Own a piece of Stargate history! To celebrate the 250 000th visit to this blog, I will be giving away an item from the set of the movie Stargate: Continuum. Yes, you could be the lucky owner of a chunk of one-hundred percent bona fide Stargate flocking. “What the hell is flocking?”you may ask and “Did you even spell it correctly?” The answer to the latter question is “I don’t know.”, but the answer to the first is “Flocking (sic?) is that fake snow you see on sets intended to convey a sense of deep freeze fun.” And this particular chunk of flocking comes from the set of Stargate: Continuum, lovingly scraped off and discarded after filming wrap and now available for one fortunate individual.
The flocking, gorgeously displayed by the equally gorgeous Gary Jones in the picture above, comes in a beautiful carton box and will include its very own Unofficial Certificate of Authenticity (also pictured). Stay tuned! The winner will be announced in the days to come!
I’d like to take a moment to thank the fans (and Vaberella in particular) who spent countless hours deciphering the chicken scratch pictured in yesterday’s blog. To be honest, the writing was a lot cleaner and easier to make out in the smaller pics but, interestingly, the fact that it was that much harder to read seemed to lend credence to the possibility that I had mistakenly snapped a shot of genuine, though thoroughly lame and stage-weighty episode in which next to nothing happens between the opening tease and episode’s end. And it’s Part One no less! So, again, thanks and congratulations to all those who took the time to decode the simulated outline. Alas, the only genuine thing about those pictures was Carl’s less-than-enthused reaction to the chocolate.
Or was it?
Yeah, it was.
Hey, what’s on everyone’s mind?
Anonymous #1 writes: “In the season 4 previews it shows the female characters with their new uniforms unzipped down their front. So will we also be getting unzipped cleavage shots of Sheppard, Lorne and McKay?”
Answer: Whenever the producers check out some of the fan commentary, invariably the ones that give us the biggest kick are criticisms of the outfits our female regulars wear. They run the gamut from “Why did they make her wear that ugly dress?!” to “They put her in that outfit to make her look sexy!” Please don’t allow this to spoil your fun (and ours at reading the aforementioned comments) but how and what our actors and actresses wear is pretty up to them. Especially in the case of civvies where, in most cases, they’re wearing ensembles that they have hand-selected. Whatever they feel comfortable in is cool with us which is why when the Atlantis cast requested new uniforms for the show’s fourth season, we were more than happy to comply. Hell, there’s rarely a week that goes by that Jason isn’t in the costumes department, showing off his latest purchase he’d like to incorporate into Ronon’s ensemble. So, ultimately, if an actress would rather wear her jacket zipped down instead of zipped up tight in a tribute to Kilroy, that’s fine with us.
SMB Books writes: “Chocolate dipped pretzels – yay or nay? I say yay – love the sweet and salty combination!”
Answer: I’m afraid I’m going to have to say nay on account of the crunchiness.
Mackenziesmomma writes: “My question today is where will fondy be opening her wonderful doggy spa? Does she need help? 😉 I am afterall a certified veterinary technician and a farmer…”
Answer: She’ll be opening her doggy spa on West Broadway and the corner off…hmm… don’t remember. Might be MacDonald. And she and her business partner are looking to hire. Swing on by, they could make use of your veterinary AND farming skills. Also, do you have any experience with doggy massages?
Alipeeps writes: “I’m caught between wondering how many hours fans are going to spend trying to decipher those whiteboards and wondering if you would really go to all the trouble of creating fake whiteboard notes just to wind people up/throw them off the scent… nah… not even you could be that nefarious..? Could you?”
Answer: Mmmmmaybe. Actually, it didn’t take all that long. It took me all of three minutes to write it up – which pretty much accounts for the quality of the actual handwriting. The “it was all a simulation” is the scifi equivalent to the horror movie/short story “it was all a dream” ending after which you sit back and mutter “So what the hell was the point of sitting through that?” The best example was, of course, the season-that-wasn’t on Dallas when they discounted an entire season to bring back the deceased Bobby Ewing. It was, it turned out, all a dream (“Hey, remember the past six months of your life you spent watching the show? Would you mind forgetting all about it? Great. And thanks for being such a loyal viewer.)
MP writes: “Now that SG-1 has more or less wrapped, are the sets going to be dismantled as with most cancelled shows or are they going to remain standing for occaisional use on Atlantis / more movies?”
Answer: If Atlantis does get that fifth season pick-up, a decision will have to be made on the SG-1 standing sets. We won’t be able to keep all of them.
Marsha R. writes: “If you do come to L.A., there’s not only the possibility of corn tamales from you-know-where, but also access to AprylRae’s aforementioned bbq pulled pork straight from her oven. Oh, and I guess we could throw in some chocolate (as dessert, not on the bbq).”
Answer: Where? Where?!
LogicSequence writes: “Seeing as you’re a big fan of the food network, i was wondering if you have ever watched, or regularly watch some of the big cooking reality shows? Hell’s Kitchen or Top Chef for example?”
Answer: I have in the past. Unfortunately, I’ve missed the first three episodes of this season’s Hell Kitchen which I hear has been pretty terrific/mortifying.
Amy writes: “I have deciphered everything on the whiteboard. One question: Is this real or is it all a simulation?”
Answer: Your deciphering of the whiteboard was only a simulation I ran to gauge your emergency preparedness skills. Congratulations. You passed.
Dee in South Africa writes: “Is this what “Foxy Loxy with Floppy Sockies” is, an anagram?”
