I receive a lot of comments about the food pics, people marveling over the delicious-looking dishes. But, truth be told, they’re not all winners. For every spectacularly memorable meal I sit down to, there are twenty that don’t even merit a mention. And there are one or two that I’d just as soon forget. Although it’s rare I’ll leave a restaurant having hated everything I tried, all it takes is one very bad dish to taint the experience and ensure I never return. So, for all of those foodies out there living vicariously through my dining adventures, here is the flip side of the coin, the reality of the not-so-wonderful plates that made me wish I’d been home eating McDonald’s take-out instead. My list of The Worst Things I’ve Eaten of Late:
Salmon Tataki with garlic chips: Fondy popped a piece into her mouth, started to chew, then immediately spat the partially masticated morsel back onto her plate. “Fishy!”was her alarmed one-word review. I was kind of amused as I’d never seen anything prompt that sort of reaction from her. And I got to see it again two dishes later when…
Uni Nigiri: This was in and out of Fondy’s mouth so fast I feared she’d burned her tongue. When sea urchin is fresh, it’s sweet, creamy, and utterly sumblime. And when it’s not so fresh, it’s – well – probably the closest you’ll ever get to experiencing what crap tastes like.
French Fries: The writers love to order from Swiss Chalet. Well, most of them anyway. I usually go with the two leg combo which is actually pretty good – just so long as you steer clear of those cold, limp fries.
Chicken dinner: Compliments of Air Canada, I think the secret ingredient was Vicks Vaporub.
Asparagus salad: Also compliments of Air Canada. No accompanying comment necessary.
Tamago-Salmon Roll and Kinda Seaweed Salad: You know that Food Channel show where the guy comes to your house and makes dishes based on whatever leftovers you happen to have in your refrigerator? Well, I think this guy was working the kitchen on the night we visited Kamei Royale on West Broadway.
Grilled Whelk: If someone had told me I’d actually been eating Grilled Pencil Erasers, I wouldn’t have been all that surprised.
Well, we started prep on This Mortal Coil today with a nice line-up of all-day meetings. For those of you really hardcore fan/enthusiasts who appreciate this sort of thing (mainly because it will help you in designing the replica Atlantis sets you’re planning on building), here are some of the lay-outs for the various locations around the city…
Lots of mail to catch up on…
Vikitty writes: “The big question: Batman or Spiderman?”
Answer: Batman.
Anonymous a ecrit: “1 )Est-ce que les Wraiths ont des prénoms?, 2) Va t’on connaître la signification de leur tatouage?, 3) est-ce que l’on va en apprendre plus sur leur structure sociale et familiale et sur la manière dont ils élèvent les jeunes ?, 4) est-ce qu’on va en apprendre plus sur les vénérateurs de Wraiths aperçu dans les épisodes “Lost Boy” et “Hive” ?, 5)Dans quel épisode va t’on retrouver le wraith de Common Ground? dans “the Seer” ? ça ne serait pas lui le Wraith qui veut travailler avec Atlantis?, 6) va-t’il devenir un personnage récurrent ?
Reponses: 1) Le fait que nous ne les avons pas appelés du commencement rend ceci difficile. 2) Peut-être 3) Peut-être 4) Peut-être 5) Nous le verrons dans The Seer. 6) Peut-être .
Anonymous #2 a ecrit: “Verrons nous le lieutenant Cadman dans la saison 4 d’Atlantis?”
Reponse: Non, nous ne la verrons pas.
Linzi writes: “I was listening to your Hi Scifi interview today. I really enjoyed it, but was rather disappointed that you don’t have a villainous laugh…”
Answer: Yeah, I’m working on it.
Linzi also writes: “What about the back half of season 4? Are we going to get more showcase episodes, or will they all be team eppies?”
Answer: Still too early to tell but so far, we are leaning toward more team episodes.
Jenny Robin writes: “I’m planning something for release later this evening. You will play a big part in it. In fact, you and this blog will be the focus, and the success of my endeavor will rely solely on the participation of the people who read this blog.”
Answer: Is it legal?
Chef William writes: “It’s Chef William from WEN in Denver.…[…] Thanks for the incredible blogs regarding the product(s), sounds like you all had as much fun eating everything, as we did making it. Glad to be a part of your party.”
Answer: Your chocolates were the hit of the party. So much so that I’ll probably be giving you a call next week about a second shipment, this one for the office.
Shawna writes: “What percentage of the actors that have worked on Stargate, especially the guest stars, are actually into sci-fi? And do you find that there is a larger portion of behind-the-scenes people that are fans of the show/genre than those in front?”
Answer: Well, the writers are all scifi fans. And I can’t speak for any of the other actors or behind-the-scenes people, but I do know that both Ben Browder and Martin Wood are very well read in the genre.
Anonymous #3 writes: “Sorry, Joe, but what you say in this blog is just about total bullshit. […. The fans may not know every single person’s name or the job they do, but to suggest that nobody cares about them isn’t exactly accurate either.”
Answer: Bullshit? For my blog entry to garner that sort of reaction from someone, I suspect there must be a deeper issue at play here. Seriously, was your birth village razed and pillaged by a band of Art Department staff-members?
Grace writes: “ About this comment from you: I don’t think anyone expects you to show people out on dates or anything like that. What confuses people is that YOU KNOW THIS. You know that Shep/Weir has more support than Shep/Teyla.”
