Chat with Writer/Producer Joseph Mallozzi

April 5th, 2003

Stargate Co-Executive Producer and Writer Joseph Mallozzi joined the members of the Our Stargate Forum to chat and answer questions on Saturday, April 5th, 2003. What follows is a transcript of the questions and answers. Joe came a few minutes early to the chat and mingled for awhile and then stayed late, letting the fans quiz him some more! Thank you for your time, Joe, and for all of the spoilers!

There are many Season Seven spoilers throughout the chat, so beware. Any added comments are indicated inside of brackets. Without further ado, here is the chat…

J_MALLOZZI: Good afternoon/evening...possibly morning. Hey, Annie, I remember I'm supposed to write something when I'm done. What was it again?

ASHTON7: “GA,” Joe

J_MALLOZZI: I was supposed to write something like "garblak" or something, no?

ASHTON7: Yes, Joe. Whatever makes you happy. LOL

[Joe did indeed spend the rest of the chat saying “garblak” when he was finished answering a question…except for the few times when he decided to try some creative spelling. Writers! What are you gonna do?]

Xochiquetzl: The [production] diary totally rocks! [See the link to Joe’s Production Diary at the bottom of this page!]

J_MALLOZZI: Thanks. I'm working on the next installment as we speak.

*****

Congratulations on becoming Co-Executive Producer! I'm sure with these new duties, you're faced with new challenges. How has it been going so far? What's changed about what you used to do and what you do now? Are there any surprises?

J_MALLOZZI: No real surprises. Paul and I essentially ran our own episodes last year (saw them through from pre-production through post-production). Things have been going very well this year. We were a little worried, what with the late script start, but now are in great standing. We already have first drafts of the big mid-season two-parter.

*****

Other than Stargate, can you point to a series, specific episode or movie which you would dearly loved to have written?

J_MALLOZZI: I really enjoy Buffy, the mix of horror and comedy. The Sopranos is also a show I never miss. I enjoy dark humor.

*****

Can you tell us anything about the mid-season two-parter?

J_MALLOZZI: Well, we will definitely be shaking things up this season and the mid-season two-parter will see the introduction of a scary new threat. Bra’tac and Jacob will be dropping in and expect a few surprises. Also, we'll get a glimpse of Jack's black ops past.

*****

Will Jacob Carter be in the coming season? Approximately how many episodes? Also, in Full Circle, was it Oma or the Others who interfered with Daniel attacking Anubis?

J_MALLOZZI: Yes, we'll see Jacob this season. I'm not sure how many episodes. As for who was behind Daniel's disappearance in Full Circle - the opening two-parter will have the answer to that one.

*****

This is a two part question, so hang on :-) 1- Don S. Davis said this at I-Con: "Michael Shanks takes his script, reads it thoroughly, then writes notes to the writers about what in the script Daniel would or would not do and “drives them crazy." 2- What has Michael written notes about to you and Paul Mullie in your episodes? Just how crazy has he driven you? :))

J_MALLOZZI: To be honest, Michael may write notes in the script but we never see them. He may make minor changes to the dialogue if he feels it doesn't work for him (these he'll go over on set with the director). If it’s a big enough change, the director will call up to the offices and discuss it but, usually, it’s not a big deal. There have been only a couple of incidences in which Michael requested changes. One was way back in Window of Opportunity where we changed the recurring joke to an anecdote. The other was in Summit where he felt Daniel's character had progressed to the point that he felt he would not have any misgivings about going on the mission to wipe out the system lords.

*****

Over the past 6 years, all of the main characters have given wonderful explosive performances (Jack: Abyss, Sam: Singularity, Teal'c: Changeling, Daniel: Need/Legacy). Can we expect to see more dramatic scenes from these actors? If so, then can you clue us in on which episodes in particular?

J_MALLOZZI: They'll no doubt give spectacular performances in every episode they're in but for specific spotlight performances, check out... Michael Shanks in Lifeboat. Amanda Tapping in Crossfire. Chris Judge in Birthright.

*****

What can you tell us about Peter deLuise’s upcoming Unas episode?

J_MALLOZZI: The working title is Enemy Mine but I believe that will change to Hallowed Ground. It sees the team helping out when a mining team runs into trouble off-world. Ultimately, they must summon an old friend to help deal with a potentially explosive situation.

*****

In the Gateworld chat couple of weeks ago you mentioned that you and Paul had thrown around ideas for another sci-fi series. I was wondering if you could tell us a little more about this new show idea. What it would be like and would it be connected to Stargate universe? And is there any possibility that it would actually go into production?

