Greetings from 14th century Crecy where I just witnessed the outnumbered English force of
12 000 defeat a superior French contingent of 36 000. As you may have realized by now, the December 13, 2005 dating on my previous blog was not a stupid oversight on my part. In reality, I've been researching a time travel story by testing out the time travel device located in the puddle jumper SG-1 recovered from the Good to Be King planet (yes, we still have it and its located somewhere in Area 51 where its been undergoing testing). Since I have 10 days until Edward III lays siege to Calais, I thought I'd take a break and fill you in on what's been going on.
Back in our time, we've been breaking stories for season 10 of SG-1. For the past couple of weeks, we'd gotten together (Brad, Rob, Paul, Carl, Martin, Alan, and myself) to break a good whack o' Atlantis stories. Like last year, Martin Gero will be kicking things off by scripting the premiere that picks up where Allies left off. For those of you who have access to a time time travel and have seen Allies, I'm sure you're asking yourself "How are they going to top that one?". Well, wait until July and prepare to be amazed. Alternately, you can travel forward in time and watch the episode. If you do, please record a transcript and then send it to Martin as it would save him a heck of a lot of time in the scripting process. Anyway, whenever he finishes up the premiere, he'll follow up with that other story he pitched which will finally give fans a glimpse at one of the most moderately requested characters in fandom: Mckay's sister Jeanie. Carl has packed up and headed back to L.A. where he starts work on an early season two-parter. Brad's got to tackle Delicious Fat Guy. And Rob's gearing up for the sequel to the Atlantis he wrote last year. Paul and/or I will get episode #2, which will see the return of two of my favorite guest stars.
We finally got around to spinning/breaking SG-1 last week only after the final deal had been closed (so that we knew exactly who we would be writing for, which always makes thing infinitely easier). Rob has staked out the big season premiere. I and/or Paul will be writing the second episode, formerly Morpheus but since some are worried that fans may confuse it with Orpheus or Moebius, I've decided to change the title to: "Before I Sleeping With the Enemy at the Gates of Heaven Can Wait Until Dark Water World" (Feel free to run with it. Knock yourselves out). Tomorrow, its episode #3, Brad's Daniel story, that sees the occasionally-bespectacled one travel far, far away.
Last episode of Lost. Loved it with a capital "L" (I feel the need to point that out since I started the sentenced with the word "Loved" and, as a result, had to capitalize it regardless). Call me crazy (and several of you have called me worse) but I find Ana and Mr. Echo infinitely more interesting than any of our regulars with the possible exception of Sawyer. Three episodes into season 5 of Alias (my wife is very unhappy). Finished the "Best of" (and, I can only assume "and Worst of") The Outer Limits seasons 1 and 2. I also finished up Futurama (I think it was season 3) and launched into Homicide season 2. My wife and I are also watching King of the Hill, season 3, on the big screen (love that Bobby Hill).
On the movie front, watched a neat little Korean chiller called Acaccia. Recommended. And, on the anime front, I'm halfway through those four shows I mentioned in my last blog and am now enjoying a couple (Midori Days and Dual), and not minding the other two (Android Kikaider and Gravitation which gets extra marks for its great opening theme). Now a few of you have given me some good recommendations, most of which I've already seen. Although my collection numbers about 3000 anime DVD's, I have worked my way through roughly 20% of them. To get a sense of what I'm enjoying, here is my "more of less" list of my top 25 anime series:
25: Video Girl Ai 24: Revolutionary Girl Utena 23: Golden Boy
22: Black Heaven 21: Ninja Scroll 20: Gatekeepers
19: Excel Saga 18: Niea Under 7 17: Patlabor
16: G.I.Ts 15: Boogiepop Phantom 14: Neon Genesis Evangelion
13: Escaflowne 12: Trigun 11: Hellsing
10: Last Exile 9: GTO 8: Kino's Journey
7: Azumanga Daioh 6: Rurouni Kenshin 5: Infinite Ryvius
4: Noir 3: Now and Then Here and There 2: Cowboy Bebop
1: Berserk
Continuing my Cantonese and Japanese lessons. Also picked up some great SF anthologies and a book by James Kakalios called "The Physics of Superheroes" which studies the physics behind the likes of Magneto and Electro. Cool.
Feel like dropping any hints as to how Vala and Sam are going to get along?
Ooh! So close! Almost had the first comment.
So, what's gonna happen on December 13?
Liked the streaming list of movie titles. Am I to gather that you guys are going to write Atlantis first, then write SG-1?
OOh, Calais. Now that was good times. Just like seasons 1-8.
Ok, looks like your blog is a must-read from now on, what with the tantalizing details on S3/S10. ;)
PG15
I have the ability to time travel, I've seen Allies and it was a fantastic episode. The Premiere's of both shows where fantastic (SG-1 Season 10 and SGA Season 3). And Joe I'm kidding, and I know you were being sarcastic as well.
-Abydos
DEC 13 is my b-day >_<
Stick with 'Morpheus' if it fits the episode. Believe it or not, most SG-1 fans (at least those who actually remember the titles) are intelligent enough to distinguish the difference between 'Morpheus,' 'Orpheus,' and 'Moebius.' Most of us even know what each term actually refers to. Shocking, I know.
BTW - Plague, war, famine, death... out of all periods in history, why in the world would you want to go back in time to 14th century France?
Stick with 'Morpheus' if it fits the episode. Believe it or not, most SG-1 fans (at least those who actually remember the titles) are intelligent enough to distinguish the difference between 'Morpheus,' 'Orpheus,' and 'Moebius.' Most of us even know what each term actually refers to. Shocking, I know.
Well, I dunno. I mean they felt the beard was nessacary for Daniel so we could seperate him from Mitchell ;)
So tell me Joe, does this mean that Damien is no longer part of your little Stargating Club? Has he finally left to write the Star Trek stories he longs for? Brad and Rob tired of massively rewriting his stuff? Or, and you could make my day with this, do the Ori destroy Earth's fleet, thus negating the need for Damien to write his traditional "spaceship" episode?
"Before I Sleeping With the Enemy at the Gates of Heaven Can Wait Until Dark Water World"...okay here goes...
Ordinary Heroes In The Eyes Of A Stranger Through The Eyes Of A Killer Lost Treasure Of Atlantis. Starring: RDA....just beating a dead horse...bring him BACK.
Another one:
Past the Bleachers Beyond Betrayl is the Trail to Doomsday Pandora's Clock Fallout.