Answer: To be perfectly honest, it doesn’t really interest me. Sheppard/Talking Chimp (Shemp) can get ten times as many votes as Sheppard/Discarded Melba Toast (Shdmt) and it still won’t impact the creative decisions we make.
Anonymous #4 writes: “Gives us the update, Joe. How many episodes will Torri be in?”
Answer: Four.
Iamza writes: “Also, on a more serious note (not!), will you please confirm how many season four episodes Monty, the radioactive gopher, will be in?”
Answer: Five.
Firefly 827347 writes: “Yay! You mentioned Fondy! Not heard much about her in a while, I hope she’s well.”
Answer: We wrote her out but the SaveFondy campaign was so persistent that we decided to bring her back.
Answer: We wrote her out but the SaveFondy campaign was so persistent that we decided to bring her back.
Good to hear 😀 (oops, almost used a dreaded acronym there…)
Thanks for the pics, do blueprints like that have to be drawn for every indoor scene in every episode?
Well, we started prep on Reunion today with a nice line-up of all-day meetings. For those of you really hardcore fan/enthusiasts who appreciate this sort of thing (mainly because it will help you in designing the replica Atlantis sets you’re planning on building), here are some of the lay-outs for the various locations around the city…
Far be it for me to correct you, oh wise and powerful one, but don’t you mean started prep on This Mortal Coil? (Cos that’s what it says on the documents!). Maybe all that bad food has dulled your otherwise keen and insightful mind? I wish you a swift recovery and look forward to a traditional Mallozzi-style verbal lambasting for having the temerity to seek to correct my betters.
*cringing in anticipation of sharp rebuke* 🙂
P.S. Thank you for the very interesting photos of the layouts.. they were just what I needed to start work on turning my spare bedroom into a life-size replica of the gateroom. Won’t my husband be surprised and thrilled?! 🙂
Long time no post, but I do read every entry! Facinating stuff.
Ohhh, those blueprints look nice…I gotta go buy some lumber. Now, all I need to do is…remove all of my possessions from my room, and maybe I’ll have enough space for a transporter closet! Sweet!
Ok, here’s question: the last 5 eps of Season 1 of Atlantis was basically a big arc, and I personally LOVED it. I think you’ve said that Season 4 will be more arc-based; so, will it be as arc-y as the last 5 of Season 1? If not, would you say it’s more arc-y than, say, Season 2 was?
*waves at Joe*
Disclaimer: For those not wanting to partake in juvenile behaviour and have no sense of humour please do not read any further. This disclaimer is not specifically for the Anon poster (name has not been changed to protect the not so innocent). However, the sentiments apply to all those I have offended. I can assure you that the offence was completely intentionally. :o)
So before I begin, I humbly apologise for causing offence by mentioning hot, sweaty and semi-nekkid Shep whumped to oblivion. I understand and appreciate that I may have gone too far in my quest.
So, instead I shall be *cough* demanding in S4 for Shep to to be permenantly based in the shower, that way although nekkid, he will neither be hot, dirty nor sweaty. :o)
What do you say, Joe? Or how about a nice bed scene with Shep snuggled under the duvet in his thermal underwear, not dissimilar to the clothing worn by the Beverley Hill billies? That was a nice family show, wasn’t it? And i’m sure some people *cough*Anon*cough* surely could not take offence at such sleeping attire. But to be on the safe side, i’d appreciate it very much Mr M if or when ;o) you decide to do another Ronon and Shep sparring scene, please could you ensure they are wearing the necessary wrestling attire as this will not only appease some people, but would, i’m sure, make people tune into a scifi show that has wrestling compnonents.
Thanking you very kindly Mr M you’re a very wise and kind man who has been extremely sprightly today. Thank you for the concept art it is appreciated.
Do you think now is the time to put in my demands for the latter half of S4? Or is it too early yet? ;o)
Being Pennsylvania Dutch Joe, I don’t think I’ve ever had a meal that I didn’t like. We will eat anything. As I’ve told friends, we start at one end of the cow and work to the other. Nothing is wasted.
This also explains why I am in Infectious Diseases and not Cardiology.
Hi Joe. Since I posted this first on a day you didn’t do any mail I figured I’d try again:
Joe: If you don’;t know this can you check it out please:
Does Carter get promoted in Ark of the Truth or Continuum? It would be nice to know when exactly she will take over sole lead of SG-1 again since it is her rightful place after season 8 and the mess made on seasons 9-10.
Thanks a bunch.
Sasha
You have been showing us pictures of set design in your blog. I was wondering, if you know the answer, how do they come up with all the items for the set design. I assume that they buy some of the items and make others, but do they create everything new for each set or do they have some storage area where they keep the materials from previous sets to pilfer?
Does “This Mortal Coil” have to do with someone dying? I hope not.
Dear Mr. Mallozzi,
You are my hero. My snarkastic hero.
You should have an episode where Talking Chimp and Discarded Melba Toast get in a catfight over Sheppard. I’m personally rooting for Talking Chimp, since Discarded Melba Toast is almost as bad as not-Discarded Melba Toast. (Yuck.)
Oh! Does Talking Chimp tie in somehow with the sentient Gorillas from the crazy ascending/descending arc?
Sounds promising, 🙂
Take care,
Ayla McKay
Nova Scotia
1.WHY DO THE PUDDLE JUMPERS INTERIORS KEEP CHANGING?
2.DOES SOMEONE KEEP BRAKING THEM?
