Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 339

August 2, 2016: Robert Picardo! Japan Fest! Tasty Ramen! And Zoie Palmer!

I worked with a lot of great actors of my many years on Stargate and, although I do cross paths with them now and again, there’s no series regular I keep in steady contact with like I do Robert Picardo.  Stargate SG-1‘s former pain-in-the-ass I.O.A. representative, Stargate: Atlantis’s former Commander, Star Trek Voyager’s former Doctor (among many, MANY other roles), Bob remains as busy now as ever, splitting time between film, television, stage, and science-minded projects like The Planetary Society.

The first time we went out to dinner was way back in SG-1’s heyday.  We went to Vij’s, one of Vancouver’s premiere Indian restaurants.  I remember walking down the street and having a nervous fan respectfully stop us and ask if he could get a picture with The Doctor.  Bob was his always affable self, more than happy to throw his arm around the happy fan and pose for a photo.

Fast-forward 10+ years later.  Bob was in town and suggested we get together for dinner.  Like old times, he suggested we go to Vij’s (now in its new location).  As we finished up our meal, a man in a large group walked by our table and stopped to tell Bob how much he enjoyed his work and assuring him that, although his phone was out, he wasn’t planning on taking any candid shots.  Bob, ever gracious, thanked him for the kind words and assured him he’d be happy to take a photo with him.  The guy (and his buddy) were ecstatic as Bob happily threw his arms around them and posed for a couple of photos.

Class act!

This weekend, Akemi and I, along with out friend Nicole, took in Vancouver’s annual celebration of Japanese culture at the Powell Street Festival.  The highlights:

Akemi cannot resist a good but-out photo-op.

Spam nigiri!

Oooh.  Bulgogi rice burger.

Molten hot takoyaki!

And, for dessert (besides the macaron ice cream sandwich and chocolate-dipped matcha ice cream) = Nicole’s home made pomegranate ice cream!

And the eats just keep on coming!  Today, we checked out Gojiro Ramen!

I went with the spicy karaage: crispy fried chicken, thick chewy noodles, and deep rich broth festooned with fatty pork bits.  Akemi, of course, went with the simple vegetarian.

Hey, while you’re here, how about a little Dark Matter BTS video featuring Zoie Palmer?

August 1, 2016: Dark Matter Dog Theories!

Based on what you’ve seen so far this season, do you think you can piece together the clues offered by the dog-themed pictures accompanying each episode title?

Let’s find out!

“Episode 18: We Voted Not To Space You”

“Episode 19: We Should Have Seen This Coming”

“Episode 20: She’s With Them Now”

“Episode 21: Stuff To Steal, People To Kill”

“Episode 22: Going Out Fighting”

“Episode 23: Take The Shot”

“Episode 24: Wish I’d Spaced You When I Had The Chance”

“Episode 25: Sometimes In Life You Don’t Get To Choose”

“Episode 26: But First We Save The Galaxy”

The tunnel collapse sequence in “Episode 18: We Voted Not To Space You” was inspired by the Stargate: Atlantis season 5 premiere “Search And Rescue” – and other fun facts…

We Voted Not to Space You – Fun Facts!

I talk about We Voted Not To Space You with Kelly Townsend of The TV Junkies

TV Equals’ Jason Alsaqa discusses Dark Matter’s Shifting Status Quo

Kneel Before Blog’s Craig McKenzie speak’s with Jeff Teravainen, Dark Matter’s Lieutenant Anders

Today’s blog entry is dedicated to my sis who, along with my mother, is an avid Dark Matter fan.  It’s too bad Space Channel decided to change the Sunday (re) air date, causing them to miss the latest episode.  Anyway, Happy Birthday!

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

July 31, 2016: Dark Matter links, interviews, and join tonight’s AfterBuzz chat!

I’m going to hold off on talking about the latest episode until after its UK premiere tomorrow.  In the meantime…

A few more Dark Matter-related links.

