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Watched the Day One Mix of The Last Man, our season 4 finale. Great, great episode – and one that will surely have fans pulling their hair out when those final credits roll. Hopefully, they won’t have to wait too long for the season 5 premiere – or there could be a riot.   I love these types of time travel episodes  in which the ultimate fate of our beloved characters are foretold – some telling, others tragic, all touching.  The last few episodes of season four should come with a 3-hanky alert. 

Thanks to everyone who has been participating in this month’s lively book of the month club discussions. Keep those comments coming. A quick reminder that we will be discussing Seans Williams’ The Crooked Letter on Monday. Weigh in with your thoughts for a chance to win a copy of the next book in the series: The Blood Debt. Also, now would be a great time to get started on the books for February’s (third week of February to be precise) book club discussion. You have some great titles to choose from:

Fast Forward 1: Future Fiction from the Cutting Edge, edited by Lou Anders who has kindly offered to come by and do a little Q&A when the discussion kicks off.

Smoke and Mirrors: Short Fictions and Illusions, written by Neil Gaiman.

Children of the Night, written by Dan Simmons.

It’ll be very interesting to see which short stories appeal to whom, and whether Children of the Night proves as delightfully creepy as either Summer of Night or The Terror.

Well, a short entry today as I give it over to the mailbag and try to play catch up.

Today’s mailbag:

Deena writes: “I heard that Claudia Black had only filmed for like a week for Continuum…so are we going to get any quality screen time with Vala (or Qetesh)? Any chance for some juicy moments for her?”

Answer: That’s all a matter of personal interpretation. I think she’s got some great, juicy scenes in Continuum.

PG15 writes: “Well, the original poster listed the following as “magical new technology [that] appear[s] out of the blue” (his words): the time travel puddle jumper, the Hyperspace puddle jumper, Replicator-maker, Asguard beam weapons, Yet another 304 battleship…”

Answer: Okay, first of all, if someone is going to criticize us for using a Deus Ex Machina to solve a problem, they should at the very least know what a Deus Ex Machina is. In ancient Greek drama, the Deus Ex Machina referred to the timely appearance of a god to resolve the play’s conflict. Today, it generally refers to a completely out-of-left-field plot device, unrelated to the ongoing action, that comes in out of nowhere to settle the story. So, for instance, feel free to criticize the ending of Ex Deus Machina, but since Mitchell is active in coming up with the solution to use our established technology (the ship and its beaming technology) to beam the building into space before the explosion, you can’t call it a Deus Ex Machina. Secondly, with regard to the criticism that there’s too much techno babble in the show – we’re damned if we do and damned if we don’t. In BAMSR, we could have just had McKay say something like “Hey, instead of dialing up the anti-replicator thing to break them apart, we can dial it down to have them squeeze together REAAAALLY tight.” – and would have been summarily raked over the coals for having our resident genius scientist sound like an simpleton. Yeah, BAMSR had more of this technobabble than, say, Missing or Reunion, but that was because the episode called for it. Thirdly, to the individual complaining about the fact that Stargate Command and Atlantis have amassed far too much advanced technology over the years and then goes on to offer up some examples… A Replicator-maker? Well, yes, we established the fact that the replicators were originally constructed by the Ancients, so it would stand to reason that if they were created, they were created by some means, no? The Asguard beam weapon? I’m surprised. No complaints about the aliens possessing spaceships? Seriously, where’s the arbitrary line that tells us just how advanced an alien race should be? Yet another 304 battleship…? Again, we’ve established the fact that Earth has the capability to produce ships. Are we to assume that they would only build the one and then shut down production? The weapon on Dakara? The Ancient repository in Lost City? Yes, admittedly, Stargate Command and Atlantis have come across a fair amount of advanced technology – but maybe that’s because Stargate has been on the air FOR ELEVEN YEARS! I will concede that this would indeed be too much advanced technology – if we were writing for Grey’s Anatomy. But since Stargate is science fiction, the audience should be prepared for the occasional scifi element.

Narellefromaus writes: “I was considering I Am Legend as my next book (just finishing Consider Phlebas).”

Answer: What did you think of Consider Phlebas. I Am Legend is a terrific short novel. Haven’t seen the movie.

Gayle Sobers writes: “I also find it hard to have to suspend logic in an already illogical situation. For example, Henry always managed to conveniently disappear before the police could ever get a picture or a fingerprint. I was also surprised there were no legal ramifications for at the very least for Claire (Henry would have managed to disappear) after they tied the football player to a tree and held him at gunpoint tantimount to kidnapping. As for the space time continum hocus pocus, Henry popping in on himself made me actually wonder out loud “can he do that?””

Answer: I believe there is a point in the story where he is arrested and disappears from police custody (?). Still, given this is a life-long affliction, it does stretch credulity that his present self never disappears in public. With regard to Henry and Clare suffering the consequences of their assault on the football player, it is possible that the football player didn’t want to risk the embarrassment of going public. As for whether or not a time traveler can occupy the same time period as his past self – it really depends on the type of internal time travel logic being followed. In the case of this book, it is no big deal. In the case of Time Cop, it is very dangerous.

Jenny Robin writes: “McKay=Vizzini
Ronon=Fezzik
Teyla=Inigo
Sheppard=Man in Black”

Answer: Since the Dread Pirate Roberts is actually portrayed by a number of different people, what are you trying to say about Joe F.’s future with the show?

Maggie writes: “I would like to know if you have any favorite deus ex machina examples though.”

Answer: Sure. Check out the resolution to the climactic battle sequence in Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes.

Jedi 43 writes: “…was JF’s fuller beard (as seen in the vid clip for the PCA’s) for a upcoming S5 episode, movie or just because he likes them when not shooting the show?”

Answer: The boys will be beardless for the start of the new season.

iamza writes: “I found an old copy of the The Princess Bride hanging around the house, so I reread that. It doesn’t have the whole Buttercup’s baby story at the end, though it does contain an instruction note from the author to the effect that if readers wanted a copy of the first chapter of Buttercup’s Baby, then they’d have to write to the publisher at such and such an address. I’ll confess I was tempted to do just that, except that the book was published way back when, and the publisher has probably long since changed its address.”

Answer: Yeah. I have these old scifi paperbacks with ads in the back that offer titles for anywhere from 50 to 60 cents a book plus postage and handling. I’m always tempted to send away a couple of bucks to see what kind of response I get. As for the giveaway you mentioned – the 25th anniversary edition offers the reader the opportunity to get their hands on an extra scene (the pre-fire swamp reunion scene). Alas, I sought it out online by following a link to the appropriate page on Random House site – only to discover the page doesn’t exist. L

Philly writes: “Who came up with FRAN?”

Answer: Martin Gero. He also came up with her appropriate name.

Yazid a ecrit: “Est ce que vos chiens sont fans de Stargate ?”

Reponse: Non. Ils préfèrent Iron Chef.

Sort of translation: My dogs prefer Iron Chef over Stargate.

Shawna writes: “Okay, this is utterly random, but the question about deus ex machinas reminded me of the episode Ex Deus Machina, and I just love that title. Sometimes you guys really think up some clever stuff.”

Answer: Yeah, and the other 95% of the stuff aint half bad either.

