Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 375
August 10, 2015
August 10, 2015: Ask Anthony Lemke whatever!
If you have questions for the handsome, wistful-looking fellow pictured above, then post them in this blog’s comment section by Wednesday night because that’s when I’ll be forwarding your queries to Dark Matter’s resident rogue, Anthony Lemke. I know he’d love to hear from you (especially YOU), so don’t be shy. Ask away!
To those of you asking – Yes, we’re currently working on scripts for season 2, but – No, we have yet to receive a second season pick-up. The show has been going gangbusters internationally and in Canada –
And the show has been steady in the U.S. –
I am cautiously optimistic. But I promise – you’ll know as soon as I know!
While we’re waiting, let’s check out the feedback on Episode 109:
http://www.thetvjunkies.com/dark-matter-episode-9-postmortem/
“As always we took all of our questions from this week’s episode to series’ co-creator Joseph Mallozzi in our weekly chat. Mallozzi shares some insights about these recent revelations and takes a look ahead as Dark Matter’s first season heads into its final arc.”
http://noobist.com/uncategorized/dark-matter-episode-9-review-recap/
“Get ready. For the second week in a row on Dark Matter, it felt a lot like we were getting prepped for something forthcoming. The question is, what? Four’s plans to meet up with his half brother were thwarted, Five and Six had a minor sibling-like spat, and Ferrous Corp returned on “Episode 9” of Dark Matter.”
http://www.spoilertv.com/2015/08/dark-matter-episodes-8-and-9-review.html
“It is entirely possible for the characters to try and become better people. Each character will have to determine if they will allow themselves to be dictated by who they were or fight to forge new lives for themselves. Hit the comments and tell me which characters you think will be able to break the cycle and create a better future for themselves.”
http://www.mikesfilmtalk.com/2015/08/08/dark-matter-episode-nine-review/
“Ah Dark Matter…How do I love thee? Let me count the ways, while there may not be nine, as in episode nine, events in this week’s installment, there are a few that stand out and make this show worthy of the deepest devotion. These moments are what make this series special, network deities take note, and combined with the plot, they scream out for a second season.”
Hey, if we get a second season pick-up, I’m thinking of doing something super special for a lucky contest winner. But more on that when we hear definite word…
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter
August 9, 2015
August 9, 2015: My 1-Day Juice Cleanse Diary!
Akemi is in Osaka, visiting family, until Wednesday which has given me the opportunity to do things I wouldn’t normally do when she’s around. Clubbing? Boozing? Gambling? More like watching four movies in a single day, reading five books simultaneously, and doing a 1-day juice cleanse. Life on the edge, right?
And, yes, you read that correctly: a 1-day juice cleanse. What, pray tell, would lead me to do this? Well, chalk it up to curiosity, a desire to test the purported health benefits, and a masochistic streak that had me testing the limits of my endurance. Others might climb a mountain or run a marathon. I chose to go without solid food for a day.
I went to my local juicery (and there are A LOT of them in Vancouver) and picked up a handy 1-day cleanse: 6 bottles of liquid nutrients to be imbibed over the course of the day – in my case, starting at 10 a.m., progressing at two hour intervals, and concluding with an 8 p.m. night cap. I was good to go!
10 a.m.: Bottle #1 was a “green juice” containing apple, cucumber, celery, parsley, ginger and lemon. Oh, and black kale. You could really taste the kale! I was actually starting to get hungry just reading the ingredients – and imagining how wonderful they would be as accompaniments to actual dishes: apple pie a la mode, a nice chicken salad, a parsley-rich chimmichurri topping a grilled ribeye.
Notes: Still feeling pretty good – despite the taste in my mouth.
