So I was eating a power bar today, looking over the nutritional information, when I noticed the best before date on the inside of the wrapper: “Exp. 07/03/08 08:28AM”. Not “08:27AM” or “08:29AM” or even “8:00AM-ish” but exactly “08:28AM”. How’s that for accuracy. Do you suppose that if I actually set it aside for a few months, I could detect a slight yet discernible difference between the flavor of the bar consumed at 6:00AM compared to, oh, 1:30PM? Probably. After all, calculating the shelf life of power bars is an exact science. It’s not like milk or ground beef where the best before date is really more of a suggestion than a rule set in stone.
Oh, I know what you’re thinking. Poor Joe, incapable of even opening up a can of La Costena whole black beans, he has resigned himself to the simplicity of power bars. What’s next? Saltines and shredded cardboard in milk? Well, you’ll be pleased to hear that I’m actually doing alright. Last night, I made myself a wonderful broiled filet of sole with cipolinni onions in a brown butter sauce. On tonight’s menu: more filet of sole, this time broiled with lemon and parsley. Yeah, I’ve been doing alright on my own but I really feel I’ve held off long enough. Maybe tomorrow night I’ll swing by Fuel and see how Tom and Chef Belcham are doing.
Someone commented today about the gunfire in the behind the scenes segments. In essence: “Pretty damn loud no?” YES! As I responded to IamJohn, the gunfire is so loud that the cast and crew are given ear plugs for these scenes. The ear plugs muffle the sounds of the gunfire, but they also make it harder to hear the director…
http://s230.photobucket.com/albums/ee164/BaronDestructo/?action=view¤t=Joegunfire.flv
Today’s mailbag:
Pauline writes: “Did Marty G have the portrait in the script from the beginning…”
Anwer: Yes, he did.
Mackenzie’s Momma writes: “Wouldn’t that line refer more to Miller’s Crossing than McKay and Mrs. Miller?!”
Answer: Woops, my mistake. I went back and fixed it.
ccdsah writes: “Is it possible that she’ll direct a season 5 episode?”
Answer: No actors will be directing episodes this season.
Emily writes: “Speaking of books, have you started on Bright of the Sky yet?”
Answer: Just finished it last night. Let me know what you think.
IamJohn writes: “Are the fake gunshots not loud enough to cause problems, or am I just missing something?”
Answer: No, those rounds are damn loud. So loud, in fact, that the cast and crew are given ear plugs before any scenes requiring gunfire – which kind of makes it hard to hear anything else. Check out today’s clip.
Morjana Coffman writes: “In watching “Harmony” again today (for the fourth time), I noticed in the closed captioning that they referred to Rodney’s handheld device as a PFD.
PFD as in…?”
Answer: Plot Forwarding Device.
Doci121787 writes: “Also im going to be in Vancouver in a couple of weeks, what is a good French resturant for a first timer?”
Answer: I’d suggest Bistro Bistrot on West 4th.
Squall78 writes: “My question was if you had any numbers for the Live + 7 for “BAMSR”.”
Answer: To be honest, I haven’t bothered looking into them, but I’m sure the numbers are out there somewhere.
Katja writes: “Whatever happened to the ship Tria?”
Answer: Without hyperspace capabilities, it is now a very interesting museum piece located somewhere between both galaxies.
C writes: “Forgot to ask, was there some outside reason for Harmony not including the whole team (actors were busy) or was it just planned that way because? Was there thought about the inside reason for why Ronon and Teyla wouldn’t be there?”
Answer: Rachel was far along in her pregnancy and we wanted to give her some time off to rest. Jason was also on baby watch and we needed a Ronon-light episode so that he could dash off for the birth without it affecting production.
Farscapefan writes: “…there’s a chance that Brad Wright or Rob Cooper will invite Claudia to the third or perhaps fourth SG-1 movie? Vala is too important character to really big part of the audience and deserve a story in the movie as the MAIN character, devoted to her entirely.”
Answer: I can’t speak for Brad and Robert, but I can say that we have no plans for Vala in Atlantis. As for a movie entirely devoted to the Vala character – again, I can’t speak for Brad and Robert but I think that would be highly unlikely. Future movies should focus on the team.
Mags writes: “Where you inspired by the Dolphins in Hitchhiker’s Guide when thinking up the Whangels?”
Answer: It was more than mere coincidence.
Poundpuppy29 writes: “The decision may have been made but fans have made a difference before it has happened in this franchise remember the Daniel wars I wasn’t around then but I have read plenty about it and they did make a difference.”
Answer: Um, according to who? The people who took part in the campaign? In reality, the decision to bring Daniel back had everything to do with Michael’s talent, longtime viewers’ familiarity with his character, and the fact that the show was looking at drastically reduced role for Richard Dean Anderson. So, bad example. Better example: perhaps the Save Carson Beckett campaign? Well, let’s wait and see what season 5 brings.
Wow, I didn’t know that expirations date got that specific! I say you lead a scientific experiment. If you have another Powerbar, eat some of it a minute before the expiration date and the rest a minute after. See if there’s a noticeable difference.
Do you know the Stargate symbols to dial Earth? I was just wondering. (I certainly have no idea.)
Shared roles of Carson/Keller working together would be wonderful for the show! To see them in the med. labs together would be very fun to watch.
Regarding the gunfire: how is the final gun sound heard in the episode edited? Is the sound of the blank rounds enhanced in editing to give it the fuller sound we fans hear, or is the sound something completely done through sound editing with a new sound completely?
Very glad to hear your food is doing ok. I was concerned that the pantry, fridge et al would have been feeling a bit neglected.
Any chance that Ronon scene from Miller’s Crossing where he’s watching Battlestar Galactica will make it to DVD as a deleted scene?
mmm, fish. Good to see you’re managing to avoid starvation, or worse, A McKay-esque diet of power bars, MREs, and airline food. Thanks for the mail bag. Looking forward to the start up of filming and more teasers and video clips, though I’m dreading the long break between Last Man and the airing of the season 5 premiere.
Annie from Fremantle said “To ship or not to ship? May I remind you that 90% of X files had the sexual chemistry between Mulder and Scully enticing watchers throughout the seasons Duchovny played in.”
Hit the nail on the head Annie. Also when you look at any secret identity shows, it’s the suspense of people finding out that brings you back as well.
Hey Joe. Any chance of a guest appearance by David Duchovny? He could try and woo Carter and Shep and Duchovny could have a mischievous grinning competition.
“Better example: perhaps the Save Carson Beckett campaign? Well, let’s wait and see what season 5 brings.”
I really hope this is related to the announcement we’ve all been waiting for that now needs a Sci Fi press release……..unless you care to spill the beans…I won’t tell anyone…. 😉
-Jen
If Ronon is going to keep his hair short where will he be keeping his knives?
Joe said Well, let’s wait and see what season 5 brings.
….when will you be telling us what the future holds for us poor wee SCB people?
🙂 🙂
*So, bad example. Better example: perhaps the Save Carson Beckett campaign? Well, let’s wait and see what season 5 brings.*
Ok, can I just speak on the whole Beckett situation, while I know it’s too late for any decisions to change (They’ve obviously been made by now cast wise). I am SERIOUSLY hoping that he DOESN’T come back. I really liked Beckett, and like most people didn’t agree with the decision to write him out the show. But what happened has happened, bringing him back now would just be quite negative towards the show imo, it would just indicate that the writing staff are not confident in the decisions they make. Now that he was written out I think it should stay that way, a terrible shame yes, and most people would be open to guest appearances but as for season 5 appearances I’m hoping it’s one or two episodes at best, guest billing only. I respect people who want him back, but I personally think the point of no return has been crossed and the show would be stronger without it.
I’m also hoping Carter carries on her role in Pegasus, I feel that being on set a lot more (with the obvious delay of the future movies) would help her role and justify her position on the show. The films being delayed (which I’m assuming, since Brad and Rob are members of the WGA correct?) hopefully will allow her to be there, presuming she’s returning to the show, but again I feel anything else would be detrimental again as people will just further question the decision to bring her on board, you need to present a reason to justify it really. Her being in the position and leading strongly I think will be just that. So here’s to hoping that that will be the case.
I will also say that I have never been against Carter on Atlantis and am not now, in case my post came off that way.
And hope all the best for season 5’s planning.
Greatly enjoyed Harmony – fun episode all around. Absolutely loved the painting.
Got a question about logistics. Do you guys have staff meetings or something before starting filming of an episode? Or does this happen mostly in smaller groups (special effects, writers, etc) depending on when those people need to meet? Just wondered if part of the process was getting everyone in a room to discuss ideas, etc.
Bonsoir Joseph,
Je suis bien contente de constater que tu réussis à te faire de la bonne bouffe même si tu es seul (bon, là j’ai l’air d’une môman qui s’inquiète pour son enfant lol) J’ai commencé le livre de Dan Simmons (dont le titre en français est «les fils des ténèbres«) et je dois dire que les cinq premiers chapitres m’ont envoûtés, wow, j’espère vraiment que ça va continuer ainsi !