Shirt ‘n Tie writes: “I am visiting Vancouver for the Creation Con in a few weeks, am particularly looking forward to the Set Tours…Two questions:
1) Will we get to see your office??? or indeed where the spinning happens?
2) I have scanned through your restaurant recommendations over the past few months and Fuel seems to be a constant…As I am in Vancouver or indeed Canada (perhaps only once in a lifetime) would this be your utlimate dining destination?”

Answers: 1) I don’t organize the tours or have anything to do with them – but I doubt it. Which is a shame because, really, the writers’ offices are the most exciting part of the Stargate lot. 2) Yes, do check out Fuel and mention you came all the way on my recommendation. Then tell them Joe wants the corn soup back on the menu.

JoshMeyers writes: “Do you think that SG-1 could ever team up with Sheppard’s team? Have you locked in the D.Jackson episode? How about the SG-1 whole team?”

Answers: 1) If circumstances necessitated they team-up – sure, why not. 2) Not yet. 3) Nope.

Judith writes: “1.How come the replicator ship with Weir in it didnt show up on the cheese grater thingy that showed all the ships,why didnt they check to make sure they got all of them 2.How have the ships got the asgard weapon cos she said at the end of season 10 sg1 carter turned them off so that the ori couldnt track them,and as they are based in the milky way they would be tracked by the ori and blown up.3. todd said there werent enuff wraith queens please where have they gone.”

Answers: 1) Given who these replicators are, there’s a very strong possibility that the rogue faction that gave our team the “cheese grater thingy”, made them aware of the fact which allowed them to take preventative action. 2) This has to do with the timeline of events. Ark of Truth takes place prior to the start of season 4. 3) Maybe that’s a question we’ll answer in time.

Fsmn36 writes: “…did the reader know before he went back and got the lottery numbers, that Clare had won? If they had (and thus, presumably Henry), one might say Henry was simply fulfilling destiny–and not changing the future because she already had the money, he just made the situation come true.”

Answer: If the reader had been told beforehand that Clare had won the lottery, then I could have more readily accepted the argument that he was simply fulfilling destiny by giving her the winning numbers (although I would still argue his actions go against his personal stance as established in the “two 13 year old Henry’s” scene).

Mandiehall writes: “What is your favorite Classic Movie? Mine is the Red Planet.”

Answer: Red Planet? The one starring Val Kilmer that came out in 2000? That’s your favorite “classic” movie? How old are you?! Fess up, are you one of those brilliant child prodigies like in Baby Geniuses?

Fran writes: “How long does it take those brilliant Special FX guys to do the Explosions in the show, the battle scenes and all those other cool things?”

Answer: Depends on the shots and sequence. Months.

Lou Anders writes: “First, a big congratulations on The People’s Choice Award – that’s great! Second, honored to have FF1 chosen, if a little guilty that it beat out the wonderful Kay Kenyon. And finally, would be more than glad to answer questions. I’m currently organizing my thoughts (”state of the field” and all that) for the introduction of FF2, so it’s great timing!”

Answer: Thanks, Lou, and we look forward to reading FF1 (February’s SciFi book of the month). We also look forward to peppering you with nuisance questions when the time comes.

Carol Z writes: “A bit off-topic, but wondering why SGA doesn’t have any women writers? Have you found that the Sci-Fi writing genre is innately male-oriented?”

Answer: I would strongly disagree with the last statement. There are many great female Sci-Fi writes out there (Ursula K. LeGuin, Karen Traviss, and Elizabeth Moon to name a few). In the case of our show, we have used female writers in the past and have auditioned some for possible staff positions but, in the end, it didn’t work out – mainly because (like a number of the male writers we’ve also auditioned who didn’t work out) this is a very tricky show to write for with a vast and daunting backstory.

Becky writes: “I thought I had posted a congrats on the PCA yesterday but in looking back at the comments, I see I was remiss.”

Answer: Yeah, I noticed. I thought you were mad at me.

Becky also writes: “On another subject, how likely are we to have a visit from General O’Neill in season 5?”

Answer: At present, a visit by O’Neill is not in the cards. I stress “at present”.

Aelfgyu writes: “In fact, next time you want Latin, contact me! (I also do Old and Middle English!)”

Answer: Damn. I wish you’d made the offer while I was still writing SG-1. Thanks. I’ll keep you in mind for my next Middle English crisis. P.S. How’s your goa’uld?

Mrs. B108 writes: “1)Is the Last Man a reflective episode? 2)Are many lingering questions answered in the Kindred? In turn, does it evoke even more?”

Answers:1) In some ways. 2) A number are, yes.

DanielFanForever writes: “I have a Don Davis question, Joe. I’ve heard that he is a really good artist. That painting/drawing is a big hobby of his. I was curious if he has ever shared any of his art work with you?”

Answer: Yes. One of Don’s pieces adorns Fondy’s office.

98 thoughts on “January 10, 2008: A Mix and the Mailbag

  1. Good morning. I have been sitting listening to the rousing song “Flower of Scotland”. Brilliant!

    Don S Davis has a website that shows some of his art – he is really talented [URL=”http://www.donsdavisart.com/”]DonS Davis/[/URL] I really hope the link works.

  2. Don S davies has a website that shows his artwork.

    [URL=”http://www.donsdavisart.com/[/URL]

    I have been sitting listening the emotional and rousing song “Flower of Scotland”.

  3. Ahh, a nice full mailbag. a bit overdue. And such teasers about The Last Man. I am dreading the arrival of that episode, since it will signal at least weeks of nervous anticipation, nail biting, hair pulling, and eventually name calling(actually, I think that will probably start as soon as the cliffhanger is revealed). Hopefully the 4th season dvds wont bee too long in being released. going through the commentaries and other material will help preserve at least parts of my fingers. meantime, the bookclub may help while away a few more hours. No questions today; I’ve asked the same one twice and take it that that means I wont be getting an answer. But with Spoils of War tomorrow, I expect I’ll be making up for it. I have had my own theories on Wraith…biology, and am eager to see how they play out.

  4. Becky also writes: “On another subject, how likely are we to have a visit from General O’Neill in season 5?”

    Answer: At present, a visit by O’Neill is not in the cards. I stress “at present”.

    thank you. hope is good. hope is my friend.

    sally 🙂

  5. You mention Ursula K. LeGuin–I’ve had her The Left Hand of Darkness on my shelf for a while now, but still have yet to read it. If you’ve read it, is it one you’d recommend?

    Also, to Narellefromaus–Ok, so I haven’t actually read I Am Legend (yet), but I’ve heard that the movie and book differ quite a bit, including the ending. So it may not be ruined for you. I did see the movie, and if the ending of the book doesn’t suck, then they must be different. Honestly, at the end of the movie I found myself saying to the writers (in my head, of course), “You did not just do that!? Ugh. Please.

  6. Shucks Joe; in your voracious rebuttle to that poster, you plum forgot about my innocent little questions. So let me try again:

    1. If the writers of Canada were to strike, would you continue this blog?

    2. I thought the Replicator Aurora class ships were kind of weaker than their Lantian cousins in BAMSR. They barely fired any drones and their shields seemed to have come down really fast. Do you agree? If so, is there an in-show reason for it (i.e. the reps were occupied with something yet to be seen)?

    3. So I gather that your winter vacation is over then? Are you be back to work permanently starting this Monday?

    Thanks in advance!

  7. Hey Joe!

    You have some neat books there for your personal book club! I would participate but time is a little tight to participate. Nonetheless, this is a really great idea!

