November 13, 2009: Finally! It’s Time for Time!

After weeks upon weeks of talking about it, it finally premieres tonight on SyFy and Space, then on Tuesday in the U.K., and later next week in Australia.  Yep, I haven’t talked up an episode this much since that one where Hamtaro got lost in the mountains near the Yoshi family residence.

The forecast calls for rain with a 40% chance of aliens.

Director Robert Cooper is all smiles despite the inclement conditions. Chalk it up to his can do attitude - and the fact that, unlike the actors, he'll be nice and dry off the set when he calls "Action!".

For a few days last May, Stage 2 was transformed into a dark and rainy jungle set.  What amazed me was how fast and how far the temperature dropped in there once it started raining.

Carl is on hand to lend Rob his support. Until it starts raining, that is. Then, he's outta there!

Kudos to Robert Cooper for forging ahead with this script even after being advised that it was “more of a season two episode”.  I think this is a perfect season one episode, a fun and clever standalone episode that delivers a new spin on a scifi chestnut.  This one was complicated and, after working the story through in his head, Rob was hit by an epiphany that finally made all the pieces fall into place.  He pitched it out to us and we agreed, it was brilliant.  Satisfied, he set the story aside and busied himself with other things.  Then, about a week later, he phoned up Brad in a panic.  ”What was that great idea I had for the ending?  I forgot!”  Fortunately, Brad remembered.

Rob explains how he plans to keep the actors as comfortable as possible - then orders them all on set, turns out the lights, makes it rain, and lowers the temperature in Stage 2. Later, he will go to the craft service truck and eat all the cheese from the their grilled cheese sandwiches.

Even though the conditions were miserable, the actors were all troopers and, by all indications, loved working on this episode.

Special Features Producer Ivon Bartok shooting Robert Cooper about to shoot a scene.

This is one of those episodes that demands a little more of its audience.  In addition to just sitting back and enjoying the ride, viewers will be called upon to put the pieces of the puzzle together.  And, by the way, I love the ending.  It’s one of my very favorites, right up there with McKay’s post fade out “Oh, crap!” at the end of This Mortal Coil and Teal’c unintentionally attending a reading of The Vagina Monologues.

Uh oh. He's got THAT look again!

If he’s not too busy, I’ll get Rob Cooper to swing on by to do a Q&A with you in January.  That way, you can ask him all sorts of questions like what the hell he was smoking when he came up with this episode.

Actor Jamil Walker Smith (Sgt. Ronald Greer) takes a break from the dark, wet, and cold in the sunny, warm and dry.

Some really memorable scenes throughout, but David Blue’s performance in this one really made me stand up and take notice.  He’s been great so far but, in Time, he really wows, proving that he is far, far more than terrific comedic actor.

Actor Brian J. Smith (Lieutenant Matthew Scott) suited up and ready to head back in.

Of course, it’s always tough to gauge audience reaction.  Many times, we’ll produce an episode that I think will knock the fans’ socks off – and it’s met with a lukewarm response.  Other times, I figure certain segments of fandom will hate an episode – and end up genuinely surprised when their response is overwhelmingly positive.  After so many years of doing this, nothing surprises me anymore.  That said, I WILL be surprised if the fan response to this one isn’t very favorable.

Yep. Mighty muddy.

One of the things I truly love about this episode – beside the mayhem – are all the little character moments, mere instances that go such a long way toward informing the audience on who these people are: Eli’s confession, T.J.’s reflection, Scott’s ingenuity, Rush’s flash of pop culture humanity, Greer’s blind courage in the face of the seemingly insurmountable – to name just a few.

Writer/Director/Executive Producer Robert Cooper is loving it. Director of Photography Jim Menard, not so much.

One of the things I always loved about Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis was the freedom both shows gave to tell a variety of stories.  One week, our team could be heading off-world to explore some alien landscape; the next, our heroes could be caught up in a no-holds-barred ship to ship battle; the week after that, they could be on Earth investigating a mystery or dealing with a crisis situation on the home front.  And, I’m pleased to say that Universe affords us the same freedom.  We’ve had ship-based adventures (Air I and II, Darkness and Light), explored alien worlds (Water, Air III), dealt with Earth-based embroglio’s (Earth) – and, finally, tonight, it’s something completely different.

Jamil has his game face on.

Anyway, tune in and let me know your thoughts.  More behind-the-scenes pics and videos headed your way.

By the way, thanks to everyone who has weighed in with suggestions to help me with my ongoing tech issues.  My MacBook is working fine now, no network issues.  On the other hand, I’m still experiencing problems unploading my email settings to my iPhone.  Isn’t there some sort of sync feature that would allow me to plug the iPhone into my MacBook and download the settings directly from my laptop.

Okay, I’m off for dinner – and should be back in plenty of time to watch tonight’s episode…and, of course, peruse your comments.

November 12, 2009: Progress on the tech front! Almost time for Time! News of note!

Okay, my Macbook is finally online.  And I can finally access my email account on my new laptop.  Now, if I can only figure out how to set up my email account on my new iPhone, I’ll really be in business.

Yep, after repeated appeals to my service provider fell on deaf ears, I decided to cancel my contract and go with a rival.  Goodbye Rogers and Blackberry.  Hello Bell and iPhone.  They’ll hit me with a cancellation fee, of course, but I’ve decided that for every dollar I have to shell out, I’m going to steer one potential subscriber away from their coffers (See details in yesterday’s entry).  Stay tuned.

Well, another day and still no work completed on the outline.  I mean, seriously.  Outlines usually take me about a day to complete but I’ve been so distracted of late that I haven’t even had time to sit down and run the scenes in my head.  Paul, meanwhile, finished his today.  He’s off on the annual end-of-season golf trip with some of the other producers and wanted to make sure he got it out of the way.  I too would love to get mine out of the way, but I’m having a little trouble concentrating of late.  Hey, I don’t suppose anybody out there would be interested in writing this outline for me?

Or learning some Japanese on my behalf?  In less than two weeks, I’m Tokyo-bound and I’m still as conversationally inept in Japanese as I was months ago.

One more day until Stargate: Universe episode 8: Time!  No sex (I promise!) so gather the kiddies around for this one!  Looking forward to hearing your thoughts tomorrow night.

How cool is this.  Cracked.com lists The 7 Most Badass Last Stands in History: http://www.cracked.com/article/197_the-7-most-badass-last-stands-in-history-battle/ Next convention, I’m showing up with a couple of 40 pound axes and a t-shirt that says “McKeller 4ever!”

Hey, this reminds me of the time Carl showed up for work in those orange glo short shorts (http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSTRE5A830V20091110?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews&rpc=22&sp=true).  The gals in accounting hounded him mercilessly.

Hey, gamers!  Check out this sneak peek of Modern Warfare 3.  I’m not really into video games, but this one looks mighty cool!  http://www.theonion.com/content/video/ultra_realistic_modern_warfare

Uh, isn’t Mac supposed to be faster, smoother, and relatively hiccup-free in comparison?  Well, in the time it’s taken me to write up this blog entry, I’ve dropped my internet connection a good half dozen times.  Hmmmmmmmmmmm.

November 11, 2009: Tech Troubles x 2! Get your questions in for Adam-Troy Castro! Mailbag!

Thanks to everyone who has offered up informed advice, hopeful suggestions, and strongly worded remonstrations on my ongoing tech problems.  The battle continues on two fronts.  First, there’s the internet issues with my new Macbook.  Despite repeated attempts to log on to my home network (I can make a connection just fine at work), I keep getting the “This computer was unable to join the AirPort network you selected.  You may have entered an incorrect password…” message.  My online tech support suggested I try changing the network name and password – which I’ve been reluctant to do since, the way my luck has been going, it’ll no doubt end up screwing the internet capabilities of the laptops that CAN still get a connection.  Hmmm.  Maybe I’ll give it a try later tonight, but only after I’ve uploaded this entry.  If no comments are approved after this entry is published, you can be sure I’m royally screwed.

Then, there’s the issues with my damn Blackberry.  This one is particularly infuriating because, unlike my laptop, I can’t use the damn thing.  Oh, sure, I can scroll up and down and side to side, but I can’t click down on the trackball.  Actually, that’s not entirely true.  I CAN click down on the trackball, but it requires me to set the tip of a pen against it and then press down with my full body weight.  Needless to say it’s a highly inconvenient method of communication.  I was at Fuel last night and Tom informed me that he experienced the very same problem.  And so had a number of his friends.  And so had A LOT of other people as my subsequent online research revealed.  Apparently, it’s a problem with the hardware, NOT the software (as my cell phone provider would have me believe).  Unfortunately, the phone is over a year old and no longer under warranty so my only options are to: a) purchase a new phone and start a new contract, or b) suck it. 

I figured that, after my many years as a Rogers customer, I would be rewarded for my loyalty and offered some sort of deal.  Perhaps a discount on an iPhone?  Some free weekends on my new contract?  A coupon for a free McChicken if I purchase a sandwich of equal or greater value?  Nope, sorry.  Longtime Rogers customers aren’t as important as relatively new customers who have less than a year remaining on their contracts.  THEIR business, Rogers wants to keep.  YOUR business – they‘ve already got.  What’re you gonna do?  Well, like I said, you can purchase a new phone at full price and sign up for another three year contract (and hope the same thing doesn’t happen to you a year from now) or you can suck it.  Or…

You can pay a penalty and take your business elsewhere, see what kind of deals a rival cell phone provider can offer that will hopefully offset the cost of breaking your contract.  And, if you’re feeling pissed off enough, start a contest on your blog that would automatically enter anyone who drops Rogers in favor of a rival provider in a draw to win a round-trip airfare for two to anywhere in the world of the winner’s choosing.  And offer a similar incentive to anyone willing to drop Blackberry for an iPhone.  Also, new customers who sign up for an internet provider OTHER THAN Rogers or purchase an iPhone over a Blackberry would also be eligible.  I haven’t quite worked out the details, but give me a couple of days.

