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Re: DS9 S5: In the Cards
I'm watching this in 2019 for the first time and found it absolutely hilarious and I'm in complete agreement with Jammer from over 22 years ago.
One thing it seems none of the commenters picked up on--when Jake and Nog see Kai Winn on the promenade, one of them says, "You wouldn't like her when she's angry." Kai Winn was played by Louise Fletcher, who won an Academy Award in 1975 for her role as as the tyrannical Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
I'm watching this in 2019 for the first time and found it absolutely hilarious and I'm in complete agreement with Jammer from over 22 years ago.
One thing it seems none of the commenters picked up on--when Jake and Nog see Kai Winn on the promenade, one of them says, "You wouldn't like her when she's angry." Kai Winn was played by Louise Fletcher, who won an Academy Award in 1975 for her role as as the tyrannical Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
Re: VOY S2: Meld
I love this episode, Tom Russ is an incredible actor and ,as others have said, very underused in ST Voyager.
After the meld you can actually see Tuvok beginning to lose his Vulcan control and when he finally does Tim Russ’s performance in his quarters and in the medical bay are first rate. Also the interaction between Russ and Dourif are excellent!
On another note I couldn’t help thinking while watching Crazy Tuvok in this episode, remember the DS9 episode where Worf is forced to fight Jem H’adar warriors in single combat I that Dominion prison? Imagine Crazy Tuvok in that scenario......
I love this episode, Tom Russ is an incredible actor and ,as others have said, very underused in ST Voyager.
After the meld you can actually see Tuvok beginning to lose his Vulcan control and when he finally does Tim Russ’s performance in his quarters and in the medical bay are first rate. Also the interaction between Russ and Dourif are excellent!
On another note I couldn’t help thinking while watching Crazy Tuvok in this episode, remember the DS9 episode where Worf is forced to fight Jem H’adar warriors in single combat I that Dominion prison? Imagine Crazy Tuvok in that scenario......
Re: VOY S7: The Void
Did anyone else think it was a shame that Seven went to all that trouble of preparing her shipmates a gourmet meal only for it to all end up on the floor?
Those damn spacial anomalies are a real nuisance aren’t they?
Did anyone else think it was a shame that Seven went to all that trouble of preparing her shipmates a gourmet meal only for it to all end up on the floor?
Those damn spacial anomalies are a real nuisance aren’t they?
Re: DS9 S4: For the Cause
My suspension of disbelief was thrown very hard at the end of this episode / beginning of the next. Other than the whole "we have to keep all the same characters and actors" meta-reason, why did we never see any fallout on Sisko for his failure? He let his personal feelings lead him astray which lead to some (assumedly) expensive replicators being stolen by terrorists.
Even if the Federation just replicates more replicators (they are basically magic, I suppose) and the loss itself is inconsequential economically, it is still a security failure in that it supplies terrorists. I'd wager any real-world military personnel would face discipline for gross negligence (i.e. running off because of a love interest) leading to the theft of supplies by the enemy.
My suspension of disbelief was thrown very hard at the end of this episode / beginning of the next. Other than the whole "we have to keep all the same characters and actors" meta-reason, why did we never see any fallout on Sisko for his failure? He let his personal feelings lead him astray which lead to some (assumedly) expensive replicators being stolen by terrorists.
Even if the Federation just replicates more replicators (they are basically magic, I suppose) and the loss itself is inconsequential economically, it is still a security failure in that it supplies terrorists. I'd wager any real-world military personnel would face discipline for gross negligence (i.e. running off because of a love interest) leading to the theft of supplies by the enemy.
Re: TNG S7: Emergence
Wow... I seem to belong to the small minority of people very much enjoying this episode. Lazy writing? Hm. Even so, with the Orient Express, the Enterprise becoming sentient, all characters involved, Shakespeare recital etc. - not much can go wrong here. I found the episode to be refreshingly surreal and mysterious after all those episodes about long forgotten relatives etc. But in general I have a fondness for season 7 - even in its badness ("Sub rosa" not included).
I found the concept of the Enterprise becoming intelligent not at all ludicrous. And I do appreciate that they play around with the concept of emergence and philosophy of mind. And I liked Picard's final words that if the adventures of the Enterprise were honorable the sum of it would be too.
