Newcomer with an ambitious project

[Jeri]

I apologize for responding late to this, but I just found the thread -- and it is a terrific thread. Many thanks for your efforts; I eagerly await all your reviews!

Carbon Creek (***/*****)...This episode belongs, however to J. Paul Boehmer as Mestral. He was absolutely fantastic as a curious Vulcan anxious to study humanity...

I'm a fan of J. Paul Boehmer from his Trek roles -- so much so that I bought some of the audio books that he has narrated. He has a great voice. Carbon Creek is one of my favorite episodes. Here are a few items from Memory Alpha about the episode:

-- J. Paul Boehmer previously played Vornar in DS9: "Tacking Into the Wind", an Unnamed Kapitän in VOY: "The Killing Game", One in VOY: "Drone", and a Nazi SS officer in ENT: "Storm Front".

-- In reality, Velcro was invented by George de Mestral. This is where Mestral got his name.

-- This episode's opening scenes and premise are very similar to an earlier novel, Strangers from the Sky, which described a pre-first contact crash of a Vulcan scout ship on Earth.

-- This episode was nominated for a Hugo Award for "Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form."

 

[TrekFan2Be]

-- J. Paul Boehmer previously played Vornar in DS9: "Tacking Into the Wind", an Unnamed Kapitän in VOY: "The Killing Game", One in VOY: "Drone", and a Nazi SS officer in ENT: "Storm Front".

-- In reality, Velcro was invented by George de Mestral. This is where Mestral got his name.

It's pretty cool to know that there's more to come from that actor. It's still one of my favorite guest spots I've seen so far. Mestral was a great character.

And that's really awesome that they named the character after the real person who invented velcro. I had absolutley no idea who the real inventory was, but I'll probably always remember it really was Mestral now .

Thanks for the (non-spoiler) facts about the episode!

 

[Jeri]

Thanks for the (non-spoiler) facts about the episode!

It's a definite risk of spoilers alright, starting this thread. I hope people will think before they post, for your sake. They seem to be holding it down pretty well so far.

Carbon Creek has good acting chops all around. I also liked the character, "Maggie," who was played by Ann Cusack, a member of a local acting clan here in Chicagoland, along with John Cusack, Joan Cusack and Dick Cusack, their father (d. 2003). From the IMDb: "...Honored with an award from the Evanston Arts Council for preserving a school and converting it into the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, which houses the Piven Theater Workshop [incidentally, Jeremy and his folks] where his famous acting children trained..."

I can recommend "Strangers From the Sky," the novel by Margaret Wander Bonanno (a longtime TrekBBS member, in fact). It is a classic Trek novel, and one my favorites.

And finally, my avatar features a character from one of the best TOS episodes: "Assignment: Earth," which I saw first run on NBC. Were I in your shoes, I don't know how I could keep from bursting out of my skin with excitement at what is in front of you -- and what pleasures will abide with you. At the very least, my eyes would be spinning like two peppermints in the cartoons.

 

[TrekFan2Be]

STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE Season Three Disc #5

Hatchery (**/*****) - Here's an episode I couldn't get my arms around. I understood and respected what it was trying to do in proving some insight into the Xindi-Insectoids. The storyline used to accomplish that was rather [FONT=Verdana]predictable [/FONT]and uninteresting. Scott Bakula tries his best to keep the episode from becoming a complete bore, and he mostly succeeds in that regard. Even though I wasn't impressed or moved in any real way, I wasn't looking at my watch much either. Simply an average hour of Enterprise.

Azati Prime (*****/*****) - Holy crap, was this awesome or what. I can't imagine this episode not being perhaps the most well received episode of Enterprise up until this point. Just stellar from the opening teaser until the spectacular last shot. It not only gave every member of the crew something meaningful to do, but it also provided even more interesting backstory to the Xindi characters. It's clear that with the end of this season in sight, this is the spark thats going to burn until the season ends. The entire cast was top-notch and at the top of their game. The battle at the end of the episode is EASILY the best action scene of the series.