We Voted Not to Space You was a no-nonsense, action packed episode that got right down to the business of telling its story, that teases what the series has in store for the future, while wrapping some old business… by Craig Suide at SciFi Movie Page

Veronica Scott recaps Dark Matter episode 5 and interviews actor Shaun Sipos at Happy Ever After

Roger Cross Talks Season 2 of Dark Matter with Jamie Ruby of SciFi Vision

Join us for the live Dark Matter after show every Sunday night, 7:10 p.m. PDT/10 pm EDT with the AfterBuzz team:

Click the link and join the chat!

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

July 30, 2016: Dark Matter “Episode 18: We Voted Not To Space You” Recaps, Reviews and Reactions!

First, and most importantly, the thank-you’s!

THANK YOU to our amazing cast.  You were – as always – magnificent.  A special shout-out to Melissa O’Neil who continues to deftly demonstrate just how uneasy lies the head… And, of course, kudos to Zoie Palmer for wowing us with yet ANOTHER side of The Android.

THANK YOU to director Ron Murphy for telling our story in truly spectacular fashion.  And for being such a insanely interesting guy behind-the-camera.

THANK YOU to VFX Supervisor Lawren Bancroft-Wilson for giving us one of the most visually stunning episodes we’ve aired to date.  The Raza sequences were truly spectacular.  And a special thanks to the gang at FuseFX.

THANK YOU to stunt coordinator John Stead who continues to choreograph and execute the show’s trademark fantastic action sequences.  And a special thanks to Android stunt double Jennifer Morrison on this one.

THANK YOU to our amazing crew who braved the frigid environs of Hamilton and the dusty tunnels beneath Corso’s lair to bring you this episode.

THANK YOU to our wonderful guest stars this episode lead by veteran Kris Holden-Reid.

THANK YOU to our post-production team under the genial but firm command of Rachel Sutherland.  And a special shout-out to editor Ben Wilkinson.

THANK YOU to our music department – Benjamin Pinkerton and Jody Colero – who SHOULD release a soundtrack.  The fans have been asking.

THANK YOU to Executive Producer Jay Firestone for helping to craft this episode and, oh yeah, giving us the opportunity to make a show.

THANK YOU to Paul Mullie who wrote this riveting episode.

THANK YOU to Executive Producer Vanessa Piazza and Line Producer Norman Denver for having made sure everything that was supposed to happen DID happen…on time.

THANK YOU to Supervising Producer Ivon Bartok who oversaw the action and made sure we didn’t miss anything.

THANK YOU to anyone else I might have missed.

And THANK YOU to you, the viewers, who take the time to check in with your second family, the crew of The Raza.

So, what did everyone else think?  Recaps, reviews, and reactions…

We never forget that uncovering conspiracy is the heart of this show’s ever consuming plot while outside the center are character driven aspects of self discovery that should hopefully put us in exotic places and situations that help solidify this show’s place in the sci-fi realm… by Sashurai at Blade of the Sashurai

To Err Is Human by Tom Gardiner at Three If By Space

This was an awe-inspiring episode that embodied all that is unique and special about Dark Matter… by Aimee Hicks at Spoiler TV

There were so many great lines and moments on Dark Matter Season 2 Episode 5, it was hard to get them all down.. by Kathleen Wiedel at TV Fanatic

The writers gave us another strong episode this week; one rife with humour, which also gave us a satisfying end to… by Christopher Hart at The Nerd Recites

Dark Matter continues to do what it does best, meticulously doling out clues to a larger conspiracy… by Michael Ahr at Den Of Geek

This is that episode you anticipate for a much needed dose of action that only the Raza crew can deliver… by Jideobi Odunze at Geeked Out Nation

We got to see a very different side of the Android on the latest episode of Dark Matter last night on Syfy. Oh boy, did we ever! by Ruben at TV Equals

Android Interrupted… by Michael Knox-Smith and Mike’s Film Talk

Dark Matter and the One Where Android Gets A Makeover… by Jen Stayrook at The Workprint

And, as always, Josh and Anna of Geeksiders have their take…

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

July 29, 2016: Tonight! Dark Matter “Episode 18: We Voted Not To Space You”!

DARK MATTER — “We Voted Not to Space You” Episode 205 — Pictured: (l-r) Alex Mallari, Jr. as Four, Melissa O’Neil as Two, Melanie Liburd as Nyx — (Photo by: Steve Wilkie/Prodigy Pictures/Syfy)

Tonight!  It’s an all-new episode of Dark Matter: “We Voted Not To Space You”!