And some of you suggest me The last unicorn. Honestly, at the beggining I was not sure if wanted to continue the reading, It was too «cute», too «childish». But, it was not, its is very goog, a little bit sad, but very good. Thank for the suggestion and if you have others suggestions in fantasy genre tell me !
Morgia
I think the power bar experiment would go over well on Atlantis – I could see Rodney freaking out over an expired power bar!
I’m proud of you that you’ve managed what is it? Three days without Fondy and no food poisoning yet! Is she having as good a time without you?
I can’t believe season 4 is almost over! I’ve really REALLY enjoyed it. While I’m looking forward to the rest of it, I’m also bummed that it will be a break until … September? eek!
wams352
Ah, earplugs. I wear them to sleep in at Burning Man, the omnipresent oontz oontz oontz of techno-house gets to a person after a bit. I can still feel it in my bones through the sleeping pads on the ground. I suppose we should wear them when we blow the gun powder and gasoline booms. You get shockwaves through the body with those.
Hehe, expiration dates on food … we have some granola bars, shelf stable bacon, and cup o’ noodles which have made the trip to the desert three or four years in a row. They only improve with age and playa dust. Desert camping food is nothing like true food as consumed in the default world. I mean, no one in their right mind would eat chocolate-filled Oreos stuffed with cheddar EZ Cheez and wrapped in shelf-stable bacon, would they? Ah, but in the desert, that’s Food of the Gods! That, or we’re hallucinating by the end of the week.
What is the big news for one of the Atlantis characters for season 5 that you mentioned about a month ago?
Previous comments about the gunshots being loud is well mis-informed. Actual gunfire is much sharper and louder along with the supersonic booms of the bullets passing through the air. You ears will be ringing for several seconds afterwards. All movie and TV gunfire uses blanks for safety. Blanks don’t have the same audio signature as real guns, never mind the cordite stink. Ear plugs make real drawn out gunfire bearable, like emptying out a 30 round magazine clip without pause.
Who gets the licensing rights to the likeness of the painting at the end of Harmony?
Bacteria in Joe’s bar:
“Come on guys it’s 08:28AM, time to get to work!!!! Let’s kill this sucker!”
Have fun at Fuel tomorrow.. no more broiled fish for you! How’s about a side of beef (cote de boeuf) or hopefully if it’s in season that corn soup you love so much.
Are you getting enough sleep? Taking your vitamins? Feeding the pooches enough? nagnagnag…
Bet Lulu, Maxi, Jelly and Bubba have all taken dibs on Fondy’s side of the bed.
Oh a friend asked me a question of pugs.. can they take some of Australia’s summer heat? We can reach over 100F many times in the summer. (I have aircon thank god). Due to the skin folds on their nose, my friend informed me that they do have problems there. Are they prevalent?
I remember you saying once that you applied some medication to one of the pug’s noses..also I hear they’re a dying breed. Are they really?
Again.. can we have a desktop of the painting? *pretty please*?
Joe Spirals Into Insanity: Day 4
Indeed, Joe, that’s exactly what I was thinking. However, I wasn’t going to pity you on your lack of quality nurishment, but instead, I was going to call some of my nutritionists (again, I know about a dozen…long story) and ask them about where you’d be headed now that you’re chowing down on what amounts to basically upgraded, compacted, pig-feed. Their answer was just as I expected: insanity.
Apparently, you can’t actually survive on powerbars. I learned that the hard way one memorable winter when I cracked under the pressure imposed on me by the Stargate fandom and started eating only rectangular foods. Ok, so I was insane first, but the powerbars surely enhanced it. Or maybe I just dreamed that. Anyway, this lack of nutrition can only lead to a loss of blood reaching the brain, thus killing numerous brain cells that keep you sane…and hairy, apparently. That was strange, I thought, although that last part could be something my loopy brain made up on its own at the time.
You say you had a good dinner last night? I’m sorry Joe, but I can’t take your word for it. Given your condition, when you said:
“Last night, I made myself a wonderful broiled filet of sole with cipolinni onions in a brown butter sauce. On tonight’s menu: more filet of sole, this time broiled with lemon and parsley. Yeah, I’ve been doing alright on my own but I really feel I’ve held off long enough. Maybe tomorrow night I’ll swing by Fuel and see how Tom and Chef Belcham are doing.”
I was forced to conclude that you actually were meant to write this:
“Last night, I made myself a wonderful broiled filet of powerbars with cipolinni powerbars in a brown butter powerbar. On tonight’s menu: more powerbar of powerbar, this time broiled with lemon-flavored and parsley-flavored powerbars. Yeah, I’ve been doing alright on my own but I really feel I’ve held off long enough. Maybe tomorrow night I’ll swing by Safeway and see how those powerbars are doing.”
But don’t worry Joe, we’re still here. We will keep you from completely loosing it, and make sure that you’re at least alive by the time Fondy returns. This, I SWEAR!!
—
It’s criminal to have this much fun commenting on a blog.
Oh, and is that SciFi Press Release on the new cast lineup coming up soon? We can only take your subtle hints of Carson’s return for so long. 😉
Thanks for the video!
Are you insane, like Joe will be if he follows your suggestion? How can you make such an insane suggestion? You want Joe to eat expired powerbars? Didn’t I just say that I swore (implying we all swore) to keep Joe both sane and alive?
There’s only one reason why the expiration date on that thing was so precise. My theory is, if it’s left uneaten until past that date, it will explode. After all, only bombs have such a precise deadline (except their deadline is always 0). You want Joe to be nearby that thing when it goes off just in the name of science?! In the name of Physics, then maybe he should risk his life, but for this? This is Chemistry…it’s not important enough for that.
I am deeply, DEEPLY disappointed with you, smiley_face06. I suggest you go and watch Irresponsble a few times to feel the pain that Joe would feel if he followed your suggestion, as well as the pain he felt when he himself saw that episode.
—
(All tongue in cheek, of course. No offense meant to either smiley_face06 or Joe, I promise ;-))
Mags writes: “Where you inspired by the Dolphins in Hitchhiker’s Guide when thinking up the Whangels?”
Answer: It was more than mere coincidence.
Oh cool. I read the whole Hitchhiker’s book series and really liked it but the flying dolphins part that I really remember was from the movie. My sister and I got the movie out from the library (the only sci-fi we had seen at the time was a few episodes of Stargate SG-1, I hadn’t read the Hitchhiker’s books series yet). We watched the beginning, saw the flying dolphins, decided the author was three fries short of a happy meal, and promptly returned the movie to the library (without watching another second of it). It makes a bit more sense now that I’ve read the books (it doesn’t make much sense, just a little more than it did before).
Hey Joe,
From all the hints about Carson returning has made a lot of folks excited. I think Keller has been great on the show as well. Hopefully there is room for both of them in a recurring role. Atlantis is a pretty big city, right? 🙂
Best,
Squall78
Still eagerly awaiting the press release on the season 5 cast–I’m hoping Carson’s back (and all the current cast, as well).
My husband suggests that if you ever want to raise a lot of money for a charity, you auction off that painting from “Harmony”; I think he’s right.
When you broil the sole how long do you broil it? I tried (by sheer coincidence) to broil sole this evening and it was a miserable mess….
Interesting:
http://news.sympatico.msn.ctv.ca/TopStories/ContentPosting.aspx?feedname=CTV-TOPSTORIES_V2&showbyline=True&newsitemid=CTVNews%2f20080127%2fcanadian_film_industry_080127
(have to copy and paste)
Isn’t the third paragraph a bit misleading, since the series isn’t filming right now? I know Carl Binder’s out of the picture right now due to the WGA strike, but aren’t the rest of you working on scripts?
I enjoyed the Flying Whales in Fantasia 2000. They are what first came to mind when you mentioned the Lantian “whales” not getting left behind.
I hope that they can go back to that planet some day. Poor “Sam” is probably missing Rodney. 🙂
I’m just wondering how the ongoing writer’s strike is affecting production? Have you got an entire season of scritps written? The strike really sucks and I’m hoping it ends soon. I don’t suppose you’ve heard if it’s going to end any time soon?
Thanks!
Lauren
Okay, so you don’t have to copy and paste the link to see the article.
The filet of sole sounds excellent in both its appearances. Seafood is delectable. I hope you felt your time and effort were well-rewarded. – Have you ever had mahi-mahi?
Funny about the exact timing on the power-bar expiration. I wonder if everyone at the factory is reminded by a computerized voice every 15 minutes to synchronize their watches. – On the other hand, I can’t ever seem to find any “best if used by” info at all on packages of saltines (and these are well-known brands!) So, being thoroughly fed up with stale crackers with comfort-food soup for colds, I’ve given up on them. Toast works just as well. Better. Variety of grains, etc., like the kind you had the other night (if it hadn’t been stale itself. A pity, with salmon salad.)
Just out of curiosity, in regard to the blurb on the Tria. Is there any chance that it’s going to be used in the future as a plot point?
hi joe! I was wondering how many ZPM’s there are on set? you know when you have to use them in a scene! enjoyed Harmony! thanks for listening
~kimberlee
Did Joe F. and David H. see the painting before the scene was shot?