    With less than one day to “Spoils of War”, can we expect any behind-the-scenes notes after the episode airs? I’m glad you’ve done so in the past, it’s nice to know what has gone into the development of one of my favorite television shows. 🙂

    – Enzo Aquarius

  8. Do you watch any Canadian TV shows? I was pleasantly surprised to see Maj. Davis in jPod. I tried The Border but couldn’t work up much enthusiasm for it.

  9. The exact title is Red Planet Mars its a 1952 film directed by Harry Horner. I Went and got the VHS box and realized I was missing part of the title. I also enjoyed King Dinosaur and Robinson Crusoe On Mars. My grandpa got me into the classic Sci Fi Movies, and the Twilight zone, he has a very extensive collection, and I got him into watching stargate.

    I am 23 years old

  10. Hi, Joe,
    Congrats on the People’s Choice Award!

    I have a question about Season 5. You’ve told us that Daniel will be in one episode. What about Mitchell? A few months ago, it sounded like you really wanted to get Ben up to Vancouver for one episode, but we haven’t heard anything since. What’s going on with this?

  11. Jenny Robin writes: “McKay=Vizzini
    Ronon=Fezzik
    Teyla=Inigo
    Sheppard=Man in Black”

    Answer: Since the Dread Pirate Roberts is actually portrayed by a number of different people, what are you trying to say about Joe F.’s future with the show?

    My Retort: Perhaps you are inferring what I did not imply, Snarkmaster Joe. Then again, perhaps you fell victim to one of the classic blunders…

  12. I’ve been meaning to say this for a while, but am nothing if not an expert procrastinator. This season has been remarkably wonderful – the good stuff, the stuff everybody argues over, the stuff people didn’t like because we’ve seen it all before in SG1 – it has all been entertaining (for me at least). I drive an 80 mile round trip every week to watch Atlantis, which is something I wouldn’t do if I didn’t think the show was worth it (and it’s been worth it – OH how it has been worth it; it has fueled my fangirl squee and might slowly be driving me crazy because the season long plot and character development is being done so well). I will admit, I had some doubts when I heard how things were going to get shaken up, but everything has grown on me.

    I guess, in a nutshell, I am trying to say job well done. To you, and everybody else who’s hard work goes into the finished show.

    Now I ask a random question which answer has little or no importance to anything, I am sure:
    The stairs from the gate up to the control room have lights in them that appear to be ancient text. Is it supposed to say something, or just be aesthetically pleasing and Ancient-y looking?

    Its not that this keeps me up at nights or anything, I just have a soft spot for languages and think about it way too often.

    Oh, and have you read Philip K. Dick’s The Man in the High Castle? Its not typical scifi, but is a thought provoking read. I would be glad to pass my copy off to you if you have the interest.

  13. Shirt ‘n Tie writes: “I am visiting Vancouver for the Creation Con in a few weeks, am particularly looking forward to the Set Tours…Two questions:
    1) Will we get to see your office??? or indeed where the spinning happens?

    Sadly, last year we didn’t. We did, however, walk past Joe’s parking space. It was very exciting.

    Joe – Do you watch the Daily Show? It’s been interesting to see the show return sans scripts.

  14. Hi Joe:

    You said: “I would strongly disagree with the last statement. There are many great female Sci-Fi writes out there (Ursula K. LeGuin, Karen Traviss, and Elizabeth Moon to name a few). In the case of our show, we have used female writers in the past and have auditioned some for possible staff positions but, in the end, it didn’t work out – mainly because (like a number of the male writers we’ve also auditioned who didn’t work out) this is a very tricky show to write for with a vast and daunting backstory.”

    So, how about auditioning a writer who is also a major fan? By the way, Joe, I’m a writer who happens to be a major fan. Just for your information…

    Patricia

  15. Alas, I sought it out online by following a link to the appropriate page on Random House site – only to discover the page doesn’t exist.

    I *swear* that I see a smiley after that line, but when I copy & paste it here, it comes out an “L”. So do my eyes decieve me?? Or did Joe actually use a smiley?? 😀

    So I dunno if you heard about this up there, but there was a massive accident down here in Mid Florida on Wednesday, just a mile or so up the interstate from where I live. The way we figure it, it happened just fifteen minutes after my dad passed that spot on his way to work, and about half an hour before mom would have — she got out that way, saw big orange flames faintly through some thick smoke & fog (which turns out to have been from two semis), and came right back home. Apparently a “controlled burn” went *out* of control, and the sudden lack of visibility from that smoke/fog combo is what cause the accidents. It was actually a string of several pile-ups in a two-mile stretch — 70 vehicles total! Something like 5 dead and 35 injured, last I heard. Very scary! As it was, if mom had still gone into work, she would have had to go the opposite way first, to get to the detour; traffic was so bad that she would have only had three hours or so left of her shift by the time she got to work!

    That part of the interstate was closed today while they repaired the road (the burning semis *melted* it) so it took mom over an hour to get to work this morning on the backroads, and took dad nearly two hours to get home (it normally takes about thirty minutes to get out to Disney from our place). Thankfully they opened I-4 back up tonight — both my parent’s cars started overheating in the traffic, and I’m not sure the vehicles could have taken another day of that! I’m very grateful neither of my parents got caught in the accidents, but I feel so bad for the family of the first fatality that they managed to identify — he was a newlywed! How sad! He lived in the town next to ours and even worked at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the same park mom does.

    Add that to the story of that sicko who threw his four kids off a bridge, and mercy me, isn’t this year off to a stellar start? *sigh* (Sorry, I guess I’m feeling maudlin. Tell me something happy, people!!)

  16. Bonsoir Joseph,
    «Carol Z writes: “A bit off-topic, but wondering why SGA doesn’t have any women writers? Have you found that the Sci-Fi writing genre is innately male-oriented?”

    Answer: I would strongly disagree with the last statement. There are many great female Sci-Fi writes out there (Ursula K. LeGuin, Karen Traviss, and Elizabeth Moon to name a few). In the case of our show, we have used female writers in the past and have auditioned some for possible staff positions but, in the end, it didn’t work out – mainly because (like a number of the male writers we’ve also auditioned who didn’t work out) this is a very tricky show to write for with a vast and daunting backstory.»

    Thank for this answer, its very interesting. Do anyone read American gods by Neil Gaiman ? I dont know if its good, but its seem scheming. Susiekew write:« I have to say, ‘The Last Unicorn” is a wonderful book – I read it for the first time way back 1970, and have reread it several times since.» That is a good suggestion, Im gonna take the book at my library !I think this time Im gonna read in english…

  17. Joe, my good friend.
    How are you? What does the weekend offer you? How is ‘the Mrs.’?

    I cannot believe that it has been a whole year since I found out your blog existed and continuously started reading it.

    I confess however, I was confused about your blog when I first saw it(from the gw link). It was full of food critique, which sent me in to deep thought and I relinquished interest in your blog. However it was some days later when I noticed Brad W. in the pictures, that I noticed “Hey, this isn’t a blog about food.”

    As I had no girlfriend and, on the rare occasion(all the time) nothing to do, I would read your blog. After finding it, peeked(is that the correct spelling?) my interest I read it almost everyday for a year. Except for a few unfortunate days where I was forced to catch up. Either because my parents stole the computer away from me, insisting I had to do my homework and or I was grounded. Thus they would remove my “privileged items.”