7 pm PDT/10 pm EDT on Syfy and Space Channel!

Some Dark Matter goodies in advance of tonight’s episode…

Over at TV Junkies:

Dark Matter: Zoie Palmer Previews An Upgrade For The Android

Show Patrol’s Curt Wagner discusses The Android, Butt Slaps, and Science with the cast.

More Season 2 Insights and Previews from Geek Talk TV

A sneak peek scene from tonight’s episode via Comic Book Resources:

Another sneak peek scene from tonight’s episode via SpoilerTV:

Well, actress Melissa O’Neil is just the sweetest.  I woke up this morning to a very nice audio text message from her, kind words sent after reading about Bubba and Lulu in yesterday’s blog entry.  Thanks, Melissa!

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

July 28, 2016: Is it August yet?

Is July over yet?  Following a frustrating few weeks, I was looking forward to saying goodbye to 2016’s most miserable month and, just when the end was in sight, two more irritating little developments made it in, right under the wire.  It was a double dogtor visit for this duo…

Patient: Lulu

Age: 9

Issue: She does this weird thing where she drags her hind legs whenever she’s on gravel.  But only on gravel.

Diagnosis: Potential neurological issues.

Suggested treatment: Surgery.

Estimated cost: $6400

Patient: Bubba

Age: 14

Issue: Two tiny masses on his head.  A year ago, he had a similar one removed that tested malignant pre-surgery, then benign post-surgery.  Aspirations of these latest growths have yielded inconclusive results.

Suggested treatment: Surgery

Estimated cost: $3600

Ultimately, what gives me pause is not the price of the surgeries but the fact that both dogs will have be anaesthetized for the procedures, always a bigger risk with these brachycephalic (snorty) breeds.  Also, they aint gettin’ any younger.  I’m leaning toward delaying Lulu’s surgery until further symptoms develop, and maybe holding off on Bubba’s until he requires his next dental so that he’ll only have to be put under the once.  Akemi and I still have to discuss.

What a nice change of pace it is to go from sitting at my laptop all day, working on scripts for season 2 to…sitting at my laptop all day, working on scripts for season 3. Turns out I may have bitten off a little more than I can chew (or, really, write) in the time allotted – three scripts in two months.  Seems doable if not for the fact that I’m not working off any handy writers’ room-generated outlines since these were three episodes that didn’t get the “full treatment”.  301 is more or less complete – but, in all fairness, I had the month of May (between wrap, cutting, and mixes) to hammer out the story on my own.  Progress on 303 is akin to walking a tightrope without a net – and approaching a pissed-off-looking seagull a the halfway point.  Yeah, I saw it sitting there when I embarked on my perilous journey but I assumed it would have taken flight by the time I drew closer.  No dice.  And don’t even get me started on 304!  Tack on an end-of-August L.A. trip and you have all the makings of neural burst.  And not the good kind.

Oh, yeah.  A new episode of Dark Matter airs tomorrow tonight.  For those of you watching live (Bless your hearts!) it’s on at 7 pm PDT/10 pm EDT on Syfy and Space Channel.

Some Dark Matter news…

Dark Matter – We Voted Not To Space You – Advance Preview: “Masterpiece” by Amiee Hicks at SpoilerTV

Kris Holden-Ried Joins Dark Matter Cast In Recurring Role by Michael Ahr at Den Of Geek.

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

July 27, 2015: Akemi’s VR adventure! Dark Matter “Episode 18: We Voted Not To Space You” sneak preview!

Yesterday, I took a little break from writing to join Akemi on a VR adventure!  Our longtime friend Steve Bocska, a veteran of the gaming world, arranged a visit to Vancouver’s Charm Games for a sneak peek at what they have in the works.

Akemi was unbelievably excited as we arrived at their offices.  While I was getting an overview of Charm Games, Akemi was literally bouncing with excitement and, the second they pulled out the head set, Akemi was handing me her purse and volunteering to go first.

We used HTC’s Vive headset and controllers for the immersive room-scale experience.  And what an experience it was.

