The Return and... Season Three!

I know, it's been a while since I've last blogged. In fact, I was looking over past entries, and was shocked to discover that it's been almost exactly four months now since the last entry. Which is truthfully a shame. But, now with Season Three about to hit the screens, and us hard at work on various episodes, I shall promise to return to a more frequent blogging routine.

Let's start with some words about the upcoming Season Three. I must say that I couldn't be happier with all of the episodes we've done so far, and I just continue to be enormously proud of this show. It might not be on TV, but I'll always be proud of the work we've done and continue to do nonetheless. I think this might easily be our best season yet. I'm definitely enjoying it the most out of all of the previous seasons; in part, maybe because for the very first time we're so far ahead of the release schedules, that we've got nearly drafts or outlines for the entire first half of the season.

I also think it'll be our most ambitious season, and our most complex from a story telling point of view; it's very arc driven, but still has it's share of old fashioned stand alone episodes that pop up along the way. And we're about to unleash a storyarc, which in a way will feature some interesting parallels to events in today's world (one aspect of that arc, anyway). So all in all, I couldn't be happier with how it's turning out. But what will be really important is to see what you all think. So be sure to post your comments on the message boards; tell us what you like or didn't like. We always want to know.

Now, to make up for four long and blog-less months, let me make up for it by taking you through each of the episodes out of the first half of the season, and giving you some comments on them, and perhaps even some clues.

Things kick off with "Rogues," the big season premiere. "Rogues" will introduce a new recurring character, virtually played by Peter Weller. And this character is hoping to get his hands on a certain something, and he believes firmly that David Connor will be able to help him out with that. Look out for some nice character moments in this one, a surprise appearance by a familiar face (which we've kept in the dark so far), and the return of a steward.

Then things continue with "The Circle," which picks up where "Rogues" will leave off. In a way "Rogues" and "The Circle" are a two parter, even though the conclusion of "The Circle" will lead straight into the next two parter, "The Search, Parts One and Two." "The Search" will be all about -- you've guessed it -- a search. For answers to what exactly they might be looking for, check out last season's finale "Revolution," and you could have the answer. The first four episodes could be described best as two two-parters back to back, and together they form a four episode arc. It's really kind of like a mini-series, if you will.

All of that will be followed by "Preservation," which will be an episode in style very similar to "In Times of Despair." We'll be dealing with some unresolved matters from the first four episodes, and we'll also be dealing with the Tok'ra, and a certain rather complex relationship between a Tok'ra and an ex-To'kra.

After all of that, we'll then be heading into an old fashioned go-through-the-gate-get-into-trouble-episode, titled "Trepidation." While the first five episodes were written by yours truly, this one was written by Cindy Clark, one of several new staff writers. It was a difficult episode to figure out, and we had to break it and re-break it several times actually. It's looking good, though. It's a fun one-off that balances it's rather dark a-plot with a rather light b-plot.

That's followed by "My Enemy's Enemy," Mike's first episode of this season. I think this one's great in that combines all the things that really make the show what it is. It's got some great character drama, some unexpected twists, some tight action sequences, and some fantastic shades of gray. Throw in Sivea and Sonak, and voila... you'll have one great episode.

After that we take a break from it all in order to go on "A Pleasant Little Trip." This one was written by yours truly as well, and I have to say I had a blast writing it. I still can't read through the script without smiling. It's a fun episode, with a plot that also has its twists here and there. We get to see some rather unique alien names in this one, but giving those away would ruin the fun in the episode. And throw in Chase and Arina, and you'll have a fun ride, which should definitely proof to be a trip.

What follows then is the Sivea/Bay'lar episode, which has been titled "Resurfacing." This one was a challenge in that we've had trouble making the original ending work. Eventually we just decided to forget about the original ending... and a make it a two-parter. Marc Broadbent, another one of our new staff writers, is working on it as I'm typing this. The episode will also give us a first glimpse at an alien species, whom we've heard about, but we've never actually seen them. While the focus of "Resurfacing" is on Sivea and Bay'lar, the second part of this arc will feature these aliens more heavily; it's been titled tentatively, but unfortunatly the title would give away the name of the aliens. But let me give you a hint. It's called "The [insert the alien name here]".