Answer: You’ve found me out! Yes, Fox Loxy with Floppy Socksies is, in fact, an anagram of Office With Spooky Lox Sly Pyx. Now it all makes sense!
Anonymous #2 writes: “Can you tell us what the ratings were for Unending and First Strike?”
Answer: I won’t know for a couple of days.
Anonymous #3 writes: “When you go to a store such as the chocolate one in yesterday’s pics, how do you shop? Do you browse?”
Answer: Yup, I’m a browser. I check the place out and pick up whatever strikes my fancy (hopefully a flavor that will alarm the guys back at the office).
Marion writes: “ Being the food lover you are, you’ve ever taken cooking lessons, and if it’d be something you’d like to do, and what kind of cuisine you’d like to be able to cook.”
Answer: I used to cook a lot as a kid, but really haven’t done much cooking since. I’d love to take some French cooking lessons. Of course that’s wholly dependant on my, uh, schedule next year.
Atlantisfannew1 a ecrit: “Croyez vous que Stargate aurai pu éxisté dans la réalité..? si oui es que les histoirs seraient identique?”
Reponses: Oui et oui.
Wolfen writes: “What are the chances we might see some Macross/Gundam-style transforming mecha on the show?”
Answer: Would love to but the visual effects budget on such an episode would be astronomical.
Anonymous #3 a ecrit: “1) les acteurs de SGA ont signés pour combiens de saisons? 2)qu’elle était la raison d’écarter TORRI dans cette saison 4, elle avait d’autres obligations? 3) sheppard sera t-il dévasté par la disparition de weir? 4) qui sera au COMIC CON de san diego cette année, vous y serez?”
Reponses: 1) Je ne peux pas répondre à cette question. 2) Je ne peux pas répondre à cette question. 3) Je ne peux pas répondre à cette question. 4) Au moment, je ne sais pas.
Expendable crewman writes: “Can you let me know how the Morrell book reads? Do I need The Blade Itself to enjoy Before They Were Hanged? Did you read I am Legend? What did you think? I just finished McCarthy’s The Road.”
Answers: I don’t read a lot of horror but I do make the occasional exception based on the recommendation of others (as was the case with The Terror). I’ll let you know what I think once I read it. The Blade Itself is the first book in the series, so start with that. I’m halfway through Before They Are Hanged and loving it. I read I am Legend ages ago and need to re-read it. And funny you should mention The Road as Brad was in my office just the other day recommending it to me.
you forgot to post what we have to do to be submitted into the contest. also what about them badges lol should throw one them in to 🙂 thx for your time
Dustin
so this blog must be about “flocking and togetherness”?
sorry…the first thing that came to mind when you mentioned the flocking was that line 😀
So did the entire cast request new uniforms?
Hah. As I suspected, merely another evil supervillain plot to throw us off course. You are truly more nefarious than even I had thought possible.. only my instinctive paranoia, honed and perfected over months of reading your blog, saved me on this occasion.
So who wins the flocking.. whichever fan spent the most time deciphering the whiteboard scribbles? 🙂
P.S. The Unofficial Certificate of Authenticity cracked me up. I love it! 😀
An actual question: how goes the hiatus reading? Which novel out of the pile pictured did you start with? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Iain M Banks ones..
Hey Joe:
I have a question about questions. If I ask a question and want to pursue more detail in your answer, or want to discuss, oh, say, film studies in universities, would you continue to answer that question in an over all discussion, or do you only want to answer one-off questions, like the lightning round in a game show? Just curious…
Patricia
My goodness Joe, what made you write all of that down in the first place? Was it boredom? A special celebration of the start of hiatus? A hazing ritual for a new writer that we don’t know about, where he has to write a script based on the weirdest outline you guys can create?!
Anywho…has that last episode place in Season 4 been filled yet? If so…any hints?
Do I have to make some smartass remark to enter the contest. Or do I need to be over critical about your blog and your answers to our questions. Or do I just have to say Pugs and Chocolate rule!
I was kididng about the remarks I hope you know. I do read you blog often.
Dear joe,
Happy St. Jean to you and Fondy. I’m looking forward to seeing you in montreal sometime.
your montreal fan
So, the fans are just going to flock to this post now… (sorry, I know it’s an awful pun, I just had to use it.)
I almost bought Old Man’s War yesterday – you recommended it before – but instead pre-ordered Hewlett’s movie. What can I say, I have my priorities. I currently have a stack of books to finish anyway. People keep giving them to me, and I feel obliged to read what they’ve given me before I buy another book to read. I’m funny that way. At least it’s all sci-fi and fantasy. ^_^
How’s hiatus treating you? Writing going well? And how about those pugs you’re not getting? (speaking of dogs, mine just had some sort of conniption fit…)
Take care,
Ayla McKay
Nova Scotia
Joe,
First of all, I have to (shamefully) admit that I haven’t kept up with your blog. 🙁 Living without the internet really isn’t living at all…merely existing.
BUT! I’m glad to say that I am playing catch-up on my favorite SG exec producer/writer’s blog but I just wanted to let you know that, in your honor (and at my request), there will be chocolate strawberry shortcake AND chocolate & amaretto cheesecake topped with chocolate sauce and even some sugar-free chocolate goodness (my husband’s diabetic) consumed over the next week. My father’s in a chocolate cooking mood. Did I mention we make everything but the chocolate from scratch? Yeah we do. The strawberries will be freshly picked by your’s truly and the chocolate will be of the finest kind as can be had here in Columbia, SC.
Now don’t you wish you could be at DragonCon since said chocolate feast will be repeated for my Dad’s birthday???