    I am indeed still puzzled by your motivation. What drives you to write for the world around you? Are you paid by someone for writing this blog?(not mentioning any name!(L.A.M.E.))

    From your friendly Galactic.Superstar.

  18. For the first time in oh, I don’t know, six months or so my husband and I get a sitter. We get to leave the house!!! Hooray! And, “by the way”, my mother-in-law says “I can only watch Tyler on Friday”. Okay, that’s fine, I can record Stargate, but then I won’t be helping ratings…so, my question is…since I can only record while the t.v. is on, will it still count as being watched live?

    I don’t know, it seems like it would but I haven’t got the slightest idea.

    Just wondered.

  19. However, your blog does have many interesting food critiques, escapades, and wonderful stories which are sometimes extremely fascinating, and or inter-galactically-multi-universally-absolutely-supercallafredulisticexpealodoshissly-spectacular.

  20. “Yes. One of Don’s pieces adorns Fondy’s office.”

    That’s really special, Joe. I’d heard that Don was really good. I’ll have to go check out his website – thank you for the info susanthetartanturtle.

    Thank you, Joe. *hugs*

  21. @Morgia ~ I did read and enjoy American Gods. (I have yet to read the sequel, though.) I also enjoyed what I read of Gaiman’s Sandman books, and Neverwhere. I’m not entirely sure, but I believe that Peter S Beagle actually wrote the French version of The Last Unicorn as well as the original English one (as opposed to it having been translated into French by someone else).

  22. The last few episodes of season four should come with a 3-hanky alert.

    I’ll remember to get my tear ducts surgically removed in advance in order to keep my dignity intact.

    Any hints on the general mood for season five? Darker? Lighter? Glittery taupe with fushia stripes? Or will every episode end on a character wetly coughing blood into a handkerchief and can only be watched with the support of loved ones and sharp objects removed? Because I can just start weeping as soon as the opening credits roll if that will save on time.

  23. I need to check my local library as I feel rather left out, thanks for the tip susiekew (hope I don’t have any 5 yrs old outstanding fees (!)

    Still waiting for my Ghost story book and the discussion for that has ended. So what’s being discussed for next week?

    You on a diet Joe? No food on display??? Ok for the food buffs, here!! Feast your on this!!

    http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z314/missmuffett_2007/foooooood007.jpg

    Not bad for $7.80 ausd..the boys ate all of it up which surprised me..

    Your pugkids have good taste in shows Joe.. Iron Chef is really good/bad , food meets wide world of sports haha.

  24. Oo oo oo *dances a happy dance* I can join BOTM!

    Found “Children of the night” on an Aussie auction site similar to ebay. $2.00 ! In pre read condition (which I love because it shows that there has been an interest in the book). “I am Legend” is on reserve 5 times at the library so maybe we can make this the BOTM once the novelty’s worn off ? (Curse you Hollywood!). I reckon it’d be good reading.

    p.s can someone tell me the codes for italics and bold for this blog please???

  25. Beckie wrote:

    The stairs from the gate up to the control room have lights in them that appear to be ancient text. Is it supposed to say something, or just be aesthetically pleasing and Ancient-y looking?

    OOOH! OOOH! Please answer this one! It might not be driving her insane, but every single time I see those steps I wonder if it’s writing or just design? And, if writing, what does it say: “Please wipe your feet before leaving the Gate Room?” “No Food or Drink Beyond This Point?” “Please visit our Snack Bar and Souvenir Shop on the third floor?” “Eat at Joe’s?”

    To those trying to post links: BBcode doesn’t work here. You have to use HTML using angle brackets (also known as less than and greater than signs). WordPress assumes they contain code, so automatically won’t show them. I’ll use [] to show the codes instead.

    To post a clickable link to another page:

    [A HREF = “URL”]whatever text you want to show up clickable[/A]

    Example:
    Joseph Mallozzi’s Blog: the front page

    Images (which I haven’t tried before) should show up if you use this
    [IMG SRC = “URL ending in gif or jpg” ALT = “what the picture is”]

    Example:

    Hope this helps.

    Anne Teldy

  26. How stupid can a person be? I’m trying to show people how simple the HTML is and I forget to close my BlockQuote tag. AAARRRGGGHHH! Why doesn’t WordPress have a preview function?

    Anne Teldy

  27. Hallo and congratulations on the success of the show.

    I just have some quick questions to ask:

    1) Are we going to see Dr Weir again this season? Or is it a storyline to be explored in season 5?
    2) It has been hypothesized over various boards that the Carson Beckett killed in “Sunday” last season was merely a clone. The real Dr Beckett is Micheal’s prisoner since “Misbegotten” because of his knowledge of the retrovirus, hence the creatures in “Vengeance”. Comments on the theory? Any chance we get Dr Beckett back for next season?
    3) What are the chances of having more of the SG1 members pop by?

    Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. I hope mine will make it to your mailbag too.

    Olea

  28. Mandiehall writes: “What is your favorite Classic Movie? Mine is the Red Planet.”

    Answer: “Red Planet? The one starring Val Kilmer that came out in 2000? …”

    This question made me laugh because I currently have about 20 “favourites”

  29. Hi Joe,
    Just watched This Mortal Coil, loved it. Please clarify a small point for me – at one point as they are in the jumper after escaping from the replicators, Sheppard says to Weir that they can’t return to Altantis because they would be taken out before they had a chance to explain. Isn’t it true though that they wouldn’t know the location of Atlantis because after Weir was lost to the Replicators, they picked a planet that she didn’t know about? Also, I assume the marines posted on New Athos are guarding the settlement which has now been abandoned since Teyla’s people disappeared?
    Love the show and can’t wait to watch BAMSR! I’ve been working my way through the DVDs of S1-3 and am catching up with S4 – it’s just gets better and better!

  30. I probably won’t ever be able to participate in your Book of the Month club because I’m an exceptionally slow reader. I’m currently rereading Rama II but don’t expect to be finished for 3-4 months. I suppose if any older scifi books pop up in the reading list I can comment on them, but it looks like y’all prefer new stuff mostly.

    As for classic sci-fi movies have you ever seen “First Spaceship on Venus” ? I wouldn’t mind being able to read it, but have read that Stanislaw Lem’s book was never translated. MST:3K did their work on the movie, but thought it was a bad choice when I saw it. Then I found you can download it on a “public domain movies” torrent site. It’s a great movie and story. Not as good as Solaris, but still well done.

    And if Hollywood can remake Solaris and still keep it a “thinking persons” type movie, why can’t they make Rendezvous with Rama or Ringworld? Or for that matter, the Varley series Titan? Although a movie version of The Weapon Shops of Isher could be quite interesting… 😉

  31. Looking forward to next months books, and the Q&A with Lou Anders. Thanks for setting that up Joe, I really really appreciate it (as I’m sure many other readers here do).

    A question about books and movie adaptations: If you watch a movie based on a book, do you think it’s better to read the book first, or watch the movie? And why?

    Also, do you ever allude to things that inspire you in your writing (scripts, that is)?

  32. Jedi 43 writes: “…was JF’s fuller beard (as seen in the vid clip for the PCA’s) for a upcoming S5 episode, movie or just because he likes them when not shooting the show?”

    Answer: The boys will be beardless for the start of the new season.

