Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 379
August 13, 2015
August 13, 2015: Recommended Reads! And Dark Matter screenshots!
After last year’s impressive reading tally, I set the bar a lot lower this year but, even so, it looked like I was going to come up short of the 100 book mark. Over this past month, however, I’ve done some major catching up. Here are a few of the titles I enjoyed…
Half A War by Joe Abercrombie
The third and final instalment in Joe Abercrombie’s Shattered Sea trilogy is epic fantasy at its high flying, action-packed finest. This one has all of the elements one would expect from Abercrombie – colorful characters, heart-stopping twists and, best of all, that wicked sense of humor I’ve come to know and love.
Heaven’s Queen by Rachel Bach
The second book in Rachel Bach’s (Aaron’s) Paradox Trilogy continues an SF series that stands out well above the rest. These books are smart, fast-paced, engrossing and, without a doubt, flat-out the most FUN you’ll have reading in recent memory.
Get Carter by Ted Lewis
I’m not a huge fan of noir-themed titles but this British classic, adapted into a movie starring Michael Caine back in the early 70’s, hooked me early and held my rapt attention through the entirety of my cover to cover single seating read. A brilliant and brutal crime novel that has restored my appreciation for the genre.
Sharpe’s Tiger by Bernard Cornwell
Having worked my way through most of George MacDonald Fraser’s similarly-themed Flashman series, I decided to give Cornwell’s historical anti-hero a shot – and came away mightily impressed. I loved this book and hope the rest of Sharpe’s adventures are as masterfully detailed.
Arcadia #4 by Alex Paknadel and Eric Scott Pfeiffer
This mind-bending SF series continues to, well, bend minds. Paknadel juggles intellectually intoxicating narrative elements to magnificent effect while Pfeiffer’s art dazzles in perfect compliment.
Descender by Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen
From The Underwater Welder to Sweet Tooth to Trillium, Lemire’s work is distinguished by its grounded, at times painfully real characters struggling in fantastic and surreal environments. In Descender, it’s Tim-21, a child robot who may be the key to averting a looming invasion. A delightfully sweet and compelling series.
And a couple of screenshots from Friday night’s all-new episode of Dark Matter:
FOUR against seven. They’re gonna need more guys!
Seeing double?
What do we have here?!
Well, look who’s coming back to stir things up!
The boys convene in one of my favorite scenes in this episode.
Don’t forget to join me for a live post-episode Periscope after both airings tomorrow night.
Watch the show…
10 pm EST
7/10 pm PST
Then join me for a Periscope chat…
11 pm EST
8/11 pm PST
Tagged: Alex Paknadel, Arcadia, Bernard Cornwell, Comic Books, Comics, Dark Matter, Descender, Get Carter, Half A War, Heaven's Queen, Jeff Lemire, Joe Abercrombie, Rachel Bach, recommended reads, Sharpe's Tiger, Ted Lewis 
August 12, 2015
August 12, 2015: Dark Matter Episode 110 Preview!
The Mikkei Combine’s Commander Delaney Truffault (Torri Higginson, STARGATE: ATLANTIS) offers the crew a golden opportunity to make some much-needed cash and acquire some much-needed protection by taking on a job to heist a mysterious device from a rival corporation. Complications arise in the form of another team of ruthless mercenaries who have also been hired for the same op. The two crews must work together to complete the mission, but getting along proves to be a very tall task.
DARK MATTER — “Episode Ten” Episode 110 — Pictured: (l-r) Roger Cross as Six, Anthony Lemke as Three, Melissa O’Neil as Two, Mark Bendavid as One — (Photo by: Russ Martin/Prodigy Pictures/Syfy)
Woohoo! Only two days away from my second favorite episode of the season (second only to the BIG season finale). Directed by Dark Matter stunt coordinator John Stead, this outing sees our crew teaming up with a group of even more mercenary criminals!
