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More Stargate SG-1 season 4 concept art and episode insights!

The First Ones…

Peter DeLuise kicks off his writers’ room stint in fine style with this episode, the first in a string of Unas episodes.  Peter’s office was located across the hall from mine and, whenever someone would bring their kid to the production office, they would invariably stop to visit with Peter who had a whole routine for the lucky little guests, an act that always started with “Pull my finger” and always ended with an imitation of Barney the Dinosaur.  It goes without saying, the kids loved him and stopping by his office was always the high point of any tour.  Until years later when I decorated my office with cool supervillain-themed statues.

Scorched Earth

The first script we ever wrote for Stargate, the one that got us our staff position, was produced as the fourth season’s ninth episode.  Before Paul eventually came up with the Scorched Earth title, I was simply referring to the script as “Whose Planet Is It Anyway?”.  The onscreen version of this episode differed in several respects from the early script, the biggest difference being the ending.  In the original version, Daniel convinces Lotan to make a difficult decision and the caretaker does, destroying his ship and the building blocks of an entire race, leaving the planet to the Enkarans.  In the episode’s final scene, Daniel sits alone in his quarters, listening to Lotan’s parting gift: the music of a now extinct race.  The ending was changed to allow for a compromise that led to a happier resolution for all.  While I didn’t mind the shift to a more positive conclusion to the story, I still regret that the solution to the issue seemed, in hindsight, somewhat convenient and obvious.

Another aspect of the script that didn’t make it onto the screen was a resolution to the Jack/Daniel conflict at the core of the episode.  At one point, Jack makes the painful decision to trigger a bomb that would destroy Lotan’s ship, knowing Daniel is aboard.  The bomb never detonates but the intention was there – an attempt to save an entire race by sacrificing the life of a close friend.  A defensible decision?  Fandom was split – and the divide was made even greater by the fact that there was no apparent resolution to the conflict.  No apology from Jack.  Nothing.  Well, in truth, one had been scripted – an apology of sorts that saw Jack approach Daniel at episode’s end and say something along the lines of: “Just so you know, I’m glad I didn’t blow up that ship.”  To which Daniel responded: “Just so you know, so am I.”  For some reason, the actors found it too on the nose and suggested they would come up with something on the day.  Which, unfortunately, never happened.  That was a big learning experience and, from that episode on for as long as we did table reads, if I knew an actor didn’t like a line, even if they didn’t ask for an alternate, I would supply one.

Beneath the Surface

No concept art

I liked the premise of this episode and the first couple of versions of the script even more.  Whether it was because the episode came up short or simply because I was aware of those early drafts, Beneath the Surface came up short for me.  In the end, it seemed to lack the emotional core present in those early versions where the relationship between the amnesiac Jack and Sam was a lot less nebulous.  They WERE together and, given the ground work we’d laid in the episodes leading up to this one – the admission of feelings, the time loop kiss – it seemed like a logical progression.  However, there was some feeling (most notably from Amanda) that it was too much too soon and that the arc might prove a disservice to the characters, so the episode’s romantic elements was stripped away.  I loved the notion of our two main characters having to abandon their established relationship for a forgotten life in which they are no longer together.

Some fans were disappointed.   Others breathed a sigh of relief.

Point of No Return

No concept art

This episode was borne out of Paul’s perusal of several online conspiracy sites that maintained the Stargate program did, in fact, exist and that the t.v. show was part of a plausible deniability campaign (something we would use in later episodes).  Lots of great memories from this episode: Teal’c on the motel bed, the great onscreen chemistry between Rick and Willie Garson (who got along famously off-camera), and some bizarre notes we received at the script stage.  In one scene at the military camp, we hear a helicopter fly away.  We received the note: “Can we see the helicopter?”.  Brad responded: “No, we can’t see the helicopter because it doesn’t exist.  All we have is the sound of the helicopter.”.  Another note was a request to convey the sense of some alien quality in Marty at episode’s end, something to let us know how out of this world he truly was.  There was a suggestion that, in the final shot of the episode, Marty could wiggle his ears in a other-worldly manner.  Suffice it to say, it didn’t fly.

