Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 301

August 8, 2017: 23 days!

Approximately three weeks to the big move and things are coming along nicely.  I think.  I’ve cancelled services, finished 90% of my packing, hired a mover, got a storage locker in Toronto, booked our flight, and am trying to move a bunch of stuff I no longer need.  Sis got is getting my massive dvd and toy collection, Rob Cooper got our sous-vide machine, while Lawren Bancroft-Wilson hauled off enough booze to open his own bar.  There are, however, a few items I’m having trouble moving…

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This ten year old bottle of blueberry wine!

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A lifetime supply of windshield washer fluid!

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A teapot in the shape of a fish!

It’s okay.  I still have twenty-three days to work with.

Initially, the plan was to fall in love with a condo in Toronto and buy it before our move…but that plan was abandoned.  Then, it was decided we would just move into our old place for the time being but: there’s someone living there until October 1st.  So we elected to just find a place through the production but, with no official pick-up, there technically isn’t a production right now.

But I’m not worried.  I still have twenty-three days to figure it out.

Other than that, things have been unusually…quiet for this time of year.  Catching up on my reading.  Going to rewatch Flight of the Concords because Akemi wants to watch after seeing the video for “Hurt Feelings” –

22 in episodes in all.  Perfect!

August 7, 2017: Dragons, Dark Matter, and Dogs!

“I want a dragon.”

Akemi last night after watching Game of Thrones.

A sneak peek at this Friday’s episode of Dark Matter, “The Dwarf Star Conspiracy”:

And here’s a video of Lulu and Suji enjoying some ice cream:

 

August 6, 2017: Dark Matter Episodes 310 and 311!

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ScreenSpy: “Holy twists, Batman. This episode had a little bit of everything—insight into Android’s creation was a given, but the glimpses into the crew’s past interactions really sealed this episode emotionally.”

SciFiMoviePage: “An excellent episode that answered a lot of question about the characters in the show.”

Geeksiders:

And what did the AfterBuzz team have to say about this episode?

What lies in store for the crew in Episode 311, “The Dwarf Star Conspiracy”?

One of the Android’s newly discovered memories leads the crew to a suspicious Dwarf Star facility on Nova 17.

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The promo –

The sneak peek –

http://www.spoilertv.com/2017/08/dark-matter-episode-311-dwarf-star.html

 

 

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter, Stargate

August 5, 2017: Dark Matter! Stargate! The results are in!

Whew!  What a night!  Dark Matter fans had us trending before, during, and long after Episode 310, “Built, Not Born” aired.  We were all out in force, including cast members, to live tweet one of our biggest episodes yet.  And, while all the tweeting was going on, I was rewarding lucky fans with all sorts of cool swag, from cast-signed Dark Matter scripts to Stargate loot.  When all was said and done, I’d given away two signed scripts, six art department packages, a selection of ID badges, an SGU pre-launch press kit, and a goa’uld pain stick prop.  Akemi is going to have to address a lot of envelopes these new few days.

ALSO…the results of the Which Stargate Cast Member Would You Like to See on Dark Matter poll are in.  2 064 votes where cast!  And here are your top three finishers:

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Watching the vote progression was like taking in a great sports match – plenty of lead changes, rallies, and an 11th hour upset.

So, next steps –

1: Write a great part.

2. Contact one of the top 3 finishers and convince them to guest star on the show.

3. Host a Stargate reunion on the set of Dark Matter.

Oh, yeah.  I forgot.  Step 0.5: Get picked up for a fourth season!

And, hey, if you’re fave didn’t make the top 3, don’t despair.  I already have plans for at least two other Stargate veterans in season 4 (their schedule, interest, and our budget permitting) but I get ahead of myself.  Renewal first, then grand scifi plans!

As for last night’s episode?  How’d it go?

Yep.  The fans seemed to like it.  And the critics as well –

BladeOfTheSashurai: “By and all this was one of the more emotionally charged episodes of the season, giving us a new look at Two’s past and the android’s quiet yet conflicted nature.”

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BlackGirlNerds: “That was only 42 minutes? Way to pack in a lot of content without it getting muddled or confusing.”

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SYFYWIRE: “This episode was just full of emotional turmoil and big character moments for Two and Android (and even Three!) and I just have a lot of feelings, okay?” 

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PureFandom: “This was an episode for multiple revelations and “What the what?” screeches of dismay/delight. I don’t know about you, but I didn’t want this episode to end. It was chock full of love among our crew members and some interesting relationship twists.”

