I don’t know whether it was the glass of wine I had with dinner, the shot of Nyquil I downed before bed, or simply sheer exhaustion, but I slept like a dogless baby last night. Out at 1:00 p.m. and up at 8:30 a.m. No tossing and/or turning. No lying awake, watching the clock. No mad scramble to get Lulu off the bed so that she can vomit on the hardwood as opposed to my pillow. Just seven and a half hours of blissful, uninterrupted sleep. I woke up refreshed and raring to go and so spent the greater part of the day lounging about watching football, saving my strength for the viewing of tonight‘s two hour Survivor season finale and reunion show. Sadly, I’m out of the running in this year’s dark horse and reverse dark horse picks. The Bills were not as good as I’d hoped they’d be, the Bucs nowhere near as bad. Had I won, my winnings would, of course, have gone to a worthy cause (ie. the local center for homeless weevils for one) but, alas, the money will go to someone like Ivon (Jets), Paul (Panthers), or Carl (Browns) who will no doubt blow the money on shoes or baby food.

Oh, and of course I did find time to read the scripts that Lawren sent my way: the first two episodes of the upcoming Stargate: Universe. Those of you looking for a more character-centered scifi series need look no further. While Rush is still my fave, I also think Wray has a lot of potential for getting under Young and co.’s skin. She’s a definite love her or hate her type of character, one who’ll prove the bane to many a series regular, and probably some viewers as well. At present, a lot of the supporting players (James, Brody, Henry, Riley, Grearson, Volker, and dear, dear Franklin) hold a lot of promise as well. I’m reminded of Atlantis’s Zelenka and SG-1’s Lorne (hell, even McKay), secondary characters who, over time, developed into fully fleshed-out personalities and fan favorites.

Hey, maybe it’s time to test out wordpress’s poll function…

Which of the following Stargate: Universe supporting characters has the potential to be the next big break-out Stargate Fan Favorite?
( polls)

 

Today’s entry is dedicated to birthday gal Mazeykins. Hey, where are the pics from the birthday bash?

Sylvia writes: “Cool vids from Indentity. […] Hmmm, although the visual suggestions of the bady’s demise were rather strong, will we ever learn of what happened or at least what your vision was for her?”

Answer: In Carl’s first draft, Neeva’s fate was a lot less open to interpretation. I suggested leaving it a little more open-ended because I quite liked the character that he had created and thought it might be fun to see her come back to cause some problems for the team (thus the prospective episode titled “Payback” that made up part of that AU Season Six episode list I posted a while back, not to be confused with “Revenge” which would have seen a return visit by the dark Asgard.)

Ponytail writes: “Will Ronon get a hair cut for the movie? Just answer a) yes, b) no, c) I’ll see what I can do.”

Answer: Barring a surprising change of heart on Jason’s part, Ronon will be sporting a new do in the movie.

Ytimyona writes: “Was just rewatching Ripple Effect (one of the SG-1 episodes I picked out of my iTunes queue to watch with my little sister when I get home for break on Thursday) and saw that you and Paul wrote it. Can you ask Brad if he plans to include a reference to Mitchell’s “Cut the green one” hint in the next movie? “

Answer: No, we won’t see a reference to cutting “the green one” in the upcoming SG-1 movie. Like the open-ended Neeva scene, the “cut the green one” reference was something I was hoping to pay off down the line if the opportunity ever presented itself.

Ytimyona also writes: “I get that alt-Mitchell would be angry with the real SG-1 for foiling alt-SG-1’s plans, but I believe that they really did have their hearts in the right place and that alt-Mitchell was really trying to help (perhaps because he felt guilty about what they had just done?).”

Answer: Yes, their hearts were in the right place and, in my mind, alt-Mitchell was offering our Mitchell some sound advice…should the situation ever present itself.

Dori writes: “Do you do any test for likeable quoitent before you sign a new actor?”

Answer: If you could come up with a scientifically sound means of arriving at a “likeable quotient”, we’d be happy to use it!

Shiningwit writes: “ Ok I’m thirty minutes in and I’ve had to restart my computer so I could take you guys to task over this but I couldn’t help but notice AGAIN that the anti-good guy Magistrate seems to be channeling Tim Curry. another bloody brit accent, do you guys dislke us THAT much?”

Answer: What can I say? The best actor for the part happened to British. Also, recent findings have shown that a disproportionate number of villains happen to be British. Go figure.

Montrealer writes: “Don’t really think anime is suitable for complex story telling.”

Answer: Oh, disagree. Check out Cowboy Bebop or Now and Then, Here and There and get back to me on that.

2cats writes: “Of course, just being laid off from my job doesn’t help either. And during a really severe recession. And amongst the highest unemployment in 27 years. And just in time for Christmas…grumble…”

Answer: Hey, Carol. Here’s hoping for a brighter 2009.

JoJoB writes: “In seasons 1 and 2 McKay usually went off world with only a 9 mm. By seasons 3 and 4 he usually had a P90. This season he was back to the 9mm most of the time. Whose decision is it what, or rather how many, weapons he carries? Also, why the change?”