And, of course, Rogers and Blackberry can suck it instead.

Hey, Stargate science consultant Mika McKinnon () will be giving a talk next week about working as a science consultant, science in science fiction, and the science portrayed in Stargate.  If you’re interested, head on over:

Monday, 3pm, running at least 15 min but not more than 1 hr.
Earth & Ocean Sciences seminar room (EOS-Main 330A), UBC campus

A reminder to all you Book of the Month club participants who read Emissaries from the Dead and have questions for the author – Post ‘em!  You have until tomorrow night!

Mailbag:

JYS writes: “I found out about the closure too on facebook…sucks…cause I never got a chance to try the duck or belly confit.”

Answer: There’s still time.  You have about three weeks until the changeover.  And I’m sure there’s a strong possibility the duck and the belly confit will make an appearance on the new menu at some point.

Ron writes: “So theoretically dialing the gate while in the sun would have worked but Rush somehow managed to stop them?”

Answer: Rush may have been able to pull one over on Telford and his crew, but it’s unlikely he would be able to do the same to Eli who is in a better position to check and either confirm or deny Rush’s assertion.

PoorOldEdgarDerby writes: “Who has you beat on Fuel visits?”

Answer: Some guy who used to go in for lunch all the time (I personally think dinners should count for more).  Anyway, I went in for my own lunch visit today and tied him.  One more visit should put me over the top.

Flygirl writes: “No Fuel?!! What will we do?!! It’s always one of my first stops, when I’m in Vancouver! Rats! It’s those darn protesters fault!”

Answer: Ha, I guarantee that the protesters are deluded enough to think this was all them.  But fear not, Flygirl.  The reimagined Fuel will be taking its place and I’m confident the food will be a terrific as ever.

Jmanzione writes: “Regarding Fuel; the name change, menu change, and emphasis on “more affordable” tells me that your city, and probably your country, is being hit with the same economic destruction that the USA is experiencing and at least your friends at Fuel still have a company and their employees won’t be tossed to the curb.”

Answer: That’s it, I suspect.  All of the city’s fine dining establishments have taken a hit and several have shut down operations entirely.

Paloosa writes: “Since Destiny is elderly, will there be some breakdowns now that the crew is taxing its systems?
Can “Time” be considered a stand alone episode?
Will there ever be an episode where the crew of the Destiny can rally against something together, instead of against each other?”

Answers: 1) Possibly.  2) Yes. 3) I’d say they rallied together at the end of Earth with Brody and Volker following Rush’s plan to rid Destiny of Telford and co.

Cat writes: “I am saddened to hear of Fuel’s closing also. Unfortunately I’ve never been, as it’s a bit out of my price range, but I had been planning on selecting it for my celebration dinner when I finally complete my undergrad (the parents would foot the bill for the meal in that case).”

Answer: The reimagined Fuel will be more casual and more affordable from what I hear, so you can still check it out.

Matt Boesch writes: “at the end of justice will we see a to be continue logo?”

Answer: Nope.  You’ll just have to trust us!

Anais33 a ecrit: “=) je veux posé des questions à Maximus!
1) Où êtes vous née?
2) Avez vous eu dàja des disputes avec vos camarades chiens? Qui? et pourquoi?
3) Que pensez vous de Joseph?”

Maximus repond: 1) Calgary, Alberta.  Canada.
2) Oui.  Brie.  Et Lulu des fois.  Elles sont mechantes.
3) Il est toujours en retard avec mon dîner!

Flappo writes: “So may I ask what Animes do you watch?”

Answer: The last two I watched were Death Note and When They Cry, both of which I enjoyed.  Some of my faves include: Berserk, Cowboy Bebop, Now and Then Here and There, Utena, Ninja Scroll, Read or Die, Samurai 7, Samurai Champloo, Kino’s Journey, Last Exile, Azumanga Daioh, Ghost in the Shell: Standalone Complex, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Excel Saga, Infinite Ryvius, Patlabor, Love Hina, Video Girl Air.

Extra Ordinary Teenager writes: “Hey Joe, what is the episode composition for sgu? is it still 5 acts and the tease like sga?”

Answer: Yes, same as it was for both SGA and SG-1.

Anubis91 writes: “I would like to know if we could see those “un”official lists of adress that has been done in the past ?”

Answer: I’ll look into it for you.

Shelsfc writes: “any chance we might see you make an appearance there btw? It’s apparently gonna be the last Gatecon “

Answer: It always comes down to scheduling for me.

D writes: “A) Why did you chose to put this type of content in the Kino videos, and why wasn’t more of this type of content included in the show?
B) Since these first intro episode are about the audience getting to know the ship and cast why aren’t we seeing a bit more of how they’re setting up life out there and learning to live around the technology of the ship (beyond just *it’s broken right now*):
Picking rooms, morning exercise routines, exploring places like the medlab, making revelations about the ancients, etc.”

Answers: A) Some of this content has been incorporated into the show (Darkness comes to mind and this week’s episode, Time, is a great example).
B) We’ve already done a fair amount of set-up and will be exploring how the crew is settling into their new lives over the course of this season.

Bailey writes: “Closing Fuel and opening a new restaurant with the same owners is wierdly like how Stargate was “reopened” with SGU.
Hope you like the new place.”

Answer: Oh, I know I will.  But, in the unlikely event I don’t, I’ll demand changes and if they don’t come about instantly, I’ll organize a boycott and try to shut them down – just for spite J

Simon writes: “1) What’s the deal with the one worded titles this season? Not complaning, just curious as to what the insperation was behind that chose.
2) I know this has been asked COUNTLESS times, but, when are talks with MGM about the SG1/SGA movie going to continue?
3) How many Nic Rush-centered episodes are we going to see this season?
4) Will we see who/what attacked the Destiny? And does it involve ‘the pod’ from ”AIR (3)”?”

Answers: 1) I suggested one word titles for season one, hoping we would do two word titles for season two.  So far, the two word titles thing hasn’t exactly caught on.
2) There are no “talks”.  It’s up to the studio to decide when the movies move forward.
3) Depends what you mean by Rush-centered.  If you’re talking specifically Rush-centered, only one comes to mind: Human.
4) Stay tuned.

DasNdanger writes: “Joe – quick question about Fuel. jmanzione did a good job at pointing out the probable economic reasons for the change, but do you think such things as the foie gras protesters had any bearing on their decision?”

Answer: Not at all considering the fact that foie will no doubt be on the new menu as well.

Scary writes: “# 1 Does the SG1 movie have a title like SGA does?
# 2 When you get the “call” do you think that both movies will be made at the same time or will they only make one at a time?
# 3 How long do you think you will get to shoot each movie?
# 4 Who is tentatively slated to direct each movie?”

Answers: 1) Stargate: Revolution
2) I wouldn’t even dare hazard a guess.
3) 3-4 weeks for each movie would be great.
4) I know that Andy Mikita is slated to direct Stargate: Extinction.

Melendwyrwrites: “What were the most important scenes from the first six episodes of SGU?”

Answer: That’s a matter of opinion.  The examples you gave from other shows are not moments I would consider “important” in comparison to others.

Earndoggy writes: “What exactly is time shifting? If that means recording it and then watching it later….”

Answer: That’s exactly what it means.  And Maximus says hi!

C. writes: “1. How do the Kino webisodes fit with the show’s continuity?”

Answer: Some kino scenes will be episode-specific while others will be more general.  They’re added material so, no, you don’t have to watch them to follow what’s going on in the show – however, they do offer insight into ship life and certain characters that someone who only watches the episodes won’t be privy to.

2. I’m really liking Becker and an IMDB search tells me Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman had a role as unnamed server on the SG-1 episode “Momento Mori.” It took me a little while to remember that was the one where Vala lost her memory and was working at a restaurant — which is I’m assuming where he played that character.
Did you guys notice that once you cast Bowyer-Chapman and could Becker be considered the same character?”

Answer: Nope.  He got the role based on his audition.

Montrealer writes: “Is the remaining episodes similar to aired episode arc? Or will the look and feel of the show changes?”

Answer: As I’ve been saying, the next three episodes to the mid-season break (and the four following) are terrific and definitely more action-oriented featuring alien encounters, ship to ship battles, the shuttle in action, suspense, intrigue, and double-crosses.  It all starts this Friday night with Robert C. Cooper’s masterpiece Time.

Sheryl writes: “Hey Joe, did ya get the chustnuts?”

Answer: Hey, Sheryl.  Yes, and thanks!  They were a hit in the office.

DasNdanger writes: “Speaking of which – you said last year that you would be heading back Sushi Kanesaka this year? Any plans of doing so?”

Answer: Although it’s not on my itinerary, I think I might.

Daniel Hardy writes: “My question would be, obviously you’ve spoken about how there have been a lot of changes from how SG-1 and SGA where written/produced/shot etc, are these things you know look back and thing, “wow, we should have been doing it this way all along.”

