Fondy and I have done a fair amount of moving around since our move to Vancouver 8+ years ago. Our first home in the city was The Sutton Place, the choice of many out-of-town actors/directors/producers who like to while away the late hours hanging out in the hotel bar, The Gerard. While the Sutton is well-located in the heart of downtown, it was in desperate need of a refurnishing when we holed up there for all of four months. Eventually, we grew tired of the place (and in particular the concierge whose lame restaurant recommendations included a sub-par Japanese restaurant where the sushi selections floated by on little boats that circled the main bar) and moved over to the Pacific Palisades. Another great location in the heart of downtown (although, quite honestly, this city has little downtown to speak of), we lived there for two years – until Fondy got creeped out by the fact that the building’s cleaning staff had access to our apartment 24/7. One day while she was home alone, she stepped out of the bedroom to discover someone had stopped by and dropped off the mail while she was showering. That did it. We left the downtown area and moved over to the trendy Yaletown district. The area was a lot quieter and much more scenic, with several dog parks within easy walking distance, and our building boasted a lovable Italian security guard who thought he was T.J. Hooker. We loved it – until the day the fire alarm went off and I had to negotiate 19 floors with three pugs, two of who were absolutely terrified to walk down the stairs. In time, the area grew more congested, noisier, and when the drug dealers moved into the neighborhood – sorry, I meant to say “surprisingly affluent young pitbull owners” moved into the neighborhood, we knew it was time to go. Finally, Fondy got what she’d wanted since we’d moved here from Montreal: a house.
It’s been about three years since we moved into this quiet neighborhood. To our left live three generations of a Chinese family. Dad, apparently some sort of martial arts expert, is always in his backyard practicing his routine, driving Bubba into a barking frenzy with his kung fu breathing exercises. He never smiles, never makes eye contact, and does his best to avoid any sort of social interaction – which is why, whenever I spot him outside, I make it a point to wave and say hi. Grammy and gramps are presumably his folks since they share in his general distaste for acknowledging the presence of others (“Hello!”my unwitting mother greeted the elderly couple one fine morning. They responded by silently staring back at her as if she’d broken wind.) The grandfather didn’t exactly enamor himself to Fondy who, perhaps assuming Fondy couldn’t understand Cantonese, commented rather loudly one day: “Is that thing out in her garden again?” Clearly, he’s not a fan of my wife’s horticultural skills. We never see the kids but mom, Daphne, is pleasant enough. To our right live an elderly couple, Ted and Dorothy (I always imagine Dorothy Hamill pair skating with Ted Danson to help me remember their names). They were a nice, quiet couple – until the day Fondy went off on the guy they’d hired to weed their lawn. The fact that the guy was sending herbicide wafting over the fence into our backyard where the dogs were playing didn’t sit too well with Fondy. And the fact that Fondy let him have it evidently didn’t sit well with Ted who has nary spoken a word to us since. Dorothy, on the other hand, was kind enough to bake us some blueberry bread to thank us for collecting their mail while they were away last Spring. Across from us lives an elderly woman who we rarely see. She pokes her head out of her front door about once every week to summon her cat and eye us suspiciously. Behind us live an adorable 70-something Italian couple, Tony and Rosa, who are always gifting us with fresh figs, cucumbers, and tomatoes from their garden. They go bowling every Wednesday and love discussing the weather. Two doors down lives Tony’s brother. The zucchini he planted in his garden last summer turned out to be pumpkin.
I love this house, especially after getting the home theater installed, but every once in a while Fondy will come across a house listing and start considering the possibilities (“Hey, this master bedroom has a walk-in closet!”). I’ve got the moving boxes on stand-by.
Today’s blog entry is dedicated to birthday girl AMZ (girl, right?) and Leila who will be undergoing out-patient surgery this Tuesday and will hopefully be back to her high-flying kick-boxing ways in no time.
Today’s mailbag –
Squall78 writes: “Some fans have said MGM cut the budget and it is likely why SGA got picked up for a 5th season.”
Answer: Untrue. In fact, if MGM had cut the budget, that would have actually worked against the show getting the pick-up. After all, why would the network invest in a show that promised less than the previous year in terms of onscreen quality?
Vvv0472 writes: “1) When did you find out that Amanda Tapping would not be able to be apart of the show in season 5? 2) When did you cast Robert Picardo for season 5?”
Answers: 1) Don’t remember when exactly, but I believe we received the news before leaving for the Christmas break – early December. 2) We made this decision about the same time.
Aelfgyfu writes: “I mostly enjoyed The Illusionist and think Baron Destructo missed something important: they couldn’t just leave the Crown Prince because he had a history of controlling and abusing women, and they believed he had killed at least one.”
Answer: The Baron misses nothing. The fact that the Crown Prince was purported to have such a history was introduced as a means to – a) paint the prince in the worst possible light (because merely being a manipulative boor was clearly not enough) so that the audience would sympathize with Sophie‘s plight, but more importantly b) bolster the magician’s motivation to rescue Sophie from a possible terrible marriage. Never is it stated, even suggested, that the ugly rumors circulating the Crown Prince are what drives the magician to orchestrate his death at movie’s end.
Tardishart writes: “ I am a little saddened that so many folks seem to think Keller is a loose women, god when did it become 1952 again?!”
Answer: 1952?! I was going to suggest Victorian England! Seriously, the fact that she “almost kisses” Ronon and then, months later, asks Rodney to join her for a drink is considered cheap and shameless behavior. The only possible reasoning I can think of for using this line of argument is either 1) The individuals doing the criticizing grew up in a sheltered environment where they were permitted few social interactions with the outside world, or, and this is a stretch 2) They really reeeeeeaching for any possible argument, no matter how ridiculous, to use against the character. God forbid she should change her hairstyle. Cries of “Harlot! Devil Woman!” will surely resound in whichever corridors of fandom these Prudence Goodwife’s happen to frequent.
LostCityGuardian writes: “do you believe that the fact that SGA season 4’s success (ratings and awards etc) has been influenced by the competition (other shows on SciFi and other channels) being hit by the Writer’s Strike? Or is it just because SGA is so damn good?”
Answer: Given the shift in overall television viewership and the increased use of Tivo, dvr, and digital downloads, it’s impossible to answer that question with any degree of certainty. All we can do is make the best show possible and, heading into season 5, that’s what we’ve done.
Anneteldy writes: “And some people become Wraith worshippers because they are ‘addicted’ to the pleasurable aspects of getting one’s life returned. How’d I do?”
Answer: You did great. How great? Check out season 5’s Broken Ties.
Aquarian writes: “Hey, Mister M. I was wondering if it’s possible to find out why Ms Higginson declined.”
Answer: I understand the fans’ desire to support Torri, but I don’t find it fair or helpful to speculate on the reasons for her declining the offer. As I wrote in yesterday’s entry, we fully respect and support Torri’s decision and wish her all the best. For the record, however, it wasn’t a specific script issue. The content of the script (which has yet to be delivered) was never even discussed.
Charles Schneider writes: “Now that a new season is about to begin production, do you see yourself shifting from hardcore book reading to some other interest?”
Answer: I’m thinking skeet shooting might be the way to go.
Fsmn36 writes: “Is music something that can make or break a movie/TV show for you?”
Answer: I suffer the curse of the writer – and, by extension, Fondy must suffer along with me. What makes or breaks a movie/TV show for me is the writing.
Jason writes: “Will the new Captain Vega character take away screen time from Major Lorne..?”
Answer: No. The introduction of the Vega character had nothing to do with lessening the onscreen presence of any existing characters (regulars or recurring) and everything to do with a genuine desire to expand our roster of familiar faces.
ElisaD writes: “I see from some previous comments that you can’t go into FFN website for legal reasons and I’m pretty sure that you knew that so your answer to me may have been to indicate that you “know nothing!””
Answer: Actually, no. I really didn’t know what FFN stood for.
Patricia writes: “Since Marty G. can’t make Thursday’s dinner, will you consider bringing Fondy or maybe a surprise guest? Also, should we let Fuel know individually which night we plan to be here, so they can plan accordingly? Or will you tally the total and book the back room which seats up to 45 for the 700 pm meal? Please let us know. Thanks again!”
Answer: I leave it to the fans to coordinate the fan ends of things. I’ve booked a table for two on both nights for 7:00 p.m. I thought it best to separate my bill from that of the fans since I possesses, uh, fairly extravagant tastes. Still, I’ll be working the room, chatting and tasting all of your desserts.
Inpa writes: “Ok, fair enough on the drink thing. But when one character asks another one out for a drink given the context of the episode (Her asking if he was still single, him saying he wasn’t very good at this stuff and then her acknowledging it when asking) it wasn’t a big leap to assume she was asking ‘asking’ him out for a drink. And if they did go out in that way then asking if they were going now isn’t that far a question, but from how the scene played out I didn’t take the question of a drink any other way.”
Answer: Okay, but I take “going out” to imply some sort of relationship.
longtime reader writes: “In Critical Mass Caldwell, from what I remember, had his symbiote removed by beam technology. Was there a specific reason why that was not done to Adria in Dominion because if they had beamed it out from another room then Ba’al would not have expected it, especially as he was unaware that Caldwell was implanted with one, and would not have released the poison that killed her.”
Answer: Totally different scenarios. In the case of Caldwell, he was in a controlled environment and it was Hermiod doing the extraction. Even so, we are reminded that the calculations are impossibly intricate. In lesser (read non-Asgard hands) I don’t know if it would have been successful.
Vvv0472 writes: “Weren’t the Genii supposed to be super secretive in their underground hiding places/society… it seems as though almost everyone in the galaxy knows that they aren’t simple farmers…”
Answer: They were, but as a result of their run-ins with Atlantis over the years and the shifting presence of the wraith, their super secret has been rendered…well, not so secret.
Janice writes: “I have read on other sites that “per canon” these kind of things always wind up on the cutting room floor. No disrespect intended, but if this is so, then why even bother filming them?”
Answer: You just answered your own question. Logic would dictate we wouldn’t write something we had no intention of keeping in the episode. But, sometimes, the script is running long and cuts need to be made. In the case of Trio, and despite a desire to keep the reference, it came out fairly easily without disrupting the flow of the scene or detracting from the story.
Rob writes: “So – apart from the confusion over pleats etc… were you happy with the finish product from Pacific Custom?”
Answer: Very happy. Just the other day, someone asked me where I’d purchased my suit. I told them I’d had it custom made in Hong Kong. Looking forward to heading back and adding some more suits to line-up.
Kikinostro writes: “Are you surprised by the generally negative reaction to Trio?”
Answer: Generally negative reaction? Although people have criticized various aspects of the episode, the feedback I’ve seen has been generally positive.
Jenny Robin writes: “I watched the Illusionist last weekend and very much enjoyed it. The explanations behind the ‘magic’ are discussed by the director on the commentary track.”
Baron Destructo: Really? The Baron would love to know how the director explained the trick in which an orange tree grows out of a pot and sprouts oranges. Do tell.
Itxas lamia writes: “…the most destacable one being the infamous ‘Zelenka bashing’ one.
[…]…honestly I can’t imagine Weir saying such things.”Answer: In all fairness, there is a scene from the season 3 episode Common Ground in which two dozen pairs of women’s shoes are discovered in Zelenka’s closet including Weir’s missing patent leather pumps. Unfortunately, the scene was cut for time but the deleted footage can still be found among the boxset special features.
Hey Joe!
Most definitely enjoyed both Outcast and Trio! Unforseen circumstances delayed my viewing of Trio, but it was definitely well worth the wait!
Do you have any personal preference on the next neighbourhood you and Fondy move to? I’m sure in the end it would be a more mutual decision, with heavy influences on her part, but it still doesn’t hurt to voice your opinions! Would you prefer a house or other type dwelling now that you have had your share of time in a house in Vancouver?
Have a great week! Definitely looking forward to Midway on Friday!
Kristy-Ann 🙂
Joe said: “Answer: In all fairness, there is a scene from the season 3 episode Common Ground in which two dozen pairs of women’s shoes are discovered in Zelenka’s closet including Weir’s missing patent leather pumps. Unfortunately, the scene was cut for time but the deleted footage can still be found among the boxset special features.”
