“Could you get a little closer together,”suggested the photographer. Paul and I, standing to either side of Rob, inched in tighter. “A little more.” Another half-step each and we were in “uncomfortably close“ territory, that personal space reserved for significant others and slow dance partners. “Perfect!” And, as he snapped away, the questions started to come, fast and furious: “What can you tell us about the movies?” “When will they be released?” “What was it like to shoot in the Arctic?” As Rob fielded the majority of the queries, Paul and I chimed in on occasion to compliment, clarify, and justify the long walk from our offices over to stage 3.
We were on the Daedalus bridge for the producer portion of the International Press Junket, just one of the many media events we would be participating in over the course of the lead up to our fourth season premiere. Alas, on this day, the press was more interested in getting the dish on the SG-1 movies. So much so that I allowed my mind to wander, allowing myself to be caught completely unprepared when an Atlantis-related question did eventually pop up. “Huh?” I’d been wholly focused on the nonsense scribble adorning the plexi-glass graph to my left (Argon. Helix. X2/3x. Bacon?). Fortunately, Paul was able to take up the slack (one of the many advantages of working with a writing partner) and offer up an informative response. As the subject shifted back to SG-1, I redirected my attention to the task at hand. Yup. Bacon it is.
To be honest, I prefer the more personal one on one interviews. Like the one’s I did this morning, the first with Ileane Rudolph for TV Guide, the second with Kathy Huddleston for Sci Fi Magazine. Since we the top of discussion would be season four, and since Paul didn’t trust himself not to reveal any massive spoilers over the course of the phone interviews, he deferred to my expertise (“You’re better at these anyway, buddy.”). And so, I spent a pleasant morning chatting with Ileane and Kathy about what we have in store for Stargate Atlantis’s GREATEST SEASON EVER!!! Well, I think so. Lots of revelations, big and small. Nice character moments. Surprising big picture developments. You can read the details when the interviews come out in July-ish.
One of the nice things about doing individual interviews rather than our usual partners-in-crime interviews is that there’s no mistaking who said what. I can’t count the number of times I’ve perused an article and discovered that one of my quotes has been attributed to Paul, or vice-versa. Like, for instance, our first year on the show when I was quoted as saying “There are no new ideas in scifi.” While I understand the general argument being made, they weren’t my words so I was not all that inclined to defend them when angry fans started berating me online. Hey, I do just fine tossing out my own controversial statements now and then. I don’t need to have someone else’s attributed to me as well.
Well, nothing terribly controversial in today’s interviews (although, sometimes, fans do interpret things differently), but there’s always next Tuesday when Paul, David, Amanda, Jewel, and I face down the combined forces of The Digital Press Tour.
Pics: And so the hunters become the hunted!
Mailbag –
Nikki writes: “Have you ever been to Ottawa?”
Answer: We stopped off in Ottawa on the way back from Summer camp one year. I think we ate at a pizza place called Fat Alberts, stepping over an enormous pool of vomit to get in the door. In retrospect, not a place I‘d go back to.
PG15 writes: “I don’t pretend to be an expert at what goes on behind the scenes at Bridge Studios, but if my numbers are right, you guys would only have 8 episodes left to film.”
Answer: Oooooh. We have an expert in the field. A mathematics wiz with oh so superior powers of addition and subtraction! For your information – oh. Yeah. 8 episodes left to film. What’d I say?
PG15 writes: “ Oh, and how is post-production going? I mean, since you guys are given more time to work on the episodes this year, does that mean that episodes like “Adrift” are pretty much completely done?”
Answer: Swimmingly. And – hell no! We just got the missing scenes shot the other week and the visual effects are far from complete. On the bright side, we almost have a finished episode in Doppelganger. Almost, but not quite.
Majorsal writes: “Joe, what are you ON tonight!?”
Answer: I’m full of chocolate!
Vikitty writes: “Where do you stay when you visit Hong Kong? And are you going back this December?”
Answer: On our first trip, we stayed at The Peninsula which was very nice. On our last trip, we stayed at the Shangri-la which was Amazing. Sadly, we won’t be getting back this year as Fondy is busy setting up her little dog spa and I’ll be doing…well, that remains to be seen.
Anonymous #1 writes: “Hey, was wondering when Season 4 promotional photos and videos will be available to the public?”
Answer: Don’t know.
Kayleigh writes: “Is there ever a time when you want to turn the table on the posters and ask them a question?”
Answer: Why do you ask?
Anonymous #2 writes: “My, my the list of groups who dislike Carter grows by the day doesn’t it?”
Answer: Yeah, there’s that possibility. But it’s more likely the same handful of people complaining twice as much.
Rebekah writes: “Sorry to say it, but Blake was a Romantic, not a Victorian.”
Answer: The “Victorian-era” reference refers to the works of the painter, not the poet.
Yasmin writes: “My husband and I are planning a trip to Vancouver for our 12 year anniversary. Can you recommend some places to eat/stay/sightsee?”
Answer: Check out Stanley Park for a stroll and go to Steveston for some fish ‘n chips. Food – Tojo’s for high-end sushi. Yuji’s for creative Japanese tapas. West for high end dining. Vij’s for creative Indian.
Michelle writes: “Michelle Gagné here. You may recall I was one of your straight-laced friends at Abbott.”
