July 15, 2010: Atlantis crossover? Which begs all sorts of questions! And another BIG guest blogger announcement! - Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog

With word from producer John G. Lenic that the deals have been closed on those Atlantis alums, we can now move forward on the script, secure in the knowledge that both extra-special guest stars will actually be on hand to say the dialogue written for specifically for them.  Great news for fans of the old series.  There was a reluctance to move ahead with an SGA crossover, particularly on my part, because the feeling was it would step on the timing of the SGA movie, Stargate: Extinction, the events of which directly proceed the Atlantis series finale, Enemy at the Gate.  But given the delay on the movie front and the ideal premise pitched out by Remi Aubuchon and Brad Wright, it was decided to go ahead with the crossover.  Not a big deal, but it will require some changes to the Stargate: Extinction timeline which, in turn, will beg a host of questions, some of which will be answered in episode #15, some of which won’t…at least not right away:

1. Where the hell is Atlantis?

Who wants to take the ferry over to Sausalito?

When last we saw our fair city, it was parked in the waters of San Francisco.  Of course logic would dictate it couldn’t sit there for very long without rousing some suspicion or, at the very least, creating some inconvenience for boaters.  Obviously it can’t remain there for long, so where would you move it?  Okay, besides your back yard?

2. If Atlantis is on Earth, does this mean Earth-based off-world ops are being conducted from the city?

It's SG-1's IDC! Drop the shield!

Shifting operations to Atlantis makes sense for a number of reasons – and could prove problematic for a host of others.  And that’s assuming that NORAD’s decision to place Cheyenne Mountain on warm stand-by has, in fact, impacted Stargate Command.  So, Cheyenne Mountain, Homeworld Command, or Atlantis?  Which is it?  Stay tuned.

3. If Atlantis has taken up permanent residence in the Milky Way, then it’s unlikely the Daedalus will be making a return trip to Pegasus anytime soon, meaning characters like Teyla, Kanaan (Yep, he made the trip.), Ronon, and Todd will be taking up permanent residence on Earth.  Or are they?  And if so, what the hell are they doing?

What is this Wal-Mart of which you speak?

Talk about fish out of water.  While it’s unlikely Kanaan will be getting a job at Dairy Queen, it’s certain that the proper authorities will ensure their guests are properly looked after and, whenever possible, permitted to adjust to their new environment.  Ronon’s learning curve may prove a little more. uh, curvier than, say, Teyla and Kanaan, but that’s what having a buddy like Sheppard is for – to keep you out of trouble, back you up in bar room brawls, and help you prepare your audition so that you can snag the lead in that upcoming warrior pic:

Saaateeeeeeedaaaaaaaaaaa!

4. All well and good for Ronon, Teyla, and Kanaan who chose to come along for the ride, but what about Todd who is now a prisoner on Earth?  And, hey, how the heck are the authorities going to see to his unique dietary requirements?

I've got these neighbors who party 'til all hours of the night. I need you to pay them a visit.

This one’s a particularly intriguing question (aint it, Das?).  Now this was never an issue before given the Extinction timeline (incidentally, as I mentioned previously, Todd plays a key role in the movie, complicating AND facilitating matters for our heroes, and just thinking about that final scene between him and John…well, I get ahead of myself.) but if they have remained on Earth then one of two things has to have happened: a) Todd starved to death or, b) seeking to make use of Todd and his vast knowledge with regard to Pegasus, the Ancients, and alien technology, the authorities have found a way to keep him hale and hardy by feeding him (preferably cranky fans).

5. IF Atlantis has remained in the Milky Way, does this mean that all of the members of the Atlantis expedition last scene in the series finale are still working as Atlantis staff?

Sorry, I'd love to dial, but 5:00 p.m. is quittin' time!

Well, it would make sense given that these individuals were chosen for their expertise and now find themselves in the even more attractive position of being able to go home every night (provided it’s not too busy).  In fact, I can see the I.O.A. assigning to Atlantis, but I can’t believe we’ll see many defections.

6. And what about the personal lives of our crew?  IF Atlantis has been on Earth since the events of Enemy at the Gate (What is that?  Almost a year?), how have the lives of our main characters progressed?

Are Sheppard and Nancy rekindling their relationship?  Are McKay and Keller married yet?  Has Carson completely adjusted to the life he left behind?  Are Rodney and Radek still having it out on a daily basis?  Is Torren teaching his fellow pre-schoolers how to stick fight?  What’s going on with Ronon and Amelia?  Was Woolsey happily reunited with his yorkie?  Did Major Lorne come out with any personal revelations?  Again, stay tuned.

Hey, I just noticed that even though I mentioned the deals had been closed, I didn’t reveal which characters would be putting in an appearance.

That’s because SyFy will be making the grand announcement when the time comes.  Watch for it!

Which is a perfect segue into my next big guest blogger announcement.  Ladies and gentlemen, I’m pleased to announce that kick-ass Erika Kennair, SyFy’s Director of Development, has agreed to swing by and field your questions.  Ask away!

Let me answer the first one for her: Yes, she's married. Sorry.