Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog

February 17, 2008: I stayed up for THIS?!

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Hope you weren’t waiting up expecting something good. Alas, I spent most of the day sitting out front with the dogs, enjoying the sun and gathering my thoughts for tomorrow’s discussion of our scifi book of the month – Fast Forward 1. I look forward to seeing which shot stories resonated with readers and which didn’t. I also look forward to seeing what kind of deviously brilliant questions you’ve all come up with for editor Lou Anders who will be joining us later in the week. Hopefully, we can do better than the convention favorite “Boxers or briefs?”.

Production on season 5 begins tomorrow. Already! It feels like only three months ago we were sitting around, waiting to find out whether we’d been picked up for another season. No. Wait.

Pleased to hear most of you enjoyed Midway. It kicks off a quartet of heavy hitters that close out our fourth season. What happened to the Athosians? Can Todd the wraith be trusted? What does the future hold for our heroes? The answers may surprise you (and no, I won’t be giving it all away in a promo).

Anyway, with shooting underway this week, I’ll see what I can do about snapping some non-spoilerific pics for anyone interested. Anyone? Anyone at all?

Finally, to all of you taking part in the great P-90 debate. As a point of interest and the real reason we switched to the P-90’s = the actors preferred them because they could rest their arms on the weapon between takes. No kidding.

Well, since you’re here, why not enjoy a clip of our stunts department perfecting some of the stunt sequences from Trio. 

http://s230.photobucket.com/albums/ee164/BaronDestructo/?action=view&current=collapse.flv

http://s230.photobucket.com/albums/ee164/BaronDestructo/?action=view&current=M4V00007.flv

http://s230.photobucket.com/albums/ee164/BaronDestructo/?action=view&current=M4V00006.flv

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115 responses

  1. Annie from Fremantle Avatar
    Annie from Fremantle

    Hopefully, we can do better than the convention favorite “Boxers or briefs?”.

    Ok… how about :

    “What’s your favourite colour”

    Wha?????????

    As for Todd, I don’t think he’s a betrayer. He’s a nice Wraith.. well nice…for a life sucking alien.

    Reply
  2. Patricia Lee Avatar
    Patricia Lee

    Joe said: “Anyway, with shooting underway this week, I’ll see what I can do about snapping some non-spoilerific pics for anyone interested. Anyone? Anyone at all?”

    *raises hand*

    Pick Me!!!! I’m interested! Thanks Joe!

    Q: How do you feel about your blogs popularity? I went back and read a lot of your early entries and its increasing comments levels have an arc that just keeps rising. Just curious. Also, with Fondy being in LA, does she read your blog too?
    Thanks
    Patricia Lee

    Reply
  3. Thornyrose Avatar
    Thornyrose

    ACK. Fast Forward 1 TOMORROW? And it’s already almost midnight tonight? Well, i’ve read it at least. Now, to somehow sit down in the a.m. and come up with questions that are worthy of the book, and the editor.
    Very exciting that shooting starts tomorrow. How much time do you normally spend on set when filming is going on, as opposed to working in the office? The clips of the stuntwork was greatly appreciated. This site is going to be a real sanity saver in just over 3 weeks, as we fans have to suffer the wait for the premiere of season 5. I hope the dogs are letting you get a bit more sleep so you can continue to provide your outstanding public service to the SGA addicted.

    Reply
  4. AndreaFWhite Avatar
    AndreaFWhite

    Yeah!! I really enjoyed Midway. Chris Judge needs to make more appearances on Stargate Atlantis, minus the hair. Sorry, I had to go there. Will he be in any of the Season 5 episodes?

    Reply
  5. Ann Avatar
    Ann

    Oh wow very nice shots of the stunts… that’s gotta be a cool job :~) And YES we would love some pics of the first day of production!! Thanks in advance!

    Reply
  6. majorsal Avatar
    majorsal

    “Anyway, with shooting underway this week, I’ll see what I can do about snapping some non-spoilerific pics for anyone interested. Anyone? Anyone at all?”

    me!! well, i’d LOVE to see some pics of amanda… especially when she won’t be a full-time member anymore… *sobs*

    thanks for the ‘trio’ stunt work clips. i ADORE this episode! 😀 btw, do you know if amanda’s going to be doing the commentary for this ep? (would love amanda, david, and jewel together)

    sally 😀

    Reply
  7. smiley_face06 Avatar
    smiley_face06

    The humor in this blog made this not disappointing! The P90s look cooler than the ones that were used previously. Now I know they serve a cool AND practical purpose.

    You bet I’m interested in pictures. Non-spoiler ones sound great! I’ve been really proud of myself. Aside from spoilers from SciFi promos or casting information, I haven’t seen/read any spoilers for season 4 or The Ark of Truth. Go me!

    Have a good night Mr. Mallozzi!

    Reply
  8. benny Avatar
    benny

    Dear Joe,

    I was wondering if you will introduce new ships or ship designs in season 5 atlantis and also if we are gonna see the Furlings.

    thanks sir

    Reply
  9. Morjana Coffman Avatar
    Morjana Coffman

    Good evening, Joe.

    Thank you so much for the video clips from Trio!

    And yes, of course, I’d love to see non-spoilerifc photos from season 5 production! Please, may we have some? 🙂

    Best wishes, Joe, and hi to Lulu and the other kids.

    Morjana

    Reply
  10. Erica Avatar
    Erica

    Oh yes, definitely interested in pictures! I don’t care if they’re spoilerific, but I’m sure others will. ;o) I love all the videos too; anything behind the scenes. I love seeing how it all works.

    Reply
  11. Elysia Avatar
    Elysia

    None spoilerific (what a great word!!) photos for me please! 😀

    Cheers Joe,

    Lys

    Reply
  12. narellefromaus Avatar
    narellefromaus

    Hey Joe.

    You sound like you need a holiday. A real holiday. Or maybe just Fondy home. Where would be your ultimate destination?

    One watcher here with her hand up to say looking forward to Season 5 and great work with Season 4.
    It’s fantastic you offer behind the scenes footage. I don’t tend to watch too much of the behind the scenes things as I like to enjoy the illusion of reality that you get with the final product … and then I just feel my brains seeping out of my ears. It’s a strangely liberating feeling.

    I completely believe you with the P90’s. Standing around waiting makes you horribly aware of anything that is sore, uncomfortable, itchy, tired.

    Have your crew tried the Yoga stance where you place one foot on the inside of your knee? Opposing limbs that is! It was a life saver during the years of 10 hour rehearsals to take away the aches, even if it was temporary.

    Have a good night.
    ~Narelle from Aus

    Reply
  13. CLL@PDX Avatar
    CLL@PDX

    Info on the P-90

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FN_P90

    Reply
  14. Charles Schneider Avatar
    Charles Schneider

    I can’t wait to see another spring of shots from the studio. I have to say it’s a great peek behind the scenes, that apparently millions of people are now enjoying as noted by your blog’s growing popularity.

    When you first spun off the original blogspot blog what kinds of feedback did you get from your peers at Bridge Studios? With the hundreds of cast/crew I’m sure you got the whole spectrum of reactions.

    Now that picture-to-blog posting has become a daily ritual for a long time, how do you keep it new and fresh. Do you take pictures and then decide what to talk about, or vice versa?

