Well, we were back at it today, spinning stories for season five in a bid to top the tremendous twenty episodes that make up the Atlantis’s fourth season. SciFi has aired the first five and trust me when I say that the best is yet to come. This week’s installment, Tabula Rasa, is one of my favorites of the first half, a wonderfully freaky entry that offers up a truly WTF (?!) tease. It’s also one of the most unique-looking episodes we’ve done.
But even though you’re only a quarter of the way through season four, we’re already thinking about next year. Talk about planning ahead. After rolling in at approximately 9:30ish and dispensing with the niceties (“So, what did you on your time off besides worry about the pick-up?”), we settled down to our customary Monday morning post-football-weekend discussion (“Sorry about your Trojans, Carl”, “Hey, how about them Hawaii Rainbows!”, “My dark horse Browns are looking great!”) after which we moved on to the most important topic of the day: lunch. Suggestions were made, supported, critiqued, and hotly debated until, finally, a clear winner emerged: Lombardo’s Pizza. But sadly, for some bizarre reason known to only Lombardo himself, the place had run out of pepperoni. So, Lombardo’s was out and Carl-fave Domino’s was in. Who says I always eat too froo-froo? Check ’em out: BBQ chicken, all-dressed, pepperoni and cheese, and Brooklyn style. I had one of each.
Following lunch, we actually got down to business… And so it begins.
Oh, a little correction to something I stated in yesterday’s blog entry. The process of re-attaching Jason’s dreads will not take the laborious four hours I had assumed. It’ll actually take a little longer. Approximately two days. See, this is why I prefer to keep him hair short.
Also, the results are in for the November Joe’s Book of the Month Club selections and the winners are…
In the fantasy category: Stephen King’s The Gunslinger beat out Robert Silverberg’s Lord Valentine’s Castle 21 votes to 11.
In the science fiction category: it was a little closer, but Frank Herbert’s The White Plague beat out Connie Willis’ The Doomsday Book 21-16.
Of course the simple fact that they’re not official selections doesn’t mean I won’t be reading ’em. I finished up last month’s runners-up, Perdido Street Station and Legion of the Damned, last week and enjoyed them both (although I preferred Heorot over Legion and preferred Mieville’s The Scar over his earlier Perdido). So, start reading. Discussion begins the last week of November.
Today’s pics: Look who's back! And lunch!
Today’s video: None.
Today’s mailbag:
Han writes: “ Hm, do you realise that Carter's absence in "Travellers" really didn't make a strong case for her being a "better, more involved" leader than Weir? In fact, i think it rather played more to the contrary.”
Answer: Hmm. Now that you put it that way, the same could be said for the rest of the team. Are you making a case for losing them as well?
OhioAnne writes: “And what was for dessert?”
Answer: Unfortunately, the desserts were from a local Chinese bakery = a light and relatively tasteless assortment.
Yasmin writes: “How do you cook beets?”
Answer: Fondy boils them, then tosses them with a little oil, vinegar, and onion.
Smiley Face06 writes: “On the GW forum, there are already anti season 5 threads. That makes absolutely no sense to me, for various reasons.”
Answer: Yeah, I found those hilarious. (Yeah, I said hilarious.) Criticizing a show you are watching is one thing, but actively campaigning against the production of a show that other fans are enjoying is, well, idiotic. “Yeah, I said idiotic.)
Dovil writes: “Damn my illiteracy turning sheep shearing into something universally illegal except in Wales.”
Answer: Thanks for the correction.
P.S. Really? Wales?
Joanieloveschachi writes: “What is Martin Gero really like?”
Answer: It’s kind of hard to tell as, ever since his big screen debut, he has taken to communicating with us through a mina bird named Scratchy. Personal affectation or really the reincarnated spirit of the great, great grandfather he barely knew? You decide.
120 comments:
What is it about your awesome blog Joe? I find myself refreshing the page just to see if you post something for to read, a video or photos to see when I should be studying for this darn archaeology exam I have this week. lol BTW, that pizza looks yummy!The season is really rocking!Love it!
Just saw the new interview vid with Jewel on scifi...I gotta say, I'm not sure what episode it's gonna be in, but I never thought you guys would put two major characters together, well (at least that's where I see that going), I may be totally wrong...
But I'm telling you...every fangirl everywhere is gonna squeal when that epi airs...I squealed and I swear, I have never considered myself a fan girl before...I'm still squealing every time I think about it...YEAYEAYEA!!!
I know its only been one day since you've been back but has there been any talk to bringing the Goa'uld (especially Ba'al) to Atlantis?
Finally! Food I recognize! Even if it's not kosher.
Tabula Rasa sounds really good. I can't wait but, unfortunately, I'll have to because my time-travel machine is broken.
Two days! To fix a hairdo! What! Should have just left the hair the way it was.
Please answer my questions. 1) How fast can you type (WPM)? 2) Could you have the writer of Trio do an episode dissection? You know, like Mr. Cooper did for Doppelganger? Please?
Thanks!
I have three requests for season five: One, pets! They need pets! In at least ten of the episodes! Dogs, cats, fish, turtles, space lizards, and HEDGEHOGS! Especially the hedgehogs! That way they could open a local Petco! Two, Beckett! Bring Beckett back, at least for a few episodes! Keller's fine and all, but she doesn't have a Scottish accent! An accent is absolutely essential for doctors! And third, have someone get poison oak! Like the space version! Also please have Jack O'Neill in at least three episodes! He could fly a puddle jumper! They would have a temporary extra pilot! That way they could stop making all the scientists fly the jumpers!
Um, that ended up being four requests. Ooops, sorry. Please think of these requests when you are writing season five [they are sure to boost ratings]. What happens when an Asuran or Wraith is zatted? Thank you so much!
Also, why aren't there any places of worship [churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, etc.]? Are they all atheists?
Thanks!
I have to wholeheartedly agree with the person who asked for NO Larin in season five.
The character is such a cliche, the original poster is right. And isn't this supposed to be a show that's kid friendly? And you have her throwing sexual inuendos at the leading man? Are you just aiming at 15 year old boys with out of control hormones, or do you want to make the show palatable for other fans, too?
To add to that, Flanigan, who's just wonderful with David Hewlett and Torri Higginson in particular, had ZERO chemistry with the actress. It was cringeworthy.
The pizza looks good, I ate some for lunch today as well (deluxe St. Louis style). Also thanks for the JM book club post. Which season 5 episodes have you selected to write?
I was wondering how old you guys envision Dr. Keller being? all that backlash a while back makes it seem that everyone thinks Dr. Keller is like a 20 year old but I gotta believe that they are blinded by the youthful appearance of Jewel Staite. Also to defend the numerous young members of the expedition, it would be logical that younger people who would have less attachments back on earth would volunteer to a posting in the Pegasus galaxy.
Tabula Rasa is it a DH heavy ep. I love David waiting for DG ep. tonight on Sky 1.
What movie/s have you most recently watched (and enjoyed)?
Finally, food I can recognize! Have you ever had to pull a restaurant name out of a cup to decide where to eat?
"Hmm. Now that you put it that way, the same could be said for the rest of the team. Are you making a case for losing them as well?"
Are you kidding? I don't know why anyone but Sheppard and Mckay are on the show anymore. Seriously. What purpose do they serve? What special contributions to the show do they make? None as far as I can see.
For Season 5 please bring back Larrin for a recurrng role. She was overwhelmingly approved of by the SGA watchers.
The only people whining about her are the Teyla fans who resent Larrin creating more of a splash with only one episode than Teyla has in three seasons.
What? No pictures of the notes being made about season five? ;)
Haha, 'what did you do in your time off?' The like two weeks or so. Keep up the hard work! We fans are really appreciating such great Science Fiction! Can't wait to hear about Season 5 ideas....
question: Would you be willing to reveal any deatailed rejected story lines that may be seriously considered but ended up not being used for Season 5?
