Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 559

November 12, 2010: Some Stargate: Universe links! What are YOU reading? Mailbag!

Thanks to everyone who took the time to fill me in on their viewing habits.  Some wildly varied tastes out there.  Keep those t.v. lists coming!

To those who may have missed it (ie. anyone who lives outside of Canada), here's a link to the Stargate: Universe segment that aired on Canada AM this morning -

The cast of 'Stargate Universe' (or check the right sidebar for the link).

Thanks to Craig for the heads up!

Some great reviews of SGU episode #207, The Greater Good.

Here: http://www.tvsquad.com/2010/11/11/stargate-universe-season-2-episode-7-recap/

Here: http://www.tvovermind.com/cable/syfy/stargate-universe/stargate-universe-207-recap/38272

And here: http://io9.com/5686940/sgus-finally-reveals-destinys-secrets-for-the-greater-good

While Robert Carlyle (SGU's Dr. Nicholas Rush) talks about the episode with Show Patrol's Curt Wagner here:

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/show-patrol/2010/11/stargate-universe-robert-carlyle-sees-the-greater-good-in-rush.html

And, if you're hankering for a (potentially spoilerific) sneak peek at next week's episode, Malice, take a look over here:

http://www.daemonstv.com/2010/11/12/stargate-universe-malice-season-2-episode-8-photos/

In non Stargate-related matters (aka – my life), I've almost finalized my Tokyo restaurant list.  Unlike previous years when I've booked Michelin starred restaurants for both lunch and dinner, I'm only going to go with a few high-end choices requiring reservations and will play the rest by ear.  More or less.  Even though I won't book the tables, I have a rundown of places I want to check out, covering the gamut of Japanese cuisine – restaurants specializing in: ramen, soba, sushi, unagi, anago, tempura, yakitori, kushiage, and maybe (when my travel buddy Ivon isn't looking) even suppon.

With the cast in Toronto for food and fun, today was a production holiday.  I celebrated by doing a little shopping and, again, adding to my burgeoning to-read pile:

Clockwise from left to right starting from the top:

First King of Shannara by Terry Brooks: I vary my reading and, occasionally, like to dabble in high fantasy.  To be honest, I don't know much about this book but picked it up on the recommendation of Robert Cooper's wife who, apparently, is a bit of a fantasy junkie.

Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind: Another heavy-hitter of the fantasy genre and another author I've been looking to check out.  In the case of both Goodkind and Brooks, I'll start with the first book in a series and see where it takes me.  In the case of some past fantasy authors (ie. Joe Abercrombie and George R. R. Martin), this particular strategy has taken me quite far.

The Attraction by Douglas Clegg: I'm a sucker for good horror novels and this one, about a group of young travelers who run afoul of a horrific roadside attraction, sounds like good, creepy fun.

Plan for Chaos by John Wyndham: A never-before published novel from the man who gave us The Midwich Cuckoos, Chocky, and The Day of the Triffiids.

Apartment 16 by Adam Nevill: In describing the novel in a recent SFSignal MindMeld discussion of horror novels (http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2010/11/mind-meld-which-horror-novel-would-make-a-great-film/), writer/film critic Gemma Files writes it "centres around the perception-altering works of long-dead and -forgotten painter Felix Hessen, who Nevill describes as being a cross between Francis Bacon and Wyndham Lewis. Of course, these visions are never actually *seen* at all, only described, in much the same way Nevill uses a classic M.R. Jamesian web of suggestion to project horror far beyond the human capacity to properly process; something mammoth, Lovecraftianly alien, glimpsed only partially, through either a tiny aperture or a variety of filters."  Intriguing.

Black Butterflies by John Shirley: The one thing I enjoy even more than a good horror novel is a good collection of horror fiction.  John Shirley, one of the masters of the genre, offers up 16 works of macabre short fiction.

Transition by Iain M. Banks: The latest from one of my favorite SF authors – although, to be honest, I'm not going to be getting around to this one until I finally make time for Matter.

So, what are you all reading?

If you answered Bloodsucking Fiends: A Love Story, November's book of the month club selection, then weigh in with your comments and questions for author Christopher Moore.  You have until the weekend.

Mailbag:

conniepoint writes: "One quick question, will we ever see a Peter Kelamis/Brody centric episode? Or at least get more information about him? He's my favorite character and I'd love to see more of him. I'll beg if that'll help."

Answer: No need to beg.  While we won't be seeing a Brody-centric episode any time soon, there's plenty of Brody to come in upcoming episodes.

Gary writes: "In retrospect do you think it was a mistake to spend so much time developing the characters in season 1, perhaps at the expense of action and plot which seem to have a more immediate payoff?"

Answer: If you're asking whether I think we should have sacrificed character development in favor of action in season 1, my answer would be no.  It's the groundwork we laid in that first season that makes these season 2 developments that much more effective and stirring.

Xyla writes: "I notice you keep answering people that the best way to get the network's attention is to watch SGU live. But more and more people are wising up the the fact that only a handful of viewers (the people with neilson boxes) actually get counted. Wouldn't it be more productive to say something like "Everyone with a neilson box, make sure you watch it live. Everyone else, watch it through another system that is counted"."

Answer: My professional standing prohibits me from suggesting you track down someone with nielsen box, invite yourself over to their place, and make them watch SGU under threat of karaoke or other equally ghastly punishment, but I can advise viewers to get the word out and tune in live in the hopes that their enthusiasm (and timely viewing) will prove catchy.  And, yes, it wouldn't hurt to download the episodes as well now that you mention it.

