Took some time (and by some - I mean alot) to read the comments on JM's recent blog entry. Here are a few that some who aren't completely done/exhausted with the topic may find of interest
Loads of perspectives here. Nearly all were pro JF while staying pro JM. A few slammed JM and another few supported JM's feelings towards JF.
lindagagne
chevron7
Anne
montybird
I would like to comment on the “Joe v Joe” situation, as Chevron 7 phrased it. I believe it is obvious that there is perhaps some residual “tension” over the cancellation of SGA as well as how certain aspects of the show evolved during the five years it was on the air. Not everyone is going to get along, or see eye to eye; that is only human nature and is very natural. Everybody is entitled to an opinion based on their experiences, and only people directly involved with SGA know what went on during its production. Anything else is pure speculation.
I would like point out that there were a whole slew of writers and producers during SGA’s 5 year run. Joe F. has never ONCE said the name Joe M. in his general comments. But since you, Joe M., are the only writer/producer with a blog as this, it seems natural that many fans start looking to you when comments are made, so it becomes “Joe v Joe” in the eyes of some.
I think what frustrates a lot of fans, whether they are general SGA fans, or Joe F. fans, is that here you have one person being very direct, honest, and blunt about their feelings, as Joe F. tends to be. He says what is on his mind; there is no guessing here. On the other spectrum, you have you, Joe, being more indirect and unclear; snarky, as someone else called it. Now that’s not a bad thing! However, there’s obviously a lot more room for interpretation here, especially for most of us who don’t know you personally. I think this only adds fuel to the fire. People start to think ‘Why isn’t Joe F. mentioned anymore?’ or ‘Why was Joe F. left off that fairly inclusive list of actors when you said: “We have great respect for the contribution cast members past and present have made to the franchise”?’ The speculations start to mount.
This is how I see things, from my perspective. Is it even possible to acknowledge the contribution Joe F. made to the franchise? He is a great actor and he sticks up for what he believes in and isn’t afraid to give his opinion openly. He is one of the reasons many people who weren’t even Stargate fans at all, started watching SGA. And most likely many of these people, despite what many claim, will tune into SGU in the fall to check it out. I know I plan to!
Whether or not there was a good working relationship, we fans would just appreciate confirmation that Joe made Sheppard a great character to watch each week; his relationships with all the other characters made each of them more enjoyable to watch. Whether it was the Rodney/John banter, the Ronon/John action, or the subtle Teyla/John relationship, Joe helped to bring these relationships to light and just added so much to the SGA team cohesiveness. It is things like this that made me enjoy the show, and it is things like this that make me miss the show.
I can understand and appreciate there were circumstances and situations that led to the ultimate cancellation of SGA, but overall it is a run to be proud of. Even Joe F. himself has said that making 100 episodes is a great achievement, especially in today’s television production environment. I am sure the writers and producers of SGU are looking for the same success. If Brad Wright and Rob Cooper can keep developing exciting new aspects of the Stargate franchise, who is to say that there won’t be a 4th or even a 5th series with a new cast? I think this idea is where the idea of casts being “disposable” comes into view. I appreciate that the writers and producers don’t agree with the term “disposable”; it is a bit harsh, and perhaps not the best choice of words, but I understand why it was used. I see both sides here.
OK, enough of my rambling. I just want to say a “few” words and leave a comment. Thanks for reading and bearing with a Joe F. fan who is looking forward to giving SGU a shot in the fall.
dasNdanger
I, too, have noticed the dead silence from Joe every time Flanigan’s name is brought up – as I believe many of us have. Of course, I could also say that I haven’t noticed Joe gushing praise over my personal favorite – Chris Heyerdahl – but never have I jumped to conclusions about that. Of course, Chris isn’t a main player, so his omission isn’t quite as glaring as Flanigan’s, but sometimes there are things going on that we are not quite aware of and – honestly – those things really are none of our business. Joe is kind enough to share much of Stargate with us – something he really doesn’t have to do – so if he chooses to keep something to himself, so be it – it is his prerogative.
That said – and for as much as I would like to think the best of everyone…I’m going to go out on a limb here and make a suggestion. I may be totally off-base, but perhaps things are not quite as they seem. For instance, remember a few weeks back when someone slapped Joe on the wrists for posting SGU pictures? Well, what if – and it is a BIG what if, since this is pure speculation – but what if Mr. Mallozzi was asked and/or told not to mention Flanigan on this blog, without prior permission? What if Mr. Flanigan doesn’t want to be discussed here – perhaps out of a desire for privacy, or for control over his image – and Joe is just respecting those wishes? And maybe – just maybe – Joe got slapped on the wrists for saying something that wasn’t appreciated, and he now prefers to err on the side of caution and remain silent?
