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Post by Sleeper Agent on Jan 4, 2020 20:07:07 GMT
Well Christmas provided second season boxsets of the Orville and Discovery so time for yet another comparison between the franchises! Of the two I'm going to have to say Discovery is once again the better but was impressed by how far The Orville has come along. [Mild spoilers ahead so be warned] Gotta admit I was sort of angry/disappointed Spock had been dragged into this season, especially once realising how well things were going without him in the first few eps but it was fine when he did come into the unfolding story. Ultimately I still think they shouldn't of attached Michael (why did they have to use a boys name?) to him and Sarek to try and ensure she was at least semi-interesting but that's all S1 history now. Captain Pike being somewhat more of a blank slate I really enjoyed seeing as Anson Mount was a good casting call and it was great seeing more of the legendary ship along with some other features from the original show and pilot. Tig Notaro as Jett Reno was a welcome newbie and I kind of wished for Rachael Ancherilas to have got more character time as well but that's a minor complaint. Was it perfect? Hell no but I think overall it was a good ride and the ending tied things up nicely enough from the original timeline point of view while the set and costume production was once again top notch, just wish the Klingons weren't inexplicably grey! The Orville The budget is really there this time and it shows though it seemed apparent 'Lasting Impressions' was a bottle episode (and fair enough). The humour still misses in places but it's definitely more hit than miss now with Bortus and Klyden dominating that department. Seth himself I still don't think is that likeable as the star and again his shoehorning of musicals and 20th century references into a far off sci-fi setting just kills a lot of momentum, his 'drive by' and follow up lies on the spot did get me though A lot of the TNG type stories played out well and the transfer of Alara for Talla was smooth enough with Halston Sage getting a pretty good open ended send off. The only episode I can honestly say I hated was the final. When part 1 started I rolled my eyes a little but it turned out to be a good Kelly episode........The impact of its end though, ah a poor man's 'Days of the Future Past' The action was as untense as the drama was unsuspenseful while the 'alternate' characters felt completely untouched by the changed events. Had this story been held back for another season or two there might of been more established lore to play off but there wasn't and by the time the credits rolled up zero impact came out from it while a certain return came far too soon. Normally I think the Mirror Universe stories of Star Trek are wasted episode slots as well but contrived as they are they did eventually evolve into a parallel reality that stuck. Basically I just think it was a sour note to finish a season on especially with 'Identity' being so pivotal but I'm very much looking forward to S3. Being a DVD watcher i'm trying to avoid any teasers concerning the Picard series but it was certainly an unexpected announcement and great to hear a second season has already got the green light
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Post by Rusty Red Scrap Iron on Jan 14, 2020 14:37:38 GMT
So I recently watched the opening two part episode of Star Trek Discovery, and speaking as someone who isn't really a hardcore Trekkie (or Trekker as Gene Roddenbery himself referred to Star Trek fans) I didn't find anybody who really stood out for me. However, I did find it more watchable than what I'm finding with Watchman (I've watched about four episodes of that and still haven't got head or tail of it). There were aspects about the opening episode of STD where I can see comparisons drawn to real life conflicts - especially those in the Middle with IS and etc. But as I say there's not really anybody that strikes me out as seen in previous Star Trek series'.
Plus there's really no point drawing comparison between STD and The Orville, or even with Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda from the early 2000s. Initially I was sceptic about The Orville, but having watched both seasons I can certainly say its worth watching - despite what the critical reviews initially were about it because it really does become its own thing than a simple parody of Star Trek.
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Post by heimchen on Feb 10, 2020 1:12:27 GMT
Anybody else out there watching the newest Trek entry...Star Trek: Picard? Have seen the first two eps and I'm liking it quite a lot! Follows the original timeline and is a continuation of Picard's story after the events of the Nemesis movie. Especially good for Romulan and Borg fans...you'll get lots of both! I'm indifferent to the newer Trek movies and the Discovery series at best, the ones that take place in what I gather is now called the Kelvin universe version of the franchise, so I'm very happy that there's a Trek series I actually enjoy back on the air! Best of all, it already seems to be doing well enough that's there's talk of another season/adventure after the one that's currently running. NOT an episodic series, by the way. It looks to be running as one long 10-episode story, similar to what was done with the Dexter series, so if you miss an episode, you'll essentially miss a story chapter. Luckily, there are plenty of episode recaps available online already and for that reason, I feel safe in cheerfully recommending this one. Has potential to be one of the better Treks too IMO. Has really showcased Patrick Stewart's acting ability so far and you can tell he's having a good time!
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Post by Sleeper Agent on Feb 10, 2020 9:23:41 GMT
My sis has a Prime account so i'm actually up to date for once! I actually don't mind Discovery for the most part but it's got its weaknesses for sure and I can see why a lot of Trekers lance it. I'm not 100% if any of the other rumoured titles have been green lit but yes a second season of Picard was confirmed early on thankfully and likewise i'm enjoying this a lot so far I like that they've managed to move beyond Spock's time travel point and put some focus on the Romulan empire as a lot was left in the air post Dominion war and the overthrow plot in Nemesis, plus this Borg aspect is a welcome twist as it's always interesting pondering how other superpowers would fair against the collective.
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Post by Rusty Red Scrap Iron on Sept 22, 2020 16:01:26 GMT
Not exactly Star Trek related, but certainly related to Gene Roddenbery who of course created Star Trek.
Anyone remember Andromeda from the start of the 21st Century:
A few years back I revisited Andromeda and having watched the entire series, I thoroughly enjoyed it bearing the time of when it initially came out. But I look at it as the series of Star Trek that never was, by what I mean in terms of say a Starfleet Officer has to rebuild the Federation from the bottom up should Starfleet have fallen following a great massive conflict by their enemies.
I mean they do say never say never when it comes to Star Trek, because a series like this for Star Trek could still be possible but they'll be those who'll say that it'll completely tarnish Star Trek for what it truly is (mind you the majority of Trekkies, or Trekkers as Gene Roddenbery referred to Star Trek fans as, would say that that's what Star Trek Discovery has done).
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Post by Armada Starscream on Nov 3, 2020 0:18:58 GMT
Hey, I have a question.
The Starships have always been a favorite part of Star Trek for me, and I had an idea to make somewhere on this forums where fans can list starship names they would like to see, and things like What class they are, what type of ship a name would be suited for, and other details.
Would we post that here, or should someone make a new thread or something?
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Post by Nicholas on May 11, 2022 12:19:47 GMT
Succinctly, I've seen most of Star Trek: Picard and think it's okay. Picard, the character, is obviously the strongest element. As much as I'd love it to be Series 8+ of the Next Generation, I can accept that it sort of isn't (although Series 3 looks like it might be trying to be) but it is a little too concerned with being dystopian and not the optimistic future of a refined, competent humanity free from prejudice and corruption that the Original Series and The Next Generation and even Voyager and most of Enterprise endeavoured to be.
If however, Picard is overly concerned with being dystopian and occasionally unsure of its direction, I've felt that Discovery, which admittedly I've seen less of, is inherently riddled with such problems. One element that shone out for me from the extracts I remember seeing was the charismatic, engaging and somewhat charming performance of Anson Mount as Christopher Pike, the previous captain of the USS Enterprise to Captain Kirk. I remember watching the clip of the last scene that featured him on the bridge of the Enterprise in Series 2 of Discovery and thinking: 'Wow. What a shame we can't follow them.'
On a personal level, I lost a colleague (one of our site's former wardens) and good friend called Chris within the past year who, as well as being someone with an avid interest in chess, psychology and philosophy, was a big Star Trek fan himself and who would probably be a similar age to Christopher Pike, and whom Anson Mount, playing said character, reminds me of in spades, so it's nice to be reminded of him through this character.
I've not really had my finger on the pulse for new Star Trek content that much. As much as I was a fan of Voyager growing up, I've not been following Star Trek: Prodigy. Most of my interaction is seeing what I can of Star Trek: Picard when I have the time and, previously, particularly during lockdowns, every now and then, watching the odd episode of The Next Generation I couldn't remember seeing while eating dinner, then I went through The Original Series and a bit of Deep Space Nine here and there.
So a new series called 'Strange New Worlds' somewhat caught me unawares. And... I'm cautiously hopeful that this is the episodic, optimistic, authentic vision of Star Trek that I think the franchise needs that also follows some characters I thought it would a pipe dream we'd get the pleasure of being able to focus on again in... their own show.
I'm pretty sure Episode 1 is out there, which I haven't seen myself yet, but I will leave these trailers, which for me, made the right first impressions for a new Star Trek.