12 p.m..: Bottle #2 was a fruitier selection. I was heartened by its bright orange coloring. And disheartened by the inclusion of turmeric as an ingredient alongside orange, carrot, cantaloupe, and ginger. I made sure to shake this one up good before opening. After all, there’s nothing worse than knocking back a nice cold summer beverage only to discover all of the turmeric has settled on the bottom. Overall, however, this one was preferable to the initial green juice. It was almost like being served an amateur mimosa – by a waiter who had inadvertently dipped his fingers into your drink after dropping off the next table’s aloo gobi.
Notes: While not hungry, I was beginning to feel a little peckish. I could have eaten. Specifically, I could have eaten a crispy pork belly sandwich.
2 p.m.: Bottle #3 and we doubled down on the black kale, this time serving it up with collards, watercress, cucumber, celery, cilantro, apple, dandelion green, lemon and ginger. This one, not surprisingly, tasted like the first green juice. But worse.
Notes: This one killed my appetite. And not in a delightfully sated kind of way. I was also starting to feel a little dizzy. And tired.
4 p.m. Bottle #4 – carrot, apple, lemon, red and golden beets – was actually pretty good. Normally, probably not, but that afternoon, in comparison to the others, not bad at all. I think I preferred it because it came closest to reminding me of real honest-to-goodness food. Such happy memories!
Notes: My hunger abated but I was downright exhausted. Also, my stomach was feeling a tad…gurglesome.
6 p.m. Bottle #5 was dinner and comprised of brazil nuts, sea salt, vanilla beans, romaine, and spinach – a combination unseen since that time Popeye got food poisoning. It actually wasn’t bad – relatively speaking – although the pudding-like lumps of coagulated nut milk were a bit of a turn-off.
Notes: I actually felt more energetic and mentally alert after finishing this one, perhaps because it was the only bottle to contain actual protein. My stomach too was on high alert.
8 p.m. Bottle #6 was an acidic one-two punch of lemon, cayenne, ginger, alkaline water, and apple. It was like sipping sweetened battery acid.
Notes: I was tired yet feeling satisfied, not with the juices but the sense of accomplishment that I’d survived the single day ordeal that had stripped me of all physical energy, my mental faculties, and all common sense. Also, it turned out, some of the enamel on my teeth. Apparently, some people even do 3-day juice cleanses – however I’ve heard these handy packs are usually reserved for cults looking to indoctrinate new recruits.
Overall: I’m not sure about the science behind these cleanses. I’ve read about the health benefits, heard from friends who found the experience revitalizing. I felt no difference. No, scratch that. I felt slightly worse. My stomach was in knots. Also, my teeth and gums were alarmingly sensitive when it came time to brush my teeth, the citric acid from those juices no doubt doing a number on them.
One day later, and I feel much better. Is it the detoxifying effects of the cleanse? Or the pork belly on rice topped with a soft boiled egg, crispy kimchee rice squares, fried veggie salad, and dark chocolate I had for lunch? Who knows? My energy’s back, my teeth are slightly less sensitive, and my stomach has settled. Although, after a day of nothing but liquid, I’m wondering if I may have overdone it with my first meal.
On a completely unrelated note:
Tagged: 1 day juice cleanse, 1 day juice cleanse diary, juice clean, juice cleanse diary, one day juice cleanse, one day juice cleanse diary
August 8, 2015
August 8, 2015: Our first Dark Matter cast Q&A!
It is with great pleasure that I announce our very first Dark Matter fan Q&A! Those of you who followed this blog back in the Stargate days know how it works. But for you late-arrivals…
You have the better part of a week to submit your questions for our special guest. Just post them right in this blog’s comment section. Once we’re done, I’ll forward them to our guest who will turn around answers at their earliest convenience after which I’ll post the whole as a dedicated blog entry.
So, who’s up first? Well, I can think of no better candidate than one of the show’s most divisive characters – love him or hate him or love-hate him – THREE!
Yes, Anthony Lemke wants to hear from YOU!
Got something to ask him? Well then start posting those questions!
So, what’d everyone think of Dark Matter Episode 109? What was your favorite moment? FIVE/SIX at the vent? THREE/Android infirmary? The Akita turn? Or Charlotte’s Web?