Alan and Derek

Tyler

Our affable and informative hosts on this day were company co-founders Alan Jernigan and Derek Young, and engineer Tyler McCulloch.  They opened with an undersea demo that had Akemi jumping around, waving her hands, and then, at one point, down on the floor interacting with the virtual jelly fish.  “We appreciate her enthusiasm!”remarked one of the guys as she traipsed by, Oohing and Aahing, as she attempted to chase down a school of fish.

Getting started

Akemi in action…

Petting the baby jellyfish

I followed and the first thing I thought, as I made my way through a dark underwater cavern was: “Holy shit.  Horror games would be unbelievable in this environment.”  I was also impressed by the program’s ability to create in-realm parameters – cavern walls, iron-wrought barriers, and teetering drop-offs (my acrophobia kicked in at one point) – to keep players from walking into real world obstacles.

Next was a sneak peek at something they had in the works.  I’ve been sworn to secrecy but, trust me, it was pretty awesome.  There was a puzzle component to the game that had me a little baffled at first.  At one pint, Akemi was yelling at me to “Be more aggressive!” – something she had no problem doing when it was her turn, working those controllers like a champ!

A HUGE thanks to the gang at Charm Games for giving us that sneak peek, and an equally HUGE thanks to Steve for arranging the visit.  Akemi hasn’t stopped talking about it.

Guess I know what I’m getting her for Christmas!

Friday night, it’s an all-new Dark Matter – “Episode 18: We Voted Not To Space You”!  7 pm PDT/10 pm EDT on Syfy and Space Channel!

So, what’s in store for us and the crew of The Raza?  Well, looks like plenty of trouble.  A potential settling of accounts.  Oh, and some very atypical goings-on with our Android!

Intriguing, no?

Also on the Dark Matter front…

Executive Producer Jay Firestone speaks to Crave Online about what lies ahead:

Inverse’s Justin Andress argues that Dark Matter is Basically a Mass Effect TV Show.  That’s a game, I’ve been told.

And, over at SciFiAndTVTalk, Steve Eramo Catches Up with Dark Matter’s Paul Mullie.

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Charm Games, Dark Matter

July 26, 2016: Dark Matter “Episode 17: We Were Family”! What didn’t make the cut!

This episode ran long so we ended up trimming some scenes, and dialogue, at both the script and post-production stage. In yesterday’s blog entry, I offered up some of the stuff we had to lose for time.  Here’s more of – what might have been…

While everyone else heads off onto the station, FOUR stays behind to check on the latest developments regarding Zairon and its ongoing war with Pyr.  A little reminder that our resident swordsman has bigger fish to gut, skewer, and fry:

INT. RAZA – FOUR’S QUARTERS

FOUR sits at his desk, watching a news report. ONSCREEN, NEWS ANCHOR #2 speaks. In the BG, the insignia’s of the warring parties (Zairon and the Principality of Pyr) accompanied by a map of the interstellar conflict.

ANCHOR #2: At the heart of the conflict is a territorial dispute between the two independent colonies. A long-standing source of contention, the region, known as Enriss Sector became the flashpoint for open warfare following its annexation by Zairon on the heels of a coup that deposed Pyr’s ruling theocracy earlier this year.  (beat)  The hostilities have, so far, been limited to the two planets directly involved as the two dozen strong League of Autonomous Worlds has remained neutral, officially calling on both parties to suspend their military campaigns pending the resumption of peace talks.  (beat) Several corporations who have had their travel and trade routes disrupted lobbied the Galactic Authority to take action –

He turns off the computer, gets up and leaves the room.

This next one was more of a trim.  In the script, the second scene at the transfer transit office starts off with an amusing  little back and forth between Nyx and TWO before the receptionist’s return…

INT. SPACE STATION – TRANSFER TRANSIT RECEPTION AREA

TWO and Nyx talk while they wait for the receptionist.

NYX: The kid?

TWO: Couldn’t ask for a better shipmate. Smart, savvy, incredibly capable. Looks can be deceiving. Underestimate her at your own risk.

NYX: Ryo?

TWO: He takes a while to warm up to you but despite the strong silent persona, he’s a passionate guy. Hard to figure at times but there’s no doubting his loyalty.

