There are a great many reasons as to why fans fell in love with Star Trek: The Next Generation back in the day. A list that quite frankly, would take an entire day to cover in this blog, so we’ll keep it simple, by focusing upon one giant reason why this show continues to be discussed, years after its end; its characters. For as the years rolled along, we came to know the crew of the 1701-D in a supremely intimate manner and that’s a feat that was accomplished by way of the show’s supremely long season/episode count. Because that allowed for character specific episodes to take place, the kind that are still celebrated after all these years, especially the ones that focused heavily on Lieutenant Commander Data.

Because stories that featured this iconic android often dealt with his lack of understanding of humanity and how he hoped a greater knowledge of it would help him inch closer toward it. Which meant that when Data took the center stage, the show often explored the best parts of what it means to be human and how being gentle and kind goes a long way in any century. Elements that not only allowed for Brent Spiner to shine as an actor, but taught the audience something along the way. And it just so happens that the next episode in season two of this storied franchise, started this proud tradition for Data by giving him the chance to indulge in something that he only flirted with in season one. Which was to ‘become’ the legendary Sherlock Holmes, and that decision makes ‘Elementary, Dear Data’ one delightful albeit slightly inconsistent tale.

But before we dive into that, let's talk about the delightful aspects of this story. Because it really is the first time that the series lets Spiner and LeVar Burton let loose as actors since they both clearly relish becoming Holmes and Watson respectively and watching them switch back and forth between their characters and their holodeck alter egos is just a sheer delight. As are the more finite discussions on how Data needs to temper his skill set in order to make the holodeck experience fun for others. Because it just speaks volumes to how Data doesn’t quite fit in, because of his incredible processing power, and it is quite powerful and endearing to see him work to set it aside and take on new challenges, so that his friends can indeed enjoy themselves. A decision that is clearly designed for Data to soak up the wonder and joy present upon their faces as they wait for mystery to present itself and it is also a subtle and wonderful way to develop the character.

But sadly, what makes this story inconsistent, is the sheer fact that it more or less pushes Data’s character development aside in order to focus upon Holo-Moriarty’s evolution. Which has its merits for certain. Because guest star Daniel Davis is simply electric as the legendary Holmes villain, and having a holodeck program evolve into sentience is kind of a big deal in its own right, and this plot thread did of course set the stage for a fascinating sequel involving this evolved Moriarty. But all of that aside, let’s be honest, what truly allows for this episode to shine is Data and his attempts at being an everyday person. Because there’s really no need for a sentient android to take part in holodeck simulations and fantasy storytelling. But because he wanted to fit in and be a part of humanity so desperately, he went all in on the notion and there is something quite beautiful about that.

If anything, this really is one special episode. Simply because this tale is groundbreaking for the series, since it lays the foundation for the character centric storytelling that we came to love. But while all of these elements are important for certain and critical to our love of the series, above all else, this episode is also a lot of fun. Because there really is something quite delightful about letting the normally serious Lieutenant Commander LaForge let loose and enjoy a little time as an inspector and really in the end, this episode just serves to remind us that we were on the precipice of greatness when it comes to this series. Because TNG was ready to let loose and explore some powerful ideas and truly, this reviewer cannot wait to get there and bask in the true wonder of this revolutionary show. Until next time.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’.
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​Over the course of its long and storied run, the Star Trek franchise as a whole has been praised for a great many storytelling accomplishments. For it has offered up powerful tales time and time again. The kind that are often relevant to some of the challenges we face in our modern world, or we’ve been treated to stories that outright task us to be better as a people. But what’s truly intriguing about this franchise, is that it tends to receive the most praise, when it is able to throw comedy into the mix and understandably so. Because often times, the challenges the various crews in this saga face, are epic and sweeping in nature, so a little lightheartedness is most certainly welcome and receives accolades because integrating that into an enlightened sci-fi series is no easy task. 

