Although the invitation said 7:30 p.m., Fondy and I swung by Marty G.’s place and picked him and Stephanie up at 6:45 p.m., just in case we ran into traffic or had trouble finding parking. Turned out neither was the case and we ended up being the first ones strolling in at 7:00 p.m. Well, the first ones after proud writer-director Robert C. Cooper who had no doubt gotten there early to help set up the post-screening cheese banquet and dessert table.

While the gals headed over to the concession stand to load up on popcorn and bottled war, Rob, Martin, and I schmoozed as the cast and crew trickled in. Ben Browder was the first of the actors to show, sporting a mop top that I automatically assumed he was growing out for some upcoming role like maybe the adult version of H.R. Pufnstuf. I’d assumed incorrectly. According to Ben, he was letting the hair go until he landed his next job. Well, here’s hoping the WGA reaches a deal soon. Reeaaaal soon. I was going to snap a pic for the blog but Ben was having none of it. So, those of you reading this blog will note the absence of a couple of leads – most notably the camera-shy Ben Browder and the unable-to-attend Amanda Tapping. Still, some fun photos of the rest of the gang.

Eternal class act Beau Bridges was in attendance – on his birthday no less! As most of you know, Beau has been incredibly busy and particularly enjoying his time on My Name is Earl in which he plays the title character’s much put-upon father. Boston Legal veteran Currie Graham, Tim Guinee (a.k.a. Tomin), and the deliciously evil Adria (Morena Baccarin) also showed for the event. And, finally, making their grand appearance just prior to screening so as to avoid the paparazzi: Chris Judge, Michael Shanks, and the lovely Lexa Doig.

Fondy and I joined Alex Levine and Ivon Bartok in the balcony’s back row (which most of you know as “the make-out section”) where we sat back and enjoyed The Ark of Truth along with the gang of rowdies from VFX led by Michelle Comens. Damn, there’s nothing like seeing it on the big screen. Well, there’s not much I can add to what I’ve already said about this movie except: if you want to know how it all turns out re: those pesky Ori, then pick up the DVD. Oh, and expect a few surprises along the way.

Once the last of the credits had rolled, we all headed downstairs for cheese and twelve different desserts. Fondy and I worked the room, chatted with Morena (who, in case you‘ve never met her at one of the cons, is a sweetheart), congratulated Rob, talked Stargate Universe with Brad, then said our goodbyes and were looking at an early getaway – until we ran into Chris and Lexa. Chris, ever magnanimous, welcomed Fondy with a monster hug, asked her how she was doing, then proceeded to chide me for missing the last few poker nights. Although I rarely have occasion to speak to Lexa in a social setting, I’ve got to say she is one of the funniest women I’ve met. We talked upcoming projects, where I could get my hands on a stylish silver and black MedicAlert that would allow me to show support for my favorite football team AND survive a future emergency hospital visit, and dangerous places to work and visit. Michael eventually showed up to rescue his wife, entertaining all with a hilarious staggering imitation of I’m-not-sure-who because I missed the set up but my guess was either Keith Richards or Chris Judge at one of his poker soirees. Since he was there, I took the opportunity to pitch Michael what we had so far on the Daniel Jackson story – something happens and Atlantis must call in Dr. Jackson who is the key to solving some as-of-yet-undecided mystery and this leads to all sorts of hilarious misadventure. I suggested that if he had any notes, now would be a good time to give them.

We got home a little after 11:00 p.m. and so was able to make it an early night and get some reading in before finally drifting off to sleep, visions of Merlin, the Doci, and Lt. Binder dancing in my head.

Today’s pics: The Ark of Truth screening.

Today’s mailbag: non-existent.