The other day, Marty G. and I took Carl out for dinner in celebration of his birthday, our friendship, and the outside chance that if the show is canceled Carl may be in a position to give us jobs next year. We went to Fuel of course and ordered the Chef’s Five-Course Tasting Menu, carefully outlining the birthday boy’s likes (the crispy-fried duck) and dislikes (foie gras and excess marbling) for our server. Minutes later, our affable host Tom swung by the table and gave us a peek at the cheat sheet the kitchen uses to remind them of their customer profiles. Ours, for instance, broke down as follows:
Guest #1 = Food Slut. Eats Anything. (Clearly Martin)
Guest #2 = No foie or too much fat. Loves the duck. (Obviously Carl)
Guest #3 = Has a Gatecon-like appetite. (Not sure).
We had a wonderful meal highlighted by Fuel’s signature fried duck dish that had Carl in utter alimentary ecstasy from the first bite of his portion to the last bite of Martin’s. We also enjoyed Chef Belcham’s version of English pea soup, heirloom tomatoes with Carnaroli Risotto, three types of gnocchi (including my favorite served with green beans and bacon), a foie-gras stuffed squab for Martin and I, and three different desserts which included something called a peanut butter and jelly (pictured above). Forget getting me on as a guest judge – I’m lobbying to land Chef Belcham a gig as one of the challengers on Iron Chef America. And the secret ingredient is…pork belly! Imagine them trying to make a dessert out of that!
Hmmmm. For reasons known only to them, VISA has sent me a new card to replace my old card that won’t expire for another year. And because the new card has a new number, I’ve to update my information with the various businesses that do an automatic monthly withdrawal from my account. Well, all except Rogers, my cell phone provider which, ironically, doesn’t supply a customer service number on any of their (But presumably, they’ll figure it out eventually.) And then there’s by cable provider. The nice lady who fielded my call today made the changes to my account and then offered me the “late night movie package” for only 25 cents. The price sounded right and yet… “Don’t you like movies?”she asked me. She had a point. I do like movies. Well, most movies.
Some movies.
Okay, rarely do I actually enjoy a movie, but that’s not a reason to deprive Fondy of the opportunity to view Will Ferrell’s bi-monthly efforts. So I got the package for a mere 25 cents a month (“…forthefirstmonth,”the lady quickly rattled off after I’d signed on. “Afterthatitssixteendollarsamonth. You’llbechargedunlessyoucallusandcancelthispackagewithinthenextthirtydays. Thankyougoodbye!”). About an hour later, I turn on the t.v and flip over to the new free channel only to discover that “late night movie package” = porn. Actually, porn preview. Not the actual movies but snippets from the movies. Now, as a writer, I tend to be hypercritical of a film’s script and story, so you can imagine how vexing it is to be presented with these bewildering contextless scenes. How did those candystripers get stranded on that deserted island? Why were those shirtless construction workers at that young woman’s birthday party? And aren’t there health and safety regulations in place that prohibit that sort of behavior in restaurant kitchens? Well, on the bright side, from a fan standpoint, these productions seem to be very accommodating to various shipper factions. Whether you ship milkmaid with gladiator, garage mechanic with amnesiac socialite, or pizza delivery guy with twins, you needn’t resort to fan fiction to get your fix.
Scroll down to the bottom of this entry for the Weird Food Purchase of the Day. Today, it’s smoked cod liver!
Catching up on the mailbag:
Patricia Lee writes: “I thought you said Brad Wright was writing Epi 100 and then you said Marty G was writing it… what gives Joe! Were you trying to keep it a secret so we would not pump you with questions???”
Answer: I don’t believe I ever said that Brad or Martin were writing #100.
Jessica writes: “ On that note did you go to a university/college and if so what course(s) did you do?”
Answer: I did. I have an undergraduate degree in History and Political Sciences, and a Masters Degree in English Literature.
PG15 writes: “1. MGM is releasing some schematics of Atlantis tech on their website, here. Are these things canon?
2. Is The Red Shirt Diaries as DOA as Hexed?”
Answers: 1. All seems in order. 2. Yes. We already have scripts for all 20 slots.
Norriski writes: “I finally watched Sunday for the first time since it’s originally airing […] but Martin G said that up until a couple days before filming there was an alternate ending, can you give us light of that that might have been…”
Answer: I don’t recall reading an alternate ending. This one’s a question for Martin.
Norriski also writes: “…but should there be a season 6 is there even the slimest possibility that we can get Carson back full time?”
Answer: Hey, right now we’re just trying to get the show back full time.
Neko writes: “Have you been practicing your mandarin?”
Answer: Wa boo shi Chung wen shaw.
Tenaya writes: “I was thinking about what you said about the crowd responding so enthusiastically to Jewel at Comic Con.”
Answer: Again, you miss my point. My Comic Con example was a response to someone who said that the forum they frequented was decidedly anti-Keller. I suppose it really depends where you hang out. I, for instance, hang out in the writers’ room a lot where we are all unabashedly pro-Keller.
Les Ferris writes: “ will the information Weir gave the team regarding new advanced civilisations lead to some fun new adventures?”
Answer: That’s a question for another season. Hopefully.
Joe Julians writes: “I was just wondering how you feel about the crticism the season had. Popuar UK magazines like SFX and Deathray made some very critical comments about season 4 and the direction the show took, particularly the “misuse” of Carter. Do opinions like this effect you, especially from popular magazines and do you ever take things like this onboard?”
Answer: Hey, if we took all the criticism to heart, we’d never get around to producing a show. Death Ray? Never heard of it? Is it a fanzine?
Amy Lynn writes: “With shooting in Vegas, does that still mean the season still wraps the 23rd of next month?”
Answer: No. The production schedule is ever-shifting. We could finish sooner, later, or even on time.
Maddog1995 writes: “Should I just go out and get that laptop and read your blog while eating my breakfast?”
Answer: That’s how I do it – first thing in the morning, approving comments over a cup of green tea. And good luck on your job hunt. Hope you bag a good one.
