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Re: DS9 S6: His Way
Seriously, this episode should get 4 stars solely on the basis of the two scenes with "holodeck Kira," in which we clearly see Nana Visitor channeling her aunt Cyd Charisse, and doing it very well.
Seriously, this episode should get 4 stars solely on the basis of the two scenes with "holodeck Kira," in which we clearly see Nana Visitor channeling her aunt Cyd Charisse, and doing it very well.
Re: ENT S2: Vanishing Point
I CANNOT BELIEVE this is rated so high. So so so wrong. This was absolutely terrible. So bad I was offended at the end that they would seem this showable.
I CANNOT BELIEVE this is rated so high. So so so wrong. This was absolutely terrible. So bad I was offended at the end that they would seem this showable.
Re: VOY S6: Live Fast and Prosper
Contrived annoyances make the 2/4 generous IMO but understandable for reasons given in Jammer's review. There were so many contrivances in this episode. More than usual for Voyager. I think there were like 4 I can remember off the top of my head that would've stopped the narrative from progressing at all.
When a story has 4 contrived scenes that would've collapsed the entire narrative without them, it's plumb BAD writing. But the episode is salvaged from being a completely annoying waste by some happy surprises that cut through the truly annoying contrivances.
Contrived annoyances make the 2/4 generous IMO but understandable for reasons given in Jammer's review. There were so many contrivances in this episode. More than usual for Voyager. I think there were like 4 I can remember off the top of my head that would've stopped the narrative from progressing at all.
When a story has 4 contrived scenes that would've collapsed the entire narrative without them, it's plumb BAD writing. But the episode is salvaged from being a completely annoying waste by some happy surprises that cut through the truly annoying contrivances.
Re: TNG S4: Remember Me
Interesting seeing the discussion since i last saw this show. This episode continues to be well liked. I guess I'm the only one. I really just cannot get past how bad the central performance is. I suppose the other characters and main plot can carry the show well enough. But to have the "centric" character turning in such an amateurish performance doesn't cut it
Interesting seeing the discussion since i last saw this show. This episode continues to be well liked. I guess I'm the only one. I really just cannot get past how bad the central performance is. I suppose the other characters and main plot can carry the show well enough. But to have the "centric" character turning in such an amateurish performance doesn't cut it
Re: DS9 S5: By Inferno's Light
I'll admit, I laughed like an idiot when the camera did a close up on changeling Bashir's plan being foiled.
For me purgatories shadow and inferno's light is probably the landmark two parter of trek that surpasses best of both worlds. It's nuanced and layered , you can't blame Dukat for what he did , his speech perfectly embodies a Cardassia that was going to it's ruin and so a deal with the devil had to be made (funny because the season 4 finale, the female changeling pretty gave a death sentence to the Cardassians ) . In essence he was an embattled patriot willing to do what was necessary to turn the tide of a war on two fronts that wasn't going well. Just seeing the Klingnon fleet retreat from Cardassian space without a single battle scene gives you an idea what the familiar belligerents of the Alpha Quadrant are up against .
Only negative in purgatories shadow is how sloppy and quickly Dukat was trying to cut bridges with everyone on DS9 ...I mean seriously was he expecting Kira to point a phaser 24/7 on the dude who would potentially bone his daughter . Except for maybe telling his daughter to get off the station.....it wasn't really necessary all this emotional jest.
I'll admit, I laughed like an idiot when the camera did a close up on changeling Bashir's plan being foiled.
For me purgatories shadow and inferno's light is probably the landmark two parter of trek that surpasses best of both worlds. It's nuanced and layered , you can't blame Dukat for what he did , his speech perfectly embodies a Cardassia that was going to it's ruin and so a deal with the devil had to be made (funny because the season 4 finale, the female changeling pretty gave a death sentence to the Cardassians ) . In essence he was an embattled patriot willing to do what was necessary to turn the tide of a war on two fronts that wasn't going well. Just seeing the Klingnon fleet retreat from Cardassian space without a single battle scene gives you an idea what the familiar belligerents of the Alpha Quadrant are up against .
Only negative in purgatories shadow is how sloppy and quickly Dukat was trying to cut bridges with everyone on DS9 ...I mean seriously was he expecting Kira to point a phaser 24/7 on the dude who would potentially bone his daughter . Except for maybe telling his daughter to get off the station.....it wasn't really necessary all this emotional jest.