But what’s interesting about the comedy aspect of this franchise, is that it has often left us wondering as to whether or not a full-on comedy series is something that the franchise could actually pull off. Because it would be delightfully different to be able to tune into a Star Trek series and spend our time in stitches instead of pondering upon the nature of life and its greater meaning and well, after decades of pondering upon this possibility, CBS All Access has taken the time to make it a reality. For yesterday saw the premiere of Star Trek: Lower Decks. An animated series designed to offer up nothing but laughs for the audience, while still being set in the Star Trek universe and well, while all of that sounds quite delightful in principle; everyone is wondering as to whether or not this particular series is actually funny or if a grave mistake has been made on the franchise’s behalf.

Well as it turns out, this is actually quite the hilarious series and the first element that allows for the jokes to work so well, is the show’s premise. For time and time again in this franchise, we've been introduced to new races in the galaxy, in a manner that allows for the wonder and the majesty of the Federation and this new species, to be put on display during first contact. But ‘Second Contact’ allows for us to see the flip side of that by way of the voyages of the U.S.S. Cerritos, a ship that is tasked to do make second contact with a new species, in order to cement the relationship between this new world and the Federation, and that alone is a pretty hilarious concept. Because there’s something quirky and delightful about getting to see ‘the other guys’ step in and handle what comes next after guys like Picard and Kirk are off to their next mission and that setup lays the groundwork for some genuinely hilarious moments. 

Such as the fact that first contact really doesn’t reveal everything that Starfleet needs to know about the new planet and species in question, a hard fact that is reinforced by an unfortunate surprise that comes aboard the Cerritos. For the new world in question in this tale, has mosquitos that can turn the being they suckle blood from, into a vomit spewing zombie. Which means we quickly find the ship in danger in this tale and that’s where the hilarity ensues. Since this zombie plague helps to ruin a magical first date for Ensign Rutherford, all while making Ensign Tendi’s first day aboard the ship taxing and in the end, it takes the bumbling mistakes of Ensigns Boimler and Mariner to save the day, since an awkward encounter with a spider-cow provides the ship’s doctor with the cure to this horrible plague. Which is a pretty wild way to kick off a new Star Trek series, but all of those elements work here.

But for those who might have concerns that this series abandons everything that the franchise stands for in exchange for a wider audience, have no fears. Because at its core, this is a story that is clearly going to explore the nature of Starfleet, and its importance to those who serve within it and to the galaxy as well. Something that is put on full display here by way of the characters, since we learn a lot about their views on Starfleet and what it means to them and it is quite nice to see this new series make such elements a part of its DNA, and it is likely no mistake that Ensign Mariner is something of a fallen hero in this tale and that Boimler is her heroic foil. Since that particular mix sets the stage for her redemption and ascension into something more, and it should be interesting to see how the series grows this plot thread as the season continues along. 

But all of that aside, this really was quite the delightful series premiere when all is said and done. Because it genuinely puts a smile on your face, and you definitely find yourself laughing aloud, and often. If anything, it is just wonderful to know that Star Trek has finally found the perfect balance of comedy and storytelling with this series, and that definitely leaves this reviewer quite excited for what’s to come. For Lower Decks really is quite unique in nature and the possibilities are endless in regard to what it can do storytelling wise. Since it’s clear now that it is going to feature the perfect balance of heart and comedy and truly, it is just exciting to know that once again, we are able to immerse ourselves into a brand-new tale in this storied franchise. One that offers excitement and fun and of course, plenty of laughs. Until next time.