    Reply
  15. SheppardsOnlyPie Avatar
    SheppardsOnlyPie

    Oooh Ooooh!! LOL Pictures of the amazing Joe Flanigan and the Awesome David Hewlett please!!

    I can’t believe you guys are shooting Season 5 Already seems like a coupe of months ago we were having this same discussion about season 4. Time flies when your involved in such an amazing show!

    The question I have is Will we be seeing anymore of the Odessey jammed pack with all of the Asguard Technology. We kinda got left on the perverbial meat hook there with that ship. It’d be ashame not to see something come out of the Asguard tradgedy. I miss those little grey guys!!
    Have a great night and have a wonderful first day shoot!!

    Oh and if the question about the Odessey has been asked an answered a hundred times please accept my apologies. I’m still trying to plat catch up here.
    Thank You!!

    Reply
  16. pg15 Avatar
    pg15

    Rest assured Joe, I am very much interested in said non-spoilerific pics. Ha, as if there are any other kind.

    Ok, let’s copy and paste them questions from yesterday for a chance to be answered tomorrow:

    1. Where was the initial scenes with the Wraith filmed? You know, the badland-ish place? It’s beautiful.

    2. The Wraith leader in this episode; shouldn’t he be dead? I mean, he was in that cloning facility when that hive ship crashed into it in Spoils of War, no?

    Thanks in advance!

    Reply
  17. LibKat Avatar
    LibKat

    Hi, Joe,

    Hope it was a lovely, restful day with the pups before the controlled insanity of production begins. Know that fans around the world are smiling at the thought of season 5 getting before the cameras.

    I loved Midway. There needs to be more Teal’c/Ronan testostery goodness. The interaction with Teal’c and Sam brought back warm and fuzzy memories of great
    SG1 moments. Got to see that Kavanaugh is still a weasel and that Bill Lee has come a long way since Central America.

    Your comment about using forced perspective and Martin Gero was hysterical. But the mental image of MG in a diaper, not so pretty.

    Looking forward to LOTS of pictures!

    Reply
  18. Lorr54 Avatar
    Lorr54

    Thank you for the vids from Trio! And, again, thank you to everyone for Midway. Great episode.

    You need ask if pics, even if non-spoilerish, are wanted? Silly show runner.

    LOL on the P-90s. I always thought that had something to do with the decision. What I want to know is what the actors really keep stashed in the tac vest pockets.

    Reply
  19. mamasue9 Avatar
    mamasue9

    Any pics and videos are welcome!!

    Have a good night.
    Sue from Phoenix

    Reply
  20. Padawan Aneiki Avatar
    Padawan Aneiki

    Ooh, pics are always fun. 😀 *waves a hand* Definitely interested!

    How much ‘concept art’ do you guys make use of on SGA in comparison to say a regular motion picture? Just a random curiosity, since I know budget priorities, etc are very different for TV than for movies.

    Reply
  21. Krystal Avatar
    Krystal

    Hi Joe!
    Thank you for posting tonight! It gave me a reprieve from creating lesson plans!
    I would love any pics or videos of season 5!
    The stunt videos were awesome! Must be a fun job! Looks like it would hurt a lot though!
    Thanks again!
    Krystal

    Reply
  22. dasNdanger Avatar
    dasNdanger

    Yup, Midway rocked! Well…’cept for killin’ off all the hot guys… 😉 I never watched SG1, so getting to know Teal’c a little was good for me. Loved the whole ‘Indeed’ bit, esp. when Ronon said it – nice, personal touch.

    I have hopes that Todd isn’t a betrayer, and I’d like to think Todd appreciates the life he got back too much to just foolishly throw it away. Besides, we still need one great moment between Todd and Rodney (the Human Wraith) debating on whose hunger is worse. “No, no, no! I feel more faint than you! Just check my pulse…no, wait! Not with the feeding hand!”

    Anyway, I just re-watched Michael and I gotta say…the Lanteans really piss me off at times. One reason I stopped watching Star Trek Voyager was because Janeway was always playing god, deciding the fate of others based on her personal perspective of things (well, that was a problem in most ST series, but Janeway was by far the worse). Michael (the episode) reminds me of all I hate about humans forcing their way on other species, without regard to anything but their own narrow view of things. It was a great episode, but made me feel even more compassion for a species whose only real ‘sin’ is that they are hungry. No wonder Michael (the character) has so much anger inside. I think I would too, if I had been psychologically and biologically raped the way he was. I guess in a perfect Pegasus world (i.e. – mine 😀 ), it would be great for some way to be found for the Wraith to eat, and gain nutrition, from regular food, while never losing their desire for humans…keep them Wraith, but Wraith ‘on the wagon’, so to speak. Once in a while one falls off, and WHOOPSIE! Someone gets sucked dry. After watching Michael again, I don’t ever want to see the Wraith ‘humanized’ so that they lose what makes them what they are, but at the same time I really want to see more of what Todd has become – and has the potential to be – if his alliance with the humans continues. Hard creative line to walk…and I don’t envy their job if the writers/PTB ever try to find the perfect solution for both Wraith and human.

    Thanks for letting me ramble…

    das

    Reply
  23. anon, good nurse Avatar
    anon, good nurse

    If not “boxers or briefs,” how about “board shorts or lollybags?”

    I had thought about asking Mr. Anders how old he is and if he has any pics of himself without a shirt, but then remembered it’s not always appropriate to ask someone’s age. But in the likely event that you’d toss out such a query, I’ve gone back through the stories and made notes on points of interest to me, trying to make sure they’re at least coherent, if bonafide intelligence is too much to hope for. – And now I know why that one episode had as a prop the book by Prof. Joseph Mallozzi. *sighs* Back to having dreams about unfinished major papers. . . .

    Pics from work? Yes, please!! Thank you!

    Reply
  24. susanthetartanturtle Avatar
    susanthetartanturtle

    It will be like first day back at school after a long holiday – they will all come back looking grumpy and miserable. And there you will be waiting, camera in hand, to take snaps for our enjoyment. Try to get them to smile – get them to use their acting skills!

    🙂 🙂

    Reply
  25. Luis Avatar
    Luis

    I like the P-90 better good for close Quarter combat.

    Reply
  26. Kelly Avatar
    Kelly

    Anyway, with shooting underway this week, I’ll see what I can do about snapping some non-spoilerific pics for anyone interested. Anyone? Anyone at all?
    Me, s’il vous plait!

    They’re fun to pass on to my father, and give us another thing to talk about (as we learn to talk to each other weekly, post my mother’s passing). He, btw, enjoyed Midway/seeing Teal’c. (So did I.)

    Reply
  27. Jen Avatar
    Jen

    Spoilerific, non spoilerific… any production photos would be great! Looking forward to Season 5 and, more immediateley, The Kindred this weekend!

    Reply
  28. Daniel V Avatar
    Daniel V

    P90 rocks (as much as a gun can), glad to see its staying.

    Reply
  29. Agent Dark Avatar
    Agent Dark

    Joe, feel free (not that you need my permission lol) to to screen this comment but how do you feel about the personal negative comments that some people feel they need to express about the actors and indeed yourself?