One funny production mistake though: When Data depolarizes the power grid in the holodeck while keeping a taxi at distance with his left arm we can clearly see both hands in the next shot.
Wow... I seem to belong to the small minority of people very much enjoying this episode. Lazy writing? Hm. Even so, with the Orient Express, the Enterprise becoming sentient, all characters involved, Shakespeare recital etc. - not much can go wrong here. I found the episode to be refreshingly surreal and mysterious after all those episodes about long forgotten relatives etc. But in general I have a fondness for season 7 - even in its badness ("Sub rosa" not included).
I found the concept of the Enterprise becoming intelligent not at all ludicrous. And I do appreciate that they play around with the concept of emergence and philosophy of mind. And I liked Picard's final words that if the adventures of the Enterprise were honorable the sum of it would be too.
One funny production mistake though: When Data depolarizes the power grid in the holodeck while keeping a taxi at distance with his left arm we can clearly see both hands in the next shot.
Re: TNG S2: Where Silence Has Lease
I’ve always enjoyed this one despite it really making very little sense. This one always seemed to me like the writers were making it up as they went along. 2.5 stars regardless, it’s just good fun.
I’ve always enjoyed this one despite it really making very little sense. This one always seemed to me like the writers were making it up as they went along. 2.5 stars regardless, it’s just good fun.
Re: TNG S2: The Child
The first thing I notice popping open Season 2 is the vastly improved camera work. Better panning, closeups, and a lot more angles. It’s very noticeable after having watched all of Season 1 together. Also, Riker looking sexy with that new beard and Worf and Laforge in their new gold uniforms.
I can’t make up my mind between Crusher/Polaski. I do think Polaski got way too much hate and I always liked her. But I also like Crusher too, probably more for sentimental and nostalgic value despite that I can now see the weaknesses in her character better.
The first thing I notice popping open Season 2 is the vastly improved camera work. Better panning, closeups, and a lot more angles. It’s very noticeable after having watched all of Season 1 together. Also, Riker looking sexy with that new beard and Worf and Laforge in their new gold uniforms.
I can’t make up my mind between Crusher/Polaski. I do think Polaski got way too much hate and I always liked her. But I also like Crusher too, probably more for sentimental and nostalgic value despite that I can now see the weaknesses in her character better.
Re: TNG S1: The Neutral Zone
Always felt the crew behaved very out of character in this episode in terms of how they reacted to the cyrogen folk. From Data saying that cryogenics was a fad that never lasted long, it’s clear that finding people like this isn’t exactly routine, which would partly explain the crew’s behaviour were it the case. Picard saying “they were already dead” is just not like him - if they were able to be revived, is it even really accurate?
And then just the crew’s general disinterest. I mean think about it, if we revived someone from 16-1700’s America or Europe wouldn’t that be just about the most fascinating thing ever?? To understand how they saw events from their perspective and not coloured by history, to see how they reacted to the changes, to answer their questions, even to know what their accents sounded like... it would be so cool! Yet this episode had an aloofness around the whole thing that doesn’t scratch the surface of doing it justice. I mean their biggest concern being their stock portfolio? I just don’t buy it.
1.5 stars...
Always felt the crew behaved very out of character in this episode in terms of how they reacted to the cyrogen folk. From Data saying that cryogenics was a fad that never lasted long, it’s clear that finding people like this isn’t exactly routine, which would partly explain the crew’s behaviour were it the case. Picard saying “they were already dead” is just not like him - if they were able to be revived, is it even really accurate?
And then just the crew’s general disinterest. I mean think about it, if we revived someone from 16-1700’s America or Europe wouldn’t that be just about the most fascinating thing ever?? To understand how they saw events from their perspective and not coloured by history, to see how they reacted to the changes, to answer their questions, even to know what their accents sounded like... it would be so cool! Yet this episode had an aloofness around the whole thing that doesn’t scratch the surface of doing it justice. I mean their biggest concern being their stock portfolio? I just don’t buy it.
1.5 stars...
Re: TNG S1: Conspiracy
This episode always felt it should have been a two-parter to me. For the scope of story they’re covering, it always felt too rushed. With this coming right before the season finale, I always felt this episode should have been the finale with the second part starting season two. They could have fleshed everything out a lot more with a two-parter.
As is, 2.5-3 stars.