    Rats 🙁 I can’t be the only one who thinks that the boys look so much better with the beards, can I? But then, I’ve known my husband for over 20 years, and I’ve never seen his face. Mmmm, hirsute men……

    Eccles

  33. Annie from Fremantle,

    Sorry if your question has already been answered and this is redundant, but the codes for bold and italics are simply “b” and “i” (without the quotes, natch).

    (I had typed up a longer answer, but then saw that you already know enough about html codes to create a link.)

  34. Hiya! Congrats on the PCA. Very much deserved 😀

    Watched BAMSR and am still waiting for a bad episode this season. Good job guys.
    Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been re-watching seasons 1-3 and I have to say SGA has a good grasp on continuity. I know lots of people would disagree, but well, it’s the truth. I don’t know if everything is planned or if you guys just remember those things and say,”hey, McKay said/found/ate blahblahblah in episode X. Let’s do something with it.”, but it’s still great to see stuff mentioned in the first seasons that was revisted in more recent episodes.
    Vengeance is a good example, but I can’t elaborate since the significant eps of season 4 haven’t been aired yet. I’ll come back when they’ve been on.

    Have a nice one, Nicole

  35. Pardon my channeling Jack O’Neill, but… Gah! For cryin’ out loud, you’re killin’ me here! The last three episodes warrant a three hankie alert?! You’re expecting us to riot?! 🙁 I’m going to be sitting here yelling at my TV like a lunatic, I’m sure, and since you haven’t started production of season five yet, we’ll also have the hiatus from hell to follow. Oy, killin’ me, I tell ya!

    Question: Morgia mentioned Peter Beagle’s “The Last Unicorn” and I was wondering if you had read that one or not? It’s an excellent book, I can’t recommend it highly enough.

  36. Can you tell Martin Wood aka. Tin Woo, that I say hello!!

    I don’t like any other director as much as I like Martin.
    I am a real film buff for-my-age of fifteen. I usually take time to view the behind the scenes of a given movie. However, I am more inclined to listen to Martin’s views rather than Spielberg(that nobhead.) Not that I have anything against his work per say(that don’t look like the right spelling), I just don’t like his work that much.

  37. Weird, I just bought Simmons’ The Terror on a whim on my last excursion to Borders. Given your positive comments here, I think it’s just made a rapid advancement up the current to-read list…

    I take it from your comments that SGA season 4 will be ending on a huge cliffhanger again. Out of curiosity, if I opted to wait and watch the whole multi-episode story in one go, how many episodes would I have to deny myself at the end of this season? Three? Or just The Last Man?

    Ah, who am I kidding? It’s irrelevant anyway, because I say I’m not going to watch cliff-hangers all the time, and then somehow, even though I know I’m going to be incredibly frustrated by the lack of resolution at the end of the season finale, I tune in regardless. Sigh. Weakness of character, that’s what it is. *shakes head sadly*

    Regarding women writers on SGA, I noticed that season one’s The Storm was written by a woman (I’m sorry, I’m really dreadful with names, and can’t remember hers off the top of my head). Was she a guest writer for both SG-1 and Atlantis? Do you often have guest writers on the show? How do you go about choosing which writers to audition for staff positions?

  38. “The Latin phrase “deus ex machina” has its origins in the conventions of Greek tragedy. It refers to situations in which a mechane (crane) was used to lower actors playing a god or gods onto the stage.”

    “In modern terms the deus ex machina has also come to describe a being, object or event that suddenly appears and solves a seemingly insoluble difficulty, where the author has “painted the characters into a corner” that they can’t easily be extricated from (e.g. the cavalry unexpectedly coming to the rescue, or James Bond using a gadget that just so happens to be perfectly suited to the needs of the situation).” (Ref.)

    Not really complaining either way, my raging pedanticism just demanded it. Besides, by most definitions, McKay’s brain can be considered a Deus ex machina (McKaeus ex machina?), and the narrative function of the gadgets in Atlantis preclude the the definitions in most senses as they often don’t work as a perfect solution to the given problems and, in fact, often create bigger problems than the ones they started with.

    But that wasn’t actually why I came here. What I wanted to know was, in the interest of annoyingly antagonistic queries, how you would react to the suggestion that the wraith reflect a certain misogyny (for lack of a better word; less hatred, more… fear) on part of the creators? In subverting the traditional vampire mythology from a fixation on penetration, to one of suction and the transference of location (from neck/jugular (read: lifeblood/brain/intelligence) to the chest (read: lifeforce/heart/love)) a process has been created wherein the Wraith, using its “feeding hand” (a remarkably vaginal appendage: handgina, perhaps?), sucks the lifeforce from its victim in order to sustain itself (much in the same way that Gary Oldman sucked the intelligence from Keanu Reeves in Dracula; I believe he was still hungry). Now, from this we can ascertain that the initial attack (handgina to heart) reflects a somewhat negative perception that women suck the life/love out of men (don’t believe I’ve seen a woman get et on the show, yet) until they are pale, withered husks of their former glorious, rippling muscled , masculine selves.

    Now, you rebut my specious argument with one of your own. C’mon, it’ll be fun!

    (If it makes the question any less scary: I have a couple of film degrees, it leaves me with a lot of spare time.)

  39. Hi Joe:

    I am also a big fan of the Princess Bride movie and have recently heard that a studio is considering doing a remake. I was just wondering what your thoughts were concerning this. I’m not a big fan of remakes especially when it concerns a classic like this. The Princess Bride was such a perfect movie; everything worked from casting to script to musical score, why would they do this…it is inconceivable!

    Have a great weekend!
    Sabina

    PS: I also picked up the 25th Anniversary Edition of the book just so I could have a copy in hardcover for my collection. I have to agree with you Buttercups Baby really felt out of place.

  40. thank you very much for answering me,dd says thanks as well( shes back at uni now so cos i havent got a life when i ring her i tell her all about your blog,hope u dont mind),we’ll look forward evn more to ark of truth,and thanks for throwing the bone about Jack,he’s loverly!!

  41. Aelfgyu writes: “In fact, next time you want Latin, contact me! (I also do Old and Middle English!)”
    Answer: Damn. I wish you’d made the offer while I was still writing SG-1. Thanks. I’ll keep you in mind for my next Middle English crisis. P.S. How’s your goa’uld?

    If I’d found your blog while you were still writing SG-1, I’d surely have offered then. (“Demons,” by the way, nearly made my head explode: Daniel says, “Middle English, pre-Chaucer” about a tablet that’s clearly written in a dreadful mix of bad Early Modern and Modern English.)

    Sadly, my Goa’uld is not so good. But I’m glad you’ll keep me in mind for your next Middle English crisis! Those arise surprisingly often.

    P.S. Closer this time on my name, but you still left a letter out. It’s Aelfgyfu, pronounced “Elf-yee-vu”–just like it’s spelled.

  42. Hey Joe.

    Since SG1 has had a number of High Ranking USA Military official do cameos, have you ever thought of getting some Canadian representation? General Rick Hillier on the Daedolus or the Apollo would be cool. : )

    I love time travel eps. SGUEEE!!!!!

  43. Hi Joe,
    How many stories for S5 do you have yet? Any plans on dealing with Sam’s love-life in season 5?

  44. My Retort: Perhaps you are inferring what I did not imply, Snarkmaster Joe. Then again, perhaps you fell victim to one of the classic blunders…

    Joe got involved in a land war in Asia?