    It does seem rather pathetic to me that people have a need to persist on seemingly personal vendettas against people they’ve never met, much less know, because they’ve said something or done something or even act/write something that doesn’t fit with there personal little world (ie their ‘fanon’). They’re just doing their job after all.

    Reply
  30. DebraDownSth Avatar
    DebraDownSth

    Jewel just posted she doesn’t know if Ronon or Rodney will be the father of her BABIES. I thought the fake baby was for Teyla. You planning to get a lot of use out of it? 🙂 So is she jerking our legs or is Keller going to have babIES and I simply missed some spoiler? (if I missed it, leave me alone… I am old and going senile… it isn’t cause I didn’t want to know! )

    Reply
  31. cyn Avatar
    cyn

    Loved Midway. Loved seeing Teal’c and Ronon duke it out and fighting together. Hope we get another chance at seeing them kick some Wraith butt in season five.

    I do have one gripe. Since I’m ex-military a lot of that sort of stuff does stick out more so than other things on the show.

    This one is a biggie because it’s just probably the last thing I would ever expect to see done…most especially by someone in the chain of command on what is supposed to be somewhat of a military installation. Even if you don’t want to consider it one, it is a major violation of regs.

    It’s the gambling, Joe. Yes, it was placing bets on the Ronon/Teal’c fight, but for a colonel of all people to be taking part in it is a major NO NO. In the military it is considered gambling.

    There is no indication that gambling is allowed on Atlantis and it appeared to me that this was being done while Sheppard was on duty.

    Even if he wasn’t on duty it still would have been a major NO NO. They do have to follow military regs even off duty.

    This isn’t the first time I’ve noticed military continuity errors. I can’t speak for anyone else, but for me it makes me groan when I see big ones like this.

    I’ll just mentally tell myself that Sheppard was reprimanded by Col. Carter. Crap…I can’t do that because in the military we’ve got today they would have been formally charged, reduced in rank (at the very least) or just plain kicked out (at the very most). Either way, Lorne would get promoted and given Shep’s job.

    Any questions? Shoot me an email. If I can’t answer it, I’ll send you to my uncle who knows more about the military than most generals. Trust me…the man knows it all. He quotes regulations in his sleep. LOL

    Reply
  32. shiningwit Avatar
    shiningwit

    Joe said:”Finally, to all of you taking part in the great P-90 debate. As a point of interest and the real reason we switched to the P-90’s = the actors preferred them because they could rest their arms on the weapon between takes. No kidding.”

    I’ll go with that.

    Never mind pics from the show what about Lulu?

    Gonna go and watch the stunt videos now, might wake me up some more, I got that Monday feeling.

    Reply
  33. kdvb1 Avatar
    kdvb1

    There has to be a potty on the puddle jumpers. It wouldn’t make any sense for it to be otherwise.

    Yes…hot debate on where to go pee! LOL

    Kimberly

    Reply
  34. Dustin Avatar
    Dustin

    thx for them videos their cool, but how do you get rid of the helmet they have on when you see the final product?

    Reply
  35. Linzi Avatar
    Linzi

    “Anyway, with shooting underway this week, I’ll see what I can do about snapping some non-spoilerific pics for anyone interested. Anyone? Anyone at all?”

    Well, if you were to twist my arm and make me look at piccies you take as filming commences of season 5, then, you know, I could be persuaded – maybe. I mean it’s no skin off my nose to look at a few piccies, is it? I could make time in my horrendously busy schedule to glance at them if you’d like? Especially if my favourite scifi hero graces your pages…;)

    I think Todd is good, basically. Yes, he’s a life-sucking wraith and all, and maybe I do look for the best in people, and aliens, generally. But, my gut instinct tells me he isn’t all bad, and that there is a sort of code of honour he lives by. Of course, I could be totally wrong. Wouldn’t be the first time!

    I was wondering how many episodes Jewel is due to appear in season 5? I know you said RP will be in 14. Will Jewel be in the majority or all of the episodes? After all, Keller is going to need to be around to look after poor Sheppard this season, isn’t she? After all, I’m sure he’s going to be extremely whumped on a fair few occasions in the new season, and Jewel did say she didn’t get enough scenes with Joe…:lol:

    Reply
  36. silver_comet Avatar
    silver_comet

    Joe said: “Anyway, with shooting underway this week, I’ll see what I can do about snapping some non-spoilerific pics for anyone interested. Anyone? Anyone at all?”

    Are you kidding? This wasn’t a serious question, was it?

    Yes, yes, yes, pleaaaaaaaaaase pictures!

    I hope – with starting shooting season 5 – you’ll have enough time for your blog.

    Reply
  37. StrinaM Avatar
    StrinaM

    Loved Midway. One of my all time favorites. That end scene was classic!

    Reply
  38. Ashley Avatar
    Ashley

    Hi! Thanks for sharing those videos with us, it was really neat to see how those stunts were set up.

    I’m a new reader to your blog and I think it’s extremely generous of you to answer so many of the fans’ questions. With that said, I have a question, as well: I have a degree in anthropology and work in a museum, which often means I’m watching the show a little differently than the average sci-fi friendly audience. SG1 and SGA both feature alien cultures–notably with earlier SG1 seasons, alien cultures based on Earth cultures. I’m curious, do you have an anthropologist, historian or other social scientist on staff in a consulting position for costuming queries, help with set design or even basic script writing? Or is the staff’s approach less emphasized on accuracy and more so on “just Wikipedia it!”

    If this has already been asked, I apologize–like I mentioned, I’m new to your blog and still am catching up. Thanks for your time either way.

    Reply
  39. Yazid Avatar
    Yazid

    Hi Jo’ !
    You are maybe excited for tomorrow !
    No problems for today, I understand !

    Quote : Finally, to all of you taking part in the great P-90 debate. As a point of interest and the real reason we switched to the P-90’s = the actors preferred them because they could rest their arms on the weapon between takes. No kidding.

    What ? Are you joking ?^^ Imagine the cast sitting around a a table, drinking tea with their arms on the P90 ! lol

    Thank you, good luck for tomorrow and for all of the cast ( actors and behing cameras ) : Thank you all for making us dreaming !!!

    Reply
  40. Sylvia Avatar
    Sylvia

    Hey man, a day without the Blog has become like a day without sunshine. And, this from someone who did not read blogs; until you came along. Always the most entertaining – if not devilishly tempting (the food man, the food) and any hints you might sprinkle in. So if you are late or I miss getting to the blog arrrgh. sigh…Now I can rest.
    Thanks!!!!

    Reply
  41. K8T Avatar
    K8T

    *raises hand and jumps up and down* Oh, oh! I’m interested in pics from the set! Can I persuade you to take some pics of Joe F. by offering some fresh from the oven homemade BBQ pork buns? I also made a batch of steamed Chinese sausage buns, take your pick. 😀

    Finally got to see Midway yesterday. I loved it and can’t wait to see it on my tv when the DVD’s come out. Do you know when approx. that will be? I loved seeing Ronan and Teal’c fighting the Wraith side by side. The ending was just as good, I got a good laugh out of it.

