Reviews (1)

Blockbuster from Columbia....
THE DESPERADOES was Columiba Pictures first technicolor production, and the studio spared no expense to make this a truly signal event. Randolph Scott, a young Glenn Ford, Claire Trevor, and Edgar Buchanan head a fabulous cast. THE DESPERADOES, in a sense, was Columbia's answer to Fox studio's JESSE JAMES, another epic western. The results are very enjoyable--the dialogue crisp, the action fast, and the acting well above average. And the technicolor print is superb; THE DESPERADOES is one of the best shot pics of its time. A classic. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Another bad decision under the guise of compassion
The Enterprise answers a distress call, to find that a ship crewed by a group of Talarian boys on a training mission has had an accident. They bring the boys back to the Enterprise for medical treatment and, much to their surprise, they discover that one of the boys is actually Human. Jono initially has no memory of his Human parents and seems completely at ease in the militaristic, male-dominated society of the Talarians. But when those memories do begin to surface and Jono's adoptive father arrives demanding his return, everyone is faced with some very difficult decisions.
There's actually a lot to like in this episode. It makes you think, and there are some strong performances from Patrick Stewart, in an unaccustomed father-figure role for Picard, and the actor playing Jono - whose character provides a good contrast to the nice-as-pie Wesley Crusher. But for me, this episode was really let down by the peculiar attitudes of the Enterprise's crew. Because Jono had a broken arm as a child they assume he must necessarily have been abused by his adoptive father and rush around looking for evidence to prove it. And just when Jono is starting to remember his past and realise what a difficult position he is in (he was orphaned in a battle with the Talarians), with a nod and a smile, Picard hands him back to his adoptive father. Sorry, people, you can't put the genie back in the bottle like that. The end of the episode is not the end of Jono's problems, but their barest beginning.
Three stars.

Better the Alien Species you Know...
The Enterprise rescues a group of young Talarians from a training craft. While dealing with the injured, Dr. Crusher discovers that one of them is human, identified as Jeremiah Rosa. When he was almost four his parents were killed in a border skirmish with the Talarians during their war with the Federation. It was assumed that Jeremiah was killed along with everyone else. However, Endar, a Talarian captain who's own son had died in battle against the Federation, adopted Jeremiah as his own, giving him the name Jono. When Endar asks for Jono to be returned along with the other Talarians, Captain Picard refuses, insisting that Jeremiah should be returned to his biological family. Endar warns Picard that if his son is not returned, there will be another war, but since Jono is of the age of decision, Picard does not believe it will ever come to that.

"Suddenly Human" is a variation on the story found in Westerns such as "The Searchers" or "Dances With Wolves" in which an "alien" culture brings up a child as its own (the theme does pop up in Science Fiction from time to time, most notably in the classic "Stranger In A Strange Land"). The key twist here is that Jono/Jeremiah is old enough to make the decision for himself, so the focus is more on how Picard and Endar make their cases in trying to persuade him where to live instead of the "law" trying to determine what is in the best interest of the child. So this might first seem like a Prime Directive episode, but it ends up being more personal than that. Of course, Talarian culture is a bit more barbaric and a bit less civilized than good old Terran culture (think more "human" looking Klingons), so the cards are stacked in Picard's favor in that regard, but this is the only culture and the only father that Jono knows. It is an interesting debate, even if you do not take it to any sort of allegorical level.

This is the weakest entery in the hightly success series.
This movie has its moments of grandeur, but I found it to be very lame and a real dissappointment (althoughI did like the part where John Luke goes inside that space time continuim and sees his family). The one after this movie "Star Treck First Contact" I think is a much better movie, with better special effects than any of the other ones (including the ones with William Shatner).

Had it's moments
Had it's moment ... Read more

Reviews (8)

It is Q versus Q2 with Janeway and "Voyager" in the middle
Just knowing that Q (John de Lancie) makes his way to the Delta Quadrant is going to be enough to sell most of you on watching "Star Trek: Voyager" Episode 30, "Death Wish" (Story by Shawn Piller, Teleplay by Michael Piller, Aired February 19, 1996), but this is also a solid episode that actually explores the life of the Q. "Voyager" accidentally beams board a member of the Q Continuum (Gerrit Graham) who was imprisoned inside a comet. The grateful Q (okay, really Q2) tries to go on his merry way, but all of the male members of the "Voyager" crew disappear instead of him. Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) wants her crew back, but instead the "original" Q arrives to "help." He tells Janeway that Q2 had been imprisoned in the comet for 300 years because of repeated attempts to commit suicide. Q2's demands asylum and then proceeds to hurtle the starship around the universe in an attempt to lose Q. Janeway ends the fun by agreeing to hold a hearing to consider Q2's request. Because of her decision either Q2 will be returned to his prison or will become mortal so that he can end his existence.

Tuvok (Tim Russ) represents Q2 at the hearing while Q makes the case for the continuum. Q2 is bored with being immortal and Q is worried about what happens when immortal beings shed their immortality. Witnesses who have been affected by the Q are called, including one very familiar bearded face. Of course, Q tries to persuade Janeway to see things his way by telling her he will send "Voyager" home if she rules in his favor. But you know Captain Janeway and her overly developed sense of justice. The ending is not without it twists and in terms of Q episodes across the "Star Trek" universe "Death Wish" is certainly different, and not just because Q takes has a different reaction to Janeway than he did to Picard or Sisko. This is an excellent episode that introduces the "Voyager" crew to the joys of Q without getting the series off track.

A very good Star Trek episode
SPOILER ALERT!!
his is probably the best ST:VGR episode I have seen yet.
Q(John DeLancie) is exceptionally funny.
While investigating an asteroid, a visitor beams up claiming to be Q (here referred to as Q2), who explains that he is not the same Q The Enterprise encountered.In an attemp to magically commit suicide, he makes all voyager's male crew members dissapear. Suddenly, the Q that trekkers are familiar with arrives.He restores all the male crew members and explains to the crew that Q2, fed up with experiencing everything, is in favour of self-terminition, and therefore the Q continuum considers him a mental case. Q transports all the people whose lives have been changed by Q2 to Voyager, and explains that Q2 should not commit suicide, considering all the wonderful things he's done.The voyager senior staff ask to see the living conditions of the Q continuum that depressed Q2. As it turns out, nothing is new, and everything possible has been,said,done and learned.
Q later becomes influenced by Q2 and grants him mortality.

My favorite lines:
Q2: And you only live nine years!
Kes:That's right
Q2: Oh, how I envy you!

Perhaps the best Q-related episode in Star Trek
Okay...I absolutely loved this episode and consider it to be one of the high points of Voyager Season 2 - and this is saying alot because I'm not usually a big fan of the Q episodes, in any of the Star Trek series.

The reason I enjoyed this episode so much is because it made me think. What *would* it be like to be immortal? Would existence become boring once I'd seen everything and done everything there was to do? Interesting questions to ponder, especially for a person who believes in the after-life!

Additionally, in this episode I found the character of Q to be quick-witted and interesting rather than just immature and annoying...which is how I have historically felt about Q episodes. John DeLuncie does a good job here, as does the actor who plays the "other" Q (Quinn).