MNP writes: "In regards to publishing the ending on this blog:

Now that is interesting. Definitely not. Why would that be? I'm not saying it to demand an ending or anything, I'm just curious. Is it a rights issue? Would the group want to save it for a novelization or something?"

Answer: Ideally, we'll be able to finish telling the story we started back in Air I, II and III on a timeline that will please the network, studio, fans, and the production.  In the event of a worse case scenario, it will be up to the studio and the show's creators to decide how to proceed.  I doubt very much one of those options will be: Joe posts the ending on his blog.

Oreol writes: "Are you, guys, planning to deliver the ending in a movie, a book, perhaps something else?"

Answer: Actually, the plan is deliver the ending at the conclusion of season 5.

Sean D. writes: "Any chances of having interdimensional stories in SGU?"

Answer: Not this season.

@iom666 writes: "One might have thought that Canadians would have downloaded the episode from Tuesday and not watch it at all on Friday's night, and on the contrary, it's not that happening!"

Answer: I know.  Given the population of Canada, the numbers SGU does on Space would extrapolate to the equivalent of approximately 3 million viewers on SyFy.

Philly writes: "The real risk these days is making a show that goes so long-haul you put people off, and so simple that you don't engage them.

What ideas and thoughts did you guys and girls throw out to avoid these pitfalls when crafting SGU?"

Answer: As I said in yesterday's mailbag, we strive to strike a fair balance between arc-driven plots and standalone stories.  The aim is to reward fans of the show but, at the same time, not make the show inaccessible to first time viewers.  It's a tricky line to walk but, so far, I think we've been successful.

dasNdanger writes: "@ Narelle – Dare I ask – how big are your orb webs?"

Answer: Das, I needn't remind you that kids occasionally read this comment section.

Fred Kiesche writes: "But mostly…reading. About 90 books YTD. Last year was over 200. Next year? Probably somewhere in between."

Answer: Damn!  You reader faster than I do!

nate writes: "Since you watch Top Chef…what do you think of Top Chef: Just Desserts?"

Answer: Haven't seen it.  I don't think it's aired in Canada yet.  Marty G. loves it though.

snakey writes: "With that said, then wouldn't you need to know at the beginning of the producing season if that was going to be the last season or not instead of in December when you are nearly done with said season? Does this mean you already know that there will be a season 3 and not telling?"

Answer: Nope, still no word on season 3.  I'm hoping we'll know in mid-December, but wouldn't be surprised if we had to wait until mid-January to find out.

Bailey writes: "Considering how well SGU is doing in Canada compared to the US, and the fact that most of the writers/production folk are Candadian, do you think that SGU is a show that appeals more to Canadian sensibilities than US-American?"

Answer: I don't think so.  I believe North Americans in general share like sensibilities.  Still, I'm not sure what to make of the difference in the ratings.  Historically, the numbers have always been very similar (comparatively speaking).

Jon writes: "After watching The Greater Good I couldn't help wondering, how you planned the episode to play out back in the day, when it was written for the first season?"

Answer: Back then, it was just this basic notion: Rush and Young are in the damaged shuttle when its engine engage and its set adrift, away from Destiny.  With (at this point) no way of controlling the ship and the jump clock ticking down, Eli leads the rescue op by sending one of the service robots after the shuttle on a repair mission while, aboard the shuttle, Rush and Young spend quality time together.

Jonathan writes: "Will we be seeing a return of Col. David Telford?"

Answer: Boy, I sure hope so.  I'm a huge fan of Lou Diamond Phillips.

Major D. Davis writes: "In terms of finales.. which one do you think is better (and tells a bigger story).. Gauntlet or Incursion.. you gotta give me a tease here.. Gauntlet sounds EPIC!"

Answer: Gauntlet is definitely more epic…and gut-wretching a cliffhanger.

November 11, 2010: Mystery vid! What are YOU watching? Mailbag!

Let's kick things off with a little mystery clip from the set of Stargate: Universe…

November 10, 2010: What hath wrought such destruction? Take the Dog Bark Challenge! Mailbag!

Production on episode #220, Gauntlet, the BIG season finale continued today.  How BIG a finale?  Well, let me put it this way – the booming bass of the thunderous happenings on Stage 5 were reverberating all the way up to the writers' room ALL AFTERNOON.  On a somewhat related note…

What hath wrought such destruction?

Beats the hell out of me, but I can't wait to find out!

Thanks to everyone who weighed in with their thoughts on last night's episode, #217, The Greater Good.  Carl ("You like me!  You reaaaally like me!") Binder was thrilled to hear so many enjoyed his latest epic.

Fans in Canada have to wait until Friday night to check out The Greater Good, but they also get an extra treat when the entire cast puts in an appearance on Innerspace immediately following the show.  So, those of you in Canada, make sure to check out Stargate: Universe this Friday night at 9:00 p.m., then stick around for the SGU fun.

Also, thanks to those who have started weighing in with their thoughts on November's Book of the Month Club selection, Christopher Moore's Bloodsucking Fiends: A Love Story.  Keep those questions and comments coming!