Answer: Oh, sure.  I enjoy the cohesiveness and running throughlines of SGU and, while we did a bit of that in SG-1 and SGA, I think both shows could have benefited from more sustained arcs.

Tammy Dixon writes: “ Condolences on the loss of Fuel. I hope all the staff have found other positions?”

Answer: Same positions.  Same place.  Just a different concept for the restaurant.

Guy writes: “ It’s the responsibility of people in the United States to voice their opinions.”

Answer: Really?  It’s a responsibility to have an opinion on everything?  So you’re suggesting it’s un-American to NOT comment on the heavy-set guy wearing the orange shorts sitting across from you on the bus?

Guy also writes: “The show is rather flat, and that’s not a personal opinion, that’s an opinion of someone who has done a decent amount of acting, and has written a few skits…”

Answer: Alright, so now that we’ve established you’re expert credentials, go on…

Guy also writes: “Being “argumentative” means you argue with facts, and logic. Being “verbally aggressive” means you attack people and their ideas.”

Answer: Ideas are off-limits?  Ideas as in “ideas we have for the show and write into scripts” or “ideas everyone else has like, say, an opinion on an idea we had that we incorporated into the show”?  Also, saying you like or dislike something is an opinion – which you’re of course entitled to, but I hardly see how an opinion ca be grounded in logic.  You’re baking analogy is all well and good, but it doesn’t deal in facts.  I mean, you can say you feel the characters aren’t compelling and I can disagree and say I feel they are compelling, but I don’t think either of us have logic or facts on our side.

Guy also writes: “And the portrayal of the women characters seems to non-verbally say, that Chloe likes to have sex…”

Answer: Yes, Chloe seems to enjoy sex.  And, from all indications, so do Scott, Young, and James.  And, I’m willing to bet, a lot of people, some of whom ARE women.

Guy also writes: “… …”, Young’s wife is willing to have sex with some strange body (because remember, she sees Telford, not Young like we do)…”

Answer: True, but the individual occupying the body is no stranger to her.  It’s her husband.

Guy also writes: “…Wray is passed over for promotions in the I.O.A.”

Answer: So what?  You only assume it’s because she’s a woman in an effort to shoe horn this example into your argument.  There is no indication that was the case.

MrsB. writes: “Will Rush develop a soft spot for any of the crew members? Or have a single friendly encounter with anyone that turns around on him, sending him further into his shell?”

Answer: We’ll be exploring Rush’s vulnerabilities (and his backstory) in the second half of season one.

Cook66 writes: “I wonder… Did any of the other shows, or any shows, ever create as much hostility?”

Answer: Oh, yeah.  SG-1: shippers vs. non-shippers, fans upset at Daniel Jackson’s departure, the rise of the anti-Jonas faction, complaints of not enough team, complaints of not enough gate travel, complaints of too many Earth-based episodes, Carter fans vs. Vala fans, Carter fans vs. Mitchell fans, fans who hated seasons 9 and 10 because they felt it was no longer Stargate.  Atlantis: Fans upset at Weir’s departure, fans upset at Beckett’s departure, fans upset at Carter’s inclusion, the anti-Keller faction, complaints of not enough team, complaints of not enough gate travel, complaints of too much emphasis on McKay/Keller.  Those are just some of the lightning rod issues I can remember off the top of my head.   Scifi fans are, by their very nature, extremely passionate about their shows.

Belouchi writes: “Thanks for answering my questions. I was wondering if you know any good restaurants in Boston because I’m planning a little romantic get away with my girlfriend.”

Answer: Sorry, I’m unfamiliar with the Boston restaurant scene.  Hop on Chowhound and get some recommendations.

ACW writes: “Which I would certainly expect you to dispute, but please do so on your own (or your colleagues’) behalf, rather than claming to be defending the actress.”

Answer: My original comment was not a defense of the actress.  Feel free to read it.

ACW also writes: “But no, calling Lt. James “Lt. Rack” (which I note has happened less since the writers started to let her keep her uniform on, and occasionally to do something non-rack-related even if it’s still All About The Guy) is not demeaning Julia Benson, any more than calling Lt. Uhura “Lt. Hailing Frequencies” would be demeaning Nichellle Nichols.”

Answer: You’re kidding, right?  The first is a reference to the actress’s physical attributes.  The latter is a reference to the character.  It’s no different than someone criticizing a scene for being racist while using racist terminology to make his point.  Like I said, by doing so you risk not being taken seriously.  You can feel free to disagree and assume people will respect your opinion regardless but I made the point as a result of what I was seeing and not simply stating a personal preference.

Hithere writes: “We’ve seen in SG-1’s S09E20 ‘Camelot’ an emulator of the subspace link generated by the stones which showed an analog signal. Now, I’m going to take this as intended cannon for my next question.
Why don’t they constantly interrupt the signal in order to send a data stream?”

Answer: 1) They don’t know how to use the stones to transmit a data stream and 2) What exactly would they be sending?

DP writes: “Is Rush’s name a tribute to the band?”

Answer: No.

Candace writes: “So okay…I still loved it…but I never remember hating a book so much at one point…LOL”

Answer: Given your response, I can’t wait to hear your reaction to the end of the next book.  My advice is to make sure there are no toss-worthy hot beverages within reach.

November 10, 2009: A Year of Change Continues Throwing its Curveballs…

Received the following email:

Fuel Restaurant Closes

Award Wining Fuel Restaurant’s Final Service Sunday Nov 29th, 2009

(Vancouver BC, November 10, 2009) Fuel Restaurant will perform its final service on Sunday November 29th, 2009. Pushing the envelope with its almost fanatical quest for the best regional ingredients Fuel introduced Vancouver diners to house-made charcuterie, whole cuts and an open kitchen experience in a fine dining setting. Critically acclaimed and award winning from its inception, Fuel Restaurant raised the bar with customer satisfaction and its stalwart integrity in utilizing local ingredients.

Friends and fans of the Kitsilano restaurant are encouraged to join owners Tom Doughty and Chef Robert Belcham for one last Fuel dining experience during the month of November. Diners can enjoy the Third Annual Whole Hog menu, offered November 25th, 26th, and 27th and Fuel’s famous Fried Chicken Fridays will remain available for lunch until the end of the month.

Although Fuel is closing it is not over for owners Doughty and Belcham at their 1944 West 4th Avenue location. “Robert and I have been very fortunate to have run a successful restaurant in Kitsilano over the past 3 years. We have seen the landscape of the Vancouver dining scene change significantly and we are excited to change along with it” says Tom Doughty, Sommelier and Co-Owner of Fuel Restaurant.

This location will reopen on Dec 2, 2009 as a neighborhood restaurant and bar specializing in Casual Northwest Cuisine. “As restaurant owners we strive to give diners what they want. We feel we owe it to our guests to continue to provide them with quality ingredients & friendly service, in a casual atmosphere at a more affordable price” says Robert Belcham, Chef and Co-Owner of Fuel Restaurant.

Complete concept details for the new restaurant will be released soon. In the mean time Vancouver diners can be rest assured the philosophy behind Fuel Restaurant towards quality ingredients and impeccable service will remain.

On the one hand, I’m happy to hear that Rob, Tom, Ted and the gang will still be around, serving up some of the best plates in Vancouver. On the other hand, I’m kind of bummed because Fuel has been like a second home to me. I dropped by tonight and enjoyed a dinner for one at the bar where I chatted with Tom, Ted, and the lovely Brooke. According to Tom, I am their second most frequent diner at 56 visits (I assume not counting evenings I dined on somebody else’s reservation), only one behind the leader at 57. Well, with only weeks left before the changeover, I’ll make sure to put in a few more visits that should put me at the top of the leader board. I can’t help but think that if I hadn’t lost my culinary wingman Marty G., I would have had the title wrapped up months ago.

Tom, at your service.

Ted, poised to slave over a hot stove.

Brooke in action.

They’re all very excited about the concept change and the new menu that will offer several Fuel standbys in addition to many intriguing additions. By the time I get back from Tokyo, things should be in full swing.

Walla Walla Onion Soup

 Maximus gets his stitches out tomorrow. Thanks to everyone who asked about him. He seems to be doing alright. In fact, the entire gang is doing fine (although Jelly has been given to waking up at 5:00 a.m. and whimpering until I lower her off the bed and onto her doughnut pillow where she sleeps for another two hours before waking up and barking until I get up as well).

Maximus asks: "What're YOU lookin's at?!"

I’ve been in the office two days now but between the new Macbook and the troubles I’m experiencing with my Blackberry, I’ve made no progress on that outline.

Sigh.  Okay, I’m done.  I’ve spent the last hour trying to upload pics to no avail.  Screw this.  I’m going to bed.

Mailbag:

ZeroPointBatteries writes: “This also makes me think back to Air when the scientist lady points out the ancient crates. Do we find out whats in them soon?”

Answer: We WILL be making an interesting discovery in one of those crates later this season.

Stuart Blessman writes: “Can the Destiny just…slow down or stop next time it’s in the sun to super charge? Or would the shield immediately fail, meaning the refueling trick only works when they are gliding at a pre-set altitude and speed?”

