concerned:
how about Wolf’s Rain and Ghibli movies ?
Hi Joe,
Back from my brief sojourn as Anon. #4 two nights back, when an unfamiliar laptop and a senior moment conspired to make it impossible for me to use my Blogger display name.
Thank you for being You. In answer to you a couple of entries back – don’t ever give up Blogging, I can’t wait to read your take on paperclips or persimmons for that matter!
Though I don’t normally do this either, apart from when in converstation with certain teenage nephews and my 7 year old daughter (all of whom use an annoyingly abbreviated form of spelling – but for different reasons) :
Star Trek … LOL
Sears catalogue … Corduroy … LMAO
First Atlantis Reconnaissance Team … ROTFLMAO
Thanks so much,
AMx
“Answer: Yup. And we’re going to ship him with Carter.”
Heehee, nice one.
“They are First Atlantis Reconnaissance Team.”
I beg you to use that in an episode…
“Anonymous said…
You were an actor on a Star Trek series before becoming a writer?”
Oh, the wonders of photo manipulation…
“And- where would one find Rob and Brad’s blogs???”
I second that question. Could you please post a link?
I very much like the cut of your jib, Mr Mallozzi.
Oh Joe … yes, on another front:
Anonymous said…
In regard to Teyla’s pregnancy are we going to know who the father is (Or find out during the episode), or will it be a mystery for a while? Also if you can say is the father part of the main cast? I understand if you can’t say.
Doesn’t Teyla have some Wraith DNA lurking in her makeup, making her the perfect vessel for wraith / human now turned uber-geneticist / frankenstein Michael?
It makes a lot more sense than to suppose a romp on the quiet some time back with Shep. Ronon or any of the others after which there was no change in attitude or relationship with the other party.
*** Spoilers *** I’m guessing he did something to her during the kidnapping in Vengeance
– also possible that Wraith / Human hybrid will gestate much quicker than normal. (Handy!!)
If so – yes, a very, very dark story arc indeed!!
Sorry – I don’t usually like to probe for story info – preferring to wait and see, but hey – maybe I’m allowed one …
AMx
Hi Joe,
Maintenant que Sam sera à la tète de l’expédition, est-ce qu’il y aura de plus en plus de McCarter entre elle et Rodney?
Joe
You are soooo funny… and I loved the picture.. you know its not too late. they are looking for actors for the new Startrek XI movie.. Scottie or Checkov? Jan Michael Vincent.. my that brings back memories..
Thanks for the laughs … too bad you can’t get paid for this…
Dori
Joe, I realize you’re the show runner for Atlantis, but man oh man, last night’s SG1 was just a stunner! A 10 out of 10, one of the episodes that will become a fan favorite for generations. Even my wife said it felt like a really good “movie” version of SG1.
Having Don Davis back was just a real treat, he looked right at home and as though he had never left. And best of all this was no “walk on” guest spot, he had a real significant role to play. I’m telling you, had Hammond never left SG1 your company would be filming season 11 instead of the movies. Don, if you see this, you were tremendous last night!
Of all the alternate reality episodes this one was hand’s down the best ever. The plot, the writing, the directing, all first rate. Indeed it really did feel as though we were watching a big budget movie version of SG1.
Now Atlantis; an excellent show last night as well, but some of the other posters made a few good points. Fans have been waiting for the showdown between Shepp and Toyla, seeing as how Sheppard told him in an earlier episode that the next time he would kill him… and he did, but in a show that was much lighter than most. However, overall it was a solid story, definitely believable and totally enjoyable. A 9 out of 10, and only because of the Toyla issue, otherwise a 10 out of 10 for a great “light” episode. Certainly one that I’ll watch again and again…
If the ratings for these two episodes are not significantly higher than last weeks it’s SciFi’s fault, not Stargate’s. Again I’ll say that had SciFi promoted SG1 as the return of Hammond it would have helped a great deal.
Joe, all the forums I’ve visited over my coffee this morning is all abuzz over Hammond’s meaty role last night, and all of it positive (yet many had no idea he was going to be in it), so if you, as a showrunner, would ever take a suggestion from a fan to heart it would be this; talk Don Davis into returning to Stargate and make HIM the commander of Atlantis. If you want a darker tone to SGA for S4 I can’t think of a better way than to accomplish that than to have the strong, serious, highly respected General Hammond leading Atlantis. There, I said it. I feel better now…
Great shows last night, simply great! I’m waiting for iTunes to post them so I can buy them, stream them through my AppleTV… 3 or 4 times by next Friday. Gee, can you tell I really enjoyed myself last night?