Thanks to blog regular Arctic Goddess for this interesting link to The Meaning of Dog Barks.  Listen to six different barks and guess interpret their meanings.  I went 5-1.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/nature/meaning-dog-barks.html

My Snow Monkeys are on the cusp of serious playoff contention and need YOUR help.  This weekend, I'm starting Schaub over Matt Ryan, and going with monster RB's Foster and Gore.  My wide receivers are a big question.  Which three should I start between: the underachieving Brandon Marshall (playing at home with a new QB), the overachieving Percy Harvin (playing in Chicago with a bum ankle and migraines), Steve Breaston (playing a weak 'hawks D at home on grass but coming off a weak effort last weekend), or Dez Bryant (who scored two TD's vs. the Giants last time they met, but is playing their tough D in NY this time out).

Mailbag:

Lewis writes: "Which Stargate scientist do you think is smarter? Carter, McKay, or Rush?"

Answer: We're talking about three exceptionally intelligent individuals but, if I had to rank them (and there are several variables to consider when doing so, ie. intelligence derived from book learning, intelligence derived from experience, application of knowledge to varied scenarios, etc.) I would rank them:

#1: Samantha Carter

#2: Rodney McKay

#3: Nicholas Rush

Kyle writes: "When Rush and Young went to the other ship, was Young's bump into the doorway scripted?"

Answer: It wasn't scripted.  However, on the day, writer/Exec. Producer Carl Binder was on set and noticed that the dwarfed size of the alien ship interior wasn't really playing, so he asked Louis to include that little bump to convey the sense of tighter quarters.

Kassian writes: "Please, please can you tell me something regarding her story arc, because I love Julies charakter Ginn and it´s just heartbreaking what happened to her."

Answer: What happened to her?  If you think you know, think again because this is science fiction, after all.  Anything can happen.  And will.

Nathan writes: "Those guards should've been completely focused. Any thoughts as to why there was no guard with him???"

Answer: Now that you mention it, that IS strange.  After all, we did establish the fact that all Lucian Alliance prisoners are only been permitted out of their quarters with an armed escort.  What happened to Simeon's guard?  Hope he's okay.  Well, guess we'll find out next week.  I mean

Michelle writes: "Bloodsucking Fiends had me at the first sentence [...] My only quibble was I felt the ending was a bit abrupt. I mean, I know what's going to happen next, but there seem to be threads hanging, like the scientist and the poor Emperor, what will happen to Ben Sapir and whether Tom will be happy with his "new life"."

Answer: I knew it was the first installment of a trilogy so I wasn't that bothered by some of the hanging threads although, now that you mention it, the ending did feel a little abrupt.  Also, I probably missed it, but how did Jody figure out that Ben's killing was altruistic in nature?  I mean, I know she was able to glimpse the foreboding dark aura of death in her victims, but how did she know that Ben's victims possessed the same aura?

John M. Hammer writes: "I think that it has become painfully obvious that Rush needs to be replaced as head of the science team."

Answer: You're not the only one…as we'll learn later this season.

Nate writes: "1.) Concerning the mission, since the Ancients have ascended, is it safe to assume they already know what the structure or message is?"

Answer: I suppose it's safe to make that assumption.

"2.) The mission sounds like proofing of god or the creation of the universe being done by some form of life, how far off am I?"

Answer: No comment.  Answers forthcoming as the pieces of puzzle come together.

"3.) In a blog you posted awhile back you referred to having the ending of the show planned out…assuming the plan is to finish the Destiny's mission…isn't that a little to convenient, considering the Destiny has been going for millions of years then all of a sudden a group of humans show up and with in a few years Destiny completes its mission?"

Answer: All I can say is – nope.  Offering anymore in the way of a response would give too much away.

Devris writes: "How in the hell Simeon is not kick out of the destiny? What kind of justification are the HomeWorld security have to keep that lunatic onboard?"

Answer: Well, let's just say Simeon can look forward to a stern talking to next episode.

E writes: "How did you come up with the idea of Destiny's mission? You as in the writers."

Answer: Actually, Brad and Robert had the idea for the ultimate mission.  We discussed it internally, ran it by our Creative Consultant John Scalzi, then decided on a game plan on how to introduce, develop, and, ultimately, pay it off.  Great things to come!

"Are the TJ flashbacks gone for good from "The Hunt"?"

Answer: Alas, yes.  In completing my Producer's Cut 1 of The Hunt, I had to strip away the T.J. flashbacks.  Still, they're self-contained and could be integrated into a future story provided we get that third season pick up.  Not using them here will push me to come up with another T.J.-centered episode next year.

Tim Gaffney writes: "The strange thing is that someone asked him a question about why you, Mr. M, hate him."

Answer: Really?  Last I checked, the only things I hate are tabouleh and biting the side of my cheek.

JYS writes: "which restaurant in Vancouver has the best peking duck?"

Answer: Good question.  I like Fortune Garden on West Broadway and Imperial Chinese Seafood on Burrard.

Mr. Fartleberry writes: "Are you going to Toronto as part of the SGU delegation at the Geminis?"

Answer: As much I love and respect award shows with an admiration usually reserved for tabouleh, I've decided to pass.

DJ writes: "All production related issues aside. If you had the chance to do an episode featuring only one character out of the entire franchise, which would you chose, and why?"

Answer: Oooh, tough question.  If I could only choose one to feature, I'd probably go with Vala Mal Doran.

Cuper MacLeod writes: "Would buying the DVD sets have any bearing on a decision for a 3rd season pickup?"