Marielabbott writes: “I understand now the comment on your blog awhile back that if you ask a different producer, you will likely get a different answer to the question of whether or not Weir was alive or dead. You tried to leave some of that ambiguity in the episode. Do you think Weir is alive or dead?”
Answer: To be honest, a year ago I held that the real Elizabeth Weir was still alive. Paul felt that the replicators would have had no reason to keep her around and insisted that Oberoth would have ordered her killed after Lifeline. I disagreed. Why kill her when you can keep her in stasis and possibly make use of her at a later date? Since the production of Ghost in the Machine however, I’ve come around to accept the logic of Paul’s argument.
Charlie’s Angel writes: “Why do we keep betraying the replicators who are sympathetic and/or acting “human”, and then wonder why they come back looking for retribution?”
Answer: At the end of the day, they simply couldn’t risk it. They chose caution over blind benevolence.
Angelus writes: “Just checked out the new episode and I noticed a graphics mistake in the Atlantis intro.”
Answer: Unfortunately, it’s too late to fix this now but, on the bright side, it’s not too late to pick a scapegoat and hold him accountable for this oversight. Thanks for pointing this out.
Carolina writes: “I’ve finally arrived in Vancouver! can’t wait for the next 10 days… I do plan on going to Fuel this week, but I would like to hear from you your recommendations, I will send you an email if you don’t mind.
I’m staying downtown and tomorrow I’m planning on being around Grandville island and 4th street during lunch time, where do you suggest we should stop for lunch?”
Answer: Welcome to Vancouver. Granville and 4th I assume? Hmmm. If you walk up the six blocks and hang a left on West Broadway, you’ll find Fortune Garden (fantastic peking duck and seafood), Vera’s Burger Shack, and The Memphis Barbecue House. All pretty good lunch bets.
“About an hour later, I turn on the t.v and flip over to the new free channel only to discover that “late night movie package” = porn. ”
I think my entire neighborhood just heard me cackle. Thankfully, they’re used to that.
But, now that you’ve mentioned the concept of porn fanfiction (even in a negative sense), it now exists on the internet. Well done.
I watched last night’s SGA episode (yes, I chose SGA over the Olympics…Carrie the roommate did not…she’s not as cool as me) and really liked it. The season just keeps getting better.
ROGERS… yeah, Sweetie, good luck with the Evil Empire of The TED!! Cancel soon as you can, what with the GST & friends, probably *another* System Access Fee – would be cheaper to just “borrow” material from your ‘friends’… Of course with the lovely Fondy around, I don’t see why you would *need* to?! — Unless of course, she’s in the mood to view comedy… 😀
And VISA… Wouldn’t be the CIBC ones, would it? Every time I find a good ‘points’ card, they end up cancelling the program! If you haven’t got one already, get an AMEX card to put those monthly payments on! You’ll only have to call people every few years to change the expiry date. I prefer the AIR MILES one they have – not worth cashing in on airfares, but great for getting ‘gift cards’!
Balance is restored to the universe. We’ve had our Fuel update of the month. I was beginning to worry after you mentioned the corn soup only to say nothing about it later. Belated happy birthday to Mr. Binder. As for Chef Belcham, I see no reason why both you and he could not manage a spot on Iron Chef, in your respective roles as judge and challenging chef. So long as you are not one of the judges when he appears, at any rate. Would writing to ICA to promote the idea hurt or hinder your chances? I’ll be glad to invest in a postage stamp or two if it will help bring about the desired outcome. Studio type folks still have a thing for old fashioned mail, don’t they?
It looks like a good investment, if we can get you to translate your new late-night “movie” watching into more regular shipping on the show. So long as Mr. Mullie doesn’t buy the same package. You’ll need someone to help maintain your sanity, and what with you and Mr. G. hanging out, Fondy might need some help.
Thanks for the mailbag. Here’s hoping you enjoy the rest of your weekend; I’m off to do a 72 hour shift. Please forgive me in advance if my posts over the next couple of days are more incoherent than usual.
Thank you for your continued dogged intrepidness with trying new weird foods – I think the weirdest thing I’ve eaten as of late has been deep-fried chicken livers (yum!) and a duck comfit sandwich (an insult to the duck). My culinary-daring do is usually trying a questionable Mexican place (aka new hole in the wall place – do not attempt when pursuing sushi, though).
Hey Joe,
Thanks for taking the time to ready my insanely long post yesterday… Since you say my question was one for Martin G, any chance of him guest blogging?
Thanks,
Karen N
I was listening to some episode commentaries for Heroes the other day (great show, do you watch?) and they mentioned assistants that all the exec producers have. Do you have assistants for the exec producers on Stargate? Are these people just glorified coffee fetchers, or what do they really do? Thanks!
I swear I’m going to stop myself from saying to my nieces and nephews….”When I was a kid…”. We’ll see.
I dare you to try cat food – maybe the gourmet stuff. Is cat food nicer than dog food?
We used to have cod liver oil capsules as a kid. Tasteless.
Are we supposed to be paying for this? I didn’t get my account. 🙂
Question for you:
What’s the difference between the new planet Atlantis is on compared to the original. Better surf?
Cheers, Chev
I finally watched Ghost in the Machine and I love Carl Binder. MM did a good job as Weir and JF completely acted his butt off. The end oh I wanted to hug John so much. Actually I wished Elizabeth would have hugged John, I was so sad for both of them, way to break my heart. Overall I enjoyed it and I wish Elizabeth(as played by TH) was back.
Re: porn preview
Perhaps you stumbled upon an interdimensional porn channel. How very um frustrating for you 🙂
Cheers, Chev
I am very glad I wasn’t born when my brother #2 decided to fix lunch for brother #1 and brother #3 with an unlabelled can he found. Mmmm… cat food lasagne. He ate it himself and argues to this day that it tasted great. Yeah, that story was told at his wedding.
I can just see all this porn translated onto the screen.
Joe: It needs to be more… bow chicka wow wow!
