The Ever-So Popular Late March Blog Update

Well, it's been a while since my last blog entry, and apparently blogspot updated to its new and improved self (I don't see any improvement, but perhaps I'm just too inferior to the unobjectable awesome that is Blogspot). All that really means is that I had to go through the tired process of making a Gmail account, but all's well that ends well.

Well, let's see... Horizon related stuff. A lot has happened since I last posted, and time is steamrolling on as usual. It seems like we just began penning season three, and right now we're working on the final episodes of the season. Thus far, I've been told that it's both excellent and mediocre, depending on who you ask. Personally, I've lost the ability to look at the series objectively given my time on the writing staff. Since we, as a writing staff, came up with the ideas, it's kind of hard to criticize them. I suppose that's a job for the readers.

Well, first things first... Horizon's attempt at a "Get the in Gate Contest" failed miserably, falling flat on its face with a whopping three entries. Regardless, we will be picking a winner from those three bold contest-enterers, who have a thirty-three point three three (and so on) chance of winning. The winner will have whatever name they provide put into one or both of the two final episodes of Horizon's third season (My main fear is that some clever soul might submit a name somewhere along the lines of "Lieutenant Doodum McFatass..." Please, for the love of God, don't). We'll get around to picking the winners pretty soon, but I don't suppose it's too late to enter. To remedy the, well, not-so-bustling response to the GITG contest, we're considering hiring someone in a "Public Relations/Advertising" position. Horizon gets its fair share of viewers, and we're very honored and humbled by that, but only a small fraction participate and comment and what not.

As far as episodes past and future, Horizon's lengthy almost-midseason hiatus ended with "...Shall We Not Revenge?" a few weeks ago, followed up by "Countdown." Alex did a great job with those, and it isn't often you get two stories in a row centered around recurring characters. Following them we had my attempt at a midseason two-parter in the form of "Pursuit" and "Mediation," the reactions to which flatter and humble me. Alex wasn't kidding when he said two parters were difficult to break down, but I like to think the hard work paid off. Over the past two weeks, we returned to quieter episodes: "Trial by Fire" and "The Inner Voice," both character pieces.

And so we march onward in our unbroken second half. This coming week will see the release of "Together We Stand," which is quite an anticipated episode. This one, while still a character piece, also has its fair share of action in it... a crapload actually. We'll be focusing on Callen, Grant, Zach, and Lenori in this one, along with some new Vorian characters. If you've read the forum post, you already know this'll be a Ma'kin rescue mission. As far as surprises go, I think there are one or two developments that people won't see coming (we likes to keep things interesting).

We've been wrestling around with "The Allure of Atlas," which is one of those problem episodes. I originally pitched this one back in season two as "Mutation," but it got shelved and transformed into the episode it is now. This one has one of the smallest guest cast lists two date (three significant characters and one "Novokian Navigator"), and it focuses mainly on Tom. And, if you haven't heard, we'll be seeing an Ancient city in this one, similar to Atlantis's "The Tower" and Destiny's "Treasure Trove." Of course, "Atlas" is nothing like either of them.

And that about wraps it up for standalones this season (yeah, those were a bit lacking in quantity) because "Omen" kicks off a massive, complex, and confusing-to-write seven-episode arc. Of course, it'll start off quietly with the appearance of a future version of Christine coming through the gate to whisk our guys off on some grand adventure. Apparently, the future she comes from kinda sucks and she wants to change that. Oh, yes, and the Book of Nosah'trah is involved.

Pretty straightforward, until you hit "Hidden Agendas." From that point forward each staff writer branched out into writing different episodes in the arc, which proves to be quite difficult. Basically, if something in 3.19 changes, we have to address that in 3.22. Tedious and confusing as it is, the end result is shaping up to be Horizon's biggest and most complex arc... Crap's flying everywhere... Enoly, Earthlings, Vorians, Kih'Andari, Bentari... Everyone gets chunk of this arc. I really can't go too much into it right now, as many of the guest characters and events are intended to be surprises. Spoilers for these episodes will probably be released little by little (spoiling "Hidden Agendas" would mean spoiling "Omen" as well). So, expect to be kept in the dark about this arc. Makes it more fun.

