Treking through all Star Trek

[DevilEyes]

thew40 wrote:

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If memory serves, the MU hasn't exactly faired well in TrekLit as well -- esp. in the DS9-Relaunch. That particular storyline got real dry and stale quickly.

Yes, I agree, that's why, as I said, I much prefer the "Myriad Universes" books with their various alternate universes, like James Swallow's Seeds of Dissent, about a universe in which Khan won the Eugenics Wars, which is closer to the original idea of the MU as the humans are the bad guys oppressing the rest of the galaxy, or William Leisner's A Less Perfect Union, about a universe in which Earth became isolationist and xenophobic after a different outcome to the events of ENT Terra Prime/Demons.

Part of me really wished that they would have found some way to insert present-day Shatner and Nimoy into this episode, overtop their 60s counterparts. Oh well.

I'm surprised someone hasn't done that and put it to Youtube.

[thew40]

DevilEyes wrote:

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. . . like James Swallow's Seeds of Dissent, about a universe in which Khan won the Eugenics Wars, which is closer to the original idea of the MU as the humans are the bad guys oppressing the rest of the galaxy . . .

Y'know, it's funny you mention that, because for years and years, I thought the MU was a timeline where Khan had won the Eugenics Wars.

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Series: The Original Series – Season Two
Episode: “I, Mudd”
Trek Installment # 135
Grade: C-
Viewing Date: January 24, 2010

I liked this episode for one reason and one reason only: Harry Mudd.

I love Mudd. I think he’s funny, he creates a fun dynamic with the rest of the crew and unlike his previous appearance, this time he was a lot more fun. The robots were pretty stupid, though, and failed to really be of anything interesting. Again, illogic and insanity destroy artificial intelligence. It’s kooky and far-fetched. The robots don’t make a whole lot sense either – they’re just looking to understand humanity and that’s it? Nothing else? Really? Serve us? And how did Harry get them to look like his type of lady? Were they new robots? Old?

Plots holes a plenty. Where was the rest of the crew that beamed down? The only way to dupe the fem-bots was to act like idiots? I thought that was “sexy” and only worked in Austin Powers.

[thew40]

Series: The Original Series – Season Two
Episode: “The Trouble With Tribbles”
Trek Installment # 136
Grade: A-
Viewing Date: January 24, 2010

There’s a reason why this episode is so iconic. It’s funny, it’s kinda thoughtful, it has Klingons, and it’s just fun. While still maintaining a fine amount of drama in regards to the Klingons and the station, the episode itself is just fun. The Tribbles had to that factor, becoming cute, cuddly, and surprisingly dangerous. Kinda.

The episode ties into the on-going Federation/Klingon Cold War, adding some intrigue. The Tribbles bring in a new life-form for the Federation to deal with. It all comes out to a fine episode. I know I should have more to say, but to be completely honest, it’s all out there. You don’t have to take my word for it.

[Luther Sloan]

thew40 wrote:

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Y'know, it's funny you mention that, because for years and years, I thought the MU was a timeline where Khan had won the Eugenics Wars.

W40:

Yeah, now that you mention it. That makes a lot of sense now. Cool, man.

[DevilEyes]

Luther Sloan wrote:

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W40:

Yeah, now that you mention it. That makes a lot of sense now. Cool, man.

Hmm, I don't really think that would work. None of those people from Mirror, Mirror seemed genetically engineered. They weren't any physically stronger, more capable, skilled, intelligent, or anything else, in comparison with their prime universe counterparts. If genetic modification had been the rule for 300 years, none of them would probably even look the same as the Kirk, Scotty, McCoy, Uhura etc. that we know, so none of the prime universe people would be able to take their place in the Mirror Universe.

Mirror Universe just seems like a universe where people who are absolutely the same genetically have very different personalities due to the circumstances - essentially, because they live in "barbaric" society that favors violence, scheming and ruthlessness and the only morality is that the stronger and wilier shall win.