Re: ENT S4: Kir'Shara
So Emperor Palpatine is actually Darth Sidious ???? Sorry must have been watching something else. Can't think why I said that.
So Emperor Palpatine is actually Darth Sidious ???? Sorry must have been watching something else. Can't think why I said that.
Re: DS9 S2: The Wire
If I've said it before in the comments above; it deserves to be reiterated: 4 stars. 3.5 wtf?!!?
If I've said it before in the comments above; it deserves to be reiterated: 4 stars. 3.5 wtf?!!?
Re: TNG S3: The Price
I think you'll have to explain that one! Obvs the viewer is meant to root for Riker but in what way was Ral a sex pest??
I think you'll have to explain that one! Obvs the viewer is meant to root for Riker but in what way was Ral a sex pest??
Re: TNG S7: Firstborn
Why doesn't Worf or anyone else in this episode apparently notice that supposed non-relative (gin'tak) K'mtar has identical cranial ridges to Worf, Kurn and Alexander?
(Worf even proudly received a plaster cast of Alexander's cranial ridges once, for crying out loud. The same point can be levelled at Kurn's first appearance in 'Sins of the Father' - no one notices the ridges and realises Worf and Kurn are brothers? Or does everyone notice but it's too sensitive a topic?)
Great guest performance by Sloyan as always though.
Why doesn't Worf or anyone else in this episode apparently notice that supposed non-relative (gin'tak) K'mtar has identical cranial ridges to Worf, Kurn and Alexander?
(Worf even proudly received a plaster cast of Alexander's cranial ridges once, for crying out loud. The same point can be levelled at Kurn's first appearance in 'Sins of the Father' - no one notices the ridges and realises Worf and Kurn are brothers? Or does everyone notice but it's too sensitive a topic?)
Great guest performance by Sloyan as always though.
Re: Star Trek: Lower Decks
Ah, I forgot we could comment on Lower Decks here.
After what NuTrek has wrought upon us, I was initially sceptical to Lower Decks - well, outright hostile, in fact. An animated 'comedy' series? Good grief, no. The trailer was woeful. No, no, no. It felt like the spore drive, Icheb's eye and Admiral Fucking Hubris all over again, only played for smug laughs this time. After JJ, DIS and PIC I simply couldn't bear any more wanton vandalism of the essence of Trek. So I decided to simply ignore Lower Decks.
But then I increasingly noticed over time that reliable sources were suggesting that Lower Decks was actually knowledgeably and lovingly done, respectful of Trek continuity and the Trek ethos, well-written, plotted and voiced - essentially the polar opposite of JJ Trek, DIS and PIC. So a few months ago I reluctantly took the risk and watched all of Lower Decks in one go.
I was impressed, I admit it. While Lower Decks takes a couple of episodes to settle and the humour isn't always funny, it is definitely put together by people who fully understand and love pre-NuTrek Trek. There are endless, surprisingly detailed and obscure references that are all very skilfully done and offer very rewarding viewing. The cast does well, although as an animation series Lower Decks is a little brasher and breathless in its characterisation. But overall Lower Decks a great, if lightweight, effort that is far far better than its trailer and style might suggest. It isn't a world-changing series, but it is a worthwhile watch.
So if you're looking for an antidote to DIS and PIC and NuTrek in general (and who isn't?), Lower Decks certainly goes some way to recapturing the feel of true Trek. Give it a go.
Ah, I forgot we could comment on Lower Decks here.
After what NuTrek has wrought upon us, I was initially sceptical to Lower Decks - well, outright hostile, in fact. An animated 'comedy' series? Good grief, no. The trailer was woeful. No, no, no. It felt like the spore drive, Icheb's eye and Admiral Fucking Hubris all over again, only played for smug laughs this time. After JJ, DIS and PIC I simply couldn't bear any more wanton vandalism of the essence of Trek. So I decided to simply ignore Lower Decks.
But then I increasingly noticed over time that reliable sources were suggesting that Lower Decks was actually knowledgeably and lovingly done, respectful of Trek continuity and the Trek ethos, well-written, plotted and voiced - essentially the polar opposite of JJ Trek, DIS and PIC. So a few months ago I reluctantly took the risk and watched all of Lower Decks in one go.
