Gate Geek – Scandal Rocks the Franchise

Whether or not you watch Stargate, you’ve probably heard that Stargate Universe is a very different entry for the franchise.  This has been met with both extensive praise and much gnashing of teeth

WB didn’t do terribly much to help their cause when they insulted the existing fans with their press release announcing a new demographic was being targeted.  Oh.  And did we mention this came out the day after they cancelled Stargate Atlantis?  This started a wave of angst at levels not previously seen in the franchise.  (And fans are capable of some great levels of angst.)  One can assume (or at least hope) this was not intended as an insult, but that’s how it was received.

The cast and crew have done quite a bit to reach out to the fans with a whole-sale assault on Twitter and Facebook.  But unfortunately, the segment of fandom who can’t seem to phrase an opinion without a personal attack have gone after these folks in a major way; forcing one of the main actors (Brian J. Smith) to decide he’s stepping away from an online presence.  (Definitely for the hiatus.  Possibly longer.)

Producer Joe Mallozzi, who has long allowed people to express a certain level of these opinions on his blog, has spoken out about this.  He stands up for his cast and crew (and their families) and reminds people that you don’t have to like a show, but you don’t personally attack the Stargate family.

To that I say “Bravo.”  Enjoying the anonymity of being online is no excuse for not behaving with civility.

Gate Geek – Atlantis movie and Awards!

There has been much angst and gnashing of teeth about the lack of movement on the promised Stargate Atlantis movie.  Producer Joe Mallozzi vaguely tries to reassure fans that these things take time in this wacky business and they haven’t forgotten about us.  Maybe in the fall?

Speaking of Stargate movies, Stargate Continuum racked up 11 Leo Award nominations!  And the above-mentioned Stargate Atlantis?  Sixteen.  (Okay, so Leo’s are a kinda local thing to the Vancouver area, but still nice to have kudos.)

In a slightly better-known award, Brad Wright was nominated for a Nebula for the SGA episode “The Shrine.”

Gate Geek – New cast member gets really excited

Now, everyone giving Stargate Universe a hard time should stop and appreciate the enthusiasm coming into this project (well, if Brian J. Smith is any indication).  The brave man takes his first step into fandom by granting an interview with GateWorld.  He can’t be all bad, though.  He admits to being a “Trekkie.” <sic>

In related news, writer Joseph Mallozzi shares that Robert Carlyle will get to keep that lovely accent for the show.  (Ahh…Scottish accents on Stargate.)

Those still mourning Atlantis and worrying about the fate of her actors will be happy to know that David Hewlett appears to be making progress on his sci-fi comedy Starcrossed first featured in his movie A Dog’s Breakfast.  Keep your fingers crossed it makes it out of Development Hell.  We don’t need any more ghost shows on SciFi.

Gate Geek – Get over it, people

Gate fans are a notoriously picky bunch with (let’s face it) a lot of drahmah and gnashing of teeth about where they want to see the story go and what they want for “their” characters.

Now that Atlantis is coming to a close, the writers appear to be speaking out a bit about the fan complaints; explaining the twists and turns that plot lines and characters can take in a show’s development.  And, basically, telling people to get over it.

Martin Gero (who seems to get the most love-it-or-hate-it reactions to his episodes) talks to GateWorld about the reactions people have to his stories.  (You need to get past the discussion of YPF, first, though.)  And takes the fans to task for their treatment of Keller.

And Joe Mallozzi talks about everyone’s ships, the gay storyline that would have happened if only the episode hadn’t run long, and why things have gone the way they have.