Really? I’ve been meaning to buy the boxsets but if that is really in there, I’ll go to the store right now!
Answer: In all fairness, there is a scene from the season 3 episode Common Ground in which two dozen pairs of women’s shoes are discovered in Zelenka’s closet including Weir’s missing patent leather pumps. Unfortunately, the scene was cut for time but the deleted footage can still be found among the boxset special features.
Just when I think you’ve achieved your personal best, you cause me to expel Diet Coke through my nose. Well played, sir.
Hello, Joe.
I’m not sure if this has been asked before, so I’ll just ask: any plans for an episode with a big ground battle(something similar to Heroes Part 2)? I mean, I’m all for big space battles, but I love great ground assaults. Hey, you can even make it Carson’s fifth episode next season and have him killed off again…That’d bring back memories…:P
I’ve watched every episode of Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis and I have never seen a remotely bad episode. And I especially love how accurate you guys try to get the science for the show – that’s amazing! But I just find it so strange how a lot of people just tear at episodes. Well anyway, I was just wanted to thank you for Atlantis and SG-1, my two favorite shows ever. No pressure, love and ascension…
I saw The Illusionist some time ago, so my recall may be imperfect, but I thought the rumored murder committed by the Crown Prince was strongly suggested to be a motivation by the multiple mentions and the imagined flashbacks to it. Not only did they fear he’d kill again, they were angry he’d gotten away with it once. However, it is certainly true that there was no evidence, only rumor, of this murder, which is one of the reasons I thought the protagonists went a good deal too far. (And yes, they could hardly have made the prince more of a villain without putting a huge black helmet over his face for the whole film. I really enjoyed watching Rufus Sewell play him, though.)
Of course, perhaps I’m simply more sensitive to violence against women than Baron Destructo is, and therefore that motivation looms larger in my mind. Along those lines, I am very glad to hear (again) that there are no plans to have Lucius Lavin back and, much as I like Richard Kind, I hope those plans never change!
Point of curiosity: have you seen The Prestige? It came out at nearly the same time as The Illusionist and got better reviews, as I recall, but where I found the latter troubling but mostly enjoyable, I found the former disturbing, even repulsive. Great cast, but incredibly contrived plot, and a complete lack of morals in most of the characters. (That may be realistic, but had I known, I’d have chosen not to see it.) When I mentioned your reaction to The Illusionist to my husband, he said, “I wonder what he thinks of The Prestige?” I reminded him what I think of the prestige, and he pretty much agrees, but he adds, “But it had David Bowie as Nikolai Tesla!” Well, there’s that. Not that you should rush out and see it, but I’m curious to know what you thought if you have seen it.
I was surprised to see someone refer to “the generally negative response to ‘Trio'”; I know we’re not exactly a good sample, but pretty much everyone in my online group of friends who has commented on it enjoyed it, and some of us were quite happy with it. I may have already said this, but it’s the best Keller episode we’ve gotten, and I really enjoyed seeing Jewel Staite getting a chance to shine. (I’ve seen a few people call Keller names for asking Rodney for a drink, and I wonder what century they’re living in, and whether they think the same of Sheppard, who has actually kissed several women; did Jennifer even actually kiss Ronon? She sure as heck didn’t kiss Rodney–nor is ever likely to!)
I loved watching the three play off each other! It was a great character episode, and it’s especially nice to have a great Sam episode after we heard we won’t be getting as much of her next season. She was competent, confident, able to let Rodney assert himself without feeling threatened, stepping in when she needed (like when he nearly blew them all up–oops). And David Hewlett is always great.
I have started a blog. I’m choosing to blame you and no amount of logic of reason shall dissuade me.
Pop on over for a review of the movie The Fountain by Darren Aronofsky. Which I recommended earlier/yesterday.
http://aslathair.wordpress.com
Clíona/Cleefa
Hi Joe I’ve been reading the posts and just thought I’d reply to some of them.
I feel sure that Martin G meant only to make McKay out to be just as juvenile as the young boys.
The comment about Sam and Keller showing their breasts didn’t insult me at all.
I just thought it was a bit of a cheap way to get laughs like using banal adolescent humour.
That sort of dialogue belongs back in the ‘Carry on…’ movies sorry Martin.
The Lucius debate has made me think would using a pheromone to entice a partner be on a par with using a date rape drug like Rohypnol?
May be I’m splitting hairs but some aftershaves and perfumes contain musk (a pheromone) to attract the opposite sex.
I think the extrapolation of Lucius’s use of a pheromone to make people like him.
To drawing comparisons with the use of Rohypnol in a crime as heinous as rape is pushing it a little. They are not the same pheromones entice, were as Rohypnol induce anterograde amnesia and sedation in its victims.
I always wondered about Jack when he was ‘unwittingly seduced’ by Kynthia on Argos in Brief Candle without the wedding cake would he have gone willingly or could that be construed as rape as well!!
Pauline
Too bad I don’t live anywhere close to Vancouver for that Fuel dinner in April. *sigh*
Thanks for the insight about your homes. Honestly, I don’t think too many people could make something like that interesting!
I recently re-watched New Order. Those scenes in the replicator ship with Fifth and Carter are the best looking scenes in Stargate, in my opinion. It gave it a very cinematic feel. Kudos to whomever was responsible!
Answer: 1952?! I was going to suggest Victorian England! Seriously, the fact that she “almost kisses” Ronon and then, months later, asks Rodney to join her for a drink is considered cheap and shameless behavior.
The problem is people keep assuming that “real time between episodes” equals “how much time has passed for the characters” – so they’re assuming that only two weeks have gone by rather than the “months later” that you’ve said. (Put simply they’re being stupid about it – which of course is normal for fandom).
In my mind, Zelenka is a sex god behind closed doors. Keller is missing the boat. I just felt compelled to share that, for some reason.
I actually dreamed about eating chocolate today. I’m trying to figure out if there’s somewhere I can stop to get some decent chocolate on my way to work in the morning. Everyone else in my office gave up chocolate for Lent, the fools, so I can safely have a stash on my shelf in the closet. We don’t have desks, just shelves. Only four people have keys to the closet, so it’s relatively secure. Except for that one sergeant who knows how to smack the door just right and make it pop open. Good thing he works for our side.
Regarding my question in regards to Vega vs Lorne, my intention was not to accuse TPTB that Vega would overshadow the other regular or recurring characters but rather to hopefully elicit a response that Major Lorne will continue to be featured prominently in Season 5.
More Lorne in Season 5
Actually it’s three weeks, not two that people are thinking… and even only three weeks to me seems reasonable – especially if the “almost kiss” was caused by the stress of the moment rather than real feelings. So yeah, people are being stupid.
And really – I thought she was mainly just trying to be nice to Rodney, which you know is always a good thing when someone makes the effort to be nice to Rodney. Because he doesn’t make it easy.
Hi Joe,
Can you tell us anything about what’s happening with SG-1 these days, either with the team themselves in the show or behind the scenes with regards to movies, etc.?
Thanks
Hes wrote:
Which is why I added “Your mileage might vary”: to indicate that other people’s experiences will, of course, be different than my own.
I, personally, am not offended by profanity. I just think there is a time and place for everything. No matter how realistic you may believe it to be, a basic cable station is not the place for it. Stargate Atlantis has way too many young fans to use strong profanity without a backlash.
Anne Teldy
Thanks Joe! Hope you don’t mind if down the road I can ask about the cost of the set. And if you can, please pass along the links to family, friends and co-workers. We’re really trying hard to get the word out.
And don’t forget the pups! As tasty as Maximus may look to you, remember there’s four of them and they’re smart. They’ve probably been eyeing sacking strategies during football season, and with you, they’d have leftovers.
Hes said: …just wanted to thank you for Atlantis and SG-1, my two favorite shows ever.
Ditto, and amen
our building boasted a lovable Italian security guard who thought he was T.J. Hooker
Woo! Shatner!!! That’s awesome. And wow, I don’t blame Fondy for wanting to move after the entry-while-in-the-shower business. Creeeepy. Your neighbourhood sounds like mine, with the Italians and the Chinese, but instead of Ted we have the policeman who lives across the street who had the neighbours up in arms when he ticketed all the residents’ cars shortly after moving in.
I was also stunned by the reaction to Keller. As Aelfgyfu pointed out, it’s a total double standard – as well as being completely over the top.
Aelfgyfu wrote:
Don’t get me wrong, I think David Bowie is a wonderful actor — Did you ever see the film Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence? Rough movie, but good. — but why would they get him to play a Croatian when Goran Visnjic is an excellent actor and Croatian?
Anne Teldy
What the hell happened to “Mitchell, when the time comes, cut the green one.” from Ripple Effect?
AND,
How does an episode after it being thought that it would be too expensive come back to life. As the case was with “Midway”
Do you ever wish you could let Cookie Monster or the Baron write a script to take a break? The resulting story would be interesting.
And at least you never had people that live down the hall from you figure out how to unlock your door with their credit card. Sometimes I hate college.
So I had a chat with the hubby, he has not seen many of the titles pictured on your blog here but he has heard some great things about most of them. He did comment that Pumpkin Scissors, to him, reminds him of Genii-like storylines. He shuddered at Paprika though, so if you liked it, more power to you. 😉
Regarding the orange tree: the director said that a goodly portion of it was indeed mechanical, but that visual effects were definitely added in the latter part of the ‘sprouting’, including the formation of the oranges. He mentioned that they had a very difficult time getting the mechanics to work properly. He said the illusion/trick had been one performed in days gone by. What was not explained was exactly how the ‘real’ oranges came to be on the branches.
I really enjoyed Trio. I liked Keller in it – she tried her poor little heart out. I liked how you portrayed Sam, and I liked how Rodney felt the need to show off – not necessarily for Keller, but really, for himself. (Especially with the rope – of course Sam’s going to do it on her first try. She’s practically SuperSam… and has been doing this a lot longer than Rodney.)
Anyway. yea. Thumbs up.
Good luck in finding the perfect house in the perfect neighbourhood. I have to warn you though: once you get a master bedroom with a walk-in closet in a house… you’ll never be able to go back. (Well maybe *you* will, but you can be certain Fondy won’t!)
“Trio” has me wondering—was “Harmony” originally written to air after “Trio”? McKay’s anticipating flirting with Harmony rang false to me at the time, and even more so now that it’s known that he didn’t, in fact, know he was breaking up with Katie in “Quarantine”.
Loved Trio and while the ship line would have been nice, I didn’t miss it there were so many subtle clues from Carter and sarcasm galore that we all know who she’s been hanging around with lately right?
So power play is involved when Carter leaves Atlantis does that mean it wasn’t her decision? I was glad to hear that we might not have to wait until Fall for season five so I will cross my fingers and hope. Do you know if Sanctuary will be on Friday’s as well? It would be really interesting to do that I think. When you first moved were those first two places apartments or hotels? They sounded more like hotels to me but I was wondering. Glad you are now happy in your house moving is never fun but sometimes necessary.
Hey, Joe.
Just had to comment about your comment that you hadn’t seen many negative reactions to “Trio”. I was just talking to a couple of friends earlier today about various reactions on different websites and newsgroups. We were talking about how the messages on your Blog are often not representative of the messages we see in other places. I’m not sure if your regular readers are more polite (or sycophantic), but, in general, you get a lot more praise here than I see in other places. Actually, I guess that’s natural. Most people are nice enough that they don’t want to insult someone in their own home (Blog).
I’m not saying that “Trio” was disliked by a majority of the fans; I have no idea if that is true. All I can say is that, on the websites and message boards that I (a 40-something female) frequent, there were more negative comments than positive. Sorry.
Hey Joe!
First of all, thank you for “Trio”! It was a great character-building episode that I really enjoyed. Awesome job! Also, it was a great read regarding your home and neighbours. It gives the feeling of community, and I am glad that you open yourself to the fans in such a way.
