The production offices are slowly coming alive as we prepare for SG-1's 10th and Atlantis's 3rd seasons. We're in great shape scriptwise and it looks like, this year, we'll have a record numer of scripts in hand prior to the start of production. We've spent the last couple of weeks reviewing one another's first drafts, providing input, and working on rewrites. What have you been working on, you may ask?
Well, on the Atlantis side, things start off with No Man's Land, written by Martin Gero. It picks up where Allies, the season 2 season finale, left off. Lots of action and intrigue in "the belly of the beast". After much discussion, Paul still doesn't have a name for the show's second episode. Potential titles have included: "Remnants", "Executive Decision" and, my favorite, "The Grapes of Wraith". Robert C. Cooper's "Sateda" is my favorite Cooper script in ages. It offers a less than happy reunion, some very funny lines and character moments, and some good old-fashioned team bonding as Ronon's past comes back to haunt him - and, by association, the rest of the team. No script yet on the tentatively titled Delicious Fat Guy, but Brad is hard at work on it as we speak. Another two episodes come compliments of Carl Binder, a couple of very well-written, very tight scripts (typical of Carl, that show-off) in which we are introduced to a brand new villain who's handywork we have already come across. Progeny gets the ball rollling in an episode that introduces the new baddies and sheds some light on some of the Pegasus Galaxy's former tenants. The Real World follows up with a seriously creepy episode. Poor Weir. As we speak, Martin is hard at work on episode 6, the "McKay's Sister" story.
Over on SG-1, Flesh and Blood, written by Rob, answers the burning question posed by the season 9 finale: "What the hell is going to happen next?!!!" There's a lot going on in this episode and the unfolding action keeps every member of the team busy. Got the notes on episode 2, Morpheus, and just finished the rewrite on Friday. No major changes from the first draft. Brad is working on episode 3 while Alan handed in his best script to date: Insider. Stargate Command is going to have their hands full juggling - well, what does the average person juggle, right? - in this one. Damian is working on the rewrite of Uninvited, episode 5. Rob suggested we try to break the big 200th episode sometime next week. Brad already has a rough draft of his piece. No notes on episode 7, Counter-Strike, or episode 8, Memento Mori, yet. The #9 slot is blank, but it looks like Alan will be stepping in to pen the big "rescue op" story he pitched (nice to see the Lucian Alliance making their presence known as things develop) - and of course episode 10 and 11 will be the big mid-season Quest two-parter.
Watched what was perhaps the worst horror movie I've ever seen last week, a French movie called "Haute Tension". I've always enjoyed watching foreign horror films because its interesting to check out another country's sensibilities when it comes to horror - so, when I heard that Lions Gate had picked up this film for distribution, I was expecting good things. Or, at the very least, mediocre things. This movie's "clever twist" is so implausible, so ridiculous, that you have to wonder what the hell they were thinking. Spoiler Alert and note to the makers of this movie: Someone with a split personality cannot initiate a car chase with him or herself!
Other than that, finished season 6 of South Park (loved the Christmas episode and Jimmy's rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas), almost done on season 3 of Homicide, and my wife and I are blazing through the first season of The Amazing Race (Boo Team Guido!) which, for some reason, took me forever to track down. Am almost finished VanDread on the anime front and am eyeing Samurai Champloo as someone has my Gungrave.
Also, keep an eye out for two more entries in the In the Making series. As much as I'd love to do a segment on every episode, production demands lead to inevitable delays and, by the time I get around to working on these entries, I've forgotten all about its "making of" aspects unless it was one I happened to write. So, for the time being, I'll just be focusing on the episodes I wrote. You'll have to bug Paul for the behind-the-scenes scoops on Collateral Damage (very dark, and one of my favorite episodes of season 9), and The Tower (Shot in glorious technicolor!).
I feel like I'm forgetting something... Ah well. I'm sure it'll come to me once I've posted this blog.
Coming up this Friday: Critical Mass and, of course, one of my personal faves Ripple Effect. I have lots to say on this one including missing scenes and dialogue that I was loathe to lose but had to for time.
Executive producer Joseph Mallozzi has been on the SG-1 writing
staff since Season Four. Along with writing partner Paul Mullie, Joe has
written such fan favorite episodes as "Window of Opportunity," "Summit,"
and "Lockdown." Joe lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. 
First Post
LaCroix
Well, there's an insightful comment...
Oooh, 200th episode!!!!!
Seriously, get Rick. I'm not fooling around.
Yes, an appearance by Jack O'neill would be most grateful and would forgive a thousand transgressions.
Alyssa
Joe...
I don't remember seeing the cut scenes from 4th Horseman on SciFi. You asked us to remind you about them. Chris was the stand out in that episode, IMHO.
And also, PLEASE let us know about any cut scenes from Ripple Effect you mentioned...otherwise known as the episode over which I'm giddy to the point of spasms.
Another quick question...is Mitchell's dad still alive? I couldn't tell from Collateral Damage.
Thanks as ever...
Mary Beth
Spooks (aka MI5) season 3 will be out on DVD in the US at the end of the month; keep us posted on what you think of it.
Keep up the good work!
--
Spaced1999.
Hey Joe, you've already said that Carter will be in the first 8 episodes of SG-1. Now, it sounds like you've got at least the next three pitched out. Can you tell us if Carter is in those episodes, too?
In Ripple Effect, is there a duplicate for every SG1 member?
I'm really, really, really, really looking foward to Ripple Effect. So you better deliver Joe, or there will be hell to pay ;) :P
Hey Joe!
First, watched "Collateral Damage" last night and it did indeed give us a bit more insight into Mitchell. I loved the flashbacks and I loved Landry talking to Mitchell about the bad mission. Sadly, the rest of the episode seemed a bit too much of a homage to not one, but three or four, Star Trek universe episodes involving a character falsely accused of murder and finding the truth. Been there, done that, bought and returned the t-shirt.
Moving on... I'm looking forward to "Ripple Effect". It can be very refreshing to explore the "what ifs" of the series.
And for the 200th episode, I really hope for a good, old-fashioned, team-based, saving the world episode. Something that acknowleges the mythology of Stargate and the unique strengths of each character. And a visit from Jack would be great if RDA is willing and he's given more than three lines.
Thanks Bunches!
Jo
Hi Joe,
Nice to hear from you again. Feels like AGES. Sounds like it's been productive, though.
I have to say, I gave a little chuckle at the title "Grapes of Wraith" but it obviously depends if that's the feel you're going for. (If that was a joke, then please ignore that last comment.)
As for Ripple Effect, As you can tell, the Carter fans have come out in force. Please, please, please tell us about those missing scenes...we're itching to hear about them (that is if we don't pass out from multiple Carter induced shock first)
Tracy
Count me in too, Joe. I don't come on here much and post, but an appearence by Richard Dean Anderson would really warm my heart. That's all I wanted to say before the comments devolve as they so often do.
M.M.
Not sure why people keep saying season 9 is bad... The last two hours had some of the best gate moments I can remember.. In Fourth horsemen and Daniel reacting to Mitchell being the guinee pig, and the whole teams reaction last night to the relationship between mitchel and the woman. Great stuff. (In fact last night was a great murder mystery.. which I don't think was solved fully.. Why did the director not want his scientists to help SG-1 anymore? Why did he glance at mitchel and the woman when they left?? Could the ex husband been a false implant too?? Very interesting...
On Atlantis I enjoyed the episode last night throughly...Though it did remind me alot of 100 days.. another good episode.
Did you see last weeks TV guide? It mentioned Lam would be in last nights episode, and that mitchel was stuck for a year... Obviously they didn't watch either episode.. Do they write those reviews, or is it just from a Sci-fi press release?
Season 10 and Season 3 sound like a blast.. I can't wait!
Eh, if I want a good mystery, I'll watch Mystery! Collateral Damage was no Inspector Lynley.
Speaking of which, Joe, you should check out the Inspector Lynley mysteries if you get the chance. They're quite enjoyable.
Hi Joe,
Do you still read all of the comments in your blog, or have you given it up as a lost cause?
Keep up the great work Joe! Please tell us about those scenes!!
Please!!!!
looking forward to Ripple Effect. Samurai Champloo's a very good series.
Joe, did you ever finish Babylon 5? Just curious.
Hey Joe - not sure if you got all the way through the last set of blog posts: Collateral Damage was indeed damage. Can you guys spell boring. Why not develop the guy by showing him develop with the team doing stuff besides standing around? Why not show some of his backstory with the team? So far you have given zero on that and we don't even know why they knew each other (except of course for we were told about the antarctica thing)?
This stuff is just more soap opera fluff. Guess Cooper meant it when he mentioned soap operas in one of his recent interviews and the writing is on the wall that skiffy values soap operas since they have scraped the bottom-of-that-barrel by taking on Passions; oh well.
Bonnie Jergensen
Hey Joe , thanks for keeping us in the loop...
Im glad to see things are firing up for you for another year. Unfortunately at this time none of the networks here in NZ are looking to show season 9 of SG1 so the new ones will be VERY far away from when you actually shoot them even
On the movie front have you ever seen Peter Jacksons first movie Bad Taste? I dont know if it is available overseas if not let us know.
As it shows how far things have gone for him and its a great splatter movie.
warmest wishes from an antipodean Isle....
having Jack in the 200 episode would rock
poor Weir ??
come on you have to say more!!
Haute Tension? A french movie... uh, we're from France and never heard of it... maybe it didn't aired... well never mind.
Glad to see you guys are working hard. Any idea when you'll start prepping?
We were also wondering... you guys are producers and writers.... what do you excatly do as producers?
any new writer this year ??
Joe,
Fantastic work on Collateral Damage by the whole team! It's one of my favorite episodes since Window of Opportunity. The whole episode was just well done.
The Atlantis episode also reminded me of 100 days, which I thought was awesome. My only disapproval was how the relationship developed... it was obvious but rushed, at least to me. Still, a great episode... definitely a favorite.
Regards,
Aaron
AHHH! "Trinity"???? Is it really coming back??? You're getting my hopes up way to high, so I only hope that it's true!
Don't fold to Champloo Joe! You expressed not long ago about how you wanted to wait till the whole thing was ready for you, so if you're gonna start stick to it!
I personally wanna know more about episodes YOU'LL be working on for Seasons 10 and 3. You and Paul always tend to write episodes I adore (you guys are up there with Peter DeLuise)!
If more comes up for the McKay's Sister episode please keep us McKay fans informed with the best spoilers. We've been anticipating ever since you spilled it to us!
"Spooks (aka MI5) season 3 will be out on DVD in the US at the end of the month; keep us posted on what you think of it."
Loved the first two seasons and have been waiting for season 3 to come out for quite some time. Thanks for the heads up.
"Hey Joe, you've already said that Carter will be in the first 8 episodes of SG-1. Now, it sounds like you've got at least the next three pitched out. Can you tell us if Carter is in those episodes, too?"
Yup (as in, yes, she will be).
"Joe, did you ever finish Babylon 5? Just curious."
Nope. Last episode I saw was, I believe, the final episode of season 3 where Sheridan takes the swan dive off the balcony down into the dark pit below.
"On the movie front have you ever seen Peter Jacksons first movie Bad Taste?"
Loved it. Paul and I saw it on the big screen some 20 years ago. Hilarious movie.
Joe Mallozzi said:
Yup (as in, yes, she will be).
Sweet.
Joe, just wanted to second the recommendation for Inspector Lynley. If you're into that sort of thing, of course. The series have only gotten successively better.
PS
Tossing my hat into the "Jack for 200" ring.
Teresa
Joe!
I thought we'd lost ya. ;)
Did you get to check out Noises Off? Oh and another of my friends tried and loved my casserole.
I hope I can add you to that list.
;)
Don't miss my above questions too mmmkay?
MB
Joe - good work with having Carter remain on SG1 and be in all episodes so far. will the co-leader thing be addressed on-screen and shown in S10?
Also, will S10 bring back the pure SG1 and team episodes from earlier seasons?
Thank you very much.
Deanna
great to hear from you Joe... nice to see some little spoilers about season 3 and 10!!!!!!!
Cant wait to see them!!!!
Joe did you ever get a chance to watch Serenity? I'm dying to know what you thought of it. Oh and Grapes of Wraith? That title is sooooo a keeper.
Jack in episode 200!!!!!!!!!!!!
Charlene
Poor Weir?? WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?!!
Japanese Anime is...one of the greatest things to ever grace the Earth(BESIDES Stargate and wrestling).
Check out the Japanese horror movie "Infection".
PEACE!
-MU-
p.s. Go with "Grapes Of Wraith" I'm begging you!
Seasons 10 & 3 sound good so far, can hardly wait to hear more, Joe. Am positively giddy anticipating the rest of 9 and 2. in re your reponse to the Babylon 5 question-- "Nope. Last episode I saw was, I believe, the final episode of season 3 where Sheridan takes the swan dive off the balcony down into the dark pit below."-- You've seen the best of it, IMO. Seasons 4 & 5 had some great eps but, overall, the "magic" ended with JS's leap. The final resolution with the Shadows and their evil cohorts was, to me, heartbreakingly unsatisfying. I know there's some who'll disagree with me, I just hope they don't do it here... :) ... As for horror movies, I haven't heard anyone mention "The Truth About Demons" with Karl Urban-- that may because they've all seen it and didn't find it fit to mention but I enjoyed it, as did the two other people whom I know have seen it. It's no great dark masterpiece, to be sure, but it has its moments. Another I thought had some genuine creepiness to it is "The Calling" with Alice Krige. And, of course, the scariest movie I've ever seen, "Star Trek: Insurrection"-- the scene in the shuttles with Picard and Worf singing to Data... shudder... Wait a minute, that sounds familiar-- did I steal that from someone or have I just mentioned it before..? So, Joe, in between all the blogging writing and producing and prepping and family and ice cream, where do you find the time to watch all these movies and old tv series..? Rhetorical question, of course-- busy people always seem to squeeze in more while us lazy ones never seem to get enough of doing nothing. I never do, anyway... Anyway, looking forward to the 200th ep, however it turns out (ie, with or sans Jack-- tho', if it's with, I'm with the guy who said to give him more than three lines!)... And, I guess that's it... Oh, hey-- How 'bout them Broncos, eh? Did they kick Patriot butt or what... susan in Colorado...
ps-- just remembered one of my all-time favs, tho' it's not a horror film-- "The Blood of Heros" with Rutger Hauer, Joan Chen and a young Vincent D'Onofrio. Lots of senseless violence and gratuitous sex (just kidding-- there's not that much sex!)