Firehouse Odd Jobs Legend, starring...RDA...BRING HIM BACK !!!
LOL> LMAO>
Sports. Night. Seriously, you will like it. Save it for after Futurama or something. It gets off to a clunky start, and ABC mauls it with a horrendous laugh track, but, still. Good. Show.
Also, I just got my SG: A DVDs from my mom, who was holding them hostage and, omfg, it rocks.
Commentary=lurve. You guys rock, hardcore.
Back to the Packer game...*sob*
Glad everything is in gear!
Ana is one of the great things that has happened to Lost! (Michelle Rodriguez just has that something!)
And I am going to have to agree with your wife about Alias S5. WTH happened? It's just not working for me.
Good luck on the lessons!
Hey, maybe most of us are smart enough to distinguish between Morpheus/Orpheus/Moebius, but then there are those people who caused food lables to say "hot when cooked" or something stupid like that.
PG15
agentdark commented:
>>Well, I dunno. I mean they felt the beard was nessacary for Daniel so we could seperate him from Mitchell ;)<<
Having heard Michael complain at the 2004 Barcelona con about wanting to keep the beard, I suspect TPTB gave him a gift a year later. *grin*
Joe blogged:
>>Paul and/or I will get episode #2, which will see the return of two of my favorite guest stars.<<
*She who wishes to remain spoiler-free bites tongue and fingers*
Whoops, forgot to sign the above comment...
Gilder
We haven't scared you away!
:acts totally shocked because the crazies scare HER:
I had a oppurtunity to meet James Kakalios last July at CONvergence in Minneapolis. He had a very interesting panel and I, for once in my life, actually understood something involving math.
You will tell us which one was Delicious Fat Guy, right? Pwease? Has become a personal joke between my sister and I, we plan to bet on which one it is next season as soon the episode list gets revealed later on.
Can't wait to see Allies and the rest of both seasons, stop tempting me! I'm desperately trying to stay away from the BitTorrents of the one's being shown in Canada anyway!
As always love to hear the latest Stargate news!
-Kit (akinner@mac.com)
I take it this means you're staying on for Season 10? Hurrah!
And a little more politely than the grump above, where is Mr. Kindler? I very much enjoy his scripts and I'd be sad to see him go!
At this point, the only new character on Lost that interests me is Bernard. I'm hoping to see his reunion with Rose. (See, I do like some romance on tv. Just, not on Stargate. I think I may warm up to some of the others once all the survivors are together. Too much time away from Sawyer bores me.
And, a tiny little request for the upcoming episode with the occasionally bespectacled one. Let him be bespectabled, and not occassionally in this episode. You have my permission to do whatever it takes.
(I posted this before and it didn't show up, so ignore it if I did double post)
Hmmm... we need a big new story arc that dwarves the Goa-uld mythology to kick SG-1 forward, don't we... I'm sure the possibilities in the SG universe are limitless! :)
one of those guest stars better be FORD!!!!!!!!!!
There shouldn't be an apostrophe in "DVD's"... Unless it's some kind of Jaffa thing that I haven't heard about...
Hello Mallozi,
I heard that Claudia Black will be a main cast member of SG-1 in the 10th season and Amanda Tapping, too. So who will be in SG-1 and what is the point of bringing Claudia Black into the show regularly?
And would Sam be kicked out of the SG-1 team only to bring Vala in? I really don't hope you do so. Claudia in the show is Ok, but not as a part of the SG-1 team and Sam being kicked out of it.
Looking forward for Season 10! The Daniel story sounds like it'll be great - anything like Legacy or Lifeboat? I thought those were pretty dark.
Also, ... so, are we going to see Mitchell following the white rabit or something?
Can't wait to hear more!
Hey Joe,
I haven't commented on your blog in a while cause I'm sick of reading all the negative comments, but I have still be reading your blogs, and checking back almost everyday in anticipation of your next one!
And boy did you deliver today!!!!! What a fantastic blog!! Thanks for all the info on s10/s3, I am eagerly awaiting both as well as the second half of s9/s2!!!!!
Keep up the good work, keep up blogging, oh and let Martin know I have his script waiting whenever he wants to get in contact with me!!!!
Hugs
Erin
Hee. I was one of the idiots who talked about Orpheus. In my defense, Joe called it "Orpheus" in one of his "comment responses."
I know the difference, I just apparently have short-term memory problems b/c I forgot he talked about Morpheus in his blog and the latter was a typo. ;-) Keep Morpheus as the title.
(And I didn't think the beard was necessary. They DON'T look alike!--and I'm glad everyone's back for the new seasons.)
I've lost track of when Alias even airs anymore, but I'm getting back into Lost. I like the Korean couple, Locke, Hurley and Bernard and Mr. Echo. And Ana Lee killed the possible future vice president! (West Wing--he took the job when Don S. Davis refused...speaking of whom...)
Could Gen. Hammond be making a reappearance in S10/S3? Please?!?
Oh, excellent choice in Homicide. Filmed in my hometown.
Congrats on Vala becoming a reg next year. I'm sure Vala and Carter will BOTH be entertaining.
On the Atlantis side, a lot of folks are finding the flirty and "Kirkesque" moments for Shep are being overdone. Might want to tone it down for season 3. And please give Major Lorne a first name (if he survives). :O)
Agree with your assessment of "Lost", but add Desmond to the mix. I find him fascinating.
I wanna watch Azumanga Daioh...Yay!!! Claudia's a cast member now!! ^_^ It's gonna be a great 10th season. Can't wait to watch the last half of the season. Have fun learning Canto and Jpn.
And please give Major Lorne a first name (if he survives). :O)
i second that. Not a fan of Enemy Mine, i consider Lorne the only good thing to come out of that eps...but he's adorable as all get out on atlantis and i think he's a great counterpart to the first team.
More Lorne is a good thing....and a first name would be even better
I'm sorry to hear Rob Cooper is writing another Atlantis episode. His treatment of McKay as a bumbling coward in Runner nearly caused me to give up on the show.
Very glad to hear Jeanie will appear, and that Alan is in the writing room with you. Prototype was a fab episode.
Yeah, I thir....oh wait, no I don't.
Joe, please kill Major Lorne by the end of the season. Like all of the tertiary characters on Atlantis, all he does is take valuable development and screentime from any of the real characters. He's a waste of time and space. Lorne is a red shirt. And if Atlantis is going to be as "dark" as you producers like to call it, then bad things have to start happening. Lorne's gruesome dismemberment and beheading after days of torture at the hands of the Genii would be a great first step. Let's see the folks at Atlantis have to deal with Sheppard's team carrying a coffin back through the gate. Now that would be something different, wouldn't it?