Oh and leave it to you to create such a buzz over fake snow. You, sir, are a wonderous genius that no mere mortal can match…
(And only part of that statement was sarcastic…)
Desi
“Your deciphering of the whiteboard was only a simulation I ran to gauge your emergency preparedness skills. Congratulations. You passed.”
Yay! I passed! Is passing like winning? Does that mean I won the flocking? 😉
So how does one win the flocking anyway?
Is there anything we can do to let TPTB know season 5 will be a smart move for them?
Since mega-hunk Mars has his own blog and myspace thingy why don’t you do a ‘day in the life of a Mallozzi Pug’ blog.
You could even fit them with little cameras to see what they get up to when left alone.
I am not at all clever when it comes to the analysing what you really meant in your blogs – I take things at face value. So if you are going to set us a task could you make it simple for us simple people to understand?
And thank you for allowing Paul McGillion to come back for a couple of episodes in series 4.
We are ALL waiting on the decision for series 5 with baited breath.
Susan…proud Tartan Turtle and SCB campaigner – but don’t let that put you off considering me for the mega-useless prize!
😉
If they can send one Scotsman to the Pegasus Galaxy why can’t send them all?
Just because I know it’ll annoy Sanssong, who hates her so much, what’s the episode count on Elizabeth? Still four for season four?
I know you mentioned Beckett would be in three episodes and that’s now down to two, so since you’ve only mentioned the names of three eps for Torri, does that mean she’ll only be in three?
what will be teal’cs role in that episode of atlantis will he help with ronon or something
Apparently there’s a lot of talk about how downloading is the reason for the not so fantastic ratings for the second half of season three.
How does that add up, given the fact that the second half of season two was also available online since it also went to air first in Canada.
There’s more to it than that. The situaiton is the same as it was last year when it comes to downloading. The difference now is that fans know you’re getting rid of Beckett and Weir. And they’re not happy.
Is there absolutely nobody who can see that? The great “Sunday” which was supposed to be a ratings booster if PM is to be believed (since he said he was told he was going to ‘shake things up’ and boost ratings) rated 1.1. Was that worth losing him for? A 1.1? I doubt it.
Joe-
You seem to really dislike the “It was all a dream” solution on bringing Bobby Ewing back on Dallas. Since it’s a non sci fi show (so there are some limitations) how would you have brought him back? Or would you still turn to the magic of sci fi?
Oh! Oh! Choose me! Choose me! I mean… *ahem* What would I want a piece of flocking?
Unfortunately, I did not think to try to decipher the chicken scr–writing on the white board from yesterday’s pics.
Maybe next time.
joe, you’re funny. and the promos look awesome. i’m especially happy to see some lorne in there.
grits are rapidly becoming my favorite part of the south. bad grits are terrible, but good grits- amazing.
if you were to introduce someone to SG-1 and SGA, which episode(s) would you pick to get them hooked?
if you were to introduce someone to SGA and SG-1, which episode(s) would you pick to get them hooked?
Anonymous said…
Just because I know it’ll annoy Sanssong, who hates her so much, what’s the episode count on Elizabeth? Still four for season four?
Bwahahahahahahahah ….. *ahem* sorry…
How do we enter to get this fine looking Gary Jones? What? You mean the competition is for the thing he is holding?
Damn it!
Oh well so how do we enter?
NZJ
Anonymous said… Is there absolutely nobody who can see that? The great “Sunday” which was supposed to be a ratings booster if PM is to be believed (since he said he was told he was going to ‘shake things up’ and boost ratings) rated 1.1. Was that worth losing him for? A 1.1? I doubt it.
You know you’re absolutely right! How could JM and the others have been sooooo wrong about these cast changes? God, how stupid of them! They made HUGE mistakes- committed career suicide! The show will fail and now EVERYONE will be looking for work! They should fire themselves and hire YOU to run the show since you obviously know so much about it.
Now to get to a subect that’s actually interesting.
Joe, I just have to say again how much I LOVED First Strike. It was by far the best season ender since Siege II. And for old time’s sake I even watched Unending and I loved it too. Great job to all who had a hand in these two supper episodes. I look forward to many more seasons to come for SGA!
Wow…can you actually read/speak french?
And Reaper Man is pretty good, but I would DEFINITALY recommend Guards! Guards! if you haven’t read it already. Oh, and Maskerade is a really good one too.
And my other question for today? I dunno. How about this: Who/what is your favorite musical artist/song at the moment?
Firstly, a note::
“In the season 4 previews it shows the female characters with their new uniforms unzipped down their front. So will we also be getting unzipped cleavage shots of Sheppard, Lorne and McKay?”
I second that, but I’m not complaining about the girl uniforms, I just really like the guys xD (no, I’m not that creepy, I just couldnt help the bad joke)
Now! Continuing, I deciphered what I could of the whiteboard. This is what I have, with some gaps here and there::
TEASER
Team discovers
(track?) above the Wraith
ACT ONE
Plan op.
Hit _ _.
Team about to be _.
Cut to commercial.
ACT TWO
_ it was all a (explination?)
Real op is planned
Team sets off
_ under fire
They’re about to _!!!
Cut to commercial
ACT THREE
____
Now they are ready!
Go on op.
Captured by the wraith!
As Wraith is about to feed…
Cut to Commercial
ACT FOUR
Simulation ends.
Now the team is finally ready.
They infiltrate the wraith hut
Self-de(something) _ _
The _ _ up (the head is blocking it) intruder!
Cut to commercial.