Answer: There’s a difference between what the ship is capable of doing and what we are able to command the ship to do. The ship is essentially on auto-pilot and continues to recharge as its been doing for some time now. It’s more than likely that if the crew did happen to find a way to slow the ship down, it’s established protocols would have it jumping to FTL or clearing the dangerous area before it’s shields could fail.

Alfred writes: “You mentioned in yesterday’s blog entry comments that “Sheppard was a hero in the truest sense of the word – dashing, cool under pressure, and rarely if ever given to making mistakes”. I cant agree here. Part of what was appealing about SGA was that you guys explored character flaws and weaknesses in a way that did not detract from the story line. We got to see Ronan’s vulnerable side when Wier was dying or when he was reliving the death of his girlfriend. We got to see Rodney mature from a self centered, know-it-all to someone that was still self centered most of the time but that learned to play nice with others. Even Sheppard made his fair share of mistakes and the audience was “permitted” to forgive him his faults and liked the character all the more for it.”

Answer: But I think the difference is that those characters always set out to do the right thing and rare, if ever, slipped to “the dark side”. I think you’re confusing this with character depth which they all possessed, but they were all dependable and selfless individuals, “good” to a fault. The vulnerability that Ronon demonstrates at Weir’s bedside (and in an episode like Broken Ties) certainly humanizes the characters and elicits sympathy from the audience. Contrast this to a character like Rush who is motivated by self-interest, or Young who, we’ll come to learn, is capable of making some very suspect decisions both on a personal and professional level. As some have already pointed out, it was quite easy to like the SGA gang, but much harder to like some members of the Destiny crew.

Alfred also writes: “Please tell me that you guys are going somewhere soon. You are losing me and one of the few luxuries I took was “SciFi Friday”… “

Answer: As I’ve already said, I look forward to reading the comments on the final three episodes of this first half. These first seven have been a slow burn, setting up the premise, the many characters, and some complex elements like the stones – once we hit Time, I think we hit our stride. In fact, the next seven or so episodes offer up a terrific mid-season run.

Ian writes: “I know you said that you were spinning season 2 ideas, and that’s mine. (if it matters) and also I think a pregnancy on a ship with limited resources and no way to get back to earth would be more trouble to incorporate, than to just go around it. What do you think?”

Answer: I think I like trouble.

JYS writes: “Will the Destiny have its own shield or iris?”

Answer: It won’t.

Chevron7 writes: “1. Do you regret calling the SGA movie Extinction?

2. Will they be eating proper food aboard Destiny soon?

3. Do the stones work on certain frequencies? Is that why the ones on Destiny work with the ones on Earth?

4. At the moment Eli is showing up the other scientists. Do Volker & co get a chance to shine in the future?

5. How’s your Japanese going?”

Answers: 1) It’s apropos of the story. 2) They’ll be finding more off-world fruit and veggies soon and their hydroponics lab will finally yield tomatoes in an upcoming episode! 3) The stones operate through a subspace link. 4) Oh, they’ll get their chances to shine as well. 5) Ma ma desu.

Flappo writes: “i want to ask, do you read Mangas? If you do, what series do you read?”

Answer: I don’t read mangas but I do watch anime.

Flappo writes: “I’ve read that you are waiting for the call for the movies. So I’m asking myself, I really don’t wan’t to be offending or something else, why do you don’t call them?”

Answer: By “call”, I don’t mean a literal phone call but a decision.

Jeffoconnor writes: “In response to the ratings of last week’s episode here in the States, I’ve been doing a little research (or rather, others have and I’ve kept up with it) and it seems a lot of shows were down. It was a bad week for several gigs.”

Answer: True. It was an 11% drop (I believe) across the board. Also, while our same days +1 ratings have dipped, our +7 ratings have steadily increased suggesting that our audience is simply time shifting.

Jeff writes: “my question is, since the ship is fairly old, and even looks like to me has been inhabited or boarded at one point, will the crew discover any remains or evidence in the ship that suggests or proves they may not be the first ones to show up there?”

Answer: It’s possible.

Shadow Step writes: “Well its a bit like a bank robber going up to the teller an saying “I really respect you man” and then shoots him. The headline is still going to be “teller killed””

Answer: No, it’s more like someone going to the bank, encountering a rude teller, and admonishing said teller for their rude behavior. Though the headline would still be “teller killed”.

SciFan writes: “ What do you think of V and do you think it can be successful?”

Answer: In all fairness, I haven’t watched V yet (I’ve been busy and have to get around to it, three episodes of House, and The Bourne Ultimatum), but the reviews have been good and the numbers for the premiere great, so it certainly looks promising – which is great because, as a fan of genre television and Morena Baccarin (SG-1’s Adria), I would like to see it do well.

Belouchi writes: “1. What exactly powers the SGU stargates on the planets the cast visits, I figure there isnt a DHD or anything else?

2. Theoritically, the Destiny was supposed to carry how many people… that is if the Ancients did come aboard…. sorry let me pose the question again: What is the max capacity in terms of people of the Ship?

3. Concerning Atlantis…. if the movie gets done ( I pray to God every night for that by the way) how much time will it take you guys for production and post production… I assume the pre-production is done?”

Answers: 1. It’s powered by some internal source located either within the gate or the gate’s ramp. 2. No idea. 3. It would take us a couple of weeks to prep (we would need to build new sets for some new locations, costumes, props, guest cast), and another three weeks or so to shoot, then maybe 4-5 months of post.

Taylor writes: “ In your opinion, are the power reserves still below designed capacity because the Destiny is so old, and is no longer capable to storing as strong a charge as it once could? Or is it more likely because so many power conduits were damaged, as mentioned in Earth, resulting in reduced efficiency as we saw in SGA when the power conduits there were damaged as well.”

Answer: It could well “all of the above”. We’ll be shedding some light on these power issues in upcoming episodes.

Aaron writes: “Sorry Joe, but I gotta agree with Maureen Ryan’s recent comments about Stargate Universe… It’s just not doing it for me, and I don’t think that makes me stupid.”

Answer: Why would you assume I’d think it made you stupid?

Sharon Sigl writes: “If you read these comments please understand if we didn’t care about the success of the show we wouldn’t bother to comment.”

Answer: Thanks for taking the time to weigh in, Sharon. And, I’m curious – where did you get the impression that we don’t want to hear what you have to say? If it’s a response to my recent rant, please read the rant rather than the paraphrased summation of someone else before making any assumption on what it was I did or did not say. Thanks.

Ian writes: “Some people in a forum i am in are debating about destiny and atlantis. Destiny is first right? and we know that Atlantis has to be a few million years old, since they wiped out life in the milky way and then restarted it and left for pegasus. So would you be able to give a range of years like Destiny is 30-35 million years old and Atlantis is 10-15 million years old??”

Answer: I’d rather not put a specific date on either (I’ll leave that to Brad or Rob), but I will confirm that, yes, Destiny IS older.

Sherrold writes: “When someone calls a _character_ “Lieutenant Rack”, they’re not commenting on the actress — they’re commenting on the writing, film angles, and editing choices that keep a character from becoming fully realized, and instead makes her a sexist caricature.

It’s rude for someone to come here and make such a comment — but it’s wrong for you to mischaracterize their comments as insults to the actress.”

Answer: It’s also wrong for you to misrepresent what I actually said. I stated that by using sexist terms in a post in which you are arguing something is sexist, you are undermining your argument. I never said anything about the terms being insulting to the actress. Although, now that you mention it, yes, it is pretty insulting to the actress. It would be no different than a fan referring to a character as “Corporal Fatty” or “Major Big Ears“. Sure, they can argue they’re only referring to the character, but they’re also demeaning the individual playing said character.

Squall78 writes: “Also, why do you sell yourself short producing and showrunning SGA?”

Answer: How so?  I said that SGA was a different show.  I never said it was an inferior show.

November 9, 2009: Emissaries from the Dead, by Adam-Troy Castro

Andrea Cort, a Judge Advocate for the Diplomatic Corps, is enroute to New London for a long overdue vacation when she is informed of a change in plans.  Rather than enjoying some R&R, she is instead redirected to One One One, an immense cylindrical artificial world created and run by an independent AIsource.  It’s a world whose upper atmosphere alone is habitable, a mass tangle of vegetation and hanging hammocks, its lower regions a deadly toxic soup incapable of supporting life.  And it also happens to be the scene of two brutal murders.

Andrea is charged with the task of investigating the recent deaths of two human researchers, however she is under strict orders NOT to lay blame on the AIsource.  Instead, she must peg the crime on one of One One One’s many unique residents: a corrupt administrator, a mysterious bureaucrat, two cylinked humans of like mind but unlike bodies, countless bitter indentured servants to the great galactic state, or the primitive but intelligent bio-engineered primates known as the Brachiators.  Complicating matters is the burden Andrea carries from her childhood - the guilt, self-doubt and infamy that comes with being the sole survivor of a massacre in which the inhabitants of a hitherto peaceful colony suddenly and inexplicably turned on one another in a murderous frenzy.

Considered by many a monster herself, Andrea must walk a tightrope of intrigue and hidden agendas to uncover the truth behind the deaths on One One One – and, in so doing, possibly shed some light on the darkest, cryptic moments of her own past.

Okay, I went into this novel thoroughly intrigued and I have to say I wasn’t disappointed.   Castro does a wonderful job of world-building, presenting an artificial environment that is believable, beautiful, and frightening as hell.  I share the protagonist’s fear of heights (Hell, I even get nervous when someone I know is on a balcony!), so the prospect of negotiating uncertain territory where the slightest mistep could prove fatal had me ”on edge” throughout, especially after the following description of the fate that befell the first victim:

“The young indenture may have remained conscious and terrified for long minutes, as she plunged toward the fatal high-pressure regions far below.