Answer: Much depends on the type of mission the team is going out on. Usually, if it’s an op, they’ll be packing P90’s. If it’s a simple planetary investigation, McKay will usually make do with a 9mm. Still other times, it may come down to Rodney’s personal preference. Does he really feel like lugging around a P-90 on the day? Or does he wake up feeling particularly vulnerable that morning and opt for the big gun?

DasNdanger writes: “I know I mentioned it here before, but I was wondering if you ever read Michael Moorcock’s Elric of Melnibone series?”

Answer: In fact, yes, I read the entire series back in college. Very dark but terrific nevertheless.

Shaddry writes: “Have you ever been to Restaurant Connor Butler?”

Answer: I have. Do a search for Connor Butler in the right sidebar to find my review.

75 thoughts on “December 14, 2008: Sleep! Glorious Sleep! And the Search for the Next Big Stargate: Fan Favorite!

  1. I’m feeling more like you yesterday, Joe. I worked Saturday overnight and tonight overnight. Not unusual in itself, but ND’s going through a terrible, horrible, going-on-3-day blizzard. Most of us at my job have not gone home in the past day and a half. And we certainly haven’t gotten much sleep! Gotta love snow. :p Glad to hear u got some rest!

    I get more excited about SGU all the time. Though I can’t believe SGA has only 2 episodes left, ever!

    Hope you have a good, non-blustery day!

  2. Hello Mr. M.,
    Glad you had a nice restful sleep last night! Here’s hoping for another and many more to come.

    How’s Lulu doing? I woke up to a big sloppy mess of vomit this morning. Actually stepped in it… YECK! Wish I knew which kitty was feeling bad. I can’t tell by their individual demeanor?!?

    Hey what do you know; Bob not only won the million, but he won the 100K from Sprint too! Go figure… a good guy, an authentic great guy finally won Survivor. About time!

    Cheers
    Patricia

  3. Thanks, Joe! I appreciate the feedback on Elric – I haven’t heard anything bad yet about it, except the dark part…which I may, or may not, be able to handle…depending. I know there is a graphic novel that DC (I think) published a while back – I might start with that if I can find one, seeing as how I prefer pictures, and all. 😉 But tonight the guys were just praising the series so much, and – well…with my current thing for pasty dudes, I figured maybe I could at least tackle the first book if I like the GN well enough.

    And – aren’t you posting awful late tonight? Still not sleeping? I’ll read the rest of your blog tomorrow with my coffee…tired now, and really need to go to bed myself…it’s been a looooong day. We just got in from my lcs’ appreciation night, and I won a D&D Black Dragon! :

    http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/dasNdanger/Blackdragon.jpg

    Now – you might wonder what on earth I’m going to do with a Black Dragon, seeing as how I’m not into gaming at all, or D&D, or dragons. Weeeeelll…I’m gonna stick him on my desk and name him Todd! I might even slap a white wig on his head. 😀

    das

  4. You’re making me sleepy just thinking of a good night’s sleeeepzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

    Cheers to a good night’s sleep! Can you please make it into a contagion and send some this way. Thanks muchly!

    Poor weevels. Expect the shelter dedication in your honour to be cancelled. I heard Ali Abbas was flying out for it as your surprise guest.

    @Riley – It was a combination of factors…
    1. Our catch up had me thinking, “Yes, Joe’s blog has good people”
    2. Having just my own voices in my head started to become unsettling.
    3. Some lovely regulars contacted me and what they said made me go “Awwwww shucks”
    4. And most importantly, Joe, you crack me up!

    While I’ll still be “lalalalalala”ing my way through post episode rants, I have my new attitude on and full body armour **tink, tink** See, tough.

  5. @ Narelle – Just getting ready to go to bed…saw your e-mail…will get back to you later…too tired tonight…only thing keeping me awake right now is a cat compulsively licking my arm. 😕

    @ wolfenm – Thanks for the recommendation! Once I get through my backlog of comics (I’ve been a slacker bint lately 😛 ), I’m going to check the books out – might not dive into them, but I will look them over!

    Nite, Joe!

    das

  6. I slept like a dogless baby last night

    Oh, what a lovely thought! My 14-year-old dog thinks he has to sleep tucked up against me at all times. When I want to roll over, I have to shove him (nudging doesn’t work). He then staggers to his feet and stares at me like “What?!?” Then he has to work at re-wetting his tongue, which is dry because it sticks out when he sleeps, and THEN he starts the circling, circling, circling on shaky old legs until he’s found the perfect spot curled up against me as tightly as possible. I regularly find myself clinging to 6 inches of bed without any blankets while Radar sleeps blissfully on my electric blanket with his head on my pillow. Then I shove him over and tug on the blankets, and the whole thing starts over again.

    As I’m typing this, he has managed to hurl himself up onto the couch (his jumping ability is not what it was, but he won’t admit it) and curl up against me, shoving my elbow out of his way, which makes it hard to type…he’s a sweetie, but I really wish he’d sleep somewhere else!

  7. Yaaay! You’re not dead! I feared the worst when you didn’t post at your normal times. I imagined that, perhaps, you had gotten your tongue stuck to a pole outside in this Vancouver-frigid weather here in Vancouver, and the exposure, mixed with a random tomahawk to the head (they’re all the rage these days, I’ve heard), had killed you.

    Luckily, that did not happen. All is right with the world.