Nyx considers that response in particular – then notices TWO waiting for her to continue. Hurriedly –

NYX: Boone?

TWO: He’ll grow on you.

The Receptionist comes out of the back.

Some dialogue cuts here and there over the course of the ensuing scenes and then on to this FOUR/Android scene that had to be excised for time.  This moment, coupled with the earlier scene of FOUR getting the update on Zairon’s ongoing war with Pyr, help paint a picture of a man growing increasingly frustrated with his inability to help his home world.  This notion – and just the shot of the Android walking onto the bridge, arms laden with shopping bags – made this scene a hard one to lose:

INT. RAZA – BRIDGE

The Android, clutching her shopping purchases, walks onto the bridge and notices FOUR standing there, wholly absorbed on the onscreen image of his memory template (last scene in Episode 203). The Android sets aside her purchases.

ANDROID: Your old neural imprint.

FOUR: Yes.

The Android considers FOUR studying the template.

ANDROID (O.S.): How long did it take you to start dreaming?

FOUR turns and throws her a look.

ANDROID: Thoughts and images from human memory form the basis of REM and NREM dreams. Without memories to process, brain mechanisms are incapable of producing cognitive contents.

FOUR: On the second day, I dreamt I was back in stasis, awake but unable to free myself. It’s a dream I’ve had many times since.

ANDROID: Would you care to hear my psychological analysis?

FOUR: Not especially, no.

ANDROID: You’re troubled.

He throws her a look.

ANDROID: That wasn’t a dream interpretation; simply an assessment of your current frame of mind based on your present actions and roughly a dozen physiological indicators. (beat) You want to remember, but fear the costs.

FOUR stares at the onscreen data.

FOUR: Perhaps a small price to pay for a far greater reward.

Finally, because the episode was timing long,, I elected not to lose a concluding montage sequence, choosing instead to simply use the last shot of said montage: the Android, on the bridge, considering the upgrade she received from Victor.  One could argue the other beats are neither here nor there but I, personally, miss the scripted moment of FIVE discovering a gift-wrapped toothbrush on her pillow…and knowing exactly who it’s from:

MONTAGE OF –

A) INT. RAZA – INFIRMARY

SIX, seated on his bed, lies back down and stares up at the ceiling, deep in thought.

B) INT. RAZA – TWO’S QUARTERS

TWO studies FIVE’s sketch.

C) INT. RAZA – DEVON’S QUARTERS

Devon takes a hit – and gets high.

D) INT. RAZA – TRAINING ROOM

FOUR is training alone with his bo staff. He stops, looks over as Nyx strolls in and helps herself to another staff. They exchange smiles – and fight.

E) INT. RAZA – FIVE’S QUARTERS FIVE walks into her room and notices a little gift-wrapped present sitting on her pillow. Curious, she picks it up, unfurls the bow, unwraps it – and reveals the toothbrush inside. She smiles.

F) INT. RAZA – BRIDGE The Android, alone on the bridge, holds up and considers the software upgrade she was given.

I’m going to talk to Syfy and our post-production team about releasing these deleted scenes as online extras.  Stay tuned!

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

July 25, 2016: Dark Matter “Episode 17: We Were Family” – deleted scenes!

“Episode 17: We Were Family”

Kudos to Dark Matter stunt coordinator John Stead for the phenomenal job directing this episode.  Loved this episode’s western feel, the beautiful character moments and, of course, his trademark action sequences!

This episode ran long so we had to lose some dialogue, and a few scenes, to get it to time.  Much of it I don’t miss.  Some, I’m sorry didn’t make the final cut…

Following the flashback tease of the kid in the closet, we go to our opening sequence, then, in the original script, would have opened the episode with a scene involving TWO and THREE on the bridge.  The script was timing long and I made the decision to cut this scene that, ultimately, has most of its salient points covered in ensuing scenes anyway:

INT. RAZA – BRIDGE

TWO stands at one of the consoles, checking out the onscreen data. THREE walks in.

TWO: Looks like we’re about an hour out from the space station.

THREE: We’ve got half this galaxy looking for us. You really think stopping anywhere is a good idea?