ACT FIVE
Whew! _ Good thing it
Was only a simulation.
Now we’re ready!
As the team heads off
for the op……..
END OF PART ONE
So! How’d I do?
Hello Joe,
Is there any chance that Daniel Jackson will be making a guest appearance in Season 4?
Thank You for your blog and answering questions.
Hey Joe, ok Torri is in Adrift, Lifeline, This Mortal Coil…and which other, cause u said she was in four episodes.
Plus, do I have the first three correct or not?
Thanks
So you’ve said no to chocolate covered pretzels. I’m guessing it’s also a no to pretzels mixed in with the ice cream (yum!!)?
“Answer: You’ve found me out! Yes, Fox Loxy with Floppy Socksies is, in fact, an anagram of Office With Spooky Lox Sly Pyx. Now it all makes sense!”
Is this that long awaited crossover with The Office? They must be running out of paper over there in the Pegasus galaxy…
I wish I had some floppy socksies.
Bonjour,
Pouvez vous me confirmer que les Anciens sont bien originaires de la Terre/Voie Lactée ?
Si non, d’ou viennent t-ils ?
Merci !
Just in case :
Can you confirm that the Ancient are the original inhabitant of Earth ? If not, where do they come from ?
Thank’s!
I’d like to take a moment to thank the fans (and Vaberella in particular) who spent countless hours deciphering the chicken scratch pictured in yesterday’s blog.
I’ll have you know that I mastered the art of chicken scratch!!! I leared penmanship in that style. I have a record time of deciphering CS within 5 minutes. Yours was around 3.256 minutes. ^_^
By the way, I liked the new uniform.
So would you happen to know in which ep, we Caldwell lovers can expect his appearance?
The flocking contest is great! What a fabulously pointless yet intriguing prize! So I should check in constantly for the next couple of days, right? That would be so out of character for me…
Joe,
I was hoping you could do me a favor and put in a good word for Don S. Davis for me. I’ve decided that Don may be the coolest person ever and, since my own grandfather is a combination of Burl Ives and Hitler (imagine THAT version of “Rudolph”), I’m shopping around for a new one. Don has won the contest.
I’ve printed out several pictures of him and pasted them over any and all pictures I could find of my real grandpa. The great part is most of them feature his General’s uniform, so I have a great time telling people, “Well as my Grandpa ‘the General’ always says…” Aaaaand he looks smashing with my grandmother!
Now to take a little of the creepy factor out of this proposal, here’s what I’m willing to offer. I know he’s married so there is no need to bother my Grandmother with this. She’ll be happy just to know I’m getting the “real” grandparent experience. So Don’s wife needent worry about competition. However, Grandma is a killer cook and I’d be willing to send some of her delicious goodies his way from time to time. Also, if only he’ll teach me woodworkin’ and whittlin’, I’ll send my husband over to mow his lawn and paint the porch whenever it may be needed. Please assure him that I have any papers he may need to make his decision. I’ve never been committed and my husband seems to think I’m smokin’ hot. Who wouldn’t want THAT sitting on their lap (in a totally platonic, non- sugar daddy way)? Thanks for your time, Joe, and if you do happen to see “Poppy” anytime tell him we could use 600 bucks for a downpayment on a new apartment. He’s always good that way:)
Tanya
P.S. Today is our one year anniversary. I’m sure his card just got lost in the mail.
Anonymous said: “[…]Apparently there’s a lot of talk about how downloading is the reason for the not so fantastic ratings for the second half of season three.
[…]There’s more to it than that. The situation is the same as it was last year when it comes to downloading. The difference now is that fans know you’re getting rid of Beckett and Weir. And they’re not happy.
Is there absolutely nobody who can see that? […]”
So you’re basically stating that the only or at least the main reason for the lower ratings is what happens with Carson and Elizabeth? You know, I love Carson and Elizabeth as much as all the other characters in Atlantis and I wish both Paul and Torri were still part of the main cast. However, your post makes me ask YOU your own question. Can’t you see there’s more than that?
If the lower ratings were due to fans getting upset about TPTB getting rid of Paul and Torri, how come ALL or almost all the other shows across the networks have seen a ratings drop? Even Sci Fi’s ECW (we can despise ECW, but the point is that it’s still their higher rated program and it’s getting 1.5/1.6 at most nowadays). So to you and all those who say the drop in ratings is TPTB’s fault, can’t you see the facts? Or do you believe the drop in ratings for most TV shows and other programs across the networks is caused by SGA/Paul/Torri fans being upset too?
Hickory dickory dock
Mallozzi found the flock
He framed it not
Jonesie fondled the box
Along with Ivon Bartok.
Apparently there’s a lot of talk about how downloading is the reason for the not so fantastic ratings for the second half of season three.
This has been debunked. Downloading doesn’t explain why the ratings started at 1.5 and have dropped since then.
Oh yeah who wouldnt’ love a piece of fake snow, I’m so excited!!! lol I bet it’d sell well on ebay!!!:)
It will be interesting to see how Amanda is incorporated into the new Season of Atlantis. I am in fact quite excited with the turn of events, but I am wondering if it will be mentioned why she suddenly, after all these years has long hair?
It’s funny that you answer questions by not answering. I suppose it’s easier to sneak a couple of those kinds of questions to avoid the really frustrating ones huh???
Either that or you’re plotting against everyone. Getting all excited that you are going to answer a good question and you answer it by…..”sorry can’t answer that”…Say what ever happened to the magic eight-ball?