And if you do have to give the walking tool a name, then make it something catchy. Here are a few suggestions:
Wally
Chubbs
Francisco
Hershel
Lupus
Thanks for hopefully considering my suggestions.
Anonymous said in a post at the last blog entry:
"Atlantis is fine without SG1, it's a great show all on it's own."
For your sake, and the sake of all the SGA fans, I hope you are right because with the announcement of vala being a regular caricature with a possible silly offspring story to bring with her, the possibility of Carter being on SGA and SG1, Mitchell as full leader and with Daniel as vala's lap dog/patsy/foil/, etc., it seems the bell is tolling for SG1 (especially since now Sci-Fi can also make the claim to the longerst running US sci-fi show and they don't need a S11). Good luck to all - it will be interesting to see whether the ratings sustain themselves thru S9 nevermind what you all will be subjected to for S10. As Bugs Bunny used to say - that's all folks - see ya around as this is one former fan who won't be sticking around for Stargate SG1 - the cartoon.
Terry B.
Actually, I think Rob Cooper and Brad Wright are the only guys who have written Mckay "in character". Like it or not, Mckay is a bumbling coward. That's exactly who he has always been since his creation. When Mckay gets written as a hero or even as a functioning adult, he's being written out of character. Like him or hate him, you can't change the fundamental core of a character without making him someone different entirely. And if you fans want to turn Mckay into a hero you might as well start calling him something else. I hope that Cooper writes Mckay with the same "in character" personality that he exhibited in Runner. And yes, that means I hope he's sitting there on the ground, shivering in fear as a firefight rages around him. Because that is Rodney Mckay.
Nigel
Nigel,
I disagree. People are more complicated than that. In any given situation we may react differently on different days on account of mood, health, timing, or other circumstances. A person who once was a bumbling coward, but is making their way toward being able to handle themselves in such situations seems likely to me to go back and forth between the two extremes while they're experiencing such character growth.
>> Like it or not, Mckay is a bumbling coward. >>
Gee, I guess I didn't need to spend countless hours watching the show or reading fanfic to develop my own sense of who Rodney is. I just needed to ask you! How very arrogant.
Rodney has hidden depths beneath the snarkiness, self-absorption, and hypochondria. He has the capacity for heroism and compassion. If he didn't, he'd be Dr. Smith from Lost in Space and I'd be praying for his demise for the two or three episodes it would take for me to stop watching the show.
Since SGA premiered, Rodney has been a main character. He needs to be written with redeeming characteristics beyond just his brains. He's not there as Felger, to be mocked for cheap laughs.
McKay, as annoying as he's been, has pretty much remained in character since his introduction on SG-1. Yes, he's grown into the obligatory HERO persona, but beyond that his core is still that of arrogance and bumbling cowardice.
It's great when they have him move outside of that box, and surprise those around him. That shows growth and development. But no matter how awesome McKay is, he's not really the kind of character who's the hero-of-the-week.
Somewhat like Vala, McKay is slightly over the top, selfish and arrogant, but great for snark and the comic relief. And, at the end of the day (again, like Vala), he still has the capacity for depth.
~DoS
Kick ass.
You should have been a salesman. Lots of fast words and really saying nothing at all.....
Yours truly
Confused from Washington
Hey! Don't listen to any of these weirdos trying to tear things down. McKay is THE MAN and Atlantis would be like 40% less awesome if he weren't there as written by EVERYONE! Super-excited about the remainder of 9 and 2 and can't wait for 10 and 3! Keep up the great work!
By the way, which episode is Rob following up on? By "the one he wrote last season", it could mean Season 1 from the viewer's standpoint, so we could assume it'd be a sequel to The Gift, which'd be great. If Season 2 is "last season", could it be a sequel to Conversion?
Wow, that's pretty weak, using fan fic to defend your opinion of McKay. Hey, I can make up my own reasons too, but that doesn't make them part of Atlantis. Try checking back after you watch the show, not your own "special" version of it where you've fanwanked everything you don't like off into some redeeming act. He's a coward. He's mean and base, has the social skills of a toddler, and views all things from the perspective of how they make him look good or bad and how they may harm or help him.
Oh, and there's no doubt that this boob is a main character. Just about every single episode of the show is written with him as the main protagonist, often times when it doesn't even make sense. Speaking of doesn't make sense, this guy should have been dead long ago. It's mere plot devices and contrivances that have kept him alive through season two.
Basically what you're saying is that when he does something heroic or extraordiany he should be exalted to the moon as the greatest thing ever in the Stargate Universe. But when he does something cowardly, mean, selfish, etc., it's OK, because he's Rodney. The guy gets a free pass from fans all the time for behavior and actions that get nearly every other character, from Teyla to Shep to Carter to Jack, lambasted and raked over the coals.
This doesn't make Rodney a "complex" character, it makes him contradictory. And it allows the writers to simply write the character however they wish or is necessary, given the situations he's placed in. Hence we get inconsistent characterization, where fans descry the character's behavior in one episode and laud it in the next. He grows and regresses over and over, never really developing at all. Ford's arc is an example of character change and growth (maybe not for the better, but growth none the less), Rodney's is an example of being completely stationary. He's a one trick pony, and it's already gotten old for many Atlantis fans. The fact that he's even allowed off base is an insult to Zelenka and the other scientists, who seem emminently more qualified to be placed in the field. As a former soldier I can tell you that I would never, ever want to go into combat with McKay on my team, and I can't believe that the others do either. Not unless they want to get killed that is.
Trevor, RAF
Mr. Mallozzi...
I do hope that you have more in store for my beloved favorite duo...John and Teyla...
Camy
I must add to my previous message...
Cut down on the "Captain Kirk" for John, it's boring, tiring and not what we want to see in his character..it is so no need it! ....but most importantly, you have such great female characters in Teyla and Weir...could you please stop using them as the shadow for the boys' specifically, Rodney and Sheppard and use them as the great female leaders that they have the potential to be.....
Have them save their butts for a change...and then go out on a girls night out across the galaxies and leave the boys doing the home cook meal.....
Camy
>> Hence we get inconsistent characterization, where fans descry the character's behavior in one episode and laud it in the next. He grows and regresses over and over, never really developing at all. >>
We agree there. I want him to be consistently heroic at the core, otherwise why would I invest in him as a character? I want him to grow into a real human being who overcomes his ineptitude and fears when the chips are down. That's why I don't want a Runner II that takes him backward to square 1 again.