Yes, that silence speaks volumes. But if there is some issue between these men, it’s really not our business and we shouldn’t pry, but respect Mr. Mallozzi’s decision to remain silent. Afterall, he may just be obeying orders.
AND I may be WAY off, but sometimes there really are two sides to every story.
paloosa
Ahem
Pat
dovil
Loads of perspectives here. Nearly all were pro JF while staying pro JM. A few slammed JM and another few supported JM's feelings towards JF.
lindagagne
Spoiler:
Regarding your comment to Joshua about Joe Flanigan’s interview, I don’t think it is about whether you like the actors. I took it as, and think it true, that if SGU makes it, then the franchise shows that the actors aren’t the important issue that the franchise is. In my case I think I have been quite open that the actors are it for me not a franchise.
chevron7
Spoiler:
My take on Joe v Joe – you’re both as bad as each other, like to stir and aren’t afraid to tell everyone how you really feel.
I would love to see you guys sit down to a friendly dinner, maybe when he’s next in Vancouver, ‘cos I’d hate to see this all blowing up and spoiling future Atlantis projects. Please, for me?
Cheers, Chev
I would love to see you guys sit down to a friendly dinner, maybe when he’s next in Vancouver, ‘cos I’d hate to see this all blowing up and spoiling future Atlantis projects. Please, for me?
Cheers, Chev
Anne
Spoiler:
I feel that I need to make a comment here.
I’ve been an avid reader of your blog for some time now. I always liked the information we get about the Stargate shows. And I’ve always thought you were okay.
But this obvious slam against Joe Flanigan you got going on these days is really cheap, even for you. Is it not bad PR?
I guess you feel somewhat pissed off when he says things that might be seen as negative about the cancelation of SGA, and your new show Universe, but can’t you try and see it from his side? He perhaps felt that the actors voice wasn’t heard enough, and obviously you dissagree. Maybe you should sit down and have conversation with eachother.
But one thing is different to what he is doing and what is going on here. He might say negetive things about the franchise, but NEVER about you personally. That is, however, what you are doing.
Why don’t you just write “Joe Flanigan is a jerk” and be done with it?
But I hope it doesn’t come to this. Perhaps this is just a big missunderstanding from me and other fans. I hope this will blow over soon.
I made a comment about this earlier, but appearently it wasn’t approved. I hope this one will. Or maybe I’m not welcome here either?
But I think the person who gave you that quote of what JoeF had said, is just spiteful of that person.
Everyone is entiteld to their own opinion, and all the pople who post things that JoeF, for instance has said, on your blog, is obviously trying to get you to write things like this. I feel that those people are not very nice.
I know it happened earlier this year. Someone actually quoted from someones PERSONAL livejournal, where she/he had written down what Joe was talking about with them.
Also that was taken out of context. These people who do that, obviously has a thing against Joe Flanigan. It feels that to me anyway.
Did anyone mention to you Joe, when David Hewlett called Stargate Universe for Stargate 90210, some time ago on a con he did? No one huh?
If Joe Flanigan had said it, what would you have written here then?
I’ve been an avid reader of your blog for some time now. I always liked the information we get about the Stargate shows. And I’ve always thought you were okay.
But this obvious slam against Joe Flanigan you got going on these days is really cheap, even for you. Is it not bad PR?
I guess you feel somewhat pissed off when he says things that might be seen as negative about the cancelation of SGA, and your new show Universe, but can’t you try and see it from his side? He perhaps felt that the actors voice wasn’t heard enough, and obviously you dissagree. Maybe you should sit down and have conversation with eachother.
But one thing is different to what he is doing and what is going on here. He might say negetive things about the franchise, but NEVER about you personally. That is, however, what you are doing.
Why don’t you just write “Joe Flanigan is a jerk” and be done with it?
But I hope it doesn’t come to this. Perhaps this is just a big missunderstanding from me and other fans. I hope this will blow over soon.
I made a comment about this earlier, but appearently it wasn’t approved. I hope this one will. Or maybe I’m not welcome here either?
But I think the person who gave you that quote of what JoeF had said, is just spiteful of that person.
Everyone is entiteld to their own opinion, and all the pople who post things that JoeF, for instance has said, on your blog, is obviously trying to get you to write things like this. I feel that those people are not very nice.
