Fortunate Son

DVD, Enterprise S1 (Fortunate Son)

A chance to use Travis in an effective way, and what a shame there weren't more episodes in that vein. When I first saw this I only saw slightly weak action sequences, and a crew I couldn't identify with (it's nice to think that little girl will think better of Vulcans now that T'Pol didn't give her away in their game), but now, knowing how sidelined Travis became it's a pleasure to see him in a proper role. And the romantic view of space travel, these freighters going it alone, like cowboys of the old west, speaks very much of Star Trek's conception. The ship itself was a good set, particularly in the 'football' scene in the teaser. The scene with the Captains at the end as they talk of change is a really nice conclusion, and heralds the beginnings of the build up to the Federation, when worlds join together.

It's odd, but fun to see the Nausicaans crop up, as they are kind of a C-list race that appear only on rare occasions, and surprisingly they're one of the few races that have never been truly explored as real people, always presented as thugs and mercenaries. The ones here aren't any different, and perhaps it would have been a good chance to do something more with them, but we should be grateful that such attention is paid to past/future Trek with these references. After all they could have used some made up, nondescript alien thugs, instead of the not-very-descript aliens.

Nice to see Forrest, giving the series some continuity, though they don't quite feel as alone in the galaxy with such contact and humans around any corner, but that's how it goes. One possible slip up was Hoshi mentioning the 'Away Team' - surely in this time they call them Landing Parties?

***

Accelerate

DVD, Smallville S2 (Accelerate)

That last scene is pure whimsy. It's crazy, but somehow it works really well. This episode is creepy in a way that it normally isn't, which makes it feel quite unique. But the creepiest element in it, is not the little girl, but Lionel Luthor as he continues to manipulate, dissemble, and frustrate those around him. The focus is not on the caves, so when he suddenly pulls that little piece of news; that he's now in control of them, like a rabbit out of a box, Lex is once again beaten.

The main story is good, the special effects are brilliant, particularly the scene in the graveyard where Clark runs after Emily leaving Pete in mid-sentence. Maybe the best effect since 'Zero' with it's sofa shoving? And it's such a logical, but sort of banal thing (following someone) turned into a much cleverer and amusing scene!

Clark's dreams come true: he finally gets to save Lana's life and she knows about it, and it didn't feel out of place to be focused on the two of them, because it's so heavily about Lana, so when Pete and Chloe aren't in on the whole detective work on the freak-of-the-week it doesn't seem strange. I also like the fact that Lana confesses her life is not perfect - so many people see her, being nice, being friendly, beautiful inside and out, that they think life is perfect for her, but even she has guilt and deep sadness and is more than the person people see, making her character more real. Her and Clark finally connecting kind of takes the tension out of the whole series a bit, but it was going to get to that point.

And Chloe and Pete still don't get much, but at least the rift between Clark and Chloe is less obvious because they both care about Lana. The Kent's don't feature much... but Martha is clearly preggers. Apart from those points it's a quality episode, more like the typical S1 story. The scenes with the Luthor's are also great. You can't believe Lionel for one millisecond when he says he wants the best for Lex. And he so superbly crafty, and always in such control, he makes you smile and gurn in equal measure. And the Level 3 experiments come up again which is good. Shame they couldn't have cloned that guy from 'Jitters'. Even the ending of the series is set up as Lionel gives Lex a honeymoon on an island...

***

The Time Machine

TV, The Time Machine (1964)

'The Time Machine' is one of those classics in the vein of 'Jekyll and Hyde' or 'The Invisible Man', and the story is strong, shining through any patchy effects. In fact the effects are very well done and make the film a worthwhile watch, even 50 or so years later. The appreciation of the characters, mainly the man who does the time travelling and his Scottish friend is what helps you care about the story, and a Victorian man in the future is simply a great concept. In some ways the scenes in his future/our past are more compelling than the distant future of Eloi and Morlocks, especially as he meets his friend's son, at two different ages. Being made in 1964, the '66 sequence would have been most exciting, what with nuclear attacks and volcanoes erupting against it, but this is the only moment which takes you out of the story, knowing that never happened, and the model work, as good as it is, is clearly model work.

The great friendship between the two men and understanding, even the final realisation of where he has gone, make it rise above a typical sci-fi film of the '60's. The horror of the Morlock's, that people could become these underground-dwelling, mutated, cannibals, feeding on the simple folk above is still a strong image, and long before Indiana Jones was even an idea, you see a Morlock decay before your eyes. Effects, story and characters. All of a good standard, what more could you want?

For children this would be a great film - I first saw it when I was young and impressionable, and that shot of the Morlock running around on fire always stayed with me. It may not be able to compete on the same terms as massive blockbusters and celebrity stars, but if you want a film you'll enjoy, look no further.

***

The Ultimate Computer

DVD, Star Trek S2 (The Ultimate Computer)

Does exactly what it says on the tin. If you thought this would be about an ultimate computer gone bad, that they have to stop, and Kirk talks it into self-destruct... you would not be disappointed. The trouble with this episode is that we can see the main point coming light-years away, and the story seems to take such a long time to get there. We know Kirk isn't going to be replaced by a computer, we know it's going to go wrong, so why not get to the action right away?

Dr. Daystrom is a good guest character, and in his way he's one of the most important men in Trek history, along with Zefram Cochrane and Emory Erickson, because of his breakthrough in computing that makes modern starships what they are. He's quite an imposing figure, making Kirk look almost like a child, helped by his one-piece overalls and deep voice. I love the bit where Kirk gets so angry with his failure, that he pokes him in the stomach, and the Dr. makes to do the same, but can't quite bring himself to do it! He is a tragic figure too, but one that is motivated by pride, trying to recapture his past stature, and blindly allowing his creation to do what it wants.

The actual M5 looked really good, and did appear even more technologically advanced than the Enterprise, with it's nice black panel, that reminds me of later consoles from other series' - we know that they incorporate such things into their computers as Daystrom's work, and a presitigious and respected organisation called the Daystrom Institute is named after him, so despite his failure his work has lived on.

The visual effects were also detrimental to the story, not helping too well in explaining what was happening visually. Even so, it was memorable to see four constitution-class starships at once (even if they were the same picture repeated!), and gives a good impression of the breadth of Starfleet, rather than the one or two we'd seen before. Commodore Wesley, and his position on the bridge of the Lexington, further helped in the scope of the story (using the large command chair as seen in previous episodes, and with a view from the other side of the chair, making it seem like a different ship.

The story really starts moving when M5 goes crazy, the only moment in the episode where you feel real tension, as the Excalibur is pretty much destroyed, and Wesley can't understand what's happening. There is a nice scene where Spock reinforces his loyalty to Kirk, but some of the early scenes seem to repeat the same things with different characters. I'm sure Sitar of Vulcan has been mentioned before (though I could find no reference in the Encyclopedia).

The other things that could have improved the episode, were the other characters, who don't get much to do, and it would have been poignant to have some meeting on the space station, maybe a wake in the bar for the dead crewmembers, and reconciliation between Kirk and Wesley to show he knows it wasn't Kirk's fault. But you can't have everything.

**

The Reckoning

DVD, DS9 S6 (The Reckoning)

They always give a good impression of an empty, or nearly empty space, removed from all habitation, when the station is evacuated. Even if most of the people have gone, it's big enough to feel like you could wander around and not meet anyone. The reason I mention this is because that mood of portent and distance from people is half the battle.

It takes a long time to get to the event of the title, but it feels like some sort of Indiana Jones scenario, deep in some underground cave or temple, forbidden forces preparing to muster. On the other hand the build up doesn't really justify the end result which was relatively mild from a visual standpoint. Nowadays you can imagine a Matrix-style physical battle, rather than the more symbolic display of opposing forces.

The emotional context is the saviour of the story (and not Kai Winn who'd like to take all credit that's going!), the fact it is Jake, Sisko's son as the enemy's vessel, and that Sisko must be prepared to sacrifice him. There are many biblical connotations in the events which help to build authenticity and believability to what boils down to a slightly underwhelming confrontation. It's the ramifications to the Sisko's, Bajorans, even the war that are important.

