This is an all new blog update. It features a broad variety of topics, most of which are in some way related to Stargate: Horizon...

I know, it's been nearly two weeks since my last update, so here I am. And naturally there are lots of new things to report. One of them would have to be the interesting fact that birthdays just keep popping up in October. There's Joe Mallozzi, there's our new script supervisor, Justin McNeil, and there's Aaron Percival, the writer of tomorrow night's all new episode. What's it with October and Stargate related birthdays? Somehow I don't seem to fit in, because my birthday is in May. But what can you do? Happy Birthday to all of you!!!

And with the prospect of more cake around the corner, I'll let you know that I've completed the first draft of "The Fantastic Three." Right now I'm in the process of revising and polishing before turning it in. Okay, there've been a few speculations with regard to what this episode is about. I've already mentioned Patrick McKenna in one of my previous updates, and Patrick is indeed the actor who plays a character called Jay Felger. And he does a wonderful job with that. So, does the fact that I would mention him in relation to this episode really mean that he virtually will be reprising that role in "The Fantastic Three?" Hm. I think I'll let you answer that question.

The other member of this trio is in fact a female character. And even though this hasn't been officially released to the public yet, I've always had a specific actress in mind for that part. It's a role that requires someone who looks attractive, and who also has comedic talent. Hey, that's just the way the character is written. And in "The Fantastic Three" we'll be seeing lots of this character. The name of the actress this character is in fact written for, is Leah Remini. Some of you might know her from the sitcom "King of Queens." If you're not familiar with that show, I'd suggest you just type in the name "Leah Remini" to Google, and see what comes up. Then, feel free to speculate which character who appeared in only one Season One episode could fit her.

I've always liked what Leah did/does on King of Queens, so I realized it would be really great to see her as this particular character. Now, if only we could actually enjoy the fruits of our wonderful casting choices on television. In other words, it's a shame it's all only virtual. By the way, I'll be very concerned if you're still wondering which Season One character (only appeared in one episode) I'm talking about. Come on, how many female characters fit the description? Okay, okay, because I'm in a very generous mood tonight, I'll give you yet another hint, and say Chase will be very surprised and happy to see her again. So she and Chase have had scenes together before? Hmmmm. Well, I'll say the idea of sending her, Chase, and a character played by Patrick McKenna on a little adventure together is just kind of crazy.

On another note, I feel I have to apologize, because I'm indeed a bit behind on the Making Of features. However, it's not that I don't want to finally get the next one done, there's quite a lot of work lately (only speaking of Horizon). It's the point in the first half of the season, where we're working hard to keep our schedule. Some writers haven't had too much time lately, and currently it's actually our latest staff writer, Mike Coakley, and myself who are working on a great deal of the upcoming episodes. In fact, as I'm revising and polishing "The Fantastic Three" I'm already working on the outline for the next episode I'm writing, called "The Cold and Distant Stars." After that, it'll be all about working out the first part of the big mid-season two parter. Mike is working on the script for "Parti Pris" while being in the early stages of developing an outline for episode 2.10; potential titles for 2.10 include "Crossfire" as well as "Zero Option."

It's definitely a lot of work, but it's a lot of fun. I will admit, however, that it would be great to see some more people out there actually commenting on the episodes. Very often we end up having put so much hard work into it, and hardly anyone takes the time to let us know why they thought it was so great, or why they thought it was so horrible. More discussions are very welcome. It's nice to know people are following the series, but it'll be even nicer to see what they all think about the episodes, the characters, or the developments. The comments and reviews that do come in are greatly appreciated of course. I do think "The Fantastic Three" should get discussions going, just because of the unique nature of the episode. That is, I hope so. I think it's the first real comedy episode we've done, by the way.

The 24 Report: I'm still rewatching Season Two actually; four more episodes to go. Believe it or not, I've had some variety in my DVD experiences lately. Last night I watched an episode of the original Star Trek on DVD: "The Doomsday Machine." Great episode. I still love the original Star Trek very much, and I always will. Now that I've seen it again, I'm having the urge to watch some more episodes. Maybe I'll do that tonight. I've also been rewatching some of the new SG-1 and SGA episodes, and I was watching a few episodes of DS9 last week. But don't you worry. No need to break out in panic, I'm still very loyal to 24. Just watched it two nights ago, and I'll be concluding the rewatching of Season Two within the next few days. I'm also still very loyal to Diet Pepsi, by the way. In fact, I'm drinking some caffeine free Diet Pepsi as I'm typing this.

I hope you all enjoyed last weeks episode "Providence." Good old go through the gate, get into trouble episode. I think it's got a classic Stargate feel to it, and it's a great episode for Christine. You get to see clearly how her character has come a long way from the early days of the series, when she was said things like this being the first time she actually fired a Zat. I love seeing character growth like that. You get to see characters evolve and develop over the course of the series, and it's a great joy as a writer to explore characters like that, and figuring out where they're going in terms of developments.

Tomorrow's episode will reveal some interesting backstory of a pretty well known alien species in the Horizon universe. To see what that's all about, make sure to catch the episode.

And so concludes another blog update. Until next time.

Good night.

Alex

Birthdays, Updates, and...much more!

So last night I was watching TV, and a commercial break came up. Nothing special yet. However, one of the commercials had a very holyday-like feel to it. In addition to that, I realized that this year's very first movies that center around Christmas appear to be coming up very soon. I know you're wondering what in the world is he trying to say? I guess I've just come to notice how fast time appears to be going by. We're only a little over two months away from Christmas, and a week after that, this year will be over. 2006 and January will not only bring new episodes of SG-1, SGA, and BSG; it will also bring Season Five of 24!

