To be fair, I don't like any of Picard's seasons much.
Spoilers Star Trek: Strange New Worlds 4x06 - "Off-Hour"
Way, way, way too much Borg.
Had a perfectly cromulent story with Romulans and refugees but discarded it in favor of Borg. No, thank you.
Picard's first and third seasons were both flawed in diametrically opposing ways. Season 1 had great ideas, and some stellar writing in individual scenes, but never came together as a cohesive whole. Season 3 is competently put together, but the story itself is uncreative fanwank.
Season 2 has the flaws of both seasons, with none of the positives.
Season 2 has the flaws of both seasons, with none of the positives.
Jörg Hillebrand (@gaghyogi49.bsky.social)
I love how Spock's wounds and radiation burn in #StarTrekSNW's "Off-Hour"⬅️ are consistent with what we've seen in previous #StarTrek episodes ("The Man Trap"↗️) and films "Star Trek II"↘️): green blood is seen oozing out the wounds but there are red cuts, scrapes and lesions.
bsky.app
This one was a corker. Babs made me cry twice! What a great way to showcase character relationships. The scenes with Pelia and Scotty were also spot on.
I loved the many nods to TOS, including Rahda, Boyce, the Ion Pod, plus a version of a warp wormhole.
The conclusion was extremely hokey and poor Boyce was made to look like an ass, since none of the crew he was treating was serious and he has 20 other staff to call on, plus crew with first aid training, but, in fairness, very on brand for a TOS antagonistic crewman.
I wish the series had twice the number of episodes like this. If they want to do movie homages, there are plenty of disaster movies to call on.
I loved the many nods to TOS, including Rahda, Boyce, the Ion Pod, plus a version of a warp wormhole.
The conclusion was extremely hokey and poor Boyce was made to look like an ass, since none of the crew he was treating was serious and he has 20 other staff to call on, plus crew with first aid training, but, in fairness, very on brand for a TOS antagonistic crewman.
I wish the series had twice the number of episodes like this. If they want to do movie homages, there are plenty of disaster movies to call on.
Based on PIC3 thats a contradiction in terms.
No. Just... No.
Grin is such an utter loser.
If Grin's videos told me Star Trek was a science fiction franchise set in the future I'd quadruple check the claim before believing it. What a waste of YouTube bandwith.
Yet he always seems to have valid comparisons contrasting different episodes and their content. Its always valid content straight from real scenes, always factual. I truly don't understand the hate lol. It's good natured.and funny because it's true lol.
And he treats it all as a joke. It's utterly ridiculous and mean spirited attempts at observational humor.
I don't know. I liked the whole dynamic between Jurati and the Borg Queen. (Jurati was probably my favorite of PICARD'S original characters since she was such a hot mess and oh so relatable.)
Plus,the callbacks to Gary Seven made my nerdy heart sing.
The Gary Seven references were among the few things I genuinely liked about Season 2.
As one of the very few people that has not yet been executed for adoring season 2 of picard through and through, it warms my heart to see people saying anything good about it instead of lobbing volleys at it.
"Off-Hour"
Nice TMP nod with the beginning shot, and having Lt. Rahda here from TOS' "THAT WHICH SURVIVES".
With all the shifts switching in less than a couple minutes, why were none of the Beta shift people around or near their upcoming stations? Even when things are quiet and normal, that doesn't stop officers from efficiently switching shifts. Especially in an inherently hostile environment like space, this just seems like too relaxed an atmosphere on a starship to be believeable.
Pike showing his heroism and knowingly getting shocked to give the ship a chance. He knew he was going to be knocked out and made sure there was a clear chain of command on the bridge, giving Ortegas the conn.
Speaking of the bridge making people go Electric Boogaloo, that was a nice effect, and is a great alternative to the exploding rocks and lack of surge protectors on Starfleet ships. I kind of wish this was more the norm than what we usually got in the franchise.
Now, Ortegas... I was disappointed that Pike was out for only half the episode because it sure seemed like this was going to be a situation where Ortegas gets to make command level decisions, which would have been an interesting addition to her character. And I would have to say, I don't think she would be a very good leader, because why would any officer downgrade an alert status after what they just went through? Already starting off her time in command with a bad call.
I like that we see some horror here: the horrible fate of the engineering crew stuck behind the doors, M'Benga's injury, Una's bone snapping, Chapel losing part of her finger. It's a good reminder that space travel is inherently dangerous, and everything can go wrong in the blink of an eye. Sometimes the audience needs to be reminded of that.
Speaking of Una, she is another heroic one. Fearless and the first to get into harm's way to help others. Her awesomeness is always great to see.
I also love how rare we see gravity go wrong on a Starfleet ship. And this kind, where it gets stronger rather than just make people float, is an extremely rare case, and refreshing to see.
