TV STAR TREK REVIEWS MARATHON

Star Trek: TNG 3.10 - The Defector

2009-02-21T23:49:00.004Z

Review 141 - Episode 137 (1st Jan 1990)

The One with the defecting Romulan. Or is he?

Quite entertaining, but a simple concept at it's heart.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

4/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 409/700

Alternate Review: Tim Lynch - http://www.tcs.informatik.uni-muenchen.de/~hwloidl/TL/tng3/defector.html

Troi/Crusher Appreciation Society

Star Trek: TNG 3.9 - The Vengeance factor

2009-02-09T21:00:00.007Z

Review 140 - Episode 136 (20th Nov 1989)

The One with the girl who has a killer touch

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.

And the last episode of the 80's isn't terrible, but it's very average and not especially memorable.

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.

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.

There's no getting round the fact that there are a lot of middling episodes round this time, but the good ones are coming.

2/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 405/695

Alternate Review: Tim Lynch - http://www.tcs.informatik.uni-muenchen.de/~hwloidl/TL/tng3/vengeance.html

Troi/Crusher Appreciation Society

Star Trek: TNG 3.8 - The Price

2009-01-07T22:30:00.006Z

Review 139 - Episode 135 (13th Nov 1989)

The One with the dodgy wormhole

There's a stable wormhole and everyone wants to bid on it.

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.

Not bad.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 403/690

Alternate Review: Tim Lynch - http://www.tcs.informatik.uni-muenchen.de/~hwloidl/TL/tng3/price.html

Troi/Crusher Appreciation Society

Star Trek: TNG 3.7 - The Enemy

2009-01-07T22:22:00.004Z

Review 138 - Episode 134 (6th Nov 1989)

The One where Worf finally becomes a Klingon

*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.

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.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 400/685

Alternate Review: Tim Lynch - http://www.tcs.informatik.uni-muenchen.de/~hwloidl/TL/tng3/enemy.html

Trek Eye Candy

Star Trek: TNG 3.6 - Booby Trap

2009-01-07T22:13:00.005Z

Review 137 - Episode 133 (30th Oct 1989)

The One where Geordi falls in love

I really liked this episode, with it's different threads merging into one.

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.

They then find themselves trapped in the same booby (*snicker*)(sorry) that befell the other ship and only one man can get them out...

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.

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.

4/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 397/680

Alternate Review: Tim Lynch - http://www.tcs.informatik.uni-muenchen.de/~hwloidl/TL/tng3/booby.html

Troi Cleavage Watch

Star Trek: TNG 3.5 - The Bonding

2009-01-07T22:03:00.004Z

Review 136 - Episode 132 (20th Oct 1989)

The One with the little orphan boy

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.

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.

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.

2/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 393/675
Alternate Review: Tim Lynch - http://www.tcs.informatik.uni-muenchen.de/~hwloidl/TL/tng3/bonding.html

Troi/Crusher Appreciation Society

Star Trek: TNG 3.4 - Who Watches the Watchers

2009-01-05T22:36:00.005Z

Review 135 - Episode 131 (16th Oct 1989)

The One with the peeping toms.

So, I thought, fuck it. If I'm doing this, I'm doing this right. Every episode, even if it takes 20 years.

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?

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!

Riker and Troi have fun roles beaming down to the planet in disguise, but once Riker is rumbled, Troi is simply collateral.

Worf is pretty much AWOL as is Geordi. Bev and Data have some technobabble, but no main scenes.

I must mention the lovely outdoor shooting. Makes the episode much fresher than a dusty set.

It's a nice premise, but it will be done better in later episodes and Picard is actually quite stupid this episode.

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 391/670

Alternate Review: Tim Lynch - http://www.tcs.informatik.uni-muenchen.de/~hwloidl/TL/tng3/watchers.html

Factoid: Crushers big coat makes it debut this episode... Nah, can't get enthusiastic for that fact.

Troi/Crusher Appreciation Society

Star Trek: TNG 3.3 - The Survivors

2009-01-01T00:57:00.009Z

Review 134 - Episode 130 (9th Oct 1989)

The One with the really powerful old guy

Slow burner this one, but not bad. A devastated planet is lifeless apart from one tiny house and garden. Why? Picard investigates.

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.

It's a decent episode that won't change the world, but kills an hour satisfactorily

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 388/665

Troi Cleavage Watch

Star Trek: TNG 3.2 - The Ensigns of Command

2008-12-29T21:58:00.005Z

Review 133 - Episode 129 (2nd Oct 1989)

The One with the aliens who are not hanging around.

Wow, that was longer than I thought. Apologies for the delays in posting here, real life, yada yada.

Anyway, this is quite a lowkey episode where not a lot happens. The Sheliak are an interesting race in that they barely tolerate human life and have no compunctions with wiping the colonists off the planet. Picards growing frustration with the aliens and 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.

Data has the other plot, trying to convince the colonists they have to leave. It's okay, but sometimes the whole Data as Pinocchio angle can get overdone and repetitive at times

Decent episode, but not a lot for the regulars to do.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 385/660

Troi/Crusher Appreciation Society

Star Trek: TNG 3.1 - Evolution

2008-11-13T11:45:00.008Z

Review 132 - Episode 128 (25th Sept 1989)

The One with the Nanites

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 382/655

Troi/Crusher Appreciation Society

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!

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 2 Index

2008-11-12T20:11:00.002Z

2.1- http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-21-child.html

2.2 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-22-where-silence-has.html

2.3 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-23-elementary-dear-data.html

2.4 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-24-outrageous-okona.html

2.5 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-25-loud-as-whisper.html

2.6 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-26-schizoid-man.html

2.7 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-27-unnatural-selection.html

2.8 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-28-matter-of-honor.html

2.9 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-29-measure-of-man.html

2.10 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-210-dauphin.html

2.11 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-211-contagion.html

2.12 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-212-royale.html

2.13 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-213-time-squared.html

2.14 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-214-icarus-factor.html

2.15 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-215-pen-pals.html

2.16 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-216-q-who.html

2.17 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-217-samaritan-snare.html

2.18 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-218-up-long-ladder.html

2.19 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-219-manhunt.html

2.20 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-220-emissary.html

2.21 -

http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-221-peak-performance.html

2.22 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-222-shades-of-gray.html

Star Trek: TNG 2.22 - Shades of Gray

2008-10-22T20:24:00.009+01:00

Review 131 - Episode 127 (27th July 1989)

The One thats an insult

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.

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)

Simply put, Riker injured. He go to sleep. Erotic dreams bad. Nightmares good. He wakes up.
GARBAGE!!

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.

Never watch this episode.

0/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 379/650

Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner

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.

Star Trek: TNG 2.21 - Peak Performance

2008-10-22T20:21:00.009+01:00

Review 130 - Episode 126 (10th july 1989)

The One with the war games

Arghh, I fucking hate Sirma. He's too OTT for me and almost derails this episode.

With the Borg on the horizon, starfleet gets Riker to take charge of the Hathaway and engage the Enterprise in some war games.

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.

I don't really believe the Ferengi would appear out of nowhere, be confused and boost again. But it kindof works as a twist.

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.

Good episode again, but Sirma ruins it slightly.

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 379/655

Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner

Star Trek: TNG 2.20 - The Emissary

2008-10-22T20:18:00.006+01:00

Review 129 - Episode 125 (29th June 1989)

The One with Worfs Bird

Worf gets laid! Yep, it happened here (and he obviously doesn't perform safe sex either as we'll see in future episodes)

Quite drunk writing these final 3 season 2 episode reviews, so apologies if they are brief and rather pointless.

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.

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.

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.

Good episode.

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 376/650

Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner

Star Trek: TNG 2.19 - Manhunt

2008-10-22T20:13:00.006+01:00

Review 128 - Episode 124 (19th June 1989)

The One where Lwaxana's back

Yes, it's that yearly episode where Deannas mother Lwaxana comes to visit.

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.

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.

Better than you'd think. But no more for a while, eh?

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 373/645

Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner

Star Trek: TNG 2.18 - Up the Long Ladder

2008-10-22T20:11:00.008+01:00

Review 127 - Episode 123 (May 22nd 1989)

The One with the Oirish.

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?

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.

1/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 370/640

Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner

Star Trek: TNG 2.17 - Samaritan Snare

2008-10-22T20:08:00.008+01:00

Review 126 - Episode 122 (May 15th 1989)

The One where Picard and Wes bond

After the Borg, this is a bit of a let down.

Picard and Wes bond on a shuttle craft trip and Geordi is help hostage by aliens who trap good Samaritans.

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.

Geordi being trapped is rather boring to watch and the solution is a bit weird. Seemed like space filler to me.

Quite dull episode this.

2/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 369/635

Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner

Star Trek: TNG 2.16 - Q Who?

2008-10-22T20:04:00.011+01:00

Review 125 - Episode 121 (May 8th 1989)

The One with the Borg!!!!

Yeah baby! Probably the best episode of the first 2 seasons, the Borg are here!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

5/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 367/63

Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner

Star Trek: TNG 2.15 - Pen Pals

2008-10-22T20:02:00.006+01:00

Review 124 - Episode 120 (May 1st 1989)

The One where Data makes a friend

Prime directive abuse alert!

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.

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.

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.

2/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 362/625

Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner

Star Trek: TNG 2.14 - The Icarus Factor

2008-10-20T22:09:00.005+01:00

Review 123 - Episode 119 (Apr 3rd 1989)

The One with Rikers Dad

I feel this could have been a lot better given the subject material, but it's merely okay.

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.

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.

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.

The Worf subplot is enjoyable enough and O'brien really is part of the main crew now.

Watchable, but could have been so much more.

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 360/620

Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner

Star Trek: TNG 2.13 - Time Squared

2008-10-20T22:06:00.006+01:00

Review 123 - Episode 119 (Apr 3rd 1989)

The One with two Picards

A case of great special effects saving a gobbledygook story that barely makes sense.

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?

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.

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!

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.

Looks pretty, but don't think about it too much.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 357/620

Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner

Star Trek: TNG 2.12 - The Royale

2008-10-20T22:04:00.005+01:00

Review 122 - Episode 118 (Mar 27th 1989)

The One with the Casino in space

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.

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.

A bad idea that no execution could save, but strangely enjoyable.

2/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 354/615

Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner

Star Trek: TNG 2.11 - Contagion

2008-10-20T22:02:00.005+01:00

Review 121 - Episode 117 (Mar 20th 1989)

The One where the Yamato goes boom

Enjoyable, if only for the novelty value. The Enterprises Sister ship blows up and unfortunately deposits the computer virus on Picards ship.

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!

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.

Decent episode

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 352/610

Beverly Crusher/Deanna Troi Appreciation Corner

Star Trek: TNG 2.10 - The Dauphin

2008-10-20T21:58:00.005+01:00

Review 120 - Episode 116 (Feb 20th 1989)

The One where Wes falls in love

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.
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.

Not bad, but unless you're a huge Wesley fan, skip it.

2/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 349/605

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)

Star Trek: TNG 2.9 - The Measure of a Man

2008-10-20T21:54:00.004+01:00

Review 119 - Episode 115 (Feb 13th 1989)

The One with the Court room drama

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is Trek at it's best, asking big questions and almost delivering the answers. Maybe the best Data episode ever made.

5/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 347/600

Star Trek: TNG 2.8 - A Matter of Honor

2008-10-20T21:51:00.004+01:00

Review 118 - Episode 114 (Feb 6th 1989)

The One where Riker joins a Klingon Ship

This is why I'm doing this. I had extremely vague memories of this episode and thought it would be standard clash of cultures and Riker would be finally accepted as "one of the guys" And in a way, that IS what happens. But apart from a plot flaw which I'll discuss later, I though this was excellent, one of the best I've seen so far.

Riker is taking part in an exchange programme with a Klingon ship, serving as it's first officer (though no Klingon comes the other way now I think about it). He discovers the programme when Picard tells him while they're playing a cute Tron type shooting game in the Holodeck, which visually is a nice change. His preparation is hilarious as he tries different Klingon foods. Jonathon Frakes really excels in this episode, showing he can carry an episode and also has a nice line in humour.

When he gets onboard, his scenes interacting with the crew are fascinating. My favourite is in the dining room when he is challenged to sleep with a Klingon female, who may be too tough for him. "One or two?" replies Riker (actually, I'm paraphrasing here, but you get the gist - Kirk would be proud)

Unfortunately,we come to the extremely obvious plot device where the writers have said to themselves, "we've got Riker on board a Klingon ship, how cool would it be if it attacked the Enterprise?" Why would it attack the Enterprise? Well, it's got a strange metal eating bacteria on its hull, that the Captain thinks the Enterprise planted it, so he goes off to destroy it. Riker says that makes no sense, the Klingon 3d in command says it makes no sense, we say it makes no sense, but the Captain plows ahead. It's a very weak premise and makes the Klingon captain look stupid, foolish, incompetent and his crew weak for not having dispatched him earlier. If there had been a bit of back story of the crew grumbling about his bizarre decisions, then I could maybe buy it. But it doesn't really work.

Rikers solution is clever though and he gets a grudging respect from some of the crew.

The B-plot has a lovely bit of continuity as Wes meets Mendon, a similar alien to Mordock. His over eagerness and blunt assessments of the ship are cringy to watch (in a good way) and Worfs reactions to him are priceless. It's also a nice touch as being a newbie on the Enterprise is just as hard as on a Klingon ship (almost).