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SpoilerTV: “Dark Matter went all in with this episode and delivered big revelations for both Two and the Android.”

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DenOfGeek: “For longtime viewers of Dark Matter, the story that unfolds in “Built, Not Born” is one that had been anticipated for quite awhile, and the payoff is quite satisfying.”

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SciFiPulse: “After last week’s fun and games, Dark Matter returns to the mode of serious science fiction with a moral to the story.”

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ThreeIfBySpace: “Regardless of what genre of TV you like most, Dark Matter has something for everyone. “Built, Not Born” is yet another solid episode in what has been a fantastic season, tying together two mysterious story lines with one satisfying resolution.”

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TheNerdRecites: “Mallozzi promised this episode way back before the season had even begun. An episode where The Android’s origins would be revealed, coupled with a surprising link between The Android and Two. He definitely wasn’t kidding about the surprising nature of that link – this week revealed a complex backstory with some highly unexpected reveals.”

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Nerdophiles: “What an awesome episode!”

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CarterMatt: “This episode was crazy, twisted, heartfelt, and fun — pretty much this show in a nutshell. ”

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TellTaleTV: “Dark Matter Season 3 Episode 10, “Built, Not Born,” finally gave us a look into the history of Two and Android with a major twist no one saw coming. This intense change of events could have some major impacts for our crew and their journey.”

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And here’s your post-episode discussion on After Dark, hosted by the lovely Zoe Palmer:

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter, Stargate

August 4, 2017: Tonight on Dark Matter…prepare yourselves! 9/8C on SYFY! Vote for your favorite Stargate Cast Member! Win some swag!

First of all, I want to take everyone who took the time to submit their request for the Which Stargate Cast Member You’d Like To See On Dark Matter? impromptu poll.  The response has been – well – overwhelming, but I’ve got our Top 13!  And this is how it’s going to work…

You have 24 hours to vote on which Stargate cast member you’d like to see guest star in Dark Matter’s fourth season.  Results will be announced in tomorrow’s blog entry!

Take Our Poll

Simple, no?  And, in celebration of this coming together of awesome scifi franchises – Stargate/Farscape/Dark Matter – I’m going to do a few fan giveaways during tonight’s broadcast of Dark Matter.  All you have to do for a chance to win is tweet out tonight, between 9/8C and 10/9C while the latest episode of Dark Matter is airing, using the #DarkMatter hashtag, and that will automatically enter you in a chance to win any of the following…

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Art Department packages chock full of plans and designs.

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A signed Dark Matter script!

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These cool ID badges I picked up at Comic Con way back when!

But wait!  There’s more!  Answer one of two skill-testing questions (one for the east coast airing, another for the west coast airing)  about tonight’s Dark Matter episode between 9/8C and 10/9C on twitter (don’t forget to use the #DarkMatter hashtag) for a chance to win –

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This rare pre-launch Stargate: Universe press kit.

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This rubber prop goa’uld pain stick.  It doesn’t shock but is still good for swinging and poking!

Watch twitter between 9/8C and 10/9C  for the questions and a chance to win!  My twitter handle: @BaronDestructo

Winners will be announced on twitter after the episodes air!

Also tonight, the cast convenes at Melissa O’Neil’s place for a mass group live tweet session.  Join us online as we attempt to break the internet!

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Well, if the early reaction to the advance screeners of Episode 310, “Built, Not Born”, are any indication, tonight’s episode is going to rock your world.  I’ve had half a dozen individuals reach out to say it’s their favorite episode.  Not their favorite episode of the season, but their favorite episode of the entire series.  Wild.

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It’s an episode chock full of family moments, shocking reveals, and answers to some long-asked questions.

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It is NOT to be missed!

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See?

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SpoilerTV’s Aimee Hicks gives us an advance preview: So Many Feelings

“Dark Matter is about to unleash a feelings heavy episode that pulls at the heartstrings while dropping some major revelations. Joseph Mallozzi, Co-Creator/Executive Producer, has called this the “feeliest” episode of the series and even that’s an understatement. Nothing”

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And Greg David at TV, Eh? offers up his thoughts: Dark Matter Delivers It’s Biggest “Holy Crap!” Moment Of Season 3

“There is a HUGE reveal midway through “Built, Not Born,” that will leave you spinning. Easily the biggest “Holy crap!” moment in a season chock full of them. It involves the Android, Two and Five and … nope, we won’t spoil it.”

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Tom Gardiner at ThreeIfBySpace has the episodic stills – and some thoughts…

“This week’s Dark Matter episode, “Built, Not Born”, is going to blow your mind. Several times.”