Tangent

Michael Cassutt was the perfect guy to write this episode.  With his heavy science fiction background (having written many short stories and novels in the genre as well as countless non-fiction articles) and hard SF experience, he delivered a first draft that any one of us would have been hard-pressed to match for its authenticity in circumstances and terminology.  For months after “No joy on the burn!” became my go-to phrase whenever I was disappointed with something, be it a scripted scene, a production issue, or my lunch order.

The Curse

I was damn proud of this episode for a number of reasons, the chiefest being its ability to mine an aspect of Daniel Jackson’s past that had yet to be fully explored.  My inner comic book geek is in full display here as Green Lantern references abound: Professor Jordan Sarah Gardner, The Stewart Expedition, Steven Raynor – all GL’s past and present.  Anna-Louise Plowman’s terrific performance ensured she’d be coming back for a return visit, while Ben Bass’s performance as Steven Raynor should have done the same except that the follow-up story I had planned for his character never got past the room.  The basic premise of the story involved SG-1 heading off-world and discovering they’d been beaten to an incredible archaeological find by another team headed by Steven Raynor and bankrolled by a wealthy industrialist who had swung a deal to make use of the Russian gate.  This episode also marked my first experience with the networks’ dreaded give-everything-away promos.  In this case, the promo included a shot of Osiris blasting our heroes, thus ruining the fourth act reveal of exactly who Osiris was.  It was a surprise-ruiner of such epic proportions that it remained unrivaled for years – until their “You won’t believe the last five minutes!” promo for Kindred 1 that revealed Carson Beckett.  What’s not believe?  You just showed them!! (P.S. Special mention to the German broadcasters that renamed Forever in a Day “Sha’re ist Tod” (Sha’re Is Dead).

Serpent’s Venom

To be honest, I don’t remember much about this episode outside of the Mallozian mines (named after yours truly), the “intercepting the transmission” beat, and the uber-cool pain stick used to torture Teal’c that now resides in my garage.

Chain Reaction

No concept art

The fact that the late Don Davis considered this episode one of his personal favorites makes me exceedingly proud.  It was one of those rare episodes that explored Hammond and offered us a peek of the man behind the uniform.  Don was his usual brilliant self and the palpable love and respect SG-1 held for their commander reflected the similar love and respect Don commanded, not only from his fellow cast members, but the entire crew as well.  Although I got along well with the entire cast, Don was the one I would occasionally go out to dinner with, sharing a love of food with the fine, Southern gent.

Today’s Yes/No…

Cheese Grilled Rice Balls? Yes/No https://t.co/ZjSn2ObGAW

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) January 17, 2023

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Stargate: SG-1 Season 4 concept art and episode insights!

So many great memories from this season.  I’ve included some insights from Trip Down Memory Lane series to accompany each episode’s concept art….

Small Victories…

I remember sitting in Brad’s office when we first came to Vancouver and having Brad ask Robert how he planned to conclude the season three finale, Nemesis.  Well, Rob knew exactly where he wanted to go with the story and broke it down for us.  I remember thinking “There is no way they’re going to be able to pull this off.”.  And yet, he did.  WE did.  Again and again.  The high point of this episode isn’t the Rick Moranis lookalike taking a face full of acid in the teaser, or the Russian dialogue that, when translated, reads: “What’s that noise” “Maybe it’s that bug from the last episode.”, but the outtakes  – specifically, one depicting a seated Thor requesting a Mokochino and another with the Asgard reaching up to goose Carter and getting his face slapped as a result.  This was also the first episode I saw Director Martin (“AND CUUUUUUUT!”) Wood in action and he was a sight to behold.