Answer: Hey, Michelle. Since I approve comments, feel free to send me your email in a message. I’ll make sure it doesn’t go public. Unless you want me to.
Anonymous #3 writes: “Why not making a co-leadership on Atlantis ?”
Answer: Co-leaderships are lame.
Andrew Timson writes: “When will directors be assigned? Were they assigned already?”
Answer: The directors schedule is one of the first thing set at the beginning of the year. The individual episodes are slotted long after.
Anonymous #4 writes: “It has recently come to my attention that “[Joe Flanigan] smells good if that’s anything. Like really good. Think of dancing in a meadow of flowers on a spring day”. Can you confirm this rumour one way or another?”
Answer: This is in fact true. The last time I danced with Joe in a meadow flowers on a spring day, he smelled divine. Sort of a cross between baby powder, almonds, and KFC.
Scarym writes: “We know that Rachel can sing, does anyone else from the cast have any singing talent?”
Answer: Hmmm. There was a DVD recording of one of David Hewlett’s karaoke parties floating around set sometime last year. Get a hold of it and you guys be the judges.
Hey joe so over on David H’s forum we’ve been chattering about the wraith birth and special features for season 4- check it out here: http://www.adogsbreakfastmovie.com/index.php?option=com_joomlaboard&Itemid=26&func=view&id=32670&catid=22. Any feelings?
“as Fondy is busy setting up her little dog spa and I’ll be doing…well, that remains to be seen.“
Best of luck to Fondy with dog spa. And hopefully you’ll be prepping for S5. Well after a small break. 🙂
Hey, what do you expect from a Physics major? We’re technical, anal-retentive, and of course, we pay attention to the tiniest insignificant details.
Oh, and we’re good at math too, I suppose. Hehe.
Let’s see…a non-Gate question this time. Whenever you eat dinner at home, do you ever do something else at the same time? Like, watching TV or reading? Or, are you one of those guys who concentrate on the food?
Answer: This is in fact true. The last time I danced with Joe in a meadow flowers on a spring day, he smelled divine. Sort of a cross between baby powder, almonds, and KFC.
I think I just sprained something. It can’t be good for my health to laugh that hard… 😀
Answer: Hmmm. There was a DVD recording of one of David Hewlett’s karaoke parties floating around set sometime last year. Get a hold of it and you guys be the judges.
Now, if ever there was a candidate for the Season 4 DVD boxset extras! 😀 Alternatively, I’d be willing to pay handsomely in chocolate if you could smuggle me a copy… 😉
carter in atlantis? rocks my face off. can’t wait.
as unending sets to air, any thoughts/feelings on the end of sg-1 (on tv)? are you going to watch it?
Hey Joe, I am looking for a really awesome ice cream recipe to impress my friends at an upcoming get together. Can you share one of your favorite recipes? I hear you are the master of ice cream mixing 🙂
Seriously! Keep up the great work, here’s to hoping for a season 5! Anyways, just read some stuff on the internet about unending…and the Asgard commit euthanasia!? That’s terrible! I’ll miss the those little cloned buddies of our…I may have to go off and cry.
Anyways.
Out of all the character driven episodes, which one are you most proud of/looking forward to/etc?
If co-leaderships are lame, you and Mullie had better part company. That would be a co leadership, wouldn’t it?
To answer MajorSal… If someone chooses not to like Carter, that’s their business. Stop saying that there’s no reason not to like her. I can’t stand the character. I’ve hated her since the Pete saga, which was apparently something the actress brought on her own character by asking for her to have a boyfriend. She is irritating. Annoying. Pathetic. TO ME. That is MY OPINION.
On the other hand, I love the characters of SGA. Especially Beckett and Weir. Having them gone and her in the lineup makes me inclined to stop watching. Especially when my least favourite interaction will now be part of the show, that being McKay and Carter. I turned off Grace Under Pressure before the opening credits because I just couldn’t face watching them together, and I’m not the only one who’s concerned about it. TPTB obviously have two favourite characters in the franchise, and those two are it.
On the subject of the Sam fans, which was raised by someone else, I agree wholeheartedly.
I remember that Amanda said at a convention one time that everyone had their contracts renewed including Ben and Claudia, except for her. The fans went on the attack. TPTB were called all sorts of things. There were attacks on Claudia and Ben because how dare they be renewed when the Sam fans didn’t like them etc.
What happened? Amanda got her deal. And she got a year on Atlantis.
Yeah, Sam fans are as pure as the driven snow.
Hey Joe!
It’s my birthday today so I thought I’d stop by and say, “Hey Joe! It’s my birthday today!”
MB 😉
If you have an extra spot to fill for Season Four, will you guys consider filling it with your shelved Carson story?
Are your pugs home alone during the day? My dogs are used to having me home during the day, and I’m a little concerned about how they are going to adjust to me being gone four days a week–not that they do anything all day but sleep on the bed or the couch.
“Answer: Co-leaderships are lame.”
So you finally acknowledge what the fans have been saying since season 9 debuted. Does this acknowledgment, coupled with the fact Carter will be a Colonel, mean that Carter will be sole leader SG-1 as it should be and should have been?