I was impressed, I admit it. While Lower Decks takes a couple of episodes to settle and the humour isn't always funny, it is definitely put together by people who fully understand and love pre-NuTrek Trek. There are endless, surprisingly detailed and obscure references that are all very skilfully done and offer very rewarding viewing. The cast does well, although as an animation series Lower Decks is a little brasher and breathless in its characterisation. But overall Lower Decks a great, if lightweight, effort that is far far better than its trailer and style might suggest. It isn't a world-changing series, but it is a worthwhile watch.
So if you're looking for an antidote to DIS and PIC and NuTrek in general (and who isn't?), Lower Decks certainly goes some way to recapturing the feel of true Trek. Give it a go.
Re: TNG S7: Thine Own Self
Like 'Homeward', 'Thine Own Self' is a decent and enjoyable episode grounded in a few solid ideas (Data inadvertently contaminates a pre-warp civilisation) with a decent pay-off (he corrects the mistake, but at the ostensible cost of his own life), helped by some strong performances (as others have stated above, most notably Ronnie Claire Edwards as Talur, but I think Spiner does well here too). That we the audience know what radiation is and what it does, while the unfortunate villagers do not, is played very well throughout.
Yes, it's a nice Trek riff on Frankenstein, and no, that does not distract from the success of the episode overall.
I don't understand why Data is still in his Barkonian clothing in sickbay after his face and torso have been repaired though.
Like 'Homeward', 'Thine Own Self' is a decent and enjoyable episode grounded in a few solid ideas (Data inadvertently contaminates a pre-warp civilisation) with a decent pay-off (he corrects the mistake, but at the ostensible cost of his own life), helped by some strong performances (as others have stated above, most notably Ronnie Claire Edwards as Talur, but I think Spiner does well here too). That we the audience know what radiation is and what it does, while the unfortunate villagers do not, is played very well throughout.
Yes, it's a nice Trek riff on Frankenstein, and no, that does not distract from the success of the episode overall.
I don't understand why Data is still in his Barkonian clothing in sickbay after his face and torso have been repaired though.
Re: TNG S7: Homeward
I liked this one a lot. One of the better Holodeck episodes, with a malfunction playing a more interesting and plausible role than usual.
I very much enjoyed the determination of Nikolai to save the villagers and his clever plan to do so using the Enterprise; I felt both Sorvino and Dorn put in good performances, and their relationship was believable. The way in which Worf was forced to explain the malfunctions as quasi-religious signs was nicely done.
It struck me that many viewers might question the long-term biological viability of a saving a civilisation based on what seems to be just 20-30 founding individuals, but it is possible: I was reminded of the mutiny on the Bounty in 1789 which ultimately saw nine British mutineers and 20 Polynesians settle on Pitcairn Island in the Pacific. By 1856, their numbers had increased to 193; and there are now nearly 1000 people of Pitcairn descent worldwide (mainly on Norfolk Island and in Australia and New Zealand).
The one thing I very much disliked about the episode was the absolutely throwaway suicide of Vorin. I actually like it when representatives of pre-warp civilisations are shown the great big universe out there - there's a long history of it in Trek, and it's usually handled with a wholesome sense of wonder and awe. 'Homeward' is however one of the very few times such an encounter is portrayed as having an almost wholly negative and traumatic impact: it would have been much better to see how Vorin integrated his experience back into his Boraalan everyday life (or not, as the case might have been). But no; we're robbed of this, and Vorin's entire arc is ultimately swept aside in an appallingly perfunctory manner, with Crusher covering Vorin's body with a blanket and engaging in some idle, almost glib, speculation as to why he did it.
That said, 'Homeward' is still one of the better episodes in season seven. A solid hour.
I liked this one a lot. One of the better Holodeck episodes, with a malfunction playing a more interesting and plausible role than usual.
I very much enjoyed the determination of Nikolai to save the villagers and his clever plan to do so using the Enterprise; I felt both Sorvino and Dorn put in good performances, and their relationship was believable. The way in which Worf was forced to explain the malfunctions as quasi-religious signs was nicely done.