J_MALLOZZI: The series Paul and I have been kicking around is in the very early, concept, stage. It would not be connected to the Stargate universe and, in fact, would be very different from SG-1. Any chances it would actually go into production? Hopefully. Of course, that will have to wait until Stargate ends - and it doesn't look like it’s going to be ending any time soon.

*****

Will Jack be calling Daniel 'Danny' at all or any of the nicknames he gave him, like SPACEMONKEY? Glad you're back, Spacemonkey!

J_MALLOZZI: Funny you should mention that. In the final scene to the two parter, I actually had Jack call DJ "space monkey" in a funny little exchange. Unfortunately, it got nixed.

*****

Hi Joe! Greetings from Barcelona (Spain)!! I've got two questions, the first one is: What do you think you will miss more when Stargate ends? And the second one: Would you like to make a cameo in any episode? Thanks!

J_MALLOZZI: I'll definitely miss working with the friends I've made over the course of my 3+ seasons on the show. As for the cameo - I'd love to, but it would simply be a matter of making the time. Given the choice, I'd like to be an alien or a Jaffa stumbling through the brush in one of those oversized, unwieldy helmets. Serpent Guards, natch. Garblak.

*****

Okay, I just gotta know this: How in the heck was Michael Shanks convinced to bare all for his descension? He's been reported (I believe Peter DeLuise mentioned it) as being quite reluctant to lose the threads.

J_MALLOZZI: I'm not sure the answer to that one as I wasn't on set. Peter can be very sneaky so I don't know. He could have waited until Michael Shanks was showering, then had the teamsters raid his trailer, carry him out, and bring him on set. I wouldn’t put it past Peter.

*****

How long have you and Paul worked together? What do you think are your and Paul's strengths and weaknesses as writers and how do your skills complement one another?

J_MALLOZZI: Paul and I have been working together some ten years now Paul enjoys the tech/science aspects of the show and I enjoy more the mythology/humor He can be uncompromising about certain aspects of the script, very specific when it comes to the details and can get caught up or bogged down - which is when I come in, offer a new take, and bulldoze things along.

*****

Hi Joe... Several people wanted to ask this question who couldn’t be here... How do you feel about SciFi spoiling the whole Atlantis angle for Season 7? In case you haven't read it.... A whole new adventure with a new team begins in the successful Stargate universe. In this spin-off from MGM Worldwide Television, a secret base left by the originators of the Stargate is found in the most unlikely of places: on Earth, buried within the ruins of the legendary civilization Atlantis. The implications of this discovery lead the team to a distant universe, where they find a primitive human civilization threatened by a sinister new enemy.

J_MALLOZZI: Hmmm................................................ Well, it came as a surprise to the production offices. Brad and Robert are still working out the premise and we have yet to plot out the season finale. I guess "surprised" would be an appropriate response. The fact is Brad and Robert have met with SciFi and discussed the spin-off. As SciFi said, the show is in development so what they revealed is only the bare bones of the show.

*****

Are you going to be involved with the spin-off? Will it be produced/written by the same creative team?

J_MALLOZZI: I know Brad and Robert would like to keep the creative team intact. Paul and I enjoy working on Stargate and would love to work with Brad and Robert again. But, realistically, who knows what the future holds.

*****

Can you tell us who will be guest starring in season 7, both good guys and bad guys?

J_MALLOZZI: Some of this season's guests will include: Ronny Cox as Senator Kinsey, Patrick McKenna as Felger, Saul Rubinek, Tony returning as Bratac, Carmen returning as Jacob, Anna-Louise [Plowman] returning as Osiris.

*****

Hi Joe tks for coming i wanted to know why the whole Teal’c losing his symbiote was not addressed more it was a big thing for Teal’c also did junior die or has Bra’tac got him?

J_MALLOZZI: Junior is dead - neither Teal'c nor Bra’tac possess symbiotes now. The issue will be addressed in an early episode titled Orpheus,. and it will continue to be addressed through season 7.

FreezinginOttawa: He's not even in Daniel's aquarium? :(

J_MALLOZZI: Nope. But he may get his own show.

*****

Is "LifeBoat" filming yet? I'm really looking forward to that one. Do you know who was hired to play the lead guest star?

J_MALLOZZI: Lifeboat has started filming,. but I'm not sure about the guest star. Regardless, Daniel Jackson will be the focus of this episode - in a roundabout way.

*****

Your prose style is very adept, personable and entertaining. Any chance you might someday write a book on 'the Stargate years'?

J_MALLOZZI: It's kind of you to say, but I don't think prose is my strong suit. Maybe someday I'll collect the production diary and layer it in an overview of my time on the show. It would be fun.

