Saturday, June 28, 2014
Star Trek DS9---Fan Art Slide Show
A video I made featuring art depicting characters from DS9 by various artists.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Best of Star Trek: Deep Space 9---Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges
This is the 16th episode of season 7 and was written by Ronald D. Moore.
Dr. Bashir plans to attend a conference on Romulus to give a symposium about "the Blight" (the infection first introduced in the episode "The Quickening," for which Bashir developed a vaccine.
While he lay in bed sleeping, Julian gets a visit from Mr. Sloan (played brilliantly by William Sadler), a secret agent in the mysterious "Section 31," who first made an appearance in "Inquisition." Sloan has a job for Bashir--gather intelligence information about candidates to the Romulan Senate, particularly one named Koval, who introduces himself to Bashir in a funny exchange at the conference.
Bashir: It's a pleasure to meet you.
Koval: Why?
A stumped Bashir is even more intrigued when Koval wants to know if Bashir has the know-how to introduced the Blight on an unsuspecting population. Sloan reveals to Bashir that he suspects Koval has Tuvan Syndrome, a fatal disease with no cure. He asks Bashir how they could quicken the illness to prevent Koval from getting a seat on the committee.
Not wanting to be part of a murder plot, the good doctor asks the advice of Admiral Ross. Ross tells him that Sloan may have an accomplice on the Romulan Senate and to sit tight and see what else he can figure out. However, the next morning Bashir learns that the admiral has taken ill from an aneurysm and he suspects Sloan.
Feeling nowhere else to turn, he enlists the aid of Federation alliance supporter Cretak, another Romulan Senate candidate. He tells her about Section 31 and the plot to kill Koval. He asks Cretak for classified information about Tal Shiar members.
Too bad for Cretak. She is found out and arrested for treason. Dr. Bashir is tortured with a Romulan mind probe for more information. Bruised and bloodied, he is brought before the Senate with Cretak and an even more bloodied Sloan. The Senate believes Bashir and he is allowed to leave on his ship. Cretak will be sentenced later and before they can take Sloan back to be further interrogated, he disarms a guard and is about to shoot when he is vaporized.
Later, Bashir confronts a now recovered Admiral Ross about his role in the plot. He knew Sloan, a man who can easily slip by sensors without being detected, would not be caught so easily at a conference surrounded by Romulans. Bashir believes Sloan to still be alive. Ross reveals that he and Sloan were part of a plot to get Cretak off the candidate's list because her profile showed her to be a true patriot who may turn against the Federation and the alliance and that would put the alliance at risk.
I found this episode intriguing, suspenseful, and full of interesting turns. It also highlights the moral conscientious nature of Julian Bashir, a man dedicated to saving lives first over saving a federation, particularly one ready to blur the lines between duty to one's fellow men and duty to preserving the Federation at any cost.
The episode's title comes from an exchange between Bashir and Admiral Ross in which Ross quotes a line from "Cicero." It's translation: "In Times of War, the Law Falls Silent."
Dr. Bashir plans to attend a conference on Romulus to give a symposium about "the Blight" (the infection first introduced in the episode "The Quickening," for which Bashir developed a vaccine.
While he lay in bed sleeping, Julian gets a visit from Mr. Sloan (played brilliantly by William Sadler), a secret agent in the mysterious "Section 31," who first made an appearance in "Inquisition." Sloan has a job for Bashir--gather intelligence information about candidates to the Romulan Senate, particularly one named Koval, who introduces himself to Bashir in a funny exchange at the conference.
Bashir: It's a pleasure to meet you.
Koval: Why?
A stumped Bashir is even more intrigued when Koval wants to know if Bashir has the know-how to introduced the Blight on an unsuspecting population. Sloan reveals to Bashir that he suspects Koval has Tuvan Syndrome, a fatal disease with no cure. He asks Bashir how they could quicken the illness to prevent Koval from getting a seat on the committee.
Not wanting to be part of a murder plot, the good doctor asks the advice of Admiral Ross. Ross tells him that Sloan may have an accomplice on the Romulan Senate and to sit tight and see what else he can figure out. However, the next morning Bashir learns that the admiral has taken ill from an aneurysm and he suspects Sloan.
Feeling nowhere else to turn, he enlists the aid of Federation alliance supporter Cretak, another Romulan Senate candidate. He tells her about Section 31 and the plot to kill Koval. He asks Cretak for classified information about Tal Shiar members.
