Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 216

November 24, 2019: Suji Sunday!

Missing my girls this week!

Raspberry!

That post-nap face.

Lulu showing off.

Suji hits the road.

That nose!  So kissable!

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Stargate: A New Hope

So, why am I so positive about this upcoming tweet storm?  Do I actually think it will change things?  Influence the decision-makers?  Ultimately result in a new in-canon Stargate series?

In a word: Yes.  For several reasons, most of which I’ve already outlined.  But for one reason almost no one has noted.  The last tweet storm worked.  No, it didn’t immediately result in a new series, but I believe it did get the ball rolling in that direction.  And I’ll explain how shortly.  First, let me lay out my overall reasoning on this:

Since shortly after Stargate: Universe aired its final episode, I’ve been vocal and adamant in my belief that we would be getting a new series – eventually.  At the time, I had no idea what form it would take or, specifically, when it would land, but common sense dictated it WOULD happen.  Eventually.  Now I know it’s downright crazy to apply logic to the entertainment industry – and that’s true. With one exception: when it comes to the bottom line.  Studios are in the business of making money, and the Stargate franchise was one of MGM’s biggest moneymakers. There is no way they’re just going to allow it lie fallow indefinitely. There have been changes at the company, both in terms of its leadership and, by extension, production strategy.  That has no doubt delayed things – as has, I suspect, a cautious approach to a relaunch.  As I said, the Stargate franchise is one of MGM’s most lucrative properties, and they want to be absolutely sure that the series they are going to green light has as much opportunity to succeed as possible.  They need to be sure.  And THAT takes time.

I mentioned in yesterday’s blog entry that the rise of the streamers will also exert an influence as these elite players seek to build a subscriber base by offering exclusive marquee content.  One way to do that is by spending on huge productions.  Another way is to acquire established properties, ones with built-in fanbases that will drive subscriptions.  I’m talking about Amazon’s forthcoming Lord of the Rings and Wheel of Time adaptations, CBS All Access’ Star Trek revival, Disney+’s The Mandalorian, Netflix’s Lost in Space.  And I’m also talking about Stargate.  It’s an as-of-yet untapped goldmine, one with a solid fanbase clamoring for more.

Now I’m not saying a new Stargate series couldn’t land on one of the big networks or cable entities because they’re just as hungry for product, especially a proven property like Stargate, but the fact is that these new streaming services are driving a lot of this new IP-based content.  And a number of them are just getting started.  There’s Netflix and Amazon and Hulu, more recently CBS All-Access and Apple TV+ and Disney+, and upcoming, Warner Media’s HBO Max and NBCU’s Peacock.  And I’m sure we’ll see more, a growing list of potential homes. But the reality is that while the number of these potential homes may continue to grow, the number of properties with Stargate’s pedigree (17 seasons, 300+ episodes) is severely limited.  Someone is going to make a move soon, and to those that don’t: Well, you snooze, you lose.

To this point, I’ve discussed the various market forces that are dovetailing to make the production of a new Stargate series inevitable.  But there is one more piece of the puzzle, the final element that will ensure we get that new Stargate – and not just any old Stargate series, but one that is in-canon and offers a perfect entry point for new viewers while also rewarding longtime fans.  And that final element is YOU.  Now some of you may wonder “How can fans possibly have any influence on the launch of a new Stargate series?”.  My answer to that is – You already have.

Stargate: Universe was cancelled on December 16, 2010.  Its final episode aired May 9, 2011.  Years went by without any word regarding a new series.  And then, in March of 2018, Stargate fandom launched an enormous tweet storm in support of a new in-canon series.  Six months later, during an appearance at Gatecon, longtime Stargate Executive Producer and Showrunner announced that he was in talks with MGM.  “I’m very happy to be able to say that MGM has a nice renewed interest in the franchise,” Wright said to fans. “And we have started talking again.”

Hmmm.  7+ years of radio silence and then months after that massive tweet storm, suddenly, progress.  Sure, it may just be a coincidence – but I’m not a big fan of coincidences.  That’s lazy, contrived, result writing.

Now I’m not saying the massive online showing by fans was the single motivating factor, but I like to think that it was, perhaps, ONE of the factors that led them to finally see the light and realize: “Hey, Brad Wright created and oversaw seventeen years of our most successful franchise next to Bond.  We really should be talking to him about new Stargate.”.

Between the rise of the streamers, the quest for marquee content, and Brad Wright’s renewed involvement in the franchise, I think we’re nearing critical mass. And this upcoming tweet storm will help us achieve it.