Lastly, I am curious as to the reason for the name change from Porter to Vega? Was this an actress choice or something from a writer’s standpoint? Not that I’m against it or anything. 🙂
– Enzo Aquarius
McKay’s anticipating flirting with Harmony rang false to me at the time, and even more so now that it’s known that he didn’t, in fact, know he was breaking up with Katie in “Quarantine”.
He’s a guy, c’mon!
Finally got to see Trio today – I’d really been looking forward to an episode with Carter as a central character – and I enjoyed it. The dialogue was clever and the situation was fairly scary. The gaggle of preteen boys was pretty funny.
Re: the Keller “town bicycle” (and whatever else) remarks, it’s irritating at the very least that some women and girls do as much to perpetuate double standards and sexual stereotypes as do some men. The motive that immediately came to my mind is jealousy – of varying types – along with grabbing at straws to try to discredit Keller. I thought the character was very well-written for Trio, and enjoyed Jewel Staite’s excellent performance along with equally strong turns from Amanda T. and David H. They all did a wonderful job with nuance in this very interesting and often very funny grouping.
I hope you were only joking about a possible move after all the other moves (especially since you like the house), but if that’s a possibility, good luck whenever it comes up. Hubs and I keep adding to the 25% “sweat equity” we have in this house, so while part of me longs for variety and change, the practical part says we’re not going anywhere for quite a while.
Your description of your neighbors made me smile and think about how familiar it all sounds. (Trade you the local Bass-Guitar Boomer for the Martial-Arts Misanthrope.)
Hi Joe, I was wondering if there were any plans for a ground battle in s5 and if not wouldn’t it be an interesting idea for s6? also do you happen to know the live +same day numbers for ‘Trio’? thanks
I’m really enjoying season 4 by the way. Trio was lot of fun and I’m really looking forward to Midway 😉
Is it possible to get an honest answer about the Zelenka bashing for the Zelenka fans out there? Sam and Rodney’s reactions didn’t bother me so much as Keller’s comments about Zelenka telling her on several occasion that he liked the smell of her hair and we don’t know the context of why he was close enough to smell her hair which I assumed was during medical visits and I would like to believe he was being nice to an attractive woman. I guess when Keller said the comments were kind of creepy the word ‘creepy’ just seemed so out of character for Zelenka and didn’t set well with alot of fans.
I am just curious as to the creative decision to take the bashing that far.
Couple more things about Trio:
A lot of people have been reacting negatively to the Zelenka bashing. Personally, I think we all know that, as much as he might like to protest otherwise, McKay obviously likes Zelenka, so I saw that as more friendly teasing, in a way, although I think for his part it was mostly about the discovery that Carter liked him better than Zelenka. As for Carter’s and Keller’s thoughts about Dr. Z, well, they hardly know him well enough to go on anything but initial impressions, and it’s perfectly reasonable to think that he might come off as a bit weird to those that don’t know him too well.
I showed the episode to my three roommates, only one of whom has even seen any eps of Stargate at all, and then only a few. They were all under the very clear impression that Keller was asking McKay out at the end. The fact is, even if it was only meant as them going out as buddies/co-workers, the look on McKay’s face and the way he said, “You wanna have a drink?” really, really gives the impression that he just realized he was being asked out, and her saying, “You’re not very good at this, are you?”…well, that sounds a lot more like she’s talking about him dealing with being asked out by a woman than with hanging out with friends. I’m just saying, whatever was intended, and not to say it’s either good or bad, that’s what came across.
I liked the McKay/Carter interaction. It’s nice to see he’s moved on from his little crush and can actually treat her like a normal person. Actually, as much as I’m a big Sam/Jack shipper, I could actually see Sam/Rodney working now, down the line a bit, since they’re actually on more equal footing. Of course, with Carter leaving now, I suppose not. Although, perhaps, some acknowledgement from her as to how much he’s changed would be a nice touch.
For the record, I liked “Trio.” As I said before, McKay displayed his usual (and not always good) multifaceted personality. Only Rodney would suggest that they all take off their clothes to make a rope and not realize the implications until later…when they found a real rope. That’s just so Rodney.
I like the way that Carter deals with McKay. She makes it clear she’s in charge when necessary (and he responds appropriately), but she also deals well with him when he’s being juvenile. She doesn’t respond as the commander, with authority, but in a sense responds at his level, or at least, with a response appropriate to his present level of maturity. I think this shows that she not only understands McKay, but also shows that she’s secure in her authority and doesn’t need to trot it out all the time.
Keller was perfect in this one, not too inept, not too scared, but just as she should be when trapped in a dangerous situation with two people who are far more used to dealing with danger than she. She was nice but also honest in her comments to McKay, and she kept her wits about her once things got going. I felt her offer to have a drink with McKay was more of an effort to help him be more “regular,” not a come-on.
And if Carter and Keller can’t see what Radek has to offer, they don’t deserve him. So there.
Joe,
Why is it that the Atlantis primary Team consist of a U.S. COL. one civilian scientist and 2 aliens? Especially when you have a battilion of Marines attatched to Atlantis, I would think that any government with a stargate would have only memebers of their military on the primary teams.
wolfenm wrote:
I didn’t know that, wolfenm. I just wanted to point out the 3 new characters having the same first initial because there’s still time to change them if the writers wish. Of course, “Anne Teldy” is set in stone. Well, actually, blog type. 😀
Anne Teldy
Jason said: More Lorne in Season 5
Here Here! *bangs desk*
Please XD
Okay, I admit to being one of those people who stupidly thought of Keller, “but she almost kissed Ronon only a few weeks ago!” Still, it’s not always clear how much time passes between episodes. Sometimes it’s obviously months, but sometimes, as in the case of Adrift – Lifeline, events in two episodes take place within two-three days of “in-universe” time.
The important part, I believe, is that regardless of how much time passed “in-universe” between the almost-kiss and asking McKay out for a drink, the almost-kiss was still very fresh in many viewers’ minds. And if many viewers assumed that Ronon and Keller had started dating after the almost-kiss, then that is as valid an interpretation as assuming that that was just an aberration due to the stress of the moment, *based on what was shown in the show.* If you filmed anything that would shift the balance toward one assumption more than the other, then I dare say it ended up on the cutting room floor.
And fair or not, there’s a suspicion among some viewers that Jewel Staite was brought on to the show because she’s a “pretty young face.” Fair or not, putting Keller in situations that are romantic or can be interpreted as romantic serves to fuel those suspicions.
Again, as I said in a comment to one of your previous blog posts, I think SGA character interactions are best when kept clearly within the bounds of close friendship, with any romantic overtones left to the viewers’ imaginatios. If you *have* to include romance, can you please keep it between main character and secondary character, as with Rodney/Katie?
Now, if you could give Zelenka a new girlfriend every other week, I wouldn’t object… 😉
Overall I very much enjoyed Trio but felt you went a little overboard with the sexism (won’t bring up my dislike of Radek bashing as you already addressed that). I know Rodney has little in the way of a filter from brain-to-mouth but seriously, talk like this just isn’t tolerated in any sort of sector nowadays, especially military related. Yes they may understand him enough to shrug it off as genius-eccentricity, but really it may have been a bit much…
Radish_Bloom wrote:
It certainly did not sit well with this fan. And Keller didn’t think it was creepy when Ronon smelled her hair in “Quarantine”.
Shawna wrote:
I absolutely agree. It was very much a date-drink not a friend-drink.
Kikinostro wrote:
Mr. M. answered:
I have to weigh in as a ‘negative’ when it comes to attitudes toward “Trio”. My short review can be found here. I only gave it a 7 out of 10, tied for the lowest rating I’ve ever given an episode of Stargate Atlantis. The average rating for all aired episodes (before “Trio”) was 9.3 out of 10.
Anne Teldy
Just saw Trio. I really liked it. The character interactions were wonderful. No, it wasn’t grand and sweeping but, like Quarantine, it was nice to get different character pairings. I always forget how much I like McKay when he’s only being arrogant and not in All Whine All The Time mode. Personally, I liked Keller in this ep. Though as good as Sam seems to be at spacial stuff, she’d have caught on long before Keller finished the explanation.
Actually, just saw Outcast too. Ronon is great eye candy. And he makes me laugh.
I’m really gonna miss Sam next year. I’m very happy for Amanda and have been/will be watching Sanctuary (what a great opportunity!) but Sam was finally integrated into the show. Well, my expectations on what she’d be used for were probably too high anyway. I do hope you get the chance to use her more later in the season. I’d love to see her and Ronon interact.
It’s my guess that by the time S5 rolls around I’ll be out of Stargate fandom (just think, no more comments about leadership in S9) I’ll just be a regular viewer, watching on Friday, chatting about it a few minutes, then forgetting about it til the following week. I enjoy SGA, but it just doesn’t have the pull SG-1 had for me character-wise, even if (most) of the stories were better than the last few years of SG-1. This year improved a bit, but…
Take care Joe,
Suse
Night Spring wrote:
I agree. The whole joining him at the table at the end of the episode looked like something was brewing there. I just assumed since Sheppard hadn’t shown Ronon Blades of Glory, he’d probably watched it with Keller.
Anne “Won’t that woman ever stop commenting?” Teldy
Hi Joe!!!
Do you know what will happen to Carter in season 5? Do you already have an idea how she will be leaving her command? Is it something to do with Jack?
Hi Mallozzi!!!
Really liked to hear about the new character (Capt Vega) and all the news about the cast for season five.
Like everyone else, i wanted Weir back to finish the storyline, but that kind of things happens all the time on TV.
Anyway, I was wondering, is Alicia Vega a opening for the upcoming Stargate Universe? Or you are just using the opportunity to introduce her to the public before she start Stargate Universe?
Maybe Allison Potter???
Am I close?
Ah, neighbors…..yikes! Actually we have some “surprisingly affluent young pitbull owners” in our neighborhood (across the street)…..so not good. And the owner of the house in front is always running a bunch of scams (and about twenty people live in that house…..never the same people though….’k, whatever). And to top it all off, down the road is a family and there is a slew of kids. I have no idea how many there actually are, since there always seems to be another one and another one and another one…..et cetera.
Actually the weekend went okay. I was in a car accident, dragged around LA, and I had the flu the whole time but I’m still alive so it’s okay (I guess).
hi, joe,
just giving a little reminder about you posting the s/j ‘trio’ scene tomorrow for the fans. 🙂
sally 😀
And I wasn’t driving when there was the car accident…..I was just in the car.
Is the new Captain Vega character needed for action scenes inside Atlantis? Somehow I don’t see Woolsey running around in combat gear during an event. Carter can if required to be in a firefight. Woolsey as a combatant with his past history will be more like “screaming like a girl” from some show I couldn’t recalled at the moment.
I guess the new doctor Porter is the replacement psychologist for the late doctor Heightmeyer (Claire Rankin).
Now that the WGA strike is ending, how soon will we be getting updates on the progress of Stargate Universe and more SG1 movies? Not that I’m impatient or anything …
Hmm. Talk of moving? Is this a hint to those who will have the honor of enjoying your company during dinner in April that there is a hidden price? That there will be a bus waiting to cart away the diners in order to expidite your move? How Baron-ish of you…
About the Zelinka “bash”. I didn’t take it as a sign of how the women “really feel” about Zelinka. Three hours in a confined space will wear on anyone. And cultural differences might have played a part. Or Zelinka has some nervous habit that annoyed Carter. It’s not unnatural for people to “pile up ” comments about someone being discussed. I took Rodney’s reaction to be a sign of relief that Zelinka’s recent heroic acts hadn’t elevated him (Zelinka) over McKay himself.
One question today, which might reduce the “is she a harlot” talk about Keller. Will we see Keller moving towards a relationship with another charcter in the rest of season 4 or early season 5? I’m not asking for the name of the potential interest, just if there is going to be one.
I’m very familiar with that whole moving house theme, I seem to go through something simialr myself every couple of years but up to now I’ve managed to resist the temptation and simply switch rooms around so that currently we have a dining room thats a bedroom, a bathroom thats really an attic and a kitchen thats had more different doorways than portals to another dimension, the hallway is currently a dog kennel and the living room is somewhere in the back garden. It must be a female thing.