After season three ends with some pretty big shockers, we'll be looking to focus more on stand alone team episodes in season four. The war arc throughout season three has made for a lot of arc based stuff (only 3.06, 3.08, 3.14, 3.15, and 3.17 are completely standalone). I suppose you could look at the first three seasons as a trilogy of sorts, and season four starts off a new one with a few changes here and there. Keeps things interesting, y'know. That doesn't mean of course, that stuff isn't gonna go down. Oh, how stuff is gonna go down...

That being said, we're currently working with a writing department of six people (Alex, Mike, Cindy, Marc, Vincent, and Justin), four of which write episodes, so in season four we'll probably be looking to add some new writers. Not to mention a freelancer or two, and that advertising position I mentioned. As for the art department, Horizon seems cursed, so devoted artists are pretty likely to get accepted.

Until next time, tally ho.

Hardy Ho, Happy New Year!

Well, 2007 has rolled around and so I decided that my New Year's resolution will be to post a blog entry, featuring all sorts of subtle hints about upcoming Horizon episodes. Horizon's in hiatus for the moment, but 'twill be back on January 25, 2007, with the second part of "Resurfacing," finally titled "...Shall We Not Revenge?" Where "Resurfacing" left off, Sivea, Bay'lar, and Bay'lar's old mentor Garren were trapped in the clutches of the Bentari (which, as many of you guessed, was a former title for the episode). The second part will, as expected, involve them getting some answers and hopefully escaping. And it seems Vahret and Callen have a mutual plight. Wonder how they'll work that one out. No, really, I do. I haven't seen the episode yet.

After that, we'll see "Countdown," an episode revolving mainly around two of our regulars and Zach Hoffmann. It was good to see that people are starting to warm-up to him in "A Pleasant Little Trip," and hopefully will do more so in this episode. In "Countdown," Zach will be dealing with a situation he's not used to, and we'll definitely see him in a more serious light. Some guest stars for the episode include Julia Connor, Caitlin Connor, and one Agent Malcolm Barrett. I would say it's similar to "Home Front" in many ways, so if you enjoyed that one, hopefully you'll feel the same about this one.

After that is my first two-part endeavor, "Pursuit" and "Mediation." I'm reading through the second draft of the former as we speak, and so far "Mediation" has been progressing slowly but surely. Combined, the two episodes have a massive guest star list. Already I've hinted the fact that Sivok and Lonik will be in both of these episodes, as will Jalen Ke'var. We'll finally see what the Enoly have been up to, and how the hell did they know about the Book of Nosah'trah in "The Search, Part Two?" As I've said in the past, stuff that happens in the final act of "Pursuit" is pretty much going to change things... a lot. And "Mediation" is all about seeing these new developments unfold.

The second half of the season opens up with "Adrift," which you might know as "Death's Chariot." Not much to say here that hasn't already said; we'll learn about something in Grant's past. The best hints for this episode can be found in looking at both titles; what could be considered a chariot and how would it lead to death? When would something be adrift?

After that we have "The Inner Voice," which is very Gracesque in nature, although it doesn't follow the exact format that "Grace," "Grace Under Pressure," and "Amazing Grace" did (for one, there's no "Grace" in the title). However, there are several similarities to one, in that a certain character (namely Chase) will have to sort out some issues.

Following that we have "Together We Stand," which Alex has also talked about. As he said, this involves a rescue mission, but who might we be rescuing? Why? The answers can be found in previous episodes. If you've ever seen "Saving Private Ryan" or "Band of Brothers," you could say that this episode is quite similar. Additionally, a major event happens that will most certainly affect future storylines.

3.17 is Cindy's second episode, and I guess we're not revealing the title for this one yet, but I'll give you its initials: TAOA. 3.18 will be written by a freelance writer, who many of you know as Lt. Colonel Ryu Gaia, reader of Horizon, writer of Destiny and Vista. This one is WDDWP.

I've had some new ideas regarding 3.19, which is the one title I will reveal: "Against the Grain." As Alex mentioned, this story focuses on Lenori, and will be non-Tok'ra Lenny episode. All I can say now is that he'll be stickin' it to the man in this one.

And that's all for now.

