Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Season 1: Episode 4: The Last Outpost

Clear Eyes: In the first solid episode of the series, these Ferengi we keep hearing about finally appear. This episode is everything good about Trek, Federation diplomacy, misunderstood race, ancient alien interference, this one has it all.The Ferengi come across as fascinating, capitalist, future society. Nor a rehash of something we had seen before, they aren't the proud warrior race, or super intelligent, but a very flawed and dynamic race. I can't wait to see more of them.

Full Hearts: I have never actually seen this episode before, I know that DS9 really helped revamp the concept but seeing this episode all of the tools were there. The greed, the females prohibited from wearing clothes, I like the fan theory retcon that they were acting all bad ass to make the federation fear them and give them better deals.I can't wait to see more of them.

Can't Lose: 10/10 fantastic episode. The fact that the most famous Ferengi, Quark, gets his start here really brings things full circle.

Best Quote: "Ah, I understand the allusion. Colors representing countries at a time when they competed with each other. Red, white and blue for the United States, whereas the French... more properly used the same colors in the order blue, white and red."

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Season 1, Episode 3: Code of Honor

Clear Eyes - What did I just watch? Srsly. Maybe if it was not an all black cast or maybe if Tasha Ya was slightly attractive some of this episode would make sense or not feel like a giant racist hour of my life.

Full Hearts - This is one of only two episodes without Worf, an episode about honor, one on one combat, and racism doesn't include the Honor Bound Klingon.  Aside from Wesly getting some character time not much of this episode is really crucial and could easily be ignored without missing anything. All the cast members hates this episode and they fought to have it removed from syndication. The director of this episode was fired by Gene himself for the racist tones.

Can't Lose: Data telling Jokes is the highlight of this episode. 3/10

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Season 1: Episode 2: The Naked Now

Clear Eyes: I really enjoyed this episode. It revisited a plot idea from an Original Series Episode and apparently I am in the minority. It was generally thought of as uninspired and boring but it always bugged me that the Federation sent ships out to discover and document and we never run into problems someone has already figured out. That being said, for Episode two we got a really interesting loss of inhibition to show us where the crew really stands and to get an idea how difficult it could be for all of them to work with each other. Other shows would wait several seasons to tell this kind of story.

Full Hearts: They really put it out there in this episode. Wesley isn't a total waste of space even if he also copied a Kirk move from Who Morns for Adonais. This is the only appearance of Lieutenant Commander Sarah MacDougal as chief engineer, we get several others before Geordi gets the top billing.

This is a Hallmark Episode for Data, proving he is fully functional is hilarious and his 'I just got Laid smile' afterwards is perfect. Thanks to the nod in first contact, we know this episode takes place eight years, seven months and sixteen days before that movie.

Geordi continues to impress with just wanting to see like everyone else, he would give up what makes himself special to just be like anyone else. The way he wants 'shallow, dim, beautiful, human' sight Powerful.

Can't Lose:  " I put it to you all. I think we shall end up with a fine crew - if we avoid temptation."

Rating 8/10

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Season 1: Episode 1: Encounter at Farpoint

The Encounter at Farpoint

I was dreading watching this episode as I remembered it as a kid as being long and rambly and quickly losing my interest. For my reviews I am going to split it up into three sections, first to discuss the episode without any additional connotation beside previous episodes in the series, as if this was the first time I watched the show. The second section looking back with nostalgia goggles and a love for Trek. The final section will be reserved for things I really enjoyed and overall rating.

Clear Eyes: This episode had me hooked within minutes. I enjoyed the double story narrative and was blown away by Delancey and Stewart's performances. Picard and most of the bridge crew are very awkward, hopefully they will develop some chemistry soon. I was satisfied and left with a dozen questions: Who are the Ferengi? What is a Betazoid? What does Imzadi mean?

Full Hearts: Damn everyone looked so young. I don't remember Geordi's visor being painful, is that something they dropped or will they add to that later? Saucer Separation first episode? Ballsy. Everyone on the battle bridge except Miles went to Q-Land, wtf guys?? That is okay Miles gets enough love on DS9. Looked like Riker was the first person to beam anywhere in the series. Data uses a contraction for the only time it is later stated he can't use them. Finally, does anyone know if the drugged out WW3 that Q portrays right before Zefram Cochran's post war earth or was that another war?

Can't Lose: Favorite quote for the episode: "If we're going to be damned, let's be damned for what we are."

Rating: 9 out of 10.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Boldy going through the televised history of Star Trek

Welcome to Star Trek: Revisited. A group of Trek enthusiasts revisiting Star Trek with fresh eyes and a matured heart. We will begin with Star Trek: The Next Generation. With the exception of the first two episodes, "Encounter at Far Point," Each episode will be revisited and reviewed each week separately. With members responding with replies their personal reviews. At the end of each season we will rank our favorite episodes of the season, and end of the series we will rank our favorite ten episodes. I hope this journey adds new nuance and enjoyment to the Star Trek experience.

Reply to this post when you are ready.