I agree with everyone else…the Sam/Rodney chemistry at its best wasn’t about his infatuation with her. It was about his competitiveness with her professionally. He was someone who challenged Carter mentally, that’s what made him work so well on SG-1. But it (and Rodney) have been steadily declining into nothing more than a one sided, unfunny, obnoxious obsession. He was so much more when he was serious and not whining all the time.
Of course, maybe the entire franchise has been going that way for a while now. It started with Vala, and ever since you all seem to think that innuendo and a little skin is on par with good storytelling and character integrity. I mean, do you even realize that there have been two jokes about Carter’s boobs in the last three episodes? What about John and Rodney horndogging with Harmony’s sisters?
Do you think it’s edgy material? Do you think it makes the characters more real? I’ll tell you, it doesn’t. It makes them look foolish. It makes them look like they’re in Galaxy Quest. And I know that you think that’s some sort of compliment, after a fashion, but really it soooo isn’t. Stargate used to treat everyone with more respect. How about some of that back?
Answer: In all fairness, there is a scene from the season 3 episode Common Ground in which two dozen pairs of women’s shoes are discovered in Zelenka’s closet including Weir’s missing patent leather pumps. Unfortunately, the scene was cut for time but the deleted footage can still be found among the boxset special features.
You know there are going to be people looking for that deleted scene you evil man!!! Poor Zelenka, I’m going to have a hard time forgetting the shoe reference. I know I’ll be watching SGA, he will come into the scene and I’m going to be giggling softly about it. I just hope my two sons don’t ask me why…lol. I love Dr. Z and don’t find him creepy at all….I think he’s sweet.
Kimberly
Yes, it’s me again! 😀
I forgot to tell you all about the two Stargate Atlantis dreams I had. They were incredibly weird.
Thursday night’s dream featured a singing, tap-dancing Joe Flanigan in a Broadway musical of Atlantis. While I was watching the rehearsal, Mr. M was in the aisle doing an interview in which he was saying how great it was to finally be able to showcase all of Flanigan’s talents. Since Mr. Flanigan refuses to sing where a fan can hear him and Mr. M hates musicals, I thought this was a tad off. The truly weird part though was that this is the only Joe Flanigan dream I’ve ever had and he was fully clothed and we were in public!! I can’t even dream well!
My first ever Atlantis dream ranks right up there with the strangest dreams of my life. I was the new expedition leader and was negotiating with Donald Trump and Bill Cosby. I told them we desperately needed Papermate Pink Pearl erasers but they would only offer the little pointed pencil-top kind. I’m guessing you will see the weirdness yourself.
The Incredibly Disturbed Anne Teldy (Going to bed now, Mr. M. No more from me tonight.)
As a Navy brat who joined the Navy and then married Navy, I have to laugh at your concept of moving a lot. By the time I was 17, I’d been to 14 different schools, including an entire year off to go through Europe with my parents … so long ago, we used Frommer’s Europe on $5 a day. I’ve changed addresses more often than frat boys change their boxers.
But owning a house has charm, although houses have the dreadful tendency to fill up with stuff.
Your neighbors sound lovely, for the most part. Good neighbors are priceless. Mine shovel snow for me, and I bake them cookies. All very Leave it to Beaver, except for the art head sculptures on the front porch staring at the house across the street, and the fire spinning late summer evenings. And the skeleton family grouping in my front room near the picture window. Eccentric? You betcha!
The Keller comments were ridiculous. She’s not married or even steadily dating Ronon. They had one almost kiss.
I guess I must be like Keller. When I was in high school I actually went out with a guy on a date or two and then dated another guy while still dating the first. I didn’t have the “we’re exclusive” talk with either guy…and it was only some casual dating..so what’s the big deal???
Geez, one date or “almost kiss” and you are exclusive? I don’t think so…and I sure know guys aren’t like that! Not that I’m saying I want to be like a guy…lol.
I do think that if your friend is seeing someone, you shouldn’t be after them, but I know McKay wouldn’t go out with Keller if he thought Ronon had a prior claim. How do I know this? Because McKay has a healthy desire to LIVE! And, he knows Ronon would kick his butt if he poached. I’m thinking Keller and Ronon had an almost kiss and nothing has been done about it since. Ronon looked all embarrassed and uncomfortable in Quarantine, at the end when Jennifer came to sit by him and Shepp made his comments. I think Ronon hasn’t done anything about his attraction and maybe Jennifer figures he’s “not really into her”. This is all supposition and day dreaming from me…so it’s probably all wrong…lol!
Kimberly
<>
While both are valid interpretations, “based on what was shown in the show” all that can be said is that Keller seems to be attracted to Ronon, Ronon seems to be attracted to Keller, and they almost kissed. And that in “Trio”, Keller asked McKay to get a drink with her.
And really, while the first situation CAN actually be called romantic, the second doesn’t exactly fall under the same definition.
(And certainly none of that leads to the label of slut/tramp/whore that a lot of other people are throwing around. And most of them women! What an enlightened response from the supposedly “smarter” scifi fandom.)
<>
I’m gonna have to go with NOT. Had that “pretty young face” that filled the role of a prodigy turned doctor (so, basically McKay) been a MALE face, then it probably wouldn’t have even been an issue.
And I’m confused as to how putting the character in romantic situations automatically validates that description. Does it immediately equate her with being like the simpering princess in “The Tower” and less of a doctor or something? Does an intimate situation turn someone into a hot piece of ass if they’re a woman? Or can it apply to action sequences and brainy staff meetings as well?
<>
Technically one could say that Keller currently is not a main character and therefore qualifies for your request. But she’s definitely been on more than Katie, so that’d be splitting hairs. Also, I agree with you. Any inkling of main character romance apparently makes the fans crazier than usual.
I like Keller well enough (though her characterization’s been pretty uneven, imo) and I really enjoyed “Trio” but the double standards that keep popping up in reaction to both are kind of baffling to me.
::Night Spring Said:
The important part, I believe, is that regardless of how much time passed “in-universe” between the almost-kiss and asking McKay out for a drink, the almost-kiss was still very fresh in many viewers’ minds. And if many viewers assumed that Ronon and Keller had started dating after the almost-kiss, then that is as valid an interpretation as assuming that that was just an aberration due to the stress of the moment, *based on what was shown in the show.* If you filmed anything that would shift the balance toward one assumption more than the other, then I dare say it ended up on the cutting room floor.::
While both are valid interpretations, “based on what was shown in the show” all that can be said is that Keller seems to be attracted to Ronon, Ronon seems to be attracted to Keller, and they almost kissed. And that in “Trio”, Keller asked McKay to get a drink with her.
And really, while the first situation CAN actually be called romantic, the second doesn’t exactly fall under the same definition.
(And certainly none of that leads to the label of slut/tramp/whore that a lot of other people are throwing around. And most of them women! What an enlightened response from the supposedly “smarter” scifi fandom.)
::And fair or not, there’s a suspicion among some viewers that Jewel Staite was brought on to the show because she’s a “pretty young face.” Fair or not, putting Keller in situations that are romantic or can be interpreted as romantic serves to fuel those suspicions.::
I’m gonna have to go with NOT. Had that “pretty young face” that filled the role of a prodigy turned doctor (so, basically McKay) been a MALE face, then it probably wouldn’t have even been an issue.
And I’m confused as to how putting the character in romantic situations automatically validates that description. Does it immediately equate her with being like the simpering princess in “The Tower” and less of a doctor or something? Does an intimate situation turn someone into a hot piece of ass if they’re a woman? Or can it apply to action sequences and brainy staff meetings as well?
::Again, as I said in a comment to one of your previous blog posts, I think SGA character interactions are best when kept clearly within the bounds of close friendship, with any romantic overtones left to the viewers’ imaginatios. If you *have* to include romance, can you please keep it between main character and secondary character, as with Rodney/Katie?::
Technically one could say that Keller currently is not a main character and therefore qualifies for your request. But she’s definitely been on more than Katie, so that’d be splitting hairs. Also, I agree with you. Any inkling of main character romance apparently makes the fans crazier than usual.
I like Keller well enough (though her characterization’s been pretty uneven, imo) and I really enjoyed “Trio” but the double standards that keep popping up in reaction to both are kind of baffling to me.
I just wanted to say, I enjoyed Trio. It wasn’t my favorite episode, but it was entertaining. It was fun. McKay wanting the women to flash the boys was very funny. I don’t mind Keller. I really liked Carson, but that isn’t Keller’s fault. Who cares if she is sleeping with the whole base. People need to calm down. Joe, you guys are doing a great job. You keep the fans entertained, and give us a fun place escape to visit for and hour every week. For that, I thank you.
Pauline said:
The Lucius debate has made me think would using a pheromone to entice a partner be on a par with using a date rape drug like Rohypnol?
May be I’m splitting hairs but some aftershaves and perfumes contain musk (a pheromone) to attract the opposite sex.
I think the extrapolation of Lucius’s use of a pheromone to make people like him.
To drawing comparisons with the use of Rohypnol in a crime as heinous as rape is pushing it a little. They are not the same pheromones entice, were as Rohypnol induce anterograde amnesia and sedation in its victims.
I always wondered about Jack when he was ‘unwittingly seduced’ by Kynthia on Argos in Brief Candle without the wedding cake would he have gone willingly or could that be construed as rape as well!!
Actually, from the legal standpoint, Lucius’ use of the pheromone does mean exactly that since the defining factor is consent. Did the person performing the act have the ability to consent to it? According to the law, if a person is too drunk, too high, or has been drugged in any way, that person, be it male or female, automatically lacks the capacity to provide consent. And, without the requisite consent, you do have a criminal act. When that act involves sex, then it is legally a sexual assault (aka rape).
The pheromone Lucius used made people do anything he asked, whether or not they would have done it under normal circumstances. It took away their ability to refuse to do whatever he asked them to do, and, conversely, resulted in their lacking the ability to consent to their actions.
The pheromones in perfumes and aftershaves, while they may be enticing to some people, are not universal attractants; there will always be some people who cannot stand the scent, and everyone who smells the aroma retains their ability to consent to their actions despite the presence of any pheromones. Lucius’ concoction did not allow that. A good example is the woman who said that, at first, she would not sleep with Lucius; she only did so after he dosed her with the pheromone, and, ultimately, ended up becoming one of his wives.
John was the only one that wasn’t affected by the pheromones, and that was only because he had a cold. When John kept making trouble and getting in Lucius’ way, Lucius had him locked up. To me, Lucius’ comments to John while he was in the cell are very telling. Lucius knew exactly what he was doing and that the pheromones were not some harmless means of getting people to like him. He fully planned on keeping John locked up until he too could be “infected” by the pheromones and effectively made another one of Lucius’ slaves. They may not have been in chains, but they were still bound to Lucius.
In the case of Jack, yes it could. He may have gone regardless, but, by eating the cake, the choice was taken away. I think the question here would be: Would Jack have eaten the cake if he knew what it meant and what the consequences of doing so would be? Somehow, I doubt it.
Anyway, I’d say the whole argument is moot since we are not dealing with legal issues as they are in our particular countries or, even, on our planet. SGA takes place in an entirely different galaxy, with it’s own set of rules, and whatever those rules are in a case like this, we are not privy to them.
Thanks Joe! I’m impressed that you assumed I was a girl (many don’t). But yes, girl is right, Amz being short for Amy (so it sounds like “aims”). There are so many more Amys on the internet so I went with the most common nickname. It was either that or Stompy, which my brother calls me because I apparently stomp around “like a pony” when he teases me, and seeing as I’m really too little to be a pony Amz worked better. So that is the history…
The mention made me smile, especially after I arrived home from rehearsals only to find Fast Forward STILL hasn’t arrived in the mail. Should have been here on Friday. At this rate I won’t be able to comment and I was really looking forward to the Q&A with Lou Anders. Maybe tomorrow…
Amy/Amz
By the way, what was “that thing” out in the garden that your neighbours commented about in Cantonese?