It struck me that many viewers might question the long-term biological viability of a saving a civilisation based on what seems to be just 20-30 founding individuals, but it is possible: I was reminded of the mutiny on the Bounty in 1789 which ultimately saw nine British mutineers and 20 Polynesians settle on Pitcairn Island in the Pacific. By 1856, their numbers had increased to 193; and there are now nearly 1000 people of Pitcairn descent worldwide (mainly on Norfolk Island and in Australia and New Zealand).
The one thing I very much disliked about the episode was the absolutely throwaway suicide of Vorin. I actually like it when representatives of pre-warp civilisations are shown the great big universe out there - there's a long history of it in Trek, and it's usually handled with a wholesome sense of wonder and awe. 'Homeward' is however one of the very few times such an encounter is portrayed as having an almost wholly negative and traumatic impact: it would have been much better to see how Vorin integrated his experience back into his Boraalan everyday life (or not, as the case might have been). But no; we're robbed of this, and Vorin's entire arc is ultimately swept aside in an appallingly perfunctory manner, with Crusher covering Vorin's body with a blanket and engaging in some idle, almost glib, speculation as to why he did it.
That said, 'Homeward' is still one of the better episodes in season seven. A solid hour.
Re: TNG S7: Masks
Boring, confusing and a frustratingly pretentious chore to watch. Definitely one of Trek's worst episodes.
One bit of praise, though: the Enterprise being gradually re-made or re-constituted by an eternal force is an interesting idea, but the particular execution of that idea is absurd, laughable and unengaging.
Boring, confusing and a frustratingly pretentious chore to watch. Definitely one of Trek's worst episodes.
One bit of praise, though: the Enterprise being gradually re-made or re-constituted by an eternal force is an interesting idea, but the particular execution of that idea is absurd, laughable and unengaging.
Re: BSG S1: Colonial Day
From a governmental standpoint, it does make sense that they would try to continue a similar system. It's what people know, and change takes time. These people have only been on the run for a couple of months at this point, and most of that time seems to have been swallowed up by the most pressing of logistical issues. (we need water, we need tylium, we need workers, etc.) Now that a lot of the big problems have been addressed, they can get back to a "return to normalcy", to whatever extent is possible. Representative governments are usually geared toward stability, and not so much toward rapid change.
As far as Zarek's political views on the new reality of their systems of commerce and administration, there is some level of truth. Undoubtedly the entire monetary system would be upended due to the sudden truncation of production capability. For a while, people would likely have no issue with doing their jobs, but once things started to settle down a bit, well, people have time to see the wrinkles. Of course, most of the stuff Zarek says is wholly in service of advancing his own power. He quite obviously wanted to grab the vice-presidency and eliminate Rosalin in one fell-swoop, and was fairly successful in at least part of his bid. No doubt Ellen snuck him information on Valance's whereabouts, and one of his henchmen did the deed. (I see no other reason she would have gained the luxury access she was plying Saul with at the end of the episode)
Zarek's previous terrorism would certainly be a stumbling block for anyone, regardless of their charisma. That being said, he had already been working to get around this by sending his work-gang to get things done, especially in areas where he knew Rosalin's government was ponderous in addressing. It's rather easy to win over the people if you're charismatic, you point out flaws in the current system, and then you produce immediate and tangible results to fix those issues. The average populace is fickle, and Zarek is a master of manipulation.
The sad part is, Zarek does highlight problems of importance, but he's only concerned with addressing these things if it gains him more power. If he were to be content with his position as a representative, and genuinely worked with the current administration, he would be a positive asset. As much of a problem as it may have been to simply off him early on, when they had the chance, they really probably should have just done it and dealt with the repercussions before they became too big to handle. (basically, before he won over more than just the prisoner ship)
From a governmental standpoint, it does make sense that they would try to continue a similar system. It's what people know, and change takes time. These people have only been on the run for a couple of months at this point, and most of that time seems to have been swallowed up by the most pressing of logistical issues. (we need water, we need tylium, we need workers, etc.) Now that a lot of the big problems have been addressed, they can get back to a "return to normalcy", to whatever extent is possible. Representative governments are usually geared toward stability, and not so much toward rapid change.