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ThomasandMatt
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Post by ThomasandMatt on May 12, 2022 3:09:45 GMT
I'm pretty sure Episode 1 is out there, which I haven't seen myself yet, but I will leave these trailers, which for me, made the right first impressions for a new Star Trek. I watched Episode 1 of Strange New Worlds on the day it was released on Paramount+, and without delving into spoiler territory for those that don't have Paramount+ or haven't watched it as well, save for a couple moments, it has that feeling that shows from the TNG Era had, and it was a brilliant start to the series. I HIGHLY recommend watching it when you can.
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Post by heimchen on May 15, 2022 1:25:52 GMT
First, thanks for reminding me about the new Trek series! I'd forgotten all about it and just had a look at some of the extensive promo trailers available. Alas, nothing and no one there that really caught my eye and the look and tone didn't mesh well with the original series to come IMO...wish they'd gone for a more 'retro' look and attitudes instead of feeling compelled to upgrade everything and jam in a lot of unnecessary effects work.
Actually, the overall and literal dark look of all the new Treks and the excessive special effects are really starting to annoy me. Even the Picard one was bad for that. It's like it's assumed that the actors can't carry the scenes by themselves anymore. They have to be 'assisted' with a lot of low-light moody settings and blinky backgrounds which I just find distracting and associate with cheap production values. The simple stage-like look and emphasis on the drama inherent in the stories was a large part of what made the original Trek and even TNG work for me. And okay, maybe the acting wasn't the greatest sometimes, but at least it WAS featured and the main course, if you will...the effects and props and all the other extras were just the sprinkles and dessert. Now it seems reversed and I find it hard to even make out the performances sometimes. And if I don't care about or can't get close to the characters, then I'm not going to care about the show.
Well, enough Trekkie kvetching for now! I'm sure Strange New Worlds will show up on TV while I'm at work sooner or later and I'll try to keep it on my radar and WILL give it a try then, of course. But I think at best it might become another Enterprise for me...good for some inadvertent laughs for all the wrong reasons and I didn't like the Enterprise crew either, just liked seeing bad things happen to them. Let's just say that watching Florida get carved up by an alien death ray was the highlight of the Enterprise series for me. I shudder to think right now of what I might take away from Strange New Worlds should I get to feeling equally jaded when I eventually get around to seeing it!
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Post by Nicholas on Jul 24, 2022 18:53:24 GMT
All right. I'm going to come out and say this. I've seen all of season one of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and I think it's really good. Really, really good.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone remotely considering checking it out. It feels so satisfyingly Star Trek and Anson Mount is just so enjoyable to watch as well as the hijinks of a younger Spock. So much has been done right and been very nicely considered so that it seems set to gradually knit together into the established canon very neatly. It's a wonderful and rewarding watch, especially if you're a bit of a Trekker already.
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ThomasandMatt
Goods Engine
Proud Bartender of the SiF Bar Car
Posts: 353
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Post by ThomasandMatt on Jul 25, 2022 3:14:21 GMT
Fully in agreement with Nicholas that Strange New Worlds is a fantastic series, and the finale of Season 1 is something to behold. In seeing the recent announcements regarding the current shows such as Season 3 of Picard and Lower Decks, fans are certainly going to get a lot of nods to the TNG-era of Trek, and I certainly can’t wait to see it.
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Post by slornie on Jul 25, 2022 17:58:33 GMT
/Waiting for the DVD because I'm not paying for yet another subscription service. However I did enjoy Hell on Wheels with Anson Mount so have good feels for whenever I get around to watching SNW. At least Picard is still on Amazon Prime so I can watch s2 of that as soon as I finish my current re-watch of TNG!
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Post by Rusty Red Scrap Iron on Jul 30, 2022 16:32:44 GMT
Speaking as someone who's more of a Star Wars fanatic than a Star Trek one, I've got to watching Strange New Worlds and finding it more enjoyable than the first season of Star Trek Discovery (which was the only season of Discovery I watched). Strange New Worlds feels more like Star Trek than Discovery, and they definitely got the right actor to play a young Spock because he definitely has the essence of the late Leonard Nimoy and Zachary Quinto (I actually thought it was Zachary Quinto playing Spock in Strange New Worlds and then obviously found out that its a different actor).
On the flip side, I've yet to see The Orville: New Horizons, which from the sneak peak I saw a while back looks really good.
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