Answer: Purchasing the DVD's and episode downloads from iTunes may not factor into the network's decision making process, but they certainly go a long to fueling the studio's desire to ensure the show gets another season.

babancat writes: "And finally, will we see a return to 'Weird Food Purchase of the Day' … perhaps on your upcoming travels?"

Answer: Since I'm headed to Tokyo, you can count on it.

Greg writes: "What benefit does he gain from not telling anyone about the bridge?"

Answer: He could have many reasons for not telling anyone – 1) He fears Young could dictate the pace of the research, potentially prohibiting it outright like he did with the chair, 2) He doesn't trust the others enough not to screw things up and prefers getting the lay of the land before allowing them access, 3) He wants first shot at Destiny's secrets in the event he can make use of them to further a personal agenda.  To name a few.

Tagged: SGU, Stargate, Stargate Universe

November 9, 2010: Bloodsucking Fiends – A Love Story, by Christopher Moore

Apologies to those who were waiting for me to wade in with my thoughts on November's Book of the Month Club pick: Bloodsucking Fiends – A Love Story, by Christopher Moore.  For some reason, I thought discussion on the novel wasn't scheduled to begin until the week of the 15th.  Fortunately, while I didn't get around to reading the right sidebar of this blog which would have reminded me of the correct date, I DID read Bloodsucking Fiends.

And loved it.  But I suppose it should come as no surprise.  I picked up Moore's Fool on a lark last month and was utterly delighted by the ribald and riotous retelling of Shakespeare's King Lear told from point of view of the king's scurrilous but big-hearted fool.  While reading the book on set, I had several crew members walk up and offer me some reading suggestions: "You should check out A Dirty Job" or "You've got to read The Gospel According to Biff" or "Once you're done with that, you really need to pick up The Stupidest Angel".  Yes, yes, and yes.  Soon after, I returned to my local bookstore and picked up the aforementioned titles – and more, including Bloodsucking Fiends. Since so many of you commented on Moore's work, I thought I'd drop the author a quick email and ask him if he'd be interested in coming by for a short (and relatively painless) visit in support of his book. Chistopher Moore was kind enough to oblige and, well, here we are.

Did I mention I loved it?  Which, now that I think of it, is a little surprising given the fact that between True Blood, Twilight, and the the myriad of variations thereof, I'm pretty damn vampired out.  Lucky for me Bloodsucking Fiends, published back in 1995, offers a refreshingly different take on the subject.  For starters, our main players are C. Thomas Flood, a hapless wanna-be writer struggling to adjust to his new life in the big city, and Jody, a neophyte vampire struggling to adjust to her new life as an undead being.  The book upends the standard male vampire/lovesick female victim conceit with brilliant results.  Jody is the strong heroine who must not only adjust to the challenges of vampirehood, but seek out answers to her supernatural state AND fight to safeguard the life of the mere mortal she loves.  Flood is the weak and somewhat overwhelmed love interest, trying to make sense of the bizarre situation AND hold down a job at the local Safeway.  It makes for a terrific dynamic, partly because it's an inspired tack on a weathered chestnut, but mostly because the characters are so damn endearing.

Creating believable characters is tough; creating believable characters in a work of humor – particularly one as broad as this – is even tougher, yet Moore does a fine job here, not only with our protagonists but with the supporting players as well.  The detectives, the gang at the Safeway, and the Emperor of San Francisco are all imbued with enough quirks and color to make them distinct and memorable, each and every one.  And once you're invested in the characters, you're automatically invested in their individual stories.  Here, again, Moore works his magic, crafting some spirited, poignant, and altogether satisfying journeys for all.  Jody and Tommy assert their independence yet learn they needn't be alone.  The Safeway boys graduate from turkey bowling to vampire hunting.  The Emperor of San Francisco affirms his magnificence – in the eyes of the reader at least.

Bloodsucking Fiends contains plenty of fun little twists, revelations and surprises including the means by which the threat of the "bad" vampire is dealt with at novel's end.  Even though it was set up, I didn't see it coming.  And yet even though the story draws to a close, it's clearly not the end for our protagonists, Jody and Tommy, the unlikeliest of couples, who doubtless face one hell of an interesting future together.  As the first installment in what I understand is a trilogy, Bloodsucking Fiends: A Love Story manages to provide a comforting conclusion while simultaneously offering the suggestion of wonderful and wonderfully hilarious things to come.

Well, those are my initial thoughts on the book.  What did everyone else think?  Post away your comments and questions for author Christopher Moore.  I'll be gathering them up and sending them his way this weekend.

Oh, and what did you think of Stargate: Universe's The Greater Good?  It aired tonight on SyFy, y'know.

Of course you do.

 

 

Tagged: Bloodsucking Fiends: A Love Story, Christopher Moore

November 8, 2010: Pics and links!

Today, we started production on our final episode of the season: Gauntlet.  There is one scene still outstanding, however, and it looks like I may be the one to write it – right after I finish my producer's edit of The Hunt tomorrow.  We've finally got all the scenes from the new set (where, not so coincidentally, we were shooting today) and, once I've seen them in the cut, I'll have to decide what stays and what goes.  Unless, of course, the network wants to run a very special extra three minute long episode.

