tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59675175147594745352024-03-06T01:08:47.564+00:00TV STAR TREK REVIEWS MARATHONWhere the goal is to review every episode of Star Trek. Ever!(This Blog is a work of critical comment and review. All characters and publications referred to, and images reproduced, are ™ and © their respective owners.)Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-16206130347748454962009-02-21T23:49:00.004+00:002009-02-22T00:22:10.539+00:00Star Trek: TNG 3.10 - The Defector<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-Q47HUjYCADwBDcMny2YVMy7pDGfd-uCZvVllbQZWlpVhQ2BEZgLUoMXT2XTFOnYBU37VLlc5T8vltkzqxnsYw0VtElKN4IL-w4X4lAhxUCIca_YXR5eCWPaWGM6JOoZOhIw6M01oRl2/s1600-h/STDefector.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305402768710932722" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-Q47HUjYCADwBDcMny2YVMy7pDGfd-uCZvVllbQZWlpVhQ2BEZgLUoMXT2XTFOnYBU37VLlc5T8vltkzqxnsYw0VtElKN4IL-w4X4lAhxUCIca_YXR5eCWPaWGM6JOoZOhIw6M01oRl2/s200/STDefector.jpg" border="0" /></a><em>Review 141 - Episode 137 (1st Jan 1990)<br /><br />The One with the defecting Romulan. Or is he?</em></div><div> </div><div>Quite entertaining, but a simple concept at it's heart.</div><br /><div>This is one of those episodes where a guest star comes on and we see how the crew react to him. In this case, a Romulan defector who tries to convince the Federation that the Romulans are preparing for war on a planet in the neutral zone. But is he telling the truth?</div><br /><div>Picard has many good scenes this episode. From the unusual opener with Data enacting Henry V, through to his one on ones with "Setal" (who is in fact Admiral Jarok. A bit stupid to hide your identity when you're trying to convince your worst enemies to trust you). It's your usual Patrick Stewart performance, but it's still impressive.</div><br /><div>Data has some cute scenes and his attempt to try and find his "guts" is normal Data fare, but still enjoyable. The holodeck sequence is a nice touch with Jarok (though if Romulous is so secret, how have they got google earth topography of it?) I also liked him being the witness to these events if it led to war.</div><br /><div>Worf was doing his usual growling routine, more so with a Romulan involved, but the final twist with the Klingons couldn't have happened without him, so he gets points for that.</div><br /><div>Riker didn't really have lots to do, bar being in most scenes and making that Riker face where his eyes narrow. His interrogation scene was ok, but I felt it could have had more.</div><br /><div>Geordi was given the usual technobabble role, but had a nice conversation with Data, Troi was absent apart from the interrogation scene and Crusher healed Jarok and not much else.</div><br /><div>So, very watchable, but once you know the basic story and twist, then there's not much else left on rewatching, bu the final act is still strong. Also, nice to see G'kar as Tomalak.</div><br /><div><strong>4/5<br />Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 409/700</strong> </div><div><br />Alternate Review: Tim Lynch - <a href="http://www.tcs.informatik.uni-muenchen.de/~hwloidl/TL/tng3/defector.html">http://www.tcs.informatik.uni-muenchen.de/~hwloidl/TL/tng3/defector.html</a></div><div><br />Troi/Crusher Appreciation Society<br /><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305409587398808786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqBL93SG699Xea4CTUszHz19cLl6fDqtieJmkFuvVyxMf6j2oI0_mmM_LlZxF_-xguLYU57PFnIWyDss05SGI1CcLJVfjqsOJMhf6yGR6Ai3ixPw5QBVScTDoYPGW8OOOTODA0Ug8rzWz/s320/thedefector084.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305409672710597586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRj6AtqLQp3_MQPde9Ybf4EX619PLuMO9Taq-KGxfXIXu617WuiuWKMHpgKDcXS5XWIWT9sZMcC5QI1bgzO-RHmRcujjO96rxB8baikxT8eYXJtaTapMjzXStbgALTpATNe02r-GKZNN2G/s320/thedefector136.jpg" border="0" />Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-59673358663449019382009-02-09T21:00:00.007+00:002009-02-09T21:43:27.677+00:00Star Trek: TNG 3.9 - The Vengeance factor<div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300913897189668930" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 152px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHvuA_8rPYuCX_B_iv9D7ATTi89BTN1FExSiHnEdx9py6H7rrGEy5MeZnjhvwydHZLznwWQ9WLuJdWjwX2n2uF_O1ikm2HoMo9O7av2O7eFrZ8WzDGDoOLtapxSE0HscbXwjfhtnYds6r/s200/thevengeancefactor137.jpg" border="0" /><em>Review 140 - Episode 136 (20th Nov 1989)</em></div><div><em></em> </div><div></div><div><em>The One with the girl who has a killer touch</em></div><div><em></em> </div><div></div><div>It's interesting to note that this is the last episode to be shown in the 80's. From here on in, the Trek Snowball gets bigger and faster in the 90's, before finally slowing down again in the 00's and finally stopping dead.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>And the last episode of the 80's isn't terrible, but it's very average and not especially memorable.</div><div></div><div> </div><div>Two clans who have been fighting for years try to broker a peace agreement with Picard (who else?) mediating. But Yuta is actually a genetic weapon who does not age and is looking to kill the remaining Gatherer clan.</div><br /><div>The gatherer's look extremely 80's with there large hair and biker jackets and are quite enjoyable to watch. Riker's relationship with Yuta is okay and his decison to fry her at the end is dramatic, but not quite as heartbreaking as the writers wanted.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>There's no getting round the fact that there are a lot of middling episodes round this time, but the good ones are coming.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>2/5</div><div> </div><div>Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 405/695 </div><div> </div><div>Alternate Review: Tim Lynch - <a href="http://www.tcs.informatik.uni-muenchen.de/~hwloidl/TL/tng3/vengeance.html">http://www.tcs.informatik.uni-muenchen.de/~hwloidl/TL/tng3/vengeance.html</a></div><div></div><div> </div><div>Troi/Crusher Appreciation Society<br /></div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300914864853671666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigq7uNsBY5rnFI7QnWXjOCq5DuOD2UZ-f3hQikRQS6o8RuSQaKoyKEfvU3D2Pb94qwEJrJ29Wu8m7za27HrcLD4yhQvHhUUdg5IYY9pJZTnFs267VL5-W_MES6ddjKw-rukIsSV5UrCu2s/s320/thevengeancefactor241.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300914779232321442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnz_NHi8pebO3wvdHMyEwdXKoud_JyJx1LoQX8529ohTEjSHSAY4te5GnnnacIkLxmCepRxwYdnPwDIpMpH4dCoDAQ_BKN7WYdDBDbyBNHXrsfkmjdDQ7PnZqe5mS32oZ-Mx4XgZ7MAfu/s320/thevengeancefactor155.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-10924906981002369402009-01-07T22:30:00.006+00:002009-04-07T20:24:29.492+01:00Star Trek: TNG 3.8 - The Price<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRusRJXXzwAUCbDD6kNdS6aWUiPmVjGEbKP0h4t5DZCbhPv_LarakYHaVxuturiAnsdo05GNvvHZLZfFtlgw17Jby18dt7EUDHubcP1XbLih5xO_MWImWKxDqMz0aNJQjgRMBvbfnQZdn/s1600-h/270px-STPrice.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289430186217478130" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRusRJXXzwAUCbDD6kNdS6aWUiPmVjGEbKP0h4t5DZCbhPv_LarakYHaVxuturiAnsdo05GNvvHZLZfFtlgw17Jby18dt7EUDHubcP1XbLih5xO_MWImWKxDqMz0aNJQjgRMBvbfnQZdn/s200/270px-STPrice.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>Review 139 - Episode 135 (13th Nov 1989)</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>The One with the dodgy wormhole</em><br /><br />There's a stable wormhole and everyone wants to bid on it.<br /><br />Troi has a rekindled love affair with a sleazy betazoid bidder, two ferengi are trapped on the other side of the wormhole when it becomes unstable and reappear in Voyager years later (in a very cute continuity moment) and Riker tries his best to win the bid. And Troi and Bev do gymnastics for no apparent reason in very unflattering leotards.<br /><br />Not bad.