Inpa Said: Ok, can I just speak on the whole Beckett situation, while I know it’s too late for any decisions to change (They’ve obviously been made by now cast wise). I am SERIOUSLY hoping that he DOESN’T come back. I really liked Beckett, and like most people didn’t agree with the decision to write him out the show. But what happened has happened, bringing him back now would just be quite negative towards the show imo, it would just indicate that the writing staff are not confident in the decisions they make.
—
Inpa, have you considered that the writing staff not only took Beckett out on purpose, but may be bringing him back on purpose as well? That it’s an actual plot element and part of the story they’re trying to tell?
Or if not that, are the writers not allowed to change their minds about a plot? Those are pretty high expectations you have. I hope you don’t work at a place like that!
I finally got to see Harmony, Joe. HUGE kudos to you and all the rest of the crew! I loved it! I especially liked the painting at the end!!! Poor John. *laughs* Now, I gotta watch it again. Season four is just great so far–I can’t wait till the next episode airs!!!
We cleaned out my parents’ freezer this past fall. We unearthed a frozen package of pastry puffs with an expiration date of 1987. The worst part is that they moved houses in 1990, meaning they deemed a 3 yr old package of pastry puffs worthy of moving to the new home. Where it then aged 17 more years. We should have thawed them and given them a chance. But they got immediately trashed, instead.
The best meal I’ve ever had was a package of Ramen noodles after I’d been hiking on Mt. Hood for 4 days. We cooked it up on one of those travel stoves and I shared it with my sister. We almost came to blows. Nothing has ever approached the goodness of that meal. Subsequent Ramen noodle preps have failed to capture the magic of that meal.
Then again, the hot mug of chicken broth prepared using a 30 yr old package of chicken bouillon (prepared and eaten the next day) was almost as good as the Ramen. Who knew your car survival kit could contain such tasty treats??
-Emily
“Montrealer Said:
Previous comments about the gunshots being loud is well mis-informed. Actual gunfire is much sharper and louder along with the supersonic booms of the bullets passing through the air.”
You bet ya! I know, I’ve partial hearing loss from firing an M-60 to long with no ear plugs! I was afraid to tell the Drill Sergeant that I lost mine that day in basic and so I paid a higher price than push ups… I wish I had a puddle jumper time machine and Carter’s smarts to call a do-over!!! Darn it! Argh!!! Eh… what’d you say!
Hey Joe,
I just discovered Damian Kindler’s Sanctuary! It’s totally awesome. Go Amanda. Hey fellow blogers, if you haven’t check it out; it is completely worth the 1.99 each ep download fee and more. I love the art and story line. If you see Damian, please tell him that I think it is a great success!
Do you have any plans to do any work on the series? Curious!
Patricia
Two questions, one book related, the other SGA related.
Have you had a chance to pick up Mister B. Gone by Clive Barker yet? I got it for Christmas, and find it to be a very intriguing book so far – basically a personal memoir written by a demon and told from that demon’s perspective. It sounds odd I admit, but from the half I’ve read so far its a good read
Also, Atlantis related – when the episode Harmony was written, was Jodelle Ferland a quick decision to fill the title role? I personally loved the tone she brought to the character, and think its a really impressive difference in character (a real comment on her acting ability) from young Adria.
Hey Joe!
I just wanted to drop by and say that I’ve been loving the recent episodes!! Not that ever *I don’t* love them… but they’ve been just great. Quarantined was amazing! just really really awesome (I especially loved the parts where John was worried about Teyla going into labor, as well as Keller and Ronan. squee!:).Harmony was wonderfully enjoyable! Like many others, I loved the painting at the end:), and I also loved how Harmony behaved to John – it was a perfect blending of a little girl with a crush, and a haughty princess. lovely! 🙂
mmm, the food you’ve been eating while “just surviving” sounds wonderful! especially compared to my college menu…
Hey, Harmony was great. Very funny, especially the whole thing showing how even miniature alien women still dig Shep more. That painting was absolutely hysterical. I totally want a poster of that now.
Any chance of Kate Hewlett in an ep next season? Personally, I think there should be at least one per season with her.
You know, I don’t think that occurred to be about the whales. Now I’m all sad. Poor Sam and co.
I read on the GW forum that JoeF had food poisoning during the filming of “Harmony”. Is this true?
Me and some friends went to McDonald at about 12.30am and a friend if mine bought two apple pies, he ate one and looking at the packet discovered it was infact 15 minutes out of date as it had expired at 12.15am. In fairness those appke pies are pretty rank to begin with so i doubt it made a difference, lol.
Hmmm. I wonder – if you waited so that you finished that powerbar at *exactly* 8.28am on July 3rd, 2008, would it instantly go bad in your stomach? I’m tempted to try it out. Except I would never eat a powerbar. Ew.
The arguing backwards and forwards about the Weir character in the last lot of comments is just the reason why a lot of Torri’s fans don’t bother to post on this blog anymore.
We can’t do it without someone going on the attack.
I hope you bring her back. I truly do. I know many of us have been disappointed by the fact Torri has told fans in London that she hasn’t been asked back.
I’ve tried to like the show without her and Paul. I’ve really given it a go. I still love Sheppard, but his role isn’t enough to keep me coming back, especially when I see nothing interesting at all between him and Carter.
I guess this is the way things go. Everything works in cycles. You can love a show one minute, and want nothing to do with it the next. I’ll personally be moving on if Torri doesn’t return in a significant role.
That’s not to say that I wish anyone bad things or for the show to be canceled. I’ve just found it’s time for me to find something that doesn’t frustrate me.
Dirty Sexy Money looks good. Then there’s Women’s Murder Club. Maybe that will be enough to give me my Joe Flanigan fix!
dang, I meant Quarantine. sorry!
How long did it take to film Harmony? And were the nighttime scenes filmed on location as well or on the set to give you more flexibility with time?
hello, joe,
i hope the news on whether sam/amanda’s coming back in s5 is coming soon. it’s rather stressy and 🙁 not knowing.
sally =)
Hi Joe.
Was wondering what you thought of the Amazing Race finale this year. Personally was happy to be rooting for three teams at the end instead of against them (even though I really wanted Ron and Christina to win). P.S. I still like the idea of an SG-1 TAR. Heh.
Oh, BTW, I’ve been contacted by Nielsen to be a test family for them during Feb sweeps month. With TAR off the air, um, wondered if you had any…suggested viewing now that I’m actually being counted? 😉
Joe,
Sounds like your a Gourmet cook..where did you learn this trade???
I hope to see Carson back in a regular role, though it would be strange to have him and Keller there. Its an odd position, you don’t want make more cast changes and I don’t see you getting rid of Keller even if I wouldn’t miss her…yet I’m not a fan of cast bloat either. It’s what ruins so many shows.
I don’t envy your decision on all this….I guess each actor could have a certain number of episodes each season.
Of course this all just wild speculation 😛
Okay back to watching all the Winter X-Games I tivoed. Somehow I could picture Jason and Joe watching those events.
When you say that they were looking to Drasticly reduce RDA’s role was this a RDA decision or a manegement decision??
i agree with inpa when you kill off a character they should stay dead.
The Mensa references from Shep has been making me think for some time about doing an IQ test. I think I’d been a little scared for a number of years because what if it came back and confirmed I am a blonde dim wit? So I decided to bite the bullet and give it a go, finding a PHD Certified test I sat down today ready to face the confirmation of what I had been worried was true. Came back at 131. Woohoo. Now I know I only come across as a blonde dim wit 🙂 I’m sure it’s probably one of the lowest scores out of the contributors to this blog however!
I was wondering Joe if you guys have ever looked at the average IQ on the writing/creating team of Stargate seeing as you come up with some amazing ideas. Or do we put that down to excess consumption of chocolate and then the inevitable sugar high that follows?
Any chance of seeing Kolya in Season 5? He and Michael were my favorite baddies, it would be awesome if they teamed up or something.
So I just saw the extended preview for Outcast on the MGM site and the episode looks brilliant! This season just keeps getting better and better, which, considering how great the first half was doesn’t seem possible. How are you guys so awesome?
No, really! How are you so awesome, Joe?
This remark caught my attention:
It’s not like milk or ground beef where the best before date is really more of a suggestion than a rule set in stone.
You make a good point, one which likely has value as concerns refining the gene pool. It’s comforting to know that the Baron keeps a watchful eye on such matters.
Hi Joe,
it will be really great if you tell us a little about what are the daily duties of the other producers – Andy Mikita, Alan McCullough, N John Smith.. Since they don’t serve as writers, what do they do?
Thanks 🙂
Grace Said
“The arguing backwards and forwards about the Weir character in the last lot of comments is just the reason why a lot of Torri’s fans don’t bother to post on this blog anymore.
We can’t do it without someone going on the attack.
I hope you bring her back. I truly do. I know many of us have been disappointed by the fact Torri has told fans in London that she hasn’t been asked back.
I’ve tried to like the show without her and Paul. I’ve really given it a go. I still love Sheppard, but his role isn’t enough to keep me coming back, especially when I see nothing interesting at all between him and Carter.