At some point, I have to shift focus to generating a restaurant list for my upcoming Tokyo trip.  Unlike previous years, all my lunches and dinners will not be Michelin star-studded affairs.  I'll be traveling with Ivon, so we'll play it by ear most lunches.  Still, it would be nice to book the odd high-end blow-out.  I was thinking heading back to Ishikawa or Sawada or Kanesaka.  Anyway, I usually stay at The Peninsula in Ginza but, this time out, I'll be staying at The Imperial Hotel.  And am already regretting it. Apparently, the hotel doesn't have an email account for guest services.  Instead, I'll have to fax over my restaurant request.  I suppose it could be worse.  We could be communicating by carrier pigeon.  Strike One.

Here are a few production pics for you to guess at/marvel over.  What IS that last thing?

And a few links to check out…

The Driscoll Middle School football team pulls off an amazing trick play: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/08/driscoll-middle-school-fo_n_780483.html

Like the above link, this one comes compliments of Carl Binder who scours the internet so I don't have to.  Spot the phony smiles.  I scored 15/20: http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/surveys/smiles/.

Nutrition Professor loses 27 pounds on the Twinkie and Dorito Diet: http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/08/twinkie.diet.professor/index.html

A reminder that episode #207, The Greater Good, airs tomorrow night (Tuesday at 9:00 p.m. on SyFy).  It's an episode Joseph Dilworth Jr. calls a game changer: http://popculturezoo.com/archives/7274

November 7, 2010: Snow Monkeys about to win! The challenges of scripting comics! Jamil's new, personalized head shot!

An exhausting day today spent watching every NFL game televised (and that was all of 'em, folk!).  God bless the NFL package provided by my local satellite provider.  At one point, I was flipping between five different games in order to track the progress of my fantasy roster.  Looks like week 9 was kind to my Snow Monkeys who are poised to notch their fourth victory of the season and put them within sniffing distance of a playoff spot.  Provided their fifty-some point lead heading into tonight holds.  I won't jinx it by declaring the win but let's just say I'm feeling confident.  Still, I'd like to give credit where credit is due.  Thanks to RB Arian Foster for yet another monster game.  Thanks also go out to Atlanta QB Matt Ryan, Baltimore kicker Billy Cundiff, and the Ravens D (nice to have you back, Mr. Reed) who between 'em served up a little under 43 points.  Thanks for nothing to Chargers RB Darren Sproles, a purported week 9 sleeper who ended up doing just that – sleepwalking through his game enroute to a 0.90 point outing.  And thanks-in-progress to Green Bay RB Brandon Jackson, the latest addition to the Snow Monkey line-up via trade, who is well on his way to a killer game versus the hapless Dallas Cowboys.

I'm sorry.  I don't want to give the impression that all I did today was watch football.  I did stop to eat and drink.  And, this morning, I did spend about an hour revising those my scripts for the first two issues of my (coming soon!) comic book series.  Damn, scripting for comics can be damn tricky.  Some of the biggest challenges I keep coming up against:

1) Keeping the panel per page count down.  Ideally, you want average about five panels a page.  You've got to keep your story concise, but entertaining.

2) Saving the dramatic reveals for the next page.  You time the beats so they build on one page, then deliver that visual or dialogue revelation on the following page.  What you're gunning for is, quite literally, a page-turner.

3) Knowing when to go big.  Like I said, I'm trying to average about five panels per page.  Some might have  a little more, some a little less, but five feels about right.  But the occasional page may just have one big glorious panel.  I figure these are like Jagermeister shots.  You want to go easy on 'em, so it's a matter of being very selective about when you splash.

4) Given the limited amount of space available, another obvious challenge is to keep inform the reader without bogging down the narrative.  The script guide my editor sent me warned writers to keep the word count down to 25 words per dialogue balloon, 50 words per panel and limit the per panel exchanges to, at most, a comment, a response, and a counter-response.  'taint easy.

5) Do comic book writers still use thought balloons?  They strike me as kind of old-fashioned, so I've avoided using them in my scripts.  Of course, that just meant I had to find another way to convey what my characters are thinking.  It forces you to be more subtle in your approach – and I prefer subtle (ie. check out the set up and final reveal in my short story, "Downfall", appearing in the Lou Anders Masked anthology of superhero-themed fiction).

By the way, with regard to those creative head shots I displayed in a previous post.  Yes, the Indy Volker was compliments of our very own Chevron7.  Not to be outdone, actor Jamil Walker Smith (SGU's Master Sergeant Ronald Greer) put his own photoshopping skills on display…

Looking ahead to a short week on the production side.  Prep on Stargate: Universe's second season ends as we head into production on the season finale, Gauntlet.

Tagged: fantasy football, Jamil Walker Smith, SGU, Stargate Universe, writing for comics; Stargate

November 6, 2010: Stargate ratings, fandom, and my picky aunt!

The great thing about the ever-growing variety of programming choices available out there is that it gives us plenty of options, allowing us to be very selective when it comes to the shows we choose to invest in. There are just so many hours in a day so, naturally, people will only make time for those shows they connect with on some level.  Be it the humor of The Big Bang Theory, the pathos of Grey's Anatomy, or the tragedy of Law & Order: SVU, viewers will respond to what resonates with them and, while past allegiances may figure into the initial decision-making process (ie. If you liked CSI, you might enjoy CSI: Miami!), franchise loyalties can be as mercurial as a Tila Tequila on a group date. People watch what they like and they don't watch what they don't like.  It's as simple as that.  My aunt, for instance, doesn't watch SGU and, while I'd love to have her stick around past those opening credits, the series doesn't speak to her and I'm fine with that (For the record, she didn't think much of Atlantis either but loved SG-1, although I suspect that had more to do with her endless adoration of actress Amanda Tapping who was incredibly gracious and kind to her on her lone set visit.  To this day, my aunt still speaks fondly of her). You can't fault someone for choosing not to watch a show regardless of their reasons (be it a lack of time, a lack of interest, or hurt feelings). Such is television.