Where are Brad and Roberts blogs??
I’ve wanted to sit down and work on a novel for quite some time but have lacked the downtime. Depending on how things pan out, I might get the chance next year.
That just…totally frightens me. Not the novel part. The “downtime” part.
How come McKay looks kinda skinny in The Road Not Taken and kinda chubby in Atlantis? Does the Pegasus galaxy have a greater gravitational pull which makes him look shorter and fatter?
Joe,
Watched “The Road Not Taken” last night. Enjoyed it from start to finish. Amanda was great. It was so good to finally get a Sam episode. This is the Sam I remember from S1-S8. I hope she is written with the same respect on Atlantis.
Mike
Answer: Yup. They are First Atlantis Reconnaissance Team.
So how would that be shortened? FART? That doesnt sound very, um, nice…And the Carter/Random Wraith, very funny actually. You made my day. 🙂
“Irresponsible” wasn’t so bad–you had me expecting worse. Not one of the best, but it had some really good moments. I loved Sheppard and Ronon discussing killing Kolya and the Genii while Teyla tried to talk sense into them. It did feel like Kolya could have been better used, though.
I liked “The Road Not Taken,” but the resolution seemed to come awfully suddenly and easily. David Hewlett looked awesome–McKay’s millions must have alowed him to hire a fashion advisor finally! DH did a superb job of creating a McKay who was just little different, a shade more confident and comfortable, and maybe not quite as abrasive, but still plenty of snark. Dr. Lee dropping the listening device was perfect, and hilarious!
Gotta laugh – SciFi mag lists the top ten romantic scenes on SGA and none included Teyla. So much for the “romance” between Shep and Teyla that a few people seem to be imagining.
Joe,
Loved seeing Major Lorne in charge of SG1 on “Road Not Taken” last night. Any remote chance that Lorne is being considered as part of the new Stargate spinoff series?
I was very disappointed in the ending of Irresponsible. Give the history of Kolya and Sheppard (especially after CG), I figured it would be one of the best eps ever but it was very anti-climatic. What were the writers thinking? I’m gonna miss Kolya.
Good luck with the ratings.
A big fucking stick of dynamite?? What is this? Looney Tunes??
Was your Star Trek tale your Road Not Taken? Very clever. I never knew there were White Snake cover bands. Frightening. And to consider all that’s happened to the folks in that picture since those days in ’67. George Takei is Howard Stern’s “official announcer”, and a brilliant one at that.
Where will you be in 40 years?
FART?!
lol 😀
I really needed a laugh after the day I’ve had, so thank you 😀
Anyhoo…I’m off on holiday for a week without internet…I’d really appreciate a cryptic spoiler or two to keep me guessing while I’m away…please? 🙂
dear joe,
Yes I’ m the impatient one regarding the wraith behind whumpin, benny. You told me to check season four out for that clarification for the wraith ships count, but sir what episodes specifically… just give me one or two names please.
thanks
Benny
Ok you got me sold, which should I read first Old man’s war or Androids Dream. I strongly recommend you read James Swallow’s Atlantis novel Halcyon. Its worth your time, trust me. Very very well written.
Anonymous said…
“For the person who says that Sheyla’s grown on her (I presume you’re a her) not unlike fungus, I feel sorry for you! That pairing would be enough to make me burn my DVDs and tune out for good.”
LOL…here we go…
Oh there’s absolutely no need to feel sorry for me, in fact I should probably start feeling sorry for you, because luckily for me I’ve not only managed to become open to seeing things possibly develop a bit more between another ship, I’m also delightfully intrigued in seeing it happen—but who knows they might never happen anyway because unless tptb change their minds nobody’s going to be seeing anything to their ship-liking happen between any of the characters.
In any case, giving John and Teyla a chance doesn’t mean I’ve totally given up on Elizabeth and John, I still like and am for the idea of them happening as well, it’s just that the way John and Teyla together are being written of late along with the chemistry…yes chemistry it’s certainly there, Joe and Rachel share lets just say if Sheyla does happen…ugh I hate shippy names, I won’t be saddened or go ballistic if my original ship of choice does not occur. Instead I’ll have John and Teyla to look forward to.
Sorry for the double post Joe.
Dear Joe,
Do you have another Koyla type character in store for us in the next season. Will you please, please please convince your staff to include more bonus material for the season 3 dvd box set… I mean thats the reason why I buy them, if knew you guys hadn’t put deleted scenes or bloopers and more I would just download the episodes from a bit torrent site and basta. Thanks for lending an ear to this matter and hope from the bottom of my heart that you act on it.
moulay
Hmm… It would appear that there is another Mel posting comments on here. *waves* Hi, Mel!