*****

Can you give us any info on the plots of Crossfire or Birthright? And what's this about the Goa'uld's ships being Ancients tech (From the chat 2 weeks ago)? Oh yeah, have you named Black Widow Carter yet?

J_MALLOZZI: No info on Crossfire as it’s in the early planning stages. Birthright explores the Jaffa culture - particularly the role of women within said culture. Goa'uld ships Ancient tech? Goa'uld ships contain alien tech appropriated by the Goa’uld, but the tech isn't Ancient. Sorry if I gave that impression. No title for BWC yet.

*****

Can you tell me who provides the voice for the Asgard Freyr?

J_MALLOZZI: Sorry,. I don't recall the actor's name but if you check Gateworld they have the actor's name in the credits.

*****

Is the SGC getting teams from the countries who learned about the 'gate in Disclosure? Are the Asgard shields and weapons on Prometheus a violation of the Protected Planets Treaty?

J_MALLOZZI: There is a Russian team at the SGC but the countries from Disclosure are only sending observers to the SGC for the time being. The Protected Planets Treaty is out the window after the events of late season 5 and early season 6.

*****

Hi Joe, thanks again. I was wondering is the Sam/Teal'c friendship going to continue to grow in season 7 as it has in season 6 which was a wonderful aspect of the season and do the actors and actresses ever surprise you with their performances in different episodes? Oh sent my stuff. Teryl rocks!!! Thankees :)

J_MALLOZZI: Yes, the relationship between Sam and Teal'c will continue to grow - as will the relationship between the various team members. The actors continually surprise us with their performances - we couldn't ask for a more talented cast.

*****

Whose decision was it to kill XYZABC in Heroes? And why? Robert C. Cooper is writing it, correct? Was it his choice?

J_MALLOZZI: Well, originally, this script was intended as a fun, different, episode and, along the way, took a very serious turn. This one also resulted in a pretty heavy debate in the writer's room. Suffice it to say, not everyone was in agreement on how this episode should end. That said, I think Robert did a masterful job. It's one of the best scripts he's ever written and is a wonderful salute to the unsung heroes who serve our countries.

*****

Hey, Joe! I was wondering if we were going to see Osiris again, and, if so, if she would have scenes with Daniel. I'm asking strictly out of interest for the Daniel/Osiris dynamic. It has nothing to do with thinking Osiris is cute. Honest! ;)

J_MALLOZZI: Yes, Osiris will be returning - and she will certainly have scenes with Daniel.

*****

Hi Joe, thanks for coming. Is there any chance of Sgt. Siler helping to "save the day"? He does seem to be the jack of all trades who is always around. And can you tell us what is planned for Jonas in season 7? Thanks.

J_MALLOZZI: Alas, Sgt Siler will not be getting his chance in the spotlight anytime soon. As for Jonas - he'll be appearing the opening two parter and, as of this moment, another episode provided Corin has the time.

*****

Is Corin Nemic writing a script for Season 7? :-)

J_MALLOZZI: Corin has provided a story for season 7. I believe one of us will be writing the teleplay.

*****

Was Daniel's apartment closed up? Where's his stuff? Where's he going to live when he comes back?

J_MALLOZZI: Daniel's friends cleared out his stuff and locked it up, back at the SGC. Now that he's back, he's reclaimed his possessions and has moved into a new place. A much nicer place.

*****

How is Michael's story coming? Can you say a tiny bit what it's about?

J_MALLOZZI: Michael's story is in the very early stages. He came in and we spun it, but he's off working on the outline as we speak.

*****

Lord Mot from Prophecy was such an excellent creation, kudos to you and Paul for that character. Is there any possibility that he survived the events in Prophecy and we will see him again?

J_MALLOZZI: Actually, I thought Mot was a terrific character as well. That said, he met his end in Prophecy so we won't be seeing him again. But if he has enough fans sending letters of support --

*****

Leah wants to know what's in the vending machines at the studio?

J_MALLOZZI: Vending machines? What vending machines?

Poor starving writers…

J_MALLOZZI: Sad, no?

*****

I heard on the net that RDA will only be filming until August and then he is done with the show. Is that true and if so, how will that affect the rest of the season's filming?

J_MALLOZZI: Hopefully, by the end of August, we should be finished production on the show's seventh season. Given Rick's schedule this season, everyone involved has worked very hard to ensure we get maximum O'Neill in the shooting days allotted. A couple of episodes in the latter half of the season may see O'Neill dealing with an off-world situation "sans SG-1".

*****

RDA had expressed an interest back when season 6 was suppose to be the last to have Jack find out he had a daughter with Laira and -walk off into the sunset with her- does he still want this and could it happen at the end of season 7?