:) I'd go for demonic-imp-in-feathery-disguise, myself. Good to hear y'all are back on the page... er... Okay, maybe the yellow page detailing the local pizza joints, but, it's a start. So long as that doesn't end up in any 'themed' episodes I suppose... you know they say you should never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach, and I can attest to that. I wonder how that would affect script writing... ;)
In a slightly less jovial vein, I wanted to request a shout-out, perhaps, for an old friend of mine. After two days of uncontrollable grand-mal seizures, we went ahead and took Chandler, our mini-schnauzer, in to be euthanized. He didn't quite make twelve years, but he spent every one of them letting the world know he was boss... He always adored being the center of attention. I just know he'd get a kick out of it one more time. Makes me smile, though, to read about your own babies, and know that you both love them as much as you obviously do. :) S'a very nice thing to read, 'specially with some dogs I've seen.
Answer: Yeah, I found those hilarious. (Yeah, I said hilarious.) Criticizing a show you are watching is one thing, but actively campaigning against the production of a show that other fans are enjoying is, well, idiotic. “Yeah, I said idiotic.)
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. "Jeez, guys! They don't even know what they're doing in season 5 yet! Wouldja give 'em a chance?"
I was torn between laughing and crying when I read that thread title. :-D
I went to GW to check the forum out but gave up - it is crazy.
I love Stargate Atlantis and think that it is what TV should be - entertainment. It well written and well acted and very enjoyable.
I disagree with the decision regarding the removal of Paul McGillion and am campaigning on this point.
But to actively campaign against something - whether it is a character or the programme in general is just illogical.
Campaigning against characters or actors is cruel - these actors are real people with feelings.
Why campaign for something NOT to happen?
Weirder and weirder!
Awesome Beet Salad Recipe
Horribly vague, but easy and quite tasty.
Roast about six or eight beets (leave skins on) in 400 degree oven for about an hour, until tip of sharp knife slides into the center fairly easily.
Let cool, peel. Cut into bite sized pieces.
Coat with toasted sesame oil, a little salt and pepper, toss in a handful of sesame seeds.
Very simple, incredibly delicious.
Dee
Just wanted to drop in a plug for the return of the Laura Cadman character for season 5.
Joe M said:"Yeah, I found those hilarious. (Yeah, I said hilarious.) Criticizing a show you are watching is one thing, but actively campaigning against the production of a show that other fans are enjoying is, well, idiotic. “Yeah, I said idiotic.)
"
Let the petty bickering begin. Please note that the majority of the whining on the Anti S9/S10 threads was done *after* the episode aired and we had something to nitpick. It's too bad we had such ripe fodder.
Believe it or not most of us were willing to accept Ben. (And to a certain extent Claudia. PU - how apt - worried most but Vampy Vala FAR exceded the worst case scenario.) And Mitchell, well Mr. "SG-1 team leader" with no experience *on*, much less leading, that type of team was just bad storytelling.
suse
Hi, Joe.
Aw, darn. "McKay and Mrs. Miller" lost out to "Slings and Arrows." Well, congrats to Martin for the nomination.
"Tabula Rasa" looks VERY interesting. I've really, really enjoyed Season 4 so far and look forward to the remainder of the season and season five.
Keep up the good work, Joe and company! :)
But...Domino's Pizza? What, no Round Table in Canada?
:)
Morjana
There are anti-season five people out there? Are we sure they're not comedians?
Hmm, Martin and the mina. Should we expect a lot of characters behaving in a bird-like manner next season? Or perhaps a new enemy: the Bird-People? Could be interesting...
linzi said...
"Well said. It seems to me that slashers and shippers don't generally like Sheppard having a kiss with a female guest character, because they're the one's who complain the most endlessly and the loudest, though, of course, that's not always the case. Sheppard looking at another woman, or GASP, kissing her, somehow insults them and threatens their slash/ship...okaaaaay.
I really enjoyed seeing Sheppard interact with Larrin, and physical attraction is a part of life, for goodness sake! Men and women are attracted to each other - it's not a crime! I honestly do think some folks are victorian! "
Well, gee, linzi... thanks for the lecture and trying to psychoanalyze us with your pop psychology. Should I speculate why you are so adamant about wanting to see men and women attracted to each other?
I'm sure more people that just me had a problem with that kiss that had nothing to do with men and women being attracted to each other. I have no problem with them kissing or being attracted to each other (other than how cliched it was, but then so are many things) -- I liked her... I liked seeing her interact with Shep and liked her better in one episode than I have Carter for years (didn't miss her a bit). I'd love to see her return.
My problem was the timing of the kiss when they had just sent the Wraith packing... and Joe, for him to know the Wraith got off the ship, he'd have to have been LOOKING AT THAT DEVICE, not down into her eyes. We've never been told it's also a vibrating device, and I'm not even sure I've ever heard a beeping sound. And if the Wraith did turn around and return or whatever, I think that it would have taken one heck of a vibration or an awfully loud beep (foghorn) to get through their distractions.
And linzi, here's a sweeping generalization for you. Warriors like Sheppard and Larrin take their jobs seriously and would table their attractions until after they are certain the danger is completely gone... after all, both are responsible for a lot of people and that responsibility would keep them from not just falling into a clinch like animals in heat, just because they are attractive man and woman... they'd make sure their jobs were done first and then decompress with each other. They don't get to be where they are if they can't table their libidos to more appropriate times.
I'm all for Sheppard getting whatever nookie he wants -- but men who will be sloppy on their jobs because they can't wait to have it aren't the kind of heroes I want defending me.
what is the weirdest thing you've ever seen on an actors resume under 'special skills'?
Hi Joe,
The first episodes have been great, really, really great, thank you and thank all.
I'm curious, when you write an episode that his this, OMG ending, problem solved in the last 5min in an amazing and extraordinary way, when do you think about the ending? when you start writing the story? in the middle? or the story writes itself?
Thanks,
Carolina
Welcome back to the grind of duly employed. Glad to see you're pacing yourselves, with the priorities clear. Honestly, this blog is getting dangerously addictive, when I'm waiting for the latest teasers. Bad enough I can barely stand waiting for Friday night's fix of SGA. Now begins the torturous wait for clues as to what is in store for next season. A quick thank you for providing us said clues over the next few months, not to mention the entertainment of your correspondences with assorted personages of foreign origins and their appeals to greed. Heading out to get a copy of White Plague now, and look forward to the reviews. And please, more on what is in store for the locks to be shorn from our favorite fighting machine's head....
Really liked Travelers. It was a good adventure with an interesting new group of potential allies, who will hopefully last longer than the folks from volcanoworld. Kudos for making the leader a strong woman who is not a bimbo! Also about time Sheppard got a good heroic episode.
My personal thanks for letting McKay seem almost like a scientist, and not the butt of all of the geek jokes by the "cool" members of the expedition. At least in this episode, McKay was not the clown whose marksmanship has degraded as his incipient hysteria has increased.
The preview for this week looks really intriguing. Looking forward to Friday.
No case, and they're not lost. I was merely pointing out an observation.
I'm not an Anti-Carter fan, i'm actually trying to give her a go, because i love the Carter of especially SG1 seasons 1 & 2. (I watched 'Hathor' the other day, great ep.)
But, the rest of the cast weren't absent. They were in deminished roles, yes, but she was not there at all. From past episodes (And i am well aware that past experience can never prove the future.) it appeared to me that there were scenes in Atlantis of which Weir would have been part where Carter was absent.
I'm just curious (innocently so) as to why the change was made to encorporate such a busy actress, when you had one willing to play the position to it's full potential? You had Torri's full co-operation, right? So why take on Amanda when she's so busy with the films/other projects?
