10 posts tagged “star trek”
Not gonna lie; I had to decide on my #1 episode before I could commit to which one would be #2. It really is hard. I legitimately love so many episodes of this show. So here it is, the second best Star Trek episode.
2. Journey to Babel
S2E15, Originally aired November 17th, 1967
Written by D.C. Fontana; Directed by Joseph Pevney
Captain's log, stardate 3842.3. We have departed Vulcan for the neutral planetoid code-named Babel. Since it is in our sector, the Enterprise has been assigned to transport ambassadors of Federation planets to this vitally important council. The issues of the council are politically complex, the passengers... explosive.
Stay tuned tomorrow for the best Star Trek episode of all time!
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If you remember from my previous entry, I have decided to dedicate my final three days of Ten Days of Trek to my three favorite, and arguably the three best, Star Trek episodes. I am talking strictly TOS, not any of the spinoffs. This has proven quite difficult, as I love so many episodes from TOS. So after hours of toil and internal debate, here is the third best episode of Star Trek.
3. Mirror, Mirror
S2E10, originally aired October 6th, 1967
Written by Jerome Bixby; Directed by Marc Daniels
"Captain’s log, stardate… unknown. We are trapped in a savage parallel universe from which we must escape within four hours, or I will face a death sentence at Mr. Spock's hands."
The SF community can thank this episode for the establishment of bearded doubles being evil, and that baddies in general have beards. Two obvious examples are The Master from Doctor Who and Flexo, Bender's identical brobot, in Futurama S2E11, "The Lesser of Two Evils." Check out the commentary on that Futurama episode to hear the writers and producers support this claim.
Stay tuned for #2."Jim, I think I liked him with a beard better. Gave him character. Of course, almost any change would be a distinct improvement."
"What worries me is the easy way his counterpart fitted into that other universe. I always thought Spock was a bit of a pirate at heart."
"Indeed, gentlemen? May I point out that I had an opportunity to observe your counterparts here quite closely. They were brutal, savage, unprincipled, uncivilized, treacherous -- in every way, splendid examples of homosapiens. The very flower of humanity. I found them quite refreshing."
"I'm not sure, but I think we've been insulted."
"I'm sure."
- McCoy, Kirk and Spock
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Today is the last day that a feature film will be part of my Ten Days of Trek. I'll get to why in a moment.
A brief point about my reaction to this film. Did I cry for Kirk? No. Did I cry for the Enterprise? No. Did I cry when Data found Spot? Yes. Like a little baby. So there you have it.
I also decided that I was going to stop re-watching the Trek films at this point. It really was the final send-off for the original cast, even if it was a disappointing send-off. So for the next three days I will highlight my favorite episodes. Tomorrow will be #3, the next day #2, and I'll end with #1, my favorite and arguably the best episode of the original Star Trek series. Because I know how much you all want to know.
As a heads-up, there is a strong possibility that my judgment will be swayed by episodes parodied by Futurama. Just saying.
I did knit tonight. I started Urchin by Ysolda Teague. It's a very clever hat and will knit up quickly if I put my mind to it. Which I haven't been, really, because I've procrastinated schoolwork to the point where I'm feeling guilty about it. At least classes are almost over for the semester. I need a break.
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The last film to feature the entire original cast. Sad.
- Spock was so interestingly out of character in this movie. Interestingly because Nimoy helped write the story and produce to the film.
- Kim Cattrall? Hilarious!
- For such a mighty race, I find it quite entertaining that Klingons have bright pink blood.
- I got really confused by Colonel Worf. They only call him Worf, so naturally I thought of the Worf we all know and love from TNG and Voyager. This Worf is even played by Michael Dorn, although the ridges in his forehead are different. Apparently he is supposed to be Worf's grandfather. I kept thinking during the film, "this was released in 2001, after TNG had been on tv for four years. Wouldn't this be confusing?" I guess it's okay to have this film overlap TNG, even though it's supposed to have happened well before Picard took over the Enterprise-D. I'd look into that further if ... I cared that much. Which I kind of don't. Maybe that makes me a bad Trekkie?
- I'm glad they dropped the whole Uhura/Scotty thing. I was not a fan.
No knitting this time around, as I watched it in bed on my laptop. It was nice.
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Now we get into where Trekkies say the odd movies are poo.
