“We had some lamb tonight,”my mother informed me. “It was very good. But not as good as the lamb we had in Vancouver.” That goes without saying. The lamb my mother had in Vancouver was, in her estimation, the best she had ever eaten – so, whenever she comes to town, a trip to Lamb Nirvana is always in the cards. Lamb Nirvana, a.k.a., Ouzeri on West Broadway, is a terrific little Greek restaurant that immediately dispelled my long-held belief that you couldn’t find good Greek food in Vancouver. Sure, you can find cheap Greek food (feel free to join the line up at that place on Davie Street), but if you want good Greek food, and excellent lamb in particular, you have got to check out Ouzeri. We usually start with a couple of a dips (taramasalada and hummus) served with piping hot pita bread, maybe the saganaki (golden panfried kasseri cheese), and then move onto the main event: the lamb chops. I usually do four chops and an order of Greek salad (tomatoes, cucumber, green peppers, feta, and onions). Now, as someone who loves lamb – one of the highlights of the summer is the local Greek fest which I’ll hit three or four times for the spit-roasted lamb alone – I have to say I’ve eaten my fair share. And my mother is right. The lamb at Ouzeri is no doubt the best I’ve ever eaten. Even someone who doesn’t like lamb – say, Carl for instance – would probably be won over. Well, maybe not Carl as he’s fairly set in his ways, but surely your average lamb-hater might think differently.
Today was an R&R day (Reading and, well, wRiting. Close enough.). I just finished off the last two issues of the Luna Brothers’ Girls and anxiously await their next project. On the novel front, I’m about a third of the way through China Mieville’s The Scar. So far, I’m really enjoying the incredibly inventive and detailed world he has created and, if the book continues to impress as it has so far, I’ll have to put Perdido Street Station on my to-read list. Worked on my Chow review and should have it ready to go sometime this week.
A little Q&A to round out today’s entry –
Alipeeps writes: “Far be it for me to correct you, oh wise and powerful one, but don’t you mean started prep on This Mortal Coil?”
Answer: Thanks for pointing it out. I’ve edited the post. Tomorrow, I will also edit this response to something along the lines of “What are you talking about? It says Mortal Coil!” so that you will seem mistaken instead.
Valerie writes: “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?”
Answer: A little of both. It really depends what the scene calls for. Our set decorators are pack rats who have hoarded pretty much everything they’ve ever used on the show. The last time we visited Norco, we counted five different prop phone booths.
Namiko writes: “Is there anything you’ve tried that you just can’t handle?”
Answer: I’m not a big fan of most veggie burgers.
Anonymous #1 writes: “How did you get into writing and what drew you into Sci-Fi?”
Answer: I’ve been writing since I was a kid and I’ve always enjoyed SciFi. As for how Paul and I ended up on Stargate – we were fortunate enough to have an agent who could get our writing samples read by the producers.
Anonymous #2 writes: “ Never forget your audience Joe, unless you already have another job lined up.”
Answer: We’ve always been mindful of our audience, but there is big difference between respecting your audience and taking dictation from a sampling of online fandom.
Edward4th writes: “On what basis have you decided to trade Weir for Carter?”
Answer: I’ve already answered this question but since you appear to be new to the blog, I’ll repeat the response I gave the last time the question was asked: “ The decision to bring the character of Samantha Carter onto the show was made independent of any decision made with regard to the Elizabeth Weir character. The truth is that once the decision had been made re: Weir, there were a number of options open to us in terms of a replacement (three specific candidates come to mind). In the end, and after much discussion, we elected to go with Sam Carter.
Morjana writes: “Joe you have been nominated for a ‘Bloggers’ Choice Award, in no less then 4 catagories!”
Answer: Is there some sort of cash award? If so, everyone head over there and vote for me. I only need so 4500 votes to overtake Rosie!
Rhyss writes: “ If the SGA budget was limitless, what actor and actress would you like to have on SGA?”
Answer: I’m pretty happy with the ones we have.
Jen, the cow hugger writes: “Do you have any kids? Do they get sneak-peaks with Atlantis?”
Answer: No kids, but three pugs who are huuuge David Hewlett fans. It’s kind of embarrassing really.
Royal Nonesuch writes: “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!”
