Ask Martin Gero - Spoilers for SGA (S1, S2)

[d3u5]

Mr. Gero,

I know this is not question for you but I haven`t another source.

Is there any chance that Region 2 DVDs of Atlantis or SG-1 will have czech subtitles? Here in Czech Republic is very much of SG fans whom would buy DVDs but without czech subtitles they rather stay at TV or DVD rips with subtitles.

I hope that if there is a czech character in Atlantis there is a little hope for czech subtitles. Thank you.

[Jordo]

Hi Marto thankS again for doing this. i know you Must be busy guy....

Just a couple of quick questions that i dont think that anyone has posted yet.

-The first is about the Wraith - Ancient war....do you think (or know) that the wraith had an ally - and if so, will we be seeing them?

-The second is relating to unconfirmed german reports that the asgard have upped the Big D with the finest they have to offer and have ships stationed in the pegasus galaxywaiting to assist the team - this is on top of your spoilers about the singular asgard crew member on the Big D. You can find it all here - about half the way down the page in a JamesyBoy spoiler tag.SPOILER HERE

-The third is - Do you guys ever take note of peoples posts in forums like this and SG1 Archive forums - and write stories on them....???

Thanks for your time.........Jordo

[Shep'sSocks]

In Childhood's End and in Underground, McKay questions Sheppard's ability to navigate on the ground. Can Sheppard only navigate when he's flying?

[Tomcatter]

Hi Martin! Thanks for taking the time to do this. I wanted to say the two Stargates are the best thing to hit tv in a LONG time. Great stuff!

Now, onto the questions (only two, lucky you ):

1) I've always wondered how scenes between two characters talking on the radio are filmed. For example, if Weir is in Atlantis and we can hear Sheppard talking over the radio to her, does Joe Flanigan pre-record his dialogue and is it just replayed while filming the scene? Or is the dialogue on the radio all voice overs done in post production?

2) I saw a picture from Rising Pt. I that looks like Weir is kissing Col. Sumner (and she looks like she's about to puch him!). It looks like when they just came through the Gate to Atlantis. Can you tell us what that's all about???
picture here

Thanks a buch, you rock! Is it July yet???

[Wicked Wraith of the West]

Hi Martin, I really appreciate you're answering all our questions. Actually didn't expect the writers to try and answer so many... So thanks.

In SG-1 the producers mentioned they planned a general direction where they wanted SG-1 to go in the coming seasons. Or as they called it, they 'planted a seed' back in season 1. If I'm correct, this was to be the transition to Atlantis, and with that the supposed ending of SG-1. So my question is, have you and the other Atlantis writers also planned out a 'big next step' in the future of Atlantis? Or do you plan on a 'per season' basis, implementing ideas as they come? If the former is true, can you maybe give us a few *^*hints*^* what direction you might be taking Atlantis in?

[Merlin7]

Hi, Martin. Thanks so much for taking your time to answer our questions.

Mine is a bit strange. But, in Sanctuary, everyone was sleeveless or in t-shirts except for Sheppard. Why is that? I mean..he was covered up completely in that heavy jacket and looked like he was sweltering. Obviously it wasn't hot out. And he never took it off on Atlantis either. You think he'd have done so at least for the picnic. So what's the deal? Was Joe cold?

Thought of something else some of us have wondered about with Sanctuary.
I'm one of the few who liked it and Chaya. Was it meant to just be a JOHN as KIRK ep? Or was there something more about it. From the end conversation with Chaya and John..the "We're not as different as you think" thing...I felt it was hinting at John having a closer connection to the Ancients than anyone may realize. Is that possibly true? Cause I can't believe Shep and Chaya connected just out of lust. Cause it was an immediate connection. Thanks.

[MartinGero]

Well, I'd like to add my thanks for taking the time to answer these questions, and hopefully these ones haven't been asked yet.

1.) There was a question awhile back about whether season 2 would touch some more on the background of the origin for the myth of Atlantis, but will we also learn more about what mythologies the Wraith may have inspired? There's probably a rich vein of material there that'd be fun to see.

2.) Regarding the advanced civilization that's discovered in the episode "Condemned", are they really on par w/ the Ancients, or are they actually a bit closer to the level of the Tollan?

3.) Quite awhile back there were hints that if the 9th chevron were used, the likelihood would be higher for it happening on Atlantis, so has there been any ideas thrown around about that, or is it still something kinda waiting for the right story to come along?

4.) So far we know there are gates in Pegasus, the MW and even the Asgard's galaxy, so will we get a chance this season to get a clearer picture of just how immense the Ancients' civilization was (at their peak)?

5.) Final question (for now): what are the odds of the team unintentionally running across that "dark ascended entity" again, and if they did might it also be possible for it (although unknown in the previous encounter) to have enough of a personality to be quite a foe to be reckoned w/?

Thanks again for your time, and I'll have to try thinking up some even better questions for sometime later.

-Bloodaxe

1. The short answer is yes…we’re going to learn a lot more about the Wraith this year, as well as Atlantis…the long answer is too long to post here.