Joel: The score isn’t… porny enough?
Joe: Well, no.
Joel: … sigh.
Vecturist, I have to agree with you on the wisdom of not trying sketchy new places while on the hunt for good sushi. Long, disgusting story.
Joe, how do you *find* these foods? Ew. (And this from a girl who will eat pretty much anything, too.) Still on a job hunt myself, yay. I pretty much fail at job interviews, as they want someone who’s more available, and until I get a car…working on getting my license right now, so *do not* come to California’s Bay Area any time in the near future, trust me…I can’t be more available, so, yeah. Got any ideas on where a bookworm/movie and music addict should work that will not involve her paycheck being gone within two seconds of receiving it?
Hello, why are you so pestimistic about a SGA Season 6, what changed recently?
Hi Joe….Haven’t posted in awhile now,even though I read it everyday…the weird food is hilarious…you wouldn’t get me anywhere near any of that stuff..lol.
Have you been watching the olympics?? I’m so proud of Michael Phelps…he’s from my hometown here in Baltimore,Maryland…WoW!
Have a great weekend!!
***Theresa***
Hi Joe:
It’s been a while, but I wanted to comment on GITM since we finally saw my favorite character again. Sort of. I thought Michelle did a very good job portraying “Elizabeth.” But what really interested me was each person’s reaction to her, in particular John’s. He and Elizabeth always had this great bond and even with a different actress in the role, JF really sold it again. I’ll always hope that someday you’ll find a way to bring Torri back because I think their dynamic is sorely missed on the show. Just put her on John’s team occasionally so we can keep Robert Picardo. So far he’s been wonderful.
One question regarding GITM. Why not have the story be she broke away from the others like she said? Having her lead the Replicators to Atlantis was one of the few things that really rang false in the episode.
Have a great week!
OMG the foie-gras looks like it has a goa’uld symbiont coming out of it.
WOHOO Phelps got 8 golds!
So the cod liver – you don’t not like it?
Oh yeah I forgot to say that I think you could be both Guest 1 and Guest 3.
Cheers, Chev
He Joe,
Thanks for answering my Q! So I was wrong, won’t be the first or last time! Eh. Well I must have heard that elsewhere. Oh well, don’t they say that the memory is the second thing to go when you’re entering your 50th year! Ah I can’t remember… Eeeeiiii gades… I’m getting old! Ah nuts, time passes to quickly!
Any way, I have another question, or observation if you are not inclined to answer… I’ve noticed lately that you’ve made many comments (too many) about the increasing potential for SGA to be canceled. Do you have a sixth sense about the sixth season and the possible impending dome based on what you are currently hearing from MGM & the SciFi channel executives? Are you just trying to prepare us, your loyal fans for the inevitable? If not, please stop being so “potential dome and gloom” because you really are scaring me!!!
*runs and hides under covers, quivering uncontrollably, repeatedly saying NO… they can’t cancel SGA…not yet!!! Please God don’t let them even think it is a possibility!!*
Okay, mellow dramatics over… for now!
Joe- Please try to think in a more positive way… it worked for your cooled recently…didn’t…so everyone join me in the following mantra: (in the form of a cheer)
Here we go SGA, Here we go…
SGA… all the way!
Give me an S
Give me a G
Give me an A
What does that spell… SGA … all the way,
Sixth Season here we come!!! WooHoo
Cue music… Ain’t no stoppin’ us now!!!
Optimistically speaking a huge SGA Fan!
Patricia Lee
RE: Visa
I’ve had something similar happen to me before and I actually called them and asked them about it… Long story short, they couldn’t tell me the exact details (which I ask, why not? It IS my card, isn’t it??) but they believed “information pertaining to the card in question may have been compromised”. So maybe someone got a hold of your card number and was trying to make purhcases online or something
Okay… I went a bit overboard with my comment…
Andrea said what I was trying to say, a lot more succinctly
.
Andrea F White
Hello, why are you so pessimistic about a SGA Season 6, what changed recently?
Way to go Andrea!
Hey! “Ghost in the Machine” was great. I felt you guys handled the Weir character very well considering you were unable to use Torri Higginson.
I think I’ve found the source of confusion about the Brad Wright thing. Brad is coincidentally writing the 100th episode of ALL Stargate, right? That’s not the 100th episode of SGA like some people are thinking. Unless this has changed.
Thank you! I love Pekin Duck and have been craving for a good one for a while… it’s been years… so lunch at Fortune Garden it is.
Hello I’m Simona, this is the first time that I comment on your blog (I really like how you write it) but I was curious about something in the latest episode, very good one by the way.
I noticed something interesting but I couldn’t tivo the episode so I wanted to ask you if I saw right or I was only delusional.
In “Ghost in the machine” (just to be clear) the teck guy that passed Sheppard in the corridor with the flickering lights just before Sheppard gets almost zapped for the first time. I think I saw an Italian flag on his arm, am I right? Because I’m Italian and I was all excited when I saw the flag but I wanted to know for sure.
Thank you.
Ciao
Simona
PS: I’m sorry if my english it’s a little messy or not clear but it’s not my first language, that being italian, and I’m still learning.
Great episode Friday. Really want a better look at the flying monkeys.
@ 19 Yoshi & Mr M
I recall some News about one of the major credit reporting agency got their database hacked. Your VISA card replacements might because of that. It all depends if your bank do business with that agency.
Since the Whispers episode is airing soon. What military branch is Major Anne Teldy is from? My wild guess is that she started with Army Military Police, since they get more action than frontline combat units. They do rear area patrols and logistics convoy escorts. Lots of opportunities for glory and mentions in dispatches.
Joe;
1. A while back you mentioned we could possibly see a little more of Sheppard’s past and that Nancy or maybe his brother could be back in season five? I re-call you saying the Dave Character coming back was pretty slim, but Nancy not so much. Is that still the case?
2. Will we see why Sheppard and his father were at odds this upcoming season?
3. Will we get to see Sheppard’s extremely strong ATA gene playing any roles this season? Possibly in a way that threatens his life or hurts him in some way.