Jolly Good Season Three Fun and Episode Titles

Well, it's been three weeks since the premiere of Horizon's third season, and so far I would say that I'm pleased with the response. There were a few issues here and there with "Rogues" and "The Circle" that people had, but for the most part people enjoyed them. And so far, people seem to be liking "The Search, Part One." All in all, I couldn't have asked for more.

So what's to come. Next week we've got "The Search, Part Two," which, as the title so subtly implies, is the conclusion to "The Search, Part One." In addition, it will wrap up our opening four episode arc centering around Saunders, the Trust, Garrison, Merrick, and David's family (although that's not to say we'll never hear from any of them again). I can't say much about the next episode without revealing too much, but I will say that it is a suitable conclusion to the four episode opening arc. Alex did a great job once again with the arc and putting everything together, and I can only hope you'll feel the same way once you've read it.

We'll have a one week break afterwards, leading right up to the meet of the season, starting with "Preservation." It's very "In Times of Despair"ish, in that we'll focus on several smaller plot lines, the main of which being Lenori and his relationship with Kayla. Seems now that his symbiote is gone, Lenori has some social issues to work out. And remember that elusive Tok'ra project first mentioned way back in "Troika?" Maybe we'll finally get to figure out what that's all about. Or maybe not. Rest assured, it's got plenty of nifty character moments and a few returning guest characters from last season.

Well, I just read over the latest draft of "Trepidation," and I'm going to gamble that this will be one of those rarely-talked-about-before-release episodes that turns out to be quite good. Cindy's first episode features a very close knit team feeling, and we'll finally get to see that Ke'var fellow (if you've been following Alex's podcasts, you know he's failed to make it into several episodes), who will be virtually portrayed by Michael T. Weiss. Not to mention we'll get a look at a character who hasn't been seen since season one.

Alex sent back some revisions for "My Enemy's Enemy," after which I revised the revised draft. I tend to get paranoid before my episodes get released, so I'll be sure to read this one over multiple times before it finally gets released. As we've already announced, we'll be seeing Day'ek Sonak once again, who, despite what you may think, did not fall into oblivion after his appearance in "The Cold and Distant Stars." It appears the Kih'Andari have a problem that could also be a problem for Horizon and the Vorians, so perhaps we'll get to face a common enemy together. Once again, expect to see a guest star or two we haven't seen since last season.

Next on the list, Alex put up his draft for "A Pleasant Little Trip" a while ago. This episode features yet another return, that of Arina Tey'vell. As with the two other episodes in which she has appeared, "Other Cultures" and "The Fantastic Three," these episodes are comedic in nature, written by Alex Rubit. I can tell Alex had lots of fun with this one, and it should be fun to read after the oh-so-dramatic "Trepidation" and "My Enemy's Enemy." Also, the names in this one are... peculiar.

After that, we have "Resurfacing" and "Title-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named," the latter of which, for all intensive purposes, shall be referred to as "Resurfacing, Part Two." There is an actual title for 3.10, but we're not ready to release it yet because it could be considered a spoiler that we're not ready to release. These two episodes will be the third of what's looking like five two-parters this season. We'll get a better look into the mind and personality of one of our more popular recurring characters in the first part, while the second part will deal mostly with this new race after which the title is named. I've already seen some concept drawings for this new race, and I'll just say they look great. Excellent progress is being made in the concept art department.

After that comes an episode, which, up until now, did not have a name. I can now reveal it: 3.11 will be "Countdown," an episode which, once again, will take place mainly back on Earth. "Countdown" is a second attempt at something we tried to do in an episode last season that didn't work out today. I suppose I'll throw you a hint and say that we're going to work on developing a character that has needed developing for over a season now in a rather interesting fashion. And yes, something will be counting down, as the title implies.

And the second previously unrevealed title is the first part of the midseason two-parter: "Pursuit." I turned in the white draft for this one a while ago, and right now I'm working on its 90-minute counclusion, which, to avoid revealing the title, will for the present time be referred to as "Pursuit, Part Two." The first part gives us the opportunity to see the team out on a traditional mission once again, which gets interrupted by an adversary as usual. These two episodes probably have one of the largest guest cast lists we've had in a long time, and the events of the episode will dramatically change things in the galaxy and set the stage for the second half of the season, which I'm really looking forward to.