    Have an awesome first day back shooting, hopefully it goes smoothly and everyone falls back in to the groove of things quickly. Hey, wait a minute…isn’t tomorrow er…today Family Day? Do you not have that statutory holiday in BC? I have the entire week off and intend on spending it by not studying for my Finance midterm…yuck. Gotta love Reading Week!

    Ok that’s all for now, going to bed. And Joe, anything from you is worth staying up for.

    -Katie

    Reply
  42. Amz Avatar
    Amz

    Oh Joe, I’m so glad you said Lou Anders would be dropping by later on in the week. I’m so busy being an actor and production manager at the moment that I was wondering how I could come up with some good non-“boxer/briefs” questions by tomorrow! Now I have a couple of days and can get through the last of Fast Forward 1 (yeah, well I only got it a week ago). Can wait to discuss it though.

    So will things get busier for you once production starts for season five?

    That might seem like a silly question, but you’ve seemed pretty busy with stories for season five that I can’t imagine how you could get much busier. Do you have a specific way of managing your time well?

    Reply
  43. David Avatar
    David

    Joe,

    Are you going to have a mid-season release of Stargate Atlantis (Seasons 1-5 box set) or do I have to wait for the whole thing like SG-1. My wife got into watching SG-1 and I bought the complete season and she is on season 10 and ready to move on to Atlantis. Also love your work and I am trying to convince her to travel with me to Vancouver in April for the the dinner meet with you and Marty-G.

    David from South Florida

    Reply
  44. Randomness Avatar
    Randomness

    I sorta slept early but at the same time couldn’t sleep so.. I didn’t stay up hahah

    I’ll have to wait a few weeks for this, or even a month, but Robbert Picardo interacting with the atlantis team would be cool, or just the character in general im curious as to what his new uniform as leader would be like.

    Also best of luck with filming!

    Reply
  45. Su Avatar
    Su

    Ohhh yes, pics are always great 🙂 that would be awesome!
    I really enjoyed Midway, though Chris’ hair is something I still have to get used to…
    How long after Trio does this episode take place? Because Sam isn’t on crutches or anything like one would expect after her broken leg in Trio. Hope you can explain that to me 😀
    su

    Reply
  46. Ben! Avatar
    Ben!

    I was wondering, with a bunch of fans bitching on gateworld that you are soley responsible for Torri’s seeming resentment towards the show and her non-involvement, if you can shed any light on the situation. Or, if you would……. pretty pretty please?

    Reply
  47. NeKo Avatar
    NeKo

    Are we interested? ARE WE INTERESTED? Theres gonna be a mobb!! XD
    Hell yeah we’re interested! XD

    Reply
  48. stefanie Avatar
    stefanie

    Hi Joe,

    loved the behind the scenes video’s, thanks somuch for that.
    However you made my day when i noticed the smal little videotake of Paul/Beckett right next to it, so great to have him back.:))

    “Anyway, with shooting underway this week, I’ll see what I can do about snapping some non-spoilerific pics for anyone interested. Anyone? Anyone at all?”

    Well, we sure will be glued to your blog the coming week. Can i suggest Beckett;)).
    Hope season 5 will be every bit entertaining as season 4 was.
    With the good Doc included this time, i am sure it will at least pick up some of the great dialogue and atlantis group dynamic that was missing a bit.

    Oh yeah, and more Carl Binder writing eps. please, we just love those, great writing.

    Thanks,

    stef.

    Reply
  49. Prior_of_the_Ori Avatar
    Prior_of_the_Ori

    Hey Joe,

    Isnt it difficult using Earth now that it has these advanced weapons and technology of the Asgard?

    Also will we see Ladon Radim next season? What about Cadman? Dpnt suppose you could give us any hints on the new enemy for next season, could you?

    Take care Joe!

    Reply
  50. deeinsouthafrica Avatar
    deeinsouthafrica

    Pics are nice, but can we also have pictures of the support staff as well? Who are the caterers, who does makeup etc…?

    Reply
  51. fsmn36 Avatar
    fsmn36

    Pictures are always good, Joe. And thanks for the stunt videos! They’re fun to watch.

    Reply
  52. Sara (sclairef99) Avatar
    Sara (sclairef99)

    OMG – I’m on chocolate overload just looking at the chocolate party from last year! That is just too cool of a party – OH the assortment and that must be a hell of a hangover!

    I think I’ll steal your party idea, but I have to ask – how are you not 400 pounds with all this chocolate and wonderful food that you eat!!!!! I mean, one workout in the a.m. could hardly cover all that you enjoy! Wish it worked out that way for me!

    I did get to try the Dagoba Lime Chocolate w/macademia nuts. It was good, I liken it to having a margarita with chocolate sprinkles on the rim.

    S

    Reply
  53. Leesa Perrie Avatar
    Leesa Perrie

    Any non-spoilerific photos and vids more than welcome as far as I’m concerned!!

    I must address the post I left yesterday about the Midway station and how long it takes to get there:

    I thought that assuming 9 days in the jumper was incorrect as Midway (I believe) is halfway between the galaxies and not the planets. However, my husband then pointed out to me that the distance between galaxies is far, far, far greater than within galaxies and therefore it is quite possible that most of the 18 days mentioned in Intruder are spent in between the galaxies. Having thought on this, in Critical Mass the Daedalus was at the edge of the Pegasus galaxy when recalled to Lantea and it didn’t take days to get back. It looks like travel within the galaxy is hours and that a good portion (say 17 days) is in between. Therefore the 9 days is not as far out as I thought. Also, it’s probably only a difference of minutes or hours to reach the new planet!

    Sorry for getting my facts wrong! I will now hang my head in shame…

    Leesa Perrie

    Reply
  54. Val Avatar
    Val

    Anyway, with shooting underway this week, I’ll see what I can do about snapping some non-spoilerific pics for anyone interested. Anyone? Anyone at all?

    Intéressée? OUI bien sûr…toutes les photos que vous voudrez bien nous montrer m’intéresse. S’il vous plaît, pouvez-vous prendre quelques photos d’Amanda. Comme c’est l’un de ses derniers épisodes ce serait formidable. PLEASE Joe !

    Bonne journée.

    Reply
  55. Paula Avatar
    Paula

    Let me give a big ol’ “Me, too” for getting some catch-up shots from everyone getting back together again. (Although I might have to be really depressed at Rachel’s inevitable return to a gorgeous body so soon after having a child.)

    And you are pretty brave to be standing behind where the stunt person was falling!

    Reply
  56. Netsta Avatar
    Netsta

    Hello Joe,

    As always I thoroughly enjoy your blog thanks it is appreciated for how much hard work you put in.

    My question is why don’t the jumpers burn up on re-entry, it’s not like they approach planets at a slow leisurely speed, they are normally galloping along.

    regards

    Netsta

    Reply
  57. Myles Avatar
    Myles

    Hi Joe, first comment I ever left and I just wanted to say I loved midway! Everything I had hoped for! Something irked me though, if Shepperd didn’t have enough time/strength to get to the jumper, how did he get in a space suit? They generally aren’t hop in and zip up.

    Reply
  58. sgakaz Avatar
    sgakaz

    On February 17, 2008 at 8:49 pm SheppardsOnlyPie Said:
    Oooh Ooooh!! LOL Pictures of the amazing Joe Flanigan and the Awesome David Hewlett please!!