4. What month/time did you guys hear the news that you were picked up for season 5 last year, any signs it will be around the same time this go around?
5. Is there anyway you could post the dialog that was cut from Outcast as to Sheppard’s mom’s passing? Is there a deleted scene hanging out there somewhere? I’d really love to read that portion even though it didn’t make it into the final cut.
6. With the shorter hiatus for this season, will that mean that the show will end sooner? Meaning will we have to wait much longer before season six starts up? I’m thinking positive here that there will be a 6 cause if there’s not I think the fans might just burn the houses of those decision makers and make voodoo dolls out of them. 🙂
I guess I’m worried because even though shows are doing good and successful the networks and such still want to shut them down, in my opinion that’s stupid. Don’t take away a show that’s loved and has a loyal fan base. Like you said previously this last season was praised and in my opinion that’s scary because the networks are unpredictable.
If they make the decision not to do another season I think they will quickly reverse it once they start getting all the protest’s and hate mail.. This show is a cotton picken Peoples choice for God’s sake that should stand for more than a pat on the back, here’s a nice gold watch if you ask me. There’s a lot more life in the show and I hope they realize that. I miss the years of TV that lasted 22 to 24 episodes and only had a small hiatus through Christmas and three agonizing months in the summer. Oh yes on a personal note I spent another day in the ER with my mom today. It was 106 in Central Oregon so that didn’t help either. Luckily I didn’t have to call an ambulance this time, I simply convinced her to go in and get some antibiotics for a severely abscessed tooth and 3 seizures from last night. Oh the tumultuous dealings of raising a parent more stubborn than myself. 😉 She’s better now and happy to have pain killers. Thanks as always, Joe and sorry for the ramble. Have a wonderful weekend, Nicole.
Heh…stupid porn. It’s hilarious hearing you talk about them, though. You should do a weekly porn plot review. I tell you, if it wasn’t for all the gratuitous sex, I don’t think people would even watch that stuff.
To be honest, a year ago I held that the real Elizabeth Weir was still alive. Paul felt that the replicators would have had no reason to keep her around and insisted that Oberoth would have ordered her killed after Lifeline. I disagreed. Why kill her when you can keep her in stasis and possibly make use of her at a later date? Since the production of Ghost in the Machine however, I’ve come around to accept the logic of Paul’s argument.
Prior to this latest episode I couldn’t say whether or not she was alive. It was doubtful, but given how some of the replicators were working behind Oberoth’s back it was possible they might have found a way to save Weir.
Having seen this now…I do feel that she was killed. What we saw in ‘Ghost in the Machine’ was not Weir. Rodney was the only one who believed it was Elizabeth. No one else did. Either way, her lying to to everyone about the replicators which also put Atlantis at risk should be a strong indicator this was not Weir. It is not possible to trust her.
Perhaps she thought she was Weir and even if she wasn’t…maybe she wanted to emulate her in some way. Either one of those would explain why she stepped through that gate.
This still remains an excellent episode. 🙂
I think I’ve had this discussion before with someone else, but a penny for your thought and your thoughts equaling approximately two cents actually puts me as the benefactor by a cent. So, essentially, YOU’RE paying for this Weird Food of the Day ™ stunt (in more ways than one, I imagine).
Do you ever wish you could say “I just thought of something!” and have an intelligent revelation after that?
Yeah…
Oh crumbs, there’d better be a season six. SGA season six plus more SG-1 movies plus that rumoured third Stargate series would be even better, but I’m willing to settle for SGA season 6. 🙂
Have you thought of mixing and matching your strange food of the day choices? I bet if you pulled out the crunchy mini-crab snacks and combined it with the smoked canned cod liver, you’d have an army of cats outside your door in no time flat! No kittens, mind, but lots of cats.
Hey Joe!
Hmmm… cat food? I think I’ll pass. Of course, tuna fish reminds me of cat food, too. Something about the fish all packed into a can and the smell.
And as for the 25 cent movies you bought? Suuuuure you didn’t know what they were. We believe you. 😛
I’m also a huge Keller fan. Does that mean I can now hang out in the writers room? 😀
Great pics of Carl’s b-day bash! Looks like it was fun.
Trish
Hey Joe, I was wondering something about Ghost In The Machine. Teyla told Fran/Weir that Toren and Kanaan were offworld somewhere. Is that true or did she just say it to protect them?
Oh, and I have my last exam tomorrow. I don’t suppose there’s any chance of a ‘fingers crossed’ from you? I have a feeling I’ll need it… 🙂
Philippa
hi joe,
decided if you can try new things i can too. So for dinner last night i made Herb Gnocchie with cream mushroom sauce. Was a little scared of it but you know what IT WAS GREAT was the the house gnocchie with green beans and bacon just as good?
thanks
barb
Oh no! I definitely want Mr M to be pessimistic.
Look what happened on SG1. Year after year they expected to be cancelled – and got renewed. The one year they were reasonably certain they’d get another season, the axe fell -no more SG1. 🙁
So, what do we learn? Expect the worst and we get more SGA. Yes? I think the logic is impeccable.
*hides behind the sofa* (It needs to be replaced anyway – not that I’m sure what that’s got to do with it….very weird day.)
Comment on last Friday’s ep: Still liking the season very much. GitM wasn’t quite up to the other eps IMO, but still good. Character-driven and very strong. Superb acting, especially by JF, DH and RP. Really great how Mr Picardo managed to show Woolsey’s feelings when he tried to call the replicators’ bluff. Woolsey definitely wasn’t sure his hard course act would work and he had no idea how to follow it up if it didn’t (… at least that was my impression). 🙂
Both MM and JF showed the strong bond that existed between Weir and Sheppard. Sheppard had to go through losing Elizabeth again. Will we see any kind of follow-up on that? Btw and not so unrelated, who has replaced Kate as resident shrink on Atlantis?
