The long wait is over. Campagnolo, the new Italian eatery from the brains behind Vancouver’s Fuel Restaurant, finally opened its doors the other night – and Fondy and I were there for the grand opening. As it turns out, some familiar faces were there as well: co-owners Tom Doughty, Chef Rob Belcham, and Tim Pittman, as well as Chef de Cuisine Alvin Pillay who used the experience gained from a recent year-long culinary journey to Italy to help create Campagnolo’s menu.
Whereas Fuel, its sister restaurant, is decidedly fine-dining, Campagnolo is casual, its interior a little more relaxed, its prices a little more modest. Its lower Main Street location is also a far removed from West Fourth’s upscale neighborhood, but this will no doubt pay dividends down the line when the area becomes home to the 2010 Olympic Village. Oh, and another difference between the two restaurants – unlike Fuel, Campagnolo doesn’t take reservations.
So we got there early, at a little before 6:00 p.m., and were greeted by Tom and Rob who were kind enough to give us the grand tour. In addition to the front dining room, there’s a bar area for those looking to unwind or catch the big game, and some diversely themed bathrooms (Rob has lovingly nicknamed each one). We then took our seats and perused the menu divvied into several of sections – antipasti, ’the Cure salumi, primi, pizza, secondi, and contorni with a variety of selections for each.
As is customary for us, we over-ordered, opting to sample an assortment of dishes with the intention of bringing any leftovers home for next day’s lunch (or, as it turned out, that night’s midnight snack). I started with the octopus salad with roasted red peppers, cucumber, and lemon. I honestly didn’t expect to love this dish as much as I did. And, I assume, neither did Fondy who tried a forkful – then another – then ended up finishing it off for me. The cucumber and red pepper were a wonderful accompaniment to the tender octopus. I also had the “coppa di testa”. The Italian version of headcheese was served with pickled eggplant and, while very tasty, was a little too firm for my liking – in comparison to the homemade prosciutto I also sampled that pretty much melted in my mouth. Fondy, meanwhile, had the house penne served with zucca, ricotta, white bean, and chili. I cannot emphasize how much she loved this dish. And I’d have to second her enthusiasm. The flavor blend of the various ingredients worked to perfection.
For her main, Fondy had the Alberta beef flank steak with salsa verde. Although not my favorite cut (I‘m a ribeye man), it proved tender and tasty although the dish was ultimately undone by overly-aggressive seasoning. For mains, I had the herb agnolotti and the Bianca pizza. The agnolotti, served with potato, marscapone, and sage, was subtle yet accomplished. The Bianca, what my mother refers to as “white pizza”, was bold with grana padanao, garlic, and olive oil, delivering big-time taste and a crisp, tender crust. The secret, I’m convinced, is in the slender potato slices that graced each slice – neither thick enough to overwhelm nor thin enough to be negligible, but simply ideal. I was hugely impressed with this one which, in my opinion, was the best version of the dish I’ve ever had.
To finish, Fondy enjoyed the olive oil cake which was good but, alas, no match for my nutella tart which I nominate for Best Use of a Chocolate and/or Hazelnut Spread in a Dessert. Unbelievably good.
Fondy and I are already eyeing certain menu items for our return visit. At the top of our list: the borlotti and smoked ham hock soup, the tagliarini with pork ragu, basil, and pecorino, and the pork roast with cotechino, cipolinne, and drippings. And, of course, the nutella tart.
Campagnolo
1020 Main Street
Vancouver, BC
604-484-6018
http://www.campagnolorestaurant.ca
Check out the video at the end of this entry for a behind-the-scene peek at the B-side of a scene from Infection.
Mailbag:
Belouchi writes: “Welcome back to Canada. I was wondering if you can give me some advice on what restaurants to try while i’m in Vegas.”
Answer: Marty G. highly recommend Restaurant Guy Savoy (which I intend to check out the next time I’m in town). I really liked Alex and Daniel Boulod at the Wynn, Le Cirque and Michael Mina at the Bellagio, and, of course, The Cheesecake Factory in Caesar’s Mall.
Quade1 writes: “Did you have any encounters with non-westerner public toilets??
And what are the chances of getting an SGA theatrical release??? puuuuleaze!!!
What price range does a Fuel dinner run you?”
Answers: No to the non-western toilets and, sadly, no to the SGA theatrical release as well. As for Fuel’s price range, check out their website (fuelrestaurant.ca).
JenR writes: “It’s lovely that you (ALL OF YOU) seem to not understand why we’re frustrated with the show and what’s happened with Rodney. […] We’re upset because Keller has become the focus of the show along with Rodney. It’s all about them while the other characters get shoved to the side. Just because they’re your favorites does NOT mean you can only write for them.”
Answer: You‘re right. I don‘t seem to understand the argument that Keller and Rodney have become to focus of the show. I looked at the episode’s I wrote this season. Broken Ties was a Ronon story with secondary stories for both Teyla and Woolsey. Whispers focused on Sheppard, Beckett, and the new team. Remnants was actually three seemingly separate storylines, one dealing with Sheppard, the other dealing with Woolsey, and the third dealing with McKay and Zelenka. I then looked at Paul’s episodes. Enemy at the Gate is a team episode (you’ll have to see to judge for yourself) while The Seed was more a team episode if anything. The attempt to argue that this was a Keller episode really serves to undermine your argument. She had little to do in the episode but lie there as victim. If it had been Teyla in her place and I had announced this would be a Teyla-centered episode, you can be pretty damn sure the Teyla fans would have been up in arms. I then looked at Alan’s episodes. Infection, Daedalus Variations, and The Outsiders were team episodes. The Queen focused on Teyla. Over to Alex’s lone episode, Inquisition – it can be argued that this was a team episode or, moreover, a “show” episode. The upcoming Vegas, Robert’s lone episode, is through and through a Sheppard episode while Brad’s lone early season episode, The Shrine was, yes, a McKay episode. Looking at Carl’s episodes, you have Ghost in the Machine (another team episode), Tracker (equal parts Ronon, Rodney, and Keller), The Prodigal (again team with some focus on Teyla) and, finally Identity (again, Keller as victim but the focus of the episode is more the guest star here). Finally, let’s look at Martin’s episodes. Search and Rescue was a team episode. The mid-season two-parter had three different storylines – one dealing with McKay and Daniel, another dealing with Sheppard and the Travelers, and the third dealing with Ronon and Keller on board the Daedalus). Sure, you can argue that one part (the McKay/Daniel thread) had more emphasis, but it was hardly the focus of these two episodes. And, finally, Brain Storm – yes, a McKay and Keller episode.
As for the argument that the Keller/McKay relationship has become the main focus of the show, let’s chart its development: The Shrine (final scene, McKay admits his love for Keller), Tracker (final scene, McKay and Ronon admit their mutual interesting Keller), The Lost Tribe (final scene, Keller informs Ronon she is interested in someone else), Brain Storm (McKay and Keller’s first date, the relationship is solidified). Again, hardly the focus of the show’s fifth season.
JenR also writes: “Let me also mention that we’ve only gotten two years with Keller. That’s no where near enough time for us to get used to her, for us to really know her.”
Answer: Fans of Ford would argue otherwise.
Breeze writes: “1) With your trip to Japan, how would you rate it overall?
2) I know my family is thinking about going over there for a holiday. But is there any place you would recommend if my family goes there?
Now for some SGA questions
3) Concerning the last SGA episode “Enemy at the Gate”, will the fans get to see (for the last time) a full credit rollout?
4) In the episode that has recently aired “Infection”, does Telya have the ATA gene? If so, since when? Or did Sheppard activate the Life Sign Detector before it was seen?”
Answers: 1) 8 on 10. If I had been able to cover more ground and spend less, it would have been a 10 on 10. 2) It really depends on where your family’s interests lie. 3) I don’t think so. That’s a network call and every indication is they’ll be showing the truncated credit sequence until series end. 4) No, she doesn’t have the ATA gene. I believe it was demonstrated in Rising that someone with the gene can’t activate the Ancient life sign detector. I would argue that it’s more than likely the result of an alteration made to the device, something more easily accomplished on something like a life signs detector as opposed to, say, a puddle jumper.