Plus, as an added bonus for all you Riker fans...Will makes an appearance in this episode. Sorta nice to see him after all these years!

All in all, a "must see" for Voyager Season 2.

Thought Provoking Episode
This episode of Star Trek Voyager examines the issue of suicide or better put, the right to die.

A member of the Q Continuum later known as Quinn (Gerrit Graham) wants to become mortal so he can die. Q (John DeLancie) intervenes stating that Quinn's death would bring chaos to the Continuum. Captain Janeway sets up a fromal hearing to determine if Quinn should be allowed to die.

This is an interesting eppisode and has a special guest appearance of Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes) of Star Trek TNG.

The episode has an unanticipated ending that may surprise some, but that is all I can say without a spoiler.

This episode was listed as one of the fan's favorites by UPN

Q enters and asserts domination on Star Trek: Voyager
This is the first episode of Star Trek: Voyager with the omnipotent Q in it and one of two episodes with Q in it. The other episode is "The Q And The Grey", Episode 53. In this episode, another Q, called Q2 according to startrek.com, wants to die. He wants to commit suicide because, according to him, after living for hundreds or thousands of years, you've done everything and seen everything. There is nothing left to see and do. Everything is the same, day in and day out, and the Q's should have the right to die. As you may or may not know, the Q's are immortal; they never die. And, according to Q2, immortality becomes a disease that inflicts his people. As a result, Q shows up to stop him from doing something rash. Q wants him to be like the rest of the Q's: happy and free living with immortality. But Q2 doesn't listen to him and wants to put an end to his dredgeful existence. This is all being said aboard Voyager. So, Capt. Janeway, attempting to save her ship from this tug of war, plays the role of judge, jury, and, unbeknownst to her, executioner, and has a hearing on Voyager on Q2's behalf. Q has changed since he was tormenting the crew of the Enterprise and this episode links his doings now and all of those in his past with the Enterprise. Superb episode of Q with Star Trek: Voyager. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

1.11 "Survivors" & 1.12 "By Any Means Necessary"
The common denominator for this pair of first season episodes from "Babylon 5" is that the government back on Earth is run by fascist idiots. Episode 11, "Survivors" (Written by Mark Scott Zicree, Aired May 4, 1994) has Babylon 5 getting ready for a visit by President Santiago. The stated reason is to present a new fighter wing to the station, several years late, but the popular suspicion is that he is trying to drum up support for his new alien trade and immigration policies. The station will have a lot to do to get ready for the visit but almost immediately there is an explosion in a cargo bay that needs renovation. The next thing we know Major Lianna Kemmer (Elaine Thomas), head of the president's security staff, arrives and is doing a heavy handed storm trooper routine, ramming her authority down everyone's throat at every opportunity. It also turns out that she and Garibaldi (Jerry Doyle) have an ugly history having to do with the death of her father seventeen years earlier. She has never forgiven Garibaldi for his part in her father's death and when the security chief is implicated in the sabotage on Babylon 5 she is ready to haul him away in chains.

Since we know that Garibaldi is innocent it is pretty easy to figure out who the real culprit is in this one. Apparently the whole point of the episode is to give Garibaldi a reason to start drinking again. Apparently when the going gets tough, Garibaldi gets drunk, which really does nothing to strengthen the character in our eyes. But then early on in the episode Garibaldi starts to come off the rails, picking fights with pickpockets for example. He spends a couple of minutes trying to figure out how to prove his innocence before sitting in a bar and getting drunk. Still, that will not stop him from being the hero at the end of this one. All of this character "depth" just rings hollow, and since the mystery is not that hard to crack this episode does not have that working for it either.

Episode 12, "By Any Means Necessary" (Written by Kathryn Drennan, Aired May 11, 1994) starts with an accident in the docking area causing the death of one of the workers. Apparently working conditions on the docks at Babylon 5 are deteriorating and the workers are prepared to launch an illegal strike. For Neeoma Connoly (Katy Boyer), the labor leader for the workers, the decision of the Earth government to not provide any of the budgetary increases needed for B5 is the last straw and the illegal strike is on. Earth sends its best negotiator, Orin Zento (John Synder) to resolve the dispute, but he is empowered to invoke the Rush Act and use military force to crush the workers. Meanwhile, just to give Commander Sinclair (Michael O'Hare) another headache, G'Kar (Andreas Katsulas) needs a G'Quan Eth for a religious ceremony important to his family and the only one on the station belongs to Londo (Peter Jurasik), who has a long list of grievances needing payback.

This episode reminds me of the alien in "Plan 9 From Outer Space" who declares "You Earth people are all idiots," because that is what I feel about the Earth government. The negotiator they send is a model of arrogance, with no semblance of diplomatic skills. How this clown is successful at settling anything is beyond me. Fortunately Sinclair has so much experience keeping alien species from killing each other on his station that he is able to take advantage of Zento's arrogance and a provision in the Rush Act that empowers him to end the strike "by any means necessary" to save the day. He is equally adept at resolving the G'Quan Eth dispute. If Sinclair was President of Earth the planet might have a chance, but I will not be holding by breath on that score.

Not the best, but still fun to watch.
In 'Survivors' we see the Earth President visiting the station. As the episode unfolds, we witness an attempt on the president's life, while his security chief holds Garibaldi responsible for it. We also learn information on Garibaldi's past, who escapes to Down Below while Sinclair tries to get him off the hook.

In 'By Any Means Necessary' a serious accident is causing a major strike and Sinclair has to work it out without betraying anyone: Earth dome, his crew or himself. Somewhat boring, but the side story is quite fun, as G'Kar and Mollari harass each other by stealing religious items. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

The best is last
Spirits of the dead is a mixed bag of cinematic delight. Of the 3 episodes, only the last one "Toby Dammit" sustains interest. Fellini is at his best in this segment & Terence Stamp puts in a self destructive performance that has to be seen to be believed! His character, a self destructing actor who has reached the end of all worldly hope & desire wants only to leap into the chasm of death & destruction & he does so in spectactular fashion. This segment alone is worth the price of admission & Fellini caries the weight of the entire film on his capable talents. Images to delight & dialogue to astound, Terence Stamp should have won some kind of award for this brilliant performance as he portrays a burnt out actor with a death wish. You can't help but sympathize with him as he jolts his way from one bizarre interlude to another. You know you're at deaths door when you can turn down that blonde in the awards segment! Yikes!!! Never bet the devil your head!! See it!

Five Stars for "Toby Dammit".
There really is only one reason to watch this film and that is Fellini's "Toby Dammit". Terence Stamp takes the title role of an actor arriving in Italy to appear is some kind of weird religious western. He is at the end of his tether and all seems alien and disorentated to him. The Edgar Allen Poe story from which this segment is adapted from is called "Never wager your head to the Devil" and thats exactly what he does! All with the usual Fellini touch of class. Excellent.

Fellini Makes Films Like My Dreams--Exquisite Bliss
These three short films, loosely adapted from stories by Poe, are all packed with stunning landscape and exquisite set design. However, only Fellini's film manages to create a story worth retelling in its own right.