Damage (*****/*****) - Awesome continuation from "Azati Prime". This is a very different sort of episode, but no less spectacular. The choice posed to the audience (through Archer) was compelling and extreme. The scene with Archer and Phlox discussing the decision he's being forced to make was one of the best dramatic moments of the entire series. The two actors were stellar there. I also found the developments with T'Pol incredibly interesting. They completely fit into the storyline and they even explain some of her character's strange actions over the past few episodes. It has been subtly, but recognizably clear that T'Pol has become more emotional over the course of the season, most clearly culminating in "Harbinger" and "Azati Prime". That is explained in a realistic and fitting way here. It should open some really interesting new doors for her character.

The Forgotten (*****/*****) - A much smaller scale, more intimate continuation of the Xindi storyline. This is quite simply the best performance delivered by Connor Trinneer I've seen thus far. Furthermore, it's the most human and relatable performance given by any actor in the series thus far. This episode puts a human face on the devastating events that have been taking place over the course of the last two episodes. The sequence on the Enterprise hull was really well done as well. This season has really kicked into high gear now.

 

[Timelord79 (he/him)]

Enjoying your reviews very much.
Although I suspect a name change might be in order for you.
I believe you are more or less hooked and Trekfan already.

 

[AviTrek]

STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE Season Three Disc #3

North Star (**/*****) - Similar to "Extinction" (though not nearly as inept) in that this episode would be right at home in the middle of season two. So far this season has been fantastic, but I don't really understand why the writers chose to stop the momentum that was built over a few good episodes to stray away from the Xindi storyline twice already. This is a pretty inoffensive, but useless episode that sticks out like a sore thumb in the middle of the season three. I did really like the really unique cinematography, however.

I couldn't disagree with you more here. North Star is one of my favorite ENT episodes. It really got back to classic Trek. I loved seeing Archer stand up for the rights of a minority, especially when humans were the oppressors. Not everything needs to be serialized. If you disliked this episode you're going to hate most of the other series. But I've agreed with most of your other rankings, so maybe this is just the outlier.

 

[ryan123450]

TrekFan2Be, I don't know what you're plans are when you reach TNG/DS9/VOY, but I encourage you to watch them in chronological order as well, and not all of TNG, followed by all of DS9, followed by all of VOY. I think you'd enjoy it alot more if you watch it in the same way we all did when it was aired, not to mention it will make alot more sense at times.

 

[Leroy]

^ Why?, what's the advantage of watching TNG and starting DS9 in the middle of season 6, and starting Voyager while watching DS9 in season 3? Wouldn't it be much better to watch them all separately as to concentrate on each show for what it is like ENT?

 

[Dane_Whitman]

^ Why?, what's the advantage of watching TNG and starting DS9 in the middle of season 6, and starting Voyager while watching DS9 in season 3? Wouldn't it be much better to watch them all separately as to concentrate on each show for what it is like ENT?

For one thing the crossovers work better. Also, the origins of the Maquis are sort of hinted at in TNG "Journeys End" and then you watch DS9's "The Maquis" two-parter, makes for a really nice effect of continuity between the series.

If you watch all of TNG before DS9 you see "Preemtive Strike", Picard goes "The Maquis!" and you have no idea who he's talking about.

 

[Alidar Jarok]

IMO, Azati Prime to Zero Hour is some of the best Enterprise has to offer. Glad you're enjoying it

 

[TrekFan2Be]

TrekFan2Be, I don't know what you're plans are when you reach TNG/DS9/VOY, but I encourage you to watch them in chronological order as well, and not all of TNG, followed by all of DS9, followed by all of VOY. I think you'd enjoy it alot more if you watch it in the same way we all did when it was aired, not to mention it will make alot more sense at times.

As I noted in my original post, my uncle (who is a huge fan) put together a detailed spreadsheet that I'm using to guide me through all 700-some episodes. If anyone would care to have a look at it, please don't hesitate to send me an Instant Message (if you have AIM or MSN Messenger). I'd be happy to share it with anyone who is interested.

STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE Season Three Disc #6

E2 (****/*****) - Quite an interesting idea for an episode. I really grew to like the crew of the future Enterprise. Lorian was a great character, very well played by David Andrews. The episode featured a few really nice scenes between Jolene Blalock and Connor Trinneer as well. Unlike some of the weaker episodes from season three, E2 stays on point and to a degree remains relevent to the big picture.

The Council (*****/*****) - Quite a barn-burner of an episode this was. Degra's death actually took me largely by suprise. The sequences in the Xindi council chambers were some of the best offered this season. The special effects as the sphere arose from the planet and as the Enterprise and the Xindi fleet gave chase to it were completely feature film quality. Hoshi being transported off the bridge really took me by suprise as well. It's nice to see Hoshi being involved more.

Countdown (*****/*****) - An excellent continuation all around. Linda Park was quite good here. It was really interesting to see her attempt suicide to avoid having information tortured out of her. The production design inside the weapon is also of note here. Really awesome job with that. The special effects here are also amazingly top-notch. Watching the anomalies destroy the gigantic Aquatic vessels was breathtaking. Commander Dolum ordering the Instectoids killed for merely questioning him was also pretty awesome. Major Hayes dying was also suprisingly effective. His death scene was very well-handled and well performed by him and Dominic Keating.

Zero Hour (*****/*****) - Man, where to start. Quite a satisfying conclusion to this storyline. It was very epic and had again had a feature film quality to it. The stuff on the Enterprise, showing the crew trying to blow up the sphere to destroy the anomaly was well done and it was pretty cool to see the Sphere-Builder aliens taking a part in the action. It was also, again pretty awesome to see Commander Shran and the Andorians again. Pretty cool seeing them come to aid the Enterprise and Earth. The sequence on the weapon featured some great action sequences and I loved the way Archer put an end to Commander Dolum. That entire fight sequence was pretty awesome. On the other hand, WTF was the ending all about??? An alien nazi?? I have a feeling it has something to do with the Temporal Cold War, because the Xindi storyline has always sort of intersected that storyline. I'll reserve judgment until I see more, but I will say this ... it was quite a shock to see WWII planes taking shots at the shuttlepod. Definitely the biggest WTF moment I've seen thus far.


Season Three Power Rankings

1. Twilight
2. Azati Prime
3. Similitude
4. Damage
5. The Council
6. The Forgotten
7. Countdown
8. Zero Hour
9. Anomaly
10. Proving Ground
11. Stratagem
12. Impulse
13. E2
14. The Xindi
15. Harbinger
16. The Shipment
17. Rajiin
18. Chosen Realm
19. Carpenter Street
20. Hatchery
21. Exile
22. Doctor's Orders
23. North Star
24. Extinction

 

[Brian]

WTF was the ending all about??? An alien nazi??

If you only knew how much Internet discussion you just summarized in two sentences...

 

[startrekfiero]

I have to say that as long as you make it up to and through all of the TOS episodes you should be fine, that is if your goal is know about Star Trek for when the movie comes out. After all, the movie is based on the TOS series and not any of the Trek series or movies that came after it.
Having said that, I think the movie should (and hope) actually do the opposite of what you are doing. For those who would be new to Trek, the movie will hopefully attract new fans who will then want to go back and do what you are doing now.
If you are very excited about the new movie then I think you could have also waited and watched the movie first and then gone back to see the "history" of it so to speak bhy then watching all of the various series and movies.
Either way you can't go wrong so have fun with it and enjoy the iconic world of Star Trek.
Once you consider yourself a Trekkie however, you then have to start collecting Trek memorabilia and that will be another fun and exciting experience all on it's own LOL

 

[ryan123450]

As I noted in my original post, my uncle (who is a huge fan) put together a detailed spreadsheet that I'm using to guide me through all 700-some episodes. If anyone would care to have a look at it, please don't hesitate to send me an Instant Message (if you have AIM or MSN Messenger). I'd be happy to share it with anyone who is interested.

