Star Trek Nemesis

DVD, Star Trek Nemesis (film, 2002)

Seeing this before going to see the new film 'Star Trek' and knowing for certain this is the last of not only 'The Next Generation', but of the 'Star Trek' I grew up with. The last of the Berman Trek, the 24th Century and much of what I like about it. The important thing to say is that this is not a bad film, and I never considered it to be, but seeing it again I understand certain decisions and plot points better. Some things make more sense now, others I still feel are detrimental, but I see that the storyline makes sense. Before, it seemed like they were just moseying about in space, and pick up the positronic signal, but it's clear they were on their way to Betazed for that part of the wedding. The signal was exrememly rare so they allowed time to investigate.

The first problem I had with the film, after the lack of an introductory theme and the cast names coming up (but you can see that it was to be different and gets you straight to the action, only you lose a sense of a strong musical theme by doing that), was how short the wonderful wedding reception was cut - in the Berman commentary he says they had to fight director Baird over it, who wanted to lose it completely! I would have liked to hear the whole of Data's song, find out why/how Wesley was there, hear more from Guinan, etc, but we're whisked away from the delightful moment far too soon. Picard's speech is affecting though.

On Kolarus III we get a good action moment, well-directed, interesting visual colour style, but again, something I didn't like. I would have thought it much more likely they would have a hover vehicle than one with wheels, and for that matter, they could simply have flown along in the shuttle to pick up the positronic body parts! The scene is exciting, and Worf gets his only good line in the film ("very astute" at Data's obvious observation), and it makes sense that Shinzon would do this, knowing the route they would take, since he asked for the Enterprise to make come, so that side of it all works fine. It was always a bit dodgy to bring in another Soong android although technically we never knew how many were made. As Shinzon had been planning this for a while you can accept he must have put a lot of effort into finding this piece of his plan. Spiner does an excellent job (and the visual effects are expertly done) as B4, he is truly a great actor.

One big flaw is how close the Kolarans resemble the Remans, especially as we don't get much of a good look at them, so you're left wondering if they're involved. And it's not quite clear why they attacked or how they knew they were there. The sequence is good, but then the last shot looks fake where they drive off the cliff and the shuttle is too far away, but the Argo doesn't drop, and seems to defy gravity a bit, so it would have been better to have it closer to the edge.

One of the absolute highlights is Admiral Janeway's brief appearance, a total fan frenzy of delight! Then the Remans. I always imagined them as Romulans who lived on a separate world, but instead they're a bit too monster-ish. It's in the lore now so you accept it, but first time round it quashed what I had imagined. Tom Hardy made an effective teenager rebelling against a Father image, but all he needed was Picard DNA so really he should have had Picard kidnapped and that was it. I suppose he did have grand plans of Earth's destruction and Romulans under slavery to Remans, but that all fell by the wayside. The mirror concept added an extra layer, but some scenes felt like they dragged a little, such as Picard and Shinzon talking.

The film didn't have a strong enough visual character to it, the ships felt lightweight - witness the new warp effect, where the Enterprise doesn't stretch, it only speeds off with a twin puff of nacelle smoke, which looked plain wrong. The Scimitar is too often shown as a small shape on the screen, it's vastness not coming across well enough, especially in battle scenes. The Romulan ships were nice, but there was big disappointment because they set you up for thinking there's going to be a huge battle with Starfleet, to rival 'First Contact' or the Dominion battles in 'DS9', but they never get that far. Fair enough, there are some never before seen moments, such as the bridge blasting open and a crewman getting sucked out, or the ramming maneouvre, or Data leaping through space to get to the Scimitar (and sharing a last look of friendship with Geordi which was well suited, although not enough of the characters really came through, but that's not just a fault of this film).

