Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 376

July 31, 2015: Dark Matter Episode 108! Tonight!

The twists, turns and revelations come fast and furious as we pick up speed and hurtle through the back half of this season toward our big BIG season finale.  So, what awaits on tonight’s episode of Dark Matter?

http://www.thetvjunkies.com/dark-matter-episode-eight-preview/

“There’s plenty of action, suspense and, best of all, another big bombshell awaits fans in the episode’s final moments.”

DARK MATTER — “Episode Nine” Episode 109 — Pictured: Mark Bendavid as One — (Photo by: Steve Wilkie/Prodigy Pictures/Syfy)

http://www.screenspy.com/articles/tv/editorials/the-crew-face-fresh-surprises-in-syfys-dark-matter/

“This week Syfy’s Dark Matter will see the crew making a Space Station stopover for some drunken bonding, a little home cooking, and a spot of old fashioned revenge.”

http://www.threeifbyspace.net/2015/07/dark-matter-episode-8-preview-a-one-way-trip/#.Vbro9Xg-A_U

“Back at the end of episode 6, we knew Six would eventually try to track down the General, the leader of the Protheon Insurrection. This is the man responsible for the destruction of a space station which killed over 10,000 innocents. At the time, Six was a member of this group, but he believed they were fighting for the betterment of his fellow human beings, not killing innocent people to make a political statement. Ever since he found out the General was just fine with collateral damage on such a horrible scale, Six has been planning on finding him and stopping him. That begins now.”

http://www.iol.co.za/tonight/tv-radio/shedding-light-on-dark-matter-1.1892907#.VbqHcHg-CgQ

Some behind the scenes pics of Dark Matter Episode 8…

The crew of The Raza catches up on 200 year old episodes of Game of Thrones.

Director T.W. Peacocke, prepped and ready to go.

Help yourself!

Jodelle enjoys a break in the action.

Welcome to Vega 5…

Who’s up for a little post-episode Periscope Q&A?

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

July 30, 2015: Dark Matter – Setups and Payoffs!

As most of you know, I created and started developing Dark Matter back when I was working on Stargate: Atlantis.  The hope was to roll into Dark Matter whenever Stargate ended…which turned out to be a little later than I’d originally expected.  Throw in a year to script and launch the Dark Horse Comics series, the inevitable/interminable wait for the financing to come together on the way to an eventual green light, and we’re talking roughly eight years.  Yes, eight years of waiting but, in that time, eight years of fleshing out the big picture arcs, the characters, their backstories, the moments, and a slew of surprising twists and turns.

There’s nothing I hate more than watching a show that clearly doesn’t have a plan. One thing I promised viewers from the get-go is that we had a plan, a long term (five season) arc that included narrative elements, big and small.  We know where we’re going and, if you come along for the ride, we promise not to keep you hanging.  You will be rewarded with answers – and some of those answers are coming fast and furious from Episodes 106 onwards, culminating in an OMG! finale that will have you jumping out of your seats.

We’ve been afforded the freedom and respect to tell the story we want to tell and this has allowed us to seed the narrative with clues, some subtle and some pretty damn glaring, to future revelations.  I’m always delighted by the post-episode online responses, especially those that catch perceived hints in the story or criticize baffling inconsistencies in the characters.  There was one exchange on an online forum that had one viewer (let’s call her Viewer A) fixate on a seemingly inconsequential exchange in Episode 3.  She was convinced that the inflection of the delivery, the looks exchanged, suggested something more.  Another viewer (Viewer B) dismissed the theory; told her she was reading something into a line that wasn’t there.  Well, all I can say is – Viewer A, before the end of this season, prepare to tell Viewer B: “I told you so!”.

Setups and payoffs!  Setups and payoffs!

How come our crew only recovered some cash, weapons, an entertainment android, and a woman in stasis from the mystery room?  After all, back in Episode 101, didn’t FIVE refer to the fact that it held “secrets”?  What secrets?!

Why is ONE so out of place amongst the rest of the crew?  And, if he’s not the real Jace Corso, what the hell is he doing on the ship?

Why did TWO’s wound magically heal following her ill-fated excursion aboard The Far Horizon?

How did Hrothgar’s weapons – and pendant – end up on The Raza?

How did FIVE get out of that airlock?

What is with the Android and her odd behavior?  She appeared jealous of entertainment bot Wendy and androids shouldn’t feel jealousy.  Why would someone program her with emotions?

Who was THREE’s old crew that abandoned him on that planet?

What was going through FIVE’s head when she gave Sarah’s stasis pod that curious look at the end of last episode?