Since you can't private message here yet and I don't use instant messaging, it would be great if you could email me your spreadsheet. I'd love to take a look at it. My email address is ryan123450@yahoo.com

Now I can await the thousands of Viagra emails I'm sure to also get.

 

[ryan123450]

Thanks for sending me a copy TrekFan2Be. I can't see anything there that I would change. The placement of the TNG movies is exactly as I and I think many others would come up with from various small details and assumptions on each movie. I love how you will alternate disks from each series when the time comes to watch TNG/DS9/VOY.

Again all I would suggest is adding in The Animated Series after TOS and reading a few novels here and there that I'm sure will fill in some very important blank spots along the way:

After the last episode of Enterprise continuing the storylines of the series:
Enterprise: The Good that Men Do
Enterprise: Kobayashi Maru

After the last episode of TOS or TAS dealing with the years until The Motion Picture:
The Lost Years
Traitor Winds
A Flag Full of Stars
Recovery

After the fourth season of Voyager, leading up to season five:
String Theory 1: Cohesion
String Theory 2: Fusion
String Theory 3: Evolution

During the sixth season of Voyager, continuing the storylines of DS9 beyond the series:
Twist of Faith
These Haunted Seas
Mission: Gamma- Cathedral
Mission: Gamma- Lesser Evil
Rising Son
Unity
Worlds of Deep Space Nine 1
Worlds of Deep Space Nine 2
Worlds of Deep Space Nine 3
Warpath
Fearful Symmetry

After the last episode of Voyager, continuing the storylines of the series:
Homecoming
The Farther Shore
Spirit Walk 1: Old Wounds
Spirit Walk 2: Enemy of My Enemy

During and after the seventh season of Voyager dealing with the important events leading up to Nemesis:
A Time to Be Born
A Time to Die
A Time to Sow
A Time to Harvest
A Time to Love
A Time to Hate
A Time to Kill
A Time to Heal
A Time for War, A Time for Peace

After Nemesis continuing the storyline of TNG beyond the movies:
Death in Winter
Titan: Taking Wing
Titan: The Red King
Titan: Orion's Hounds
Resistance
Q&A
Before Dishonor
Titan: Sword of Damocles
Greater Than the Sum
Destiny 1: Gods of Night
Destiny 2: Mere Mortals
Destiny 3: Lost Souls


I think you'll be missing some amazing parts of the overall Star Trek storyline without reading some of these, and it will certainly fill in some blank spots and continue some storylines after the end of the various series.

 

[ryan123450]

N/m

 

[ria 75]

TrekFan2Be, I wish I'd noticed your post before so I could say this to you in time: do not let other people's opinions spoil your sport. Make your own opinion of every Star Trek show. I know that I've let some criticism of Enterprise get to me. When it comes from a friend who's introducing you to Star Trek and you're a newbie, you tend to pattern your opinions after theirs.
They say that people are divided between 4 levels of susceptibility. I don't know which one(s) either of us belong to. But I believe that discovering or perceiving any work of art through somebody else's eyes makes a world of difference, either good or bad.
So don't listen to your family's opinion of Star Trek too much at first. They won't bash it of course, but they will influence your preferences. And these fans here are a very tough crowd. You might say that the more we love, the more we chastise.

 

[RaymondJames]

your crazy. Thats many years of trek to cover, congrads

 

[ialfan]

Thanks for sending me a copy TrekFan2Be.
After the fifth season of Voyager, leading up to season six:
String Theory 1: Cohesion
String Theory 2: Fusion
String Theory 3: Evolution


I think you'll be missing some amazing parts of the overall Star Trek storyline without reading some of these, and it will certainly fill in some blank spots and continue some storylines after the end of the various series.

Agreed. Just wanted to point out that the String Theory trilogy should be read after the fourth season and before the fifth. I wasn't too fond of the trilogy myself but it helps explain some changes in the intervening months.

You *might* want to throw in Articles of the Federation in the Post-Nemesis category and A Stitch in Time / The Left Hand of Destiny Duology in the DS9-R sections also.

 

[Dane_Whitman]

How's it going, TrekFan2Be? Taking a little break?