The ending was always something difficult to come to terms with, because although it is heroic, it's so quick, and so 'set up' with the micro transporter prototype, B4 there to become Data, etc. And the grief wasn't given the time it needed, unlike in 'Star Trek II'. It was still very affecting, now that you know for sure these are the last screen moments for these characters. Since they haven't made a new film where B4 'becomes' Data, the death hasn't been taken away from, and it actually makes a nice, hopeful ending. Before I felt this should have been the end of the Enterprise-E, rather than it getting repaired, and maybe Picard to return to Earth for a while before the F was built? Now, it seems fine.

I think the biggest disappointment was the use of character. This is Worf's first post-'DS9' appearance, yet there's no evidence of the place that series left him in, and he's not well used in the film. Data, Picard, Riker and Troi are all used fairly well, though the emotion chip is not mentioned and it's not made clear if it's in use or not. Data has almost taken a backwards step away from 'humanity' although he does sacrifice himself. Riker and Troi would still appear two years later, although that was in the past, timeline-wise, but for the others this was their last shout. At least Crusher gets the scene in Picard's quarters (with that photo of Hardy which didn't look like Picard! And in 'Tapestry', an episode showing the past, he had hair!). Geordi too doesn't get any really good scene, but that's the same for most of the characters in most of the films.

It's a shame this director's version, or special edition only extends to having more extras rather than altering the film. I agree with the makers that it's a better film than it's given credit for, but certain things make it less than it could be, when it's striving to be more than it is. Perhaps it feels too much like a mould (again Picard is leaping around at the end, one on one with the villain). The weight is off - the weapons feel like peashooters, the ships feel light as mentioned before, the inside sets are too familiar (seeming very grey - the colour palette of the film in general is too dull) with less new parts of the E (although the Romulan senate is magnificent), and there are creative differences between what they chose and what I'd have liked, but I do appreciate it more now that it closes out the 'Star Trek' period I liked best.

***

Time and Again

DVD, Voyager S1 (Time and Again)

Another story involving time travel? I'll take it. But of course the episode never actually happened... This has always been one of the episodes I thought well of, as it's still using all the crewmembers well, in equal measure, the Doctor especially gets a very good scene with Kes' brain, and the strange situation is exploited fully. The result is a good sci-fi staple - they were the instigators of the accident in trying to stop it, and there are some good pieces of action.

It's refreshing to have projectile weapons in a Trek, and these have a nice whizzy zap sound too! Paris comes across a bit loose as he tries to get Harry to double date, with first mention of the good old Delaney sisters, but he also plays hero by taking a bullet meant for the alien boy. Neelix gets to be a little more serious as Kes' mental abilities show themselves, although I would guess the crew are still unaware of them since the episode resets itself, in a pleasing, non-reset button way, only Kes with the ghost of a memory to know anything had happened. Good to have a happy ending.

The child did a good job as did the main guy who holds them hostage, who came across as a believeable leader. Nice effects with the subspace beam, and sets with the power station areas. So a lot of plus-es then. Maybe there was still too much tech talk, and the impact can be lost a little when you know what's coming, but Janeway came across well, as a hero and someone who can talk out of trouble, like the best captains always did.

***

The Bourne Ultimatum

DVD, The Bourne Ultimatum (film, 2007)

When I first watched this I wasn't expecting too much from this, just more of the same, but I like it just a little more than Supremacy and just maybe behind Identity, but it's a close call! The stunts, the chases, fights, were slightly better and more visually impressive. It's really good to have Nicki back, and although she seemed to want to get to know Bourne better (and opens up a fascinating backstory between them in a single line!) and he just wanted rid of her, they went well together and she'd have only ended up dead. It's a relief they didn't go down the usual route.

The ending is brilliant where she hears how he's fallen from a building, and then smiles when she hears his body was never found and then it cuts to the floating Bourne who starts swimming. Brilliant, the best ending, and brings the trilogy full circle as it started with Bourne floating in water. It's good to have David Strathairn as a baddie, and I noticed Corey Johnson ('Dr. Who') and Mark Bazely (who was very briefly in it as a guy the journalist speaks to at his office, apparently called Betancourt) - he was Vigo in 'BUGS'. So a pleasant surprise after the miniscule disappointment that Supremacy wasn't 'amazing'.