After that two-parter, there'll be an episode coming up for which I'm working on the outline right now actually. It's going surprisingly easy, and I'm already halfway through act three. This episode for the most part takes place on Earth, and looking at the story so far, I think it'll capture the spirit and feel of the SG-1 Earth episodes, something we set out to do. There'll be some character development for one or our recurring characters, who hasn't had too much development so far. I think this season we'll see this character grow quite a bit. There'll also be some fun David and Tom moments in this one, and we'll most likely be seeing a guest star who's made a couple of appearances on SG-1.

And after that we'll be seeing the first part of the mid-season two parter. And the first draft of part one has been completed for some time now actually. Mike's currently working on part two (he also wrote part one). Looks like this season the mid-season two-parter will indeed be a two parter; however, it's quite possible that part two will be one of those 90 minute episodes.

Episode fourteen will be an episode that Vincent is currently working on, tentatively titled "Death's Chariot." The focus of this one will be Colonel Grant. We'll get some insight into his background, and from what we've discussed so far we should also be seeing some nice team moments in this one.

Just the other day I pitched a story, which will be all about Chase, and it should give him quite some development. I can see this one ending up as episode fifteen. And sixteen is a great concept, and I definitely can't give much away about it just yet. For one, because we haven't even broken it just yet. But the story is something that Mike and I were discussing, and we came up with some great beats. That's all I can say for now. Not bad for a guy who hasn't blogged in four months, ey?

What else is new, you ask? I was having some trouble with my car a couple of weeks ago, so I had to get it repaired. Then it worked for almost exactly three weeks, before it broke down again. Had to get it fixed again, and this time I'm pleased to say it's really fixed. It's running smoothly again, fortunately.

Finally started my DS9 DVD collection. I've only got Season Four so far. It was a spontaneous buy, because I saw it for just $69.99, I believe (normally you can't find them for under $100). So I've been enjoying some great DS9 episodes these past few weeks, and I've realized once again just why, in my opinion, this will always be one of the greatest shows that were ever on television. I watched 4.18 last night. A great episode called "Rules of Engagement."

I also started re-watching Season Three of 24. I just had that urge again to see that ticking clock coming up on the screen. So for the most part I've been alternating between DS9 and 24. I'll be picking up Season Nine of SG-1 probably this weekend or next week. I was shocked to learn that Atlantis Season Two won't be out until January, which kind of makes no sense to me at all; you'd figure they'd want it to be available in December because of Christmas. But what can you do? On the bright side, Season Five of 24 will be out on December 5th. Interesting that it's the fifth, which is kind of a special date for me, as it'll be exactly a year that I've met someone who's become quite an important part of my life. So looks like December 5th is a lucky day of mine.

Now I'm thinking about what else is new. I should probably call it a night soon, as I'll try to get up early tomorrow morning to go get a hair cut before heading to work; it's been a while, and I've found those hairs just don't stop growing. Speaking of which, it occurred to me that for almost two years now I've been producing this virtual series, but a face behind the name or names has or have yet to emerge. So I'll try to get a picture up with perhaps a more up to date bio as soon as possible, for those of you who wonder about these kind of things.

Anyway, for now I'll just say I hope you'll enjoy reading Season Three as much as we're enjoying writing it. This time you can expect some podcasts or Making Of features to be coming your way. There's a lot to say about the episodes, so it should be interesting. Also, make sure to keep visiting the forums on GateWorld and SGU. Make sure to post questions if you have any; the staff and I are always eager to see your thoughts, and answer your questions.

And before I go I shall promise that this time it won't be four months until the next blog. You have my word.

And with that I'll say good night, and until next time!

Alex