Just out of curiosity, in Trio was there a deleated scene or a scene I just plainly missed where Mckay explains or states what new information he had learned from the files he was reading? Typically, in the past storylines he likes to brag about what he found and in this case he didn’t mention anything about what was in them.
Skeet shooting? The society for the protection of Skeets will have something to say about that!..
As for tasting peoples’ desserts, just remember that’s a lot of mouths on those spoons lol.
Oh and will you be taking the fans’ doggy bags home for the pugkids?
Sadly, I’m not surprised to see a few people thinking Keller is some sort of loose woman for, goodness, nearly kissing one man, and then some time later, asking another out for a….wait for it…drink! How disgusting! Has she no morals? (End sarcasm)
I’ve seen it all before with some who insist a certain Lt.Colonel is, well, all sorts of ignorant and vile names, for flirting with women, finding the opposite sex attractive, or…I can barely say this…kissing them. As for actually having…er, sex? Well, that’s just something a person should be locked away for! How dare any of the Atlantis expedition have sex lives!
I don’t understand why anyone would criticise someone who’s free and single for flirting etc. Doesn’t make sense to me.
I didn’t find the boob stuff in Trio offensive – the plot? Well that’s another matter!Lol! (Sorry MG) I thought the dialogue was fine and the character interaction good though.
I only didn’t like the Zelenka stuff, because I can see no basis for it from what I’ve seen on the show. I realise it was meant to be amusing, but it fell flat for me, and all I could think was, poor Radek. Saying that, I really can’t get these strange visions out of my head of Radek running away from a wraith wearing high, red stilettoes now – and that’s all your fault! I feel violated!
Which brings me on to the Lucius talk. I’m one of the few who enjoyed Irresistible. It didn’t even occur to me that some would think him a rapist. I didn’t like Lucius, but I presumed I wasn’t meant to? I just watched the episode, enjoyed the light-hearted nature of it, and really didn’t think about it in depth. I took it as face value, and presumed the villagers had dealt with Lucius. Maybe Shep having a cold and being all poorly blinded me here?
Obviously, anyone who has suffered date rape understandably would be upset by the episode though. I can understand that, and sympathise. But it honestly didn’t ever occur to me when I watched the episode.
Seeing you talk about moving, Joe, makes me shudder. I hate moving. All that packing etc…saying tearful goodbyes to a much loved home. Sniff. Best of luck though, if you do.
The introduction of the Vega character had nothing to do with lessening the onscreen presence of any existing characters (regulars or recurring) and everything to do with a genuine desire to expand our roster of familiar faces.
ooh! that makes me so excited. I don’t even know why, exactly, but that’s awesome! keep the interesting and enjoyable characters coming, is what I have to say.
ok, so the whole Keller/Ronan/McKay thing… I don’t know. My only thought is that, in Quarantine, Ronan and Keller were so darn cute. 🙂 loved them! together. That’s all I’ve got, really… But I know you guys will do us right, so I’ll just wait and see what happens.
How’s Fondy doing, Joe? is she enjoying her time away from home?
…two dozen pairs of women’s shoes are discovered in Zelenka’s closet including Weir’s missing patent leather pumps.
Oh, you slay me, sometimes.
I enjoyed Trio quite a bit. Thought it was particularly nice to actually see some the character growth that came from all those character-growth moments Rodney’s had over the last three and half years. But I’ve got to say that as much as I enjoy Keller and think she’s a perfectly capable doctor who can handle quite a bit when things are really, really down to the wire, she still just doesn’t seem all that cut out for being offworld.
And I must have missed the big implied time-jump between Quarantine and Trio, though. Because I too thought Keller was being awfully flirty with Rodney just two weeks after being awfully flirty with Ronon. And while I certainly didn’t take either situation to mean full-fledged romance was imminent, I can’t lie. I did have an “AUGH! Team-wrecker!!” moment. But then it passed because everyone is just so gosh-darned cute.
As for the Woolsey announcement: I like the idea in that I think he’ll always be a bit of a foil for everyone else, but I can’t get my head around how he’s qualified for the position. And even if I handwave that away, it seems like nobody really respects him. Which is good TV, but bad for my brain.
But really, it’s Robert Picardo back on my TV for an extended time, so I can’t complain too much.
And in the other big news, it’s a shame the whole Tori Higginson situation couldn’t work out, but best of luck to all sides, I say.
Skeet shooting? Nah! If you want a REAL challenge, take up longbow…stick, string, arrow, target. Well, that’s the way it’s supposed to work! I’m still finding it hard to channel my ‘inner Elf’.
Any chance of getting Le Flanigan to get his shirt off more often in Season 5? The Thunkers’d thank ya!
Heya…
Loved Trio, especially the ‘show them your…ya knows’ bit. Too funny!! Also wanted to say I’m excited about Woolsey. A flawed character makes for better stories, I feel, and – while those who came before were fine characters – they were a bit too perfect for my tastes.
I am apprehensive about Midway, however. I’d like to see the Wraith become something more than SGA’s version of Star Trek’s ‘red shirts’ – I see Wraith on the screen, and figure they’ll all be dead by the time the credits roll. Ho-hum. And, while it is good to see the Wraith being developed through characters like Michael and Todd, in most episodes they’re still just the guys wearing the bullseyes on their chests. Poor fellas.
Still, in even their briefest of appearances, I continue to be intrigued by the conflict within them (the civilized human facade vs the inner animal), and find the recent alliance with the humans to be just about the most exciting thing to happen, both for the show, and for ALL the characters – human and alien alike. This stuff can make the show golden – to have two enemies finding ways to be ‘friends’, despite the obvious difficulties. To throw the Wraith away is all too easy, to make them an integral and permanent part of the show? Now that’s a challenge.
So, my question: Is there any future vision of making the Wraith something more than just expendable foe, perhaps through further alliances and contiued individual development, or with the addition of a permanent Wraith character to the show? (Ideally, this would be Todd – but your comment about him having ‘an’ appearance in S5 doesn’t bode well for him being in more than one episode.)
And yes, I AM obsessed. :p
das
“In all fairness, there is a scene from the season 3 episode Common Ground in which two dozen pairs of women’s shoes are discovered in Zelenka’s closet including Weir’s missing patent leather pumps.”
Joe, I love you. Marry me.
If I had been drinking anything just then, it would have ended up on my screen via my nose. Lovely.
Oh… last night I was trying to swing a piece of string with a cup on it to my sister’s window. We just moved back in together as housemates close to the university. We can see each other if we lean out our bedroom windows, so as a joke I made up one of those little “telephones” with 2 plastic cups and some string like we used to make when we were kids. Anyway, the point is that when I was trying to swing it across, I felt very much like Rodney in Trio.
I loved Trio… I love how they kept trying things that just didn’t work. Like I said yesterday, Whump. Woot.
I’m still waiting on the big all-the-boys-in-jeans 2 parter.
Answer: In all fairness, there is a scene from the season 3 episode Common Ground in which two dozen pairs of women’s shoes are discovered in Zelenka’s closet including Weir’s missing patent leather pumps. Unfortunately, the scene was cut for time but the deleted footage can still be found among the boxset special features.
BWAH! Can’t wait to read all the Zelenka foot-fetishist fanfic! 😀
Thanks for answering my question about Caldwell, but something I thought of is, where would Keller and McKay have gone for a drink? Would it have been back on Earth or is there a makeshift pub/bar in Atlantis?
Thanks. Trio rocked by the way.
Aelfgyfu Said:
I’ve seen a few people call Keller names for asking Rodney for a drink, and I wonder what century they’re living in, and whether they think the same of Sheppard, who has actually kissed several women; did Jennifer even actually kiss Ronon? She sure as heck didn’t kiss Rodney–nor is ever likely to!
Oh, didn’t you know? John “Kirk” Sheppard is the male slut of the galaxy and every time he smiles at a woman, he’s mentally undressing her *AND* what you don’t realise is that off-screen he’s actually slept with every single woman that he’s ever smiled at. Honestly. I’ve seen people say so on teh internetz so it *must* be true! [/sarcasm]
Luis Said:
Joe,
Why is it that the Atlantis primary Team consist of a U.S. COL. one civilian scientist and 2 aliens? Especially when you have a battilion of Marines attatched to Atlantis, I would think that any government with a stargate would have only memebers of their military on the primary teams.
The SG1 primary team consisted of 2 members of the US armed forces, one civilian scientist/anthropologist and 1 alien. What’s so different about SGA? The SG1 team make-up offered a combination of combat capability (primarily Jack, Sam and Teal’c), scientific/anthropological knowledge (Sam and Daniel) and knowledge of local culture/civilisations etc (Teal’c and Daniel). SGA’s primary team offers combat capability (Sheppard, Ronon and Teyla), scientific/anthropological knowledge (McKay and Teyla) and knowledge of local culture/civilisations (Ronon and Teyla).
Night Spring Said:
The important part, I believe, is that regardless of how much time passed “in-universe” between the almost-kiss and asking McKay out for a drink, the almost-kiss was still very fresh in many viewers’ minds.
So if she alsmost kissed one attractive guy (but as far as we know, hasn’t taken that any further) and even just a couple weeks later asks another guy for a drink, that’s bad/promiscuous? Can’t a gal find more than one guy attractive at the same time? 😉
Heck, I’m married but, as the saying goes, I’m not dead – I can still appreciate a cute guy. 😀 And when I was single and not dating/in a relationship, I’ve definitely flirted with and maybe even kissed one guy, not taken that any further/started a relationship with that guy, and flirted with/maybe even kissed another guy a coupla weeks later. *prepares to be ritually stoned to death* 😀
I tried to ask this awhile ago but I don’t think it got answered. What do you think about Fifth returning? Couldn’t he have ascended or something before he died?
Err…..let’s try that again and I’ll try and get the tags right. I take it I can use full html.
Aelfgyfu Wrote:
I loved The Prestige, thought it was so clever and Christian Bale was brilliant. David Bowie was excellent too. I had to explain it to my mum though :-).
Ogh and Joe, you might be thinking oddball neighbours, I’m thinking screenplay. I think it would be hysterical. I’d go and watch it.
Are we ever going to revisit the “kids” in Childhood’s End? I really liked Courtenay J. Stevens (Keras, and previously Lt Elliott on SG1) and would love to see him again on Atlantis.
anneteldy wrote:
I’m glad you said it Anne, ‘cos I was thinking the same thing 😀
Cheers, Chev
Hey Joe, good to hear Lorne won’t be getting reduced screen time.
If a storyline arose where you just *had* to have Weir in it, would you consider replacing Torri like Jessica Steen was replaced or is it firmly set now that Torri IS Weir?
Hi Joe! Another interesting blog post! Thanks! I always find your blog very informative/entertaining & mouth watering with the food facts! Once again thanks for giving us the fans such a brilliant sci fi show! I have been watching Stargate since I saw the Stargate Movie! I have all SG1 season 1-10 & season 1-3 of Stargate Atlantis on dvd. I have seen part of season 4 not all yet cause I live in Australia!
It’s my birthday on 13th feb & i am not going to be with my family because they live to far away! So hopefully I will be having some Stargate time & watch my dvd,s have my own starage marathon! Cool! Dont ya think? So I hope you will mention me on the 13th feb. It will brighten up my day! Cause I need some cheering up cause had a bad year!
Take Care & happiness always!
Cathie
Thanks for that great description of your neighbors. It makes me feel like my neighborhood might actually be fairly normal. Because I have just as odd a cast of characters around me.
Still. I don’t envy you if Fondy gets the urge to move again. That’s exhausting!
And for the record? The fan sites I hang around with all adored Trio. Found it very funny. Enjoyed the jokes. And laughed at the stuff about Zelenka because it was funny. (And yes, we actually love the character. It was just funny.)
Hi Joe.
I watched Trio over the weekend. I liked the episode. I love the interaction between Carter and McKay and thought that the Keller character is really growing into something more substantial. My question is this. The last few episodes have been centered around only two or three characters, Harmony, Outcast and Trio. Also in the front of the season we had Travelers and Missing that only focused on one or two characters. Why is that? And this is probably a stupid question but did Rachel Luttrell have her baby yet? Oh, and I’m all for a character named Alison! ;o)
Alison Ripley
The Lucius debate has made me think would using a pheromone to entice a partner be on a par with using a date rape drug like Rohypnol?