Do you think we're supposed to hate Rodney? Is that the writers' intentions?
It wasn't until I started reading fan fic that I really started enjoying the episodes, because the best fanfic writers bring out the good in Rodney and find a depth in Sheppard that is sorely lacking on the show. If that's fanwanking, well, it got the show one more loyal viewer so maybe it's not all bad.
Hi, im a big fan of Stargate, and have been following it since it first came out
i was just wondering, will their be any more Baal, he seemed like an amusing character, and am intrested to see what he may be upto next in the Stargate universe, since most Goauld dont just live peacefully, and itd make a good sub plot what with the whole Ori thing
also as for Anime, check out an anime called Gantz, its very adult/violent, but is actually quite excellent
anonymous said:
It wasn't until I started reading fan fic that I really started enjoying the episodes, because the best fanfic writers bring out the good in Rodney and find a depth in Sheppard that is sorely lacking on the show. If that's fanwanking, well, it got the show one more loyal viewer so maybe it's not all bad.
Well, ok. There's really not much to discuss if you're determined to create "your own" Rodney Mckay character that you see instead of the one that's presented each week on Atlantis. But we agree that that isn't the character on the show.
anonymous also said:
Do you think we're supposed to hate Rodney? Is that the writers' intentions?
Yes, originally, that was the intention of the writers. Mckay was meant to be hated from the minute he walked into the SGC. Mckay was two-dimensional from the start, and he hasn't evolved much since. The closest he's come was, perhaps, the end of Trinity. But instead of acknowledging his own errors and innate hubris, he instead offers up some lame line about how he won't ever let everybody down and be wrong again. And then in the subsequent episodes he's right back to being a foil for the other nobler characters, having learned apparently nothing and not remembering at all his own limitations. So, when you say that you hate the Rodney in Runner, I say good, that's who the character is.
I understand wanting more out of the character. But we haven't been given more yet. We've been given a character whose personality changes to suit the situation, a character who can be funny via his arrogance, endearing thanks to his one-liners. And as is evident from the character's popularity, those things are enough for most fans. I suppose that many are like you; they're fans who purposefully ignore what they're presented with in order to make the character work for them. But I still say out of all the science fiction/alien elements involved in Atlantis, the most unbelieveable aspect of the show is that there are military personnel and warriors who are willing to trust their lives to Rodney when there's a better option. Or that there are leaders who allow him to continue going off world given his cowardly, unreliable nature.
Trevor, RAF
Magneto and Electro are superheroes?
I hope you've watched Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex already. If not you're really missing out. It essentially dwarfs the quality of the anime series you seem to otherwise enjoy. Please give it a look over.
3000!? Where do you live, and what's the easiest way into your house? I feel the need to 'borrow' them. You can get one DVD back when you write a good episode of Stargate. ;p
Now, how cool would it be to have Felger drooling over Vala? Huh huh?
pettygrew :)
more sam.
more sam/jack.
k?
sally :)
Pettigrew said:
"Now, how cool would it be to have Felger drooling over Vala? Huh huh?"
About as cool as having McKay drooling over Sam--not at all. It's sad that the Stargate's audience is no longer the kind that goes in for drama or development. Now it's all just orgiastic sensationalism and the next instant gratification of whim. Tittliation has replaced substance, kitchy ideas have replaced sound story ideas. Plotting is increasingly convoluted, but at least it was a "cool" shot or story or scene. So long as it tickles the fancy of the lowest common denominator, it's gold on Stargate right now. More's the pity.
Anonymous above this post said:
"About as cool as having McKay drooling over Sam--not at all. It's sad that the Stargate's audience is no longer the kind that goes in for drama or development. Now it's all just orgiastic sensationalism and the next instant gratification of whim. Tittliation has replaced substance, kitchy ideas have replaced sound story ideas. Plotting is increasingly convoluted, but at least it was a "cool" shot or story or scene. So long as it tickles the fancy of the lowest common denominator, it's gold on Stargate right now. More's the pity."
Sums it all up very nicely, plus it was oh sooo much fun to write. Cheap, sleazy, low-class, caricature is always fun to write -the hard work is good drama that garners respect as opposed to cheap laughs.
Binkpmmc
"I suppose that many are like you; they're fans who purposefully ignore what they're presented with in order to make the character work for them"
So by your reckoning, liking McKay as a character makes us ignorant?
Please.
People are entitled to their opinions about characters, whether they're poorly written or not; and for the record, it's my opinion that McKay is far from poorly written.
In fact, I enjoy Atlantis on weekly basis, purely because I feel that he represents something that many viewers can identify with. I'm sorry we can't all be former soldiers like yourself, and as such, some viewers might find it more difficult to identify with a character who has no issues charging into a fight gun-first, as opposed to a character who is reluctant to enter a situation that seems more than likely to result in death, in much the same way that Rodney would.
You're entitled to your opinion in the same way that I am, but calling people ignorant for holding their opinion is just...well, ignorant.
You have a time-machine, Joe? Superb. I'd like a quantum mirror so I could set up a profitable line in "Alternative Reality Tours". Of course it would be a bit too tempting to "lose" some people somewhere :grin:
I'm looking forward to the next half of season 9. Episodes like "Off the Grid" and "Ripple Effect" sound like they're going to be great (I carefully avoid spoiling myself much).
You do realize that Ana Lucia is currently the most hated person in the fandom, right? Personally I don't get it, because what she did made the show a lot more interesting (after oh-so-disappointing s2 first eps). And all that angst I'm not seeing in the trailers *heeee*.
But I have to agree with you. Ana and Mr.Echo are the most interesting characters so far. I do think about Sawyer being in the same league. Probably Sayid now. But it can be that I simply love Sayid and refuse to acknowledge him being a shallow character...
I hope that s10 of sg1 and s3 of atlantis will be as good as everybody hopes.
oh, and btw:
I LOVED THE HIVE!!!!!
I don't want to say why, because America is still during the hiatus, but. This was one of the finest actings I saw on the show. Two thumbs up for you and everyone there.
Cala
Hi Joe,
Nice to read about the writing stuff - I like Martin's writing and can't wait for the episode about Jeanie! Of course, I know it's still a long wait away.
Do you reckon he will write something where David has to undergo some tortourous peril??? (just giving some hints here!)