I guess this is the way things go. Everything works in cycles. You can love a show one minute, and want nothing to do with it the next. I’ll personally be moving on if Torri doesn’t return in a significant role. ”
You Weir fans take the cake, you really do. You attack other fans and then complain about them when they defend their show. Honestly I get so fed up of Weir fans whinging and complaining and attacking the rest of us and then crying when someone actually stands up to them and defends SGA. It’s okay for you to have a negative opionion about the show but it’s not okay for the rest of us to have a positive opinion because we don’t agree with you.
First some of you admit to being on the anti-season 4 threads, then you talk about the show failing because Weir isn’t in it, it hasn’t, then you show polls that are so small they don’t even count and when you don’t get what you want you threaten to not watch season 4/5 and leave.
You attack the producers and tell them they are wrong when so far the ratings have proved otherwise and then you attack the rest of us who dare to speak up and support our favourite show.
I fail to see how you can call yourselves fans of the show when you seem determined to see the show fail just because you don’t get what you want.
Weir fans practically took over Joe’s blog for a while with all their comments and I’m sure I’m not the only one who got throughly fed up with all the whinging. The Carson fans did a much nicer job with their campaign.
Some of us do love the show and think season 4 is the best so far. We don’t mind Weir not being in it at all and support the producers in their decisions, it’s their show not ours. Leave if you want but please stop whinging and crying because some of us get defensive when you constantly attack our favourite show.
Take your campaign to proper campaign websites where those of you who are like minded can whinge and complain but please do us all a favour and leave the rest of us to enjoy SGA.
I’m sure you will complain that this is another attack on you poor Weir fans, you love to stir up trouble, start fan wars and then run so run.
sorry Joe but I get so fed up with the whinging Weir fans coming on this blog and attacking my favourite show.
Jules
Can Ronon and Teyla read English? If so, how did they learn?
AscendedTauri said: “Shared roles of Carson/Keller working together would be wonderful for the show! To see them in the med. labs together would be very fun to watch.”
I agree. Carson returned to Atlantis in any capacity would be wonderful. And it would so rock to have Ba’al in Stargate. Please pass that along to Rob and Brad for me.
Patricia
Hmm Vancouver sounds quite nice. Just been voted the world’s best place to live.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4306936.stm
We can’t do it without someone going on the attack.
I hope you bring her back. I truly do. I know many of us have been disappointed by the fact Torri has told fans in London that she hasn’t been asked back.
But it’s alright for you to say you want Torri back as long as no one refutes you.?? That’s not balanced.
In regards to the power bar exact manufacturing time? I know you were joking, but you can thank the recent food recalls for those additions. For example, if we find there’s a batch made at 8:23 that was contaminated with something, but the production happened to stop at 8:24 for a thorough cleaning that would have killed whatever contaminant, we can feel fairly confident telling people that if it was made after 8:23, they’re okay. (We probably wouldn’t, just to be safe, but it’s also beneficial to criminal investigations.)
Now that I’ve gone on way too long about public health, did you watch the SAGs last night?
How many babies did the Atlantis cast and crew add to the population in the last year or so? Sounds like a population boom going on with the cast a least.
Something in the water? 😉
Whats the deal with Sheppard’s hair? It’s way out of military regulations. Isn’t there supposed to be a military advisor on set? There are a lot of military inaccuracies.
Still love the show though.
I like “Irresponsible”. It´s one of my favorite eps.
The dialogues are great and I love how You can tell that it´s supposed to be a Western (with the shoot-out etc.) while they are running around in those well-groomed, cute little Main Street USA settings. Makes it hilarious for me. (But then, I´ve worked in WDW, where You would never be allowed to step into the wrong “land” in the wrong costume.)
I liked Harmony, too, despite and because of the brat.
But I´ve got a question about the Genii:
What is the difference between a Genii soldier, warrior and man??
T
When you say that they were looking to Drasticly reduce RDA’s role was this a RDA decision or a manegement decision??
It was RDA’s – starting with season 5 he wanted to be on the show less and less because he was getting tired of being on the show full time. Plus around that time he had a daughter and he wanted to spend more time with her than the show. (Remember RDA WAS one of the producers from the start).
I was fortunate enough to chat to Torri at P3 at the ‘Meet and Greet’, as she sat next to me. She was a lovely lady, very warm and sweet – a really gentle spirit. I’m not the biggest Weir fan in the world, and won’t pretend I am – I loved Torri though, she was lovely – but I am curious to see what has happened to her character, to continue the storyline somewhat, or to see some resolution, perhaps?
Anyways, I did ask Torri about season 5 and she was very forthcoming. She said to me she hasn’t been asked as YET. She thought from Weir’s storyline the intention was to continue it, but as yet she hasn’t heard anything. So, I think some folks might be jumping the gun a little here saying she hasn’t been asked back – period. After all, Torri can only be asked to reprise Weir’s role when an episode has been written that includes her in it. Well, that seems logical to me.
As to Joe F’s thoughts on on-screen relationships – I’m with him. Resolve the sexual tension which has built up between characters for a long time, and the show tends to fall to pieces. Now, if a character leaves, or a show ends etc…well, that’s another matter entirely, I believe. I don’t think Joe F. was being patronising at all; he was giving his opinion on things, and I’m sure as many viewers agree with him as those who don’t. I’m ok with little hints and bits and pieces, or one off romances personally, but heavy, romantic relationships surely aren’t what Stargate is about? At least I’ve never thought SGA has been like that, and that’s not something I really would want to see too much.
Joe,
Who will comprise the SGA writing staff for Season 5?
Thanks,
SMB_BOOKS
SEW Crew Member
http://www.saveelizabethweir.com
When filming Stargate Atlantis, how do you pick characters in real life for different worlds? Also,someone has been posting pictures of Ark of Truth online at… […]
just thought you wanted to know…also did we find out who posted the unfinished version online??? I hope you punished them!
also looked at the pictures on continuum at gateworld.net… is there any way to get Baal’s chair… it is so cool?
It seems unlogical to me to create a special leather outlook for Weir and only use it for 30 seconds. This has to mean Weir will be back, for a special mid-season two parter my guess is. It’s not enough, but it’s better than nothing. Please ask Torri back for some episodes! She said at the convention this weekend that she hopes she is going to be asked… “Weir is all that I hold dear!”(copyright by MTB) 😉
Joe,
Loved Harmony, and really dug the painting! (Props to Martin) I’d like to suggest the painting become the prize for your 1.5 or 2 millionth commentor. Whathca think?
Good to see that there are another Claudia Black/Ben Browder/Farcape fans out there! I loved SG-1, and was thrilled when they both joined the cast, I feel it really rejuvenated it. Whoever cast them deserves a serious plaudits! (Episode 200 still makes me laugh with the Farscape parody, great writing Joe!)
I am wondering, in SG-1, Cameron Mitchell shares a lot of character traits with John Crighton in terms of use of pop culture references, boundless enthusiasm etc. Was this intentional when you wrote his character? I only wonder, as the character of Vala is so far removed from Aeryn Sun, which was a really refreshing change.
Also, I can’t help but thinking Sam and Cameron as a romantic connection at some point in future? I think they’d be really well suited… there is obviously a link there as she calls him ‘Cam’ and they seem to have a real understanding and ease with each other. Or, will there ever be a clarification of the state of the Jack/Sam relationship?
Joe thanks again for the dedication to the blog, great reading as always!
Sosu
1)Does destiny play a part in overall Atlantis mythology?
2)Does the Atlantis “Replicator Maker” have a continued storyline into Season 5?
Hi Joe,
1) When does production for season 5 kick into high gear? I gather the writers have already begun work, but when does everything else begin? I imagine there must be some sort of lead time to procure permission to film location shoots and so forth. Are most of the location shoots filmed on national parkland?
2) Does Chef Belcham appreciate all the advertising he’s getting from this blog? Because, I have to say, if I ever visit Vancouver, Fuel is on my definite must-eat-at list!
Dear Joe,
you answered to Farscapefan : “…I can’t speak for Brad and Robert but …Future movies should focus on the team.”
Which will include Vala as a member of the team, is’nt it ?
On the issue of shipping: Some of you seem to be misconstruing my posts, so here goes …
1) I am not asking for Sheppard to be hooked up with someone, or for anyone else in SGA to be — I am not even talking specifically about Atlantis or SG-1. I am simply expressing my personal wish that writers, when they *do* introduce romantic tension in a story, would follow through with it and develop the story, instead of making it an endless tease, whichm, in my opinion, gets boring and stale. I AM NOT ASKING FOR MORE SHIPS.
2) Okay, som of you hate ships — I get that. Different strokes for different folks. I typically find military/action-centered stories dull myself, and prefer epis that have a hefty dose of interpersonal relations (or any kind, not just the shippy). But you might consider the fact that there are shows with ships out there that you like and you’re not even noticing that there are ships on them, because the writing is *that good*. Because the writers *don’t* focus on UST, but on the *story*, which involves *gasp* character development.