This is a really good episode that really make the most of it's idea. I'm not wild about the Klingon captains moronic behaviour, but I can forgive it that, And Frakes really shines here. Good episode

5/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 342/595

Star Trek: TNG 2.7 - Unnatural Selection

2008-10-20T21:48:00.003+01:00

Review 117 - Episode 113 (Jan 30th 1989)

The One where the Pulaski gets really old

Ah, Pulaski. Pulaski, Pulaski , Pulaski. I really don't like this character. I should add that I have no problems with the actress who did a fine job in TOS (twice), but the writers have really messed up with her. I hate to keep harking on about this, but her whole "Data isn't human" obsession does my fucking box in. She cannot move beyond the fact he's an android and keeps having digs about his lack of emotions on the shuttle craft. She's a total bee-atch towards Data. This thread should have been dropped episodes ago. It's not character development, it's just a personality trait to show she's kindof like McCoy and Spock. But it doesn't work, because it's not his personality, it's his being she finds distasteful. It makes her look prejudiced and small minded. Add in the grumpiness towards Picard and her fear of transporters and we get a watered down, poorly written, crap female version of Bones. Rubbish. Bev got booted for this?

Anyway, she contracts an ageing disease (hello, haven't we been here before in TOS?) and Picard has to save her. One good thing about this episode is that Chief O'Brien get's his first real scene beyond pressing buttons. Colm Meaney is a immense actor and it's great he was given room to shine (and he's been in it from the start).

It's a rehashed TOS story about a character I have no time for. Only the B plot on board the Enterprise and scenes with the Lantree (especially the rather poignant moments when it blows up) save it for me.

2/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 334/590

Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner

Star Trek: TNG 2.6 - The Schizoid Man

2008-10-20T21:45:00.003+01:00

Review 116 - Episode 112 (Jan 23rd 1989)

The One where Data goes evil

Brent Spiner episode this one, as his mind is slowly taken over by Ira Graves, his "Grandfather"

I'm not sure I like Data episodes where he malfunctions or is possessed. It reminds me of when Spock used to start showing emotions when he was infected with a virus or something. The novelty and shock value decreases every time and as you know it's going to default anyway to his normal state, it just seems pointless. Of course, Spiner is such a good actor that he makes it watchable and believable, but the storyline is simply a non starter for me.

I suppose back when it was first broadcast, it was a novelty, but with all my memories of Data going weird episodes, they're a bit tiresome.

Also of note this episode is Dr Selar, the hot Vulcan doctor. This is her only appearance in TNG, but she's constantly name checked and would pop up in various other media. She's really cool and a Vulcan doctor is an interesting concept as they're all normally passionate or grumpy. Much better than Pulaski anyway.

f you're a big Data fan, it's worth a watch, but I was struggling with this.

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 332/585

Dr Selar Appreciation Corner (we'll give Bev a rest this episode):

Star Trek: TNG 2.5 - Loud as a Whisper

2008-10-20T21:39:00.004+01:00

Review 115 - Episode 111 (Jan 9th 1989)

The One with the Deaf Ginger Guy

(editors note: I've saved a bunch of drafts, but being a bit of a technophobe, don't know how to schedule them. So the remaining reviews of Season 2 won't reflect the day they're written. Nightmare, but there you go)

Bit preachy this one. Riva is a star mediator who happens to be deaf and speaks through a chorus of 3 interpreters. They get zapped and he has to find new ways of communicating his ideas.

The whole episode is based around the concept that deaf people are capable, able and passionate people, but it's rather unsubtle in it's execution and seems to be an agenda shoehorned into a Next Gen episode. All very worthy, but is makes for a rather dull episode.

The acting of the regulars is quite good , especially Troi and Picard, but it can't disguise the fact this is boring.

2/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 329/580

Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner

Star Trek: TNG 2.4 - The Outrageous Okona

2008-10-19T20:44:00.005+01:00

Review 114 - Episode 110 (Dec 12th 1988)

The One with the greasy Han Solo wannabe

Not good this and only a semi interesting B plot and decent acting from the regulars saves the day. Okona is a fly by night rogue, who charms the pants of women and is a bit of a Lad. He manages to pull Teri Hatcher and 2 other women and he's only been on the ship 20 minutes. The problem is, he's not charming, funny or especially likable, but the whole cast react to him as if he's the best thing since sliced bread. The Romeo & Juliet plot twist at least shakes up the plot slightly, but it's poor fare.

Data and Guinan isn't much better, but there's a novelty in seeing Data's continuing search for humanity. He is trying to make people laugh this week and generates a comic (from the 20th Century, natch). I was getting ready to cringe at the these scenes but they're decent and rather amusing at times. The only thing I would say is that Deanna should really be involved in these moments and I suspect Guinan is going to steal a lot of lines from her. Oh yeah, Pulaski's missing. Good.

Watchable fare, but I wouldn't visit this again.

2/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 327/575

Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner

Star Trek: TNG 2.3 - Elementary, Dear Data

2008-10-19T20:36:00.004+01:00

Review 113 - Episode 109 (Dec 5th 1988)

The One where the Holodeck malfunctions (no.2)

Actually, that's not fair. It's not so much that the Holodeck misfires as that it takes Geordis command to the ultimate end which in turn endangers the ship and crew.

Data and Geordi decide to play as Sherlock Holmes on the Holo deck, but when they realise that Data knows every Holmes story ever, they decide to get the computer to crate an adversary for Data, Moriarty, who becomes more than a holodeck creation.

Couple of things. Geordi is really surly in this episode, storming out the Holodeck without explaining why he's so miffed. Data also rushes off without saying anything. These are dramatic exits, but I don't think they are really in character. Also, Pulaski is so fucking annoying with her whole "Data isn't human" obsession. I mean, if she was indifferent to him, fair enough, but she follows hims and eavesdrop on his conversations. She's a stalker really. Sooner she leaves the better.

The whole concept of Moriarty becoming a real person is interesting and opens up a whole can of worms which is never really explored as the idea that every creation of the Holodeck could ultimately be sentient eventually and you have a situation where they are creating life instead of amusement. Moriarty would come back in a few seasons in a cracker, but here he simply allows Picard to win.

I've never really been a big fan of Holodeck episodes. It seems to be whichever genre that writer is interested in can get crowbarred into the series by setting it in the Holodeck. And the Holodeck is still incredibly unsafe. I can't believe people really use it and the fatality rate must be through the roof all over starfleet. But I like Data and Geordi's friendship blossoming and the change of scene is good for the show and actors.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 325/570

Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner

Star Trek: TNG 2.2 - Where Silence Has Lease

2008-10-17T20:09:00.004+01:00

Review 112 - Episode 108 (Nov 28th 1988)

The One with the black cloud in Space

Very similar to a TOS episode whose name escapes me, this has the crew enter a hole in space where they are put into stressful fear situations and ultimately told that half of them will die by a creature known as Nagilum.

Lets get the bad bit's out the way. Pulaski's constant referral to Data as a limited android is beyond boring and annoying and this is only her 2nd episode. We get it, she's old school and has strange prejudices towards certain technology (like McCoy and transporters), but she's coming across as stupid here. I remember now why I dislike her so. There's also not much happening in this episode, with the Romulan ship appearing, then the Yamato, which I've always liked as a cool concept of a sister ship (before Galaxy class ships were 10 a penny). Riker and Worf investigating it was interesting, though Worf is really all over the shop, from the opening savage Klingon to total confusion and panic over the 2 bridges. I liked the scene at the start which was a nice set up that had nothing to do with the episode and was good looking

Picard sitting in his quarters as he waits for the ship to explode is cool looking, but nothing really comes of the whole self destruct sequence and the creatures reasons for letting them go are vague and confusing.

It's watchable, but feels too much like filler at times.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 322/565

Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner

Star Trek: TNG 2.1 - The Child

2008-10-17T19:15:00.003+01:00

Review 111 - Episode 107 (Nov 21st 1988)

The One with the Star Child

So, Season 2 and there have been some big changes, which are more interesting than this episode.

The first big change is that Dr Crusher has left and Dr Pulaski is now on board. Apparently, the writers wanted to shake things up and decided to bring in a Dr McCoy type character who would be more grumpy and not so familial with the crew. This was a mistake. Beverly's character was weak at times and her relationship seemed to be solely as a mother and potential attraction with Picard. But dammit, she created a different dynamic on the ship and I would want to be treated by her before any of the other Docs. And frankly, she was a MILF and this new Doctor is not. The fact we know that Pulaski lasts one season and Crusher is back for Season 3 means it's probably going to be hard to invest in her as a character, but she didn't really annoy me this episode, it's just that Bev had to go for her to come on board. And why is nobody bothered by Beverly's leaving? Surely Picard would have mixed feelings about it?

Anyhoo, Guinan makes her first appearance as does Ten Forward. This set is excellent, the lighting especially and it's a mystery why every starship doesn't have something similar in later series. Guinan's relationship is very mysterious and she comes across okay as a sage but we never really find out WHY she's so important to Picard. Surely these dialogues could have been assigned to Bev or Troi? In many ways, Guinan devalues their characters slightly as Picard seeks her opinion over there's. But that's for the future (and my memory is hazy) Her scene with Wesley is nice (though his acting is suspect at times here - he's not quite unannoying yet) and at least raises the issue of Beverly.

Worf now has head security officer rank and gets the yellow uniform as does Geordi who is now Chief engineer. It was a sensible move for the writers and gives his character more to do, but I think they always struggled with him at times beyond being a nice guy. Riker is sporting his beard and the uniforms may have been tweaked slightly (this could be my imagination) but Troi is now wearing her purple jump suit and her hair is less severely styled. Sadly, TCW is on hold as her betazoid assets have been put away, but don't worry Troi fans, they pop up again in the next costume change (where the writers appear to decide that if Troi is going to get dodgy storylines for the next few years, she may as well have a bit of sex appeal to pull in the punters, IMO)

The story is a never-used TOS script and it shows its age. Troi is impregnated by a light and gives birth at exceptionally quick rate. The annoying wee bastard gives of a radiation that threatens a deadly component the Ship is transporting (which is quite interesting but really doesn't join well with the A story). He tops himself and turns into a light and leaves. Nobody really comes across as believable in this episode and the reactions to the child are bizarre, plus all the characters seem to have reversed into early season 1 mode with Picard being cold and aloof. Pretty dire and I fell asleep for 5 minutes watching it, so tells it's own tale.

2/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 319/560

Troi Cleavage Watch is on hold for the rest of the season, so for Season 2 It's going to be Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner (or BCAC) from now on. It was such a bone headed move to ship her out, so there's going to be picture down here every episode. Why? To remind you how good she is dumbass!

Star Trek: The Original Series Season 2 Index

2008-10-15T23:05:00.013+01:00

2.1 catspaw.html

2.2 metamorphosis.html

2.3 fridays-child.html

2.4 who-mourns-for-adonais.html

2.5 amok-time.html

2.6 doomsday-machine.html

2.7 wolf-in-fold.html

2.8 changeling.html

2.9 The apple.html

2.10 mirror-mirror.html

2.11 The deadly-years.html

2.12 i-mudd.html

2.13 The trouble-with-tribbles.html

2.14 bread-and-circuses.html

2.15 journey-to-babel.html

2.16 private-little-war.html

2.17 gamesters-of.html

2.18 obsession.html

2.19 immunity-syndrome.html

2.20 piece-of-action.html

2.21 by-any-other-name.html

2.22 return-to-tomorrow.html

2.23 patterns-of-force.html

2.24 ultimate-computer.html

2.25 The omega-glory.html

2.26 assignment-earth.html

Star Trek: The Original Series Season 3 Index

2008-10-15T23:05:00.012+01:00

NOTE: Some of these reviews are quite sparse and will be rewritten at a later date

3.1 spectre-of-gun.html

3.2 elaan-of-troyius.html

3.3 paradise-syndrome.html

3.4 enterprise-incident.html

3.5 and-children-shall lead.html

3.6 spocks-brain.html

3.7 is-there-in-truth-no beauty.html

3.8 the empath.html

3.9 The tholian-web.html

3.10 for-the world-is-hollow.html

3.11 day-of-dove.html

3.12 platos-stepchildren.html

3.13 wink-of-eye.html

3.14 that-which-survives.html

3.15 let-that-be-your-last battlefield.html

3.16 whom-gods-destroy.html

3.17 mark-of-gideon.html

3.18 lights-of-zetar.html

3.19 cloud-minders.html

3.20 way-to-eden.html

3.21 requiem-for methuselah.html

3.22 savage-curtain.html

3.23 all-our-yesterdays.html

3.24 turnabout-intruder.html

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 1 Index

2008-10-15T23:05:00.011+01:00

1.1 & 1.2 -encounter-at farpoint.html

1.3 the naked-now.html

1.4 code-of-honor.html

1.5 the last-outpost.html

1.6 where-no-one-has-gone before.html

1.7 lonely-among-us.html

1.12 big-goodbye.html

1.13 -datalore.html

1.14 angel-one.html

1.15 11001001.html

1.16 too-short-a season.html

1.17 when-the bough-breaks.html

1.18 home-soil.html

1.19 coming-of-age.html

1.20 heart-of-glory.html

1.21 arsenal-of-freedom.html

1.22 symbiosis.html

1.23 skin-of-evil.html

1.24 well-always-have paris.html

1.25 conspiracy.html

1.26 the neutral-zone.html

Star Trek: The Original Series Season 1 Index

2008-10-15T23:03:00.003+01:00

1.1 - The Cage
1.2 - Where no man has gone before
1.3 - The corbomite maneuver
1.4 - Mudds Women
1.5 - The enemy within
1.6 - The Man Trap
1.7 - The Naked Time
1.8 - Charlie X
1.9 - Balance of Terror
1.10 - what-are-little-girls made of
1.11 - Dagger of the Mind
1.12 - Miri
1.13 - conscience-of-the king
1.14 - galileo-seven.html
1.15 - court-martial.html
1.16 - The menagerie-parts-i-and ii.html
1.17 - shore-leave.html
1.18 - squire-of-gothos.html
1.19 - arena.html
1.20 - The alternative-factor.html
1.21 - tomorrow-is-yesterday.html
1.22 - The return-of-archons.html
1.23 - taste-of-armageddon.html
1.24 - space-seed.html
1.25 - this-side-of-paradise.html
1.26 - devil-in-dark.html
1.27 - errand-of-mercy.html
1.28 - city-on-edge-of forever.html
1.29 - operation-annihilate.html

Star Trek: TNG 1.26 - The Neutral Zone

2008-10-13T23:37:00.008+01:00

Review 110 - Episode 106 (May 16th 1988)

The One with the Romulans

So, final episode of Season 1 on TNG. It improved greatly from those dodgy early episodes, but it's still very rough in places. Acting, nostalgia and good will saw me through this season. This isn't a bad episode, if slightly underpar as a finale. The Romulans are back. But...they don't do anything. Then leave.