Sadly, I was unable to lend my support by viewing the new episodes on TV last night. I was double-crossed… the person I’d been watching them with forgot about me. *sigh* Anyhow, this post made me wonder: When did you start writing for television?
Anonymous April 27, 2007 7:09:00 PM PDT here –
McKay – “First Atlantis (cut/paste) Reconnaissance Team.”
Sheppard – “Gate Crashers.”
I’d like not to hear Sheppard radio in, “Incoming FARTs.” Okay, I’m 12 and I really would.
I could swear that the SciFi promo spot for this week’s SG1 episode said, “Amanda…trapped in another dimension.” I heard it that way several times until the one just before the show. Freaky?
LOVED this week’s SG1. (Love being able to actually say, “…this week’s SG1”.) I loved all the changes in the characters in our other universe. I love how we had a political statement on the destruction of civil liberties, which is my belief that we’re heading towards in the US. (All conservatives can start yelling now.) Was there any pushback about taking such a political stance in the show? I know you can justify it as alternate reality, but it’s pretty hard to say it’s not making a statement.
Either way, brilliant episode. I very much enjoyed Rodney’s role in the whole thing. And lots of Major Lorne! Big kudos also go to Ben Browder for an excellent performance, as well. Yay!
As for Irresponsible? It had its cute moments. It just felt like you never quite got a focus for the episode. And Kolya’s end just wasn’t right. He deserved to go out in high drama, not high comedy.
However, please let me (and many of my friends) thank the wonderful person who lit the jail cell scenes for providing us the most amazing shots of Paul McGillion’s eyes ever.
::dusting self off:: Sorry. My fangirl is showing….
See everyone, this is why Sam is going to Atlantis. Because when TPTB actually give Carter an episode (not that it has happened much the last couple of years), people remember how good the show can be.
Lotsa Sam = Happy Fans & Compelling Episodes = Carter on Atlantis
To anonymous its not that they don’t have chemistry, they just lack romantic chemistry. All I see is brother/sister thing between them. Like Teyla being all OMG why am I stuck here with them. I’ve seen more chemistry/UST between Ronon/Teyla. Now those two have more chemistry then John/Elizabeth.
I do understand your openness to John/Teyla because even though I ship Teyla/Ronon really I wouldn’t mind Teyla/Carson or Teyla/Mckay. It’s just sheyla is one of those ships that to a lot of people can’t stand, for whatever reasons. Yes I am one of those people that can’t stand sheyla and its for many reasons that would like take up a lot more space than I want to use in the comments section.
*waves to other Mel*
As I’ve said in the past, and having watched all the s3 episodes, I can say that the only episode I didn’t like was Irresponsible. I have to admit that it had some good scenes, but the episode overall was bad in so many ways!
Sorry, Joe 🙂 Just my opinion.
What I liked:
– the team talking about their heroes. Nice to see a follow up to that pic John has in his room, of him and Evel Knievel.
– the scene when John sees Kolya through the window and wants to go out and kill him, and Teyla stops him.
– the scenes with Teyla, Carson, Ronon and Rodney in the cell. Rodney with the spoon. ROTFLMAO (sorry, Joe *grins*)
– when John notices the dinamite below the table, and pretty much says bye bye to Lucius and gets the hell out of there
– when John gives Lucius the personal shield back, knowing that it won’t work anymore, but not telling Lucius *evil grin*
What I didn’t like:
Pretty much everything else
– I won’t complain about the location, because Alex Levine posted what happened in his blog. On the bright side, they didn’t use the village set in the studios! (in my opinion, waaay overused)
– why the villagers always are complete idiots and awefully dressed?
– I’m always the last person to notice plot holes (and I really don’t care about them when someone points them out later), but I immediately noticed a HUGE plot hole with the personal shields. In Hide & Seek it was clear that once a person activated those shields, they didn’t work on anyone else once (Rodney tried to put the shield on John’s chest in that episode and didn’t work) and one couldn’t eat/drink while using the shield (Rodney thinking he was going to starve, not being able to even drink coffee, etc). Here Lucius could eat and drink, and John was able to use Lucius’ shield. Even *I* noticed that plot hole. I understand about deadlines, time constraints, budgets, etc, etc. But, in my humble opinion, with only ONE previous episode in the show dealing with personal shields, I think any of the writers or any assistant should’ve bothered to rewatch that episode for continuity’s sake :/
– I liked Irresistible for the character development. It was great to see John as the only coherent person in the city, and trying to find a way to bring things back to normal. The scene with Lucius and John, with John locked in the cell was great and Lucius was creepy there. But I think that having him in more than one episode it was a bit too much.