DasNDanger writes: “When dealing with an ongoing series – one that may last years – how hard is it to write characters, or even develop plots, when you’re not sure who’s portraying those characters?”
Answer: I believe I did answer this question from you (or possibly someone else). It is admittedly much more difficult to write for a character when you’re not sure who will be playing the role. Still, we have to get scripts written and don’t have the luxury of waiting for casting decisions to be made.
DasNDanger also writes: “ In regards to information revealed in Infection, since Wraith ‘exchange fluids’ with their ship during hibernation, can we safely assume they have a symbiotic relationship with their ship? If so, will more be revealed about this, perhaps in the movie?”
Answer: To a certain extent – yes, that is the implication – although this relationship has more to do with maintaining body function while the wraith are in stasis.
DasNDanger also writes: “ C. Todd seemed to link telepathically with his ship in those final moments of descent…is this a correct assumption?”
Answer: Although it did seem like a telepathic link, it’s clear from previous episodes that the wraith control their ships via manual operation.
DasNdanger also writes: “1. Do Wraith need a human or Wraith host to grow a hive ship?
…2. If so, does this individual then become the ‘brain’, or main computer, of the ship?
…3. If not, is this tech – assuming it’s an extension of Wraith biology – controlled by Wraith telepathy, or something else? (This corresponds to #C above.)
…4. What was meant when Keller said she did not have a designation yet? As a ship or piece of technology, or as something else?”
Answers: 1. That’s what is suggested in The Seed. 2. Yes, the brain in much the same way that a brain operates motor function rather than thought processes. 3. See above. 4. As a ship.
Terry writes: “Joe, how many books did you read while on your vacation?”
Answer: One, Vernor Vinge’s Rainbows End. And I started David Weber’s On Basilisk Station.
DasNdanger also writes: “I clicked on Marty’s pic (just to get a better look at that should-be Wraith behind him), and…well…it kinda took me to a different page, with a smaller BS audience pic under it…and a Sept. entry pic under that. Are you playing with the WP features again, Joe?? And will we ever get the post/comment numbers back?”
Answer: It’s actually WordPress playing with the WordPress features. As for the post-comment numbers – I didn’t change anything, honest.
Caitlyanna writes: “My current inner debate is whether or not to go on this guided tour of part of Canada for my birthday that involves a train or if I should go to Hawai’i.”
Answer: If it was my choice – uh, Hawaii.
Laura Dove writes: “But Sheppard crossed a line when he woke up Todd just to help control the ship, with no intention of ever healing him or his crew.”
Answer: Prior to this episode airing, I mentioned that it would lay where our various players fell in terms of the wraith. Sheppard and Ronon’s outlook has been pretty consistent throughout and although one can argue against this stance on moral grounds, that’s beside the point. Just because they’re the show’s protagonists doesn’t mean they act virtuously at all times. Some, for instance, would argue that Sheppard was admirable for going back and trying to save his buddy in Iraq. Others would argue he was incredibly irresponsible and point out that his misguided actions cost the lives of numerous individuals.
Ava writes: “1) Do you plan an international team for SGU like there was in Atlantis? I’m looking forward this new series! It’s so difficult to find a good old scifi series in Tv these days. Anything scifi related and creative is very welcomed.
2) Could a foreigner be ever accepted to the team of writers in Canada? (dumb question, I know, but I still have to ask)
3) I’ve really enjoyed Brainstorm. Anyone watched Firefly before writing this one??
4) Any chance that we could meet that other Runner, Kiryk, before the series ends?”
Answers: 1) The Destiny will not be crewed by an international team in the same was the Atlantis expedition was. 2) Sure. 3) We all have. 4) Sorry, nope.
Shirt ‘n Tie writes: “thanks for the heads up re: Chef Belcham’s new restaurant! Looking forward to the review. Is Mr Doughty also involved or is this a solo effort?”
Answer: Yep. He co-owns Campagnolo along with Chef Belcham.
Christelle writes: “I have an indiscreet question: how much did your journey cost?”
Answer: A lot!
Pol writes: “Has there ever been an episode that you guys (you and Paul) have written that, after having seen the finished product, didn’t quite do what you’d intended?
To clarify – if you’ve written something that sets a specific tone and feel and upon airing you find that the ep goes in a completely different direction? If so, was that new direction better than what you envisioned? The same? Worse? Made you scratch your head and reach for the chocolate in consolation?”
Answer: Every episode surprises in some way, either good or bad. Many offer up a fairly equal balance of pleasant revelations and disappointments.
Hi Joe,
Thank you Joe for that response.
Joe Mallozzi said:
You only say that because you have never had my Nutella croissants.
Thanks for answering das’s questions about the Hiveships.
@Caitlyanna: I have traveled a bit in Canada and I love it. I’ve been to Vancouver, Victoria, a small town on Vancouver Island, Jasper and Banff. Maybe I enjoy it so much because I’m from the U.S. and Canada is a refreshing change. I considered the train from Vancouver to Banff, but it seemed like too much sitting around for my liking. And I’ve never been to Hawaii, so I can’t compare it to Canada. But I think your choice of vacation depends on what you are looking for in a trip. Not that you asked for my opinion, but I thought I’d throw it out there.
Look at those servings! They’re actually not-bite-sized! Yes!
With all due to respect to Fuel, Campagnolo certainly looks to be my cup of tea. I don’t want to be eating something delectable for one second then realizing that it’s all gone.
Great answer on that Keller question; it always helps to look at “hard” data (well, it is all subjective to a degree, but still). But I suppose those who dislike Keller will say that any amount of screentime is too much.
The snow is still freaking my vision out….not in a bad way. I just have to remember what the effect is 🙂 Although I’m already getting tired of the stuff falling outside my window.
Do you think Chef Rob or Alvin would ever part with the Nutella tart recipe? My kids make “nutillas”…they slather a tortilla with Nutella & nuke it for 20 seconds. I had to ship it to AZ when my son went off to college. (The local W-mart carries it now.)
And will we see pictures of the themed bathrooms at Campagnolo?
Sorry I missed your daily log on your trip. The last time I checked your blog you haven’t left yet or you were about to leave I can’t remember but now I come back and your back from your trip already. Glad to see you are back and that you had a good time.
However, one that didn’t change was the Keller bashing. I noticed that stayed the same. In fact once I saw Brainstorm I said “Here we go again.” refereing to the Keller bashing. As for me I thought Brainstorm was great and I liked that McKay got to shine among his peers ouside of Atlantis. And besides he deserves to have someone that cares about him. and it should be someone that understands what he has been through.
Joe thanks for the break down of the Keller episodes. I totally agree.
Are the questions for Martin Gero still open? Or are they done since Brainstorm was last week?
@das: I know I haven’t been on in a while, but what do you think of Sanctuary? I absolutly love it. It keeps getting better and better.
Tami
Well when you break it all down like that….
Joe – it’s not how the episodes break down that’s the issue. It’s what we keep hearing about Keller vs. what we know about the other characters. Every time she opens her mouth we hear more about her, her experiences, her past. I say the focus has turned to Keller not because she’s in a lot of episodes but rather that when she IS in the episode we learn more about her than we’ve ever learned about the other characters over the last 4 years.
Now I could (almost) buy the argument that because she’s new you needed to give us a bunch of information about her quickly. I could also accept that you wanted to try to show that she fit in quickly by having the other characters like her right away or at least work well with her right away – which is fine but you kind of jumped to the next level rather abruptly.
The problem is I still feel cheated because there are a ton of things I would have liked to know about the other characters. What about Ronon’s family? I guess we can assume they’re all dead but who where they? What about Teyla’s family? Sheppard you did give us something I’ll give you that.
Okay so the romantic relationship development was only in a few episodes – but it definitely feels like more at this time. Either way it felt forced. Forced because again we were expected to believe that she was “THE ONE” for Rodney – the one who’d actually make him happy, the one who could give him “unconditional love” (Martin’s words and maybe I’m taking him and perhaps the entire interviews he with at MGM and Gateworld, to literally). Sorry but to me his friendships and love for his friends and family felt more real than his relationship with Keller.