Others weigh in:
http://www.theworkprint.com/dark-matter-episode-nine-review/123
“Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the action on the show, but I appreciate that it’s balanced with the scenes showcasing the crew’s different relationships. With an ensemble cast such as this one, it’s easy to highlight one or two crewmembers and push the rest to the side, but Dark Matter shines light all of the members of the Raza and that makes it a better show.”
http://www.threeifbyspace.net/2015/08/dark-matter-episode-9-review-honor-and-honesty/#.VcZJpXg-DBI
” He’s putting together pieces of an unfinished puzzle and one thing I’ve learned about Dark Matter is that clues usually come with a healthy dose of misdirection. Nothing’s ever quite as it seems.”
“I liked the brief take on Two and Three’s deduction with who realistically could have been the “bad guy” and wiped their memories, but the more they pinpoint it absolutely having to be one of the crew members I find it’s painfully obvious it was either the android (since she was purposefully not mentioned) or someone we haven’t met yet that’s either still on the ship or got off to avoid suspicion.”
And, while we’re on the subject of reviewers I share and retweet…
I won! I won!
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter
August 7, 2015
August 7, 2015: The Dark Matter Season 2 game plan! Dark Matter Episode 109!
The Dark Matter season 2 check-list:
1) Expand the “world” of Dark Matter, from the rule and reach of the Galactic Authority to the structure and rivalries of the interplanetary corporations; the place of humanity in colonized space to the place of Androids in a system driven by humanity.
2) What lies beyond the realm of colonized space!
3) Introduce new technologies, from cutting edge personal devices to far-out weaponry.
4) Explore more scifi concepts.
5) Continue our journey of discovery, both internal and external.
6) Build on our established relationships.
7) Build on the revelations revealed in season one.
8) Greater, more dazzling visual effects sequence.
9) More action, adventure, and humor!
10) MORE twists, turns, shocks and surprises!
Check, check, check, check, check, check, check, check, check, and check!
Tonight! An all-new episode of Dark Matter! What’s in store for our intrepid crew? Well, you can always check out my past blog entries for the behind-the-scene insights. Allow me to make it easier for you…
Braving the deep woods.
And here are some fun behind-the-scene pics of Episode 109:
Anthony Lemke gives this update a steampunk thumbs up!
Running through a scene with Anthony, Roger, Melissa, and Marc.
The gang on the bridge.
Russell Yuen (Akita) and Alex Mallari Jr. (FOUR) in the wild.
Ready to roll!
http://www.thetvjunkies.com/dark-matter-preview-episode-nine/
“THE ANDROID CONTINUES TO STRESS OVER, WELL, BEING STRESSED”
Looking forward to reading what you have to say. Leave a comment. Or a question!
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter
August 6, 2015
August 6, 2015: Weird Food Purchase of the Day = Bacon Soda! Mailbag!
With the hopes that all our work will not be in vain, we started spinning and breaking episodes for Dark Matter’s second season this week. We have our season arc in place and thirteen terrific stories – chock full of twists, turns, surprises, action, adventure, humor, character moments, scifi elements and, of course, those WTF?!! moments you’ve all come to know and love. We’ve beaten out our first three episodes and attack episode 4 tomorrow.
Let’s take a break for another Weird Food Purchase of the Day video:
Mailbag:
Scott B. writes: “Part of the fun of DarkMatter is them not knowing their pasts. That’s changing. Will they ever get all their memories back?”
Answer: There are no plans to have the characters fully regain their memories. Well, except under very specific circumstances. But that’s a story for another season…
Alisa Scott writes: “could it be possible that 2 is part of the federation & they had her genetically enhanced”
Answer: Federation? You have us confused with Star Trek. I think you mean the Galactic Authority. Is it possible? Sure.
LasseOleBosse writes: “Are there any plans for a Blu-ray release of Dark Matter Season 1 yet?”