How must it have felt, falling all that distance, knowing even as the temperature rose all around her that all her striving had been futile?”

What a horrific prospect, that she would have died long before her body impacted - IF there was anything left of her to impact.  That image persisted as I read on, feeding an underlying tension that  had me  so wound up I could barely get through each chapter fast enough.  To his credit, the author doesn’t simply sit back and allow the book’s terrific premise or its compelling setting to drive the story.  While the layers of mystery and treacherous terrain are certainly key elements here, it’s Castro’s wonderful characters that propel the narrative, especially Andrea Cort, a tough, non-nonsense loner who proves surprisingly vulnerable when all is said and done.  She’s a great character reminiscent of Lois McMaster Bujold’s Cordelia Naismith, David Weber’s Honor Harrington, and Karen Traviss’ Shan Frankland – strong, fiercely independent, and very likable.

Overall, a clever, well-paced SF thriller.  My only quibble was with the expository sequence at novel’s end, Andrea’s extended explanation of exactly what happened and why that, while certainly harkening back to those hardboiled paperbacks of yore, felt a little clunky in an otherwise well-executed book.

So, those were my initial thoughts.  What did everyone else think?  Weigh in with your opinions AND your questions for author Adam-Troy Castro!

Mailbag:

Audrey writes: “Wow. You actually ate offal? You are a braver soul than I. I don’t think I could eat all those ‘leftover’ bits.”

Answer: If you eat hot dogs, you already have.

Narelle from Aus writes: “Or just selling all of my crap and moving to some beach in Thailand.

Idea stealerer.”

Answer: Not at all.  I’d wait for you to go down and settled in first, THEN show up and mooch off you and your hubby.  Smart, no?

Col. Mustgard writes: “Joe, are we every gonna see Dr. Lee again?”

Answer: Possibly.

JYS writes: “i got to taste the pasta too..but no meatballs or truffles:(“

Answer: Trust me, they were goooooooooooooooooooood.  Where are you working now?

Ponytail writes: “

Oh, so that is how Marty G got his nickname. He is suffering from liver disease and yellow with jaundice and you’re calling him Golden Boy? Shame on you!  Did you have to help him cut up his meat too because of his finger boo boo?”

Answer: Yep.  And I chewed his food for him like a mother bird.

Gilder writes: “Joe, are reservations recommended at Fuel? I assume I should mention my food sensitivities when I order; would Chef Belcham be offended if I declined liver or goat cheese?”

Answer: Reservations are recommended – and if you have any food allergies or issues, do let them know and they’ll be more than happy to create a special menu just for you.  Or you can simply go a la carte and choose from the menu items.

Ryan writes: “My question is: in season 2 , will there still be clues, hints or tidbits given like there has been in season 1?”

Answer: Yes, the events of early episodes will set up events in later episodes that will eventually pay off down the line.  We’ve got a lot of arcs and throughlines, big and small, in store.

Shawna Buchanan writes: “So, you’ve mentioned the SGA movie again. Is there still no word on that or the next SG-1 movie? Please tell me they’re not thinking of canceling them.”

Answer: Still no word on either movie.  Alas, it’s out of my hands.  Like you, I’m sitting on the sidelines waiting for the call.

Ytimynona writes: “First question: do you HAVE wireless at your house? If not, then, well, that was probably the problem.”

Answer: I do and even though I enter the correct network key, it still won’t let me on.

duneknight writes: “so the best three episodes are next? shouldn’t you love all your episodes just the same?”

Answer: Nope.  Episodes are like children – you have your favorites and then you have those that didn’t turn out quite like you’d hoped they would.

tinasegreto1981 writes: “In the episode “Outcast” we learn something about the relationship of John to his father.
What was or is the real reason for the dispute between the two? In Your Opinion.”

Answer: John’s decision to join the military.

FOB writes: “

We saw ‘Homeworld Command’ for the first REAL time in ‘Earth’, despite seeing areas that in retrospect were obviously part of it, in previous episodes. How does this effect the previous administrative system of the Dept of Homeworld Security? Is the SGC still operating?”

Answer: Homeworld Command is the command center for Homeworld Security.  It has also incorporated Stargate Command within its umbrella.

kuro-sama writes: “kinda wondering; is it normal for american tv series to went into hiatus (or break) in the middle of the series?”

Answer: It’s growing common, yes.

E writes: “It was late night and Jack was sitting in his office? Not at home with Sam?”

Answer: She was keeping dinner warm for him and running a hot bath.

Conniepoint writes: “Just a quick question, we’ve seen numerous people involved in Stargate become directors for the series over the years. Is there anyone else in the writer’s room or behind the scenes that might be stepping up if (when) SGU is picked up for a second season?”

Answer: Not the writers’ room.

Sara writes: “What’s your take according to what you are reading here and in other feedback arenas that are available to your writing team – is SGU well received, are fans still waiting to see something to keep them watching, or are people not enjoying it?”

Answer: Like it’s predecessors, it has its fans and its detractors.  I think it’s highly unlikely anyone can produce a show that will garner 100% support.

Chris U. writes: “ It really appeared to me that not only was Telford surprised that he quickly cut back to earth and then back to Destiny in a short span, but also that he was surprised to find himself involved with Young’s wife when he popped back.”

Answer: I think he would’ve been surprised regardless of what Young had been doing at the time – say, playing the xylophone.  Probably not as surprised, but surprised nonetheless.

Shadow Step writes: “What about the one where she practices putting it on a broomstick first – will it be a DVD extra?”

Answer: Kino scene.

Simon writes: “

1) I’m guessing that, from a photo found on the GW forums that the alien race we encounter in the episode are water-living aliens?

2) What’s that wierd mask like thing attached to Rush? Are these the same aliens you mentioned a while back that ‘abducted’ him?

3) Will ”Space (1)” & ”Devided (2)” be action packed episodes?”

Answers: 1) Tune in to find out.  2) I’ve never mentioned alien abductions.  3) Different types of action but, yes, plenty of.

Debra writes: “Just read Mary Ryan’s “Response to Brad Wright” & have one question.. she ranted on about people who are critical of the show not being idiots, not guilty of “not getting it” etc. Did Brad or ANYONE with the show actually say such a thing or was that her own twist to justify her rant?”

Answer: Don’t know what she was referring.  All too often, when people take exception to what somebody else said, it’s because they fixate on a couple of sections taken out of context.  For instance, I prefaced my rant by stating “I’d suggest that anyone looking to post a critical comment consider their wording – not their opinion, but the way in which they express said opinion.” and moved on from there.  Still, this particular quote was effectively ignored by those who insisted I was reacting to general criticism of the show.   Go figure.

Brendan writes: “Tell Kerry that her precious Canucks are going to lose tomorrow night, to my home team the St. Louis Blues.”

Answer: Ha!  Kerry just happened to be in my office while I was approving your comment.  She told me to tell you your Blues are going down!

dasNdanger writes: “What’s your favorite food aroma?”

Answer: I would also go with freshly baked cookies.

ian writes: “So, why in SG-1 did the comm. stones incapacitate the person who activated it, while in SGU they just switch minds?”

Answer: We’ve seen slightly different versions of the device in both SG-1 and SGA.

Jayenkai writes: “What are your thoughts on the fact that the transcripts/HD shots are appearing at Gateworld before the episodes have aired in the UK, and other countries?”

Answer: I think the gang at Gateworld do a great job of keeping fans updated and, often, that includes posting the very latest videos, pics, and interviews.  Sometimes, those videos, pics, and interviews may contain spoilers and my best advice would be for individual fans to proceed with caution.  If Gateworld has HD shots from an episode you’ve yet to watch, you might want to consider holding off on viewing them until after the episode has aired.

Annie from Freemantle writes: “I’ve never tasted venison.. can you let me know what meat it closest resembles to in taste?”

Answer: Lean beef.

BunEgeria writes: “I want to know about the pod from the end of Air 3?”

Answer: And you will – in about four episodes.

Matthew Stoner writes: “Here’s a question: was this the last ship that the Ancients sent into deep space, or is it possible for a newer ship to be following in the Destiny’s footsteps?”

Answer: Oh, it’s certainly possible.

dasNdanger writes: “

Tonight I sat down to read Dark Reign Wolverine: The List – by Jason Aaron. At the end of the story, there was another Wolverine short story by Jason Aaron, called ‘A Good Man’. I immediately recognized the story.

So I dug through my back issues until I came across Wolverine #175 (Tieri/Chen), where – on the corner of the cover – is a tag that reads, ‘Wolverine writing contest winner inside!’

I opened it up, and sure enough, there was Aaron’s story, ‘A Good Man’. That was back in 2002. I remember reading that story about two or three years ago, and wondering for a while afterwards whatever happened to that contest winner. I hadn’t heard of Aaron yet, and so I figured he was just some flash in the pan. How wrong I was!”

Answer: Very cool.  Today’s fans are tomorrows writers.

Riverfox writes: “So, yeah. That’s my opinion. I try to voice it respectfully, and I hope no one is going to take offense at the fact that I really am not enjoying the show thus far. We are all entitled to our opinions. =) I’m just tossing mine out onto the pile.”