So Sheppard needs a hug, agreed. 😉 Though the one I felt most sorry for was Rodney. He tried so hard to find a way to keep her and had to accept that there was no safe way of doing so.
Let’s just hope those floating icicles don’t come back to bite them. Too much like what happened with Fifth on SG1, I suppose.
Looking forward to next Friday’s ep.
Oh and on the cod liver oil….I’m one of those who grew up on it. I know, it dates me, so what? 😀
I actually quite liked the stuff for some reason. It came nicely vanilla flavoured.
It nicely falls into the category of the stuff that people try to sell as “absolutely necessary to your health” these days. Back then, though, it was about the only thing we got – as far as I can remember.
Memory goes at 50, eye-sight at 40, isn’t that what they say? Oh my!
Green tea! I’ve been on a kick. First it was organic green tea. Now I’m drinking one called Gunpowder green (big box of loose leaf stuff from a Chinese grocery store)…have you tried it?
Hmm, I’ve been wondering, what is the Odyssey doing right now? The Ori a gone, and there seems to be peace in the milky way right now. Is it just hanging around earth? Or exploring the rest of the galaxy?
Joe, Is you trip overseas more for the food or are their friends or sights you like to see. Also, I saw the panel from Comic Con and JF mentioned that something very bad had happened to him recently and that work was where he wanted to be because you guys are so great. If its not too personal what happened. I hope his family is ok.
Thanks for your time.
Joe!
As much as we all enjoy watching you taste-test oddities of questionably edible culinary origin… whatever happened to your glorious homemade ice cream creations? It is the heat of summer., what better season?
Haven’t you previously said that Carl B. was a huge fan of your ice cream? Gee, you’d think for his recent birthday you would have made a great new flavor mix for him. Perhaps smoked cod flavor?
I do hope, (pray, wish, desire) that there is a season 6 for SGA. I recently viewed Brad Wright at Comic Con on YouTube and he hinted quite strongly that there will be a 3rd SG-1 direct to DVD film. And, that it looked very positive for a green light (from MGM) for the new SG Universe. Bearing this in mind, if both of these projects go forward early next year, will SGA not continue due to lack of resources?
Inquiring minds and all that…
Thanks Joe!
Carol Z
*sigh*…a sad eppy of SGA but I loved the way Elizabeth’s dialogue sounded atypical of her..if you get my drift.
I like the way it’s left open too… wonder what happens to Fran/Elizabeth.
Reckon some of you lot could send some weird (and legal) stuff for Joe to try in his WFPOTD segment?
Cod liver’s??? just the thought – YUK! lol.
Just watched Ghost in the Machine and while I don’t know the ‘hows and whys’ or infact, much about Torri Higginson – it is not my place to ask as bad words may have crossed at her leaving. But while I really do think Michelle Morgan as FRAN is great (and hope to see much more of her), I really do miss Torri. There was a real feeling of care from the persona of Dr Weir in her portrayal.
10 out 10 for Michelle’s putting across Torri’s mannerisms.
But just look at how many future possibilities have been created for the future from this and the previous show with other and new races – furthermore McKay has the ‘heads-up’ on all of them, including their technology from Weir/Fran. Nice move Joe.
where do you go to get your wierd food of the day? I’m sure i’v never seen this stuff for sale in any supermarkets near me! I love your ratings “i don’t hate it” a ringing endorsement!
Morning Joe!
Michael Phelps = amazing! (nothing to do with anything…just threw that in there since I’ve loved watching the swimming)
I mentioned to my hubby that you had asked about Jason wanting to know Ronon’s best line……would you believe he said THE SAME THING I posted? He’s not much into sci fi but watches Atlantis with me.
Cod…….NO NO NO NO!
We must have a season 6…….we need something to look forward to watching every week! There’s something comforting about getting through another week and having Shep & Co. to look forward to on a Friday night.
Later!
I just wanted to say I loved “Ghost in the Machine”, although the ending was very sad, even more for the other replicators than Weir herself. At least, she chose her own fate. (Aw, the look in the Asian replicator eyes…)
I understand the team was afraid of them, but aren’t angry deceived replicators more risky than benevolent ones who just mind their own business?
Morning Joe!
Any chance of you making a dvd of all your weird food clips?
I can’t help but giggle along as I watch you eat crazy stuff like cod livers, spicy peanut butter and wasabi peas!!
Have you ever had calves liver? It’s very delicious! Best way to eat calves liver is to lightly flour it and fry it in butter. Serve it with mashed potatoes and fried onions…with cucumber salad!
Cheers Joe!!
~Chelle 🙂
Hi Joe,
Have you had the Props Master take questions yet? I’m interested in many aspects from designing and making props (e.g., zats) to the selection of the characters’ personal effects that give us a glimpse into their interests, relationships, etc. I’m also wondering who decides that these props are no longer needed and then sell to Legends Memorabilia for the fans to buy. And do the actors/producers/writers/crew get some props as mementos?
Regards, christine
Aw, I thought you were going to make “Weird Food Purchase of the Day” history with a bite 2! I’m a little late, but Ghost in the Machine: Loved it — the first half moreso than the second half (because it was so goshdarn creepy!) but it was all great. And my Woolsey adoration continues to grow exponentially. Can hardly believe I was ever worried.
Okay Mr M, it’s been a while, so let’s talk.
“Mr M says: Again, you miss my point. My Comic Con example was a response to someone who said that the forum they frequented was decidedly anti-Keller. I suppose it really depends where you hang out. I, for instance, hang out in the writers’ room a lot where we are all unabashedly pro-Keller.”
Again I feel the need to clarify! At no point have I said that the forum I went to was ‘decidedly anti-keller’, they are your words, not mine. What I said was, it was perceived the ‘character’ was disliked in the forum I frequent. Dislike does not equate to ‘hate’ or ‘anti’, and the ‘decidedly anti keller’ thing was not what I said or implied.