So, basically, that's the first half of the season. As usual, I thank everyone for their continued support of the series. If you haven't heard, we're confirmed for a fourth season already, unless Mark Stern tries to have us assassinated out of spite.

Long Time...... No Post

Well, it's been a while since either Alex or I posted on our blogs, and information about season three of Horizon has been leaking out fairly slowly. Rest assured, all is going extremely well along the lines of production, and with the ideas, outlines, drafts, and finished scripts we have so far, it looks like this season should turn out to be a strong one... So I hope. For one thing, we now have a seven person writing staff: Alex Rubit, Mike Coakley, Vincent Dedoyard, Cindy Clark, Solomon Tubbs-Foster, John Kennedy, and Marc Broadbent. With each of us working on one or more episode, things are proceeding along smoothly.

Let's see, where shall we start? Just days after "Revolution" was done and released, Alex began developing ideas for, and working on, the first episode of season three: "Rogues." Originally, it was meant to be the first of a three-parter, but it actually ended up being the first part of two two-parters that make up the four episode arc. Confusing? Of course it is, but it should all become clear when the episodes are released. Needless to say, the first four episodes making up this arc: "Rogues," "The Circle," "The Search, Part One," and 'The Search, Part Two" include lots of action, revelation, and character interactions. Alex has done a great job writing the Saunders character he mentioned, although I can't say much about his role.

As for episodes currently being worked on, Alex's latest endeavor is the fifth episode of the season, "Preservation." In many ways, the episode is similar to "In Times of Despair" in that there are several small arcs going on throughout the story. Alex mentioned the possibility of tiny grey aliens with black eyes, and I think you know where we're heading with this. In addition to that, we'll get to focus more on the relationship between Lenori and Kayla, seeing as this has been more or less in the background since "Contagion." We all know that Lenori has a few issues due to recent happenings, if you catch my drift.

Next up in the episode order is the sixth episode of the season, "Trepidation." The concept for this episode was pitched around the end of season two in the hopes that it might be used early on in season three. Cindy liked the idea, and she was happy to pick it up. The story has been reworked a few times already, mainly due to a certain Atlantis episode that had a few parallels to the story we had in mind. Thankfully, the story still works, and we've got what looks like it's going turn out to be a great "Through the gate and get screwed" episode. It's in outline stage now, but Cindy's working at it vigorously.

After that is the episode that I had been working on for some of the summer, which I finally finished when I came home for the summer. "My Enemy's Enemy," despite the title, doesn't focus on the giant aliens from "Crystal Skull," but a bit more so on a certain group of enemies Horizon has made in the past. There are definitely a few guest characters worth mentioning, but I'm not going to yet for the sake of keeping things, for the most part confidential. I can say now that this episode will have a few shades of grey when it comes to good and evil, and that I enjoyed writing the white draft for it.

3.08 and onward, as it stands, have been kept under wraps. Solomon had a great idea for some insight into one of our characters for the eighth episode of the season, followed by another episode by Alex that he mentioned before as the "Pleasure Planet" episode. Following that is Marc's episode that focuses mainly around one of our recurring characters and one of our regular characters. Then comes 3.11, written by John, which is another stand-alone episode that I just know will be a great read. I get to write my own two-parter for the midseasoner, and it's looking like a possible 90-minute episode or rework into three-parter might happen there, since we can't seem to condense these alrge stories. Lastly, Vincent has two stories that he'll be writing so far, both of which seem to be most of the intriguing of the season. One picks up on something from "Catch 22," and the other from "In Times of Despair."

In the art department, great progress is being made. Nick has been away for a while, but he assures us the Horizon model is still on its way. Beth posted up some great models for a few ships and a certain planet destroying space station, both of which will hopefully be ready soon. Simon has also had quite a few ideas, and the entire art department is working on some great stuff, that we'll finally get to see!

So, expect the prequel for season three to show up soon, followed closely by season three itself. I think it'll be a great season, but only fan reactions come October 26th will tell.

In the mean time, read some Stargate: Destiny. They're out of their hiatus and working toward the finale of a so-far great first season!