<br /><br />3/5<br />Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 403/690<br /><br />Alternate Review: Tim Lynch - <a href="http://www.tcs.informatik.uni-muenchen.de/~hwloidl/TL/tng3/price.html">http://www.tcs.informatik.uni-muenchen.de/~hwloidl/TL/tng3/price.html</a> <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><br />Troi/Crusher Appreciation Society</div><br /><div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289428901848620210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNlZiukYmlWKr29dhS481DYh_lpgkxHVpywWU6a5ZnLXVGeah89h2ZovtQyxLt312Bfo0aGY-nlHObqv0OkSwONw4AQ2nXg7PL0sc8_D0v1USiaJcFtSn1mNi11QBndgibSVCh_Hwb8bD/s320/theprice158.jpg" border="0" /> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-26130926285968524252009-01-07T22:22:00.004+00:002009-01-09T23:03:06.955+00:00Star Trek: TNG 3.7 - The Enemy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZl3c6pkUwBxNGqMcQKwJY6bUBVjHzF34UE1GoAnH5GLJ8FCAYnO2ujb5-d2GDSoO8v2brk1WvdjdXSXJ5S3DGDpqv2Neq_M_tyVxPWhFU2bhtrgYVFjX99LP-dQMYFSFJnyyRi6fBagOx/s1600-h/STEnemy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289433370987648162" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZl3c6pkUwBxNGqMcQKwJY6bUBVjHzF34UE1GoAnH5GLJ8FCAYnO2ujb5-d2GDSoO8v2brk1WvdjdXSXJ5S3DGDpqv2Neq_M_tyVxPWhFU2bhtrgYVFjX99LP-dQMYFSFJnyyRi6fBagOx/s200/STEnemy.jpg" border="0" /></a> Review 138 - Episode 134 (6th Nov 1989)<br /><br />The One where Worf finally becomes a Klingon<br /><br />*yawn* getting tired here. Lets rattle through the next 2. This is quite good, a bit like "Enemy Mine", where two opposing soldiers end up trapped on a planet and become good mates. Galactica did an episode as well. So that's a good thread, as Geordi and a Romulan are trapped and need to be rescued.<br /><br />What's more interesting is that they've rescued a Romulan, but he's needs certain Cells or something, blah de blah, and the only man onboard the ship is Worf and he fucking hates Romulans. So, the Rom is dying and you thing Worf is going to cave in and "do the right thing". But no, he sticks to his Klingon values and effectively tells everyone, "Fuck right off!" and the Ron dies!. It helps the dying Romulan is a total arsehole, but still, it's a bold move and was the first sign that this series can trick you and will do risky things.<br /><br />3/5<br />Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 400/685<br /><br />Alternate Review: Tim Lynch - <a href="http://www.tcs.informatik.uni-muenchen.de/~hwloidl/TL/tng3/enemy.html">http://www.tcs.informatik.uni-muenchen.de/~hwloidl/TL/tng3/enemy.html</a> <div><div><div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Trek Eye Candy</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289432798191637234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGX7ZYmlnExgk4K6iSUg79zphQKrhStE-O_wdiu86BDPWTZ93colNTWee19rKJZ4pDBDe95NzshrrjE_r-FuuZEhzQZgHb4gK6yGif_ww05OxFTBlIe3Y4xk7jyPe1HxPCiizL_fqXjHlL/s320/theenemy050.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289432879049278322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bo-MQUz0LV9DAm9P3Mhbb-UbI2bBSTk4qg7A4KZWBKcBisBgH6dm3DHpeUKW0PqggnR2SuvhzveFjgpEP2wnKghoAzqdOSduOLcnPPtV5qtvoEMu4TYt8C25oOfaZ0nQpBatUdpYQy4x/s320/theenemy225.jpg" border="0" />Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-73943102933343796022009-01-07T22:13:00.005+00:002009-04-07T20:26:21.304+01:00Star Trek: TNG 3.6 - Booby Trap<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8W36jK0UDWnJA7JCPHgNLuixK9k-He2jpT5LHZw8li5xT_gqPPTXnRB4tAh8rl2xwlSMMsTIuTf9Jn2e8CqoV90fQKQgkVUJg9ko_V3VRrIPgTevlMeob7y-FvEX0CV13xY6GDSL2ida/s1600-h/STBoobyTrap.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289425722558256578" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8W36jK0UDWnJA7JCPHgNLuixK9k-He2jpT5LHZw8li5xT_gqPPTXnRB4tAh8rl2xwlSMMsTIuTf9Jn2e8CqoV90fQKQgkVUJg9ko_V3VRrIPgTevlMeob7y-FvEX0CV13xY6GDSL2ida/s200/STBoobyTrap.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><em>Review 137 - Episode 133 (30th Oct 1989)</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>The One where Geordi falls in love</em><br /><br />I really liked this episode, with it's different threads merging into one.<br /><br />The crew discover an old ship and Picard, Data and Worf go aboard. Picards enthusiasm for exploring the derelict comes across well and makes the scenes highly enjoyable.<br /><br />They then find themselves trapped in the same booby (*snicker*)(sorry) that befell the other ship and only one man can get them out...<br /><br />Geordi! But he's on the worst date ever! Finally, we get to acknowledge that he's not a eunuch and he has sexual interests. However, he's terrible at dating and it's only when he's in the holodeck and starts interacting with the female designer of the enterprise, Leah, that he starts to be himself. The Holodeck scenes are very interesting and it's fascinating seeing the Enterprise in dry dock being built.<br /><br />They work a way out and Picard deftly pilots the ship out the asteroid field. This is a very good episode and thankfully gives Geordi some valuable screen time.<br /><br />4/5<br />Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 397/680<br /><br />Alternate Review: Tim Lynch - <a href="http://www.tcs.informatik.uni-muenchen.de/~hwloidl/TL/tng3/booby.html">http://www.tcs.informatik.uni-muenchen.de/~hwloidl/TL/tng3/booby.html</a><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Troi Cleavage Watch</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289425368997912002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk57yOvjpH35iAQ5zIF8lG04vG-vvccUTJPeHtFLCTzpzAWhJtOHd0jQ8NoSyEBihB71HzSJRGfFdpERKpeffkeNSVxFuPp4zvdi0jndjSoUBlFWvvJSQIyGIg9ndzYPub6RY74MBKOekS/s320/boobytrap069.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-38751966871386671912009-01-07T22:03:00.004+00:002009-01-09T22:57:57.696+00:00Star Trek: TNG 3.5 - The Bonding<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNv46U7ERpvYCJoAiPxtz0r9oa7GnnzLs8M4pMDWSqBpPB1elt5FS7JGQH00l82KwRSzJ71WheTwVdk8Yf9MDldP4b0jzCMRohGeI5UaR7CBLIZh49ct9rVjZ0Ajm8mlc1UJ0rH-Xsy-w/s1600-h/270px-STBonding.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289432061906294002" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNv46U7ERpvYCJoAiPxtz0r9oa7GnnzLs8M4pMDWSqBpPB1elt5FS7JGQH00l82KwRSzJ71WheTwVdk8Yf9MDldP4b0jzCMRohGeI5UaR7CBLIZh49ct9rVjZ0Ajm8mlc1UJ0rH-Xsy-w/s200/270px-STBonding.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><em>Review 136 - Episode 132 (20th Oct 1989)</em><br /><br /><em>The One with the little orphan boy</em><br /><em></em><br />Ah well, just watched 4 on the bounce, so bang goes my spreading them out idea. Bloggers being a bit buggy with the pics, so they'll get posted later.<br /><br />I find it hard to believe this is Ron Moore's first episode, because it's a stinker. An officer is killed on a an away mission, leaving her son an orphan, but he's not grieving as he should. Then an entity appears as his Mom and the boy bonds with Worf kindof.<br /><br />I dunno, this was just garbage to me. Maybe if I was in the right frame of mind, I'd enjoy it, but I barely tolerated this episode.<br /><br />2/5<br />Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 393/675<br />Alternate Review: Tim Lynch - <a href="http://www.tcs.informatik.uni-muenchen.de/~hwloidl/TL/tng3/bonding.html">http://www.tcs.informatik.uni-muenchen.de/~hwloidl/TL/tng3/bonding.html</a><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Troi/Crusher Appreciation Society</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289431850594591266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Woh-l09Eg_4d-IKsA1TPZPXQy-FvpZR_GghUfMh55gd0vHexNRUHOLtCZGpLVqMWKMBz1usFWxD3dBkw7WWhfSKzfAKofNwnGmrOFNPQfvdpkYUVd0Nr_eWgZ6qe2FWkjr8g3P0cIqaj/s320/thebonding201.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289431772689398642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimV5kja2ETigmnYyv-Qva1Lv_ZURTfAkGFucponX-a3AZ8fZ1gnxoCoHKhjtnvADimpNVQMqP2d1MjrTbuF49evhx8YTCNpXoENtHl9ucFlTfHh6skWHEZG1zTrgRICwBvtKOt8dZGkOXU/s320/thebonding083.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-39211991079514558542009-01-05T22:36:00.005+00:002009-04-07T20:26:54.514+01:00Star Trek: TNG 3.4 - Who Watches the Watchers<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287942594050573346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 154px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhiLzVixP2QcXIg9Hdn3WePo2kx6e0PknCD_pZqUDn3Hw9qu2xgUHOTn-qQW-fJHiOL0hAzwjug1SbUhve2__L8EvTLJOiQLsWPwJsEikJmzNa4rl7BR7MfheSzbb0cZaEKDeWE3xP9mF/s200/Riker_and_Troi_as_Mintakans.jpg" border="0" /><em>Review 135 - Episode 131 (16th Oct 1989)<br /></em><div><div><br /><em>The One with the peeping toms.</em></div><br /><div>So, I thought, fuck it. If I'm doing this, I'm doing this right. Every episode, even if it takes 20 years.