Oh, dear. This is what happens when you hang on to a gag title a little too long. Sooner or later, it makes it onto the schedule, the Art Department starts using it in their design updates, and producer John N. Smith can be heard uttering the words: “We should check out that location. We might be up there for Googlions.” For all of you who have been racking your brains trying to come up with the hidden meaning behind the Rise of the Googlions title, allow me to reveal it for you. “Googlions” is not a reference to a search engine or meant to suggest someone who seeks out information, but is, in fact, a cryptic allusion to famed Italian fantasy writer Salvatore P. Gugliani. Many of Gugliani’s novels take place in a sort of fairy realm reminiscent of the Victorian-era works of Henry Fuseli and William Blake and make use of one particular literary symbol that is repeated throughout his canon and makes an appearance in the ninth book of John Milton’s Paradise Lost. For those needing an even bigger hint, look no further than Charles Bauldelaire‘s poem Contemplation – but only the French version.
Just kidding. Rise of the Googlions was nothing more than an inane title Carl came up with off the top of his head. To all those who wasted any amount of time searching the internet for clues about the googlions, blame Mr. Binder who unwittingly sent you all out on a wild goose chase. Again, just kidding.
Except the part about Salvatore Gulgiani.
Back at work today and I’m pleased to report I completed the Tease of my newly retitled script – The Kindred, Part I. Continuum has wrapped and I’m sorry to report that, contrary to the recent TV Guide spoiler, our team will not be traveling back to 1939 to battle Nazis. Not that it wouldn’t be cool to see them battle Nazis, but just that the script never called for Nazis. I suggested we could call for some re-shoots and insert a Nazi or two in the big fight sequences, but Brad put the kibosh on my suggestion. So, to clarify, the team will not be traveling back in time to fight the Nazis, but will still be traveling back to do battle with the combined forces of the Abominable Snowman and starfaring ice pirates. Glad I could clear that up.
Mailbag time!
PG-15 writes: “So…have you guys found a story for the last as-of-yet unfilled spot in Season 4?”
Answer: Not as of yet. Today, we gave Alan notes on his outline, discussed Midway, and had a very brief discussion of Martin’s next episode which we should start breaking tomorrow. That will leave three scripts to be written when we get back: the Joe F. story, Paul’s season finale idea, and the empty slot. I pushing for that musical eppy where they visit the planet with the weird ionic disturbance that necessitates everyone communicate through song:
Teyla: It would seem that we’ve been misleeaad!
The natives here have all turned up dead!
Ronon: The thought of the wraith really makes me see reeeeed!
McKay: The prospect of seeing them fills me with dreeeeaaaad!
Sheppard: The second you spot them simply fill them with leeaaad!
Etc.
Wraithkeeper writes: “Have you always had pugs or have you had other breeds in the past?”
Answer: I had a poodle named Snoopy growing up. Other than that, I’ve always owned cats until we got Jelly, our first pug. Maximus and Bubba followed soon after.
LemonC writes: “When Atlantis first started, did you have a series bible composed with the outlines of how the seasons could plan out, or are the storylines thought up as you go along?”
Answer: When the series was in its infancy, Brad and Rob put together some general character guidelines and series overview. They also had a fair approximation of how they wanted the series to develop over the first season.
Libitina writes: “I haven’t yet seen you mention my new favorite bar chocolate Santander.”
Answer: I do like Satander. I’m partial to their milk choclate.
Roxanne writes: “After you come back from your summer break, approximately how many episodes will be left to film?”
Answer: 9.
Little Raven-Hawk writes: “Please tell me there will not be a six month mid-season break next season?? Would it matter if the beginning of season 4 ratings are higher than the end of season 3, to determine whether there will be a season 5, even if they already made thier decision? Oh, and just curious…everyone is talking about Jason’s new tattoo, that we’ll see it season 4…what is it???”
Answers: From what I hear, there will NOT be a six-moth mid-season break. As to whether the ratings for season four will impact a possible pick up – it’s hard to say. The premiere was pushed so far that it will be cutting it very close. As for Jason’s tattoo – it’s Maori design and, like a cast member’s pregnancy, has been written into a script (Reunion).
Mags writes: “I was just wondering how you feel about Godiva chocolates?”
Answer: Neutral.
Anonymous #1 writes: “Would you please tell us some more about the SG1 character crossing over in the back half of season four?”
Answer: Will let you know once his deal has been closed.
Caty writes: “Did the up-trend continue for Vengeance??”
Answer: They remained steady off last week’s numbers.
Mackenziesmomm writes: “So as to the pug you are not getting will it ‘definantly not’ be a fawn or will it ‘definantly not’ be a black?”
Answer: In the event we don’t get a pug, it will definitely not be the black one.
Anonymous #2 writes: “I don’t remember how this came up, but could a Goa’uld take over an Asgard?”
Answer: Theoretically, yes.
Paula writes: “Is there a chocolate you won’t attempt?”
Answer: Yeah, almost any chocolate containing orange or strawberry.
Crater writes: “Honestly, do you expect a fifth season?”
Answer: Honestly? At this point, I haven’t a clue. It’s out of my hands so I’m simply concentrating on producing the best show possible.
Crazymom writes: “How did you know this new chocolate place was opening? Did you just happen to see an ad, or do you have informants?”
Answer: My spidey senses were tingling.
Anonymous #3 writes: “Is it premeditated for people on the cast and crew to say things that will stir up, or continue, controversy? For example what Joe Flanigan said in the interview Sci-Fi has psted today about the Carter character and finding it “impossible to find any fault with her character” when all of you are likely aware of the harsh things said about the “perfectness” of Carter’s character?”
Answer: THAT was controversial? It sounded more like Joe saying something nice about Amanda’s character.
CRAZY4DH writes: “ If a package is sent to a cast member at Bridge Studio and it arrives after shooting has finished is it forwarded to them or held until the hiatus is over?”
Answer: If there’s no one in the offices when the package arrives, it will probably have to wait until the actors return from hiatus.
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