Also, seriously, when this co-leader of SG-1 thing came up in the writers room were there any dissenting opinions on how lame and illogical and out of character it would be (such as yours maybe) who were overruled just to see their dissenting position vindicated when it flopped like a lead balloon with so many of the fans because Carter should have been sole leader?
so i keep reading all your cool stuff you get to do with your job, but what is your job title, and what is included in it? just curious also in the one photo can you say if looks could kill lol(referring to the mean look the lady is giving)
Dustin
Hey Joe,
Love your blog I read it everyday like the Bible… haha…
Anyway, I have a question which I have been wondering for days now. And I dont know if anyone had asked this question already.
My question is that you and Paul wrote the lyrics for SG1 theme song and sing it on the commentary of S4 ep Prodigy. I am wondering are you and Paul going to write the lyrics for SGA and sing it as well?!
Thank you very much… 🙂
[…] The last time I danced with Joe in a meadow flowers on a spring day, he smelled divine. Sort of a cross between baby powder, almonds, and KFC.
Oh! My! *attempts to maintain a straight face, but inevitably falls and bursts into laughter* Joe, you are too much sometimes. Now the question is… does Fondy know about this incident?
Seems like Canadians can’t enter the contests on MGM’s Stargate website. Whats up with that? I guess it doesn’t matter anyways, since the DVD season they are giving away wasn’t signed by anyone important, ya know like Joe Mallozzi.
Hi, new to the blog forum. I have enjoyed yours immensely; especially the photos from various SG sets. As David Nykl, David Hewlett and Kate Hewlett all have blogs, do any of you comment on each other’s blogs?
Just found this while poking around http://www.vch.ca/environmental/docs/food/food_closures.pdf
Seems like Vancouver has a lot of Asian restaurants that get closed due to problems. Luckily none that you have visited have shut down lately.
So how are the pups you’re not getting? =) And when will you be posting pictures of you dancing in that field of flowers with Joe Flanigan? Enquiring Fans Want to Know!
Here’s one I’ve wondered about, because – well, I’m a music geek. We know that the skateboard in Shep’s quarters is actually Joe’s board. Is the guitar also Joe’s?
Ever had any chocolates from Brugge, Belgium? Last time I was there I had the most amazing chocolates of my life. I believe the most impressive was a chocolate with a hint of chili added. Least favorite was one with a lemongrass touch, but it was still very impressive. If only I could remember the name of the shop…
Hey Joe,
Just wondering “if” Carter shows up in a new ship. Is there any possibility it could be named “The Thor” or “The Asgard”? I’m just a big softy for the little gray guys.
Oh and once again, if you keep eating that sushi, bad karma will visit you. I will see you in a professional sense. The worm D. latum is a really nasty customer, but you go on eating it…you’re not feeling any cramping are you? Double vision? Tingling in finger and toes?
All the Weir versus Carter posts started me thinking there must be a way to bring these two camps together.
Then Joe mentioned doing a musical number as part of Atlantis.
And then it came to me….
Carter is a perfect “Glinda” and Weir is a near perfect “Elphaba”.
What would be better then having Carter call Weir into her new office and sing the song “Popular” to Weir.
DVR’s all over the country would be stopping and replaying that segment all night long. You could probably make a fortune by putting it on Itunes as a music video.
Now before you say no, please beg, borrow or ITune the Kristin Chenoweth version of “Popular” and listen to the words. If you don’t think Carter’s voice is up to it have Kristin dub it for her.
I am sure both camps will love it.
Now to use Daniel’s (repetitive) question to Jack.. “What do You think?”
Hiya Joe,
Lovely press pics – don’t you just hate it when they misquote ya??? Next thing you know you’ll be quoted as dancing in the meadows with Joe Flanigan and smelling of baby powder!
So this Karaoke vid of some singing people… hmm, I guess Mr Hewlett probably sent it underground… sounds interesting. Ivon wouldn’t by any chance be able to get his hands on it would he??? It’d be a great addition to the boxsets.
By the way, did you end up making your mind on what presents you were going to give the cast (maybe tshirts with yours and Paul’s faces???). They can wear those with pride!
Ta-ta!
hi, joe,
do you know if anyoneS (amanda, rick, ben, etc.) did a video diary of their time in the arctic for the ‘continuum’ movie? it would be GREAT to see it!
sally 😀
From today’s post:
Anonymous #3 writes: “Why not making a co-leadership on Atlantis?”
Answer: Co-leaderships are lame.
Can I count this as the definitive reason SG-1 ended?
Anyway, I hope things are going well for you Mr. Mallozzi. I’ve been following along with the various pieces of information that have been released and I am really looking forward to season four. It’s a shame it starts so late, as the start of season 3 brightened up my summer last year when reading got boring.
A few questions, as usual:
1) Are you guys writing with the possibility of no season five in mind? That is to say, would you be able to wrap up SGA to your liking without significantly changing the back half of season 4 if it came down to it?
2) If you do hit season 5, and I hope you do, would you consider upping the the number of episodes you make that year?
And more selfishly:
3) If you hit season 5 and are looking for an episode or two that isn’t from your writing staff, would you be so kind as to let us know? I work quite cheap.
Finally, even if you don’t have time to answer my questions today, I wish you best of luck with your work and with rest of the stuff with your life. While I’ve never been a dog person, and likely never will, I’ll admit that the pictures of the pugs you put up a few days ago were excellent and I hope you do get to take one or six home.
Looking forward to tomorrow’s entry,
Copernicus
Hey!
Fondy is starting a doggy spa? That’s awesome! All my luck!