I also like how the writer remembered that Vulcans are MUCH stronger than humans, which was why A'Sha was able to open the door for Scotty. However, I didn't like how she said "that is Uhura's job"... it was neither logical, nor made sense. (Side note: I wonder if when she was cast, they named her A'Sha because she looks a LOT like Jessica Alba.)
Interesting we got Dr. Boyce here, played by Brian Markinson, who played multiple different characters in the Berman era. He starts off behind the bar, which is clearly a nod to his first scene in "THE CAGE" with Pike as his doctor/bartender. His chat with Chapel over the comms was interesting in that while he did order her over, he did NOT answer her question on whether or not there were people in the galley near death. So it does make you wonder if he was making the right order or not. (I lean toward yes because a lone doctor with multiple injuries can always use a hand, but I still side with Chapel because of loyalty to a friend and Boyce didn't simply say 'yes' when asked.)
Speaking of M'Benga and Chapel, I thought those scenes were really good. The dialogue might have been a bit weak at times, but their performances more than make up for any shortcomings. I like how M'Benga was right about her when she always has one foot out the door with everything: her job, her relationships. (Also, Babs was incredible throughout. He conveyed a lot along with the dialogue.) And I love her loyalty to him. They have a great bond, obviously from their days during the Klingon war. I also like how she does make some progress by asking for the permanent assignment.
Speaking of growth, Scotty. This is actually an important part of his character: his love of the Enterprise. And we see it take shape here, which I was glad to see. And I love that it was Pelia who helped him to bond with the Enterprise. And as always, Pelia was fantastic. Her stories are always fun. I'd love to have a lemonade with her!
Nice nod to "COURT MARTIAL" with the ion pod, and glad they remembered the detail of the need to be at red alert before jettisoning it. (What do you know, an homage that actually was researched.)
Spock and La'an were good here, too. Spock is another fearless one, and certainly heroic. Very interesting how La'an said she was more expendable than Spock... this is both a nice gesture and very problematic. She can easily push herself into situations that would essentially be trying to get killed, which is dangerous for everyone else because they will try to save her. People with a death wish are not only a danger to themselves but to the rest of their crew.
I do have to ding the episode on a few things. First, the clock. I get that they were going for a certain style, but the countdown was nothing more than a distraction and didn't add anything to the story. In fact, it may have damaged it a bit because of how quickly the solution was found. Also, if you are going to do a shipboard chronometer, shouldn't it be showing the actual time and not a countdown? (Also, the split screen at multiple times was distracting. I know it's part of the style they were going for, but it isn't really my thing.) Second, losing life support shouldn't make the corridors instantly turn into a deep freeze. There are many examples of life support being lost in the Berman era and it being FAR more believeable than here. ("The Last Outpost", "Cost Of Living", "STARSHIP DOWN", etc.) Third, that insane neutrino theory. I'm glad Pike even seemed flabbergasted by it when he heard it can not only heal M'Benga but give the ship more fuel. It was pretty out there, even by STAR TREK standards.
Overall, I really enjoyed the episode. Definitely better than most of the season thus far. The fact that it utilized everyone well is a big point in its favor because those are always my favorite kind of episodes. I think I will say this is my favorite of the season, so far. The character work and the use of everyone mitigates a LOT of the flaws that I found, which is why I am giving this an 8.5. (Rounded up to a 9 here.)
Nice TMP nod with the beginning shot, and having Lt. Rahda here from TOS' "THAT WHICH SURVIVES".
With all the shifts switching in less than a couple minutes, why were none of the Beta shift people around or near their upcoming stations? Even when things are quiet and normal, that doesn't stop officers from efficiently switching shifts. Especially in an inherently hostile environment like space, this just seems like too relaxed an atmosphere on a starship to be believeable.
Pike showing his heroism and knowingly getting shocked to give the ship a chance. He knew he was going to be knocked out and made sure there was a clear chain of command on the bridge, giving Ortegas the conn.
Speaking of the bridge making people go Electric Boogaloo, that was a nice effect, and is a great alternative to the exploding rocks and lack of surge protectors on Starfleet ships. I kind of wish this was more the norm than what we usually got in the franchise.
Now, Ortegas... I was disappointed that Pike was out for only half the episode because it sure seemed like this was going to be a situation where Ortegas gets to make command level decisions, which would have been an interesting addition to her character. And I would have to say, I don't think she would be a very good leader, because why would any officer downgrade an alert status after what they just went through? Already starting off her time in command with a bad call.
I like that we see some horror here: the horrible fate of the engineering crew stuck behind the doors, M'Benga's injury, Una's bone snapping, Chapel losing part of her finger. It's a good reminder that space travel is inherently dangerous, and everything can go wrong in the blink of an eye. Sometimes the audience needs to be reminded of that.