The first film is Roger Vadim's "Metzengerstein". The best thing I can say about it is that the gorgeous horse was the most effective actor in it. He knew his lines, and nodded when appropriate. Jane Fonda plays Contessa Frederica, an occasionally sadistic libertine who develops a passionate romantic attachment to the aformentioned horse. She is wondefully cruel and gorgeous, making the most out of some truly inspired little outfits. The segment is filmed by Claude Renoir, who captures some stunning images breathtaking beauty. Again, the scenes with the horse galloping and cavorting with Frederica are rather intoxicating. The story itself, however, is sacrificed on the alters of atmosphere and aesthetics. The end result is a very empty film.

Louis Malle's "William Wilson" basically has two really excellent scenes that make this worth watching. The first is a simple send-up of an autopsy. Wilson is demonstrating for his fellow Medical School classmates, the proper introductory procedure for performing an autopsy. Except, where his instructor had used the corpse of an old man--Wilson had bound a lovely, living lass and is preparing to dissect her. The other great scene involves Brigitte Bardot. Throughout this film, Bardot is unflatteringly coiffed in a black wig that is pulled back in a rather schoomarmish fashion. Her eyes are seductive, but she doesn't demand the kind of camera worship she has so often received in other films. However, the hair comes down and Bardot is soon being subjected to Wilson's birch rod. Her face, hair, and the slashes on her back are aesthetically quite sublime. Alain Delon is fair in the title role, but he lacks any real charisma. Between him and his doppelganger, I think they both possessed nearly as much charisma as the horse in Vadim's film. Overall, this film also sacrifices its story to the look of the film. The end is rather intense and powerful in its own right, but it lacks significance because the story itself isn't carried forth with any conviction or authority.

Terence Stamp is Toby Dammitt in the final film, directed by Federico Fellini. He really does an outstanding job looking washed out, confused, sick, drunk, and completely at the end of his tether. The film itself is phenomenal. It is by far the most absurdist and melancholy of the three films. In this adaptation of Poe's story, "Never Bet the Devil Your Head", Toby is jaundiced with everything possibly gained by fame in this life. He seems to represent the insidious truth of fame. He is also haunted by a sweet little girl in white, bouncing a big white ball. The scenes relating to her are the best, in my opinion. She is a sylph with terrible symbolic power. What does the ball mean? Why is she so demonstrably joyful? She can be read as pure and active--a regenerative force that is the impetus for new life. She certainly is spooky and charged with energy. She is clearly something that Toby's psyche cannot accept. Ultimately, the viewer is made privy to a series of associations in Toby's mind that help us understand his relationship with the little girl. But we are not made aware of her exact role in his downward spiral. It is impossible to fully convey the magic that Fellini captures with this film. From start to finish, there is a typically "Felliniesque" hyper-surrealism that transports the viewer into another dimension. This is the only film of the three that manages the rather daunting feats of transcendence and cinematic art. Nino Rota's score is haunting and hypnotic throughout. An absolute masterpiece overall.

The last on "Toby Dammit" is a short in itself
The first two in the detached trilogy are forgettable but the last one directed by Fellini is a classic, at first I thought it was Terrance Stamp and then I found out it was and I like him even more now. His performance is classic and the short is actually quite creepy rendition of Poe's "Don't lose you head" If I was a film student I would pay attention to this one. Hey Jane Fonda was pretty cute in her time, nevertheless the short with her was pretty bad and kind of dull, the second one was better though. Overall: good late night fright film with Fellini saving this film.

Toby Dammit is great, despite overdubs
The best story here is Toby Dammit. At first I was very annoyed that they overdubbed Terence Stamp's voice with some french actor's voice. But I think that's only because I'm so used to hearing Stamp's distinctive voice when I see his face. That soon melted away and I couldn't have enjoyed the story more (although I still think they should have left Stamp's voice alone). This is actual art on screen. It's both surreal and intensely real at the same time.

The devil as a little blonde girl freaked me out... This is another great piece of work from Fellini. Worth my money. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Sisko discovers a wormhole and that his life is not linear
The two-hour pilot of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" starts with a flashback to the Federation's battle with the Borg as Wolf 359, when Jean-Luc Picard was Locutus. The Borg destroy the USS Saratoga, killing the wife of Commander Benjamin Sisko, who escapes with his son, Jake. It is now three years later and Sisko is placed in command of Deep Space Nine, a space station built by the Cardassians around the planet Bajor. The occupation over, Sisko is charged with helping Bajor prepare for membership in the Federation. But the planet is on the brink of civil war and Kai Opaka, the spiritual leader of Bajor, declares Sisko to be "the emissary." The Cardassians have stolen eight of the nine crystal orbs that can lead to the Celestial Temple, where dwell the Prophets, the deities of Bajor. Sisko and his science officer, the Trill Jadzia Dax, discover a wormhole and Sisko encounters the Prophets, who turn out to be non-corporeal aliens who live there. Then things get really interesting.

Now that DS9 is long gone, I think we are in a much better position to evaluate the pilot episode, especially in terms of how the series was able to develop and expand upon the various premises established here at the start. Sisko as the Emissary and his love of baseball, the wormhole and Bajor's religion, the Cardassian occupation and their continuing involvement in the quadrant, Dax and the Trills, Odo and the Founders, Quark and the Ferengi, are all still important at the end of the series, which would seem to speak to how successful DS9's creators were in establishing the series. So if you have asked me way back when what I thought about these first two episodes I would have rated them a 4; but in retrospect I have to bump it up one more star. Of course, there are so many characters and so much exposition being established that there are lots of gaps to be filled in later--and Sisko does lay it a bit heavy on poor Picard--but that is why DS9 is best considered as a series and not some sort of episodic sitcom.

Where it all began...
The first episode(s) of Deep Space Nine provided us all with an insight into a new, darker, more violent Star Trek, Deep Space Nine. The characters are all fully fleshed out by the end of this brilliant episode which concentrates on the newly acquired freedom the Bajoran's now enjoy, the Enterprise is in orbit of Bajor and protecting the planet, but when Picard and crew are called away on an urgent mission it is left to a skeleton crew headed by Commander Benjamin Sisko who must defend the former-Cardassian space station, Terok Nor, from the old landloards who are on their way back to retake what they believe to be there's...

Sisko discovers a wormhole and the strange beings that live in it, with his untested crew on DS9 they are the only ones who can stop the Cardassian invasion ship! Explosive!

If at first you don't succeed, kick the console
EMISSARY suffers from a lot of the flaws that have plagued Star Trek spin-off pilots, although I think it has so far been the most successful. This, however, isn't saying much; I've found most of those pilots to be dull, boring, and/or incoherent. The Deep Space Nine pilot wasn't as bad as all that, though I hated it when I watched the initial airing. Re-watching it again recently with the benefit of hindsight, I found I appreciated it much more. It's still not exactly terrific, but it does do everything that one expects from a first episode while still managing to tell a story.

The problems that face Star Trek pilots are usually the same ones that crop up every five years or so (whenever Paramount decides to launch another moneymaker). "We need to introduce the characters," I imagine the suits saying, "We need to introduce the setting; we need to introduce the political undertones; we'd like to give the major characters a backstory; we'd like to drop some hints about storylines that we'll be following up on in the future; we'll need to populate the immediate area with some convincing bad guys; we'll want to explore the religious aspects of the indigenous people; we'll want to introduce some amazingly advanced alien creatures that humans are encountering for the first time; and we'll want an extended cameo from a star of the previous series. Oh, and yeah, we'll want some kind of a story in there too, okay?"