Also, have you heard of these ice cream making ball things? Think they’d do the trick, or should we just stick to the good ol’ fashioned way?
Ayla McKay
Nova Scotia
Will we ever see Sheppard’s ex-wife in a flashback or a photo or anything?
Hey Mr. M.,
I was curious if you have any interest in astronomy beyond looking at the pretty pixs from Astronomy Picture Of the Day?
Have you tried to get out this past week and see the ISS and Space Shuttle Atlantis?
Coleaderships are lame? No, just Mitchell. I think coleadership between Sam and Sheppard would work. Is this you admitting you really wrecked the Sam Carter character in favor of Mitchell? Please don’t do the same to John Sheppard. Don’t demote him, too.
Hey, for that puppy you’re definitely not getting…How about Dr. Doom? I think that would be an adorable name for a pug.
Regarding chocolates, how do you feel about fruit/cream fillings? Nuts? Nougat?
why would sg1 have to go to find this mind washing wepond in the other galaxy when the azgard gave them everything and they already blew up 3 of the priors ships?
I hope it is Ricky D. as the guest star! Please, Joe, it worked out great last year! “The backstroke, I think.” Classic!
“Anonymous #2 writes: “My, my the list of groups who dislike Carter grows by the day doesn’t it?”
Answer: Yeah, there’s that possibility. But it’s more likely the same handful of people complaining twice as much.”
Oh God. *wipes eyes* I love you Joe. Wait…ok, not like THAT!!!
Oh, that’s a shame re: HK & Asia. I have family there so I probably won’t stay in those snazzy hotels. The last time I was in HK was seven years ago – how did you find the environment and atmosphere?
Tell Fondy I wish her the best of luck with the dog spa!
Oh! Just had a thought – you could go to the Film Haunt during hiatus. That’ll fill up 1 of your 120 days-ish of freedom.
It suddenly dawned on me that you’re writing techno babble for McKay, Sam & Radek.
How do you do research for that?
Hello,
I was curious as to why someone posts on a blog of someone they didn’t know. This is a first for me and probably a last as it’s a bit scary. It was something one of your posters said that got me thinking. What goes through your mind when you see the same posters over and over again? Do you build an image of who that person is? Plus I didn’t have a better question to ask you. Sorry.
First of great blog! Secondly, ppl S4 hasn’t even started and you are blowing the role of Carter apart! I always thought watch first and then build your opinion! And to those who complain about waiting for S4 way too long, I live in Germany and will probably hae to wait till next year!!
Joe, did you ever try German chocolate?? If not, tell me where to send some!
Anonymous said…
Coleaderships are lame? No, just Mitchell. I think coleadership between Sam and Sheppard would work. Is this you admitting you really wrecked the Sam Carter character in favor of Mitchell? Please don’t do the same to John Sheppard. Don’t demote him, too.
“Don’t demote him too”???
I’m sorry but I don’t understand the comment. Is he losing his team to Carter? Was he in charge of Atlantis instead of Weir? If the answer to these two questions is “NO”…which, by the way, it is…then Shep isn’t being demoted.
From what I can tell, the only thing different structurally is that he’ll now be required to obey the orders handed down from the head of the expedition…whereas before, he wasn’t bound by military law to do so.
I’m looking forward to seeing how Shep and Carter relate to each other and am pulling for some friction and tension as the changes are implemented…even some good ol’ fashion insubordination would be cool.
Hey; I was wondering. If I fly to vancouver for a holiday. Could I juset go up to Bridge Studios and order an autograph of any of the actors? Am I allowed to see or talk to them?
Thanks alot.
Co-leaderships are lame.
Quickest way to divide a staff is give them 2 different people to report to based on some arbitrary criteria.
That’s why SG1 was given a team leader – Mitchell – in his first episode. He was distinctly told by the powers that be that he was in command.
Being the good leader that he was, he, of course, recognized that commanding someone of the same rank and two civilians required a different command style than commanding a group of subordinate military personnel. A smart leader would defer to someone with greater expertise in an area – and doesn’t require command being relinquished.
Even a rebel such like O’Neill would take a different approach when dealing with subordinate officers than he did with SG1. There were a couple of times that I thought he should have landed harder on Carter – like when she allowed herself to be fooled by Replicator Sam – but I attributed the fact he didn’t to the “ship” influence.
Co-leadership is also very different than a partnership – where Paul clearly knows how to get out of doing that which he prefers not to do. 🙂
Hey Joe – you recently mentioned that you finished reading David Wingrove’s Chung Kuo.
What were your thoughts? Did you like it enough to consider reading the rest of the series? The books were recommended to me a long time ago and I enjoyed them a lot!
My all time favorite series of books are the “Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever” by Stephen R. Donaldson. “Lord Foul’s Bane” is the first book. By the middle of the second book “The Illearth War” I was hooked! I highly recommend them!
Have a great day!
Have you heard the soundtrack for Oceans 13?
It’s quite an extraordinary work of art, and highly recommended.
Also, on Atlantis, any new hot meals being served up in the cafeteria?
Thanks for answering my question Joe.
Also, This is in fact true. The last time I danced with Joe in a meadow flowers on a spring day, he smelled divine. Sort of a cross between baby powder, almonds, and KFC.
Well I know afterward you must have felt special! Next time get someone to take a picture, so we can all enjoy it.