May be I’m splitting hairs but some aftershaves and perfumes contain musk (a pheromone) to attract the opposite sex.
Yes, but the aftershaves and perfumes don’t take away person’s free will. It’s as simple as that. If the choice is taken away from you be it by force, by blackmail, or in this case weird alien pheromones that render you unable to say no, it is a rape.
I love this show but seriously TPTB, you don’t get to play dumb in a post Joss Whedon world. He called rape for what it is and trying to play it off as laughs now? …not very funny.
They really reeeeeeaching for any possible argument, no matter how ridiculous, to use against the character. God forbid she should change her hairstyle. Cries of “Harlot! Devil Woman!” will surely resound in whichever corridors of fandom these Prudence Goodwife’s happen to frequent.
I’m aware that as a member of that elite group “the Powers That Be” you would often receive criticism for the show. You just have to read this blog to be bombarded with that. However, being a dedicated fan myself, I did want to point out that as viewers of the show we, by necessity, have to explore characters the way they are presented to us on-screen.
While as part of the behind the scenes crew you would be aware that months had passed in the SGA universe, as viewers this information is harder to interpret compared to the knowledge you are working from as a writer on the show.
The last information we had been given about Keller was that she was interested in Ronon and he in her. With no other information to go on (as there were no on-screen references), and from previous experience with such seemingly (by screen-time necessity) abbreviated relationships as a frame of reference (I refer here to Rodney and Katie’s relationship), we are trained to think that off-screen things are happening in a positive way for Ronon and Keller.
When we are then faced with Keller seemingly hitting on Rodney – what are we supposed to think? Certainly it was quite a shock when it happened.
I’m not suggesting that the audience needs to be beaten over the head repeatedly with a relationship – however, the general rule of thumb is that the audience only knows what you tell them. (I am, of course, conveniently ignoring fan fiction etc.)
The point that I so verbosely am attempting to make is that perhaps those people who make such a big deal out of this do have foundations in a legitimate complaint. (Even if they attempt to express their displeasure of this in unacceptable ways).
Hi Joe,
I read somewhere that Amanda, Jewel, and David wrote a song during the taping of Trio and would begin singing it in between scenes. Do you know if their singing was caught on tape and if it was do you think maybe you could get a copy and post it here for us to enjoy? All through the episode I keep seeing all the little looks they kept giving each other and it just seems like they were having a fun time together. It was just a joy to see.
Thanks,
Elisa
Joe,
I expect to see a red letter “A” on Keller’s uniform next week.
Perhaps that will placate the puritanical fans!
Thanks!
Now see the way I took the drink scene in Trio was (but this is just me) Keller being a friend to Mckay he acted like he was unaware that he broke up with his almost fiance and to the eye it seems he would need a friend. When you are around a group of people for so long you grow close to them and when you do you want to be there to support your fellow friends.
I Imagine that they sat down and they talked and Mckay felt better and later on his almost fiance and he makes amends and they get back together and who knows they get married.
Also, I am getting married my self in August, and am planning a Stargate themed wedding (or at the least supported) I would like to say my dress would be approved of the Atlantis style I would assume an Atlantis themed wedding would incorporate both American and Atlantis styles. With my limited budget it may wind up being a MGM wedding if that I am still supporting the producer of the show right?
Is there anyway I can get a digital image high enough quality of the Atlantis stairwell or gate, that can be used for photos on a green screen? if so what is the cost? Where would I get it? Or if not any ideas as to how I can pull it off?
Rodney wanting to flash the girls was funny.
What people seem to forget is that Rodney is, and has always been, a misfit. He is supposed to do things that are socially unacceptable.
I’m afraid I still don’t like the Keller/McKay informal date thing. If that makes me Victorian, well, I do think they generally get a bad rap and I really love a lot of the literature from that period, so I’ll take that as a compliment. 🙂
I was curious, will there be any mention of Weir in the wrap-up of the BAMSR ending? Or will there be any mention of Elizabeth when Carson returns?
Take care.
Hey Joe!
Just thought I’d comment about Trio! Personally I loved the episode I thought it was a really good character episode and I really liked how each of the Trio managed to contribute something to the escape plans.
I loved Keller in this episode and it really irks me that some people have been commenting and acting like Keller is a Hoe or something. If it was John Sheppard in that situation no one would bat an eyelid! My understanding of Kellers actions was that 1.She engaged Rodney in conversation because she was generally interested in why he wasn’t with katie(I actually thought it was really sweet what she said to him) and 2. I got the impression that the drink thing was more a “Hey you saved my life, you’re a decent guy, lets go get a casual drink..you really need to learn how to be better with women” type thing!
Also Rodney rocked awesome in this episode!
Hey Joe!
Just thought I’d comment about Trio cos Ionly just saw it! Personally I loved the episode I thought it was a really good character episode and I really liked how each of the Trio managed to contribute something to the escape plans.
I loved Keller in this episode and it really irks me that some people have been commenting and acting like Keller is a Hoe or something. If it was John Sheppard in that situation no one would bat an eyelid! My understanding of Kellers actions was that 1.She engaged Rodney in conversation because she was generally interested in why he wasn’t with katie(I actually thought it was really sweet what she said to him) and 2. I got the impression that the drink thing was more a “Hey you saved my life, you’re a decent guy, lets go get a casual drink..you really need to learn how to be better with women” type thing!
Also Rodney rocked awesome in this episode! I loved his little look he gave to Sam when she found the rope lol and the whole flashing comments and gestures were hillarious!!!
alipeeps Said: And when I was single and not dating/in a relationship, I’ve definitely flirted with and maybe even kissed one guy, not taken that any further/started a relationship with that guy, and flirted with/maybe even kissed another guy a coupla weeks later. *prepares to be ritually stoned to death*
I guess we’ll be virtually stoned together then! LOL
Kimberly
Hi Joe!
I am amongst the “like-Trio-but-hated-the-Zelenka-lines” people. Zelenka is a fine character, he doesn’t deserve it to be treated like that. It just fell so wrong – imagine Carter being spoken of as “old bat”.
The rest of the episode was good. No high flyer but solid and it provided loads of likeable team scenes (even if there wasn’t too much team). I loved the chemistry between McKay and Keller and I hope that there will be more of that in the following episodes, them both being a (remarkable cute) couple or not.
Oh, and I have a question! Why are there so few (if at all) female writers in the Stargate Franchise? Is it because its SciFi or are there generally few women on that job at all? I am just curious.
All the best, Christina
Hey Joe,
I was looking over the spoiler poem and wondered if there is a line for This Mortal Coil (?? “While a group of replacements puts the team in a bind”???) or does it begin with BAMSR?
Jean
Any chance of bring Cadman back? Even though she appeared in one more episode after she and Rodney were munged together during the extraction from the dart, I wanted a little more. Something on the lines of perhaps, how she saves the day as a result of gleaning something from Rodney’s mind.
Hey Joe,
I know SG-1 the series is over and all but season 9 has started up again on tv here so been watching it once again. Anyway, onto the question, there was mention by Daniel that the Ori Prior Plague was similar to the plague the Ancients suffered from before they left for Pegasus. So my question is… was it decided that the Ori were responsible for unleashing the plague on the Ancients before both ascended?
Also, any chance of Nathan Fillion appearing on Atlantis sometime if he is interested? 😀
Take care Joe!
Hi,
I would like to ask you, if David Nykl/Radek will have his own promo photos for season 5 (I mean for whole season, not only one photo from some episode)? Caldwell or Keller had them in the past, why not Radek? It would be wonderful.
What I’m really waiting for now is the Keller-Zelenka scene where she models the misbegotten fruits of his hidden shoe stash and Woolsey catches them. Woolsey throws a fit because none of the patent pumps are in his size.
Cat4444, you said exactly what I wanted to say, using the same examples, but much, much better than I could have. As to your last point, about the Pegasus Galaxy having different, unknown rules, I’m speaking on a meta level to TPTB that they have to pay attention to things like that. It’s not that Lucius Lavin is a serial rapist that hurts. He’s a fictional character. It’s that it never occurred to the writers, or director, or apparently the actors, that what Lucius did was rape. Martin Wood said in the commentary to Irrisistable that that wasn’t what the writers intended. Like that was the end of it. He didn’t acknowledge that we may have a point. That’s what is so objectionable. Just as in Trio, I wouldn’t *really* want Rodney sent back to earth for telling Sam to flash those kids, like I suggested in yesterday’s post. I would actually be inconsolable if he were. It’s how could Marty G. not realize how offensive that was? Like Rza said:”I love this show but seriously TPTB, you don’t get to play dumb in a post Joss Whedon world. He called rape for what it is and trying to play it off as laughs now? …not very funny.” I always said I trusted Joss as a writer/producer. And that’s why.
On a different subject, re: Outcast. Does John’s “Dad’s idea of teenage rebellion meant going to Stanford instead of Harvard” imply that John went to Stanford? Or did he completely rebel and go to say…Berkeley?
Any chance that you could get Weir back for maybe season 6 if she’s not going to do season 5? Or does she mean she doesn’t want to ever have anything to do with this show again?
Hi again!
First of all, thank you for your answer. It was the first time I had left a comment, after some time lurking here. I wasn’t especting it, so I’m quite pleased 🙂
Now, you must be true to your word and show us that deleted season 3 scene!
Although, I must confess I feel a little bit gilty, as now thanks to your snarky comment the former ‘Radek, the adorable’ is now definitely ‘Radek, the fetichist perv’.
Now, we only need having Zelenka in the season 5 promo shots in his uniform wearing the red stilettos 😛 (Poor David Nykl…)
So, as much as I appreciate your snark (in my little part of the world we born with snarky DNA!), I still have the same opinion: from time to time, you have good ideas that, when scripted/filmed, turn to something not very good.
In this case, it’s an excellent idea having Carter and Zelenka not fitting together (as it was highly unexpected), and it’s natural that other characters find Radek ‘strange’, if only for having a very different culture or background (we Europeans also find you North Americans very strange!), but in “Trio” it was not well scripted, so the amusing scene ended leaving in a bad place especially Carter (not being very proffesional as expedition leader) and Keller (I’m SO not going to enumerate why I think so, it would take too long!).
I don’t expect you to agree with me (at least, not openly, especially about what I say about Carter… your editing speaks volumes to me ;)), but it must be said.
PS: Now, it would be amusing having a ‘foreign’ (as in ‘not North American’) character making comments about the things you Americans do, and from the outside could be seen as strange, and even silly.
Don’t worry, I’m prepared to die of old age before seeing it.
When things happen like iTunes’ early release of Midway does Stargate get any compensation? I’d assume something would have to happen if this continues. Or is this mainly an issue for MGM (they are your distributors, correct?)
Joe – i admire how you stay firm about not having to feel obligated to accept some of the crap and dreck so-called fans throw at you, and as you noted, there are respectable and dignified ways to be critical without being harsh or inappropriate as some choose to be. This lead to my question
When one of the writers is tasked/chosen to handle the edits for a certain episode, do you rely on each other for critique and suggestions for improvement? That is to say – do you really function as a team throughout all 20 episodes, even if the episodes are given specific writing credits to one or two individuals? If so – Do you feel this helps promote consistency in the show’s plotting from one episode to the next?
People didn’t like Trio? Go figure. I thought it was terrific. And pretty nifty to see how well those three people can carry a whole episode. For what it’s worth (not much, really), Keller has quickly become one of my favorite characters. Her reactions to the strangeness that is life on Atlantis seem right on point to me. I’d love to pretend I’d be as cool as a cucumber when faced with Wraith attacks, cannibal attacks, Replicator attacks, doppleganger attacks, amnesia-inducing disease attacks, falling down a mineshaft, etc. etc. etc., but . . . Yeah, I think we’d all react a lot like Keller. That’s what makes her such a good character – she represents what’s normal in an abnormal situation. So ignore everyone’s opinion but mine (okay, you might as well ignore mine too)and keep up the good work. Season 4 rocks!