I didn't realise it was Albert Finney as the Dr until the credits! I would certainly go and see a Bourne film at the cinema. The bit I saw from a trailer or clip once was in this where he leaps across a gap towards a window and that was the short moment that made me think 'ooh, that looks good,' before I knew anything about any of the films. And it, and they, were. Perhaps not quite as good in general as the M:I films and slightly lesser than 'Casino Royale'. On a par with M:I3 I'd say. But I preferred the more 'distant' sounding end song of the first two films, though I can see the thinking in having the upbeat version to suit the ending.

It takes what was good in the second film and improves on it, has the perfect ending and Bourne doesn't make the same mistake twice, by allowing himself to fall for Nicki, and instead sends her away rather than bring death on her as happened to Marie. The attraction of these films is their realism. Bourne doesn't do things that is beyond human capability, so you appreciate the superb moments he's running round his enemies by using simple means in ingenious ways. The tagline 'Remember Everything, Forgive Nothing' was in no way representative of the film, because he doesn't kill for revenge and actually only kills when his life or other's is in danger, and only then when he has to. He doesn't remember everything (Nicky and his past for example) either, so lose the tag!

And there are so many parallels to the previous films, and even references back (same speech 'look at what they make you give', Nicky looks like Marie, cutting hair, meeting in roadside restaurant, and other things). One or two odd bits now I've seen it three times (a minor mistake - Neal Daniels on the screens, Neil on paper, later!), such as Nicky popping up out of nowhere and not sure why! There was something else too, but can't remember. But a thrilling, fast ride that really doesn't have slow periods because due to the music and camera style you always feel like you're moving. When the fourth does come, it will be with trepidation I'll see it, because this ends so well. But the key thing is, I'll still go and see it.

***

Emergence

DVD, TNG S7 (Emergence)

There's a trend towards the end of a Star Trek series, that often some of those final episodes are a bit weak, and this episode continues the trend. It's like they're just waiting for the series to finish, which in this case was probably true since the studio was anxious for them to get the film careers of the ground.

So the story was a reasonably good concept, but the characters seemed a bit slow since I'd never seen this before, yet I quickly realised it must be the ship either communicating for some reason or doing something else (such as creating an intelligence). But our crew take so long to work out what's going on, with such drawn out conversations that it takes away from any impetus that might get going. Feels like so much more could have been done - on DS9 or Voyager I'm sure the concept has been approached more kinetically, with a lot less slow piecing together.

The crew are all utilised, so that's a bonus, but you wonder if the writers are too tired to come up with snappy dialogue or character scenes, anything to make it more than a dull mystery, with a little bit of surrealism. It's that difficult third to last episode.

**

Himalaya (Leaping Tiger Naked Nagas)

DVD, Himalaya (Leaping Tiger Naked Nagas)

Another so-so episode, but still full of visual splendour and colourful characters. Made a change to have some Christianity in there, even if it was blink and you'll miss it! Interesting stories, but not as funny or affecting. More information presentation than personal stories, I feel.

**

Parallax

DVD, Voyager S1 (Parallax)

It's hard to follow such a strong pilot episode, and I've always considered this as a rather average installment, but watching it now, I notice the nuances, the subtlety of looks between characters, of setting up little things, or paying them off from the pilot. Chakotay has the bridge at one point and looks none too favourably at Paris, he and Tuvok have a bit of a disagreement, and indeed the episode begins with a lot of anger, resentment and harshness (for Star Trek) between people. The Maquis and Starfleet personnel are still simmering on a light heat, ready to stage a mutiny at the drop of Chakotay's hand. Only, he's committed 100% to Janeway, even though he keeps pushing for 'his' people as he thinks of them.