Will we see any clashes between McKay & Carter? Will McKay’s character still display his crush?
Touche on the Blake question! I defer to the greater mind. 🙂
Hey, I was wondering. What influenced your decision to bring the Replicators to the Pegasus Galaxy? Since, according to SG-1, they were created by that girl (pardon me, I cannot remember her name), who created the Pegasus version of the Replicators? The Ancients?
Also, with respect to musical episodes – you could just incorporate karaoke into the show – you know, have everyone sort take a night off and hold a karaoke party (they do this in the military all the time) – maybe have McKay and Teyla up on a stage singing “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”. That’d be something I’d watch for sure.
Speaking of watching, I have decided there will be a fifth season. Let’s look at the facts. What does Sci Fi have. SG-1 is over. BSG is over. They have Eureka and Painkiller Jane. While Eureka is fabulous, Painkiller Jane leaves a lot to be desired. They need a flagship, and Atlantis is just the show! Now, we need to convince them of this!
“On the subject of the Sam fans, which was raised by someone else, I agree wholeheartedly.”
I think its safe to say that each character/ship has their own group of fans, all of whom have their extreme members who have on occasion not particularly carried themselves with dignity in making their arguments, been particularly tempered in how they’ve expressed their disappointment with character developments or in how they’ve lobbyed for their character/ship.
Singling out Sam fans, Daniel fans, Weir fans, Shep fans or the Pineapple fans for such criticism is really heading into the cliche-ville of pot, kettle, throwing things in glass houses, etc…
Equally, I suggest each group of fans also has a large majority who not only appreciate all the other characters but may share concerns and disappointment about decisions made regarding those other characters regardless about what those decisions have meant for their favourite.
I know many Sam fans who have been disappointed with the Weir decision; I know many Weir fans who are happy Sam is joining SGA and both groups would like Weir back and for the two women to work together.
Equally I’m sure there are many Sam fans who will appreciate why some Shep fans are disappointed that Shep is no longer the highest ranking military officer on Atlantis, while other Shep fans may consider this is a good character development for him to be challenged by having a military command.
Let’s not tar everyone with the same brush.
“Sadly, we won’t be getting back this year as Fondy is busy setting up her little dog spa and I’ll be doing…well, that remains to be seen.”
Best of luck to Fondy with the dog spa. I’m sure she’s done tons of research, but when I was looking for looking a local boarding place for a friend I thought this place had one of the better websites, so I thought I’d share. It may have more services listed than she’s planning on but the layout was pretty easy to find stuff.
http://www.charlestonpetresort.com/
As for you, I refuse to believe you will be doing anything but relaxing before starting for Season Five.
“I know many Sam fans who have been disappointed with the Weir decision; I know many Weir fans who are happy Sam is joining SGA and both groups would like Weir back and for the two women to work together. “
Most of the Sam fans I’ve come across have been too busy rejoicing to even consider that Weir has been dumped.
Do I want Carter in SGA? No. Could I handle having her there if we could still have Elizabeth? Yes.
That’s all that had to be done to avoid fracturing this fandom. There’s nothing wrong with Elizabeth. There’s definitely nothing wrong with the work of Torri Higginson.
It just looks to me like TPTB find Carter easier to write than Weir. Weir’s not military, she’s not one of those characters where you can say “well if all else fails and she needs to show some sort of emotion, we’ll just have her shoot something.”
It truly is a sad thing that TPTB have seen fit to lose this character, who was such a wonderful contrast to the military side of Atlantis. The same goes for Beckett. Those two were the human, sympathetic faces of Atlantis. The ones who faced the greater conflict because they were civilians stuck in a military situation. (and unlike Rodney they weren’t members of the main team)
So much could have been done with those two characters. But dumping them was obviously easier.
Such a sad waste of two wonderful, inspiring characters.
Hey, Joe. One quick question for you today.When you’re writing scripts, do you always write the scenes in the order that they’ll air? Say if you’re writing a scene at the beginning but are hit with inspiration for an ending scene, will you skip ahead and write that or wait until you finish the rest of the script?
Morning Joe!
Thanks for my laugh of the day….you and Joe Flanigan dancing in a meadow of flowers! *dreamy sigh*
The show’s taking a break in July if I recall correctly. What will you be doing….and will you still be blogging about it?
Have a good day!
Hey Joe,
I have my mind wandering off all the time 😀 mostly at school of course 😉
I asked this in you’re previous blog-entry, but you probably missed it.
Do we get to see Ford back in season 4, or possible later seasons? Or did he really die?
Hello Joe,
Nice payback to the hunters.
I have a breakfast question for you. Are you coffee, chocolate milk, tea, orange juice drinker for breakfast? Any brand preference in any of these?
Do you eat big breakfast or nothing at all?
Thank you
You got rid Beckett AND Weir? Great move. NOT! Now you’re bringing Carter onboard? Hope you have your resume updated.
One of the reasons I watch Atlantis is because it’s so DIFFERENT from SG-1. And it’s a lot better! Now it seems like you’re determined to turn Atlantis into a hybrid. Hey, don’t get me wrong I love the cast of SG-1 like everyone else. But they should walk off into the sunset, not show up on another show and take it over.
What are the viewer demographics for Atlantis? Are there more women watching than men? The conventions are attended mostly by women. Wondered if women are a large part of the Atlantis audience.