The Revolution Has Arrived

Well, just this past Thursday, Stargate Horizon's final episode of her second season was released, bringing the total number of episodes up to 46. As has been mentioned repeatedly, production for the third season has already started, and Alex has already turned in the outline for episode 3.01, the name of which has yet to be announced.

Just how many ideas do we have for the third season? Roughly enough to fill the entire season, although many of them will be scrapped, shelved, or changed to something completely different. Joe is getting to take up an episode that he pitched in season one, and I am getting ready to prepare an outline for the episode slated to be 3.06. As you can see, we aren't really wasting any time at all.

The season will most definitely start with an opening three-parter, since we seem to be unable to write a normal length two parter ("Awakening" was the only script with which we successfully accomplished this. "The Enoly," "In Purgatory's Shadow," and "Counterpoint," as well as "The Devil to Pay," "Path of Revelation, Part One," and "Part of Revelation, Part Two" both became trilogies. "A Time to Rise" and "A Time to Survive," required one part to be ninety-minutes, as did "Preemptive Strike" and "Revolution"). The premiere will pick up on some threads left hanging in the conclusion of "Revolution." I can't release too much information yet, but episode info and titles should be coming out before you know it. As for the number of regulars we'll have back next year, I can't say yet. Particularly in question is the status and future of David Connor.

Well, I feel I should close with a big "thanks" for reading this season of Horizon. It's been an interesting first year on the writing staff, and I plan on sticking with it in the seasons to come.

Stargate Horizon: What Was, Is, and Shall Be

Well, since by last blog post Horizon has released two more episodes, and been put on a hiatus for two weeks, which hopefully should be up before we all know it. As the season drew, and continues to draw, closer to its final act, characters come and go and we meet a few that may have been long forgotten. Things are quiet on the Horizon front for now, but it won't be long now before the final episodes are released.

I haven't been doing much lately as far as writing scripts goes. "In Times of Despair" is the only episode that I penned that hasn't been released yet, and she's pretty much prepped and ready to go for the release on the fifteenth. I've spent a majority of my time working on technical things, and well as a few "Making Of"s that are scheduled to be released this coming week. I'm glad to say that "Catch 22" was well-received and that the season has been, for the most part, very successful. Eventually I'd like to release "Making Of"s for all five episodes that I wrote this season, in addition to ones that I write in future seasons.

In case nobody's noticed, I've put up the guest list for "In Times of Despair" on the Stargate Universe episode guide. As you can see, we've got some upcoming appearances from both Callen's son and Sivea's father. As for the role they play in 2.22, I'll just say that there are some great Lain/Sivea and Callen/Ma'kin character moments that I do hope will serve to develop the characters, as Ma'kin has only had one appearance and Lain two (the second of which was very short). We can also expect to see the usual familiar faces; Zach, Yusuf, Bay'lar, etc., etc. The episode was a joy to write because of all of the character interactions. Not to mention the fact that we'll see how Christine and Kayla are dealing with Lenori's missing status. Will Lenori be back in one piece by the time the episode ends? I can't say.

Those of you looking forward to see the Kih'Andari should be happy to see the guest cast also includes Council Vahret. Interesting...

Not much to report. Look forward to "The Making Of Catch 22" and the "In Times of Despair" trailer, both of which will be coming out this week.

Nineteen Down, Five to Go: Looking Back Before the End

Well, it's been a while since I updated this thing (almost two months, to be exact), and I think I'm long overdue for one. As the title says, we've only got five more episodes until the twenty-four episode second season of Horizon comes to an end. Looking back, I think it's shaped up to be a much better season than season one. We took out General Williams and Mediator Dureg; brought back Sivok, Beaumont, Sato, Sonak, Arina, and even saw a bit of the Sentinels after their demise; introduced a new series regular, who I'd like to think at this point fits right in; as well as the introduction of new recurring characters like Hiron Bay'lar, Council Vahret, Zach Hoffmann, and Ma'kin Callen (Ma'kin's only in one episode, you say? Perhaps you should check out "In Times of Despair"); and brought the Tok'ra aboard Horizon.

The season also brought great changes to several of the cast. Colonel Grant lost several men under his command and found himself stranded on a desert planet with only his knowledge to aid him in his survival. This season, he gained a superior aboard Horizon, got locked up in an Enoly camp, got brutally beaten by an Enoly Kah'Lohnah, nearly lost his close friend Christine (twice), dealt with the apprehension and death of General Williams, and fought off alien beasts on a desert planet.