  45. @Olea ~ The scene at the end of BAMSR was Torri Higginson’s last scene for this season. Teal’c will be in a later ep this season, Daniel Jackson is slated to appear in season 5 (I hope he talks about Vala to Sam!! *pout*), Jack O’Niell appearing is a big question mark at the moment. No word (that I can recall) on Mitchell. … And oooooh, I love your Carson theory!!!! Best thing I’ve read all year! 😀

    *Thinks Joe needs an FAQ page, so that the people who ask qs that have already been answered in earlier entries can refer to it, since he doesn’t generally repeat answers. :)*

  46. Hi Joe,

    I noticed you mentioned Karen Traviss in your list of noteable female sci-fi writers. I was wondering, have you read any of her books in the new Star Wars series “Legacy of the Force”? I believe Peter David and Aaron Alliston (two of my favorite sci-fi authors) also penned a couple of books, and the entire series (at least thus far — still ongoing) is a great read.

    Alliston and Michael J. Stackpole also wrote the SW: X-Wing series a while back, and if you’re at all into the SW universe (my apologies if you’re not and you’ve stated this repeatedly), I would definitely recommend them as some of the best SW novels written.

    -LV

  47. Stargate is Science Fiction?! And here I thought Earth had finally gotten a space program off the ground.

    Wow, Aelfgyfu, doesn’t your head want to explode every time you get online? Mine does and I’m simply an ex-ESL substitute teacher!

    (Sorry if my usual self-centered ramblings are not so rambly, and that my snark is off the mark, we have 18 inches of snow in the front yard and … well. Other things, dreadfully dreary and sad.)

  48. Is Carson returning full time in season 5? Would love to see him back and Keller gone.

  49. Hi Joe,

    Just a quick note about Time Traveler’s Wife…alas i’m still only 1/2 way through, I’m a slow reader…but I just read your review on it and wanted to weigh in on the creepiness issue. Yes, I found it very disturbing that he would pop in on the young version of his wife. I think that didn’t give Clare any options for finding an actual husband because she was so pattern trained and intrigued by him from such a young age. There was just nothing else for her.

    As far as the characters, I find Clare interesting, but Henry’s character seems to change every few pages for me. When you bring in the stereo type, librarian or “library boy” you think of a more conservative, clean cut, person, leaning toward the geeky or nerdy. Every time present day Henry is expanded upon he is some wild drinking guy who you wouldn’t want to be with. He has some strange bi – x-girlfriend, can be an ass, etc. I just don’t see the attraction for Clare and I think the author could have played on this a little more than she is at present.

    So, that’s my middle of the book impression. It’s definitely not as good as I thought it was going to be, which make explain the extreme slowness of my reading.

    Thanks Joe!

    Sara

  50. Hi, has it ever been fully explained why the wormhole can only be kept open for 38 minutes?

    Thanks.

  51. Hello my Joseph adoré♥♥♥

    Sa va bien? moi sa peut aller, c’est enfin, le week end!! En plus de sa, j’ai les meilleur note de ma classe au Bep blanc de Francais et Histoire =) ..mais malheuresement j’ai appris que je ne pourrais jamais être dans la douane car il faut mesuré minimum 1métre 70 et je n’en fait qu’1m65 …snif .
    Waou, vous ne savez pas se que je vient d’apprendre??? Nicolas Sarkozy va supprimer la publiciter des chaine francaise en 2009…glurp oO Mais ils vont la remplacer par quoi? Snif donc, finit la pause pipi?

    J’ai remarquer que vous etiez bien motiver pour répondre aux questions aujourd’hui^^!

    Iron Chef??? humm..je ne connais pas..

    Mon pére vient de me faire gouter un gateaux délicieux..Il s’apple “le divorcé” …drôle de nom pour un gateaux^^!
    http://img286.imageshack.us/img286/6305/dscn31908wy.jpg
    hummmm miame =).

    Mes questions:

    1) Quel est votre acteur préféré?
    2) Si vous devriez avoir un pouvoir dans cette liste lequel préfériez vous? pourquoi?
    – Etre invisible
    – Etre le plus intélligent de la planet.
    – Parcourir des milliers de kilométre en quelques seconde.
    – Etre immortel.
    – Tout entendre a des kilométres.

    Voila! Gros Kisou, a demain, je vous adore! Merci

  52. Hey wolfenm – my parents/ brother live down there in Florida too – glad to know your parents are ok (look at that as the bright side). Although I hear 2 mail trucks were burned so I’m hoping my mom’s birthday gift wasn’t in either of those.

    Ashman2: didn’t they explain the 38 minutes thing in one of the SG1 episodes (maybe the one Teal’c was stored in the buffer? wasn’t that called 38 minutes? I need to rewatch all my SG1).

    And Beckie, regarding the stairs question – I *thought* I saw the translation posted on Gateworld in one of the forums? or another fan site.

    Rambling again! It’s my last day at this job, so very little to do other than surf the internet and then leave early. New job on Monday! Happy Friday (to those on this side of the dateline).

  53. Friends and neightboors says that my mother do wonderful Arab patisseries…do you love Arab patisseries ?

  54. Jenny Robin Says:

    Jenny Robin writes: “McKay=Vizzini
    Ronon=Fezzik
    Teyla=Inigo
    Sheppard=Man in Black”

    Answer: Since the Dread Pirate Roberts is actually portrayed by a number of different people, what are you trying to say about Joe F.’s future with the show?

    My Retort: Perhaps you are inferring what I did not imply, Snarkmaster Joe. Then again, perhaps you fell victim to one of the classic blunders…

    vinsfins Says:

    My Retort: Perhaps you are inferring what I did not imply, Snarkmaster Joe. Then again, perhaps you fell victim to one of the classic blunders…

    Joe got involved in a land war in Asia?

    OMGed, I get so much joy from reading JMz’s blog, and now I get the bonus of two of the funniest comments I’ve ever seen. ROTF!!!

    eddy

  55. So, a time travel episode? And here I was with this great fanfic plot about time travel … I think I’m about to be ‘jossed’ only in this case, is it more ‘mallozzied’?!!!

    I’d rather see it in canon though – especially as yours will no doubt be way better than mine could ever hope to be!!! (And I might just to stubborn and write it anyway, so there! Not like you’ll be reading it…!)

    Yours, not sulking, not really, just wishing I could write faster and beat the episode’s broadcasting!

  56. Joe Malozzi said : “…but maybe that’s because Stargate has been on the air FOR ELEVEN YEARS! I will concede that this would indeed be too much advanced technology – if we were writing for Grey’s Anatomy…”

    I agree with you and in your response it seems to be your strongest argument. After 11 years in sci-fi wolrld some advance tecnologies must be there. But, on an other hand, the idea that aliens tech are available on Earth always bothers me. At the beginning OK but after 11 years the political problems between USA and others countries should have been explored and explain a little bit more than by this agreement between China, Russia etc. And how is it possible to ignore the reactions of peoples of Earth? This problem found his solution in Atlantis : all the action is out there in a far away galaxie so we don’t care about what happens on Earth.