    Anyways…those are all secondary characters?! Wow. Hmm…you named a character after my buddy Henry and not me? That’s unfortunate. Universe is official ruined for me.

    But before I take my leave forever and always…that’s COOL! It seems that there’s going to be more of a community on Destiny than even Atlantis’s first year.

    I wonder though, with such a large group of characters, are we going to arrive at a situation where a character may not appear in an episode while we deal with another group of characters, like in Heroes? That’d be very interesting indeed. I think it’s time to step away from the “on opening credits = more important” style and just focus on character interaction and development, regardless whether they’re Young or Volker.

    Speaking of Rush, Robert Carlyle is playing him! Is that good? I’ve never seen him before. Hopefully that’s good.

    But it sounds to me like Wray is the character I’ll probably love the most. Sounds like a Vala, and I love Vala!

    So I’ll go with Wray.

    Oh, did you tell Wray Douglas that you named a female character after him? Is he going to blow something up as a result?

  8. I knew that was Carl! I hit rewind and paused at the picture…my friend watching it with me thinks I’m insane for even knowing what the writers look like.

    Read the entry from a few days ago about not being able to write a beat sheet…I was laughing so hard, because I do the same thing. I’m always giving “I know, but” to my professors when I send in a novel as a beat sheet rather then just a page, or two. Hell…I’d be lucky to get them down to 5.

    This is why I can’t write short stories…It’s probably why I hate reading them too.

    It really is a relief knowing a professional has a hard time doing it too…really…and I mean that in a good way.

    My problem…it’s always backstory…and I always piss myself off because I spend so much time on it and it NEVER goes into the script. But I can’t help it…I’m obsessive and I need to know why they don’t like red. Why they prefer cats. And a million more whys for everything to make since…I drive myself crazy..

    But it’s just so much fun…hehehe…

  9. I’m just looking up any local courses for would-be supervillains, aliens and mutants and I see the local council runs one on a Thursday afternoons in the village hall, it even allows concessions for people on certain types of benefit too. I’m off to sign me up!

  10. I can finally hit the hay knowing the blog’s up, the work’s done, and thank God it’s raining!

    But I’m more confused than ever about SGU. In what way is SGU going to be more character-centered than SG1 or SGA was? What I’m missing in SGA right now is emotional conflict between some of the main characters within some of the storylines, other than McKeller thing. If SGU is leaning towards that kind of interaction, then I’m interested.

    @AnneTeldy – I expect to see your Paul Weller rendition on YouTube! The movie is yes, but it may take awhile. So in the meantime, let me know what other old flicks you like.

  11. Narelle: Delighted to see you back 😀

    Shiningwit writes: “ Ok I’m thirty minutes in and I’ve had to restart my computer so I could take you guys to task over this but I couldn’t help but notice AGAIN that the anti-good guy Magistrate seems to be channeling Tim Curry. another bloody brit accent, do you guys dislke us THAT much?”

    Have you not noticed how The Bad Guy usually carries a specific accent depending on the type of role he’s playing? It was probably a Hollywood phenomena at first, but everyone else seems to have followed suit to one extent or another. Not that I mind a Brit taking on the role of Mr Dark And Evil Incarnate. Typically, I think we have some of the best actors to portray those roles. Just think of Alan Rickman (Quigley Down Under; Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves; Die Hard), or Tim Curry (It; The Three Musketeers; Rocky Horror Picture Show – if you’d count that as ‘baaaad’). The British accent fits in well. It’s clean, leans to a (more often than not) well educated background.. And you always know the guy rubbing shoulders with Queenie is gonna turn around at some point and demand world domination. Blame Bond. Or any other number of well spoken Villains. Tis our lot in life 😛

    – The Die Hard Cowboy : ex-Navy SEAL or Special Ops Turncoat, who, disillusioned with the way the world/Government has turned it’s back on him, will usually run into the room with guns blazing, carrying several tons of C4 and continue to blow-the-shit-out-of-the-place before asking any pertinent questions.. often portrayed by an american accent.

    – The Religious/Political Zealot: having grown up knowing only conflict/war and brainwashed whilst still in the cradle, is the type of character who will go to any lengths to gain worldwide media coverage for their plight and isn’t past using means of transport or public buildings to shove several tons of explosives/a nuclear missile under and threaten to light the sky for weeks to come.. often portrayed by an Eastern European/Middle Eastern accent.

    – The Thug/Drug Baron: a cool, suave character who wears well-tailored suits, has a Vidal Sasoon haircut, carries a diamond encrusted watch on his wrist and likes to beat people with a blunt shovel before dipping them in concrete.. often portrayed with a latino accent.

    – The Ice Man: engineered to the point of pure genius and notorious for cutting out their own hearts with a blunt spoon during early adolescence, this character works to perfection like a machine and expects the same of everyone else around them. Blonde hair, blue eyes, clean-cut and not a speck of stubble in sight, this Villain will happily mow his Grandmother down with his brand new BMW 7 Series in an effort to ensure he’s not late for his dinner appointment.. often portrayed by a Germanic/Scandinavian accent.