Answer: Thanks for taking the time to weigh in with your thoughts on the show.  Would love to hear your take on the next three episodes.

November 8, 2009: That Dinner with Marty G! Setting up my Mac! More Mailbag!

Due to my recent computer problems, I’ve been able to get around to posting some pics I’ve taken over the last couple of weeks.  For instance, some snaps from that dinner with Golden Boy Marty G. at Fuel on the night following the SGU season one wrap party…

Marty G. takes an emergency call. The donor liver arrived! They've prepped the O.R.! He's got to go!

As usual, we went with a five course menu and left the actual dishes up to Chef Belcham.  Among the highlights was THIS -

Homemade pasta with truffle and sugo cream and pork offal meatballs

Crazy-good!  Actually, crazy-phenomenal.  The best pasta dish I’ve had this year.  Sadly, it’s not on the menu however.

Then, onto the mains – all equally terrific…

Wild Sydney Island Venison with caramelized cauliflower, gnocchi

Thiessen Farm Squab potato puree, braised red cabbage, foie gras

Damn.  It was just like old times.  We ate, shared some laughs, ate, caught each other up to date, ate, and ate, and ate.  After dinner, I dropped him off at the airport so he could catch his flight back to New York where he was scheduled to begin work on the second season of HBO’s Bored To Death. 

Martin gives dinner the big macerated thumbs up.

Well, I decided to set aside the day to set up my new Macbook.  Not that I would need all day to do it – but just in case.  And so, after lunch, I sat down, unpacked the box, plugged in my sleek, new laptop, and turned it on.  I was greeted by a beautiful welcome display that smoothly segued to the Setup Assistant.  After choosing my language (I opted for English) and country (Canada), I was prompted me to make a wireless connection…which, for some reason, proved impossible.  So, after many repeated attempts, I literally had to pack it in.  Hmmmm.  Is this some sort of sign from the tech gods?  I’m bringing the laptop in to the office tomorrow where I’ll try again.  Or, rather, if the going gets tough, have resident SGU tech guru Lawren Bancroft-Wilson try again.  In the meantime, my Blackberry continues to give me all sorts of problems.  I’m thinking of switching over to the iPhone.  Or just selling all of my crap and moving to some beach in Thailand.

More mailbag:

Ponytail writes: “Well Joe, I gave it a shot, but it is time to change the channel.”

Answer: Didn’t I say the next three episodes were the best of the first half.  At least tune in and watch Time.  You’ll be glad you did.  Unless it freaks you out so much you can’t sleep for days.

Paloosa writes: “Do Telford and Young always have to swap with each other, or can they swap with someone else?”

Answer: Had Young initiated the stone moments earlier, he would have switched with Peter DeLuise – and gone on to direct the rest of the episode.

Platschu writes: “If you are spinning for season 2, is it mean SG:U is picked up for s2?”

Answer: Not yet, but I’m hoping soon.

Platschu also writes: “Will we learn more about the gate network?”

Answer: Yes, we’ll be touching on this in future episodes – Lost in paticular.

Plastschu also writes: “Will you mention other religions among the Destiny’s crew?”

Answer: And we’ll be touching on the topic of faith in a back half episode titled, appropriately enough, Faith.

Cherriey writes: “ I first noticed the compact communication panel adaptded from the rather cumbersome device developed by the Ancients that (though beautiful in desgin) was far too big and resembled a violent melon juicer. Was the development of said panel by the SGC (or whoever) affected because they had plans to use them with a specific mission (i.e. for wherever the 9th chevron sent them) or was it for more general purposes?”

Answer: This version was developed by the gang in Research and Development at Area 51 who have been working on all of the off-world tech the various SG teams have brought back over the years.  It was “put in play” for situations just like this – a communications of last resort in the event Stargate personnel are otherwise cut off from Earth.

Cherriey also writes: “ The above being said… has any protocol been developed in an official format concerning the use of the stones?”

Answer: You do see this in Air and Earth, scenes in which Homeworld Command personnel are one standby in the event communication via the stones is attempted.

Cherriey also writes: “In Peter Deluise’s cameo when Telford relieves him from his position in the chair next to the stone panel did you actually have a character written in called ‘Peter/Pete’ or did you just decide to throw that fun bit in there just because?”

Answer: Nope.  In the script, he was referred to as Handsome Fella #1 and Peter naturally felt he was perfect for the role.

Cherriey also writes: “Now that I think about it that leads me to another question concerning the stones. I had always assumed (I know, I know) that the person whose body you jump to is the one to touch the stone last.”

Answer: That is a correct assumption.  Telford would have been the last to touch the stone on Earth’s end for Young to trade bodies with him.

DasNdanger also writes: “Therefore you are assured of my continued viewership through the first half of the season. And yup, though I can see straight through you and your devilish, tricksy ways, I am still gonna jump right into your little trap…just ’cause you set it!”

Answer: Nope, no.  No trickery here.  Just saying – if the next three episodes up to the hiatus don’t do it for you, I’ll be surprised – and sad you won’t be watching any longer.  Especially since the first episode back after the break is mine, Space, and it’s filled with all sorts of action and aliens and ship to ship battles.

JohnnyE! writes: “Hey Joe, quick question…the web stuff that shows Eli going around with a Kino showing the ship and others…is that scripted or off the cuff.”

Answer: All scripted.  I wrote Apple Core, Riley’s Letter Home, James’s Birthday Surprise, and Park’s Kino Mishap – no doubt your very favorites.

vvv0472 writes: “Is there a possibility of a Goaul’d on board the Destiny?”

Answer: Nope.

Cheryl writes: “It seems risky to bring out the good stuff at the end of party rather than the beginning, but, since I’m giving the show a half season to excite me, fine.”

Answer: It’s not like we were holding back, more a case of hitting our stride.

Mary writes: “I find myself bristling when you comment about “square-jawed heros” when referencing your work on SGA. Did you really have such a low regard for that series?”

Answer: You misinterpret my take on the difference between the characters as a slam against Atlantis, which it wasn’t.  I enjoyed SGA’s character dynamics, but you can’t deny Sheppard was a hero in the truest sense of the word – dashing, cool under pressure, and rarely if ever given to making mistakes.

Jedman67 writes: “McKay is earths foremost expert on Ancient Technology, and is in no patron’s pocket – he’s loyal to himself and his friends. Would it not make sense for him to make at least ONE guest appearance…”

Answer: Given the timeline of the Atlantis movie and its repercussions, McKay would not be in a position to do so.  He’d have his hands full dealing with “other issues”.

Dunatos writes: “Just wondering if there is any site, you can recommend on getting my daily Stargate fix.”

Answer: http://stargate.mgm.com/

Jedman67 writes: “In SG-1 and SGA, the stargates “puddle” was shot with a greenscreen backdrop, and a digital puddle added in post – i recall hearing that a new system was being used in SGU, involving a “projected” puddle or something, cant rember exactly. Can you explain this please?

Answer: We switched to a practical puddle a couple of years back and its look has definitely improved over time (I uploaded a video of the projected puddle a couple of months back if you’d care to track it down and check it out).  Green screen is still used for puddle pass-thrus.

JES writes: “First, why would the audience assume any of this, since there is no indication that they should?”

Answer: Either way, you’re making an assumption.  All I’m suggesting is that you go with the more logical one.

Michael writes: “I’ve been looking around the Internet and I’m confused what the full name of the IOA leader, Strom, is.”

Answer: I believe it was Dale.

Echelon writes: “Wasn’t the SG1 movie slated for around now? Did economic conditions push it back?”

Answer: Yep.  No word on either movies for a while now.

Melendwyr writes: “If Telford didn’t know that sex was a possible outcome of lending his body… and there’s the possibility that he’s carrying an STD that we can’t cure or easily prevent yet. Did either Young or his wife think of that in the imminent throes of passion?”

Answer: Because of the many people complaining about the sex scenes, the shot where Young’s wife puts the condom on her husband ended up on the cutting room floor.

Simon writes: “First off, LOVED ”EARTH”, was the reaction on Lou’s face during the ‘malfunction’ written, or added in by Lou himself?”

Answer: They were scripted, but the reactions themselves were all Lou.

DasNdanger writes: “Joe, what’s your favorite nut??”

Answer: To eat on their own?  Cashews.

Candace writes: “…only got a couple chapters left in A Game of Thrones….and got Clash of Kings waiting right next to my bed…IT’S SO GOOD!!!!”

Answer: It IS great, isn’t it?  I love the series too.

November 7, 2009: My Decision Made! H1N1! Ganache Patisserie! Chocoatl No More?! The Return of the Mailbag!

Okay. Now what?

I finally did it.  After weeks of considering my options and weighing the advice of friends, co-workers, and many of you here on this blog, I went out and bought myself a laptop.  It was a tough call but, in the end, I decided to go with the MacBook Pro.  The reason?  Well, pretty much the same reason upon which I base most of my life decisions: a desire to punish someone.  In this case, Microsoft for that horrendous Jerry Seinfeld ad campaign.  Discount shoes?!  Fancy mustard?  Bill Gates adjusting his shorts AND doing a truly lame a robot?!  WTF?!!  As a PC owner, those commercials made me feel awkward, ashamed and even a little frightened so, well, somebody had to pay.

That being said, I will be in the market for a home computer soon enough and THAT decision will be based on how much I like my new Mac.  Well, that and my thirst for vengeance.