Just as i’m sure you don’t appreciate being misquoted, or someone using your words to suit their own, I don’t appreciate it either. For the record, I do not hate Keller, and i’m not anti-Keller, never have been. Concerns about the character does not equal ‘anti Keller’ or I hate the character. I mentioned it because a poster had concerns, likewise I do to. Again, concerns does not equal ‘anti’ or hate’.
I’ve stated my reasons before and i’m sure people reading the posts don’t want another rehash. 😉 Although you know how I love to hear the sound of my own voice. 😛
I’m sure the writers are ‘unabashedly pro-Keller’ i’d be very surprised if they weren’t, especially as she’s the creation of the writers. Now i’m not saying that the 30,000 members of the forum I go to all dislike Keller, or are anti-Keller, or have concerns about her character. I was simply saying that it surprises me that i’ve seen such dislike in a main character before.
The point that i’m making is, please don’t change my words to make a point. I’m more than happy to re-quote what I said, but i’m sure I don’t need to.
Thanks
I take it we’re still waiting for Lexa Doig’s turn as guest blogger. How about a countdown?
Thanks for the reply. Death Ray is pretty much thought of as the more mature brother to SFX. Most of the writers on it wrote for SFX previously actually. Its pretty much the same magazine, just in my eyes not as good. Thought you might find it humerous that another magazine ‘Tv Zone’ had Atlantis on the cover … but spelt Woolsey’s name wrong, in big bold letters across the cover!
On a side note, nice touch putting Ford in the premiere. Do you consider his character as long dead or do you have plans for a return?
Joseph, no water on hand again? Still a zero on the liking scale for me!
Season six, what can we do? Maybe a phone call (lol).
To be honest, a year ago I held that the real Elizabeth Weir was still alive. Paul felt that the replicators would have had no reason to keep her around and insisted that Oberoth would have ordered her killed after Lifeline. I disagreed. Why kill her when you can keep her in stasis and possibly make use of her at a later date? Since the production of Ghost in the Machine however, I’ve come around to accept the logic of Paul’s argument.
Thank you for answering my question. A year ago I would have agreed with your original opinion and been ecstatic to read that on your blog. 🙂 I miss Weir and Torri.
Thanks again for answering. Take care.
Loved “Ghost in the Machine”. I thought Michelle Morgan did a great job. Not sure how I feel about the ending though, Joe – it’s still digesting.
dff
PS: Woolsey is made of awesome!!!!!!!!!!
PLEASE STOP RUNNING THE SAME IDEAS OVER AND OVER AGAIN.
As much as I love “continuity” for bringing back characters and such, it’s feels like a waste of time watching the show because I know exactly what’s going to happen, why, and how. And that really takes the fun out of things. I just saw the last episode with replicator-Weir back, and betrayed (again). I understand the reasons, but why would you put something like that up again and then not tie it up completely. IE, leaving her in space as opposed to actually destroying her. That’s a plot device just waiting to come to life.
Eh, I just wanted to express my concern. Otherwise, I can accept the tongue-in-cheek acting, etc, because that’s what I’m watching it for. (But seriously, start a new arc. This one is getting old)
I can’t believe you ate that…is there anything you won’t try?
Well worth the price of admission, though. 🙂
Weird Food Purchase of the Day: Oh! You surprised me there. I thought by the face you were pulling on the video preview that it was going to be a definite thumbs down, but it was not. Once again, I commend you on your bravery. The closest I ever have been to cod liver oil is watching my Step-dad take cod liver oil tablets. I’m assuming they don’t taste of anything.
I’m going to glaze over the bit about the porn. Although, I did notice the bit where you said that as a writer you tend to be hypercritical of the script and story of a film. I don’t write professionally (heaven forbid; if I ever reach that point the World is in for a whole bucket full of crazy) but I tend to squirm in my seat if I don’t like the writing or the writing feels awkward.
Damn, posted then thought of a question: following on from the end of the previous comment, are there any films which you have deigned important enough to watch and actually liked?
Hi, Joe.
Last week, I mentioned that the SciFi Channel had stopped e-mailing newsletters that mention SGA after the July 11 premiere (I was still getting e-mail newsletters for their other shows).
LOL! This morning I received a SciFi Channel e-mail newsletter, dated August 10th — that mentions the Eureka episode that will air on Aug 26 (‘Show Me The Mummy’) — but they list it as airing on Aug. 19 (when it’s ‘I Do Over’ that’s airing) and LAST week’s SGA episode, ‘Ghost in the Machine’ (and they give an air date as Aug 16).
Gnocchi with green beans and bacon … now that’s a dish I can get behind. Ba-con. Baaaaa-con.
Sorry, been whiffing the fumes as we paint the trikes.
Smoked codlivers get one eyebrow up, hmmm?
And yes, my grandfather made sliced dog food sandwiches one night. This was well before I was born, in the Dark Ages.
One week and I will be boots in the dust of the Black Rock Desert … yes yes yes yes yes!
Coucou Joseph! Me revoila =)
Mouhahaha XD toujours aussi génial ces video ..on sais tout de suite le gout du produit rien qu’en regardant votre tête XD
Sa serais sympas de parler un peu en français sur vos video, j’ai trop envie de savouré votre accent si adorable =)
aller gros bisou, je vous adore!!
Oh yeah, porn … you obviously don’t watch enough or you’d know the plotlines. The candystripers were on a mission of mercy to the islands of Outer Bumfuckia when the co-pilot’s foot hit the wrong control during a joyful mile high club initiation. After the crash landing the girls will have only the handsome nude islanders of both genders to minister to in return for the secret of waxing painlessly with coconut oil and jellyfish hearts. This astonishing secret must be taken back to the mainland so all porn stars can wax everything painlessly. Therefore the candystripers must find the evil henchmen of the mad scientist who dwells under the volcano in his magma-proof dome, and defeat said henchmen in a splashy pool and waterfall scene. Then, they must use their sexual prowess to force the mad scientist to free his beautiful captive harem, who are very grateful, if you know what I mean, and fly the secret plane back to freedom, iced lattes and shopping for Gucci and Louis Vitton knock-offs.