    And I translate in French:
    Joe, votre meilleur argument est celui à l’effet qu’après 11 ans il faut bien qu’un certain nombre de technologies extraterrestres aient été découvertes. Mais j’ai toujours eu de la difficulté à accepter le fait que de telles technologies ( F-302, Vasiseau Dédale etc ) soient développées sur Terre. Il est difficile d’admettre que le secret demeure. La découverte d’autres formes de vie dans l’univers ne peut que bouleverser l’ordre politique mondial et déstabiliser es nations sur Terre. Surtout que , encore une fois ce sont les américains qui possèdent tous les avantages .Le scénario dans SG 1 offre des tentatives de solution à ces difficultés que je trouve toute partiellement insatisfaisante ou même invraisemblable ( une entente avec la Russie et la Chine ou l’annonce publique faite par une société privée dans la saison 7 de SG 1 ou l’existence d’une société secrète “The Trust “) . Personnellement je dois régulièrement faire un effort de volonté pour faire abstraction de ces incohérences afin de rester dans l’action d’un épisode et continuer d’apprécier le plaisir de suivre les péripéties de nos héros ( surtout celles de ma Vala bien-aimée !).

    En créant la série Atlantis les scénaristes évitaient cette difficulté, ce qui m’apparaît avoir été un bon choix. En sortant carrément de la Voie Lactée pour concentrer l’action dans une galaxie lointaine on évite le problème ce qui s’accepte beaucoup plus facilement, intellectuellement parlant, et permet à mon avis d’embarquer dans un épisode sans décrocher de l’action.

    Cao

  57. I have two questions about Gua’uld. How was the language made? (ie, was it based off of another language or was it completely made up?)

    Looking forward to tonight’s SGA.

  58. Sorry to post again, so soon after the last one too!

    Beckie Says: … Now I ask a random question which answer has little or no importance to anything, I am sure:
    The stairs from the gate up to the control room have lights in them that appear to be ancient text. Is it supposed to say something, or just be aesthetically pleasing and Ancient-y looking?

    Go to this site and scroll down to the second post – they have translated the letters on the stairs (and further posts have translated over places Ancient text is seen).

    http://forum.gateworld.net/showthread.php?t=13522

    I found this by using a search engine, I normally avoid GW forums because of all the ranting and whining and bashing etc that can happen over there .. but this one is quite useful and makes me think I should check out the more ‘sane’ threads over there!

    Anyway, hope this helps.

  59. Thank you for the heads up on the last few episodes of Season 4 being tear-jerkers. I just bought a new box of kleenex the other day. I’m ready.

    Does the main cast already know what will happen in the first couple of episodes of Season 5 or will they find out only when they get the script(s)?

  60. 1)Will anyone ask to be forgiven this season?

    2)Will the ramifications of Wallace’s research and the events in “Outcast” continue on into Season 5?

  61. Ah tient je n’avais pas vu^^!

    ==>Merci “Fargate One” pour avoir traduit ton commentaire 🙂 c’est gentil.

  62. Joe,

    Sounds like your week is going well!!! I start back to college next week. My kids (15, 12, & 9) went back this past Monday, so it’s been quiet in my house for a few days. 🙂 A few questions. First one for fun. What movie actor (past or present) would you love to have as a guest star on SGA?? Next one. When are you going to be on Iron Chef America?? I love that show. If you do, say “Hi!” to Alton Brown for me and my oldest, Marianne!! 🙂 Have a great weekend!!! It is Sci-Fi Friday at our house tonight (pizza, snacks, and SGA on the movie screen)!

    Jen 🙂

  63. thefamouseccles Says:
    January 10, 2008 at 11:52 pm
    Jedi 43 writes: “…was JF’s fuller beard (as seen in the vid clip for the PCA’s) for a upcoming S5 episode, movie or just because he likes them when not shooting the show?”

    Answer: The boys will be beardless for the start of the new season.

    Rats I can’t be the only one who thinks that the boys look so much better with the beards, can I?

    No you aren’t the only one. I keep hoping that they will be allowed to keep the beards, but each new season shows clean shaven jaws. Actually, in John’s case, I don’t think the military allows beards, but there isn’t any reason Rodney couldn’t be allowed a beard unless they just don’t want him to be any hotter than he already is.

    The beard definitely changes David’s appearance. I think Rodney would seem more confident with it. Oh, yeah, and hotter.

  64. wams352 said:
    Hey wolfenm – my parents/ brother live down there in Florida too – glad to know your parents are ok (look at that as the bright side). Although I hear 2 mail trucks were burned so I’m hoping my mom’s birthday gift wasn’t in either of those.

    Thanks! I have to admit, when mom told me about the mail, I have to admit for a minute there, I panicked, trying to remember if I there were any packages I was still expecting. Then of course I felt bad for worrying about it ….

  65. I have heard that women do not like sci-fi shows. However when I read the blog, it seems like there are plenty of women out there that enjoy Stargate. any opinions on this myth?

  66. Leesa, thanks for the GW link. I’d managed to translate most of the steps, but hadnt worked my way round to the stuff like table legs. Should have known there was someone geekier than me out there….
    Wolffenm, glad to hear your parents managed to avoid the mess during the wreck. Yes, the year is starting off with the usual tragedies and horror stories. But remember, life does go on. One of my coworkers is the 3 week long proud dad of a darling little girl, and another coworker will at any moment be the dadddy of a bouncing baby boy. No doubt their examples will inspire others to emulate them…and two men, strangers to each other, ran into a burning house locally and managed to bring out a badly burned young woman. While she is stil critical, without their actions she would have been dead by the time Fire had arrived. So look to the examples of heroes real and fictional, and you’ll find life is not only bearable but even joyful. (quietly ending philosophical rant of the year)

  67. Hey Joe,

    Thanks for the Jack news, I really appreciate that you’re trying to get a story or two with him in season 5. Hope to hear more soon; love the blog. 🙂

    Happy Stargate Fan 😀

  68. I have watched Sci-fi and read Sci-fi, damn it I’ve even written Sci-fi.

    I was brought up on Dr Who and Star Trek, Blake’s Seven and Stargate as well as movies like Forbidden Planet, Silent Running and Star Wars.

    Watching Sci-fi encouraged me to get my second degree a BSc in Neurobiology with a sideline in quantum physics.

    I wanted to know more about the things I read.

    So in answer to your post do women like Sci-fi, not only do we like it we actually understand it!!!

    Pauline BA(HONS), BSc.

    Strange I can understand the intricacies of the Universe, but my punctuation and spelling can be….well to be honest…crap!

  69. although I would still argue his actions go against his personal stance as established in the “two 13 year old Henry’s”

    Of course they do. Clare gets all shocked and kind of irritated at him, and then realizes that the whole point of it was that it was sort of a grand gesture for her, to give her what she needed (space to make her art in) even though it went against his own principles. Yeah, it’s kind of cheating. Yeah, it’s kind of creepy. Yeah, I still like it.

  70. Bonjour Sulien et Wolfenm

    Thank at you both to confirm me in my book choice, its always interesting to have some advice !

    Take care

    Ma chère Anaïs,
    Pour traduire un peu c’est que j’avais demandé des conseils sur deux romans en particulier : American gods et The last unicorn et ces deux là m’ont répondu. Si tu aimes ça la traduction quand j’écris en anglais dis le moi je vais faire un effort !
    Nadine

    Ho en passant Joseph comme je sais que tu es tooouuujours heureux d’avoir des nouvelles de la météo ici il fait une méchante belle tempête de NEIGE !!!!!! (lol je me trouve ben comique…)

  71. Ugh, my question was the only one that wasn’t answered. Anywho, here goes. Please answer this question: What part of Scotland is Beckett from? Thanks.