As far as Zarek's political views on the new reality of their systems of commerce and administration, there is some level of truth. Undoubtedly the entire monetary system would be upended due to the sudden truncation of production capability. For a while, people would likely have no issue with doing their jobs, but once things started to settle down a bit, well, people have time to see the wrinkles. Of course, most of the stuff Zarek says is wholly in service of advancing his own power. He quite obviously wanted to grab the vice-presidency and eliminate Rosalin in one fell-swoop, and was fairly successful in at least part of his bid. No doubt Ellen snuck him information on Valance's whereabouts, and one of his henchmen did the deed. (I see no other reason she would have gained the luxury access she was plying Saul with at the end of the episode)
Zarek's previous terrorism would certainly be a stumbling block for anyone, regardless of their charisma. That being said, he had already been working to get around this by sending his work-gang to get things done, especially in areas where he knew Rosalin's government was ponderous in addressing. It's rather easy to win over the people if you're charismatic, you point out flaws in the current system, and then you produce immediate and tangible results to fix those issues. The average populace is fickle, and Zarek is a master of manipulation.
The sad part is, Zarek does highlight problems of importance, but he's only concerned with addressing these things if it gains him more power. If he were to be content with his position as a representative, and genuinely worked with the current administration, he would be a positive asset. As much of a problem as it may have been to simply off him early on, when they had the chance, they really probably should have just done it and dealt with the repercussions before they became too big to handle. (basically, before he won over more than just the prisoner ship)
Re: BSG S1: Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part 2
A few nitpicks of the previous decade's comments above; while Baltar really should have informed someone about Boomer, it's certainly not a plothole. At first I thought the sudden increase in the cylon detector test duration was, but that too is explained by the end, with Baltar revealing that he's bullshitting all the tests. (obviously, the writers didn't want it to be quick and easy to screen all the main characters) I just attribute the increased time to Baltar's stalling. Both of these are poor decisions, but he's definitely known for being a complete weenie and trying to hide the truth of his involvement.
Regarding the comments about Adama's supposed chest wounds and should-be death; if you watch the scene, you'll see Boomer shoots him twice in the stomach. I'm not an expert in such things, but to the best of my knowledge, it takes a certain amount of time to bleed out from this type of injury.
I'm not sure why dude above seems to think Starbuck should be seriously injured in the fight, because quite frankly, she IS seriously injured in the fight. The only discrepancy here is, as someone else mentioned, the rebar impaling six that apparently doesn't also impale Starbuck. I enjoyed the melee due to the way they portrayed six's speed and agility. She looked like a genuinely terrifying threat, just as Leoben did in the interrogation room.
Someone else states that Rosalyn trying to commandeer the raider is a plothole because if she had just waited, it would have successfully destroyed the basestar and returned for more missions. This is a ludicrous suggestion because no one had any way of knowing this ahead of time. It is certainly not a plothole by any stretch of the imagination. You could argue that Rosalin's idea was foolhardy by comparison, and that would have plenty of merit. But it's not a plothole.
Overall, great finale for the season! I remember when I first watched this back in the mid 2000's. I was floored. Fortunately, I didn't have to wait during the offseason to continue with season two.
A few nitpicks of the previous decade's comments above; while Baltar really should have informed someone about Boomer, it's certainly not a plothole. At first I thought the sudden increase in the cylon detector test duration was, but that too is explained by the end, with Baltar revealing that he's bullshitting all the tests. (obviously, the writers didn't want it to be quick and easy to screen all the main characters) I just attribute the increased time to Baltar's stalling. Both of these are poor decisions, but he's definitely known for being a complete weenie and trying to hide the truth of his involvement.
Regarding the comments about Adama's supposed chest wounds and should-be death; if you watch the scene, you'll see Boomer shoots him twice in the stomach. I'm not an expert in such things, but to the best of my knowledge, it takes a certain amount of time to bleed out from this type of injury.
I'm not sure why dude above seems to think Starbuck should be seriously injured in the fight, because quite frankly, she IS seriously injured in the fight. The only discrepancy here is, as someone else mentioned, the rebar impaling six that apparently doesn't also impale Starbuck. I enjoyed the melee due to the way they portrayed six's speed and agility. She looked like a genuinely terrifying threat, just as Leoben did in the interrogation room.