Construction workers at a birthday party? No, no, really, I bet you can figure that one out all on your own. Hint: they’re not really construction workers. They’re undercover FBI agents investigating laundry scams.
I’ve been off-line for quite a while, due to moving, and haven’t caught up with all that has gone on. An friend told me that they heard there is an effort to show that no one on Atlantis likes Radek Zelenka, including Rodney. I have to wonder if that is true, especially in light of events in “Tao of Rodney” — there seemed to be some sort of friendship. It always seemed to me that Rodney did like him and respect him but didn’t want to admit it. If it is true, can you tell us why?
The character has certainly been a favorite of mine. Please tell me that, if a sixth season happens, there are no plans to kill him off?
Hey Joe.
I want to know: Who is your favourite celebrity? Why?
Mine would probably be…….Tom Cruise. Because I’ve had a couple of conversations with him.
Thanks Joe.
Smoked Cod Livers? 😯 *GACK*
You are a braver soul than me, Mr. M. !
I have decided that the theme song for all of us season 6 hopefuls should be Queen’s ‘Don’t stop me now’
Don’t stop me now
I’m having such a good time, I’m having a ball
Don’t stop me now
If you want to have a good time, just give me a call
Oh wait – maybe that should be the theme song for your late nite porn channel … 😀 lol
Anyway, a quick question should SGA be picked up for next season. Will we be seeing any eps dedicated to investigating their new planet? The banter in ‘Ghost’ about flying monkeys made me think fondly of Rodney’s whales on the old planet … who knows what could be lurking around?!
I’m beginning to understand your pain as a writer. I’m co-writing a psa for a local charity and we presented three scripts this last week, all of which got trounced. Back to square one with time running out.
Atlantis is my weekly life break, which I dearly need, and I was watching “Ghost in the Machine” when an idea rudely popped into my mind. I was torn. Any thoughts I have these days last for about a nanosecond before I forget. So it was Atlantis or writing. Duty called (damn it), so I wrote up the idea and finished watching the episode today, which was great by the way.
Does this ever happen to you, where you have to make a mad dash for pen and paper before you loose a thought while in the middle of doing something you’re really enjoying?
1)Are there any mystical/magical elements to any of the storylines this year?
2)Do Teyla and Kanan have any serious issues coming up between them?
Google is your dubious acquaintance:
Deathray
Hey Joe,
Can you thank Carl Binder and the rest of the cast and crew for such an amazing episode “Ghost in the Machine”. I had those chills after the last scene, and it was likely one of the most dramatic dark moments of Stargate. This is why we need a Season 6, to keep you guys working and producing amazing eps like this one. 🙂
Best,
Squall78
i have been watching your weird food videos and i notice that u always smell the food before tasting it. and that seems to be a good idea, don’t get me wrong. but something seemed very familiar about it and then it hit me – Hawkeye from Mash! he was always smelling his “food” that was served in the mess hall. i seem to recall that it was an ongoing joke. maybe you could get back at some of the actors by writing in some odd food offerings by the friendly neighboring aliens and make them eat some of this?
A quick and simple question: Where were the anti-replicator guns the SGA folk had last season, and why didn’t they have them in “Ghost in the Machine”?
Hey Joe
Why subject yourself to eating weird food. Some of it looked gross.
Um Joe you have dogs right? I dare you to eat a dog biscuit. They taste just like cookies. Really. Hey being a younger sister my evil sisters convinced me and dared me to do things. And one of the dares involved me eating a Dog Biscuit. My mom was not at all happy with my sisters when she found out what they did to me.
YESSSS!!!! The ratings went up friday night, even though SGA was competing with MICHAEL PHELPS!?!?!?!
To put it succinctly: YOU GUYS ROCKS!!!!
I would’ve thot the whole debate over Weir being alive was over when the Replicator Homeworld was destroyed. It was obvious that it wasn’t the ‘human’ Weir on the ship at the end of BAMSR so — if she *had* been being held in stasis — she was toast along with the planet & the rest of the Ashurans.
GitM was brilliant. Makes me angsty to see how much guilt Rodney is still carrying around… And, finally, SHRINE is next week!! *squeeeee*
And for those of you questioning Joe re who was writing Episode 20 (#100), Enemy At the Gate… check out his blog entries for July 10, 23, and 31. It’s right there.
As fabulous as Michelle Morgan was as Weir, I miss Torri and her presence on your show more than I thought I would.
I stuck around after she left, but the storylines, which seemed to be rehashed versions of SG1 shows in many cases, and the addition of Keller, drove me away.
I watched Ghost in the Machine purely to see what you did with Elizabeth, and how MM handled it.
MM was amazing, and should be congratulated for her wonderful rendition of Torri’s Weir. I was concerned at first, but she did a great job.
All that aside, I don’t know what I, and others, can say to convince you that Torri Higginson as Elizabeth Weir deserves to be brought back. You’ve said yourself, nobody dies in Scifi.
It would give you an interesting storyline, give Torri something new to play with, should she be interested, and would win you back a lot of viewers.
Elizabeth and Carson were the heart and soul of Atlantis. You’ve brought back one, surely you can consider bringing back the other. The season three cast was amazing. It had just the right chemistry, just the right family feel to it. That’s something that’s been lacking since then, in my opinion.
I’m not some rabid fan saying “Get rid of Woolsey! Give Elizabeth her command back!” I get that things have moved on, and from what I saw of Woolsey in GitM, I was surprised and quite impressed. But surely, there has to be room for someone like Elizabeth on the team in some capacity. Her knowledge of the replicators and other advanced tech in the area, her knowledge of all things ancient. She could become a Daniel Jackson sort of figure in the Pegasus galaxy.
ytimynona, if ratings went up, it’s because people were watching to see what happened to Elizabeth Weir.
See Joe? Even now, the Weir character will draw people in to watch.
Are bridges burned with Torri? Is there the possibility of bringing her back?
It would be worth your while ratings wise to do it. After all, she, Joe Flanigan and David Hewlett were always the “big three” in fandom. Two of them is good, but three of them is better.
It doesn’t have to be full time. Give her and Paul 10 eps a season each (as long as they appear in some of the same episodes. Carson and Elizabeth are just too good together!)
On another note, can you thank Carl Binder for his work on GitM? He’s shown us yet again the wonderful connection between Elizabeth, John and Rodney, especially Elizabeth and John. He was always the person who wrote John and Elizabeth the best. He did a great job in hard circumstances, given it was a different actress tackling the role, and a not so happy ending.
Joe Flanigan was so good. His reactions to Weir were perfect, and his scene at the end was heartbreaking. John losing his friend yet again, as she sacrifices herself to keep Atlantis safe.
Joe F, CB and MM, wonderful work from all three of you. Thank you!
I’ve got friends and family coming into town to visit and I’m looking for some suggestions on where to take them for dinner. Being from the midwest, they aren’t fond of shushi, seafood, or asian food. A big of a problem in Vancouver, since that’s most of the food in this city.
Any suggestions?
Why are your dogs wearing bullet-proof vests?
I guess they are really gangsta…..
Hey Joe!
In continuation about those ‘Tech Journal’ images on MGM’s Stargate website. As you say, ‘everything looks to be in order’, do you preplan all this stuff, as some of these things I doubt we’ll see but make for good reference if needed (such as the ZPM power conduits and ZPM conduit to power the Stargate). It’s still neat nonetheless.
I just saw “Ghost in the Machine”, and I was left with my jaw-opened. That ending was just absolutely amazing, and the writing was well done. You guys are really raising the bar this season!
Thanks as always!
– Enzo Aquarius
“smells like cat food.” :huh:
i have heard of some weird things for you to try. (the list is a mile long i bet) something called cheeseburger in a can, but its made in germany & don’t know if you can find it there. and the other is something you can make yourself (if you’re so inclined) it’s called a goober burger. what you do is make a regular hamburger, but a glob of smooth peanut butter on it & when that starts to melt, put a glob of mayonnaise on the PB. my dad claims it’s good 😛 (he saw it on some food show)
also some questions;
1. my brother wants to know what you do with the stuff you don’t like?
2. so that’s how you say your last name? ma-lot-zee?
i thought it was ma-low-zee, but what do i know? i just want to make sure i got it right in case aliens abduct me & take me to vancouver & i run in to you at the studio. because, at this point, that’s the only way i’ll get there. 😆
Look delicious (in the dishes not the head picture hehehe)
“Answer: Unfortunately, it’s too late to fix this now but, on the bright side, it’s not too late to pick a scapegoat and hold him accountable for this oversight. Thanks for pointing this out.”
So….. who’s the goat?
Also with the last episode of the season is the episode planning on going upmarket eg MGM (you guys would get staff discount no?) or one of the many roach motels Vegas has to offer?
Hi Joe!
Two questions for a future mailbag! 🙂
1. Was the ending for GitM set before anyone knew if Tori would be back? I’m wondering if the plan would have been to send her off to a space gate knowing it was actually Weir… or was the episode (and ending) based on it being Fran/Weir? Would it have been a different scenario with Tori on board?
2. What’s Dr. Keller’s age?
The reason I ask is that the anti-Keller movement usually mentions their big issue with her being CMO as being too young for the position, but that justification doesn’t hold true when you compare the scientific requirements for mission (genius types) with the command structure.
And… if you do a little googling (and I did) you can find mention of CMO’s around the world today in their mid-twenties. So saying it’s impossible for someone her age to be CMO is well, obviously not impossible. So if whining is out (Carson and Rodney both whined) and age is out (CMO’s can be young in reality) and science is out (example: Frederick Banting was 31, and Charles Best was only 23!!! when they discovered insulin. My Canadian history contribution to today’s post. 😛 ) then what’s left to justify the complaints? Um… nuttin! ^_^
Nika
ps. I’m with Trish (aka whovian). I’m a huge Keller-fan. Can I come hang out too?
“Well, on the bright side, from a fan standpoint, these productions seem to be very accommodating to various shipper factions. Whether you ship milkmaid with gladiator, garage mechanic with amnesiac socialite, or pizza delivery guy with twins, you needn’t resort to fan fiction to get your fix.”
Should we be worrying about where the Atlantis Relationships will be going in our possible seson 6 eeek :/
My Name Is Scott said:
They make 20 episodes of Atlantis per year for 5 years. Yep that makes it 100 episodes on the final epi of Season 5.
I believe it will be the 314th episode of Stargate (SG1 & Atlantis combined).
The Shrine is the 300th episode of the franchise, written by Brad Wright. Writing credits for the 100th Atlantis episode appear to go to Joe & Paul.
Cheers, Chev
MysteryMadchen – Sorry to hear about your mum. That sounds so painful. I hope she’s better soon.
Chev
Hi there,
I really enjoy Stargate, but I find your Food of the Day bit quite amusing. However, I would like you to try some of these thing I found on a site. http://www.thesneeze.com/mt-archives/cat_steve_dont_eat_it.php
Good luck Joe!!!
The dogs look lovely…my Frenchie hates that harness, though.
On another note, are you a fan of Lovecraft? If so, you might find this as amusing as I did…
“Ten Selections from H.P. Lovecraft’s Brief Tenure as a Whitman’s Sample Copywriter” by Luke Burns. As it appeared in McSweeney’s…
http://www.mcsweeneys.net/2008/8/15burns.html
Perked my crappy day right up!
Kath
Hey Joe, I just heard that Paul McGillion had to cancel a con appearance this weekend in Scotland due to scheduling conflicts with SGA. While I’m really sad I won’t get to see him, I’m glad he’s filming other storylines. Would you please let him know we’ll miss him a lot and that we hope to see him again soon?
Thanks,
Philippa
P.S. Any chance of some Paul-on-set pics to make up for it? 🙂
To paraphrase Ralph Wiggum:
“My SGA producer’s breath smells like cat food.”
eddy