Speaking of Una, she is another heroic one. Fearless and the first to get into harm's way to help others. Her awesomeness is always great to see.
I also love how rare we see gravity go wrong on a Starfleet ship. And this kind, where it gets stronger rather than just make people float, is an extremely rare case, and refreshing to see.
I also like how the writer remembered that Vulcans are MUCH stronger than humans, which was why A'Sha was able to open the door for Scotty. However, I didn't like how she said "that is Uhura's job"... it was neither logical, nor made sense. (Side note: I wonder if when she was cast, they named her A'Sha because she looks a LOT like Jessica Alba.)
Interesting we got Dr. Boyce here, played by Brian Markinson, who played multiple different characters in the Berman era. He starts off behind the bar, which is clearly a nod to his first scene in "THE CAGE" with Pike as his doctor/bartender. His chat with Chapel over the comms was interesting in that while he did order her over, he did NOT answer her question on whether or not there were people in the galley near death. So it does make you wonder if he was making the right order or not. (I lean toward yes because a lone doctor with multiple injuries can always use a hand, but I still side with Chapel because of loyalty to a friend and Boyce didn't simply say 'yes' when asked.)
Speaking of M'Benga and Chapel, I thought those scenes were really good. The dialogue might have been a bit weak at times, but their performances more than make up for any shortcomings. I like how M'Benga was right about her when she always has one foot out the door with everything: her job, her relationships. (Also, Babs was incredible throughout. He conveyed a lot along with the dialogue.) And I love her loyalty to him. They have a great bond, obviously from their days during the Klingon war. I also like how she does make some progress by asking for the permanent assignment.
Speaking of growth, Scotty. This is actually an important part of his character: his love of the Enterprise. And we see it take shape here, which I was glad to see. And I love that it was Pelia who helped him to bond with the Enterprise. And as always, Pelia was fantastic. Her stories are always fun. I'd love to have a lemonade with her!
Nice nod to "COURT MARTIAL" with the ion pod, and glad they remembered the detail of the need to be at red alert before jettisoning it. (What do you know, an homage that actually was researched.)
Spock and La'an were good here, too. Spock is another fearless one, and certainly heroic. Very interesting how La'an said she was more expendable than Spock... this is both a nice gesture and very problematic. She can easily push herself into situations that would essentially be trying to get killed, which is dangerous for everyone else because they will try to save her. People with a death wish are not only a danger to themselves but to the rest of their crew.
I do have to ding the episode on a few things. First, the clock. I get that they were going for a certain style, but the countdown was nothing more than a distraction and didn't add anything to the story. In fact, it may have damaged it a bit because of how quickly the solution was found. Also, if you are going to do a shipboard chronometer, shouldn't it be showing the actual time and not a countdown? (Also, the split screen at multiple times was distracting. I know it's part of the style they were going for, but it isn't really my thing.) Second, losing life support shouldn't make the corridors instantly turn into a deep freeze. There are many examples of life support being lost in the Berman era and it being FAR more believeable than here. ("The Last Outpost", "Cost Of Living", "STARSHIP DOWN", etc.) Third, that insane neutrino theory. I'm glad Pike even seemed flabbergasted by it when he heard it can not only heal M'Benga but give the ship more fuel. It was pretty out there, even by STAR TREK standards.
Overall, I really enjoyed the episode. Definitely better than most of the season thus far. The fact that it utilized everyone well is a big point in its favor because those are always my favorite kind of episodes. I think I will say this is my favorite of the season, so far. The character work and the use of everyone mitigates a LOT of the flaws that I found, which is why I am giving this an 8.5. (Rounded up to a 9 here.)
We've never seen that in other series. TNG and Voyager both showed shift changes, the other shifts just suddenly appeared right on cue.
True, but here the shift change was so close to the time of what happened that it was noticeable.
Plus, you'd think they would be rushing to their regularly scheduled upcoming post to help out.
What are some shows that tackle it head on that are successful. I personally do not know any though I have a pretty narrow tv bubble.
The best thing I can say about PIC Season 2 is that it would've been a compelling story if told as a three-parter.
The first two episodes were competently done, and then when we get to the 21st century, there's a ton of wheel spinning which amounts to absolutely nothing until we get to the finale. There just wasn't enough story there for a season of television.
Actually, it's funny, because in SNW's season 2, they did the same plot as the back eight episodes of PIC Season 2 in Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. Kirk and La'an go back in time to the 21st century, and have to "fix" the timeline to ensure their own doesn't become a dystopian nightmare. In both cases, they need to stop the killing of their own ancestors. In both cases, the primary love interest of the POV character is a lookalike of someone from their timeline, there's a Romulan agent, and a near-immortal member of an alien race slumming it on Earth. Both also included a car chase!
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