[thew40]

Series: The Original Series – Season Two
Episode: “Bread and Circuses”
Trek Installment # 137
Grade: C-
Viewing Date: February 2, 2010

I’m really not sure how I feel about this one. It had a very neat concept – a 20th century Roman Empire, though it was just a little too human. Did Apollo and his crew pop by? Wouldn’t it be cool if that was mentioned? And let’s hold on one sec . . . what was all that about Christianity at the end? I’m fine with it, because I’m a Christian and it was (strangely) nice to see my beliefs considered in a positive light . . . but wasn’t Roddenberry a firm atheist? Or was this his olive branch? Just strange.

The story about Merrick’s crew was just kinda dumb. As my wife pointed out, why would Merrick endanger his whole crew like that? Because he’s a Starfleet wash-out? Spock and Bones were okay with dying – not great, but okay with it. And since the Prime Directive was all ready messed with, I think Scotty should have beamed down some security teams to (be massacred) rescue the Captain during the power outage.

I did really like the narrow escape at the end. It was very much a “let’s get the hell outta here” as opposed to the normal “let’s teach them why they’re wrong.” Merrick’s last act of throwing the communicator at Kirk and crew was nice, even though he was pretty much a big loser throughout the episode.

I also loved the scene with Bones and Spock, when Bones was talking about how Spock was afraid of living because his emotions might slip. And their gladiator battle was cool.

Just . . . an odd episode all in all.

[Luther Sloan]

DevilEyes wrote:

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Hmm, I don't really think that would work. None of those people from Mirror, Mirror seemed genetically engineered. They weren't any physically stronger, more capable, skilled, intelligent, or anything else, in comparison with their prime universe counterparts. If genetic modification had been the rule for 300 years, none of them would probably even look the same as the Kirk, Scotty, McCoy, Uhura etc. that we know, so none of the prime universe people would be able to take their place in the Mirror Universe.

Mirror Universe just seems like a universe where people who are absolutely the same genetically have very different personalities due to the circumstances - essentially, because they live in "barbaric" society that favors violence, scheming and ruthlessness and the only morality is that the stronger and wilier shall win.

Yeah, I suppose I got a bit overly excited when I first heard the theory.

[thew40]

Series: The Original Series – Season Two
Episode: “Journey to Babel”
Trek Installment # 138
Grade: B+
Viewing Date: February 4, 2010

While Star Trek doesn’t exactly have the arcs that its off-spring were known for, it certainly does have episodes that serve Spock well enough to create one. Since we’ve first met Spock, he followed only logic, choosing it over his emotional human half. We’ve followed him since, challenging that logic in fine episodes like “Galileo Seven,” “Amok Time,” and “This Side of Paradise” – to name a few.

Here’s another one. While the previous episodes dealt exclusively with his friends and loved ones challenging his restrained emotions, “Journey” punches Spock in heart – it brings in the conflicted and complex relationship with his parents. The family is clearly defined. Sarek the distant father, renowned in his career, but very cold towards his son. Amanda the caring mother, seeking only to find peace between the two of them. Spock, the lost son grasping onto whatever he can to maintain order in his world – whether it’s logic or the needs of, well, the many. And then there’s Sybok, who’s off bumming around with space hippies or something.

Anyways, it’s that family relationship that makes this episode so damn intriguing. I really loved it for that reason alone. The weight and consequences of Spock’s decision about not helping his father were really intriguing and almost troubling to watch. Amanda’s reaction was solid. I really loved her character.

Meanwhile, seeing all those aliens was great. It’s something Star Trek really lacks – we needed more aliens on board, damn it. It did manage to echo the Romulan arc from Enterprise, but it didn’t resonate as much as I would have liked.

I loved seeing the Andorians and Tellarites again. Kirk had some fightin’, which was cool and kinda necessary. It’s Star Trek, of course.

Overall, a strong episode. Probably one of the best of the season.