3) Some of you *only* like romantic tension, and nothing more. Okay, I get that, too. I am just saying that one cannot assume that *everyone else* is the same way — there are many of us shippers who *love* stories that go far, far beyond that. I respect that there are those of you who agree with Joe F, but PLEASE stop acting like those of us who do not agree with him (and wish that people wouldn’t “tell” us what we like, as if they know our own minds better than we do, implying that we are *stupid*) are either liars or delusional, or are some sort of mythical animal. I have *already* read/watched and enjoyed post-consummation stories on *numerous* occasions; scroll through any fanfic community, and you will find a good number of people who feel the same as I. We wouldn’t write and read post-hook-up stories if we didn’t feel that way, and I promise you, we do. And the sheer volume of such available “established relationship” stories would suggest that it’s more than just a handful of souls, too.
4) As for that article someone read that supposedly “proves” that I am wrong — a journalist can write anything; it doesn’t make it irrefutable fact without polling everyone in the country AND using comparative data from every show in existence. They came up with examples where it didn’t work, I can come up with examples where it *did* in my own article (I even gave you a few of them here, already). Anyone can put whatever spin they want on anything.
5) As for cancellations, you can’t assume that it’s the resolution of UST that killed a show and not other factors. X-Files went on for 9 seasons, for Frith’s sake — it was about to go anyway! And how do you know that people besides yourself wouldn’t have continued to watch and enjoy the show if Duchovny had stayed, with the two of them together? (I stayed even with him gone! And if it was considered such a failure at it’s end, I doub they would be filming the second film now!) Same with Buffy — it was at 7 seasns, ending it’s run on a network that was failing *all around*, so you can’t blame it’s cancellation on the *resolution* of Spike/Buffy. (Especially since the significant loss in numbers from 5 to 6 happened well *before* the resolution, not after! In my experience, the people who hated Spike/Buffy hated the very idea of the ship, from the get-go, rather than hating it only when it was resolved.) And what about Buffy/Angel? They dated, and they’re a very popular ship, even now, long after the’ve slept together and had to break up to save the world! I found them far more compelling *after* they hooked up than I ever found them *before* then, and I know others who feel the same way.
6) Scarecrow and Mrs King, Moonlighting, and other stories where the ratings dropped *only* “proves” that those particular writers, for whatever reason, failed to tell compelling stories after the hook-up, or that a particular section of the audience was unintersted in such stories — they do not prove that such stories cannot ever effectively be told by other writers, nor that there wouldn’t be people who would still watch them. (In fact, I still watched both shows until they were cancelled, and was sad to see them go.) If a show loses forty percet of its viwers, that could probably be enough to kill it — but doesn’t that suggest that the remaining sixty who stayed with it had no problem with, or even enjoyed, the post-consumation, and are therefore in the majority?
Linzi said …
I don’t think Joe F. was being patronising at all; he was giving his opinion on things, and I’m sure as many viewers agree with him as those who don’t.
Thank you for being civil and thoughtful and open-minded. (My apologies if I did not come across as such myself.) 🙂 Going back to look at his response, I’m somewhat mollified by the fact that he says “What I’ve discovered” — it was his use of “audiences *think* they want” and “but they *actually* want” that set me off in the first place, not simple fact that he *personally* feels that way. Any of you can *feel* that way, be my guest! 😉 It totally works for me, it doesn’t work for you, that’s cool. Just like some people love Sam, and some hate her, some love Ronon/Keller, some hate it, ect. I totally get that we’re not going to agree on everything. 🙂 I like to see people present their opinions as opinions — as you have done — especially when they offer such well-reasoned explanations as to why their line of thinking. It’s when people present their opinions as some sort of irrefutable law of nature (or use “parental”, “some day you’ll learn” tones — which I confess I felt JoeF edges dangerously towards, hence my saying he sounded patronising — but maybe that’s just his drawl) that gets me uptight. 😉
I hope JoeF’s wife doesn’t see the bit where he says that comsummating in *real life* just becomes a big disaster, though! ;p LOL
Bon avant-midi Joseph,
Le processus de création m’intéresse beaucoup (je crois que c’est presque une science !) Je me demandais si les scénaristes écrivaient tous dans leur bureau, ou tous dans la même salle. En fait, je me demande s’ils doivent travailler de 9 à 5 au bureau à écrire les scénarios ou s’ils peuvent partir du bureau et travailler où ils veulent. Moi personnellement quand je crée j’ai besoin de beaucoup de bruit autour de moi, je me lève souvent, je change de pièce; c’est un processus qui est ordonné dans une certaine cacophonie (étrange…) Si, tu as déjà répondu amplemenet à ces questions existencielles sur la création et son processus tu n’as qu’à m’indiquer quelle date dans ton blogue et j’irai fouiller.
Merci à l’avance et passe une très belle journée
Morgia
Ah the ubiquitous power bar never had one myself but McKay seems to like them.
An experiment to ascertain the validity of the null hypothesis that ‘A power bar past it’s sell by date would cause irreparable damage to the recipient’.
This could be ascertained by using a double blind randomised control three armed trial.
The ‘victim’ sorry subject wouldn’t know which arm or bar they would be randomised to and neither would the person controlling the experiment that information would be held on a central data base (on a piece of paper in a shoe box some where).
We could add on another experiment to ascertain the gross reaction as in D and E which would confuse us even further generating even more data and increasing our variables.
So we have….
Bar A to be eaten at 0829am
Bar B to be eaten at 0830am
Bar C to be eaten at 0831 am
Bar D to be eaten 24 hrs prior to the expiration time
Bar E to be eaten 24 hrs post expiration time
Now in order to make the research significant we would have to use a statistically significant amount of people.
If we think there are 6 billion people on the Earth today we would need 6-4x3x 10 to the power of 12…..an awful lot of people and bars….do we really want to know?
Joe just eat the feckin’ bar and when you come out of the coma let us know!
Pauline Please note no power bars were harmed during the above research.
Today is my best friend Tina’s birthday, Joe. She’s one of the greatest people ever and she’s the one who introduced me to Stargate (she’s seen all the episodes at least a dozen times each). I don’t suppose you would dedicate a post to her, would you?
Salu Joseph ……(Tient?.j’ai remarquer que tout le monde vous appel Joe…IL faut toujour que je face le contraire des autres lol XD)
Sa va bien? Moi oui trés bien, je suis contente de venir sur votre blog aprés une bonne journée de cour =)
hummm sa l’aire trés bon se que vous avez cuisiner.
Merci pour la video, sa fait bizzard de voir cette scéne avec une autre prise de vu =)
Mes questions:
•Vous aimez les petits chiens..et les gros? quel race?
•….Bon alors vous y avez pensée a mon francais?…Comment il s’appelle? quel age a t’il, que fera t’il?
(et oui tétu forever^^)
Bon aller gros kisou, je vous adore! a demain ♥♥
“Farscapefan writes: “…there’s a chance that Brad Wright or Rob Cooper will invite Claudia to the third or perhaps fourth SG-1 movie? Vala is too important character to really big part of the audience and deserve a story in the movie as the MAIN character, devoted to her entirely.”
Answer: I can’t speak for Brad and Robert, but I can say that we have no plans for Vala in Atlantis. As for a movie entirely devoted to the Vala character – again, I can’t speak for Brad and Robert but I think that would be highly unlikely. Future movies should focus on the team.”
Joe,
in case you forgot, Vala IS part of the team. Now what you said sounds to me like you’re trying to prove something else, that Carter is the ONLY girl on SG-1 and Vala is entirely a fifth wheel, and with such words you’re trying to push her out the doors. No way. You had EIGHT frelling years for your precious team, so now it’s high time for a character driven movies, with some other team members in the background. You know very well that Vala is the character who truly deserves a movie focused on her. Claudia’s talent deserves it.
re powerbars. After reading the ingredients on one, do you really think that they expire?? 😉
meanwhile, in today’s press was British Columbia will offer new tax breaks for film production in the province, according to provincial Finance Minister Carole Taylor.
“Last year, we consulted extensively with the industry, and they told us that our tax credit program plays an important part in making British Columbia a world-class destination for film and television production,” said Taylor. The Film Incentive B.C. credit for resident production companies will go up to 35%.
Does this film credit apply to TV series such as SGA, or just movies, and maybe (perhaps?) the next SG1 movie?
And regarding HARMONY… I was happy to see it was a fun episode (I did have fears it might turn out to be another TOWER). However, the Genii involved in this episode are now a bunch of backstabbing murderer types? Will we see repercussions of this action further on down the road? The next time the team runs across Ladin, will they bring this up? Because surely, how can any Genii not know who the Lanteans are?
As for ‘ship’ on the show, I’d prefer it just be spaceships, not romantic relationships between established regular characters. I’ve seen too many shows go to pot when they stick the male and female leads together.
Can you give us any more info about ‘The Last Man’?
Today looking for sth good on TV I incidentally turned on “Mona the Vampire”. It reminded me to have a look at your blog…
Thank you for the vids and this great blog! 🙂
So, is Martin Wood coming back as a director in Season 5?