Wow, I had no idea you were such a huge anime fan! Now everything makes sense - ie the Japanese lessons and the constant mentions.
I've been trying to figure out why you keep leaving all these little words in Cantonese (am new to reading your blogs) and now I realised that's coz you are taking lessons.
Hope you're learning lots - it's not easy learning Chinese (I'm Chinese and I have problems learning some of the dialects!)... :D Cantonese is pretty cool though - especially great when ordering food (yum!) - good luck with it.
As they say in Cantonese, Joi gin!!!
Have a nice one!
Alex
It wasn't until I started reading fan fic that I really started enjoying the episodes, because the best fanfic writers bring out the good in Rodney and find a depth in Sheppard that is sorely lacking on the show. If that's fanwanking, well, it got the show one more loyal viewer so maybe it's not all bad
with all due respect folks, if you're expecting 'reality' to measure up to fanfic, you're doomed to be disappointed. Fanfic is notorious for twisting and warping the characters to suit the writer's own personal preferences.
daniel, in a popular fanfic characterization, is a 98 pound weakling, incapable of taking care of himself, but is adored by all...of course only after he selflessly does something to save the lives of those that callously treat him poorly.
jack is a rude, annoying and mean man who will knowingly and willingly hurt his friends with his thoughtless and military mindset...but will repent in the end and angst over hurting his little danny-wanny or samikins
sam is a weepy little girl who needs a bit strong man to take care of her. if pete is abusing her - like sam would take that - she needs jack to rescue her. or she needs daniel to save her from mean jack or she needs someone to keep her safe and take care of her
teal'c....poor t-man is good for nothing more than 'what is a oprah' jokes and to carry the injured person through the gate.
and i'm sure the atlantis characters suffer from similar bad characterizations created by fanfic writers who twist the characters to move thier story.
so, if you're expecting the show to measure up to fanfic....you're gonna be disappointed. and you're expecting the wrong thing. the show shouldn't change to suit the fanfic writers, the fanfic writers could change to match the show instead of creating original characters with familiar names
While you are planning for S3 you might consider giving the Captain Kirk routine a rest. The worst thing about Star Trek was all those ludicrous hot alien women who lusted after Kirk. Now here we go again with Shep. Yes, we know he's attractive, and yes, it appears he doesn't invite the attention. However, it's beginning to look ridiculous. And now we have Joe Flanigan talking about it like it's a good thing. I know he can't publicly choose between his two female co-stars, but he doesn't have to advocate being the slut of the Pegasus Galaxy. And while we're on the subject, let's just all admit that there is no, none, absolutely not a hint of screen chemistry between John and Teyla and move on.
I'm sure that Joe Flanigan is going to love being the next RDA.
Bobjim said:
"You're entitled to your opinion in the same way that I am, but calling people ignorant for holding their opinion is just...well, ignorant."
Wow, you managed to misuse that word twice in one sentence. I never called anyone ignorant; I said that you're purposefully projecting fanfic authors' interpretation of the characters upon the characters in the show. You're openly acknowledging that you see that things are different onscreen but don't care, because you've got your own idea of who McKay or Teyla or Shep is. In no way does that make you ignorant; you'd be ignorant of the facts if you tried to deny that things in the show are different than the way you see them.
Trying to write off McKay's ineptitude or arrogance or cowardice as something redeeming or something to be proud of is an astounding act of fanwanking. Maybe it makes him endearing to others who want to justify similar behavior in themselves. Maybe it makes him entertaining because he gets to say all the mean, nasty, and spiteful things we all want to say to others sometimes. But to try to make it out as if that is an admirable quality or as if it is something to be proud of or something to emulate, well, that's a sad commentary on where our role models and heroes come from anymore.
Stargate used to be about portraying some modicum of military realism. It used to matter to TPTB that they produced a product that was somewhat convincing, something that folks could relate to. Now the shows have seriously sacrificed much of that military realism in order to accomodate a slate of new characters more suited to a Flannery O'Connor novel than a military enterprise. Not having Carter command SG-1, Mitchell's reassignment to a ground unit, Mitchell's CMH, Vala's inclusion in any scenario or mission, McKay's bumbling cowardice on a frontline unit, Lam working for her father--all of these changes serve to undermine the show's military credibility. And all of this is to say nothing of how Atlantis now openly portrays the military as evil and subversive. Col. Caldwell is an irascible, unthinking, dogmatic blockhead in most situations simply so that Dr. Weir's civilian or diplomatic viewpoints can be justified as the correct course of action. Compare this to O'neill, who was always portrayed as making the right, but sometimes distasteful or difficult, decisions from a military standpoint.
I'm not saying that the military is perfect or beyond reproach. But for the Stargate Universe to undergo such a complete turn around on it's portrayal of the military in just ten episodes for both shows so far this year is disappointing to say the least. I feel let down, and I'm surprised (and saddened) that I'm the only one.
Trevor, RAF
Joe Flanigan the next RDA? That's the best joke I've heard this month.
Trevor, I'm aware you didn't flat out call anyone ignorant, but it felt pretty heavily implied by the excerpt from your comment.
I'm not trying to imply that McKay is a good role model; far from it - some episodes (Trinity in particular) suggest otherwise - since he does have a fair few qualities, such as the arrogance and cowardice that you identified, that aren't enviable characteristics. But on the other hand, he does have some character traits that people can identify with, although not necessarily for the right reasons.
For example, I know I'd be scared in the same way that McKay is if I came face to face with a Wraith. That doesn't meant to say I'd act in the exact same way, but the fear is something that I personally can identify with.
"You're openly acknowledging that you see that things are different onscreen but don't care, because you've got your own idea of who McKay or Teyla or Shep is"
Honestly, I've never read a single word of fan fiction, as it's never appealed to me. And yes, I do have my own idea of who McKay is - but that's an inevitability of any TV show. Viewers will interpret characters' actions as they see fit. You only have to trawl through other comments and forums here to see that.
This post has been removed by the author.
Mary, if you described all (or even 98%) of fan fiction accurately I wouldn't read a word. Demands I make of the fanfic I read include the characters being "in voice" like the show and sound use of canon (unless it's deliberately AU). Quite a few professional writers use fanfic writing as a tool as well as relaxation. Doing it right is great training and practise for such sides of the profession.
Trevor, your words are depressing and your tone is accusatory... as if there is something wrong with those of us don't read McKay just like you. It's fiction, not science. There are no data points to gather, no graphs to draw, and no proofs or final answers. Our own experiences cause us all to have different perspectives on a character. No perspective is going to be the clearly correct one. As with all art, it's supposed to look different and mean something different to every individual. Lighten up.