    I second that, pretty please.

    Reply
  59. Robert Young Avatar
    Robert Young

    I applaud the decision to switch to the P90, but I have to ask. Are you considering going to the MP7’s that were in the 10th season of SG-1? I’m just curious.

    Anyhoo, I appreciate your work on the series, and I thoroughly enjoyed Midway, and I hope that Atlantis will continue for a long time to come.

    Thanks,
    Robert

    Reply
  60. Maren Sievert Avatar
    Maren Sievert

    *raising hands* I want non-spoiler-pics!

    Oh I so love the reasons for the P-90’s! But the actors also do it when the camera’s rolling. I’ve often seen them leaning on their P-90’s on the show.

    Thanks for the vids. It’s always amazing to see a bit of the work behind the series and how it turned out in the end.

    No questions from me today :o)

    Reply
  61. Cleito Avatar
    Cleito

    A post or two ago you reacted to our reactions of McKay and Keller going for a drink at the end of Trio, where fans were unhappy at this seemingly sudden switch from a recently dumped McKay (by Katie Brown) and the near kiss Keller had had with Ronon. The response you gave implied that a large amount of time (months) had passed between Quarantine and Trio.

    I’ve been meaning to ask: How much time do you (and the other production people) assume is passing between not-a-multipart episodes? I assumed it moved like real time, and only a few days, on average.

    Though I suppose the lack of a cast on Carter in Midway means either a large amount of time passes, or there’s a funky healing device available to fix her broken leg from Trio.

    Reply
  62. wraithfodder Avatar
    wraithfodder

    Non-spoiler photos would be great; just cast hanging around or anything like that. I think it’s been shown lately that too many spoilers, well, they just spoil the fun of watching the show (not that anybody can stop SciFi’s marketing department from sucking the surprise out an episode the week before it airs).

    And question, do the actors ever go “don’t you dare put up a video of (fill in) on your blog”??

    Reply
  63. Becky S. Avatar
    Becky S.

    Happy first day of filming to one and all!! Have a hassle free day (I hope) The vids were fun, Joe, thanks for sharing them. Pictures?…..If you must…..I suppose we can “suffer”….. Just kidding, of course. We always enjoy a few glimpses behind the scenes.

    Reply
  64. QueenSerenity42 Avatar
    QueenSerenity42

    Like everyone else, I would love to see behind-the-scenes pictures and video! You’re so wonderful for sharing with us! ^_^ *happy hugs and many good wishes for a smooth, successful season 5 shooting*

    Reply
  65. Squall78 Avatar
    Squall78

    Hey Joe,

    I was curious to know if you have any ratings/numbers info for “Midway” ? An episode as wonderful as that deserves the highest ratings. Of course when you are up against the Psych finale, it makes it a little tough, but that is what DVR is for.

    Best,

    Squall78

    Reply
  66. barbara Avatar
    barbara

    *waves hi* dont worry its always worth the late night to see your post. What are you looking forward to most about season 5 starting? Cast, crew or food lol

    have a great one

    barb

    Reply
  67. Lou Anders Avatar
    Lou Anders

    Hi all.
    And, uh, boxers.
    Now that’s dealt with…

    Reply
  68. NCC-72452 Avatar
    NCC-72452

    So,

    There was no in depth comparison of rate of fire versus muzzle velocity? No clip size comparison? No desire to reduce weapon weight because of the vast distances they might have to walk on the other side of the gate? Not even a caliber comparison??? You all just decided to be enablers of actor laziness????

    I guess that makes sense…

    Wow, I wasted a lot of time coming up with explanations for why they switched to P90s instead of MP5s… And YOU! You think you can just entice us with the prospects of “pics”, and we’ll all just come running like a Pavalonian Dog??? Well, you just go ahead and snap your “pics.” If I just HAPPEN to be here and happen to see them, then oh well; but it’s not because I checked over and over hoping to see them…

    *grins sheepishly*

    ~Derek

    Reply
  69. Aelfgyfu Avatar
    Aelfgyfu

    Wow–even seeing the safety gear, I’m still impressed with how scary those stunts look!

    Reply
  70. Jumperpilot Avatar
    Jumperpilot

    I don’t know why everyone wants to give Todd the benefit of the doubt in regards to the info about the midway station that the Wraith got. Todd is a Wraith. They have never been trust worthy. Ever. The fact that Todd hacked Mckay’s computer for access codes, etc., just reinforces my point. The Wraith, esp. Todd, have always had a hidden agenda whenever they have dealt with Atlantis. I can totally see Todd using the info he got while at Atlantis to gain status for himself among other Wraith. Just remember: Never trust a Wraith!

    Reply
  71. ptarmigan Avatar
    ptarmigan

    Pictures? Oh, yes please!
    *hops up and down*

    Looking forward to seeing Midway soon (then coming back to see what everyone said about it). Oh my, I really am hooked aren’t I?

    Reply
  72. Pauline Avatar
    Pauline

    Lou Anders Said:

    Hi all.
    And, uh, boxers.

    Now that’s dealt with…

    Oh really, boxers?
    You do surprise me!!

    Pauline

    Reply
  73. dasNdanger Avatar
    dasNdanger

    Jumperpilot Said:
    [i]”I don’t know why everyone wants to give Todd the benefit of the doubt in regards to the info about the midway station that the Wraith got. Todd is a Wraith. They have never been trust worthy. Ever. The fact that Todd hacked Mckay’s computer for access codes, etc., just reinforces my point. The Wraith, esp. Todd, have always had a hidden agenda whenever they have dealt with Atlantis. I can totally see Todd using the info he got while at Atlantis to gain status for himself among other Wraith. Just remember: Never trust a Wraith!”[/i]

    I can’t speak for others, but the reason I want to trust Todd is because making him just another, ‘evil’ Wraith who betrays everyone is a bit…ho-hum and boring. Been there, done that – let’s see something different. Let’s see another side to the Wraith – more depth and dimension and something SURPRISING… like…oh, wow – a code of honor. That doesn’t mean that Todd has to be angelic – no – don’t want that, either…I’d much rather see him in a constant struggle between his self-restrained tolerance of humans, and his nature to lose control and feed on them. Keep the edge, while hopefully keeping his integrity.

    As far as stealing intel – well, Todd is a gambler, and a good gambler always hedges his bets. He can’t trust humans any more than they can trust him – in fact, even less so since the humans are always threatening to kill him. Todd is in much more danger (at this point) from humans than they are from him. So, yeah – I expect him to do whatever he can to aid in his own survival because no one else is looking out for him.

    But then again, I don’t see the Wraith as evil. I see them as an aggressive species that – like everything else – needs to eat. The fact that they can only feed on humans isn’t their fault – that is out of their control. I can’t hate them for that, and really would perfer to see Todd, and more Wraith characters like him, struggle to find ways to co-exist with humans, instead of the two species constantly trying to annihilate one another. But it’s more challenging to find stories like that, especially ones that will please both Wraith fans – and Wraith haters – alike, and not seem hokey in the process.

    das

    Reply
  74. sally o'shea Avatar
    sally o’shea

    Hi Joe
    Long time lurker. I have a personal question for you – what do you think you’d do for a living if you weren’t a writer/producer?