-JJ
Hey Joe,
We had a Giant Pug Party at my work today that I got to assist with it was amazing to see that many pugs all in the same place at the same time makes me want to rush right out and bring one home to add to the brood. I’ll have to let you know when the next one is so that you guys can stop by and hang out with the awesome pugs.
So West Broadway is in Vancouver proper I assume? Heck thats just a short jaunt up across the border I may have to make a run up there as I do some massage, while I haven’t specialized in small animals the larger animals seem to enjoy it and I am quite affable to all the animals at work.
Ooooo fake snow. I find my self strangely intrigued.
Do you read any classic literature? 10,000 leagues under the sea, The musketeer series, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde? Just curious?
Okay so your contest got me to delurk again(after the shock that you were a Rob and Amber fan..) First question, how much chocolate will it cost me to bribe this piece of flocking out of you?
Next.. On the whole rise of the googlians thing, I would love to see an episode titled: “Untitled” just to drive everyone crazy.
Finally I hope the overnights from Friday were at least a 2.0 for Unending, I tried to make a point to get home to watch the first showing since as a Dish Subscriber they send my viewing habits to nielsen (big brotherish?? maybe a little) But unfortunately I was unable to.. So I watched first strike Turned off painkiller jane for an hour (who knew stupid bingo could be so entertaining?) then caught the late showings of Unending and First Strike. I think I finally got my sister hooked… Unfortunately a little to late. 🙁
Finally one quick question: Do you think that if Stargate was a NBCUniversal production (like BSG is for those who don’t know) Do you think that we would be prepping for a season 11 instead of an unsure future of DVD movies?
Thanks,
Nate
Fishbaum here — spent a lovely day ordering dvds on Amazon — both Hewlett’s A Dog’s Breakfast and SGA season 3 are up for pre-order. So, the eternal question comes up: will we see bloopers and outtakes on the season 3 dvds? Any teasers on Bonus Material?
Hi Joe:
I’m surprised no one jumped on this:
Ben writes: “Any plans for a “Future” episode of Atlantis, akin to SG1’s “2010”? A kind of “What if?” episode, those are always interesting.”
Answer: Heh. Funny you should say that…
Anything you would care to share? Maybe something small, like the title? 🙂
Have a great week,
Roxanne
Answer: Whenever the producers check out some of the fan commentary, invariably the ones that give us the biggest kick are criticisms of the outfits our female regulars wear. They run the gamut from “Why did they make her wear that ugly dress?!” to “They put her in that outfit to make her look sexy!” Please don’t allow this to spoil your fun (and ours at reading the aforementioned comments) but how and what our actors and actresses wear is pretty up to them. Especially in the case of civvies where, in most cases, they’re wearing ensembles that they have hand-selected. Whatever they feel comfortable in is cool with us which is why when the Atlantis cast requested new uniforms for the show’s fourth season, we were more than happy to comply. Hell, there’s rarely a week that goes by that Jason isn’t in the costumes department, showing off his latest purchase he’d like to incorporate into Ronon’s ensemble. So, ultimately, if an actress would rather wear her jacket zipped down instead of zipped up tight in a tribute to Kilroy, that’s fine with us.
Joe, Love the Styx reference, but I am still waiting for that Sci-Fi movie/episode based on Rush’s 2112 album. Are you game to write it??
In reference to your answer about wardrobe, how much say do female Guest Stars have in their wardrobe? If they are uncomfortable in a revealing outfit, will the costume department make it more conservative? Or will TPTB say “we need that male 18 to 25 year old demographic,” get another actress? Or in the case of “The Tower,” no wardrobe to make Sheppard look more like Kirk?
The drop in ratings seems to be worldwide. Here in Australia the ratings of all our top shows have dropped and continue to drop. Even in shows where the casts have stayed the same.
I have a 17 year old and 20 year old and neither of them watch more than two hours of tv a week. Seems to me that these days the younger generation has more to occupy their time than watching tv.
Me I’m in the older generation and I love Atlantis it’s my favourite show.
You guys are doing a great job Joe and I for one am looking forward to Season 4 even with all the cast changes. Roll on September is all I can say!!
Jules
Hi Joe,
I was wondering, since we’ve seen Shep sparring with Teyla for the last three years and even with Ronon recently, if we’re ever going to see him have to use skills like that in a real life or death fight? Instead of just shooting the bad guys? A real hand to hand fight lasting more than the five seconds it takes for him to surprise the bad guy and knock him cold? Thanks!
Heh! Your funny!
And Carls prizless face when he enjoys the competing flavors of rowanberry and chocolate. Best one ever!. (are you sure it’s not the chicken flavored?)
Can’t wait for season 4 of SGA!
Clive Barker! one seriously f***ed up dude and awesome novelist.Gonna pass on the flocking comp, I have enough crap in my house ta.
“Anonymous said…
Dear joe,
Happy St. Jean to you and Fondy. I’m looking forward to seeing you in montreal sometime.
your montreal fan “
Great to see you have one that isn’t in restraints.(or has escaped maybe…)
What news on the babypug front? I’m dying to know and to see pictures of this pug you won’t have 🙂
Have a relaxing break, I’m looking forward to mine, I have a stack of books to get through and I’ve warned the kids off disturbing me although they argue that I’m disturbed enough already.
Salut ! Salut!
Merci bc de m avoir répondu!^^c est trés gentil!
c est cool la neige et le morceau d’histoir de continuum, qu on peut gagner! mais comment? et puis c est quoi un whiteboard?? Bon je vais m’arrété la car je pourrais continuer lomgtemp comme sa! alala vous avez de la chance de parler anglais! Je voudrez bien savoir tout se que vous dites dans vos article!! lol si je parlerais anglais mes commentaires seraient interminable^^! heuresement que vous parler francais.D’Ayieur je vous remercie de prendre la peine de lire mes commentaire et d y répondre en francais, merci beaucoup!
