Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 343

August 5, 2016: Tonight on Dark Matter: “We Should Have Seen This Coming!”

Tonight!  It’s an all-new episode of Dark Matter on Syfy and Space Channel.  7 pm PDT and 10 pm EDT.  Tune in and join the cast live tweet.

Strapped for cash and not in a position to argue, the crew of the Raza allows Nyx (Melanie Liburd) to take the lead on a mission, only to find out belatedly their designated target is chosen based on personal issues.

So, what lies in store for our intrepid crew.  Well, from the looks of this sneak peek scene from tonight’s episode, a little ship to ship action for starters…

We’re not gonna leave you behind!

While this sneak peek scene posits the question:

Can Nyx Be Trusted?

Other previews for tonight’s Nyx-centric episode in which we finally find out what the deal is with The Raza’s mysterious new crew member:

Liburd has been a standout since her first appearance in the season-opener, but this episode really allows her to shine… by Mary Powers at TV Geek Talk

And, oh yeah. Watch until the very end. Love how this show doesn’t waste the last 30 seconds of an episode… at TV Goodness

Yes, the title of tonight’s episode is “We Should Have Seen This Coming”.  But there’s no way you’ll see the ending coming!

In other showbiz-related news…

Um, hopefully they didn’t spend too much on these, uh, groundbreaking findings:

NBC figured out why you’re not trying new shows

In a nutshell: Viewers are less likely to tune in to a show if they can’t catch up on previous episodes.

Next week’s breaking news: Most readers prefer to start reading at the beginning of a book.

Hey, did I mention Dark Matter’s first season is available on Netflix?

And previously aired season 2 episodes are available on Syfy.com and iTunes.

Today was the day Akemi finally went in for corrective eye surgery.

Akemi Before Lasik:

Akemi After Lasik:

 Wow!  What a world of difference!

According to Akemi, the entire procedure – which involved laser surgery on her cornea – took no time at all.  And smelled sort of like chicken yakitori.

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

August 4, 2016:

Can I just say how much I love stories like these:

Stranger Things was rejected 15 to 20 times by various networks before getting accepted by Netlix

5 Great Shows That HBO Passed On

Why AMC and FX have HBO to thank for their hit shows

The show wasn’t an easy sell. Other networks passed on Sutter’s pitch before FX head John Landgraf bought it in the room.

After every major network turned down “Sopranos”

CBS’s Nina Tassler: every other network passed on ‘CSI’

ABC passed on American Idol twice, just like it did with Survivor

Every television network turned down ‘Offspring’ – now it’s the highest rating drama

Basically, the story of someone pitching out an out-of-the-box idea that, after being rejected every else, finally finds a home with a forward-thinking executive willing to take a chance on something new…and being richly rewarded for it.

Well, tomorrow is Akemi’s big day.  The day when, as she puts it, she’ll be “getting my eyeballs fixed!”.  Yes, after over a year of thinking about it, and watching endless youtube videos of the procedure, she’s finally going to get Lasik!  I’m going to miss those nerdy glasses

August 3, 2016: Looking ahead to “We Should Have Seen This Coming”! Looking back on “We Voted Not To Space You”!

Hey, notice a pattern with the episode titles?  Yes, they’re drawn from actual lines of scripted dialogue.  I say “scripted dialogue” instead of just plain “dialogue” because, in a couple of cases, the “scripted dialogue” didn’t make the final cut.

When it came to deciding on an appropriate title for each episode, I simply drew from a given episode’s “scripted dialogue” and had you, the fans, vote.  In some cases, the titles are on point (“Welcome To You New Home” or “We Were Family”). Other times, they’re a little less so (“Kill Them All” and “We Voted Not To Space You”).  In the case of this Friday’s episode, “We Should Have Seen This Coming”, it’s the former.  Well done, crew.  Check out the promo:

And something in the way of a HUGE tease in this 3+ minute preview:

DARK MATTER — “We Should Have Seen This Coming” Episode 206 — Pictured: (l-r) Melissa O’Neil as Two, Melanie Liburd as Nyx — (Photo by: Steve Wilkie/Prodigy Pictures/Syfy)

A little insight from Tom Gardiner at Three If By Space:

While Spoiler TV’s Aimee Hicks offers up an interesting preview of her own.

A few things about our last episode, “We Voted Not To Space You”:

This story was actually slotted much later in the season but was moved up after we received some emphatic requests to do so.

In an earlier draft of the script, the Android sets off the door alarm and, when the guard approaches, knocks him down, forcing him to arrest her.  When it came time for me to do a late production pass, I made the encounter a little more humorous, drawing on actress Zoie Palmer’s delightful comic timing.  I loved the idea of the Android trying to get arrested, only to be thwarted by a disinterested security guard, and wanted to culminate it in that shirt rip.  We had two re-sets for the tear-away shirt, meaning we could only do the gag three times.  On the first take, the shirt didn’t rip properly.  On the second, it ripped, but it didn’t fall away to expose his chest.  On the third gag – same thing EXCEPT Zoie saved it by slapping the hanging material aside to reveal his chest…which was even funnier!

The part of the weary security guard, by the way, is played by Mike Tyrell – a very nice, very funny actor, who shares my affinity for pugs.

Hey, it’s Kris Holden-Reid playing the role of Chief Inspector Kierken of the Galactic Authority!  He actually auditioned for the role while out of town, in Germany actually.  He put together a self-tape and enlisted his

Hey, notice the almost flirtatious exchange between THREE and undercover Android (Kiva Ehrens) on her return to The Raza?  Who’s shipping THREEVA?

Danny Bones.  Danny Bones.  Now where have you heard that name before? Please review Episode 11 of season 1.

Pictured above: the incredibly pliable, easy-to-work with material Production Designer Ian Brock used to build the tunnel walls.

The Art Department layout (lay down?) of the section of the tunnel where FOUR is trapped.

The Android’s fake visitor card, c/o Roxanne Borris and Victoria Klein.

“We voted not to space you.”

“Wait.  Is that the line?”

Bridge rehearsal.

Zoie Palmer on set.

Kris Holden-Reid partakes of crafty.

Director Ron Murphy prepares to shoot some snowy action.

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