I believe there is a saying about eating too much cake.
btw, good choice on the Pizza...pizza is brain food, as we all know. :)
Dovil is clearly forgetting about New Zealand. ;)
Mmmmm, pizza. Pepperoni is one of the meats I have missed since turning vego almost 14 years ago. I made a pita bread pizza during the week - roast peach chutney for the sauce, sprinkled with cumin seeds & crushed garlic, mushrooms, steamed asparagus & slices of Jarslberg cheese on top. ... God, I'm drooling just thinking about it! Thanks for the pizza photos ... sometimes I just like to look :-)
Hi Joe:
Now that I'm caught up with Atlantis Season 4 via waiting for it to air on Movie Central (the only reason I pay for that channel, btw) I must say that my favorite episode so far is Doppelganger. The dream sequences reminded me of the first hand accounts of some of my schizophrenic clients. However, none of them have died as a result of their dreams trying to kill them. One aspect of the storyline that I would have liked to see would be Sheppard being tormented to the point where he attempted to take the lives of his friends in order to make the voices stop. Or, if that would not fit the character image, perhaps Sheppard or another character using a knife to cut themselves due to overwhelming urges to do so. Although I am educated in the reasons why people slice their arms, it never fails to, "creep me out".
One question about Travelers. When Larin threatened to kill both her two men and Sheppard with lethal doses of radiation, wouldn't Sheppard have said something like, "Go ahead, once you are done with me, I'm dead anyway."
Thanks for the great episodes, Joe.
Patricia
PS: Is "all-dressed" Canadian for "supreme"/"the works" (everything on top)?
How could you Joe? I have been craving pizza all day from our local and delicious pizzeria, LoCoco's. Sadly, they are closed Monday's. Poor me. I was left with a sad little pit in my stomach where the pizza should have been.
But tomorrow shall be pizza day! And it shall be served with a delicious Caprese salad! And so shall it be!
Why am I suddenly reminded of It's good to be King.??
I'm actually impressed at the appearance of those Domino's pizzas. Long gone are the days of cardboard crust with a nice sheet of ironed-on cheese?
Pizza! Your pictures make me want to order Dominos immediately.
Glad to see the writers back in action! Looking forward to Tabula Rasa this week!
I'm sorry. I just have to say it. The guy in the second photo (DSC02211.JPG) is sooooooo incredibly HOT! Can we please have some info on him? His name? His job on the show?
[I]For Season 5 please bring back Larrin for a recurrng role. She was overwhelmingly approved of by the SGA watchers.
The only people whining about her are the Teyla fans who resent Larrin creating more of a splash with only one episode than Teyla has in three seasons.[/I]
Oh please. There goes that over generalization again. How convenient for you. Just like it's convenient the J/W shippers are plotting to post pro-Larrin comments just to try to spite certain other shippers because they didn't get their own way with their own ship. I know this because I got one such campaign email.
You'll also notice that if you cared to check your facts, there are plenty of comments both for and against Larrin by several people, and it's not just Teyla fans that weren't pleased with her as you so snidely imply.
Hi Joe
You said
This week’s installment, Tabula Rasa, is one of my favorites of the first half, a wonderfully freaky entry that offers up a truly WTF (?!) tease.
Please tell us that the WTF tease doesn't have anything with Sam/Mckay!
I am a fan who started watching in season 3 and fell wholehardedly in love with the show (I went straight out and bought all three seasons and loved every minute of them). I have absolutely loved season 4 so far so it makes me really sad to see people out there campaigning against a season 5 and making derogatory comments about changes in the show and the show in general. If they don't like it don't watch it, but I don't understand going around and trying to ruin it for everyone else.
I agree about your stance on the Gateworld anti season 5 threads, how can they campain against something that hasn't even got off the drawing block, yet alone editting? they would make sense if the show was actually filmed and ready to go on tv, but for all everyone knows, season 5 could be the best season yet with everyone returning that people wanted
oh and you should try Pocky, its a Japanese snack thing, with like millions of flavours
With regards to the question regarding the anti-season five threads, it should be noted that they are also, in a sense, actively campaigning to have everyone that works on the show lose their jobs.
Now, question time:
I'm sure nothing is set in stone at the moment, but would you say your planning on using Carter in all twenty episodes in season five, or would you be doing something more similar to this year, where she is only in fourteen or so?
A Facetious Ozzie said...
Dovil is clearly forgetting about New Zealand. ;)
Hee, dude, I AM a New Zealander so had to direct the sheep molesting jokes somewhere else. *eyes Australia* It was my patriotic duty, plus it's a shooting offence to even mention sheep within the countries borders. (As a sidenote you seem to have half the population of NZ coming through your blog, and all of us have to mention it. We're an insecure race, and also: often drunk.)
The Gateworld forums are just a train wreck of strangeness. They are the emo kids of fandom. For the love of god I'm just pleased that you don't take them as an accurate gauge of fandom opinion, because, um, no. *draws red pen on arms due to loss of character y, stares out of rain drenched window*
I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who now has an intense craving for pizza after seeing those pictures. There's a great place by a friend of mine's house called Monical's Pizza - like the best I've ever had. Where's the best place you've ever had pizza from?
And Gateworld just gives me a headache sometimes. Good grief people, Anti Season 5? Really!?
I agree about the anti season 5 people being idiotic. I dont enjoy lots of shows on TV. It would be odd if I did- but would I campaign for those I dont enjoy not to be made!!! Ummm no - why would I do that? I just dont watch them and I dont waste any more of my time thinking about them ( I do have a real life too). Other people obviously watch and enjoy these shows I dont. We are not all the same and that is why entertainment offers a variety.
I can only conclude that the anti s5 folks need to find a more constructive pastime and move on from SGA. All this negative behaviour cant be good for a person. Try and look for something that you enjoy - it will make you happier all round.
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►►►►►►►Salut◄◄◄◄◄◄◄
Ah, sayé le travail a repris!^^
Waou 4 pizzas! sa va, vous n'allez pas mourir de faim^^!
Oui! je suis impatiente de voire "Tabula Rasa" je suis sure qu'il va être super!
Je suis trés heureuse, hier j'ai eu 500 commentaire!, je m'aproche des 30.000 commentaires!
Mon blog:
http://atlantisfannew1.skyblog.com/
**********Questions************
1)A quel parfum préférez vous les chips?
2)Vous avez deja pensez s'il aura un "cliffhanger" a la fin de la saison 5?
3)Quel serie TV, regardez vous le plus?
********************************
Voila, Voila, Gros bisou! a demain!
Passez une bonne journée! vous êtes génial! je vous aime trop!!
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Hi Joe
Am now seriously craving pizza, which at 9am (Scottish time) is not good. Anyway, are we going to get to see more of Michael in SGAS5? Surely a smart guy like him has come up with a plan to take over the galaxy by now?
Keep up the excellent work.
Amelia
PS Will be spending this weekend brainwashing a friend's 5 year old in all things sci-fi (at the moment he thinks Ronon is "Mr Woof" from ST-TNG!)
Hi Joseph!
I just habe a question concerning Martin Wood. Will he work on “Atlantis’s” season 5 and can I send him a letter via “The Bridge Studios”? Or is there another chance for me t get in conact with him? I’m a fan of him and want to send him a fan mail and a photo to sing for me. It would be great if you could answer me.
Regards
SUSE said
'Let the petty bickering begin. Please note that the majority of the whining on the Anti S9/S10 threads was done *after* the episode aired and we had something to nitpick. It's too bad we had such ripe fodder.'
That's funny because the anti S10 thread was started in November 2005, just after pickup was announced and all the usual anti-folks flocked to it... spouting the same stuff over and over. Anyone that didn't agree was classified as a lowly intelligent, hormonally challenged kid...
Strange how one set try to justify their stance whilst condemning another faction.
You don't understand tough boy !
Elizabeth Weir is my example, thanks to her i want to be a diplomat. She has bourght me a aim in my professionnal life. I'm just a student, and thanks to her so to you, I trust tomorrow. You can't just hrow her, it makes me enraged.
You know, that it makes the difference between a good writter and an excelent writter.
You thinks you have the entirely power on your characters but no. An excellent writter works besides his sotry and his charatcers. You can't just consider them like something you can erase easily. Because you make a lot of people trust in you characters. If you want to fresh the story bring some new characters..or some new element like you did with Ronon.
