A recent quote by some unnamed source has set the internet abuzz with rumors and wild theories concerning Executive Producer Robert Cooper’s presumed departure from the Stargate. Well, I’d like to take this opportunity to admonish those who jumped to conclusion based on the basis of this unattributed piece of gossip that…Oh, wait. What’s that? Check yesterday’s blog entry? Hang on a sec…
Um, okay. I’M the source of said rumor. Okay then, yes. It’s true. Rob is leaving Stargate after some 300+ episodes and we’ll all miss him terribly (especially Kerwick, the office mascot, who, late Friday, managed to swallow his chimpanzee sense of melancholy long enough to sign dibs on Coop’s soon-to-be-vacated office). Still, allow me to take a moment to dispel some of the crazy theories presently making the rounds of the internet concerning his departure.
1. Rob left because he’s doing poorly in our Office World Cup pool and can’t bear the thought of seeing Ashleigh win again – Untrue. In fact, Rob passed on the pool because he knew he wouldn’t be around to see its conclusion. And, quite frankly, didn’t trust any of us to send him his winnings if he did come out on top. Yes, it goes without saying that he can’t stand the thought of Ashleigh winning, but the same can be said for most everyone else in the Production Office.
2. Rob contracted an alien virus while directing a recent off-world episode and is placing himself in self-imposed quarantine before his mutation completes and he becomes a threat to his co-workers – Untrue. Rob is hale and hearty, one hundred percent healthy and will no doubt bury us all. Damn him.
3. Rob was ousted as a result of a coup orchestrated by fellow Executive Producer Carl Binder – Untrue. Rob made the decision to leave last year. You’re just hearing about it now. And, for what it’s worth, there is absolutely no evidence linking Carl to either of the previous failed coup attempts.
4. Rob is being replaced by a certain someone we all know and love – Untrue. Although it may seem all too coincidental, Rob’s departure and Oprah’s decision to wrap up her highly successful show are in no way related. Oprah will NOT be replacing Rob for SGU’s third season (nor will anyone else for that matter, much to Kerwin’s chagrin). Paul and I will continue our show running duties alongside Brad for the show’s third year.
5. Rob is leaving because I09 hurt his feelings – Untrue. Unlike Carl who bursts into tears whenever Meredith Woerner hates on an episode-ending music montage, Rob is superhumanly thick-skinned, impervious to all negative critiques and even somewhat flame retardant.
So there you have it. No conspiracy, Carl-orchestrated coup, or upcoming role as lovable new intern Seamus McPhee on next season’s Grey’s Anatomy. After fourteen great years with Stargate, Rob has decided to move on. We’ll miss him but we’ll see him off, buoyed by his innumerable contributions to the franchise and secure in the knowledge that whatever is next for him – be it the opera or training for a UFC title bout – he’ll be successful.
Unless it’s the opera or training for a UFC title bout.
Anyway some pics from last night’s dinner, a terrific feast capped by a gorgeous view, delightful company, and the most bizarre argument I’ve ever had over a show, musical or otherwise.
Dinner was delicious and, most importantly, served in a timely manner.
Which brings me to my non-review of a local Vancouver restaurant. I was planning to do a write-up but had such a bad experience that I decided to drop it in favor of a blanket warning: If you’re the type who prefers to be served within an hour of ordering your meal, avoid Marcello’s Pizzeria on Commercial. In all fairness, I’d heard about the ridiculous wait time from other one-time-only customers but dismissed them as exaggerations. So, I have no one to blame but myself. Now, I’d understand if the place was hopping (it was maybe half full) or if we’d ordered something complicated (salad and pizza is pretty straightforward), but it’s difficult to excuse waiting almost an hour for a garden salad while the neighboring table is seated, orders, and is served their lasagnas in the interim. Do yourself a favor and head across the street to Lombardo’s instead.
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