Who is Cyrus King?

Who is that creepy old man?  (Oops.  Sorry.  That one’s upcoming.)

Who wiped their memories?  And why?

Who the hell is Titch?

We’ve got answers for you, a whole whack of ’em coming over the course of these last six episodes.  Plus many. MANY more – in addition to more questions and surprises – in the seasons to come.  As we await word of a pick-up, we’ve already got our second season game plan and character acts – and if you thought our first season offered up some shockers (see end of episodes 101, 103, 105, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, and 113!) just wait until you see what we’e got in store for you in season 2, leading up to mind-boggling finale that will rival even our first season finale (which, I’m sure you’ll agree after watching it, may seem nigh impossible!).

At the risk of getting way, way ahead of myself – season 3’s arc will be Sci Fi Epic and culminate in a closing episode that will blow the doors off everything that has come before.  Which will lead into season 4’s I-can’t-believe-this-is-really-happening arc that we’ll cap off with an ender that will crash the forums.  Then, all roads – not to mention every arc we’ve set up since the beginning of the show – lead to season 5 where all the pieces of our intricately composed puzzle finally fall into place in dramatically satisfying fashion.  And we’re left with a series finale for the ages.

All this will be yours and more!

Unless some terrible fate befalls me in which case…never mind.

But, hey, let’s back up a bit to the next episode of Dark Matter, Episode 108. What’s in store?

Well, this –

And this –

And this –

And this!

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

July 29, 2015: Joe and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day!

Well, let’s call it 22 hours and counting.

1. Unlike previous years, 2015 offers a very narrow window in which I can take my annual culinary journey to Japan.  And so, after much back and forth, Akemi and I finalized the dates and I spent the better part of three hours booking flights online. Akemi from Vancouver to Osaka.  My sister from Montreal to Vancouver.  Joe from Vancouver to Osaka.  Daisy from Montreal to Vancouver.  Joe and Akemi from Tokyo to Vancouver.   My sister and Daisy from Vancouver to Montreal.  A series of maddening one way flights, seat selections, upgrades to premium economy, and in-flight meal purchases.  When I was finished, weary but satisfied, I moved on to the hotel bookings…and couldn’t find a room.  At any of the local hotels.  Further investigation on Akemi’s part revealed the reason: Silver Week.

“Once in a while the stars align and Japan’s holiday laws kick in. The result: a 5 day holiday. This is known as “Silver Week” in Japan. It’s named after Golden Week in April / May. It also has a double meaning: “silver” is a common word in Japanese to describe the older generation (Respect for the Aged day hence brings “Silver Week”).

Silver Week is relatively rare: 2015, 2026, 2032, 2037, 2043, 2049. ”

http://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/silver-week

And so, I’ve had to cancel and push our Japan trip to April of 2016 (To coincide with Akemi’s birthday!) – barring  a change in near-future plans.

2. This morning, Akemi and I visited Granville Island, our usual destination for fresh fruit, veggies and seafood (a shout-out to the gang at http://www.seafoodcitygi.com).  I was walking along, texting, when a unusually concerned-looking Akemi motioned to me.  Out of the corner of my eye, I caught someone a half step behind me.  Assuming he wanted to pass, I slowed down and stepped aside.  He stopped, right behind me.  So I kept walking, and he continued to keep pace.  I stopped.  He stopped, again less than a half a foot beside me.  I moved threw him a look and gave him a once-over: mid-twenties, baseball cap, carrying an enormous backpack and sporting what looked like a do-it-yourself arm cast.  As I fell into conversation with Brian, the owner of the Seafood City, someone at the counter asked the weirdo if he wanted to purchase something.  Weirdo mumbled something and, grudgingly, wandered off.

I didn’t give it a second thought but Akemi was very disturbed by the incident. There was definitely something off about the guy but I’m not sure what was his game plan.  Pickpocket?  Maybe, but it was clear I was keeping my eye on him – which didn’t seem to dissuade him.  And, with the enormous backpack he was carrying, I very much doubt he could have executed a snatch and run.  I almost wanted to surreptitiously follow him around find out what he was up to – but it was clear that Akemi wanted to go home, immediately, so my P.I. gig would have to wait for another time.

3. We paid our weekly visit to White Dwarf Books on 10th Avenue.  I go there to peruse the shelves and pick up new titles while Akemi goes to shower the shop’s dog, an easy-going basset hound named Judd, with affection.  On this day, however, we arrived to the news that Judd had taken a sudden and very bad turn. He was at his local vet and unlikely to survive the day.  Heartbreaking.  In addition to our weekly visits with him, Judd stayed with us for a two week period last year and, in that short time, became sort of an honorary pack member.