The season 4 break all my dreams and the imagination of most of the fans. I'm alone to realize my dreams...before I had Elizabeth Weir and her team to show me the good way...now I have just nothing to count on in Stargate Atlantis.
Travelers = Sheppard continues batting slump. At least she didn't Ascend. Guess this hot space b*tch made up for last week's lack of (getting a laugh out of Rodney's fixation on that) Best part of the episode was seeing more of an Aurora-class Ancient ship. (PS I just can't bring myself to call any of the technology "Lantean". I thought the official name of the "Ancients/Ancestors" was Alteran?) Anyway, Sheppard-whomping aside I guess the point of the story was for these Travelers to get another ship for their people & then get away. I wouldn't mind a rematch with them, they are good in a fight, have kickass weapons- no wonder it was Ronon's choice (nice backstory touch that). Surprised that this was one of Joe F's fave episodes- I would've pointed to this story as one reason why he doesn't like you writers. ;)
Tabula Rasa looks like it will be a great episode, a medical story so I better see Keller step up her game. can't wait to see it LIVE. DVR recording as well. DD
Have been meaning to post this for the last few days but reach the computer and the thought leaves my brain. A big thank you for the extras and excellent commentaries on the dvds. I watched some other show dvds this weekend, listened to their commentaries and all I can say is that you spoil us so much!!! The other commentaries are so bad that I can't stand the pain!
YAY season 5 is in the works!
Only 3 exams left in my hsc and i'll get onto reading those books. Just wondering have you read the Bartimeaus trilogy by Jonathan Stroud? If not they are superb and you should check them out ^^
fishbaum said...
'Just wanted to drop in a plug for the return of the Laura Cadman character for season 5.'
I like Cadman too. She has a charisma that is great to watch! She's fun and vivacious and a great little trooper for the military. It's nice to see another strong woman on the show. But, please don't bring her back just to turn her into a red shirt.
Kimberly
Was there an aura of excitement when you got back into the offices today? Or did it feel like just going back to work as normal (as you were so adamant that Atlantis would be renewed so you couldn't possibly have been surprised when they told you it was going to be)?
Thanks for the update on Carl, I am glad he is ok and back in the safe, fireless confines of Canada! Could you please pass that along to him, and dedicate this blog to him as well, being that he had to live through that?
Just saw the new interview vid with Jewel on scifi...I gotta say, I'm not sure what episode it's gonna be in, but I never thought you guys would put two major characters together, . . .
But I'm telling you...every fangirl everywhere is gonna squeal when that epi airs
This person is talking about Ronon/Keller snogging and ship. The thing YOU keep saying is NOT going to happen, but your actors, and screen caps hitting the net say otherwise. Try telling the truth, okay?
BTW, I want to know because then I don't have to bother anymore cause the LAST thing I want to see is Ronon/Keller lovefest!
Anonymous said...
For Season 5 please bring back Larrin for a recurrng role. She was overwhelmingly approved of by the SGA watchers.
The only people whining about her are the Teyla fans who resent Larrin creating more of a splash with only one episode than Teyla has in three seasons.
HAHA! You know this for certian, do you, anonymous? You know that she's overwhelmingly approved of?
What a crock! I couldn't stand her, and for the record, I find Teyla boring as hell as well. Teyla's wallpaper at best. I guess I don't fit into your neat little box.
Learn to think a bit harder before you post comments like that. And learn that as much as you might think you're the center of the universe and the only person whose opinion counts, you're not.
I HATED Larin. I also dislike Teyla. I'm a Shep fan. Where do I fit among your neat little stereotypes?
"P.S. Really? Wales?"
I've heard that about Wales too ;)
Hi Joe:
I've seen quite a few pictures of Mike and some of Chris from Collectormania and all I can say is *DAMN* the boys are looking mighty fine.
So if Jason can shave his head, Amanda can have long hair, Chris can go from bald to short hair to long hair, does that mean that Mike (if he so chooses) can have his hair a little longer too when he plays Daniel? There were lots of curls sticking out from under his baseball cap Joe. *thud*
Hi Joe, this is Netsta from Australia just dropping by to tell you how thrilled I was with Season 5 being picked up...I wish I knew what it is about anything prefaced with the word Stargate having my undivided attention. The happy dance I did when I read your blog at 3 am was a joy to behold, alas the household was asleep and couldn't bask in my Atlantean glow... Hmmm....where was I? oh yes I am at a loss why people who don't like shows or think they will not like them, watch said shows....Huh? life is too short to spend any of it being "unpleasanted" (don't look it up, I just made it up)...Now I am going to be silly, but do we have to endure all those horrible dry kisses? Most people's lips are not completely dry yet JF's kisses are about as appealing as a curling game I don't want to see sloppy kisses (shudder) but what about a nice touch of clear gloss, to give the allusion of normal lips....I am so glad I got that off my chest. BTW what on earth is smoked meats and if it's so good why doesn't someone open a franchise over here...it's hell on wheels waiting for all the good things.
Bestest regards...Netsta
Hi Joe,
Good luck with that S5 story spinning. I can't wait to see what you come up with (even if it is a looooooooong wait - at least I'll be enjoying S4 for a good part of the time).
My question is: What happened to Chuck? We've seen a different gate tech lately...
WB
"Well, we were back at it today, spinning stories for season five in a bid to top the tremendous twenty episodes that make up the Atlantis’s fourth season. SciFi has aired the first five and trust me when I say that the best is yet to come."
Really? Better? Is that possible? The eps so far this season have been amazing! This has been the best season EVER.
I know a lot of people have been upset about the cast changes, but I think that the new characters are instilling new energy to the show.
Keller is quirky and sweet. Carter is working out just as well as you all told us she would. The team is growing and evolving on a personal level that is just great!
I wait anxiously all week for Friday night to get here. Nothing pries me from in front of the set while Atlantis is on.
You have all done a wonderful and creative job!
Was just wondering about the Book Club - did I vote? I mean, I left a comment saying which books I'd prefer, but I didn't see a poll anywhere. Don't even know if Blogger has polls, for that matter. Just thought I'd ask the stupid question now, save me wondering next month.
1)Will the homeworld of the Wraith be of a nature unsuspected?
2)Will the Bolo Kai play a mythological role in the series like the Replicators and the Wraith?
Hi Joe!
Gonna go pick up one of the books for the next JMBOTM. :)
"Smiley Face06 writes: “On the GW forum, there are already anti season 5 threads. That makes absolutely no sense to me, for various reasons.”
Answer: Yeah, I found those hilarious. (Yeah, I said hilarious.) Criticizing a show you are watching is one thing, but actively campaigning against the production of a show that other fans are enjoying is, well, idiotic. “Yeah, I said idiotic.)
TheMan said...
With regards to the question regarding the anti-season five threads, it should be noted that they are also, in a sense, actively campaigning to have everyone that works on the show lose their jobs.
I also sense a disconnect with reality to be against a program that hasn't even been written yet. And, as I and TheMan have said, trying to get a show cancelled (even if it's a totally impotent attempt) is trying to get a large number of people laid off from work. I think it's a little disturbing that someone can be so callous.
Still loving S4!
My copies of The Gunslinger and White Plague may not arrive until the end of November, so I may have to weigh in a bit late for this month's selection. Drat.
(But I'm really looking forward to reading both books, and also to your comments on Lord Valentine's Castle and The Doomsday Book.