One thing that does stand out is the opposing views played out by various characters. You can imagine Ross later chiding Sisko on his Emissary-centric decisions, when theoretically his first duty was to Starfleet orders and sensibilities. But what the 'unbelievers' don't see is that this ties into the fate of the Quadrant and the outcome of the war.

It feels strange to see Odo and Kira completely honest and affectionate with each other after five and a half years of friendship. But Kira's eyes glow with happiness and Odo is so much more comfortable with himself. Sadly Quark slips under the radar a bit with only one short scene, as war or Bajoran storylines take over. It is good to have Jake, as he's another regular who's been criminally underused, particularly this season, although I don't recall O'Brien being in it at all this time. At least Ross and Martok are mentioned.

Rather than being a hugely strong, emotional or action-oriented episode, it is more of an important story, one that will shape the series to come. For quite a while Bajor has been a side story, mentioned rarely or coming seldom into tales. But now the series begins to turn, as it comes full circle and the religion, more than the politics, begins to be fulfilled and the ultimate ends are in sight.

***

Nutcracker

DVD, The Champions (Nutcracker)

One of the most boring episodes all told. Even the opening bit where Craig shows off his powers is weak. Where's it supposed to be, America? Some cowboy rides in to play at a fair and has a shooting contest with Craig. The contrast was weird after such an English teaser with a posh bloke visiting the dentist.

The whole idea of having a secret vault beneath a tie shop is very 'Avengers', but this series isn't used to doing quirky and doesn't pull it off. Add to this mix, a lot of lingering camera work or scenes happening more than once (eg: entering the vault; being manipulated on the dentist's chair...). There is some humour, and the main trio are all involved, but you feel like they're running low on ideas juice at this stage.

Look out for when the police car pulls up in front of the car of the man who's just strangled the prisoner - it looks like his car bumps the back of the police car! Also, when Craig is forced off another pursuit by caltrops, he gets out to look at his wheels, and you can see someone moving and standing back, reflected in the fender!

There's surprisingly little action, apart from the end, and the villain isn't fleshed out in any way. It seems illogical to have all these little tests to get to some files, and subliminal messaging has been used too much, and usually comes off a bit silly. Even the idea of not actually taking the file reminded me of last episode's not taking pictures of another file. To cap it all it ends very abruptly without the usual tag scene at Tremayne's. One of my least favourites.

**

Patterns of Force

DVD, Star Trek S2 (Patterns of Force)

I feel they went to the parallel Earth concept one too many times this season. Both Romans and gangsters made good stories, but they seem to have tried to recreate the success of those, and it hasn't worked out so well. Maybe it's the focus on Kirk and Spock to the exclusion of the other characters, or maybe the writing isn't as sharp - there does seem to be a bit of padding, such as their first capture and escape. Though it has one of the funniest moments with Spock having to stand on Kirk's lacerated back to effect an escape from the cell (I wondered if he might accidentally do a nerve pinch since he was gripping Kirk's shoulder!), the sequence was unnecessary, only moving the story along slightly as they rescue the captive (It did lead to a clever bluff where the Nazi's appear to take over the resistance, and I thought that leader really had been shot, so it was quite a surprise when he suddenly jumped up!).

I've noticed in recent episodes that Kirk has become more like William Shatner, in his humour and manner, and I think I prefer the more buttoned down Kirk of S1 and most of S2. It shows a logical progression to the Kirk of the films, but I never noticed the change before.

The Nazi's are a good source of a story or two (both 'Voyager' and 'Enterprise' had good ones), but the horror of them isn't portrayed strongly enough. The story picks up when they get to the Fuhrer, and he's drugged and immobile. It's sad that he dies as he seemed a nice guy.

I suppose for me, this episode feels more like other sci-fi series, than a Star Trek. There's very little communication with the ship, and it's mainly about two characters trying to infiltrate a society to bring it down. When McCoy was introduced it was better (very amusing when he beams down in the middle of putting his boots on, and Spock gets some really condescending lines!), but it feels, much more than other, similar stories, to be merely a chance to dress up, with little more than that (especially the number of times they knock people out and nick their clothes!), with a vague and obvious 'the Nazi's were bad' ending. Unfortunately you can begin to see the changes in personnel that led to the series' least successful season, and impromptu demise...

**

Starsky's Brother

DVD, Starsky & Hutch S4 (Starsky's Brother)

The actor that played Stryker may have been in it before, but this episode couldn't be more different than last week's. It's fast, it's funny and is a good story, helped immeasurably by the family connection and some much-needed backstory for Starsky. It fills out a bit of family life and provides us with a chance to see him interact with his little brother, as well as giving us a great new character.

Maybe the ending didn't live up to the rest of the episode, but mostly it was a chuckle here, a sad moment there, and a feeling in the pit of your stomach as things go bad. You care what happens, and while the resolution for Nick to be a law-abiding citizen isn't quite reached, you feel he'll have learned something if only for the little bit at the end when Starsky lays out the facts - he's not the one who's ended up tied to a chair. The character really should have come back, and maybe if the episode had been made in an earlier season, he would have.

***

Cover Girl

DVD, Starsky & Hutch S4 (Cover Girl)

A bit formulaic. This time it's Hutch's turn to get the girl. The whole toy-crazy-maniac thing could have been a memorable character, but he didn't do much that was particularly clever, despite his technical knowledge and ability to play chess against himself. They should have noticed him or his van earlier since he was quite suspicious! Add to that no Huggy, and a reuse of the actor playing Brady, this time the third character he's played (though he is a good actor), and it's a poor episode, which you're waiting to finish. The only exciting bit are the explosions or when Hutch jumped in the car window like the old days! At least Minnie was in it again.

**

Witness

DVD, Smallville S2 (Witness)

A bit of a comedown from last week's, straying into heavy soap territory which is usually a bad thing for the series unless it's part of something bigger, but this was something smaller. There was the historic first meeting between Chloe and Lionel Luthor (good to have him in it for a change!), but the way all parties went separate ways (Jonathan rushing Martha off and letting Clark go and fight the baddies seemed very out of character, despite the baby subplot, and Clark and Chloe, Clark and Lana and Clark and Lex all were a bit odd.

Makes you think Clark must think Lex is an idiot, because who else would knock out Lex and take over, added to Clark's other shows of strength or being there Lex must know it was him, but Clark thinks he's pulled the wool over his eyes again!

I did like the reference to the Level 3 experiments (which 'Jitters' was about), and there was a parallel between this and 'BUGS' when, like Ros and JD, Chloe kind of teams up tentatively with Lionel when she feels her friends have deserted her.

And it's all soppy grumps and grumpy sops, with Henry Small's awful wife, acting much more like a teenager than Lana (I sense he's not going to be in it much more which is a shame as he was a likeable character). So it does feel very Season 2-ish, in a bad way. Add to that a weakish plot about baddies stronger than Clark which could have been much better, and it's not one of the better stories.

The plus is for the quite good fight and Lana being selfless and the intriguing moments between Chloe and Lionel. All together now: DON'T TRUST HIM! It would have been better if Lex had said he'd take care of the Kent's and has them protected or something as might have happened in S1. I did enjoy simply basking in the warm glow of the series' gorgeous locations, only a shame about the people arguing. I have to say that it had more to enjoy than the average S3 episode however...

**

Return To Tomorrow

DVD, Star Trek S2 (Return To Tomorrow)

Good character acting, a clever conclusion, and the debut role of Diana Muldaur in the Trek realm... so what could make this not quite up to the usual standard?

I thought this would be something to do with time travel, then when I read the synopsis I thought they'd land on a planet and discover some bodies falling apart (as seen in some of the end credits of recent episodes), who hijack their minds. But in a good way it was nothing like expected.

I did guess several things, once I realised there were two others of these beings, one the wife of the main guy, and another a male. He was sure to turn out bad, when Sargon was such a kindly chap. Nimoy gets to be the baddie, but he wasn't as effective as other out of character turns from the past, maybe because he wasn't in it so much. I also guessed that Chapel had Spock running round her head when she leaves sickbay, and that she would disable Spock's body. The episode was too talky, with too many romance scenes, but there was the excuse for a rousing speech from Kirk to convince McCoy they should go through with the process. Even that seemed a little out of the norm, and I wondered if Kirk was still possessed, as usually he'd simply decide something despite McCoy's protestations.

Poor old Nurse Chapel again, she was so happy to get Spock's conciousness in her head and she loves the bit where Sargon kisses his wife for the last time, eyeing Spock coyly as she speaks, maybe expecting him to do the same to her? At one point I thought the being who had taken over Spock's body was going to do that in emulation of Kirk/Sargon.

Sargon/Kirk really seemed like he was experiencing life in a body again after thousands of years, and Shatner did a great job, but overall the episode fell a little short with the slow resolution. No Chekov, but Sulu is back at last, worked sparingly into the story. But it's good to have him back! The ending almost made the rest of the episode worthwhile, with it's clever twists, and sad end, but not quite.

**

His Way

DVD, DS9 S6 (His Way)

The resolution of one of the longest running arcs in the series is certainly worth waiting for. To see Odo and Kira finally realise their inevitable destiny is a good thing in itself, but the addition of Vic Fontaine, the best holo-character since the EMH makes the story even better.

Who could have predicted that a 50's or 60's lounge singer would be the catalyst for the resolution to the longest unrequited love story around. The charm with which he expounds his tips and 'experience', the period dialogue which so many of the characters find difficult to fully understand, and mainly for the fact Vic calls himself a lightbulb and has the ability to nip around the holosuites or place a long distance call to station personnel, makes him a brilliant creation and brings usually two-dimensional holoprograms into a new level of reality that furthers the concept for Star Trek and provides such a great atmosphere for the crew to relax in.

That's the only real downside, as Vic later took on some of Quark's role, and became the place to hang out rather than the bar. But yet again it's the DS9 writers showing they ain't done creating. This late in the day you'd think new ideas are hard to work into the series, but no they keep on comin' baby! The tunes are also something to crow about, with some classic stuff, and I'm talkin' the kind of thing that makes yer tap along, like Nanook on the ivories. Sorry, I meant Odo. You knew who I was on about, pally. Vic should have been made a regular.

****

Firstborn

DVD, TNG S7 (Firstborn)

Not greater than the sum of it's parts, but it had enough parts to make it an experience. We get to see some Klingon street theatre, Worf taking on three Klingons, appearances from Quark and the Duras sisters, and a clever turn at the end of the episode. I never guessed it was Alexander from the future!

There were problems however. Why can't people understand the Klingons when they speak in their own language? Surely the UT would make it clear. And I'm not sure what happened to the other characters. Picard especially seemed to disappear. Maybe I just wasn't paying attention.

Usually I don't like Alexander stories as he always comes across as a spoiled American brat rather than a Klingon in training. But it's like watching a part of history, knowing he goes on to try and fight as a warrior in the Dominion War. Also the Duras sisters, after their DS9 appearance and pre-'Generations' explosi-death. And also Kurn is mentioned before he gets wiped.

James Sloyan makes a very credible Klingon; I never knew he'd played one, on top of the Romulan and his excellent Dr. Mora Pol on DS9. He is one of the best reused actors in the franchise, and does it again in this one.

It's not a terribly heartfelt episode (for example Quark's appearance is brief and doesn't make the most of him), mostly, but add all these elements and you get a pick and mix which is quite tasty.

***

By Any Other Name

DVD, Star Trek S2 (By Any Other Name)

I was not expecting this to be much of an episode. From what I remembered it was just some human-like aliens taking over the ship, or mooching about on some set, sorry, planet. To begin with it does seem like standard fare, with boringly dressed aliens and no makeup or interesting planetary features, but early promise comes in the paralysis weapons, the back references to Spock's last mind suggestion technique to escape ('The Armageddon Factor'), and his self-induced coma ('The Apple'?), and the very good effect when Rojan reduces two of the crew to small polygonal shapes, proceeds to crush one, and bring the other back. It's the female yeoman who's the goner, and she had been made especially doe-eyed and puppy-like. Plus the other crewman was a redshirt and it seems even more harsh against her. I guess even if you're female, red is not the colour to be seen in on 'Star Trek'!

The episode is slow to take off until they literally take off and begin the 300 year journey to another galaxy. Good concepts are again central to the story, so that though the budget can't afford a massively complex setting, or elaborate makeup, the ideas carry the story, and your imagination goes into overdrive to come up with the rest. The huge distances involved, and the idea of generational ships is fascinating, but add to that the true form of the Kelvans being many-tentacled and probably a lot bigger, their restrained behaviour makes for even more dramatic tension.

Another reference and a return to the barrier at the edge of our galaxy as seen in 'Where No Man Has Gone Before', make for some good visuals, but my favourite is the shot of the Enterprise shooting off towards the distant galaxy, imagining it growing slowly larger over decades. I love the way each of the main characters goes off and works on one of the Kelvans to spread discord and distraction (they eat the same coloured blobs we've seen before, such as in 'Journey To Babel'). But the resolution is a great ending. It sounds a bit corny and simplistic written down, but Kirk convinces them they are more human now than Kelvan and they should become friends of the Federation and settle down on the planet they were rescued from.

So the story comes full circle and is appropriate to leave it there, in fact the episode would then play in reverse since they were going back to the planet to drop off these people. Maybe the only Trek episode to be a palindrome. The minor characters aren't used as well, and Sulu is missing even now.

At one point Kirk sees a corridor filled with 'crystallised' crewmembers lying on the floor, and I half expected him to go along bundling them up in his arms. Then maybe taking them back to his quarters to put in a basket and brood over! In the same scene he turns suddenly and I thought he might stand on one. That would have been a bit distasteful, not to mention embarrassing - the same on the bridge, if someone had sat on one of the ones on a chair!

Poor old Nurse Chapel, she's never left in on anything. McCoy asks her for something odd to inject Spock with who isn't really ill, and she was probably more concerned because it was him. The drunk scene must be one of Scotty's best ever, a bit like the bulkhead scene from Star Trek V!

***

Civilisation

DVD, Enterprise S1 (Civilisation)

More of a visual feast than a great story, but it continues to live up to the premise of the series, with the crew going boldly and a little recklessly into new lives and civilizations! It shows how conditioned we've become with the other series', that when they headed for the first Class-M planet in range I was waiting for them to confirm it as a warp-capable society. It wasn't, of course, and there's no prime directive to stop them. So they can have fun! That is perhaps the flaw of the episode: it was a chance to show what appearing on less advanced planets could do to the people, but instead it all goes rather well, and the only trouble comes from outside interference rather than the planet's inhabitants. That said, it made a change from some of the other undercover stories that have been done over the years.

The Original Series started the idea, and every series has to have at least one episode where people are surgically altered to walk among the natives! Some good twists (the apothecary makes tea, rather than some potion, and the adversary is a race of lizard-like aliens that have human prosthetics!), but it was a bit of a missed opportunity for that road to the big Prime D.

T'Pol did look good with long hair, but what happened to Hoshi who was going to be so integral to keeping the landing party running so smoothly? The enemy mentions a Tellarite, perhaps the first mention on this series. And the set lighting, and ship orbit looks absolutely beautiful, makeing up for any lack in the plot department. The first episode to only just scrape in as watchable, but for all that it does scrape in, partly because of the detail afforded to the town, with a real layout kept to in satellite view, street view and maps, and partly because of the enemy aliens angle. Archer gets to kiss the girl and fight the baddie, but he didn't rip his shirt! Kirk would be proud.

**

Spirit Folk

DVD, Voyager S6 (Spirit Folk)

A story within a story. The holodeck has always been a good source of a yarn or two, and while it has been overused and regurgitated many times, the old Holodeck malfunction can provide an exciting episode.

When I first saw the Fair Haven episodes I found them a little too silly, a little out of step with the series, maybe taking it too far. But now they stick out as enjoyable jaunts, that further the inner workings of the Trek universe by creating another universe in a universe. Holo-characters coming to the realisation of their nature (or at the least that the visitors to their land are not the same as them), is nothing new, but is always interesting.

It was very satisfying seeing Michael get a tour of Voyager and coming to some sort of understanding. If you tune in expecting a typical Voyager episode you will be disappointed, but if you accept it for what it is - a chance to have fun, and put a slightly different spin on the familiar - you'll have fun as much as the crew do. It is a shame they never returned to the programme, but to do so would have gone further than was needed, as this seems a logical progression and conclusion for the program.

Other program's had been a recurring feature, but none had been left on permanently as long as Fair Haven so it gives another insight into what the Holodeck could be. The only moment which didn't ring true (no, not the Maggie to cow scene), was the Doc being hypnotised by a spoon and an irate Irishman! Probably some kind of internal logic there somewhere, what with him being a hologram an' all... (Yep, in the Voyager Companion it mentions he had become part of the faulty holoprogram when his holoemitter was taken off him).

***

Roman Holiday

DVD, Roman Holiday (1953) film

One of those famous films, which you think you've seen even if you haven't. I always remembered the scene with the hand in the statue's mouth, but I never knew what film it was from, until reading Gregory Peck's autobiography a while ago, and it was good to see it now. Irving is my favourite character, the way he gets pushed around is very funny, and his generosity in giving the photos to the princess.

The ending was sad, but as it should be, and I couldn't see how it could end any other way. The best bit for me is probably the punch up - always a good way to liven up a film. For me it isn't a classic, I've seen too many films to fall head over heels for an old film, where, let's face it, it's ideas have long been plundered and used many times again, but it still has charm and that cast, and deserves to be seen.

***

Night at The Museum

DVD, Night At The Museum (2006) film

It would be a good film for children, but I've seen every trick in this book in so many other films, such as 'Jumanji' and 'Indian In The Cupboard', and it was okay. The CGI was good, shame about the story.

It makes a change to see a Stiller/Wilson film that's suitable for all, and it was interesting seeing some familiar faces, such as Robin Williams keeping a lid on his usual crazy ways. I don't know what people find amusing about Ricky Gervais because in this he just stutters vaguely through, and Dick Van Dyck was fine. An extra interest for me was Bill Cobbs, who had played an important role in the history of Star Trek in 'Enterprise'.

**

A Piece of The Action

DVD, Star Trek S2 (A Piece of The Action)

A delight from start to finish, one of the funniest episodes of the season, and very good character moments, are three valid ways to describe this one. There are far too many sparkling lines to remember them all, but Spock, Kirk and Scotty's attempts to master the dialogue are all memorable moments. And perhaps it's the first time the words 'futile' and 'pally' have been spoken in Trek history.

The scene where Kirk 'masters' the art of driving is truly funny, and the whole situation is most fascinating. Spock and McCoy are on a bit of a truce, and the episode focuses more on Kirk and Spock, with the others making minor appearances. Spock must have used his nerve pinch the most times ever, with at least four I counted!

The skewed portrayal of the prime directive was another interesting twist on the usual, with the Enterprise allowed to interfere because their culture had already been contaminated. So a pre-warp race in similar form to 1920's Earth knew about aliens and space, but they really only had interest in carving up their planet. Seems unlikely that Oxmyx would have control of most of the planet, but his HQ was only a short drive from his biggest rival's HQ!

The business with the communicator later inspired an 'Enterprise' episode of the same name, and Fizzbin had been turned into a real card game which Quark plays in 'The Ascent' on DS9. You'd think this experience of cars and driving would have prepared Kirk for Star Trek IV, when he seems a bit surprised to be almost run over...

You can tell the episode is going to be a lot faster paced than the last few by the way it starts so energetically, and the main three are soon beaming down, then a drive-by shooting occurs shortly after. So the episode has the right mix of action, humour and a story that keeps you interested. I always love the parallel Earth stories, and this one could well be the best of the bunch.

***

The Groupie

DVD, Starsky & Hutch S4 (The Groupie)

A gratuitous opportunity for David Soul to have a load of models parade in front of him in swimsuits, and for the two of them to do their crazy acting, which, coming so shortly after 'Dandruff' has been overused. Not to say they aren't good actors, but they're supposed to be policemen. You can't take it seriously when they do this, and can you imagine this kind of story in S1? On the positive, Huggy and Dobey appear, though not as integrated as in recent episodes, and... that's about it. Not a good episode.

*

Full Circle

DVD, The Champions (Full Circle)

Convoluted to say the least, this was a bit of a headscratcher in the plot department, with the whole episode made out of nothing, as one fellow viewer put it.

There were other bizarre things to single out, such as why Richard would need to put on an Irish accent when visiting the inmates in the jail (are there no English Father's?), and the way he was taken out by three men in a fist fight - surely he could take three! The only answer is that 'they must have known what they were doing' acording to Richard. Perhaps the powers were under used, although they were more subtly included in the story. And Sharon was barely in it.

Booker's girl was shamefully only there for window dressing, and that Westerman should have been called Wimpsterman, the way he was whimpering when it came to descending the wall of the prison. So not one of the best ones, and certainly not showing off the series in it's best light. Even the opening post-teaser power show-off scene had been used before. It was a good one, but they should never have to reuse them (notice the camerman in the side window when the car pulls up to a stop!).

As near enough as I can work out, the story was a set-up for the British intelligence and the other party (the 'Colombrian's'!), to precipitate an arms race or something. Not well explained.

**

The Immunity Syndrome

DVD, Star Trek S2 (The Immunity Syndrome)

Sulu's missing once again (we had a little game where if he was in it, I would get the Malteser, and if he wasn't, the other viewer would. He didn't seem to be in it, until there was a scene in the briefing room, and there was an asian man sitting with his back to the screen. Finally the briefing ended and he got up to reveal... it wasn't Sulu, the Malteser lost!). Mr. Kyle was sitting in Sulu's position (I liked the bit where Chekov takes over Spock's station, and who should replace him, but the guy that always used to sit in that seat in S1. It always amazes me how quick these crewmen appear immediately the main character vacates their usual position, and zip out of the chair if they come back, as if they know they've done something cheeky!).

But back to the point, I was sure Kirk kept calling him Mr. Cowl, but in the credits it definitely says Kyle. On the subject of minor crewmen, Mr. Leslie's in the background looking good for a dead guy. When McCoy tells Kirk they're all dying, I wanted to shout out "what about Mr. Leslie? You put him back together!"Maybe it was his twin?

A slow episode, that reminded me of the first film - a long, dangerous, slightly ponderous journey, with lots of looking at the screen or writing logs, or explaining what's happening, as they voyage into a giant creature. The concept that all life in our galaxy could become merely a virus to this huge creature as it's cells multiply was fascinating. There were also Star Trek II parallels, with Spock sacrificing himself to save the ship, only this time he survived. Spock and McCoy's feud is great, the best line ever being "Thank you Captain McCoy". The best moments of the episode come from their banter.

Kirk is again not himself, like last week's episode, but this time it is due to tiredness after they come from an exhausting mission. Chapel is in the background giving crewmembers jabs, another little nod to continuity, something that extends the series and its believability rather more. Perhaps more should have been made of the fact they were all slowly dying, as it's mentioned, then seemingly forgotten, and would have been a source of fear and unease, if people could be collapsing at their posts, at any moment. And the actual virus creature was very creative, the Enterprise really looked like it was there, where sometimes the ship isn't believably there, or there are mistakes (such as the scenery blending into the ship in 'Tomorrow is Yesterday'). Very eerie to have no stars out there, and a relief when they got back to the little points of light.

Interesting to hear of a fully Vulcan starship, crewed by 400 of them, and brings up some points, such as how come they get to be Vulcans alone. 'Enterprise' later explained this - to sensitive Vulcan noses, humans stink. You can get away with putting one Vulcan on a human ship, but the other way round... think of the chaos to their ordered lives. You sort of imagine that life on an all Vulcan ship would be perfectly courteous, completely disciplined, strictly silent, except for logical and necessary speech, and extremely efficient. Wouldn't mind a TV series or even an episode set aboard a ship like that!

**

Black and Blue

DVD, Starsky & Hutch S4 (Black and Blue)

Title's good (comes from the line "you may be black, but your uniform's blue), and there's flashes of good stuff (Huggy's charm on full tilt, Captain Dobey involved as he has been this season, that little old lady who'd got terminal cancer...), but a lot of the characters are hard to connect with, and it's really only another story about Starsky falling in love (again) and Hutch in hospital, only arriving at the last minute to save the day (again), and the racial and gender issues seem odd in today's world. From a historical perspective I suppose it is interesting, and of course it all still happens today, but still it feels a less enjoyable thing to watch, without all the good stuff that made 'Manchild on The Streets' so worth watching (oddly the guy that influenced Junior for the bad in that one was another character in this one). I can't deny it looks good, with some nice camera moves and expansive shots, but it didn't have the little something that would have ensured a good episode. And I thought there was a final scene with the old woman, but there wasn’t.

**

Whisper

DVD, Smallville S3 (Whisper)

How to go from sight to blindness to sight in one easy episode. This series used to be what you would call a 'feelgood' series. This is one of those episodes that is about as far away from that concept as can be. There's just too much bad happening, and about the only moment in the episode I felt good was in the scene where Clark learns to hear his Father's voice.

It wasn't so much a bad episode as a scrappy one, with mushy, moody stuff reminiscent of early S2 (at least Adam didn't make an appearance, except in mention). The freak-of-the-week came on the scene from nowhere, popped up a couple of times, then was dispatched without Clark lifting a finger. No explanation of his ability, no rationale for his criminal behaviour, just a 2D enemy there so the script could happen. It felt like a shoehorn in of the old style, while juggling storylines like nobody's business - Lionel and Lex' feud returns; Lionel and Chloe's arrangement ends in the sacking of Mr. Sullivan; Lana floats around in turn being offended and being drawn to Clark; Clark goes blind, with a lot of talk of how bad it is, and how difficult, then snaps back to sight with nary a mention from the other characters; Chloe and Clark get angry; Pete gets kidnapped; Sheriff Adams appears, with no teeth - she used to get up people's noses and really have an attitude; Pete's Mum is introduced at last, after being mentioned before...

Judge Abby Ross is good to see at last (played by Sisko's wife in DS9), and with Pete so often sidelined, it's great he's more involved. Shame a better episode couldn't have been crafted with all these elements. Sometimes not enough happens, but in this one, maybe it's a little overkill.

That he discovered one of the few remaining powers was good, and maybe the rest of it was only there to create this eventuality, but it is still a below-par episode, for what we know the series can do (witness last week's 'Asylum').

**

Breaking The Ice

DVD, Enterprise S1 (Breaking The Ice)

A good Trip episode this one, and at the same time, all the cast are used well, in a proper ensemble. The way Trip described that Pecan pie... well, yer could almost taste it! His homespun charm, and lack of subtlety, makes for a lot of fun scenes. The poop question springs to mind! That whole sequence where Archer answers questions posed by schoolchildren in Ireland would have been unheard of in the other series', but here it fits right in, as something that is a... ahem, logical progression. And it's interesting to learn some answers to such questions as what happens when you flush a toilet (gets made into boots apparently!).

If many of the Vulcans in the series have been more emotional than we're used to, Captain Banik or Vanik, whichever it was, was a lot like the aloof, and restrained ones we know so well. Archer's difficulties to engage him in conversation is funny, and it's clear the Vulcan only agreed to attend the meal out of diplomatic politeness, about the only time in the episode those words could be said in conjunction with the Vulcans!

The comet visual effect wasn't that impressive, nowhere near the wondrousness of the familiar one in the DS9 credits. The comet's surface wasn't bad, but I felt they missed an opportunity for some incredibly beautiful shots. The shuttle effects were pretty good though, with the drop into an even deeper tunnel quite stomach-wrenching.

Mention must be made of the gorgeous Vulcan ship, but it was a shame they had to rely on their help to rescue the shuttlepod. Nice to see a tractor beam in the series anyhow. I think the thing with Goss, T'Pol's intended, was continued later.

An all-rounder, not stunning as it could have been, but keeping the freshness going in new and interesting ways.

***

Collective

DVD, Voyager S6 (Collective)

Just when the season was going so well... They had to bring the Borg children on board! To be fair, this episode was quite effective as a different spin on everyone's favourite villains, it's just I didn't like them, especially Icheb! At this stage they aren't annoying.

Good to see the male crewmembers having fun together, and the teaser is a very good one, with the lighthearted mood quickly changing to danger as they confront a Borg cube. Harry's creeping around on the ship was also good, and the Borg baby, with the Doc's attempts at dissuading Janeway from considering the pathogen, unsuccessful, was a realistic little baby. I'm not sure if it was real or not!

I suppose it's a fairly unremarkable episode all told, but there's enough of the characters in there to be more than an action or seige plot. Some excellent visual effects too, especially the Delta Flyer's Death Star-type strafing run.

***

Precipice

DVD, Smallville S2 (Precipice)

So I'm going along thinking I'm quite enjoying this, who'd have thought it, a good Dr. Bryce episode, and then it keeps getting better and I'm thinking, goodness me, this is one of the best episodes of the series, let alone the season! I don't remember seeing it before and it's got loads of tension, some really cool bits, and a nice ending. For once I actually liked Helen and wanted her to stay in the programme where usually I find her annoying and unfathomable (is she a nice, caring person, or very ambitious), and a diversion that's surely soon to disappear.

The only downside, and this is being picky, is that Lionel wasn't in it again, and it feels like he was in it more when he wasn't a main character! Earlier in the season it felt like he wasn't in it enough, so maybe they could only come up with so many ideas for his arc? And perhaps the violence was ramped up a bit high. Almost as if all the bad stuff that didn't happen in the last episode was used in this one! The stuff where Helen is thrown around was shocking, as she's so helpless against this crazy guy.

The new Sheriff was nasty and uncomfortable, and it felt good when things went wrong for her; it was terribly exciting knowing Lex was rushing to Helen's aid, while she was confronted by the freak-of-the-week who wasn't Kryptonite enhanced in any way. Indeed, the episode had no sci-fi elements hardly (except Clark's use of powers) and it can be compelling when they pull out all the stops to create a brooding buildup and action-packed climax, while still retaining personal elements. So it was quite special and a standout, because so often these things haven't worked in S2.

Even the fact that a lot of the characters weren't in it much didn't take away from the story. So yes, was very impressed with this one, but I didn't think Lex had quite gone to the dark side yet, to kill that guy in cold blood, but it does reveal how far he would go if Helen were to die... The ending was superb ("So how about it Dr. Bryce? Will you marry me?"), and the music expertly chosen and integrated. If only there were more episodes of this calibre! The episode could have been called 'Vulnerable'.

****

Obsession

DVD, Star Trek S2 (Obsession)

It wasn't one of the best ones, but it still had a something to it. It's the side story with Garrovick that does it. The best scene is where Kirk helps him realise it wasn't his fault, and if he hadn't hesitated it wouldn't have made any difference, which also helps Kirk see the same for himself. Mr. Leslie makes his big death scene, only to famously appear in later episodes! He was a quiet security guy in the background of most episodes, and his death by vampire cloud is worthy.

The episode starts abruptly, with no time to get your bearings as you're thrown onto a planet, with Kirk and Spock discussing Dikironium, or something, so it's not the most accessible story, but it adds an unbalance for the regular viewer, since usually there's the business of going to the planet, beaming down, etc.