    – The Brains: an Oxford Graduate, son of a wealthy family, tailored to pristine lines of absolute perfection and with a lengthy pedigree to suit. This character exudes charm, manners and wit by the bucket, all of which compliment the cool arrogance of a well-polished, well-educated Terrorist. A shark’s smile often preludes the rather bloody and painful ending of some poor, unsuspecting soul. Again, perfection and punctuality are everything. Every last detail is planned through to their realisation of world domination and they would never consider the possibility of being outsmarted. That just wouldn’t be playing to the rules of the sport.. yeah, usually a well-honed english accent.

    Course.. that’s only from my own observations and i’d hate to be accused of stereo-typing anyone 😀

  12. Morning Joe!

    Glad you got some sleep.

    First off my dad had a question that I couldn’t answer ‘sufficently’ for him. *cue eye roll*

    Why do all the Wraith seem to use a Canadian Dialect when they speak? (Process especially seems to be a favorite)

    I tried to explain that with it being a Canadian production that their words were bound to slip now and again.

    Oh and I must say that I have been having a good laugh lately, as my favorite radio station(that happens to be out of Vancouver) has been running a Zellers advert. Something about their “Your everything from A to Zed” store just gets me giggling everytime.

  13. Sleep? That sounds like something nice(it’s been an all nighter at work). Glad you found a cure for your insomnia though. I tried the poll, without bothering to look back at the character descriptions. Is the plan to still go with a “big-name” lead character? How close to casting the role are you folks? And how pleased are you at the Survivor results? Alas, I missed the show from right after the first immunity challenge, but managed to catch the last few minutes of the live broadcast. Geeks rule!
    To Das: By all means, pick up the Elric saga. I can never hear organ music without thinking about a Melnibonean Organ. They make the Wraith look like cuddly friendly puppies by comparison. And Elric is a perfect tragic hero.

  14. So finally Robert Carlyle will be the lead actor for SGU ! It is a great news for the franchise. I think it will bring a famous actor as known as RDA was for SG-1 (and eventually ends the rumors of Carlyle as the next Doctor Who). Did you already speak to him ? What do you think that, as an actor with its own talent, he can bring to the show ?

  15. \o/ sleep! Good for you, Joe.

    Also \o/\o/\o/ RILEY!!! You named a character after me? Aw, shucks Joe! Is it a girl Riley, like me???

    Finally, \o/ Narelle! Welcome back.

  16. typically Mr mallozzi. vote for a fan favorite, and all we know is a name 😀

    well, im curious for the results.

    proper sleeping. exactly what i need

  17. Damn you Malozzi and all of you at Stargate Universe! I’ve been saying how bad Universe is going to be and I was all ready to say goodbye to Stargate in episodic format and them you all go and pull Robert Carlyle out of the bag which draws me back in!

    What kind of evil geniuses are you?!

  18. I’d love to answer the poll, but I’ve got no idea who any of them are! Last thing I paid attention to for Universe was — I think? — the original casting sheet. Is there some more updated info somewhere?

  19. Hey Joe,

    Considering Robert Carlyle is a Scot, Will Dr. Rush be speaking with a Scotish/British accent or will Robert fake an American accent?

    I hope British, Never can have too much “Oh, Bloody hell” and “This is bullocks” being thrown around 😛

  20. So I see that Robert Carlyle has signed up to play Dr David Rush……any other big names signed on….

  21. Can anybody tell me where I can find character descriptions of these SGU guys?? Brody, franklin, Volker, Riley, James…WTF?

  22. Hi again Mr M!

    I voted! Are you enjoying On Basilisk Station? I’m looking forward to your thoughts on same.
    Are you definitely planning a return to Japan in the next couple of years? What, for you was the stand-out memory of the entire trip?

    Best to all

    Shirt’n’Tie

  23. Joe: Noticed the other day that you had copies of The Well-Built Trilogy in your book photos. Hope you enjoy it when you can get to it. Followed your trip to Japan, which looked incedible. Just wanted to say — Happy Holidays!

  24. Glad to hear you finally got a good night’s sleep.

    I didn’t. 🙂

    One cat decided to sleep on my head due to the wind storm. The other was SO happy that we finally got his tree decorated so he had his choice of toys to roll around the hardwood. All night!

    Since Jason already cut the dreads, well, I’m assuming that already answered the haircut question.

    I pretty much forgot to watch football this season. Our team is in “rebuild” mode. Which should last, let’s see, for at least the next 3 years. Blech

  25. I was waiting to razz ya about the Bucs doing good but they have taken a turn for the worse and have to halt the slide or they will miss the playoffs. Eagles are clawing back.

    Identity = what SGA has lost. Quit picking on Zelenka! and gods don’t kill him off it would be the last straw. Best part about this ep was Neeva, superbly played by Dawn O. Hope she got away, great character (another potentially good pairing for Sheppard), but I guess there’s another one we’ll never see again… (comes back with Travelers to kidnap Sheppard and raid Atlantis… oops! ya beat me to it or fanfic) Her scenes with Rodney & Ronon were priceless. Didn’t like to see return to a weak whining Keller, inconsistency again. After two years she’s seen and had to deal with a lot of stuff, should now be more confident and tough (like previously) yes I would prefer to see her pulling the bullet out herself. *sigh* lucky for Keller there was an experienced field surgeon available (Beckett). Also disappointed about the recycling of the Ancient device to support yet another body swap story & uncharacteristic lack of wisecracks ie “Hey that’s my body, watch it!” need humor guys or Stargate is done. No pineapple? Finally, SGC team reports should be required reading for everyone who goes offworld from Earth and everyone who joins SGC from another planet. Sorry Ronon.