There's no getting away that nothing happens here and the Romulans are never a big part of Trek continuity, despite being a big name. The nod's to The Borg are nice touches but there's been so much foreshadowing I'm sure no one expected a follow up.

The B plot of 3 revived cryogenic patients seems forced upon the story but actually kind of melds as there confusion mirrors Picards. The Texan is especially funny and I liked his Texan Twang when he entered the room.

It's watchable, but average and surely Conspiracy would have made a better finale? Whatever, onwards Sesaon 2!

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 317/555

Troi Cleavage Watch:

Star Trek: TNG 1.25 - Conspiracy

2008-10-13T23:12:00.004+01:00

Review 109 - Episode 105 (May 9th 1988)

The One with the exploding head

The most violent episode of Star Trek ever? Bet that got your attention. The fact that I had only seen a cut version of this and only seen the uncensored version last night tells it's own tale.

There is a conspiracy in the Federation and it turns out to be bodysnatching beasties. This is one of the few out and out horror/x-files episodes that Star trek did and it benefits greatly from the change of pace and style. Also, using continuity and referring to "Coming of Age" is excellent and it's a bit of a mystery why this isn't the Season finale.

Picard meeting his old chums is tense as is the scene where he meets the heads of star fleet. Now, I find it hard to believe that the Federation is governed by a few old codgers and budgetary restraints take it's toll this episode. But the final scenes with Remmick are very creepy and the final OTT scene with heads exploding and a weird Alien creature poking out his body made me laugh. Bit of a cop out that once you kill the queen, all others die within their hosts, but I'll let it pass.

Good to see Crusher be a bit more aggressive (though Worf comes across as an idiot) and the final scene of the signal being sent into space is suitably spooky. Good stuff.

4/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 314/550

Star Trek: TNG 1.24 - We'll Always Have Paris

2008-10-13T22:48:00.007+01:00

Review 108 - Episode 104 (May 2nd 1988)

The One with Picards old flame

I really liked the first third of this episode. Picard fencing, the unusual camera angles and the mystery of the time hiccup and Picards unease. His initial scene in the holodeck was excellent, very revealing. As this is TNG, there's no carry over from Skin of Evil, but Worf seems to have more lines than usual.

After that, it kind of fades. Picards ex bird isn't brilliant as a character, likable enough, but they really seem a missmatch. Having said that, her new husband, Dr Manheim, seems even more unlikely and their relationship rings false.

Data and Riker get the lions share of the action and Data fixing the time paradox is good. Of course, none of it really makes sense, but it's portrayed excitingly. There's a cute scene with Troi and Crusher, now the only two females in the main cast that is nice and kindof makes sense as Tasha's gone and they would bond. Maybe.

It's really a nonsense episode, but Picard is good and the early scenes almost sell it as a 4 rating. Only Picards ex really drags it down.

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 310/545

Star Trek: TNG 1.23 - Skin of Evil

2008-10-12T23:04:00.003+01:00

Review 107 - Episode 103 (Apr 25th 1988)

The One Where Someone Dies

I don't know why I'm being coy about it, as surely everyone knows by now, but this is Tasha Yars swansong. The actual episode is average and rather simplistic, but has it's moments. Anyway, THAT death sequence.

I don't honestly remember if I knew she was getting killed off or not when I first watched it, but the suddenness and unheroic nature of the death is breath taking. Whether this was the writers deciding to make it low key or simply being bold and having her meet the same fate as red shirt, the result is dramatic. I've said for most of this season that Tasha cancels out Worf, and her leaving frees up more lines for the other actors, but Worf benefited the most from this. We can speculate on what would have happened if she stayed, and I think she has always regretted leaving so early, especially as 2 years later it would take off and become a phenomenon. She's very lucky then that she manged to make a comeback in one of the best episodes ever and get a character back in the series. Her funeral service is a bit over the top and you can tell the writers are struggling to give her things to say for ALL the bridge crew. How would she know they were there anyway? And when did she record it? Did she update it every week? The show benefited from her departure and it's not every day one of the main crew are killed off.

The monster Armus is at times incredibly powerful (affecting a shuttle craft and keeping a force field up) but he can affect the Enterprise or stop Picard leaving. He's quite effective and it's creepy to think there's this black ooze on a planet waiting to kill anything that lands on it. It's reminiscent of a Stephen King story actually.

Not a bad episode, but the death of Tasha overshadows everything else in it.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 307/540

Star Trek: TNG 1.22 - Symbiosis

2008-10-11T00:46:00.007+01:00

Review 106 - Episode 102 (Apr 18th 1988)

The One with the heroin-is-bad message

I usually hate episodes like this. Heavy handed sermons by people who have never experienced drugs or addiction. But curiously, this episode got better and better, until the final act revealed an excellent end game

One planet produces a Heroin substitute. The other planet needs it. Picards hands are tied due to the prime directive. What does he do? Some of the lesser cast get some good roles here. Tasha, in her final filmed role, has a good chemistry with Riker that will never be explored. She is genuinely good this episode and for the first time, i'm kinda sad she's about to die. Her scene with Wes is pretty cringey, but hardly her fault (or Wes for that matter)

The rest of the episode is Beverly trying to convince Picard that he should intervene. This is quite annoying as Bev should know the Prime Directive and when Picard gives his speech, it's really to the audience (and bizarrely reminiscent of the Iraq war). But their scenes are good.

Added cute bonus value is guest appearances from Merritt Butrick and Judson Scott from Star Trek 2. Good roles too play as well.

Heavy sledge hammer approach, but once it was acknowledged as a narcotic after act 2, improved greatly and Picards solution is clever, realistic and hopeful.

4/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 304/535

Troi Cleavage Watch:

Barely in this episode and her sole scene was to say the ship was "tense". Pretty bad:

Star Trek: TNG 1.21 - The Arsenal of Freedom

2008-10-09T22:33:00.004+01:00

Review 105 - Episode 101 (Apr 11th 1988)

The One where Geordi takes command

3 very distinct storylines here, 1 is successful, 1 is filler and the other is curtailed. Lets look at the average one first.

After Riker, Yar and Data beam down to a planet looking for survivors (and then Picard and Beverly beam down rather unbelievably - no, just because Troi questions it doesn't mean it's okay. Rather it flags up how wrong and strange it is and it is obviously a plot device to get them on the planet) they are attacked by a weapon that can evolve and anticipate their reactions. This is a neat idea and would be used again in the Borg (especially their shields), plus I like the fact they only have 12 minutes between attacks. However, this is never played up and the weapons themselves look odd rather than menacing, but their eyes are quite cool looking. There's a lot of phaser firing and ducking behind rocks and it's okay but rather ho-hum.

This of course leaves Geordi on the Enterprise and in charge, when the ship starts being attacked and he's forced to make big decisions and also fend of chief engineer Logans designs on the captains chair. These are the scenes that make the episode and it's great to see Geordi take charge, be seemingly weak and come back fighting. We also see the Saucer separation, but man does that star drive look ugly with out the saucer. This would have been an interesting development for Geordi if the writers wanted to go that route, but his Chief engineer role side tracked it (though he is a captain in Voyagers "Timeless" I think).

The 3rd strand is Beverly and Picard trapped down a hole with Bev injured and Picard looking after her and the pair of them getting close. It's ultimately a frustrating scene as it's perfectly set up for Beverly to say her feelings, but behind the scenes writing nixed the idea and makes it rather dull and pointless. The fact they seem to have fallen into the control room for the machine that wiped out an entire planet is stretching it a bit, and the final solution could be seen a mile away (it also raises the question how they ever hoped to sell anything if they kept killing their buyers)

It's never really mentioned but the Drake has been destroyed and there's a spooky cool scene of Captain Rice, Rikers old pal who looks alien and ghost like when he's talking. It's an unsettling scene and is quite effective of this THING being Rikers old pal.

The plant based story strands bring this down, but the Geordi scenes are very good.

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 299/530

Troi Cleavage Watch:

Troi probably had the least to do this episode out all the regulars, but her discussion with Geordi was quite good. You just wish she would cheer her face up at times. Tastefully filmed this episode, even when there were chances for the Film crew. I thought we might get to the end of the episode with out the Leering shot. However, they caved in half way through. Better luck next time:

Star Trek: TNG 1.20 - Heart of Glory

2008-09-27T23:50:00.003+01:00

Review 104 - Episode 100 (Mar 21st 1988)

The One with the angry Klingon's

I make this the 100th hour of Trek produced, but since no other sites talk about it, I'll keep my head down as I could very well have my sums wrong.

This is the first Worf episode and expands on the Klingon culture already seen in the Movies. It's a very watchable episode and finally gives Worf a chance to shine and not just be dead pan one liner guy. There would be MANY episodes after this dealing with Klingon rituals and Worf's place in their society, but this plants the seeds. It quite a simple premise. 3 Klingons don't agree with the peace process and want to rip it up and be pirates again. They try to enlist Worf's help.

Worfs interactions with the Klingon's is fascinating to watch as is the crews reactions, more akin to Kirks day than present day. Also of interest was Geordi's Visor on the view screen. Now, this was a bit of a let down and the visuals don't live up to it, looking like a poorly tuned in TV. But Picards reaction to it is brilliant and makes the scene worthwhile, even if Geordi is simply explaining how it works. Of course, It's never seen again. But nice idea.

Anyway, nice Worf episode and really establishes him as a decent character.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 296/525

Star Trek: TNG 1.19 - Coming of Age

2008-09-27T23:39:00.003+01:00

Review 103 - Episode 99 (Mar 14th 1988)

The One where Wesley fails (Yay!)

Wow. Watched this over a week ago, so struggling on the details. Good episode, 2 very separate strands.

Wesley sits the starfleet exam which is a torturous affair with various tests and surprises. It's way OTT and I think is toned down in later series or never referred to. It's interesting and Wesley comes across well, especially with his talk with Picard about failing.

The other plot is Picard being investigated and sets up the first real bit of continuity as this leads into the almost Season finale. There lots of nice moments of references to past episodes and Remmick is excellent, especially his one on one interviews.

The shuttlecraft scene is good and overall this is a very watchable episode that lays the foundation for future story's and more importantly, show's Trek can do story arcs.

4/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 293/520

Star Trek: TNG 1.18 - Home Soil

2008-09-16T22:51:00.004+01:00

Review 102 - Episode 98 (Feb 22nd 1988)

The One with the microbrain

Good trekkian values episode this. Terraformers are attempting to change a planet, but there may be an unknown lifeform there already.

The mystery of the faulty laser is well done, but Kurt Mandl must be the hammiest actor I have seen on TV. He's so OTT and stage actorly that his scenes become pure unintentional comedy. Which is a shame as he's the one hiding the secret of the lifeforms who start to attack the ship.

I don't really have a lot to say about this episode, but it preaches the message of tolerating others and respecting all life and does it in an enjoyable enough way.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 289/515

Troi Clevage Watch:

Star Trek: TNG 1.17 - When the Bough Breaks

2008-09-15T23:44:00.004+01:00

Review 101 - Episode 97 (Feb 15th 1988)

The One where the kids are kidnapped

Creeeeepy episode this. No matter when it was shown, seeing children led away by old guys is squirmy and weird, despite their Best intentions. And really, that totally torpedoes this episode. Because beyond that, there is quite a good dilemma of how does Picard get them back.

Picard is good in the negotiation (though the end scene was a bit much with the wee girl), Wesley's acting is VERY suspect (especially after he's just been scanned!), Beverly seems remarkably calm all things considering, and the rest just make up the numbers.

I liked the solutions available, Data trying to work out the codes and Geordi working out the shield and the whole concept of acknowledging there are familys onboard. Young harry who benefited from the time on the planet was a nice touch as some kids did learn and the final scenes with the power source are excellent sets and visuals - almost throwaway at the end as they could have done for a BIG threat they are so impressive.

But, kids being kidnapped is icky these days and I didn't like it because of that.

2/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 286/510

Star Trek: TNG 1.16 - Too Short a Season

2008-09-15T23:29:00.004+01:00

Review 100 - Episode 96 (Feb 8th 1988)

The One where the old boy gets younger.

I've just watched 3 episodes on the bounce and it's late and I've had a few wines, so this will be brief and to the point. 100 reviews eh? (technically as I write this there's still 16 odd TOS reviews to do, but in the future they'll be complete) Well done me!

However this is shite, the worst TNG I've seen so far. You know why? 2 reasons. No.1 - The whole episode is based on Admiral Jameson and his story of redemption. The main crew barely interact with him bar Picard. This falls into the school boy error episode of having everyone react around him instead of having the crew react to him. Reason no 2 - the actor is way over the top with his old age routine. What's with all the gurning and licking the lips? Even without the heavy makeup, it's still dire. Whats funny is as he gets younger (you're not getting a plot description this episode btw) his mullet gets bigger and his sweaty final scene is OTT.

The final 10 minutes of Karnas not believing the young man is Jameson goes on far too long- we know it's him, the Enterprise crew know it's fucking him, move on.

There's an interesting idea of breaking the prime directive and this almost being a borderline James T kirk having to face the seeds he's sown, but it's never developed and overall this episode is crap.

1/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 284/505

Troi Cleavage watch:

I've included an interesting shot where I think the computer screen is deliberately placed so we listen to what Troi's saying. See if you can spot it:

Star Trek: TNG 1.15 - 11001001

2008-09-14T23:17:00.003+01:00

Review 99 - Episode 95 (Feb 1st 1988)

The One where the Enterprise is nicked

Wahey! The first TNG episode I can recommend. In a nutshell, the Enterprise is stolen by a race called the Bynar - unfortunately, Picard and Riker are still onboard.