Answer: Alas, DVD releases are out of my jurisdiction. My sphere of influence extends to scripts and lunch orders.
Glenda writes: “Will we ever find out who shot at the ship, in the first episode?”
Answer: Eventually, yes. Who fired at the ship. Who deleted the ship’s data stores. And, most importantly, who wiped their memories.
CraigLivesHere writes: “If the crew of the Raza are wanted criminals with their pictures/photos being broadcast all over “TV”, how is it that no one recognizes them when they dock at the space stations?”
Answer: For starters, it’s a big galaxy and while their faces may be recognizable to members of the Galactic Authority, they are the stuff of legend to much of colonized space’s civilian populations (note the miners’ take on The Raza back in Episode 101). The space stations they had are independent entities, some hosting unsavory travelers just as notorious as our lovable anti-heroes, making it easier for them to blend in and go unnoticed.
Fecrabond writes: “Do your ideas for scripts come naturally or was their training involved?”
Answer: I’ve been sitting on this project for quite a while and, in that time, have had the opportunity to really flesh out the character backstories, their world – and a five season game plan.
“Also, can we expect any kind of pets for the raza crew?”
Answer: No definite plans but Jodelle Ferland has requested a cat for her character, FIVE.
bambamfans writes: “1. Judging from your blog posts, it seemed like the cast and crew of Dark Matter bonded quickly, much like the Stargate days. What did you do to achieve this?”
Answer: I can’t take credit for the friendships that have formed. We were just fortunate enough to cast some very talented, very good people.
“2. The show is heavily serialised. Do you think there’s a trend towards more serialised TV, as opposed to procedurals?”
Answer: There is a definite trend toward more serialized show. Back when I was working on SG-1, the emphasis was on standalone episodes. Now, people are looking for long, involved story arcs with plenty of twists and turns.
“3. Dark Matter is extremely well cast with strong performances from all of the main cast and an array of awesome guest stars throughout the season – David Hewlett, Wil Wheaton, Ruby Rose, Torri Higginson, Jessica Sipos, Ennis Esmer and Jon Cor. What were the performances that really stood out for you?”
Answer: I can’t single out a specific performance. All the actors you mentioned were a delight.
“4. The production shot some days on location in Hamilton, Ontario. How did this compare to the forest locations near Vancouver during the Stargate days? Any bear or other wildlife stories?”
Answer: No bears – just more warehouses and A LOT colder weather.
“5. Cloning has become a reality on the show. It’s only been experimental in our lifetime but do you foresee it being used in other capacities?”
Answer: Uh, sure. You can have your dog cloned in South Korea for about $100 000.
“6. Name one surprising thing you learned about 2 members of the main cast on Dark Matter.”
Answer: Anthony Lemke was a lawyer before dedicating himself to acting. Roger Cross is a professional poker player.
“7. Can you give one dialogue tease from an upcoming episode?”
Answer: “But truth is, when the time comes that you do decide to leave, I’m gonna miss you kid. I’m gonna miss you a lot.”
“8. What can fans do to give Dark Matter the best chance of a second season, apart from watching the show live? Is tweeting SyFy OK or is it better to write?”
Answer: To be honest, tweeting, emails, and letter writing campaigns don’t do much to influence the network. If you can’t watch it live, then record and watch it the next day.
Lulu S. writes: “Why hasn’t Five told anyone about how she entered the Raza? Or has she and I missed it?”
Answer: No, she hasn’t. Probably because she hasn’t had the opportunity to tell anyone – or seen the advantage in doing so. After Episode 6, events proceed at a rapid pace. There’s very little downtime between episodes leading up to the finale.
Mark4 writes: “Why are you looking for a new agent? Isn’t an agent supposed to find you work? You already have a job, don’t you? Or is there something we Dark Matter fans should know?”
Answer: Who knows what the future holds? Nothing is definite and I want to be prepared for any eventuality. Keep in mind, the show still hasn’t been picked up.
ceresis64 writes: “I think these questions make sense – but no promises! And apologies, if they’ve been posed before…”
Answer: Great questions but all of the answers would be major spoilers. Answers to all these questions coming in the episodes ahead – and season 2.