If there is one thing that the entire Star Trek franchise has made clear to its fans over the course of its epic existence, it would have to be that Starfleet officers are about as tough as they come. Because every crew we’ve ever been introduced to, have faced insurmountable odds and they’ve handled everything that’s come their way in a calm and cool manner, and that’s allowed for them to get the win time and time again. But while we’ve seen our favorite crews face impossible situations and come out on top every single time, the franchise rarely dives into the fact that most of these characters are human beings and have emotional and physical limits. But sometimes Trek does indeed take the time to dive into such matters and when that happens; we are often treated to an outright intriguing story. As is the case with the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Because ‘Where Silence Has Lease’ sees the crew of the 1701-D be pushed to their outright limits in every way imaginable and the end result makes for one compelling tale, one that once again gives us a sneak peek into how good this series was going to become. And it accomplishes all of that, by having the ship encounter something unexpected on the next leg of their mission; a void in space. One that of course envelops the Enterprise when it moves closer to investigate said void. Which should have been challenge enough for this intrepid crew since escape from the void seemed quite impossible. But as it turns out, this sea of darkness had some serious surprises waiting for the crew within its murk. Because it doesn’t take long for this void to outright test the crew.
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First by inspecting their skills in combat by way of a quick battle with a phantom Romulan Warbird, and then by presenting Picard and the senior staff with the appearance of the U.S.S. Yamato. Which turns out to be nothing more than a ruse, since Worf and Riker come to discover it is devoid of life, but full of funhouse-esque nightmares, the kind that frustrate the cool Commander and wily Klingon to no end. But truly, where this episode takes quite the turn, is when the void reveals itself to be alive. For it takes on a human face and introduces itself as Nagilum and announces to the crew that it fully intends to learn more about humanity and what it stands for and how it works and sadly, in order to get a fine understanding of how our species functions; it is going to have to kill at least one third of the ship’s crew. Something that leaves Picard stunned. 

After all, this isn’t quite what a captain signs up for, and while some in his bridge crew believe that acceptable losses in order to be free would be fine, Picard struggles with the fact that an alien entity can in fact, control people in this manner and quite possibly the ship. Which means the only logical course of action at this point, would be to destroy the Enterprise, in order to keep the crew from severely suffering and to keep the ship from being toyed with by this strange alien and well, that leads to one supremely powerful and philosophical moment. One where the captain explains to an in disguise Nagilum, what death means to mankind and the beauty and the terror that comes with it, something that once again sets up the future in regard to Jean-Luc Picard’s path. But what matters more in this moment, is that what he has to say, is enough to convince Nagilum to let the ship go in the nick of time. For if he kept the captain’s attention but a few seconds longer, the Enterprise would be no more.

In the end however, this really was quite the wonderful tale. For it offers up a brisk and entertaining story, one that introduces us to a strange new life form, all while challenging the characters in every way imaginable. And truly, that moment where Picard ponders upon the nature of death is one that stays with you for a long time. Because not only does it leave you pondering upon the meaning of everything, it features some top notch acting from Patrick Stewart and well, if there is really any flaw to this particular episode, it would have to be that it needed more Nagilum. Because it would have been fascinating to see the crew deal with his curiosity further since it would have allowed for more of the cast to shine. But the final product is a solid story for certain and it really does remind one of the glory years of TNG that are ahead and well, now that this adventure has come to a close, it is time to press on and have a little fun. Because the next episode takes the time to return us to the holodeck and that, dear Watson, is where we shall pick up, next time. Until then.    

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 107 of ‘For All Mankind’.
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Space travel and everything that it has to offer, has ignited mankind’s imagination for decades on end. Which has of course, brought about some incredible stories about what life amongst the stars might look like for humanity. But while that notion has provided us with some incredible and inspiring stories over the years, in reality, we’ve slowly been coming to learn that life in space won’t be a walk in the park. For our planet is perfectly designed for us, and our bodies respond oddly when we spend extended time in space and of course, since we’ve yet to truly embark on a long term, deep space mission; we simply don’t have a clue as to what an extended journey through the stars or on the surface of a planet might to do the human body and mind.

But it is possible to speculate that an extended journey in space could be quite difficult on our emotional well-being. After all, we are afforded some incredible freedoms on Earth and the ability to spread out, and being robbed of that would absolutely have an impact on our mental health and it just so happens that the next episode of For All Mankind took the time to explore that possibility in a fascinating and realistic manner. For ‘Hi Bob’ saw the astronauts aboard Jamestown Base deal with an extended stay on the Moon. Because Apollo 24 was being consistently delayed thanks to more problems with rocket repairs and well, that meant that Dani, Ed and Gordo had to dig deep and deal with the fact that they weren’t going home anytime soon, something that slowly began to wear on Gordo’s mind.