(The key problem with Shrine is that when Rodney tells Keller he loves her he’s already losing some of his memories – so there’s an issue of people wondering if it’s really true or the product of his illness. And the fact that Keller was watching it repeatedly came across as disturbing rather than romantic or whatever else was intended. Also Keller acts as though she only started loving Rodney when he was nice while he was sick – there’s no REAL indication she likes Rodney when he’s himself).
JenR also writes: “Let me also mention that we’ve only gotten two years with Keller. That’s no where near enough time for us to get used to her, for us to really know her.”
Answer: Fans of Ford would argue otherwise.
The point I was trying to make (badly but still) was that with Keller she’s the new girl trying to fit in with a bunch of characters we already knew and love. I don’t think I was ready for her to become the love interest to ANY of the main characters. Her being a friend to them was fine and understandable, but not a love interest. But then that’s my take on it and if it worked for you than so be it.
And bringing Ford into it doesn’t really work because we were learning about Ford at the same time as the other characters. Keller is brand new – even with all the information we got we still didn’t know her – just what we were told.
Hey Joe,
I saw the numbers for “Remnants” you should be proud of this episode. It was likely one of your best written eps to date, imo. I enjoyed it alot and apparently so did a lot of other folks!
Best,
Squall78
@PG13:
If JenR doesn’t dislike what the show show in general is turning into then my point is moot, and that’s fine.
Despite what I’ve said there were still episodes in season five I liked – though if I went through and listed them it would be the ones where Keller wasn’t there at all (or only had a few scenes in). Which admittedly there were several. What I was trying to do was explain why I’ve become frustrated over the last few weeks with the season – granted I probably did it badly but I thought I still had the right to express feelings here.
Also some of Martin’s comments in recent interviews rubbed me the wrong way – maybe I took him too seriously and maybe I misinterpreted some of it but I don’t think he helped any by his rather sarcastic responses to the questions here. Granted he probably had just cause to be upset – I’m sure he’s been yelled at by the fans for everything under the sun. And I’m sure it’s been nasty and rude – which looking back at my first knee jerk reaction was probably rude as well.
I think I just want to know that he doesn’t REALLY think that romance is more important than friendship and family. That Rodney wanting a romantic relationship with Killer doesn’t mean he doesn’t think his other relationships are just as important. But I’m also willing to accept that I’m not going to get an answer to that because it’s possible I DID misinterpret Martin’s comments. And if I did, I’m AM sorry.
Joe – I meant to say on the other comment that I am going to stick with the show for the last few episodes (though I might have to skip Identity – not because of Keller but because that plot line isn’t one of my favorites so It’s probably best to skip it). Because I HAVE been a fan for the last 5 years and I figure I should stick around until the end. I am looking forward to Vegas and the final. I do want to see what you’ve come up with for the last episode.
(Yes I said I wouldn’t be watching Stargate: Universe in a previous comment but that has more to do with what I’ve heard about the show than anything that’s happened with Atlantis).
I’m seeing snowflakes on my computer screen…as if it’s not already cold enough here. But thanks for the Christmas feel anyways. And dittos on the mailbag. Just my luck I’ve no questions for you while you’re in the answering mood. Still, enjoying seeing the comments on other questions. Here’s hoping for a good week to all.
So you now have a new place to dine if you choose. Still not food I would eat, but I do envy those who try new things. I am set in my ways, my taste buds are stubborn like that.
I am not a Keller lover and didn’t watch Brainstorm, but I can say your answer was fair.
Thanks, Joe!! *smooches*
Answer: “I believe I did answer this question from you (or possibly someone else). It is admittedly much more difficult to write for a character when you’re not sure who will be playing the role. Still, we have to get scripts written and don’t have the luxury of waiting for casting decisions to be made.”
Maybe you answered it telepathically! Or…I just missed it. 😛
Answer: “To a certain extent – yes, that is the implication – although this relationship has more to do with maintaining body function while the wraith are in stasis.”
Okay – something like having an IV and catheter, only with veins and umbilicals and stuff instead of plastic tubes…oh…EEEeeeewwwwWWW! (I love it! 😀 )
Answer: “Although it did seem like a telepathic link, it’s clear from previous episodes that the wraith control their ships via manual operation.”
Oh, poop. You guys really need to be a tad more creative with the telepathy thing. 😉 Still – it begs the question – why is it whenever they’re at the controls (Teyla included) – they seem to zone out, and especially with Teyla, it seemed to drain her? Ya know, Joe – I think you better ask the others about this one – I swear there seems to be some sort of mental link there…at least the way it’s been played by Teyla, and now Todd. Either that, or the actors are just getting high on the glue fumes. 😉
Answers: 1. “That’s what is suggested in The Seed.”
Okay – Wraith OR human host, or either? Ah, yes – answer one question, it raises 10 more! I need another mailbag!!
2. “Yes, the brain in much the same way that a brain operates motor function rather than thought processes.”
Dang…we really needed more about this. I wish there had been a sixth season, just to go a little deeper into this creepy stuff.
3. “See above.”
And I still disagree!!! 😀
4. “As a ship.”
So…she wouldn’t have grown into an outpost, or something – only a ship? Is this right? Huh, is it??! Only ships are grown this way? What about labs and other facilities?? I gotta KNOW!!!!!
Hey, what’s your phone number?
😉
Answer: “It’s actually WordPress playing with the WordPress features. As for the post-comment numbers – I didn’t change anything, honest.”
Yeah, yeah…right. 🙄
Answer: “Prior to this episode airing, I mentioned that it would lay where our various players fell in terms of the wraith. Sheppard and Ronon’s outlook has been pretty consistent throughout and although one can argue against this stance on moral grounds, that’s beside the point. Just because they’re the show’s protagonists doesn’t mean they act virtuously at all times. Some, for instance, would argue that Sheppard was admirable for going back and trying to save his buddy in Iraq. Others would argue he was incredibly irresponsible and point out that his misguided actions cost the lives of numerous individuals.”
WAITASTINKIN’MINUTE!!!! Okay – so, the character arc I thought I saw in Sheppard in this episode wasn’t really an arc at all – but just a misinterpretation on my part? So…now…am I to understand that the Sheppard at the beginning of the episode is the same Sheppard at the end of the episode – kill all Wraith, all the time?? Does that mean he sent Todd through the gate into empty space, to rot out there with Repliweir???
Or is there a distinction between Sheppard’s view of the Wraith (in general) and his view of Todd? ‘Cause, ya know – I was just starting to like Sheppard again…but now…I’m not so sure. *cough*mailbag*cough*
I’m going for now…but I’m sure I’ll be back to post another dozen or so comments and/or questions here later on over the next 24… 😛
das
Joe said …
What about: Keller asking Rodney out for beer in “Trio” — if nothing had happened after that, I would have written it off as her taking pity on him despite his looking smitten (to me) at that point, but since that’s not *all* that ever happened, I consider that a part of McKeller’s development, albeit it’s early stages. There’s the alt-timeline relationship they had in “Last Man” (not a part of the development of teh current relationship, but strongly suggestive that it would happen and an instance of it in some form). There’s the bit in “The Seed” where Rodney sits with her — he seemed pretty smitten there, too, as well as in the conference room. And John certainly saw enough going on between them in that ep to be reminded of what the alt-Rodney told him. “The Shrine” was more than just the final scene — they flirted in the beginning, her reactions to him thouighout the ep read to me as more than just concern for a patient (she was more convincing in her feelings for him there than at any other point, at least to me), and he gave her a pining look in the cave. And I considered Tracker to be an ep-long battle between Ronon and Rodney to be her “hero”. It was certainly obvious they were both vying for her in the beginning, so I would count pretty much all of Rodney’s scenes, not just the very end, as McKeller-development. Eespecially the beginning, where he was primping himself before going to meet her, practiing how to say that name to impress her, and trying to take her bag for her. It’s hard to write all that off as “just friends”-types of interactions (believe me, i would *love* to, would love it if it were vague so I could pretent they really are *just* friends) when they ultimately ended up where they did. But maybe we have very different defenitions of what constitutes development, how much minutae we would include as being part of it ….