[thew40]

Series: The Original Series – Season Two
Episode: “A Private Little War”
Trek Installment # 139
Grade: C-
Viewing Date: February 8, 2010

I was really at a loss on this episode. On the one hand, it made a good statement about larger powers getting involved in smaller powers, meddling about, and making things worse. On the other hand, there’s something about it that drove me insane.

Kirk’s perfectly okay with destroying false computer gods and destroying equipment that interferes with the development of a species. However, he’s also perfectly okay with the altering the very course of Neural’s history by arming the other side with weapons that the Klingons introduced in the first place. Doesn’t the sudden development of guns interfere with the development of a species? It’s troubling – Kirk knows better. Why not send down a team of redshirts, blow up the munitions supply of the opposing side, and let Tyree try and make peace? It’s foolish for Kirk just to assume that things can’t be saved – he can talk a robot to death!

I understand it was intended to be a parallel to Vietnam and the Klingons had a great Cold War vibe going on, but at the same time, this was just a mess. I ended up really disliking at the end of this episode.

On the other hand, Spock and Chapel were great. I liked Tyree a lot, though I hated his wife. Tyree was surprisingly well-developed for a one-shot character. M’Benga was pretty cool too. I wish he would have stuck around more – it’s nice to know that McCoy’s not the only doctor there.

[thew40]

Series: The Original Series – Season Two
Episode: “The Gamesters of Triskelion”
Trek Installment # 140
Grade: C
Viewing Date: February 8, 2010

A pretty average episode, but with some nice highlights. Uhura and Chekov taking the place of Spock and Bones as part of the away team was refreshingly different. Bones and Scotty’s arguing with Spock was pretty cool, even though it didn’t amount to much. Spock’s conversation about them mutinying was funny. This was all nice because it gave each character something to do – even if Chekov ended up being a bit of the comic relief.

I also liked seeing the aliens. It was a nice variety. That big guy (in my mind) reminded me of a Nausicaan. The other aliens were pretty cool – except for the Gamesters themselves. They were really over-the-top. What exactly was going to happen to them? Were they really going to teach the aliens how to be innovative?

This episode, above many others, deserved a follow-up in the 24th century. It would have been interesting to see how the Gamesters would interact with species like the Ferengi or the Orions. Or to revisit those aliens to see if they were actually able to build a real civilization.

I also wonder about the kind of technology they had to just grab hold of the Enterprise like that. How hard would it have been for some enemy of the Federation to track down that world and find the Gamesters and steal their tech? Maybe not easy, but it could have been done.

How many quadloos would you bet that it would have been a decent episode?

[thew40]

Series: The Original Series – Season Two
Episode: “Obsession”
Trek Installment # 141
Grade: D+
Viewing Date: February 8, 2010

It’s another REDSHIRT MASSACRE!

The Enterprise fight a Space Cloud that once killed Kirk’s old captain, whose son just happens to be serving on Kirk’s ship. This son – Garrovick, no first name given – suffers from the same guilt Kirk does about the Space Cloud.

Ultimately, they use an ounce of anti-matter to blow up the creature, but only after making it difficult for themselves and getting out just as the Space Cloud is coming upon them, instead of when it first shows up. Also, it’s there to breed.

This is episode is extremely contrived. While yes, it gave Kirk a backstory and it had a Redshirt with a purpose, it was pretty messy. Kirk just happened to be on the same planet as the Space Cloud that he still had emotional damage about. Garrovick just happened to serve on the same ship at Kirk and his father was killed by the Space Cloud – he also just happened to make the same non-mistake Kirk did back in the day. The Space Cloud just happened to need to breed.

And then the “trap” . . . what a piece of work. Why didn’t they just beam out when the Space Cloud showed up to eat the blood and then remote detonate the anti-matter like they did anyways? That would have made more sense.

Bleh.