So, hey, it’s nice to see that those high-risk groups have been the first to receive the H1N1 vaccine here in Canada.  And, by high-risk groups, I mean: children under five, pregnant women, health-care workers, hockey players, and, of course, board members and major donors to several hospitals.  What’s that you say?  Why are hockey players, hospital board members, and deep-pocket donors being given priority?  I dunno.  Here’s an even better question: Why are hockey players, hospital board members, and deep-pocket donors being given priority over daycare workers?  The answer: Beats me!  Apparently, here in Canada, those charged with the task of taking care of a segment of the population at the highest risk of contracting the disease are not considered a priority.  Sorry, daycare workers!  The fault clearly lies with you and, more specifically, your career choice.  Had you elected to pursue any of the following professions instead – firefighter, police, homecare worker, or CONVICT – you’d be jumping to the front of the line right about now.

Hey, guess where else I went today?  If you guessed bowling or to an exhibition showcasing Executive Producer Robert Cooper’s original claypot creations, you’d have guessed wrong.  No, I was at Vancouver’s Ganache Patisserie checking out the four new Fall additions to their line-up.  http://www.ganacheyaletown.com/

Hey! It's chocolate Asterix and Obelisk!

And I wasn’t alone.  Joining me for this afternoon tasting was none other SGU Script Coordinator Lawren Bancroft-Wilson. 

Hmmmm....

We sampled the four new items: the Pur Chocolat (flourless chocolate espresso cake, housemade chocolate biscotti crust, bittersweet chocolate cake, and dark chocolate caramel mousse), the Poire et Chocolat Epicé (milk chocolate gingerbread mousse, spicy cinnamon parfait,  port-poached pears and walnut cake), the Concorde Praliné (hazelnut cocoa meringue layers, layers of chocolate guimauve, a dark chocolate praline mousse and chocolate chantilly cream), and the Marron Cubique (chestnut mousseline, chestnut whisky ganache, coffee butter cake layers and chestnut buttercream frosting).  All terrific. 

Following the sampling, we sat down to a more thorough tasting of three creations, compliments of Lawren (That’s it!  I don’t care what everybody else says.  We are NOT firing him!): that Pur Chocolat (his favorite), a Chocolat Malté
(malted dark chocolate mousse, malted chocolate ganache, white chocolate blondie), and a light but no less delicious
Tiramisu-Chocolat (tiramisu cream, 70% dark chocolate mousse).  We followed this up with a short walk into Yaletown where I was prepared to treat Lawren to phase two of our little dessert adventure, only to discover that my favorite chocolate ship, Chocoatl, appears to be no more.  I know that someone one this board (was it you, Nadine?) hinted that this was coming but it was nevertheless a very sad sight.  Owner Themis Velgis is, without a doubt, the best chocolatier in the city, his chocolate creations second to none, and it’s sad to see that little shop, his labor of love, sitting empty on a Saturday afternoon.  Here’s hoping he’s back on his feet in no time.

Today’s entry is dedicated to blog regular Hayloh who is dealing with the loss of a family member. 

As promised, the return of the mailbag:

 Arlan writes: “If Telford is doing what I think he’s doing in the last scene of “Earth” – “

Answer: Yep, standing outside Young’s wife’s front door.

Arlan also writes: “- please tell me Young get’s the chance to knock Telford’s lights out.”

Answer: Whoa, whoa.  Don’t be so quick to jump to conclusions.  Did you stop to consider that he may just be going door to door selling magazine subscriptions?

DasNdanger also writes: “And Chloe’s upset over her boyfriend finding someone else when she was whooping it up with Scott?”

Answer: I think she was more upset at losing her friend than her boyfriend.

DasNdanger also writes: “Joe…I’m sorry. I really wanted this to work for me. I will probably give it until the season break, but if the relationships continue to take center stage (as they did in this ep), I’m not sticking around.”

Answer: Fair enough.  The next three episodes that take us to that break are, in my humble opinion, the best of the first ten.  I’ll be interested to hear your thoughts.

Jeff writes: “Any chance the stories you are spinning for season 2 involve finding the main engineering room or the bridge???”

Answer: Very possible.  But it would mean our crew discovering these locations between now and then.

BurningIce writes: “Is Brody now on Rush’s side after the events of Earth?”

Answer: How does the saying go?  The enemy of my enemy is my friend?

Gilder writes: “BTW, will we see a male/female swap at some point?”

Answer: We’re keeping it sex-specific.  That said, I wanted to do a story where one of our crew switches with a German Shepherd who ends up helping a detective solve crimes.  Meanwhile, back on Destiny, Eli lies around and begs for food.

ZeroPointBatteries writes: “on another note, has anyone noticed all the stargate stuff (props, sounds, etc…) that are being used in sanctuary.”

Answer: No.  Do tell.

Matt Boesch writes: “my question is this “what is your favorite episode from SGU so far?”

Answer: Right now, it’s a three-way tie between Time, Life, and Divided.

curiositykitty writes: “the first scene in earth with young- dream, memory, fantasy, or some mix of all?”

Answer: Good question.  ‘twould seem there’s something there…

Cherluvya writes: “Loved the picture. Who’s job was it to write on the board? Yours?”

Answer: If it’s your story, you’re up at the board.

IJH writes: “What about what Young and his wife did to Telford? They used his body for sex without his consent.”

Answer: You assume it was without his consent.  Although nothing was said either way, it seems most unlikely that someone who was giving up their body for a conjugal visit wouldn’t consider this to be a possibility.

Elenmai writes: “Awesome episode, but when do we see more of Camille?”

Answer: We finally get to know Camile in Life.

Gatelady writes: “Having sex while using someone else’s body is wrong. What about STD’s? What about pregnancy?”

Answer: As Brad once said “They know what causes that now.”  And there are precautions that can be taken to prevent both.

Kabra writes: “Let me just clarify about the Telford/Young scene – since it is a sensitive subject. I wasn’t laughing at the scene itself, it was more of the fact there were others thinking the same thing I was about the stones or I was thinking the same thing someone else was… Who wrote that by the way?”

Answer: The script was routine by Golden Boy Martin Gero, but the idea for the switch came in the writers’ room while we were spinning the story.

Phil writes: ““My name is Philip Fry”. WIN.  Who wrote that line?”

Answer: That was all Golden Boy Gero.

Phil writes: “On a side note do you know where my comment (which followed your ‘rant’) went? Did you not approve it or did it just get lost?”

Answer: Not sure.  I definitely didn’t delete it so either it’s somewhere amidst those 500+ comments or lost in cyberspace.

DP writes: “You already know I’m clawing my eyes out of my skull. I’m going to assume Telford and Young had an understanding or the show falls apart for me.”

Answer: As I said, although there is no indication given, logic dictates that Telford would know something like that could happen (since Young IS returning for a conjugal visit) so it’s fair to assume he signed off permission.

JES writes: “What’s to prevent these characters from using the bodies to commit other antisocial and illegal acts? Where’s the limit?”

Answer: Great question.  And it’s one Exec. Producer Carl may be positing in season two.

J writes: “Speaking of relationships, I understand that the likelyhood of this is low, but if Teyla and John ever are together, then it couldn’t happen instantly.”

Answer: Nope.  Both Teyla and John would have to observe a suitable period of mourning for Kanaan.  After John offs him.

Debra writes: “It is very telling the people wigging out about Young having sex with his wife in Telford’s body had nothing to say about Chloe getting fall down drunk… far more abusive to her “host”.”

Answer: Ah, excellent point.  While the individual giving up their body could sign off on a host of activities, getting fall-down drunk would seem to be pushing it.

ltcolshepjumper writes: “1) I still didn’t understand why neither Carter nor Mckay have been brought on yet to deal with the situation.
2) What is the status of the Trust? Last we saw, they were being led by a Goauld, still on Earth. What are they up to now,and will we see them again in the future?
3) will we see the IOA mroe in the future?”

Anwers: 1) Given the timeline of events for the movies, both would have been initially too busy dealing with equal/greater concerns.  After Earth, Young makes it clear that he is going to be very particular about who he allows on board. 2) That remains a mystery.  3) Wray is IOA so, yes.

TBA writes: “Are there going to be any more Earth-focused episodes?”

Answer: Life, coming your way in a couple of weeks.

TBA also writes: “What happened to Riley? Is he dead?”

Answer: Fortunately, he was only mostly dead.  He’s recovering, but it’s touch and go.  Fingers crossed!

Sparrow_hawk writes: “

After reading everyone’s comments about Eli and Chloe’s “kiss”: did I miss something? I thought that the kiss was something that Eli imagined (hoped would happen) but what *really* happened was that Chloe gave him the “you’re such a good friend” line and burst his bubble again.   Could you clarify Joe?”

Answer: You’re correct.  Eli only imagined the kiss.  Sad.  He needs a better imagination.

Wahlyn writes: “In Water(?) when Young is walking away from the three people trying to all talk to him about something, one of the men says that he was scheduled to use the stones that day. So, obviously, other people have been using the stones to see heir family.”

Answer: Also correct.  Crewmembers have been rotating visits back to Earth using the stones.

Paddy writes: “Are we gonna see RDA again, maybe towards the end of season one??”

Answer: Maybe.

archersangel writes: “speaking of your toyko trip; my brother has asked me to remind you to find cucumber pepsi & green tea coke for the weird food purchase.”