Hi Joe,
Just wanted to ask some questions about the wraith and their feeding habits.
Are the wraith so skinny because they only eat every 500 years or so?
Do the wraith with the masks eat more often than the other ones?
If they suck the life from a fat person do they feel fuller for longer?
What happens if only one wraith is feeling peckish? Do they have to wait until the others are hungry or do they just go off in a dart by themselves?
Do any of the wraith keep a little human stash incase of emergencies?
Are there any wraith that are still asleep – lazy wraith – ones that heard about earth but just went back to bed saying ‘wake me when we get there’?
Bonjour!!
Bravo pour ce blog, le concept est très sympa!!
J’adore stargate atlantis, et le personnage de Teyla! Est-ce que l’accouchement de Teyla se déroulera pendant un épisode de la saison 5? Si oui; lequel?
Bonne continuation!
“surprisingly affluent young pitbull owners”
Oh, dear. Just when I was getting tired of my quaint little waterfront condo in Oak Harbor–better known as Fundamentalist Dutch Mayberry, but with a Navy base. After reading this entry, I think I will keep my condo after all, no matter how cabin-feverish I’m feeling. At least it’s pittbull-less and exceedingly quiet, with the only irritant being the elderly man downstairs whose profuse cigarette smoking makes having the patio door open here in my office problematic.
Joe, perhaps looking farther out for a property with more land? Distance from neighbors is always a pretty decent idea, I’ve found. Good luck in any event.
I’ve also been meaning to ask, do you care at all for Cajun and Creole food? And I’m not talking about those faux-Cajun wannabes like Emmeril, but the real, off-the-bayou stuff you don’t find in the tourist joints. If so, what was the best meal you had and where? Just curious. . .
And now completely breaking with protocol. . .
Crazymom Said:
“In my mind, Zelenka is a sex god behind closed doors. Keller is missing the boat. I just felt compelled to share that, for some reason.”
“And if Carter and Keller can’t see what Radek has to offer, they don’t deserve him. So there.”
I must agree. But then again, for me it’s always been about a man’s incredibly well-hung brain pan. And Our Darling Radek can feel free to borrow from my vast collection of FM pumps any time. Or maybe even my Domme boots, if he’s very, very good. 😉
Having said that, the “creepy” hair comment? Wow. Keller must not get out much. Perhaps, in the future, if she uses something like coal tar shampoo, it’ll cut down on those unwanted compliments. ;-P
I have to admit, after seeing Trio on Saturday, I’m not getting the fan reaction to Keller asking McKay out. Perhaps it is all about trying to fault-find with the character, jealousy, whatever. Go figure.
And the “show us your ***s” scene made me homesick. What would’ve been really cool is if the kids had thrown down beads and Zulu coconuts! LOL Now that’s family entertainment. 😉
Atlantis’ “Village Moped,”
Jacqui
Pedantic Bohemian
skexis Said:
What about John and Rodney horndogging with Harmony’s sisters?
Seriously? Horndogging? Having a drink and chatting politely to important trading partners who you like and whom you don’t want to offend is horndogging now? Jeez, no wonder Keller’s being villified for inviting a team mate to have a drink with her – obviously the whole social implications of sharing a drink with someone are waaaaaaay different in Pegasus than they are back here in the Milky Way! :/
Hi Joe
Thanks for SGA. Let me share something with you.
SGA is such a great show and I love it. It brings me fond memories of my childhood where I would play these imagination games where I would leave my world and enter a new one.
Between the ages of 6-13 (1972-1979) we did not have a TV. My time was spent going to the Local Library to see “Puppet Shows”. “Story Time”, “Craft Days”, etc. A lot of times I played outside with my sisters and neighbour hood kids. We would play in the Ravine near our house in Toronto. It was a great place to play and explore. There was one game we would play. We would pretend the Ravine was a new world and we were Space Explorers. We would take water, plant, soil, and rock samples and take them to our “Home Base” where we would study our findings using our Science Kit. We would also pretend the odd jogger or hiker was an alien coming after us so we would duck behind boulders, fallen trees and when they went past us we would jump out and shoot them with pretend guns. We scared a few and made a few mad but hey we were kids. A near by park’s playground equipment was our space ships. The dome monkey bar climbing thing was our jail for our “Captured Alien” usually ME.
We would play in the ravine and the park all day. We would pack a lunch and take it with us.
I am bringing this up because SGA is like the game I used to play in the Ravine when I was young and now I can re-live those memories.
This may sound corny, weird, and hokey but when I watch SGA I am transported into that world. And I also am transported back into my childhood when I would play these imagination games where I would leave my world and enter into another. Where I would lay on the grass in my backyard and cloud watch and day dream.
I just wanted to share this with you and tell you thanks for Stargate Atlantis. It is an awesome show.
Hugs
Fran
Several comments have been made regarding the passage of time on-screen. It’s hard to judge, for those of us not involved in the production of the show, how much time has passed between two episodes. I had hoped to use Teyla’s baby bump as a sort of guide, but as she’s been absent from recent episodes, that has not been possible. But, judging by her bump in Quarantine, if months have passed between the Ronon/Keller almost-kiss and the Rodney/Keller is-it-or-isn’t-it-date, Teyla should be about ready to pop, shouldn’t she? And yet, as I understand it, she will not give birth until season five. How, then, are we as fans meant to accurately guess at the passage of time without some canon indicator?
“spankys Said:
On a different subject, re: Outcast. Does John’s “Dad’s idea of teenage rebellion meant going to Stanford instead of Harvard” imply that John went to Stanford? Or did he completely rebel and go to say…Berkeley?”
Oh, yes!!! I want to share an alma mater with Shepard. He would look great in Golden Bear blue and gold.
1)Will Major Lorne have a more prominent role next year?
2)Will we meet any dark fanatical cults next season?
What in the hell is with people thinking just asking someone to have a drink with them is a date? It could be, but obviously in this case it’s just a kind of a work friends thing. It’s out of this world ridiculous people would take it as dating. Since when did Stargate become a relationship show, it’s a science show. Is that all people care about – the relationships on the show? Seems pretty ridiculous to me… Go watch a soap opera!
Skeet shooting?! Nnnnooooooooooooooo!
If you shoot Skeet, what will happen to Jericho? The new season starts tomorrow! Lots of people put in great effort to even get a second season, and you want to shoot the main actor?
I’ve heard about taking out the competition, but that’s going too far!
I take issue with all the nasty comments about Keller being considered a “scarlet woman” because she likes men. However, to the commenter who claimed that if Sheppard was in the same situation, no one would bat an eyelid, you must be kidding! Do you have any idea how many times Sheppard has been accused of “Kirking”? The poor guy was forced to go the entire third season without any romantic entanglements!
Personally, I don’t care much for Keller (the poor, prom-deprived, prodigy who has absolutely no gravitas as a doctor IMO), but having seen every SGA episode more than a few times, I have been unable to find any scene in which any character has signed a vow of celibacy for the entire duration of his/her mission to Atlantis. I do agree that it may have to do more with the feelings viewers have for a particular character; if you dislike a character, the more likely you are to find fault with him/her. Others on SGA have been allowed to have their ships — Sam, Carson (had two!), Teyla, Rodney, Elizabeth — so why shouldn’t the other characters? All I ask is that TPTB NOT turn SGA into a soap opera!
I don’t understand why anyone would criticise someone who’s free and single for flirting etc. Doesn’t make sense to me.
Well, it’s one thing if the person is on Earth and has a work life and a social life. In the case of Keller, she is flirting with men who are also her patients. Sure we can all turn a blind eye to the fact, write it off to “they have no choice but to date each other”. Or we can be annoyed by having to see it.
I enjoyed Trio but felt at times Rodney was channeling Martin Gero’s junior-high fantasies rather than being McKay. The whole set-up was a male fantasy after all. Alas, if only Carter and Keller were actually twins! It was very nice of Rodney to tell Carter her body is perfect, though. David did a masterful job as usual, and the sets and stunts were incredible.
Hi Jo’ !
Just a question : which kind of coffee do you love ?
An other : Will the 5th season have more mythology like Egyptian in Stargate SG1 fo exemple ? (In reaction about the news of Michael Shanks presence in 5th season)
lol! According to Gateworld ratings (and some critics) season four is going not so good. I’m enjoying it though. Enjoyed Trio, and Midway looks like another action blockbuster episode! Sucks that it had been ‘leaked’ though. iTunes should’ve learn from the last time and DOUBLE-CHECK, no?
Yay for Mr. Binder returning to business soon!
“Overall I very much enjoyed Trio but felt you went a little overboard with the sexism (won’t bring up my dislike of Radek bashing as you already addressed that). I know Rodney has little in the way of a filter from brain-to-mouth but seriously, talk like this just isn’t tolerated in any sort of sector nowadays, especially military related. Yes they may understand him enough to shrug it off as genius-eccentricity, but really it may have been a bit much…”
Are you kidding? That was *mild* compared to the swill Vala was constantly spewing in early SG-1 S9 and some of S10.
Though I think it was a near thing, I didn’t think they went as far over the line as they usually do with Rodney. It was kind of funny to watch him dig himself deeper. But then Rodney only irritates me when he’s in whingy rant mode under a do-or-die situation. Or like in Quarantine.
suse
So, while watching a SG-1 episode I noticed a book labeled Joseph Mallozzi’s complete idiot guide to “”. I cant really remember the rest its been a while since I watched the episode. Is that your doing or one of the other producers? It was pretty funny however when I noticed it. Great work on throwing gags into props!
It’s fascinating reading your blog. As a fan there is no way I can know all the intricacies involved in producing (writing, directing, acting, etc.) a show that is so highly regarded and longstanding (Congrats on the People’s Choice Award BTW). It’s nice to see some of those intricacies in your blog. How much are TPTB influenced by the fans? Not as in storylines or plot, but in your daily, personal lives. Do you consider it advantageous to you as a person to come into contact with fans like you are doing with this blog? I assume you would since you are organizing a dinner with fans, but any other insights would be appreciated.
Hey we have anti-social neighbors just like you! We moved from Chicago to the middle of nowhere, when we wave to one set of our neighbors they look the other way. I would like to believe that they are afraid of us because of where we are from but they treat everyone around like this.
Quick question: Any restaurant recommendations for downtown Ottawa, given that I a) am on foot from Albert and Bay and b) have only relatively casual clothes with me?
I am willing, nay, eager to try something new – any thoughts?
Are you sure there isn’t a young boy with dark hair, green eyes and a strange scar on his forehead in your neighborhood ?
Because your description seems awfully familiar. ^^
Thanks for the answer Joe. That’s a fair enough comment. Apologies for how the question seemed garbled in hindsight. But I would say that it would seem to suggest to me that if the quality of competing shows was down because of shorter length etc, wouldn’t SGA increase in appeal in contrast to competing products? If you put on your objective hat (as opposed to being a producer/writer), would this seem to make sense? I should say at this point that I have not seen any of season 4, so this is not veiled criticism. I can’t make any judgements either way about the quality of the season until I have seen it.
Hi Joe
I’m not sure if anyone has asked, I may have missed it as I skimmed through the backlog of comments I’ve just tried to catch up on, but is there a bar on Atlantis? Where were Jennifer and Rodney going to get a drink, and do they have to pay for it (‘cos I gather the mess hall food is free, or at least that’s how it looks)?
I could see food and soft drinks being part of the job package but booze being considered a perk that you have to pay for.
Anyway, just wondering.
Leesa Perrie
Ok, I get it…you want to be tight lipped about the rest of the season! But seriously, can you at least tell us the name of the actor who plays Kanan? How is it possible for Teyla to have this vision? C’mon anything you can give about what is forthcoming would be awesome…please!!!;)
Hi again,
I am really very excited to see a character by the name of Alicia Vega on SGA! I am Hispanic (I live in South Texas, just 10 miles from border to Mexico) and have often found myself hoping to see some representation of the Hispanic community in Atlantis. I hope she will be able to break out into spanish when she gets upset like Zelenka breaks out into into his native language. That would be a blast to hear!