Thanks,
Semisweet(yes, I lurve chocolate too!)
So Joe, when you’re dancing in the meadow with the other Joe, who gets to lead?
You know it takes a real man to smell like baby powder and still appear masculine. The almonds and KFC have me stumped though.
If the musical doesn’t work out, you could always consider a dance episode. I would pay good money to see that.
Joe said: “Hmmm. There was a DVD recording of one of David Hewlett’s karaoke parties floating around set sometime last year. Get a hold of it and you guys be the judges.”
Oh, now you’re *really* out to torment me! You … you tease, you!!! *Pout*
Hi Joe,
It’s been a few days since I’ve posted a comment on your blog. As a Stargate SG1 fan I’m finding this week to be very difficult. Friday night will be the last episode, “Unending”, in the U.S. Even though 10 years is a great run, it’s still really sad to see the series end. Seeing the picture in TV Guide that was taken the last day of filming and reading what Michael said on SciFi wire today made me realize that as hard as it is for the fans it had to be very difficult for Amanda, Michael and Chris.
When you were blogging on Gateworld I asked you on your blog if there would be any Sam and Daniel friendhip episodes. You answered me right away and said to watch “Morpheus”. You were right. It had some really good scenes between the 2 of them. THANK YOU! Even though I’m a Jack/Sam and Daniel/Vala shipper, I love the friendship between Sam and Daniel. I’ve always felt that Amanda and Michael were able to play the brother/sister dynamic perfectly leading to their nickname ‘The Science twins’.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Daniel is the SG1 character that you’ve been keeping mum about. My gut feeling is that Teal’c is doing a second episode. No offense to Teal’c but I really hope it’s Daniel. I know you’ll let the fans know as soon as you can.
Thanks Joe
Joe,
I just saw this on http://www.eonline.com ……
“Garage Sale
Want to own a piece of The Sopranos? Here’s your chance. HBO is selling off various items from the show such as Catholic statuettes, kitchen utensils, bed linens, clocks, chairs and lamps in a warehouse near the New York studio where many of the show’s interiors were shot.”
Get your checkbook ready. Fondy can get pug(s) and you can get Sopranos stuff! What item from the series would you want?
Cheers!
SMB_BOOKS
http://www.saveelizabethweir.com
Hi Joe:
Can you confirm whether Carter gets to pilot one of the F-14s that are being used in Continuum? Seems that is one of the many aspects of her character not really developned for her over the years so it would be a cool aspect to play on for the movie.
Thanks a lot.
well we KNOW Hewlett has a predilection towards rap, how much to keep him gagged?
You’ve probably been asked this before, but have you ever, or would you ever try Fugu (pufferfish).
Pauline
Anonymous wrote:
That’s all that had to be done to avoid fracturing this fandom. There’s nothing wrong with Elizabeth. There’s definitely nothing wrong with the work of Torri Higginson.
Of course, that is a matter of opinion. While I’m sure Torri is a lovely person, I never enjoyed her acting on SGA and I thought Elizabeth was one of the weakest characters.
Letting Tori go and bringing in Amanda is a decision PTB made because they thought it was best. It may not end up being a good decision in terms of the viewing audience or it may end up as a good decision. People are free to criticise the decision/comment on it as much as they like. But the ‘fracturing the fandom’ comments make me laugh.
It’s not the fault of the PTB that some fans take this show too seriously, that some fans behave in a very immature manner over such things. PTB don’t tell some fans to label other fans with derogatory names or make fun of them. PTB don’t make some fans behave like an ass. Is there no free will here? Apparently not for some fans.
Anonymous said: Can you confirm whether Carter gets to pilot one of the F-14’s being used in Continuum?
I hope you don’t mind my jumping in but someone commented on Michael’s most recent blog, page six I think, regarding this. The person is stationed in Iraq right now and said that they had just watched an interview with Brad, Amanda and Ben on AFN. They said that it showed Amanda and Ben in
F-14s. The person didn’t say whether or not Amanda and Ben were in one F-14 or separate. If Joe isn’t able to answer your question you could probably e-mail the poster on Michael’s blog. I think all of the posters have their e-mail address listed. I hope you find this helpful.
I know you get lots of positive comments to balance out the negative, but I just feel the need to tell you…
Love the show! Wasn’t too pleased when Beckett got the axe but I’m sure the new doctor will be cool. Sam Carter on Atlantis? Again, wasn’t crazy about the idea at first but I think it will be interesting. Keeping my fingers crossed for season 5 and anxiously anticipating season 4!!
“Of course, that is a matter of opinion. While I’m sure Torri is a lovely person, I never enjoyed her acting on SGA and I thought Elizabeth was one of the weakest characters.”
Right, I too am sure TH is a fine person but I wish they had kept Jessica Steen. In the few scenes she played Weir on SG-1 I thought she brought more to the character, gave the character more of a presence.
Have you seen A Dog’s Breakfast? If so, was it good? If not, do you plan to?
Anonymous1 said…
“Of course, that is a matter of opinion. While I’m sure Torri is a lovely person, I never enjoyed her acting on SGA and I thought Elizabeth was one of the weakest characters.”
Anonymous2 said…
Right, I too am sure TH is a fine person but I wish they had kept Jessica Steen.
In the few scenes she played Weir on SG-1 I thought she brought more to the character, gave the character more of a presence.
I think there are a lot of former and current Atlantis viewers who feel the same way.
anonymous said…
*snipped for excessive yammering*
On the subject of the Sam fans, which was raised by someone else, I agree wholeheartedly.
I remember that Amanda said at a convention one time that everyone had their contracts renewed including Ben and Claudia, except for her. The fans went on the attack. TPTB were called all sorts of things. There were attacks on Claudia and Ben because how dare they be renewed when the Sam fans didn’t like them etc.
What happened? Amanda got her deal. And she got a year on Atlantis.
Yeah, Sam fans are as pure as the driven snow.
I was involved in the Sam fandom back then and can tell you that the overwhelming majority of the group were irritated yet respectful, never blaming Ben or Claudia. No one called either of them names or lashed out at them.
As for TPTB, I don’t recall any namecalling but we did voice our discontent. The core issue was that we felt Amanda deserved more respect than she was given…that she should have been contacted rather than being forced to track down answers on her own.
On top of the fact that everyone else already had their contracts, comments like “We don’t know what to do with your character” and the possibility of her going to Atlantis for several episodes…all these things served to paint a bleak picture.
I’ve seen her be completely misquoted in some places and her statements when quoted was mis-characterized to make it look as though she were whining. She did not whine. She was not complaining. She reported what she knew because she knew she’d be asked.
That being said, no one said that Carter fans are pure as the driven snow. Further, there are fringe elements in every aspect of every fandom that make the rest of the group look bad.
One would think that if some nimrod attacked Ben or Claudia and said ridiculous things like “how dare they be renewed when the Sam fans didn’t like them etc.” that most people would be discerning enough to recognize a statement from the fringe element when they saw it.
And for the record…that quote is a patent lie…there are a lot of Carter fans who like either Mitchell or Vala and a bunch that love both.
” hope you don’t mind my jumping in but someone commented on Michael’s most recent blog, page six I think, regarding this. The person is stationed in Iraq right now and said that they had just watched an interview with Brad, Amanda and Ben on AFN. They said that it showed Amanda and Ben in
F-14s. The person didn’t say whether or not Amanda and Ben were in one F-14 or separate. If Joe isn’t able to answer your question you could probably e-mail the poster on Michael’s blog. I think all of the posters have their e-mail address listed. I hope you find this helpful.”
Thank you very much for this information – it is very nice of you and very helpful and I appreciate it.
Scarym, David H sang a little bit at Pegasus 2 and I can vouch for his pretty good voice *g*
Anonymous #3 writes: “Why not making a co-leadership on Atlantis ?”
Answer: Co-leaderships are lame.
Actually, isn’t it only lame when it’s done badly? Personally I think that with the great writers you have over there you could find a unique and interesting way to have both Carter and Weir run Atlantis. For example, Carter could be in charge of all things military with Weir being in charge of all things civilian/science/negotiating. That way both camps are happy. There would never be the need for a tie-breaker because if the situation put the city population at direct risk (ie Seige/The Long Goodbye) the reigns could be handed to Carter and in medical/negotiating situations like Hot Zone and Common Ground Elizabeth would be in charge…. of course you could add drama with them banging heads every so often with John and Rodney having to take sides. (ie will John go with his military background or his friendship with Elizabeth and will Rodney go with his scientific background with Carter or his friendship/trust/civilian connection with Elizabeth) Also, with having a co-leadership of Atlantis you would allow Amanda to work out her contract, keep Torri on board and please everyone who doesn’t want to see the cast change too much….
Hope Season 4 filiming is going well.
~~Lizzie Love~~
I think a musical episode would be fantastic!!! You could have a glitter ball, and all the cast in sparkelly versions of thir BDUs, and a glitter ball, and a chorus line of wraith, and a glitter ball, and an automated flying car, 40 stage school kids, and a dancing dog, did i mention a glitter ball. You could have the lyrics at the bottom of the screen with a bouncing ball so we could sing along…..I think that would be great!
Seriously though, it would be realy funny to see shepard or mckay have to sing along to somthing …. maybee they go to a world where it would be rude not to sing the national anthum?! like when you watch sports and no one knows the words they just kinda lip sync?
If Atlantis was a musical, what would it be. Would it be a sondheim ‘In to the woods’ style, or more of an Avenue Q, or perhaps the sound of music?
Thanks!!!
Hey Mr Mallozzi. Just wondering if we will see any of Dr Beckett’s siblings in the series? and which guest stars would you wish too have on the show?
and…Do your washing machine eat your socks? Do you have a solution on this?
*waves*
I’ve been working on cutting down my posts to a few sentances as opposed to my usual long-winded ramblings, and have really tried hard to curb my enthusiasm, but alas it was not to be. Oh well, there’s always tomorrow. 😀
Anonymous #3 writes: “Why not making a co-leadership on Atlantis ?”
Joe says: Co-leaderships are lame.
I think it depends on who you have working together. I’ve been working with my co-manager for 7 years now, and although we’re like an old married couple, and have our differences (which it’s great, as we both love to wind each other up), personally I think it can work in some fields. The thing is, unless you try it you never know. The one thing I love about changes in leadership is the friction that it brings. That’s something i’m really looking forward to when Sam comes over. And while it’s not necessarily ‘bad’ friction, it’s different styles of leadership that make things interesting. So are we going to see Shep being a bit rebellious in S4? 😀
Joe also says: “On the bright side, we almost have a finished episode in Doppelganger. Almost, but not quite.”
Ah, when you say Doppelganger is almost done, is that a hint to say you’re adding some more whump and shirtless Shep scenes for us, Joe? Since you’ve already devoted 39 minutes of the ep having Shep shirtless. I read between the lines of your and noted that you’ve obviously decided that to please the fans, Shep needs to be semi nekkid for the whole episode. Wise choice their Mr M, i’m sure it will be a real fan pleaser when it’s done. 😉
And before I depart, I have to say thank you for having me in fits of giggles at the thought of you and JF dancing in the meadows. It would make for a great DVD extra. :o)
Thsnk you Mr M you’re a very wise and kind man. Tell Fondy we’re keeping our fingers crossed for her doggy spa business. You of course will be too busy planning season 5 to get involved. *tops up her cup of happiness* Need a refill, Joe? 😀
*hugs*
Hey Joe, I have an SG1 Question. How is it that you keep killing Baal and/or his clones but the next time we see him/them, he/they always knows what happened to the previously killed Baal even though there was no interection with him before he was killed?
Hey Joe,
Any plans for a “Future” episode of Atlantis, akin to SG1’s “2010”? A kind of “What if?” episode, those are always interesting.
Any word on how the new series in the SG franchise is comming?
Joe,
Dr. Weir’s role in S4 seems to be a bit of a secret, but can you tell me if I can expect an emotional response to her situation?
Many thanks
Anonymous said: “Thank you very much for this information – it is very nice of you and very helpful and I appreciate it”.
Your welcome. It’s actually F-15’s that’s being used in Continuum. I accidentally typed F-14 after reading your post. I am really excited to see this movie.
And Joe, just so you don’t feel neglected…..I’m still in my happy place from the pictures you posted of Amanda and Michael filming Continuum!! *HUGS*
wwlh said…
My all time favorite series of books are the “Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever” by Stephen R. Donaldson. “Lord Foul’s Bane” is the first book. By the middle of the second book “The Illearth War” I was hooked! I highly recommend them!
I had mixed feelings about those books. Definitely a very interesting concept and a great main character but I did find some of the elements a little derivative of standard high fantasy fare and, my main quibble, boy those books are slooooooooow. Very wordy and descriptive and just kinda heavy-going. So whilst I enjoyed the concept and was hooked by the plotline and wanted to know what happened next.. I ended up finding reading them a bit of a chore. I persevered through the first trilogy but sadly admitted defeat on the first book of the second…
Helen said…
Scarym, David H sang a little bit at Pegasus 2 and I can vouch for his pretty good voice *g*
Really? Darn it! I must have missed that bit… no doubt because I had to spend the last half of David’s stage talk queuing to be in with a chance of getting a ticket for a photo op with David. *scowls*
Oh! Who’s the guy in the brown jacket, second photo? He’s absolutely adorable! =D
Still with the Jessica Steen crap? She did TWO EPISODES! Not three seasons. Have you ever considered that maybe she didn’t want to do a series?
She played the character as “goofy”. She didn’t come off as a true negotiator. She was more Monica Reyes/hippy chick than negotiator who could handle dealing with the military.
Torri took the character in a different direction, and given the fact that she was involved with Atlantis, not just SG1, someone must have told her what sort of vibe they wanted from the character.
Part of the problem Torri faced when she first started was people attacking her for not looking like Jessica, etc. When TPTB decided to recast, they chose her. And they made the perfect decision.
anonymous said
“For example, Carter could be in charge of all things military with Weir being in charge of all things civilian/science/negotiating. That way both camps are happy.”
You seem to be forgetting one not so minor detail we already have a leader of the military Col John Sheppard. I think pushing him aside to give Sam military control of Atlantis would definately upset us Sheppard fans and after all Joe F is the lead actor on the show. I can’t say I’m excited about Sam coming over to Atlantis but I’m still very much looking forward to Season 4. It sounds very exciting.
Hope you enjoy your break and come back with plenty of great ideas for the rest of the season which I’m sure you will.
Jules
Still with the Jessica Steen crap?
I guess we could ask you the same question. 🙂
She played the character as “goofy”. She didn’t come off as a true negotiator. She was more Monica Reyes/hippy chick than negotiator who could handle dealing with the military.
Within days, she found out that her government had been traveling to alien planets for years, took the job to command the project, picked up and moved across country, figured out she was embroiled in the middle of a power struggle with a VP who appeared to think he could control the president, learned enough galactic politics to deal with a near devastating attack on Earth (her plan to have Promethus back up SG1 and her decision to close the iris before the nuke was delivered to the SGC)and earned the grudging respect of Jack O’Neill by telling a bad joke at the appropriate moment.
I thought her surprise at the news was a very human reaction and her adaption to her new circumstance showed her as the professional she supposedly was.
My only problem with the character (regardless of who played her) is the same one I have (with a lesser degree) with a number of others. Daniel Jackson – even as a relative outcast that he was – caused some raised eyebrows by his lack of participation in professional conferences etc.
How does the one of the world’s premier international negotiators disappear completely from view for over a year without word to anyone and not have some “hot spot” country accuse another “hot spot” country of foul play? Sure the “major powers” country knew where she was, but not allcountries.