3.WHO IS TEYLA’S BABIES DADY?
WHO GETS JEALOUS ABOUT IT?
SHEP or Ronan or who?
I’m curious, I’m odd and I have too much time on my hands. So I started a poll to see which gets more votes (Shemp or Shdmt). I’ll let you know the results.
Tamago-Salmon Roll and Kinda Seaweed Salad
Overcooked egg and… is that cooked fish? Like a salmon omelet roll up? And I’ve never seen a seaweed salad with actual lettuce in it, if that’s what that is. Ew.
I told my (Chinese) friend that you eat chicken feet and tripe when you do dim sum, and she was quite impressed. I’ll eat fish eyes without hesitation but something about putting a foot in my mouth… my whole face rebels and I can’t do it. I also won’t eat shiitake mushrooms, snails, or carrots (something about the smell of all them make me want to gag), but that’s about it.
Is there anything you’ve tried that you just can’t handle?
LOL at the Shemp/Schmdt answer. 🙂
You actually ordered an “Asparagas Salad”? Please tell me it wasn’t on purpose.
Yes! Batman wins, hands down!
Your pugs are really cute. Will we ever see them on screen? And how did you come up with their names?
totally agree with you on the batman thing. he’s my favorite superhero. keep up the great work! love the blog. I’m a behind the scenes stuff junkie!!!
Heehee…I like you. You’re funny.
What do you think would, theoretically, be the crossover pairing (meaning one SG-1 character and one SGA character ) that would be best for some comedy? Personally, I think McKay/Vala would be pretty amusing. Alternately, which do you think would cause the most angsty drama?
I have 2 questions. 1) Will Carson be discussed/mourned before we actually see him in season 4? Only stuff so far was the funeral. 2) what was the scene between Rodney/Carson during Tao that Hewlett said was never filmed? It was never filmed due to time but was written.
Samantha
Deep fried pencil erasers may be more interesting? I definitely wouldn’t want to be the guinea pig for that choice dish. One can never tell what someone will think of next.
I am glad you answer questions for they are priceless.
Do you have a routine to set you “in the mood” to write? Are you one of those people who thinks of something while driving in horrible rush hour traffic, or inspiration from elsewhere?
Until next time,
-JJ
OMG Shdmt has WAY more fan support than those Shemp wankers. It’s not a threat, but just so you know, if you write Shemp this season, I’ll stop watching and so will the thousands of fans who agree with me. *starts a postcard campaign*
-Z, PROUD SHDMTER-
OK, Jack FTW! Marcel Marceau! Priceless!
The show is listing without his authority and humor. More Jack! For the sake of all things Stargate, MORE JACK!
Seriously, was your birth village razed and pillaged by a band of Art Department staff-members?
I almost died after reading this. Falling out of your chair hurts ;D.
We wrote her out but the SaveFondy campaign was so persistent that we decided to bring her back.
I wonder what sort of instruments they would play for the ‘SaveFondy’ rally >D.
Now, I just have to ask again as the issue has my whole community in debate: Who gives everyone their haircuts/styles between missions? Is it a marine who happened to be a barber, etc? Obvious evidence is seen in Radek. In ‘No Man’s Land’, his hair is floppishly long while in ‘Progeny’, he has a very stylish do that almost rivals Sheppard’s (ah, the joys of having a laptop and fellow geeks during boring classes to really debate the hard-hitting issues of today’s modern world). I believe there’s actually money riding on the outcome ^^;.
Hi. I’ve been a long time fan of both SG-1 and Atlantis and really appreciate the amazing stories that you and all of your staff come up with over and over. They each seem to either inspire ideas and show amazing qualities in people or bring out amazing emotion and insane reactions from fans (aka me watching sunday!). When I stumbled onto the blog, I had to write a comment and this is the only thing that came to mind.
I do have one question though. How did you get into writing and what drew you into Sci-Fi? I like to write for fun but I’ve always wondered how someone becomes a professional writer.
Thanks!
SG fan K.
Answer: To be perfectly honest, it doesn’t really interest me. Sheppard/Talking Chimp (Shemp) can get ten times as many votes as Sheppard/Discarded Melba Toast (Shdmt) and it still won’t impact the creative decisions we make.
Never forget your audience Joe, unless you already have another job lined up.
Oh, Joe, you are quickly becoming my most favorite person I don’t actually know–thanks for the pics!
Also, congratulations to you and all concerned parties on another pair of awesome Stargate episodes. While watching The Shroud, I kept flip-flopping between, “It’s really Daniel, you can trust him–you gotta!” and “No! NO!!! You can’t trust him! He’s been… Prior-tized! Don’t! Don’t do it!” Which my friends take as evidence that I am indeed nuts, but I never necessarily denied it… It was also wonderful to see Jack! *sigh* Such a great character! *ahem* Moving along…
Absolutely LOVED A Tao of Rodney!!! Just what McKay needs: another reason to be egotistical followed by a near-death experience to maybe simmer him down a bit. The part(s) of the episode I liked the best, however, was when Rodney finally took the time to let his friends know he cared. I heard/read somewhere (I think GateWorld) that there was originally a scene between Rodney and Carson as well, but that it didn’t end up being filmed. Too bad–it would’ve been great to have on the DVDs, at least.
Anyhow, since I’ve already written a short epistle and I forgot what I was going to ask anyway, I’m gonna go now.
Thanks again, Joe!