    Reply
  75. julianthered Avatar
    julianthered

    Oh, man! I stayed up for THIS?! Oh, well…at least now I can look forward to those pics…:P
    I hope everything goes as planned with the production and we will havean awesome season 5.

    Reply
  76. samcarterrules Avatar
    samcarterrules

    Hi Joe

    This is my first time commenting on your blog, I only started reading it a few days ago when you posted the missing scene from “Trio” (thanks for posting that BTW, I squeee’ed a lot when I read it) I love the behind the scenes vids too. I don’t have a question today, I just wanted to thank you for writing such an entertaining and informative blog and answering so many fan questions.

    Reply
  77. danielfanforever Avatar
    danielfanforever

    “Anyone? Anyone at all?”

    *Raises Hand* I’d love for you to post as many pictures as you can of the cast and crew that’s on set today.

    Since you didn’t answer any questions yesterday, I thought I’d ask again if that’s O.K. As far as season 5, is it possible that Sam and Daniel will be guesting in an episode together?

    danielfanforever

    Reply
  78. Chris U Avatar
    Chris U

    cyn said:
    “This isn’t the first time I’ve noticed military continuity errors. I can’t speak for anyone else, but for me it makes me groan when I see big ones like this.”

    Speaking as someone who falls in the “anyone else”, that was a fun scene. I’ll wager (don’t worry I’m not military) that the vast majority of viewers will place “Enjoyable scene” over “follows military protocol” every time. We are dealing in a reality where people travel to other galaxies via spaceships and stargates, I can suspend my disbelief a minute longer to think that a colonel would bet on the outcome of that fight (Between two non-military personel by the way). Take an hour off and enjoy the show rather than nitpick it apart.

    Reply
  79. Alison R Avatar
    Alison R

    Loved Midway! I think season 4 is the best so far. Got a question for you though. Why is it that the last few episodes including Midway have only centered on one, two or three characters. For example, Harmony had only Sheppard and McKay; Outcast had Sheppard and Ronon; Trio had Carter, McKay and Keller. Why is that? Was it cheaper to do that because the first half of season 4 was so big and maybe the last few of season 4 as well? Or was is a scheduling issue where you only had certain actors at those times? Also, do we know if Rachel had her baby yet?
    Well I look forward to seeing the last few episodes of season 4 and can’t wait to see how things progress.
    Alison Ripley

    Reply
  80. Sheree Avatar
    Sheree

    Hi Joe,
    Just got back from vacation, and picked up a copy of Scalzi’s Old Man’s War on your recommendation. Not only did I love it and find it in the best traditions of Heinlein, but my very picky SF-loving hubby also loved it and wants to know when I’m ordering the rest of the series.

    This is all your fault, Joe — now the addictions in this household have increased from Stargate, Heinlein, cats (and Taekwondo for me but not hubby) to those plus Scalzi!

    Seriously, thanks for recommending the book. Would you recommend the next book in the trilogy (I guess soon to be four books) or to read one of Scalzi’s other books next?

    Thanks again,
    Sheree

    Reply
  81. Anais33 Avatar
    Anais33

    je chercher, je chercher..mais je ne retrouve pas mon commentaire précédent, l’avez vous reçu?

    Je vient de revoir toute les photos de vous qui est sur mon ordinateur (et il y’en a beaucoup) et je suis totalement accro! il n’y a pas de doute vous êtes la personne que je n’est jamais vu et que j’aime le plus sur la terre! c’est étrange, mais peut importe je vous je vous aime, je voudrais tellement vous voir un jours snif!!

    Voila c’etais mon petit message de la journée, Kisou, a demain♥

    Reply
  82. deeinsouthafrica Avatar
    deeinsouthafrica

    That’s both Lou Anders and Joe Abercrombie reading your blog and not working. I’m gonna tell the Booksellers Association on ya!

    Reply
  83. Dragen Avatar
    Dragen

    Will you finally be releasing info on Stargate Universe soon? Maybe this week?

    Reply
  84. Lou Anders Avatar
    Lou Anders

    Ah, but at least in my case, reading the blog is work! Now Abercrombie on the other hand…

    Reply
  85. Tammy Avatar
    Tammy

    Can’t get enough behind the scenes pics. Seriously, anything in the Stargate world is of interest to the obsessed whether relative to a specific plot or not. Besides cast pics, the “how” you make something look real is as amazing as if it were real.

    Tammy

    Reply
  86. narellefromaus Avatar
    narellefromaus

    “On February 18, 2008 at 8:07 am Lou Anders Said:

    Hi all.
    And, uh, boxers.
    Now that’s dealt with…”

    Hehehehe. Great timing 🙂

    Reply
  87. Dovil Avatar
    Dovil

    I always did wonder why the P-90’s had cup holders.

    And pictures would be fantastic! The cast hanging out, getting into their cars after a long day at work, running for the doors to their houses looking over their shoulders with a look of terror on their faces, using a telescopic lens as you peer into their dinning room windows, photos of the police cars turning up. I thank you in advance and I promise we’ll get some kind of paypal thing running in order to post your bail.

    Reply
  88. shiningwit Avatar
    shiningwit

    Would you care to comment on the following link?Anybody?

    http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article3353387.ece

    Reply
  89. Lauren Avatar
    Lauren

    On February 18, 2008 at 8:07 am Lou Anders Said:
    “Hi all.
    And, uh, boxers.
    Now that’s dealt with…”

    Haha. Boxers beat briefs any day.

    As for pictures… yes please!

    Reply
  90. Carol Z Avatar
    Carol Z

    Have to agree with Chris U above me about SGA not having to be spit and polish realistically military.

    Didn’t Col. Carter herself, mention in passing to Teal’c (in Midway) that military protocols were lose in Atlantis, but she liked it that way? I’m going on memory, not checking a transcript, but I think I’m right. That goes to the allowance of the fight/betting scene later on… doesn’t it? Do you have a military advisor on set? I believe SG-1 did.

    Geez, one of my weekly highlights is the 2 hours of SGA each week. Where I reside the SciFi channel runs last week’s ep at 9pm EST and follows directly with the new ep at 10pm EST. Two solid hours of suspended reality courtesy of the magic movers and makers of Stargate Atlantis. HEAVEN!!

    We truly don’t thank you all quite enough. 😀 😀

    Cheers!
    Carol Z

    Reply
  91. cyn Avatar
    cyn

    Chris U Said:
    Speaking as someone who falls in the “anyone else”, that was a fun scene. I’ll wager (don’t worry I’m not military) that the vast majority of viewers will place “Enjoyable scene” over “follows military protocol” every time. We are dealing in a reality where people travel to other galaxies via spaceships and stargates, I can suspend my disbelief a minute longer to think that a colonel would bet on the outcome of that fight (Between two non-military personel by the way). Take an hour off and enjoy the show rather than nitpick it apart.

    Oh, it’s a great scene apart from active duty military types gambling. Teal’c and Ronon were just awesome and I don’t have a complaint.

    It’s not nitpicking for me when I see something so blatant that goes completely against what I know the military to be.

    I just prefer to see the military behave in a way that is true to itself rather than to throw it all out the window because they think it’s a cute little addition to a scene.