This episode always felt it should have been a two-parter to me. For the scope of story they’re covering, it always felt too rushed. With this coming right before the season finale, I always felt this episode should have been the finale with the second part starting season two. They could have fleshed everything out a lot more with a two-parter.
As is, 2.5-3 stars.
Re: TNG S1: We'll Always Have Paris
I found the sci fun plot in this story difficult to follow. Time loops and paradoxes are always fun, but what exactly what going on here? It could have been bette explained.
Agreed about Troi, especially regarding confronting Beverly. It really had nothing to do with anything.
I really want to like this one as I love the premise of the sci fli plot, but it was just so poorly executed and explained and fell flat. 2 stars.
I found the sci fun plot in this story difficult to follow. Time loops and paradoxes are always fun, but what exactly what going on here? It could have been bette explained.
Agreed about Troi, especially regarding confronting Beverly. It really had nothing to do with anything.
I really want to like this one as I love the premise of the sci fli plot, but it was just so poorly executed and explained and fell flat. 2 stars.
Re: TNG S1: Skin of Evil
I like this one. Armus behaves in a manner befitting of an embodiment of evil - his motivations make sense as far as such things go. You’re torn on how to feel about him and even feel pity for Picard leaving him behind.
Data’s suggestion - that he should be destroyed - is probably the kindest solution.
2.5 stars
I like this one. Armus behaves in a manner befitting of an embodiment of evil - his motivations make sense as far as such things go. You’re torn on how to feel about him and even feel pity for Picard leaving him behind.
Data’s suggestion - that he should be destroyed - is probably the kindest solution.
2.5 stars
Re: TNG S1: The Arsenal of Freedom
To support my comment above, you'll notice that in Season 1, Troi does not do therapy sessions with anyone on-screen. Her commitment is completely to the Captain (or whoever is in charge). I really think her shift into a literal therapist who keeps office hours and meets with crew members was not the original intent for her role.
To support my comment above, you'll notice that in Season 1, Troi does not do therapy sessions with anyone on-screen. Her commitment is completely to the Captain (or whoever is in charge). I really think her shift into a literal therapist who keeps office hours and meets with crew members was not the original intent for her role.
Re: TNG S1: The Arsenal of Freedom
I said earlier that I thought Home Soil was my favourite Season 1 episode - I have to take that back and give this one the credit.
Highlights for me are:
- An interesting premise (and may be a bit cliched now, but was novel-ish at the time)
- Seeing what they did with Geordi's character. It's interesting that the writers seemed to have command aspirations for him before settling him down in Engineering.
- Character development between Picard and Crusher
- Data jumping 11.75 meters down a hole
In regard to the comments about Troi: I always got the impression that in the first season, she's not meant to be a literal psychological therapist, but is instead supposed to be a diplomatic advisor. Similar to how kings kept "counsel" - that is what I believe her role was meant to be, until it got morphed into a literal armchair "counselor" in later seasons. Her role and position on the bridge make a lot more sense when seen from this perspective.
I said earlier that I thought Home Soil was my favourite Season 1 episode - I have to take that back and give this one the credit.
Highlights for me are:
- An interesting premise (and may be a bit cliched now, but was novel-ish at the time)
- Seeing what they did with Geordi's character. It's interesting that the writers seemed to have command aspirations for him before settling him down in Engineering.
- Character development between Picard and Crusher
- Data jumping 11.75 meters down a hole
In regard to the comments about Troi: I always got the impression that in the first season, she's not meant to be a literal psychological therapist, but is instead supposed to be a diplomatic advisor. Similar to how kings kept "counsel" - that is what I believe her role was meant to be, until it got morphed into a literal armchair "counselor" in later seasons. Her role and position on the bridge make a lot more sense when seen from this perspective.
Re: TNG S1: Heart of Glory
I didn't really understand why Picard was talking about Worf feeling allegiance to "his own kind". The Klingons who were after the two traitors were also "his own kind".
Although we've been Klingon'd to death now, it's important to remember that when this episode first aired, it was the first good look at TNG-era Klingons.
I don't feel super strongly about this one one way or another - 2.5 stars.
I didn't really understand why Picard was talking about Worf feeling allegiance to "his own kind". The Klingons who were after the two traitors were also "his own kind".
Although we've been Klingon'd to death now, it's important to remember that when this episode first aired, it was the first good look at TNG-era Klingons.