Hmm, since I already have a copy of both The Doomsday Book and Lord Valentine's Castle, maybe I'll get into BOTM gear by reading those while I wait for the official winning selections. *grin*)
caroline said: I have three requests for season five: (snip) Also please have Jack O'Neill in at least three episodes! (snip)Please think of these requests when you are writing season five [they are sure to boost ratings].(snip)
Sorry to disappoint you, but SG-1 characters in SGA don't boost ratings. When someone asked months ago, Joe Mallozzi said that Jack in SGA s3 hadn't increased the ratings in a way that justified bringing him back (I'm paraphrasing, since I don't have his exact words, but I'm sure Mallozzi here will correct me if I'm wrong)
Some hardcore fans of certain actors might watch another show they don't usually watch because the said actor is guest starring, but the number of viewers who do that is very tiny compared to the whole audience to affect ratings. In the end, people watch Atlantis because they like the show as it is, their characters and stories. In fandom, you find quite a large group of people who watch just one of the shows and never cared for the other show. But I know we can't draw conclusions about the general audience based on what we find in fandom, so we have to see what the ratings show to know how the general audience reacts. And the ratings show, as Mallozzi said in the past, that RDA in s3 SGA didn't cause a significant increase in the ratings to justify having him back.
The problem that I had with Travelers is not that Sheppard had a flirtation with the pretty girl, that's Shep, but that a seasoned military officer let her take his gun away with the oldest trick in the book.
It sort of takes away some of the characters credibility onscreen when "little Shep" seems to so easily override his common sense.
A lot of people have been commenting on the fact that Carter wasn't in Travelers, because it sure undermined the idea of her being an important part of SGA. Shouldn't the leader of the expedition be concerned that their second in command has been abducted? Leaving her out, made it look like she could care less, and also made it look like maybe Rodney should have been given command after all. He was actually doing something, instead of not even bothering to show up. I think the writers really undermined their own credibility with that stunt.
I must admit that I liked Larrin, and I like Teyla (when she has a personality, and isn't just window dressing). Larrin was a fun character to have around, and I hope that we do see more of her.
And I have to comment on the Ronon/Keller almost kiss that everybody can watch over on Jewel's Q&A on SciFi.com. I find Joe Mallozzi's remarks hilarious. (Yeah, I said hilarious.) First, he does an interview with Paul where one of them states that Keller will have a romance. (Came out earlier this year.) Second, he tells us in his blog about a scene with an engagement party, and usually romance goes with engagements. Third, we can actually see the Ronon/Keller almost kiss for ourselves since SciFi has them on their site. Fourth, with the exception of Jason, every actor has commented on some romantic aspect of the season whether in an interview or at a convention. And yet, Mallozzi keeps saying no romance in season 4. Hilarious!!!
anonymous said...
[about Larrin]The character is such a cliche, the original poster is right. And isn't this supposed to be a show that's kid friendly? And you have her throwing sexual inuendos at the leading man? Are you just aiming at 15 year old boys with out of control hormones, or do you want to make the show palatable for other fans, too?
To add to that, Flanigan, who's just wonderful with David Hewlett and Torri Higginson in particular, had ZERO chemistry with the actress. It was cringeworthy.
That's your opinion. Don't state it as a fact, please.
In my opinion, she was great and I loved the chemistry between Sheppard and Larrin. Travelers has become one of my favorite episodes because of their interaction. And no, I'm not a 15 y.o. boy. I'm a woman in her 40s. Thanks.
Both your and my opinion are equally valid.
E.
Hi Joe - I am curious about this so I will ask once more in the hope of an answer. How can you break a story when you do not yet know who the characters will be that you are writing for? (or do you know already who will be back - I'm not aksing who will be back even if you do know as my guess is you won't tell anyway?)
Maybe I have the wrong concept of what "breaking" a story is but it seems it would be to sketch out what the plan is for the characters and how the show will progress and without knowing the characters that will be back it seems kind of hard to be sketching out what will be happening with the show and the characters. Thanks.
Got a question...will you guys be affected by the WGA strike?
s2830 said...
caroline said: I have three requests for season five: (snip) Also please have Jack O'Neill in at least three episodes! (snip)Please think of these requests when you are writing season five [they are sure to boost ratings].(snip)
Sorry to disappoint you, but SG-1 characters in SGA don't boost ratings. When someone asked months ago, Joe Mallozzi said that Jack in SGA s3 hadn't increased the ratings in a way that justified bringing him back (I'm paraphrasing, since I don't have his exact words, but I'm sure Mallozzi here will correct me if I'm wrong)
Some hardcore fans of certain actors might watch another show they don't usually watch because the said actor is guest starring, but the number of viewers who do that is very tiny compared to the whole audience to affect ratings. In the end, people watch Atlantis because they like the show as it is, their characters and stories. In fandom, you find quite a large group of people who watch just one of the shows and never cared for the other show. But I know we can't draw conclusions about the general audience based on what we find in fandom, so we have to see what the ratings show to know how the general audience reacts. And the ratings show, as Mallozzi said in the past, that RDA in s3 SGA didn't cause a significant increase in the ratings to justify having him back.
BY your reasoning since Carter didn't increase the ratings for Season 4 so she shouldn't be on Season 5!
BTW "The Real World" with RDA/Jack had the highest ratings for season 3 (1.8)!
Hi joe...Do you think at the beginning of season 5
1) we will be able to see the reaction of Mckay finding out about Carter having a relations with someone on Earth?
That will be cool...!!! I just wish she had said something in reunion when he visited her in her room.
Anonnymous said:
And isn't this supposed to be a show that's kid friendly? And you have her throwing sexual inuendos at the leading man?
When was it ever stated that this show was supposed to be "kid friendly"? Right from the first episode there has been brutal deaths of characters. Life being sucked from them, being shot to death point blank, torture.
So these acts of violence (which were fine in the context of the show) are peachy-keen to have children watch, but a little sexual chemistry between men and women is not? Sorry if you can't watch the show with your pre-teen, but nothing I've seen is inappropriate or more than PG13.
Eww, Dominos. WTF?
I'm in awe of the folks on the forum who can actually see into the future and thus know what you are going to be broadcasting in season 5!
If going over to the forums didn't imperil too many brain cells and my immortal soul, I'd ask them if they have forseen a Sheppard stick fighting episode. If you throw in Scratchy, the bird, imbue it with the personality of Rodney McKay's long lost great-grandfather, Marie Curie, and let Shep beat the bird to death with bantos sticks, I'm sure even the nay sayers will be thrilled.
PS: Though I'm a slasher at heart, I'm perfectly happy to watch Sheppard kissing other people - anybody at all, actually. In fact - maybe you guys should do an entire episode built around that too - always incorporating the stick fighting thing as well, although maybe that would be too disturbing for the younger set *G*.
Hey Joe!
"Travelers" was Sheptastic! Loved it!
It did seem strange, though, that McKay was managing the search rescue without even informing Carter of his plans. It also made Weir's absence much more glaring.
Are there any women on the writing staff? If not, do the writers ever find the women characters difficult to write? Do they ever verify how a woman character might react with the women in their lives?
Actually, the only times in the show's history that RDA hasn't moved the ratings upwards is when the channel didn't advertise his appearance. He was nowhere to be seen in commercials for the The Return part II or The Shroud. If had been, I'm sure there is little doubt among the producers as to what the effect would have been. Avalon, 200, The Real World, and even Unending (where Skiffy advertised his appearing even though he didn't) all saw much higher ratings that their respective show's season averages.
And, while Joe may have said that RDA didn't bump ratings (which I doubt he did, but I'll grant it to you anyway), Brad Wright has said that the major reason RDA was on SGA for three episodes instead of five on SG-1 was because Atlantis needed the boost. Perhaps Joe has a different opinion than Brad, perhaps the producers are split on the issue. But to say that RDA has no effect on ratings is just patently false.
OMG, the second pizza looks amazing. :) I have another stupid question: Why doesn't the Atlantis gate spin?
Is there any chance that we'll get a Rodney/Ronon episode? I can't imagine anything more fun that a Rodney/Ronon on-the-run facing danger while Rodney babbles/pulls tech miracles out of his... um, out of the ether, and Ronon protects/threatens to kill him.
I remain thrilled about the season five pick-up.
What factors will determine which actors you ask to return for S5 and which are shown the door?