    Speaking of YES! YES! have Ronon lose the rug.
    DD

  26. Joseph,
    I have a question about a series of books I am currently reading, Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse saga (now more famous than it was thanks to Alan Ball and “True Blood”). Did you read it ? If so, what did you think of the books, and of the TV show if you had time to watch it ?

  27. I was just reading on SCIFI’s sight that Robert Carlyle was cast in Universe. It didn’t say what character was but said he was the lead so I’m guessing Young. Any behind the scenes insight into his being cast? I don’t know about others, but my favorite parts in your blog are where you talk about all the behind the scenes stuff to making Stargate. Thanks.

  28. Joe, I’m glad you finally got a good night’s sleep and used your energy for a manly activity like dozing through, uh, watching, Sunday afternoon football.

    @das: Ooooh! Nice Black Dragon — it looks lovingly hand-painted. But won’t it be confusing if both your praying mantis and your dragon are named Todd? How will they know which one you are talking to?

    I think Elric would be right up your alley: tormented albino (don’t get much pastier than that) anti-hero, at odds with his father and his people. And then there is the whole life-sustaining soul-sucking sword part. Yeah, I think you might enjoy it, but it is dark.

    @sylvia: darn, the snow was following the cursor yesterday, but won’t do it today. And it isn’t piling up at the bottom of the screen either.

    Narelle: Welcome back! It’s nice to see you here again, anti-negativity body armor and all. 😉

    for the love of Beckett: I had the same experience with certain sections of “On Basilisk Station”!

  29. Hi Joe! I just read the press release about Robert Carlyle and now I’m really getting excited about SGU (I was always willing to give it a chance, but all those snide comments from “fans” about “Stargate-90210” was disheartening) — woohoo!

    I’ve been a huge fan of his since Trainspotting — hell, I even saw Plunkett and Macleane — and he was terrific in the 24 tv movie. I think the casting was a genius move. This definitely makes me feel better about the ending of Atlantis, although I will always be a little pissed that SGA only went 5 seasons. I think there are far more stories to tell and a couple of movies a year just isn’t enough, imo.

    Do you think Carlyle REALLY knows what he getting into? 😉

  30. Glad to hear you got a goodnight sleep Joseph. Here is hoping for more nights rest for you.

  31. @das – now I missed seeing
    @ drldeboer – Sorry, I almost missed your comment from yesterday about Jersey. Palermo? I guess you are well-familiar with Ocean City, then.

    I was born in Somers Point (mom visiting parents). Went for a year to OC High. Haha “beach tag” yes I played that plenty. Thru my childhood my other grandparents house was right on the beach in Ocean City, bought ON THE BEACH for a reason ya know!! I remember when the city told them. Never paid for beach tags. I remember telling cops when I was about 14, to send the bill to the mayor. Those were also the days when a kid could roam the whole island ALONE.
    As a kid also once thought I’d find King Arthur in Avalon.
    DD

  32. Good Morning, Joe!

    Anyway…fan favs.

    I have a lot of trouble liking – even hating – female characters. Often I don’t even notice the female characters (movies, tv, books – doesn’t matter)…totally indifferent to them. Except if I REALLY hate them (Janeway), or REALLY love them (Myrna Loy – as anyone, ever in the history of film). Every now and then a character doesn’t fit into my love/hate reaction – like Keller. I just like her…she hasn’t done a thing to annoy me…yet. Maybe I like her scared bunny rabbit routine…it reminds me of Rogue in the X-Men movies, and I liked that take on Rogue because it was a bit different from the books. So…I guess scared bunny rabbit characters work for me (I also loved that scaredy kid in the last Die Hard movie…so, I do suppose I like that sort of character, male or female).

    And yeah – I am terrible at remembering character names, and sometimes actor names…so bear with me…

    Another type of female character that works for me is the total kickass type. Summer Glau’s character in Serenity, for instance, or Jessica Biel’s character in Blade Trinity, or – and at the top of my kickass list for the sheer realism of the performance and situation – is Streep in The River Wild.

    However, I’ve never been a fan of the Bossy Bitch, the Control Freak Chick, the Party Girl, or just about any type of character in Desperate Housewives.

    So…in a way I’m hoping that you have one good kickass type female character in the new show. Not a Bossy Bitch, but someone more like Ronon, with boobs.

    Looking forward to ‘meeting’ the new characters. I’ll give it 6 episodes before I make any judgment calls – usually it takes me about that much time to know how I feel about the characters.

    The guys I’m actually more afraid about…those are the ones I’m more apt to notice. I’d love to see a moody-loner type…the kind that every steers clear of and never fully trusts – the guy with the hazy past – but is often the one to come through and save their asses in the end…

    Oh, yeah…right. Wolverine is Marvel’s character. 😉

    das

  33. *everyONE steers clear of…*

    One’a these days I’ll learn to proofread. 😛

    das

  34. coucou Joseph!! Sa va ??
    Et oui c’est reparti pour une semaine!!