And, oh, let’s whet your appetite with a sneak peek scene.  What’s up with our Android?

Finally, more good news to buoy our spirits as we await work on a pick-up.  The +7’s are in for the week of July 17th and Dark Matter tied for #1 in percentage gain among adults 18-49 with a 200% increase among all cable shows, and came in at #8 with a 113% increase in total viewers.  Mighty impressive, I’d say.

‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘Descendants 2’ make big gains in cable Live +7 ratings for July 17-23

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter, Stargate

August 3, 2017: Stargate and Dark Matter (and, apparently, Farscape) Fandoms Converge!

Well Holy Smokes!  When I composed yesterday’s blog entry and asked fans to select a former Stargate cast member to guest in Dark Matter’s fourth season, little did I realize the deluge I was in for.  Between this blog, reddit, Facebook, google, and twitter, I’ve received over 1000 responses.  And counting!  Requests have ranged from the expected (Amanda Tapping, Michael Shanks) to the pleasantly surprising (Dan Shea, Teryl Rothery) to the impossible-but-nice-try (a puddle jumper, the stargate itself!).  I was so blown away by the reaction from fandom that I’ve decided to give all those gaters a little present in the form of their requested guest star.  Here’s how it’ll work…

Tomorrow night, I’ll tally up all of your asks and put together a short list of 10-12 names made up of your most requested (and a few of my faves) and put it to a vote.  I will do my damnedest to cast at least one of your top three choices (and maybe even a few other names) for Dark Matter’s fourth season.  I say “do my damnedest” because scheduling and budgetary constraints may complicate matters (I hear that Jason Momoa has been keeping busy!), but I’ll promise you at least one or two familiar faces from the Stargate franchise will be popping up on or near The Raza in season four.

Of course, first we have to get picked up for a fourth season but fandom is strong and vocal, our numbers are on the rise (our +3’s and +7’s are strong, the show is just roughly 10% off last year’s viewership, and we’re currently the #3 show in total viewers average on SYFY for  2017 with four more episodes to go!), and I’m suddenly feeling positive.  I also have the perfect episode in which to introduce them!

So, let’s hear it.  Who’s it going to be?

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Check out this great article by Daniel Rasmus at Pop Matters: Why Dark Matter Matters

“For Dark Matter, the concept of humans working and living in space creates enough context to holds its amnesia/self-discovery premise. Kick-ass characters, blasters, space battles, sword fights, poison; all traditional, all relatable. The thrills come from real humans placed in the jeopardy of space, from human politics and the loss and rediscovery of memory.”

 

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter, Stargate

August 2, 2017: Which Stargate cast member would you like to see on Dark Matter?

In yesterday’s blog entry, I mentioned the similarities between Stargate and Dark Matter, but one of the parallels I failed to mention was the talent, both behind and in front of the camera.  Former Stargate Executive Producers Robert C. Cooper and Martin Gero consulted and wrote for Dark Matter, former Stargate directors Amanda Tapping, Andy Mikita, Will Waring, Martin Wood, and Peter DeLuise have helmed episodes, and, of course, former Stargate actors Torri Higginson, David Hewlett, and Mike Dopud have put in appearances aboard The Raza as well.

So, as we head toward the possibility of a fourth season, I’d like to know what former Stargate alum would YOU like to see make a guest appearance on Dark Matter?  Post your requests!

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Two more days to an all-new episode of Dark Matter.  This Friday at 9/8C on SYFY, Episode 310 (“Built, Not Born”) will offer some very interesting insight into TWO and the Android’s backstory and their mysterious past connection.  It’s chock full of wonderful character moments, a few surprises and – FINALLY – a name for our Android!

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter, SG-1, Stargate

August 1, 2017: The Stargate/Dark Matter Connection!

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A little while ago, a buddy of mine forwarded me an old article he came across while clearing out his place.  Titled “Winning the Space Race”, it was a piece on Stargate: SG-1.  The article intros: “It’s slammed by critics and sci-fi diehards, but Stargate: SG-1 has become the little show that could, staying on the air even longer than the X-Files or any of the Star Trek series.”

Reading the article took me back to those glory days – and, strangely, made me realize that, after all these years, my situation hasn’t really changed.  Specifically, I refer to the parallels between my old show, Stargate: SG-1, and my new one, Dark Matter.  Sure there are the obvious similarities – the fact that Paul Mullie and I played a significant role in the creative of both, the underlying humor and sense of fun shared by SG-1 and Dark Matter, the fact that at the heart of both shows is the family unit and the bonds forged by loyalty, love, and camaraderie.