The Other Side…

I remember coming away from this episode impressed by Brad and Robert’s willingness to take chances, especially with regard to our characters.  O’Neill kills someone at episode’s end – and I’m not talking in the heat of battle.  He gives the order to close the iris and then, seconds later, the Eurondan leader apparently steps through and ends up pasted on the other side.  Granted, Jack did warn him not to follow but still – it was a calculated move on the part of the usually happy-go-lucky team leader.  Actor Rene Auberjonois, who played the doomed leader Alar, was a pleasure to work with.  Soon after wrapping production on the episode, he swung by Brad’s office to tell him Alar had a twin brother who’d be more than happy to make an appearance in a future episode. Two other things stand out for me about this episode.  The first was being on set and discovering how they pulled off the chamber-rattling off-screen concussive bursts of the bombings.  Director Peter DeLuise would yell: “Boom!  Shake-shake-shake!”  The actors would feign being rocked while members of the crew would rain dust and sand down on them, unseen overhead.  The second aspect of this episode that will forever stand out for me were those crazy alien glasses that are SO alien that they’re completely counter-intuitive.  In fact, I believe Rick made a gag of it in the episode by going to take a sip, giving the glass a curious look, then turning it around and drinking from the backside.  This was Peter DeLuise at his best and his desire for alien props (from rounded hammers to red spray-painted kiwis) would be a source of endless amusement for Paul and I.

Upgrades…

This was the episode that introduced me to the realities of the scriptwriting process.  The fact is, as a show’s Executive Producer, it’s your job to make sure the episode is as good as it can be.  As a result, you’ll be asked to cast the best actors, choose the best costumes and props, approve the best visual effects, sign off on the best cut and, most important of all, see to it that the script is as good as it can be.  Often, this involves providing a writer with detailed notes for a rewrite.  Occasionally (but a hell of a lot more than you, dear viewers, will ever know), it involves doing a pass on a script not your own – anything from a dialogue polish to a full script rewrite.  But even in cases where a script is thoroughly rewritten, the original writer will retain sole credit.  And so, more times than I can count, I’ve perused the boards and had to bite my tongue (or cross my typing fingers) as I read posts lauding Writer X, knowing full well that while Writer X’s name may have been the credited writer, the person who should’ve been lauded was Brad or Robert or Paul.  I remember Paul sitting in our offices at one point in our Stargate run, amused because he had two scripts nominated for an award: one, on which he’d been co-credited on that I actually wrote, the other on which he’d received no credit but which he’d actually written.  It’s a strange, strange business.  Anyway, in the case of Upgrades, it was simply a case of a script that was tonally very different from first draft to shooting script.  The original version had actually been very serious but, after Robert Cooper did his pass, it was transformed into a hilarious entry and one of my very favorites.  The highlights of this episode for me was the memorable saran wrap force field (augmented with visual effects, but saran wrap nevertheless – I loved watching the dailies of our hero getting their face smooshed as they ran into the damn thing).

Crossroads…

No concept art

In the original version of this script, Teal’c exacts his revenge on Tanith and the episode concludes with, if not exactly a happy ending, then sure a satisfying one.  But Brad suggested that, instead, we end the episode with Teal’c restraining himself and Tanith getting away with Shau’nac’s murder – at least temporarily.  “That’s pretty dark,”I recall Paul saying.  “I like dark,”countered Brad.  And so did I.  The original version of the script also contained a reference to the fact that Teal’c had gotten a (Jaffa) divorce from his wife, freeing him up to pursue that amorous rendezvous with his long lost love.  Unfortunately, for some reason, it didn’t make the final draft and, as a result, Teal’c ended up looking like a big slut to many fans.  All that being said, the high point of this episode for me was the damn pointy Tok’ra digs, everything from the porcupine walls to the lethal high-backed chairs.  It’s a wonder they weren’t impaling themselves all the time.

Divide and Conquer…

No concept art

Some point to this episode as the genesis of the grand shipper vs. anti-shipper debate as O’Neill and Carter finally admit their feelings for one another – and I suppose it was, except it didn’t come as much of a surprise.  Shippers rejoiced as, after after three years of unspoken mutual attraction, “Sam and Jack” became canon.  Anti-shippers, on the other hand, were less than enthused.  And the forums lit up!  And it wasn’t just the ship they were referring to.  It was also the death of their beloved Martouf and the continuing presence of the Anise character, introduced in response to then President of MGM Television’s Hank Cohen’s request for “a sexy female alien” (A suggestion he got to repeat onscreen when he played himself in Wormhole Extreme).