    Moi demain je fait blocus dans mon lit lol, car les lycée seront bloquer, des lycéens vont manifester, moi je vais les soutenirs dans mon lit lol!!

    Questions:
    1) Le relation ship John/Teyla a t’il un avenir selon vous?
    2)Vous n’avez toujour pas prévu de venir en France?? snif pourquoi?

    aller gros bisou!! je vous adore:!!

  35. Like many others, I just read that Robert Carlyle will be playing Dr. Rush in Stargate Universe. One question, though – I thought that the only “older” character would be the military leader, Col Young? Or is he really portraying Col. Young and all the press releases have it wrong? Also, the press releases stated that Dr. Rush would be the leader of the expedition. Again, I thought Col. Young was. I’m a little confused.

  36. I couldn’t vote on your poll cause I don’t really have an idea what these characters will be like. Care to post descriptions?
    I’ve never heard of Robert Carlyle, so the news doesn’t sway me one way or another about watching SGU, but hope you have a good experience with him.

  37. @ drldeboer – Hee! Another ‘artful dodger’, eh? 😉 Once I put my sign language to use and pretended to be hearing impaired when the inspectors asked to see my tag – aaaahhh! Those were the days!! 😀 (I used to roam the beaches, looking for pirates and their treasure. Heck, I STILL do that! 😆 )

    @ Sparrow_hawk – I don’t think it will be a problem to name him Todd – my real ones are all in praying mantis heaven by now… *sniffle* I just hope they left behind some eggs so I have a new batch in the spring.

    I do have a plastic praying mantis…I call him Jimmy in honor of the keeper from The Rising, who reminds me so much of a mantis, as you know.

    So, I think it’s okay to name the dragon Todd – I’m going to ask Todd’s Worshipper if I can name him Magnificent Todd
    after her black dragon…’Todd’ just sounds so much better with ‘Magnificent’ in front of it. 😀 (Ya know – I’ve never been into dragons…ever…but this guy is kinda cute…in a scary sorta way.)

    I’m going to shop for the Stormbringer graphic novel – I have a couple sites I use for old comics/trades where I may be able to find it. I don’t mind dark if it’s *my* kind of dark – for instance, no problem with Sheppard feeding Todd, but a big problem with Sheppard murdering Bob. See? I CAN do dark…if it goes my way. 😀 Heck – I love Wolverine, especially his darker stories…I can handle it if it doesn’t make me depressed, but makes me THINK.

    For instance, one of my favorite ‘dark’ [Ultimate] Wolverine moments is when he is sent to find a mutant boy whose newly discovered power is to vaporize everyone near him. No way to stop it – no way to quarantine the kid – there is only one solution. Wolverine – with his healing ability – is the only one who can get close to the boy. He finds him in a cave, talks with him a while…gives him a beer. The kid is crying, realizing that – against his will – he killed his parents, his friends – hundreds of people in just an instant. Wolverine won’t look the kid in the eye, he tells the kid what’s happened…he listens…then he says to the kid, ‘finish your beer’.

    Next panel is Wolverine walking out of the cave, alone. You know he killed the kid – it was a very dark moment – but at the same time it made me think…it didn’t depress me at all. My second favorite dark [Ultimate] Wolverine moment is when he tries to kill Scott Summers. 😀 Hell…given the chance, I’D try to kill Scott Summers!

    @ Joe – Quick question: Does Todd know he’s been named Todd yet? Will we ever see him react to learning his ‘name’? (Thank GOD Sheppard didn’t name him Fluffy!)

    das

  38. RONON GETS A NEW DO !!!!!!!!!!

    HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN !!!!!!!!!!!!

    Thank you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  39. @ Noir – My comic shop guy recommended Corum (I think it was that one) – he said it’s loosly based on the Balor/Nuada legends, just like Prince Nuada in Hellboy II is also loosly based on those same legends. He also explained to me the connection between Elric and Corum as Eternal Champions…and so on and so forth. It all does sound very interesting – I’ve just never really been into fantasy that much, I’m more of a standard sci fi fan, but all I’m hearing is good – no bad – so I think I’ll just have to give it a try…IF I can stay focused long enough to read a book. I need motivation!!! Not sure ‘albino with a soul-sucking sword’ will be enough!!

    On the other hand…maybe it is enough… 😉

    das

    PS: Joe – yesterday’s blog is closed to comments…locked. Not sure if you are aware of it, or not.

  40. Montrealer, I totally agree with JM about the way coolness of Cowboy Bebop, and to that list I’d add Persopolis and Ghost in the Shell. Cowboy Bebop is so very cool, possibly the coolest show that ever was or will be, sadly they only made a few seasons and 1 movie then stopped cold. It’s well worth checking out!

  41. Hi!

    Glad your sleeping! I’m ridiculously excited that Hamish McBeth, I mean, Robert Carlyle is coming to Stargate Universe. Now here’s hoping the SAG doesn’t go through with the strike and screw up the production schedule for Universe OR the Atlantis movie.

  42. So I was watching some kind of retro channel that comes in from the states and reliving my childhood with the likes of “The Great American Hero” when a thought struck me.

    Sheppard flying Airwolf!

    No? lol What are your thoughts?