Bon aller!! Merci Merci bc vous étes génial!! vive vous!!a demain!!
Hello,
Just for sharing !
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Weir
Interesting coincidence ?
Bonjour,
Pouvez vous nous expliquer pourquoi Carter a une veste avec des bandes rouges dans la saison 4, comme les vestes des civils ?
merci
You have to love a contest with no rules, whatsoever. I look forward to seeing how people suck up to you to try and win it. 🙂
I think Gary looks pretty excited about it, though. We might have a hard time getting it away from him.
Besides continuing on with the living hell of writing and the ongoing “reading of the pile” during hiatus, are you going to do anything else?
Joe, have you ever tried Tagliatelle with a white wine sauce and chili. Ruccola and Parmigiano at top?
It’s delicious.. 😀
Have a nice day..
i don’t know if you will answer this but its the first time ive asked a question will Doppleganger shep cause any major problems for any of the team and who most will he be seeking out in their nightmare
Just wanted to say I loved the SG-1 “un”ending and Atlantis season finale. I can’t wait for the SG-1 movies and season four of Atlantis.
Have a good one!
Oh bloody hell, the PC brigade are at it again and it looks as though Carson’s going to have to have a licence if he ever wants to don his kilt and sporran! apparently tradition dictates that the fur that makes a sporran is either otter or wild cat. No wonder the agony bags sound so awful and not a mention of cruelty to haggis’:)
Joe,
I know you’re an adventurous eater, and seem to like the occasional spicy treat. I consider myself a chili-head. I eat alot of hot. Are you a fan of hot or do you enjoy it mostly as an accompaniment?
Also, On A Pale Horse by Piers Anthony. I enjoyed it. Have you read it?
Have a great flocking hiatus!
Hi Joe,
Glad to here SGA S4 will be premiering in September. Do you know if SGA will be retaining it’s 9PM Friday night time slot?
Looking forward to Sam on Atlantis.
Mike
I’m a little late writing this, but haven’t really been on line all weekend. Alas, work kept me from the Internet! I just wanted to say congratulations. Unending was beautiful – simply beautiful. And First Strike was one of the best SGA episodes to date. I have watched Weir’s character struggle with her role in the Atlantis expedition for a few weeks now. I saw an inkling of her desire to separate herself from the expedition in Vengeance. I think she was starting to question what they are doing there in the first place. That played out beautifully this week. So, congratulations! You did a wonderful job on both episodes!
Apparently there’s a lot of talk about how downloading is the reason for the not so fantastic ratings for the second half of season three.
How does that add up, given the fact that the second half of season two was also available online since it also went to air first in Canada.
I’m not going add my opinion to the cast changes & ratings thing, but I can help with your question about US viewers and downloads.
Something weird took hold late 2006 and early 2007. Part of Canada was airing eps, after which the episode threads boomed with viewers from all over the world claiming to have seen the eps.
There was no way the ep threads should have been buzzing that hard, that fast.
People who were never aware that Canada got the back-half first were suddenly upgrading computers systems and googling YouTube and torrents.
I still think the back-half eps got more attention in ep threads than the front-half eps, and I wonder how much of that had to do with the effort necessary to view them. Unless you were Canadian, there was nothing casual about acquiring them.
I can only speak as a fan who went through it.
There was, without doubt, a download frenzy in the back-half of season 3.
The projected six-month hiatus did two things. (1) It made people mad. It made people mad who usually waited until January, people who (before now) didn’t know or didn’t care that Canada got the eps sooner. People were mad enough to ignore the issues around downloading, or they said they were going to watch the US eps first-run but wanted to download too. Plus, (2) the mind-numbingly absurd hiatus drove people (who didn’t know why the shows weren’t airing in January) online, where they found out a large number of online fans had seen the eps. They were introduced to the wonderful world of *un-delayed* gratification.
Sci-fi Channel (and a couple of other networks) should take note.
The world has changed.
And when you’re satisfied, it’s not all that hard to forget the date you were told the Stargates were coming back to US telies, especially when there’s not a lot of advertising.
EC
http://squeaky.arsu.net/?p=43
it’s unending with a sopranos twist.
hope u like 🙂
hey there, speaking of bbq have you ever tried cooking a banana on the bbq? you cook it and then cut a slit in to the skin and add some chocolate (a flake works best) and then add some brady (all while being on the bbq) wait till the choc is slightly melted and serve with squirty cream! seriously try it!
Can we expect some extra angsty sexual tension between Shep and Teyla this season?
Great idea with the flocking contest! I’m sure every person who comments on this blog would be dying to get their hands on it (as well as the box).
Thanks for telling us what “flocking” is actually called. I guess I should have known there’s a better name for it than “fake snow.”
expendable crewman said: Unless you were Canadian, there was nothing casual about acquiring them.
Wow, what rock have you been hiding under? Mininova passed the 2 billion downloads mark the other day. Literally millions of people have been routinely downloading their television for a couple of years now.
“The difference now is that fans know you’re getting rid of Beckett and Weir. And they’re not happy.”
I’m really willing to bet the average fan has no idea what’s going with the fate of Beckett and Weir because the average fan does not frequent websites dedicated to a show or the producer’s blog.