For everything that it's trying to do, I think EMISSARY mostly succeeds. The story itself is relatively simple, and revolves around introducing Ben Sisko (and the audience) to his new setting, his new command, and the various plot strands that will be cropping up in the future. The introduction of the characters is mostly handled well, although there are a few clumsy moments, and a lot of the people and their makeup don't appear to be quite in their regular form yet. I like the fact that the episode neatly subverts itself. The set up begins with this station being the backwater of the universe (influencing the decisions of more than one character), but by the end this has been completely reversed.

The pilot also contains a few examples of the sort of thing that I really dislike about Star Trek Series That Do Not Star William Shatner. I am talking about, of course, the reliance on technobabble and the ability of the crew to come up with miraculous solutions to problems in no time at all. Fortunately, there aren't too many examples of this on display here. Unfortunately, the two that spring to mind are particularly poor. The first is that Dax is able to totally redesign the way the laws of physics work, and throws out this observation as if she's giving advice about which wine goes with a particular kind of fish. In order to make the station's thrusters move the ship faster, she figures a way of lowering the mass of the object, therefore requiring less energy to push it. The question that immediately comes to mind is: if lowering the mass of something is so easy, why on Earth isn't this standard operating procedure for all forms of transportation? Do Starfleet care as little for fuel efficiency standards as the U.S. government does?

The other piece of "instant brilliance" is the fact that O'Brien manages to boost the power of the station's phasers with almost no effort on his part at all. Truly amazing. I can just imagine thousands of Federation scientists working around the clock, trying to think of a way to increase the efficiency of their government's phasers, only to be beaten to the punch by Miles O'Brien after two whole seconds of thought.

There are some nice touches that rescue this episode from being a plodding introduction that one must get through in order to understand the series. Sisko's discussion and explanations concerning "linear time" are quite interesting, although the first time I saw this, I thought that the story violated its own internal logic, and nothing that I saw on my second viewing convinced me that I was wrong (how could he teach the concept of linear time to beings that exist outside of it, when surely they would be stateless creatures and could only either already know of linear time, or could never know of linear time?). I liked the aliens living in the wormhole, even if they fall prey to many Star Trek stereotypes (alien beings that are so highly advanced that they act and talk like complete idiots). The characters only have one episode to establish themselves, but in that time I already find them much more interesting than the entirety of the Next Generation crew. The setting is again more intriguing than that of the previous series, and really makes the show feel that there is a lot of potential for conflict here. A rough start, but not a bad one.

The best pilot episode of all the Trek series
The powers that be pulled out all the stops for this excellent and very good-looking first show of the Deep Space Nine series. The infamous and often referred to battle at Wolf 359 is finally seen to some extended length in the beginning of 'Emissary'; the rundown space station is a well-conceived set design; the matte painting of the Bajoran temple on the planet surface is mesmerizing albeit too briefly seen; and all those aliens! The production design put forth here was the most superior effort by the creative staff in any Trek program to date - heck some of the movies don't look this great!

Also the story is a terrific, hard edged and dyed-in-the-wool science fiction tale that is handled well. The revelation of the existence of the wormhole; the incorporeal wormhole beings using a variety of people from Sisko's memories to interact with him; the explanation of the mysterious Orbs and their purpose; Sisko using the game of baseball to demonstrate the concept of linear time; his rush of emotions over his admittance of his inability to 'exist beyond the moment his wife died' and that he has been living in non-linear time; many more brilliant touches are present within this well-structured script.

The characters are surprisingly well defined for a first episode. Normally the main characters undergo a severe change in the shows immediately following; an actor will begin to add their personality to the composite of the person they are playing and these differences are usually noticeable. That doesn't happen on ST: DS9 though, the character flow from pilot to series inception is practically seamless. The best character interchange we get to see in 'Emissary' is the scene in Sisko's new office where he has called together Odo and Quark for a meeting. The tension between Odo and Quark comes into play right away; Quark breaks out in uproarious laughter at Sisko's request for him to remain at DS9 and become a community leader; Odo sarcastically makes the observation that Quark has all the natural qualities of a politician. The addition of the character of Dax allows the show to continue the familiar Trek theme of the differences between our Earth-centric view of everything in terms of humanity and the point of view from an outsider that adds interesting and conflicting complexities. Being over three hundred years old and having existed as a variety of alien beings added a great and very unique dimension to this Trek series. As far as the actors go for this particular show an honorable mention should be made for the young Cirroc Lofton; he stood in for the wormhole aliens in a variety of sequences and did an admirable job. Also his scenes with Avery Brooks as father and son are believable and convincing.

Best line: Sisko and Gul Dukat's first meeting is quite memorable. When Gul Dukat makes a point of how uncomfortably close the Federation members are to the formidable Cardassians Sisko remarks sarcastically "We'll be sure and keep the dog off the lawn."

The best Trek yet!
People will debate this for years to come, but in my opinion, the best Star Trek series ever started here... Deep Space Nine.

Benjamin Sisqo (Avery Brooks) plays the head of a Starfleet delegation sent to bridge relations with the Bajorians. Bajor has been under the enforced rule of the Cardassians for the past 50 years, and after winning their freedom, reluctantly accept the help of the Federation in rebuilding their society. However, the discovery of a wormhole to another sector of the galaxy changes everything.

Over the course of seven seasons, DS9 went from being the afterthought of the Star Trek universe to being the standard bearer. Well thought plotlines, and stories that had consequences made this worth the visit every week. There are weak episodes, and there are great episodes. Make sure you don't miss any. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's hard to believe that this fantastical tale of a schoolboy rebellion was banned in its native France for 12 years following its initial 1933 release (for supposed anti-French sentiment). Perhaps the French authorities were remembering director Jean Vigo's father, a famous French anarchist who died in prison, or just concerned that Vigo was revealing too much of his own unhappy youth spent in boarding schools. They needn't have worried. Zero in Conduct is much more a childhood fantasy than a social critique, focusing on three particularly naughty boys who are constantly being threatened with a "zero in conduct" for their bad behavior. The rebellion in question is no armed revolt but a raucous pillow fight and a few stones thrown from a roof, all to the chant "Down with teachers, down with school." Filmed in magical black and white by Boris Kaufman--winner of the Academy Award for cinematography in 1954 forOn the Waterfront (and brother of filmmakers Mikhail Kaufman and Dziga Vertov)--Zero in Conduct is a film for film lovers. Jean Vigo died in 1935, when he was 29 years old, leaving behind only three films. But his influence, strongly evident here in the surrealism and fascinating early special effects (including a drawing that springs to life on the page), long outlives him. Each year a filmmaker with "independence of spirit and quality of directing" is honored with the French award in his name.--Laska Jimsen ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Beautiful, surreal view of the life of young children
Jean Vigo excels in presenting life as a sort of surreal dream, with bits of humanity scattered throughout. In 'Zero In Conduct', it seems he finally gets to live out a fantasy of childhood rebellion, probably one in which many have shared. There are many beautiful and innovative shots, including the gorgeous slow-motion march through the falling feathers. It occurred to me that Francois Truffaut may have seen this film before he made 'The 400 Blows'. Highly recommended for fans of 'L'Atalante', however the 'International Film Series' version sold here at Amazon is a very low-quality print, so be careful.

Strange and wonderful
Imagine a film directed by a small child who was also a cinematic genius, or by a Martian who had never seen a movie except "L'Age D'Or" and the complete works of Charlie Chaplin ...

"Zero de Conduite" is the most authentic picture of the world of childhood ever committed to celluloid: luminous, surreal, shocking, lyrical, sensual, rebellious, innocent, cruel, and very funny. It's really impossible to describe - but see it, and you'll dream it for the rest of your life.

If you love it, rush out in search of "L'Atalante", the only other feature Vigo made before his early death.

Vigo = Genius
This is the best film about the beauty of revolt. The pillow fight scene is the best, and I might add that this film made my school years .... much more understandable, as well as bareable. I presume viewers will feel the same. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Not since the psychedelicized days of its fellow 1960s television seriesThe Prisoner and The Avengers has Star Trek looked quiteas trippy as it does in this wild episode of Voyager. Upon encountering automated messages from Kohl settlers who have slipped into cryogenic hibernation, Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) attempts to stir the sleepers from stasis by sending the minds of Harry Kim (Garrett Wang) and B'Elanna Torres (Roxann Biggs-Dawson) into a computer-generated virtual reality keeping the Kohls' brains active. Once inside, however, Kim and Torres find that the settlers are in a permanent hell, a hallucinatory circus ruled by a monstrous clown (Michael McKean) who can read thoughts and who punishes disobedient humanoids with the generous use of a guillotine. McKean is fantastic as an avatar of fear, and the acrobats and other background performers from Cirque du Soleil help create a marvelous, feverish set of whirling energy and primary colors. Robert Picardo is brilliant as Voyager's fussy doctor hologram, the one crew member who can reasonably survive a rescue effort in the clown's domain. Mesmerizing to watch and fascinating to outguess, "The Thaw" is as adventurous as Voyager was meant to be. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Michael McKean clowns around with scaring Harry Kim
Michael McKean guest stars in a quite different sort of role in "Star Trek: Voyager," Episode 39, "The Thaw" (Story by Richard Gadas, Teleplay by Joe Menosky, Aired April 29, 1996). "Voyager" receives an automated distress call from the Kohl settlement. Facing an ecological disaster, the small group of settlers went into artificial hibernation. When the hibernation pods are beamed aboard two of the settlers are dead and the other three remain in deep stasis, connected to a computer. The Doctor reports that both of the dead settlers suffered heart failure that might have been caused by extreme fear (hear ominous organ music at this point). That means when Harry Kim (Garrett Wang) and B'Elanna Torres (Roxann Dawson) decide to enter the two available pods and hook up to the computer that this is not a good idea.

When they enter the computer-generated dream world of the settlers they discover a nightmarish carnival run by an evil Clown (McKean), whose followers drag Kim off to a guillotine. Although Harry keeps his head he and Torres now understand how the Kohl settlers could have been frightened to death. The computer gives the Clown access to the darkest fears of his guests, which he then uses to torment them. Living off their fear, the Clown refuses to let Kim and the settlers wake up, but sends Torres back (how much fear can you get from even a half-Klingon?) to warn Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) that she tries to disconnect the hibernation pods, all of his guests will die. While the Clown is torturing Kim, Janeway tries to figure out a way to rescue her young officer.

The chief attraction of "The Thaw" is McKean indulging his dark side as the malevolent Clown, aided and abetted by performers from Cirque du Soleil as his minions. They always say comedies can do tragedy, but watching them do horror can be fun as well. Carel Struycken, best remembered as Mr. Homm on "Star Trek: The Next Generation," plays Spectre, the incarnation of death for the Kohl settlers. Of course, the idea of being terrified for eternity is better in the mind than seeing it acted out, by this episode definitely has its moments. On balance it comes in at a 4.5 but we round up for McKean's memorable performance.

"When illusion is your only reality...
...then illusion IS your reality." This telling statement is made by one of the characters in 'The Thaw' a surreal exercise as only Trek can do. Since its inception in the mid-sixties Star Trek has worked to create the reality of space travel and our world as having found a peaceful resolution to it's conflicts and living in accord. This well constructed illusion of reality has brought legions of Trek fans decades of enjoyment, the characters and their backgrounds and myriad experiences become such a strong part of our own psyche that they fairly breathe with life. Within this imagined universe there are still those who attempt to disrupt this golden age, be they warlike aliens or unsuspected enemies from within the harmonious ranks of the Federation. Having worked this formula successfully for years the writers of this particular Voyager episode find a ingenious way to invent an entirely new villain in the Star Trek universe, though it has been present all along.

When Voyager scanners reveal a once populated and technologically advanced planet that was laid waste by a biological disaster Janeway orders the starship into an orbit around the dead world so they can get further scientific data. The ship's scanners report that the planet has begun to recover ecologically but find no life forms present. Janeway presumes that since the disaster was easily predictable to the planet's scientists they would have made arrangements for people to survive such a catastrophe. Bearing witness to this is a self-activating message from the planet that explains that a group of scientists have placed themselves in medical stasis. After computer equipment detects a sufficient recovery in progress the program maintaining their stasis is to be interrupted and awaken the group. Harry then scans below the surface and finds life signs coming from a cavern; further scans disclose that there are five medical stasis tubes each containing a humanoid. Since the equipment has obviously failed for reasons not understood Janeway considers it wiser to beam the containers and the life sustaining equipment to a cargo bay on the starship. Two of the five are discovered to be dead and the others in an irretrievable condition but still alive. Harry and Torres determine that the computer shared by the five tubes also creates and maintains a mental environment for them to live in while in stasis. The two are then connected to the same computer by utilizing the now empty two chambers to see if they can interact with the alien life forms and hopefully get instructions on how to retrieve them from their stasis. Once there Harry and Torres discover that the aliens are trapped within by a computer generated virtual life form, The Clown, who is the embodiment of Fear; playing deadly games with the surviving trio The Clown welcomes the two to the bizarre and inescapable world. After all attempts to barter for the group's safe return fail Janeway devises a way to cleverly outwit that most overwhelming of our emotions.

'The Thaw' takes a relatively simple premise and stretches it just as far as it dares to in order to get the most out of this inspired idea. The sets designed for the illusory world the aliens have inadvertently created are a throwback to the mod sixties, in fact they look like they might have been leftover from a production of "Laugh-In" or an episode of "The Monkees". Playing the pivotal role of The Clown is Michael McKean, one of the stars of 'This Is Spinal Tap'; McKean's performance is completely over-the-top without being the least bit annoying. He really does seem to be computer generated, both in appearance and his spontaneous actions or gestures, and he reasons in much the same way a computer would also. He even outsmarts Voyager's holographic Doctor when he attempts to intervene. The final twist to the ending comes as a complete surprise though there is a hint at the resolution during The Doctor's first visit. Other interesting highlights to this episode include the nature of fear and its pathos being discussed between the officers of the starship as they try to come up with a solution, and especially the final confrontation between Janeway and The Clown. Also noteworthy is the casting of Carel Struycken as one of the inhabitants of the sham world; Struycken was cast as Lwaxana Troi's male servant, Mr. Homm in several episodes from the TNG series.

Excellent! One of the best episodes!
This episode proves that Star Trek is not just for sci-fi fans. Its a completely unique idea, visually entertaining, and an attention grabber! I definitly think you see this episode!

Terrible!
I'm sorry but this is one of the worst episodes, from what I've seen of it. The clown looks ridiculous. He's not really scary -- he's more stupid. I didn't like this episode at all!

Fear takes on a life of it's own
This episode of Star Trek Voyager is interesting as it takes on the issue of what fear can do in the life of an individual.

The basic plot involves the crew stumbling upon three individuals who have been connected to a joint computer and held in stasis in an artifical world for several years. The characters in the computer program, however, do not want to give up their "existence", and so they have terrorized the humanoid participants into not ending the program and coming out of stasis on schedule. Interesting plot.

I thought that the use of The Doctor in this episode was very well done...and actually made sense, given the fact that he is also computer generated! However, the fact that in the end, *only* Captain Janeway could effectively shut down this "world" was, in my opinion, somewhat contrived. Yes..she's the captain...but that fact alone does not make her any less suseptible to fear than any of the others she sent into the artifical world before her (Torres, Kim and The Doctor).

For that reason, I give the episode 4 stars instead of 5. ... Read more

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Though the title sounds generic, "The Chase" is anything but. In this historical mystery with conspiratorial underpinnings, Professor Galen (Norman Lloyd), an archeology legend and Picard's old mentor, tries to lure his favorite student for one last adventure. When Galen is killed en route to a far-flung planet, the Enterprise picks up his quest and finds the Klingons and the Cardassians on the same trail, which has something to do with ancient genetic codes and a DNA pattern. Part intergalactic Indiana Jones and part diplomatic poker game, it's a modest episode with epic dimensions: the search for the secret of the origins of life in the universe, or at the very least its primordial roots. For that reason it all feels a little rushed; this is the kind of story that cries out for a larger arc. Though the series never really revisited the revelations or dealt with its reverberations, "The Chase" remains one of the more conceptually ambitious and hopeful shows in the utopian vision known as Star Trek. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Picard unlocks one of the great secrets of the universe
Captain Picard is surprised when his old archeology teacher Professor Galen (Norman Lloyd) shows up on the Enterprise and asks his former student to join him on an expedition without only vague hints of a profoundly important discovery. Of course, Picard cannot give up his command. But later the Enterprise receives a distress call from Galen, whose vessel is being attacked by Y'Ridians. The Enterprise arrives too late to save the Professor, but Picard vows to retrace the professor's trail and discover just what was so important that it cost the archeologist his life. What he discovers is indeed shocking: Galen had found that certain fragments of DNA from different words are not only compatible, when joined they form a computer program that is over 4 billion years old. But obviously, there are others who are after the secret as well.

"The Chase" is one of the rare SNTG episodes that allows Picard to explore his often professed love of archeology. However, this is also one of those episodes where the set up is not as good as the payoff. As a Klingon says when the secret is uncovered, "Is that all?" However, what fans of Star Trek will recognize is another variation on Roddenberry's utopian future.

Aparently we are all related
This episode brings togeather all the major aliens of the alpha quadrant, friend and foe. The think they are going to find a weaon of unlimmited power instead they find a message from a long dead race that claim they planted races accross the galaxy, and we are in a way related to the cardassians, romulans and thousands of other alien races. ... Read more

Reviews (34)

"Don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry"
"Within each of us, oftimes; there dwells a mighty and raging fury".
Thanks to the success of the HULK movie, the premiere of the original TV series has been released to DVD. Personally, I like the TV show better. I hadn't seen it since I was a little kid, and was surprised to find I enjoyed this DVD a lot.
The first episode on this is the series 1 pilot. As all fans of the show know, Bill Bixby plays Dr. David Banner; who is haunted by nightmares about the death of his wife Laura in a car accident after a tyre blows out and the car goes off the road. Banner escapes but is unable free Laura before the car explodes.
Later, Banner is conducting research for an experiment on superhuman strength. Interviewed is a woman recounting how she saved her son from burning to death in a car accident that is startlingly similar to Banner's own experience. After hearing more testimony, Banner seems to be the only one who has failed. Guilt and anxiety lead him to go one step further and become a guinea pig for his testing. He discovers that the source of this strength is gamma radiation, so he subjects himself to a course of it, but has no results. So he tries again- only this time exposing himself to seven times the amount. Nothing happens. At least... not immediately.
Matters come to a head when Banner, frustrated at his lack of progress is driving home in a thunderstorm and has to change a flat tyre in the rain; this combined stress leads to his first "Hulk-out"...

More intelligent than most TV movies, the pilot also has a memorable sequene paying homage to the drowning scene in James Whale's FRANKENSTEIN, where the Hulk tries to save a little girl from drowning but her screams alert her father who tries to shoot the hulk. Naturally the bullets just bounce off. Special mention must be made of the wig Lou Ferrigno wears- he looks like he should have a golf tee tacked into the top of his head. Also of note: Banner watches himself changing back through the reflection in the water. Strange considering in the 1990 TVM, DEATH OF THE INCREDIBLE HULK Banner comments he's never before seen the creature after watching a tape of his transformation!
The bonus episode on the DVD is the series 2 pilot "Married"; again Written, Produced and Directed by Kenneth Johnson, who also produced SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN and BIONIC WOMAN.
This installment has Banner, using the alias David Benton; in Honolulu seeing psychiatrist Dr. Caroline Fields (Mariette Hartley, in an Emmy winning performance) to try and control his "hulkouts".(He even shows her a newspaper photo of the Hulk and confronts the beast while under hypnosis! So that's three times on this DVD alone!) Banner falls in love with her and learns Caroline is terminally ill and has only 6-8 weeks to live. Of course, Banner is none too happy to discover his nemesis, tabloid reporter Jack Magee (Jack Colvin) is sniffing around trying to catch the creature.
MARRIED is an intelligent emotionally charged, (but not sappy) episode which is appealing to adults as well as kids. There are also a few laughs, most notably in the scene where the Hulk trashes a weasly bachelor's "swinging" pad! The bell bottoms are good for a giggle too. "Groovy" stuff. I hope more episodes of the show are released on DVD.

Excellent made for TV Pilot on DVD!
This is the pilot for the popular 70's classic show based on the Marvel comic books. It tells about Dr. David Banner ( Bill Bixby) who studys the hidden strengths that all humans have then he experiments on himself with gamma radiation but overdoses it. When he got angry after his experiment, he transforms into a raging green beast who's really gentle but misunderstood by society called " The Hulk" ( Lou Ferrigno).
This is an excellent pilot that tells the origin of everyone's favorite green giant, Bill Bixby is truly incredible as David Banner and Lou Ferrigino is great as Hulk with the make-up, wig and silver eyes. The DVD is great, it offers commentary by series writer, director and producer Kenneth Johnson, an introduction by Lou Ferrigno, a look in the making of the 2003 Hulk movie and a bonus episode " The Incredible Hulk Married" with commentary by Kenneth Johnson.
If you are a fan of the series, own this to know the origin of the Hulk.