Answer: Will do!

patsfifi writes: “Have you( or the other writers) ever seen the brittish show Red Dwarf?”

Answer: I haven’t, but I’ve heard good things.

AnneTeldy writes: “Convenient, wasn’t it, that multiple people put their stones on the device at the same time and they all ended up in the bodies they were meant to have. Young should have gone first and told the Earthsiders who was coming next.”

Answer: There are corresponding stones on either end.

Jim of WVA writes: “Is Telford’s first name James (holds the heel or he supplanted) or a cognate thereof?”

Answer: David.  Close.

Kuro-sama writes: “just wondering, do watch Doctor Who?”

Answer: Nope.

HBMC writes: “Oh, one other thing Joe – is there going to be a 2-6 month break between Ep 10 and Ep 11, or is the channel that is afraid of vowels (SyFy) going to play it right through to the end?”

Answer: There will be a break.  I’m not sure how long the mid-season hiatus will last.  Hopefully not too long.

charles zuri writes: “If you was not making stargate where would you be or what would you be doing?”

Answer: I’d probably be a secret agent.  Or a chef.  Or a chef who was really a secret agent. 

Ravenfur writes: “Have you ever seen an episode of a TV show where the episode’s title ruined the plot for you?”

Answer: No, but I understand that the German title for the SG-1 episode “Forever In A Day” was “Sha’re Is Dead”.

November 6, 2009: Spin Week Concludes! David Anthony Durham’s New Book!

What do you mean "place holder title"? That's what we're calling it.

Five days.  Five stories.  Ish.  After breaking the first four episodes of season one Monday through Thursday, we spent a far more leisurely Friday discussing the general premise for the fifth, a.k.a.’s Brad’s episode.  Unlike everyone else in the room, Brad prefers a less structured, more free-flowing approach to scriptwriting so, in his case, no breaking required, just a gentle couple of hours in the spin cycle.  Still, I’d call that five for five.

A relaxed week and a half while we go our separate ways to put the finishing touches on our Tokyo trip and hash out our beat sheets after which we’ll reconvene back in the office to provide notes, offer inspired ideas, and let one another know where our respective outlines went horribly, horribly wrong.   There’s even talk of coming back to the office for a week in December to break – dare we hope? – another five stories.  Wishful thinking perhaps but it doesn’t hurt to try.  Unless, of course, you’re terribly jet-lagged from a two week Tokyo jaunt.  Then, maybe, it might hurt a tad.

This afternoon, we watched Brad’s producer’s cut of Incursion I.  Plenty of suspense, lots of action, and some outstanding performances make it a a terrific precursor to the season finale.  Wow.

Hey, I received an email from David Anthony Durham, author of Acacia a former Book of the Month Club pick, who informs me that The Other Lands, his folow-up to Acacia, is out.  I loved the first book and I’ll definitely be picking this one up.  If you’re thinking of doing the same, check it out here:  http://www.amazon.com/Other-Lands-Acacia-Book/dp/0385523327/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257560756&sr=8-1

This weekend, I get  new laptop.  Promise!

And fear not!  I’ll be easing back into the mailbag starting tomorrow…

November 5, 2009: Looking Ahead to the Stretch Run!

A warm welcome to all of the many longtime readers who, over the past few days, took the time to come out of hiding and post their first comments to this blog.  Thanks for contributing to the ongoing discussion and here’s hoping it becomes habit for you, like a morning routine or chewing your nails.

Hey, look at what’s up on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Great-Power/dp/1439168822/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257471794&sr=8-1.  It’s the pre-order page for the upcoming superhero anthology With Great Power…, edited by Lou Anders, with contributions from the likes of Matthew Sturges, Paul Cornell, James Maxey, Mike Carey, Mike Baron, Daryl Gregory, Gail Simone, Stephen Baxter, Chris Roberson, Peter David & Kathleen David, Mark Chadbourn, Marjorie M. Liu, Ian McDonald, Bill Willingham, and yours truly.  Apparently, we’re looking at a July 20, 2010 street date.

Photo courtesy and copyright MGM Television.

Interesting.  Friday night’s installment of Stargate: Universe has yet to air, but already the boards are abuzz.   Tomorrow, SyFy and Space air SGU’s seventh episode – Earth.  What’s it about?  Let me tell you – “Trouble on the home front for Eli, Young, and Chloe while, back aboard Destiny, Telford plays his hand.”

Photo courtesy and copyright MGM Television.

And then, we’re in the home stretch as we head toward the mid-season break, with three of my absolute favorite episodes of this first season.  First up -

Time: To those asking “When are we going to have our next alien encounter?” – be careful what you wish for because this episode provides the answer in creepy, mind-bending style.  As producer on the show, I watch the individual episodes so many signs I’m honestly well weary of them by the time that final mix comes around.  Time, however, is an exception.  This is one of those rare episodes I’ll actually watch when it airs.  Fantastic – but not for the faint of heart or weak of mind.  As my second grade teacher Mrs. Vowels used to say: “Put on your thinking caps”  because this one could bruise your brain.

Life: A surprising find for the Destiny crew leads to renewed hope, while an equally shocking discovery staggers one of our regulars.  To those of you wondering when we’re finally going to get to know more about Ming-Na’s character, Camile, I suggest you make a point of tuning in.  An incredibly touching episode that never fails to impact notoriously-heartless-me every time I watch it.  No, no.  I’ve just got something in my eye.  Ahem.

Justice: After a heinous crime is committed aboard Destiny, the crew struggles with the concepts of crime and punshiment as they apply to an isolated, shipboard community billions of light years from home.  The ladies step up, a terrible loss impacts all, and one of those Holy $&#@! moments guarantees a sleepless night for some – including a lot of people watching at home.

Can’t say enough great things about them.  Trust me.  These are three episodes you do NOT want to miss.

November 4, 2009: The January Book of the Month Club Selection!

The last time I flew to Montreal, I was seated beside a guy reading a science fiction novel.  The cover caught my eye and I made a mental note to check out the author the next time I found myself in a bookstore.  A little over a week later, I was on a flight back to Vancouver when I happened to glance across the aisle and notice a woman reading an SF title – different book, but same author.  What were the chances?  THIS, I decided, was fate – just like that time I got Autumn in New York as the in-flight movie in back to back trips which made me realize I was destined to re-marry Winona Ryder.  Or vacation in New York.  Anyway, I made a second mental note to remember my first mental note to check out the author the next time I found myself in a bookstore.  Fastforward several months to last week when I received a package in the mail.  Elated, I tore it open to discover, not the expected return correspondence from Winona, but a little something from my buddy, editor Lou Anders, over at PYR.  It was the latest book by THE SAME AUTHOR!  Seriously, what are the chances? 

Anyway, I dropped the author an email and asked her if she might be interested in doing a little Q&A in support of her book.  Turns out she’d be delighted to participate.  And so, it gives me great pleasure to announce January’s Book of the Month Club selection…

Diving into the Wreck, by Kristine Kathryn Rusch

From the publisher: “Boss loves to dive historical ships, derelict spacecraft found adrift in the blackness between the stars. Sometimes she salvages for money, but mostly she’s an active historian. She wants to know about the past–to experience it firsthand. Once she’s dived the ship, she’ll either leave it for others to find or file a claim so that she can bring tourists to dive it as well. It’s a good life for a tough loner, with more interest in artifacts than people.

Then one day, Boss finds the claim of a lifetime: an enormous spacecraft, incredibly old, and apparently Earth-made. It’s impossible for something so old, built in the days before Faster Than Light travel, to have journeyed this far from Earth. It shouldn’t be here. It can’t be here. And yet, it is. Boss’s curiosity is up, and she’s determined to investigate. She hires a group of divers to explore the wreck with her, the best team she can assemble. But some secrets are best kept hidden, and the past won t give up its treasures without exacting a price in blood.

What Boss finds could rewrite history, cost lives, and start an intergalactic war.”

“Tense and gripping…. The endlessly enjoyable terror of dark, alien, empty spaces brimming with unknowable danger and impenetrable mystery should keep fans of the genre hooked.” –Internet Review of Science Fiction

“Rusch takes the dangers inherent in deep sea diving and memorably puts them into the deep dark vacuum of space, making the exploration of the hulk a much more complicated issue than tends to be the case in the SF.” –Best SF Reviews

It’s an intriguing synopsis, the reviews are great, you have plenty of time to read the book, AND, to top it off, the author also happens to be a Stargate fan.  So, when the time comes, in addition to asking her about the novel and whether or not she can introduce us to Winona Ryder, you can also get her SF expert take on things SG-1, Atlantis and/or Universe. 

Discussion the week of January 11, 2010 – with author Kristine Kathryn Rusch.

A gentle reminder (please, don’t make me resort to a not-so-gentle reminder that will involve my taking a hickory switch to your bare calf) to finish up this month’s BOTMC pick, Emissaries from the Dead, by Adam-Troy Castro, as it will be up for discussion next week.  Also, remember to pick up December BOTMC selection, The Misenchanted Sword, by Lawrence Watt-Evans, well in advance of its discussion on the week of December 8th. 

On the SGU front: a third day down and another story broken.  We are zipping along!  I figure that at this rate, we should have season 2 and most of season 3 broken by the time I’m Tokyo-bound.

Tune in tomorrow for my thoughts on the stretch-run to the mid-season break.

Today’s entry is dedicated to Arctic Goddess.