Hi Joe.
I just read the 'In the Making' for Ex Deus Machina, and it sounds like a much better episode than what we ended up with. I love that it was originally a Teal'c episode because, as a huge Teal'c fan, I've been feeling a bit ignored so far this season (although CJ truly rocked in Fourth Horseman 2). Anyway, it's a relief to know that as a writer, you've been creating stories for this character even if for financial reasons they haven't been getting to the screen. Thanks for keeping one of my favorite characters in mind. Hope to see much more Teal'c (and Daniel, and Vala) in season 10.
Aaron said, "Fantastic work on Collateral Damage by the whole team! It's one of my favorite episodes since Window of Opportunity. The whole episode was just well done."
I have to agree! My husband and I both agree it's the best episode of the season thus far. To be honest, I wasn't looking forward to it, because the spoilers I had seen seemed to indicate that it would be a rip-off of a Star Trek episode, and I was disappointed in that. However, I was very pleasantly suprised. Although it did have the same premise (a murder committed, memories implanted in our hero's mind), it was well done, with several unexpected twists. As Nate said, In fact last night was a great murder mystery.. which I don't think was solved fully.. Why did the director not want his scientists to help SG-1 anymore? Why did he glance at mitchel and the woman when they left?? Could the ex husband been a false implant too?? Very interesting... I especially liked the scenes in the locker room at the end - with Cam remembering his conversations with his dad, especially when he said "I'm not that strong" and his dad said, "yes you are ..." and we are reminded that Cam went through similar struggles as his dad after he crashed in Antarctica. Also the conversation with Landry, which reminded me that we now know something more about Cam, but his team members don't know what he was seeing in that memory.
I'm so glad to get this comment in before the discussion degrades to bashing anyone and everyone and everything. Keep up the good work ... I think Stargate is still one of the best shows on television - on ANY network!
Joe, just wanted you to know that Collateral Damage was one of the best eps of the season. It was so great to finally get a Mitchell episode where we got to know him a little bit better. Ben did a great job, and I'm loving his character.
Collateral Damage--best episode of the season! Ben Browder rocks! Loved the murder mystery aspect, and the unspoken/unconfirmed government complicity! Didn't realize it until I thought about it later. Interesting and surprising twist. Also, like the way the opening was filmed -- great camera work and film cuts showing Mitchell's confusion and subsequent horror -- excellent! Like the deviousness of this planet's government -- hope the planet is revisited.
Loved the kissing part!
Finally, some background on Mitchell and the bits and pieces that make him who he is. Very interesting.
Thoroughly enjoyed this episode.
Zelda
I'm afraid you guys lost me Friday night with Collateral Damage. It was the worst Stargate SG-1 episode I've ever seen. I used to think that of Demons, but the more I watch that episode, the more I like it; so hopefully, the same thing will happen for me with Collateral Damage. Just watched it for a second time, and sadly, I don't think so.
For some reason I just do not find Mitchell very interesting. It still isn't clear to me why SG-1 needed a fourth to continue. Sam could easily have led the team. I mean, ok so his dad lost his legs, and Mitchell was in a crash saving SG-1 from Anubis in Antarctica. At least Mitchell still has a father. Daniel's father's been dead since the boy was eight. Mitchell seems to be wallowing in self-pity and suffers from a serious lack of self-esteem because of his father's injury. Both are bad characteristics in a team leader. The loss of Daniel's parents seems to have made him stronger, more independent, more self-reliant. Mitchell has risen to the top of his game despite his weaknesses. While we only saw Daniel's father once (well, more than once in The Gamekeeper), he struck me as a rigid pedantic. Daniel could have spent his adult life trying to live up to all manner of imagined paternal expectations; instead he's strong and surprisingly well adjusted. It's just the Ascended memories thing that needs to be addressed. So please please please go there. Please.
My favorite episode in S9 is Prototype. There's clearly a lot going on in Daniel's head concerning Anubis. Love to see that explored. And there's got to be some connection between Anubis and the Ori since both Khalek and the Priors are able to stop bullets just by standing there.
KJM
Oh my goodness Joe. Please tell me you are going to retire soon. I just cannot stant M&M written episodes anymore. For the first time ever since I have been watching Stargate I actually got so bored with an episode I turned it off and did something else. I had to wait 24 hours and than trudged through it. How truely horrible "Collateral Damage" was. How utterly predictable. Please do not write any S10 episodes. Please become an editor to check for grammer or something for some new writers. Maybe you guys should watch BSG for a while to see how things should be. There are no inovative or original ideals anymore on Stargate. Please go away and stop working for this show. I am not attacking you Joe. I mean it sincerly that you cannot write anything exciting. It is all mondane. Predictable. Prove me wrong. Please Joe. Stop what you are doing and THINK. Ponder. Think outside the box.
I can always tell when M&M are the writers by the lack of zip in the episodes. Please, please go away.
Sincerly a long time Stargate fan,
Auntie Em!
Long live Stargate, as long as M&M are not part of it!
As Nate said, In fact last night was a great murder mystery.. which I don't think was solved fully.. Why did the director not want his scientists to help SG-1 anymore? Why did he glance at mitchel and the woman when they left?? Could the ex husband been a false implant too?? Very interesting
I agree, i thought it was obvious the military were behind the murder too. But then, nothing in the episode has been mentionned about being able to rewrite/modify memories, just transfer them up. It also seems that if the husband had been sent by the military, he would not have used a bottle of alcohol to kill her but a weapon with a silencer, this was clearly pointing to passionate murder.
I guess that, for once, that's left very much open to interpretation of the viewer, which is actually very cool. well done guys.
Loved the flashbacks, when CM looked like a madman laughing in front of her dead body, that was great. i also liked the whole sam and cam interaction in this episode.
Please, if the deleted scenes to don't appear on sci-fi, can we at least have them on this season's dvd ?
One or two freelance writers with the new, fresh ideas won't hurt. You really should think about it if you don't want to kill Stargate SG-1 too early.
Joe, I'm a big fan of Amanda and Michael so I'm glad to hear that Sam will be in the SG-1 episodes that you have so far; however, could you please tell us something about Daniel? You said that Daniel will go to Atlantis in SG-1's third episode. Does that mean that Daniel will be in Atlantis's fourth episode or be back in SG-1's fourth episode? If Daniel is in the Atlantis episode when will he be back on SG-1?
"I just cannot stant M&M written episodes anymore."
Oh dear. I don't know how to break it to you, but with my having written three scripts already, and Paul having written one, its very likely that we'll be writing more SG-1's than ever this season. If only you had posted this comment earlier, I wouldn't have gone through the trouble of pitching all those ideas. Well, too late now.
"You really should think about it if you don't want to kill Stargate SG-1 too early."
Too early? We're in season 10.
Well, Collateral Damage wasn't the greatest episode for me either, Joe. I feel like this is the second episode this season where everyone else got nothing to do just for Mitchell. I know he's the new guy and I know that you're trying to catch him up, but it's never going to happen. He's just too far behind Daniel, Carter, and Teal'c. And I'm tired of having the original cast get screwed over for the new guy. Can't you guys write a story where everyone has something to do? Carter just stood around the whole episode. Daniel and Teal'c had nothing, and I mean nothing, to contribute. Right now, I've had all the Mitchell I can take. He's just not very interesting, and I'm starting to become bitter that the characters I do care about are being wallpapered just so the new star(who apparently isn't really) can get some face time.
Joe
Joe, Could you please tell us if Daniel is in all of the episodes that you have so far for SG-1? You said that you are making Daniel darker is season 10 and have also mentioned a very controversial story arc for Daniel. It's nice to know that Sam will be in all of the episodes you have so far for SG-1 but what about Daniel?
Hi Joe,
Wow. You really have the patience of a saint. I'm aghast at how rude some people can be. I stay off the forums for just this reason. I would, however, like to add my own two sense to some of the criticism being put forth so ineloquently here.
Joe, I honestly think that both you and Paul do your best work when you write together. I understand why you both write episodes separately now and how limited your time is these days. But my favorite episodes by you guys were all written back when it was more of a collaborative effort between the two of you.
I think your earlier work struck a better balance between humor and seriousness. Paul's writing is more clinical than yours, and your wit and humor balance out the sometimes sterile nature (Collateral Damage) of his work. Conversely, you sometimes get too hung up on the humorous flow of an episode (TTTB) which results in the characters coming across as overly glib and unconcerned in key situations. But together I think the two of you put out some of the best work Stargate has ever seen. Window of Opportunity, Exodus, Revelations, Prophecy--these episodes really capture the best elements of humor and seriousness and really feel like Stargate should.
This isn't an attempt to bash you guys, I like your stuff. I'm damn sure looking forward to Ripple Effect. Still, I for one would like to see you guys work together more, rather than merely do a pass on eachothers finished scripts.
Just my opinion, Joe. Thanks for your time, and thanks for providing me and my family with years of pure entertainment.
Ray Pullman
Joe,
I never thought I would be saying this as I really like Sam .. but.. I think you need to move her off the team. You need to give her a job that gives her an independent power base from which to interact with the SG1 team.
This idea of “joint command” is something most people won't buy in a military setting.
I can't believe that when Mitchell asked Sam to be on the team he didn't say to her “I want you on the team but I have been assigned as SG1's leader. If you can't live with that I understand”.
You will never have the “old team” back. The “New team” has to win viewer loyalty and it can't do that the way it is configured.
K.
I agree that the command issue isn't going to go away, but I don't think that moving Sam off the team is the answer. Mitchell is the new guy. He's the one with no experience. He's the one who has to prove himself. And if the behavior he demonstrated again in Collateral Damage is any indication, then he's not leadership material. Sorry, but the character is written and acted as if were irresponsible and immature. So far, the "Mitchell episodes" have only been made possible by marginalizing all the other characters in the stories. That's not conducive to a team show. Richard Dean Anderson was always able to make Jack O'neill remain the star and still make sure that everyone played a vital role in almost every single episode. That's not the case with Mitchell. And it sucks. But Sam shouldn't have to suffer any more just so Ben Browder, his fans, or the Mitchell character can feel welcome, important, or vital to the show. Carter isn't the problem. Mitchell is.
Nigel
I keep hoping and hoping this season will improve but alas it just keeps getting worse. Collateral Damage was the first new episode that I have gotten up and did something else while it was on. Aside from the fact that the plot was done on at least 2 Star Treks, it was just awful. I hope this was the episode that finally hit rock bottom and the coming ones finally start improving. I am keeping my fingers crossed for "Ripple Effect".
"Grapes of Wraith" LOL! I hope they pick that one. That's great.
Very entertaining entry. Looks like next season will be pretty awsome. And I am so looking forward to Ripple Effect.
Richard Dean Anderson was always able to make Jack O'neill remain the star and still make sure that everyone played a vital role in almost every single episode
ok we definitively haven't seen the same thing.
This serie is a spin off, SciFi decided to keep the original name for advertising purpose.
To put things in context, CM has been the main character in 2 eps, daniel has been main character for the first 3 eps,prototype and others. Sam wasn't there for half of the season, and teal'c is wallpaper'd as usual, so no biggie for him. I even think he had his best lines this season in the previous episode.i don't even remember about him being a wallpaper until recently.
I mean, i do understand you don't like the new characters and want to see the old SG1. On the contrary i would like to discover what's going on with the new guys and SG1's spin off. i'd like to see the older chars too, of course, but this season is obviously a set up for several years if it works.
I think that's getting in there, as we finally see why CM has been choosen by the military to take over the stargate project and set up a new crew -he's apt-. Next week, i will look at him and see a colonel, so the episode has served its purpose.
and i think the Cam/Sam relation turns out quite good.
Thanks for the update on the next seasons. I'm always interested in finding out what is going on behind the scenes and love it when we get to see all the changes that each episode goes through in it's infancy.
I'm still rooting for Delicious Fat Guy. Glad to see Brad working on it.
Also, Grace Under Pressure was fantastic.
- Kit
Nigel, I completely agree with everything you said and what really bothers me is it looks to me like they are going to shove Daniel over to Atlantis in part of season 10 because somebody has to go because of the addition of Claudia Black. There have been several questions asked to Joe about Daniel and Atlantis and I think he is avoiding them because of the backlash of Sam possibly being shoved over on Atlantis. I will be very upset if any of the original 3 that are left on the show are treated badly. I can except change but not if any of the remaining original team is shoved aside. For me Stargate is Sam,Daniel and Teal'c and that is why I still watch.
For me Stargate is Sam,Daniel and Teal'c and that is why I still watch.
So you must be thrilled they got rid of that pesky Jack, then...?
No, Jack was why I started watching. I'm talking about season 9 and 10. Unfortunately Jack is no longer on the show. Sam,Daniel and Teal'c is all we have left of the original Sg-1 and I don't want to lose them too.
Joe maybe you missed this in the hubbub to answer some of the ruder posts:
Joe - good work with having Carter remain on SG1 and be in all episodes so far. will the co-leader thing be addressed on-screen and shown in S10?
Also, will S10 bring back the pure SG1 and team episodes from earlier seasons?
Thank you very much.
Deanna
Hey Joe,
I have to say that I'm a big fan of Collateral Damage. It was a good story, and developed Cameron pretty well in one episode. And I liked the way the memories were executed - very innovative, and very different for Stargate, right?
The team looked concerned for his welfare, and everyone had their purpose. There were a few things I had issues with, like the alcoholic beverages (Daniel, Sam and Cameron all appeared to be drinking - is that allowed only on diplomatic missions?) and the Captain Kirkage of Cameron took some of the heat off of Shep... ;)
Either way, I do REALLY look forward to the rest of the season now (mainly Ripple Effect). If all episodes could be kinda like Collateral Damage (with a liiiiittle more emphasis on Teal'c and Daniel, or any other duo-combo that arises with each ep), then I think the rest of this season and next season should be great! :)
Oh, and I'm with Oober: Is Cameron's dad not around anymore? Very touching stuff between him and his father.
~tdos
"Oh dear. I don't know how to break it to you, but with my having written three scripts already, and Paul having written one, its very likely that we'll be writing more SG-1's than ever this season. If only you had posted this comment earlier, I wouldn't have gone through the trouble of pitching all those ideas. Well, too late now."
Hahaha. As if anyone could stop you anyway.