The question I’m about to ask is seperate — I would be wondering it even if I *did* like McKeller: If a relationship was going to be taken that far for McKay — TWICE — and Teyla was paired with her guy, why were Daniel & Vala never paired up? They only ended up together in at alt-reality, same as Sam & Jack. So why allow McKeller to go beyond an alt-timeline sitch but not D-V? (I can understand Sam-Jack because of the military regulations.) I’m asking out of honest confusion now, *not* out of my criticism of McKeller (which stems from my not generally liking their interaction nor Rodney’s — and Ronon’s — character development in regards to Keller). It’s just that you guys have for so long given us the impression that you’d rather leave it to fan’s imaginations and not do that kind of story (which frustrated me to some degree, yes, but I respected the reasoning in that it left all fans *somewhat* satisfied as opposed to one faction very satisied and the other spitting mad), this development has rather thrown some of us, not just in the sense of some of us not wanting to see it here and now (normally I would not be one of these, I simply don’t like this particular pairing), but in the sense of that some of us would have liked to have seen this *before* with other characters, so why didn’t you do it back *then*? *scratches head* Did you just change your minds on the issue of ships?
Why couldn’t someone tell me there was now snow on the blog. I thought I was having a stroke.
Fans of Ford would argue otherwise.
Excellent point!
What, no bathroom photos?? You could at least tell us about the themes!
tamijb said …
Actually, we Anti-McKellers want the same thing for Rodney — we just don’t feel Keller cares enough for *all* of him, only for her vision of who she *wants* him to be. To us, she seems to love an ideal more than anything, and she doesn’t really understand what he’s gone through. (Those aren’t my only reasons for not liking the ship, though, just to be clear.) I guess it comes down to irreconcilable perspectives.
And since Tunney got the credit, it didn’t seem to me like Mckay got much of a chance to shine, save for in front of Tunney and Nye. Well, at least Tunney admitted McKay was smarter than him. I would have liked more for him than just that (but then I guess Keller would have been deprived of anothe chance to reprimand him).
Okay, in less than a year I’ve taken my second police report about evil clones. Maybe I should start writing scifi…
@ tamijb – I am LOVING Sanctuary – very exciting show. Of course, I like the emphasis being on trying to save unique things (when possible) instead of destroying them, but the characters have also grown on me very quickly. Of course, Chris as Druitt was my immediate favorite – he just does ‘intense’ so well! But he also manages to make me feel very sympathetic towards Druitt, though not in the same way I feel towards the Wraith. I feel for them because they are condemned because of their nature, something that is out of their control. Druitt, however…well, I just feel bad for him because he lost his sanity. So, when I see glimpses of sane Druitt, it makes me feel very sad for what he’s lost.
And now there’s Bigfoot, and Henry. I liked Henry right from the beginning, but just because he was NOT Ladon Radim…ifyaknowwhatImean. However, over the course of the last few episodes (Nubbins, The Five, Edward) I have grown very fond of him, and I love the developing relationship between him, and
Todd…erm… Bigfoot.Ah, Bigfoot…as with Henry, his development was slow to start, but what great things we saw in those three eps I mentioned…Bigfoot would make the bestest nanny in the whole world! 😀
Those are my favorite characters, hands down. But I really like Helen, and the kids aren’t too bad, either. 😉 I never really cared for Amanda as Sam – maybe it’s just because I really didn’t know the character. But I love her as Helen – there’s just so much more range there, and it makes the show very enjoyable to watch.
My biggest concern is that this is a show with a female lead – historically, they don’t do well, esp. in sci fi. But I have my fingers crossed that enough people are watching the show for it to get picked up…I certainly need something to help me get over losing my beautiful Wraith, only a year after I first discovered them. *sniffle*
das
Does anybody else see tiny white dots randomly slowly zig zag down this blog? I thought it was my monitor acting wacky, but I checked other sites, including another wordpress blog, and the other sites don’t seem to have it.
Erin – it’s just snow!! WOO! *jumps into wordpress and makes snow angels*
Joe – any way you can get Maximus to chase the snowflakes??! Now that would be awesome! 😀
das
RE: ‘I don‘t seem to understand the argument that Keller and Rodney have become to focus of the show.’
Perfect response, Joe, thank you so much!
Entertainment Weekly Online has an article about ‘The dumbest TV moves of 2008’ at:
http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2008/12/for-friday-dumb.html
That allows comments from fans for THEIR choices on the dumbest TV moves of 2008. Quite a few fans have written in about the cancellation of SGA — both pro AND con!
Ohhh octopus is tasty!!!
Hey Joe,
Quick question. Is the similarity between Anne Teldy and Amelia Banks intentional?
Anne/Christina: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/morjana/08/sga%205/whispers/face/1teldy.jpg
Amelia/Sharon: http://stargate-sg1-solutions.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/chuck-and-banks.jpg
Anne/Christina: http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg275/AnneTeldy/cid_5155245d-9f9e-4f8d-a1f2-e5ce361.jpg
Amelia/Sharon: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/morjana/joblog/davidsharon.jpg
And question 2: ANY chance we’ll see Anne Teldy in the movie? Or should I just get her out of my head?
BTW if anybody’s wondering what I’m doing up at 5.35 european time… Master thesis. 🙁 Wahhhhhh… Anybody got a time portal lying around? I’m starting to regret ever signing up for this.
Seriously, it’s EVIL. EVIL EVIL EVIL! I believe writing a master thesis must’ve been invented by a man, because only the spawn of evil such as men are (hehe) can come up with such a torturous way to mortify thousands and thousands of students worldwide.
And WHO has last names like “Van Heffen-Oude Vrieling & Bärbel Dorbeck-Jung” anyway?! Do they have any idea what this makes my “short”-references list look like?
Thijs 1997, p. 213
Stabel 1997, p. 79
Teubner 1983, p. 19
Van Heffen-Oude Vrieling & Bärbel Dorbeck-Jung 2003, p. 147.
Do these people collect last names or something?
This is just my opinion, so please don’t jump down my throat and tell me to go watch something else. I’m not writing to offend anyone.
I believe the introduction to the Keller character could have been handled differently, which might have made her more acceptable to the long time Atlantis fans. I realize the writers didn’t know Keller was going to become such a bitter target and now the point is mute because the series is ending anyway. But, for future referrence, (SGU), here I go.
I think about the characters Loren, Zalenka, and Chuck. The writers and producers have said in the past they were surprised by the fans overwhelmingly positive response to these three. I know Zalenka was only a temporary character brought in for an episode or two for Rodney. Zalenka lives on. Loren was never meant to be a main character, but today the fans constantly request his presence in every episode. And everybody loves Chuck the Gate Tech! I’ve heard fans saying, “that episode was great and had everyone in it, except where was Chuck? We want Chuck.”
Why? Why are they so accepted? I think it is because their characters came in, with a particular job to do, and that is what they did. They did their job. Period. They did not try to become anybody’s best friend, or lover. Loren never hit on Teyla or Weir. Zalenka never tried to upstage Rodney. Chuck was, and still is, the ultimate ideal worker, and always says “yes ma’am” when asked to “dial the gate” or anything else. They were not pushy or gravitate to center stage. They just did their job.
Keller came in and was immediately made a major member of the original team. She became the 5th wheel. She should have stayed mostly in the infirmary and performed her job, and let the team (and fans) come to her. Her character should have been more slowly eased into the established team if that is where the writers wanted her to be. But I think she was thrown in too fast. It made her look like she was looking for a husband and chasing after all the boys. If the writers would have taken more time with her character, I think it would not have been long before the fans respected Keller and enjoyed her contribution to the series. Then maybe the fans would have been more accepting and we would be talking about how much we love Loren, Zalenka, Chuck and especially – Keller.
And Joe, sorry, (and sorry squall78), Remnants was not your best written episode to date. Broken Ties was!!!!! Case closed!
Sorry Joe but I thought “Brainstorm” was a terrible episode. Why do TV shows feel it necessary to pair everyone up? My favourite SGA Episodes are the Team based ones where the Team gets into trouble and have to figure a way out of the situation. If I want to watch a lame Soap Opera I will tune into The Young and The Restless.
I think it’s good that SGA is ending if it is being written like this. The Stories were great in Seasons 1-4, and about half of Season 5. But the rest of Season 5, sorry Joe I just cannot seem to buy into the whole romance between Keller and Rodney, the Ronon the jealous guy, Teyla nowhere to be seen kicking butt, and Woolsey in charge of Atlantis come on Sam Carter was far better than wall-flower Woolsey.