  43. It was a long cold weekend here after the ice storm took out our power for most of the weekend. I see not much happened while I was burrowed in my fleece and under my covers waiting for the power to come back on. I decided to spend my hours in the dark trying to read “Twilight” by flashlight. I am curious what the hoopla is all about. So far, I haven’t figured it out.

    I don’t know who Carlysle is so can’t say that the announcement did anything to energize my interest in SGU. Makes me sad.

    The promos for “Vegas” look intriguing. Should be fun!

  44. I don’t care which part Robert Carlyle is playing – I’ll watch anything with him in it, especially Stargate with him in it! He is absolutely stunningly brilliantly wonderful! And he looks good. His Scots accent is delicious, so I’m hoping he’ll be using it. He also has the capacity to play light and dark – very dark – so that’s going to give the show that range of emotion that’s the best of Stargate.

    Oh, yes, I’ll be watching, that’s for sure. Somehow or other, I’ll be watching.

    If you don’t know who he is, find out! It’ll be worth it. Trainspotting – Full Monty – the noble and wonderful Hamish Macbeth – sigh. So many other interesting films, too.

    Looking forward to seeing who else is cast. But a great start!

  45. Thanks to Silver for posting about the sale on the Complete SG1 set, now on sale at Amazon. I’ve ordered a set for myself, but am a little concerned after reading all the comments from buyers. Many have complained about shoddy packaging, scratched disks, or even missing disks.

    Anyhow, something to be aware of. I’m going to check all mine over carefully as soon as they arrive.

  46. Oooo.. Robert Carlyle 😀

    A brilliant actor, talented across such a broad spectrum of characters and roles. And yet another Brit who plays the Bad Guy to absolute perfection.

    Guess my only trouble is that every time I see him, I get Tom Jones singing ‘You Can Leave Your Hat On’ rattling around inside my head. That’s, uh… gonna make for some interesting Stargate viewing.

  47. slow day…

    das
    (I used to roam the beaches, looking for pirates and their treasure. Heck, I STILL do that! 😆 )
    Find any “Cape May diamonds”? 😉
    DD

  48. Sleep is wonderful, so I’m glad you got some! I’m sure the other students who may read this blog are well aware of that…especially since it’s examination time. 🙁

    I voted for Riley in your poll, merely because I like the name.

  49. GREAT CHOICE OF ROBERT CARLYLE!!! He had some of my favorite scenes in Transpotting. Will he be playing Dr. Rush with an American or Irish accent?

  50. Hey Joe. A thread at Gateworld yesterday had me thinking about the Wraith, and I wrote this:

    The movie would be a good vehicle to reveal something BIG about Wraith society; for instance, do they have an overall goal besides just eating and fighting? Do they have a wish for something more, just like how humans and Ancients want ascension?

    The cool thing about the Wraith is that, though their development as a species has been mostly cobbled together, there is an underlying consistency; they are the product of evolution gone to the specialized extreme, where a Wraith only has 1 food source. What’s more, unlike the other baddies, they aren’t too human, nor are they too far removed. The Goa’uld were too human (they’re just humans without any morals), while replicators and Ori were too inhuman and one-note. The Wraith strikes a balance; they’re obviously not human, with various values and traditions unlike us, but they are also very closely linked to us.

    There’s A LOT of development that can be done here. Even if you don’t know what to develop, it should be clear that it’s a fertile playing field.

    No, I’ve not been brainwashed by [b]Das[/b]. 😉

    I think the time for portraying the Wraith as pure bad guys are over. They are not scary, IMHO, and it’s futile to continue to rely on that. Todd is cool, but he’s just one person. We need an indepth look at Wraith society as a whole. One way or another, you guys have created a race that, not only serves as the antagonists of the series, but is also incredibly intriguing on its own. IMHO, it’s time to let go of the “snarl! I must feeeed” image and go the other direction, to see what makes them tick, and how their society works. Todd is a good start, but we need more.

    The scene in First Contact/The Lost Tribe, when Todd mentioned that he was there 10000 years ago, was a great tease for the potential of the Wraith. Imagine it, with that line, you’ve effectively given an age to Todd, and in turn given the Wraith a generational thing. Todd is old and wise, while the more 1D Wraith characters are young? Imagine Todd reflecting on how the Wraith species has evolved during the time he’s been alive; whether he’s happy with it or not. That’d be highly illuminating.

    And a joy to write, I’d imagine. 😉

    I’m reminded of a scene in an episode of Star Trek Enterprise, when a Klingon lawyer lamented the transformation of Klingon culture: the younger people all wanted to be warriors, and abandoning the other, equally valuable career choices, like being a lawyer, or a doctor, or an artist, or an architect, etc.

    The richness is there, Joe. Don’t waste it.