TWO: We’re out of food. We don’t have much choice short of going into stasis.

THREE considers, then walks back and hits the console, sealing the door so they can’t be overheard.

THREE: And what’re we doing about our guests?

TWO: That’s something we have to discuss. (beat) Nyx wants to stay. She says she has nowhere else to go.

THREE doesn’t seem all that enthused with the idea.

THREE: And the others?

At which point we segue to a shot of the ship in flight, then go to the TWO/DEVON scene in the infirmary.  A few lines of dialogue were deleted from the director’s cut – some of it pertaining to Devon’s backstory…

TWO: You can contribute something. Your medical training makes you an asset.

DEVON: I can think of less dangerous ways to make a dishonest living, thank you. No offense, but this ship is a magnet for trouble.

TWO: Got someone out there?

DEVON: Parents who I don’t talk to anymore. I’ve grown to love my alone time.

TWO: So, what does this mean? When are you planning to leave us?

DEVON: Soon. Maybe just…not right away. If that’s okay?

TWO: Your call.

Then, we go to the THREE/Arax mess scene.  We had to lose some dialogue in the editing suite.  It always kills me to lose the funny bits but, alas, it was either that or trim actual story beats.  Arax’s pitch is similar to the one he gives TWO in the previous episode so I didn’t feel bad losing part of it here.

INT. RAZA – MESS

THREE chows down in rather boorish fashion, mouth open, fishing into his back tooth to dislodge a piece of food. REVEAL Arax seated across from him, staring in disbelief.

ARAX: I’ve seen some mighty horrific things in my days, but that ranks right up there.

Arax gets up, goes to the coffee table and pours himself a drink.

THREE: You know how a near-death experience gives you a greater appreciation for life, making you really cherish the moments you have left? Well, switch out near-death experience for prison food.

ARAX: Can I pour you a double?

THREE: It’s not even lunch yet. (beat) Single shots fine.

Arax pours another one. THREE notices the bottle.

THREE: Hey, where’d you get that bottle?

Arax walks over, hands him his mug and takes a seat.

ARAX: Found it in the store room, behind a crate.

THREE (pissed): That’s my private stock. It’s for special occasions – weddings and such.

Arax raises his glass in toast.

ARAX: Come on. This IS a special occasion. A toast – to our new partnership.

THREE: You sound like a guy who’s sticking around. Well, thinks he’s sticking around anyway.

ARAX: Ah, you guys would be crazy to dump me.

Off THREE –

ARAX: I’ve got connections, pull with criminal outfits from here to the edge of colonized space. Weapons, back-up, intel – I’m your guy.

THREE: When you put it that way, you’re right. We’d be crazy to dump you. And you’d be crazy to stay. We’ve pissed off the G.A., Traugott’s gunning for us –

ARAX: And you’ll stay one step ahead of ’em, like always. I’m confident in your abilities – which I plan on making use of somewhere down the line. Partnerships run both ways, right?

Okay, now THIS is where it gets painful.  The director’s cut of the scene in FIVE’s quarters included an exchange in which FIVE references the events of the season 1 finale and apologizes for accusing TWO of selling them out.  TWO is understanding and the exchange concludes with a hug and an understanding that their relationship remains strong.  At the end of the day, you could argue it’s unnecessary, that their actions confirm as much, but I still think it was a sweet exchange and a nice bonding moment for the two characters.

INT. RAZA – FIVE’S QUARTERS

FIVE, sitting at her desk, re-jigging some piece of gak. TWO steps up to the open door and KNOCKS.

FIVE: Hi.

TWO enters –

TWO: Did you get a chance to finish that sketch?

FIVE: Yeah.

FIVE grabs a sketch sitting on a nearby table and walks it over to TWO. INSERT – A sketch of the setting from TWO’s memory (Episode 203) – the alley with the distinct building in the B.G.

TWO: Thanks.

TWO goes to leave but FIVE stops her with a –

FIVE: Hey.

TWO glances back at FIVE, awkward, looking like she’s got something she wants to say. She hesitates, then –

FIVE: I’m sorry.