Speaking of how fast time goes by, there's a big birthday coming up on November 4th. Major event. Don't tell me you don't know who's birthday that is? Of course you know. Come one, you'll figure it out. It's the date on which this lovely lady will celebrate her first birthday. She'll be one year old. They grow up so fast... I have to figure out what an ideal present might be. Who am I speaking of? Of course I'm speaking of Stargate: Horizon! Why lady? Haven't got a clue. But I figured if there's a term "sister show," which you might have heard before somewhere, shows must be female. Just like ships. There's no such thing as a male ship. Isn't it all logical? Of course it is.

To stick with birthdays. Yup, that's the theme for now. Today was Dion Johnstone's birthday. It's pretty late, and interestingly today will be over in less than a minute as I'm typing this. Of course you know Dion from...you know, Horizon. He's Tom, and you all thought he wouldn't be back. How did we have you fooled. I'm just kidding, by the way. Not the birthday part. I was serious about that. Anyway, do you want to know what's really special about this, and I'm sure you'll find this as interesting as I do. Today (by now it's yesterday actually; October 12th) was also Carlos Bernard's birthday. And he's our actor for David.

Now, just take a moment to consider this interesting fact, this amazing wink of fate, this incredible sign of the universe itself; not only do these guys share the same birthday, their characters on Stargate: Horizon share a very close friendship. Wow! I'm honestly impressed by this. It's like William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy ALMOST sharing the same birthday (they're three days apart I believe), but these guys have the exact same date. Granted, one of the two is a couple of years older than the other (just like their Horizon characters), but still... I guess if we were an actual television show, we would have had quite a party today. I wonder how we'd still get the work done. In addition to that, just last week was Rachael Leigh Cook's birthday. And she's of course our actress for Christine. And, as if this all wasn't already interesting enough, today, and now I mean today (October 13th) it's Sam's birthday!!! She's our supervising producer. And the interesting fact about that is, Sam's birthday is on the same day as Christopher Judge's birthday. So, today is also Christopher Judge's birthday! Of couse you know him as Teal'c. Some interesting trivia.

I know what you're thinking. Why is it that I seem to know everyone's birthday? I'm not sure, but since a few years now this keeps happening. I look at people, and I know their birthday. It just comes to me. It was a bit startling at first, but by now I've gotten used to it. You know, like the kid that sees dead people. I see birthdays. I'm seeing one right now actually... So, to sum it up, there are five birthdays related to us in one way or the other. One on October 4th, two on October 12th, and two on October 13th. That's a lot of cake!!!

Alright, now let's all together say... HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SAM! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHRIS! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RACHAEL! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CARLOS! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DION. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL OF YOU GUYS!!!

Okay. Lots of cake for everyone... Alright, let's see, what else is on the agenda for today's update? Something else? Could there be anything else? Very unlikely. What else could there be for me to mention? I can't think of anything, as these birthdays are some major blog events already. By the way, I'm trying to keep this blog interesting, unique, and surprising. Be honest. You never know what the guy (me) will be talking about when you click on that link that takes you to this blog. Other than 24 of course. Speaking of which, let's do the 24 report: I'm still very busy with re-watching Season Two. I've watched episode 2.18 last night. Six more to go. As usual, it's great! With regard to Diet Pepsi, I bought some on Tuesday. The regular caffeine free Diet Pepsi, and Diet Pepsi Lime, which does have caffeine in it.

Okay. On the Stargate: Horizon front... I know, you've been waiting for me to also through in a Horizon update. Well, we've got "Troika" coming up today. In my personal oppinion, it's a great episode! Big things will happen in this one. Huge things much rather. "Troika" is a big arc episode, which picks up on previous developments, and which lays the foundation for future episodes. You'll see a very interesting villian character, who we think is great, and who has a lot of potential. I have a feeling at the end of "Troika" you'll want to see more of this character. Also, the episode might or might not mark the return of THAT OTHER character. What the episode definitely will do, is introduce yet another recurring character. A female Vorian character, who we'll be seeing a bit more in later episodes. She only has a brief scene in "Troika." We'll also see more of Chief Bay'lar and Zach Hoffmann. And watch out for a couple of insider references in this episode. Some names (i.e. planetary systems, colony name) might have poped up before somewhere in the vast history of Stargate.

I'm very eager to start writing the script for "The Fantastic Three." The outline is almost done, and work on the script will begin next week. I think this will be a fun episode. In my last blog update I mentioned Patrick McKenna, and some of you figured out who he is. He's a great and very funny guy. So, you think Felger will be one of the "Fantastic Three?" Who knows? Maybe I know...but maybe I don't. I'll say it's possible. Anything's possible. But who are the other two? And why is the episode called "The Fantastic Three?" All I can say is, the title clearly does not take itself all too seriously. You'll see once the episode will be here. Writing the outline has been a tone of fun; can't wait to move on to the script.

Well, it's kind of late now, but I had the urge to update the blog before turning in. So, here I am, in the middle of the night...typing. While others sleep, I type. But sometimes, I type when others don't sleep. Words of wisdom.

I'll be getting to the new Making Of instalments over the next couple of days. You can expect the one for "Connection" very soon, and it will be followed in short succesion by the one for "Troika." I'm eager to release those deleted scenes. There are two of "Connection," and one brief scene that was cut from the final version of "Troika."

Well, now I'll say, I hope you all enjoy "Troika." And I'll be back very soon with a new update.

I'll talk to you soon, and good night!

Alex