FuturaSG writes: “Can you promise you’ll work on Dark Matter for as long as it airs. The show is your baby and, like you said in a recent blog, you’ve set up a bunch of stuff you’re going to pay off. How can someone else step in and try to do the same thing. Guess?”
Answer: As much as I’d love to work on the show through the entirety of its run, that’s something I can’t promise. Season One was a lot of fun and, as long as I’m enjoying myself, I will continue to write and produce Dark Matter.
Ponytail writes: “HOW IS LULU?????”
Answer: Lulu is still suffering from the same issues. She seems really rundown of late. Her endoscopy suggests inflamed bowel disorder. Awaiting the results of another test.
dasndanger writes: “Joe, did you see Guardians of the Galaxy?”
Answer: I did see – and enjoyed – Guardians of the Galaxy. Hmmm. I’m thinking it’s time our resident film critic, Cookie Monster, caught up on his reviews. I feel a “My Top 10 Superhero Films” blog entry percolating.
August 5, 2015
August 5, 2015: Dark Matter bridge walk-thru! And such!
Take a walk through the bridge of the Raza compliments of Dark Matter set designer Doug Slater:
Nerds, take heart! http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/cool-kids-can-go-on-to-become-losers-in-later-life-study-finds-10432348.html
I never thought I’d say this about another superhero movie after seeing Avengers: Age of Ultron, but I’m really looking forward to this:
August 4, 2015
August 3, 2015
August 3, 2015: Dark Matter Episode 109 preview!
Dark Matter Episode 109 previews:
“The team checks their supplies and finds that Four has abandoned ship … and he might be in some major trouble.”
“Four revisits his past to prove his innocence, while One’s realization about his origins could change everything.”
One of my fave FIVE pics!
Hmmm. What’s got SIX so miffed?
Looks like FOUR is toting his travel blade.
TWO helping ONE with his homework?
Who is ONE gunning for?
Adorable alert! One of my favorite scenes this season!
And more Episode 108-related responses:
http://nerdgeist.com/2015/08/03/dark-matter-2015-tv-series-review/
“In Dark Matter we have a group of people who could be awfully terrible people but are waking up with renewed innocence, at least that’s what I’m hoping. It gives the series a whole different sort of conflict and an internally driven one, the fight with oneself.”
http://askgenretv.com/dark-matter-podcast/dark-matter-season-1-episode-eight/
A weekly Dark Matter podcast.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytDBOhuCrB4
A SyFyFriday round-up.
http://spotlightmonster.blogspot.ca/2015/08/dark-matter-who-erased-their-memories.html
“It was discovered that one of them intentionally wiped the others’ memories but accidentally wiped their own as well. Based on what we know let’s see who’s the likely candidate…”
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter
August 2, 2015
August 2, 2015: #DarkMatter fandom roll call! The art of Jon Hrubesch!
While we’re no closer to settling on a name for Dark Matter fandom, we’ve got some pretty terrific candidates for the individual character fan groups.
Roll call!
#FANDROIDS = Fans of The Raza’s whimsically endearing Android.
#SIXPACK/#6PACK = Fans of The Raza’s principled shuttle pilot.
#FIVEHIVE/#5HIVE = Fans of The Raza’s quirky tech monkey.
#FOURCLAN/#4CLAN = Fans of The Raza’s detached but deadly royal.
#THREESCOMPANY/#3sCOMPANY = Fans of The Raza’s resident rogue.
#TWOCREW/#2CREW = Fans of The Raza’s kick-ass commander.
#ONESIES/#1SIES = Fans of The Raza’s principled warrior.