SGU better be as good as earlier episodes of SGA or else that series will be very short lived. I just hope all of you know what you are all getting yourselves into. And I hope you remember that SGA was a great show before it was sunk.
Fran
I would be grateful if you would drop the snow falling through your blog. I’m all for season cheer, but this is making me sea sick while I’m reading your blog, and my only other recourse will be to stop reading the blog. I’d much rather lose the snow. It might have to do with it being barely visible, but it is wreaking havoc with my psyche. It’s even making it hard to write this.
Hi Joe:
I think I will still prefer the original Fuel. I’m not a big pasta fan.
I think you might have answered this question before, but I have the memory of a gnat. What do you think of the food at the restaurant called “C”? A friend and I ate there in August and I thought it was exceptional.
Can you explain the differences between the following script writing terms?
-CUT TO:
-RUSH CUT TO:
-SMASH CUT TO:
And the most important question of all, did you gain any weight in Japan?
Thanks for reading,
Patricia (AG)
Hi Joe,
Are the “sick” Wraith the new race we saw in Daedalus Variations? I mean they could have survived it in their reality.
And where the drone Wraith the bald “people” we saw back in S3’s Misbegotten?
And I believe this is the 2nd time this season that someone with my last name has died.
S.Williams
Teal’c made a Christmas Special!
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVMf0YnH04w
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Pvh7JUC_rQ
Ooooh… thanks for the video =)
So I imdb’d you, Joe, and it said you wrote music for a Busy World of Richard Scarry episode? I didn’t know you were a composer! 😉
My 2¢ on why everyone hates Keller: you killed Beckett. You killed Beckett and brought in a young, hot, female doctor who isn’t Scottish and doesn’t have a cute accent to take his place. I knew Keller before I knew Beckett, and I have no problem with her!!! Just out of curiosity: did people hate Dr. Lam after you killed Dr. Fraiser? My bet would be that the fans’ hatred of Dr. Lam was much less than their hatred of poor Dr. Keller because the characters were similar (female, no hot accents, kind, compassionate) and you waited a whole season to introduce “the new girl.”
I think I would only be able to afford a one course dinner at Fuel… throw in drinks and a dessert and I’m pretty sure I could feed my whole family at OCB or Denny’s 😉 (Although I’m sure it’s well worth it!!!) If I’m ever in Vancouver, I’ll prolly be checking out Campagnolo instead!
Hey JM,
Thanks heaps for answering my questions, appreciate it 😀
But building on
Ava’s question:
1) Do you plan an international team for SGU like there was in Atlantis? I’m looking forward this new series! It’s so difficult to find a good old scifi series in Tv these days. Anything scifi related and creative is very welcomed.
Your Answer:
1) The Destiny will not be crewed by an international team in the same was the Atlantis expedition was.
I am to assume that the team will we comprised of Americans only?
Thanks again!
You know, the fans tried to explain and reason why they don’t like Keller or McKeller but the writers are just determined to not pay any attention to arguments so you can’t blame fans that they are now throwing hissy fits – obviously, nothing else gets your attention *shrugs*
Why I don’t like Keller? Easy – she’s a Mary-Sue. I liked her when she appeared the first time, a bit inexperienced but cute and fun. But then she started to make these huge leaps in character development – stick fighting major from one ep to another? Really? It feels like huge chunks of her story were cut out to make her better/faster/smarter in nanoseconds. It just doesn’t make any sense at all. Every time she shows another awesome skill that we never saw/suspected her to acquire, I roll my eyes and think, what’s next? Walking on water?
And the McKeller romance? Yes, I dislike it too. First, he’s too old for and it feels like craddle-robbing whenever I see them together, creepy! Second, she criticizes/tries to change everything about him that makes Rodney Rodney. She only started to have feelings for him – what we saw – after The Shrine where he was cute and kind and all boyish. That’s not unconditional love that Marty G. is talking about. And – when did they fall in love, actually? All we saw was one scene with them, nothing, nothing, nothing, one scene, nothing, big epic love! It just doesn’t make any sense. You need to show us, not tell us, bit by bit, the progress and not just the end-result. They went from zero to sixty in three seconds flat. It makes no sense whatsoever.
You wanted romance on the show? An established couple? Why not show us more about Teyla and Kanaan? They have a baby, for Christ’s sake, and we still know almost nothing about them.
You want to develop a character? Fine, that’s perfectly fine with us. But develop them all, not just one. As someone else said, we still know almost nothing about Ronon and he has been on the show for four years! And Teyla. What about her parents? The whole Tagan-Torren fiasco shows that you have no background developed for her.
These are valid reasons why fans dislike Keller and the McKeller ship. Will you now mock me too? Because that seems to be the standard answer you writers, especially you and Marty G., have for any sort of objection.
Checked out Fuel’s website. A bit hard to navigate and the music’s a pain..but the foooooooood!! Did you try out the creme brulee?
omg. Sounds like heaven ..
Sorry to be so critical but the decor of Campognolo is just dreadful. I guess it’s being minimalistic in extreme. But.. as long as the food is good, who cares huh?
Crying inside. Left my SGA season one set in Sydney and don’t think I will get it back. Long story and it ain’t a good one.
Oh yeah.. did you put on some pounds in Japan? Now be honest 😛
@ Das: “Hey – I finally got around to watching the Wales v Australia game a few nights back – Whew! What an exhausting match! THAT had to put a smile on your face! Good stuff!
Oh, and catch me while I’m hot – I like Sheppard again! Woo! I might not feel so generous after the final two eps…”
Yeah, I watched the game and it put a stupid grin on my face for most of last week. Wales were just awesome and it was a timely reminder as to why they’re the 2008 Triple Crown Champions 😉 I was originally gonna record it as i’d planned to be away surfing that weekend. But my Partner decided he’d rip his foot wide open on a rock a few days previously and as he didn’t wanna play at sharkbait, we postponed to this weekend just gone, which meant that I got to sit back and enjoy the game in real time.
Course, I had to watch the Kiwi v England match too – couldn’t miss out on the opportunity of watching my favs kick the crap out of the Twickers Lads.. And wasn’t disappointed either. They killed them. Dead and buried before they’d even had the chance to pull their collective heads out of their arses 😀
Re the whole Shep-and-Todd-mutual-respect-thing: There’s a few things i’ve gotta say that have been brewing now over the past couple of seasons with regards to that particular ‘relationship’. Soo… hold on, this could be a loooong one 😛
I think Infection is the first time since the closing scene of Common Ground that i’ve really seen that compassion and understanding in Sheppard’s face. See, I think we were spoilt by the storyline of Common Ground.. it seemed to set up a (albeit, uneasy) relationship between the two that felt based on not only individual survival, but also a tenuous respect for one another. Both needed to get out of Koyla’s prison and therefore needed one another. They worked well together and there was that precious moment when Todd insinuated he percieved Sheppard to be akin to a brother as he gave him his life back.
That bond, or notion of a bond, seemed to get lost in the following episodes of Season 4. In fact, with the exception of Miller’s Crossing, I don’t feel that we got anything more than disdain from Shep when he was dealing with Todd. After Common Ground, it all seemed a little empty, ya know? The Lanteans needed Todd’s help with the Replicators etc and then there was another vague hint at Sheppard getting in contact during his search for Teyla. But every time we saw contact between the two, it felt completely alien to that initial something that had formed back in the Genii cells. And although I know Sheppard has his particular view on the Wraith, it just felt completely and wholly wrong when compared to the guy who’d stunned Todd with Ronon’s weapon and then carried him specifically to a known Wraith planet. Keeping his word to a Wraith was something i’d have totally expected from him and I would have agreed that they were far closer to one another then, than they’ve been ever since.
Season 5 just seems to have continued from where Season 4 left off and yeah, i’ve been a little perturbed to see the way that Sheppard in particular has both spoken to and treated Todd on the occasions they’ve met up. Okay, don’t get me wrong.. i’m not expecting roses and a waltz 😛 These two guys come from opposing ends of the food chain and survival will always be a timely intervention between them. But, I expected a little more. I wanted a little more than barbs and insults levied across a table, through prison bars, or over a live vid feed. Yet we didn’t get it. And that notion of a mutual respect seemed to fade into the background, buried beneath the ‘I’m gonna kill ya, before you kill me,’ ideology that sprang up.