Akemi and Judd.

 4. I received a series of very disquieting, downright bizarre emails this morning that…well…concerned me.  I’ll leave it at that but suffice it to say: LTS.

  5. I’ve still got plenty of today to go.

July 27, 2015: Dark Matter secrets! BTS pics!

BTS on Dark Matter Episode 107: Searching the mystery room.

So, in Episode 107, the crew gained entrance to the mystery room and we finally found out what it held.

Or did we?

Sure, we found weapons, cash, an entertainment model android and a woman in stasis, but something doesn’t quite line up here.  Remember back in Episode 101 when FIVE was talking to SIX about “the door”.  The dialogue went something like this…

FIVE: A big metal door.  And they keep it locked, always.

SIX: Why?  What’s inside?

FIVE: Secrets.

Secrets?  Hmmm.  There was nothing particularly secretive about the cash or guns. The entertainment model android?  Not really.  The woman in stasis?  Possibly. But, back in Episode 101, FIVE used the plural, “secrets”.

Looked like there were a few locked boxes in that room.  I wonder…

Oh, hey, check it out.  Wendy stunt double (Jennifer Murray) gets blasted by Bubba:

Down and right back up!  Thanks as always to Dark Matter stunt coordinator John Stead for crafting and overseeing the action.

As we move past the halfway mark of season one, we begin to unearth answers, backstories, and surprises.  And Episode 108 will offer up more than a few.  In preparation, check out some of the behind the scenes pics…

Check out my Dark Matter chat with Fictional Frontiers:

http://www.fictionalfrontiers.podcastpeople.com/posts/61640

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

July 27, 2015: Weird Food Purchase of the Day! Dark Matter links!

The second instalment in my Weird Food Purchase of the Week: Weird Soda Edition:

Some Dark Matter links:

The Summer Studs of SyFy (P.S. After last episode I’m sure you’ll agree they’re missing one!):

http://www.twcc.com/entertainment/galleries/2015/07/the-summer-studs-of-syfy-series#1

An Episode #107 post-mortem:

http://www.thetvjunkies.com/dark-matter-episode-7-postmortem-a-rose-does-not-a-romance-make/?utm_content=bufferd9a13&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

“As we do every week, we talked with Mallozzi all about Episode 7 for more information on Three’s backstory, a look into how some of Wendy’s special talents and skills came about and how things are looking for the Android next week.”

An Episode #107 review:

http://noobist.com/uncategorized/dark-matter-episode-7-review-recap/

“Snap, Crackle ‘n Pop. The latest episode of Dark Matter was the sexiest episode thus far, at least suggestively anyway. Brace yourself, because Dark Matter definitely went there this week. The Raza crew finally gained access to the secret room, we found out Three isn’t a jerk ass after all, and One and Two finally hooked up on “Episode 7” of Dark Matter.”

Another Episode #107 review:

http://www.mikesfilmtalk.com/2015/07/25/dark-matter-episode-seven-review/

“Each episode is reveals more about the crew and each character is becoming well rounded and three dimensional as a result. Zoie Palmer is becoming more endearing with each episode as are the rest of the crew. Anthony Lemke rocks it this week with his heel with heart story and the entire cast are hitting their stride performance wise.”

What was the best scene from Episode #107?  Read the review and vote for your favorite here:

http://www.spoilertv.com/2015/07/dark-matter-episode-7-review-redemption.html?utm_source=TrendingNow&utm_medium=WhatsHot

“This episode shed a lot of light on Three and left fans with a lot of things to ponder. […] Only time will tell, but I suggest buckling in because things are only going to keep escalating as the second half of the season gears up to FTL speed.”

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter, Weird Food Purchase of the Day

July 26, 2015: The Weird Food Purchase of the Day – Soda Edition! Celery Soda!

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And some past favorites!

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Nutritional yeast…

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The Triple Down…

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Dragon’s Blood hot sauce with guest taster Carl Binder…

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Squid brand fish sauce…

 

Tagged: Weird Food Purchase of the Day

July 24, 2015: Pizza and Dark Matter!

Last night episode of Dark Matter was written by former Stargate creator/writer/director/executive producer/showrunner Robert C. Cooper.  Sure, he writes some pretty good scripts – but what he really excels at is making pizza…which Akemi, Ivon and I can confirm after having had dinner at his place the other night…

Sing us a song you’re the pizza man! 

Make us a pizza tonight!

Well we’re all in the mood for some sausage and cheese!

And a crust that’s crispy and light!