Looking forward to it – and what the next six months bring!

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That Stargate Tweet Storm Has A Date!

Save the date! There’s a big Stargate tweet storm a-brewing.

Friday, December 6th at 21:00 EST, 18:00 PST (Check your local time!)

We’ll be hitting twitter HARD at the appointed time for a full hour.  The goal?  To let MGM (and all those prospective new broadcast/cable/streaming homes) know that Stargate fandom is very much alive and eager for a new series.  But not just any new series.  Stargate fandom will settle for nothing less than an in-canon series, one that offers an easy jumping on point for new viewers yet still honors seventeen years of sci-fi t.v. history.

Quite the challenge admittedly.   But former Stargates SG-1, Atlantis, and Universe co-creator, showrunner, and Executive Producer Brad Wright is up for the task.

To quote Brad in a late 2018 interview: “I don’t expect – and certainly don’t anyone expect – another television show to appear around the corner.  But Stargate is an important part of their library.”

Between then and now, I feel we’ve really turned a corner.  Several new streaming platforms have entered the game, driving the market for marquee content.  And, truly, what is more marquee than a crown jewel franchise that spawned over three hundred episodes of television?

I’ve been saying it for years now: Stargate will come back.  It’s not a matter of IF, but WHEN.

And given the developing television and streaming landscape, it’s clear that WHEN is NOW.

So we’re going to tweet.  We’re going to be respectful.  Yet we will be firm in our conviction that a new Stargate series is not only imperative but long overdue.

Now I need you all to get the word out.  If you know any Stargate fans who would be interested in a new series, let them know and get them on twitter.  The same applies for fans of Travelers and Dark Matter.  We could use your support.  Hell, this applies to all sci-fi fans out there.  The more the merrier.

Join us Friday, December 6th at 21:00 EST, 18:00 PST and tweet your hearts out.  In addition to blowing the doors off twitter…

We’ll be joined by some familiar faces.

Random participants will win assorted Stargate and Dark Matter swag from the vault.

And, if things fall right, we will all soon be rewarded with a new show.

You in?

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November 21, 2019: Midway in Montreal!

The High Council and I are in the final planning stages for the upcoming Stargate tweet storm.  We just have a few details to nail down (hopefully by tomorrow) after which we will be posting the exact date and time of the event.  We’ll have more than a few surprises in store, so stay tuned!

Well, I’m past the halfway mark of my Montreal visit and am not getting any of the work done I had planned on completing while in town.  I think lack of sleep has a lot to do with.  At night, my sister’s dogs like to cram in close – and get up and walk around at all hours of the night.  They are also up at 6:00 a.m. on the nose.  My sister suggested that, if I’m not ready to get up, I should just tell them “Go back to sleep” – which, as it turns out, works for about ten minutes before they’re up again.

They also bark at everything.  And I do mean EVERYTHING!  People, cars, other dogs, each other.  I think my blood pressure will be through the roof by the time I finish up here on Monday.

Went out with one of my oldest friends last night.  “Oldest” as in “longest friendship”  Also, “oldest” as in elderly and decrepit.  Lawrence is pictured above, picking the raspberry off our sushi.  Yes!  Raspberries on sushi!  The restaurant’s other aberrant offerings included maki with blueberries and strawberries.  I mean, why not M&M’s and gummy worms?

Apparently, he doesn’t really keep up to date on the blog and mostly ignores my tweets with the exception of my semi-regular weird food-related Yes/No posts.  So, just in case he missed it (and with the holidays right around the corner), I ask you –

Jimmy Dean sausage candy canes? Yes/No https://t.co/djB6iNlZFv

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) November 10, 2019

I’ll be honest.  I’d MUCH prefer these over peppermint.

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November 20, 2019: Week’s Best Comic Book Covers!

These were my favorites…

Captain America #16 (cover art by Alex Ross)

Captain Marvel #12 (cover art by Mark Brooks)

Spider-Man: Velocity #4 (cover art by Skan)

Strikeforce #3 (cover art by Andrea Sorrentino)

Batman #83 (cover art by Mikel Janin)

Batman #83 (cover art by Francesco Mattina)

Batman: White Knight Presents Von Freeze #1 (cover art by Sean Murphy)

The Question: The Deaths of Vic Sage #1 (cover art by Denys Cowan)

Vampirella #5 (cover art by Stanley Lau)

Eternal Illustration: The Works of Ilya Kuvshinov (cover art by Ilya Kuvshinov)

So, which were your favorites?