    Last Man sounds really good.

    Becky also writes: “On another subject, how likely are we to have a visit from General O’Neill in season 5?”
    Answer: At present, a visit by O’Neill is not in the cards. I stress “at present”.
    Why not?

  72. Bonjour Fargate one,
    Im agree with some parts of yours comments. When I watch SC-FIC I like the writers considerate me Im a smart person, so when I saw some incongruity I just quit. I think its why I really enjoy stargate atlantis, the characters are not «cliché» like others show and have dark side…

    Je suis d’accord avec quelques parties de ton commentaire. Quand je regarde de la sc-fic j’aime que les scénaristes me considèrent comme une personne intelligente, alors quand je vois des quelques incongruences je laisse tomber. Je crois que c’est pour ça que j’aime la série SGA et les personnages ne sont pas clichés comme d’autres séries et en plus ils ont un côté sombre.

    So thank Joseph to give us a smart show !
    Houlala je me déchaiche aujourd’hui dans mes commentaires …

  73. Hey Joe, love the blog, love the BOTM stuff, and most of all, i love the show. On that, whats the director line up looking like for season 5?

  74. A little belated, but congrats on the PCA! So glad I got to see the actors accepting the award (though it was a quickie!). =) Your show rocks and definitely deserved to win.

    My brother and I had a question about Mortal Coil… why did Weir cut her hand like the other team members when she already knew she had nanites? If repli-Weir was created from information gained when Weir was captured/left behind, wouldn’t she already know she was infected? What was the point of the knife test? (I must be missing something!)

    Any ideas when season 5 will begin airing on SciFi (ie. fall? winter?).

    Thanks!

  75. Sand says:
    I have heard that women do not like sci-fi shows… any opinions on this myth?

    It’s not a myth. Women, genetically, don’t like sci-fi. Any female out there who says otherwise is only kidding herself. [Pauline, don’t waste any more of your life. Write romantic-comedies like a good woman should]

    Genetics have also proven that men dislike romance and prairie dogs can’t tolerate documentaries.

    Seriously.

    😉

  76. hi joe, just a quick question i was wondering when you writers sit down to do a script which one of the writers is better with all the science stuff? and which ones run to the books (or internet for that matter) and has a story ever had to be changed becouse of the science? (ok maybe not such a quick question sorry)

  77. Morgia; I loved American Gods, I thought it was a great book. I forgot what made me pick it up but I was very grateful that I did. I really enjoyed the author’s style, Gaiman has a quirky, clever sense of humour but the book has a nice, dark edge to it, too.

    And Joe, congrats to you, the cast and crew on the People’s Choice Award! Take THAT, Battlestar Galactica!

  78. Just how much time do you devote to your blog each day? I look forward to the brief distraction each day.

  79. Hi Joe,
    I was wondering…… The ‘beings’ that the replicators created I.e the dupli team. Do you consider them to be replicators, clones or something else? I guess I’m wondering what catagory they fall into!

    Please answer I reallllllly need to know.

  80. Hi Joe-

    Where are the jet skis, the kayaks, the canoes, and half naked Atlantians lazing on the pier while covered in sun screen and drinking beer? It is a city surrounded by water after all.

  81. Thanks for the new poem – lots of intriguing hints there. 🙂

    I’m wondering about the old poem though. You gave us the S3 episode lines, but there were several lines undeciphered. Can you tell us what the lines were for the S4 episodes up through BAMSR? We have a lot of them figured out I think, but there’s a few lines that are still confusing.

    Thank you!

  82. I picked up the latest Stargate magazine the other day and when I got to the your interview, my first thought was, “Huh. Joe doesn’t look like Kaiser Soze in his blog photos….”

  83. Hey Joe. Quick question. Have you ever read any of Raymond E Feist’s Riftwar books? I’ve been going back and re-reading them, and they’re pretty good (at least in my opinion).

  84. Sand said: “I have heard that women do not like sci-fi shows. However when I read the blog, it seems like there are plenty of women out there that enjoy Stargate. any opinions on this myth?”

    I’m a woman and I’ve always enjoyed sci-fi/fantasy and so have most of my female friends. *shrugs* Maybe it’s just the crowd I run with, who knows.

  85. Á Morgia: C’est mon plaisir á recommender Peter Beagle et son livre “The Last Unicorn”, c’est un de mes livres favorits.

    Pardonnez moi, s’il vous plait, je comprends un petit peut de Français avec un dictionnaire en ligne, mais je ne suis pas si bon á Français écrite (ou parlé). :}

  86. — 2) This has to do with the timeline of events. Ark of Truth takes place prior to the start of season 4. —

    OK, I’m confused. I thought you said AoT falls before S4 of SG-1; it appears I’m mistaken.

    Would you please explain again (or point me to the original blog entry) WHEN the SG-1 movies fall in the SG-1 and SGA timeline(s)?

    Many thanks, Gilder

  87. –One of Don’s pieces adorns Fondy’s office.–

    OK, I’m officially jealous.

    Gilder

  88. *waves*

    Long time no speak. Did you miss me? 😉 Sorry i’ve been remiss. Just popping in to say a belated thanks to Marty G for the BAMSR chat. I knew there was something different about the CG Wraith, just couldn’t put my finger on it. It was very well done. And talking of *forces herself to call him by his name* Todd, I did have a fear that once he was named you’d kill him off. [See Shep’s past history of naming wraith] 😉 So, I hope he’s still out there somewhere and we get to see him again. 😀

    Talking of which, I loved SoW great info on all the Wraith, loved the icky scene with the birthing. I absolutely adored the storyline and plot and the character interaction was fab. And yeah we got to see the locker room. Just a quick question, will we get to see them removing their gear in the future? Or maybe a shot of the showers is up next? *one can only hope* 😛

    You know what sold the ep for me? Teyla’s kick ass attitude seemed to come back a bit and we got to see that gritty determination she had in Seaosn one, and what I loved the most, was the talks between Shep and Teyla, specifically the end one and the hug. I love to see people hugging, it makes me go all girly and reach for my hankies. Which leads me nicely to your fab spoilery bit for the last man! 3 tissues, oh my goodness i’ll hold you to that. 😛

    Great stuff for everyone, great interactions, and thanks for the whumpyness. Be still my beating heart, l love to see Shep dropping to his knees, Ronon being all protective and Rodney cacking himself. 🙂

    Thank you Mr M and congrats on the PCA award (oh well better late than never) 🙂

    *hugs*

  89. I’m a woman and i enjoy sci-fi since in was a child (many
    years ago) but saddly for me here in Mexico sci-fi it’s not
    as popular as it seems to be in other countrys, and its hard for me to find sci-fi books, so all i can do is envy you guys and wish i could read all the books that you’re talking about

  90. I just wanted to say, I love Judith for calling it a “cheese grater”. I never thought of it like that, but now that it’s said, I can see the resemblance.

  91. Whose decision is it if Jason goes dreadless for season five? I know some shows get mad if actors or actresses get haircuts that could conflict with their characters and what not. AND if he does go dreadless, will there be a head shearing sequence in an episode maybe? Or is one of those off-camera ‘Oh look So-and-so got a haircut’ type things.

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