I miss being an average fan. It was a simpler time, where I was pleasantly surprised each week by whatever appeared on my screen without knowing what was going to happen next. This blog (I only rarely visit Gateworld these days) has stolen my innocence. Curse you, Mr. Mallozzi! Curse you!
Anyway, I wish I could say that I decided not to decipher your whiteboard because I was on to to your devious and/or nefarious ways, but really it was just a matter of laziness.
Questions of the day:
None. I can’t think of anything that I particularly want to know, and lately I’ve been scratching the bottom of the barrel, so I’ll give it a rest.
Sincerely,
Copernicus
pourquoi vous ne pouvez vous pas repondre à mes questions sur les contrats des acteurs, sur TORRI et sur la relation entre sheppard et weir c’est classé secret defense ou quoi?
“Can we expect some extra angsty sexual tension between Shep and Teyla this season?”
No. No. A hundred times NO. PLEASE! Just the mere thought makes me itchy to change channels.
Weir reviendra t-elle à la moitié de la saison 4?
le personnage de carter apparait jusqu’a l’episode 14?
Qui choisiriez vous shep/weir ou shep/teyla ou shep/mckay ou sheppard tout seul?
Vous aimez les kinder bueno et les cookies? car moi se sont mes preféres!
la disparition de beckett et de weir étaient-elles déjà planifié par les sénaristes pour laisser placent à carter et au Dr Keller?
Hey, Joe. I got flamed in the comments from Saturday. Made me feel all warm inside. Now I know how you must feel everyday. *g*
Speaking of Gary Jones, what are the odds that he could turn up on Atlantis somewhere as a guest? His character happens to be one of my favorite secondaries from SG1, so it would be great to see him again, a la the cut scenes back to the SGC you’ve done in the past.
hey salut salut me revoila^^!
Je voulez seulement vous demander si dans le nouvelle saison…vous aviez l intention de faire une relation John/Sam…car je trouverais sa plutot cool!
Bon merci, a demain!!
Just wanted to say you guys did a great job on season 3 and the season finale “First Strike” was just amazing. If Season 4 is as good, then I will be happy. I have to ask you, how do you take this negative energy that there will not be a season 5? I personally think there is a better chance of a renewal than no renewal. What do you honestly think? Does it look good to you? Thanks!
Neep said…
I wish I had some floppy socksies.
So do I – it’s damn cold here in the Southern Hemisphere at the moment, as I’m sure you’ll agree.
Flannel floppy socksies would be great!
Joe, don’t you dare send any flockin’ fake snow my way. As Edward4th says, I have crap enough without having some free non-chilly white stuff to kick around.
Re the flocking prize: Please consider collecting autographs on the box before it is awarded.
Marsha R. writes: “If you do come to L.A., there’s not only the possibility of corn tamales (…)
Answer: Where? Where?!
*waves at Marsha* Are you talking about tamales that are filled with corn, or those made with corn tortillas? If the latter, I’ll arrange to bring San Antonio tamales next month to Vancouver. (It can be done…if CAN Customs will permit…will have to check.) *grin*
Atlantisfannew1 a ecrit: “Croyez vous que Stargate aurai pu éxisté dans la réalité..? si oui es que les histoirs seraient identique?”
Reponses: Oui et oui.
Thanks for posting the questions in French “as is”. Since I speak and read Spanish, I’m getting the gist of the French. Good language exercise.
Hi Joe!
Still recovering from the loss of SG1 and the pain of having to wait til September to see S4 of SGA. Unending was beautiful; thank everyone for taking us out on such a graceful note. Counting the days til the movies!
Two questions: I know you’re not intimately involved w/Continuum, but perhaps you would clarify some descrepency between comments by AT and RDA: do we get Colonel Jack O’Neill or General Jack O’Neill in the movie?
And secondly, hypothetically…wouldn’t it make sense for the head of Home World Security to pop in for a visit to Atlantis in S4 to check on how things are going under the new leadership, and…hypothetically, of course…if this were to happen, might it not be reasonable that there would be some nice *cough*personal*cough* interaction between the two characters involved? Just a thought….
Hello Joe! ^_^ Just a couple of questions…
Question 1) Now that First Strike has aired what are the chances that the ratings for the back half of season 3 are/were good enough to warrent a season 5? And when will you know if Atlatnis has been picked up for a 5th season? Will it be before Season 4 airs, or after… or what?
I kinda missed the whole thing about the white-board. But I get the sense that you’re just messing with us- which is great ^_^ But I gotta say this the whole ‘its all a simulation’ thing is brilliant. I mean you guys used it in The Return with John- I was so worried for a couple of moments… I love but I digress.
Question 2) Will Rachell be taking time off for her baby and if so what are the chances of brining back Elizabeth?
Question 3) The whole ‘taking Elizabeth in a new direction’ and the whole ‘pulling a Ford’ with her character- that doesn’t mean that Elizabeth is going to dissapear under questionable circumstances (Like Ford) and never be seen or heard of or spoken of again… does it?
Hope your hiatus break is going well….
Hi Joe
I’ve got to say NO to the flocking (fake snow) I see enough of that during the year to satisfy me.. Re Chocolate.. I must admit I’m a Philistine.. I like the Lindt white chocolate balls.. that’s my favorite.. Although when my girlfriend and I go see a chick flick we do sneek in a wide variety of chocolate bars and TH’s cup of tea. You wouldn’t believe how great chocolate tastes with a hot cup of tea…
Enjoy your holiday and try to relax and enjoy yourself. we want you recharged and able to regale us with the antics of Bridge Studios..