And then, there is another comparison to be drawn, neatly summed up in that article’s leading: “the little show that could”.  The sad truth is that Stargate (SG-1, Atlantis, and Universe) faced long odds throughout its impressive run.  It was never a media darling.  It didn’t have the cachet of other shows.  It didn’t have the money of splashier SF productions.  Every season looked to be its last and yet, amazingly, it came back, again and again, defying those long odds.  What was initially supposed to be a two year gig when I joined SG-1’s fourth season turned into a glorious twelve year ride.  And why?  Well, the fans spoke.  Loudly.  And the network listened.

Fast-forward to now and I find myself in a surprisingly similar position – anxiously awaiting word on a pick-up for a show that isn’t a media darling, doesn’t have the cachet of other shows or the money of splashier SF productions.  They’re long odds, but we defied them to get seasons 2 and 3, and now we need our fandom to to help us secure season 4 because season 4…well, I don’t want to spoil it for you, but the season 3 finale opens a new chapter in the Dark Matter pentalogy, one that will reward the scifiest of scifi fans.

If Season 1 was Secrets and Surprises.

And Season 2 was Risks and Redemption.

And Season 3 is Victories and Vengeance.

Then Season 4 is A… and A…

Care to hazard a guess?  I promise you, it’s going to be HUGE.

Then, as always, it all comes down to you.  Help Dark Matter get that fourth season.  MAKE SOME NOISE!

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter, Stargate

July 31, 2017: Reflecting back on Robert C. Cooper’s directorial debut way-back-when!

Well look who dropped by the comments section.  None other than Robert C. Cooper.  I mentioned his upcoming miniseries, Unspeakable, in yesterday’s entry and, today, he left the following message:

“Thanks for the shout out Joe! If you’re interested in following the progress then head on over to http://www.unspeakableseries.com and please like us on Facebook at Unspeakabletv!”

Ah, this takes me back to Rob’s directorial debut, back on a little show called Stargate: SG-1…

So what inspired Rob to become a director? His love for the art?  Creative ambition?  Would you believe…fear.

Parents be warned…

And what did I expect from Rob’s debut?  Well, I never had a doubt…

Tagged: Stargate, Stargate: SG-1

July 30, 2017: Rob’s new series! Dark Matter = SciFi Fun! The Dark Matter Season 3 Blooper Reel!

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Sundance TV Picks Up Unspeakable Miniseries

From creator/showrunner Robert C. Cooper of Stargate, Dirk Gently, and backyard woodfire pizza fame!

This has been a passion project of his for quite some time and it’s nice to see him finally get that green light.  Congrats, my friend!

Speaking of green lights…still waiting for word on that fourth season renewal for Dark Matter.  I expect word sometime between this week…and the end of September.  So let’s finish strong and help swing the tide.  Watch, tweet, tell your friends!  Dark Matter returns this Friday (9/8C on SYFY and Space Channel) with our feeliest episode yet!

At the end of the day, this article is what it’s all about – or, at the very least, what I wanted the show to be all about from its early beginnings:

Dark Matter: Making SciFi Fun Again

“The shows are very different in terms of premise but one way they’re very similar is in tone. One of the things I loved about writing for SG-1 and Atlantis was the underlying sense of humour in both shows, and that’s something I set out to recapture in Dark Matter. In addition, after all the action and adventure, the Stargate shows were very much about family. I think it’s much the same way with the Dark Matter crew. They are mercenaries, this galaxy’s most-wanted, but, when all is said and done, they’re family.”

I talk about “Isn’t That A Paradox?” with Kelly Townsend of The TV Junkies:

“My writing partner Paul [Mullie] helped out a lot with the little twists and turns. He’s Mr. Science and Logic, so we went over the script together and found those little moments. I always love a good time travel episode as long as it makes sense within the context of the episode. There are so many different ways to do time travel, you just have to choose your version and be true to it. That’s what we set out to do. As always, it offers an opportunity for humor. It was the best of both worlds.”

I talk about our last episode and a possible season 4 with Aimee Hicks of SpoilerTV:

“I don’t know if you want to call it a cliffhanger or not, but it certainly opens the door to a “Holy Crap” Fourth Season for the show. So you know it, sets things up and sends things in completely different directions that we have never done on the show, so hopefully, we’ll get to bring that to you.”

And, while we’re on the subject of fun, check out the Dark Matter season 3 blooper reel: