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Star Trek: The Next Generation: Code of Honor (1987)
Tribal societies with transports and ability to make vaccines.
Wait a second -----
This society that resolves political and cultural issues through fighting to the death on boxes with electrified stripper poles has the ability to TRANSPORT people and make a vaccine that eludes the federation?
The episode is clearly attempting to show potential conflicts that might occur when the enterprise comes in contact with a society that has the ability to transport but still maintains tribal rituals such as kidnapping hot babes (like a caveman with a club) as a way of showing male dominance.
This has been regarded as being one of the worst episodes of star trek but that is a ridiculous statement to make ---- I would rather get a root canal than watch 'The Alternative Factor' from TOS again. This episode was just boring, had no point beyond showing us a bit of tribal political maneuvering. Sadly, this episode is going to get a 4 out 10 ----- I cannot even give it a mercy point for hilarious campy or cheesy moments --- It was just a real slog to make it through this episode but not torturous.
Star Trek: The Next Generation: The Naked Now (1987)
Not now, Doctor!
This episode finds success for what I imagine to be the most faithful of trek fans. It's so campy and awkward and clunky that you just can't help but find enjoyment --- My personal favorite scenes involved a hot and bothered Dr. Crusher hitting on Captain Picard --- I was laughing the entire time.
There must have been immense force from the trek fanbase to bring back Kirk/Spock and the TOS crew and we get a direct reference to TOS in this episode and the entire episode itself is essentially a sequel to the TOS episode.
Wesley crusher saves the ship by using space magic to invent a tractor beam to push off the other ship to buy the enterprise a few seconds before the asteroid hits the ship.
Star Trek: The Next Generation: Encounter at Farpoint (1987)
Riker parking cars and establishing character traits.
One has to take into consideration that this was the first episode of next generation ----- it is certainly rough in spots but it does succeed in establishing a few characters, the enterprise itself and laying the groundwork for this new universe.
This first episode feels like the creators wanted to show off how far the special effects have come and what they can do with an actual budget. We get an away team mission, picard testing Riker's ability to park a car, space jelly fish, holodeck scene and the establishment of sexual tension between Riker/Troi and Picard/Crusher.
I got to be honest ---- I finished watching S3 of the original series and it was a true test of my endurance to push through that mostly bloated boring uninspired season. I am just happy to be on a new ship with new characters and stories despite my love for Kirk/Spock/McCoy.
Random Thoughts:
- Q's performance is mostly solid and consistent with how his character acts in later seasons.
- The battle bridge kind of cracks me up a bit. I just love the idea that they have a completely separate bridge (with dark lighting) for when things get real serious and they have to take the diplomatic hat off.
- Riker looks weird without the beard. It's like he is a cylon from battlestar galactica.
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
Star Trek's depth of storytelling.
This movie scores major points right out of the gate for having a wonderfully creative premise and is carried by a tight script and great pacing. I really enjoyed the performance of Gillian Taylor who is overflowing with a genuine compassion and gentleness throughout this movie and succeeds in making me care about the plight of the whales.
Now, the whole time travel aspect to this movie could have possibly be handled differently ----- The travel around the sun plot device requires me to turn a blind eye. The movie is strong enough to write that off as a plot device but I dunno --- how about the giant space sausage space magics the enterprise back in time. *shrugs*
This is the movie that proved star trek can dip a toe into different genre's and stories not related to exploring space and meeting new species and that ability is the greatest strength of TNG/DS9/VOYAGER and provides the franchise with a seemingly unending well of material to explore and keep the series fresh.
This is one of those feel good movies and is neck and neck with TMP for my favorite trek movie to this point.
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984)
for the love of spock
Where the Wrath of Khan was primarily a Kirk based exploration we get to experience the consequences of Spock's death through Kirk's eyes. What will Kirk do? Well, he's going to cheat death through the power of Vulcan mysticism.
The emotional core of the movie works ---- the friendship between Kirk and Spock has long been established and there is emotional weight and impact to the journey of the crew breaking the rules to rescue their friend.
The Klingon antagonist angle is somewhat half baked but is competent enough in being an obstacle the enterprise crew must overcome. The Klingon commander doesn't exactly have an enthralling backstory or motivation beyond getting a hold of the genesis device.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
When on a revenge quest --- dig two graves.
I am one of those cantankerous fans who appreciates it when star trek gets 'weird' or tackles uncomfortable subject matter in a inventive way --- well ---- I didn't get that in this movie but for it's simplicity it does an excellent job in execution and earned heart felt moments.
I can buy into Khan's quest for revenge and if I was placed in the same position, I could see myself responding the same way. It's important for me to have some type of connection with the antagonist.
Spock's sacrifice/death was handled wonderfully. In another writers hands he might have embraced kirk and said his goodbye's before saving the ship --- no here ---- he does what you would expect Spock to do --- he quietly resolves the issue and saves the enterprise.
Is it perfect? No. But any blemishes are washed away by wonderful character work and an engaging submarine battle for survival.
Star Trek (1973)
Sometimes love is not enough.
I watched each episode of the animated series and ended up with an average review score of 5.5 out of 10. This put the series .4 points behind S3 of TOS was the lowest scored season of star trek up to this point. And to be honest 5.5 is generous --- I would sometimes give a better review score because I appreciated the ABC after school message to some episodes but as an adult --- it was a rough ride to maintain focus.
There is praise to give with the animated series ---- bringing back the original cast as voice actors, care put into visually recreating the enterprise and involving the female crew members in the storyline.
Look, this series is clearly intended for an adolescent viewership. You can see that in how the show veers into science fantasy more than science fiction. I bet a 10-12 year old would absolutely love this tv show back in the 70's ----- I personally like my star trek to have a bit of an edge to it. Y'know ---- Unhappy endings from time to time and uncomfortable subject matter that cannot be resolved with a phaser or technobabble solution at the ending.
For me ---- Star Trek (haven't watched the new animated series yet) needs a nuanced live action performance to truly sell the ridiculous situations they end up getting into. We get a light dusting of that with the voices being the same but we lose a lot without the physical presence of the actors.
I like star trek to be a bit sexy, violent, disturbing, horny, angry, passionate and push boundaries and perceptions. This series went way too far into fantasy territory to hold my interest and the only memorable moment for me was a slight emotional moment when Spock's Vulcan Bear died.
Star Trek: All Our Yesterdays (1969)
A cycle of apocolypse.
Hm, well I am usually part of the herd in terms of general review scores but I am deviating on this one. Beyond Spock experiencing primal emotions and a stunning cave women there was not much capturing my interest in this episode.
As I was watching the episode I was pondering why Zarabeth could not return to the portal? She said she would die, right? Did the nefarious person who sent her through the portal tell her that before shoving her off to the ice age? I suppose it worked better for dramatic effect but with McCoy/Spock being able to go back it does not seem logical.
Another question ----- Mr. Atoz has spent his time sending the population back in time (on the doomed planet) to save the people. Is there an ultimate point to this beyond survival? The world is going to go supernova in the future, right? How about some dramatic purpose to this time traveling? I guess they are going to repeat this cycle over and over and over again? Maybe the enterprise could have provided a way out from a cycle of extinction? That would be compelling, right?
What is it about this episode that is masterclass? A changing of setting? I know the well is dry in season 3 but I require more than new set dressing a half dressed 10/10 woman.
Spock's emotional journey and performance elevate this episode from being awful but it's hardly a masterclass display of classic trek.
Star Trek: The Savage Curtain (1969)
A battle for the ages --- i guess.
Kirk and Spock get to participate in an alien sporting event pitting good verses evil for educational purposes?
Overall, this episode is fun with the inclusion of Abraham Lincoln who is performed wonderfully! (I met the man --- this imitation is on point except for the height of course) The downside is that there is no point or clever messaging in this episode beyond the battle between good and evil. We don't even get a message about why good ultimately will conquer evil ---- apparently Spock and Kirk are just physically superior in battle?!
If you are able to focus primarily on the Lincoln content then this episode is enjoyable in it's own way but it fails to be truly compelling when you try to find more then what is on the surface.
Star Trek: The Cloud Minders (1969)
Capitalism with eyes closed.
An interesting premise for an episode; I found it jarring that Kirk actually broke the 'non interference' order to illuminate the miner's being intellectually affected by the zenite mining.
As I watched the end of the episode, I was left with little optimism with how much effort Plasus will put into the reconciliation with the miners.
Spock (who has been short changed this season) actually gets some personal scenes and is not just the guy who answers kirk questions in this one. I wasn't really buying into the love story ---- but hey --- it was a passable diversion to help with pacing the episode.
The topic of exploitation is an interesting topic to explore but as other reviewers have stated ----- having the gas being the real protagonist really takes the punch out of the message. I suppose the message is about unknowingly exploiting those around you by keeping your eyes and ears closed when money is involved. They could have hammered this home more effectively but nonetheless it is certainly top tier for season 3.
Star Trek: The Way to Eden (1969)
It almost reaches.
I feel like this episode is more of an attack upon fanaticism then it is on 'hippie culture'. Let's be real for a second here ---- for the vast majority of people who claimed to be 'hippies' the term essentially meant getting high and having sex and you know -- maybe show up at a peace rally so you can ---- get high and have more sex (no judgement -- i would totally be all about that if born in that era). The true dreamers in society remain a nameless and faceless bunch that work mostly in quiet to promote change and they are always with us and not a generational movement.
Fanaticism is the real juicy morsel in this episode and remains as dangerous as ever in current times. It's a solid cautionary tale. If you break a person or become a broken person who knows what rabbit hole you might go down to find meaning in life.
This episode does make me ponder the possibility of having a completely musical episode of TNG/DS9/VOYAGER. That would be a real trip, brother.
This is certainly not a masterclass episode but compared to a wagon cart of slow moving snoozers this is upper tier for season 3.
Star Trek: Requiem for Methuselah (1969)
Love making fools of men.
The heart of the episode is the great performance of Flint who plays a tormented immoral human being who has been worn down by the cycle of life/death/war/love experienced on earth over the centuries.
The idea of Kirk falling in love with a 20 year old babe because she is good at pool and the waltz is a bit of a dramatic stretch --- but hey --- we need some form of conflict for the episode.
I personally want to live forever --- but I ponder if eternal life would result in diminishing returns after witnessing the people who are important to you whither away and die .... again and again.
Is this possibly a commentary on male fragility? We have two accomplished men who revert to fighting like caveman for the love of an android super genius model? To Kirk's credit he did eventually come to the correct conclusion, "What do you want to do?" but then he derails that with a dewy eyed 'Come with me!" line.
In a season with a lot of bad episode (we are talking TNG S1 levels here) this was a refreshing return to form with a creative concept, great guest star and mystery ----- ah, the good old days.
Star Trek: Let That Be Your Last Battlefield (1969)
Cycle of hate.
It's one of those episodes whose overall message is not designed to be beamed into the progressive brains of the trek faithful who are already all aboard the progressive party bus. No, this is for the viewing audience who possibly have racist/hate fueled beliefs that have not yet chained them to that destructive path.
Sure, it's not subtle but boy does it ever capture the fevered madness that hatred can create. We get a glimpse into the cycle of revenge (an eye for an eye) via the impassioned speech to the trek crew through the crack in the door.
It's easier said then done --- but the message is clear. Remove hate from your heart. This is a solid episode but it lacks nuance in the characters of Lokai and Cheron. I would have enjoyed an exploration of some redeeming qualities in this characters but I suppose hatred has killed all that is good?
The good performance of Lokai and Cheron elevate the episode to watchable and the pacing was good enough to keep me engaged.
Star Trek: Whom Gods Destroy (1969)
The game was won 10 minutes in.
The episode is a victim of budget constaints and unbearably slow pacing issues that eventually lead to the kirk doppelganger fight at the climax. The main issue for me is that we learn everything within 5-10 minutes and then we sit around waiting for the resolution ---- it's a little lean on character development to make feel sympathy or any real emotion for Garth.
The most memorable moment for me was the scene when Garth/Kirk completely losing his mind when his attempt to beam up to the ship was unsuccessful. It was so over the top and wonderful.
This episode just needed something more ----- Maybe a few scenes with Spock and an inmate? Perhaps a more capable antagonist that is a true equal to our protagonists? One of the guests stars played 'Batgirl' and the script feels like it belongs in the 60's Batman show. There is some enjoyment to be found in the 'big' performances but no joy in going through the journey for me.
Star Trek: Elaan of Troyius (1968)
Don't bring this one home to meet mom.
It turns out that Captain Kirk's greatest love is the enterprise itself in this sometimes interesting episode.
The episode itself is pretty basic but is elevated in quality by the great performance of Dohlman as a living embodiment of every man (or woman's) worst ex. I just can't see peace take hold between these two societies through marriage but that's a topic for another day.
I like some variety in my star trek and we get half an episode of Kirk essentially babysitting the ambassador and attempting to educated her in the basic principles of common decency and it's hilarious at times. The Ambassador is clearly not a willing bride and that's a bit of a murky topic/idea to bring up in this episode but the script was written to portray her as the antagonist and not a victim of the system. I do ponder how the episode would have worked if the Ambassador won over girl and was a genuinely good person and then Kirk has to deal with the conflict of her being forced to marry another ----- I guess that idea can wait till TNG.
Star Trek: The Empath (1968)
An experiement in empathy.
I dig the journey of this episode ---- 'Jem' the empath learns self sacrifice from the example set by our beloved trifecta. It is the classic script golden rule of show don't tell and the emotional impact is heightened by the groundwork being set in place before our eyes.
I enjoyed the Jem character and how the episodes portrayed her emotional journey without the ability of using dialogue. It's a nice change of pace to mix things up.
There is some quality character work here ---- I always get a kick out of Spock coming up with logical reasoning's for his personal sacrifices and McCoy's is completely in character with his tranquilizer method of making the decision of who is to be sacrificed.
I am not going to dig too deeply into the idea that one individual's response holds the fate of an entire civilization --- but hey --- these aliens are clearly more intelligent then I.
Star Trek: The Tholian Web (1968)
A tangled web you weave.
Well, it's another episode that examines how a Vulcan Spock handles the complexities of Captaincy. This episode is not as good as the first season one aboard the shuttle. In this episode McCoy comes around to create drama for no rational purposes except to move the plot along ----- "Do more to save Kirk, you green blooded Vulcan!". I am sorry --- that's a pretty thin in terms of providing me with something to engage me with throughout the episode.
I am a Spock fan but there was not much to chew on with the exploration of his battle between logic and human emotion. This episode has a fairly high review score with many people praising the interactions between McCoy and Spock but I just didn't get it in this episode ---- it felt completely manufactured to create drama and I did not believe it.
Star Trek: For the World Is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky (1968)
Alien babes love the southern accent.
As I watching this episode, I kept pondering the question, "What made this woman fall in love with McCoy in 2 seconds flat?"..... Well, I think the answer is obvious ---- it has to be the southern accent. As a guy who is over 40, I appreciate and dream of the day that a much younger 10/10 will fall madly in love with me.
Another question ----- Why did the creators of the space ship design a jerk computer that uses implanted devices to maintain order/discipline? I need to know these things as a viewer ---- a purpose or point to how it is designed.
This episode has a solid basic premise but it needed some script doctoring to provide more engagement in the episode beyond the hanging sword of Dr McCoys mortality.
Star Trek: Day of the Dove (1968)
A blunt exploration of hate.
An interesting tale that depicts hatred as an alien influence ---- hating for hate sake as someone once said. Maybe I am reading too much into this one but the entire episode seems to be set up for the viewer to do some introspecting on the insanity of hatred.
The message is clear --- hate is insanity and never ending. The reality is that hate has more nuance in how it festers and grow in severity but I appreciate trek attempting to have a meta message anyhow.
The Klingon commander provides a great performance in this one ---- he just has that stage presence to him.
The episode was dragging me for a bit in my viewing. I think they should have tried softening or exploring the Klingon mind/thought process in the same manner that Kirk/Spock/Scotty had been doing on the bridge.
Star Trek: And the Children Shall Lead (1968)
I shake my first at this episode.
Well, it's not as bad as the Alternative Factor from Season 1 but it certainly made an attempt to be as bad.
The pacing is a major problem and continues to be a problem with TOS. It's a bit of an endurance trail to attempt to remain engaged with the story when enduring 20 minutes of the kids shaking fists at the crew to maintain control.
I need to understand this antagonist better ---- from what I learned via watching the show it appears to be an evil alien who wants to control or kill people? Why? Because it's evil? Well, that's boring man.
I think this episode was attempting to be creepy but it was never able to capture that twilight zone/outter limits level of uneasy that it was attempting to capture with the thrall children.
The only real positive to this episode is we get some classic shatner acting in the turbolift when he realizes he is about to lose control of the enterprise.
The episode ends with the kids confronting 'evil' and it apparently just dies after it's truth is revealed? Is this the message? Confront evil? Thanks Star Trek, thanks for that insightful suggestions.
Let's move boldly forward from this one.
Star Trek: The Paradise Syndrome (1968)
Dances with Shatner.
The first step required is to turn your brain off from asking such questions as, "Hey, why doesn't the Enterprise call in more ships to help divert the Asteroid?".
Moving right along ----
Is this episode completely awful? No. Is it enthralling entertainment that had me on the edge of my seat? No. Does it have a message or deeper meaning then presented on it's surface? No.
I think the episode would have been better served if the society on the planet was completely alien and Kirk had to work through understanding the society and cultural practices. I mean --- it would have at least required I paid attention to the episode because the plot progression happened exactly as you would expect and star trek has an excellent track record of surprising me with twists or unexpected outcomes.
The idea of the preservers protecting life and seeding them around the galaxy is a good one --- but ---- what is special about this native american tribe? Give me something to work with here or something mysterious to engage me.
Not much to get out of this one.
Star Trek: The Enterprise Incident (1968)
Under cover(s)?
A very well executed spy thriller. I enjoyed the intelligently designed set up for Kirk becoming unhinged ---- the doctors report was a nice touch. I wish they could have found a way to stretch out that story element because I saw through it the second Kirk lost his marbles and threatened to kill Spock.
Perhaps this episode is a commentary on all the groovy 60's chicks wanting to get down and logical with Spock ----- This time he has the women under his spell and seduces her with his strict adherence to logic.
Some points need to be given for having a female be a commander given the time period ------ in the 80's to 20's this is no big deal anymore but I am sure it furrowed a few eyebrows.
This is a compelling episode overall but I feel it could have been even better ----- extend/elevate the question of Kirk's sanity/motive and find a way to make it believable that Spock was sympathetic to the Romulan commander. I just didn't buy it as the viewer despite enjoying the content.
Star Trek: Spock's Brain (1968)
It's a no brainer.
Every 10,000 years the controller needs to be replaced --- apparently ---- and this is done by taking brief control over one of the women and stealing a brain from unsuspecting starships.
There's a lot of questions to ponder here ----- Why did the controller separate the women and men in the first place? What is the ultimate goal or purpose of the controller? How does separating the sexes achieve any purpose beyond stagnation that has taken place? Why does it have to be Spock's brain? Wouldn't one of the inhabitants brains work?
There is not much to chew on with this episode ---- it is exactly what is presented on screen ---- the entire crew goes on a 50 minute adventure to find Spock's brain and they ultimately succeeds. Is the message that if we separate the sexes we stagnate as a species? Is that it? You got me.
Beyond the episode having no actual message to make ---- it's just a boring slog in terms of pacing.
Star Trek: By Any Other Name (1968)
In rememberence of Yeoman Thompson
Once has to sit opened mouth in utter awe at just how much forgiveness Captain Kirk has in his heart. Um, Jim ---- the leader of Kelvan's turned a female member of your crew into a cube and then killed her! I suppose we can infer after a few days aboard the Enterprise that the war mongering Kelvins will change their ways because they have adopted human form and can now partake in pleasures of the flesh? Is that what we are going with?!
I thought the actor that played Rojan did an excellent job of making him intimidating and they established the ruthless nature of the Kelvans so well that I couldn't believe Jim Kirk offered them a way out without consequence.
Even with all that said ----- I did enjoy the episode and the quick pace. It just got a bit messy at the end for me. I dig the creative idea of a completely alien species taking on the traits of the human forms they create --- that's a solid idea.
Star Trek: Patterns of Force (1968)
Oh, it's that episode.
My suspension of belief was strained in this episode and ultimate broke under the weight of the explanation that Profession Gill who taught at Starfleet (!) would defy the none interference policy and then come up with the idea that adopting Nazi principles was a great idea for a society that had warlike tendencies!?
I have to give points for the budget saving idea of heading over to another movie lot and borrowing the Nazi uniforms for the WW2 movies. I am a crazy idea aficionado and give them a few points for that but could the story have been told with a real antagonist with motives and reasons that are tangible?
What is the message here? Nazi Germany was evil? Come on Gene ---- take those gloves off and hit hard. Any sane thinking human being knows about the horrors of that time period and this feels like being beaten over the head with it.