Also a half dozen other varieties including this mushroom and cheese.

Oh and chocolatey dessert.

With various ice creams no less!

So, yeah, thanks for last night’s episode.  But an especially big thanks for dinner!

So, what’d you think of last night’s episode of Dark Matter? Some of the online reviews…

http://www.threeifbyspace.net/2015/07/dark-matter-episode-7-review-dunking-donuts-the-cosmic-way/#.VbMDwHg-B-U

“Kudos to Anthony Lemke and Zoie Palmer for their outstanding performances in tonight’s episode. The spotlight was on them, with Lemke getting the lion’s share of screen time, but they both amazed and amused. We got a level of depth from Lemke’s Three heretofore thought nonexistent, while Palmer’s android was simultaneously amusing and sympathetic. That’s one of the things I like most about Dark Matter – each actor has shined when the focus was on their character and every single one of them has done an outstanding job. ”

http://www.theworkprint.com/dark-matter-review-episode-seven/123

“Last week on Dark Matter we got a glimpse into the back story of Four, Five, and Six, and this week in “Episode Seven” Three takes the spotlight.”

http://www.denofgeek.us/tv/dark-matter/247935/dark-matter-episode-seven-review

“Episode Seven” reveals several enticing details about the ship and its crew, and it further explores by far the strongest theme of the show: are humans only what their experience makes them, or are they good or bad by nature?”

http://www.examiner.com/article/geeky-tv-commentary-killjoys-1-6-and-dark-matter-1-7

“This episode had a lot of the team working together as a team, as well as everyone being kind and respectful to each other, and as the world around them gets more hostile and they keep running into more and more of their past exploits that they don’t know to look our for, that teamwork will be useful.”

http://www.thetvjunkies.com/dark-matter-episode-seven/

“The big metal door was finally opened in Dark Matter‘s seventh episode, unleashing a veritable Pandora’s box within the Raza. While their money troubles have finally come to an end, the consequence of opening it led to a devastating outcome for one member of the crew.”

I followed up both east and west coast screenings with more semi-disastrous post-show Periscope Q&A’s!  Sooner or later, I’m going to get this right!

East coast…

West coast…

Still awaiting Lulu’s test results.  Today, we bring her in for a B-12 shot!  Tomorrow, it’s cosmos and lunch at the Ivy!

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

July 24, 2015: Dark Matter Episode 107 behind the scenes pics!

Dark Matter Episode 107 airs tonight at 10 p.m. EST and 7 p.m./10 p.m. PST on SyFy and Space Channel! Written by Robert C. Cooper!  Directed by Bruce McDonald!  Guest starring Ruby Rose and Natalie Brown!

Ruby Rose coming your way tonight on Dark Matter!

I’ll be live tweeting both airings (and Consulting Producer Ivon Bartok) and then follow up with a live, 15-20 minute Periscope Q&A directly following the episodes (11 p.m. EST and 8 p.m./11 p.m. PST).  Download the Periscope app and join me. https://twitter.com/SpaceChannel/status/624648903946715136

Here’s a slew of behind the scenes pics to get you hyped…

Director Bruce McDonald wields Bubba during prep.

Something’s afoot!

Hey, who opened the door?

Exploration and discovery!

Director Bruce McDonald – ready for action!

What’s in the big box?

Bruce McDonald directs Jodelle Ferland, Natalie Brown, and Anthony Lemke in the infirmary.

Bruce McDonald directs Marc Bendavid and Melissa O’Neil.

Director Bruce McDonald and Consulting Producer Ivon Bartok on set.

Man down!

Director Bruce McDonald talks shop with Natalie Brown and Anthony Lemke.

Wild man director Bruce McDonald!

Anthony Lemke and Tanya Lemke (actually, no relation!).

Natalie Brown takes Anthony Lemke for a stroll.

And check out these intriguing previews… https://tvgeektalk.com/previews/dark-matter-advance-preview-episode-seven-joe-mallozzi-exclusive-interview/ “Definitely the best episode of the series thus far, and I can’t imagine a single fan out there that won’t absolutely love it.” http://scifivision.com/3112 “I really enjoyed episode seven; it was actually my favorite so far. The interaction between the characters was really fantastic this week.” http://www.threeifbyspace.net/2015/07/have-a-third-sneak-peek-at-dark-matter-episode-7-finding-a-ruby/#.VbJ8uHg-D-Y “The crew finds another android played by Ruby Rose.”

July 23, 2016: Tokyo in 2016? Maaaaaybe!

To quote Dark Matter’s SIX (Episode 103): “Fresh starts for all of us, right?”