J_MALLOZZI: I can't speak for Rick but there are no plans to revisit Laira in season 7.

*****

Are any episodes going to feature the Russians, and will we find out why Jack hates them so much? Will the Tau'ri ever start any off-world colonies?

J_MALLOZZI: So far, no plans to feature the Russians. As for Jack's attitude toward them - everyone seems to think that its a cold war mentality but the fact is that, in The Tomb, the other team could well have been British or French and Jack would have reacted much the same way. Essentially, they were shoved down his throat and attempting to override his command. It had nothing to do with any cold war... Yes, the Tau’ri will be starting off-world colonies. The Alpha site, for one.

*****

Is Jelly, the tuna-sandwich-stealing pooch, happy Michael's back? What is the worst/funniest thing (apart from eating tuna sandwiches) the dogs have done on set?

J_MALLOZZI: Well, there was the time a dog (not my dog, I won't name him to protect his identity) jumped up onto the couch in Robert's office and peed on one of the writer's scripts. Everybody's a critic.

*****

Why are you a writer for TV, why not novels? What's the difference between writing a short story and a script? What is that makes you want to write rather than do something else for a living?

J_MALLOZZI: For starters, its a lot easier to break into television and make a living writing for TV. Secondly, it pays a lot better. Television is a visual medium and that's something you have to keep in mind when writing a script. I also enjoy the challenge of making a mini-movie every week.

*****

Many enjoyed Teal'c and Daniel's interaction on The Changeling, can we hope for some more good friendship scenes between them in S7 which might expand on what we saw in previous seasons? Can you give us any hints on what happens in Orpheus?

J_MALLOZZI: Yes, Orpheus is an excellent example as both Teal'c and Daniel wrestle with their own issues, coming together to talk and help one another come to term with recent events. In Orpheus, Daniel tries to come to terms with his return to the team and the contribution he can make now as opposed to the contribution he was able to make as an ascended being. Teal'c, on the other hand, must come to terms with the loss of his symbiote, his dependence on tetronin, and the fact that he is a changed warrior.

*****

In the Season 3 episode 'New Ground' we meet Nyan who joins the SGC as Daniel's research assistant. We haven't seen him since, nor has he been mentioned. Was it ever intended that he become a recurring character or was he only ever going to be in that episode? Is there any chance of seeing him in Season 7?

J_MALLOZZI: No plans to see him again in season 7. I'm not sure what they had planned for Nyan at the time.

*****

Have you thought about writing for the big screen just as Brad Wright has done?

J_MALLOZZI: Yes. Paul and I worked on a feature over the hiatus. Once we finish the polish it will go out to our agent.

*****

Why does Daniel wear the same sweater on the ascended plane? Since they're energy and don't need clothes until they become visible, why does he choose the sweater?

J_MALLOZZI: That's his "ascended look". He chooses to show up looking comfortable. Oma, on the other hand, prefers the more spiritual/esoteric look.

*****

If you could be any character on the show, who would it be?

J_MALLOZZI: Hmmm. Not Jack because I don't really enjoy the peace and quiet of fishing. Not Sam because I don't have a head for science. Not Teal'c - a little too somber and serious. Maybe DJ. Or the guy that says "Chevron 7 locked!"

*****

Which episode is Amanda Tapping scheduled to direct?

J_MALLOZZI: I'm not sure. She'll be directing in the second half of the season. It could be Crossfire.

*****

Any ideas about plans for the future once Stargate closes up shop?

J_MALLOZZI: I'd like to see if the feature we wrote sells. Paul and I wrote a first draft of a script for a network show. We'll need to polish that one and send it off in time. We have an idea for a sci-fi series - among other notions. Once we near the end of season 7, we'll have a better idea.

*****

Is Jack ever going to take Daniel fishing? He did ask him first :-)

J_MALLOZZI: I don't know. No specific plans for Jack to take anyone fishing.

*****

What is your favorite episode so far in Season 7--planned or filmed?

J_MALLOZZI: In season 4, I loved 2010. In season 5, I loved The Other Guys. This season, I'll pick one of ours. Revisions. Its a nice stand alone episode with a cool science fiction premise. The performances we've seen have been terrific and Martin has done an awesome job directing.

*****

If you could describe this season in 10 words what would they be?

J_MALLOZZI: How about five words: surprises, fun, team, excitement, controversy.

*****

What episodes have been filmed so far?

J_MALLOZZI: We have filmed Fragile Balance, Fallen, Homecoming, Orpheus, Revisions, Heroes, and are filming Lifeboat.