I see a lot of people using the "it's a new show" and the "it's another spin off of sg1" line to write off and excuse the lesser quality and poorer characters they've been stomaching like champs so far this year. All it is though is a nice, guilt-free way of complaining about the show.
It's just a euphemism, plain and simple.
I'm just going to join the bandwagon to ask for Jack to be in episode 200. Really, you wouldn't have been able to make it that far without Richard Dean Anderson. And I haven't felt too reassured that Jack is still alive in the Stargate universe. Seems those "oversights" keep growing. How wouldn't Jack's name be mentioned in Fourth Horseman? If the Ori are after the Ancients, shouldn't people who have the ancient gene and are classified in such a manner be alerted? Sam or Daniel could've had a phone conversation with Jack (even without RDA's voice of course). If Jack is the head of Homeworld Security, shouldn't he be in on all those calls that Landry has to make? I know that you're moving on and away from Jack O'Neill, but a tiny bone thrown to us every 3rd episode wouldn't hurt.
M
While I would never say it so rudely, I have to agree with the poster who doesn't fully appreciate M&M scripts. What I've learned to expect from them is too much time developing guest characters we'll never see again, too much exposition in a futile effort to explain away potential plot holes, too many scenes with no emotional impact, too much manipulation of the characters in service to the plot, too little tension regarding the fate of our heroes. I think the original ideas are great but something is lost on the way to the screen. I don't understand how this happens, honestly. But I'm ever hopeful for S10, anyway :)
Joe,
as far as I remember you said somewhere that it is SG-1 episode in which Daniel finally makes it to Atlantis in season 10, right?
Hello Joe:
Can you tell us if Colonel Carter will continue to be a major character in S10 like you said Vala would be? From what you said it sounds like at least 11 episodes are written or at least sketched out (broken?) and you shoud have an idea of what is going on with the group, including Sam Carter and what type of role she will have on SG1. Will it be substantive and contributory, will she have a reason to be there (I found it disturbing how in the 4HM2 and CD she was basically a glorifed baby-sitter (as so many others have pointed out) who leaned on walls, doorjams, technical equipment and stairs but did not contribute anything susbtantive at all to the team or to the show (in CD the same was true of Daniel and Teal'c but at least at other times during this season they have contributed substantively to the story and the team - Sam Carter has yet to be treated that same way and here's hoping that changes with RE this week and then beyond through the remainder of S9 considering her import and contribution and history with the show and the team).
Thank you very much for your thoughtful reply.
Suzanne Pettis (SG1TeamFan)
At this point, I'll take any focus on the part of the producers towards the original characters. Daniel, Teal'c, and Carter have been largely ignored this season by every single person involved with production. Mitchell has been pushed and pushed and pushed constantly. We get the "We love Vala" line at every opportunity; the unspoken statement of course being that the other characters are no longer that fetching to write for. The vast overwhelming majority of fans are watching for either Carter, Teal'c, Daniel, or, God forbid, the team. Jack O'neill has up and vanished from the Stargate universe faster than Corin Nemic. How's that for gratitude? And the ever-droning company line of Fargate has long since lost any meaning.
I don't know why it's so hard to grasp the concept that fans are watching the show for the same reasons they have been for the last eight years. Perhaps some of those longtime characters and elements of the story were worthy of respect after all.
Linus
In Canada here, and spent the extra cash to get TMN to see SGA and Rome. Have to say I love this second part of the SGA season even more than I thought I would. Question, though, about the nameless Canuck tech - are you ever gonna get someone to name him?
I'm holding out for Mike, myself. (as in Mike. From Canmore.)
We have friends in Buffalo, so hope to see the most recent SG1 soon. I'm looking forward to that!
Daniel goes to Atlantis in episode 3 of SG1 but Joe never said if he comes back. The next episode we hear anything about Daniel is Counter Strike - episode 7. Episodes 4 and 5 of Atlantis are a 2-parter where a new enemy is introduced. Dark Daniel and new enemy - can you see where I am going with this? Joe said that Daniel would be a member of SG1 in season 10 but he also said that there would be a very controversial
story arc for Daniel and he would be darker. I want team episodes which includes all of the team - Cam,Sam,Daniel and Teal'c and Jack when we can have him.
"I don't know why it's so hard to grasp the concept that fans are watching the show for the same reasons they have been for the last eight years. Perhaps some of those longtime characters and elements of the story were worthy of respect after all."
Amen to that.
ANONYMOUS SAID ------- "I don't know why it's so hard to grasp the concept that fans are watching the show for the same reasons they have been for the last eight years. Perhaps some of those longtime characters and elements of the story were worthy of respect after all."
Amen to that."
and a double, double AMEN to that!!!! Please!!!!
"with a bit of luck, if A. tapping didn't look that annoyed at BB on screen and if they were looking at each others, cam mitchell could probably shag sam before the end of the season..."
I am going to be sooooo seriously irked if they start a Sam/Cam thing now. Haven´t we suffered enough - the whole replicarter thing, the fullstop that never came after 8 seasons of Sam/Jack UST and now the Daniel/Vala fiasco etc.
Lets just get back to basics. Finish the Sam/Jack thing and lets get some more team focussed eps.
And btw, in no military structure that I know of will you have a situation where leadership is sort of up in the air as is the case with Cam/Sam/SG1.
anonymous @ 1:17 said:
While I would never say it so rudely, I have to agree with the poster who doesn't fully appreciate M&M scripts. What I've learned to expect from them is too much time developing guest characters... [and] too much manipulation of the characters in service to the plot.
And Suzanne P said:
Can you tell us ... and what type of role [Col Carter] will have on SG1. Will it be substantive and contributory, will she have a reason to be there (I found it disturbing how in the 4HM2 and CD she was basically a glorifed baby-sitter (as so many others have pointed out) who leaned on walls, doorjams, technical equipment and stairs but did not contribute anything susbtantive at all to the team or to the show.
Ditto!
-DEM
My concern is if they are already wallpapering Daniel and Sam now where they have nothing to contribute to an episode what will it be like in season 10 with a new full time cast member. Sam and Daniel have so much to contribute when allowed. They are supposed to be the science twins.
I guess that, for once, that's left very much open to interpretation of the viewer, which is actually very cool. well done guys.
For once? You mean for always! Open to interpretation writing is polluting the show!
"You will never have the “old team” back. The “New team” has to win viewer loyalty and it can't do that the way it is configured."
You're correct on that. It's bad enough how much I miss Jack but to see Carter so badly disrespected by shoving her back to 2IC just so the newest character can have something to do... How can I or anyone grab hold of this new team if all we feel is resentment towards the new character?
Good to see have you back...
Glad to hear that Carl Binder and Martin Gero are working on some great ideas.
"Another two episodes come compliments of Carl Binder, a couple of very well-written, very tight scripts (typical of Carl, that show-off) in which we are introduced to a brand new villain who's handywork we have already come across."
Only two... hope not... ;)
Glad to hear that they're tight.. and looking forward to finding out more about the new villains.
Regards
E.Lily
For once? You mean for always! Open to interpretation writing is polluting the show!
it's actually a quality for sci fi stories, you know ?
Well, I hate to break it to you, but not everyone feels 'resentment' towards the new characters. I know it must be hard to grasp that you and your opinions are not the center of the universe, but, please, try.
Get counselling if you have to.
Anonymous said:
Well, I hate to break it to you, but not everyone feels 'resentment' towards the new characters. I know it must be hard to grasp that you and your opinions are not the center of the universe, but, please, try.
Get counselling if you have to.
You know what? Nobody, not one poster so far, has come on and pretended to speak for everyone. At best, they've come on and the phrases "many" or "a lot" of fans while writing their posts. This drivel you posted is the same damn weak attack methods used by virulent, no-other-opinions-tolerated pro-everything Stargate fanboys and fangirls. If you're so nervous about many people voicing their opinions about the shows, then perhaps online fandom and other arenas of free discussion aren't for you. Perhaps you should seek help yourself.
Allison
Will some one please pay for Amanda Tapping to have acting leasons?
I've just read 80-plus posts and am staggered by the frequently rude, patronizing and/or condescending quality of many of them. If I were Joe, I wouldn't bother putting up with it, but he has a thicker hide than most people and deflects many of the snottiest comments with good humor.
You know what? Nobody, not one poster so far, has come on and pretended to speak for everyone.
Alli-baby, perhaps you should have your eyes checked, given the extreme number of posts I've seen claiming just that.
But I suppose I shouldn't be surprised your comprehension level is a little low, given the poisoning effect of the "Everything's not the same, waa, waaa" fandom you represent.
Oooh Joe,
Another friend has seen Noises Off on my recommendation and they thoroughly enjoyed it!
MB
Anonymous said...
I've just read 80-plus posts and am staggered by the frequently rude, patronizing and/or condescending quality of many of them. If I were Joe, I wouldn't bother putting up with it, but he has a thicker hide than most people and deflects many of the snottiest comments with good humor."
In case you, and others who come on here to pontificate, didn't notice two of the few posts Joe cared to reply to thus far ARE the snotty rude ones and he chooses to respond in kind - perhaps if he did not egg on those people they would die away. Joe is as much the problem as those that put up rude posts because he gives them attention and credence by addressing them.
Gerry
Anonymous said...
You know what? Nobody, not one poster so far, has come on and pretended to speak for everyone.
Alli-baby, perhaps you should have your eyes checked, given the extreme number of posts I've seen claiming just that.
But I suppose I shouldn't be surprised your comprehension level is a little low, given the poisoning effect of the "Everything's not the same, waa, waaa" fandom you represent.
"
Once again some of the snottiest comments go under the anonymous/coward tag - "waa-waa" sounds like your post Mr/Ms Anonymous - you sound like you are from the Sony Forum your post is so immature and petulant - go back there and have your good cry and if you are not from there you should go there - your petulance and immaturity will be appreciated there.
Susan Timlan
Anonymous Coward said...
Will some one please pay for Amanda Tapping to have acting leasons?
and the same Anonymous Coward or one similar said...
But I suppose I shouldn't be surprised your comprehension level is a little low, given the poisoning effect of the "Everything's not the same, waa, waaa" fandom you represent.
I said...
Yup, fans say that they don't like the new characters, so you attack the longtime actors. Real classy. I'm so glad all Browder and Black fans have joined up. Bottom of the barrel doesn't even begin to describe you.
Hey, frankly, if I was Joe, and I got the amount of snotty, rude posts he got, I'd feel mighty tempted to twist thier tails too. I mean, it's so easy, and it's gotta be amusing to watch 'em scurry around like angry ants...
heh. The person posting under the anonyus tag whines about people posting under anonymous tags. Gotta love it...
And, yeah, just 'signing' your name? Not really meaning much. To wit -
Abraham Lincoln
Anonymous said...
Anonymous said...
I've just read 80-plus posts and am staggered by the frequently rude, patronizing and/or condescending quality of many of them. If I were Joe, I wouldn't bother putting up with it, but he has a thicker hide than most people and deflects many of the snottiest comments with good humor."
In case you, and others who come on here to pontificate, didn't notice two of the few posts Joe cared to reply to thus far ARE the snotty rude ones and he chooses to respond in kind - perhaps if he did not egg on those people they would die away.
Um, just exactly how was I rude? If rude means anyone who does not like Joes work than I guess I am very rude.
I do not brown nose like a great many seem to do just because he is a writer for a tv show. He is not greater or less than anyone else.
Now Joe, I know just by my asking you to leave the show that you would not do such a thing. I am pushing you to think outside the box. Your episodes are mondane! I am sorry if you do not like to hear it but they are. There is nothing exciting about them. They are just ok. You can do better than OK! Think outside the box Joe. PLEASE! Or else the shows, the ones M&M write will be boring or just ok. Is it so much to ask from you Joe? Come on! Can you not take the negative critizism as well as the good?
Anonymous said...
I've just read 80-plus posts and am staggered by the frequently rude, patronizing and/or condescending quality of many of them. If I were Joe, I wouldn't bother putting up with it, but he has a thicker hide than most people and deflects many of the snottiest comments with good humor."
In case you, and others who come on here to pontificate, didn't notice two of the few posts Joe cared to reply to thus far ARE the snotty rude ones and he chooses to respond in kind - perhaps if he did not egg on those people they would die away.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Um, just exactly how was I rude? If rude means anyone who does not like Joes work than I guess I am very rude.
I do not brown nose like a great many seem to do just because he is a writer for a tv show. He is not greater or less than anyone else.
Now Joe, I know just by my asking you to leave the show that you would not do such a thing. I am pushing you to think outside the box. Your episodes are mondane! I am sorry if you do not like to hear it but they are. There is nothing exciting about them. They are just ok. You can do better than OK! Think outside the box Joe. PLEASE! Or else the shows, the ones M&M write will be boring or just ok. Is it so much to ask from you Joe? Come on! Can you not take the negative critizism as well as the good?
Auntie em wrote:
"Your episodes are mondane! I am sorry if you do not like to hear it but they are."
To Auntie em:
Joe's writing can not be mondane...I believe the word you are searching for is mundane, with a U. You used that word twice, in your original post and the follow up, so I made the leap that it was not just a typo. Just because you make up a word doesn't make it real. As just having an opinion, which you are entitled to, doesn't make it a fact. When you write with such an air of superiority you should proof read. Sorry for the critizism. Oh wait, you spelled that incorrectly as well (criticism).
Oh geeeze thanks Chris U. However, how does attacking my spelling change anything other than make you look pettie and small? Did I spell everything correctly for you?
no you didn't ..it's petty. Does that mean you can not accept criticism as you ask Joe to?
Abe -- you are pathetic.
Susan
That's Timlin, Abe, incase you couldn't make that leap. Maybe you and others do not know me but at least I have the courage to use my own name not a fake one and not the cowardly anonymous one which seems to empower people to be snotty (same as with those that choose to use made up names - the more anonymous someone is the snottier, and more pathetic, they get).
Because you claim to be using a real name, you're couragous? lol
at least I'm not a coward.
ST
Wheee, look at all the pretty insults!
Joe,
Thanks for the "In the Making" updates - I'm glad you put the cut scenes/bits in, find that quite interesting. And love the rest of the info, as I've always been into the creative process. Good stuff.