Whatever your intetions, Trevor, you sound increasingly condescending with every post you make. In fact- dare I say it?- you sound a lot like McKay. ;)
But whatever. I tend to agree with the person talking about fanfics. I've read some fics which are better written than certain episodes that have aired over the past few seasons. THAT, in my opinion, is a sad commentary.
But hey, it's only a TV show, right? ;)
Wow Joe, I have to give you props for your anime top 25 list. Not only do you have the traditionally picked ones like Bebop, Escaflowne, and Eva, but you also have great series like Azumanga, Boogiepop, and Now and Then. And Utena! Most people run screaming from that series. I bow to you, sir.
Hmmm...so you're looking for anime recommendations and the anime have to be licensed in the US. The second season of GITS:SAC, which I bet you'd enjoy, is currently airing in Japan and not licensed yet. Likewise, I'm not sure if all the episodes of Planetes, Full Metal Alchemist, or Samurai Champloo (all excellent) have been released in the US yet, so those are probably out for now.
I noticed you picked Excel Saga, so you may like the insanity of FLCL or the sheer wtf of DiGi Charat. Haibane Renmai may interest you if you liked Kino's Journey. Gankutsuou has had great reviews so far but I haven't seen it to give my recommendation.
(Joe, if I recommend an anime series and you watch it and find it to be the best thing ever, do I get some sort of prize? Like...a set tour? Directed by a Mr. Hewlett? Because that would definitely increase my motivation. Hee hee, j/k.)
One of these days I'm going to post a comment in your blog that's actually about stargate...
OK... We need an Official Joe Mallozzi's Blog Special Edition definition of fanwanking.
Any takers?
~ the dancer of spaz (DoS)
OK, this is my last response on this fanfic stuff, as I'm feeling that you've all gone on the offensive over it. I'll accept that perhaps that's a response to my heretorfore expressed distaste for the myopic viewpoints it engenders, so I'll let it go after this.
-k said:
"No perspective is going to be the clearly correct one. As with all art, it's supposed to look different and mean something different to every individual."
I'm not advocating a clearly correct perspective. But while there may not be a single, absolute right way to look at things, there ARE sometimes wrong ways to look at things. There can be room for interpretation while still ruling out most explanations or mitigating circumstances. To use your example, you're advocating blatantly ignoring half of a canvas just to support your interpretation of an artist's work. Or to be more precise, you're using another artist's canvas to try to rationalize an unsupported view in the original artist's piece. And in so doing you're also deciding that the orignal artist's intention or message shouldn't be taken into account when viewing the work. I'll agree that some artistic mediums or styles lend themselves to this sort of reading, but Stargate is not one of them. Art is only meant to look different to each person when that's the artist's intention. TPTB are clearly not telling an abstract story, although the decompostion of form in Season Nine might make an interesting discussion.
Trevor, RAF
Shadowmaat, YOU'RE calling other people condescending? What's the matter, don't like it when the shoe is on the other foot? Hypocrisy is still thy name.
Trevor
I agree with you in one aspect. the near total disregard of military 'right and wrong' is one symptom of what's wrong with the show. Stargate used to be something the Air Force was proud of. it showed them in such a positive light that the AF liked it.
now??? now it's a joke. co-leaders???? please. cam getting the CMOH??? another please and an insult to those that honestly earned this nation's highest award.
not to mention the whole vala situation, tank tops on duty, etc, etc, etc.
I can tell the day that Tom, thier original advisor retired....it's the day that Stargate became more an exemple of the Air Farce than the Air Force
Trevor,
First I must clear up one fact... I am not a fanfic reader. It's easy to get confused when there are so many people making the same argument. My argument was with your description of McKay as a character with no redeeming qualities.
"...you're also deciding that the orignal artist's intention or message shouldn't be taken into account when viewing the work."
After posting my last message, I did feel I should have mentioned the role of the artist's intentions. I'm glad you brought it up. I feel very certain that it is not TPTB's intention for McKay to be as you described. Well, not wholly as you described. In his second appearance on SG-1 he was shown to have more depth and his duality began to fascinate me.
"To use your example, you're advocating blatantly ignoring half of a canvas just to support your interpretation of an artist's work"
From my perspective, you seem to be the one ignoring the other half of the canvas... as here:
"Just about every single episode of the show is written with him as the main protagonist, often times when it doesn't even make sense. Speaking of doesn't make sense, this guy should have been dead long ago. It's mere plot devices and contrivances that have kept him alive through season two."
To me, these portrayals of Rodney actually *do* make sense. That's my perspective. He does go back and forth a lot, but based on my experiences as a changing, growing (I hope) individual... I find that to be quite accurate. In other words... I relate to McKay as he is portrayed on the show.
I thought Gateworld was supposed to be a fandom for the Stargate shows but it seems I'm wrong. After reading all the comments on this blog I'm wondering if you are real fans because you seem to be intent on tearing apart both shows.
I haven't seen SG1 season 9 so I can't comment on that but I have seen Atlantis season 1 and the first part of season 2 and I love the show and the characters in it. It's an entertaining hour for me and frankly that's why I watch tv to be entertained to escape RL for a while and to be able to relax and enjoy myself. Atlantis is very enjoyable and fun to watch and I'll keep watching as long as they make eps.
I'm a die-hard Atlantis fan and while I like how the city has been flushed out with new sets, Paul McGillion is getting far more screne time, nothing makes it more difficult to watch the show is then to have Captain Kirk moments with Sheppard.
I feel that it personally hurts the development of his character to have him as this girl a week attitude. That's been done, leave that to the real captain Kirk and make Sheppard his own kind of hero.
On this issue of sending Sam to SGA, I don't think this should be done. The SGA cast is already flushed out considerably, you don't need to add more right now, establish their characterizations before you go adding a nine year veteran. An episode or two is fine, but she shouldn't detract from Atlantis.
I don't want SGA to become SG-1. What makes SGA so compelling is that it's NOT SG-1. I think it has to stay that way.
Can't say that I've been that impressed with SGA. But then it is only season two...lots of room for growth. And IF it's well WRITTEN there is no end to the potential of the series, no matter who the characters are.
But I was impressed when I got to to go visit the studio set last spring. It's amazing what they can do with plastic, pretty wee lights, and plaster....oh yeah, some dirt and fake plants too.