Answer: I wasn’t really surprised considering who put the list together. Entertainment Weekly hates Stargate and, for reasons unknown, has always gone that extra step to take potshots at the franchise (usually when doing features on other presumably more deserving productions). But, at the end of the day, lists such as these aren’t the result of any scientific process, and EW’s mandate is not to offer any sort of logical representation of what the viewing public enjoys. Their mandate is to sell as many issues as possible by pimping the latest brainless big screen blockbusters and following the lead by gushing over well-established media darlings.
And are the three pugs fans of Mars? I have to admit when I first saw pictures of your pugs I laughed. But they grow on you, some of the pictures make them look almost cute.
Do you ever have ‘ordinary’ food – the odd bacon sandwich maybe?
Whilst typing this my cat has fallen off a wall unit into a deep box that she can’t get out. Should I rescue her or not? Your decision.
Hi!
Just a few questions:
Do you eat ALL the food on the pictures or do you just taste a little of everything?
and
Have you ever tried some Norwegian food?
and.. eh…
Can you take a pic of Jason Momoa with his guitar?
and
any good advice on how to make a marridge work? I’m only 25 and I think I made a mess of things… help!
Hey Joe, I was just wondering if BamBam is going to be making any more cameo appearances in either SGA or the movies? It’d be great to see him in roles other than “_______’s Stunt Double” 🙂
So Joe, how is your mom doing. I hope the headaches are better. Let me know.
Mike
Dear Joe, I was wondering if a fan was to have an idea for a show, can they share it with you or should they just forget about it? Also, my oldest son,who is 7, really likes pugs. Are they good with kids. I have 2 boys, 7 and 4. I know some dogs are not really good with kids. Do any of the staffs kids play with them? Thanks Joe. Hope to hear from you soon.
Greek Lamb – Mmmm – I’m there …..
Rhyss writes: “ If the SGA budget was limitless, what actor and actress would you like to have on SGA?”
Answer: I’m pretty happy with the ones we have.
Good answer … ! So, I might add, am I …. and the writers aren’t bad either!
AMx
I wanted to say thanks for a terrific SG-1 episode. It was so good to have a real team episode (Jack/Sam/Daniel & Teal’c). The supporting players (Cam & Vala) were used just enough.
I too was pretty pissed with Entertainment Weekly’s SciFi list.
That’s one magazine I won’t be wasting my money on.
Let’s play a game. I’ll start a “you know what they say…” type phrase, and you finish it.”
“You know what they say about six-fingered children:…”
Heh. Uh, thanks in advance?
And just for giggles (yeah I said it) here’s a question: Many fans have seen the concept art for the city of Atlantis. Did you prefer the original version, or does the one that made it to television suit you better? In addition, could the original model ever pop up as a different class of city ship?
Thanks Joe!
Oh, um, I think I double-posted. Sorry for that.
Salut Mon Ami!
I’ve read that you’ve been to Le Petit Munich. Have you’ve ever tried their German Chocolat Cheesecake? It is absolutely to die for! Unfortunately it is not always available. Did you ever go to The Old Munich in Montreal? Such a shame it doesn’t exist anymore. The food, the beer and the atmosphere was so enjoyable!
i have noticed that other people have noticed that Atlantis is using some of SG-1’s old episode ideas and redressing them kind of.
(Tao of Rodney(Atlantis) is very similar to Prototype(SG-1) although there was a different objective obviously.
Not that i am complaining cos i love the episodes.
The Weir fans are just a ‘sampling’ of online fandom?
The Beckett and Weir fans online are indicative of the way ‘casual’ viewers feel. Believe me, we all have friends who don’t go online. When we’ve told them what’s happening, they’ve all felt exactly the same.
People will stop watching. It may take Beckett and Weir people with no online access an episode or two more to realise what’s going on, but once they see TWO characters dumped in the space of a couple of episodes, they’ll tune out.
This isn’t about being dictated to by your fans. This is about you ignoring the fact that these two characters have huge fan bases, and being crazy enough to think that they’ll stick around when the character they watch for is gone.
Scifi isn’t mainstream. You more than anyone should know that. That’s why it’s so crazy that you’re willing to piss of so many people who are part of your core audience.