Ivana
I always thought of Power Bars as being otherworldly… Never thought they had an expiration date, thought they would last forever, kind of like fruit cake… LOL
Yum! Filet of sole with lemon and parsley. That sounds sooo good. Especially since it’s lunchtime here and all I’ve had today is yogurt. *sigh*
Don’t you just love power bars. A nice healthy snack that doesn’t require any prep work – just peel back the wrapper and you’re set to go. I have a feeling, however, that I’ll be checking the exp. date a lot closer now. LOL
I’m excited to see what you have planned for Carson in season 5. I wish scifi would hurry up and make some kind of announcement regarding the cast for season 5. I’m sure you do too. It has to be hard to know but not be able to say anything yet. Hopefully the announcement will come real soon.
danielfanforever
I’d just like to say I’m a Weir fan but I was finding it more and more difficult to reconcile her presence on Atlantis in the absence of any diplomatic action and so I resigned myself to her untimely demise. However the revelations of BAMSR gave me hope for a more detailed storyline for the character and whether or not Torri returns (fingers crossed) there is still always that faint glimmer of hope for more in depth revelations and character development.
That said I am loving season four and have no intentions of abandonning the series merely because I disagree with the direction events have taken, I’m looking forward to the rest of season four and to many more seasons and storylines to come!
Linzi – regarding your comments….
First, just want to say “thanks” again for sharing your conversation with Torri in the Pro Weir in S4&S5 thread on GW. I, for one, appreciated it.
I can’t speak for all Weir fans, just me. I’m just very anxious to hear whether or not Torri will be back in Season 5. I had hoped very much she would be back on a regular basis and was therefore surprised and more than a little disappointed to hear that she had not yet been approached for Season 5, especially since it starts production next month. Naive as it may sound, I really thought she would have been approached by now. The fact that she hasn’t, makes me think (logical or not) that her role in Season 5 may be a lot smaller than I had hoped for. And, if that comes to pass, I will be very sad, indeed.
I sincerely hope I am wrong. I hope there are grand plans for her return in Season 5 and that we will all hear very soon what her status is.
Cheers!
SMB_BOOKS
SEW Crew Member
http://www.saveelizabethweir.com
Hey Joe,
Harmony was a great episode liked it a lot but I’m a bit confused on two things and I was hoping you can clarify. I thought the ancients developed drone technology before settling on the Pegasus Galaxy given the fact that the atlantic outpost and proclarus taonas had them. It is just a little confusing…. and also the replicators built another type of ship, smaller than the Aurora class, we saw it in Lifeline and this Mortal Coil, my question is did they survive the events of Be All my sins Remember’d or are they all gonners?
Thanxs for your time and I hope get lucky this time by getting a response from you
Dear Joe,
Excluding the Kindred and the Last man, will we see some cool ancient or advanced tech for the post harmony season 4 episodes ( outcast, trio, midway)
thanxs
Ahhhhh.. finally back home after 3+ days of mayhem and good times at the Pegasus 3 convention in London. Torri, Paul, Kavan, Dean and Andee were all lovely.. and seriously, I never knew the Wraith queens were that zany and giggly! 😀
Just popping in to say I really enjoyed Harmony… and have discovered the best way to watch new SGA eps… with a multi-national gang of fans all squeezed into 1 hotel room! We had 3 Germans, 2 Americans and 4 Brits and we all had a great time – and had to keep rewinding because we were laughing so much we missed what came next! 😀 Also, vodka may have been involved. 😉
So will that painting be the prize for, I dunno, the 10th million visitor to your blog? 😉
Season 5 wish list: Beckett returns, Keller leaves, Torri is back with some interesting episodes, let us see Kolya once more, more for Major Lorne to do, and we don’t need Ba’al because we have Todd! Any chance of a “Todd meets Michael” episode?
Farscapefan writes: “…there’s a chance that Brad Wright or Rob Cooper will invite Claudia to the third or perhaps fourth SG-1 movie? Vala is too important character to really big part of the audience and deserve a story in the movie as the MAIN character, devoted to her entirely.”
Answer: I can’t speak for Brad and Robert, but I can say that we have no plans for Vala in Atlantis. As for a movie entirely devoted to the Vala character – again, I can’t speak for Brad and Robert but I think that would be highly unlikely. Future movies should focus on the team.
Does the team include Jack too? I’ve heard there was talk about a third Stargate movie by Brad Wright that is supposed to be Jack-heavy? Any news on that? Also how many episodes to you have written for season 5 already?
Filet of sole? Sounds yummy. Too bad the Hubs doesn’t like fish. Tonight, I made a very easy (20 minutes) pork chop dish with a chunky tomato sauce that was REALLY good. I swear, if you need easy recipes, I got tons!
So, I am going to reign in on the “ship” conversation. I personally don’t think its the resolution that kills a show. Its the resolution and then TALKING about it for every episode that kills a show.
I used to be OBSESSED with Grey’s Anatomy. But then the constant whining in each and every episode about breaking up then getting back together then breaking up was taking away from not only the core of the show, but it took away from the pace and snappiness of the dialogue that I loved and it weakened the characters.
I think it would be fine for a “ship” to actually come to fruition if for instance there was a kiss in one episode, and then that’s it for like 4 episodes, then maybe a hand-holding or face-patting, then nothing for like 4 episodes. It would allow there to be some resolution between characters without beating the relationship to death. AND it allows the characters to keep their strong/independent natures without appearing too sappy. AND it gives the “shippers” the resolution they desire. The thing is, having those kind of feelings is human nature, and no one can tell me that they haven’t ever been in the kind of “family” that Stargate is and not had feelings for someone of the opposite sex (or same sex, if that floats your boat).
So that might have been rambling…..but one of the reasons I like Stargate is for the snappy, tight dialogue, the humor, AND the human-ness of the characters/actors. And part of that human-ness is falling for someone that you are close to. So PLEEEEEEZE. I just need something, some big clue (Jack/Sam)….or I might die :-).
Yeah, there isn’t much doing here in the Middle East. It might snow tomorrow…the arabs are freaking out! Apparently, snow in the Middle East is like snow in Mexico. They have no idea what to do with it!
And here, when they run Stargate Atlantis in syndication, it has Arabic subtitles! I don’t think the satellite company has SG1, if they do, they don’t run it. BUT, they definitely have Season 1-2 of Atlantis. Every morning at 8am!
Ok enough rambling. Have a good dinner at Fuel!
Sarah
http://www.travelingmarshalls.com
“Wolfenm Said:
Thank you for being civil and thoughtful and open-minded. (My apologies if I did not come across as such myself.) Going back to look at his response, I’m somewhat mollified by the fact that he says “What I’ve discovered” — it was his use of “audiences *think* they want” and “but they *actually* want” that set me off in the first place, not simple fact that he *personally* feels that way. Any of you can *feel* that way, be my guest! It totally works for me, it doesn’t work for you, that’s cool. Just like some people love Sam, and some hate her, some love Ronon/Keller, some hate it, ect. I totally get that we’re not going to agree on everything. I like to see people present their opinions as opinions — as you have done — especially when they offer such well-reasoned explanations as to why their line of thinking. It’s when people present their opinions as some sort of irrefutable law of nature (or use “parental”, “some day you’ll learn” tones — which I confess I felt JoeF edges dangerously towards, hence my saying he sounded patronising — but maybe that’s just his drawl) that gets me uptight.
I hope JoeF’s wife doesn’t see the bit where he says that comsummating in *real life* just becomes a big disaster, though! ;p LOL”
I can see exactly what you mean, so I do see your perspective too. I wasn’t upset by your comments at all, you’re always passionate and reasoned, I think. I’m not sure I am though, as Joe M. can attest to!
As hard as it is to believe, I don’t agree with every word that comes out of Joe F’s mouth. (I think my whump and thunk friends just stuck pins in my voodoo doll!) Lol! I do know what he means though. Let me give you an example.
I loved Alias. Not like I love the ‘Gates, and especially not like I adore SGA. But I really enjoyed it. I was so keen for Sydney and Vaughn to consummate their relationship. However, when they did, the series fell flat for me. That has happened to me in other shows too. So, in my experience, I agree with him. Shows can lose their appeal and momentum when the UST is resolved. I’m not saying that’s always the case, but for me it has been mostly – even in the wonderful Babylon 5. It’s just so much more gut wrenching and angsty when relationships aren’t consummated. Well, I am a whumper, don’t forget!
There have been times when I’ve rolled on the floor in hysterics at things Joe F. has said. One incident comes to mind when I saw him at a Con. My friends and I have never repeated exactly what he said online and never will, because we know what he meant, but if I repeated it literally it sounds so, erm, unfortunate, shall we say? He meant it as a compliment but it really doesn’t sound like one. Bless him! I sympathise with him though.
I told a friend I dog walk with that I was going to P3 and explained what is was. Guess what she said to me?
“Linz, I’d never have guessed. You’re such a normal and nice person, and you look too cool to be a scifi fan. You’re a dark horse. Fancy you being a scifi nut! Do you own an anorak?”
She just didn’t mean it like it sounded – and was actually trying to be nice, I know. Sometimes we say things that come across as being condescending or rude, and we don’t mean to. I do all the time, so I know all about it, and sympathise with Joe F.