Here are a few options: hotness of spouse or partner, food allergies, astrological sign, degree of Scottishness (a la RCC), dental hygiene, belief in global warming... others you'd care to share?
Pat from Austin again. I will always watch Stargate anything. That being said, I've enjoyed the episodes so far, but to me they've been too predictable. I try to avoid spoilers, but it's hard when I enjoy your blog so much and reading the comments. Didn't care for Larrin but think Teyla is great. The only ship I really want is Sam & Jack. Please bring Jack back for a few episodes next season. Also I vote for a happy ending for Ford's story - his cousin made a big impression on me asking Shephard if he would follow through on trying to find Ford. His grandparents need him. Thanks for the wonderful blog and show.
1. Baron Destructo is my hero. I love his email correspondence.
2. Add me to the list of people who enjoyed "Travelers". They're an interesting people. I hope we see them again.
3. I'm guessing grasping baby hands had something to do with Mr. Momoa's desire for a hairstyle change?
4. In three full seasons, Sheppard has made out with Chaya (Sanctuary) and bedded Teer (Epiphany) and the Lord Protector's daughter, whatshername (The Tower). We've also seen him 'appreciate' attractive women with his eyes and a smile. This week, he kissed Larrin back. And this qualifies him as a "man-slut"? Tough crowd.
AnneTeldy
"BTW "The Real World" with RDA/Jack had the highest ratings for season 3 (1.8)!"
Yes, and the episode was very Elizabeth focused, and yet TPTB claim to have been planning to get rid of Torri and replace here with "someone" for a while.
So a Torri based RDA featured episode is the best rating ep for season three.
Bringing in Amanda hasn't boosted your ratings.
Losing Torri hasn't boosted your ratings.
Just throwing some things out there for discussion on the blog, since there have been several comments/opinions posted on JM's blog about GW threads.
Currently, their exists both a "Pro S5" and a "Anti S5" thread on GW.
And, while I don't really "play" in either thread, I do visit each occasionally.
I believe, the Pro thread is for fans to discuss what they hope happens in S5, what they are excited about for S5, etc. For me that would be "Gosh, I really hope Elizabeth is back home on Atlantis in S5".
And, I believe, the Anti thread is for fans to discuss what worries them about S5 or what they hope doesn't happen in S5. For me that would be "Gosh, I hope Elizabeth isn't dead in S4 with no hope of return for S5."
Granted, as with any online forum, there will be posters who take things off-topic, or too far, or go over the top, etc. (i.e. there may be some Pro S5 posters who think anything that happens in S5 will be great, no matter what and there will be some Anti S5 posters who are convinced that S5 will be bad, no matter what).
I don't support either extreme, but figure different folks have different ways of expressing themselves.
I'm not sure what I'm asking that we discuss here, perhaps I just wanted to make a point that not all people who post in the "Pro S5" thread on GW fit into one category just like not all people who post in the "Anti S5" thread fit into one category, either.
Karen said:
"That's funny because the anti S10 thread was started in November 2005, just after pickup was announced and all the usual anti-folks flocked to it... spouting the same stuff over and over. Anyone that didn't agree was classified as a lowly intelligent, hormonally challenged kid...
Strange how one set try to justify their stance whilst condemning another faction."
Please note I said "majority". There will be some in every facet of fandom. Even yours.
I seem to remember the Anti's themselves being classified that way - by some of TPTB. Writing issues/ignoring canon/breaking the Stargate Universe's rules (for the "sexy" "fun" factor) be damned, we are too stupid too appreciate the "greatness" of S9/S10.
suse
having watched Travellers, I have a question for you: Is Sheppard immune to getting bruises? I ask because he was punched in the face at lease five times on screen, with the suggestion of more off-screen, and all he got were a couple of small cuts... His face should have been a mass of bruises, if not straight away, at least by the time he left the Ancient vessel. So, why weren't the bruises showing up?
Thanks :)
Joe,
Congratulations on renewal for S5. While I didn't appreciate the last episode I know that it might well be a one-off. SG-1 certainly had it's share of stinkers. I'm perfectly willing to give SGA a bit more time to find it's new rhythm.
Besides, while I was mostly bored some good glimmers did shine through. My not being much of a Shep fan didn't help. (I'm not Anti-Shep, just Meh-Shep. Add kirking and... it's not pretty.)
suse
O.K. Joe correct me if I'm wrong, but I could have sworn that you said that you would NOT bring Sam's love life over to Atlantis!! Did I misunderstand? Daniel in a tux. A photo of Jack in her suitcase *gags*. The fact that fans that despise Sam/Jack ship may have to endure it in Continuum (and possibly a third SG1 movie according to RDA)*vomits* is bad enough, but why should Atlantis fans have to suffer through scenes involving Sam and Jack drooling over each other?
Here's a great idea. How about you have Jack in season 5 and all of his scenes are with Teyla or Keller. Lets see how many of these same fans wanting Jack to visit Atlantis will all of a sudden change their minds.
Dear Joe,
as everyone goes whit there suggestions because because we know how many mistakes you did since you are involved in Stargate saga, I will try to save your job in giving you my own suggestions.
I agree with S2830 who wrote:"... My wish for season 5: as little screentime for any SG-1 character as possible. Please, leave the SG-1 characters where they belong: SG-1 movies. It's season 5 of Stargate Atlantis not season 11 of SG-1. Thank you."
I agree but with one exception who could make sense Daniel Jackson.
Concerning Larin ( I must to trust the commentaries here because in Québec we do not getseason 4 on TV )who seems to me a kind of Vala, be carefull. Vala was so promising but I think the she lost her radiance along the ep; is a decision to keep Sam first place or the fault of the writers, of the directors, or of the actress herself I do not know but we lost a great chance to have great story telling.
In 'The Return part 2' how come the drones can go under water to hit the star drive but they didn't follow the jumper under the water when Sheppard was trying to dodge them.
Anonymous said: "O.K. Joe correct me if I'm wrong, but I could have sworn that you said that you would NOT bring Sam's love life over to Atlantis!! Did I misunderstand? Daniel in a tux. A photo of Jack in her suitcase *gags*. The fact that fans that despise Sam/Jack ship may have to endure it in Continuum (and possibly a third SG1 movie according to RDA)*vomits* is bad enough, but why should Atlantis fans have to suffer through scenes involving Sam and Jack drooling over each other?"
Overreacting much? A couple of little photos, which the viewers will miss entirely if they blink, is bringing "Sam's love life over to Atlantis"? They are very, very subtle Sam/Jack shipper hints, and I bet most viewers didn't even notice. Don't get so hysterical.
Ah, Larrin's hot. That's good enough for me. Bring her back for season 5. Or, even better, have her bring back her Aurora-class battleship and consult the only Ancient they know for help to repair it ... Chaya Sar! Wohoo!
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savedrelizabethweir/signatures.html
allez y s'il vous plait on vous le demande s'il vous plait please please please
Anne Teldy said...
4. In three full seasons, Sheppard has made out with Chaya (Sanctuary) and bedded Teer (Epiphany) and the Lord Protector's daughter, whatshername (The Tower). We've also seen him 'appreciate' attractive women with his eyes and a smile. This week, he kissed Larrin back. And this qualifies him as a "man-slut"? Tough crowd.
What about Larrin. Kiss a man & you're a slut ?
*waves*
Hiya Joe. :D Oh my, did you ever think that there would be someone more talkative than me?! I must be slipping. :eek:
[b]"Well, gee, linzi... thanks for the lecture and trying to psychoanalyze us with your pop psychology. Should I speculate why you are so adamant about wanting to see men and women attracted to each other?