Window of Opportunity…

We had no idea this episode would become so beloved by fandom and yet, looking back, it’s easy to see why.  It’s one of those fun episodes with a fairly straightforward premise that allows our characters to shine in ways unexpected.  Specifically, Jack and Teal’c who, in past episodes, have relied on Carter and Daniel to handle the science and Ancient, and suddenly find themselves having to step into their team members’ shoes.  Yes, it’s our version of Groundhog Day but it works because the time-loop conceit is secondary to the heart of this story: the characters.  And yet, in its earliest form, the pitch for this story was very different, much darker in tone.  It involved the team gating to a planet and becoming trapped in a seemingly endless time loop orchestrated by a dying race seeking to buy more time to come up with a solution to an impending armageddon (which became the backstory of the device’s genesis mentioned in the episode by Malikai).  Rob suggested another spin on the time loop angle and, while I was dubious at first (“Isn’t this Groundhog Day?”I remember asking.  “Yeah,”was Rob’s counter.), I was proven wrong (that happened a lot with regard to some of Rob’s ideas those first couple of years).

A lot to love about this episode but it was the “time off” montage that remains my favorite.  And, like the Ground Hog Day aspects of this episode, it almost didn’t happen.  The episode was timing short, it was clear we would need to come up with some extra scenes, and that gave Brad the opportunity to do something he had always wanted to do: see our characters golfing through the stargate.  And so, several scenes were added (they were all scripted, not improvised as some fans assumed): the juggling, Teal’c’s repeated door run-in, Jack riding his bike through the corridors of the SGC, Jack trying his hand at pottery, the golfing through the gate and, oh yes, THE KISS.  The latter was Paul’s idea and I loved it.  Note: We made sure to have Jack tender his official resignation before dipping Carter and planting one on her, just to make sure we didn’t catch any flak from our Air Force tech advisors.

Watergate…

Watergate…

A great episode with a lot to love about it, but two things about the production stand out for me.  The first was Paul’s ballistic reaction to the scene in which a frozen Maybourne is discovered.  In this case, Paul (aka Captain Logic) could not accept the fact that someone could be frozen in a standing upright position. Rather, he argued, if you were freezing to death, you would be hunkered down, trying to keep warm.  The fact that Maybourne is discovered on his feet, frozen solid, suggests a sudden freeze – which isn’t what happened here.  Anyway, it wouldn’t be the last logic issue to set my writing partner off, but it was memorable for being a fiery first.  As for the second thing that stands out about this episode for me: the title.  I swear, I thought Rob was kidding when he said he was going to call it Watergate.

Today’s Yes/No…

Dekitate On-warabimochi? Yes/No
On-warabimochi: A delicious Japanese dessert you should only eat with people who already love you https://t.co/BmcrW5py0z via @RocketNews24En

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) January 16, 2023

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January 15, 2023: Suji Sunday!

Staying warm.

Blast from the Past: Petunia and Suji!

Blast from the Past: Suji and Lulu!

Sweet face.

“There there,”says Quenton.

Surprised!

Me and my old lady.

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January 14, 2023: A cornucopia of concept art!

Wrapping up season 3…

Foothold

Pretense

 

Urgo

A Hundred Days

Shades of Grey

New Ground

Maternal Instinct

Nemesis

Today’s Yes/No…

Juwa~tsu Bean Paste Butter Donuts? Yes/No https://t.co/E2K4Pp3lqE

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) January 14, 2023

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January 13, 2022: Meanwhile, on the home front!

Thanks to Dr. Blackjack (and Drea!) for the reminder!  And Akemi for the content.

Croccantini…

Fresh grape juice…

$120 seaweed…

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January 12, 2023: For your consideration…More horror movies!

The Killing Tree (2022)

On Christmas Eve, a widow casts a spell to resurrect her executed husband. However, when the spell goes wrong, the husband is brought back as an Evil Christmas Tree hell-bent on revenge.