1- People seem to really hate the tongue-and-cheek jokes of this film. I, for one, find them refreshing. The film knows not to take itself of the franchise too seriously. At this point why wouldn't you point out there age or some of the oddities of their lifestyle? They're the cowboys of outspace, and cowboy films and cowboys are comfortable with poking fun at their lives. Why should Star Trek be any different?
2- Everyone always seems to think that Kirk is a womanizer or whatever. But take a look at this film. It was co-written by Shatner and directed by Shatner. There was no love interest for Kirk, even remotely. I realize that Shatner =/= Kirk, but for the man that played the part for so long, wouldn't you think he'd include that angle if he thought it was important to Kirk's character? I do think, though, that Kirk is mostly interested in his friendship/relationship with Spock and McCoy, and I think the focus on those feelings is more in line with Kirk's character than any romantic fling.
So yeah.
As far as knitting goes, I finished the front and back panels of Fence today, and seamed up the sides. I hate seaming. Hate it. I then started picking up stitches for the neck ribbing and ended up picking up 10 too many. So this project is going to chill for a few days. I overloaded myself on it and I don't want to hate it and never finish it, so it's just going to sit for a day or two.
Now I'm on to two patterns I've been plotting. I might send one to Yarn Forward magazine. We'll see how that goes.
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I had to skip yesterday because of the holiday. Worth it, though, because I watched two football games, ate tons of fantastic food, spent time with great friends, and played many hours of Rock Band 2.
Back to business, though.
- Nuclear wessel.
- Whale biologists are lame. See Futurama "Three Hundred Big Boys" for further proof.
- Kirk and Spock are absolutely hilarious when trying to be inconspicuous. See Star Trek "The City on the Edge of Forever" for further proof.
- Scotty is still pretty much my favorite, Sulu pretty much tied, but I also really love Spock's dad for some reason.
- I have a cool idea for an article about the music of this movie, and Star Trek in general. No spoilers about it yet, though. That might be my project over break.
Knitting:
Still working on my Fence vest. I finished the back yesterday, and am making good progress on the front. I'm almost finished with the decreases.
More Trek tomorrow. I know you're excited.
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Oh yes, the shows go on.
- They used five difference actors to play Spock.
- Scotty is pretty much my favorite ever.
- Well, Sulu too.
- Essentially everyone that Kirk loves ends up dead at some point. Rough life. How melodramatic.
- The adventure goes on ...
- ... OH! Some other actress playing Saavik? Weak, guys. Weak. Seriously all the things she did that probably kept Kirstie Alley from being in this movie were crap.
Here's a progress update on Fence:
I have to wait a couple of hours before I can roll out my cookie dough to make sugar cookies, so I think I'll watch another Star Trek film, ahead of schedule. I'm going to go insane soon.
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Tonight's viewing is:
Notes:
- Totally forgot Kirstie Alley was in this movie. Hilarious.
- She's a Romulan? I didn't think Romulan-Federation interaction had been solidified by that point, or if they ever were. Maybe I'm forgetting a later episode of Star Trek that dealt with that. Or supposedly she's Vulcan-Romulan? Whatever.
- Watched "Space Seed" on cbs.com before watching this to make sure I remembered Khan's origins correctly.
- As such (see last bullet point) I was really mad when Khan said he recognized Chekov. Damnit! Canon, people. CANON!
Accompanying knitting: Still Fetch by Maria Leigh. I should have the back panel finished tomorrow.
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Today's viewing is Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979).
Comments about the film thus far:
- Kirk/Spock OTP
- Dr. McCoy looked like a total pimp when he first came aboard
- Spock is going through major acclimation issues. He's been away from humanity for too long.
- Spock looked hilariously incredible with the long hair.
- I really hope that whatever our version of the Earth Federation is will end up being will be HQ'd in San Francisco.
- TNG stole the entire soundtrack of this film.
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I just spent the last five days in Nashville at a music theory/musicology convention. It was really awesome. The only knitting I did was on my DW season 12 scarf, here's how far along I am.
Knit Wit - Amy Singer
Getting Started Knitting Socks - Ann Budd
Amigurumi!: Super Happy Crochet Cute - Elisabeth Doherty
Stitch 'N Bitch - Debby Stoller
Stitch 'N Bitch: the Happy Hooker - Debby Stoller
Doctor Who Pattern Book - Joy Gammon
If you're down for buying me a book in a trade for something knit or crochet, I would love to make an arrangement. Or if you are just a generous soul, leave a comment or send me a message.
I need to sleep now ...
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p.s. Title not related, just awesome.
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