So, the opening 20 minutes are brilliant. The Enterprise docking with the space station is amazing effects and nice use of the effects from Star Trek 3. There's a real feel of size and grandeur when it comes in. I liked Riker wandering the ship, seeing Tasha and Worf (his oneliners are dynamite), Beverly rushing of the ship, Data and Geordi (who even this early on you think of as best friends) painting and Wesley acting normal and likeable. Rikers scenes with Picard are excellent and there's real chemistry between them, an honest respectful friendship. Troi is AWOL this episode, probably because Rikers love interest might conflict.

The holodeck scenes let this episode down slightly. They're still good and the Jazz club is an interesting location, but Minuet simply isn't as enthralling as the script and Rikers reaction suggest she should be. Picard and Riker practically fawn over her and I was left wondering how this 80's chick had become a sex goddess in their eyes.

The evacuation scene is well done and Riker and Picard retaking the ship is good. The basic plot, of the Bynar's storing all their info on the ships computer and transferring it to their home planet is a bit weak and doesn't quite add up when you think about it - surely there has to be easier ways to move the info than steal the Federations flag ship and their end game of keeping Riker and Picard on the ship was daft.

But overall this is very watchable, everybody seems real for the first time, and it's reminiscent of the movies, which is good.

4/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 283/500

Star Trek: TNG 1.14 - Angel One

2008-09-13T01:49:00.008+01:00

Review 98 - Episode 94 (Jan 25 1988)

The One where men and woman's roles are reversed

Mens nipples and hairy chests. When will TNG learn that watching men in tight PJ's and half naked will always ruin an episode, no matter how worthy the subject matter is. The A plot is about a planet where women rule and men are subservient. In comes Riker to show them what a real man is and seduce the leader in true Kirk fashion. It's a lot of nonsense, the role reversal idea taken to extremes and the outfits (while not as bad as Justice) mean you can't take it seriously. The Prime directive is raised again here and again they simply throw it out the window, though they're saved when a better solution presents itself.

The B plot has a virus onboard the Enterprise and mention of Romulans. Everyone is calling in sick and Geordi has to take the Captains chair in a nice scene (and nice dialogue between him and Worf). Bev and Picard have a nice scene as wel as she cares for him. Riker also comes good here, with his closing speech being worthy of Picard and this is the Riker we know and love. Troi and Tashsa have decent scenes and come across realistic when they laugh at Riker n his outfit.

Troi Cleveage Watch is back again. Too many to mention, but here's a bone for Troi fans:

So, pretty bad episode, but the B story and the themes just about scrape it through.

2/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 279/495

Star Trek: TNG 1.13 - Datalore

2008-09-12T20:16:00.004+01:00

Review 97 - Episode 93 (Jan 18 1988)

The One with Data's Evil brother

Yet another TNG staple in Lore, Data's twin brother.

This is the Brent Spiner show as he successfully acts Lore as a completely different charcter. Finding out backstory on Data is also fascinating as is the concept of him having a double. The trouble is that this concept alone wasn't enough for the writers, so they introduced this Crystalline entity that sucks life out of everything. Lore is helping it and for some reason the entity talks to him. It's unnecessary, though it does look like quite cool.

Wesley once again saves the day by noticing Data is a bit odd (because Lore has knocked him out by this point), but the bridge crew are so aggressive towards him that it comes across as strange (and makes them look foolish as he is acting weird)

The final scenes of Data, Wes and Bev fighting Lore without anyone helping them is stupid as is the entity suddenly rocketing off when Lore is transported out into space (while the shields are up no less).

It's a shame, as there is an interesting idea here about Data's past and identity and some good scenes with Picard in particular. But the 2nd half is weak and Wesley saving the day again is beyond tiresome already.

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 277/490

Star Trek: TNG 1.12 - The Big Goodbye

2008-09-12T20:07:00.007+01:00

Review 96 - Episode 92 (Jan 11 1988)

The One with the Holodeck malfunction (no.1)

This is the problem of watching 4 episodes on the bounce. They all meld into each other and I struggle to separate the threads. Anyway, this is the first Holodeck episode and it's easy to forget what a cool idea it is. We see it so many times, that the novelty wears off, but here, it's fresh and new and Picards reaction to it and his performance in the ready room are excellent at conveying it.

Hi scenes with Beverley in the holodeck are also some of her best and it amazes me they poured ice on there relationship years later. Rather than give Picard a random love interest every film, they should have built on this.

There's a malfunction (of course, but who would know it would become a Trek cliche after this) and unfortunately Wes is sent to try and fix it while Geordi watches on impotently. Data is a bit too much for me in this episode with his comedy accents. The B plot, involving Picard trying to say a greeting to an alien insect race is interesting enough, but doesn't give the rest of the bridge crew much to do.

The actual Dixon Hill scenes are all well produced and the actors look like they're having fun. The only problem is that I know there are better holo episodes than this to come and I wouldn't really watch this again, but quite good.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 274/485

Troi Cleveage watch:

Not too distracting this week:

Star Trek: TNG 1.11 - Haven

2008-09-12T20:02:00.006+01:00

Review 95 - Episode 91 (Nov 30 1987)

The One where Troi's getting hitched

This was the first appearance of Troi's mother, Lwaxana Troi, played by Majel Barrett who completed an unusual hat trick here by playing 3 different characters over TOS and now TNG. She would go onto be a regular yearly event, much like Q and my memories of her are being bored and irritated. She's actually not bad here, but she is in a more supporting role.

The big story is Deanna is in a prearranged marriage to Wyatt, a doctor with a dodgy 80's Kevin Bacon hairdo. It's still 10 times better than Tasha's barnet though. He's been in mental contact with a blonde chick who looks like she walked of a rock video and has sketched drawings of her and he'd assumed it was Troi. This is never explained satisfactorily, the answer being that he has a psychic power that all humans have apparently that can cross light years. News to me.

It turns out she's on a plague ship (ohh, bad choice), but he's not fussed and beams over first chance he gets. He comes across as quite insipid and far from being a doctor planning on curing an ancient disease, he looks more like a wilting poet or artist.

Picard and Data are played for laughs when interacting with the parents and come across quite funny. Riker is a petulant school boy who seems to be allowed to shag his way across the galaxy, but when Troi trys it, he takes a hissy fit. There's lots of wincing and storming out doors from him and it's not his golden hour. Deanna is smiling in this episode and comes across as less cold and alien. She also doesn't have the cleavage out (sorry TCW fans) and this is because the episode was produced earlier in the season. So, really, the producers suddenly seemed to decide that the answer to Troi's character was a low cut top? What about decent characterisation? Tasha is bearable (apart from that hair style - imagine she had that the whole series. It makes me laugh that she's still in uniform, but gets her hair done up) Worf and Wesley are awol and Geordi and Bev are just hanging about.

It's an okay watch, especially as in theory it deepens the Troi/Riker relationship, but it doesn't come across on screen and only the comedy moments make it worthwhile.

2/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 271/480

Star Trek: TNG 1.10 - Hide and Q

2008-09-09T23:25:00.004+01:00

Review 94 - Episode 90 (Nov 23 1987)

The One where Riker becomes a Q

Q's back and the 1st half of the episode is bad low budget TOS alien planet set fare with the crew being forced to fight aliens dressed as french legionaries.

However the 2nd half is better when Riker gets the Q powers and starts to change, be more disrespectful and tries to grant wishes.

The scenes between Picard and Q are excellent, 2 fine actors trading verbal blows with each other. Picard comes of better as Q's character was still being developed, but they're much more enjoyable than I remember. His scenes with Riker fall flat slightly though.

Riker is given a chance to shine here and Frakes isn't bad, but he doesn't command a room like Picard or Data. His basic likability goes a long way, but he'll be better in later years. Tasha is still very annoying and prone to extreme emotions, though I did like Picard consoling her bubbling. Worf is quite action packed in this episode, but his scene with the Klingon woman was strange as he looked ashamed of Klingon mating rituals (good old Geordi pipes up when there's sex and shame involved) which is interesting as I didn't really know how domesticated he was. When you think about it, Troi and then Dax are his two love interests. Geordi has a decent scene with his sight back and Data refusing his is also good. Wesley becoming a man wearing that stupid jumper is embarrassing (note Geordi commenting on how good he looks - I think I see why he's afraid of women) and Beverly doesn't even get the option of a gift.

It's a good episode for the regulars (except Troi who's AWOL, presumably because she'd help Riker with his Godhood) and a good Trekkian concept of the consequences of having unlimited power and good deeds going bad. Whoever cast John de Lancie as Q deserves a medal as without him, the character could get old fast, but he makes him funny, powerful and vulnerable all at the same time. I also like Picards throw away comment to Riker at the end.

Not bad all in.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 269/475

Star Trek: TNG 1.9 - The Battle

2008-09-07T23:27:00.010+01:00

Review 93 - Episode 89 (Nov 16 1987)

The One with Picards old Ship

Quite good this episode, though it's another Patrick Stewart tour de force, leaving most of the crew in his wake (bar Spiner).

The Ferengi are back and brought Picard a gift - his old starship. What's the catch?

The effects on the Stargazer and the design of it are excellent and well done. The battle scarred bridge and the ghosts of the old crew are also well realised and kudos should go for making the scenes exciting, especially "The Picard Manoeuvre". I like that Picards got this named after him, as it gives his character more of a past and experience and that Jimmy Kirk "I don't like to lose" attitude.

Picards gradual descent from headaches into full on visions is excellently acted by Stewart. His scenes with Beverly are slightly embarrassing by how good he is and how wooden she is, but she picks up later in the episode and there's some of that old chemistry back.

The Ferengi are slightly toned down from this first appearance, which is good and daimon Boks plan is a bit over the top, but is just about believable.

Riker does a lot of wincing at the screen as he trys to work out what is going on, Worf, Tasha and Geordi are all relegated to button pressing and Wesley is at his worst here. He not only saves the day (well, gives Troi and Bev the answers) but is really smug and slightly creepy as he stares at them as they walk out followed by his "Adults" statement. I feel bad for him, he was never going to win with dialogue and scenes like this.

It's great to see Picards backstory as he's the most interesting of the TNG so far and if it wasn't for the rest of the cast being below par here or given more to do, it would score higher.

I unfortunately have to mention Troi Cleavage Watch, cos they're there again, distracting me. To Wit:

I'll get bored of this in a week, honest, but it makes me laugh at the moment. So, decent episode with a nice Picard backstory and effects, but the rest if the crew have nothing to do and their acting is suspect

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 266/470

Star Trek: TNG 1.8 - Justice

2008-09-07T23:07:00.007+01:00

Review 92 - Episode 88

The One that's a bit like soft-porn

Men in nappys. Never a good start. But behind the worst costumes ever, these is a good debate about the prime directive. If you can get by the hairy chests and mens nipples. Thank Christ the Enterprise crew didn't have to wear them.

An away team including Wesley beams down to a paradise planet. Unfortunately, they have the death penalty for every crime, including Wes falling in a flower bed. Should Picard interfere and will the God like machine above the planet let them?

Bad stuff first. The costumes and aliens are fucking awful, surely one of the most embarrassing outfits ever in TV, not just Trek. Also the soft core hedonism, people shagging in bushes, guys being oiled up and sleazy Riker loving it. Ah, it's too creepy. Also the running everywhere is ridiculous and Troi is not cut out for it. To many males nipples on show I'm afraid.

Wes is also quite annoying and unbelievable here, with his moronic enthusiasm for such a stupid game. However once the death penalty is about to be applied it gets interesting., though how they missed that on reviewing the laws is a joke.

Picard and Data have some excellent scenes, debating the God like machine that hangs above the planet. The design of it is also well done and the effects are excellent. Troi, Geordi and Worf are all underused in this episode (though Worf gets a couple of nice one liners and it's interesting Geordi is nowhere near the planets surface. Geordi and sex don't mix). Tasha is really annoying and she seems to have shagged some guy on the initial away mission! Beverley's acting is a little ropey as well and her emotional scenes to Picard don't quite work to be honest.

The final scenes of debating the prime directive V. the death penalty are interesting, but the conclusion is hardly satisfactory. Picard effectively says we interpret the directive as we see fit and then somehow convinces the God being to let them beam up in a rather lame speech.

There's always going to be debate about the death penalty, but having it on an episode with men in nappys was never going to work.

2/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 263/465

Star Trek: TNG 1.7 - Lonely Among Us

2008-09-07T11:58:00.015+01:00

Review 91 - Episode 87

The One with Giant Cloud

D.C. Fontana, what has happened? from being the best writer on TOS, she has been struggling with TNG in these early episodes, being credited with episodes that are poor at best. Where's the natural funny dialogue, the good twists? To be fair, this feels like a VERY early episode, so you have to give a bit of slack. but I don't think she got a chance at later episodes to shine.

Anyway, the Enterprise is transporting two races who hate each other to a peace meeting when they brush against a cloud and accidentaly take possession of an electrical being who starts to possess crew members and jump from person to person.

The Delegates sub plot is largely ignored, which is a shame given how extensive the makeup is. They seemed to be largely used as humour and were never taken seriously.

The effects of the Cloud are very impressive (I've always liked these nebula since Wrath of Khan) and the electricity bolts are okay for 80's TV.

The Cast are all over the shop here however. Beverly being possessed comes across as stoned and Picard isn't much better. I think Stewart made the best of it, but he just comes across as goofy and weird. Riker is in black and white mode, either smiling away, or barking out orders and looking raging. Wes and his wacky jumpers comes across as a whiner again and unfortunately was about to solve the problem until he had to go school. Worf has a nice scene with Geordi at the start about taking extra responsibility's, but the pair of them and Tasha are ignored for most of the episode. Tasha has some dodgy acting scenes as well, especially with the final shot of her standing with her mouth open for ages. Data is still being played for laughs and the Sherlock Holmes angle starts here. Spiner actually just about pulls this off, but I did groan when I seen him smoking the pipe.