I laughed very loudly at Joe and the consummation bit on that scifi vid. He really cracks me up sometimes, and for me, that’s part of his appeal.
Oh yes, Joe (M this time!…two Joe’s is so confusing. How inconsiderate both Joes’ parents are!) – I want sole in parsley and lemon sauce now!
Oh, sorry if this entry is so long. I’m getting as bad as Cheeky. Is that even possible?
Speaking of Todd….
He is the most amazing character the show has introduced, mainly because he makes the viewer (well, some of us anyway) feel real compassion for the plight of the once-one dimensional and very hated Wraith. The beautiful thing about Todd is that – through his actions – he has made the Wraith worth saving by giving the species depth and dimension through his portrayal. Todd has allowed fans to become emotionally involved in their situation – hunger is a fire that burns inside, “have you ever known starvation…?” It’s not just that hunger is ‘distasteful’, but it’s something akin to torture. How can a viewer now deny them the need to satisfy their hunger the way their nature dictates? I know I can’t.
He has also shown us that Wraith can have honor, though it seems to be when it’s to their benefit as well – NOT sure that Wraith can be truly benevolent, or trusted. Still, my ill will for them has gone right out the window. Through Todd we’ve seen that the Wraith have a good sense of humor, can be both annoyed and impressed by the intelligence of their food source, are willing to work alongside humans when necessary, and are ready to correct our grammar whenever we make up words that don’t exist. 😀
Which brings me to a question…
Will we ever see an episode where we can root for the Wraith as ‘the good guys’ for once? Perhaps coming to the rescue and kicking some bad guy butt (Genii – let it be the Genii!) in defense of Shep & Co. in a real 7 Samurai sort of thing…any chance of seeing something like that?
das
In all the years the expedition has been there, wouldn’t it make sense for them to have come across a ZPM making machine of some kind? If not an auto ZPM maker, some reference to how they are made? I’d think all the scientists in Atlantis would be eager to get their hands on that technology.
Farscapefan: You know very well that Vala is the character who truly deserves a movie focused on her. Claudia’s talent deserves it.
I enjoy Vala, but your attitude makes me never want to see her again. I don’t think you’re the most effective advocate for the character, truly.
Joe, if Sci Fi never puts out a press release before S5 starts filming, will you then be allowed to tell us who shows up for work? I think it will be hard to keep it secret for long!
“On January 28, 2008 at 12:57 am snowden Said:
Can Ronon and Teyla read English? If so, how did they learn?”
Can you say Hooked on Phonics???? Giggles!!!
Patricia
jules said
”You Weir fans take the cake, you really do. You attack other fans and then complain about them when they defend their show. Honestly I get so fed up of Weir fans whinging and complaining and attacking the rest of us and then crying when someone actually stands up to them and defends SGA. It’s okay for you to have a negative opionion about the show but it’s not okay for the rest of us to have a positive opinion because we don’t agree with you.”
i dont know what you’ve been reading but from what ive read the weir fans posting have been nothing but polite and none of them have expressed a desire for the show to fail or attacked any of the other fans. This is just another example of an unprovoced attack on weir fans. many weir fans still love the show and continue to support it but find it lacking without weir. i really hope weir is brought back in season 5.
*waves*
Just wanted to say that i’ve not watched Harmony properly yet, too much partying at P3 Convention made me too tired to appreciate it, but I promise to be concise as always. 😉 Talking of cons, all the guests that attend were absolutely delightful and funny. Do you ever fancy coming over to this side of the pond to do a convention?
So Mr M, it’s been a while since we talked chests, specifically Mr M, Shep’s. I spoke with Andee F at the con, so next time you see her ask her about the chestage talk and what the whumpers want the Wraith Queen to do with Shep. 😛 That woman is a smart cookie, and very sweet, hopefully we’ll get to see her a lot more, and maybe some scenes with CH? Talking of which, are there any plans for him to appear in S5? Do I need to send more chocolate for that one? 😀
Oh and since i’ve not been chatty of late (blame work)
🙁 can I just say this one thing about the Outcast promo? You might need earplugs. 😀
Block your ears Mr M it’s a doozy.
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Oh that felt so good. Thank you Mr M for all the goodies, it’s much appreciated. 😀
So, was that Italian parsley with the filet of sole last night? Or perhaps cilantro? LOL
Perhaps I’ll just be another voice among the din, but I’ve gotten far more chuckles and amusement from Kalliope/FarscapeFan/Formerhost/LadyInRed/etc. than I ever got out of Vala Mal Doran. Do us all a favor leave Vala out of any future movies. Square peg, round hole.
Absolutely love the episode Harmony!! Reminded so much of the old Crosby, Hope and Lamour “On the Road” movies. Loved it! And how many takes did it take for David Hewlett to nail his facial expression when the sister was asking Sheppard for the favor? The whole episode is filled with great facial expression by all the actors. The icing on the cake would be to have Joe, David and Jodelle involved in the commentary for the DVD. Please try to convice TPTB to include them in the commentary! Please!!
Hey Joe,
With the release of Ark of Truth now only five weeks away, I was wondering if you could shed any light on what kinds of ‘Behind the Scenes Features’ Ivon has created for the fans to enjoy??
Thanks
Hey Joe, have you ever read the Legend of Drizzt series by R. A. Salvatore? Those books are absolutely amazing.
Claudia Black was brilliant as Aeryn Sun on Farscape, so I have nothing at all against the actress. But, IMHO only, Vala? Blecchhhhh. Such a cheap and cheesy character, I never could get into the last seasons of Stargate 1, in part because of the focus on her. If she had been written differently, who knows? And shipping her and Daniel? I just can’t see it at all, no matter how hard I try and from how many different angles! Now maybe her and Cam would be OK, but then I think thats just residual love from the pair on Farscape.
And if you wanted to have an auction or lottery for that Harmony painting, I bet you’d make a ton of money for some deserving charity out there.
On January 28, 2008 at 9:50 am wraithfodder Said: “As for ’ship’ on the show, I’d prefer it just be spaceships, not romantic relationships between established regular characters. I’ve seen too many shows go to pot when they stick the male and female leads together.”
what shows? you mean the ones that were already having writing probs, and that the writing of bringing the lead male/female together didn’t help *because of the writing probs*?
some shows bring them together ‘only’ when they’re having probs with ratings and try to grab their leaving audience back with the resolution. but sometimes a show just reaches its end of interest, so resolving won’t save what’s already in trouble. some shows resolve them ‘only’ when the show’s already ending, knowing that they were going to wait ’till the end anyways so the ratings wouldn’t matter for it.
basically, we’re all a mixed bag of wants and dislikes. try to find a show and/or movie that doesn’t include ship to some sort. it’s popular, that’s why it’s been written into shows, movies, books, songs, the bible (:P), etc.
but i’m still agreeing with wolfenm’s idea that if a ship is started, it should be seen to its conclusion. teasing loses it’s charm after a while. some get tired of little bites of cake and want to devour the entire thing. or at least have a full piece of it. 😛
sally 🙂
mitgefuhl Said: [Vala]Such a cheap and cheesy character
I like Vala she was the antithesis of the other members of the team and that’s what made her endearing.
She was smart, irreverent, kick ass, with a wicked sense of humour a colourful character that complemented Sam, who let’s face it was a becoming bit of a monochromatic individual (no offence to Sam lovers everywhere).
As far as her relationship with Daniel goes (apart from the other unmentionable ship and I don’t mean with Sam) Vala was a good choice for Daniel they do say opposites attract and she and Daniel are polar opposites.
The chemistry was there from the beginning. The fight on board the Prometheus (Prometheus Unbound) was innovative way-to-go, Daniel he actually hit her back!
Unending was a good episode especially with Daniel’s little speech to Vala about how “Never in a million, million years would I consider….” Well we know he did, but then time reset its self and we are left wondering would he again?
I think he would given half a chance!
Pauline
On the ship discussions – SG1 worked perfectly with this “to ship or not to ship” problem. The Jack and Sam ship went right through the series. Using the tools open to the writers of Sci Fi they created situations that gave the viewers what they wanted to a certain extent – eg: Window of Opportunity, AU plots where we got to cheer at them getting together but we knew it would go back to normal the next week – it was the fix we needed and could then go happily back to watching them in their usual situation.
Wolfenm – love your references! Buffy fan here, but I especially loved your Scarecrow and Mrs King (great memories of watching that show with my Gran and Mum) and Moonlighting references. Terrific shows of their time.
In a little over two weeks, I’m headed up to Montreal from Philly for a quick weekend road trip to catch a Flyers/Canadiens game. Any recommendations for good places either in the vicinity of the Bell Centre (or to slip into a francophone mindset, Centre Bell) or accessible by Metro for good eats (Sushi and Italian come to mind) on a budget?
The only place I’ve had poutine of all places was the food court at the Mall of America in Minnesota, and I’ve heard of the famous smoked meats, so I’d really love suggestions for either regional specialty.