Too bad for Cretak. She is found out and arrested for treason. Dr. Bashir is tortured with a Romulan mind probe for more information. Bruised and bloodied, he is brought before the Senate with Cretak and an even more bloodied Sloan. The Senate believes Bashir and he is allowed to leave on his ship. Cretak will be sentenced later and before they can take Sloan back to be further interrogated, he disarms a guard and is about to shoot when he is vaporized.
Later, Bashir confronts a now recovered Admiral Ross about his role in the plot. He knew Sloan, a man who can easily slip by sensors without being detected, would not be caught so easily at a conference surrounded by Romulans. Bashir believes Sloan to still be alive. Ross reveals that he and Sloan were part of a plot to get Cretak off the candidate's list because her profile showed her to be a true patriot who may turn against the Federation and the alliance and that would put the alliance at risk.
I found this episode intriguing, suspenseful, and full of interesting turns. It also highlights the moral conscientious nature of Julian Bashir, a man dedicated to saving lives first over saving a federation, particularly one ready to blur the lines between duty to one's fellow men and duty to preserving the Federation at any cost.
The episode's title comes from an exchange between Bashir and Admiral Ross in which Ross quotes a line from "Cicero." It's translation: "In Times of War, the Law Falls Silent."
Worst of Star Trek DS9---The Emperor's New Cloak
Another mirror universe episode, this one from the last season (and hopefully last of its kind). It was directed by the very talented LeVar Burton and dedicated to the memory of Jerome Bixby, the author of the original mirror episode featuring Kirk, Uhura, Dr. McCoy, and Scotty as the hapless crew accidentally sent to a savage alternate universe.
This time the silly Grand Nagus has gone to the mirror universe (he found a blueprint of Rom's highlighting the multidimensional transporter and used the technology)to look for profit opportunities there. But the head of the alliance, the annoying and insufferable Kira, decides to kidnap the Nagus and let him go in exchange for a cloaking device from our universe. So who does Nagus suggest would be the ideal pawns in this scheme?
Quark and Rom manage to get the cloaking device from the one of General Martok's ships. They escape with it just in time with the help of the mirror Ezri (who we learn is a profitier and partner to the mirror Brunt and a lover of mirror Kira's.) Rom is forced by the Regent, the mirror Worf, (who is more like a less intelligent and angry Worf than a mirror)to install the cloaking device in time for battle with the rebel ship (manned by the mirror Miles (Smiley) and Julian).
But everyone aboard the ship underestimates Rom at their expense. He sabotages the device and once again, with the help of mirror Ezri (who is upset at Kira killing Brunt for disobedience), Rom, Quark and Zek the Grand Nagus escape to a shuttle just before the Regent is forced to surrender to the rebels.
I never liked the mirror episodes of DS9. I find the characters cartoonish and overplayed, particularly by Nana Visitor, who is superb as our universe Kira. It's too bad her talents are wasted in these ridiculous shows.
The episode's one saving grace was that it featured Rom, played by Max Grodenchick. His character is sweet, honest, and delightful. He is not only underestimated, but capable of making astute observations. For example, he's confused by the "mirror's" in that they aren't all that direct opposite. At one point, he says "The alternate universe...it just doesn't make any sense!"
I couldn't agree more, Rom.
This time the silly Grand Nagus has gone to the mirror universe (he found a blueprint of Rom's highlighting the multidimensional transporter and used the technology)to look for profit opportunities there. But the head of the alliance, the annoying and insufferable Kira, decides to kidnap the Nagus and let him go in exchange for a cloaking device from our universe. So who does Nagus suggest would be the ideal pawns in this scheme?
Quark and Rom manage to get the cloaking device from the one of General Martok's ships. They escape with it just in time with the help of the mirror Ezri (who we learn is a profitier and partner to the mirror Brunt and a lover of mirror Kira's.) Rom is forced by the Regent, the mirror Worf, (who is more like a less intelligent and angry Worf than a mirror)to install the cloaking device in time for battle with the rebel ship (manned by the mirror Miles (Smiley) and Julian).
But everyone aboard the ship underestimates Rom at their expense. He sabotages the device and once again, with the help of mirror Ezri (who is upset at Kira killing Brunt for disobedience), Rom, Quark and Zek the Grand Nagus escape to a shuttle just before the Regent is forced to surrender to the rebels.
I never liked the mirror episodes of DS9. I find the characters cartoonish and overplayed, particularly by Nana Visitor, who is superb as our universe Kira. It's too bad her talents are wasted in these ridiculous shows.
The episode's one saving grace was that it featured Rom, played by Max Grodenchick. His character is sweet, honest, and delightful. He is not only underestimated, but capable of making astute observations. For example, he's confused by the "mirror's" in that they aren't all that direct opposite. At one point, he says "The alternate universe...it just doesn't make any sense!"
I couldn't agree more, Rom.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Best of Star Trek: Deep Space 9---The Siege of AR-558
This is the 8th episode of the 7th season and was written by Ira Steven Behr and Hans Beimler.
This was a dark episode and reminded me of 5th season's "Nor the Battle to the Strong." In fact, in one point in the episode, Quark (who is with the crew on a fact-finding mission from Grand Nagus) and Captain Sisko have a heated argument about Nog going on the front lines to be a look out (and listen for) the Jem'Hadar. Quark tells Sisko he wouldn't send Jake into such a dangerous position and Sisko replies that Jake is not a Starfleet officer. Jake was the one under fire in "Battle" while on a trip with Dr. Bashir to offer aide at the frontlines.
Here, a Starfleet team had been sent to a planet where the Dominion keeps a communications relay. They have seized it and held it while fighting off teams of Jem'Hadar. There are only a few dozen left of the over 100 original crew members that had been sent. They are battle fatigued from being on the same duty for five months, going against Starfleet's protocol of replacing crews every 90 days. Some crew members are suffering from post-traumatic stress and Bashir wants to get them off the duty and replaced.
Unfortunately this isn't possible at the moment because of the area of space, which is fortified with Jem'Hadar. All the Defiant crew can do is leave them supplies but, after another surprise attack, find themselves fortifying the base with reconfigured weapons and hoping to avoid "Houdini" mines---mines that appear out of subspace at any given location.
Nog loses a leg during a watch after Jem'Hadar sneak up and kill the crew's senior commander. In another chilling moment, an injured crewman refuses to allow Dr. Bashir to replace a bandage that a former crewman had placed. The soldier tells Bashir that the guy who bandaged him was a talker and never shut up. He couldn't stand him. The only time he shut up was when he was struck in the back by a phaser blast and lay there dead---and quiet.
The episode highlighted the realities of war and how those that fight on the front lines are often neglected and forgotten and the psychological effects that this neglect causes.
When the casualty list is posted at the end, Kira tells him it's over 1,700 "names." They're more than just names and we need to remember that" he tells Kira.
Quark notices the effects of battle on war fatigued "hew-mons" and has an interesting exchange with his nephew about it.
What does Nog take away from this? "I almost feel sorry for the Jem'Hadar."
This was a dark episode and reminded me of 5th season's "Nor the Battle to the Strong." In fact, in one point in the episode, Quark (who is with the crew on a fact-finding mission from Grand Nagus) and Captain Sisko have a heated argument about Nog going on the front lines to be a look out (and listen for) the Jem'Hadar. Quark tells Sisko he wouldn't send Jake into such a dangerous position and Sisko replies that Jake is not a Starfleet officer. Jake was the one under fire in "Battle" while on a trip with Dr. Bashir to offer aide at the frontlines.
Here, a Starfleet team had been sent to a planet where the Dominion keeps a communications relay. They have seized it and held it while fighting off teams of Jem'Hadar. There are only a few dozen left of the over 100 original crew members that had been sent. They are battle fatigued from being on the same duty for five months, going against Starfleet's protocol of replacing crews every 90 days. Some crew members are suffering from post-traumatic stress and Bashir wants to get them off the duty and replaced.
Unfortunately this isn't possible at the moment because of the area of space, which is fortified with Jem'Hadar. All the Defiant crew can do is leave them supplies but, after another surprise attack, find themselves fortifying the base with reconfigured weapons and hoping to avoid "Houdini" mines---mines that appear out of subspace at any given location.
Nog loses a leg during a watch after Jem'Hadar sneak up and kill the crew's senior commander. In another chilling moment, an injured crewman refuses to allow Dr. Bashir to replace a bandage that a former crewman had placed. The soldier tells Bashir that the guy who bandaged him was a talker and never shut up. He couldn't stand him. The only time he shut up was when he was struck in the back by a phaser blast and lay there dead---and quiet.
The episode highlighted the realities of war and how those that fight on the front lines are often neglected and forgotten and the psychological effects that this neglect causes.
When the casualty list is posted at the end, Kira tells him it's over 1,700 "names." They're more than just names and we need to remember that" he tells Kira.
Quark notices the effects of battle on war fatigued "hew-mons" and has an interesting exchange with his nephew about it.
What does Nog take away from this? "I almost feel sorry for the Jem'Hadar."
Sunday, June 8, 2014
What's the Difference Between Your God and Weyouns?
In "Tears of the Prophets," Weyoun finds the idea of Gul Dukat being possessed by gods from the wormhole ridiculous.
Worst of Star Trek DS9---Profit and Lace
"Profit and Lace" is the 23rd episode of the 6th season and was directed by Alexander Siddig.
It begins with Quark threatening a Dabu Girl with firing if she doesn't provide him oomox. His piggish behavior is interrupted by Rom who is panicked that he can't reach anyone on their homeworld. Fortunately about this time, the Grand Nagus shows up on a shuttle with their Mookie.
Nagus reveals his new plans which involves allowing their females to wear clothes and contribute to the economy. Nagus explains when he revealed this on Ferenginar, the whole commerce authority had a meltdown, leading to the disrupted communications. To make matters worse, Brunt is made acting Nagus.
What begins as a comedy sketch soon erupts into a long-winded silly amateurish play complete with Quark dressing in drag, acting as another close confidant of Nagus after he and Mookie get into a heated argument, which caused her to collapse from a heart attack.
After Dr. Bashir saves Mookie's life and orders her to bed rest, he helps Quark with gender change. A commissioner who comes to the station to discuss the situation with the idea of Nagus's new partner convincing him why females can be an asset to the Ferenginar economy. What happens is something that's been seen in thousands of previous comedy shows---the commissioner has ideas of his own about the female Quark, chasing him/her around the dinner table.
The sex change was a success. The commissioner agrees to Nagus's new terms.
This ridiculous episode highlights female stereotypes about raging hormones and emotional instability in the form of Lumba (Quark). Lumba learns how to sit and walk like a female. The episode makes light of the serious topic of stalking and chasing females who say NO. Even the Dabu girl at the end agrees to give in to Quark's sexual demands. The only saving grace the episode has is Quark getting insight to his despicable behavior during the transformation of returning to his old male self and telling her to forget about it.
It begins with Quark threatening a Dabu Girl with firing if she doesn't provide him oomox. His piggish behavior is interrupted by Rom who is panicked that he can't reach anyone on their homeworld. Fortunately about this time, the Grand Nagus shows up on a shuttle with their Mookie.
Nagus reveals his new plans which involves allowing their females to wear clothes and contribute to the economy. Nagus explains when he revealed this on Ferenginar, the whole commerce authority had a meltdown, leading to the disrupted communications. To make matters worse, Brunt is made acting Nagus.
What begins as a comedy sketch soon erupts into a long-winded silly amateurish play complete with Quark dressing in drag, acting as another close confidant of Nagus after he and Mookie get into a heated argument, which caused her to collapse from a heart attack.
After Dr. Bashir saves Mookie's life and orders her to bed rest, he helps Quark with gender change. A commissioner who comes to the station to discuss the situation with the idea of Nagus's new partner convincing him why females can be an asset to the Ferenginar economy. What happens is something that's been seen in thousands of previous comedy shows---the commissioner has ideas of his own about the female Quark, chasing him/her around the dinner table.
The sex change was a success. The commissioner agrees to Nagus's new terms.
This ridiculous episode highlights female stereotypes about raging hormones and emotional instability in the form of Lumba (Quark). Lumba learns how to sit and walk like a female. The episode makes light of the serious topic of stalking and chasing females who say NO. Even the Dabu girl at the end agrees to give in to Quark's sexual demands. The only saving grace the episode has is Quark getting insight to his despicable behavior during the transformation of returning to his old male self and telling her to forget about it.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Jake Warns Nog About the Soon to Be Dead Squad
In "Valiant," Jake can see the forest beyond the trees. The young captain of The Valiant is ambitious, egotistical, and thinks himself and the "Red Squad" as invisible. Of course it helps when you take pills to heighten the delusion. Jake tries to warn his cadet friend Nog that the plan their captain is about to embark upon is akin to a suicide mission, but it falls on huge Ferengi deaf ears.
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