– why? WHY did anyone think it was a good idea to put a stupid character like Lucius with a great character like Kolya in the same episode?
– After what happened in Common Ground we get… THIS? And Kolya ends like THIS? How about a dark and dramatic episode where John gets even in a way that does their story arc justice, and not in a stupid episode like this one? So many missed opportinuties! What a waste! I still hope he’s not really dead. Nobody stays dead in science fiction… unless TPTB want so.
Sorry, Joe. I like 57 or 58 episodes out of the 60 episodes we got so far (counting 20 episodes per season since season 1). Irresponsible isn’t one of them *wink*
Please don’t tell me you were ever an actor!! I’ve just lost all respect for you!
Just kidding ……… your writing is AMAZING! Please don’t ever go in to acting, instead of writing.
( PS I don’t have anything against actors…. just people who end up working in entertainment because they “didn’t make it”. The other jobs in the industry are serious careers and not something you do just because you can’t act….anyway, rant over :o)
“Tom Foolery said…
How come McKay looks kinda skinny in The Road Not Taken and kinda chubby in Atlantis? Does the Pegasus galaxy have a greater gravitational pull which makes him look shorter and fatter?
April 28, 2007 5:53:00 AM PDT “
Poor Rodney! He’s not not chubby! He’s just… vertically challenged. And maybe the Atlantis food is better!
As for Sheyla? Spork my eyes out now if that’s going to happen. It’s Ronon/Teyla all the way for me. Sheyla’s just.. kind of incestuous!
Linz writes: “I was wondering if the Wraith from Common Ground is definitely coming back in season 4?”
Answer: Yup. And we’re going to ship him with Carter.
Joe, it’s lines like that that make me think I’m just a little bit in love with you.
Anonymous #3 writes: “Do the Atlantis teams have a designated team idetification number like the SG teams have, say like AL1?”
Answer: Yup. They are First Atlantis Reconnaissance Team.
And it’s lines like this that make me sure of it! 😉
Evening Mr. Mallozzi
Question…
What can you tell us about McKay in season 4?
We already know bits and pieces about Shepperd’s, Ronon’s and Teyla’s arc (Doppleganger, Reunion, Missing/Seer) but so far there isn’t info about McKay (except that he’ll be prominent in Miller’s Crossing and that he won’t be fathering any kids :))
So let me get this right Joe, the first three atlantis recon teams abbreiviated would be FART, SART and TART? Nice! lol
Disregarding the fans opinions, who do you personally think Teyla would most likely have a romantic relationship with? And whoever you decide it should be, it wouldn’t have any impact on the show, unless you and the other writers were to agree on that decision, right?
Anyway, will we be seeing new Ancient, Wraith, human or other (not including the travelers) ship(s)? and if so will they be a major part of the fourth season?
Thanks
Yeah, thanks for telling me all about the Scifi fan comments section. If I wanted to read a million posts about how Sam and Jack should get together I already know where to look, ok. How about a little warning next time? Every other post is about it or so it seems. Joe, could you please finish this thing off so fans will get off it already.
Good call on shipping Carter with the “Common Ground” Wraith… I see chemistry there. Speaking of Carter and Atlantis…
In what order will the actors names appear in the opening credits for season 4?
Thanks!
Is Ken Cuperus set to write any episodes in season 4?
Mel said…
“To anonymous its not that they don’t have chemistry, they just lack romantic chemistry. All I see is brother/sister thing between them. Like Teyla being all OMG why am I stuck here with them. I’ve seen more chemistry/UST between Ronon/Teyla. Now those two have more chemistry then John/Elizabeth.”
I respectfully disagree… I really don’t believe they lack romantic chemistry, well at least not anymore I don’t. I now see it, and so do the many others who’ve been fans of theirs from the beginning.
Also, when I was initially against them I never saw them as siblings. Friends/coworkers yes…brother and sister no.
Mel also said…
“I do understand your openness to John/Teyla because even though I ship Teyla/Ronon really I wouldn’t mind Teyla/Carson or Teyla/Mckay. It’s just sheyla is one of those ships that to a lot of people can’t stand, for whatever reasons. Yes I am one of those people that can’t stand sheyla and its for many reasons that would like take up a lot more space than I want to use in the comments section.”
Oh yes… there are many people who loathe John/Teyla. If you recall from my last post, I too use to be one of them.