Good for you Allison, I agree. BTW to those who attack the fans that have criticisms, understand this, there are plenty of people out here who dislike the new characters or who think the new characters have been badly introduced and who think the other 3 lead characters have been diminished and/or disrespected to the detriment of the show so you need to get over it, accept it, move on or seek professional help if you are so concerned about the growing numbers of people who are expressing their dislike of the show and the new charaters, enemy, direction, etc.
There is a lot to dislike and/or be critical of these days and there are plenty of people talking about the same concerns. Be aware not everyone, not even people who have watched for years, will love, or even like, Stargate SG1 for the sake of liking it no matter what drivel they produce and your opinion to like it or even love it is not at the center of the universe. Get used to it, especially if the show and characters continue down this path.
Gerry (missingtherealSG1)
"But I suppose I shouldn't be surprised your comprehension level is a little low, given the poisoning effect of the "Everything's not the same, waa, waaa" fandom you represent."
That's funny coming from someone representing the "People are criticizing my show so I have to lash out at anything in sight" fandom. Some fans really need to develop a thicker skin and get a grip.
Joe Mallozzi SAID:Oh dear. I don't know how to break it to you, but with my having written three scripts already, and Paul having written one, its very likely that we'll be writing more SG-1's than ever this season."
OMG, I don't believe my stomach has turned sour that fast in a long time!! (After reading through this Blog and seeing what Joe responds to, as mentioned earlier on, I figure if I'm rude enough Joe will skip all the nicey-nice posts with questions and just come out to snark with me.)
Jillian Stewart (ooh is that my real name? I checked my Drivers License just before this and that's what it said so that's what I'm stickin with.)
Hey Mr. Mallozzi !
Two things, Please consider letting me know, before hand, your (American) Football picks ! I promise we can split the winnings down the middle (60/40) !! :>D
With the changes you folks have made this year, and the way the scripts have changed, I get this feeling that you guys are NOT "aiming" at surpassing the longevity of the X-files, but have your sights fixed on surpassing "Gunsmoke" !!!!!!
Thanks tor EVERYTHNG !!!
==
Will some one please pay for Amanda Tapping to have acting leasons?
I'll chip in five bucks. Anyone want to try a cake sale? A car wash?
Yup, fans say that they don't like the new characters, so you attack the longtime actors. Real classy. I'm so glad all Browder and Black fans have joined up. Bottom of the barrel doesn't even begin to describe you.
Sorry to spoil your little theory but I've been around since season one and never saw Farscape at all but I still wish AT would take an acting class or two to eliminate all that horrible face pulling and compulsive gulping she has adopted in lieu of actual emotion. I though with RDA gone and Beau Bridges doing most of his scenes with Lexa Doig or Gary Jones we might be spared it but it seems Ben is going to be it's new, lucky recipient. Run, Mitchell! Run like the wind! Indigestion awaits!
Henry
Can we get a discount if we sign Shanks up too? He really needs to get rid of his squinty look of confusion.
**Anonymous said...
Can we get a discount if we sign Shanks up too? He really needs to get rid of his squinty look of confusion.**
LOL. I know...I see him doing that *so* often. I try, really try to understand how his fans think he is the best actor on TV today and it just eludes me. To each his own, I guess. But I'd say yeah, none of the actors are what I would consider great actors...if they were, they wouldn't be on Stargate after 9 years. (And, please spare me the comments about MS being one of the great, as of yet, undiscovered actors....)
Misa
**Anonymous said...
Can we get a discount if we sign Shanks up too? He really needs to get rid of his squinty look of confusion.**
LOL. I know...I see him doing that *so* often. I try, really try to understand how his fans think he is the best actor on TV today and it just eludes me. To each his own, I guess. But I'd say yeah, none of the actors are what I would consider great actors...if they were, they wouldn't be on Stargate after 9 years. (And, please spare me the comments about MS being one of the great, as of yet, undiscovered actors, how his being in Canada holds him back, etc.)
Misa
**Anonymous said...
Can we get a discount if we sign Shanks up too? He really needs to get rid of his squinty look of confusion.**
LOL. I know...I see him doing that *so* often. I try, really try to understand how his fans think he is the best actor on TV today and it just eludes me. To each his own, I guess. But I'd say yeah, none of the actors are what I would consider great actors...if they were, they wouldn't be on Stargate after 9 years. (And, please spare me the comments about MS being one of the great, as of yet, undiscovered actors, how his being in Canada holds him back, etc.)
Misa
Yeah I'll chip in for the lessons for Shanks (maybe he and Lexa can get a 2 for 1 sale).
Geesh.
If you haven't already watched the anime Planetes, I highly recommend it!
Well Joe it didn't take long for the trolls to come out and insult the actors. I'm glad that you just ignore it. I think Michael and Amanda both are great. It's really too bad that some people have to stoop so low as to insult something that they know nothing about. I don't belong to any forum but really enjoy reading your blog. If you get a chance would you tell Michael and Amanda how much they are appreciated by alot of fans. Looking forward to Sam and Daniel in season 10.
Anonymous said...
Well Joe it didn't take long for the trolls to come out and insult the actors. I'm glad that you just ignore it. I think Michael and Amanda both are great. It's really too bad that some people have to stoop so low as to insult something that they know nothing about. I don't belong to any forum but really enjoy reading your blog. If you get a chance would you tell Michael and Amanda how much they are appreciated by alot of fans. Looking forward to Sam and Daniel in season 10.
The poster didn't insult Michael or Amanda; they simply said they didn't think any of the actors on SG were great (an opinion). And to say that MS often gives his "squinty confused" look is not an insult; it *is* a criticism of his acting and IMO, criticising an actor for his acting is perfectly valid and not insulting. As far as knowing nothing about the matter; we all know what we like and don't like and that's all we need to know to offer a critique.
Moe
It wasn't one poster it was several. If you don't like someones acting that's fine but to say that they should take acting lessons is going too far IMO. It was obvious to me by reading the posts that they were not giving constructive criticism but purposely being mean. I guess I just find it rather sad but that's just me.
If you haven't already watched the anime Planetes, I highly recommend it
I have done it already a few blogs back, but i concur, fantastic space soap, init ?
JMallozzi Said: "Oh dear. I don't know how to break it to you, but with my having written three scripts already, and Paul having written one, its very likely that we'll be writing more SG-1's than ever this season. If only you had posted this comment earlier, I wouldn't have gone through the trouble of pitching all those ideas. Well, too late now."
Joe, I like your style. I might not always completely like your episodes (lots of issues with Collateral Damage but enjoyed the Mitchell backstory).
What I find funny is that the fan who are calling for you to quit or leave are the same ones who live in denial that scripts they like were written by you (or the the other writers). If they like it, then some magical creature must have written it, but if they don't like it, they call for YOUR head, not the head of the mythical creatures who wrote their beloved 5 1/4 episode miniseries.
They are the first to vocalize about how much they want you to go and for new writers to be brought in, to make you and the other writers completely responsible for what they don't like, but don't have the decency or the integrity to praise you for what they do like. They have to revert to childish make believe to avoid being held accountable for themselves or giving credit where it is properly due.
Maybe the show doesn't need new writers, maybe it needs fans who can be adult enough to treat people with integrity and decency.
Jennifer Adams
Anonymous said...
It wasn't one poster it was several. If you don't like someones acting that's fine but to say that they should take acting lessons is going too far IMO. It was obvious to me by reading the posts that they were not giving constructive criticism but purposely being mean. I guess I just find it rather sad but that's just me
I don't think it's mean at all. These people get paid large sums of money (more than most of us make per year, I'm sure) because of their "talent or skills" (supposedly). I never saw Lexa Doig in anything else (other than an episode or 2 of "Andromeda"), but judging her solely on what I've seen so far on Stargate, my opinion is that she is a very bad actress -- maybe it's just this part that's not right for her -- maybe it's partly the writing. But I think her acting leaves much to be desired (I do think some acting classes would benefit her). That's not said out of meanness, but honest feelings.
I haven't seen Lexa enough to feel one way or another. She hasn't been on the show that long or been given very much to do. However I feel that Michael and Amanda both are very good at what they do. Michael is able to act with his face and use facial expressions that IMO bring the character of Daniel alive and so can Amanda. I am very critical of acting so coming from me to say that I think that they are both very good is unusual. But IMO I think that Michael and Amanda both are very good.
I think (just me, not pretending to speak for anybody else) that we might as well leave Tapping and Shanks's acting abilities out of the discussion. They must be doing something right for their contracts to be renewed every year. Besides I think Tapping is great. Shanks I am not so crazy over, but has his moments. Still prefers RDA though, and always will.
Anonymous said
"I am very critical of acting so coming from me to say that I think that they are both very good is unusual. But IMO I think that Michael and Amanda both are very good."
Well that settles it for me. They have passed your litmus test so nothing more need be said on the subject. Thank you.
If my last post sounded sarcastic, it was. Look I once read a post that said "In all my 18 years that was the best episode of any tv show ever." Your post reminded me of that. You could be an accomplished acting teacher that has trained award winning actors or you could be 12 and think Power Rangers is a classic. So without a context for how hard you are to please, what does it really mean. For the record, I like MS and AT just fine on SG1. Saw Michael on CSI and don't know why it was made out to be such a big deal before hand, it was a part that any working actor could have done the same job with. I say this as someone who watches a lot of TV, nothing more or less.
Well, there are far, far too many children running around Gateworld these days. Apparently all the appeals to the younger demographic have worked.
I'm sorry I came here to read. Some of you are the rudest people I've ever seen. To make the comments you are about Amanda Tapping just blows me away. Not that I think I need to defend her, but if her acting was so bad, I'm sure she wouldn't have gotten awards for it.
Why do you have to be so petty and mean?
Fan, who is disappointed in people
I think Tapping is a good actress, but to be honest, if I were Amanda Tapping (with her good looks), I would not even be worry about the acting bit. If you look like that everything else is just icing on the cake.
I'm sorry I came here to read too. Joe's blog has turned into nothing more than a way to talk bad about the actors. I wish Joe would turn off the comments section but I guess that isn't going to happen. The sad part is that Joe can come on and defend himself but the actors keep taking the brunt of it. It seems like Michael and Amanda are the ones taking the biggest brunt of it and lately It's been more Michael. If Joe is not going to turn off the comments then atleast he could check them before they are posted like Rainbow does.
It's a nice thought, but there's no way Joe has time to vet four or five hundred comments to each blog entry he makes. Besides, you're barking up the wrong tree. Joe's felt it necessary to defend one actor on the show, and that was Browder. Take what you will from that.
Joe's felt it necessary to defend one actor on the show, and that was Browder. Take what you will from that.
I don't get what you are trying to say with this.
I'm saying that either Joe thinks that Shanks and Tapping don't need to be defended or that he doesn't think they're worthy of his defense. And I'm saying that he either likes Browder so much that he felt the need to defend him, or that he thought Browder's position was weak enough to need his support. Why bother singling out one actor for defense by TPTB and not the others? Especially when the others suffer far worse criticism and hatred from posters in this blog than Browder ever did? It smacks of favoritism and it says a lot about Mallozzi, TPTB, and Browder. Most things are about the subtlties, and this whole season on Stargate is filled with them. I don't know why they're being less careful and professional about things this year, but it's a real mess.
Anonymous said...
"Joe's felt it necessary to defend one actor on the show, and that was Browder. Take what you will from that.
I don't get what you are trying to say with this."
He/she probably means that Joe is defending the one that requires defending more than anybody else on the show.
Shanks hardly needs defending when just about every actor on the show (including RDA), several of the producers and most of the directors are on record in print and DVD commentary raving about what a wonderful actor he is. Oh, and Amanda always knows her lines. Faint praise, much?
Henry
You know, the problem all the antis are having with season nine is all about the damn command issue. TPTB messed with the natural progression of things and now half the audience doesn't even care how good the stories are. If Cam had been a major like they were going to do originally all of this negativity would never have existed. I wish people would give season nine a chance instead of letting that one mistake ruin the whole show for them. I'm asking all the nay sayers out there, give the season a fair shake.
"Shanks hardly needs defending when just about every actor on the show (including RDA), several of the producers and most of the directors are on record in print and DVD commentary raving about what a wonderful actor he is. Oh, and Amanda always knows her lines. Faint praise, much?"
Yawn, yet another Shanks fan who goes out of their way to bash Tapping. You guys are a dime a dozen.
Hey Joe - you might want to catch the new "Ripple Effect" parody at joking.com...
http://www.joking.com/videos.asp?video=stargatesg1rippleeffect.swf
LOL....
Yawn, yet another Shanks fan who goes out of their way to bash Tapping. You guys are a dime a dozen.
It's not exactly the fault of Shanks or his fans that the cast, producers and directors have to struggle to find something nice to say about her acting. 'Hey what about the way she learns those lines then, eh?'
You're not wrong there but at least they do talk about each other and the show, all AT ever talks about is herself.
Anonymous said...
You're not wrong there but at least they do talk about each other and the show, all AT ever talks about is herself.
I'm curious as to what AT you're talking about, because it bears zero resemblance to Amanda Tapping, otherwise known as one of the most gracious people on earth.
Mary Beth
Anonymous said...
You're not wrong there but at least they do talk about each other and the show, all AT ever talks about is herself.
Seems to me that you posted this almost verbatim in the last blog. If I thought that all AT talked about was herself and it bothered me, I simply wouldn't read or listen to any of her interviews. But that's just me, of course....I guess there's always the (remote) possibility that someone is holding you captive and are torturing you by forcing you to read or listen to her interviews, right?
Carey
I'm curious as to what AT you're talking about, because it bears zero resemblance to Amanda Tapping, otherwise known as one of the most gracious people on earth.
Gracious? God that's funny! Jeez Joe must get a laugh from you guys!
Come on then. Quote me one interview where La Tapping praises anyone else the way RDA, MS, CJ, BB and CB have so often done in their interviews. She's too busy whining about her fears of losing screen time and carrying on like she's the only woman on earth to have ever breast fed.
Okay. How about her most recent interview for starters?
Regarding David Hewlitt and the episode Grace Under Pressure:
Amanda: It was fantastic fun but the only person I got to play with was David, which is fantastic because he is wonderful. And this episode, "Grace Under Pressure"...he did such a good job. He carries a full arc for the character.
When asked about Claudia Black:
Amanda: I'm glad Claudia's back as a full-time cast member. She's really awesome and her character is amazing.
Yes. That Amanda sure is full of herself isn't she? /sarcasm
I don't know (or rather don't care) about your problems with Amanda sharing her experiences as a new mother. I find it sweet and humorous. If you don't then don't read it.
And sorry...I've seen only one person on SG-1 whine about lost screen time...and it ain't her.
MB
Honey when you've had three of your own and a full time job, you'll find the pathetic drivel of a spoilt little princess with a nanny laughable too. We should all be so lucky!
And oh wow! Amanda mentioned someone else! Red Letter day! Of course only to try and attach herself to the new female lead before it's too late... Not to mention me! me! me! I just have such wonderful chemistry with every man they throw me at! She's a desperate, middle aged hack who is whining about screen time she hasn't even lost yet. "Oh, I'm so worried about what this new character will mean to me! me! me!" She knows she's gradually being phased out by the newer model. By next season she won't even be the only new Mom in the full time cast. Karma bites, baby!
And sorry...I've seen only one person on SG-1 whine about lost screen time...and it ain't her.
Cute. Maybe she should quit and sit by the phone and wait for them to ask her back. Might be a long wait. ;)
Anonymous said...
Cute. Maybe she should quit and sit by the phone and wait for them to ask her back. Might be a long wait. ;)
Nice little fantasy you've got going there. Thankfully it won't happen as Amanda's not selfish enough to leave because she doesn't have the A story all the time. She'd leave for her daughter though if that became necessary...but not because she doesn't get her way.
As for the interview...apparently in some people's minds being asked about what it's like being a new mom and how her daughter is and what pressures she's been under as an actress and a new mom and what challenges she's had to face returning 6 episodes in and being asked about her role in the franchise lends itself so obviously to talking about her castmates.
:::Role Play:::
Interviewer: So how is Olivia?
Amanda: Forget about Olivia...let me spend the next 10 minutes talking about how WONDERFUL it is to work with the next Olivier and how blessed I am to simply be in his presence!!!
:::End of Role Play:::
Please.
She shares how Olivia will always come first no matter what and that this won't even be a sacrifice. She ends the interview talking about the fans...how wonderful and gracious they are, how blessed she is to work on this show and how grateful she is for the life she has.
These are the words of someone who's not full of herself but recognizes the gift she's been given. She gets that it's not all about her.
If you can't see that, then you're choosing not to...and that, sir or madam, is your problem not mine.
Mary Beth
You know I thought Tapping was treating her fans like idiots. Now I know's she's right. You lot really do believe the garbage she spouts, don't you?
SLAPS ANONYMOUS WITH A BIG WET FISH!
How dare you! I'm sure if you were in her position you'd fall like a bolder plunging into the ocean.
She's doign Fantastic! *kicks people who be mean*
If you want to spout derogatory or slanderous comments against any of the actors/actresses, I have these words for you - FUCK OFF. AND DIE. You dont deserve to watch this show.
Whoa...someone got up out of the wrong side of bed this morning.
;)
MB
Stop spitting on Amanda Tapping! She's a wonderful, talented and sweet LADY who doesn't deserve this garbage tossed at her.
Go away and learn some manners!
no, believe me I got out of the right side. If people want to act like complete dickheads by posting shit like that against the Actors/Actresses, they deserve what is coming to then.
How are those Tok'ra folk doin? What about those Nox folk? I know that "moving on" is a big new philosophy of the show, but the occasional shift into the nostalgic can't hurt, and is often quite rewarding. How bout solidifying some old canon, revisiting ANYTHING from the years gone by if only for one ep. Surely it's what all of us would love to see?
Just re-watched Collateral Damage again. Good ep Joe, but gee it must be hard for Amanda to show so many expressions when the only muscles that move are those in her bottom lip. The botox bill that month must have been a huge un!
Mary Breath
go burn in hell you fkn retard.
Trolls: Yah: gotta love them. Make even the worst of the rest of us feel like great human beings (and/ or Furlings)
abe:
"Sic semper tyrannis!"
JWB
(at least it's not jms, but that's another cannon(sic))
And to: 2:08AM. Anon: How are things going up there in the shallow end of the Gene Pool?
===================
Maybe a "play nice"....really, a lot of people here start their item with "' I think...' : but in fact a lot of that is "I feel....' "
===================
As for the rest of us.....
As for the present JM(s), (will the real Slim Shady....)
B5 had some great episode, but due to production pressures in both Season 4 and 5, and lack of certainty of return(you know how those network/studio drones can be......(of COURSE they're wonderful people)
As for specific and interesting: Garabaldi's disappearance and trip to Mars in Season 4 is well handled, very long arc.
Almost everything with Walter Keonig(PsiCorps arc) was brilliant, and I don't think ANY writer deserves to have as much fun as the episode "Corp is Mother, Corp is Father)
For Various Reasons: favorite episodes from Seasons 4-5 4:6 Into the Fire; 4:15 No Surrender, No Retreat; 4:20 Endgame; 5:11 Day of the Dead;(would have made a good series finale, great clip+ show); 5:19 Wheel of Fire;
And a special huzzah to Harlan Ellison, with a co-writing credit for 5:04 A View From The Gallery, one of the few episodes that would stand up to SG1's Wormhole Xtreme. Watching them Back to Back is in-fact sounding like a brilliant double feature. PS, Gateworld has a little amusement related back to that
http://www.gateworld.net/sg1/s5/wormhole/w_season1.html
As for SG1: Collateral damage.
Really enjoyed the handling of CM, and the fact that it took a few seconds to recognize BB/CM in the first flashbacks in civvies was interesting. Nice transition, and really upped the character element/acting to show how disturbed he was at the thought of committing murder, (not just a military butcher, etc) and the demonstration of how we ARE our memories, and if they are tampered with, That's what you remember....
Good humanizing episode.
As for RDA and Episode 200....How about keeping him on ice until something Major happens, like episode 300? ;-)
Keep it up.
Thanks Joe.
(Wise men don't need advice. Fools won't take it.
Benjamin Franklin)
Looks like the Tapping trolls were out in full force yesterday spouting the same old, same old. BORING. So much hatred wasted on a person you've never met. I'd recommend therapy, but you guys have proven that you're well beyond that. Pathetic.
Always excited about new eps. Very happy with the season 10 and season 3 news. Can't wait to see them!
What? No ice cream?
**UberSGGoober said...
Just re-watched Collateral Damage again. Good ep Joe, but gee it must be hard for Amanda to show so many expressions when the only muscles that move are those in her bottom lip. The botox bill that month must have been a huge un!
Mary Breath**
LOL!. You are so clearly jealous, it's funny. Must be one of those obsessed MS fans who believe AT is responsible for forcing Sir Michael to leave the show in S6The only thing you are doing is showing how pathtic you are, but hey...it's good for a laugh and shows that MS has some really pathetic fans. I'm sure he would be really proud of you.
Carey
Carey, I am a big Amanda fan but I think you and others are blaming the wrong group of fans. From what I have seen there are alot of fans of Ben and Claudias that feel threatened by Sam/Amanda. The co-leadership issue is only part of it but now that Claudia will be a regular next year some of them expect her to be leading female taking Amanda's place. Because Ben was able to come in ahead of the other three longtime actors on the show some of them expect Claudia to be female lead like she was on Farscape. Someone on GW said that they think Michael and Amanda will be pushed off of the show by season 11. I think they might be right and it's really sad. Although I am a fan of Amanda, I am also a fan of Michael and don't want to see either one treated bad by the studio or by long time fans.
***Carey, I am a big Amanda fan but I think you and others are blaming the wrong group of fans.****
In the absence of any proof one way or the other, I'll just stick with my opinion that it is a pathetically jealous AT fan who blames her for the perceived injustices against MS. And not a group. Just a few fans within the "group" who are a tad irrational.
By the way, I like Sam and Daniel myself.
Hi Joe, stopping by for an anime recommendation. :)
I remember you saying in an earlier blog that you saw a trailer for Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo. I just finished the anime and I highly, HIGHLY recommend it. Champloo is good, Planetes is great, Gankutsuou is EXCELLENT.
Unfortunately, it appears that the series is only up to volume 3 in the US so you'll have to wait a bit. Trust me, it's more than worth it.
Looking forward to the last few episodes of Atlantis season 2 and the upcoming season 3!
Anonymous said...
Stop spitting on Amanda Tapping! She's a wonderful, talented and sweet LADY who doesn't deserve this garbage tossed at her.
After yesterday's chat with Amanda which I joined out of pure curiosity using my RL name, not Internet one, I completely agree with you.
And one thing more. I am huge and longtime Claudia's fan, since the beginning of Farscape, well, almost. But I really don't want her to take Amanda's place, I would love to see interesting relationship between their characters, because there's really a lot of potential here. And I definitely hope neither Amanda nor Michael will be pushed off of the show by season 11. The studio folks would prove to be total idiots to even try doing something like this. Let's hope it's not gonna happen. I don't want Scapers and Gaters to be eternal enemies...
From what I have seen there are alot of fans of Ben and Claudias that feel threatened by Sam/Amanda. The co-leadership issue is only part of it but now that Claudia will be a regular next year some of them expect her to be leading female taking Amanda's place.
Actually the person acting most like they feel threatened by both the leadership issue and the addition of CB seems to be AT herself. She made quite a big deal about "why aren't"what will it do to my character" are coming in thick and fast. Looks like she's back to being sent to Atlantis too, according to her chat. B'bye Amanda, don't let the gate hit you on the ass on the way out!!
*Actually the person acting most like they feel threatened by both the leadership issue and the addition of CB seems to be AT herself. She made quite a big deal about "why aren't"what will it do to my character" are coming in thick and fast. Looks like she's back to being sent to Atlantis too, according to her chat. B'bye Amanda, don't let the gate hit you on the ass on the way out!!*
Seriously, what did AT every do to you to make you dislike her so? Don't you think it's odd to have such an obsessive hatred for an actress you've never met?
People are accusing Amanda of whining that screentime is being taken away, being arrogant, not giving people credit where credit's due, and generally complaining about the demands of motherhood.
Well, Amanda has the right to complain about and be all these things. The job she's done over the years has given her that right.
But she hasn't. Instead, Amanda has been gracious, kind, considerate and modest (bar the thai curry comment). She always gives the rest of the team credit, like in her latest interview, when she gushes about David Hewlett. She never complains about screen time being taken away from Sam, acknowledging it to be a natural part of shared character development on a show with a large ensemble cast. She is never arrogant and conceited, even calling herself a "Spaz". And although motherhood is demanding, which she acknowledges, she gushes with love at the blessing and reward for those demands, little Olivia.
It's such a shame that people are choosing not to see this, but it's a bigger shame that these things are being posted in a public arena.
Although Amanda seems outgoing, vibrant, strong and very much the extrovert, it is, to a degree, a delicate mask to her insecurities. She, like all of us, perhaps more, feels that need and desire to be loved, and she'll take these comments personally. Despite all the love and gushing on Samanda, it's the minority of negative comments that she will latch onto, because of her character.
I just hope and pray that Amanda sees these people for what they are... Jealous. And that she, just once in a while, comes to Samanda and sees the love and the joy that she spreads in the world, and that it quenches some of those insecurities.
Ok. Just spotted something else to respond to, and that is the personal insults to Mary Beth.
I'm really hoping that Joe steps in at this point, because that is just childish and hurtful.
This is not an Anti Amanda forum, it is an opportunity for us to post our comments to Joe. And I'm sure he wants to read those comments about Amanda as much as the rest of us.
Remember that Joe is Amanda's work colleague, it is highly inappropriate to be writing such comments in front of him.
As for insulting Mary Beth, that is crude and shameful. She has done nothing but be respectful and kind to both Amanda and Joe.
We are not militant, we can take negative comments about Amanda, if they are constructive and well thought out, but this blog seems to have degenerated into a play pen for imbeciles.
It makes me ashamed to call myself a Stargate fan.
Amanda is one of the most intelligent, articulate actors I've ever heard speak. She really takes time to think about what she says, and she cares about the feelings of the people she's speaking about. Really a class act. I can't say enough good stuff about her. Just a totally admirable professional, all the way.
someone wrote {I'm saying that either Joe thinks that Shanks and Tapping don't need to be defended or that he doesn't think they're worthy of his defense. And I'm saying that he either likes Browder so much that he felt the need to defend him, or that he thought Browder's position was weak enough to need his support. Why bother singling out one actor for defense by TPTB and not the others? Especially when the others suffer far worse criticism and hatred from posters in this blog than Browder ever did? It smacks of favoritism and it says a lot about Mallozzi, TPTB, and Browder. Most things are about the subtlties, and this whole season on Stargate is filled with them. I don't know why they're being less careful and professional about things this year, but it's a real mess.}
Did you ever stop to consider that maybe Joe would love to speak out in their defense but that both Amanda Tapping and Michael Shanks have ASKED him not to dignify the comments with a response or not to say things that will only create more problems for them?
For the most part, Shanks and Tapping have both kept themselves above the comments that fans make about them. They don't give those comments the time of day or any attention. And if they do, it's to be light hearted about it or make it something funny. They are smart people.
If you notice, Joe hasn't said anything in response about Ben Browder anymore either. Most likely Ben said, "thanks but please don't give them anything more to talk about." Which is a the smart thing to do.
If you notice, Joe hasn't said anything in response about Ben Browder anymore either.
Yeah, he hasn't said anything because even he can't escape the disappointment he must be feeling over Ben's/Mitchell's work so far. The character is one great big sleeping pill who seems to create controversy and stir up animosity with every sentence he utters. That's the fault of both the writers and the actor. Add to that the fact that Joe apparently was a huge cheerleader for bringing John Cricton to SG-1, and it's not very surprising that Joe has clammed up about Ben/Mitchell. Michael Shanks has acted circles around Browder in every scene they're in together. Why they didn't just make him the lead I will never know. Amanda Tapping does deserve to be the female lead. She's good enough and she's earned it. But at this point, Michael Shanks didn't deserve to get shoved down just so Joe could live out his fantasy of Farscape on Stargate. The three man team would have worked way, way better than this.
Emerald Dragon
blah blah blah blah blah.
Actions speaks louder than words.
Is Gankutsuou based on the Monte Cristo book ?
Currently in the middle of Ryvius (and 12th kingdom too). Nice one Joe !
whoops, typo.
Nobody's perfect, unless they work for stanley kubrick and redo the same shot over a hundred times, which you cannot expect from a TV show airing every week. after that it's all a matter of taste, opinions, love, hate or fanboyism.
Now we've gone from one extreme to the other. I don't think anyone, especially Amanda, would appreciate this praise of her work as Sam at the expense of insults about her colleague.