People often moan that the Maquis situation was resolved by the end of 'Caretaker', but there's plenty of mileage used of it here. All the characters come across well, seen in this 'bottle show' doing their jobs, integrating themselves into viewer's minds, ready for more daring stories to come. Perhaps, in fact for certain, there was too much techy talk for a first proper episode. But it does follow on from the last one, which was more action and story. From that to character and science makes for variety.

Neelix and Kes could have been more in evidence, but their scenes were enjoyable (notice the suspicious look Neelix gives Tom when he offers his seat to Kes - the best glance in the episode goes to Janeway after the briefing where she and Torres have hit if off when their minds think alike. Chakotay throws a look back before he exits and Janeway gives him a satisfied smile, as if Torres is on the right track), and Kes shows her outlook by treating the Doctor as an equal.

There's a surprising amount of goodness too, with Torres realising there were some at the Academy that were sad to see her leave. And that wonderful show of graciousness as Carey (in his second appearance - he popped up briefly in the pilot) accepts B'Elanna's new role as Chief Engineer. What makes that scene even better is that it pans up to Janeway, watching as amnesty is reached between the rivals, symbolising Starfleet and Maquis, and Chakotay finds her well contented. Also noteworthy are the beautiful shots of Voyager, fresh and sleek. And Seska's introduction as a quick to rebellion Maquis.

***

Targets Without a Badge, part II

DVD, Starsky & Hutch S4 (Targets Without a Badge, part II)

It's not much of a second part, because it feels more like a separate episode. New characters, new storyline... the only thing the same is that they aren't policemen now, and have no authority, which does make for an interesting slant on the familiar. There are also some fun scenes in the first half as they get up to the usual tricks, but the episode as a whole isn't particularly exciting, and certainly doesn't live up to the promise of the previous episode's ending. You expect them to be under attack every five minutes or something.

There were at least two familiar faces, maybe more: the man in glasses who arranges interviews has been in it as a different (but identical) character, possibly in 'The Plague' two-parter, and the dark-haired assassin has been in it loads of times, as minor criminals, or more often as Starsky's stunt double (and most memorably as the younger brother in the 'Murder At Sea' two-parter). Nice to see Richard Herd as an FBI man - he later played Paris' Father in 'Voyager'.

**

Targets Without a Badge, part I

DVD, Starsky & Hutch S4 (Targets Without a Badge, part I)

Rigger signed his own death warrant. Not by taking the straight and narrow path and daring to stand up, but by the way he was made such a nice guy, the way he's introduced, jammin' on the drums in the open air at friend Huggy's suggestion, to having a dark room hobby, a pleasant wife and little girl. And for this guy to be up against Judge McClellan (the same guy that played the baddie in 'Class in Crime' I believe), a silky smooth operator, with contacts everywhere and something on everyone, the scales were going to be one-sided.

It did feel a little drawn out, a sign of a two-parter, or in this case, the series' first and only three-parter, with glamourous stock footage of the Vegas casinos. There are things that make it dramatically different however: Huggy's anger, the dramatic explosion and assassination (though Hutch's spider sense should really have been tingling at that guy in the white Chevrolet pickup, bald head and silver jacket!), and the symbolic action of throwing their badges into the sea. But it ends on a high with the cops unemployed and targets... without a badge. The title does kind of give it away. Whether there's enough story to carry across three episodes is debatable, but this was not a bad start.

**

Huggy Can't Go Home

DVD, Starsky & Hutch S4 (Huggy Can't Go Home)

You can see some definite improvement on David Soul's direction of this episode. He's starting to show that he realises the directing, for the most part, should be invisible, and concentrates more on telling the story. Paul Michael Glaser had continued to create 'visual artistry' rather than the kind of grounded, solid storytelling on show here. It also showed more that Hutch was as involved as Starsky in the episode, where sometimes they've kept the focus on the other actor so he can concentrate on directing. It helps that we finally get another Huggy episode, the first episode focused on him as the lead since 'Huggy Bear and The Turkey', and that was done with pilot potential in mind. Putting him at odds with his police pals makes for good drama, although the repercussions are glossed over, and they're back to laughing together at the end.

It's a shame no arcs were brought in, or characters actions returning to give some continuity. Even so this does stand out as different, with an original song playing over scenes of Huggy walking through his old neighbourhood, which is very effective in setting the mood. It's quite strange to see the Bear out on the street again, playing detective, but also heavy. Shocking to see him threaten Big Red so violently. But it shows his loyalty, and JT was another really good character that should have come back.

Just for trivia sake: I noticed the sign on the door of the cafe said closed on both sides when a character walks out near the beginning.

***

The Roof of The World

DVD, Himalaya (The Roof of The World)

Not as interesting as the other episodes. I was disappointed that he didn't go further on Everest as it seemed was about to happen at the end of the last episode. Still, his personality came to the fore more this time, and the best part was probably when he stayed with a nomad family. There was still plenty of visual splendour such as the palace up high and the flags flapping in the wind, but it does seem like a bit of a stopgap, a rest or a lull in the journey a little bit.

**

Profit and Lace

DVD, DS9 S6 (Profit and Lace)

After the magnificent 'Magnificent Ferengi', the next episode dedicated to the Ferengi extended family was going to have a hard time living up to it. Being in the shadow of that episode didn't help, nor did the slightly iffy subject matter. It's testament to the recurring actors that the episode holds up as, if not a great episode, at least a good one. In some ways it's got some good messages with Quark coming to realise (to an extent) that it's not easy being female and that equal rights are no bad thing - quite a step for an avowed Ferengi male, who lives by exploiting the fairer sex. I'm not quite sure where his ears went when he became female with the smaller lobes, but at least he got them back by the end.

All the Ferengi characters get nice scenes, with Zek and Ishka, a pleasure as usual, and Brunt swanning around, majestically trying to spread discord. He even gets a Hupyrian servant! Nog, Rom and Leeta join in the fun too, but I think the episode isn't as funny as it might have been. Quark's trials as a woman come quite late in to the story, so it might have been interesting to see him go round the station interacting with the regular crew. They are not much in evidence, with O'Brien not in it at all for a second episode in a row. Odo at least gets that hug at the end which was a nice moment.

There are still some chuckles to be had, such as the blase way they all say the Sluggo-cola slogan and when Nilva chases poor Quark round his quarters, thinking he's a female (Nilva was a good new character, brandishing Sluggo-cola bottles at every opportunity!). The social ramifications have begun to show, leading to the end of the series, it shows DS9 dared to even change well known races.

Quark still has vices, and it seemed a bit odd to see him doing what he was to that Dabo girl at the beginning, since we've seen him do so much good over time, and this seemed like something he would have done back in the first couple of seasons. So the episode isn't always comfortable viewing, but there is enough zany family goings-on to ensure it stays at least an enjoyable Ferengi episode. And it's nice they can make a pun out of an earlier Quark episode, this late in the series.

***

Caretaker

DVD, Voyager S1 (Caretaker)

It's known as the strongest pilot episode of all the Trek's, and while 'Broken Bow' is close, I think this still has that little bit more. Could be something to do with the mangnitude of what occurs, self-sacrifice, a meeting of two captain's minds, and a solid presence of the ongoing universe we know so well, and the start of an epic journey, that will take the crew through so much. That's the series as a whole, and focusing on just this episode.

The characters are so well set up. Chakotay comes across as one of the best people. He is a strong hands-on captain, he can accept changes in circumstances humbly. He blocks his crewmans angry stride towards Tuvok when the Vulcan reveals himself as a spy. It's in his body language when they go to the Caretaker. He is the one that sits and tries to put what appears an old man at ease. He sacrifices his ship because it's necessary for Voyager to survive. He accepts Janeway's authority as his Captain.