The Shroud was made of win. I never realized how much I missed Jack until he came back. I know it’s not physically possible, but I wish he was in every scene in the episode. I wanted some Jack and Teal’c scenes, and some Jack and Sam scenes. Jack and Vala questioning Daniel together would have been a hoot. The room would have exploded from the snark.
Other than that, I wish we’d have seen Merlin’s device work. Still, this one gets four big and honkin’ stars.
I’m so excited for Continuum now!!
If I’m remembering my French correctly…you’re saying we won’t see Cadman fourth season? That’s a shame, I always enjoy her onscreen.
Joe, I thought your blog yesterday in tribute of the crew was inspiring. You’re right in that many fans don’t think of the behind-the-scenes folks. In recent years, I have been trying to pay more attention to directors and producers, etc, of the shows I watch. The actors may be the ones we all see, but fans might not find them as fascinating without the beautiful, intricate sets, the costumes, and the lights so we can actually see their emotive expressions. It’s hard work to be the crew of any kind of show and often times it can be a thankless job. So, thank you for sharing their names.
Oh, the Talking Chimp could be Lancelot Link’s friend Mata Hairi, or that evil female chimp–The Dragon Lady! Did she have a name? Mata was much nicer.
“We wrote her out but the SaveFondy campaign was so persistent that we decided to bring her back.”
Hah – you’re my hero! Do you wear a cape? If not, you should start!
About “Tao of Rodney”
I so ADORE this epi!
Everything about it was perfect. Once again, we can see that the character chemistry and dynamics are excellent. I so adored every second of it!
I got teary eyes during the last 15/20 minutes.
Great humor, great bonding, great emotional moments, great… everything!
We got more exploration of the city. Yes! I understand that exploring the city means building more sets, and there are some constraints (budget wise), so I’m not complaining. But Atlantis exploration is cool 🙂
Radek/Rodney banter’s back! Telling histories about their childhood. So cute.
Great Elizabeth/Rodney moments like we haven’t seen since The Storm/The Eye.
Lorne was back! Just for a few seconds, but it was nice to see him.
Great character bonding everywhere. Even Rodney and Teyla had their scene.
John trying to teach meditation to Rodney was excellent.
Oh, my. Rodney apologizes to Radek, and does something nice for Teyla, Ronon and Elizabeth. Then asks John if they’re good (it made me think about the Trinity events) and asks him to say a few nice words in his funeral. Those scenes with each of them were so nice and heartbreaking. My eyes get teary everytime I watch them.
The final “Thank you” to Carson
Ronon hugging Rodney. Priceless.
Rodney teasing Elizabeth about loving him. *big grin*
Now I hope we can get episodes like this one in the future, for the rest of the team (one for John, one for Ronon and one for Teyla).
It’s me again 😉
Forgot to say that I absolutely LOVED the city lay-outs. Thanks so much for sharing them! Keep them coming *big grin*
Anonymous #4 writes: “Gives us the update, Joe. How many episodes will Torri be in?”
Answer: Four.
Will this be the final number for Torri in season four, or is there going to be an increase in that number?
Also, can you tell us why the creative decision was made to get rid of Weir? It might help people see where the hell you’re coming from, getting rid of such a popular character. We already know from Torri’s last interview that she was told she could do a bit of recurring work or walk away. That makes it obvious that it was in no way her decision.
Does the US Airforce have any say in SG Atlantis?
I know that that they had a say in SG1,(the uniforms, the hair etc), but Atlantis is in another galaxy.
Even so, there are Air Force and Marines personnel shown, so do you have a man in a blue uniform lurking in the dressing room making sure everything’s up to regulation standard?
“Anonymous said…
All Shep/Weir shippers want at this point is Torri back full time, to have things as they were. You totally misread our intentions. I don’t see anyone attacking whumpers for posting things like “we want sweaty, naked, with no layers of clothing, bleeding Shep.” Watch boxing or wrestling for those things not a fairly decent scifi show. Those comments kind of creep me out. Reading posts about wanting a character to stay on the show full time interacting with other characters doesn’t in the least.
May 4, 2007 12:44:00 PM PDT “
Nice to see someone being the voice of reason.
Torri there = Shep/Weir
Torri not there = NO Shep/Weir
How many Shep/Weir people do you think don’t care about her being there, Linzi?
And it isn’t a case of people going “give us ship!” Shep/Weir can be as much about just liking the interaction as anything else. Just as Shep/McKay or any other combination is.
Personally, I’m sick of the argument. Bottom line is, a hell of a lot of people want her there fulltime. We’re yet to be told what the reason was for deciding she was the weakest link in the cast. You know why? Because she’s NOT the weakest link.
How many of the actors have actually won awards? I know she has, can you name any others? That doesn’t strike me as someone who’s unable to make whatever’s thrown at her work.
Deciding to give her the opportunity to walk away is a huge mistake. It will be seen in the ratings. A lot of people watch for the interaction of the main characters (probably more people than watch for sweaty, naked, bloody Shep, Linzi, believe it or not), and the main characters are Weir, Sheppard and McKay.
Hi Joe, excuse me, but I don’t understand very well something about the Ori and the Ancients:
If the Ori shun the Ancients, I don’t understand why they shun them and they go to Atlantis or Pegasus Galaxy and they fight against the Ancients, and why not against the Wraith too?
Thanks!