</div><br /><div>And this one was okay, the prime directive being the main angle. The Fed's are spying on a "primitive" race, but their hideout is spotted. How do they uncontaminate the planet?</div><br /><div>Picard has the "God" role and is played well by Stewart as usual. I'm not entirely convinced by his tactics of beaming up Nuria. How does this contaminate the planet less? Also, we're talking about a group of 8 people. Would that really change the planet? If you can accept these daft things, it's okay, but Picard goading Liko into shooting him with an arrow is just stupid. He's gonna shoot you Picard!</div><div></div><div>Riker and Troi have fun roles beaming down to the planet in disguise, but once Riker is rumbled, Troi is simply collateral.<br /></div><div>Worf is pretty much AWOL as is Geordi. Bev and Data have some technobabble, but no main scenes.</div><br /><div>I must mention the lovely outdoor shooting. Makes the episode much fresher than a dusty set.</div><br /><div>It's a nice premise, but it will be done better in later episodes and Picard is actually quite stupid this episode.</div><br /><div><strong>3/5</strong></div><div><strong>Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 391/670</strong></div><br /><div><strong>Alternate Review: Tim Lynch</strong> - <a href="http://www.tcs.informatik.uni-muenchen.de/~hwloidl/TL/tng3/watchers.html">http://www.tcs.informatik.uni-muenchen.de/~hwloidl/TL/tng3/watchers.html</a><br /><br /></div><div><strong>Factoid:</strong> Crushers big coat makes it debut this episode... Nah, can't get enthusiastic for that fact.</div><br /><div>Troi/Crusher Appreciation Society</div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287947825758117554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUj_Jz2Byds96p_aKsbRsC8RFjOjzWArP-p2TOkYz7fLsqTvQLSVjHpFNAVM2DCAzWCIbAjJ5XqFGkAjk66QX7LlSvgAykwShIpY4cHFF3LBFqaRJUdrKjPm5cgWY2CnR0I4a4ZV2DC06z/s320/whowatchesthewatchers044.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287947901254723762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6VMtZScdUrnEUIougM-gvfyOTCZ2Lyh080yBtwHQjcHgcVEaiIkfWGnYV0AgzeaktrjzPMScDDlEFfVBrBV-N5UnudOI-9JRTUAZGotFnzhNV2ARENRsa7jros-arLF0AHEgNgZ1Gzxd/s320/whowatchesthewatchers175.jpg" border="0" />Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-50040227634217050582009-01-01T00:57:00.009+00:002009-04-07T20:27:52.417+01:00Star Trek: TNG 3.3 - The Survivors<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIfhXJVhjSO9MtOmPPXphzBO494mvVq1Flb6lecLtpbvnEoFuEFSUrfUfWXAXsTNWZVSkTg8aQoXxuObh6NSQBrbrUaAhyphenhyphenbPXCBIMGpLuT2LqPA-bJHBs_XHGjKy0FGQl9OhigxJBtWC_/s1600-h/Kevin_Uxbridge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286129762620113698" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIfhXJVhjSO9MtOmPPXphzBO494mvVq1Flb6lecLtpbvnEoFuEFSUrfUfWXAXsTNWZVSkTg8aQoXxuObh6NSQBrbrUaAhyphenhyphenbPXCBIMGpLuT2LqPA-bJHBs_XHGjKy0FGQl9OhigxJBtWC_/s200/Kevin_Uxbridge.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>Review 134 - Episode 130 (9th Oct 1989)</em><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><em>The One with the really powerful old guy</em></div><br /><br /><div>Slow burner this one, but not bad. A devastated planet is lifeless apart from one tiny house and garden. Why? Picard investigates.</div><br /><br /><div>There are some nice outdoor scenes which always gives the show a breath of fresh air. The story is decent, but the kicker comes in the twist that is well played by the actors. i don't normally hide the twist, but I didn't remember it so chances are you won't either. </div><br /><br /><div>It's a decent episode that won't change the world, but kills an hour satisfactorily</div><br /><br /><div><strong>3/5</strong></div><br /><div><strong>Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 388/665</strong></div><br /><br /><br /><div><strong>Troi Cleavage Watch</strong><br /><br /><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286128927645751410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUniRrb0TZDuZokVw88OA1uCMST76MCkhEOGbpe0K9MgAwF3O11O4gEd90MGMUsTsyQJgKkmJxPTdJK7vWWFiJA3N8SPjl5F64LBq0R9n1RUOqzw79Hrg-v3tOmSR3mVj5PpcGdCDaJ7h/s320/thesurvivors023.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-71091337605414100752008-12-29T21:58:00.005+00:002008-12-29T22:16:27.768+00:00Star Trek: TNG 3.2 - The Ensigns of Command<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtQ30GLr_E70xiqisYI196GzyVHjn0TIVGiJLWTn-P5m-SL6BSnLW7vNAT71L4GGhshhHIWPUIekJrLWFeALZEcTqxs8SyQ_Y_xPKKZSPidXT5a2hpOn-DCSJCKKX7p1HtqVNn3EKbQZ7/s1600-h/USS_Enterprise-D_dedication_plaque.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285335389649726274" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 154px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtQ30GLr_E70xiqisYI196GzyVHjn0TIVGiJLWTn-P5m-SL6BSnLW7vNAT71L4GGhshhHIWPUIekJrLWFeALZEcTqxs8SyQ_Y_xPKKZSPidXT5a2hpOn-DCSJCKKX7p1HtqVNn3EKbQZ7/s200/USS_Enterprise-D_dedication_plaque.jpg" border="0" /></a><em>Review 133 - Episode 129 (2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nd</span> Oct 1989)</em><br /><br /><div><div><em>The One with the aliens who are not hanging around.</em></div><br /><p>Wow, that was longer than I thought. Apologies for the delays in posting here, real life, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">yada</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">yada</span>.</p><p>Anyway, this is quite a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">lowkey</span> episode where not a lot happens. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Sheliak</span> are an interesting race in that they barely tolerate human life and have no compunctions with wiping the colonists off the planet. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Picards</span> growing frustration with the aliens <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">and</span> his final victory are made all the more sweeter by Stewart, giving some excellent acting with his body language. Wiping dust of the plaque was a lovely touch.</p><br /><p>Data has the other plot, trying to convince the colonists they have to leave. It's okay, but sometimes the whole Data as <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Pinocchio</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">angle</span> can get overdone and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">repetitive</span> at times<br /><br />Decent episode, but not a lot for the regulars to do.<br /><strong></strong></p><p><strong>3/5<br />Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 385/660</strong></p><br /><br /><p><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Troi</span>/Crusher Appreciation Society</strong></p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285338733837011858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QDWmJLubj57kII4w50sPhnF-xoq3-OHbR2WHbN55oF4zizVfAUoY_QTTCZ6XQ5h_m658EKBK025s2iCEkcyXHdVXb3LRs1NKGSbtm0U-Wde6e6xzW0hRn2-fjBR4WisIgmoCq8t4y6xl/s320/theensignsofcommand143.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285338659469545122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qF8yIpOPTa1dCROcn9OWCM3FDsDoRKhm8Ln7l0-jNh30MYMDihWlx5Yt6cNPkgWVoG8utyl43jwAchUW4z4qoElkF9Nq4zi5hPa6Msh6EzRU-dbAOhmDglHFsIsLOZqycy-h9ISAmFKF/s320/theensignsofcommand027.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div></div></div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-68392166651952972402008-11-13T11:45:00.008+00:002008-11-13T23:20:00.521+00:00Star Trek: TNG 3.1 - Evolution<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGAMk6KdahZ-zTG0lhl6E_xCbGw9UijnGK0NKGg3omA4_Y-xtS2L84S-8fdWdmyIBBTN9NUN7Bb8tT5G62EOew2rzsLnsZi5NDXi4udBlA4nUjzTjMV1TXf7-huGrcjrgqzPjsASyjRql/s1600-h/ST-TNG_Evolution.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268107225453207730" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGAMk6KdahZ-zTG0lhl6E_xCbGw9UijnGK0NKGg3omA4_Y-xtS2L84S-8fdWdmyIBBTN9NUN7Bb8tT5G62EOew2rzsLnsZi5NDXi4udBlA4nUjzTjMV1TXf7-huGrcjrgqzPjsASyjRql/s200/ST-TNG_Evolution.jpg" border="0" /></a><em>Review 132 - Episode 128 (25th Sept 1989)</em></div><br /><div><em>The One with the Nanites</em></div><br /><div>So, finally, here is Season 3. When I first thought about doing this Blog, I was going to start here as this feels like my TNG. It's almost a reboot of the series.</div><br /><div>The stupid uniforms have gone to be replaced with smart collars that actually look like they could be real uniforms. There is an altered beginning and Beverly's back! For the first time, we have a stable Cast and look to the show. Add in some lovely new effect shots and actors who are comfortable with there roles and you have a great base to build on. </div><br /><div>Couple of admin things to note as well. I'll probably only review one episode a week from now on, maybe two. I find that if I watch four in a row, then go to review them a week later I can barely remember any details. So the reviews will be longer, but less frequent (I say that now, but if I get a run going I'll probably do more in a week). I'm also going to add links to existing Trek Reviewers I used to read way back when. For TNG, it's got to be Tim Lynch, arguably the first Internet reviewer of note. I don't always agree with him, but he's worth a read and I'll add more as we go through the different seasons. Troi Cleavage Fans can rejoice as Deanna starts to wear a blue dress number this Season. I'll also add a couple of screen caps of other hotties as appropriate. It's rather nerdy, but it brightens up the Blog and makes a bad episode worth watching (and just because we're in Season 3, doesn't mean there's no bad episodes coming up. Nooooo, it certainly does not)</div><br /><div>Anyway, this episode is basically a Wesley episode and I normally can't be doing with these. But Wil Wheaton is older now and not as whiny, so it's actually very watchable. He does still have his super smarts and and has accidentaly created a new race by accident as a school project. This would be annoying, but it actually ties in to the main plot, that being Dr Stubs is planning an experiment and has been a boy wonder like Wes. This is the man Wes could turn out like and has been in his shoes.</div><br /><div>Beverly returns this episode and although there's no song and dance, she has missed her son and her conversation with Picard is excellent (and Guinan as well). The fact is, you would feel smothered by your mom on board a ship and it raises these questions excellently. Her scene with Wes when he turns on her for abandoning her is full of subtext and good acting on both parts.</div><br /><div>Troi also has a big part this episode and confronts Stubs head on. It's a shame the director chose to film it in the back ground as we can't see anything, but there you go. Also, Her and Guinan co-exist in the same episode! Eureka! I think the key is Troi deals with Guest stars and Guinan the crew. Not ideal, but better than nothing.</div><br /><div>Data has some nice scenes being the Nanites voice, but it's all very quick the way they create this conduit ib his brain. It could almost be an episode in it's self. Geordi has a few scenes that are mostly technobabble and Worf and Riker are sidelined for the most part.<br /></div><div>This is a decent episode, but I could have lived without the baseball stuff - it really makes Trek seem so USA (which it is, but come on, make an effort). Really nice effects as well.</div><br /><div><strong>3/5</strong><br /></div><div><strong>Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 382/655</strong></div><br /><div><strong>Troi/Crusher Appreciation Society</strong></div><br /><div>Basically, this will be whatever screen caps I think are decent of these two TNG babes from the episode that will appear here from now on. Nuff said!<br /><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268283615298110194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9S0EZ9eyncqV2ObALqlCpScgAzuQd8kgextu5lB3wZFUB0tODVvpBvpiFu2ARIju35d7d1TAy0MdMMteZvnlfe0b4-hCt5r6Vqp6HyEjkNra4nHVN9aDw3tEWsdNHDyyQdYcBS3CjPsH/s320/evolution048.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268283739028273426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSz7AswRivncc5-uIMULA53e1qBkZj3eC2KB6fZ2KPjY1hKBgl3zRcojWwieBUVc8QhnZa-aTH_GMqyTTP4kod8jmFpXxsMfrg8PizkgdB_7LnkYFX7poIvzeAI-anUpCSo4KCRG110gF/s320/evolution218.jpg" border="0" />Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-67526900627669224952008-11-12T20:11:00.002+00:002008-11-12T20:24:17.251+00:00Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 2 Index<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E-GUqx7rbyTfwrVLQYQTJtPpBEQeT3_0ONMl8oFn9UrXSjPtfLE9BaWtpYRR-7PRhWWp360P-slKCbetdamPfzSw159N6mAXmo28_BLeHOJKeRqerb6B-OtTGGD1TrJ_qB-6daugoc0w/s1600-h/TNGCrewSeason2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267869484698945522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 284px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E-GUqx7rbyTfwrVLQYQTJtPpBEQeT3_0ONMl8oFn9UrXSjPtfLE9BaWtpYRR-7PRhWWp360P-slKCbetdamPfzSw159N6mAXmo28_BLeHOJKeRqerb6B-OtTGGD1TrJ_qB-6daugoc0w/s400/TNGCrewSeason2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>2.1- <a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-21-child.html">http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-21-child.html</a></div><br /><div>2.2 - <a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-22-where-silence-has.html">http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-22-where-silence-has.html</a></div><br /><div>2.3 - <a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-23-elementary-dear-data.html">http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-23-elementary-dear-data.html</a></div><br /><div>2.4 - <a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-24-outrageous-okona.html">http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-24-outrageous-okona.html</a></div><br /><div>2.5 - <a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-25-loud-as-whisper.html">http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-25-loud-as-whisper.html</a></div><br /><div>2.6 - <a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-26-schizoid-man.html">http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-26-schizoid-man.html</a></div><br /><div>2.7 - <a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-27-unnatural-selection.html">http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-27-unnatural-selection.html</a></div><br /><div>2.8 - <a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-28-matter-of-honor.html">http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-28-matter-of-honor.html</a></div><br /><div>2.9 - <a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-29-measure-of-man.html">http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-29-measure-of-man.html</a></div><br /><div>2.10 - <a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-210-dauphin.html">http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-210-dauphin.html</a></div><br /><div>2.11 - <a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-211-contagion.html">http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-211-contagion.html</a></div><br /><div>2.12 - <a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-212-royale.html">http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-212-royale.html</a></div><br /><div>2.13 - <a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-213-time-squared.html">http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-213-time-squared.html</a></div><br /><div>2.14 - <a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-214-icarus-factor.html">http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-214-icarus-factor.html</a></div><br /><div>2.15 - <a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-215-pen-pals.html">http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-215-pen-pals.html</a></div><br /><div>2.16 - <a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-216-q-who.html">http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-216-q-who.html</a></div><br /><div>2.17 - <a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-217-samaritan-snare.html">http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-217-samaritan-snare.html</a></div><br /><div>2.18 - <a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-218-up-long-ladder.html">http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-218-up-long-ladder.html</a></div><br /><div>2.19 - <a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-219-manhunt.html">http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-219-manhunt.html</a></div><br /><div>2.20 -<u><span style="color:#810081;"> <a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-220-emissary.html">http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-220-emissary.html</a></span></u></div><br /><div><u><span style="color:#333333;">2.21 - </span></u></div><br /><div><u><span style="color:#810081;"></span></u><a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-221-peak-performance.html">http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-221-peak-performance.html</a><a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-217-samaritan-snare.html"></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>2.22 - <a href="http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-222-shades-of-gray.html">http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-222-shades-of-gray.html</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-63200267722222466392008-10-22T20:24:00.009+01:002008-11-12T00:52:29.720+00:00Star Trek: TNG 2.22 - Shades of Gray<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvDZPY0Ei_xq-Ett4CSTcxTIYOa82HRbYaMsSPlD2fG2an_KXeVXHeIH1Oeyk5NdUrsimC8BqWZmNW2fGwpNxMVi9pupON2fyRXSXX7_0kA72-W47znFuRxEFy3PNTfOB84uff8oCT05v/s1600-h/270px-STShadesGrey.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260061446766000130" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvDZPY0Ei_xq-Ett4CSTcxTIYOa82HRbYaMsSPlD2fG2an_KXeVXHeIH1Oeyk5NdUrsimC8BqWZmNW2fGwpNxMVi9pupON2fyRXSXX7_0kA72-W47znFuRxEFy3PNTfOB84uff8oCT05v/s200/270px-STShadesGrey.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>Review 131 - Episode 127 (27th July 1989)</em><br /><br /><br /><em>The One thats an insult</em><br /><br />Sometimes, you're better not screening an episode. This is a fucking travesty. As the writers have said, it was written in 3 days as the writers strike was looming and it shows. Made up of clips from Rikers POV (even when he's not in the scenes? Man, that's just lazy) it's the only "clip show" in star trek history. <br /><br />It's bad, obviously a hash job and puts a sour taste in the mouth for a finale. When will they learn? (next season actually with the Borg)<br /><br />Simply put, Riker injured. He go to sleep. Erotic dreams bad. Nightmares good. He wakes up.<br />GARBAGE!!<br /><br />Anyway, that's Season 2 and Pulaski's swan song. She never really fitted in with the crew, though the writers are to blame for that, but she became a bit more likable in later eps. Still, next season is what I consider the Official start of the Star Trek phenomenon. With the uniforms, stable cast and great storys and effects, its good. Season 2 was better than I thought and actually produced 3 5/5's so it can't be all bad. But I'm glad it's finished.<br /><br />Never watch this episode.<br /><br /><br /><strong>0/5</strong><br /><strong>Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 379/650</strong><br /><br /><br />Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner<br /><br />As this is the last BCAC I thought i'd put a picture of her first day. To be fair, Pulaski actually came good at the end, but she's no Bev. Welcome back.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267393747283123634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 262px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5te5ytS2cnMfjlBVcrEElVWFCJaNx5kffNh1L61a34BR_0L4IUXL7uK9ezDjlHADGAF3AooVrmYkxyql_NZpqHci6hnSHiSg9XjBzDvjY8HrM4AGSGQeL6LOMUeO_MqNniptZKBJ-rfG/s320/292px-Beverly_Crusher_2364.jpg" border="0" />Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-91085046665065273362008-10-22T20:21:00.009+01:002008-11-12T00:40:28.712+00:00Star Trek: TNG 2.21 - Peak Performance<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3iIPQfZVkfkF-D7uuGb1GSpeR0EfbHNqN9iEuTsUAwpfnwpQad8BWJo2yJdOKv1I7rju8Di9hYv2_6yq_J0nD5kOx0tXk19dDlwnAX_svswrWnH9_5l0iK8q8LTGq_TEQ6QRWbhGlLqb/s1600-h/270px-STPeakPerform.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260060777540232914" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3iIPQfZVkfkF-D7uuGb1GSpeR0EfbHNqN9iEuTsUAwpfnwpQad8BWJo2yJdOKv1I7rju8Di9hYv2_6yq_J0nD5kOx0tXk19dDlwnAX_svswrWnH9_5l0iK8q8LTGq_TEQ6QRWbhGlLqb/s200/270px-STPeakPerform.jpg" border="0" /></a><em>Review 130 - Episode 126 (10th july 1989)</em></div><br /><div><em>The One with the war games</em></div><br /><div>Arghh, I fucking hate Sirma. He's too OTT for me and almost derails this episode.</div><div> </div><div>With the Borg on the horizon, starfleet gets Riker to take charge of the Hathaway and engage the Enterprise in some war games.</div><div> </div><div>The scenes on the Hathaway are excellent. You really sense the crew are up for the challenge of tring to beat the Enterprise. Picards respect and practical fawning of Riker are maybe a bit much, but fuck it, I like it when Picard hands out the compliments. Nice effects as well of the ship powering up.</div><div> </div><div>I don't really believe the Ferengi would appear out of nowhere, be confused and boost again. But it kindof works as a twist.</div><div> </div><div>Data having a lack of confidence is also a good B plot and praise when it's due, Pulaski is very good here. Shame it's 2 episode before her finale, but I like her here which makes a change.</div><div> </div><div>Good episode again, but Sirma ruins it slightly.<br /></div><div><strong>3/5</strong></div><br /><div><strong>Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 379/655</strong><br /><br /></div><div>Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner<br /><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267392890013414946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 235px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40V5lvQbygCYxFY8pCGoTPXvwGmb69ddOEfDQ5kAuTXUfdELyBIcDG6e0QcvjLgLjMJakNdBL12b48IHRzzIubtoIl-r9GaxOAPeA2WbkGi5pbpICrslKX13W6c7waXVzvydF4n5mUEHL/s320/portrait_01.jpg" border="0" /></div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-60090497517581014492008-10-22T20:18:00.006+01:002008-11-12T00:33:11.082+00:00Star Trek: TNG 2.20 - The Emissary<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9GNIqaua338Ud3rVjszhq40r1JTgsbKrOAZQ5inXdemCn8mAj3tPBPjTPoglvAg7F3aLTrZiXSHpPSq9BZh7vnfROj9EjkKD7ajM3QEc-JInTS5KtvImafvDHfmJddY1sJh96RZLRxR1/s1600-h/270px-STEmissary.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267419411892354114" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9GNIqaua338Ud3rVjszhq40r1JTgsbKrOAZQ5inXdemCn8mAj3tPBPjTPoglvAg7F3aLTrZiXSHpPSq9BZh7vnfROj9EjkKD7ajM3QEc-JInTS5KtvImafvDHfmJddY1sJh96RZLRxR1/s200/270px-STEmissary.jpg" border="0" /></a><em>Review 129 - Episode 125 (29th June 1989)</em><br /><div><br /><br /><div><em>The One with Worfs Bird</em></div><br /><br /><div>Worf gets laid! Yep, it happened here (and he obviously doesn't perform safe sex either as we'll see in future episodes)</div><div> </div><div>Quite drunk writing these final 3 season 2 episode reviews, so apologies if they are brief and rather pointless.</div><div> </div><div>K'Ehleyr (and that's the last time I'll be writing that) arrives in a cool photon torpedo type device. She tells the crew that Klingon's from Kirks day are getting ready to "awaken" and they are going to tear up some Federation ass if they see it. She's there to stop it. And she's Worf's ex bird.</div><div> </div><div>This is a good Worf episode and his relationship with her is strained and causes him to lose his rag a few times. She's a good character and also pushes the right buttons with Worf as we see aspects of his character not seen before.</div><div> </div><div>The solution, of Worf pretending to be captain is well done, humorous and tense at the same time. I also really like the poker scenes at the start. Lovely character building.</div><div> </div><div>Good episode. </div><br /><br /><div><strong>3/5</strong></div><br /><div><strong>Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 376/650</strong></div><br /><br /><div>Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267392603048813522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsafG6uVqn1O0zygCmC_HrjGJHIcqWgoWOITrdyGc0iEqe1ZY8dJUELXgHAU-yVrx0K8WoUpHs24PwFApswO1o_nlM_Cbhu5ML1UlV-PbZzpLtY4ycIGvLaTj4vMw_uRKosZ0sUX0tezz/s320/gate_rose.jpg" border="0" /></div></div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-72888673639305783182008-10-22T20:13:00.006+01:002008-11-11T13:49:24.379+00:00Star Trek: TNG 2.19 - Manhunt<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPYBKZDengT0ulXXDK4K1F79CIQxjKNVzAbX3XNmhq_8HXJDh8zpX7IZQzT66Vvwlxsc3mKm7iY7CINpeyMu7JxEKXS3pOCL5X9MYa_39S0ksgPzKLC7zHstoIvGsMs6OKeNyiaUwaRVD/s1600-h/270px-STManhunt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260058882886879330" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPYBKZDengT0ulXXDK4K1F79CIQxjKNVzAbX3XNmhq_8HXJDh8zpX7IZQzT66Vvwlxsc3mKm7iY7CINpeyMu7JxEKXS3pOCL5X9MYa_39S0ksgPzKLC7zHstoIvGsMs6OKeNyiaUwaRVD/s200/270px-STManhunt.jpg" border="0" /></a><em>Review 128 - Episode 124 (19th June 1989)</em></div><br /><div><em>The One where Lwaxana's back</em></div><br /><div>Yes, it's that yearly episode where Deannas mother Lwaxana comes to visit. </div><div> </div><div>You know by now if you love these episodes or loathe them. I used to loath them, but maybe I'm getting soft in my old age, as I though this was decent and had some funny moments. It's a terrible idea though. Troi's Mother is sexually active and wants a mate. She pursues everyone bar Geordi (once again, he get's no sexual storylines). Now, whether you think this is a funny concept will determine whether you like this episode. On the face of it, it looks bad, but I actually laughed out loud at Picards antics and Rikers as well. Majel barrett does seem a natural at comedy. I don't mind these episodes, but I'm always glad when they're gone.</div><div> </div><div>The assassin B plot with the fish people is bizarre and tacked on for on apparent reason. There seem to have been issues with the script, so maybe that had something to do with it.</div><div> </div><div>Better than you'd think. But no more for a while, eh?</div><br /><br /><div>3/5</div><div>Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 373/645</div><br /><div>Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267392117976041938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHEWNKSdSz8f_8gULzxtjUBxfQ8E4if7D5WUA4Gm7RmPWXRVAqz375kBSavEdq9UOWYQl96VbNvkCy-n4TS2Yi5Nbp_xidO8taSiXjhTnZBZQFef_CP7bt-w-EhmLTqOdYXrhHfkek8kM/s320/Gates_015F.jpg" border="0" /> </div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-41334835525755848202008-10-22T20:11:00.008+01:002008-11-11T13:31:14.384+00:00Star Trek: TNG 2.18 - Up the Long Ladder<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260058094249967714" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYjqH-g3tE4dedf7W0DmvTN3D_1lekDoPHOKH6bwZiADUmWHfQPFmAHwi88GwoaEA9ru3WtfQq1vEP3iz-D20yAfERNZ4gMcs5ilebvpOgroBEuwVxdZaK3_6uktXr_xA4QmXYBMsXMaO/s200/270px-STUpLongLadder.jpg" border="0" /><em>Review 127 - Episode 123 (May 22nd 1989)</em><br /><br /><em>The One with the Oirish.</em><br /><br />Fucking hell, this is bad. A race that have spurned technology become rural Irish folk people. The other race become white suit wearing weirdos. I don't know who's worse?<br /><br />There's a story about cloning, the dangers of inbreeding and taking DNA without permission, but you were never going to get me back after that opening. There might be a message in here that could change someones viewpoint about science, but I ain't watching it again to find out. Avoid.<br /><br /><strong>1/5</strong><br /><strong>Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 370/640</strong><br /><br /><br /><br />Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267391703631090018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 257px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcqWjTDeN0KazRNy2IGtD1gHRp4Nt1UIvZSVdV5Kp9H-jq_xM2AVyecRKqCOzxruuSe3GVhXVw9SNGw3Y0vmNHGOPNlGuSXNeffQ_-QPV3wJyKnAnON8Kx8SvvYmA_V7v5xOU5BLErWDQ/s320/Gates_06F.jpg" border="0" />Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-43814349780436836412008-10-22T20:08:00.008+01:002008-11-11T13:10:21.949+00:00Star Trek: TNG 2.17 - Samaritan Snare<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8flaNLmSTV7S5ezywD8nlLEs3rSwaTCVnFg6akoUlT7u24wenT-Gx3WXsiYPeSmBCtaEguCql8wMODYmrUI8ZF3yftgxqNEXkZcDc4zHIE78lOVH8kobfD0bz0L7ui2_HRCWNxgN_rz9W/s1600-h/270px-STSamaritan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260057385606187122" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8flaNLmSTV7S5ezywD8nlLEs3rSwaTCVnFg6akoUlT7u24wenT-Gx3WXsiYPeSmBCtaEguCql8wMODYmrUI8ZF3yftgxqNEXkZcDc4zHIE78lOVH8kobfD0bz0L7ui2_HRCWNxgN_rz9W/s200/270px-STSamaritan.jpg" border="0" /></a><em>Review 126 - Episode 122 (May 15th 1989)</em></div><br /><div><em>The One where Picard and Wes bond</em></div><br /><div>After the Borg, this is a bit of a let down.</div><br /><div>Picard and Wes bond on a shuttle craft trip and Geordi is help hostage by aliens who trap good Samaritans.</div><br /><div>The Picard/Wesley sub plot is quite interesting to watch, but I could have done with out the whole Pulaski to the rescue to save his life ending. Though to be fair this will feature in one of the best episodes, Tapestry, later in the show. But it's always good to see Picard talking to Wes and even the Kid isn't half bad here with some nice touches of continuity.</div><br /><div>Geordi being trapped is rather boring to watch and the solution is a bit weird. Seemed like space filler to me.</div><br /><div>Quite dull episode this.</div><br /><div><strong>2/5</strong></div><div><strong>Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 369/635</strong></div><br /><div>Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267386478602045794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 159px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJtmXl_rHA08O56m_laSGdk7yQZrdtSsskB4UJv7zXm78jn7yt8dZ9iRv_7vOldlyJ4bZbBQIwc9zRl-oC_MTsBd_qCVjrKaeFLdxiXwP4B5c5pSSMRcR3YXbTQpGfTTKHedR3FoLL2KN/s320/niceshot3a.jpg" border="0" /></div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-40432394832560086732008-10-22T20:04:00.011+01:002008-11-11T13:00:02.972+00:00Star Trek: TNG 2.16 - Q Who?<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLb2sA3k3Cwydy1uMiKYBdeIOnl35GGSJpI50xWb5GmRcvDRf7Pb8-2vjEfaT9MMHDpTeibHp_x7tvRc7Dlv3lMC7eBLWwyIKKghpTeg7iSWZbKXIEYkDj_7NvHW93xSt-kEFQt4CeIEcA/s1600-h/270px-STQWho.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260056439723901858" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLb2sA3k3Cwydy1uMiKYBdeIOnl35GGSJpI50xWb5GmRcvDRf7Pb8-2vjEfaT9MMHDpTeibHp_x7tvRc7Dlv3lMC7eBLWwyIKKghpTeg7iSWZbKXIEYkDj_7NvHW93xSt-kEFQt4CeIEcA/s200/270px-STQWho.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>Review 125 - Episode 121 (May 8th 1989)</em></div><br /><div><em>The One with the Borg!!!!</em></div><br /><div>Yeah baby! Probably the best episode of the first 2 seasons, the Borg are here!</div><br /><div></div><div>So many good things about this episode. I like the teaser with Gomez and spilling the tea on Picard. Q is excellent this episode, the first time he really becomes the Q we know. His scenes with Picard are always excellent, but these are some of the finest.</div><br /><div></div><div>The Borg themselves are obviously brilliant, the best villain in Trek lore. Probably they were made too dangerous, as every time we see them after this, they get gradually downscaled in power, but still evil.</div><br /><div></div><div>The Borg cube is very different to later episodes with an Alien feel to it. Especially creepy are the Borg babies, never seen again but a nice touch. Guinan is also good here, in her dealings with Q and the Borg.</div><br /><div></div><div>The chase scene lets it down slightly, but only because I've watched it over and over, you spot daft things, like how ineffective the rear torpedo is. Then they do it again, with dramatic music, and it still does nothing!<br /><br />We're really getting into a period where the writers and cast had settled down and could produce genuinely good shows that anyone could watch and enjoy, not just Trekkie's. This is one of the best.</div><br /><div><strong>5/5</strong></div><div><strong>Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 367/63</strong><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267383340106113314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IKnmftvw0_biQk6eiL28MQFzl3neiFglEkTt1goPQz-GiQl-ytQ7p7np392wh9b1fKkdSq9t_7SaaIGQm5aH6Un_8kxrFRWIuhtH_BLHL9_ZxIkAFPCkfpjmzcmdXg8fokwvZ4z0OW5O/s320/9insbev.jpg" border="0" /></div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-86022739675717177772008-10-22T20:02:00.006+01:002008-11-11T12:48:57.151+00:00Star Trek: TNG 2.15 - Pen Pals<div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260055670814018578" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXRMaDfiXP7GJ6zFLpkBVeyAZya31raag_sFprfkW0jQljaZAmfkwtpUXxt_5K206iug5OyzEGv-03V8L9VuiTmTFv82iin8x_qx_eid4z29sJ1P7pRMoQGS9_uOTUg17Bmsn7Nb0V1Pz/s200/270px-STPenPals.jpg" border="0" /><em>Review 124 - Episode 120 (May 1st 1989)</em></div><br /><div><em>The One where Data makes a friend</em></div><br /><div>Prime directive abuse alert!</div><br /><div>Data befriends a small girl on a planet whose planet is tearing itself apart. However, they have never met aliens and the Federation cannot interfere. </div><br /><div>Standard "we can help them, but we shouldn't help them" episode which completely undermines it's whole premise by helping them just because a little girl was on the radio. They'll probably turn into a new race meaner than the Borg, but hey ho, lets break the directive again. If it had been a mean barbarian with access to the radio, they would have turned it off and never thought about them again. You shouldn't do episodes like this if you're not prepared to see it through to the logical ending. It makes the characters, especially Picard, look foolish and weak.</div><br /><div>The Wesley subplot is interesting as he faces command for the first time, but I've seen it with Geordi already and I struggle with these early Wesley episodes.</div><br /><div><strong>2/5</strong></div><div><strong>Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 362/625</strong></div><br /><br /><div>Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267380711251612434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 222px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsfm6ZJNk4cgiIitWDiWQueU6bn2KEYWo5KWy1T3dbPPD4P0ar6CGGvPe9pscAp8ZrO4b0xj6E3Apqy3_rUInQNbZkAUP1HEfLsqbuxOljact9yBbPj48ytZzqXSJ7TxdzBSfAWG7BPfl/s320/bev37.jpg" border="0" /></div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-70511186915568609422008-10-20T22:09:00.005+01:002008-11-11T12:37:09.225+00:00Star Trek: TNG 2.14 - The Icarus Factor<div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259346476423501362" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZHgPDGBWNBFvStl1gH3Eu4D-5PEgbN7rJWmxwNe9NLGNsP_88-5bMLRypcF6gwzDhtLjPpSIuSo4PiGh_ohNLMK6lXyJwygqZWh6LMSgOHDM05-a-fe_E11mR1ipm3jOtGoRTV2oz5Nh/s200/270px-STIcarusFactor.jpg" border="0" /><em>Review 123 - Episode 119 (Apr 3rd 1989)</em></div><br /><div><em>The One with Rikers Dad</em></div><br /><div>I feel this could have been a lot better given the subject material, but it's merely okay.</div><br /><div>Riker is offered his own command on a smaller rather insignificant ship and the man assigned to brief him on it is his estranged father, Kyle. Meanwhile, Worf is depressed.</div><br /><div>The chance to see some of Rikers background and what makes him tick is largely thrown away here. His relationship with his dad comes across as a teenager with abandonment issues and his petulant responses to Kyle start to grate. Not that Kyle's much better. Maybe it's that actor, or because there no real follow up to this, but I didn't believe for a second that this man was Rikers dad. Add in the fact he had a relationship with Pulaski (eewoo, nasty!) which she has never mentioned before and the whole thing just falls flat. Their rebonding scene, through some made up futuristic gladiators fighting, is embarrassing to watch and makes no actual sense. </div><br /><div>More interesting is Riker conferring with Picard and Troi about his reasons to leave as he accepts the assignment. This is interesting stuff, but then in the final minute he abruptly changes his mind with no real reason given. WTF? At least have a heart to heart with Picard.</div><br /><div>The Worf subplot is enjoyable enough and O'brien really is part of the main crew now. </div><br /><div></div><div>Watchable, but could have been so much more.</div><br /><div><strong>3/5</strong></div><div><strong>Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 360/620</strong></div><br /><div>Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267377301651131506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 263px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fMX1YcG-IVeqMJPZJ18nSI_vVtqxKm90U0FQXV_VFdTmAwjXjUS7ZYMWp_JonYLXGpjKCqChF6gKL-pz8n5ev0Ucy96dLfLbiILlMfZ3768N0E0XYRMsyJzrIMxAWuxXwmYnL9Hz-J3L/s320/g1.bmp" border="0" /><br /></div><div></div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-71364566697753406282008-10-20T22:06:00.006+01:002008-11-11T12:23:31.263+00:00Star Trek: TNG 2.13 - Time Squared<div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259345780328040530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLgfZlCAGKkQ81qwN2471ItL3ux7ozuYut3chLrLfYblz-FA3qH_6Me1GbtH4Xxplw5pXN5vlYJzVHJFrp_rg_R-FUBpEAKF8-b6dkF5O66YoyLD8pvUzg1psIRixKrSjHfExbW3_hklC/s200/270px-STTimeSquared.jpg" border="0" /><em>Review 123 - Episode 119 (Apr 3rd 1989)</em></div><br /><div><em>The One with two Picards</em></div><br /><div>A case of great special effects saving a gobbledygook story that barely makes sense.</div><br /><div>It starts with a lovely teaser. A shuttle found drifting in space contains a future Picard who is the only survivor of the Enterprise. How did this happen, why is here and how do they stop it?</div><br /><div>Well, it turns out to be a large energy vortex that appears out of nowhere (as they do) and sucks the Ship in. The effects are very impressive, much better than I remember. They really do make you feel there is a giant vortex in space, however implausible.</div><br /><div>There's fun in seeing the two Picards interacting and our Picards reaction to his future doppelganger. But none of it stands up to scrutiny. The Vortex may be alive and scans Picard who trys to distract it from the ship by leaving on a shuttle. He's getting ready to do it again when Picard stuns or kills him and orders the Enterprise into the vortex. Why? Who knows. this does the trick and everything is back to normal somehow!</div><br /><div>I suspect the writers had a brilliant 1st act and had no way of solving the mystery so just put some techno babble time travel nonsense in and hoped for the best.</div><br /><div>Looks pretty, but don't think about it too much.</div><br /><div><strong>3/5</strong><br /><strong>Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 357/620</strong></div><br /><div>Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267374193065750370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PEmfLHa1noQ65XcCOhfAnc_1oh2Onp0Xn11u9MCUVEDDwGughVym0NtKXDejN8pI-5t9Vk_N0aDXEvnEddeM3A_L_IZM8IjnKyzlPhckEABD_A4BubYL4CDUaMn5Cc6cW2VuDCaSxM2w/s320/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-5115292270730699452008-10-20T22:04:00.005+01:002008-11-11T12:10:46.827+00:00Star Trek: TNG 2.12 - The Royale<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjgITHTdg4r2_Qk9ElXYxVCdQcSCeei9T5LNZ24NQpSl1YklUoTd3IBpfNMyoDmb2Q4SA-lyf8XK_U-wdiGCjEQFOzl4FTfhL4VumKRNoBdarrEOQxba82wHNGsFlpTa9x06nXDJYvNsj/s1600-h/270px-STRoyale.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259345118036166290" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjgITHTdg4r2_Qk9ElXYxVCdQcSCeei9T5LNZ24NQpSl1YklUoTd3IBpfNMyoDmb2Q4SA-lyf8XK_U-wdiGCjEQFOzl4FTfhL4VumKRNoBdarrEOQxba82wHNGsFlpTa9x06nXDJYvNsj/s200/270px-STRoyale.jpg" border="0" /></a><em>Review 122 - Episode 118 (Mar 27th 1989)</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>The One with the Casino in space</em><br /><br /><br />Acknowledged as one of the worst TNG episodes to be produced, I actually thought this was just bad, not awful. I mean, the concept alone, of God like beings creating a Casino based on a book an astronaut had in space, has TOS written all over it. I'm not sure anyone could save this basic terrible idea. But it has a cheesy charm, or maybe I was in a generous mood watching it.<br /><br /><br />Riker, Worf and Data have to try and escape from their strange prison by pretending to be characters in the book. The whole episode is bizarre and actually becomes watchable as you watch in awe at the fact it was commissioned and made.<br /><br /><br />A bad idea that no execution could save, but strangely enjoyable.