Commander De'van Callen got promoted to commanding officer of Horizon, where he met the challenges of fitting in, bluffed his way out of an all out civil war, nearly had the entire station blow up after connecting to Earth, got kidnapped with a hijacked Valiant, got kidnapped by the Kih'Andari, nearly lost his son, actually did lose an old friend, was forced to cover up a secret about a Vorian double agent, and got penalized for making the right decision and sending an innocent Enoly off station before she could be used as a mass murderer.

Sivea Ve'nal, after undergoing much mental stress towards the end of season one, soon found herself in charge of the station after the Valiant was hijacked, led along and betrayed by her old friend Day'ek Sonak, kidnapped on Earth by Edmunds' gang, and had to stop an alien race from destroying everyone aboard the Horizon station.

Christine Summers nearly met her demise on two occaisions. First, she committed several actions that led to an uprising on a religious planet, nearly died at the hands of a rogue rebel Draque, watched her brother be accused of a crime he didn't commit, literally died at the hands of the Sentinels, was resurrected by the Nebulan weapon, and got locked in an ancient outpost with an envious Doctor Michael Sullivan.

Major Chase Reynolds got locked up in a mine, put up with the likes of Jay Felger, got kidnapped once again by the Ventorians, and once again by Edmunds' gang on Earth.

David Connor's inner strife regarding his family continued throughout the season. He found himself being held captive in an Enoly prison camp, was forced to help win back the Valiant from her hijackers, ended up in an underground chamber despite his fear of being underground, and found himself alone and abandoned within a city of the brink of destruction.

Tom Galloway was recovered from the depths of the Enoly prison camp after two years that permanently changed him. He finally escaped, slowly got back into the groove of things on Horizon, helped save Horizon-1 from a mining camp, found his way into a secret chamber deep under the Earth, was nearly killed by his own returning friend, and nearly went over the edge by almost killing an Enoly test subject.

Finally, Doctor Lenori, last seen leaving for Lindaray, returned when his race was threatened by the Enoly. He lost several of his people, was forced to work with his replacement Ro'nell, nearly failed to save Christine and the dying rebel Draque, failed to save Christine once again within the chamber, and ended up looking down the barrel of a gun held by Tom Galloway.

Of course, the season still has five episodes to go, and it is around this time that the biggest changes take place. The white drafts of "Uprising" and "In Times of Despair" are both complete. The former of the two is the third episode in the Aschen arc, an arc last visited in season one's thirteenth episode. I can guarentee that of the three: Elin, Seeta, Tellus, and Mollem, at least one will be returning for this episode. So far, I can say that this episode will be the last of the Aschen that we see for a while again. The trailer is done, and since Alex is off on Tuesdays it should be up by then.

I just went through "Catch 22" again today in attempts to make it as close to perfect as possible. This episode has been with us for a long time, and I don't think I could have expected any more from it. Loral is back and slimier than ever, and every regular character, as well as a few recurring characters, plays a large role in the story. Was this episode a pain in the ass to write? Yes, but I'm pleased with the result.

The white draft of "In Times of Despair" got delayed for a long time, but I'm pleased to say that it got put up this week. I don't think anyone else has gone through it yet, but I should be getting comments some time soon. Similar to "Secrets and Lies," 2.22 takes a step back from the action and focuses on several character relationships. Aside from the usual crowd, we'll see a few visitors come aboard Horizon to celebrate the Vorian Day of Renewal. You could call it a light hearted episode, but what comes out of it is not light-hearted at all.

As of now, "Preemptive Strike" and "Revolution" are in development and most of the details are being kept under wraps. They are the only two episodes without white drafts released, so we've done a pretty good job of staying on our no-hiatus second half schedule. Alex posted a few vague hints about these on the message board, and we're expecting the outline of PS any day now. By the end of the finale, all I can say is that things will have changed drastically aboard Horizon.

Already we've started throwing things around for season three, and there's even a very brief, general concept for what 3.01 might be about. Season Two may very well be over by the next time I post, so I'll just say that I hope you enjoy the rest of the season. Signing off...