This next section is extremely juvenile so feel free to skip it if you wish, but I have to address this. Deanna Troi's Cleavage makes it first appearance here and once you notice it, the episode kind of derails as I started wonder if the Director was aware of it and started adjusting his shots. It will make many more appearances over the next few years and probably saved many a dull episode, including this one. The trouble is, it distracts from potentially important scenes. Here are some examples in a new feature i'm calling Troi Cleavage Watch (for scientific purposes of course!):

Notice the Cute reference to TOS in the background? Me neither.

Notice Geordi in the background? Me neither.

Whats Troi saying? Who knows

Is Troi making an important point here? Who knows.

And finally, the Director may have noticed there were too many cleavage shots of Troi, so wisely tipped the camera slightly upwards so teenage boys across the globe back in the 80's and grown men who should know better in 2008 could focus on the plot (which isn't really worth it)

Right, I think I've ran that joke into the ground, So, too many meetings , dodgy acting and a plot idea stretched out over 45 minutes mean this is a loser. Nice cloud and cleavage save the day slightly

2/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 261/460

Star Trek: TNG 1.6 - Where No One Has Gone Before

2008-09-03T21:13:00.004+01:00

Review 90 - Episode 86

The One where they go very far away

Ach, I thought this was going to be the first 4 rating of the Series, but the 2nd half really lets it down.

Kosinski and his assistant arrive to upgrade the Enterprises Warp engines. However they end up propelling the ship over 2 million years away.

The good stuff: The idea is brilliant and I really like the effects in this episode. Kosinski is a really sleazy irritating pompous character and is brilliantly played. It's when the Enterprise tries to get back and goes to a dimension where thoughts become real that it falls a bit flat as we see fantasy's and thoughts become real. Funniest moment in the episode; Worf's old pet Targ appears on the Bridge. Why he's thinking of it we don't know and even funnier why does no one else on the bridge bar Tasha see it? There's a guy just sitting typing away while a slavering blood beast is next to him. To be fair, some of the visions are seen, some aren't, but it made me laugh.

Picard is quite gruff in this episode, especially to Wesley. In fact, Riker comes across as not liking the wee brat either! Wes is okay, though he does kind of save the ship (again by helping the Traveler phase, something which will be readdressed in Season 7. What's with the jumpers though?

Tasha has a flashback to her days getting chased by rape-gangs (quite dark for early TNG), and the rest of the crew are largely ignored, though Picard has a nice scene with his Mama. Wes being promoted to acting ensign is a nice touch of continuity, but really I was expecting more from this episode.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 259/455

Star Trek: TNG 1.5 - The Last Outpost

2008-09-03T20:57:00.003+01:00

Review 89 - Episode 85

The One with the Ferengi

The first appearance of the Ferengi, supposed to be a new enemy like the Klingons or Romulans. Sh'yea, right. Surely the makeup suggests comical pains in the arse rather than world conquerors?

Anyway, they've nicked a Star fleet macguffin and the Enterprise is chasing them when they both end up captured by a planets ancient defence system and have their power drained.

The basic concept isn't bad, but some of the characters are WAY off. Riker is really poor here, coming across as angry and raging, snapping at shipmates and it looks like he hates Data! Geordi is possibly the only person in Star Trek who has ever said "Woo Hoo!" and his over enthusiastic scene made me laugh. Yar and Worf keep canceling each other out and If Crosby hadn't left, I'd probably have to shunt her as she's stealing Worf's scenes. Beverly is underused also and Troi is still weird and miserable looking.

The scene with Data explaining about the outpost and the holodisplay was good though, and the Chinese finger puzzle made me smile. Picard's interaction with his officers and the crisis in general is also very watchable.

The final act on the planet is terrible though, with the Ferengi looking like chimps and very dull scenes with the Portal.

Nice idea, but ropey characters and execution.

2/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 256/450

Star Trek: TNG 1.4 - Code of Honor

2008-09-02T22:59:00.004+01:00

Review 88 - Episode 84

The One where Tasha fights in a cage.

Not one of the best this, but certainly watchable enough.

The Enterprise requires a vaccine that cannot be replicated from Ligon and their leader Lutan. The catch is that Lutan has kidnapped Tasha as his wife and forced her to combat his current wife to the death or no Vaccine.

The culture of the planet has been described as slightly racist and it makes for uncomfortable viewing sometimes when you see Data describing this ancient African Indian culture of the planet and it's barbaric ways and everyone is black. There wasn't even an attempt to make them alien looking.

The dialogue is ropey as well within the regulars. Beverly's exchange with Picard about needing the vaccine was corny and Troi tricking Tasha into admitting she fancies Lutan (why exactly?) comes across like bad soap opera, though that is partially Crosbys acting.

Picard is decent here, trying to work his way round the prime directive, but his drink with Lutan and his supposedly sly trick was a bit cringy the way it was played. I did like the continuity with Wesley, who isn't that annoying here but has strange woolly jumpers.

Tasha is a bit OTT with examining the vaccine and beyond being a fighter, there's not much depth to her character here. Also Worf is missing, and once again, I feel these two wouldn't work together on screen.

Geordi and Data have a nice scene when he's shaving and Data's telling jokes. Troi is really cold in this episode, obviously as the character is still finding her feet.

Dodgy effects, script and story means that only the good will generated by the regulars pull this trough.

2/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 254/445

Review of the episode by actor Wil Wheaton — Code of Honor

Star Trek: TNG 1.3 - The Naked Now

2008-09-01T22:42:00.006+01:00

Review 87 - Episode 83

The One where they all act drunk.

This episode is slightly notorious for being so daft and goofy in places, which it certainly is, but it has a charm and a decent story at it's core.

The Enterprise encounters a ship with a slightly more evolved Virus of the one Kirk and crew faced in The Naked Time. There's a lovely nod to TOS as Data looks up the info with a diagram of the Enterprise (A?) flashing up and Riker and Picard talk about the old mission.

What follows is the crew gradually getting infected and acting in drunk and horny ways. Poor Geordi is the fall guy who contracts it and is miserable about being blind. Even in these early days, the writers don't want to sexualise him in anyway. Tasha and Data have notable scenes as they do the do (who'd have thought these two would be the first crew to shag each other?)

Picard and Beverley is really goofy and played totally for laughs, which is sometimes cringy as well. Wes is really annoying and his weird invention of recording Picards voice is stupid and creepy, not to mention illegal I assume. He than has the cheek to save the day as the end while everyone else looks stupid.

Riker and Troi is a scene you would expect but never happens. Troi's barely in the episode to be honest. And though Riker is infected you wouldn't know it. Only Worf is unaffected and has some great deadpan one liners.

The end scene of Data putting the chips back in place and blowing up the science vessel gives the episode a decent ending, but this sort of TOS story has come far too soon as the actors don't know their characters yet, so having them behave drunk is a bit daft.

Better than I remember though.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 252/440

Wil Wheaton's review of "The Naked Now"

Star Trek: TNG 1.1 + 1.2 - Encounter at Farpoint

2008-08-31T15:39:00.007+01:00

Review 86 - Episode 81 & 82

The One with the New Crew

And so, as Kirk and co ride into the sunset, we flash forward to the 24th Century, a new ship, new crew and new political landscape.

I'll get the bits I hate out the way first. The first meeting with Q, a god like being with unlimited power, is really draining and the mock trial goes on for far too long. It's a mistake to introduce the crew to such a TOS concept when we're only getting to know the crew ourselves. I will confess, I hare God like being episodes, but Q somehow circumvents that, mainly due to the performance of De Lancie and his repartee with Picard.

The 2nd half is much stronger and give the crew a puzzle to solve with a City that can produce anything and an angry giant jelly fish looking for it's mate. The story's okay, but really it's the new characters and how they perform that is interesting, especially as we know what will come.

Picard is given the most scenes and comes across as cold, aloof and awkward around children
and any sort or romance. It's light years away from the Captain in later years and obviously a total contrast to shagger Kirk. But there are moments where we see the passion in him and Stewart's performance is so good, the producers have wisely built the show round him.

Data comes across well. being an obvious analogue to Spock (especially with his scene with McCoy which was a nice touch - surely that was passing the torch, not Generations). He's far more naive and child like though to the point of irritation, but Spiner is an excellent actor and makes him watchable and believable.

Riker is a combination of Kirk and Decker and he's not as good an actor as the previous two. But Riker is very likable and when he was on screen the action came to life. It's still weird seeing Frakes without his beard, but gives a nice impression of time passing in the series.

Then you have the rest, who are a mixed bag. Troi is pretty bad here, due to the script and the performance. However, I have a soft spot for her and will pretty much forgive her any bad scenes, plus she has good chemistry with Riker and wear's a mini skirt which is nice. Worf and Yar tend to cancel each other in this episode and it's probably no bad thing Yar got killed off. She's quite annoying here with her ridiculous aggression and Worf is a Klingon in a starfleet uniform, so in an interesting characters battle, only one will win. Geordi is underwritten here, his gimmick being his visor, but he's likable and quiet. Finally, Doctor Crusher and her son Wes. Early Wes is very annoying, though he's okay in this episode. Like Troi, I have fond memories of Crusher and I like her relationship with Picard and her scenes are perfectly decent here.

The Enterprise D is a bold ship design and I remember it took me a long time to get my head round it's actual shape when I first seen it. But the design holds up well, though when the Saucer is separated the Star Drive looks awful, so it's no surprise that they don't do it very often. The effects hold up for the most part as well, and the credit sequence still looks good.

It's easy with hindsight to think of the bridge crew as obvious choices, but at the time it was so different to TOS that it was a risk. And the fact the first 2 years are very rough in places. But apart from the Q court scene it's a perfectly acceptable two episodes of Trek and does the job of introducing these characters and universe well.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 249/435

Review of the episode by actor Wil Wheaton — Part I, Part II

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

2008-08-10T23:11:00.003+01:00

Review 85 - Movie no.6

The One with the last adventure for the TOS crew

The 5th film would have been a rather unfitting ending for the TOS crew, so thank God that Meyers came back onboard for this film, dealing with new themes and ideas.

This isn't about the crew getting old, they ARE old and this is their final adventure together. The Klingons need to make peace with the federation, but certain parties want to stop it.

There are lots of great scenes in here. The opening of the movie with the Excelsior and Captain Sulu is brilliant and indicates a real passing of time (nice to see Rand as well in the final outing). The effects are very impressive and do justice to the series.

The Klingon assassination set piece is excellent, as is the dinner that precedes it. Kim Cattrall is good as Valeris, coming across more like Kirstie Alleys performance than the other Saavik. It would have been nice to see her play Saavik, but as she ultimately betrays Spock and the federation, I can understand why they didn't use her character.

Kirk and McCoys imprisonment and Spock trying to deduce the murders are all entertaining and take us nicely to the final battle: between Excelsior, Enterprise and a Klingon bird of Prey that can fire while cloaked. Plummers performance is very OTT (more than Shatner in fact who is rather restrained in this film), but he's very enjoyable to watch. The battle isn't quite as good as Wrath of Khans finale (what could be?), but it's up there and great to watch.

Of course the final scene has the Enterprise being ordered to be decommissioned and the final lines are moving and poignant, with the bridge scene being excellently staged. Mind you, almost all of them will pop up again in future films or TV series, but there is lovely feeling of closure here, especially as the Klingon's have been such a large part of TOS and Kirks life.

Very well made and it gets an extra point for being the final film of the TOS series.

5/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 246/430

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier

2008-08-10T22:56:00.004+01:00

Review 84 - Movie no.5

The One with Spock's Half-brother

Ah well, the run had to come to an end sometime. After 4 films that entertained and challenged, comes this flick, directed by Shatner himself.

It's not good, and there's lots of reasons why, but I don't think it's as bad as people say and it's not the worst of the series. It wastes a lot of set up and momentum from the 4th one and all the themes of growing old and your place in the universe are put to one side for an old school adventure that wouldn't be out of place in TOS.

The rest of the crew are largely sidelined and the humour is a lot more forced and outright slapstick at times (I'm thinking Scotty knocking himself unconscious). Also, Spock's brother, Sybok, who is actually a very good character, but it's asking a lot for Spock to "betray" Kirk to this guy who's never been mentioned before, especially after all Kirk has sacrificed for Spock.

The effects are the worst in any of the films, looking half finishes and sometimes embarrassingly bad. The Motion picture blows it out of the water and that was made over a decade before it.

It's not all bad though. The scenes when Sybok takes McCoy and Spock into their past is well written and the general story is exciting and fun to watch (as long as you ignore the plot holes and characters being written very strangely).

The ending is bad and Kirk battling a giant face that can be destroyed by a Klingon Laser is simply unsatisfying. If they had the money, it would have been different, but the film is what it is. I would still recommend a watch of this, though I suspect it's nostalgia and a fondness for the characters, but it seems a waste of a film, even if Shatner's directing is pretty good.

2/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 241/425

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

2008-08-10T22:40:00.003+01:00

Review 83 - Movie no.4

The One with the Whales

The concluding part to the unofficial trilogy has rebirth as it's theme, from Spock being alive again, to the Whales being brought through time and the final shot of the new ship. It's very different in tone to the previous three films and anything else in the movie series as well, being more like a well done comedy episode from TOS, which I mean as praise.

The crew go back in time to 1986 to bring back Whales and save the planet. Much of the film is given over to how the seven crew members handle 80's situations and generally the humour is witty, subtle and evolves naturally. They are split into three groups which gives every one a chance to shine.

Kirk and Spock take most of the screen time and also Spocks personality gradually coming back to life as Kirk gently tries to get him to remember who he was. When his realisation finally comes as they discuss rescuing Chekov, it's a lovely scene and brings together threads from the previous two films. It's also nice to see Sarek again.

There are plenty of great set pieces, comedy and action, but a couple of stand outs are rescuing Chekov and getting the whales. I have fond memories of this film as it was the first star Trek film I has seen at the Cinema and I love the 80's setting and the poster.

The final scenes of Kirk being demoted to Captain and given command of a brand new Enterprise are perhaps unlikely, but I can forgive it that because I love the ending to cap the trilogy.

It's not a perfect film: The Save the Whales message can be quite unsubtle at times and the threat of the Klingons is never followed up satisfactorily (though that's not really this films fault). The tone is so different from normal Trek films, that it can sometimes jar, but thematically, this is a perfect ending to the Trilogy and is highly recommended.

5/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 239/420

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

2008-08-06T22:02:00.003+01:00

Review 82 - Movie no.3

The One without Spock

The middle part of the "Genesis" trilogy is probably the weakest, but has enough strong set pieces that raise it well above average.

If Wrath of Khan was about the passing of life, this chapter is Death, the ending of the old.

Spock is dead. Kirk is grieving and Bones seems to be mentally unstable. However, it turns out Spock has placed his Katra in McCoys head as Sarek explains in a lovely mind meld scene (and it's great to see the nod to TOS). Shatners eyes are incredibly emotive, which sounds stupid, but watch it and you'll see what I mean.

What follows is a mission to steal the Enterprise, return to the Genesis planet, grab Spock and head for Vulcan. And avoid any Klingons.

The early scenes of Enterprise entering space dock are beautiful, especially with the blue lighting and music. The Excelsior is also a great addition to the fleet, keeping the design theme started with Star Trek 2. Of course, we know one day this will be Sulu's ship and the Enterprise B, which gives the feeling of the Enterprise being scrapped a poignant feel. More themes of aging and things coming to an end.

I love the theft of the Enterprise and the space dock doors refusing to open. I'm sure it would be easier to steal a smaller ship, but hell, she's for the scrap anyway. Why not?

The Klingons come into play with a smaller, redesigned bird of Prey and an excellent character in Kruge, played by Chis Lloyd. The Klingon warrior race really starts to breathe into life from his performance.

His space battle with Kirk over Genesis is exciting to watch and it ultimately leads to the death of David on the planet below. For me scenes with David and Saavik, played by Robin Curtis now, don't work. Her Saavik is probably truer to the "proper" Vulcan school of acting, but Kirsty really brought another dimension to the role. Their scenes with Spock growing up seem like space filler, though it does establish that Kirks son plays a little fast and easy with the rule book. David's death is shocking, made more so by Kirks reaction. Shatner really performs well in these Films.

His solution is almost unthinkable and probably more gut wrenching for fans. Destroying the Enterprise, the ship that he has commanded for over 20 years, is a truly emotional scene and comes across well on screen, though the Klingon's are a bit dim too not realise a picture of the Enterprise on fire with a count down isn't a good sign.

Kirks final battle with Kruge on the planet is almost Operatic, it truly is primal with Lava, explosions and trees going on fire as the planet tears it's self apart. The birth of Genesis has come to a messy end.

Kirk wins (though not before trying to save his foe) and with command of the Bird of Prey, go to Vulcan for the ceremony. I can see why people find this last part boring, but frankly, you HAVE to have this closing scene be atmospheric and weighty if you're going to buy it.

There is so much destruction in this film; Genesis, the Enterprise being decommissioned then destroyed, Kirks Son, and his command. All sacrificed to save Spock. And after all the death, comes the rebirth as Spock is alive again, the trio reunited. Bones is very good, playing the ghost of Spock well and his reason for Spock giving it to him still makes me laugh.

Considering that Spocks barely in the film, the rest of the cast are largely peripheral, Uhura especially. Even Scotty doesn't have a scene worth taking about, but all 4 have decent lines (as normal)

But this is a great film that improves as part of the trilogy and continuing the themes that Wrath of Khan started.

4/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 234/415

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

2008-08-06T19:44:00.004+01:00

Review 81 - Movie no.2

The One with Khaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan (again).

This film is correctly considered by 99.9% of Star Trek fans as the ultimate Trek Story, the one that all other films and episodes should aspire to be. It had the right balance of action, humour, issues and big themes. And, unlike The Motion Picture, it feels like a Trek film.

This forms the 1st part of a trilogy of films that evolved naturally over the years and this also gives it strength, something the Next Gen films sadly lack. While they feel episodical, this has the arc of characters continuing and having impacts on future films (except ST 5 possibly).

The story is relatively simple. Khan, who we all know from Space Seed, has escaped his planet and is hunting down Kirk. But really, that is the thinnest of ice on top of a deep lake of themes and emotions.

It was touched upon in TMP, but Kirk is once again a man adrift, back to his desk and missing the stars. More than that, he feels his age and that life is passing him by. Everyone bar him seems to know that his first, best destiny is as a star ship captain, but he seems blinded by the career path his success as Captain has taken him.

Kirk is then haunted by mistakes of his youth, when Khan appears, having acquired the Reliant. This is the first Federation ship we have seen that isn't Constellation class, and great credit must go to the designers for creating a ship that keeps the theme of nacelles and saucer, yet re shifts everything else. This became the template for ships even to this day.

Khan is an excellent villain (yes, he shouldn't recognise Chekov - move on) and his first attack on the Enterprise is exciting and still looks impressive even now, plus the build up is as tense as any two fighters in a ring.

Scotty loses his nephew here, in some lovely scenes that gives his character background and family. Khan is after the genesis device, a missile that can bring life to a planet or devastate a world in the wrong hands. Kirks ex is in charge and who else but his Son, David. I can imagine what the shock would have been like in '82, but even now as I type it, it's weird and shocking to think of Jim's son. It changes his character so much.

The themes of aging, unsure of where you are mid life, old enemies and friends coming back to haunt you and finding your family are all examined excellently in this film and would continue through the next two as well. This film is Life or simply Living your Life and the more miles you have on the clock, the more baggage you have.

Bones as always has some great lines and he come across as the only one of the trio to be content and not anguished (though he still likes a drink!). Chekov has some great scenes with Khan, though Uhura and Sulu are rather sidelined, but still get decent lines.

Saavik is a new character and played with real warmth and humour for a Vulcan by Kirstie Alley. This was her first role and is excellent casting. She does tend to steal a lot of scenes though and it's a shame she didn't come back, but that's hardly her fault. A worthy addition to the Star Trek crew. (speaking of which, nice to see Kyle get a scene)

The final Battle in the Mutara Nebula is amazing and once again the effects till hold up. It's ingenious to handicap the ships and turn it into a submarine battle. This leads to Spocks death, saving the ship.

Spock is brilliant in this film and couldn't be more different to TMP. His scenes with Kirk, Saavik and Bones are a joy to watch and I still get a little teary with Kirks farewell speech and the music playing (kudos to Shatner for his acting)

I seem to write for ages, yet barely say anything about how good this film really is. The uniforms are far better than those god awful PJ's and the whole tone set the standard for Trek in the future for years after it and beyond. Have no doubts that this film is at the centre of Star Trek and everything Trek should try to channel it's vision.

A joy to watch.

5/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 230/410

Star Trek: The Motion Picture

2008-08-02T11:51:00.004+01:00

Review 80 - Movie no.1

The One with the Giant Cloud

And so, 10 years after the last time anyone had seen a new episode of Star Trek, comes The Motion Picture. I'm sure if you're reading this, you know the basic back story, but in a nut shell, Trek had become popular again through syndication and a 2nd Trek series was mooted. However, with the success of Star Wars and 2001, it was decided to take Star Trek to the big screen and give it a budget worthy of it's name.

And...it wasn't brilliantly received, by critics or most fans. The tone floored most people and their expectations were not met for what a Star Trek Feature film should look like and more importantly, FEEL like. To be honest, that was my view of it until when I watched the Directors Cut for this blog. Maybe it's because I'm older, but I was really impressed by this film. Let's explain why:

In what was a brave (if possibly foolish move), the writers decided to not have the cast as they were a decade ago. Normal time has passed for them and us. Kirk is an Admiral in what is essentially a desk job, McCoy has retired and Spock is on Vulcan, about to undergo a ritual to purge human emotion. None of them are in a good place and the theme of belonging and going home again carries through the whole film.

Kirk essentially bullies his way back onto the Enterprise and ousts Decker (who I believe is meant to be the son of Commodore Decker from "Doomsday Machine"), a Captain who is not a bad guy or weak, just someone who happens to be in Kirks way. Kirk is lost on this newly refitted Enterprise (more on that later) and Decker has too continually guide him through the new systems, not maliciously, but he does seem to take a grim satisfaction in correcting Kirks flawed commands.

Kirk recalls McCoy (in a lovely scene in the transporter room with Rand as well, though her cameo kind of throws you as her relationship with Kirk is so different, but it's good to see her back), who isn't happy and isn't sure of Kirks command of the Enterprise.

Spock comes back next, his ritual abandoned by the voice he hears from V'ger, a being of extraordinary scale and power, heading for earth to destroy it. He is cold and logical, nothing like the Spock we knew and loved from the show. Kirk is not happy, neither are his friends, and the whole mission seems in jeopardy.

Then things start to click, as he uses his instincts to get past the first defence of the cloud and Spock starts to tune into V'ger. At this point, when they start to go deeper into the cloud, the film does drag and even in the slightly edited directs cut version, it is still too long. But having said that, the sheer size and scale of V'ger does come across and I think the potential patience breaking scene is worth it.

The rest of the crew don't really have large parts to play. Scotty has a lovely scene with Kirk at the start as they fly round the newly refitted Enterprise. This is also a very long scene, but my God, it still holds up. Out of all the films, this give's the ship character and treats it with the love it deserves. Especially as up to now, all anyone had seen of her was stock footage in TOS. Here we see her from every angle, larger than life. Kirk and Scotty have always shared a special bond to the ship. Scotty looks after her and patches her up whilst Kirk commands her, but she has touched both their hearts.

Chekov, Sulu and Uhura have their standard roles and even Chapel has a nice walk on part. it's disappointing there wasn't more for them to do though. Of course, we have 2 new characters, Will Decker and LLia, who are basically a template for Riker and Troi. I found their relationship arc rather boring and because you know they're never seen again, it's hard to invest.

This film has brought so much to the Star Trek universe; The Klingons are the one's we know and love today, with a different language and of course, the bumpy foreheads. The opening scene with the 3 Klingon cruisers is brilliant as well. The music is also superb and it's no surprise TNG nicked it for their theme tune.

Of course, it is a flawed fim. The first hour works fine for me, but once they enter the cloud it does drag slightly, especially with the LLia robot learning to love. The uniforms are also awful, though thankfully Kirk changes his half way through. The main problem I have is Spock, and to a certain degree the relationship with the Trio. They continue the antagonism between them for far too long, Spock especially as his sudden personality switch after melding with V'ger come's very near the end. Bones is also sidelined after an impressive debut.

I haven't really discussed the end, mainly because the twist is the whole part of the last hour. Once you know it, it's really just a lovely, slightly psychedelic journey you're on. V'ger is of course Voyager 6 , a probe sent years ago into deep space and came back as an all powerful being. This is very similar to "The Changeling", but at least I believe this ship could destroy solar systems. And there's no harm in dipping into your back history.

There has never been another Star Trek film that has has the epic scale, the vast special effects and the patience and indulgence to tell the story it wants to tell. It's probably the closest Star Trek has ever came to Art which is perhaps why it divides people into Love or Hate. Me, I loved it, for this is a flawed masterpiece.

4/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 225/405

Star Trek: TOS 1.1 - The Cage

2008-08-02T11:49:00.003+01:00

Review 79 - Episode 80

The One that's the VERY first one

If you're reading this Blog, then I'm sure you know the backstory behind this. In a nutshell, this was the original pilot that the network rejected as being to Cerebral. The crew are totally different from the 2nd pilot bar Spock and there is a very TNG feel to it. The footage was then recut and reused in the Menagerie.

It's interesting to speculate how Star Trek would have evolved if this Pilot had taken. Would it still become the behemoth franchise we know and love today? Possible, given the success of TNG as this is similar. There is a number one (played by Majel Barrett, completely different from every other character she has ever played. Here, she almost seems sexless and emotionless and is well acted). The colouring of the bridge is much more subdued than Kirks Enterprise. Pike is extremely restrained, showing internal anger and very officious. Shades of Picard or Archer. Spock is completely different here, basically Nimoy with ears and is laughing and very un-vulcan like.

The plot is okay as they beam down to a planet and are captured by aliens who want to breed them. The effects are very impressive for their day,especially the phaser effects. Ultimately, it's an interesting curio but the cast and situation are never expanded, so as a one off it doesn't quite excel, but it's still watchable.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 221/400

Star Trek: TOS 3.24 - Turnabout Intruder

2008-08-02T11:47:00.003+01:00

Review 78 - Episode 79

The One that's the last ever episode of TOS (sob)

What a strange last episode of TOS to be produced. It was obvious by this time that the series had run out of creative inspiration, money and direction. The 3rd season may have been a nice surprise for the fans who campaigned to save it, but I wonder how many really enjoyed this final Season. I suppose there were some gems in amongst the dross, but it sours the memory of TOS and if it wasn't for the films, the TOS crew wouldn't have the decent final storylines they deserve.

Anyway, this episode has Kirk swapping bodies (again) with Janice Lester who has almost been driven mad by the fact she's not allowed to be a captain because she's a woman. This is probably the most sexist thing ever invented on TOS and seriously dates the episode. Even the concept of "evil" Kirk has been seen before many times. Shatner does his best and isn't bad as Lester, but I don't think his heart is in this episode and I can't help wondering what the cast thought as they filmed this, surely knowing it was the end of the road. None of them can have thought that 6 films would be made about Star Trek. Needless to say, the crew start noticing Kirk is not himself and their minds are reversed. There's a lovely sad moment as Kirk, Spock and Scotty go in the turbo lift for the final time on the old style Enterprise and the doors close, signaling the end of TOS.

I grew up on Star Trek Movies and TNG, so these old episodes have no nostalgia for me and always seemed hokey, cheesy and cheap. And frankly, a lot of them are. But there are some excellent episodes in the first 2 seasons that probably kept the interest in Trek alive through the years it wasn't on. And the chemistry with the Trio has not been replicated in any other series (probably a good thing as it give the other characters a chance to shine.) Even though I'm glad I've finished watching TOS and silently gave prayer at times that there was only 3 Seasons, I will miss these guys and will revisit my favourites often.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 218/395

Star Trek: TOS 3.23 - All Our Yesterdays

2008-08-02T11:45:00.004+01:00

Review 77 - Episode 78

The One where Spock falls in love (5000 years ago)

Ah, this is a good episode. Spock and Bones are transported back to a planet's ice age and Spock falls in love and starts "regressing" with human emotions.

Nimoy's excellent this episode, truly selling Spock falling in love. The 2nd story of kirk in Victorian England is superfluous but enjoyable. I really liked the end, especially poignant considering this was the last trio episode. Good stuff.
(Note: apologies for the Season 3 TOS reviews. I like to think of them as being more skeleton reviews that I will one day come back to (probably the remastered episodes) and re-review. But time marches on and there are many more Trek episodes. Just a wee bone to anyone following my reviews to say that I know these are sparse, but keep the faith and they'll be redone. Yes, I am drunk as I type this)

4/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 215/390

Star Trek: TOS 3.22 - The Savage Curtain

2008-08-02T11:44:00.004+01:00

Review 76 - Episode 77

The One where Abe Lincoln is back!

Rubbish. Kirk has to fight in in a battle by *yawn* alien with god like powers who force goodies to fight baddies and pluck random characters from space and time.

The Goodies win. This episode can fuck right off.

2/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 211/380

Star Trek: TOS 3.21 - Requiem for Methuselah

2008-08-02T11:41:00.003+01:00

Review 75 - Episode 76

The One with the android babe

Aye, not bad. Kirk and co beam down looking for a cure and find an alien who wants his privacy and a sex bot.

I really hate aliens with God like Powers, but this one is bearable (though shrinking the Enterprise looks crap)

It's also rather sexist this episode as the Android female can't compute thoughts, but it was the 60's man, let it go. Worth a watch.

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 209/375

Star Trek: TOS 3.20 - The Way to Eden

2008-08-02T11:39:00.003+01:00

Review 74 - Episode 75

The One with the Hippies

No. Just, no.

0/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 206/370

Star Trek: TOS 3.19 - The Cloud Minders

2008-08-02T11:37:00.003+01:00

Review 73 - Episode 74

The One with the castles in the sky

Surprisingly interesting this episode.

Kirk and co beam down to get a mineral from the mines of a planet and are attacked. They go the the city's in the sky and find that natural gas is causing the miners to be violent and the cloud minders to keep their status.

It sound's rather dull the way I've just described it, but this is quite entertaining.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 206/365

Star Trek: TOS 3.18 - The Lights of Zetar

2008-08-02T11:35:00.003+01:00

Review 72 - Episode 73

The One where someone is possesed by a strange alien force (again).

Hmm. An alien storm (in space no less) appears to absorb Romaine, a Lt who Scotty quite likes.

It's an old story for Trek even back then, a strange cloud making a crew member go weird.

It's nice to see Scotty in a more central role, but this is average at best.

2/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 203/360

Star Trek: TOS 3.17 - The Mark of Gideon

2008-08-02T11:33:00.004+01:00

Review 71 - Episode 72

The One with the fake Enterprise

Not had high concept episode for a while so here you go. Kirk is beamed onto an EXACT DUPLICATE of the Enterprise and has sex with an alien whose race is dying out.

It's alright and some of the shots are quite spooky, but it's stretches believability and is obviously a money saving story device. Seen worse mind you.

2/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 201/355

Star Trek: TOS 3.16 - Whom Gods Destroy

2008-08-02T11:31:00.003+01:00

Review 70 - Episode 71

The One with 2 Kirks (again)

Not bad this, if very familiar. Remember Dagger of the Mind? Almost the exact same episode.

I liked the security clearance codes here, preventing the duplicate Kirk beaming up. But why was there so many episodes with 2 Kirks? It's quite bizarre when you watch them.

Orion slave girl is a nice touch, but rehashing the plot of a previous episode ruins what could have been a cracker.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 199/350

Star Trek: TOS 3.15 - Let That Be Your Last Battlefield

2008-08-02T11:29:00.003+01:00

Review 69 - Episode 70

The One where subtlety takes a nap

Alright, this'll be short. Racism is bad and pointless. Nuff said? One more thing, the self destruct sequence is good and almost identical to the movie.

2/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 197/345

Star Trek: TOS 3.14 - That Which Survives

2008-08-02T11:28:00.003+01:00

Review 68 - Episode 69

The One with female assassin

Disappointing, considering it's not a bad premise. The away team of Kirk, Sulu, Bones and walking red shirt dead man beam down to a strange planet, while the Enterprise is blown hundreds of light years away by a beautiful woman whose touch can kill.

The trouble here is that there's no end game. Kirk and co survive on the planet and encounter the woman but nothing really happens (beyond the red shirt death). And the Enterprise's struggle to get back falls rather flat, with Spock being annoying rather than humorous.

I dunno, maybe I was in a bad mood watching this, but I really didn't like it and the coda is crap

1/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 195/340

Star Trek: TOS 3.13 - Wink of an Eye

2008-08-02T11:26:00.003+01:00

Review 67 - Episode 68

The One with the really fast aliens

Quite enjoyable, if slightly daft (almost sums up TOS as a whole.) Kirk is kidnapped by aliens who exist outside normal time as a highly accelerated rate of time. This is a good idea. They kidnap him to breed him and the rest of the crew as their males are sterile. This is a bad idea.

Somewhere in the middle, a watchable episode has come out. The science is a little wonky with the time dilation logic, but I enjoyed Spock and McCoy trying to solve the captains disappearance. Worth a watch, though Spocks comedy final line is very bad this episode. You have been warned.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 194/335

Star Trek: TOS 3.12 - Plato's Stepchildren

2008-08-02T11:23:00.003+01:00

Review 66 - Episode 67

The One where Kirk and Uhura kiss.

This episode has become famous solely on the back of Kirk and Uhura kissing, which back in the 60's broke new ground as the first inter racial kiss. I was intrigued to see it, but I feel it's a bit of a cheat as they are both being mind controlled and the way it is shot means you don't see their lips touch. I suppose back then it was still a big deal, but this is a case of the legend being embellished over the years. Still, fair play to Star Trek for being the first to do it.

The episode is pretty average though, God like beings force the crew to act out their whims and clothe them in greek togas. Again, I feel I've watched this already and I was glad when it was over. Gets a bonus point for the kiss.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 191/330

Star Trek: TOS 3.11 - Day of the Dove

2008-07-31T19:27:00.005+01:00

Review 65 - Episode 66

The One where Klingons and humans are tricked into fighting.

Yet another strange swirly alien makes an appearance as it fees of negative emotion and has the crew and Klingons fight one another.

The Klingons are good, giving a new dimension to their previous appearances and Chekov has some good scenes with his anger. It just feels a bit samey and familiar, plus the ending of them all laughing at the creature comes across as silly.

Still, I've seen worse this Season.

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 188/325

Star Trek: TOS 3.10 - For the World Is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky

2008-07-31T19:21:00.005+01:00

Review 64 - Episode 65

The One with the Asteroid Ship

A rare McCoy episode this and quite entertaining, if a bit daft and predictable in places. Bones is dying and has a year left to live. The Enterprise discovers an Asteroid ship on a collision with a planet controlled by a mad computer.

The scenes with Kirk and Spock knowing about McCoy are quite touching actually and it was nice to see Bones not only get the woman, but be well written again. The Ark ship is an interesting concept as well, though the budget can't quite match the episodes ambition.

The downsides of this episode is the Computer that has gone haywire (how many is that now?) and the fact the incurable disease has an antidote on the Asteroid which of course cures Bones. But the ending was a nice touch with Kirk promising to take McCoy to see them in a year. not bad all told.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 185/320

Star Trek: TOS 3.9 - The Tholian Web

2008-07-31T19:17:00.003+01:00

Review 63 - Episode 64

The One where Kirk is a ghost

A good little episode this, but a couple of things really bug me. Bones is such a dick in this story, basically accusing Spock of wanting to lose Kirk to gain a command. It's so far over the line it's not even funny. The writers sometimes push McCoys irritability with Spock to the point that he looks an Idiot. The worst thing you could say is that Spock was too human in trying to save Jim, isn't that what Bones would want? If Spock just fucked off and left Kirk to die he'd be saying he was cold and logical. You can't win with this version of Bones and all the apologies in the world don't change the fact that he's an arsehole at times (like he was when Spock had the command in The Paradise syndrome)

Anyway, that's off my chest now. The idea is quite good, if never totally explained (at least, not until much later on Enterprise). The Defiant, the Enterprises sister ship, is phasing in and out of space. An away team (in nifty new space suits ) goes over and Kirk has to stay behind, when he is "phased " out of our space. The Tholians then arrive and start to destroy the enterprise with their nifty weapon, a laser web that spins in front of the ship. The crew are also going slightly mad.

There's lovely scenes for all the crew (barr Sulu who is ignored again), even Uhura getting a nice scene in her room. Kirk being avsent for most of it gave the crew room to breathe. And I liked the recording Kirk left for Spock and Bones and the ending. But McCoy ruins this episode for me and that's a pity as this is probably the only possible 5 rating episode of season 3. Shame

4/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 182/315

Star Trek: TOS 3.8 - The Empath

2008-07-31T19:12:00.003+01:00

Review 62 - Episode 63

The One where the Trio are tortured

Back to basics episode here. The Trio are captured and tortured to see how far an Empath can heal them. There's some excellent dialogue between them, especially when McCoy puts himself forward to die. It's fairly tame by today's standards, but still effective and quite shocking.

The sets are also very sparse giving it a feel of a stage play or stripped down drama, much like spectre of the gun was. Of course, it's because there's no dosh in the kitty, but it makes for compulsive viewing none the less.

The end scenes, when Kirk talks them into not killing them, is a standard Trek cliche, but works for me and doesn't ruin the episode.

An unexpected gem in amongst the dross that is Season 3

4/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 178/315

Star Trek: TOS 3.7 - Is There in Truth No Beauty?

2008-07-31T19:09:00.002+01:00

Review 61 - Episode 62

The One where Spock goes mad.

Entertaining enough, and Nimoy can act different scenes so well that it saves a sometimes pedestrian episode.

An alien ambassador is on board who cannot be viewed or you go insane called a Medusan (geddit?) and lives in what looks like a box.

What follows is a 3 part mini series I like to call Spocks big adventure. In the 1st part he starts to bond with the Medusans carer, Dr Jones (Pulaski again!! - I had no idea she was so prevalent in Trek lore), talks about his IDIC medallion (which apparently was just a plug for merchandise, but is a nice idea) and faces a murderous love rival, a former designer of the Enterprise, Marvick.

Marvick goes insane and sends the Ship on a transdimensional trip where the only way home is Spock melding with the Medusan. This leads to warm human Spock laughing, etc which is still affecting and surprising even though they pull it out every 10 episodes.

Finally, he sees the ambassador without his visor and goes mental, but Dr Jones rescues his mind. It's a Spock tour de force this episode, but it doesn't quite click for me the way previous episodes have.

I think there's too many plot lines going on here. McCoy and Kirk have some nice lines, and the rest of the crew are just kind of THERE as always.

Not bad, but average.

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 174/305

Star Trek: TOS 3.6 - Spock's Brain

2008-07-30T21:09:00.003+01:00

Review 60 - Episode 61

The One where Spocks Brain is nicked

Sheeeeit man, this is bad. So bad it's good, but bad none the less.

A bunch of women steal Spocks brain - Kirk wants it back. It is simply impossible to take this episode seriously and I can't believe they used this as the Season 3 premiere. I mean, part of me loves it as it's so funny because it's played so straight. Not once did I see any actors wink or lose their game face.

I can't be bothered writing much for this episode. It doesn't deserve it and the scene where Spock TALKS McCoy through his own brain transplant operation seals it. Worth watching for the unintentional laughs, but dire, dreadful nonsense.

1/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 171/300

Star Trek: TOS 3.5 - And the Children Shall Lead

2008-07-30T21:06:00.002+01:00

Review 59 - Episode 60

The One with the annoying kids

This one started out average, then went downhill fast, but there are some nice moments. The Kids are rescued from a planet after their parents have committed suicide, but they have weird powers.

I liked the red shirts being beamed out into space and the horrible realisation that they weren't on the planet below. It was the first time I've really seen how dangerous transporters can be, although I find it hard to believe that there are no safety measures in place.

Kirk, Bones and Spock discussing the situation on the planet and the kids is also interesting and reminded me of the good old days in Season 1-2. However, any scenes with the Kids are awful and their constant shaking of the fist becomes incredibly tedious and annoying. I don't know why the alien looks like a Victorian ghost either,

The fears are quite strange as well and a bit insulting: Uhura looks old and falls apart, Sulu hates swords (?!) flying around and Chekov, well they didn't bother giving Chekov a fear angle.

Pretty bad, but the chemistry of the regulars saves it.

2/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 170/295

Star Trek: TOS 3.4 - The Enterprise Incident

2008-07-29T23:09:00.002+01:00

Review 58 - Episode 59

The One that's a bit like Oceans 11

And we're back. A nice holiday break came at just the right time as I have been toiling through these end days of TOS. It's hard to tell if I'm simply prejudging them as being Season 3 bad or if they just aren't up to scratch - actually, strike that. Season 3 is rough, but I still go in expecting diamonds, and while this is a solid episode, it doesn't quite shine as brightly as I'd like.