My thoughts: It’s like Dr. Who meets Little Shop of Horrors that at times feels like it’s been produced by a moonlighting adult film crew. But all in good fun.

2.5

Terrifier 2 (2022)

After being resurrected by a sinister entity, Art the Clown returns to the timid town of Miles County where he targets a teenage girl and her younger brother on Halloween night.

My thoughts: Gets off to a rollicking start before getting bogged down by a nonsensical, overlong script. Art the Clown is terrific in his maniacal Mr. Bean schtick, but he’s in desperate need of better material.

3/5

M3GAN (2023)

A terrific premise undone by a paint-by-number execution. A resounding meh.

My thoughts: A terrific premise undone by a paint-by-number execution. A resounding meh.

3/5

Willy’s Wonderland (2021)

A quiet drifter is tricked into a janitorial job at the now condemned Willy’s Wonderland. The mundane tasks suddenly become an all-out fight for survival against wave after wave of demonic animatronics.

My thoughts: Watching Nic Cage wordlessly dispatch demented animatronics is fun for the first 30 minutes or so and then grows quickly tiresome. Above average stupid horror movie logic in this one.

2.5/5

The Conjuring (2013)

Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse.

My thoughts: Top-notch scares in this solid, occasionally surprising haunted house tale.

4/5

Today’s Yes/No…

Flamin’ Hot Tangy Chili Fusion Cheetos? Yes/Nohttps://t.co/cg70dBibFY

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) January 12, 2023

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January 11, 2023: Amazing Covers!

Star Wars: Darth Vader #30 – cover art by Rahzzah

Black Cloak #1 – cover art by Jeff Dekal

Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #3 – cover art by Marc Silvestri

Danger Street #3 – cover art by Jorge Fornes

Lazarus Planet: Alpha #1 – cover art by Francsco Mattina

Lazarus Planet: Alpha #1 – cover art by Scott Godlweski

Billionaire Island: Cult of Dogs #3 – cover art by Steve Pugh

So, which were YOUR favorites?

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January 10, 2023: Meanwhile, on the home front…

Our friend, Dr. Blackjack, returned from Japan bearing gifts!  For me, it was three boxes of Sasha, Japanese convenience store chocolate that is far from bean-to-bar but is possessed of the most incredible texture thanks to its delicate lattice weave design.

Reminds me of these chocolates I saw years ago (also out of Japan).  I was more local chocolatiers who play with textures as much as they play with flavors.

And for Suji, a treat medley.  The package at the bottom left is particularly interesting as the owner of the company originally made a version of these potato flour treats for children that easily dissolve in little mouths.  Then she made a variation for dogs and included more dog-friendly ingredients like powdered broccoli.  Perfect for senior pugs who find chewing a hassle.

Akemi working on lunch, thrilled to put her new ice cream scoop to good use on some ground beef.  I don’t know how she manages it, but she always serves up something new and delicious every day for lunch – AND has fun doing it.  Unless I wander into the kitchen.  Then, she gets snappy.

Delicious, but I found the Cacio e Pepe a little to cacio for me.

And did a little cheese tasting as well.  The Chateau de Bourgogne is always a winner.  The Saint-Félicien is also very good, but for the faint of heart.  Finally, we ended up trying two types of truffle cheeses – both excellent.

Akemi passed as she is not fond of cheese, so she’ll never know what she’s been missing.  Which is fine by her.

What about you?  What are your cheese favorites?  I’m a big fan of Chateau de Bourgogne, Chateau des Delices, St. Andre, Brillat-Savarin, Adoray, La Tur, and, recently, Saint-Juste.  What are your go-to cheeses?

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January 9, 2023: More Stargate stuff from the SG-1’s season 3 vault!

From SG-1 Season 3 vault…

Into the Fire

Fair Game

Legacy

Leaning Curve

Deadman’s Switch

Rules of Engagement

Jolinar’s Memories

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January 8, 2022: Suji Sunday!

Suji and new pal, Quenton.

She’s all ears.  Or one at least…

If you’re not tuning into her meal-time Lives, THIS is what you’re missing…

Sweet dreams…

Daddy’s girl.

 

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