2. More Tollan than Ancient, yes.

3. There are no plans to use the 9th Chevron this season.

4. We’ll get a better sense of that over on SG-1…it won’t be a focus in Atlantis this season.

5. Hmmm, no plans yet…but it’s still early.

[MartinGero]

I'm back again, sorry the reply to my last questions just wet my appetite to ask more! I'll try not to write an essay though. Looks like you've been very busy answering all our questions and I'd just like to say once again a big thank you for taking the time out of your no doubt packed work schedule!

Ok onto the questions...

1) In the pilot we saw the main character's various connections back home, & in 'Letters...' learnt a little more about them. Now that a link has been re-established between the SGC and Atlantis, will we be seeing them back home with family etc and more of that character backstory?

2) Are their any dark secrets lurking in the characters backgrounds? Paul McGillion mentioned Beckett had a 'trunk full of secrets' in an online interview and while I'm sure that was part teasing, its perked my curiosity.

3) 'Runner' looks like its going to be a cracking episode, and I'm really excited about meeting Ronon Dex for the first time (just to see him stand next to and dwarf the rest of the cast is going to be hilarious! Have they been issued apple crates yet? ), is there anything else you can tell us about this episode and the new character, and yes you guessed it (what can I say he's my favourite character!), Beckett's role in this ep?

4) You wrote the mid-season 2 parter, which has to be one of the best and most intense episodes from S1, it had me chewing the furniture in anticipation (how I detest those three little words...'To Be Continued' but the cliffhanger for those eps was just plain EVIL!). Occassionally it seemed like there were missing scenes (i.e. you dont see Beckett after he gets clobbered even when a gun is pointed at him, until they drag the doc into the control room which just seemed...odd) can you tell us any of the scenes that were written/filmed but dropped and why?

5) Will we be seeing more of Altantis' existing mythology incorperated into episode plots & story arc (i.e. like the Plato quote from the pilot)?

6) Why the heck did they kill of poor Peter Grodin???? I mean if someone had to die why him!! Why not that ponytailed weasely bast...er...Kavanaugh or...well anyone but Peter (and Zelenka); kill off the Brit why dont'cha! Humpf!

Ok I'll be good and leave it there...

Hope you dont have too many blisters on your fingers answering all these questions!!

Best Wishes,

TJ

1. Yes, in an episode called “Intruder”…but just so you all know. Going back and forth to Earth is not going to be a simple matter…we’re still quite removed from them.

2. Well, they wouldn’t really be dark secrets if I told you, would they?

3. Beckett plays a vital role in helping Ronon shed some baggage. It’s a GREAT episode for the whole cast (and although Jason will no doubt be the center of discussion, it’s a big episode for Rainbow…and I think he’s done some of his best work on this one.)

4. In fact, scenes were added because we were a little short. I do commentary for that episode with Martin Wood and David Hewlett on the upcoming DVD box set. You can learn all about it there.

5. Maybe.

6. In a show like this, you can’t have mortal jeopardy every week without someone (preferably somebody you love instead of hate) dying. You need that to keep the show fresh, otherwise you’ll never be worried that we might lose someone…on Atlantis, no one is safe and I think it makes for better storytelling.

[MartinGero]

Martin,

...I'm sorry, but I can't help but think of Martin Lloyd from SG1, seasons 4 and 5. No offence or anything.

Back to the topic at hand. A friend of mine, who is both a Stargate Atlantis fan and a Halo/Halo 2 fan, commented to me recently that he found an alarming similarity between the storylines of the two, mainly with the Ancients and the Forerunners. (My friend wasn't nearly so punctual in his assessment, but I'm not going to repeat what he said word-for-word for fear of being kicked off the board and hurting your feelings)

So, my question to you is this; as a writer for Stargate Atlantis, what is your opinion on such a comment, and is there anything you'd like to say in response, or do on your behalf? 'Cause I'll beat the living tar out of him if you ask, honest...

Yours in resuscitation,
The White Knight

I’m afraid I don’t know enough about the Halo mythology to comment. But I’ll give you this: I’m the only one with an Xbox on staff…everyone else has PS2’s (fools).

[MartinGero]

Any recommendations?

To be honest, no. There are screenwriting books and magazines that usually publish lists of agents that are accepting material for considersation.

(I've had an agent for a while so I'm kinda out of that loop)

[MartinGero]

Hey Thanks for answering our questions Martin, I and a lot of others really appreciate getting answers so tanks!

Just one question, in the press release about Loius Gossert Jn, Beau Bridges and Mitch PIlligi joining startgate, it mentioned that Beau Bridges would be crossing over to atlantis for some episodes. My question is, have you and the writers come up with a storyline that will c General Hank Laundry come to atlantis.

Thanks for your time, I really appreciate it !

So far Beau is only in one episode this year…we have the option to put him in more, but there are no concrete plans as of yet.

[MartinGero]

Hi Martin! Thank you for coming by and answering questions, it's very kind of you! One of my favorite things about Atlantis is the care that is taken with characterization while telling exciting stories. Even in action-oriented episodes like "The Storm" and "The Eye" there are some lovely character moments.