Still, a recent article over at scifinow (http://www.scifinow.co.uk/news/opinion-atlantis-fans-need-to-stop-punishing-universe/) raised some interesting points about Stargate ratings and the fickle nature of Stargate fandom….

1. "Tuesday nights are notoriously aggressive, with shows such as Dancing With The Stars eating up a huge share of the audience."

Don't we know it!  To be honest, I was actually hopeful prior to the move, figuring that with more people home watching t.v. on Tuesday nights, we might benefit from a bump in those live +SD numbers.  As it turned out, it's the live +7′s that increased (no way to know about those download numbers but I suspect they bumped up as well). Why? Well, beside the juggernauts that are NCIS and the Dancing With the Stars result show, we also had to contend with the perfect storm trifecta of election results, world series baseball, and the Chilean miner rescue.  I'm at the point now where if Elvis was to come out of hiding and announce his plans for a future album live at 9:00 p.m. next Tuesday night, I would NOT be at all surprised.

2."Websites have even been set up purely for opposition to the show, which seems like a curious move for people who are supposedly avowed fans of the franchise."

Yes, curious is one word to describe it.  Oddball is another.  After all, if presented with a show they don't enjoy, any normal person would simply stop watching and move on. And yet, the aforementioned individuals expend so much time and energy obsessing over every aspect of the show's minutiae, that one would almost think…and here's the relevation that finally hit me only last week…they actually love the show!  I know it sounds crazy at first blush but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense.  Even though they're outwardly critical of the series, their obsession makes it clear that, subconsciously, whether they're willing to admit it to themselves or not, the show has become a crucial part of their daily lives. For their sake alone, I hope we get that third season pick-up.

3. "The franchise needs your support now more than ever, because if Universe fails, we might not see another series again."

The franchise needs the support of fans, former fans, and first-timers. No need to discriminate.  But as I've already stated on this blog, it's pretty clear SGU's audience is out there – they're simply using alternate means of viewing the show.  I've said it before and I'll say it again: SF audiences tend to be younger and tech savvier, the ones most likely to make use of those alternate viewing methods.  Of course, from a network standpoint, that's all well and good but what have you done for me lately?  And, by lately, I mean live+SD and live+3.

If you want a third season of SGU, the time to act is now.  Petitions aren't going to ensure a pick-up; increased viewership will.  Get creative.  Get the word out.  Get your fellow SGU fans to get the word out.  Pretend it's the 1990′s! PVR's have yet to be invented and the only means of downloading t.v. shows is illegal and you're all law-abiding citizens! Tune in and watch it live!

And what if the worst happens and this does turn out to be our final season?

Well, from a personal standpoint, I won't have cause for complaint. After eleven wonderful years on the franchise working with some truly great people, I can say with utmost certainty that my dogs won't starve.  And I can think of worse fates than moving on to work on some of the personal projects I've been sitting on for a while now.  The cast and crew are immensely talented and I have no doubt that they'll move on to equally great things.  Nevertheless, ending things now would be too bad for a number of reasons:

For starters, and as I mentioned months ago, we already have the end of the series mapped out and it would be a shame to deny fans the awesome conclusion we have in store for Destiny's crew.  It's momentous and shocking and ties in to all that has come before, paying off elements from all three entries of the Stargate franchise in a humongous way.

Secondly, recent obvious developments over the past week have increased the likelihood of the SG-1 and SGA finally seeing the green light of a production schedule.  The biggest hurdle has just been cleared and the last thing we need is to stumble before we reach that finish line.

And, thirdly, this second season has been great and continues to get better.  Looking ahead to what lies in store in the next four episodes leading up to the mid-season break:

#217 The Greater Good: Rush's secret is out and things get very nasty – but, surprisingly, not aboard Destiny.

#218 Malice: A manhunt on an alien world leads one crew member to risk it all for revenge.

#219 Visitation: The crew members we left behind on an artificial world (Faith) make a surprising return.

#220 Resurgence: The investigation of a remote power source leads the Destiny crew to an encounter with a new Big Bad.

It was while I was writing up this blog entry that I received a comment from a Stargate: Atlantis fan who took the time to politely weigh in with her thoughts on fandom, the franchise, and the future of Stargate.  She wrote.  I responded…

KT writes: "I am hoping you do not dismiss me as some "hysterical" SGA fan, as, while I WAS upset that SGA was canceled and the ensuing PR nightmare that followed with regards to what I perceived as dismissive comments towards the age and gender of the existing fanbase, I understand that 5 years is a nice run (and more than a lot of shows get). Cancellation is always disappointing, but it happens."

