First Review: Helena Chronicles 1x02 Obsessions

[BlazerBoy]

The folks who brought us Odyssey and Hidden Frontier continue to out-do themselves. The sophomore outing for the crew of the Helena was spectacularly executed and continues to show that so called amateurs can produce a top-notch, well-written, well acted, professionally produced product.

I won't spoil this episode, but it pretty much picks up after Orphans of War with Corey Aster attempting to explain his cryptic visions of himself and Nevin Ro, who is of course headlining the Odyssey in the series by the same name. The episode begins with some light-hearted banter among the ships crew, and even includes some guest stars from Hidden Frontier, namely, Lt Lefler. There is a visit to the infamous Hellsgate Station, and a surprise ending that actually raised the hairs on the back of my neck.

Helena Chronicles is shaping up to be an exceptional fan series, from its on-spot characterizations, with each character having their own personal inflections and quirks (the doctor and chief engineer are HILARIOUS) down to its original score, complete with the opening theme which is almost reminiscent of Danny Pelfrey's main theme from the game Star Trek Voyager: Elite Force. It was almost like watching a really good episode of DS9. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday night!

I just wish these guys had the resources and time to have a new episode every week! Good work people!

Those who are registered for the Hidden Frontier email newsletters should have recieved the link to download or view the episode tonight. I didn't verify it, but I assume the wide release versions will follow shortly.

 

[Hudson_uk]

It's in wide release now, the newsletter is likely to be a heads up for the wide release from now on. The main web site has the links.

 

[nx1701g]

I got a chance to watch this last night. Not a bad entry into the series. I enjoyed the return of Admiral Rand, what happened to Admiral Knapp, and the ending was one of the best cliffhangers I've seen.

I look forward to seeing what's in store for the Starship Helena on the next episode.

 

[fleetcaptain]

I am for one, waiting to see what happens next too. These episodes keep on getting more better ever time and well the surprise ending had me too.
I thought Captain Johns was in command of an Allegiance class starship not a Legacy class, which I have known for awhile now.

 

[johnhazard]

(spoiler)
The quality of this production is insanely good. Love the opening effects and the original theme song. The credits look badly anti-aliased- or is this a resolution problem? Love the opening shot of the Helena in spacedock (and I am usually so tired of spacedock pics). The astrometrics scene was cool. Always good to see Knapp. Really good twist, having The bad guys expose what the good guys were up to. Certainly makes me excited to see the next ep! Thank you!

 

[o'brien's scotch]

Definitely a step up from the first episode. I'm starting to like Dias a lot. One of the things that this episode helps reinforce how Helena and Odyssey are running concurrently, but still maintaining their individual identities as series.