DARK MATTER — “Episode Ten” Episode 110 — Pictured: Anthony Lemke as Three — (Photo by: Steve Wilkie/Prodigy Pictures/Syfy)
Every one of the guest stars in Episode 110 hits a home run performance. Torri Higginson is Commander Truffault, our unlikely ally. Ennis Esmer is the other team’s villainous boss, Wexler. Jessica Sipos and Jon Cor are Tash and Vons, the unnervingly inseparable duo. Conrad Pla is Cain, the looming heavy.
DARK MATTER — “Episode Ten” Episode 110 — Pictured: Roger Cross as Six — (Photo by: Steve Wilkie/Prodigy Pictures/SyFy)
This is an episode I’ve watched at least a dozen times – and I love it just as much the twelfth time as I did the first!
You are in for treat!
DARK MATTER — “Episode Ten” Episode 110 — Pictured: Jodelle Ferland as Five — (Photo by: Russ Martin/Prodigy Pictures/Syfy)
http://www.threeifbyspace.net/2015/08/dark-matter-episode-10-sneak-peek-an-offer-you-cant-refuse/
“FAIR WARNING: This sneak peek is pretty spoilery because it basically explains how our gang manages to survive being surrounded by three Ferrous Corp destroyers.”
DARK MATTER — “Episode Eleven” Episode 111 — Pictured: Conrad Pla as Cain — (Photo by: Steve Wilkie/Prodigy Pictures/Syfy)
http://www.threeifbyspace.net/2015/08/dark-matter-episode-10-preview-dishonor-among-thieves/
“The team must work with a group of psychotic outlaws. Trouble doesn’t even begin to describe what happens next.”
DARK MATTER — “Episode Ten” Episode 110 — Pictured: Anthony Lemke as Three — (Photo by: Russ Martin/Prodigy Pictures/Syfy)
“Remember, folks, it’s a two parter. Breathe. While you can.”
, DARK MATTER — “Episode Eleven” Episode 111 — Pictured: (l-r) Jessica Sipos as Tash, Jodelle Ferland as Five — (Photo by: Steve Wilkie/Prodigy Pictures/Syfy)
Check out a good dog-related cause:
http://www.youcaring.com/rocky-mountain-animal-rescue-in-canmore-ab-411233#.VcrOGljjf6U.facebook
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter, science fiction, scifi television
August 11, 2015
August 11, 2015: A morning miracle!
This morning started like any other day. I woke up, brushed my teeth, headed downstairs and fed the dogs. After checking my emails, I decided to make myself my usual post-workout hardboiled eggs. I walked over to the stove, picked up the pot and noticed something – a distinctive figure on the element created by the residual water from said pot. A face was staring back at me!
It was a miracle! A morning miracle! Perhaps a sign of good things to come? My immediate thought was that this was proof of the harmony at the very core of our existence, incontrovertible evidence of the designed order underlying the universe: peace, love, charity. Then, I wondered how I could make a quick buck off it.
At first I considered charging people to drop by the house to witness the miracle firsthand. Upon further consideration, however, I realized that would present a host of logistical issues. I’d have to hire security, possibly a publicist to get the word out, maybe incorporate Stove Miracle Inc. and hire an accountant. The upfront costs, time, and effort seemed daunting. Then, I thought maybe selling the miracle stove would be the way to go. Someone else could coordinate the business side and I would happily walk away with a one time lump payment (and maybe a 5% royalty). But then I would have to go through the hassle of buying a new stove – and I hate shopping for appliances. I ultimately decided that the smartest thing to do would be to sell the stove top, pass the cost of the replacement onto the purchaser, and just eat out for a week until my new stove top arrived. That and a 5% royalty.
So decided, I finished my workout, then went to check on my eggs – only to discover that the water face had evaporated over the course of those thirty minutes, leaving me with naught but anguish, broken dreams, and, quite frankly, a serious reconsideration of that whole harmony and designed order thing.
My day was otherwise uneventful.
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
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