Answer: Hi, KT.  Believe it or not, I welcome the input of all fans regardless of what opinion they may hold, so long as they do me the courtesy of expressing themselves politely – or, at the very least, avoid being obnoxious or confrontational.  You'd be surprised how many fans have a hard time doing just that.  Also, I agree with you that five years is a nice run and that cancellation happens, but you should also know that I was as disappointed as all SGA fans when the show ended.  If you check out those early blog entries dating back to when we first heard word that we wouldn't be returning for a sixth season, I think it's pretty clear that the entire writers' room (Paul, Carl, Martin, Alan, and I) was incredibly disappointed to learn we wouldn't be coming back.  In fact, prior to receiving the bad news, while I won't say we were outright confident of a pick-up, I will say we were optimistic about that sixth season – to the point where we were even tossing out story ideas for the season that never came.  Ideally, yes, given the choice, I would have jumped at the chance to pair a sixth season of Atlantis alongside Universe's first season but, unfortunately, I wasn't given that option. And, in retrospect, maybe it's a good thing.  If I'd had my way from the get-go, next year's SyFy Friday's line-up would look something like this: 8:00 SG-1 (season 16), 9:00 Atlantis (season 9), 10:00 Universe (season 3).  I also agree that the PR following the cancellation could have been better handled.  Pairing the announcement of the Atlantis cancellation with the Universe pick-up did make it seem as though one was replacing the other – which I can assure you wasn't the case.  The decision on Atlantis was made independent of Universe.

KT writes: "I personally chose not to watch SGU for two reasons: 1) the premise didn't interest me and 2) I was genuinely offended that my demographic, as a 30 year old woman, was dismissed as unimportant."

Answer: 1) Fair enough.  Even though I hear great things about Gossip Girl, it's not a show that appeals to me.  Still, given the fact that you were a fan of the other Stargate incarnations, I'm disappointed it didn't hold your interest but hope you'll give it another chance.  As I said earlier, things are picking up significantly in season 2.  2) Not sure what specific comment you're referring to.  I can't recall anyone ever dismissing a portion of our audience as unimportant.  There may have been interviews that emphasized a desire to bring in younger viewers, but that had more to do with an effort to broaden the franchise's appeal and bring in a key demographic that the networks and advertisers – those who have a final say on the fate of our show – particularly covet (Coincidentally, a demo that makes the most use of alternate media platforms – but don't get me started).  The aim wasn't to be exclusive but to be more inclusive.

KT writes: "All of that said, I was wondering what your thoughts were regarding the recent blog post that quoted Brad Wright as saying the following [...] I will fully admit, when I first read this, I was completely enraged. I've not watched SGU, by personal choice, so I'm in no position to comment on the quality of SGU. I'm also not walking around with sandwich boards demanding that SGU be canceled, saying that no one should watch it, or saying disparaging things about the cast and crew."

Answer: In which case I'm sure the comment wasn't directed at you but those fans who are saying disparaging things about the cast and crew, saying that no one should watch the show, and demanding it be canceled.  Hard as it may be to believe, they are out there.

KT writes: "Online fandom is vocal, and tends to take the initiative more often to interact with those such as yourselves, which attracts attention, but they do represent a tiny fraction of the viewing audience at large. I want to make it clear my frustration here is based more around feeling ostracized from the Stargate brand at large, and NOT specific criticism towards the existence of SGU."

Answer: I'm well aware that online fandom is a smaller and much more vocal representation of the larger viewing audience which is why I've taken pains to establish a dialogue with them over the course of my many years with the franchise.  That said, there's a difference between listening to fan concerns and taking dictation.  The squeaky wheel may get the oil but the loudest fans will not necessarily get the creative changes they demand.  I think it's important to keep an open mind and be willing to listen to what fans have to say but, at the same time, remain true to your creative vision.

KT writes: "I don't know what I'm hoping for here, aside from some acknowledgment of my frustration over the apparent contradiction in the importance of the online fans that has come to light now that the ratings of SGU are down."

Answer: I'm well aware of the frustration many longtime fans have felt and I've made numerous attempts to try to clarify certain misconceptions (ie. the notion that Atlantis was cancelled in favor of Universe).  I've also tried to be as inclusive as possible – always happy to welcome fans, both new and old, but always ready to call people out on rude or infantile behavior.

I think our audience is there but simply growing more diffuse.  It would terrific if the television industry found a way to catch up with the modern media's technological advancements, find a way to make sure everyone is counted in those ratings – but barring a major miracle, I don't see that happening anytime soon.  The only alternative to ensuring a third season is to bring more viewers to Tuesday nights be they SG-1 fans, Atlantis fans, or fans of  Celebrity Circus.

Tagged: SGA, SGU, Stargate, Stargate Universe, Stargate: Atlantis

November 5, 2010: Production Update! Louis tells us about the infamous "camera" prank!

Whew!  Busy day!  Shooting those scenes outstanding from The Hunt over on Stage 4.  Boy, does that second level set look awesome.  I took plenty of pics.  A little spoilery…but a very cool spoilery so I may consider posting next week.

Watched the Day 2 mix of #210, Resurgence, with the VFX finals.  Wow!  An explosive episode to take us into the mid-season break.

Also watched a Day 2 mix of #209, Visitation.  I had my reservations about this particular story early on but I must admit that the near-finished episode is both engaging and thought-provoking.

AND also watched the director's cut of #219, Blockade.  Well, if we weren't low on ammo before we certainly will be after this episode.  Great performances all around (as usual) but David Blue is especially good in this one.  And the ending…well, what happens to one character is heartrending – but such is life.

Continuing our Q&A with actor Louis Ferreira (SGU's Colonel Everett Young).