Right!  With the real estate market blazing here in Vancouver, Akemi has been not so subtly suggesting it might be time to cash out.  And she does have a point.  As much as I love my house, I’ve calculated that we only use about 30% of the living place.  The remaining 70% is very attractive storage.  It never bothered me before but, strange as it sounds, he house feels A LOT emptier now that Jelly is gone.  The prospect of moving has grown increasingly attractive, especially over the last few days.

So, if I was to move, what would be my options?  Another place in Vancouver? What would be the point?  Toronto?  Too cold.  L.A.?  Too cool.  Tokyo? Maaaaaybe.  An extended stay in Tokyo would finally afford me the opportunity to perfect my Japanese (and, by perfect, I mean learn) and pursue some other interests – chiefly, a couple of Japanese food-themed shows I’ve been batting around.  I’ve gone so far as to do the math (I’d be comfortable for the next 25 years before having to find work), check out condos – AND, most importantly, check out the country’s laws on pet travel (following a 24 hour quarantine period, the kids would be free and clear!).  Daikanyama strikes me as a great doggy neighborhood – and less than an hour out from Yokohama, another potential home base.

I’m planning our annual Japan trip for September – Osaka and Tokyo – and will scope out some other neighbourhoods as well.  Now that I’ve gotten the hang of this Periscope thing, I’m going to try offering up live updates while I’m there. Maybe a live tour of the Tsukiji Market one morning and a visit to Star Bar another night.  Join me in a visit to Gyoza Stadium or watch me work my way through the entire Jean-Paul Hevin chocolate dessert offerings at Roppongi Midtown.  It’ll be like you’ll be traveling with me – or, possibly, moving with me!

But first things first.  I’ve got to get the dogs healthy.  Bubba went in for his annual physical today.  Failing hearing, cataracts, and his teeth are slowly deserting him. Sometimes, I forget he’s 13.  Lulu, meanwhile, had her endoscopy today.  We get the results in a couple of days!

So, how are you all doing?  What’s new?  Moving anywhere new?

Tagged: Tokyo, Yokohama

July 22, 2015: Lulu! #DarkMatter notes!

Thanks to those inquiring about my french bulldog, Lulu.  Alas, nothing in the way of any significant improvement yet although I would best describe the change in her condition as a slight upgrade from “yellow mustard” to “Japanese curry”.  I’m hopeful for an eventual advancement to “Irish stew” but, for now, we’re treating her with antibiotics, deworming medication (thanks for the tip, Elke!), and tomorrow’s endoscopy.

Hey, did I mentioned I’d be doing one of those Periscope Q&A’s after the North American airings of Dark Matter’s seventh episode?  The episode will air at 10 p.m. EST and 7 p.m./10 p.m. PST and I’ll be answering YOUR questions for about 15-20 minutes after the show ends (11 p.m. EST and 8 p.m./11 p.m. PST).  So, what do you need to do to join?  Great question!  I think you just have to download the Periscope app and follow me (@BaronDestructo), then check out the Periscope app at the appointed time and voila!  Before you know it, you’ll be madly sending me virtual hearts and watching me fumble through this, my SECOND and THIRD, Periscope Q&A’s.

And what will I be talking about?  Oh, whatever you like – but I imagine we’ll mainly be chatting about this episode…

http://www.screenspy.com/articles/tv/editorials/syfys-dark-matter-will-give-one-character-a-surprising-past-this-week/

“We’ve seen the episode a little earlier than most, courtesy of Syfy, and have a handful of teasers to share with you. As usual, there are no major spoilers here because we want you to enjoy the episode as much as we did.”

http://www.thetvjunkies.com/6-things-to-know-about-ruby-rose-on-dark-matter/

“This episode marks one of Mallozzi’s personal favourites of the season and that’s because it’s “one of the most fun episodes.” He also said “it’s an episode with a lot of warmth and a lot of humour.” Not only that, it’s also the favourite of one of his most important critics. “This is one of my girlfriend’s very favourite,” he shared.”

http://www.spoilertv.com/2015/07/dark-matter-episode-7-preview.html

“At the midway point Dark Matter is still as fierce as it was in the premiere. […]  Speaking of surprises, this episode is full of them.”

Hey, look who was in town!  None other than Jeff Teravainen, Lieutenant Anders from Dark Matter Episode 108.  Oh, wait.  That doesn’t air until next week. Anyway, here’s a sneak peek of Jeff…eating gelato.  Will he be eating gelato in next week’s episode?  And, if so, what flavour?!!!  Sorry, that’s a spoiler.

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter, Dogs, french bulldogs