I don't feel super strongly about this one one way or another - 2.5 stars.
Re: TNG S1: Coming of Age
It’s a good thing you’re cute, Wesley, or you could really be obnoxious.
Another solid episode. Not much to add to the previous comments. I appreciate the continuity to Conspiracy, coming a few episodes later. 3 stars.
It’s a good thing you’re cute, Wesley, or you could really be obnoxious.
Another solid episode. Not much to add to the previous comments. I appreciate the continuity to Conspiracy, coming a few episodes later. 3 stars.
Re: TNG S1: Home Soil
Best episode of the season so far and maybe the best overall. Watching Data in the room with the lasers is epic. The sci fi in this episode is pretty solid as far as Star Trek goes. The crew interacts well and the acting from the main cast is good. Biggest drawback is it’s a little on the slow side. 3 stars.
Best episode of the season so far and maybe the best overall. Watching Data in the room with the lasers is epic. The sci fi in this episode is pretty solid as far as Star Trek goes. The crew interacts well and the acting from the main cast is good. Biggest drawback is it’s a little on the slow side. 3 stars.
Re: TNG S1: When the Bough Breaks
Another really bad epsiode. This mid-way part of Season 1 is getting difficult to watch. Lots of issues could be pointed out but the biggest problem of all is that it’s just extremely boring. 1 star, I guess...
Another really bad epsiode. This mid-way part of Season 1 is getting difficult to watch. Lots of issues could be pointed out but the biggest problem of all is that it’s just extremely boring. 1 star, I guess...
Re: TNG S1: 11001001
This rosier is....okay, but four stars is really excessive in my view. I’d give it two.
The many issues in the plot have been pointed out already. Standing out most of all is the convulutedness of designing an AI to distract ONE person in the event their plan falls short and they need said person to then break out of the distraction just in time to hack their files and save the day.
Minor nitpick, I could see another species independently developing binary computers but the organization into 8-bit bytes is entirely arbitrary.
This rosier is....okay, but four stars is really excessive in my view. I’d give it two.
The many issues in the plot have been pointed out already. Standing out most of all is the convulutedness of designing an AI to distract ONE person in the event their plan falls short and they need said person to then break out of the distraction just in time to hack their files and save the day.
Minor nitpick, I could see another species independently developing binary computers but the organization into 8-bit bytes is entirely arbitrary.
Re: TNG S1: Datalore
Lots of issues in this episode, but I could have given it at least a passing grade if not for Wesley Saving The Day again.
Apparently Wil Wheaton gets constantly cyber bullied with “Shut up, Wesley” spam on all the social media he’s part of and he has written extensively asking people to stop.
Lots of issues in this episode, but I could have given it at least a passing grade if not for Wesley Saving The Day again.
Apparently Wil Wheaton gets constantly cyber bullied with “Shut up, Wesley” spam on all the social media he’s part of and he has written extensively asking people to stop.
Re: TNG S1: The Big Goodbye
Really not a fan of this episode. Can we talk about the Federation bending over backward to unbelievable levels to not risk offending these Jarada? Why is the obligation all on the Federation and none on the Jarada to show good manners? And then all the other reasons this episode is dull. 1 star
Really not a fan of this episode. Can we talk about the Federation bending over backward to unbelievable levels to not risk offending these Jarada? Why is the obligation all on the Federation and none on the Jarada to show good manners? And then all the other reasons this episode is dull. 1 star
Re: TNG S1: Haven
I really enjoy this episode, well executed comedy and Troi performs well in it. Some highlights:
- Yar yet again allowing random things to be transported aboard. She seems to think as long as she’s there to see what it is, that is adequate security.
- Picard’s initial reaction to Troi. Knowing now how he feels about her through the rest of the series, seeing him put in a genuine effort with her here is doubly amusing.
- Data’s absorption in observing Troi’s family drama
- That plant pet creature of Lwaxana’s
- The ambiguity around whether Lwaxana is telling the truth about Picard being attracted to her or if she’s just trying to bully him into liking her
- I enjoyed the acting of Troi’s husband-to-be. I thought he put in a pretty subtle and well done performance for a guest actor. You can’t quite decide how to feel about him.
- The double meaning in Troi’s words at the end when her mother hits on Riker: “Mother, Riker has other obligations!”