Waving at hiddensky!!! Where in Philly? I’m in Chester County (work in Montgomery County). And I love hockey too 🙂
wams352
Wolfenm – still totally agree! The writers, producers and the general powers that be need to follow through with what they start, just like you have to in real life or you get called a loser! lol
I suppose for me when on SG-1/SGA specifically they do have the lead characters kissing I get the feeling they are just teasing fans of that “ship” even if it is all “aliens made them do it” or AUs, some may love and it might make fanvids, icons and signatures on forums look a whole lot better but ultimately, to me, it seems rather pointless.
UST sucks! Just do it! *swoosh*
IMHO.
I see that you don’t know when the season 4 DVDs will be coming out. However, is it possible for you to give us a heads up on any involvement you have in them, so that we might get some idea of approximately when they’ll be ready? Please???
wolfenm Said:
Going back to look at his response, I’m somewhat mollified by the fact that he says “What I’ve discovered” — it was his use of “audiences *think* they want” and “but they *actually* want” that set me off in the first place, not simple fact that he *personally* feels that way.
Just as can only speak from our own personal experience and express our own opinion, Joe was only doing the same – we shouldn’t have to always add an “IMHO” codicil to make it clear that we are not seeking to present what we say as incontrovertible fact… The constant arguing in fandom gets bad enough that at times people do feel they have to add that disclaimer to their posts, for fear of misinterpretation, and that’s really rather a shame.
Farscapefan Said:
in case you forgot, Vala IS part of the team. Now what you said sounds to me like you’re trying to prove something else, that Carter is the ONLY girl on SG-1 and Vala is entirely a fifth wheel, and with such words you’re trying to push her out the doors. No way. You had EIGHT frelling years for your precious team, so now it’s high time for a character driven movies, with some other team members in the background. You know very well that Vala is the character who truly deserves a movie focused on her. Claudia’s talent deserves it.
You specifically asked Joe about Vala being in an SG1 movie “as the MAIN character, devoted to her entirely” and he responded to that specific point about “a movie entirely devoted to the Vala character” saying that it would be “highly unlikely. Future movies should focus on the team.”
I’ve no idea how you went from that quite clear reply to your specific question to your rather defensive/accusatory interpretation above but I have to agree with the previous poster that your behaviour in general does little to encourage support for your viewpoint and, personally, actively discourages empathy on my part.
So, How pissed are you guys about the plot of Stargate Universe finding its way onto the world wide web?
Seems it accidentaly leaked out through Gateworld.
Gateworld tried to contain it but the content already spread to other forums.
Ofcourse this leaked plot was from a source that dated back to October or November last year, And if I’m not mistaken Cooper came in one day in December and showed a revised plot or something.
So I’m guessing the leaked plot is outdated, right?
Avatre said
dont know what you’ve been reading but from what ive read the weir fans posting have been nothing but polite and none of them have expressed a desire for the show to fail or attacked any of the other fans. This is just another example of an unprovoced attack on weir fans. many weir fans still love the show and continue to support it but find it lacking without weir. i really hope weir is brought back in season 5.”
This isn’t any attack on the Weir fans unprovoked or otherwise.
This was taken directly from the Save Elizabeth Weir website telling fans to write to executives of MGM and others.
Describe how has this decision impacted your support of the show:
*You’re only watching Torri’s episodes for Season 4, or you’re not watching Season 4 out of protest, or whatever your situation is
*You will not continue to buy SGA DVD’s or memorabilia
*It’s affected your desire to check out new shows on a network that doesn’t support talented actors
Kind of threatening to TPTB and the network don’t you think.
Not to mention the fans that said before season 4 aired that the show would fall in the ratings because the Weir fans would no longer support it and it would be down to Joe that the show failed because of the changes in season 4.
Weir fans admitting being on the anti-season 4 thread, that doesn’t sound like they are supporting season 4.
Fans saying that they will no longer watch the show or only watch the eps with Elizabeth in it, kind of hoping the ratings will drop don’t you think so they can prove their point and Weir was the heart of Atlantis. They kind of make the point that Weir is the major driving force of the show and without her character the show will fall apart. Guess that hasn’t happened has it.
The main focus of the show has always been the team and as far as I can tell Weir wasn’t part of the team. She spent most of her time seeing the team off on their missions from the gateroom, hardly a strong character.
Weir has become a much more interesting character since she became recurring, the old Weir was boring, the new replicator Weir is much more interesting.
She might be back for Season 5 who knows. Thats up to the talented producers and writers who have given us 4 great years of Atlantis and I’m sure they know what they are doing.
Season 4 rocks.
Jules
I’m sure when Joe said that movies should focus on the “team” that he meant Vala as well. Last I heard she was a member of SG-1 unless that changed in one of the movies. As for Vala’s reduced role in those – the actress was pregnant at the time. There is not some huge plot to undermine the character or the actress. Good grief…
And Joe, could you give Sci-Fi a friendly nudge about that cast list for season 5? What’s taking them so long? 😉
Annie, any brachycephalic dog breed (short-nosed or push-faced) has problems with the heat, and tend to overheat much more quickly than other dog breeds. They can not be left outdoors without access to a cooler environment. But with your A/C, it would be fine. Just no 5 mile hikes on those 100F days!
Does anyone recall that the episode of “Harmony” was where that magnificent owl was sighted?? It’s a shame it wasn’t included..
***Theresa from Baltimore***
Hey Joe!
Interesting best before date for a power bar. Have you looked at the ingredients for them though? 😛
– Enzo Aquarius
Mr. M.,
Which is proper: ‘Lantean’ or ‘Lantian’? I thought the planet was Lantea.
Aurora wrote:
We’re going to be a Nielsen family in February, too! I think they’ll be rather surprised how much I watch Stargate Atlantis and SG-1. 🙂
wheresmyfroggy wrote:
joesmom wrote:
When we first heard a Genii voice on a radio, I asked Dad “Didn’t that sound like Robert Davi?” He agreed. But no Kolya.
I don’t think they can bring back Kolya without causing serious continuity errors. (My continued fear about Beckett’s return.)
joesmom wrote:
😉 Gee, Mr. M, why didn’t you tell us there were going to be 50 episodes this season, each 2 hours long? 😀
dasNdanger wrote:
If they’re going to imitate Akira Kurosawa, I’d most like to see a comedic Rashômon-type episode, myself.
Jen K. wrote:
If the instructions for making ZPMs were in the database, the expedition should have found them by now. And, if they were there, what was the Ancients’ purpose of hiding ZPMs throughout the galaxy?
I find it most logical that Janos (from “Before I Sleep”) — fearing the shield might fail and the City rise before Weir and the expedition arrived — deleted the instructions and/or destroyed the apparatus necessary for building them so that, if the Wraith actually did manage to enter Atlantis, they wouldn’t be able to use it properly. This is supported by the story Alina told at the beginning of “The Brotherhood” where a single Ancient came to them and told them to keep the ZPM safe and away from the Wraith.
Oops – it looks like the first part of my post got erased … it should have read:
Annie from Freemantle said: Oh a friend asked me a question of pugs.. can they take some of Australia’s summer heat? We can reach over 100F many times in the summer. (I have aircon thank god).
Annie, any brachycephalic dog breed (short-nosed or push-faced) has problems with the heat, and tend to overheat much more quickly than other dog breeds. They can not be left outdoors without access to a cooler environment. But with your A/C, it would be fine. Just no 5 mile hikes on those 100F days!
doesn’t make a lot of sense without the first part … 😀
Joe at the Pegasus convention, fans asked Torri if she’d been asked back yet, and she said no. I was wondering, since you guys mentioned previously that the Weir story line would be visited in S5, would that be done sort of behind the scenes way? Or is there still time to include Torri in? I honestly do not know how the whole series planning go, so pardon my ignorance.
Thanks for any encouraging words you may have to share with us Torri fans.
Have a great night Mr. M.
alipeep said …
we shouldn’t have to always add an “IMHO” codicil to make it clear that we are not seeking to present what we say as incontrovertible fact…
Actually, I much prefer when people do, and make every effort to do so (even if I don’t always succeed). It doesn’t take any extra effort other than to be conscientious about what one is saying, and I find that to do otherwise tends to put others on the defensive. But when both parties make the effort to be humble about their opinions, it makes for a less hostile, more enjoyable exchange — like the one I had with Linzi. At least, that’s how I feel. 😉 And I have far more respect for critics who are humble in expresing their opinions than those who say theoir opinion outright, with no consideration for the feelings of others.
That being said, my apologies to Joe F — perhaps I held him to too high of standards. I too, am onoy human, and that very subject has come up a number of times in my life recently — it’s not fair to him, of course, but his words ended up being the straw on my back.
@ narellefromaus ~ Thanks! And very true, the writers did a nice job of balancing between ship and non-ship in SG-1, all things considered. (The photo of Jack in SGA’s “Reunion” was a nice touch.) And let me just say thanks for Robert Cooper for finding such a clever way to give we Daniel/Vala shippers what we wanted — years of aftermath! I had worried that we wouldn’t get any resolution at all, so that was a windfall, really!
@ majorsal/Sally ~ amen, sister! 😀
Thank You very much ….