Until Infection and the standoff on the Hive, that is.
That scene almost immediately seemed to bring us full circle again, as Todd moved instinctually to feed and Sheppard faced him down. It was brilliantly written and wonderfully portrayed by both actors. Kudos to both Joe and Chris in bringing those few seconds of tension to the forefront of everything. It was poignant, sweet and bitter to see the tables turned from where they’d been back in Common Ground. And I think at that point, we see Sheppard’s compassion and respect return. Yes, he had Todd snaffled off behind bars whilst the rest of the Lanteans run around trying to kill Wraith and Hive alike.. But it felt like the begining of something flickering back to life again.
And then there was the final scene by the Lantean Stargate. Wow. Not too much said, but I think bodylanguage and facial expressions said it all. Here, it really felt as if we were back on an even keel. Both showing that unspoken respect for one another and the quiet compassion we can read between the lines of Sheppard’s actions. This is how it should be. No line dancing or taking one another out for dinner 😛 I don’t think I could stomach happy, smiley faces between two such formidable Foes. But that tenuous balance of mutual respect seems to be back in place and I really hope we continue to see that in whatever storylines remain left to us.
Sooo… Uh, apologies for the babble. I’m not very articulate when it comes to getting my thoughts across, but judging from that epic, i’m quite good at the spamming side of things. Sorry, Joe. I just needed to get it written down before I realise I can’t be bothered anymore and it all fizzles out 😛
Hi Joe,
I was wondering if you had anything to say to all of us Ronon/Keller shippers who, following Brain Storm, have been left with absolutely nothing. What have we done to deserve this outcome? Many of us have put a lot of time, energy and love into writing fic, making vids, posting on GW etc and now we are told it’s all over. All our hopes and dreams have been stripped away and I, for one, feel very bitter about it.
Also, I thought you may be interested to see the result of the latest MGM poll.
Did Dr. Keller choose wisely?
Rodney’s perfect for her! – 18% – 6592
Ronon is better. – 68% – 24523
What about Sheppard? – 13% – 4774
Now I know these things aren’t totally representative but surely this poll taken together with comments from fans must give you pause for thought.
Blen
Olive oil cake? Beside the name sake I can’t imagine what else would go into it. Especially if there was a icing for it.
Hahaha, those snowflakes drifting across the screen had me rubbing my eyes this morning, wondering if I really was seeing white spots. Way to make me doubt my sanity and wellbeing first thing on a Monday! *grin*
I finally got done with reading THE TRAVELLER on the weekend, and immediately started on the second book in the series. I’m really enjoying the story; hopefully, book 3, when it comes out, ends with the Harlequins winning. Or failing that (which I’ll admit I think is unlikely at this point — it doesn’t feel like the sort of story to have a fairytale happy ending), I hope it ends with Nathan Boone getting his just desserts. He’s kind of a generic baddie at this point, and I want a traditional Hollywood-blockbusteresque ending for him (preferably complete with explosions and bright flashes of colour).
It’s kind of claustrophobic to see pointed out in print just how many ways we are watched every day, but also interesting because there are so many ways we are watched that I hadn’t even really thought about. One of the things I hated most when I first moved to Britain was all the CCTV cameras — they are everywhere, and seem to multiply like rabbits. But I hadn’t even really thought about cameras in ATM machines, or the electronic chip in my passport, or the fact that I could be tracked through my mobile phone. I hate feeling like I have been bribed into giving up my anonymity in favour of some mythical sense of safety and security…
Hi Joe,
You have returned home safely from your trip to Japan! Did you have a lovely time? Are you refreshed & rearin’ to go?
When I saw the little white dots on the screen I thought my computer was going nutso again! Then I realized it was your blog & my computer is playing nice with me!
You made snow write for the christmas season right?
I would love to go somewhere where they have a white christmas! Its usually laying by the pool on christmas day cause its so hot.
I really like your pic’s from Japan it’s almost as good as being there!
Do you get time of before you start on Stargate Universe?
Is there going to be a Stargate Atlantis movie/movies? If so when do you start to to film them?
Take care & happiness always!
Cathie
Oh my. I didn’t think they could create a restaurant that intrigued me more than Fuel, but…dang! I’m sure any negatives will be smoothed out by the time I actually manage to ever make it to Vancouver. 🙂
Still snowing I see. I’ve put my heating on prior to reading your blog these days, wrap up warm and have a hot toddy before the hot flashes make me take it all off again!
Campognolo looks lovely if somewhat basic. Odd how affordable= spartan but the food does look yummy. bit far to go tho for yours truly.
Cheers
I really enjoyed the latest infected scary wraith last episode, well done makeup and filming. Who didn’t jump when the first one grabbed that poor guy. I just want to “chime in” on the Keller/Rodney relationship, I find it very flat, nonexistent, no feeling. Rodney had way more feelings, lust, heart, flirt, desire etc. for Sam then for Keller. I am sorry Joe but it is just not working for me either. Otherwise you know I love the show. So sad only 3 more episodes, sniff sniff, I will miss it. But looking forward to SGU and the SGA movies.
JenR also writes: “Let me also mention that we’ve only gotten two years with Keller. That’s no where near enough time for us to get used to her, for us to really know her.”
Answer: Fans of Ford would argue otherwise.
So would fans of any show that lasted two seasons or less. Like, for instance, Firefly (among many, many others).
Regarding Arctic Goddess’s question… my understanding is that any “cut to” sort of lines should be avoided in a script, as that would sort of be telling the editor how to do his job. Is that the case, and if so, is that ignored when writing for a show that you’re a regular writer for?
It stopped snowing!
Well, on here at least!
Hello Sir,
Welcome back to work.
Heureux que vous ayez fait un bon voyage au Japon.
It is always a pleasure to read your blog.
Can wait for season 5 SGA and Universe!
P.S.: could you take a look at your moorsyum mails if you have the time for it
Best regards
Can you give us some lil’ bits of info on the enemies SGU is going to have? After all, a Stargate show needs an interesting enemy… So I’ve got a couple of questions, (which I hope you can answer without getting angry looks from mr Wright and mr Cooper)
1) Since the Destiny jumps from galaxy to galaxy, how are you going to have enemies in the show at all? I imagine it’s a bit weird if you have a new enemy every new ep, so therefore there has to be either
a) an enemy with a veeeery advanced hyperdrive that can follow the Destiny (not very likely, imo)
b) an enemy that is present in the galaxies they go to
c) the enemy is galaxy-bound, but the Destiny doesn’t jump galaxies very often (say once in five years) so the enemy can stick around for a while
2) The Destiny jumps to galaxies where even the ancients haven’t been, and therefore haven’t been able to seed life there. I guess the enemies and allies aren’t humanoid at all, then?
3) Are the bad guys of the show really pure-evil badasses like the Goa’uld, Ori or early-season Wraith? Or more bad guys which aren’t really bad guys but just have opposite goals, and which you can ‘identify’ with, like with Todd now?
also
4) Are we supposed to know the ‘surprise guest star’ from the SGU mid-season twoparter, or is it a new face?
Well, for once those dishes seem and sound like something you could find in an Italian restaurant in Italy.
@das writes: “I liked Henry right from the beginning, but just because he was NOT Ladon Radim…ifyaknowwhatImean. However, over the course of the last few episodes (Nubbins, The Five, Edward) I have grown very fond of him, and I love the developing relationship between him, and Todd …erm… Bigfoot.”
Boy, I’m so obvious they might as well as call me Mrs.Obvious. I thought the actor who played Henry was familiar I didn’t realize it was the sameone who played Ladon Radim in SGA. On the website it said that he was from Battlestar Galactica so I was trying to picture who he played on that show. but I aslo like Henry as well. usually I am pretty good at picking put who was who from different shows.
“My biggest concern is that this is a show with a female lead – historically, they don’t do well, esp. in sci fi. But I have my fingers crossed that enough people are watching the show for it to get picked up…”
Mine too, but I think that there is enough going on in the show itself to keep people interested. As long as they keep writing great episodes I think it will last. There is so much that can be done with this type of storyline. And also even though there is a female lead in the show we didn’t get to know a whole lot about Helen till like the fourth or fifth episode.
