February 8, 2011: When one door closes another opens. This time, before you leave, remember to bring the keys with you!

Still no definite word on the Stargate front.  Following a flurry of promising developments, things have gone unbearably quiet.  Not a bad sign just… no sign.  There's an anticipation that good news could break any day now – but the longer the wait, the greater the challenge when the time comes.  To those holding out hope that this could mean a third season pick-up – alas, this isn't one of the scenarios in play.  Nevertheless, as I said in a previous entry, if and when we finally do get the green light, Brad has some wonderful surprises in store for fans of SGU (as well as fans of the Stargate franchise in general).  I've got my fingers crossed for all involved, even though it's looking more and more like I won't be among them.

That on again, off again, on again, off again opportunity is back on again and it looks like Paul and I are close to signing a deal that would take us to Toronto for 2011 (and, possibly, beyond).  As things started to heat up this weekend, I fielded a call from my anxious writing partner who was amazed I wasn't stressing out as well.  "My stress was front-loaded,"I told him.  If you'll recall, it was only one month ago that I was assailed by a host of mystery ailments, from headaches to hives, that left me thoroughly vexed and confused.  In retrospect, those ailments weren't so mysterious after all.  I've stressed out big time and now have made, if not peace, then a grudging truce with the situation.  I'm still bummed at the prospect of having to make the big move, ship my dogs cross-country, say goodbye to my life here in Canada's greatest city and start anew in T.O.  What do I bring with me besides the dogs?  My car?  All my suits? Do I take my books, my booze, my ice cream maker?!!  On the positive side, I'll be working on a great new, high-profile series based on an existing, equally terrific franchise (I'm a big fan of the movies).  It's got a healthy budget and, most important of all, boasts some very kind, very talented individuals who'll work hard to ensure the show is positively kick-ass.

But there's still work to be completed on SGU's second season…

Today, we went in and watched the Day 1 mix of Blockade and the Day 2 mix of Common Descent, taking a break in between to eat lunch and approve visual effects for The Hunt (revised) and Gauntlet (temps).  Watching those shows and snippets made me very proud of what we accomplished – and very sad that it had to end so soon.  Word is you'll all get to finally see the back half, surprisingly sooner than later.  Official announcement to come.

I spent the rest of the day packing up the books in my office.  I stuffed eight boxfuls into the back of my SUV, and I'm still not halfway done!  I'll pack up the rest next week when the ever-lovable Carl Binder heads back into town for one final round of mixes, VFX approvals, and schnitzel.