Today's question: "Can you tell us about the infamous camera prank you pulled on Mr. Carlyle."

Apologies for the quality of the video.  For some reason, the auto-focus decided to take this question off…

November 4, 2010: Ashleigh's sketchy neighborhood! Unique cast headshots! Links!

When Akemi told me she'd been checking out a language school in the city's Gastown district, I warned her to be careful.  It isn't the best of neighborhoods, frequented by junkies, pickpockets, and Ashleigh.  For her part, Ashleigh took exception to my warning, insisting the area is perfectly safe – which is the same thing she said about a month ago when, while we were out for dinner in the area, I was called out by a drunk homeless man who called me out like Donald Sutherland in the final scene to Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978).

So, last night we were out for dinner in Ashleigh's perfectly safe neighborhood when I happened to glance out the window and notice two guys arguing.  The one guy throws a punch.  Then the other guy whips out a container and sprays the other guy with what looked like seltzer.  The ensuing chase ends with both guys down on the ground, beating the living daylights out of each other as tear-streaked onlookers scatter for the safety of the surrounding bars and restaurants.  By the time the fire truck arrived, the guys were long gone – but the bear spray still hung in the air like a Tabasco mist.

How is it that shit only goes down in Ashleigh's perfectly safe hood whenever I happen to be in the area?  Quite the coincidence, no?

Evening entertainment aside, it was another fabulous meal at Cobre where Akemi experienced Latino cuisine for the first time.  Her favorite dish…

 

Wild Mexican sea prawns with Pipian verde and butter browned corn arepas.

She wasn't a fan of a couple of dishes, only because they contained what she refers to as pakachi (aka coriander, aka cilantro, aka Chinese parsley, aka Lord Robert Cooper's Bane).  Apparently, the Japanese in general are not fans of the herb.  The Japanese and the odd Stargate Exec. Producer/Creator/Writer/Director.

So, in the main corridor of the production offices is a headshot gallery of the various actors either starring or guesting in whatever episode happens to be shooting at the time. Usually, the headshots are your standard 8×10′s close-ups.  But, sometimes, the gang in the office get a little creative.  Clearly, someone misses the days of Arts & Crafts…

Steve Eramo gave me the heads up that he's just posted a new interview with actor Brian J. Smith (SGU's Lieutenant Matthew Scott) on his blog: http://scifiandtvtalk.typepad.com/scifiandtvtalk/2010/11/stargate-universes-brian-j-smith-universal-soldier.html

And he's also posted the second half of his Q&A with actress Rachel Luttrell (SGA's Teyla Emmagan) here: http://scifiandtvtalk.typepad.com/scifiandtvtalk/2010/10/stargate-atlantis-rachel-luttrell-answers-your-questions-part-2.html

Tagged: SGU, Stargate, Stargate Universe

November 4, 2010: Ashleigh's sketchy neighborhood! Unique cast head shots! Links!

When Akemi told me she'd been checking out a language school in the city's Gastown district, I warned her to be careful.  It isn't the best of neighborhoods, frequented by junkies, pickpockets, and Ashleigh.  For her part, Ashleigh took exception to my warning, insisting the area is perfectly safe – which is the same thing she said about a month ago when, while we were out for dinner in the area, I was called out by a drunk homeless man who called me out like Donald Sutherland in the final scene to Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978).

So, last night we were out for dinner in Ashleigh's perfectly safe neighborhood when I happened to glance out the window and notice two guys arguing.  The one guy throw a punch.  Then the other guy whip out a container and spray the other guy with what looked like seltzer.  The an ensuing chase that ends with both guys down on the ground, beating the living daylights out of each other as tear-streaked onlookers scatter for the safety of the surrounding bars and restaurants.  By the time the fire truck arrived, the guys were long gone – but the bear spray still hung in the air like a Tabasco mist.

How is it that shit only goes down in Ashleigh's perfectly safe hood whenever I happen to be in the area?  Quite the coincidence, no?

Evening entertainment aside, it was another fabulous meal at Cobre where Akemi experienced Latino cuisine for the first time.  Her favorite dish…

Wild Mexican sea prawns with Pipian verde and butter browned corn arepas.

She wasn't a fan of a couple of dishes, only because they contained what she refers to as pakachi (aka coriander, aka cilantro, aka Chinese parsley, aka Lord Robert Cooper's Bane).  Apparently, the Japanese in general are not fans of the herb.  The Japanese and the odd Stargate Exec. Producer/Creator/Writer/Director.

So, in the main corridor of the production offices is a headshot gallery of the various actors either starring or guesting in whatever episode happens to be shooting at the time. Usually, the headshots are your standard 8×10′s close-ups.  But, sometimes, the gang in the office get a little creative.  Clearly, someone misses the days of Arts & Crafts…

Steve Eramo gave me the heads up that he's just posted a new interview with actor Brian J. Smith (SGU's Lieutenant Matthew Scott) on his blog: http://scifiandtvtalk.typepad.com/scifiandtvtalk/2010/11/stargate-universes-brian-j-smith-universal-soldier.html

And he's also posted the second half of his Q&A with actress Rachel Luttrell (SGA's Teyla Emmagan) here: http://scifiandtvtalk.typepad.com/scifiandtvtalk/2010/10/stargate-atlantis-rachel-luttrell-answers-your-questions-part-2.html

Tagged: SGU, Stargate, Stargate Universe