Artist Jon Hrubesch, whose artwork was just featured in Episode 108’s Transfer Transit sequence –
– left a comment on yesterday’s entry. I followed up and had him send me links to the gorgeous works on display –
Mighty spectacular, no? You can check out more of Jon’s art here:
http://jonhrubesch.deviantart.com/gallery/
And, while we’re on the subject of eye candy, check out the work of our VFX team on Episode 108’s Vega5:
Finally, here a few more Dark Matter Episode 108 reviews for your perusal:
http://www.mikesfilmtalk.com/2015/08/01/dark-matter-episode-eight-recap-and-review/
“Each episode moves the story forward while simultaneously shedding more light on each character and generating still more questions. This formula ensures attention levels do not wane and keeps the viewer guessing. Dark Matter is part of SyFy Friday and is great television that should not be missed.”
http://noobist.com/uncategorized/dark-matter-episode-8-review-recap/
” And what’s more, how will this revelation affect the group dynamic going forward since they’re trying the whole no-secrets-and-lies thing? This should be good.”
http://www.idiotbox.co.uk/dark-matter-review-episode-8-33965/
“First up let me just say that I love everything about the cloning transporter system, it’s such a brilliant idea and one that is so wonderfully SciFi, just the concept of it is awesome enough so it’s brilliant to see it used to such an effect here. Also great was the strong focus on Six who for me is easily the most easy to connect with of the bunch which is largely down to him having the clearest and most compelling back story, at least so far.”
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter
August 1, 2015
August 1, 2015: Dark Matter Episode 108 Reviews!
As promised, the twists, turns, surprises, and revelations are coming fast and furious as we barrel toward our BIG season 1 finale. And, in addition, there are those wonderful character moments that serve to shed light on our crew and their respective relationships: the unlikely pep talk, the drunken dinner sequence, the hug! Numerous individual fan contingents seemed particularly thrilled with this episode. I’m talking about #FOURCLAN, #FIVEHIVE, #SIXPACK, and #FANDROIDS!
And they weren’t the only ones. Check out some of the online review…
http://www.denofgeek.us/tv/dark-matter/248093/dark-matter-episode-eight-review
“Overall, I get the sense that the writers of Dark Matter know exactly where their characters and storylines are headed. They continue to dole out puzzle pieces in a deliberate and methodical manner.”
Oh, we know exactly where we’re going. And, when this first season comes to its dramatic conclusion, prepare to have your mind blown.
“Slowly the first season of Syfy’s Dark Matter is developing to be the space opera that can actually replace Firefly and Stargate.”
I don’t think want to replace them, only stand side by side with them in the annals of SF television!
http://www.thetvjunkies.com/dark-matter-episode-eight/
“However, while the mystery and intrigue will always be a major factor in why Dark Matter is so compelling to watch, it’s the small, happier moments that have maintained my interest. The cast has solid chemistry together and it makes scenes like their drunken bonding on the space station add a lot more vibrance to an already entertaining show. The darker moments may be imminent, but if we keep those lighter times along the way, it may be that much easier to endure.”
This. One of the things I’ve mentioned time and again in interviews is that humor and character moments are so important to the show because they go such a long way toward humanizing our crew. And the these lighter moments make the darker moments sooo much darker in contrast. See next episode.
“Why am I asking so many questions?! Because Joseph Mallozzi likes it that way, that’s why! He writes it like this on purpose … and I not-so-secretly love it.”
True. I love the theorizing, debating, and, especially, the “this doesn’t make sense” critical assumptions that inevitably get upended. Early on, people were wondering how the show’s premise could be sustained for any extended period. Well, whaddya think now?
“Hands down the best episode thus far. The very breadth of Science-Fiction really saturates this episode and it’s mystery sub-genre attacks and reveals new elements to our amnesiacs that really sell the need to keep watching and find out the truth.”
Yes, layers upon layers. Think you’ve got our “misunderstood”/”inherently good” characters figured out. Let’s resume this discussion next week…
Finally – hey, check out Akemi’s FIVE-inspired hair!
Today’s entry is dedicated to my sis! Happy Birthday!
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter
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