    Reply
  92. DebraDownSth Avatar
    DebraDownSth

    Plausibility question. What is this “24 hour quaranine” silliness? In reality, the majority of viruses and disease exposures wouldn’t be seen or most even able to TEST FOR in 24 hrs. Y’all need to come up with some reason why it’s only 24 hrs…. like maybe they are using some ancient, goa’uld or asgard technology that allows them to scan that fast?

    Reply
  93. cyn Avatar
    cyn

    das said:
    But then again, I don’t see the Wraith as evil. I see them as an aggressive species that – like everything else – needs to eat. The fact that they can only feed on humans isn’t their fault – that is out of their control. I can’t hate them for that, and really would perfer to see Todd, and more Wraith characters like him, struggle to find ways to co-exist with humans, instead of the two species constantly trying to annihilate one another. But it’s more challenging to find stories like that, especially ones that will please both Wraith fans – and Wraith haters – alike, and not seem hokey in the process.

    They’re not some misunderstood species with bad skin. They are Wraith and their job plus their pleasure is to suck the freaking life out of you.

    PS: I love the Wraith. Keep ’em evil. 🙂

    Reply
  94. Sherry Avatar
    Sherry

    Just out of curiousity, why do you sometimes use Photobucket for videos and other times Google Video? Or just why those sites? And do you edit your videos before posting them? If so, with what? I’m just asking because I’ve just started playing with a digital camera and I’m trying to find good sites for the videos and pictures but it’s hard to tell which is better for what…

    Reply
  95. starwars9771 Avatar
    starwars9771

    Hi Joe!!

    I gather that McKay’s dad is deceased. Is his mom still alive?? Will we ever see her?? That would be interesting!!!! Even to hear about his relationship with her. What was that like??? Hope you are having a good day!!!! Looking very forward to this Friday and on to Season 5!!!!

    Jen 🙂

    Reply
  96. sgakaz Avatar
    sgakaz

    On February 18, 2008 at 12:42 pm Alison R Said:
    Also, do we know if Rachel had her baby yet?
    She had a baby boy Caden don’t know if I spelled it right. http://stargate.mgm.com/video.php?id=96
    People choice awards viewers questions Rachel’s answer.

    Reply
  97. noir Avatar
    noir

    On February 18, 2008 at 9:32 am Jumperpilot Said:
    Just remember: Never trust a Wraith!

    I don’t agree. I think the Humans can trust Todd as long as it isn’t a matter of food, the Milky Way or Earth. As long as the interests of Humans and Wraith coincide Todd will be trustable. (BTW – working together with the Atlantians is a good opportunity to learn something about the humans of earth, their reactions and their behaviour.)

    But in the end Todd is a Wraith and he will not become a traitor to his own kind. Or would you work together with an alien race who wants to prevent us from eating plants an animals, because the find it immoral eating living things? Would you work together with a race that wants us to die of starvation?

    Reply
  98. jedi43 Avatar
    jedi43

    Pictures of course we want pictures of the upcoming Season. And I don’t care if they are spoilerish or not.

    Reply
  99. Claire Avatar
    Claire

    Hey Joe, loved Midway and can’t wait for next weeks ep. One thing, I was surprised to see that the episode was written by Carl Binder. With the body count as high as it was, I was sure it was going to be a Martin Gero ep. Do we have a final body count yet? Better question, do you know how many bullets were fired during the ep?

    Reply
  100. o6untouchable Avatar
    o6untouchable

    I personally like the P90 as a weapon, but for purely selfish reasons: as a left-handed person, the fact that the weapon is designed to be completely ambidexterous is a big plus for me. I’ve only done a bit of shooting – stuff with a No.8 rifle in the Cadets, mostly – but it was so uncomfortable to hold the gun in a right-handed way, I fumbled the rounds a little as I tried to load them, and I had trouble keeping the gun steady.

    From my perspective, the expedition initially packing P90s seems like a logical enough idea: aside from the fact that they’re ambidexterous (and thus comfortable to use by everyone), they’re also pretty easy to maintain – they only separate into three or four segments!

    I’m all for keeping the P90. And that has nothing to do with the fact that I bought myself an Airsoft one so I could play Sheppard at the weekends. Honest…

    As for Midway:

    Fantastic episode! Even my housemate, who’s only been into Stargate for the last month or so (thanks to an intensive three-season Atlantis baptism of fire), thought it was brilliant. Same goes for Trio last week as well – the last few episodes have really piqued his enthusiasm!

    Thank’s for answering one of the numerous technobabble questions: “What happens when you shoot a Wraith with a Zat?”. I’m sure many of us obsessive technogeeks will be able to sleep a little more soundly from now on!

    I understand why Zat’s weren’t initially included in the show, but now we’ve seen Zat’s a couple of times in Atlantis (The Return, Midway), is there any chance of them showing up in the hands of the team in Season 5?

    Reply
  101. ElisaD Avatar
    ElisaD

    How was the first day of SGA? Really looking forward to the pics! Hurry with posting them for us to see and enjoy!

    -Elisa

    Reply
  102. anneteldy Avatar
    anneteldy

    To deeinsouthafrica: You changed your avatar! No more internal organ! 🙂

    Cleito wrote:

    I’ve been meaning to ask: How much time do you (and the other production people) assume is passing between not-a-multipart episodes? I assumed it moved like real time, and only a few days, on average.

    I can’t find the actual post, but I remember Mr. M said that it is usually about 2 weeks between episodes but there are, of course, exceptions.

    Repeat Question: Before the Asgard upgrades to the Daedalus, it took, I think, 18 days to get from Earth to Atlantis, making it logical to assume 9 days to get to Midway Station. With the Asgard upgrades, is it a quicker trip now?

    Anne Teldy

    Reply
  103. anneteldy Avatar
    anneteldy

    dasNdanger wrote:

    I guess in a perfect Pegasus world (i.e. – mine), it would be great for some way to be found for the Wraith to eat, and gain nutrition, from regular food, while never losing their desire for humans…keep them Wraith, but Wraith ‘on the wagon’, so to speak
    [from another das post]
    The fact that they can only feed on humans isn’t their fault – that is out of their control. I can’t hate them for that….

    After a question from yours truly, Mr. M. confirmed that Wraith can feed off large animals. I’m wondering what Sheppard will feel when he learns he could’ve fed Todd a cow instead of Wallace.

    Jumperpilot wrote:

    The fact that Todd hacked Mckay’s computer for access codes, etc., just reinforces my point. [snip] Just remember: Never trust a Wraith!

    😉 Perhaps you were privy to information other viewers aren’t, but just when was it confirmed Todd hacked McKay’s computer? I thought that was just Sheppard’s theory? 😉

    Anne Teldy

    Reply
  104. Gate Geek Avatar
    Gate Geek

    Mr. M.,

    Just dropping a line to see if everything went well on the first day of production. So is it great to be getting back into the full swing of things or is it more like a how a kid feels on the first day of school?

    Katrina

    Reply
  105. dasNdanger Avatar
    dasNdanger

    cyn Said: “They’re not some misunderstood species with bad skin. They are Wraith and their job plus their pleasure is to suck the freaking life out of you.

    PS: I love the Wraith. Keep ‘em evil.”