-Elisa
Hang on. I appear to have dropped an s. Anyone seen it? Nobody move, just stay where you are… and watch where you put your feet…
Sorry, done it again, double posting that is!
Anyway, in regards to people saying the overall reaction to Trio was bad or good, if it’s any kind of indicator (and that depends on your view!), the poll on Gateworld says:
1 – Terrible 5 %
2 2 %
3 2 %
4 2 %
5 – Fair 3 %
6 5 %
7 8 %
8 13 %
9 15 %
10 – Outstanding 44 %
At this point in time (10.50 pm GMT ish, 11 Feb)
Leesa Perrie
Trio was awesome. So was Midway. 🙂
I was disappointed about the name change of the Porter/Vega character (for obvious reasons) though I’m also glad she is now a doctor… but two L’s, it always seems that tv shows go for the two L’d Alison character. As being an Alison for over 20 years I find the name Allison kinda tacky (especially when people mis-spell my name)… LOL! OK, I can’t be serious about this anymore :P… just something to think about 😛 LOL!
“On February 11, 2008 at 6:49 am LAG Said:
Rodney wanting to flash the girls was funny.
What people seem to forget is that Rodney is, and has always been, a misfit. He is supposed to do things that are socially unacceptable.”
Socially awkward,maybe, but downright perverted and illegal? The writers really have done him a disservice, IMHO, by going down this route with him.
which is why, whenever I spot him outside, I make it a point to wave and say hi
Oh, Joe, you make me laugh!
I live in an apartment, and have no idea who lives around me. I know the people next door are having a baby because there were empty boxes of baby things outside their door. And I would recognize the guy above me because his mail was in my box and I had to deliver it to him. Other than that…nothing.
Hey Joe!
You commonly recommend Old Man’s War as a book people should read if they want to get into sci-fi books.
The publishing company (Tor) is running a promotion right now, so as a birthday present (can you give presents on your own birthday?) heres the link.
http://www.tor.com/
Give them your name and email and they will email out a new link every week for a digital copy of one of there books. Old man’s war happenes to be the book for next week.
Please hel. I’ve been scrolling through the archives and can’t find a mention of Ford. Do you have any plans to revisit this storyline or at least give him a mention? Despite the possible death it really doesnt feel like the story is done
Many thanks, best of luck with season 5
Can You please tell Dr. Zelenka to return those lovely pink sandals I´ve been missing a couple of years now, Thank You!
T
I was just wondering why Sam has never done any more ‘technobabble’. I know she is the leader of Atlantis and all, but I know a lot of people who have said they would like Sam better on Atlantis if she did some science talk every now and then. The only bit of that I even saw was in Be All My Sins Remember’d.
I thought that there was going to be a not-so-subtle hint or something in Trio about Sam’s personal life. What happened to that?
I think the comparison of people’s attitudes regarding Keller to Victorian England are a bit harsh. I think the fan reaction is more one out of confusion and mixed messages, rather than any archaic mentality.
In Quarantine, there seemed to be a genuine connection between Keller and Ronan. Jennifer was the first person Ronan had really opened up to about what he’d gone through on Sateda. In return, we saw an insight into Keller as well: there seemed to be a genuine spark there, and given the way the two acted when Keller turned up in the Mess Hall, I think fans can be forgiven for assuming that you guys were planning a serious relationship between the two, particularly after killing the Rodney-Katie relationship so completely.
The confusion comes with how Keller acts towards Rodney. Sure, a bit of harmless flirting won’t hurt anyone, but it seems a little out of character for the shy, self-conscious Keller we’re used to seeing. It seems a bit heartless, too: Keller knows Rodney just “broke up” with someone he was ready to propose to; dismissing it so readily doesn’t ring true with the character to me.
That said, I thought it was a great little scene to end the episode on, so I don’t really mind! I’m just disappointed that we won’t get to use all of the Tarzan and Jane, Beauty and the Beast and other Ronan/Keller metaphors that spring to mind…
On a different note:
Outcast brought back Bates, and I think I spotted Kavanagh in the promo for Midway. Doctor Lee has made a few appearences in Atlantis, and with Robert Picardo joining the cast next year (Yay!), there are getting to be quite a few “familiar” faces showing up lately. Are there any other people like that – names we’ll already know, but aren’t expecting to see – who will be cropping over the next 24 episodes? Are there any characters who, ignoring scheduling conflicts, actor commitments, etc, you would like to bring back if you could?
I just wanted to comment on “Outcast”. I thought that it was very annoying how Nancy kept brining up “When we were together” and “when we were married.”
Hi Joe, Can you say at this stage if the Weir teaser from BAMSR will be resolved in a way that will do justice to the contribution that the character made to the show (taking into account of course that you can’t please everyone) and not just skimmed over and if may be in the distant future there might be a little light of hope for someday Weir to make an appearance again?
Thank you & regards
Melissa – Melbourne, Australia
Marla said: “Does it help to say ditto??? I SO want to see a satisfactory whumpy showdown between Sheppard and Kolya! That in itself could be a Sheppard arc!”
I think a showdown with Todd fighting next to Shephard to take on Kolya would be great. Besides, Todd has a beef with Kolya too.
Joe, I should be studying for my exam on Sat, but couldn’t resist catching up with my reading of your blog, but this commetn by Marla back on 7th(?) Feb leaves me giggling at how people can ‘miss’ so much in the SGA storylines.
Marla said: “Does it help to say ditto??? I SO want to see a satisfactory whumpy showdown between Sheppard and Kolya! That in itself could be a Sheppard arc!”
I think a showdown with Todd fighting next to Shephard to take on Kolya would be great. Besides, Todd has a beef with Kolya too.
*tongue firmly implanted in cheek* Have I missed something?? Have the Genii access to a sarcophagus?? I believe the score is Shepard 1, Kolya R.I.P and Todd the Wraith s**t out of luck on the revenge thing!! But then, I could have missed something as I have only watched S3 on the tv and not yet had a chance to obsessively watch the dvds 2 or 3 times.
TTFN
I realized after I posted last night: you spelled my name right! Thank you!
I also realized I’d meant to ask something else. I totally agree that Jennifer did nothing wrong in asking Rodney for a drink, and I was astounded that some thought she did. But in your reply, you said, “she ‘almost kisses’ Ronon and then, months later, asks Rodney to join her for a drink….” “Months later”? If months have passed since “Quarantine,” why is Katie only now asking for a transfer? I tend to figure, in the absence of other evidence, that episodes take place a week or two apart. If we’re to insert months between each episode and the next, pretty soon we’re still in 2008 and it’s 2010 on Atlantis (or are their months much shorter than ours?).
I do write fanfic, so I sometimes find myself working out the chronology of episodes–and I’m usually flummoxed. It’s often hard to tell if a day or three months have passed since the last episode (except for two- or three-parters, or those incredibly rare episodes where someone actually mentions how much time has passed since an event in a previous episode). Are y’all being vague on purpose? Do you throw these in just to trip up people who might think that “Quarantine,” “Outcast,” and “Trio” took place in the space of two to three weeks? Or are there really subtle clues here I’m missing, like the length of Zelenka’s hair? (Don’t tell me to use Teyla’s pregnancy for timing, because then I’ll be convinced time moves both backwards and forwards on Atlantis.)
Inquiring minds want to know.
I stare in disbelief at your readers that constantly whine and pick at SGA. When I became aware of what a fabulous program I was missing when I discovered SG-1 and SGA I found myself watching feverishly. People we want SGA around for as long as possible!! Please stop nitpicking!
On another note, I too enjoy reading very much but my constant reading sometimes leaves my husband with a puzzled look on his face. Is Fondy an avid reading like yourself?
mandiehall wrote:
I’ve always thought the dress Chaya wore the last time we saw her in “Sanctuary” would make a wonderful wedding dress. There’s a picture of it here. Simple. Gorgeous. Feminine.
… wrote:
1. If it were, in fact, “obviously” one thing, there wouldn’t be more than one interpretation of the scene, would there? Since there is, it was not obvious.
2. Up until Keller said “You’re not very good at this, are you?” I would have said friends. To me, that line meant Rodney didn’t understand she was trying to ask him out.
Anne Teldy (who, along with Mr. M., is being sued by the FedEx man who delivered her prize today. Something about a hernia. 😉 Thanks, Mr. M. It arrived safe and sound. It’s great.)
2 things: anime recommendation and Stargate Question.
I don’t know if you have ever seen Karas, a multipart OVA (original video animation) compiled for the U.S. as 2 short movies: Karas, the Prophecy and Karas, the Revelation. Lucky for you, they are both readilty available (most of us fans had to wait the excruciatingly long 2 years for part 2 to arrive: part 1 ended like an awesome mid-season episode: a cliffhangar). You need not wait 2 years. Excellent animation. A blend of traditional cell animation, CGI and motion capture. Most importantly, Karas has strong characters, a solid story with beginning, middle, and end and a terrific cinematic score by the Prague Symphony Orchestra. I have been a fan of anime for as long as i remember. Lately, japanese anime have followed a pattern of strong start but weak ending. Great idea, great premise.. they just can’t finish it off. Karas delivers in spades. Part 1 leaves you with so many questions, but part 2 lines them up and answers them off one by one. Nicely done.
My Stargate question(s): Been a fan of the Stargate universe since the movie. Why did the Ancients never reach out to the other members of the great alliance when faced with such odds as the Wraith? What happened to the alliance to cause such a rift. It doesn’t seem like the Nox even communicate or associate with the Asgard. and please please please: Is there room, or even plans in existence, to answer the big Furling question in the realm of Stargate Atlantis? Since SG-1 is no longer on the air, Atlantis is my only hope.
Thank you for your time!
best,
Johnny
Since you’re not going for the big angsty ShepMcKay scene, how about an episode where Shep gets badly hurt and McKay has to get him back to Atlantis safely? We’ve seen them both pull each other out of nasty situations before, but one where Rodney would have to depend on more physical/military means than scientific ones would be exciting. Plus, a hurt Shep is never bad. C’mon dude.
}snip{
They were a nice, quiet couple – until the day Fondy went off on the guy they’d hired to weed their lawn. The fact that the guy was sending herbicide wafting over the fence into our backyard where the dogs were playing didn’t sit too well with Fondy. And the fact that Fondy let him have it evidently didn’t sit well with Ted who has nary spoken a word to us since. Dorothy, on the other hand, was kind enough to bake us some blueberry bread to thank us for collecting their mail while they were away last Spring.}snip{
i’d wonder about that bread. i’m sure that Dorothy is very trustworthy, but what if ted got to it?
then again, i’m a paranoid sort.
}snip{
Two doors down lives Tony’s brother. The zucchini he planted in his garden last summer turned out to be pumpkin.}snip{
LOL. *sighs* neighbors
I have to comment on the “Zelenka bashing”. It just really didn’t make sense to me. We haven’t really seen anything on screen to justify the reactions from Carter and Keller. Radek seems like just a nice, hard-working guy. Not glamorous, not over-the-top-heroic. He just shows up for work and gets the job done… and in a pinch, he can do the heroic thing too. He has a sense of humour, he has a fully formed spine and is quite able to stand up to Rodney. Where is the “creepy” in any of that? Sorry, but I just didn’t get it…… and I sure as heck didn’t think it was funny.
“I suffer the curse of the writer – and, by extension, Fondy must suffer along with me. What makes or breaks a movie/TV show for me is the writing.”
I’m so glad I’m not the only one.
Wish me luck. I have big-wigs and bigger-wigs visiting at work tomorrow.
l really want teyla and sheppered to get together because they would make a perfect match on tv and it would make ronon jealous plus theres heaps of fans out here who are dying to see teyla and sheppered kiss again since the episode conversion because that was the only chemistry between them.
I guess I’m coming to the table pretty late with this… I didn’t know until now, as I’m just catching up with Season 4.
I’m disappointed in your decision to remove Weir. I won’t make any assumptions about the how’s or why’s. She was a character that separated your show from others with her depth, intellect and leadership qualities. I fear as I catch up through Season 4, it will feel empty and disappointing without her presence and contributions.