Someone else states that Rosalyn trying to commandeer the raider is a plothole because if she had just waited, it would have successfully destroyed the basestar and returned for more missions. This is a ludicrous suggestion because no one had any way of knowing this ahead of time. It is certainly not a plothole by any stretch of the imagination. You could argue that Rosalin's idea was foolhardy by comparison, and that would have plenty of merit. But it's not a plothole.
Overall, great finale for the season! I remember when I first watched this back in the mid 2000's. I was floored. Fortunately, I didn't have to wait during the offseason to continue with season two.
Re: TNG S7: Descent, Part II
The actor who played Lore did a great job. They should have used him in more TNG episodes.
The actor who played Lore did a great job. They should have used him in more TNG episodes.
Re: BSG S1: Flesh and Bone
The big annoyance here is that Adama recommends spacing Leoben since he's not likely to be of any help, but Rosalyn insists on an interrogation. She then gets pissy about Starbuck's interrogation techniques. Finally, she spaces Leoben anyway. Rosalyn's a great character but this whole mess was on her orders. She basically just let Leoben works his mental games, got upset about it, then did exactly what Adama was going to do right off the bat. Worse still, now she's mildly suspicious of Adama. Overall a pretty poop-tastic job by the president.
The big annoyance here is that Adama recommends spacing Leoben since he's not likely to be of any help, but Rosalyn insists on an interrogation. She then gets pissy about Starbuck's interrogation techniques. Finally, she spaces Leoben anyway. Rosalyn's a great character but this whole mess was on her orders. She basically just let Leoben works his mental games, got upset about it, then did exactly what Adama was going to do right off the bat. Worse still, now she's mildly suspicious of Adama. Overall a pretty poop-tastic job by the president.
Re: TNG S3: The Ensigns of Command
Zappy thing trumps discussion every time. Zap! Get the humans off or zap. Data arguing with Gorsheven. Zap. Data persuading the colonist. Zap.
And how come no-one's talking about the Sheliak's lovely Klimtesque robes and subtle mood lighting.
Zappy thing trumps discussion every time. Zap! Get the humans off or zap. Data arguing with Gorsheven. Zap. Data persuading the colonist. Zap.
And how come no-one's talking about the Sheliak's lovely Klimtesque robes and subtle mood lighting.
Re: TNG S2: Shades of Gray
A very sad tearjerker of an episode where Riker remains alive.
My favourite bit is where Pulaski says 'He's dying' and Picard says 'is there anything I can do to help'.....bit harsh, but you can see where he's coming from.
A very sad tearjerker of an episode where Riker remains alive.
My favourite bit is where Pulaski says 'He's dying' and Picard says 'is there anything I can do to help'.....bit harsh, but you can see where he's coming from.
Re: ENT S4: Borderland
Shame they hadn't been augmented with some sewing genes. Have they been wearing the same clothes for 10 years?
Shame they hadn't been augmented with some sewing genes. Have they been wearing the same clothes for 10 years?
Re: TNG S6: Timescape
Virtually a perfect episode in my view, and quintessential TNG. While most people prefer 'Cause and Effect' over this, I actually find 'Cause and Effect' (though brilliant) to be too repetitive and monotonous by comparison.
The frozen time effects in 'Timescape' are extremely eerie and effective (however they were achieved), and the mystery, shock revelations and confusion are marvelously portrayed and played. The pacing is excellent too, as is the misdirection concerning what the Romulans are doing on the Enterprise in the first place.
I particularly enjoyed the round table critique of the conference by each character on the runabout at the start (Troi's impression particularly), which very elegantly gives way to the frozen time set-up.
All in all, 'Timescape' is just a wonderfully executed episode in almost all regards, and a very satisfying hour.
Virtually a perfect episode in my view, and quintessential TNG. While most people prefer 'Cause and Effect' over this, I actually find 'Cause and Effect' (though brilliant) to be too repetitive and monotonous by comparison.
The frozen time effects in 'Timescape' are extremely eerie and effective (however they were achieved), and the mystery, shock revelations and confusion are marvelously portrayed and played. The pacing is excellent too, as is the misdirection concerning what the Romulans are doing on the Enterprise in the first place.
I particularly enjoyed the round table critique of the conference by each character on the runabout at the start (Troi's impression particularly), which very elegantly gives way to the frozen time set-up.
All in all, 'Timescape' is just a wonderfully executed episode in almost all regards, and a very satisfying hour.
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