Just stopping by to say that I loved the schematics. I love this kind of background production art/construction work. If in the near future you happen to stop by Carl’s office and have your camera with you: There’s also a sheet of paper with Goa’uld emblems on the wall, as can be seen on of your pictures on April 28. A close-up of THAT would be cool also. If not – at least I tried 🙂
I’ve just read the interview with Torri featured in Stargate SG1 Atlantis magazine and I get the impression that Torri wasn’t given much option as to her role in season 4, that it was a case of recurring or nothing. On what basis have you decided to trade Weir for Carter? why not have both, the dynamics would have been interesting.
Finally, and with all due respect to Amanda, wasn’t SG1 her gig? didn’t Carter deserve to retire and go off with O’Neill or whoever and make babies?
To my mind (whats left of it anyway)Amanda is coming in to save Atlantis from failing viewing figures. I hope it works.
So I finally went out and purchased the season 9 DVD of SG-1 and listened to some of the commentaries. I particularly liked your commentaries with William Waring and Martin Gero for “The Powers That Be” and “The Ties That Bind.” Do you enjoy doing them, and have you recorded any for any season 10 episodes?
Bonjour Joe,
Merci pour les plans de la cité, ils sont trés détaillés.
Et vos plats sont trés appétissants, surtout que ici en France, il est midi donc ça me donne envi de manger.
Dans le blog de David Nykl j’ai vu une photo où il y a Ronon, devant le font bleu et il y a un homme allonger par Terre, ça se passe dans quel épisode? (http://lettersfrompegasus.blogspot.com/)
Et je voudrai savoir juste une chose, est-ce que Ford est mort ou vivant? car depuis “the hive”, plus rien, on a plus entendu parler de lui, en plus a la fin Sheppard dit que c’est pas sur qu’il soit mort, alors je voudrai savoir si il est vivant ou…
Voilà, passez une bonne journée.
A au fait, vous allez faire quoi aujourd’hui aux bridge studios?
Nicolas
“Pouvez-nous donnez plus d’informations sur “This Mortal Coil” ?
Joe,
Congratulations on Stargate SG-1’s 2007 Leo Award Nomination for:
Best Supporting Performance by a
Male in a Dramatic Series
Matthew Walker – Stargate SG-1 – The Quest Part 2
<><><>
Really enjoyed “The Shroud,” and “The Tao of Rodney” tonight. Looking forward to next week’s episodes!
Best wishes.
Morjana
Joe you have been nominated for a ‘Bloggers’ Choice Award, in no less then 4 catagories! (Unfortunately there wasn’t a ‘Top Humourous and occassionally Antagonist Blogger Award’). You can get your badge of honour by visiting the url:
http://www.bloggerschoiceawards.com/blogs/show/6120
To All the ‘Shippers’
PPPUULLLEEZZZ Get a LIFE! I swear, all a character has to do is fart in the general direction of the chosen significant other supported by said group of fans and they’re all crying ‘THEY’RE SO DOING IT!!!’ I dont mind ‘romance’ if written well and it serves a creative purpose however, unless I see some ACTUAL on-screen happenings (like hot and heavy petting through to an all out undeniable declaration of undying love) that DOES NOT involve body swopping, sharing consciousnesses, alien DNA/mind control/happy drug or god forbid a moment of friendly humor or teasing; then its not happening, its definately not ‘canon’ and regardless of all the above its sure as hell not a reason to keep a character in a show! I swear, some of these pairings, even when the actors themselves say THERE IS NO CHEMISTRY fans still manage to have an all out spaz-fit over anyone who doesn’t see it because they seem to delusionally think it validates a characters importance to the show?? WTF?? Come up with better reasons like…oh I dont know? They’re well written, well acted and bring an important contribution to create a successful cast dynamic and gripping piece of television? You know, something thats not juvenille or patronizing to both the actor and the show itself.
P.P.S Sorry Joe, PMS week and I’ve not had my daily beat the snot out of ‘Bob’ session.
Any chance of seeing the Shadow Creature from Hide and Seek in season 4? If the SGA budget was limitless, what actor and actress would you like to have on SGA?
Hi Joe,
The long wait was definitly worth it for me so can I just say that I LOVED “THE SHROUD.” There honestly wasn’t one thing that I didn’t like. It was great having Jack back and I loved how he was used in this episode. I have not only missed the friendship between Jack and Daniel but the great chemistry between Rick and Michael. Alex is right when he mentioned in his blog about the great chemistry between two great actors. I agree with Rick that Michael has great rhythm and timing. The bantering between the two characters is such a joy to watch.
This was a great team episode. Vala sitting on Daniel’s lap was priceless. Great throw back to “Prometheus Unbound.” Teal’c being used as a lie detector, Sam believing in Daniel and Mitchell’s concern for him all made this a geat team episode.
Pass on to Rob for me that this was a great script. I also thought that the make-up people did an excellent job with Michael. A very special thank you to Rob and the director for letting Rick and Michael Adlib the one scene in the infirmary – SLEEPYHEAD WITH A HAIR RUFFLE TO GO WITH IT – classic Jack and Daniel. THANK YOU!!!!
Zannah said…
OMG Shdmt has WAY more fan support than those Shemp wankers. It’s not a threat, but just so you know, if you write Shemp this season, I’ll stop watching and so will the thousands of fans who agree with me. *starts a postcard campaign* -Z, PROUD SHDMTER-
Oh please, Zannah. Just because the posters on PlanetMelba only talk about Shmdt doesn’t mean that’s the way EVERYONE feels. Check out the ratings in the Shemp episodes versus the Shdmt episodes. You can be sure the writers have…
Shemp Rules!