3 stars
I really enjoy this episode, well executed comedy and Troi performs well in it. Some highlights:
- Yar yet again allowing random things to be transported aboard. She seems to think as long as she’s there to see what it is, that is adequate security.
- Picard’s initial reaction to Troi. Knowing now how he feels about her through the rest of the series, seeing him put in a genuine effort with her here is doubly amusing.
- Data’s absorption in observing Troi’s family drama
- That plant pet creature of Lwaxana’s
- The ambiguity around whether Lwaxana is telling the truth about Picard being attracted to her or if she’s just trying to bully him into liking her
- I enjoyed the acting of Troi’s husband-to-be. I thought he put in a pretty subtle and well done performance for a guest actor. You can’t quite decide how to feel about him.
- The double meaning in Troi’s words at the end when her mother hits on Riker: “Mother, Riker has other obligations!”
3 stars
Re: TNG S1: Hide and Q
I’ve never liked this one. Q episodes overall have never really done it for me. 1.5 stars.
What’s with Tasha Yar hitting on Picard? Somehow in all the times I’ve seen this episode, this was the first time I noticed it.
I always get confused about what the Enterprise’s mission is. Supposedly they’re exploring, yet at the same time supposedly they’re always firmly in Federation space, and never too far from anywhere - e.g. dropping Troi off for a visit to Betazed in this episode, or flying past Risa for shore leave.
I’ve never liked this one. Q episodes overall have never really done it for me. 1.5 stars.
What’s with Tasha Yar hitting on Picard? Somehow in all the times I’ve seen this episode, this was the first time I noticed it.
I always get confused about what the Enterprise’s mission is. Supposedly they’re exploring, yet at the same time supposedly they’re always firmly in Federation space, and never too far from anywhere - e.g. dropping Troi off for a visit to Betazed in this episode, or flying past Risa for shore leave.
Re: TNG S1: The Battle
Because this episode came so early on, it wasn’t completely unfathomable to viewers when this episode first aired that perhaps Picard really did fire in a defenskess ship. We don’t know Captain very well at this point, and he’s pretty surly. I enjoyed that they’re able to lay those seeds of doubt in a way they couldn’t have later in the series when we trust Picard unquestioningly.
The little technobabble about checksums was nice, at a time when computing science wasn’t the degree of choice of every other student.
When Bok offers Picard the Stargazer, the Ferengi first officer comments “we are not selling it to HIM!”, but it was clearly meant to be “we are not SELLING it to him?”
I notice these instances of actors putting the emphasis on the wrong word all the time and it’s a little pet peeve of mine because it shows that the writers and the directors aren’t understanding the script they’re acting out.
The fact the Starfleet security crew allowed all those Stargazer belongings on board without any inspection, including a just slightly suspicious giant glowing sphere.... between that and Tasha not thoroughly researching the laws if the planet of the previous episode Justice... I think Yar was on track for a firing if she hadn’t been killed first.
For all the little gripes though, solid episode that showcased Stewart’s acting and stands out as a more complex and mature script than what had come previously. Agreed with the 2.5 stars.
Because this episode came so early on, it wasn’t completely unfathomable to viewers when this episode first aired that perhaps Picard really did fire in a defenskess ship. We don’t know Captain very well at this point, and he’s pretty surly. I enjoyed that they’re able to lay those seeds of doubt in a way they couldn’t have later in the series when we trust Picard unquestioningly.
The little technobabble about checksums was nice, at a time when computing science wasn’t the degree of choice of every other student.
When Bok offers Picard the Stargazer, the Ferengi first officer comments “we are not selling it to HIM!”, but it was clearly meant to be “we are not SELLING it to him?”
I notice these instances of actors putting the emphasis on the wrong word all the time and it’s a little pet peeve of mine because it shows that the writers and the directors aren’t understanding the script they’re acting out.
The fact the Starfleet security crew allowed all those Stargazer belongings on board without any inspection, including a just slightly suspicious giant glowing sphere.... between that and Tasha not thoroughly researching the laws if the planet of the previous episode Justice... I think Yar was on track for a firing if she hadn’t been killed first.
For all the little gripes though, solid episode that showcased Stewart’s acting and stands out as a more complex and mature script than what had come previously. Agreed with the 2.5 stars.
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