  51. @ drldeboer – I have a rock tumbler, and everything!! Woo! Hubby and I spent our courtship down at the sunken ship (Sunset Beach), searching for diamonds and fossils and all sorts of things. I’ve pretty much stopped looking for the diamonds, and focus on finding fossils now, and I’ve been fortunate enough to find 3 or 4 arrowheads, and a beautiful – and perfect – fossilized shark tooth – nurse shark, probably. THAT is my most favorite find to date, mainly because it made my father-in-law really jealous! (We have a competition to see who makes the best find every time we go down there – that day, I won! 😀 )

    In fact, on the first day hubby and I met he tried to kiss me down at that beach, and I wouldn’t let him… 😆 I was like, ‘Yo! I don’t even know you yet!’…then a half hour later, when he and his friend were leaving, his friend gave me a big kiss goodbye, and future Mr. Das stood there, pouting. Poor fella…

    das

  52. @ PG15 – Wow! You posted it! Great! But you left out that part about the produ…uuummrrphh… mmrrpph… *cough-gasp-wheeze* STOP choking me!!! 😡 *coff-coff*

    😉

    Joe – I couldn’t agree with PG more…he’s a very wise young man…AND I’m pretty sure he’s not just saying this stuff ’cause he has the hots for Todd…

    NTTAWWT…

    das

  53. I voted for Wray, mainly because I like the name. I hope I’ll be on the “love her” side. I know there was division like that about Vala, and I loved her, so I hope that bodes well.

    Looks like I was wrong about alt-Mitchell, although since the show was canceled before that paid off, it seems we’ll never really know for sure. Though, personally, I think it would have been hysterical if the moment did arrive, Mitchell cut the green one, and then it turns out that was exactly what he was not supposed to do.

    Hmm… although, a return of that alt-team in person would have been interesting, too. I’m always for alternate versions of people.

  54. I’m right in there with PG15 and das:

    … Wraith…great antagonists…lots of potential… shouldn’t be wasted!

    And I’m not just saying it because I have the hots for the Wraith, well maybe just a little when it comes to Todd, but I really mean it — I love a SGA having a complex and interesting power opposing them in the Pegasus Galaxy. And I’ve enjoyed watching how the Wraith have developed and changed since the advent of the SGA. The comparison with the Klingons from Star Trek has occurred to me as well, or maybe the Romulans. Yeah, I’m a geek 😉 but I’m sincere.

  55. Mr. M,
    “2cats writes: “Of course, just being laid off from my job doesn’t help either. And during a really severe recession. And amongst the highest unemployment in 27 years. And just in time for Christmas…grumble…”

    Answer: Hey, Carol. Here’s hoping for a brighter 2009.”

    Thanks so much, appreciate the call out.

    For anyone not familiar with Robert Carlyle, go rent the DVD’s: “The Full Monty” or “Trainspotting” and then return here with your comments. The man is a fine, fine actor and I’m now feeling quite a bit better about SGU prospects.

    I have to agree with Namiko, does Carlyle understand just what he’s getting himself into? A fanatic fan base, ready made, waiting with baited breath (and otherwise breath) for the resumption of the continuing Stargate saga? Eager fans, conventions, blogs, Mr. M grabbing behind-the-scenes vids for us, techno-speak and an entire “universe” of vivid, fabulous sci-fi scripts full of imagination, creativity and awesomeness?!

    Is Robert ready? I do hope so… will he be reading this?
    Robert, this will be the ride of your life —

    Q’APLA! (Good luck in Klingon) 😉

    Carol Z in New Jersey…
    enjoying the relative heat wave, 61’F today!

  56. Additional… Thank goodness Ronan will be shedding his locks for the SGA movies.

    Thank you Jason. I will really enjoy seeing more of your handsome face and facial expressions. Good choice.

    G’night all

    Carol Z in NJ
    …hey, what happened to my avatar WordPress? I’ve been kidnapped!

  57. Someone’s playing with the blog snow machine. Now the snow “blows” the other way. Move cursor right and the snow goes left.

    Glad you got some good sleep …gotta have you well fed and rested!

  58. I’m not ready for “nice” Wraith. But as I’ve said a million times, they are the coolest “villains” since the Klingons (even Kirk eventually had some respect for a couple of them.)

    @das
    @ drldeboer – I have a rock tumbler, and everything!! Woo! Hubby and I spent our courtship down at the sunken ship (Sunset Beach),
    Since we are here we must mention the name of the ship, the ATLANTUS 😉 I’m surprised you haven’t em, I found quite a few pieces of very nice quartz there over my childhood. Oh no! I bet the tourists got em all. But yes I like the arrowheads better. I didn’t find shark teeth until I got to FL.
    DD

  59. So not happy about SGA being canceled. I know this is not the first time you have heard this. As for seeking a younger audience/fan base than currently with SGA, what’s wrong with the current fan base AND at 47, Carlyle is the oldest current cast member (not counting Picardo). The current SGA fans are upset that SGA is going bye-bye, I see it everywhere I look in blog comments, on Youtube…movie or no movie, we all like seeing our favorite characters weekly. Characters you asked us to fall in love with and support week after week with our time and this, THIS is the thanks we get? So how long will SGU be around before it’s yanked away? You didn’t even leave it open for guest appearances from previous cast members. Both SGA and SG-1 are/were great shows and I’m sure SGU will be great too, that’s not the point. The cancellation of SGA has greatly let down the fans of the show. I think it appealed to people because it had men of courage and women of valor, things you don’t often encounter in shows these days.
    Please, keep giving us clear cut bad guys and believable heroes. Even though I’m going to miss SGA, good luck with SGU and feel better soon!

  60. Gotta ask Joe. Is Wray named after Wray Douglas who worked on SG1????

    Saw the name in the credits today and had to know!!!

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