Howdy Joe! Glad to hear that Fondy’s campaign went so well.
Are there going to be any Rodney/Teyla interaction scenes in season 4? There has been much of all the other characters with each other, but very little Rodney/Teyla scenes, friendship or otherwise.
Pleeasseee? *puppy dog eyes*
Joe, I sincerely must apologise for this, but needs must again. So for the sake of this turning into a slanging match on your blog (I am really sorry)can I first request the poster of the stuff below meet me over at GW and there we can continue the debate, if said person is up to the debate?
Anonymous said…
“Anonymous said…
All Shep/Weir shippers want at this point is Torri back full time, to have things as they were. You totally misread our intentions. I don’t see anyone attacking whumpers for posting things like “we want sweaty, naked, with no layers of clothing, bleeding Shep.” Watch boxing or wrestling for those things not a fairly decent scifi show. Those comments kind of creep me out. Reading posts about wanting a character to stay on the show full time interacting with other characters doesn’t in the least.
May 4, 2007 12:44:00 PM PDT “
Nice to see someone being the voice of reason.
Torri there = Shep/Weir
Torri not there = NO Shep/Weir
How many Shep/Weir people do you think don’t care about her being there, Linzi?
And it isn’t a case of people going “give us ship!” Shep/Weir can be as much about just liking the interaction as anything else. Just as Shep/McKay or any other combination is.
Personally, I’m sick of the argument. Bottom line is, a hell of a lot of people want her there fulltime. We’re yet to be told what the reason was for deciding she was the weakest link in the cast. You know why? Because she’s NOT the weakest link.
How many of the actors have actually won awards? I know she has, can you name any others? That doesn’t strike me as someone who’s unable to make whatever’s thrown at her work.
Deciding to give her the opportunity to walk away is a huge mistake. It will be seen in the ratings. A lot of people watch for the interaction of the main characters (probably more people than watch for sweaty, naked, bloody Shep, Linzi, believe it or not), and the main characters are Weir, Sheppard and McKay.
Firstly, how the hell did I get dragged into this little debate when I have never said anything disrespectful relating to ship preferences? If you want to have a go at MY post, than can I suggest you take it up with me? Not someone else who defended me. It’s not hard my blog is there as is my email addy. Please don’t degrade yourself any further by turning this into a public slanging match on someone elses blog, it’s very rude and to be perfectly honest, i’m sure it pisses Joe off. His blog is his blog, it’s not a debate for shippers, non shippers, slashes, thunkers, whumpers…whatever your designated label is (if you have one) ;o)
Secondly, you chose to insult someone, blatantly I might add because of their post, using her name and you don’t have the guts to let people know who you are, can I just say that it’s absolutely pathetic. At least have the courage of your convictions and put a name to your post.
If you want to take this elsewhere my email and blog details are clear for all to see. If you want to email and have a rant, fine. If you want to start a thread over on GW i’ll meet you there. My username is Pegasus_SGA just so you know who you’re supposed to be yelling at, not Linzi.
Once more, sorry Joe, please enjoy your weekend, and thank you to you and the crew for all the good stuff you’ve given us.
The SaveFondy campaign, that’s priceless!
Kudos to the writers for “The Shroud”. I loved having Jack back. The snark between him and Daniel was fantastic. It was a great episode.
Hi Joe
Can you tell use the prodution order of the first half and the airing order?
Joe please pass along to the cast ad the writer for “Tao of Rodney’ that I think this was one of the best episodes for season 3. It was a really creative idea, filled with humor, yet brimming with drama. It had some of the best Team bonding moments ever. From Rodney to Zelenka banter, Ronon and Rodney side kick conversation to the amazing moment off Rodney healing Ronon’s scars to Sheppard ‘trying’ to teach Rodney how to meditate. It was just chocked full of great stuff and allowed the cast to flex their acting chops a bit with it being character focused. Thank you for a wonderful episode.
Season three has had a lot more of that Sheppard and Rodney banter and I love it. Also kudos for a series that keeps continuity, referring back to Shep’s experiences during “Epiphany”. My question is this: Rodney has had some great ‘personal’ episodes, “McKay and Mrs. Miller, “Grace Under Pressure”, to a degree ‘Duet” and now “Tao.”
I know Sheppard said that hunting scary monsters is what he does best, but will we see more of a “personal’ storyline in a future eppy for him? Something pretty dramatic not dealing with battling an enemy per say? That would be cool to see a bit more of that side of him explored.
Thank you
Anonymous said…
How many Shep/Weir people do you think don’t care about her being there, Linzi?
And it isn’t a case of people going “give us ship!” Shep/Weir can be as much about just liking the interaction as anything else. Just as Shep/McKay or any other combination is.
Personally, I’m sick of the argument. Bottom line is, a hell of a lot of people want her there fulltime. We’re yet to be told what the reason was for deciding she was the weakest link in the cast. You know why? Because she’s NOT the weakest link.
How many of the actors have actually won awards? I know she has, can you name any others? That doesn’t strike me as someone who’s unable to make whatever’s thrown at her work.