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November 19, 2019: Dogsitting!

So, I am in Montreal for the week, dog-sitting my sister’s pack while she attends a conference down south.  Woke up early yesterday in order to catch an early flight in, accompany mom to a medical follow-up (All good!), and get the rundown of Andria’s place.  Last night, I slept in her guest room which, interestingly, doesn’t have blinds, thus ensuring I was up at the crack of dawn (somewhat earlier than I anticipated).

Today, it’s been quality time with Kona and Ralphie (and, to a lesser extent, her cat, Rapini, who prefers the solitude of the basement unless dinner is late).  Oh, and mom.

Lunch at Smoke Meat Pete (make sure to order it medium-fat!).  A tradition!

Chocolates dipped ice cream cones at Chocolats Favoris.

Making Russian tea cakes, aka Mexican wedding cookies, aka snowballs, aka sneaky cough inducers.

Whoo, I am exhausted.  Early night.  I’m turning in.  Feel free to stay up as late as you like.  Just remember to turn off all the lights when you’re done.

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November 18, 2019: Crowning a champ and planning a tweet storm!

Well, there you go.  It was back and forth and, in the end, pretty darn close, but we finally have a winner in our Stargate: Universe Greatest Episode Tournament!  Twin Destinies takes the crown.

Having hosted a tournament for each of the three Stargate shows – SG-1 (Window of Opportunity), Atlantis (Rising), and, now Universe (Twin Destinies), I’m wondering if we should host similar tournaments for Dark Matter and Travelers?  What do you think?

But first thing’s first.  It’s high time for one GIANT final tweet storm in support of a new Stargate series.  Given the way the current television landscape is developing, the rise of the streamers, the quest for marquee programming, the revisiting of established franchises, and, chiefest of all, the enduring passion of Stargate fans – the time is NOW.

22 years since Stargate: SG-1 premiered.

9 years since Stargate: Universe aired its final episode.

In between, 14 years, 17 seasons, 354 episodes, and an ever-growing army of fans.

Fandom has waited long enough.  You’ve all been incredibly patient.  But it’s time for MGM to green light a new show.  One that ALL of Stargate fandom can get behind.  Not a reboot or a reimagining, but an in-canon series that builds on seventeen seasons of television history while, at the same time, offering a jumping on point for new viewers who may have never watched a single episode.  There’s room for all fans, newbies and veterans alike.

If Star Trek can have THREE shows on the air in 2020, Stargate can have ONE by 2021.

So, to all those fans who feel ignored, who complain that the studio doesn’t listen to them, prepare to be heard.

Friday, December 6th is the date.

Circle it.  Clear your schedule.  Get the word out.  And rally the troops.  Because this time, Stargate fandom will NOT be denied.

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November 17, 2019: Suji Sunday!

Suji borrows her sister’s winter coat.

Wake up!  It’s Photo Day!

Highly suspicious.

Teaching that reindeer who’s boss.

Lights out!

Surprising unboxing!

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November 16, 2019:

Twin Destinies beat out Gauntlet in semifinal action, setting the stage for our heavyweight finale.

Who will bring home the championship in our Stargate: Universe Greatest Episode Tournament?

Decide!

It's the #StargateUniverse Greatest Episode Tournament Championship! #Stargate #SGU #ScienceFiction
Choose!

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) November 16, 2019

So, yesterday’s blog entry was exceedingly late.   I had actually completed a draft, set it aside – and simply forgot to come back to it.  I was, admittedly, a victim of distracted blogging.  To be honest, I’ve had a fair amount on my mind of late, almost all of it related to the projects on my plate.

I feel…how shall I put this?

Annoyed?

Frustrated?

Fed up?

Yes, all of the above.  My patience has come to an end.  Time for a major course correction.   Facciamo piatto pulito!

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November 16, 2019: And once again…

The final results are in and season 1’s Time pulls off an impressive victory over season’s Epilogue, 56% to 44%.  Time moves on to the Stargate: Universe Greatest Episode Tournament to face off against one of these two episodes…

Which episode will face off against Time in our #StargateUniverse Greatest Episode Tournament championship finals? #SGU #Stargate
Decide between –

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) November 15, 2019

It’s a close one, but there are still 20 hours to vote.  So head on over to twitter to cast your ballot!

Yes, another day another day-late blog entry.  This time, I wrote up the entry, then set it aside to take my evening shower (Like they do in Japan!) and completely forgot.  What does that say about my state of mind?

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