So apparently Joe Flanigan thinks the "Kirk" routine is fun? Sheppard is a high ranking military officer pushing 40. You would think he would be mature enough to control his bottom half by now.
Lots of talk about Rodney above. Rodney is fine. What's all the bellyaching for?
And when the heck are Teyla and Ronon going to get THEIR hug?
Small rant for Rodney. When the hell is he gonna get a steady girlfriend? I mean, the guy isn't terrible once he's trained like Weir has got him.
*cough*
New titles from Morpheus: Ultimatum (probably doesn't fit, just throwing it in here), Archaic Paradise, Sheppard & Jane (how did that get there? Oh yeah, my original novel), Heaven's Revenge...
What is Morpheus about anyways?
trevor said: I'm not saying that the military is perfect or beyond reproach. But for the Stargate Universe to undergo such a complete turn around on it's portrayal of the military in just ten episodes for both shows so far this year is disappointing to say the least. I feel let down, and I'm surprised (and saddened) that I'm the only one.
Trevor, RAF//
i can't speak for atlantis, trevor, but, i too, see the show pulling away from the military mindset. and i think it started before season 9.
can you imagine the military giving clearance to a civilian after he/she did a background check on one of their own, and then followed that person to a stakeout and interfered to the point of almost causing deaths? that was pete shanahan, who got the info and the girl at the end of the ep.
adding this into the other things you sited... i wonder just how long the military advisor was taking lunch?
sally :)
OMG you people will just whinge about anything wont you!!!! Joe takes up his valuable time to blog for us, something which he doesn't have to do!!! And this week he delivered a first class blog which is both funny and gives lots of behind the scenes information about the upcoming seasons!!!!!
There is no reason at all for negative comments to be made in regards to his blog!!!
You all need to realise that at the end of the day Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis are televison shows not real life and the simple solution to all your problems is if you don't like them DON'T WATCH THEM!!!!!!!
thanks anonymous poster above. now shut the hell up.
Rampant abuse of exclamation points. The posting judges will deduct accordingly.
Oh wow, sounds like season 10 is going to be a blast! I'm also glad to hear we'll be getting more info on McKay's sister. Very nifty.
Hey Joe, I've got a San Francisco restaurant for you if you want formal dining and if I'm not too late. My husband was born in SF and says that Julius Castle is very nice!! He should know but don't hold it agaist me if he's wrong, please.
Sorry you must put up with the garbage here, as always say, dont' feed (ignore) the trolls! I always do and I live a blissful life, lol, kinda.
Seasons ten and three will be wonderful no matter what you do because you guys are the best "idea" people around. I am loving season nine and two so far.
Mitchell rocks!! I miss Ford and Lorne is great! You know I always have to say those things. :D Have a great time creating the best show on TV!!!
I told you your wife would be mad at Alias again. I love the show but *red faced* I get mad at it too.
I miss your Ice cream :( Let me know how you liked SanFrancisco and tell all you did. Thanks and I love you as always, P
Am I missing something here because so far Sheppard has had one alien girl and that was in Sanctuary in Season 1 how is that girl of the week? I like Shep he's a fun character and I love the snarkiness between him and McKay.
Joe, you do know there's at least half your fanbase NOT looking forward to Vala and devil's spawn, right? To hell with them?
Except for Sanctuary, I'm not picking up on the Kirk-vibe with Sheppard. If anything, I'm picking up Jack-vibes galore except for the fact that I'm unaware of Jack having any clown issues... ;)
As for McKay, David ought to win something for his performance in The Hive...I just felt how miserable McKay was feeling. It's neat seeing McKay as he progresses in the field as he now has to make up crazy solutions on the fly all the time...so perhaps he sees what Carter's been up against all these years now that he's walked a mile in her field operative shoes and won't be so judgmental and snarky. Or maybe he won't be judgmental of her but definitely still will be snarky. It's the McKay way.
I would like to have seen more with Elizabeth though...she's really growing on me as a character and I wish she could have been more involved with this episode. I appreciated how concerned she was with Rodney...that beat with her and Carson not cluing Rodney in on what helped save him was a great moment...and I love the closeness between all of them that seems to be developing...something I'm currently missing on SG-1 but hope to see soon and believe I will based on some of the spoilers.
I like the dynamic between Teyla and Ronon. He respects the warrior and leader that she is and doesn't just look at her as "the girl"...kind of like Teal'c and Sam's relationship. I'm hoping to see more development for Teyla too btw.
And as I am completely addicted to Paul McGillion, feel free to have Beckett in as many eps as possible.
It was great to see Ford again and I believe/hope it wasn't the last time.
I'll agree with something I read about The Hive...it seemed to have ended so abruptly. Just my picking of nits I guess but I would have liked it to be a bit more in depth, perhaps a part 2 of 3 and that way we could have seen more with regard to how they got home and a little more regarding the queen...like what WAS her name??? Hmm. .. I think I'll go with Maris.
Okay that's it for my SGA rant de jour. Serve with the ice cream of your choice. ;)
Mary Beth
This really is a laugh...
The people of the Stargate Franchise give us hours of endless entertainmnet. Cutting edge TV effects, great stories, wonderful characters, and they work more in a week than some would in a month.
Then in their time off, they travel around and give up time with their family and friends to see us in conventions et al...and people have the balls to think they deserve more? That the producer/writer of the show has to answer to them in his blog?
Joe, you could write "I am a fish...redemption is a cupcake." over and over and it'd still be worth it. From a genuine fan, thanks for everything - you guys rock!
Clocky wrote:
That the producer/writer of the show has to answer to them in his blog?
The question is "Why does Joe do this blog? What is his purpose? What does he hope to gain?" Motives are to be questioned.
Ticky
Clocky wrote:
That the producer/writer of the show has to answer to them in his blog?
The question is "Why does Joe do this blog? What is his purpose? What does he hope to gain?" Motives are to be questioned.
Ticky
Clocky wrote:
That the producer/writer of the show has to answer to them in his blog?
The question is "Why does Joe do this blog? What is his purpose? What does he hope to gain?" Motives are to be questioned.
Ticky
Clocky wrote:
That the producer/writer of the show has to answer to them in his blog?
The question is "Why does Joe do this blog? What is his purpose? What does he hope to gain?" Motives are to be questioned.
Ticky
Clocky wrote:
That the producer/writer of the show has to answer to them in his blog?
The question is "Why does Joe do this blog? What is his purpose? What does he hope to gain?" Motives are to be questioned.
Ticky
Why do people write blogs? Why do folk critique shows? Because it's fun to share. No mystery.
I disagree with Trevor about Mckay up to a point... Mckay's flaws seem quite human too me, with room for development. Where I do agree with Trevor is on the military/professional angle to both shows now. There always was a reasonable degree of dramatic license for the SG-1 team (they got off for being disobedient because they saved the world in doing so, etc.) but lately it has become an implausible representation. The Atlantis team have to use Mckay (who is alternately a saviour and a liability) because they're stuck with limited personnel, so there's a caveat. But back on Earth the situation is different. The leaps are too big to swallow. For example, Pete was doing well up to the point where he spied on and stalked Sam (and his FBI buddy clearly knew Pete was checking up on her for personal rather than professional reasons and wasn't bothered - maybe that was supposed to be a humour moment but it was distasteful and didn't do much for the FBI). Then the Air force looked idiotic for disclosing the Stargate programme to Pete right after that. This sort of thing leaves me wondering where season 10 of SG-1 will place Vala the thief and con-man.
That said, overall I'm enjoying both shows very much and looking forward to more.
Joe, a little question for you (if you manage to weed through these many messages in your pre-season busy-ness and have a chance to answer): How does one pitch for Stargate if one does not yet have an agent (and saying "get an agent" doesn't count as a reply, silly), but one has ideas one wants to share?
- J.
write a fanfiction
greetings, joe,
the s/j angle is a dangling thread. ignoring it might make it unravel. don't let it unravel. tie it up, in a nice, pretty shippy bow! :D
sally, your resident sam lover and sam/jack lover :D
The question is "Why does Joe do this blog? What is his purpose? What does he hope to gain?" Motives are to be questioned
to get something to laugh about during writing meetings????
IMHO, joe enjoys doing this, and certainly seems to gain no little amount of enjoyment out of baiting one 'side' or another.
he likes to rabble rouse...and in this fandom there is more than enough rabble to go around
Joe, read your stuff at the Solutions forum on delphi. Are you really saying that Lexa Doig/Dr. Lam isn't coming back for season 10?
To be honest, the character wasn't working for me and Lexa Diog was way too stiff and lifeless in the role (maybe she spent too much time playing a robot). So I will have no problem if she and Lam don't return and the SGC gets a new Chief Medical Officer.
Joe, any truth to the rumor that Lexa Doig left the show because of Claudia Black's addtion? Word is that she felt underused and that you guys felt there wasn't enough room for three females on the show. Is this why Sam is being scuttled too?
sgathena11
Holy Crap, they are Tok'Wraith!!!!!! How's that for overuse of exclamation points? OK, let's see if I can map out the next few years for Atlantis...
Season Three--the Replicators search out Atlantis after capturing an Ancient ship in space, set a course for the city, but are stopped by uncontrolled reentry destroying the vessel. Still, they become a threat to the Pegasus Galaxy for seasons to come.
Season Four-- the recurring Tok'Wraith with a crush on Teyla (you know how alluring her "special" DNA must make her) is the victim of mind control by the new big bad introduced last season. He is shot on in the Gatrium by Teyla after he is found out. Also, John and Elizabeth vocalize their feelings for one another, but agree to leave it "in the room". Finally, the season ends with McKay hurling an active gate at the sun in a brilliant recreation of Carter's similar plan from SG-1. This stellar homage results in once again saving the city from an even larger, more unstoppable wraith fleet than last time.
Season Five-- there will be no season five. SG-1 exits the stage after 11 years on the air, resulting in Atlantis running out of ideas to copy, but make "cooler". Scifi pulls the plug, as there's no longer any opportunity for crossovers, and they lack confidence in the show's ability to finally make it as a spin off rather than supplement to SG1. Sadly, Dr. Weir never gets the chance to ascend.
Geez, no wonder you're so desperate to get Carter and Daniel on Atlantis. Apparently all your ideas go wherever they do.
Hi Joe,
I just started watching SG1 this summer and I think it's great. Don't know how I missed it for so long. I've bought almost all the boxsets, just season 2 and 8 to go. My question is why Sam is no longer in charge of SG1? I've looked around the boards and haven't found a definitive anwser. Some say it's b/c of her duplicate and how she got away, some say its because she's with Jack now, and some say she never had command before (which is totally crazy). I've seen all but two episodes from season 9 including all the ones with Sam, but I didn't see any where she got demoted. What's going on?
Thanks for a great show that I love now. Looking forward to season 10 and more of Sam.
Marissa Pentino
Joe,
I thought my days of "doing homework" were done when, The Stakehouse closed-up shop and William the Poet stopped posting there.
I also found out a little more about the date posted in your blog:
The Battle of Crécy took place on 26 August 1346, near Crécy, in northern France and was one of the most important battles of the Hundred Years' War. Because of new weapons and tactics used, the battle is seen by many historians as the beginning of the end of chivalry.
Is this a sign of things to come for SG-1/SGA?
LaCroix
There's one thing that I would still love to see on Atlantis or Stargate. We get angst galor about whether major characters should tell old friends or the ones they love about what they are involved with at work.
What we haven't seen is one of them finding out that someone they love already knows - not because of what they said, but because that person is ALSO a member Stargate Command and has been keeping the secret from them as well.
Just one scene - even in the background of the scene - with that kind of relevation would make me smile.
Major Lorne - his character works on all the levels that Lt. Aiden Ford's didn't. Give him a first name and a long-term contract.
As to Ford in Season Two - he's been incredibly spooky. I don't see a long story arc there, but it has been a memorable one.
Finally, the "real" McKay in my opinion is the one in "38 minutes". He's alternately whiny, irritated and brilliant. The actor's real genius comes out after the major crisis is over. If McKay were only a whiny coward, he wouldn't have shown the concern he did for Ford and Shepherd's conditions. In a sense, he stepped up to the plate to take their place and was calm and competent in checking on his fellow crewmates and updating Weir. Hewlitt plays the character brilliantly - you never know which side of the persona is going to come out.
OMG!!! Joe, I just read some spoilers for upcoming Atlantis episodes here: www.sg-emeridian.net
Please tell me that the Atlantis characters dont' come off looking as inept and bumbling as these spoilers indicate. I'm not going to go into detail here for fear of spoiling others, but I'm sure you must know what I'm talking about. Cripes, it's like every episode involves an astounding amount of bumbling and incredibly poor decision making. Please, tell me they're just really bad write-ups. Please.
PS
I hope the script for that one episode is written in iambic pentameter. It's an "homage", right?