Joe: I just read Martin G’s Q&A and I quess that answer’s my question about him quest blogging.
Tami
Hey Joe,
The next time you see Martin Gero, please hug him for me. If you don’t want to do that, at least shake his hand. I just loved his Q& A. : )
You made your site snow! That’s legendary.
So I kinda agree about Keller, we see way to much of her.
I do like the content that gets tackled in a lot of the story lines. They have gotten darker and serious, I like that you guys are doing that. I still get a weird feeling when I watch “Miller’s Crossing”. What Shepherd did was what he HAD to do to protect Rodney event though it took it’s toll on him. Imagine manipulating someone into giving up their life. It is disquieting, for me anyway, living in NA where we are lucky enough not to have to deal with a lot of the sick things that humans are capable of.
The thing I was hoping to see before the series was out was the toll that all of the compartmentalizing took on Shepherd. The slight peek that we got in “Remnants” was a tease ;).
I am really going to miss this show. It was positive to look forward to during my week.
I just got an email back from David at Fuel confirming my reservation for the 14th at 5:30! I am so giddy right now I can’t stop smiling. This will be a great memory for me and my sister. He did say that they will make sure not to include any cheese in my food. He also said he would foward me the Chef’s menu for that night in January.
I also wanted to ask you where to go to get the best German food.
I think my sister and I are just going to wander the streets-hopefully coming across some locations used in our favorite shows*wink wink* and then eat at Fuel. Four days does not seem like a lot but I will cram as much as I can into my trip.
Thanks for the thoughts
Hi Joe, I guess you can’t please everybody, but I wonder how Jewel Staite would feel if she read some of these comments. Personally, I have really enjoyed Season 5, and I like the idea of mixing things up a bit. This business of nitpicking episodes to death just makes me think that maybe the nitpickers should write and produce their own shows and see how that goes for them.
Re the snowflakes, I also thought I was having a stroke 😉 Have a good week everybody!
Virtual snow on the screen, real snow falling outside.
Mmm, the octopus looks tasty. It all looks tasty; even the eggplant which I can’t have. Mmmm.
Christmas in Japan is … weird. Interesting, but commercial and did I mention weird? I wouldn’t plan a trip around it. But New Year! That’s a major holiday. We braved the shrines at Kamakura one year, wow.
Now that there’s been a memorial service and a wake for my brother, I am feeling far calmer, although weepy at odd moments. Strange how life just keeps ticking along without him.
Hi again Mr M!!!
Thanks for the intro/expo of the new restaurant! Sounds gorgeous. I see that there is a “no reservation” policy…Is this common in most city restaurants? I remember it’s the same in Vij’s…. Please convey my best wishes to Chef Belcham and Tom Doughty and indeed all the gang at Campagnolo. If I convince Her Royal Highness to fly to Vancouver with me, then I shall be popping in there without question.
How goes the Super Secret Project??? Have you moved on from the scene outside the Retirement Home yet?
Best to all
Shirt’n’Tie
PS Please tell your Mom that her Friendship cake is huge hit!! We made it again here recently with the small people helping out…Lovely!! Is she visiting again this Christmas?
Best to all
S’n’T
Coucou Joseph!!
Sa va ? Moi oui sauf que je n’ai dormi que 2 heures cette nuit, je ne sais pas pourquoi j’avais des courbatures aux jambes!
Enfin, mise à part cela et bien je suis toujour la meilleur éléve de ma classe, mon blog de stargate est toujour le plus populaire et je m’inversti a fond dans la convention de Paris (mais comment puis-je faire autant de choses en même temp? ^^)
Passer une bonne journée! Gros bisou
Hi Joe,
thank you for your answers to my questions!
I wonder … have you ever written a character with a name of someone who you really didn’t like just to let him die in the show??
Oh, and whose idea it was to bring to the SGA a Czech character? Im soo loving it!
tc,
Ava
OMG!!! I want some of that Nutella tart! Mmmmm.
And for the record, I enjoyed the last two episodes of SGA, I liked the character development, especially with regard to Rodney’s smugness/arrogance.
Check.
@ Perragrin – First – OUCH! I hope your partner’s foot’s okay! And yeah, it was an awesome match – I almost missed it! My dvr is so filled up with SGA, Sanctuary, and old film noir flicks that I’m about out of space. So, I hadn’t set it to record, and I just happened to be flipping through channels when I saw it, so I quick deleted a couple of old S4 SGA eps (Wraith-free ones 😉 ) to make room for it. Missed only about eight minutes of the beginning. I wish I could have saved it, but I must’ve recorded about 6 matches this weekend – all Heineken Cup, and some Frenchie thing. 😀 Had to delete a couple Zatoichi movies for that. 🙁
NZ v England was painful to watch. But I’ve never been a big fan of England, so I don’t mind seeing them get clobbered now and then, although I did like Jonny Wilkinson lots before he became so damn fragile. He had real passion for the game, and I couldn’t help but admire his skill a few years back. Not sure he’ll ever be that good again.
I used to get Rugby World mag – really enjoyed it, but it was so expensive to get here in the States, so I dropped it. Now that I am getting so many club level matches, I wish I was still getting the magazine…it helped me get to know the players, something that’s hard to do living in a country that’s so totally clueless about the game. Oh well…
@ Joe – Please, please, please – if you haven’t read through Perragrin’s comments about Shep/Todd, please do so. I couldn’t have said it better – both what has bothered me over the past two seasons, and what Infection has – hopefully – corrected.
Like it or no, Common Ground was a brilliant episode that laid the foundation for a very special relationship. And, like it or no, Todd restored Sheppard’s life – not just in repayment of a debt – but because Sheppard was ‘akin to a brother’. That’s how most fans saw that episode and that moment, and it’s the part we wanted most to see developed further, but it all seemed to be lost over the course of S4 & S5 (with a few exceptions).
Perragrin – no need to apologize, it was perfect and I really can’t add anything more to those comments – they perfectly expressed how I feel, and why I hope that Infection did represent a true (and positive) turning point in this very unique relationship…getting it back to where it should be. But I’m afraid that maybe it was just a quirk, and the next time we see these two, it will be business as usual, and that will be heartbreaking.
I can only hope, Joe – that IF Todd survives the final episode and makes it into the movie – you take into consideration this very special relationship between Wraith and man, and handle it with great thought and care. I know you have it in you to do so.
das
ytimynona said:
I can only speak for myself. I liked Dr. Lam. I wish Lexa had moved to Atlantis because in my opinion from what I’ve seen of both on the show she’s a better actress than Jewel and much more believable as a doctor. She commands the infirmary, Jewel doesn’t.
Sometimes I’ve liked the way Keller was written, other times I haven’t. I agree with what Ponytail said about the other characters like Lorne, Zelenka and Chuck being accepted because they came in and did their job without injecting themselves heavily into the plot.
Cheers, Chev
Joe wrote Just because they’re the show’s protagonists doesn’t mean they act virtuously at all times.
I agree with you on this one. This philosophy is more realistic and can make a show much more interesting. Sheppard has been fairly consistently written and his goals aren’t always what others would consider the ‘morally right’ goals. Personally, I thought his reaction in “Infection” to the Wraith’s situation and ultimately to Todd was dead-on and I liked it. I may not always agree with the decisions, but I see where they come from. (And after the point/counterpoint of betrayal between them, Sheppard really doesn’t owe Todd anything.)
As for not liking the character of Keller? I’d wager in many cases, such as my own, it has nothing to do with Beckett. (I’d have been happier if he’d stayed dead and fed the storylines that way.) Also, I’ve grown to like new characters such as Woolsey and Carter and Ronon, so I don’t think I’m too closed-minded about change. For all three, I was a fan after only a few episodes. Keller still hasn’t gelled for me. I’ve liked her here and there, but not overall. I’d prefer Keller at this point if she’d shown some growth since she was introduced. Doubt and uncertainty can be interesting for a short while but then it gets annoying (which opinion feeds my low hopes and interest for SGU, which apparently has all kinds of inexperienced folks. Rash, uninformed opinion? You bet. I’m still bitter.)
Thanks to Ava for asking about Kiryk, he was a great character and a nice foil for Ronon, not to mention quite sexy with Keller. It would be nice to see the same actor pop up in the SG verse in future.