"Is Gankutsuou based on the Monte Cristo book ?"
Based yes, but not an exact duplication. Think Monte Cristo in a future setting with spaceships, colonized planets, mecha, and holographic computer monitors. I admit I haven't read the book, but the main characters and the plotline of betrayal and revenge is pretty much the same. Well worth your time.
Have a good time with Ryvius - it's great but depressing as hell. :)
You gotta love it.
Another DVD i need to grab then, ta. (i had my shamploo over 8 months ago directly from japan, but then i realized it was a cheap hong kong copy with terrible subs, worse than bad US dubs...).
Being a 30 year old bloke, i find myself stupidly emotional with some animes, thing which hardly ever happen when i watch a movie, heh.
Joe--I haven't read any of the other comments...just want to say how much I enjoyed Collateral Damage and Ben Browder's work on the ep.
Sincerely, tcpike
**For the most part, Shanks and Tapping have both kept themselves above the comments that fans make about them. They don't give those comments the time of day or any attention. And if they do, it's to be light hearted about it or make it something funny. They are smart people.
If you notice, Joe hasn't said anything in response about Ben Browder anymore either. Most likely Ben said, "thanks but please don't give them anything more to talk about." Which is a the smart thing to do.**
You're assuming that when Joe reads this blog, he tells BB, AT or MS that nasty things are being said about them, or else those 3 are here on Joe's blog reading it as well -- and their response is don't dignify those things with answers/defense. Which all assumes that those actors feel the posters here are as important as apparently some of you do.
Get a clue -- what online fans think is not the center of anyone's universe except that of online fans.
Chuck
Once again, it boggles my mind when I read the stuff from certain members of certain factions of this fandom.
Honestly, I don't think it's fair to say ALL MS fans, or ALL CB fans or ALL BB fans... It's dangerous to even attach that crafty "most" to such an accusation. But it's true that all posters can be identified by their group association (or lackthereof).
The fact of the matter remains that there are relatively small groups of people out there who are hell-bent on insulting not only Tapping, but Shanks, Black and Browder - as well as Mallozzi. Of course, as has always been the case, the Sam Hate Mongers are the most vocal. Why? Well, we all have our own theories about that, but I guess we'll never know the true reason, because every cowardly hater on the net is able to hide behind that pesky "anonymous" moniker. I'm a BIG fan of GW, but who needs a backbone when the site so many people frequent doesn't even require one in an unmoderated forum?
And another thing, in regards to the baseless statements about Tapping only talking about herself, and not about the other actors... In addition to the articles Mary Beth cited, there were moments at the beginning of the season where AT mentioned (and continues to mention) how dynamic the set is now, and how much she enjoyed going back to work with Judge and Shanks, while beginning a new rapport with Browder and Bridges.
It's important to take note of the fact that she did NOT have as many opportunities for interviews as the others, yet she still took the time to talk about them. AT even mentioned how she'd hoped to work with Doig more often. And she mentioned how much she's missed working with RDA.
I don't expect any of the actors to gush about each other at EVERY, SINGLE chance they get, but if you're looking for someone who hasn't willingly praised the people s/he works with, Amanda Tapping is not your target.
Oh, and your universe too Chuck, apparently.
Joe,
Why so young for Mitchell? Collateral Damage puts him at somewhere between 33 and 35 years old, making him the youngest member of the team and far too young to be a Lt. Col. I just don't get why you'd do something else to undermine his authority as coleader. At best he could have made Major by now in his career, but even that is a bit of a stretch considering how far most people reach by their retirement from the military. What gives?
joe,
don't you think stagates are a bit unrealistic ? can't you just get rid of them ?
thanks.
haha. that's like asking, "Don't you think that whole aliens from other planets schtick is getting a bit mundane? Shake it up a little!"
:P
Wow! there are tons of posts here! I really wouldn't want to read all these posts...
Its a good thing Shanks was sitting around on his thumb when "the studio" called to beg him back. Somehow, with the body of work he completed after he quit in a hissy fit cuz his character didn't get 4 1of 42 minutes of screen time, he still had absolutley nothing lined up and was more than happy to return. Somehow I also see no begging on the part of the studio going on (they probably even got him cheap since he was basically unemployed), he probably was out the door on the way to the studio before he even hung up the phone.
cbgb
Hi, Mr. Mallozzi. I am a fan of the Sam Carter and Jack O'Neill relationship and I wondered that now that Jack is no longer her commanding officer if you'll let them finally get together? If you are waiting for Jack to officially retire I hope that you won't let Sam get involved with someone else till then.
Sincerely
cbgb, That is really an intelligent post. Do you know Mr. Shanks personally? Were you in the room with him when he got the call? It's really sad that you are using Joe's blog to attack one of the actors in such a mean way. Michael and Amanda are really good friends and neither one deserves someone like you as a fan
Hi Joe, I know you are really busy but do you think that you will be answering questions on Gateworld or Solutions anytime soon?
Of course ANONYMOUS said: cbgb, That is really an intelligent post. Do you know Mr. Shanks personally? Were you in the room with him when he got the call? It's really sad that you are using Joe's blog to attack one of the actors in such a mean way. Michael and Amanda are really good friends and neither one deserves someone like you as a fan."
I see from your post that you know them personally since you state they "are really good friends". Is this from personal experience?
If you notice the first mean and derogatory posts that appear in these blogs are those that attack AT on a very personal level, finally, as a result of those constant personal attacks you start to see anti-Shanks posts. (I challenge you to go back through every one of the blog postings since JM started this blog and find even one that had any personal attacks on Shanks prior to all of the crap being spewed by that faction of Shanks fans about Tapping. I actually think people were very patient in the hopes that those making such vile remarks about Taping woudl juts crawl back in their holes and go away, alas, they do not have that good sense; they just continue to spew hatred.
MS certainly doesn't need that certain faction of maniacal fans he's got - go preach to those whacks and then come back and see me. The faction of MS' fans that choose to be hostile and make personal derogatory remarks about Tapping bring out the anti-Shanks fans; his so-called maniacal "fans" should know better and their antics just backfire because people have gotten sick of hearing their crap spewed out of fear and jealousy that other fans, who might not ordinarily voice such hostile opinions of Shanks, get to the breaking point and let him have it. The Shanks fans that take it way OTT are antagonsitic and confrontational and they precipitate the problem.
Go clean up that faction before you get on your preachy high-horse about anti-Shanks posts.
cbgb
Guys.
This is an opportunity to comment to one of The Powers That Be Why are people wasting their time complaining about actors? By all means, make constructive criticism, but Joe doesn't want to hear this rubbish about his colleagues and friends, and it's certainly not providing him with criticism he can take on board to improve the show.
If we have to focus on the negatives, let's think of a way to constructively improve the situation. If it's something with an actor, then it's the actor you need to take it up with, not Joe.
Joe...
Just saw Michael. Really great episode. Enjoyed seeing this side of Teyla too. My general feeling is that she has been under rated and under used...which is a shame and I hope that changes soon. If I started to fall for her in Critical Mass, this put me over the top.
Also great interaction with the whole gang. I like how they all seem to appreciate and respect each other's opinions. Well Ronon, not so much...but then he has major issues.
Thank Carl for this great episode and I hope he writes more in the future!
And now I'll just go back to waiting for Ripple Effect...which I'm still giddy over to the point of spasming.
:)
Mary Beth
Oh please. Shanks is a nice guy and good actor but as a straight guy I wouldn't call myself a "manical fan". Which still doesn't have anything to why I still think Tapping is a mediocre, middleaged never-been who has had her day and should go play Moms on movies of the week and stop dragging down the brighty, snappy new generation of SG1
Can I ask a question? Why do the people that don't like Amanda Tapping coming over here to say so? What's the point?
cbgb, I am a big Amanda and michael fan and it's fans like you that give Sam fans a bad name. You just admitted to putting down Michael because you are a Sam fan and assume whenever Amanda is attacked it is by a Daniel fan. So I assume that whenever Michael is attacked it is by a Sam fan. You just proved my point. Most fans know that Amanda,Michael and Chris are all very good friends and my point was, that you seemed to ignore, that Amanda would not want her fans to stoop to the level that you did to insult a very good friend of hers just like Michael would not want his fans to insult Amanda. I don't know of any fans of Michael or Amandas on Gateworld that stoop to insulting the actors like you insulted Michael. And I will repeat what I said earlier that I think it is very sad.
Can I ask a question? Why do the people that don't like Amanda Tapping coming over here to say so? What's the point?
It's fun?
Sometimes I wish everyone was anonymous. Then I could read this without coming up on something that made me look differently at people.
Trust me, seeing how brazenly idiotic some people can be is a true blessing. ;)
What will be the format of the 200th episode ? a musical ? an anime ? a reality TV report (hand camera shot)? an horror movie ?
dammit.
**Anonymous said...
Oh please. Shanks is a nice guy and good actor but as a straight guy I wouldn't call myself a "manical fan". Which still doesn't have anything to why I still think Tapping is a mediocre, middleaged never-been who has had her day and should go play Moms on movies of the week and stop dragging down the brighty, snappy new generation of SG1**
Brighty, snappy new generation??? Umm...Ben Browder is older than AT. So does "middle-age" only apply to women? Bridges is not a member of the snappy, new generation? Should we get rid of him as well? Gerak? Not young and snappy. Of course that must be the reason he met the fate he did.
fcol...how old are you anyway?
Middle-aged Mom
i'd say he's a 26 years old lesbian unless i haven't check the correct packets, heh.
Hey, at least it explains why Cam is only 34 yrs. old. It obviously appeals to the kiddies the show is attracting these days. But it also means that the show only has a year or so left before it needs another young buck to take over as Marty Sue. My guess....young Jack returns. Welch should be almost 20 by then, which would put him right in the ballpark for what the audience wants. Apparently.
What will be the format of the 200th episode ? a musical ? an anime ? a reality TV report (hand camera shot)? an horror movie ?
Just promise that the actual cast members (you know, the ones who have their names in the credits at the beginning of the show) are in the episode for the majority of the episode.
...the brighty, snappy new generation of SG1...
Bright and snappy... yes, I suppose the new generation of SG1 might be called these things. Sadly, I would prefer depth, gripping plots, and a show that inspires the imagination rather than cheap laughs and lots of head-scratching.
"Can I ask a question? Why do the people that don't like Amanda Tapping coming over here to say so? What's the point?"
Because they get a kick out of trashing someone they don't know and they love it when others react to their nasty comments. It makes them feel powerful. Classic troll characteristics. Don't feed their insecurities.
Joe, do you know about hyperdrive ? it's a new Sci-fi show from the guy that played in shawn of the dead.
it's airing right now on BBC, and it looks funny as fuck. typically brit, tho.
Joe - here's a question for you as per the thoughts of someone else:
Carter:
- Lt. Colonel AF
- Saved the world/universe/galaxy umpteen times
- killed/died/wounded/captured/tortured several times in the line of duty saving the world/galaxy/universe
- 8 plus years of offworld combat experience
- 8 plus years experience with aliens including languages and technology and weapons, etc.
- 2IC of SG1 7 years
- Leader SG1 - 1 year
Mitchell
- never heard of before S9
- Saved SG1 once
- shot down in firefight and wounded
- 0 years off-world experience
- 0 alien experience of any kind
- never 2IC of SG anything
- never leader of SG anything
- never saw a Stargate
Broken down to the simplest of issues within the Stargate SG1 world do you see why there is such a problem with the situation TPTB created when they took sole command of SG1 away from Carter?
There is no logic, there is no continuity, there are plenty of excuses but no reason that makes sense within the context of Stargate SG1 especially since TPTB knew AT and Carter would be back full-time.
Binkpmmc
Anonymous said:
cbgb, I am a big Amanda and michael fan and it's fans like you that give Sam fans a bad name. You just admitted to putting down Michael because you are a Sam fan and assume whenever Amanda is attacked it is by a Daniel fan. So I assume that whenever Michael is attacked it is by a Sam fan. You just proved my point. Most fans know that Amanda,Michael and Chris are all very good friends and my point was, that you seemed to ignore, that Amanda would not want her fans to stoop to the level that you did to insult a very good friend of hers just like Michael would not want his fans to insult Amanda. I don't know of any fans of Michael or Amandas on Gateworld that stoop to insulting the actors like you insulted Michael. And I will repeat what I said earlier that I think it is very sad."
First I have not proved any point - check the stats - MS fans pull this crap on every site, and last time I looked this blog was on Gateworld, and at every opportunity, and if you care to continue to deny it you are living in a dream world. As you said MS would not want his fans saying the awfully derogatory things they say about Tapping - Shanks fans are blinded by their bias especially since you see fit to challenge and anti-Shanks poster as opposed to using your preaching powers to stop the anti-Tapping posters in the first place. Many of the Shanks fans are well known and their rhetoric gives them away.m They are not creative or smart and they say a lot of the same things anonymously here that they say elsewhere. They are not good at doing anonymous, they are transparent and continuously prove MY point.
I will say again, read the comments all over the place, please get off your anti-Shanks soap box and tackle the anti-Carter fans before you preach to me.
Hi Joe. Thanks for coming here and putting up with some of this. It is entertaining when the fans get into it with each other too.
Do you get a laugh out of coming here or do you ignore most of the posts after the first 25-50, etc. or do you read them all?
Darrell
"I will say again, read the comments all over the place, please get off your anti-Shanks soap box and tackle the anti-Carter fans before you preach to me."
When I started reading this blog a few blogs back and saw the "attitude" of certain postees I decided to take the advice of some people here and check out the other forums. I went to Our Stargate and Sony and was smacked in the face by their unreasonableness and hatred of Sam Carter/Amanda Tapping. In one breath they've got Sam being the reason for the downfall of not only the show but world peace and then they're saying how wonderful Daniel Jackson and Michael Shanks are. Obvious much?
I went to the source to see for myself and I see that they hate Sam and Amanda for the same reasons-she takes away from their favored character and actor. How can anybody take their views seriously when they're so biased?
Dillon
Binkpmmc,
SG1 is dissolved after saving the world's butt. Everybody goes their own way.
A new leader, helping in the antartica mission, is promoted as lt Colonel and appointed leader of the new SG1 team, then he recruits it.
I don't judge, i hardly care, but i'll make a nice resumé for you since it seems have missed a few episodes.