TWO: No need to apologize. You had to stop me. If I got control of the ship –

FIVE: Not for that. For ever doubting you. When the G.A. were about to take the ship. I should’ve trusted you but…

TWO: There was a lot of mistrust going around that day. We all made mistakes.

FIVE: Sure but I guess I just wanted to know – to make sure…well, we were pretty good friends once and –

TWO: And we still are. Best of, okay?

TWO brings her in for a hug. FIVE is palpably relieved.

Best of friends

TWO looks at the sketch.

TWO: You did a really nice job.

FIVE: I don’t get it. Something really bad happened to you there. Why would you want to go back?

TWO: I don’t, but I have a feeling that, sooner or later, I may not have a choice.

Off TWO –

Now a rare case where an entire scene was excised from the director’s cut, this one involving almost the entire crew meeting up at the airlock before heading onto the space station.  Some funny bits with FIVE and the Android, THREE and Arax being frat boys, and, of course, TWO calling the shots and playing the role of den mother.  The scene also includes a very subtle hint that FIVE is developing a crush on Devon.  The director’s cut was actually peppered with these subtle little looks from FIVE that I, ultimately, felt wasn’t really working so I ended up losing.  Interestingly, some reviewers have nevertheless picked up on the possibility that FIVE is smitten with the ship’s new medic.

INT. RAZA – CORRIDOR OUTSIDE THE AIRLOCK

TWO, Nyx, THREE, Arax, and Devon are waiting at the airlock. FIVE and the Android round the corner and approach.

ANDROID: Sorry to keep you waiting.

They all stare back at the Android.

ANDROID: FIVE has asked me to accompany her – for her protection.

FIVE: Yeah. Space stations are scary.

Of course no one is buying it.

TWO: Okay.

Space stations are scary!

THREE: You sure we don’t need her here?

ANDROID: My neural link allows me remote access to ship’s systems. I don’t need to be on board to ensure its security. Besides, FOUR has elected to remain behind.

TWO: Alright then. Group A –

Motions to her and Nyx –

TWO: We’re on research. Group B –

Motioning to FIVE who smiles up at Devon –

Crush

TWO: You’re on med supplies. And Group C –

Motioning to the boys –

TWO: You’re on –

THREE/ARAX: Booze!

TWO: Right. Any sign of trouble, get in touch –

She taps her comm –

TWO: And fall back to the ship.

She hits the console. The airlock slides open and they’re off.

I leave you with this interview in which I discuss the episode – and its ramifications – with Kelly Townsend of TV Junkies.

More behind the scenes goodies in tomorrow’s blog entry!

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

July 24, 2016: More thoughts on “We Were Family”! The Dark Matter SDCC Fallout!

It’s been  busy week for Dark Matter.  More reviews, reactions, and interviews! Tomorrow, we role into my behind-the-scenes insights into “Episode 17: We Were Family”!

Never forget that Dark Matter doesn’t forget it’s clues and sub-plots from last season, everything connects and everything will be made known in its due time. We’re almost half-way done and I still feel like we’re just getting warmed up… by Sahurai at Blade of the Sashurai

We should definitely be thanking our neighbors to the north for more than a few things; but one of the biggest could be its being the savior of North American Sci-Fi on TV. One in particular that I have watched and very highly recommend is Dark Matter… by Dave Ward Nerd Nation Magazine

AfterBuzz’s Yael Tygiel gets Dark Matter’s Alex Mallari Jr. and Anthony Lemke in bed…

Alex Mallari Jr. and Jodelle Ferland talk to TV Equals:

Melissa O’Neil and Anthony Lemke talk to TV Equals:

Melissa Liburd and Executive Producer Jay Firestone talk to TV Equals:

A group interview:

Alex Mallari Jr. and Anthony Lemke talk to Seat 42F:

Jodelle Ferland and Melissa O’Neil talk to Seat 42F:

A little something for the Stargate, Dark Matter, and science-minded.  Meet the Physicist Behind the Science of Stargate by Jacqueline Ronson at Inverse profiles former Stargate science advisor Mika McKinnon who, incidentally, helped me out by offering me her expert input on a facet of “Stuff To Steal; People To Kill”, the eighth episode of Dark Matter’s second season.

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter