The Final Frontier 8

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Text File | 1994-08-02 | 14.5 KB | 319 lines

TF01 3,Desert Island Trek 4, Welcome to this new regular series in TFF (not based on a popular radio show, honest!), imagining what the TFF production team would take with them if they were to be stranded on a deserted asteroid (well, we've got to have a Trek element to it - desert islands are so boring!!). Without further ado, we'll kick off this issue with Matthew Crossman and Marcus Priddey. They were both asked to choose 10 episodes (from ANY series), 1 movie, 1 novel and 1 piece of merchandise and why they made their choices. Matthew Crossman ------------------ On several occasions my friends and I have had occasion to debate the merits of one episode of Star Trek over another. This also applies to novels, toys, comics and so on. You get the idea. Never have I been asked to surround these opinions in concrete. Putting one's preferences down on paper (or on disk in this case) is a risky business. Preferences change like the weather, but what is written stays the same. In years to come I could well be reminded of a certain choice or decision and cringe. Why did I choose a certain episode over another episode? Why did I choose that particular novel when this novel is a far greater work. This is a dilemma that faces us all. Even so I am willing to take that risk. So here I am. Stuck on a lone asteroid. Wandering through the galaxies on this hunk of rock with only a few chosen items to prevent insanity. The first of these choices that I was allowed to make was which ten episodes of any Star Trek series I would allow valuable space in my escape pod. A most difficult choice. With over two hundred and eighty episodes to choose from, narrowing the final choice down to ten was not easy. So having said that, may I present my (current) favourite top ten episodes. The episodes are not in any order and a short paragraph follows each title explaining why I chose that particular episode. 1. "Yesterday's Enterprise" Not an unremarkable choice and I would suspect the favourite of many fans. My love of alternate universe stories will soon become apparent in my following choices, so it is obvious that this episode would enter into my top ten. Overall an excellent episode, which was made possible by the superb direction of David Carson, and the long awaited return of Tasha Yar. Although I am not a Tasha Yar fan, I found that the character was well scripted for in this episode, and much improved from her earlier appearances. 2. "The Inner Light" Picard episodes are also favourites of mine, mainly due to the fantastic acting abilities of Patrick Stewart. This episode embodies everything that Star Trek stands for and is a beautifully crafted story that brings out the best in everybody involved. A true classic in every sense of the word. 3. "The Best Of Both Worlds, parts I & II" Bit of a cheat this, as I am including both episodes as one choice. Phil Farrand, author of "The Nitpicker's Guide For Next Generation Trekkers" describes parts one as the "all - time, hands - down, `no argument,' BEST episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation." and who am I to argue? This is the ultimate, as far as I am concerned, story line that the writers have ever offered us. Plays equally well as either a two parter or a mini film. Top notch Trek. 4. "Duet" The only Deep Space Nine episode included in my top ten, but easily one of the best of all the series to date. This shows the woefully inept "Shades Of Grey" how a bottle show should be done. Full of human drama at it's best and comes complete with fascinating character depths not seen on DS9 before. The best so far of a series that threatens to run and run and run. 5. "The Offspring" Although this is the directorial debut of Jonathan Frakes, it is the script and performances of Brent Spiner (Data) and Hallie Todd (Lal) that really shine through. One of the most heart rendering episodes ever aired, this episode captures the uniqueness of the Star Trek universe. Also provides the series with some of the most funny moments in any episode (witness Lal in Ten Forward). 6. "Parallels" Another alternate universe episode this time centring on Worf. A fascinating insight into what would have happened had the Borg succeeded at Wolf 359, and other events make this an episode not to be missed. High humour is also abound as Worf, who usually gets the best lines anyway, tries to make sense of being married to Deanna Troi. 7. "Tapestry" An episode which features Picard, Q,, and an alternate universe could hardly be left of my list. Another episode that is also high on humour proves to be an absolute riot as Picard, with the aid of Q, travels back to the days when he was but a lowly ensign to try and correct any mistakes he may have made. I just love the scene where John Luck Picard is sent back to the Enterprise as a Lieutenant. Priceless. 8. "City On The Edge Of Forever" Bet you thought I wouldn't have any classic Trek on my list? Well, you were wrong. My absolute favourite episode of Kirk and the boys, which shows what could have been done with the original series had they not stuck with so many unimaginative, routine episodes. Different and absorbing. 9. "Family" The perfect companion piece to "The Best Of Both Worlds". A gentle and moving episode which shows the real damage done to Picard by the Borg. Introduces the viewer to much of Picard's past, not to mention the sub plot concerning Worf's parents. An underestimated classic. 10. "All Good Things..." I cannot think of a better way to end this section than to finish on the climax to the series. Having only seen this once, I have to go with my instincts on this one, but despite the minor plot discrepancies I loved it. An alternate universe and a Picard story, what more can I say. Perfect. Well, they are my favourite episodes and no doubt that many of you disagree with my choices, but so what, this is a democracy. Write your own damned list! The next choice I had to make was which of the six Star Trek movies as was to take with me. A more difficult choice than it looks, I finally narrowed it down to three films. The three I was to choose from were Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan, Star Trek III: The Search For Spock, and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. And The Winner is... Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan. It was after this movie that I vowed never to see a film before I knew a bit more about it, to counter the effects of me blubbering in public. To this day I cannot watch Star Trek II without tears welling up in my eyes, and those wonderful bagpipes at the end. The movie for me, as a lot of other Trekkers, was a great relief following the sterile atmosphere of the proceeding film, and a welcome return to the fine traditions of action, adventure and human drama. The film takes pride of place over my other two finalists mainly because of the reason to kill of Spock. Now that was a brave decision. Star Trek II also introduced Harve Bennett and Nick Meyer into the fold, a coupling which would see the movie adventures of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy go from strength (not including part V) to strength. The next choice I was faced with was which Star Trek novel I would take with me on my asteroid adventure. The choice of this category, as you all know, is staggering. Now I won't pretend to have read all the Star Trek novels, so my choice is from limited subject matter. From the estimated one hundred and forty novels I figure I've read about half. Based on this I went about re-acquainting myself with some I have already read. I must say that I prefer the giant novels of both the classic and Next Generation series, feeling that the normal numbered releases are sometimes a bit light weight. The novels I did enjoy far out number those I didn't and include, "Best Destiny", "The Lost Years", "Prime Directive", "The Entropy Effect", "Q In Law" and many others. My favourite author, I've discovered is Peter David. With this in mind it comes as no surprise that my favourite Trek novel is "Imzadi". Now due to the early episodes of TNG I found it difficult to really like Riker and Troi as much as I liked some other characters. This book however has endured me to them more than any episode could ever do. The story line is simple and easy to follow, yet perfectly crafted in an intelligent and intriguing way. The recounting of Deanna and Riker's first meeting is a joy to behold and I'm glad she didn't take to the smug git straight away. The climax is as enthralling as the pages that precede it and is a worthy finale to such a well crafted tale. It is such a shame, as with nearly all Trek novels, that the actual premise is compromised by the series itself. At least it does not suffer as much as novels like "Vendetta" or "Metamorphosis". Still, an excellent read. The last item allowed to me, on my floating rock, was any piece of Star Trek merchandise that I wanted. This probably constituted the largest category of all and perhaps surprisingly was the easiest to solve. Without a seconds hesitation I plumped for my Tribble. Ever since I was a small boy, when I had seen these items advertised in an American magazine, I desired one of these items more than anything else. Since that moment, many years ago, I scoured every specialist shop I could find, but to no avail. Then, one summers day, three years ago, I found one. Sitting there, all alone, in the Star Trek shop at Universal Studios, was my one desire. Of course we (me and my Tribble, that is) have not parted since, and no damned piece of floating rock will parts us either. I sometimes think that I take Star Trek too seriously. Marcus Priddey ---------------- When I was asked to write this, I thought "yeah, sure, no problem!" then when I sat down and thought about singling out my ten most favourite episodes, the thoughts changed to "oh dear!" Well here goes - my ten most favourite episodes and why I like them, not necessarily in any order. 1. "Best of Both Worlds - Part II" Well, what can I say? In my eyes, this is about the most perfect episode ever made. Brilliant effects, writing, acting (even by Frakes!) and soundtrack. This could have easily been made into a movie and I would love to see it on a big screen. If you were to only by one tape ever, this is the one to get! (But don't ask me why I haven't got it) 2. "Measure of a Man" A superb Data episode. Fine performances from Spiner, Stewart and Frakes (whoa, that's two episodes in a row!). I'm not so much a Data fan as our esteemed editor but then, I don't feel that this episode is strictly about Data (but then, the episodes never are). 3. "The Offspring" Okay, so maybe I am a Data fan, but it Lal that I most like in this episode. That last scene between Data and Lal will always bring a tear to my eyes. Good direction by Frakes (it would appear that he is a better director than actor). 4. "Deja Q" Yes I'm a fan of the third season of Next Generation as well! I disagree with what Tim Smith said in Yesterday's Enterprises last issue. I CAN watch this over and over again, repeat the script vertabim and still laugh. I still smile at the line "Ah Worf... eat any good books lately?" 5. "The Next Phase" Michelle Forbes, I salute you! I don't know what it is about this episode (perhaps that damn wide smile may have something to do with it) but I do like this episode, especially the scene where Ro fires a phaser at Riker's head! 6. "The Emissary" I've only seen the one season, so that's all I have to go on, although I have heard that season two is supposed to be better. I like this because it shows a different side to Starfleet life. That is, not all get on board a ship, but the adventures can still be found right on our doorstep if we know where to look. 7. "If Wishes Were Horses" Not as humourous as "Deja Q", but it has its moments, and as for Bashir's version of Dax, well.... 8. "Hide and Q" Wesley gets stabbed in the back. Need I say more? 9. "Where No Man Has Gone Before" No particular reason why I should like this Classic Trek episode, it's just that it has always stuck in my mind as it was the very first episode I ever saw, and I feel it deserves a mention for that alone. (Who knows, if I hadn't have seen it I might still be sane. Wibble.) 10. "Spock's Brain" Seriously! NOT!!!!!!!!!!! no, only joking. Last, but not least is "The Enemy" - I just love the fact where Worf refuses to donate his blood which is the only thing that will save the Romulan. Also, the way prejudices are put aside in the fight for survival when La Forge is trapped on the surface. Now, as for my favourite movie. It has got to be Star Trek III: The Search For Spock - fine acting by all involved including Shatner (I think he must have Frakes role model, or they went to the same acting school.) Brilliant effects, especially, where the Enterprise docks and is then stolen and chased by the Excelsior. The only let down is Robin Curtis as Saavik. Kirstie Alley was much better! Favourite book. Hmm. Tough one. I would have to say it is "My Enemy, My Ally" by Diane Duane. I know she is having some problems at the moment, but when she puts her mind to it, she can write a good, original story. Not only that, but I do rather like the Romulans and Commander Ael t'Rlailiiu is my favourite. Now the toughie in this list was my favourite piece of merchandise. I don't have that many, so I'm going to go for one I saw in a magazine and fell in love with - Classic Trek Ninja Turtles. Yes, you read it correctly! Your favourite turtles, Leonardo, Michaelangelo, Dontello and Raphael in Classic Trek uniforms, complete with hairpieces from Spock, Kirk, Bones and Scotty. You've got to see them to believe. Absolutely brilliant. Well, there you have it. Some you'll agree with, some you won't and those that you don't - I don't care! Two more victims will be stranded next time...!