I'm sure more people that just me had a problem with that kiss that had nothing to do with men and women being attracted to each other. I have no problem with them kissing or being attracted to each other (other than how cliched it was, but then so are many things) -- I liked her... I liked seeing her interact with Shep and liked her better in one episode than I have Carter for years (didn't miss her a bit). I'd love to see her return."[/b]
Well golly gee, anon, it's been so long since we talked. Mind if I wade in with my pop psychology to? No? Excellent! You know anon, I never thought i'd live to see the day that we agreed on something. Strangely enough I liked Larrin to, probably not for the same reasons you did though. You call it cliche, I call it Larrin taking advantage of Shep's good nature... that and she's using her feminine wiles on him. And woman to woman, what men can resist our womanly charms. I fear even Shep cannot resist the power of cleavage. ;)
And [b]Linz[/b]! Why I didn't know you were a secret shipper?! I bet I know who your secret pairing is to... it's the Wraith Queen and Shep, isn't it? Come clean and admit it. It's okay, you're amongst friends. I confess I want it to. I love the way she strokes his cheek, and places her hand on his chest (obviously trying to cop a feel). For me, I think the dead give away of it all, was when in 'The Hive' she tried to rip off his clothes! And Shep, unable to resist her feminine wiles dropped to his knees succumbing to her charms... ;)
[b]My problem was the timing of the kiss when they had just sent the Wraith packing... and Joe, for him to know the Wraith got off the ship, he'd have to have been LOOKING AT THAT DEVICE, not down into her eyes. We've never been told it's also a vibrating device, and I'm not even sure I've ever heard a beeping sound. And if the Wraith did turn around and return or whatever, I think that it would have taken one heck of a vibration or an awfully loud beep (foghorn) to get through their distractions.
And linzi, here's a sweeping generalization for you. Warriors like Sheppard and Larrin take their jobs seriously and would table their attractions until after they are certain the danger is completely gone... after all, both are responsible for a lot of people and that responsibility would keep them from not just falling into a clinch like animals in heat, just because they are attractive man and woman... they'd make sure their jobs were done first and then decompress with each other. They don't get to be where they are if they can't table their libidos to more appropriate times.[/b]
Why would he have to be looking at it? Actually, the LSD makes beeping noises when someone approaches, so no need to be looking at the monitor. ;) Please Anon let's not talk about images of Shep up close and personal AND vibrating appliances in the same sentance. It sends images to my mind that you would not believe. ;) Oooo did I say that out loud? :P
Warrior Shep! Vibrating appliances, Shep turned on... Oh anon what are you trying to do to me? So being responsible, means that you can't have a bit of fun? Or in the heat of the moment done something that maybe you shouldn't have?
[b]I'm all for Sheppard getting whatever nookie he wants -- but men who will be sloppy on their jobs because they can't wait to have it aren't the kind of heroes I want defending me.[/b]
How was Shep sloppy on the job, by a one second kiss, when he erred in judgement and actually thought they were working together after he saved her life. Besides, Larrin used her feminity to get what she wanted.. to grab a hold of Shep's tackle! Women are actually very good at using their feminine wiles. For the record, Shep can defend my body anytime. ;)
Sorry, Mr M, I really couldn't help myself. So a quick question... about those infirmary scenes. ;) I'll happily accept a sneakily crafted answer or cryptic clue. *bats her eyelashes* Are my feminine wiles working on you yet? ;)
Thank you Mr M. Your patience in reading this knows no bounds.
*hugs*
So, Joe...how are you doing? How's the family? I hope everyone (two- and four-footed) is doing well.
Did everyone enjoy their all-too-brief time off? Are they excited about spinning a new season?
Thought I'd bring things back to the blog, and not fights crossing over from other web entities.
See you on the other side!
eddy
do some of the comments people leave on your blog not crack you up joe? some of them are just blah but sometimes i actually find myself laughing out loud... :)
Cheeky lil Devil said:
And [b]Linz[/b]! Why I didn't know you were a secret shipper?! I bet I know who your secret pairing is to... it's the Wraith Queen and Shep, isn't it? Come clean and admit it. It's okay, you're amongst friends. I confess I want it to. I love the way she strokes his cheek, and places her hand on his chest (obviously trying to cop a feel). For me, I think the dead give away of it all, was when in 'The Hive' she tried to rip off his clothes! And Shep, unable to resist her feminine wiles dropped to his knees succumbing to her charms... ;)
You promised you wouldn't tell anyone about my secret shipping status. You've totally ruined my street cred now! Damn it! Now people will think I'm one of those pesky shippers. Oh well, if you can't beat them, and all.
So, ok, I'll come out of the closet. Ahem. Yes, I ship Sheppard with a wraith. It's true. But not a queen, oh no. I saw 'twoo wove' when Sheppard met Todd. I mean, how could anyone deny the looks they shared? The eye sex, the lack of personal space. And let's not forgot he nearly ripped Shep's shirt off. Well ok, he didn't, but I could see in his eyes he wanted to. Enough said.
Cheeky continued and continued - does she ever stop for breath? ;):
Sorry, Mr M, I really couldn't help myself. So a quick question... about those infirmary scenes. ;) I'll happily accept a sneakily crafted answer or cryptic clue. *bats her eyelashes* Are my feminine wiles working on you yet? ;)
Thank you Mr M. Your patience in reading this knows no bounds.
It certainly does. And, well, any cryptic clues would be gratefully received, though batting my eyelashes would probably just make you laugh!
Ok, enough silliness. I have a serious question.
Martin Gero has said in the past that he's written himself into tight spots in season finales. Has this happened with The Last Man? Have you written a scenario where you're thinking 'How the hell do we get out of this one?'
Anonymous said: "Overreacting much?"
Let's take a look shall we...
*reads a number of posts (some begging) for Jack to be in some Atlantis episodes next year, and you know it's NOT because they want to see him in scenes with ________ but assume he would be there to be in scenes with Sam.
*reads posts asking if there will be any MORE hints on Atlantis that Jack and Sam are together(because we can never have enough). *gags some more*
Sorry. This is Atlantis NOT SG1! Can't Sam do anything that doesn't involve her love life with Jack or IMO non-existent love life with Jack? Here's an idea. How about Sam is shown as a very strong character as leader of Atlantis. Wow! What a concept!
I'd like to say Happy Halloween in advance. I hope all your Halloween plans are in order!
anonymous said:
BY your reasoning since Carter didn't increase the ratings for Season 4 so she shouldn't be on Season 5!
BTW "The Real World" with RDA/Jack had the highest ratings for season 3 (1.8)!
No, I'm not saying that. Giving all the enemies in the Pegasus Galaxy, militarizing the expedition seemed logical. If TPTB decided to go that way, Sam Carter seemed a logical candidate for that role. And it makes sense she remains there as the expedition leader in season 5. It's not about ratings. It's about how the stories progressed since season 1 and how it would make sense to militarize the expedition while being at war with the Wraith and the Asurans.
I was replying to a fan that stated that getting RDA into s5 would boost the ratings. It has already been proved that it didn't in the past. In the same way that getting Amanda Tapping into s4 didn't increase the ratings either.
The current ratings are consistent with the ratings the show was getting in the second half of s3, where there was no Sam in Atlantis.
I wasn't making a statement about whether RDA should or shouldn't be in s5, at least not in the post you're quoting. I was just replying that including RDA would not boost the ratings.
The Real World got a 1.8 because it aired right after the highly promoted SG-1 #200 episode. And if you think more people watched SG-1's 200 because RDA was on it, check the rest of the ratings. The other SG-1 episode where RDA was in, The Shroud, earned a 1.2 rating. The other SGA episodes were RDA guest starred earned 1.5 and 1.4. Many other SGA episodes the same season earned 1.6 (with no RDA in them).
As Mallozzi said in previous entries, and once again, I'm sure he'll correct me if I'm getting his words wrong, RDA didn't increase Atlantis ratings in s3.
If they come up with a story that justify having RDA as a guest star and they can afford it, I'm sure they'll go ahead. But it wouldn't make any difference ratings wise.
Brad Wright has said that the major reason RDA was on SGA for three episodes instead of five on SG-1 was because Atlantis needed the boost.
Yes, I remember that. It was said BEFORE those episodes aired. But then, AFTER the episodes aired, it was said that RDA hadn't increased the ratings as they had expected.
Considering how important the s4 ratings were for the future of Atlantis and the Stargate franchise in general, don't you think TPTB would've brought RDA for some episodes if they still thought he would boost the ratings?
anonymous said: "The only ship I really want is Sam & Jack. Please bring Jack back for a few episodes next season."
you know what i want? (i know you're just sitting at the edge of your seat in anticipation :p)
two things:
*that sam and jack are together in a relationship.
*ONE moment of perfect romance♥ between them, preferably with a HOT kiss.
if these two things happen for this 10-years-and-running ship, i'll be happy for the rest of my life and i'll donate my organs to others, even while i'm still using them. LOOK AT THE IMPACT the ship has had on me! :p
i think i can safely say i'm speaking for the majority of shippers and that that will make us all SQUEEEE and be satisfied.
now, i have a question. since i'm still learning about atlantis... does sheppard have the ancient gene because the ancients that left the pegasus galaxy escaped to earth and lived the rest of their lives there? so everyone that has this gene is basically a descendant of the ancients? and, is the atlantis mythology that the ancients are the ones that created humans on earth, or were there already humans and they just slid in and made themselves fit into the surroundings and culture?
one more note: i love atlantis. i had my qualms about the new direction of sg1 with s9 (but appreciated s10 enough), but atlantis has renewed my love of stargate. i just thought i'd pass that along (or at least let you hear it again), since you're being bombarded with negativity. i'd be a hypocrite to say i didn't understand their feelings in this (since i went through it myself with sg1), but... (insert your own preferences)
sally :)
Hey Joe,
I left a comment a while ago saying that I thought the first two episodes of season 4 were excellent, which I stand by.
The last three episodes, however, have been a bit of a mixed bag. I thought I would give you a brief breakdown what I liked and found lacking, in the interest of me feeling like I've contributed something to the show's longevity aside from buying one DVD a year.
Reunion:
Structurally, I can't find anything all that wrong with Reunion, yet the fact that I'm surprised by that indicates that something was off. It wasn't a bad episode by any stretch of the imagination, but little things prevented it from fully suspending my disbelief. The guest stars did not seem to know they were Wraith worshipers until the moment they turned, when more realistically I think there would have been some subtle tension that you would notice looking back. Carter, Sheppard and Teyla shooting the human form replicator seemed out of place: while the effect was cool, they would have learned not to do that by now. These were the kind of things that prevented it from all gelling, in my opinion.
Doppelganger:
This was the let down of the group, which is a shame because the homage concept was nice. I think the story was viable, but I don't think the scenes used to move it along were always the best choices. I found the perspective from Heightenmeyer's dream to her death to be disjointing, and not in a positive way. I also found the ending confrontation a little odd. The exposition exposing the creature's weakness didn't seem fit well with the action.
Travelers:
I liked this episode. People have called it immature, but I don't really see it that way. Maybe it's just because I'm only twenty, but if I lived in a city in another galaxy where fraternizing with anyone would be frowned on because I either outrank or am outranked by everyone I live with, I would definitely go for the hot alien chick. On the other hand, I've always considered the concept of Kirk/Sheppard to be amusing anyway, especially the scenes that it provokes when it's revealed that it has occurred (I'm thinking of McKay's various reactions over the years).
Anyway, that's my six cents worth (I give you two for each episode). If you do not care to hear my opinion, feel free to slip in a "Copernicus, I really don't care." somewhere along the way and I'll leave well enough alone. I'm not really pushing an agenda, (bring back person x, kill persons y and z, or the like), and I generally like the work you guys do, as I hope you realize, so I figured why not try to help?
Oh yeah, and I liked the Reed Richards line.
Anonymous said: "Let's take a look shall we...
*reads a number of posts (some begging) for Jack to be in some Atlantis episodes next year, and you know it's NOT because they want to see him in scenes with ________ but assume he would be there to be in scenes with Sam.
*reads posts asking if there will be any MORE hints on Atlantis that Jack and Sam are together(because we can never have enough). *gags some more*...."
But that's not what you were reacting to. For all intents and purposes, you accused Joe of being
dishonest by bringing "Sam's love life over to Atlantis" -- all based on a couple of measly photos that most viewers easily missed if they blinked (including myself). That's being overly reactive and a huge exaggeration about describing Sam's love life, IMO.
Now you're reacting to some fans' requests to have Jack in an ep or two in season 5 -- these are two completely different things.
Maybe you should try to keep your arguments straight.
For Season 5 please bring back Larrin for a recurrng role. She was overwhelmingly approved of by the SGA watchers.
I don't know where this poster gets his/her numbers, but actually Larrin would be an interesting character if she wasn't shoved down John's throat the entire episode. Jill Wagner was by far one of the better female guest stars this show has had, but please make an effort to develop a female alien on this show without making her Sheppard's next potential one night stand. It just damages his character and belittles hers.
Just wanted to thank you for your brief mention of the Hawaii Rainbows in yesterday's blog! We're understandably pretty excited about their possibility of going undefeated this year.
I also wanted to offer my congratulations on what is so far looking like a great new season of SGA. And also for your pickup for season 5. Keep up the great work!
Aloha,
td100
Not all RDA fans happen to be Sam/Jack shippers - some just happen to love the hotness that is RDA and would love to see him on the show.
Not all people who post on Gateworld are anti-S5 - there are an equal no of pro to anti threads there and not all anti-S5 are actually the show existing, they are anti various directions the show has taken.
Happy Halloween early! I think I read you are going to a party at Chris Judge's place? I hope you have a great time!
What are you going to be? (costume?)
Kimberly
Hellow Joe.
Just a quick question:Anything new on Stargate universe?Have Robert and Brad started brewing it?
Thanks for the answers and I must say I love you're blog.It's a very interesting reading.Keep it up.
Chemp
Did you see the Packers-Broncos game last night!? LONG LIVE BRETT FAVRE! Die Hard Packers fan here.
lilycat said...
I am a fan who started watching in season 3 and fell wholehardedly in love with the show (I went straight out and bought all three seasons and loved every minute of them). I have absolutely loved season 4 so far so it makes me really sad to see people out there campaigning against a season 5 and making derogatory comments about changes in the show and the show in general. If they don't like it don't watch it, but I don't understand going around and trying to ruin it for everyone else.
October 29, 2007 10:23:00 PM PDT
I agree with these sentiments entirely; I was just too lazy to write them myself.
suse said...
...And Mitchell, well Mr. "SG-1 team leader" with no experience *on*, much less leading, that type of team was just bad storytelling.
Interesting...
Didn't Mitchell lead the F-302 attack on Anubis' fleet in Antarctica?
Besides, the whole show is based on the fact that the Airforce sent soldiers and an archaeologist with zero "offworld" experience through the Stargate to who knows what end.
=).
Anonymous said: "....Can't Sam do anything that doesn't involve her love life with Jack or IMO non-existent love life with Jack? Here's an idea. How about Sam is shown as a very strong character as leader of Atlantis. Wow! What a concept!"
OK, so which is it? If there is no relationship between Sam and Jack, then why are you getting so hot and bothered by some very brief glimpses of a couple of photos?
And, how do showing these photos a deterrent to showing Sam as a strong leader? Are strong leaders not supposed to have personal lives?
Anonymous said: "Maybe you should try to keep your arguments straight."
And maybe you should mind your own business! My post was addressed to Joe NOT you. Joe's a bright guy. I'm sure that after reading the second paragraph of my first post (which you conveniently ignored) he 'GOT IT' And since Joe in the ONLY one that needed to understand my post NOT YOU - NUFF SAID!!!!
Hi Joe
Carl looks so happy!!! Good work on Travellers!! Enjoyed it immensely..
Keep up the great work.
Dori
Too froo-froo? Not at all. You are just a regular "Ratatouille" (that pixar movie shows the true and artistic side of the fine cousine)
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