A masterpiece
The pilot film of the Incredible Hulk tv series may very well be the most heartwrenching film ever put to film. To have "Married" (another heartbreaking moment realized by series developer Kenneth Johnson) on the dvd is just icing on the cake. If you love the Hulk, pick this up. It doesnt dissapoint.

The first episode is the best!!!!
When I saw the pilot episode I really hated it. I don't remeber why I hated it but now I love it!!!!! It's about a man named David Banner(Bill Bixby) who's wife died in a car acident. Angry that he was not able to save his wife, he finds out that the same thing has been happing to other people, only they saved the person in the person car. David finds out that it is the gamma energy that is helping the other people save the person in the car. David put gamma energy into his body, but so much that it made this creature called the Hulk( Lou Freggino). Great start to a great series. Better than the movie. This DVD has another episode called "Marride" which is very good and has lots of Hulk sceans. Well worth your money.

My favorite show is back on dvd!!!
In 1977,CBS introduced all of us to a great show based on the marvel comics superhero created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1962.We meet Dr.David Banner,a research scientist and physician,trying to tap into mans source of strength,Banner is trying to cope with the death of his wife Laura,played by Lara Parker of Dark Shadows fame,through this unfortunate accident,Dr Banner and a fellow scientist,Elaina Marks,played beautifully by the lovely Susan Sullivan interview people when in times of emotional stress display unusual strength,but Dr.Banner discovering that Gamma Rays are responsible for making them strong and because he could not save his wife because of low gamma activity decides to experiment on himself absorbing a massive amount of gamma radiation he fails in the experiment on himself and feels no effects at first,but when he becomes angry or frustrated,he transforms into a hulking monster with super strength,7 feet tall,green and powerful.Lou Ferrigno as the Hulk was magnificent and I think the best one in the world who played the role and also a bodybuilding champion.The late Bill Bixby in the role of Dr.David Banner will be truly missed,he was a wonderful actor and played the role of Banner with compassion and inginuity.The episode Married is a truly great episode of the series.Banner is trying to seek help for his condition with a physchiatist and doctor named Caroline Fields played marvelously by Mariette Hartley,who unfortunatly has an illness of her own.the both of them marry and Dr.Fields life comes to an untimely end.This dvd is a must have for every fan of the series,and has a great introduction by Lou Ferrigno who plays the hulk,I will always be a fan of this marvelous show which ran on cbs from 1978-82. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Picture Day
I would recommend this video if you are a Clarissa fan. The first episode is about Clarissa getting to wear what she wants on school picture day. The second is about Clarissa and the school play, but I won't give anything away. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Commander Riker and Data are on the planet Melona IV overseeing construction of a new colony. Riker is also starting up an affair with one of the colonists and they seem happy together, which of course means she's doomed. Her destruction comes courtesy of the Crystalline entity, previously seen in the episode "Datalore" from season 1. The entity mines the entire planet for its energy, absorbing everything. All but two of the colonists are saved (Riker's girlfriend is killed when she stops to help another), thanks to a protective cave. Back on the Enterprise, the crew decides to pursue and study the entity, along with the help of xenologist Kyla Marr, who has devoted her life to studying it ever since it killed her son on Omicron Theta. She has no trust for Data because she knows that Data's "brother" Lore was responsible for luring the entity to Omicron Theta, but it's only with Data's help that she learns the secret to communicating with and possibly destroying the alien creature. Because the entity killed her son, she wants to destroy it before it kills again, and Riker agrees, but Picard would rather try to establish communications with it. Though the character of Marr is often annoying, and her communication with her son through Data's access to the Omicron Theta journal entries is a bit much, all is forgiven with an ending that is as brilliant as it is bittersweet. --Andy Spletzer ... Read more

Reviews (6)

The ending will blow you away!
Guest star Ellen Geer is memorable as a scientist that has motives, other than science, in her investigation of the mysteriously dangerous "Crystal Entity". The episode abounds in one revelation after the other, with an end that is possibly one of the series' most surprising...and thought provoking.

"Trek" doesn't get any better than this!

What's wrong with everyone's memory?
This is a good, solid episode - well made, and with some real depth to it.
The Enterprise crew are helping some colonists establish themselves on an empty planet when the Crystalline Entity, that "giant snowflake" that sucks the life energy out of entire planets, attacks. Starfleet sends a xenobiologist, Dr Kila Marr, to study the attack and find some way of dealing with the Entity. But she has secrets of her own, and the developing relationship between her and Data, set against the background of their mission, provides some real emotional depth as the tension rises.
There are some flaws with this episode. Dr Marr is allowed to get away with too much, and it seems that Data failed to tell anyone about the growing instability in her behaviour. It also seems that everyone has forgotten about the Enterprise's last encounter with the Crystalline Entity, where Lore proved that it was intelligent and that he could talk to it and understand when it talked back.
But those quibbles aside, this episode is very good. The acting is excellent, as is the pacing. The special effects are rather good, too. This episode also raises some thought-provoking questions. How do you react to a life-form that is so different from your own? How does it view the world around itself, and how can you deal with it? Star Trek: TNG at close to its best.

One Of The Best
This episode has everything! Family loyalty, communicating with an intelligence, and the want for vengence. This one is a keeper & I'd recommend it to any Trek fan...

Yet Another Star Trek twist on "Moby Dick"
Riker, Crusher and Data are visiting a new Federation colony on Melona Four while the Enterprise is conveniently off elsewhere. Suddenly the crystal entity that befriended Data's "brother" Lore in "Datalore" (Episode 14) appears in the sky above them. Data leads the group into some caves and when the Enterprise returns they find the planet has been stripped of all life by the "Silicon Avatar." As they track down the killer crystal, the Enterprise is aided by Dr. Kila Marr, a zenologist who is Starfleet's foremost authority on the crystal entity and who has a melodramatic interest in pursuing it since it killed her son when it attacked the colony of Data's home world. Just to make things interesting, Picard insists that they will try to communicate with the entity before trying to destroy it, if such communication is possible (apparently no one remembers that Lore had no problem communicating with it at all the first time around). Consequently, we have a test of wills between Captain Picard and Dr. Marr to see who will win out. Of course, Marr has a slight advantage because Picard has no idea what she wants to do. "Silicon Avatar" is a slightly below average STNG episode. We have seen better versions of "Moby Dick" on Star Trek and it is somewhat amazing that the crystal entity has avoided being tracked down by Starfleet as it goes around the universe stripping planets of all life. Also, it is interesting that Picard is more willing to talk to the killer crystal entity than he was to Ensign Ro in the previous episode. Ah, consistency is the hobgoblin of shows where different people write different episodes. But "Silicon Avatar" has to be the most pretentious STNG episode title ever.

Criminal Justice with No Laws
Many people seem to feel compassion and mercy for those who have done wrong and even killed, but I am seldom among them. But this episode shows us an unique situation in which a creature, the crystaline entity, seems to kill on a large level because of its nature. IT MAY NOT EVEN KNOW IT IS KILLING.

Now enter the mother of a victim, who, since the death of her 16 year old son at the hands of the creature, has been obsessed with the study and eventual destruction of the entity.

The crew of the enterprise figures out a possible way of communicating with the creature (reminiscent of the "Companion" from the original series). Despite the deadly nature and our contempt for the creature, I found my curiousity in what the creature "has to say" out-weighing my hate for it.

Five stars if it were not for the high standard set by so many other episodes! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

The Ferengi portrayed as powerful rivals to the Federation
This episode reintroduces the Ferengi, a new rival for the Federation. Their society is based on commercial interests and profit, although in this episode, revenge is the primary motivation. Many years ago, Captain Picard was commanding a ship called the Stargazer, which was the victim of an unprovoked attack by a ship of unknown origin. The Stargazer was on the verge of destruction, and Captain Picard used a desperate technique to destroy the attacking vessel. That action is now known as the "Picard maneuver" and is part of Star Fleet Academy training. However, the Stargazer was so heavily damaged that the crew was forced to abandon ship.
The attacking ship was Ferengi, although the Federation never learned that fact. It was commanded by the son of Daimon Bok, who is the commander of a Ferengi ship that requests a rendezvous with the Enterprise, although no reason is given for the request. Bok and his senior officers beam aboard the Enterprise and present Picard with the gift of the Stargazer, which is no longer a derelict. The ship is a Trojan Horse, as Bok uses it as bait to use a mind-altering device on Captain Picard. The device forces him to relive the battle, only this time he is alone on the Stargazer and he believes that the Enterprise is the enemy ship.
This episode serves to establish the Ferengi as legitimate rivals to the Federation. In episode 8, "The Last Outpost" the Ferengi are introduced, but they are portrayed as sniveling creatures, hardly worthy adversaries for the powerful Federation. In this episode, we see them as a species capable of building starships, with a command structure similar to that of the Enterprise. Riker's private conversations with the first officer of the Ferengi ship are more in the area of one officer to another rather than one species to another.
I rank this episode very highly, (4 1/2 stars is more accurate),as it corrects many of the errors made in "The Last Outpost." It also paves the way for Ferengi characters to appear in later episodes of TNG as well as the subsequent series, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

"Let the dead rest, and the past . . . remain the past."
A touch of action, a more threatening portrayal of the Ferengi, and a peek into Captain Jean-Luc Picard's (Patrick Stewart) past was the combination that made "The Battle" one of the more intriguing episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation's first season.

Captain Picard is in for a surprise as the Enterprise-D rendezvous with a Ferengi vessel that is towing his former ship, the U.S.S. Stargazer. Ferengi commander DaiMon Bok (Frank Corsentino) offers Picard the derelict as a gift, but its return is actually part of a revenge plot against the Enterprise's captain who the Ferengi holds responsible for the death of his son

It is always a treat when Star Trek: The Next Generation fills in the gaps between the start of its series and the end of the adventures of the original Star Trek crew. "The Battle" provides insightful details into Picard's career before taking command of the Enterprise and is an important step in providing his character with more depth. The less comical portrayal of the Ferengi also was a welcome sight as they leave behind their energy whips and employ deception and guile instead to gain the upper hand.

Picard Battles Bok
Battle Scars

In another encounter with the Ferengi; Picard fights the devious Captain Daimon Bok. He's sworn revenge on him for killing his son twenty years ago. Back then, Picard was leading the Stargazer. Bok's son fired on the starship without warning. Our good captain returned fire and inadvertently killed him. The fact his son initiated the "Battle of Maxia"was of no consequence.

Bok returns the old Stargazer as a "gift" to the unsuspecting Picard. He has a mind control device to torture him. As a result, Picard can't understand why he's getting headaches. It's a thing of the past in the 24th century. After a lot of hallucinations and sleepless nights he returns to the bridge of his dead ship.

Who else but Bok is waiting for him to perform the final stroke to finish Picard. Without giving away the ending, this one has a good confrontation between the Captains. One of the better ones of the first season.

DaiMon Bok plays mind games with Captain Picard
One of the improvements on the original Star Trek you get with the Next Generation is a much better sense of the backstories on the characters. In "The Battle" we learn about the fate of one of Jean-Luc Picard's earlier commands, the Stargazer. The Enterprise rendezvous with a Ferengi vessel and after three days of waiting around, during which time Picard mysteriously starts getting headaches, DaiMon Bok of the Ferengi presents Picard with the derelict Stargazer. The ship had been lost seven years earlier in an encounter with an unknown spacecraft, which turns out to have been Ferengi. Bok dismisses what happened as an accident, but it turns out his son was killed in the engagement. A mind control device sends Picard over the edge and he tries to repeat history on the bridge of the Stargazer, only this time with the Enterprise as his target.

You must remember that "The Battle" represents the original conception of the Ferengi, where they are more the marauding pirates of the galaxy than the highest form of venture capitalists. Consequently, it is difficult to reconcile the vengeful DaiMon Bok with Quark and his brethren, although at the end Bok is relieved of command for having engaged in an unprofitable enterprise. You really do have to cut the show some slack with a lot of these early episodes and not hold the producers and writers to everything that happens this early (e.g., in this episode Deanna can sense bad thoughts from Bok, yet in "Menage a Troi" she and her mother complain they can not read Ferengi thoughts).

This is a fairly representative episode of the first season, where the situation is usually simple or easily contrived, but we are getting a chance to learn about these new characters and see them in action. Patrick Stewart gets to work out his acting chops in this episode, which is always enjoyable. If only the original uniforms did not look so cheesy in retrospect.

The Battle
This episode explores Captain Picard's past as captian of the USS Stargazer. The Stargazer is a previously unseen type of starship which was pretty cool. The episodes story is OK which deals not only with Picard's past but with Ferengi (sp) as well. Not bad for the first season. ... Read more

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Original airdate: 5/8/95. Stardate: 48784.2. Veteran makeup artist Michael Westmore does double duty for this episode, in which a Vidiian scientist--suffering from the deadly, hideously disfiguring "Phage" disease (from episode 5)--genetically engineers an all-Klingon version of Voyager's Chief Engineer B'Elanna Torres, to prove Klingon resistance to the Phage virus and, hopefully, create a cure for his own infected species. The experiment results in two B'Elannas, the aggressive all-Klingon version and the skillful but comparatively weak and cowardly human version, now devoid of Klingon DNA. This provokes some debatable questions about stereotypical portrayal of Klingons and humans, but it's a fine showcase for series regular Roxann Biggs-Dawson, who convincingly portrays the separate halves of her bispecies character. The situation is played too broadly (echoing the original-series episode "The Enemy Within"), and a prison-escape subplot (requiring Chakotay's temporary transformation into a Phage-stricken Vidiian) is a bit too reminiscent of the penal-planet sequence in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. Still, this is a fine episode for B'Elanna Torres fans, who will readily agree that Biggs-Dawson can shine when given the chance, and remains highly attractive with or without Westmore's Klingon prosthetics. --Jeff Shannon ...