[thew40]

Series: The Original Series – Season Two
Episode: “The Immunity Syndrome”
Trek Installment # 142
Grade: C+
Viewing Date: February 8, 2010

This one was more on the ball. It really took Star Trek back to its scientific roots. While, yes, a giant amoeba in space is pretty far-fetched and it didn’t make a whole lot of sense in the long run, it brought about some shining moments for the crew.

In particular, Spock and Bones competitive attitude in regards to studying it. Granted Spock’s got some personal beef involved, there’s a nice surge of sheer curiousity and interest that drives both men into wanting to go on that mission. It worked out well.

Spock’s Obi-Wan impression (or is it the other way around?) was a little overdone, but it worked well. He had a good “oh snap” with Bones when he talked about death of the Intrepid and how it affected him. It also recalled the “you are the ones to be envied” line from Enterprise (“The Forgotten”).

Overall, a much-appreciated better than average Trek.

[thew40]

Series: The Original Series – Season Two
Episode: “A Piece of the Action”
Trek Installment # 143
Grade: C-
Viewing Date: February 8, 2010

I’ll be completely honest – I’m not a big fan of finding, basically, “other Earths” out in space. I think it’s lazy writing and gets really redundant. I’ll have a little more to say about this when I get to the end of this season – because it’s a big deal for me.

Now that being said, I actually kinda like this episode. It wasn’t completely logical, but it was at least fun and was pretty tongue in cheek. The explanation didn’t make a lot of sense, of course, but I’ve come to learn that sometimes, Star Trek just doesn’t make a lot sense.

I did like that Kirk was willing to take responsibility for the actions of the Horizon. It made me wonder if some other starship will sometime clean up the mess Kirk made in “A Private Little War,” “The Apple,” and “The Return of the Archons.” And his realization that he needs to adapt to culture and his smart use of the transporter and all of his manipulations really says something about Kirk’s determination. Any other captain would have been just fine to leave them tear themselves apart.

[thew40]

Series: The Original Series – Season Two
Episode: “By Any Other Name”
Trek Installment # 144
Grade: B-
Viewing Date: February 13, 2010

I think this episode had a lot of potential to be a much larger, much more exciting story. Invaders from another galaxy that are stuck in human form succumbing to human faults. It’s kinda neat. We have the Galactic Barrier, we have some nice references to other episodes, and we have the ship taken over quite quickly. It’s a big one, to be sure.

But it lacks focus and drive. There’s only so much danger the Enterprise can be in. The Kelvans as a culture all their own are only scratched – there’s nothing to go on about them. We don’t see their actual bodies, we only get the basics of these people.

There’s also a few substantial plotholes. How did they know what the humans looked like? How did they get back across the barrier? Why keep Kirk around if Spock, Bones, and Scotty were all you really needed?

Out of all the TOS episodes (thus far), this was one that could have been a two parter. Hell, I’d even take a three parter. It could have been epic. Instead, it’s just another above average episode. Everyone defeated the Kelvins in the way you’d expect them to. Spock pointed out what was wrong with them, Kirk taught them how to love, Bones filled them up with meds, and Scotty got them drunk.

[thew40]

Series: The Original Series – Season Two
Episode: “Return to Tomorrow”
Trek Installment # 145
Grade: B
Viewing Date: February 13, 2010

Like the previous episode, I thought this one had a lot of potential – except this one actually achieved it. While not exactly keen on the whole “we are the true parents of mankind” (even though I used them in a fanfic), I actually really enjoyed Sargon and his gang. Unlike the usual TOS aliens, he was understanding, sympathetic, intriguing, and NOT EVIL.

All three characters were well-rounded and intriguing. It was such a great change of pace and made for a fine alien species to deal with.

The telepathic battle and trickery was also well done and came across very well. It was a little on the confusing side, but at the same time, really managed to pull it off. Kirk’s shocking sacrifice of Spock was a little upsetting, but his speech about risk was very rousing.

Good Trek!