Hi Joe, I doubt that you will make it this far unless you have a strong stomach and can ignore the attacks on Michael and Amanda. I'm a big fan of both actors and have now decided to just ignore the insults and chalk it up to a couple of kids just trying to start problems. I would hope that an adult would not act that way.
I saw the article in the latest Stargate magazine about Ben and the Thunderbirds. Many years ago my Father went up with the Snowbirds. It was the highlight of his life. He was scheduled to go up with the Thunderbirds too but passed away a few months before. Anyway, I really enjoyed the article. I'm looking forward to season 10 and especially the Daniel/Carter scene you talked about. Take care and thank you for your blog.
anonymous (surprise!) said:
SG1 is dissolved after saving the world's butt. Everybody goes their own way.
A new leader, helping in the antartica mission, is promoted as lt Colonel and appointed leader of the new SG1 team, then he recruits it.
I don't judge, i hardly care, but i'll make a nice resumé for you since it seems have missed a few episodes.
***********************************
You don't seem to get it. The facts are the facts. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see them - whether they've seen all the eps or not.
The problem is that "the facts," as they were devised in the minds of TPTB, did not have to be executed the way that they were. Considering their JOB is to create plot devices in the first place, the writers could've written the situation in a completely different way - one where Sam was NOT leaving SG-1 to go to a (much more powerful) position at Area 51, only to be replaced by a n00b, only to come back to the position that she filled two years ago (essentially demoting HERSELF, not only from leader of SG-1, but also from her position as Head of R&D). And, to top it off, everyone's supposed to believe that Landry, Carter and Mitchell have NEVER EVER DISCUSSED IT. Right...
It makes no sense. That's the beef. The facts were not out of the writers' hands (unless you count the network's meddling). These were not real life events that spiraled out of TPTB's control. They could've come up with some brilliantly lame - though no lamer than Colonel Cam's - story that explained WHY Sam was gone and would be getting command of SG-1 once AT returned.
Instead, as we all should've expected, they took the low road, which means that the new GUY (yes, that's right, the guy) gets command over three people who have 1000x more experience than him. Though major props go to the ones at Bridge, as they WERE clever and clandestine enough to predict that long-time team and Carter fans would not accept this assinine set-up right off the bat. They knew that much, which is why Cameron begged Sam to come back, Sam and Cameron are so close, there's never been a conflict in the field between them, he's NOT a full bird Colonel, and he's not a jackass.
All of these equate to a lame attempt at damage control that never quite cut it.
They knew how poorly it would be received. Joe dodged the question and lied to fans for months about the leadership situation before the season nine premier. He knew the magnitude of fuck up that was going on, he just didn't have any answer to explain it away. I was reading a thread the other day from a year or so ago, where everyone was saying how Sam wouldn't lose command because of Browder and how he'd probably be a major leading until she came back. Even the Sam-haters thought she'd retain command. TPTB proved those dopes wrong, didn't they? And made themselves look like a bunch of asses to boot. THey're a talented bunch, them PTB.
If I were Joe and I had to sit here and read the hateful comments about people I have worked with for years, my friends - I would be tempted to pack up and move on. Luckily he hasn't, but let's sit in a circle a moment kiddies and have a chat.
Insulting actors because you like one of the others better is childish. These people are more then co-workers, more then friends, they have created their own family. None of them would appricate praise coming at the cost of their friends being insulted.
MS, AT and CB have been working together (in various capcities) for 10 years. Think about it, that's longer then we spend in highschool - longer then most people spend in on job. Ya know, they really like each other and work together well; as does the crew!!!
The incessant need to drag someone down because of jealousy, fear that they are going to take a role, time on screen etc is nothing short of ridiculas and paints fans in a very poor light.
I personally stopped coming by here because I am tired of the constant jabs at the cast and crew; and at the fellow fans. Why can't people just grow up and offer constructive critisim of the show - NOT THE ACTORS!!!
Joe isn't here to field suggestions on who should stay and go. He is here to offer behind the scenes info and an outlet to ask questions. Why are people abusing this?
**I personally stopped coming by here because I am tired of the constant jabs at the cast and crew; and at the fellow fans. Why can't people just grow up and offer constructive critisim of the show - NOT THE ACTORS!!!**
Gee, Dee, I don't know. Why can't people just grow up and respect each other's viewpoint instead of killing people? Why fight over religion and kill in the name of your God?
A certain percentage of fans who spend time on-line, posting here, there and everywhere *are* obsessed with their show, actor or character. It doesn't excuse the bad behavior, but it explains it. Obsession leads to crazy, destructive behavior. A certain percentage of nasty posters are just bored and say things just to get a reaction.
All groups - whatever their common interests are - have their wackos - from on-line fandom to Scientologists to the Elk's Club. You're not going to change it with your plea; best just to accept that and ignore it.
Oma Da Salad
Everyone gets all up in arms about attacks on Wonder Sam and Saint Amanda, but those same people seem to take it as a given that "everyone" agrees Mitchell doesn't deserve to be in charge, to wit:
It makes no sense. That's the beef.
On the contrary, it makes perfect sense. As good a character as Carter is, she cannot carry an episode herself (and please don't bring up Grace; I slept through it). More recently, witness Collateral Damage where we got dozens of lengthy shots of Carter looking worried yet never a sense that she fully understand or was in charge of what was happening to Mitchell. Blame it on the writers if you want, but Sam simply cannot drive an episode; she's much better as a supporting character.
Whether Mitchell has been completely successful in the main role may be up for debate, but I have no doubt why TPTB felt they had to try a new leader in charge of SG-1. And I for one think it's working very well.
Anonymous at 4:35 basically summed it up very well.
and to the poster at 8:37 who said Carter cannot carry the show - well it was never a show that needed or should have been "carried" by one person. I always saw it as, and immensely enjoyed it, because it WAS a TEAM show. Sadly that is one of the hugest elements that is missing now and one of the major reasons, other than the complete implausibility of it, why Mitchell doe snot fit in.
Carter's character is more than capable of being the leader of this show and this team -- Mitchell, on the other hand, is not. As written aand as protrayed he lacks judgement, he lacks offworld and Stargate experience, he lacks street cred especially in comparison to Carter. If anything it was small minded suits that felt they had to have a male lead regardless of whether the premise was believable and regardless of whether the character they dragged up out from under a rock made any sense within the continuity of the 8 years worth of history these blokes wrote. Logic and credibltiy -- 2 vital components that are woefully missing now.
Binkpmmc
Logic and credibltiy -- 2 vital components that are woefully missing now.
I wonder, did you make the same logical arguments against an alien speed reader joining the team? I doubt it somehow.
And let's be honest, it wouldn't have mattered to most of you if Mitchell had been leading SG-2 for 5 years. You still wouldn't accept him over Sam; logic has nothing to do with it.
Whether Mitchell has been completely successful in the main role may be up for debate, but I have no doubt why TPTB felt they had to try a new leader in charge of SG-1. And I for one think it's working very well.
What does it say though that they hired another male instead of just pushing Michael Shanks to lead actor? Does kind of sting, eh?
Joe,
Was Mitchell created because you knew how dumb a real member of SG-1 would look fighting a campy knight or talking with Professor Dumbledore? I swear, the whole time I was waiting for Mitchell to scream, "riddikulous!".
I tell ya, you crazy Shanks vs. Tapping folks are morons. Very tiresome.
Anonymous said...
Joe,
Was Mitchell created because you knew how dumb a real member of SG-1 would look fighting a campy knight or talking with Professor Dumbledore? I swear, the whole time I was waiting for Mitchell to scream, "riddikulous!".
LOL. I personally cannot think of any other reason.
//What does it say though that they hired another male instead of just pushing Michael Shanks to lead actor? Does kind of sting, eh?//
Hey, Michael Shanks is co-lead with Ben. That's what the "and" credit means before his name. In the industry, the "and" status is a very prestigous one; signifying popularity, respect and high salary. Martin Sheen has the "and" credit on the "West Wing" and he's known as the star of the show; so it is with Daniel.
And we all know Daniel is actually leading the team anyway. Look how Mitchell looks up to him; worships him.
Long live the second original team. The mini-series rocked. TSTMNBN was horrible. TWTID is the heart and soul of the team; it's his journey and all those other little gnomes are just there to guide and support him.
How did I do? Did I get all the anachronisms right?
"How did I do? Did I get all the anachronisms right?"
You did great! I was believing it all the way through. *g*
How did I do? Did I get all the anachronisms right?
I believe you were looking for "acronyms" there. Or perhaps "aphorisms". Thanks for capitalizing your sentences, though. Much appreciated.
And yes, MS was kept back as badly as AT was when BB was brought in, but you don't see the Shanks fans moaning about it by the megabyte.
Bad Stargate fans. No biscuit.
**And yes, MS was kept back as badly as AT was when BB was brought in, but you don't see the Shanks fans moaning about it by the megabyte.
Bad Stargate fans. No biscuit.**
Amazing about those different perspectives on things, isn't it? Personally, I see nothing for the Shanks fans to moan over, since what I saw was Shanks being front and center with CB for the first 6 episodes of S9, (or 5-1/4, I guess.) So, if someone is counting (and who is, right?) I'd say Shanks has had his fair share so far.
Having said that, there is moaning stirring....just check out OS and Sony. Daniel hasn't had much to do in the past 2 episodes so the moans have begun and they *will* reach the gigabyte level there if things don't change in the remaining episodes; if Daniel doesn't get some major screentime.
You can take that to the bank.
Yes, the timing is impeccable. ;)
Feel free to join in on the wagers for how long it takes certain people to start complaining about the "second-half curse" and Vala's 180 next season (I wouldn't mind a 90 - the alternative is a bit extreme), as she relates to ALL of the characters on a deeper level - including Daniel.
"Where's our Vala? What has happened to her? Where is teh beauty that is Vala? Where?"
Don't be surprised if Sam is blamed in the murder of the script elves, either. ;)
"How did I do? Did I get all the anachronisms right?"
So accurate it's scary. You forgot the script elves though. Always have to praise those wacky script elves.
"And yes, MS was kept back as badly as AT was when BB was brought in, but you don't see the Shanks fans moaning about it by the megabyte."
Huh? MS wasn't kept back, he was prominently featured in the Vala/Daniel comedy hour that replaced SG1's first six episodes of season nine. BB is only starting to overshadow Shanks in the past two episodes, and hardcore Daniel fans are already complaining about that.
Huh? MS wasn't kept back, he was prominently featured in the Vala/Daniel comedy hour that replaced SG1's first six episodes of season nine. BB is only starting to overshadow Shanks in the past two episodes, and hardcore Daniel fans are already complaining about that.
MS did not move up in the credits, just like AT didn't. I believe that was the point.
And yeah, how ridiculous of the writers to come up with a new, Sam-less storyline while AT was GONE. I guess they could have hired a different actress to play her, like they do in soap operas. Or shown each SG-1 member talking to Carter on the phone for an hour, lending an ear as she goes on about how she and 'Sir' aren't getting along as well as she'd dreamed.
I don't see Daniel fans complaining about Mitchell being prominent in the episodes, so much as the stories still not bonding the team together. And GW people are saying the same thing.
At least we all agree....Mitchell is the problem. If only TPTB would admit it too.
huh, i don't agree.
And yeah, how ridiculous of the writers to come up with a new, Sam-less storyline while AT was GONE. I guess they could have hired a different actress to play her, like they do in soap operas. Or shown each SG-1 member talking to Carter on the phone for an hour, lending an ear as she goes on about how she and 'Sir' aren't getting along as well as she'd dreamed.
Just because AT was gone for 5 episodes, it doesn't follow that they needed to make it the Daniel/Vala comedy show. Ummm, they could have had less emphasis on Daniel and Vala and more emphasis on Daniel, Vala, Mitchell and Teal'c, showing the 2 guys getting to know Mitchell, letting us get to *know* Mitchell. They didn't need to take 5 episodes to introduce Vala and set up her future connection with the Ori.
The result of them pushing the Daniel/Vala thing is that there seems to be a portion of online (apart from and in addition to the Sam fans who are upset at him having command of SG-1) fandom that doesn't care care about Mitchell one way or the other and just find him boring and a non-entity. That *is* a sole result of the writing and spending so much time in the beginning on Vala and Daniel.
I know I don't care about him. Right now, the team for next year should include Daniel, Teal'c, Carter, and Vala. Mitchell is about to get steamrolled.
"And yeah, how ridiculous of the writers to come up with a new, Sam-less storyline while AT was GONE. I guess they could have hired a different actress to play her, like they do in soap operas. Or shown each SG-1 member talking to Carter on the phone for an hour, lending an ear as she goes on about how she and 'Sir' aren't getting along as well as she'd dreamed."
What a bunch of duh. Has anyone ever suggested that Sam somehow should have appeared in those episodes? No. Where do you come up with this stuff?
The Daniel/Vala hour was a detriment to Mitchell's character. He was pushed to the background so the viewers didn't get to know him. Now lots of fans aren't interested in him at all.
What a bunch of duh... The Daniel/Vala hour was a detriment to Mitchell's character.
So now you're saying you wish there'd been more Mitchell at the beginning of the season, e.g., to firmly establish him in the fans' hearts so they wouldn't be demanding he step aside for Sam? Somehow I doubt that. The underplay of Mitchell was just what Sam fans needed to fuel their co-command obsession.
And, I don't agree it was the Daniel/Vala comedy hour in the first place. There was a lot more going on than that for all the characters and the arc of the show, and there was gripping drama as well as humor.
So now you're saying you wish there'd been more Mitchell at the beginning of the season, e.g., to firmly establish him in the fans' hearts so they wouldn't be demanding he step aside for Sam? Somehow I doubt that. The underplay of Mitchell was just what Sam fans needed to fuel their co-command obsession.
Just my 2 cents. Not to establish him firmly in the hearts of fans, but just to make him some kind of interesting character so I would actually care about him a little bit. Not being a Sam fan or S/.J fan myself, I still don't care about the guy. And I suspect that Joe's statement in his blog that Sam and Mitchell shared command might have had something to do with fueling the fans "co-command" obsession.
Gripping drama or humor, it was, from my perspective largely about Vala/Daniel. What was the purpose of The Ties That Bind? And regarding gripping drama....Not for one nanosecond did I believe that Vala was actually going to burn to death and stay dead...gripping drama for me is not actually knowing what is going to happen to the characters. Face it, on Stargate, the *main characters* (which excludes Janet) *always* come out of it intact...just saving the world and the galaxy one more time.