<br /><br /><br /><strong>2/5</strong><br /><strong>Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 354/615</strong><br /><br /><br />Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267370932233755186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 223px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VS8DxhUKAmfcpkckR9nUR6BLFTRc4MsJW_h5Pnkz56R29g3EDpM3KZQ_HkP8SWjK6hhbYuGZBJsAjTEsy7TupM7cXbzKxbx3IUwYO_Db6oDb94Yvs3k5HD6xUT8WlErtwSWfkkZpPMc5/s320/Crusher.jpg" border="0" />Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-89342516708870040892008-10-20T22:02:00.005+01:002008-11-07T22:40:08.469+00:00Star Trek: TNG 2.11 - Contagion<div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259344541468451410" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-H213PGIH7KHaXgtM-cjXs69l6R1nC5njUo76L2GmbDH7dBSgMUUjYp7rz3zy3urEEs-G5_prwBtaWO0zXAvyX2Uds8qIRQ1z1YezoSMnNDxjHQm_GBzY_gVI9OswzMzPs6Ypdx4mi2QG/s200/270px-STContagion.jpg" border="0" /><em>Review 121 - Episode 117 (Mar 20th 1989)</em><br /><br /></div><div><em>The One where the Yamato goes boom</em></div><br /><div>Enjoyable, if only for the novelty value. The Enterprises Sister ship blows up and unfortunately deposits the computer virus on Picards ship.</div><br /><div>It's obviously budget restraints, but I always liked the idea of the Yamato. You have to remember this was years before the DS9 episodes with Galaxy class ships ten a penny.This was a big deal and I remember not really paying attention the first time watching this episode and missing the explosions. Ah, the olden days where if you missed something, you were FUCKED. Cases n point, 20 odd years later I finally have seen the Yamatos destruction! </div><br /><div>The whole virus thing sees a bit antiquated, though worringy still valid even now. the neutral zone and romulans are a nice touch as well.</div><br /><div>Decent episode</div><br /><div><strong>3/5</strong><br /></div><div><strong>Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 352/610</strong></div><br /><div>Beverly Crusher/Deanna Troi Appreciation Corner<br /><br /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266048729167801202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 305px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnErwf2X9WCxKvOptgmvxCN_pwm4KRSOrxIus1uqIRXPHWMmk7sjBhmftf3Mj9Yd8HU9tqWz6lmRtPunQOD46MW_elDm-nRiQEO44Vjmy3FQFoG4audKsUSgox7Pamlrh2cTTSoU1DfcC0/s400/contagion157.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266048879705947010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 325px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 248px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuunPvZ8bmt-OaR1eeEVlk6tNV2MiaT__tDQ2YCH19VJ9wqpx404MLkcEP9XbEFN1OKZkYEqS7_pllwBMfMC9mkP9CFKHyDvO_fsYBzQP4QibM-UNz4bEfPR9NuEskZ9dO-sp4Fa0wczY4/s400/325px-Beverly_crusher_thineownself.jpg" border="0" />Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-59157516633175570782008-10-20T21:58:00.005+01:002008-11-02T12:15:30.958+00:00Star Trek: TNG 2.10 - The Dauphin<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VwsVQHFOt3rjyhfKZf4teedPZEhy1hWT-X7lRIbAloJ80eQ46KP3ay4o0pcoqXBxcmII2phnfJCCP1CedH0a48Lb9_LuzHuFaDQiJExytinq36dfK719MlPgWXU_zo6NOq5PkdRE-QfS/s1600-h/270px-STDauphin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264032432892953506" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VwsVQHFOt3rjyhfKZf4teedPZEhy1hWT-X7lRIbAloJ80eQ46KP3ay4o0pcoqXBxcmII2phnfJCCP1CedH0a48Lb9_LuzHuFaDQiJExytinq36dfK719MlPgWXU_zo6NOq5PkdRE-QfS/s200/270px-STDauphin.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>Review 120 - Episode 116 (Feb 20th 1989)</em><br /><div><div><br /><div><em>The One where Wes falls in love</em></div><br /><p>There's not a lot to say about this episode. Wesley falls in love with a girl who's destined to be a leader on a war torn planet. It's not that Wes is bad, but the actual storyline does not interest me in the slightest. Wil Wheatons still too young for a story like this and he can't carry it. Add the fact that there is no B story and you've got an episode that struggles to hold your attention. Anya's true form is also unintentionally hilarious.<br />There are a couple of decent moments as Worf continues to be the funniest character on the ship with his romantic advice and Guinan once again steals Troi's scenes. If there's one thing I've noticed this season it's that Troi is barely in these episodes. I think the writers could not see a way of having her and Guinan onscreen at the same time, so punted poor Deanna.<br /></p><p>Not bad, but unless you're a huge Wesley fan, skip it.<br /><strong></strong></p><p><strong>2/5</strong><br /><strong>Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 349/605</strong></p><div>Beverly Crusher/Deanna Troi Appreciation Corner (we haven't had a Picture of Troi for a while, plus she's practically absent this Season, so here's a reminder of why she's so good)<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264031985839815298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 257px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQd-iMtPhXSzqkEcgBlvCcY8VEW1kVrkrvVvDZb-Z4ewXWTDwyNednEoCy4QwgLXLGw9Fj2E5SWLaoOeosmWOaMd0hMF-ZYbQiYktCkLav_y1-5CHSvkvB39spAmqinALkqmGUwbBTLPq/s320/Gates_017F.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264032084861270850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9PNHCQ-scER45hS0dA8BORj2kTkCAXfE0Pi6EzvvS9QwoplbiMUhckU1JxGdLgl7cMu04xI10kYPR403gQ7eerlkBf0lBCyBSnffwLvHJbr_OHk_gBjdR1A58M2w8rpxQgwkk3drK31S/s320/263168~Marina-Sirtis-Posters.jpg" border="0" />Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967517514759474535.post-37433423907049952032008-10-20T21:54:00.004+01:002008-10-27T23:07:34.084+00:00Star Trek: TNG 2.9 - The Measure of a Man<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowHOTVyScIbPVMw_fNxQ8-_gXTOpbYnXwCSpSHzLWfCrS1ajE3PzM8WspeUK8XICvkLSivke9kji3hN_KLlxqe-ZC8E5e4kc_ih01OuwcWkRNZa_F3u7YZidsjmJrrV99xaCBK7ZrRPhZ/s1600-h/270px-STMeasureMan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259342965858818258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowHOTVyScIbPVMw_fNxQ8-_gXTOpbYnXwCSpSHzLWfCrS1ajE3PzM8WspeUK8XICvkLSivke9kji3hN_KLlxqe-ZC8E5e4kc_ih01OuwcWkRNZa_F3u7YZidsjmJrrV99xaCBK7ZrRPhZ/s200/270px-STMeasureMan.jpg" border="0" /></a><em>Review 119 - Episode 115 (Feb 13th 1989)</em><br /><br /><em>The One with the Court room drama</em><br /><br /><br />A genuinely gripping hour of TV. It boils down to a simple question. What is Data? An android who can mimic humans impressively or a new life form with a soul of it's own?<br /><br />Maddox wants to take Data apart to learn how he ticks. When Data refuses and decides to resign, Maddox tries to claim he is Starfleet property. Picard refutes this and is forced to go ahead a reluctant Riker who has been drafted as prosecutor with Data's very existence at stake.<br /><br />There are so many great pieces in here. Having Picard and Riker work against each other is a masterstroke. We see Riker doing his research and almost enjoying the challenge, before remembering it's Data he's trying to deconstruct. His excellent prosecution speech and his internal anguish at having to do it are well portrayed. <br /><br />Picards defence is also good, though relies more on the human emotive touch and Maddox getting flummoxed. His core argument is sound though and while there was no real doubt he would win, his closing statement made sense and was convincing. Having a history with the presiding judge, Phillipa and there obvious attraction to each other, makes for another layer of interest. Also his scene with Data when he considers Maddox's pffer and is ashamed is Patrick at his best. The rest of the crew don't really get a chance to shine or react to the situation. Wes seems perfectly fine with Data resigning and Geordi is moody and sulking, which doesn't really make the character come across well. Worf and Pulaski have a couple of good one liners, though O'brien gets the best lines at the poker game and is almost an official part of the crew even this early in Season 2. <br /><br />Troi is strangely missing again and Picards scene with Guinan again highlights the fact that this should really be the ship counsellors job, though Whoopi is a better actor and the obvious slave parallels with American history make her a better choice for the scene than a Greek sex bomb.<br /><br /><br /><p>Data's final scenes with Riker, who is tortured at the fact he nearly won and with Maddox, who finally sees Data as a man are both excellent and nicely played.</p><p>This is Trek at it's best, asking big questions and almost delivering the answers. Maybe the best Data episode ever made.</p><p><strong>5/5<br />Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 347/600</strong></p>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148764209190330542noreply@blogger.com0