Deciding to give her the opportunity to walk away is a huge mistake. It will be seen in the ratings. A lot of people watch for the interaction of the main characters (probably more people than watch for sweaty, naked, bloody Shep, Linzi, believe it or not), and the main characters are Weir, Sheppard and McKay.
Joe, I hope you give me the chance to respond to this? I’ve been named in an anonymous post! My life is complete!!! Go me!!! *snort*
My response is:
ROALMAO…er, did I get that right? 😉
I really love it when Zelenka speaks Czech, it’s so funny. He should do that more often?! Good thing tu understand that, even if you don’t speak Czeck.. Have a nice day…
Hey joe, do you ever get tired from cheeky lil devil’s shep-infested comments?
How’d you know about my replica set plans!?
I think it’s rather amazing you keep such a dedicated and behind the scenes blog. It show just how nice you are, and aware of how “enthusiastic” some of us sci-fi fans can be.
And here’s a question, do you have any kids? Do they get sneak-peaks with Atlantis?
Thanks for the groundplan pics, they are great! Please keep posting art deptmt stuff, its all realy interesting!
Have you seen the recent Entertainment Weekly? I was raging when I realized that SG-1 wa snot included in their list of the top 25 Sci-Fi movies/TV of the last 25 years! I was happy to see, however, that many had already noted the absence in the EW online complaint box.
It might be a small thing, but I simply can’t understand why they did not acknowledge the achievemnts of this show for its longevity if nothing else.
I’m through ranting, but I htought you should know.
Thanks for all the great pics,
Royal
hi, joe,
i’m PMSing (add in too much caffeine and stress too). i’m in need of a pick-me-up. how about some happy news for a sam/amanda fan and/or s/j shipper? a nice picture would help if nothing else.
sincerely,
moody sally 🙂
Hey Mr M
I was just wondering if you had seen the ratings for Tao of Rodney and how they looked? *keeps fingers crossed*
Love your blog, although when I read it at 8.00am I get a major craving for chocolate – not good for the diet.
I always look forward to the little hints and juicy bits of info you send our way, and for that I am very grateful. So please keep them coming
Thanks Mr M for brightening my mornings 😀
p.s. Just to deviate slightly – Go Linzi 😀 Good job you have a sense of humour.
Here’s hoping in future certain posts are left on an appropriate discussion thread rather than on someones personal blog.
If people were any more uptight, do you think if we stuck a lump of coal up their ass two weeks later we’d get a diamond?
Anon said..
Nice to see someone being the voice of reason.
Torri there = Shep/Weir
Torri not there = NO Shep/Weir
How many Shep/Weir people do you think don’t care about her being there, Linzi?
My reply: no one is saying that people don’t care, it’s just that she is not going to be a main cast member and you have two choices. You can either post constructively stating your reasons why you feel her loss will be felt, or you can be childish about it and stomp your feet like a two year old throwing a tantrum. From reading some of the stuff on here, you’re not exactly helping yourselves with your catty replies to other posters. People respond much better when you instill a modicum amount of decency when you post.
Anon continued to say…
And it isn’t a case of people going “give us ship!” Shep/Weir can be as much about just liking the interaction as anything else. Just as Shep/McKay or any other combination is.
Personally, I’m sick of the argument. Bottom line is, a hell of a lot of people want her there fulltime. We’re yet to be told what the reason was for deciding she was the weakest link in the cast. You know why? Because she’s NOT the weakest link.
My reply:And by a hell of a lot of people, we’re talking what? Ball park figure please. Or maybe you should conduct a poll? Hasn’t that been your previous arguments… or was that another anon? And who says she was let go because she was the weakest link? Have you ever thought that it might be the actors decision to leave? And that they might not want to tell the world of her work decisions?
Anon continued to say…
How many of the actors have actually won awards? I know she has, can you name any others? That doesn’t strike me as someone who’s unable to make whatever’s thrown at her work.
My reply:Now you’re being petty! it’s like saying x character is better than y character because they’ve won more awards. It’s a childish argument. It’s not about who has won the most awards, it’s about storylines, budgets, and executive decisions, (not to be confused with exuctive producers). Just to make that point clear, there are other agencies involved in the decision making process or has that slipped your mind? It’s not always about popularity.
Anon has not given up the fight…
Deciding to give her the opportunity to walk away is a huge mistake. It will be seen in the ratings. A lot of people watch for the interaction of the main characters (probably more people than watch for sweaty, naked, bloody Shep, Linzi, believe it or not), and the main characters are Weir, Sheppard and McKay.
I think your emotions got the better of you in that last paragraph as you’re arguments conflict each other. Yes, people watch for the main charaters, and when an actor is given the boot, left for personal reasons, or is no longer required, or is reduced to reocurring why do you feel it’s your right to question this? Shall we ask you about the jobs that you’ve left? Or maybe ask your managers why they’ve let you go (if applicable). No, of course we wouldn’t, because it’s between yourself and your manager. So what gives you the right to demand her reinstatment or return the character/actor to the main cast? You are a viewer who has a voice, but you are not a) in charge of budgets b)TH (as she has more manners than those that have been portrayed here c) an Executive of the Stargate franchise.
Therefore, like it or not you do not have a say in what takes place.
As for the interaction of the characters, yes I agree people watch for their favorite characters, but this is not the only aspect of the show. What about the storyline and action? Do they not apply also? Your post suggests that you are a little unhappy with one particular aspect of the fandom. I would ask why, but realy it’s none of my business nor has it any relevace on your arguments. If you wish for your character to remain on Atlantis then why don’t you put all your efforts into achieving that instead of inciting hostility into your posts.