I know it happened earlier this year. Someone actually quoted from someones PERSONAL livejournal, where she/he had written down what Joe was talking about with them.
Also that was taken out of context. These people who do that, obviously has a thing against Joe Flanigan. It feels that to me anyway.
Did anyone mention to you Joe, when David Hewlett called Stargate Universe for Stargate 90210, some time ago on a con he did? No one huh?
If Joe Flanigan had said it, what would you have written here then?
montybird
Spoiler:
I would like to comment on the “Joe v Joe” situation, as Chevron 7 phrased it. I believe it is obvious that there is perhaps some residual “tension” over the cancellation of SGA as well as how certain aspects of the show evolved during the five years it was on the air. Not everyone is going to get along, or see eye to eye; that is only human nature and is very natural. Everybody is entitled to an opinion based on their experiences, and only people directly involved with SGA know what went on during its production. Anything else is pure speculation.
I would like point out that there were a whole slew of writers and producers during SGA’s 5 year run. Joe F. has never ONCE said the name Joe M. in his general comments. But since you, Joe M., are the only writer/producer with a blog as this, it seems natural that many fans start looking to you when comments are made, so it becomes “Joe v Joe” in the eyes of some.
I think what frustrates a lot of fans, whether they are general SGA fans, or Joe F. fans, is that here you have one person being very direct, honest, and blunt about their feelings, as Joe F. tends to be. He says what is on his mind; there is no guessing here. On the other spectrum, you have you, Joe, being more indirect and unclear; snarky, as someone else called it. Now that’s not a bad thing! However, there’s obviously a lot more room for interpretation here, especially for most of us who don’t know you personally. I think this only adds fuel to the fire. People start to think ‘Why isn’t Joe F. mentioned anymore?’ or ‘Why was Joe F. left off that fairly inclusive list of actors when you said: “We have great respect for the contribution cast members past and present have made to the franchise”?’ The speculations start to mount.
This is how I see things, from my perspective. Is it even possible to acknowledge the contribution Joe F. made to the franchise? He is a great actor and he sticks up for what he believes in and isn’t afraid to give his opinion openly. He is one of the reasons many people who weren’t even Stargate fans at all, started watching SGA. And most likely many of these people, despite what many claim, will tune into SGU in the fall to check it out. I know I plan to!
Whether or not there was a good working relationship, we fans would just appreciate confirmation that Joe made Sheppard a great character to watch each week; his relationships with all the other characters made each of them more enjoyable to watch. Whether it was the Rodney/John banter, the Ronon/John action, or the subtle Teyla/John relationship, Joe helped to bring these relationships to light and just added so much to the SGA team cohesiveness. It is things like this that made me enjoy the show, and it is things like this that make me miss the show.
I can understand and appreciate there were circumstances and situations that led to the ultimate cancellation of SGA, but overall it is a run to be proud of. Even Joe F. himself has said that making 100 episodes is a great achievement, especially in today’s television production environment. I am sure the writers and producers of SGU are looking for the same success. If Brad Wright and Rob Cooper can keep developing exciting new aspects of the Stargate franchise, who is to say that there won’t be a 4th or even a 5th series with a new cast? I think this idea is where the idea of casts being “disposable” comes into view. I appreciate that the writers and producers don’t agree with the term “disposable”; it is a bit harsh, and perhaps not the best choice of words, but I understand why it was used. I see both sides here.
OK, enough of my rambling. I just want to say a “few” words and leave a comment. Thanks for reading and bearing with a Joe F. fan who is looking forward to giving SGU a shot in the fall.
dasNdanger
Spoiler:
I, too, have noticed the dead silence from Joe every time Flanigan’s name is brought up – as I believe many of us have. Of course, I could also say that I haven’t noticed Joe gushing praise over my personal favorite – Chris Heyerdahl – but never have I jumped to conclusions about that. Of course, Chris isn’t a main player, so his omission isn’t quite as glaring as Flanigan’s, but sometimes there are things going on that we are not quite aware of and – honestly – those things really are none of our business. Joe is kind enough to share much of Stargate with us – something he really doesn’t have to do – so if he chooses to keep something to himself, so be it – it is his prerogative.
That said – and for as much as I would like to think the best of everyone…I’m going to go out on a limb here and make a suggestion. I may be totally off-base, but perhaps things are not quite as they seem. For instance, remember a few weeks back when someone slapped Joe on the wrists for posting SGU pictures? Well, what if – and it is a BIG what if, since this is pure speculation – but what if Mr. Mallozzi was asked and/or told not to mention Flanigan on this blog, without prior permission? What if Mr. Flanigan doesn’t want to be discussed here – perhaps out of a desire for privacy, or for control over his image – and Joe is just respecting those wishes? And maybe – just maybe – Joe got slapped on the wrists for saying something that wasn’t appreciated, and he now prefers to err on the side of caution and remain silent?