Take Care
Dori
Hi Joe, it’s amazing how food becomes so important to some of us, in my case specially Sushi. I happened to fall last Friday, my right hand hit the floor first in a very dramatic way, diagnosis fracture! my first thought when I fell? OMG, I won’t be able to cut my food!!! phewwww… I can still eat my Sushi!
Jenny Robin said…
Hickory dickory dock
Mallozzi found the flock
He framed it not
Jonesie fondled the box
Along with Ivon Bartok.
This completely cracked me up!
*waves*
Ooooh pretend snow… it’s so lifelike… Well, apart from the non-melting aspect of course and the fact that it’s not real. But, just checking (as we can’t see the underside) it’s not got yellow bits on it has it? 😛
And you’ll be pleased to know that flocking is indeed a word. According to Wikipedia, and we know how much they’re always right. ;)Maybe you should add your interpretation on to the page, it could make for interesting reading… how am I doing with the sucking up? Is that enough? 😛
No? Okay how about this..
Thanking you Mr M you’re a very wise and kind man, who on occasions can be nefarious, and charming and witty, but that’s why we luffs ya!
Too much? 😛
*re-reads what she’s written*
Sorry, Joe, I sicken myself sometimes. 😉
I think i’ll just stick to hot, sweaty and shirtless Shep next time. 😀
*runs out the thread*
a oui je n est pas finit..;
Je ne vous est pas dit !!!
Stargate ma permis de trouver l amour! il est aussie fan de la serie!! c est vraiment génial !! Stargate c est magnifique!!
Merci encors!
Can we expect some extra angsty sexual tension between Shep and Keller this season? Now THAT would be hot!
Have you heard about the recent “outrage” about the artwork for the season 10 DVD of SG-1, namely that it is missing a team member? Do you guys have any say on the DVD designs?
As massivly exciting, and obviously valuable your framed flocking is … can i say i don’t want it? Maybee you could find a sheep with alopecia do donate it to?
PS LOVE THE SHOW!!!!!!!!
atlantisfannew1 said: “Je voulez seulement vous demander si dans le nouvelle saison…vous aviez l intention de faire une relation John/Sam…car je trouverais sa plutot cool!”
Just my own 2 cents, but I really hope you don’t ship John and Sam, or Sam with anyone other than Jack! That would really hurt, especially since many of us have been waiting for a Jack/Sam ship resolution for 10 *long* years.
Anonymous said…
pourquoi vous ne pouvez vous pas repondre à mes questions sur les contrats des acteurs, sur TORRI et sur la relation entre sheppard et weir c’est classé secret defense ou quoi?
Dans le cas des contracts des acteurs, c’est parce qu’ils sont privés! Est-ce que vous aimieriez que votre chef discute les détails de votre contrat avec n’importe qui?
Et les autres questions… c’est probablement parce quil ne veut pas expliquer tous les détails du quatrième saison en avance, non?
Hey Joe! Quick question:
What college did McKay go to and how many PHD’s does he really have?
Someone said that there was a Northeastern Degree on his wall in Duet, but I couldn’t be sure.
Thanks for you time!
-Lauren
Oh, and Joe:
If you really want to create a stir with the fans, give the season finale the working title of: “Series Finale” 🙂
There’s Sheppard and Carter and more
Wraith and replicators galore
New clips that tease
And promise to please
Oh hurry up Season 4!!
Ahhh… Jenny Robin.. see what you have begun!! 😀
Hey there Joe!
Some of us were discussing the “lack” of wardrobe for some of the SG-1 guys (Mitchell for example), and were wondering if we can get some of the same treatment for Shep. PLEASE!!! We must admit to having enjoyed shirt-cut-open Shep in “38 Minutes”, but that was in Season One! How about a treat in Season four?
I did not write this, but have been given permission by the author to share it with you…..
There once was a man known as Shep
Who looks frightfully good when he’s wet
The Whumpers are all on a quest
To get a peek of Shep’s chest
And can’t wait till the episode’s done!!!!
Anjirika said… Question 2) Will Rachell be taking time off for her baby and if so what are the chances of brining back Elizabeth?
*headdesk* Why oh why do some of you always think that if Rachel or some other actor on the show were gone, it would mean Torri could come back?!! The two are NOT related.
I would imagine if Rachel, Amanda and David all left at the same time, they STILL wouldn’t bring Torri back. She’s being written out of the show, and from what I understand she will be in “Ford-land” and we won’t know what became of her.
The decision’s been made they decided to go in a different direction with the cast of Atlantis and that’s not going to change.
Wow, what rock have you been hiding under? Mininova passed the 2 billion downloads mark the other day. Literally millions of people have been routinely downloading their television for a couple of years now.
Actually EC (the person you’re belittling) is right. I’m one of those fans who knew about the download possibilites for Atlantis for a long time but never used it because I figured a month or two wasn’t a long time to wait.
When Sci-fi in all their infinite wisdom decided that it would be great to make us wait six months, I said to heck with that, I’ll download thank you very much. I’m not waiting. I happen to know that, as EC said, a TON of people were very angry like I was and downloaded when they hadn’t before. I run two very large Yahoo fan lists and this year was different from that standpoint. In the first two seasons, most of my list members hadn’t seen the Canadian aired shows, but this year, they had.
So, yes, millions of people download, but it hadn’t been the norm for SGA fans to do that till the back half of season three.
Downloading from the internet affected the ratings- no doubt about it. (just for the record Joe, I watched when they aired in the US as well!)
You’re giving away fake snow..that’s so cool:)
Marla