Because he truly felt trapped, and despite his best efforts to assuage that feeling with longer walks on the surface of the moon, his erratic behavior and leaving the base empty while Baldwin and Dani were out collecting ore samples, forced Ed to keep Gordo inside the base, all in the hopes of giving him time to clear his head. But the fact that he was so far from home and surrounded by danger, continued to send Gordo into a downward spiral. One that quite frankly, became a little scary. For not only did Gordo start to exhibit strange behavior in the middle of night, such as acting out his favorite Bob Newheart episodes on his own after the VCR broke, he outright had a panic attack on the surface of the moon when Ed tried to go the ‘man to man’ route in clearing his head. A moment that almost cost Gordo his life when he tried to rip his helmet off, and that act put Ed in quite the tough place.

For it was obvious now that Gordo needed to be back on Earth before he hurt himself, and while it would be easy to send Dani and Gordo back, while Ed stayed behind to keep the Russians at bay, there would be a price to pay for this decision. Because Ed would have to tell NASA that Gordo was suffering mentally, and that would mean that Gordo would likely never fly again. A decision that motivated Dani to do something quite kind, and she hurt her arm so that it appeared her incompetence was the sole reason that she and Gordo needed to return to Earth. An act that would damage her career, but the thought of saving someone’s future when her husband’s was in jeopardy was worth the risk in Dani’s eyes and well, we will see if this act did the trick for Gordo or not. For when we see him at the end of this tale, he’s still rattled by his experiences on the moon, and his best friend is up there all alone and that’s one bleak and powerful way to end this tale. In fact, powerful is right word to describe this story in general.

Because there were more tough moments that this episode dealt with. Such as how young Shane is starting to mentally collapse over the broken nature of his home life and the fact he got into an accident because of his emotional malaise is heartbreaking for certain. Plus we cannot forget that Ellen and Larry had to deny their orientations and get married in order to save their careers and of course, the Russians are poking around Jamestown Base and that last element is supremely worrisome. Because they had to see the escape module leave, and they likely outnumber Ed. Meaning it is only a matter of time before an international incident happens in the depths of space and well, this really was quite the quality episode for certain. Because it dug deep into something, we don’t talk about enough in regard to space travel and it did so in a compelling manner and that goes just to show that this particular series is about as unique as they come. Since it doesn’t have a problem tackling big topics in regard to our future in space in a frank and compelling manner. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 711 of ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’
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When one thinks of the penultimate episode, that all important tale that airs before the end of the series, a pretty standard formula comes to mind. One that involves some epic and harrowing moments, the kind that put the characters in a tough or dark place before leaving us with a powerful cliffhanger. Because this episode really is designed to serve as the setup for the series finale and that particular formula allows for the audience to go on an emotional rollercoaster, so that we are locked in and invested on the series finale and all of the incredible and stunning moments it is going to send our way. But some shows buck those norms from time to time and feel the need to take the setup of the end in a vastly different direction, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. just so happens to be one of those shows.
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For after years of seeing other stories follow that formula in the MCU, ‘Brand New Day’ took the opportunity to provide the audience with something a little more intimate. Simply because everyone involved with this series knows that it is the characters and not the moments that move us and that’s why it went a more emotional route in the setup. By acknowledging the fact that it is going to be hard to say goodbye to Coulson and Mack and Daisy and everyone on the team. Simply because we’ve been a part of their lives as much as they have ours and getting to know them and see them struggle and grow means a lot to us. Which is why it was quite lovely to see Mack and Daisy discuss the finer points of how change is okay and how it is necessary in life. Since it serves to remind the audience, that endings in stories are merely a different brand of healthy change.

But while that alone was wonderful and beautiful in its own right. What was truly amazing about this particular tale is that it offered up some powerhouse emotional moments designed to prepare us for next week’s farewell, a great many of which came by way of Jemma Simmons. Because Malick was digging around in her mind for a fair chunk of this story, all in the hopes of figuring out Fitz’s location and well, what he found was quite worrisome. Because we were able to see the moments that led up Jemma’s return in the series six finale, wherein she set the stage for this final adventure, and during that time… she and Fitz opted to finally enjoy their time together. For something was clearly wrong with Fitz’s health and the implication was strong that perhaps the memory device was designed to keep Jemma from remembering the sorrow of losing her love and while that it is in many ways, a bit of a cliffhanger for next week, it does serve to remind us to be ready to lose some of these heroes to death. Because a final mission often means sacrifice against incredible odds.

Which of course this team will be facing. Because despite the more intimate approach to this tale, it would have been foolish or silly to not set the stage for a final fight and that setup came about by way of Kora and Malick’s twisted plans. For their infiltration of the Lighthouse was all designed to give Sibyl full access to S.H.I.E.L.D.’s servers, and to buy Malick time to contact the Chronicom fleet and bring them to Earth. All so that they could accomplish what so many others could not and destroy S.H.I.E.L.D. at last. Something that came to fruition in a harrowing and unsettling fashion as we watched all of its bases disappear from the face of the Earth, one by one. Which means that there will be no support for our heroes in their final hour and that they will face the Chronicoms alone and they simply must not fail. For to do so would mean the end of everything and well… it doesn’t get more epic than that for a cliffhanger. 

In the end however, this really was quite the magnificent episode. Because it made us laugh and smile, especially by way of the Quake jokes and Mack’s dad like threat to Sousa over his budding relationship with Daisy, and of course, it offered up some tough emotional moments, the kind that broke our heart and left us worried. But what matters most, is that despite its deviations from formula, it still set the stage for what looks to be one epic series finale. Because the stakes are truly at their highest, and these heroes will be tested like never before and well, it is truly strange to know that next week’s battle will indeed be their last. For this really is a series that seemed as though it could on forever. But all good things must come to their end and like the rest of you, this reviewer will be counting down the minutes until next Wednesday. So that we can all see how the final mission, and this storied franchise, will come to a close. Until next time.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 106 of ‘For All Mankind’.
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What’s fascinating about our modern society, is that we often believe that big moments and big developments will instantly change the world. Which is understandable. Because when something revolutionary happens, one truly expects people to see the meaning of what’s happening around them and react and change their mindsets accordingly. But the fact of the matter is, the world just doesn’t work that way. And unless we’re talking about a major disaster or something that happens in a matter of seconds, change comes slowly in our society. For it takes time for big things to sink in and for people to start to move in a different direction and it just so happens that this slow march toward tomorrow is explored in the next episode of For All Mankind.

Because after setting up Jamestown Base in the last episode, one would think that America would be radically changing. For they finally had a leg up in the Space Race and that would motivate everyone to keep pushing toward bigger and better things. But as it turns out, ‘Home Again’ saw the nation settling back into routine, to the point where political moments were of interest again. Take for example the country’s focus upon the Equal Rights Amendment in this episode, which actually managed to pass in this alternate reality. Which meant that the world was more or less seeing space travel as a regular everyday thing now and well, as is often the case in life, once routine becomes a thing, disaster strikes. For while the next Apollo capsule was preparing to head to the Moon and relive the astronauts at Jamestown Base, a fault in the Saturn V rocket destroyed the capsule and all of the souls on the launch tower, leaving America and NASA stunned. 

For this kind of disaster was devastating for certain and of course the fallout from it was strong. To the point where the FBI was starting to investigate whether or not the Russians were involved in this explosion. But in the end, the error came from a defect in parts and in order to put this mess to bed, Margo needed to pick up a report indicating so. Something she wasn’t inclined to do, simply because it was a touch offensive to be asked to handle errand related tasks, especially after she was passed over for Flight Director, and to complicate matters further, the person with the report in hand wasn’t exactly someone that she wanted to see. But alas, von Braun would only hand the report over to her and that led to another fascinating exploration in regard to routine, since Margo came to learn that some old American habits were making quite the comeback. 

Because not only did Wernher try his best to repair the damage between he and Margo, he stunned her and the audience with quite the revelation regarding the Saturn V accident. In that, the whole reason the rocket failed in the first place, was because a sub-standard manufacturer was building that respective part. One that was awarded the contract by President Ted Kennedy, in the hopes of getting the ERA passed. A revelation that would cause all kinds of political trouble if it ever escaped to the masses. Something that Margo agreed not to do, provided of course NASA did her a favor for a change and promoted her to Flight Director after all. Which are surprises that make this story seem as though it is suddenly heading into new territory storytelling wise and transforming into a political drama rather than something space related. 

But in reality, injecting this particular 'twist' into the story, is a sneaky way to center the story and remind us what this series is all about. Because a question posed in the series premiere more or less comes around full circle here, in that, can space travel and a push to reach its depths; finally inspire mankind to be more than what we currently are? Which means, Margo’s power play and Kennedy using NASA as a political pawn speaks volumes to the fact that mankind isn’t quite there just yet. Because the right inspiring moment just hasn’t arrived. Something that makes sense since the push to beat the Russians to a lunar base was done out of spite instead of inspiration. If anything, bringing this notion back, hopefully this means that the final four episodes in this fascinating first season, are going to focus upon what it will take to inspire us to rise above the petty stuff we handle here on Earth. So that we can accomplish wonders amongst the stars. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 101 of ‘Earthflight’.
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When we take the time to think about nature and all the beautiful wildlife that it has to offer, our minds tend to drift to images of exotic animals and rightfully so. For it is a well-known fact that there are parts of our tiny little world where unique forms of animals and insects and everything in between thrive without humans anywhere near them. And for some reason, those rare creatures and the natural path they represent is engrained in our minds and their unique lives and habits fascinate us because they represent a part of our world that we don’t understand and aren’t used to in the slightest. But what’s important to remember about our world, is that its wonder extends beyond the rare creatures as well. 

For every being on this planet leads a fascinating life, one complete with habits and patterns and needs and one such animal that we overlook when it comes to those facts, are birds. After all, we see birds everywhere and they’re so engrained in our world that they seem like nothing special. So, leave it to BBC America and its ‘Wonderstruck’ series of documentaries to teach us exactly how special these animals are and how they too have special quirks and proclivities about them that are worth exploring by way of Earthflight. A series that is going to take us around the world to show us how birds thrive and survive and last night’s series premiere offered up some wonderful stories involving the avians that populate, ‘North America’. 

Such as the brown pelicans that make a special yearly migration. For these birds more or less follow the entire California coast, feeding as they go when other animals in the sea and on the coast make it clear that something delicious is nearby. All before they arrive in San Francisco to enjoy an incredible meal on the shores and stay a while as well since food is so plentiful in this beautiful bay city. Plus we were also able to learn a little more about the Bald Eagle, and how this majestic and intelligent bird likes to hang out with other birds of prey, because it is in fact quite sociable, and it also loves to hunt Snow Geese and will follow their entire migratory pattern into order to a get a taste of its favorite meal and this made for some fascinating storytelling. Since it is safe to say that few of us had a clue that these kinds of migrations and behaviors were present in birds we just knew as another fixture in our world. 

But truly the centerpiece of the night storytelling wise involved the aforementioned Snow Goose. Because these beautiful birds make quite the incredible trek during the springtime, the kind that sees them soar through the desert and above the mighty Mississippi as they head north toward the Arctic to breed. And what made this part of the show so fascinating is how it covered every single challenge that these birds face on their way north. Such as how their desert voyage offers no respite from the heat, nor does it provide them with any food or water. Plus, there’s the predators that chase them, and the fact that the weather can leave them hungry since a snowstorm stopped the flock from eating in Nebraska. But eventually, they reach their destination and fulfill their goals, making for a satisfying conclusion to a phenomenal opening chapter of this grandiose story. 

Simply because, it taught us so much about these birds and how they function as a society and how memory and routine is supremely important to them since that’s how they accomplish their goals in life. And it was amazing to see some of these birds take different routes simply because that’s what their flock has known and more importantly, this episode deserves some serious credit for offering the audience some supremely unique camera work. Because it really was something to see the skies from a bird’s point of view and truly, all of these elements mean we are in for one incredible journey. One that will give us a new perspective on the little pigeon we see strolling in the park and it should be interesting to see what other unique things we are going to learn about the birds of the world, in the weeks to come. Until next time.