But one never knows, like how I’ve managed to warm up to them, maybe, like me, there are others in the John/Teyla hatred fest who are beginning to come around as well.
It’s absolutely possible.
Hmm…I think I’m responding to the first annonymous, who wrote:
“Basically, I’ve seen several posts by you bemoaning the Gate’s poor promotion, yet it continues to happen. Why don’t you do something about it? Why not take a more active role? I want a season five for Atlantis, but with promotion like this you might as well throw in the towel now. “
In my understanding, it’s the network that does the promotions/adverts, (which is probably why advertisments are about the adventures of Teal-See, the Gold, and the Oree). So I do not believe that the producers play a large part in advertising the show. (I would think this would be due to something like network policies, etc, can you give us an exact reason Joe?)
Jen, the cow hugger said…
I don’t believe the tv ratings can truly give a sense of how loved or watched a show is. There are so many other ways of watching nowadays, with the internet, iTunes, and Tivo, things change. I belong to one of those “Nielsen families” and can’t believe that attention or love of the Stargate has waned the least. I used to watch SG-1/SGA episodes the minute they hit the air when I had cable, but now I have to wait for them since I went back to broadcast. Good luck with production, I can’t wait to see the movies! (And season 5 of SGA…bwahaha).
TV ratings may not give an indication of how beloved a show is… but they do give an indication of how many people are watching it – and that’s what the advertisers care about and pay their money to the networks for.
“Nielsen families” are those people who have the special boxes that record what shows they watch so as to compile the ratings… and they are not allowed to admit to having a box.
Anonymous said…
Gotta laugh – SciFi mag lists the top ten romantic scenes on SGA and none included Teyla. So much for the “romance” between Shep and Teyla that a few people seem to be imagining.
Jeez.. one thing I will never understand about fandom is why people have to divide everything into “them and us”. Why can people not simply accept that everyone has their opinions/preferences and yes, they will sometimes differ. Just cos you like one ship and someone else likes another, doesn’t mean either of you are wrong or right, just that you have different views and enjoy different things. Trying to crow that your ship is “winning” just comes across as insufferably smug and condescending.
Honestly? This stupid ship war stuff constantly dredged up by a few thoughtless, hardcore shippers is enough to put me off from wanting to see any kind of ship on the show, ever!! (Except the Daedalus… maybe.. :D)
“like how I’ve managed to warm up to them, maybe, like me, there are others in the John/Teyla hatred fest who are beginning to come around as well.
It’s absolutely possible. “
Um. No. It most definitely is not for me. And I don’t want it to happen.
The only thing that makes Teyla look less than comatose is her scenes with Ronon.
Sheyla? Just. Say. No.
Hey Joe,
Will being seeing either the lovely Laura Harris or the enchanting Leela Savasta in any of the season 4 episodes. I loved Laura since Dead Like Me and Leela is just hot…in my medical opinion.
Anonymous said…
“like how I’ve managed to warm up to them, maybe, like me, there are others in the John/Teyla hatred fest who are beginning to come around as well.
It’s absolutely possible. “
Um. No. It most definitely is not for me. And I don’t want it to happen.
The only thing that makes Teyla look less than comatose is her scenes with Ronon.
Sheyla? Just. Say. No.
Ha!…wouldn’t say I’m surprised to see anything like this coming my way. Yowsa…Scary.
At any rate, you don’t represent the whole of fandom so I’ll say it again it is ABSOLUTELY possible.
And by the way my comment actually wasn’t directed towards those who still see themselves as diehard non-fans of this ship; it was taking into consideration those who’re possibly now finding themselves *reconsidering* their hate, dislike, derision, whatever you want to call it of John/Teyla.
So you know what just take a breath, calm down, and if you think your able to…pretend you never read it.
Linz writes: “I was wondering if the Wraith from Common Ground is definitely coming back in season 4?”
Answer: Yup. And we’re going to ship him with Carter.
Anonymous #3 writes: “Do the Atlantis teams have a designated team idetification number like the SG teams have, say like AL1?”
Answer: Yup. They are First Atlantis Reconnaissance Team.
Evil, evil man LOL!
I never knew you were in Star Trek!! I must say you’re looking pretty fit for your age :p
Anonymous said…
“like how I’ve managed to warm up to them, maybe, like me, there are others in the John/Teyla hatred fest who are beginning to come around as well.
It’s absolutely possible. “
Sure, it’s possible, just like it’s possible for Shep/Teyla shippers to warm up to Shep/Weir. Anything is possible.