The actor playing Kiryk also played Tess Mercer’s security guard this season of Smallville. Haven’t seen much of Tess lately on SM but he may pop up again there too.
Ah Kiryk, you sweet doll-making beastmaster of a runner! We’ll take you any way we can get you!
Joseph, thank you for answering me. Yes, I remember you said we would learn how everybody stands with regards to the wraith, and indeed, it was very enlightening. In fact, most characters didn’t surprise me; the only exceptions were Teyla, in the good direction, and Sheppard, in the bad one. I was very pleased to see that Teyla has some consideration for Todd and his wraith now that they don’t feed on humans any more, especially after willingly sending many of “her” own wraith to their death in “The Queen”. She didn’t act out of blind revenge, and that was really great.
But Perragrin expressed my concerns about Sheppard much better than I could ever have. 🙂 The promises of the end of “Common Ground” were mostly disregarded in season 4, and here in “Infection”, it was even worse.
Moreover, since Sheppard is the main hero of the show, there is nobody to balance his actions. Weir used to be the expedition’s voice of conscience, but now, Sheppard is more or less the one who makes decisions, even though Woolsey is theoretically the boss. I accept that the main characters sometimes do bad things, and I truly like it *when the show acknowledges that they are bad things* — but I didn’t feel it was the case here. Because it’s a TV show and not reality, I expect that the characters will be punished for their bad actions instead of going away with them unchallenged. The punishment does not need to be drastic; simply being forced to acknowledge their mistake is good. To give an example of what I mean, Sheppard disobeying Weir’s order in “Hot Zone”, or McKay’s arrogance in “Trinity”, or Weir allowing the torture of Kavanagh in “Critical Mass” are all strong examples of a character being forced to face his misdeed. In “Infection”, however, not only does nobody blame Sheppard for his crimes, but Todd, the main victim, even ends up thanking him. It left me hateful against Sheppard, sad for Todd, and ultimately craving for justice.
You compare it with Sheppard’s backstory, but the situations were very different. In Irak, he was trying to save a life. Here, he simply sentences Todd and his entire crew to death for having tried to ensure the survival of his species. True, at the expense of the Daedalus crew, but it was nothing Sheppard wouldn’t have done had the situation been reversed. While the Irak events are a consequence of his compassion for his friend, the “Infection” events are born of personal revenge and hypocrisy (condemning Todd for things similar to what he, himself, did to Todd in numerous occasions). I would have understood simply ensuring that the crazed warriors wouldn’t endanger his people, but Sheppard willingly sentenced to death many faced wraith, who were as rational as Todd and didn’t even feed on humans any longer. Keller claimed that Sheppard knew compassion, but while it applied to his attempt at saving his friend, what he did in the sick hive was the pure negation of compassion.
@ tamijb – The reason you didn’t recognize that Henry and Ladon are one in the same is because Ryan plays the two so differently. Ladon has a 2 x 4 up his arse, and Henry…? Henry has nipple piercings! 😀
He’s just adorable as Henry…really love the guy and his interaction now with ‘Foot. 🙂 Ryan’s role in BSG was rather short – hubby watches that one so I did see his performance – but again, it was a stuffy military-type role (I think he was shot, or something)…not loose and carefree like Henry.
I agree with you about the show, and how – although it has a female lead – there’s enough going on that you don’t feel like the character is being shoved down your throat. I also like how they don’t use every actor in every episode – but spread it out a little. Makes their appearances more exciting.
I loved this past week’s ep – it seems to get more exciting with each passing episode. I have not been disappointed yet!
das
I don’t know how you guys do it. How you put up with people’s completely asinine arguments and statements. It makes ME mad just to read it. WTF is up with people and Keller???? Yes, she came onto the show as the CMO, “replacing” the spot Beckett had filled. You know what, Ronon came on to “replace” the void left by Ford in a very similar way. And yet I hear no arguments about that. (Or were there, at the time?) I just find the entire thing absolutely ridiculous. I LIKE McKay. And I LIKE Keller. And, yes, I LIKE them together. It’s a very good balance. And another thought – if Ronon had been the one to end up with her, would the fan reaction have been the same? Or what if it was SHEPPARD that had a love interest. I’m thinking an emphatic no, which just brings us back around to ridiculous.
On another note – I loved Keller’s little “son of a bitch” in the hallway in “Brain Storm,” and I’m guessing it wasn’t coincidental how much she sounded like Rodney when she said it.
PERRAGRIN! HELP!! Laura Dove is starting to make me hate Sheppard again… 😛
Friggin’ Lanteans. 😡
*hugs Todd*
Heck…why stop there…
*pinches Todd*
😀
das
Joe,
Just putting in my two cents here. I have never been a big fan of Kellers, I think I’ve made that clear. However, I don’t understand where people think she’s “taken over the show” this season. Thank you for the breakdown of her episodes.
Keller has grown on me this year and I think a major part of her growth is vested in her relationship with McKay. She’s perfect for him, she doesn’t take any of his garbage. Now, a lot of people say she’s trying to change him. If she’s trying to change him, then I guess Sheppard’s worse. He’s been “trying to change” McKay for five years.
This has been a great season for the most part. Long live McKeller.
PS: I forgot who said it, but I agree. “Broken Ties” was your best ep this season.
Hi Joe,
I don’t think I told you, but I really enjoyed “Infection” this past Friday!! Hope it does well with ratings.
And I am really looking forward to “Identity” this Friday!
And just to give you some positive feedback (not that I think you really need it) but I like Keller and I like the Rodney/Jennifer pairing. – now no one attack me, I like them, so please don’t jump me or criticize me!
Oops, Das, sorry. Perhaps we can try a Todd group hug? 😉 But you can still take comfort in the hope that the future may be more satisfying. Hopefully Sheppard will make amends to Todd for all the wrongs he inflicted him (and poor Todd only even knows half of it!)
The ending of the episode left room for a more positive follow-up, so we’ll have to wait and see how it plays out.
Hey… the snow ate my last post.
Bah.. >.>
Das: No, no, no, no… Stay over here on the dark side. Think sweet things. Pretty things. Unicorns, Fairies and Musical Nuns singing to soggy children in the middle of a storm. We likes Sheppard, we do.. 😛
First off – that nutella tart looks amazing. I’m tempted to visit Vancouver just to try it.
Secondly – Do you know of any plans to put in some sort of tribute to Don Davis in the third SG-1 movie? (I was just reminded of this idea while watching reruns on the Sci-Fi channel)
@ Laura Dove – I can only hope that what happened in Infection leads to something positive for Todd. God knows, as far as fictional characters are concerned, he certainly deserves it.
And the group hug thing? All for it! Funny how fans of the human characters love the whumpage – Shep whumping, McKay whumping – whatever. But we Wraith fans (and specifically Todd fans) aren’t so big on the whumpage. I guess it’s because they are beaten down in every episode, that – after a while – it just becomes too overwhelming.
Just think about it – Todd starving in prison, Todd shot and bleeding to death, Todd captured and put into bondage (okay – admittedly – that I didn’t mind 😉 ), Todd losing his hive, Todd forced to work for the Lanteans, Todd starving – again, Todd captured and imprisoned by his own kind, Todd losing his hive – again, Todd getting blown up, Todd slapped down by Queen Teyla, Todd sick and dying and forced to help the Lanteans, only to be thrown into a cell (again!) and then forced to save their behinds – but losing his hive (AGAIN!) in the process…and all of this while constantly being threatened with death…I mean…there’s only so much a gal can take!
We need to see something good happen to Todd for a change…but I’m not holding my breath.
@ Perragrin – I’m trying…I’m trying…but if he hurts Todd…I’m gonna smack those pointy elf ears right off’a his boney li’l head!
das
@ Laura Dove
Exactly. Sheppard’s gone so dark lately it seems like he’s starting to come a few sheep short of a flock. Now while no doubt this has a lot to do with every Wraith queen he encounters insisting on trying to break his mental defences and every alien enemy picking him to torture, one’s gotta wonder if he’s still fit to be the military commander of Atlantis, if he shouldn’t be in psychotherapy instead. At any rate, hopefully this won’t make it into the movies.