The effects were pretty good, with the reverse film of the cloud making it seem purposeful and alive. While you know it's just a bit of smoke squirting out of a box, it still manages to impress a creeping discomfort.

It's a bit of a talky one, and easy to zone out sometimes, and there seem to be a lot of people lying dejectedly on their beds! I did love the Nurse Chapel scene, the second time she's bought soup to someone and they've thrown it around! She's so practical, even if she does get a bit starry-eyed over Mr. Spock. The history is another draw of the episode. Only the other episode we were told about Kirk's early exploits on the USS Farragut, and now we hear of another event, 11 years ago, where his captain and half the crew were killed by this creature. It does have elements of 'The Doomsday Machine', but this creature is much more believable and personal. Perhaps it would have been more interesting if the creature had taken over someone, but then it might have become too much like the Companion in 'Metamorphosis' or other things.

Poor old Garrovick must have felt the universe was against him as he's only recently transferred to the Enterprise, but finds himself face to mist with the creature that killed his Dad. Then he blames himself for the deaths of his security team when we discover his weapon would have had no effect, then he tries to knock out Kirk to sacrifice himself, but even that goes wrong! The anti-grav bomb was quite clever - I couldn't see any strings. They sort of push it along, without carrying it, which was surprising. You also get to see a little lab room off of sickbay, which I don't think has been shown before, and something later series' do a lot, but they don't do often here, Kirk asks for viewscreen magnification.

Like 'The Changeling' it can be a bit difficult to get into, but both have enough to justify the tag of a good episode. Still no Sulu though...

***

Desert Journey

DVD, The Champions (Desert Journey)

Not a bad example of an episode, but not one of the better ones either. There are some famous faces to look out for, most notably a young Jeremy Brett as the main guest star, Dr. Who's Master Roger Delgado, and even an uncredited appearance from Star Wars' Darth Vader, Dave Prowse, getting chucked across a room by the diminutive Sharron!

The bomb attack at the beginning is a bit shocking, and the story moves along at a fair enough pace as they attempt to transport the Bay to his home country in order that he will rule it, despite it being against his will. He's also under attack from opponents. There are some good little uses of their powers, such as Sharron's brush with Muscles at the Bay's rowdy party, and learning the language of the Arabs by listening to what they say, to find out what they're planning.

And for the series, the location work was quite accomplished. Usually all the external shots take place on stage, with only ocassional stock shots of desert or snow, but here they'd gone to the trouble of having lookalikes filmed from a distance in desert-like conditions, which look like they are genuinely a foreign country. There's a surprisingly suggestive scene at the party where a reveller strips off on top of a table, and a dancing girl does her sterotypical thing in the Arab tent. Odd that so many of the Arabs are white! To begin with I was impressed they were actually sounding genuine, but after a while it did sound like they were merely jabbering.

A shame Richard wasn't more involved - the best ones have all three integral to the plot. And some scenes weren't the best studio sets (although the sandstorm-beset refuelling shack was fine). And what was going on with Sharron's hair?

**

In The Pale Moonlight

DVD, DS9 S6 (In The Pale Moonlight)

Compelling, surprising, a bit disturbing, and pushing the envelope to it's furthest recesses. The debates can rage on forever over the rights and wrongs, but as a piece of drama it's excellent. So many scenes are between just two characters, and in a way it could be a stage play. One man's descent into what he has always abhorred.

The scene with Dax where she plays Romulan advocate, showed that Terry Farrell really would have made a good Romulan. And Quark gets to have some fun at the expense of Sisko. And Bashir gets to be disgusted again, and Garak... he hasn't featured much this season, after playing a big role in the war arc of the first few episodes. In that he becomes something of a good guy, he's accepted, he's needed, and he proves a very useful ally. But it's easy to forget his dark origins, his sketchy past, and his evil deeds. Sisko is too concerned with this new plan that he forgets or deliberately overlooks Garak's shady past, and so finds himself gradually ensnared in it. There was always the danger Garak could become a cosy character, and lose his fangs, the danger and uncertainty that keeps the man so fascinating, but the writers weren't going to let that happen!

On a lighter side, of a very deep, dark, plot-ridden episode is the name check of Betazed, bringing the danger of the Dominion home. Then we learn that Vulcan, Andor, Tellar, Alpha Centauri, all founding members of the Federation, are under threat. There's also the reference to Orion slave girls, but that's not related! The slimy blue criminal who makes the forgery was one of the rare new aliens of the season, and was reminiscent of the criminal brothers in 'Honor Among Thieves', though they were green. And the framing of the story as a personal log makes the viewer much more involved as Sisko is basically talking to us, though in reality to himself.

If Starfleet officers are put through such torturing events, and are forced into bad places, if the episode is well done, if the acting is of a high enough calibre, then I can live with such an episode. Because I can live with it. I can...

*****

The Gamesters of Triskelion

DVD, Star Trek S2 (The Gamesters of Triskelion)

Hard sci-fi is how I'd describe this; a motley collection of weirdness, things beginning with 'tri' (which is annoying), and aliens you can't identify with. The fine line is always there, between things which are beyond our understanding to become truly alien, and the kind of aliens which Trek most often uses, which have resemblances to humanity. But this is too 'Dr. Who' or 'Star Wars' with women in silver foil and ugly giants, and a really quite disturbing yellow woman. She really was unpleasant!

They go through all this bad treatment, to get to the story, and the majority of the episode seems like a filler. Scenes on the Enterprise as they try to track down their missing friends seem a bit repetitive, and while the main set on the planet is well made, we're back to cells and corridors.

I wanted to like the episode, and the ending almost made up for the shortcomings, with a frantic 3 vs. 1 fight and a surprise as Kirk actually kills people! But the best is the final scene - not a jokey exchange, or clever riposte, but a woman Kirk has left behind, gazing up at the stars and wondering. What big eyes she had!

Galt was another disturbing figure, who seemed to glide, armless and silent, mottled face expressionless, like something from a horror film. The Providers themselves were reminiscent of the old 'Dr. Who' classic 'The Keys of Marinus', which also boasted brains in glass cases, only they were more disgusting rather than these brightly coloured banal betters, or I should say gamesters. Still, the extended cast are being well integrated, and only Sulu, missing again, is noticeable by absence. The guy sitting at his station must be a telepath because when Spock moves over to him from behind he leaps out of his seat so the commander can sit there, and leaps back into frame when he vacates the position!

Chekov's reaction to the unwanted attentions of Tamoon, the aforementioned yellow girl, are about the only funny moments, although Spock does admit to being contaminated by humans when he has hope. Kirk kisses the girl and gets his shirt ripped, but although it's a cliche, it doesn't happen as often as people think. Also some continuity with a captured Andorian one of the combatants. And I wonder if the big fighter with the large teeth is a Rigelian, like the one Pike fought in the Talosians' vision?

**

The Gamesters of Triskelion

DVD, Star Trek S2 (The Gamesters of Triskelion)

Hard sci-fi is how I'd describe this; a motley collection of weirdness, things beginning with 'tri' (which is annoying), and aliens you can't identify with. The fine line is always there, between things which are beyond our understanding to become truly alien, and the kind of aliens which Trek most often uses, which have resemblances to humanity. But this is too 'Dr. Who' or 'Star Wars' with women in silver foil and ugly giants, and a really quite disturbing yellow woman. She really was unpleasant!

They go through all this bad treatment, to get to the story, and the majority of the episode seems like a filler. Scenes on the Enterprise as they try to track down their missing friends seem a bit repetitive, and while the main set on the planet is well made, we're back to cells and corridors.

I wanted to like the episode, and the ending almost made up for the shortcomings, with a frantic 3 vs. 1 fight and a surprise as Kirk actually kills people! But the best is the final scene - not a jokey exchange, or clever riposte, but a woman Kirk has left behind, gazing up at the stars and wondering. What big eyes she had!

Galt was another disturbing figure, who seemed to glide, armless and silent, mottled face expressionless, like something from a horror film. The Providers themselves were reminiscent of the old 'Dr. Who' classic 'The Keys of Marinus', which also boasted brains in glass cases, only they were more disgusting rather than these brightly coloured banal betters, or I should say gamesters. Still, the extended cast are being well integrated, and only Sulu, missing again, is noticeable by absence. The guy sitting at his station must be a telepath because when Spock moves over to him from behind he leaps out of his seat so the commander can sit there, and leaps back into frame when he vacates the position!

Chekov's reaction to the unwanted attentions of Tamoon, the aforementioned yellow girl, are about the only funny moments, although Spock does admit to being contaminated by humans when he has hope. Kirk kisses the girl and gets his shirt ripped, but although it's a cliche, it doesn't happen as often as people think. Also some continuity with a captured Andorian one of the combatants. And I wonder if the big fighter with the large teeth is a Rigelian, like the one Pike fought in the Talosians' vision?

**

Dandruff

DVD, Starsky & Hutch S4 (Dandruff)

The Starsky & Hutch Pantomime is what it should have been called! I don't think they have a serious moment in the whole thing! The best thing about it is the inclusion of Captain Dobey and Huggy (as Prince Nairobi), but there's also a lot of humour to enjoy. Perhaps it gets a little out of hand, and the accents wear after a while, and are the characters believable? Not a lot. Not so good is the face of that nasty guy from S3's 'Murder Ward', who even then had been in it before I think (and the Japanese guy too). And the Baron couldn't have been all that clever hiring such idiotic goons to do his bidding. But Rene Auberjonois was good as the Baron, later going on to play Odo in DS9.

Why didn't S&H liaise with the hotel security, as you'd think that would be the first place they'd start instead of going undercover in the hair salon! At least they used their codenames Mr. Marlene and Mr. Tyrone from a previous hair-related episode. It's nothing fancy, and anyone who was serious about the series might find this a bit trying as your favourite characters act out a zany spoof, but it's worth seeing, if only for that.

**

Asylum

DVD, Smallville S3 (Asylum)

The first truly worthwhile episode of the season! You have to smile when Clark's going through the asylum and people he's put there keep meeting him. It gives a more three-dimensionality to the community when you can imagine these people are still out there and still bear a grudge. The fact that the three of them (Eric, Van and Ian) work together makes for some fun scenes, and it makes sense because none of them on their own would have been much of a threat to Clark, or made much impact as a guest star. But all three together make for a worthy opponent.

The tension in the episode comes from the possibility of Lex having his memory forcibly wiped, or whether he'll survive with Clark's secret intact. They had to put him through the procedure, or how would the series continue - it still feels too early for Lex to be in on it. But you can't help wondering whether he retains some memory or has flashbacks to make him suspicious of Clark.

Everyone's involved, even if Pete feels more like a cameo from someone that used to be in the series, and I love the shot at the end where Chloe, Pete and Lana are talking at the party. Even Martha and Jonathan have a little more meat in their dialogue. Things are happening, it doesn't feel like we're on autopilot at last. But why is it that a guy called Adam always pops up in these programmes, and is a bit creepy and annoying (see 'BUGS' and 'Dr. Who' for two examples)?

As a comeback episode and as an exciting story, and for totally unmasking the villainy of Lionel to the characters if they were in any doubt, that he is indeed a complete and dangerous villain, where before perhaps he seemed a charming rogue, and for ending on a scene worthy of the series, with pain and S1 style trauma, this is an episode that makes S3 worth seeing. If only there were more. Hopefully the first few episodes were an anomaly.

One note about the violence: maybe it's because the season has been so tepid, but it did seem more violent than we've seen in a long time. Maybe too much? Great opening, great ending, and a whole lot of fun in the middle. If fun is the right word for such trauma!

***

The Andorian Incident

DVD, Enterprise S1 (The Andorian Incident)

You could say it ends a little abruptly, but you get the idea that nothing more need be said: the Andorians are going to be happy, the Vulcans unhappy (oops, that's an emotion!), Archer a bit disgusted, and with a better knowledge of the Vulcan mind, just as he hoped, though not in the way he expected. It's another early episode you can't fault.

The writing is witty and sharp, most of the characters are well used - we see more of the over-cautious, but duty-bound Reed, Tucker as usual, with his funny little observations, quips and cheek, and T'Pol demonstrates her gradual acceptance of her Human co-workers (despite the lack of nasal numbing agent, another funny angle on the age-old Vulcan-Human relationship!).

Archer becomes more of a maverick, the characteristic you could most pin on him - you can't imagine the other captains handing over scans of an allies sensors, to an enemy that has beaten the stuffing out of him. We get to see his resourcefulness, curiosity, not to mention fighting ability.

Honours must be paid to the first appearance of Jeff Combs, making his way over from DS9. It's brilliant seeing all the pain he puts Archer through, knowing that they will become staunch allies over the course of the series. I'm still bitter that Season 5 never came about because he was planned to join the cast as a regular. Though he looks similar to Weyoun, in the way you can see the face, he continues to show his range, relaunching the Andorians for a modern audience, and continuing a tradition people have long wanted to see. And if you thought blue-skinned antennaed aliens were a bit too wacky, this episode changes your mind.

The beautiful setting (with detail right down to the Vulcan styled door hinges) is an example of the production team's craftmanship. Even the good old cave set gets another makeover, filled with dusty cobwebs and rotting corpses (doesn't seem the most logical place to leave the dead!). The characters continue to be enhanced, with good scenes such as Phlox and T'Pol's chat in the mess. And I love hearing them say things like 'Kohlinahr', 'Surak' and 'landing party'!

****

Tsunkatse

DVD, Voyager S6 (Tsunkatse)

Nothing wrong with this one! Whoever thought of combining Trek with wrestling was onto a winner, especially the masterstroke of having Seven as a combatant. Full of fun character scenes, coupled with pacy fight sequences, and a suitable coda between Tuvok and Seven, it doesn't lack for anything. Humour is ably imparted through the Doc and Neelix' shore leave talk, and the very feel of the crew able to relax (but they still where Starfleet uniform?). Even Janeway gets to go off and leave Chakotay in charge.

Good to see an early acting stint from The Rock, but he had to win that round, didn't he. We also get to see more of Seven's implants, in arm and wrist. The holographic showmanship and the neat twist at the last fight are also noteworthy.

The main thing beyond all this is the chance to see Jeffrey Combs and JG Hertzler together again, post-DS9. All that was missing was Marc Alaimo or Casey Biggs, and the first fighter bore a striking resemblance to Dukat! While Penk isn't given anywhere near the screen time of his other roles, Combs still manages to infuse a subtle new personality into his voice, and a pinsharp directness that his other characters never had. Demand a DS9 film starring Combs, Hertzler and all. Now.

****

Visitor

DVD, Smallville S2 (Visitor)

Not offensive in any way, the central idea is a pretty good one: a boy who may be one of Clark's own kind or not. But while it's not offensive, pretty much nothing exciting happens in the whole episode! No shocks, little emotive highs or lows... Okay, it makes a change for the freak to be a 'goodie' and not know that he's a freak-of-the-week until the end, but it's a kind of slow, quiet, gentle episode which feels strange for this series.

Where Season One would have made it feel-good (maybe taking the element of him 'staying behind' to save his enemy, to a stronger level), and where characters are still not sharing the connectedness of the earlier season. At least Lana and Clark are being comfortable in each other's presence, and there's a hint of the old days when Clark, Pete and Chloe would do stuff together, but in the end it's mostly Clark doing things with Cyrus. Even the music is more relaxed and not kinetic, laid back and mostly calm.

It does feel a little like treading water, as not much really happens, and the show's not called Waterboy. Having said all that, it's a great episode compared to S3!