Those first episodes were pure drek. They weren't good for any cast member except vala, and all it did was convince skiffy to force the writers to wreck the end of season nine to fit her in while CB was preggers. Now we've got this ridiculous, outlandish, retarded space baby Adria BS to deal with, all because a few vocal Daniel fans equated more Vala with more Daniel. She's being forced back into the show in season ten, further reducing Ben's role along with everyone else's. Xena much? It's the most pathetic thing Stargate has ever come up with, and that's saying something. I'll support Ben wherever he goes, but I'd prefer his inclusion on SG1 not be tainted with or linked to this miserable excuse for a storyline. Yay Vala, boo everything else. Well no thanks, frell you.
I disagree that fans don't like mitchell because they were not allowed to get to know him at the beginning of the season. Avalon 1 should have been enough. It took alot of seasons to learn about Sam,Daniel,Teal'c and Jacks life outside of SG-1. It was season 2 before we learned about Sam's Dad, more about Daniel's parents, and that Teal'c had a family. I don't remember ever hearing anything about Jack's parents or if he even had a brother or a sister. However, I knew when I saw Children of the Gods that I loved the team. A good actor can do alot with a little. Teal'c can raise his eyebrow and say indeed and steal a scene. Daniel is known for his self hug which Rick imitated beautifully in Holliday. Sam is known for her determination to find a solution to a problem and Jack is known for so many things I don't know where to begin. You don't have to be up front and center for the audience to get to know you and like you. My favorite scene in Babylon (a Mitchell episode) was the scene between Sam and Daniel talking about Dr lee. Sam and Daniel were both extremely wallpapered in that episode but yet that scene stood out with me. I also found it kind of funny when I saw a Mitchell fan complaining that the camera was not on Mitchell the whole time that he was talking. Obviously they had never watched Stargate and the hundreds of scenes that the camera was not on Sam or Daniel the entire time that they were explaining something. I feel like the reason that some people don't like Mitchell has nothing to do with the begining of the season and alot to do with the leadership issue and the fact that some fans find him boring. I never found Jack,Sam,Daniel or Teal'c boring whether they were wallpaper or not.
Wow, how about them ratings, eh? I guess New Stargate ain't quite working out like all the Pro-season niners hoped. That whole "waiting for it to improve" group must be larger than you all thought.
Well, when you wallpaper the team, who is the only reason people are tuning in to the show, what do you expect. Mitchell is boring and a poor man's substitute for Jack Oneill. Fans aren't gonna sit back and watch Carter get screwed out of command, Teal'c get pushed back to 3 lines, and Daniel smacked down by Landry and Mitchell each weeek. This was to be expected, and it's probably only gonna get worse.
Original Gate Fan
**Those first episodes were pure drek. They weren't good for any cast member except vala, and all it did was convince skiffy to force the writers to wreck the end of season nine to fit her in while CB was preggers. Now we've got this ridiculous, outlandish, retarded space baby Adria BS to deal with, all because a few vocal Daniel fans equated more Vala with more Daniel.**
Just random thoughts in no particular order.
I really don't think the writers are responding to a few vocal Daniel fans regarding Vala and the fast growing space sproglet. I'd think Skiffy actually.
I loved Ben on Farscape; loved the show, loved the way his character was written; he was always playing extremes as Crichton. I sort of think that is working against him on Stargate (for me personally). He can't be that Crichton character -- its harder, IMO, to play a very controlled nuanced character (and have the audience really like you) than it is to play an OTT one. And I think the writing has certainly hindered him. Seems to be the writers were so conscious of the criticism over the way they introduced Jonas that they tried very hard not to do the same with Mitchell, so they took it slow. But in doing so, they ended up doing the *same* thing with Mitchell as Jonas (IMO) only doing it slower.
Here's Mitchell, the perfect guy. Ace pilot, hero in saving the Earth, intelligent, willing to listen to his teammates rather than cut them off ala 'Just give me the facts Jack', wanting to work with the best, learn from the best, expert swordmaster ;-) decent man who feels deep guilt over following orders in mistakenly killing innocent refugees during war, wonderful son, able to throw out witty one-liners faster than a speeding bullet and he's as boring as hell to me.
Jack always appealed to me (well for many reasons), but one of them was because he had so damned many "faults." I want to see Mitchell's achilles heel and not some crap about his guilt over killing those innocent refugees. That didn't make me feel for him or connect to him. That was nothing any other soldier probably hasn't faced during war. "I've done some damned distasteful things in the name of my country" gave me more insight into Jack than I ever felt through those flashbacks for Mitchell.
It's just lousy writing and maybe playing against what Ben does best. I saw him on 'Party of 5" and he never stood out to me. It was only 'Farscape' and the latitude the (excellent) writers gave his character when he really stood out. I hope the character gets better, but right now I don't care about Mitchell.
Ooh, the Golden Boy fails to score big ratings? How can this be?
I want to see Mitchell's achilles heel and not some crap about his guilt over killing those innocent refugees. That didn't make me feel for him or connect to him. That was nothing any other soldier probably hasn't faced during war.
As much as I've supported S9 and Mitchell in command, I have to agree with you there. That 'revelation' was really weak.
And as much as I love BB, watching early season reruns makes me appreciate RDA's innate appeal and charisma soooo much. Until RDA decided to play everything as a joke, Jack was incredibly compelling.
I'm bummed about the ratings. I don't want the show to be cancelled :(
I watched the latest episode and I must say I was very dissappointed. I have nothing against Mitchell but I can't help feeling like this show is turning into a new version of Farscape... I mean Mitchell is so much like John Crichton that it's getting really anoying. And I'm sure it will continue when Claudia Black comes back.
I love the characters of Daniel, Teal'c and Sam and they are the reason I keep watching the show. I like general Laundry, he has just the right amounts of leadership, determination and caring. But it would be nice if this show didn't turn into another Farscape. I think that is the reason why the fans of Mitchell and Vala are speaking up, they are thrilled to have an another serie where there favourite actors are in the lead. But I've just about had it. The show isn't about the stargate anymore.... I hope the writers would watch the first 7/8 seasons all over again and think about where they are taking the show.
The latest (really bad) viewer listings show really clearly that most of the fans don't like the new heading of the show, so maybe it's time to really think things over. And just a reminder for you Mitchell/Vala fans out there: If the rest of us don't like the show and don't watch it, the ratings will drop and the show ends. After that you won't see anyone anymore... SO maybe you should think about that....
This is really killing me.... who will we lose in Counter-Strike?!!??!!??!!??!!?? Will it be Jack O'Neill or George Hammond? I really would hope it won't be either of them but if the loss is so significant, it must be an important character.... Any thoughts fellow Gaters?
I don't know about Counter Strike...
Fact is I'm still kinda holding my breath over that "Poor Weir" comment by Joe and what that could possibly mean for the raven-haired expedition leader.
MB
someone said: I know I don't care about him. Right now, the team for next year should include Daniel, Teal'c, Carter, and Vala. Mitchell is about to get steamrolled.//
how about just sam, daniel, and teal'c? they don't *need* another character - though it wouldn't destroy what they had/have if the character brought it wasn't meant to overshadow the regulars (think jonas quinn).
sally :)
ps - too bad that colonel vaselov (s8's 'lockdown') is gone. he was great.
someone said: This is really killing me.... who will we lose in Counter-Strike?!!??!!??!!??!!?? Will it be Jack O'Neill or George Hammond? I really would hope it won't be either of them but if the loss is so significant, it must be an important character.... Any thoughts fellow Gaters?//
i didn't know this spoiler! (i think at least... memory's going, you know... i think... what?)
don't kill jack o'neill! I LOVE HIM AND WANT HIS CHILDREN! uh, i mean i love rda and want 'his' children... uh, i mean i love that groovy actor and think he's sex on a stick... uh, don't kill jack o'neill.
sally :)
Oh my, those are low. I mean, I've been unhappy with the season too, but I'm still watching at least. And on a big Mitchell/Browder episode too....I wonder if that has anything to do with it. No RDA, no Carter, no Teal'c....I guess fans just aren't warming up to Cam and Hank like they did to the original team. Sad, but perhaps predictable.
Considering they were low across all SciFi Friday, no it's got nothing to do with it.
The fact that there was controversial new original programming that night and also SG1 up against 'Dancing with the Stars' probably has more to do with it.
And for the record, I love the characters of Mitchell and Landry along with many others.
Kas
Are you serious?? I'm not seeing much of a crossover in the audiences between those shows. Dancing With the Stars? Hey, whatever helps you sleep. And Book of Daniel isn't on until 10 pm. You're really reaching with this reasoning.
You forgot no Daniel... I wish they had kept the three person team like they had in season 8 with Sam leading. All they really needed to do was bring in a new General and I don't think that it really needed to be a big name. I had never heard of Ben Browder and from what I have read alot of Farscape fans already watched Stargate so it would not have changed the ratings that much. If longtime fans like myself are already missing the team feel(especially between Sam,Daniel and Teal'c) then just wait until next year when Claudia is a full time cast member and the writers have to write for 6 regulars. I have a feeling that the show will be based around what scifi wants(Ben and Claudia) and we will be lucky to see Sam, Daniel and Teal'c much at all. Although we can probably turn into Atlantis and maybe we can catch a glimpse of Daniel or Sam on that show if we are lucky.
**Anonymous said...
Are you serious?? I'm not seeing much of a crossover in the audiences between those shows. Dancing With the Stars? Hey, whatever helps you sleep. And Book of Daniel isn't on until 10 pm. You're really reaching with this reasoning.**
Whatever... I agree not with hardcore scifi fans but it's the more casual viewers that make up the ratings and loads of families just may tune into that sort of show rather than a darker psychological show that SG was last week. Families may think it a little risque for younger audiences.
Kas
Dark?? Is that a joke? No seriously, I'm asking here. Was that sarcastic?
Seriously, previous SG-1 episodes have dealt graphically with addiction in Need and depression in The Light. Jack, Teal'c, and Carter have all been tortured both physically, emotionally, and mentally in Abyss, Serpent's Venom, and New Order, respectively. In Menace Jack shoots a child dead. Unnatural Selection saw the the entire team mentally raped. The Other Side ends with Jack's willful killing of a another man because he advocated the genocidal cleansing of his planet. We watch Daniel lose his mind to insanity in Legacy.
And frankly, the entire team has had their minds futzed with on a far grander scale than Mitchell did in Collateral Damage. There's nothing at all "darker" about this latest ep than previous ones. It was a poor comment by TPTB, used to pimp a stale storyline that's been done so often on both Stargate itself and other shows.
Sorry, try again.
Joe,
After reviewing all the posts in this blog I have come to the following conclusions:
You can satisfy 45 percent of the posters by redoing the show as StarGate - “The Adventures of Samantha “Sam” Carter and her team”.
You can satisfy a different 45 percent by redoing the show as StarGate – The Adventures of Daniel “Indiana” Jackson and his team”
The remaining 10 percent don't seem happy about (pick one or more) what you have done, are doing or plan to do (story wise).
I just don't see how you can win here so if I were you I would just ignore us all and do it the way you want.
The worst case for you is season ten is the last (not a bad run) and if your right the the numbers will stay good enough for more seasons.
K.
Well, while I disagree with K above, he/she doesn't even realize how close to right they are. More Daniel and More Sam instead of Cam and Landry and Vala would go a long way to restoring those 2.2s and 2.4s from just 10 episodes ago.
Last Friday SG-1 came in at a 1.7 rating...
Stargate SG-1 pulled a 1.7 twice in season 8 focusing on the original leads and its big name over the title star RDA. And a 1.7 in season 8 represented even fewer people watching than it does today due to Sci Fi's expanding coverage area. Big name RDA and the rest of the original leads just really failed to consistently deliver! What a waste of money on a big name over the title star that couldn't guarantee high ratings every single time out!
Stargate routinely delivered ratings lower than 1.7 in seasons 6 and 7. Season 6 had all but one of the original leads and the "awesome RDA" and season 7 had all the original leads and once again big name star RDA who again failed to consistently deliver strong ratings! All those stories focused on the original teammates and still routinely a lower than a 1.7 rating!
What an incredible bunch of under performers RDA and AT and MS and CJ were all those years hitting 1.7 ratings and worse!
A 1.7 is not anywhere near a series low for this show. I'd be more likely to blame cast and show changes for the drop in the ratings if SG-1 was the only show that was down in ratings for the night. It was down about 2 tenths of a point from last week, as was BSG. Atlantis, however, is looking a lot shakier with its 4 tenths drop and third position for the night. And that's not the first time Atlantis has been in third position either. Of the three, SG-1 is the show that you would expect to be slowing down just because of its age. And yet, it is still wearing better than its younger sister show. Atlantis seems to be the weakest link in Sci Fi's Friday night line up. And all the members of the Atlantis original cast have put in an appearance in their season 2 and yet, still lower ratings!
Of course, the two shows do have one thing in common. They both have the same script writers. So if both shows are down in the ratings, I'd look to what they have in common, and not the casts of either show. Of course the writers won't see it that way I'm sure.
**Kas wrote:
Whatever... I agree not with hardcore scifi fans but it's the more casual viewers that make up the ratings and loads of families just may tune into that sort of show rather than a darker psychological show that SG was last week. Families may think it a little risque for younger audiences.**
Risque??? Liked Vala popping out of her leather bustier and making constant sexual innuendos isn't risqué for the younger audience? Really, were you serious? "Collateral Damage" was dark? Just because one of the writers called it that doesn't make it so.
Jayne
Anonymous wrote:
Stargate routinely delivered ratings lower than 1.7 in seasons 6 and 7. Season 6 had all but one of the original leads and the "awesome RDA" and season 7 had all the original leads and once again big name star RDA who again failed to consistently deliver strong ratings! All those stories focused on the original teammates and still routinely a lower than a 1.7 rating!
Somebody sounds jealous of the handsome and wealthy RDA!!!!
Actually BSG's ratings also dropped. They neither have the same cast or crew aboard - fancy to hazzard a guess as to why?
I say we lock the very mean Shanks, Tapping, RDA and BB fans in a room and let them slap each other with smelly fishes.
Joe: would really really LOVE an answer to my question about Caldwell/Mitch Pileggi. Please look past the SG internicene wars and see that there are some of us who are here to ask YOU a question and hear from YOU.
Thank in advance, and take care.