March already? What happened to the rest of February? Okay, so it was killed for lack of interest and, really, it’s tough to fault those in charge. Hopefully this month will prove more to everyone’s interest.
I ended my February with the annual network dinner, held this year at Vancouver’s Caffe de Medici and hosted by SciFi’s Mark Stern and Chris Sanagustin. These get-togethers can be a little frustrating as it’s usually very difficult to circulate and chat with the various attendees while the meal is being served – which is usually all night. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to bond with Chris, our new point person at SciFi, that afternoon when the Roots outlet I was going to drop her off at turned out to be closed. Rather than take her back to the studio and have her call a cab from there, I offered to drive her to her hotel. Over the course of the ride, we had a nice, lengthy discussion about our respective backgrounds, television, and certain uniquely Philippine dishes that she finds revolting which I, on the other hand, don’t think are all that bad. Actually, “discussion” is a little hopeful. In truth, I did most of the yammering, bogarting the conversation like a studio rep tagging along to help accept the Best Picture Oscar. I don’t believe I drove her too crazy. I mean, there was never a point where she waited for the car to slow, and bailed out the side passenger door, tucking and rolling to avoid any potential head injury. But then again, I had the child locks on so it’s hard to gauge intent.
I arrived home at 6:30 p.m., which gave me just enough time to feed the dogs, moderate some comments, eat, touch base with Fondy, and change out of my office suit and into my dinner suit. My timing was impeccable. I left the house at 7:55 p.m., picked up Marty G. at 8:00 p.m., arrived downtown at 8:11 p.m., parked, and walked the one block to the restaurant, arriving at exactly 8:15 p.m., the appointed time on the invitation. We were the first ones there. Our hosts didn’t turn up for another 45 minutes. While we awaited their arrival, we welcomed our fellow early birds (Carl Binder, Alan McCullough, Paul Mullie, directors Andy Mikita and Will Waring, producer John G. Lenic, actors Jason Momoa, Paul McGillion, Bob Picardo, Rachel Luttrell, and Jewel Staite) and listened to Carl bitterly complain about how hungry he was. “Aren‘t you guys hungry?”he asked us. Paul, Marty G. and I informed him that we had already eaten. Carl was stunned. “What is this, your first cast dinner?”I asked. “I guarantee we’re not eating until ten.” Poor, innocent, trusting, ravenous Carl – who ended up inhaling half our bread basket.
Our affable hosts finally arrived, we ordered and, eventually, had dinner. Well, most of us. Carl, seated to my right, loved the starter salad (the secret ingredient, I could tell from smell alone, was white truffle oil). Love it so much, in fact, that it looked like he was actually going to break own into tears of joy when I told him he could have mine. We had a choice of three mains – a risotto (that Jewel adore), a half chicken (that Marty G. found overcooked), and a ling cod (that Carl seemed to enjoy so much, I passed him mine.). For dessert – the house tiramisu which I was actually looking forward to having, only I made the mistake of leaving mine next to Jason Momoa.
Mark made a great speech, recognizing all of the hard work being put into the show, season four’s success, and the network’s confidence in what we all hope will be an equally outstanding fifth season. Martin regaled the gathering with an account of his running afoul of this country’s self-appointed moral police. And, when I wasn’t snapping pics or passing off my dishes to Carl, I was discussing arts and literature with Jason.
I got home at about 11:30 p.m. and logged on to check out fan reaction to Kindred II. Like I said, when I originally envisioned Carson’s return, I had two scenes in my head. The first was the end of Part 1 and the second was the final scene of Part II. For those of you asking how the Beckett clone got the original’s memories – right now, only Michael knows for sure an he aint talking. As for what the future holds for our beloved doctor – only time and season 5 will tell.
Today’s blog entry is dedicated to Janet’s daughter who will be turning nine on Sunday.
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