Yes, that silence speaks volumes. But if there is some issue between these men, it’s really not our business and we shouldn’t pry, but respect Mr. Mallozzi’s decision to remain silent. Afterall, he may just be obeying orders.
AND I may be WAY off, but sometimes there really are two sides to every story.
paloosa
Spoiler:
Whatever personal issues between you and Flanigan are none of our business. But Flanigan was the lead in your show. And in my humble opinion, I think he did a great job playing Sheppard. An acknowledgement of that would be helpful, unless you think otherwise.
Ahem
Spoiler:
Joe, do you really dislike Joe F. so much? You certainly go to great and noticeable lengths to exclude him from your ever-growing lists of SG actors who “walk on water.” Someone took one quote from a set of answers that covered a wide range of topics, and that’s your reponse? Joe F. said he still had no idea why SGA was cancelled. He is not alone, despite the many and varying explanations we have been given. Also, it has been shown that TPTB of Stargate have no problem discarding main characters as they see fit — Jonas, Ford, Beckett and Weir — so why wouldn’t Joe have qualms?
What I got most from Joe’s interview was that he truly enjoyed being a part of SGA and was sorry that it ended in the rather abrupt way it did, and that he misses his fellow cast and crew members.
What I got most from Joe’s interview was that he truly enjoyed being a part of SGA and was sorry that it ended in the rather abrupt way it did, and that he misses his fellow cast and crew members.
Pat
Spoiler:
>>every one of them is not only great at what they do, but incredibly down to earth. Not an inflated ego or demanding grandstander in the bunch.
Shanise writes: “I’m trying to find on what would be engraved on John Sheppard’s dogtags. I bought a set of dogtags and would like to get it engraved.”
Answer: “I’M NUMBER ONE”.<<
I can't help it but to me this sounds as if a personal dislike for the actor got mixed up with the answer about the fictional character.
Hope this kind of confusion didn't make it into the movie-script.
Shanise writes: “I’m trying to find on what would be engraved on John Sheppard’s dogtags. I bought a set of dogtags and would like to get it engraved.”
Answer: “I’M NUMBER ONE”.<<
I can't help it but to me this sounds as if a personal dislike for the actor got mixed up with the answer about the fictional character.
Hope this kind of confusion didn't make it into the movie-script.
dovil
Spoiler:
One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was you don’t have to like the people you work with, you just have to be able to work with them. Also if you fill a water bottle full of vodka and sit in on your desk, no one is the wiser.
It must be frustrating having adulation heaped on an actor that you don’t think is worthy of it because of personality issues, but he’s your product to sell. It might be cathartic to vent, but that’s what friends and private spaces are, and as much as this is a personal blog it’s in a public space.
It would be like a Chef running into a restaurant and throwing hints about that one of the ingredient suppliers didn’t wash their hands and kicked baby crippled orphans for laughs – it might feel liberating to say, but the dessert for your customers is certainly going to look less appetising.
Should Flanigan have toed the line himself? Probably. But then again he’s not the only SGA actor who has voiced concerns over season five or the cancellation, and at least publically he’s limited his comments to the material and not given an extensive list of TPTB that he praised with your name glaringly missing, and then made not so subtle comments about egos and grandstanding.
This is the stuff that gets *****ed about behind closed doors, not in front of the kids (fanbase).
It must be frustrating having adulation heaped on an actor that you don’t think is worthy of it because of personality issues, but he’s your product to sell. It might be cathartic to vent, but that’s what friends and private spaces are, and as much as this is a personal blog it’s in a public space.
It would be like a Chef running into a restaurant and throwing hints about that one of the ingredient suppliers didn’t wash their hands and kicked baby crippled orphans for laughs – it might feel liberating to say, but the dessert for your customers is certainly going to look less appetising.
Should Flanigan have toed the line himself? Probably. But then again he’s not the only SGA actor who has voiced concerns over season five or the cancellation, and at least publically he’s limited his comments to the material and not given an extensive list of TPTB that he praised with your name glaringly missing, and then made not so subtle comments about egos and grandstanding.
This is the stuff that gets *****ed about behind closed doors, not in front of the kids (fanbase).
I am also glad JM realises it too 
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