Kirk has gone mad with stress and orders the Enterprise into Romulan space, where 3 Romulan/Klingon birds of prey decloak and surround them. Kirk is then killed by Spock (!) and Spock turns towards helping the Romulan empire and gets very close with the female commander. If all this sounds unlikely, it's because it is and I think the episode is weak because it plays out this bluff too long. We know something is up, but not exactly what, but the first half of the episode tries too long to fool us and I can't imagine even 60's audience members believing it.

The second half is better as Spock's relationship becomes surprisingly erotic in a subtle way and Kirk is alive again (surprise), but goes back as a Romulan to nick the cloaking device. I like the idea of the Federation being rather underhand and devious, but the whole gambit is ridiculous and the answers as too why Kirk is acting erratic and strange don't really hold up. The dialogue is slightly disappointing as well considering it's Fontana, which was a surprise.

The rest of the cast are largely anonymous (especially McCoy who you always think will have a big part, but never does), though Scotty has some nice one liners.

It's good and ambitious, but I admire it's goals more than it's actual execution.

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 168/290

Star Trek: TOS 3.3 - The Paradise Syndrome

2008-07-16T22:32:00.005+01:00

Review 57 - Episode 58

The One with the Indians

Surprisingly good episode this with some interesting things to say. There are 2 very separate plots here. In the A plot, Kirk has his memory wiped and is trapped on a planet with a village of Indians who he joins, takes a wife and is happy. In the B plot, Spock tries to deflect an asteroid heading for the planet, fails, and limps back to the planet while trying to solve the riddle of the obelisk. This takes over place over 56 days.

I'll get my gripes out the way first. Yet another planet with old earth customs and history? There's an interesting theory about it later on, but I'll let it slide this time. The whole idea of Kirk finding peace and being given over a month to live a total different life is interesting, but the execution doesn't work. I'm not really bothered about Kirk becoming an Apache Indian and his acting is pretty shaky here. It's a nice concept and will be reused to better effect in TNG with "The inner light", but I found it dull, which is a shame as I appreciate them trying something different.

The B plot is excellent as Spock trys to deflect the asteroid and ignores all Scottys warnings about burning out the engines (I also liked Spocks explanation to Bones with the rocks about why they had to leave the planet - his frustration and patience were in perfect balance). His plan fails and they only have minimal speed to try and stay 4 hours ahead of the asteroid. This leads to excellent scenes with Bones and Spock discussing what had happened and Spock agonising internally, yet trying to come up with a new solution. An interesting discussion was talking about the Preservers, a race of aliens who "seeded" humanoids across the galaxy, hence all aliens look the same. It would be touched upon in TNG and obviously the real answer is budget reasons, but it's good to see them address it and while the answer is never followed up, I was happy with the explanation I didn't really feel the passage of time on the Enterprise, but that's the only real flaw.

The obelisk was also a very impressive set design, as was the village and the location shooting. This is apparently the only outdoor episode of Season 3 and I was noticing the lack of extras on the ship. Hopefully it won't affect to many episodes, but they really seem to have spent it all on this episode.

It 's very good, but the Kirk story drags for me and I wouldn't really want to watch it again for a long time, so I have to mark it down slightly, but worth a watch.

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 165/285

Star Trek: TOS 3.2 - Elaan of Troyius

2008-07-15T23:35:00.002+01:00

Review 56 - Episode 57

The One with the new Klingon Ships

Ah, so finally we get to see the Klingon ships from the movies that we all know and love. What a great design, it really stands the test of time. Having said that, I seen the flyby of the ship so many times in this episode that by the end I was sick of it.

That isn't even the main story here though. That belongs to Elaan, a Helen of Troy type figure who being escorted to be married. Her and Kirk argue, then fall in love and I suppose it's all watchable enough, but I wasn't really buying it. I was more interested in the Klingon ship to be honest. The lighting was really strange on the bridge as well, very dark and casting shadows. I can't help feeling their budget was away and they didn't have enough money to pay for lights.

The battle was a bit boring as well, using the same stock footage of the Klingon ship over and over again.

Not bad exactly and there are some nice scenes, but it fell flat for me overall.

2/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 162/280

Star Trek: TOS 3.1 - Spectre of the Gun

2008-07-15T23:23:00.002+01:00

Review 55 - Episode 56

The One set in the Old West

The start of a new Season is always a good boost for a series. Changes have normally been made, some subtle like lighting and sounds, others major like new cast members. There's nothing hugely different here, beyond Scotty's hairdo and the lack of a budget, but if feels fresh all the same.

The episode is a bit of a dog however. Kirk is warned of a planet, but ignores it and visits anyway. They're punished by being sentenced to death by means of a distant memory in Kirks brain, mainly the gunfight at the OK Corral. However, since Trek can't afford a budget, the sets are all extremely basic and it has the appearance of a stage play, especially since they're playing other characters.

It's slightly surreal watching it and Kirk really is an idiot for forging ahead with visiting the planet. The solution is logical and it's interesting seeing Spock mind melding with all of them, but the lesson learned at the end has been done to death, where Kirk spares his opponents life and the alien see's he is peaceful. Also, alien with God like powers? Hello, I though we'd done that to death by now.

Watchable for the strange setting, but rather dull and cheap looking.

2/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 160/275

Star Trek: TOS 2.26 - Assignment: Earth

2008-07-13T23:39:00.006+01:00

Review 54 - Episode 55

The One that's not really a Star Trek episode.

Bit of background for this episode, though I'm sure you know it. Star Trek was teetering on the brink of cancellation, so Roddenberry decided to sneakily put a Pilot episode into Star Trek which would have been called Assignment: Earth.

This is why we have such ridiculous concepts as the Enterprise "popping back" in time to see what's happening in 1969 and the fact that the bridge crew are relegated to guest stars and being ineffective in their own show.

I would probably still be pissed off even if it was a decent concept, but it's a lot of shite about Gary seven and his cat, plus a ditsy secretary saving humanity from it's self. Frankly, if Gene has made some decent season finales, perhaps the show would have survived instead of this garbage. It's not even Trek really. So not impressed with this idea.

Anyway, that's the end of season 2 (way to bow out on a downer). There have been some classics, but I've struggled with this Season and in all honesty I'm quite glad there's only one more to go. I'll probably be sad when it's done, but episodes like this make it harder than it should.

Not technically as bad as Catspaw, but for sheer cheek and the fact "our" guy's were so crap and I don't give a toss about Gary and his cat, it's getting nil points. Avoid.

0/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 158/270

Star Trek: TOS 2.25 - The Omega Glory

2008-07-13T23:19:00.003+01:00

Review 53 - Episode 54

The One with the American planet

Quite a strange episode this. It starts interestingly as Kirk finds the USS Exeter in orbit round a planet with it's crew dissolved. They beam down and find they're infected and can't leave, but Captain Tracey has violated the prime directive. It then turns out that the planet is actually a parallel world that has a stars and stripes flag and is basically old America!!

I mean, WTF is going on here. I've never seen an episode change storys so fast in my life and not in a good way. The virus story, while similar to Miri, has been done before but is interesting, as is the prime directive violation. If he thought he was going to die, then Kirk may have used his phaser as well. Tracey's too much of a villain to have any grey areas though, so it's never really developed.

Then this crazy story comes in about Yankees and the constitution, on an alien planet, and no one seems interested? What's more shocking is that this was considered for a pilot!! Spock's mind controlling is too powerful and thankfully never seen again.

It's all over the shop this episode and not very good. The basic banter between the trio and the 1st half save it from total disaster.

2/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 158/265

Star Trek: TOS 2.24 - The Ultimate Computer

2008-07-13T00:09:00.004+01:00

Review 52 - Episode 53

The One with the computer with a mind of it's own.

Good episode this, though a couple of things let it down. Commodore Wesley comes across as a total buffoon, even though the characters all love him. First he makes almost all the crew leave the ship, then he insults Kirk with his Captain Dunsel remark and finally he's so thick he thinks Kirk is firing at his fleet of ships, even though he knows the experimental computer is running the ship. I mean, for fucks sake, this guy is a complete moron and he riled me up everytime he was on screen. Daystrom is also idiotically blind when it comes to M-5, but I'll let that go as he was supposed to be a bit crazy at this point.

The good scenes involve Kirk facing his possible future without a starship and talking to Bones about it over a drink (McCoy's always drinking in these episodes!) There's also a lovely subtle little scene with Spock and Kirk, where Spock, who has defended M-5 and Daystrom, tell's Jim he has no desire to serve under a computer. No big histrionics, just a nice quiet speech. Shatners good this episode as well, facing his impending retirement. There are also lines here reminiscent of Star Trek 5, especially the poem, which is nice.

Needless to say, the computer goes mental, starts attacking ships and Kirk talks it to death as he has many times before. It's also a shame the fleet is old reused footage of the Enterprise (not to mention space seed).

D.C Fontana for me can do no wrong and a lot of Trek's success should lie at her feet. She absolutely nails these characters.

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 156/260

Star Trek: TOS 2.23 - Patterns of Force

2008-07-12T23:53:00.003+01:00

Review 51 - Episode 52

The One with the Nazi's

Much like the Aliens with God like powers, the Planet of Romans/Gangsters/Children and now Nazi's has become a common theme in TOS.

It's a bit OTT for me this episode. A lot of the episode seems to be either a) the novelty of seeing Kirk and Spock dressed as Nazi's and B) people's reactions to Spocks ears. Nimoy always puts on this silly face when he gets rumbled that really start's to irk after the umpteenth reveal.

There's a nice B story about the prime directive being ignored, but I'm not sure what the main point of the episode is. Surely it can't simply be to let us know that Nazi's were bad? It's hard to really see any worth to the show beyond that. The ending is also rushed and everything seems wrapped up and the Nazi problem solved. Only Bones appears later in the episode and the regulars are sadly missed. I did like the 2 planets shot at the beginning. Nice change.

About as subtle as a Nazi invasion this story, with it's moral message.

2/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 153/255

Star Trek: TOS 2.22 - Return to Tomorrow

2008-07-12T01:07:00.002+01:00

Review 50 - Episode 51

The One with glowing balls

Kirk, Spock and A.N.Other (Dr. Ann Mulhall (Diana Muldaur) - Holy shit - I've just realised she plays Pulaski in TNG season 2!! Bizarre!!) have their minds taken over willingly so the aliens can make android robots. Things go awry.

Quick one for this episode as it's a bit rubbish. Shatners acting is terrible here, from his impassioned speech as to why they should do it to his body being taken over by Sargon. Spocks quite good as the evil Hanoch, though if Spocks mind goes into Chapels body, where's Chapel's mind gone? Hmm. Sulu's back as well, which is nice though he's barely used, as always. Still good to have him back.

There's an interesting story here about quality of life vs ultimate temptation, but I hate God like being episodes and Shat's acting is all over the shop. Spock's worth a watch, as is McCoy's rational arguments against. But Kirk comes across as a bit of a dick here I'm afraid to say.

2/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 151/250

Star Trek: TOS 2.21 - By Any Other Name

2008-07-12T00:12:00.003+01:00

Review 49 - Episode 50

The One with the magic belts

So, this is the one with the hexagon cubes. I don't know why, and I certainly didn't remember the rest of this episode, but that one scene, when Kirk walks down the ships corridor and finds all the cubes seems to resonate in trek fans everywhere.

The rest of the episode is okay, mainly due to Fontana's input I think. The Enterprise is captured by aliens masquerading as humans who want the Enterprise to return to the milky way. They seem quite weak beyond there belts which can paralyse you and turn you into hexagonal cubes.

I was wary at first of this story as beings with god like powers are one of my pet hates (which I didn't know until I started this marathon, so there you go), but it actually follows logically and satisfactory.

The Enterprise is forced through the barrier at the edge of our galaxy which is a nice reference to the first episode of Kirk and crew. I suspect it was just a reason to reuse old footage, but I appreciated it all the same. I also liked Rojan crushing the cube and the fact it was the yeoman who got killed! Nice to see Trek playing on expectations even in this 2nd season.

The entire crew are wiped out bar the top 4 and the 2nd half of the episode is them playing on the Kelvins human weaknesses. McCoy inject's one with medicine that makes him irritable, Spock plays mind games with Rojan, Scotty has a great scene getting drunk with one and Kirk, of course, seduces Kalinda (Barbara Bouchet), who falls for his charm, but of course.

It's a fun episode, but average all the same

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 149/245

Star Trek: TOS 2.20 - A Piece of the Action

2008-07-03T20:52:00.004+01:00

Review 48 - Episode 49

The One with the 1920's Gangsters

Okay, big ask here. A planet that has based it's entire culture on 20's Chicago gangsters, based on a book a previous ship has left behind. If you can't accept that, if this seems like Star Trek at it's worst, it's most stupid, then move on. There's nothing I can say that can convince you to like this if you can't swallow that concept (I've had a couple of beers, hence the passionate intro).

If you're still reading, then I presume you've decided to give this a chance, like I did. And you should, because this is a very good Trek and a very funny episode. It possibly overdoes the gangster comedy angle a tad, but I'll forgive it that.

Koik, Sawbones and Spocko are from the Feds and trying to take over the planet. At least in the 2nd half they are. In the first, they approach it from a star fleet point of view and lose hopelessly and have no idea what they are doing. Kirks reactions to Oxymyx and Krako are very funny as for once Shatner is talked down in scenes.

The 2nd half sees Kirk on the offensive as he realises that he has too act like a gangster to be respected. Bones is left out these scenes as Kirk and Spock steal the show in their sharp outfits and improvised plan. Even Scotty gets a few good lines. I also like the fact that the gangsters weren't stupid and realised that Kirk could be bluffing this whole thing.

The whole tone of the episode is very similar to The Voyage Home, especially the scenes with Spock and kirk in the car. Spock is probably too funny this episode, but I like to think it's his human side coming through and the chemistry between them at this point in time is as good as it gets. The prime directive gets an airing again which is nice to see and though the rest of the cast are largely missing, it's just the way the show is going.

So, very funny episode, but if Spock acting like a gangster sounds like the worst thing in the world to you, skip to the next episode. Me, I loved it.

4/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 146/240