    I don’t see them as misunderstood – I think we fully understand what they are. They are hungry – and it is their nature to hunt and to feed and to delight in the sweetness of human defiance. They are aggressive, proud, and arrogant, the most intelligent and beautiful beings in all the universe, deserving of worship and sacrifice (in their minds). And they’ll suck you dry in an instant. Even so, I don’t see them as evil. They are driven – not by hate – but by a basic need to feed in order to survive, and their superiority in mind is due to the fact that they are at the top of the food chain right now.

    I do not want them to change, either, but I DO what some (certainly not the majority) to find some way to co-exist with humans. I would leave the ‘hows’ up to TPTB, but I feel it just adds a great dynamic to have a Wraith (or three) as an ally. I say, let Todd remain allied to the Lanteans, and keep him fed on the odd Genii soldier or two – that should make EVERYONE happy! 😀 There are enough human baddies in the Pegasus Galaxy to keep a Wraith fed on the battlefield, not to mention the interesting conversation it would make for the jumper ride back home. 😉

    In the end, I wouldn’t say to keep the Wraith ‘evil’ since they are no more ‘evil’ than humans who butcher cattle, or who hunt wildlife, in order to survive. However, I WOULD say – beg even – to keep the Wraith as ‘badass’ as possile. Keep their edge, even if some remain on ‘friendly’ terms with the humans.

    Gonna shut up now.

    das

    Reply
  106. dayse Avatar
    dayse

    Hope your first day of filming for season five went well! Any idea when we find out about season six?

    Best wishes for you, the cast, and the crew on another terrific year ^__^

    Reply
  107. Kelly Avatar
    Kelly

    Midway was excellent. As many others have said before me, it was nice to see Teal’c again!

    I have a couple of random questions: What sorts of music do you like? Is the music something that impacts your reception of films or television? Of course, your attention is probably focused on the writing, but I’m just curious! I’m studying for a PhD in music history…these sorts of questions pop into my head all the time. 🙂

    I hope the first day of production went well. Good luck with season 5!

    Reply
  108. anon, good nurse Avatar
    anon, good nurse

    shiningwit Said:
    Would you care to comment on the following link?Anybody?

    http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the

    Who would be responsible for providing internet police plus all the resources they’d need, and how much of the recently discovered budget surplus would the supervising agency use to pay for all this?

    Reply
  109. Annie from Fremantle Avatar
    Annie from Fremantle

    Oy where’s the new blog? Huh? Huh?

    Whaddya think we pay you for?????

    oh…

    we don’t?

    Hurry up anyway… 😉

    Reply
  110. grapesofwraith Avatar
    grapesofwraith

    Hey Joe, thanks for all the video clips!
    Also, I didn’t get to read all the stories in the anthology, is it ok if I just give my comments on the ones I did read?
    ~Rich

    Reply
  111. wolfenm Avatar
    wolfenm

    Evil beings act maliciously for pleasure; Todd has never shown such an inclination, leastwise not in my opinion. He’s just trying to get by, like our guys; I could see him agreeing to help develop a mindless-human clone-farm for his people to feed off of, bvecause hay, it’s easier to get food that way, and it would mean not needing to fight wars with humans anymore, both options being better in the long run for him and his people. Of course, there would always be wraith that prefer to hunt us for sport, I’m sure, but it makes them more interesting if they are as varied in nature as humans, I think. So count me in the camp that hopes that Todd stays an honorable being (at least as much as Sheppard and crew, who aren’t always so squeaky clean themseleves — and I like it that way) and an ally. I guess we’ll find out whether he, ultimately, is or isn’t soon enough. 🙂

    Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool? I like Reynolds, but I’m not sure how I feel about it …

    We ended up having to run around looking for a new (well, used) car today, as the transmission in mom’s car went out, and we’ve had so many problems with her car already, we decided it wasn’t worth the money to fix it. *sigh* Plus the internet connection wasn’t at all cooperative while we tried to look up deals an car info — Murphy was having a field day with us. My hatred of Mondays is renewed. And I got nowhere on the article I planned to work on — thankfully I have time to do so tomorrow.

    I got to spend a fair amount of the time today reading, at least: Steven Gould’s Jumper. Not too shabby, engaguing enough that I’ve been clipping through it, even if some of the writing makes me cringe. So far, though, it’s nothing at all like what I expected: it’s very much a human-interest story, rather than the sci-fi tale the commercials for the film seem to be. If fact, I have to wonder if the movie has anything at all in common with the novel, save for the teleporation concept.

    My column, for those who were looking for the review of Midway this morning, was once again a tad late (but at least only by something like seven hours, I think):

    http://www.pinkraygun.com/2008/02/18/stargate-atlantis-midway

    Reply
  112. Michelle Avatar
    Michelle

    Midway was exciting and tightly scripted. Congrats to Carl and everyone who had a hand. One question… during the production process, did anyone express doubt about writing the two non-white men as having no way to settle their differences other than a fighting match in front of an overwhelmingly white audience? Was anyone afraid it would appear racist? Just curious. I really didn’t understand Ronon’s hostility toward Teal’c. Loved the rest of the ep, though.

    Reply
  113. narellefromaus Avatar
    narellefromaus

    Annie from Fremantle said: “Oy where’s the new blog? Huh? Huh?

    Whaddya think we pay you for?????

    oh…

    we don’t?”

    Did you just sit down to lunch and not have anything new to read Annie? 😉

    Reply
  114. Enzo Aquarius Avatar
    Enzo Aquarius

    Hey Joe!

    So, you want support for non-spoilerific pictures eh? Count me in as a supporter. 😛

    Questions for Lou Anders, eh? How about the standard, ‘What is your inspiration?’ question? 😉

    Thanks as always, and looking forward to “The Kindred”!

    – Enzo Aquarius

    Reply
  115. Lou Anders Avatar
    Lou Anders

    Ah, I left that out of the thoughts I just sent off to Joe earlier tonight. So, let me just say here that Michael Moorcock is a major inspiration. I read him devotedly as a child, but it was later, as an adult, that I came to appreciate what he did as editor of New Worlds magazine. For those who don’t know, not only did Mike change the fantasy genre for all time when he shifted the debate from good vs evil to law vs chaos (with the understanding that the ultimate triumph of either side would suck majorly), but he also introduced the concept of the “multiverse” that every quantum physicist bandies around now. But as editor of New Worlds, by dragging science fiction kicking and screaming into literary experimentation and adult subject matter as leader of the “new wave” movement, he influenced everything that came afterwards, not just in terms of the genre itself, as the effect spilled out into the “mainstream” as well? Don’t believe me – go pick up Pulitzer Prize winning author Michael Chabon’s GENTLEMAN OF THE ROAD and see who the dedication is to. Better yet, Del Rey has just reissued Moorcock’s ELRIC: STEALER OF SOULS, the first in a six book “definitive” collection of the Elric novels, all lavishly illustrated, and John Picacio provides about 30 b&w interiors for the first one.
    Picks here: http://www.revolutionsf.com/article.php?id=3935
    So, yeah, it all begins and ends with Mike for me. If I could accomplish one tenth of what he has, just as an editor, that would be something to crow about.

    Reply

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