Ending the post on a question for Joe, as I seem to have taken a rather big liberty. Sorry. You mentioned about the CG wraith in the up and coming episode The seer, will his appearance be in visions, or will he interact with the team?
Thanks
Marsha wrote…
Oh please, Zannah. Just because the posters on PlanetMelba only talk about Shmdt doesn’t mean that’s the way EVERYONE feels…
Oh, look. A Shemper flinging poo. Quelle surprise. If you’d like to continue this as adults (I’m making a generous assumption that you’re older than 13, here) please email me at goodship_shdmt at gmail dot com.
Joe, I’m sorry you had to see this. Keep up the great work!
You aren’t killing Elizabeth off, are you? 🙁
Anonymous said…
Hey joe, do you ever get tired from cheeky lil devil’s shep-infested comments?
Oh you mean as opposed to the constant comments about how big a mistake it was to have gotten rid of Weir *yawn*
Considering that Joe seems to have a good sense of humour I assume that he probably enjoys cheeky’s posts…which are made just for a bit of fun.
Maybe you should do an Atlantis ep that features pot-luck. Food is the back bone of culture right? Soothe the savage “bad guys” lust for whatever with Dominoes and generic coke. On second thought….cardboard pizza?????
Do you still do the icecream thing?
Hi Joe! Love the blog! Please can you tell me more about the Teyla pregnant story and if it is going to be like the Vala and Adria story. You know instead of sneakying an ori over the boarder its going to be a bouncying baby wraith. Cheers!
Nicolas a écrit…
Dans le blog de David Nykl j’ai vu une photo où il y a Ronon, devant le font bleu et il y a un homme allonger par Terre, ça se passe dans quel épisode? (http://lettersfrompegasus.blogspot.com/)
David a écrit dans son blog qu’il vient de tourner quelques jours sur l’épisode Reunion.
Anonymous said…
If people were any more uptight, do you think if we stuck a lump of coal up their ass two weeks later we’d get a diamond?
😆 Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
Just stopping by to say I loved The Shroud and Tao of Rodney.
The Shroud: Loved the classic Jack/Daniel; wonderful classic SG1 with Teal’c being sent in to see if Daniel was telling the truth and the nice Sam and Jack technobabble talk in her lab. Great interweaving of the new cast too – the Cam/Vala building the Merlin device was too funny. Can’t wait for Continuum.
Tao – what can I say? Brilliant. DH deserves an award for that performance. Love Ronan and Batman. Please can we see Rodney in a Batman outfit. Pretty please?
Great stuff.
Sheila
“Answer: To be perfectly honest, it doesn’t really interest me. Sheppard/Talking Chimp (Shemp) can get ten times as many votes as Sheppard/Discarded Melba Toast (Shdmt) and it still won’t impact the creative decisions we make.”
I respect the need to tell a story the way you want to tell it but at the end of the day you guys are supposed to be telling a story that’s commercially viable (ie will get picked up by a network) because it is pleasing to a base of fans that will want to tune in week in, week out, or have I got your job descriptions totally wrong?
While I know it’s impossible to please everyone, in terms of character dynamics it has be apparent that some are more popular than others, and that reducing screen time or not making reference to those dynamics will not be popular. Certainly losing popular characters when the decision is wholly creative and not driven by budget or availability is always a risky move.
Oh, and in case anyone assumes I must ship given this reply; personally, I’d prefer to keep Shep unshipped and Kirkesque, I think it suits his character more.
Charles A
The Shroud gave much to be celebrate. Tao of Rodney will remain a favorite on a number of levels. Both shows were much enjoyed, even after a rotten time at the day job, a scoop of Spiderman 3 on the big screen, and popcorn for dinner.
Sacrfices must be made.
Are we doing a poll here in the commenter section on cheeky’s posts? I think it’s interesting that cheeky has to point out the posts are for laughs.
I, for one, get a kick out of cheeky’s comments. (Although the blog owner, of course, retains the award for best-est and most wicked humor.)
Truth be told, I’ve been living vicariously through cheeky’s boldness. Nekkid Shep? Oh, come on. After a hard day at the nut house, let me have my fangirl grin. Fandom has been known (lately) to take itself a tad too seriously.
You know, if my ship doesn’t work out, I’ll jump on board with Shemp. Saw the poll at that other site. Must be something there if every one of the 23 voters and their friends can see the snap, crackle, and pop.
EC
Ha, people watch SGA for the storylines. lol. Maybe in s1, now it’s all just for the characters.
Answer: To be perfectly honest, it doesn’t really interest me. Sheppard/Talking Chimp (Shemp) can get ten times as many votes as Sheppard/Discarded Melba Toast (Shdmt) and it still won’t impact the creative decisions we make.
Thank you 🙂 It’s your guys’ story and you know it best!
I have a question, I just love the stargate music, and I was wondering, do you guys as ever request certain music to go with the scenes that you write? Do you ask Joel Goldsmith to develop any specific themes?
Dunno if anyone mentioned this…
but to avoid the soggy Swiss Chalet french fries when getting take out, order them in a container on the side… they’ll come in one of those cardboard boxes, and as long as they don’t tie the plastic bag the whole meal comes in in a knot, there will be no limp fries.
Can’t help with the cold part, though… perhaps speeding on the delivery persons’ part? 🙂