I especially like that there are two strong female characters on this show--"The Gift" was one of my favorite eps. My question is, will we get to see more of a friendship develop between Teyla and Weir? And will they get to have an adventure of their own together, like Sheppard and McKay get to do?

It’s something we definitely want to do…we’re just trying to find the right story.

[MartinGero]

I love your comment. Claudia Black is really brilliant actress and does miracles with her characters (Farscape) BTW, any chance to see Claudia in more than these 5 (?) first episodes?

She will be in the first six.

[MartinGero]

Hi Martin.

First up I want to thank you for coming here and answering questions, the answers have been very interesting to say the least and I love to hear all the tidbits of information on the new season. I have some questions myself, just a few for starters (and yes, I have been saving these up for quite a while. )



1. Is the above a scene you filmed but didn't use, if so any chance we'll get to see it included on the DVD's?

2. You've mentioned already that Bates won't be in Season 2, do you think he might be well enough to return by Season 3? Just how likely are we to ever see him back on the show?

3.A Grodin question. Joe has already answered that it's unlikely but in theory possible we could see a return of Grodin. Would you personally like to see him come back in any way?

4. Also, rather moot now but is bugging me - please indulge a poor Grodin fan for a moment. We know Grodin had a doctorate but what exactly was his specialism and duty on Atlantis?

5. In 'The Eye' at the grounding station, what was McKay going to say to Weir if she hadn't stopped him?

6. Will we be seeing or hearing once more of Jeannie, McKay's sister, in season 2?

7. Do you have an plans for any Teyla-centred episodes like 'The Gift' in Season 1?

8.Just curious, considering how long he's been awake by Seige Part 2, do we get any McKay whumping in "Siege Part 3", like say him collapsing from exhaustion?

9. Any plans for more of Janus' experiments, or himself, to appear again?

10. The uniform question has already been asked but I'd also love to know what the deal is with the later half of season 1 change; why McKay gets short sleeved shirt which has a navy stripe down the side, a uniform feature only seen so far on Weir too - is there any particular significance to this change, like a change in status for McKay within the expedition?

11. Since darts don't appear to be that big, and not likely large enough to hold as many people as we've seen them beam up at once, I was wondering is the wraith technology behind the beaming and darts hacked Ancient transporter/stargate technology that dematerialises and stores people somehow?

12. There have been rumours about a certain embarassing lack of attire for Mckay, could you say anything more, or even confirm them? There's also uncertainty on where these rumours are for Runner or Duet, any chance you'd just say which episode it's for?

13. There's been alot of debate about ATA (especially with how the Wraith in the Defiant One managed to activate the PJ shield). What exactly is the ATA needed for operating, other than flying the puddlejumper and the defensive systems chair?

14. Will the Simon/Elizabeth relationship be resolved properly or will we see it explored further in Season 2?

15.In Letters From Pegasus Dr. Zelenka ends his message with "Take care of yourself, darling" spoken in Czech. Was this simply an addition by David Nykl or does that goodbye allude to a deeper backstory for the character that we may yet see?

16. Final question (for now), what's the name of Rodney's cat?

Um, yes, sorry for so many. I really do think about SGA far too much but then you can take that as a reflection of my interest in the show. I appreciate you taking your time to answer any of them and hope they're intelligent enough questions to occupy your time.

Regards,
Purpleyin

1. It was actually never filmed…we cut it at the script stage.

2. Not sure. I love Dean, he’s a great actor and a super nice guy…we’ll just have to see how it goes.

3. Maybe in a dream or something, but he’s dead…and that’s how he should stay.

4. Grodin was a science office, like McKay, who role was to be the Atlantis tech guy…the “on-world” version of McKay (job wise).

5. Something really funny/clever/brilliant.

6. We might…it’s definitely being talked about.

7. We’re working on one, yes.

8. Yes and no…you’ll have to see.

9. Janus probably won’t appear again, but I’m sure we’ll find some of his stuff.

10. Nope. We just thought it looked cooler (also, it was the summer in Atlantis…buy that?)

11. This will be discussed in “Duet”…yeah, it’s something like that.

12. The rumors are true…Duet.

13. The shield in the Defiant One was a Wraith shield he put around the jumper. Jumpers don’t have shields. There is some tech in Atlantis that just needs to be activated by someone with an ATA gene, but once it’s been turned on anyone can use it.

14. Yes.

15. Zelenka has a life outside of Atlantis, yes.

16. TOP SECRET

Okay…you don’t get to ask more questions for a while…

[MartinGero]

Heya Martin. Gateworld is should be very thankful you taken the time out to answer some of our annoying little fan questions. On an Unoffical forum

My question is why no Australian on SGA? I've seen a south africa flag
Is this some kind of Anti-Australian Conspiracy created by the highly secret NID project called "Operation Gag skippy".

We gave you Ugg boots and steve irwin (We don't want him). Atleast you can do is cast an aussie as silence extra. The one always gets interrupted by Mckay everytime he's about to speak

I'll like to volenteer for that role. I'm perfect for that role just pay for the flight over and back home

Asked and Answered...there are Aussie extras.