*****

I had to break this up into five sections, Joe, so hang on till I get them all up, okay? 1-Ellwood: I know it’s early days yet but I was wondering if any of the staff writers were giving any indications as to how they are thinking of ending the season yet? 2-Although I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed that you will get a green light for, at the very least a film if not another series, I do wonder how much this expectation of further episodes has on the eventual season ending? 3-Also, if there is to be a resolution written by someone to the Sam and Jack arc, could they be persuaded to leave that outcome open to individual interpretation? This would be very important to those of us like me who don’t see the attraction between Sam and Jack, but can easily live with and embrace those who do if everything is still open to perception and point of view. 4-It would be great if the last episode of the show continued to bring fans together to discuss and share opinions for many years to come. Hopefully in the peace and harmony that you and others are now striving so hard to bring about. 5-Thank you for that. A wonderful living testament to a truly wonderful show.

J_MALLOZZI: 1. Yes, we definitely have a plan for ending the season - but I can't divulge anything under penalty of death...or worse! 2 - By the time we get down to breaking the big two-part finale, we'll know what the future holds. 3 - Too early to tell on that count but there's definitely a differing of opinion on that in the room. 4 - Hopefully, yes. 5 - Garblak.

*****

Okay, Joe, we're going to ungag everyone in a moment. Before we do, do you have any questions FOR the chatters?

J_MALLOZZI: Anyone going to Comicon in San Diego this year?

Are you?

J_MALLOZZI: Possible.

Is that it, Joe? We're going to turn them loose on you!

J_MALLOZZI: Release the hounds.

[At this point, we turned everyone loose again to just chat with Joe before he left … but he kept answering questions <g> so there are more below!]

*****

Joe any chance of you coming to SG6 con?

J_MALLOZZI: Won’t be attending SG6. Have been invited to Dragoncon. It would just be a matter of where we're at on the show.

*****

ANY Possibility of Season 8 and what about addressing the psychological impact of the last 7 years on the characters a they have witnessed so much killing and weird events

J_MALLOZZI: Still too early to know about a season 8.

*****

Joe, if you don't have a vending machine, do you want some Tim Tams?

J_MALLOZZI: What's a TimTam?

TimTam = Heaven in Chocolate.

Do you like milk or Dark chocolate Joe?

J_MALLOZZI: I’m a dark chocolate man.

*****

Joe-- will you be at Comic Con?

J_MALLOZZI: I don't know about Comic Con. I'd love to go. Had a great time last year.

*****

Joe, are you going to be at Gatecon this year???

J_MALLOZZI: Hopefully I will be at Gatecon.

*****

JOE HAVE YOU STARTED TO WRITING THE STARGATE MOVIE YET?

J_MALLOZZI: Nope. Brad is busy working on the spin-off.

*****

Joe, some of us would give a donation to a charity of your choice if you could work the word 'hedgehog' into one of the S7 scripts. Any chance?

J_MALLOZZI: Hedgehog? I’ll see what I can do.

Tell us which charity, Joe. The money will be theirs.

*****

Joe, is RDA really a cutup on the set????

J_MALLOZZI: They're all cut-ups on the set.

*****

Joe did you stop by a week or so ago at night pst?

J_MALLOZZI: I try to stop by whenever I can. It's possible.

*****

Joe, is Michael settling back in as a regular?

J_MALLOZZI: I don't think he needed to settle back in. He came back and it was just like old times, I'm sure.

*****

Joe, you're still answering fan's email?

J_MALLOZZI: Whenever I have time.

*****

Any chance that season 7 could start earlier than June?

J_MALLOZZI: Nope, June it is. As I said, I think this will be our best season ever.

*****

Joe will you be stopping by Our Stargate often to answer questions?

J_MALLOZZI: If I have time, yes.

*****

Joe...have you ever been in the actor's trailers? If so...what's in there? I’ve always wanted to know

J_MALLOZZI: I've been in Don's trailer to check out his artwork. Artwork. Don is a very talented artist. [Don S. Davis]

*****

Any really humorous eps like Window of Opportunity coming?

J_MALLOZZI: Yes. Avenger 2.0 will be our funny episode. Hopefully.

*****

Any chance Jack will be in charge of the SGC for a while...Hammond goes on vacation...funny ep

J_MALLOZZI: Hammond never takes vacation.

*****

Is there any director you'd like to work with, Joe?

J_MALLOZZI: I love working with Martin and Peter.

*****

Thank you for your time, Joe!

Current “Hot” Discussions at Our Stargate

Chat Rooms Available

Current promotions running on Delphi

Recent Visitors to the Forum

Links to Associated Stargate Sites

Read my Dreambook!
Sign my Dreambook!

Comments about the pictures or the site? Please sign our guest book!

Ashton Press/Ann Wortham