I’m with you on the greek salad, the saganaki, and the hummus… however… I just can’t bring myself to eat a baby, no matter how good people tell me it is… I can’t eat veal either, or lobsters (they’re cooked alive!)… I may be a freak of nature. Oh well. What can you do, ;P
So apon doing some checking, I see that Tao of Rodney was the latest episode aired (I watched it all on the Movie Network a few months ago. God bless Canada, haha). As a huge fan of McKay this was one of the highlights of the season, and the entire show, for me. (You have to take into account that the first episode of Atlantis I’d ever seen was No Man’s Land, and I am broke and can’t buy the previous two seasons on DVD).
While there was so much focussed on Rodney, I really think it was a great team episode, at least insofar as developing some of the relationships.
Also, I love the reference to Epiphany, with John and Rodney “meditating”. Or, attempting to, in any case. I actually managed to see Epiphany before I saw Tao (CTV’s saturday reruns win!) so I was able to appreciate the moment.
I have to ask though… You see, someone over in livejournal-land pointed something out, and I’m very curious… In Tao, during the scenes in John’s quarters, we get a glimpse of his curtains. His very pretty, sheer black with some sort of gold threading curtains.
So, is John just that metrosexual that he has great taste in curtains? (Not that his hair wouldn’t back that up, :D) Or… is there some other excuse for the curtains? Maybe he stole them from his ex-wife out of spite? (heh.)
Take care of yourself,
Ayla McKay
Nova Scotia
I’m sorry *Marsha* and *Zannah* – but I don’t know why it is that you two decided to just get your noses all bent out of shape. And, I’ll tell you why – and go slow so as not to confuse anyone (LOL ;P, hehe, O_O).
Everyone can protest all they want, but when you boil it all down we all know that the real salient ship is Shep/sirrhini (often misspelled by otherwise adroit individuals as: Strepsirrhini). Some prosaic people refer to us as Sheemurs, but I personally prefer Shepsirs – it is much more veracious. I know that is how I have referred to our ever growing numbers at the many many cons I have given talks at. And, if they are *any* guide as to what the *actual* audience wants rather than just a *few* very obstreperous people then – well – as they say, “The proofs in the puddin”
You two seem awful interested in reading things into characters – characters who *don’t even exist* btw (haha) – heck, one of them isn’t even a mammal! Why can’t intelligent people just watch a show and enjoy what the writers give us? A great hour of entertainment! What’s the big pressing need to rewrite everything into your own images? I like the show too – but you don’t see me trying to direct it. Just because *I* (and a *LOT* of other people) happen to see Shep/sirrhini all over the place doesn’t mean I have any right to go telling everyone else that is the only punctilious path. That being said, here’s the problem I’m having with all of this:
~~~
“Marsha wrote…
Oh please, Zannah. Just because the posters on PlanetMelba only talk about Shmdt doesn’t mean that’s the way EVERYONE feels…”
~~~
A wise person never issues absolutes – ever.
~~~
“Zannah snarked back…
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.
~~~
First – you could spell correctly! “quel a surprise” Babelfish dear, it will do wonders for how people percieve you. And as for that e-mail address, you do know you have to have a shift2 for any address to be accurate – right? What good does it do to tell someone a bogus addy as a ploy to “have an adult discussion”
You both just proved my point.
re Entertainment Weekly
Answer: I wasn’t really surprised considering who put the list together. Entertainment Weekly hates Stargate and, for reasons unknown, has always gone that extra step to take potshots at the franchise (usually when doing features on other presumably more deserving productions). But, at the end of the day, lists such as these aren’t the result of any scientific process, and EW’s mandate is not to offer any sort of logical representation of what the viewing public enjoys. Their mandate is to sell as many issues as possible by pimping the latest brainless big screen blockbusters and following the lead by gushing over well-established media darlings.
EW has had positive things to say about the Stargate franchise, although it has been a few years.
However, their selection of TV shows was pretty good, as well as being an excellent sampling of scifi genre over the last 25 years (I would have screamed if they’d said V the series, which downhill fast, but the miniseries was excellent).
I’ve seen most of the scifi flicks they mentioned and they were good (Galaxy Quest was FANTASTIC!) and I wouldn’t call them brainless (I’d reserve that for most of the comedies that crowd the theaters).
Stargate makes some polls, it doesn’t make others. That’s life.
You mentioned that you were thinking of three different people to replace Weir, and Carter won out in the end. Who, might I ask, were the others that were considered?
Hi Joe,
I just wanted to say how much I love Atlantis and I’m looking forward to Season 4 very much. I’m going to miss Carson, not so much Weir but I’m not going to stop watching because they aren’t in it.
I became hooked on the show in the first five minutes of Rising and have gone to great lengths to watch every ep since then. Which hasn’t been easy here in Australia given the way our tv stations treat Sci Fi. Every season I’ve enjoyed the show more and more and Season 3 was the best. I love all the team stories and the background we’ve been getting on them.
Can’t wait for all the action in Season 4.
Thankyou for taking the time to write your blog, it’s very entertaining.
The Shep/Weir fans are very vocal but I don’t believe that they speak for the majority of us. Me personally I’m not a shipper, I think ships usually ruin a good show. Most of us enjoy the show for what it is a good hour of entertainment. I hope it goes on for many more seasons. It’s my No 1 favourite show on tv.
Aussie fan
Joe –
Just stopping by to throw some Kudos out for the entire SGA team for “Tao” episode on Friday. I really, really, really enjoyed this episode a lot.
I like the action/adventure, blowing things episodes, but I gotta admit, the character driven ones which really focus in on the relationships between the characters are pretty hard to beat.
I thought Rodney’s journey during this episode was wonderful. David did an outstanding job as did all the others. The way this acting team plays off each other (supported by wonderful writing) was great! I LOVED each of the scenes he did with the main cast members one-on-one to “make peace” before the end. I was laughing outloud at his scene with Ronon and near tears at his scenes with Elizabeth and Teyla. Can’t wait until I can see this episode again, that’s for sure.
And, since I’m a big Weir fan – I’ll just take a quick minute for a shameless plug – I think this episode was a wonderful example of how the Weir character is a true part of the team. Obviously, given her position, she can’t be in the thick of the fight all the time, but she brings value to the group and adds a dimension to the team that this fan will sorely miss with her reduced role in Season 4. So, if there’s any way to, as you’re spinning those stories for the back half of Season 4 and as you look to Season 5, to give us Weir fans a little hope, it would be much appreciated.
Whoops – sorry to get on the soapbox again. Thanks for listening.
On to a completely unrelated question… Have you ever read any of “The Wheel of Time” series by Robert Jordan? It is more fantasy fiction than sci-fi, but an incredible series nonetheless. A great read – tons of detail, lots of characters, ultimate battle of good vs. evil, etc. I highly recommend it. BUT, be prepared, it’s an investment of time 12+ books so far. First one is called The Eye of the World.
Please pass along a big “THANK YOU” from me to the cast and crew for “Tao” – loved it!
Cheers!
SMB_BOOKS
Have you seen the new “behind the scenes” video that the SciFi Channel put up on their SGA site, the one with James Bamford and a fight stunt? It looks like Teyla’s fighting off some scary looking Reaver-types (from that show whose name I can’t recall… as if!)
Which episode is that, and can you elaborate? Or would you have to individually kill us after you tell us?
And not that you need validation or anything, but I told a friend of mine that Weir’s screentime was being reduced and she replied, “Oh thank GOD — I can’t stand her! Now I can watch the show more often.” So there are all types of fans out here, although you knew that, of course. 🙂
three pugs who are huuuge David Hewlett fans. It’s kind of embarrassing really.
I’m guessing they probably think David is one of them, because he gets down on the floor and rolls around with them. Am I right? He seems like that type.
Our dogs love anyone who’ll pay attention to them. They greet guests with great enthusiasm, except for the time we invited our vet to our Christmas party. One look at him, and our sweet-natured, happy-go-lucky mutt started backing away and barking hysterically. It took about half an hour before she’d let him get anywhere near her, but she finally decided he wasn’t going to give her a shot and they made friends.
Joe in your last blog you said Carter was one of three choices for Weir’s replacement. Can you fill us in on the other two?
Funny – I had Lebanese last night! If you’re ever in LA, check out Carousel in Sherman Oaks. Great food, occasionally surly service. I could live on their Greek salads (yes, a Lebanese restaurant that serves Greek salad – go fig.) Their french fries are phenomenal, their grape leaves are just like Grandma used to make, and their baklava is just like Grandpa used to eat.
EW also hates Wil Wheaton, so you’re in good company.
Ah, the phone booths. Back when I worked in TV (not so long ago, I swear!) I was picking up some props over at Universal, and they had around 20 full-on Superman-style phone booths, plus a bunch of the open phone kiosks that used to stand on the sidewalk before we all got cellphones. And they had a whole bunch of dumpsters lined up, some of which were graffittied. I honestly wasn’t sure if the dumpsters were functional or props.
Still enjoying the heck out of the show. You just keep killing off characters; it keeps things interesting and lets us know that there’s something at stake. (I recognize mine is a minority opinion.)
hi, joe,
in my currently running s/j whine fest :p…
how would *you* (like to) see the sam/jack relationship resolved?
yours truly obsessed,
sally 😀
Just a question, Joe. Do you think that if you’d killed off/got rid of three major characters in season 1/3/4 of SG1 the series would have lasted as long as it did? (I’m including Ford, here.. forgotten as he is)
My bet is that it would have been lucky to see five seasons.
Hi Joe!
I would have to agree with you that you have very talented people both in front and behind the camera.
I was just wondering have any of the actors on SGA expressed interest in directing an episode? If so, who and will they be given the chance to direct?
Thanks and take care!
The tendency to take potshots (in general, not at any franchise in particular) was the reason I gave up my EW subscription many years ago.
It does annoy me that something pertaining to 25 years of sci-fi doesn’t mention Stargate.
That just seems odd.
Anon: The Beckett and Weir fans online are indicative of the way ‘casual’ viewers feel.
Dear Anonynous, there is so much wrong with this statement, but okay. Whenever I see something like this, I want to write back, “I think you may have missed a few people and oh yeah you forgot opinions a, b, c, d, e, f, etc., which range from indifferent to passionately campaigning for the view opposite yours.” Of course one can always deduce anyone with opinions (a) thru (f) suffers from character flaws or “unreasonableness” by virtue of having said opinions.
Your opinions are as valid as the next person’s, and I’m sorry you’re so disappointed. It ought to be noted, though, that one’s friends and the posters on one’s favorite few threads are simply not a useful sampling of the viewership, casual or otherwise.
In one ear, out the other? I know, I know. I haven’t a clue why I bothered. I must be writing after midnight again.
EC
What are your feelings on Battlestar Glactica? Overrated? Or as good as everyone says?
Everyone stay tuned for a lengthy-ish comment from me Sunday evening regarding Joe and this blog and how you each can participate in something that will hopefully turn out to be entertaining and impactful.
And yes, Joe, it is legal.
I think.
The Shep/Weir fans are very vocal but I don’t believe that they speak for the majority of us.
We’re vocal, weee and here I though we were nice and stayed in our little corner. Or at least that was the case until half our ship was dumped. You can’t expect people to be happy. I can’t control what other sparky shippers say but I can understand their bitterness. Just like I understood when people were mad at Ford and Carson’s dumping.
hi joe! is there any chance to see Mitchell, Daniel and Vala in Atlantis season 4? Will we see Chaya Sar (the ascended being in season 1) in season 4?
Hi Joe,
Thanks for looking where the plates come from! I found the plates on the Internet and they are a really good gift! and btw, they are from the Royal Horticultural Society Collection, made by a sby called Churchill 😉
Keep bringing pic of Martin Gero and James Robbins, could you make one of you three?
If you had a 22 episode season would you have another “2 parter” like sg-1 used to have.?Or the more low key 22 ep and with 1 2 “parter”?
Rhyss writes: “ If the SGA budget was limitless, what actor and actress would you like to have on SGA?”
Answer: I’m pretty happy with the ones we have.
Oh I think this was the best answer somebody like you could have given. ^^
But, if you could have any actor you want, which one would you like to have? For example, if I ever was a producer, I would love to see… let’s say Callum Keith Rennie play a twisted bad guy part, what about you?
Nyx
ps: you’re mean to those who love lamb but can’t eat it.
Howdy Joe
Reading your blog is refreshing, I can’t tell you how aggravating it is to read some of the bullshit some people write about the crew and cast of SG1 and SGA, I enjoy your no nonsense approach to these people, and you guys over at bridge all do a great job, thank you 🙂
Just wondering if you might have any spoilers for ‘This Mortal Coil,’ perhaps a basic synopsis could be provided? And what is your opinion of doner kebabs? (particullary the beef ones)
Hullo Joe! Have these videos blipped on your radar yet? Thought you might like them.
The team has been shown bonding and spending off time together. At this stage we’ve seen Ronan and Teyla use John’s first name but have never seen Rodney use it. He still calls him Colonel all the time.. so will he ever call him John?
Since the team is looking for the Athosians in “The Seer,” do they dissappear in “Missing?”
Hello, i was just wondering if we are going to see anything on how the wraith ships are created in season 4?
I’m sure you’re probably tired of Weir questions, so please forgive me for asking (also, this is not intended as a slam against Torri Higginson, or against Weir fans), but:
Was the decision to cut Weir made because, as a diplomat-turned-expedition leader, she was ultimately an uninteresting character, and there was just nowhere to go with her story? I had hoped for some spark between her and Sheppard, and as far as I could tell, there wasn’t any.
Blue Rebecca
An tUasal Mallozzi,
An Bhfuil aon Gaeilge agat???
who would be your top 5 movie villans?????
is has already been asked but I’m really curious if Walter and Siler will be appearing in both Sg1 movies and are we going to hear “Chevron 7 locked” in the movies ?
Belated thanks for this week’s episodes. I enjoyed both of them (although I had to watch SG1 twice to follow all of the exposition).
I am, admittedly, SGA biased, but Tao had me laughing hysterically until Shep and Wier made Rodney realize he was going to die. That’s when I started bawling. I LOVE it when I’m put through the wringer like that!
Big thanks to everyone involved.
And if you haven’t seen it yet, Hewlett has apologized for any embarassment he might have caused. Go easy on the little nerdlett.
Thank’s for answering my last question, much appreciated! So you’ve pretty much always been writing, but when I read that, another question came to mind. Was that your only interest and was what you’re doing now what you’ve always wanted to do? Or, originally, did you see yourself doing other things?
If you could cast anybody dead or alive in SG who would you cast?
Hey Joe,
Thanks for the pics you’ve been putting up! They’re greatly appreciated!
Anyway, David Hewlett was recently sporting the new S4 uniform in his awesome rap vid, and I was wondering if Sheppard will also be wearing this uniform in S4, since he seems to have gone a bit solo in what kind of uniform he wears in S3. From Sateda onwards he was wearing a leather jacket, which the others of his team weren’t, and then in The Ark, he suddenly got this awesome black overshirt with the two breast pockets (absolutely love that one!), which McKay didn’t start to wear until Submersion, I think. The picture of JF you posted on your blog some time ago showed him wearing the black overshirt, which would indicate that Sheppard will still be wearing this rather than the new uniforms. However, this might also be because at the time the picture was taken, you were still shooting Adrift, hence JF wearing the black overshirt for continuity purposes.
So my question is: in S4, will Sheppard also be wearing the new uniform, similar to the one DH was wearing in his vid? Or will he still be wearing the black combats and overshirt he’s been wearing since The Ark?
I hope you can clear this up for us. Thanks!
~ Vicky
Thanks for answering a previously asked question, its not easy catching up with everything that has already been covered. I’ll attempt to be more original in future.
Please tell us which episodes Carter is NOT in out of the first ten. Thank you.
Wow, the picture of the lamb could tempt a lamb-hater to take a taste. And the salad – the feta, ummmmmm.
Hey Joe,
I heard that the Sam/Jack shippers really miss seeing Pete on the show. Any chance of him showing up on Atlantis? Come on Joe you know that you so want to have him on. I bet that’s who the special guest star is. You don’t want your life to be boring now do you? I vote to have Pete on Atlantis in lots of episodes.
Anonymous said…
This isn’t about being dictated to by your fans. This is about you ignoring the fact that these two characters have huge fan bases, and being crazy enough to think that they’ll stick around when the character they watch for is gone.
You do realise you’ve just entirely contradicted yourself, right? You’re saying Joe is crazy for ignoring the fan bases of certain characters (and, by implication, what those fan bases want) and threatening that those fans will leave if they don’t get what they want.
That is pretty much the definition of the fans trying to dictate to Joe what he should do with the show… the very thing you claim you’re not doing.
At the end of the day, if you only watch the show because of one character and one character only, then yes, if that character leaves or is reduced, you will almost certainly stop watching. And nothing will change that.
I think however (my personal opinion only – no polls were conducted to support this opinion *grin*) is that most TV viewers don’t watch a show, any show, just for one narrow aspect of it.
Hi Joe:
Happy Sunday to you.
Do you really get paid to read sci-fi novels in your office? If so, I need a job like that.
About agents, you said your agent was able to get you your gig on Stargate. If you end up working on the show for 10 years without moving on to a new show, what happens re: paying the agent his or her 10%? Do you pay it every year that you work for the show? How is that figured out?
Thanks Joe.
Patricia
Hey Joe, me again (sorry). I was just wondering if you could maybe post a picture of Kavan Smith soon, seeing as it’s his birthday today? Pretty please?
I wasn’t really surprised considering who put the list together. Entertainment Weekly hates Stargate and, for reasons unknown, has always gone that extra step to take potshots at the franchise (usually when doing features on other presumably more deserving productions). But, at the end of the day, lists such as these aren’t the result of any scientific process, and EW’s mandate is not to offer any sort of logical representation of what the viewing public enjoys. Their mandate is to sell as many issues as possible by pimping the latest brainless big screen blockbusters and following the lead by gushing over well-established media darlings.
Word! I have noticed several heavy biases in that publication–especilly favoring “Battlestar Galactica”. I’m not slamming that show, but I think placing it as no.2 on their list was a bit excessive. It frequently features it as “must see” television and usually relegates SGA or SG-1 episodes to brief,tpyically snarky, blurbs. It’s a shame because that magazine gets a fairly wide readership. I wish it would give SG-1/A a fair shake so potential viewers wouldn’t be misinformed.
Thanks,
Royal
Anonymous said…
Joe in your last blog you said Carter was one of three choices for Weir’s replacement. Can you fill us in on the other two?
I think I read in the press at one time that they were Rhea Perlman (from TV) and Shelley Duvall (from movies) but after some test panels they found both reminded the test audience to much of Weir so they went with Carter.
I don’t think Joe would answer this question in deference to the actors that didn’t get the job.
expendable crewman said…
“Your opinions are as valid as the next person’s, and I’m sorry you’re so disappointed. It ought to be noted, though, that one’s friends and the posters on one’s favorite few threads are simply not a useful sampling of the viewership, casual or otherwise.”
that makes a lot of sense. the thing that *really* shows what the viewers like/don’t like, in my opinion, are the ratings. take season 8 for example (because it had THE highest ratings). what did that season have that gave it such high ratings – and what did the show not have the next season that made the ratings drop?
i think the ratings are indicative of what works and what doesn’t.
sally 🙂
ok, lets get all the praise and insults out of the way before the question I have. You are a funny man(well up there w/David Hewlett & Paul Mcgillion) in your blog and interviews(because I actually sat through a interview you had the other day)Thank you for bringing Carson back. ok I have more praises but that I will take care of in a later comment, ok question do you get rateings when the channel plays the first set of re-runs after the entire season has been aired?(only reason why I ask is because I am grounded from watching or doing anything that has to deal with stargate >_< ) p.s. forgive spelling I'm really A.D.D right now.
majorsal said…
expendable crewman said…
“Your opinions are as valid as the next person’s, and I’m sorry you’re so disappointed. It ought to be noted, though, that one’s friends and the posters on one’s favorite few threads are simply not a useful sampling of the viewership, casual or otherwise.”
majorsal: that makes a lot of sense. the thing that *really* shows what the viewers like/don’t like, in my opinion, are the ratings. take season 8 for example (because it had THE highest ratings). what did that season have that gave it such high ratings – and what did the show not have the next season that made the ratings drop?
Hi Majorsal. I probably shouldn’t engage in a discussion about ratings due to my utter and complete lack of interest in them, lol. I do engage (too much) in discussions about trends, which we (at my day job) measure with statistics, and therefore would say, since you asked, that measuring viewing habits in 2007 against viewing habits in 2005 would require a lot more data than numbers. But as a fan, I’m more comfortable chatting about fan stuff. I can also say that I like season 10 as much as I liked season 8. And season 3 as much as I liked season 1. So check that [yes] box for one person, which in fandom is about as much weight as my vote carries. 🙂
EC