**

A Private Little War

DVD, Star Trek S2 (A Private Little War)

Though it may not be as successful an episode as the last few, there's still a lot to discuss. The main thing is the rare feeling of depression - I was glad in a way that it ended on a more uncertain note than usual, instead of a jolly laugh round the Captain's chair, because the issues were too important to be laughed off. Kirk has condemned Tyree and his people to a vicious life of war, if only to preserve themselves. And while it's easy to rail against Kirk, as McCoy does, in the irony that the man who believes in the same ideals as they, must be the man they turn towards the path of violence, Kirk's words are true: now that the Klingons have begun the process he can only counterbalance the power by doing the same for the other side.

I didn't realise how much of a recurring storyline the Klingon threat was, in this season at least. They've often been referenced, mentioned in passing or been involved in nefarious activities to undermine the Federation. Though they cannot openly attack their enemy, the writers seemed to have been inspired by this plot constraint to make clever use of them, such as here where they are a surreptitious presence.

Though 'Enterprise' explained away the look of the Klingons, we've never found out how they have become so dishonourable and low as in episodes such as these!

Another rarity is having all three of the main characters injured - Spock, who's ragdoll fall is quite uncomfortable to watch, and really looks like he's in trouble; Kirk with the Mugatu bite, again a distressing sight to see the Captain writhing in pain; and even McCoy who gets shot in the arm at the end. I'd guess it was only a flesh wound, as he doesn't give it much attention after the initial impact.

Continuity is kept up in Spock's green blood on his uniform. The B-story, surprisingly, has the only lighter moments, with Chapel longingly holding Spock's hand and M'Benga informing her Spock knows all that is happening even though unconcious. Details on Vulcan anatomy are present - he would have died if his liver hadn't been where his heart should be. The slapping scene is another brilliant one!

Other details that fill in the backstory a little is that Kirk's first landing party was on this planet thirteen years ago, so he'd have been twenty-one!

What is really sad about this one is that Tyree has his life ruined. It is clever that he is the only one that knows that Kirk and others came from the stars (and perhaps this created his more enlightened attitude to violence), but that wife... Early on I thought it odd he should take his wife out hunting, but then you meet her and she's more dangerous than Tyree. I thought 'what a witch', when I saw her, then found she literally was! I have the feeling her witchery was all an act, and it was only the herblore that healed Kirk. I was actually satisfied she got her just desserts in the end, in a final act of treachery.

The Mugatu was another of the famous aliens from the original, and I think it held up reasonably well. It could move quickly, and looked fearsome (it must find lying down uncomfortable, which could explain it's bad temper), and did move quite inhumanly.

The device of having Spock out of the way gave McCoy a chance to be in the firing line. Where Spock would have got everything done and seen Nona's motives, McCoy is most interested in caring for Kirk.

Again Sulu is missing, and he's starting to be missed from the cast! It was refreshing to have the majority of the episode on the planet, and the vista was different enough to seem like another planet - all scrub and trees rather than rocks. And McCoy gets to show the old favourite trick of heating rocks with a phaser too. Maybe because of the sad events and lack of happiness, this episode doesn't seem as enjoyable as others.

**

Inquisition

DVD, DS9 S6 (Inquisition)

It was all fabrication, right up until the end. I was sure Sloan was going to appear at Bashir's bedside, but that must be another one.

Sloan, the character and Section 31, the organisation are fascinating entities, and another great addition to Trek lore from DS9. That an autonomous department could be created at the founding of the Federation and then work under it's own initiative for 200 years is a creepy, but brilliant concept. Sloan is in control all the time, of every word and gesture. He's like Gul Dukat without the neuroses, almost unstoppable, unflappable, able to manipulate every moment (I think my favourite is when he notes down Bashir's breakfast order, and says "Comin' right up" in fast food-like way, with that impish grin as if the choice is amusing and at the same moment is happy to be able to do something for the Doctor!). And the way he uses shady moments from Bashir's past is masterful. I wasn't sure what the business with the pen under the chair was, but I suppose it must have been their careful attention to detail. But then why did they leave Kukalaka knocked over, and the PADD's the wrong way up? Perhaps it was to confuse the Doctor even more, or show that he hadn't been taken to a holosuite...

The live gagh is effective like in TNG's 'Conspiracy', but those scones and jam... the Dominion really know how to cook!

This far into the series and they're still introducing such incredible, complex and fascinating characters as Sloan. And they clearly set it up for a sequel - you really want to know what's going to happen. The fault, if there is one, is the slightly hostile way the security team speak to him, as if they're baddies, but it all adds to the disorientation. And I love the way, it was all a deception to recruit him. Sloan says he needed to check the Doc out, but I think he was well-informed enough to know how loyal he was. You're never quite sure if he does everything to the best interests of the Federation, or whether he enjoys his work. But with Sloan everything is an act, it's all a lie, so what is left? Perhaps that answer will come...

*****

Journey To Babel

DVD, Star Trek S2 (Journey To Babel)

I believe this was the first time I'd seen this episode. First impression was that it was lavish - a squad of redshirts providing an honour guard for arriving dignitaries from Vulcan. We actually get to see into the shuttle bay! And we see them come right from the shuttle to the corridor. I do love that sequence!

The teaser is brilliant, when Spock answers Kirk that these are his parents! The rest of the episode can't quite live up to such an immense opening, but it's still a cut above most episodes, with so many important pieces being laid down in Trek lore. We get blue-skinned Andorians, Tellarites, there's gold-skinned midgets, even a purple woman in the background! We get to see an operation, green blood, Klingons mentioned, Romulans mentioned, the first Orion male seen (and probably only one until 'Enterprise'), albeit disguised as a varlet Andorian.

The only let-down is that we don't get to see the Orion ship. Continuity is kept up again with a short visit to planet Vulcan, and of course, the most important part is Sarek and Amanda's debut. Oddly, among all these exciting developments it was one obscure Vulcan word that gave me most cause to ponder: tal-shaya, the ancient art of execution. I wondered if the later Romulan Tal'Shiar secret service got it's name from this...

Mark Lenard is different enough from the Romulan Commander of S1 to be a different character, successfully furthering Vulcan heritage, which is no small thing after Nimoy's well-crafted portrayal against which all Vulcans were destined to be compared. There's even some sadness as Amanda relates how Spock was teased by other Vulcan children for being half-human, and humour at the Sehlat thing. McCoy gets to have the last word and provides one of the most amusing tags for the series.

The make-up was extraordinary, and makes you think all that stuff about them not having the time or money to do elaborate prosthetics was rubbish - here they create several races, the Andorians in particular looking a picture of alienness. The Tellarites too, which I thought looked a bit basic in pictures were very well done.

The downside was the missing people - Scotty and Sulu, but you can't have everything. I wonder if Takei was off making his John Wayne film at this time since he's been missing for several episodes in a row.

***

Avenger

DVD, Starsky & Hutch S4 (Avenger)

Now and again they would do a horror episode. Often these were a bit rubbish, with things like 'Vampire' or 'Quadromania', but unlike these 'Avenger' is realistic and actually scary. Maybe they should have explained schizophrenia, as I'm not sure how well known it was in those days.

It's a good episode, but there are some huge holes in it - you'd think the police would have made a thorough check of Monique's house after the first murder, and certainly after the second, and found the suit and hat! Likewise, how did the police get an illustration of 'Harry Ashford'? Presumably from Monique, so might they not have been a little suspicious at the time - Hutch eventually notices the resemblance between Harry and her so why wouldn't the police when she's sitting right in front of them giving an ident? And her sister says she's a brunette like her, but Monique has black hair under the wig. And she seems remarkably calm for someone who just had two murders happening in her house - and doesn't mind going back there! (You'd think it'd be a crime scene for a bit, too).

Monique was played by Joanna Cassidy who later played T'Pol's Mum in 'Enterprise'!

Look out for the aftermath in the conservatory, where Hutch helps Starsky to sit down and pushes his head back into a lampshade! Cassidy is terrifying as Harry, growling out that one word "You!" which is somehow very creepy - like a predator singling out it's prey, with great hate and bile, but child-like too, in a murderous simplistic rage. When she flips between the two it's even more disturbing.

***