Most of the other characters are really well introduced too. Tuvok shows his Vulcan heritage in his logical statements, though even here he feels the Prime Directive is in effect and it would be correct for them to use the array to return home. But Janeway feels the responsibility of the Caretaker's last wishes hang heavily on her. It would have been interesting if they had stuck around for a while to find out what happened to the Ocampa and Kazon, like Bajor on DS9. But this series' boon or USP is also it's flaw in equal measure. They are doomed to forever move on.

The visual variety and expanse of the world that has been created is still impressive today. There are so many extras and sets, varied locales and detailed make-ups. The effects are also very well done, and as for the title sequence... It never needed to change because it was so perfect, the best theme music and a superb collection of images. Kes is the only character to feel a little unfinished. We don't learn much about her, the focus more on her race.

The ship shows even more ideas to bring it up to being the newest ship in the fleet, with EMH, gel packs and high warp capability while not damaging the fabric of space. There is horror (the needles; the farm folks turning nasty), humour (Neelix, and Tuvok's reaction to him), sadness (at losing contact with the families, most poignantly for Janeway; the Caretaker's death) and exciting action (rescues and ship battles; beaming out of a ship as it torpedoes into another!), diverse sets (the stairwell; the ship itself; the surface of Ocampa) and the host of new characters to explore. You couldn't ask for much more than what's delivered. A very satisfying meal of adventure indeed - almost perfect.

*****

Swallows and Amazons

TV, Swallows and Amazons (film, 1974)

Add an extra star if you're under eleven, as this is a child's dream. It's like the Famous Five, where they go off and have a jolly exciting time camping on an island. It's set in 1929, but you have to say that child acting has come along a bit since the 70's as they are a little too unreal, especially Roger who keeps saying stupid things. You can't imagine children these days having the knowledge to survive with parents (or TV!), knowing sea knots, cooking skills and camping! Fun, but a bit inconsequential, and I remembered it as a bit more exciting when I watched it as a child on a Bank Holiday.

**

Valiant

DVD, DS9 S6 (Valiant)

Another part of DS9 is laid to rest. I'm kind of glad they dealt with Red Squad again, and showed it up as the misguided conceit it was. I forgot that almost all of them get killed. It was a huge relief when you first get back to that Defiant bridge with proper, seasoned officers, grey in their hair, and experience in their eyes! Red Squad was a great idea, and you can't judge the crew too harshly as they were behind enemy lines without guidance, but you don't warm to them, you see the single-minded determination, but it's misguided, more about personal glory than doing the necessary job. If they'd gone back to the Federation with the battleship scans, they'd have been lauded and rightly so, but they chose to believe they were better than anyone else. That arrogance caused their destruction. Partly to blame must be Starfleet itself for allowing them to think that way, in an experiment. The price was paid.

While Watters could make speeches, he didn't care enough for his crew. A Starfleet Captain would have reassured the emotional crewmember, bolstering her confidence in herself and her superior, but he just gets annoyed. He operates on a whim, promoting or incarcerating as he sees fit. And he didn't see fit, the burden he imposed on himself driving him to drugs. It's a really sad story, and a rare example of a Starfleet horror story. The good things about the episode are the excellent battle scenes, and particularly the Valiant/Defiant as we get to see more of it, such as brig, ready room, sickbay, and especially the escape pods ejecting (though it did seem amazing that only the one with Jake and Nog escaped!).

Jake and Nog stories have moved on a long way from the fun little mischiefs of old. But this time it's Nog's own shortsightedness that causes him to miss what Jake sees all along. But there's no satisfaction in being right this time. It does seem a little unlikely that the pair would be allowed a Runabout to go swanning off in the middle of war, but I suppose they were a safe distance inside safe space when attacked. The other cast members are effectively kept in the viewers minds with cameos, and it's good that they're still willing to do things like this - in Voyager you can't imagine a later episode that doesn't involve the Captain or main cast much. Good to have a familiar face from Red Squad in Shepard, too. Maybe not one of the best stories from a Jake and Nog perspective, but still a great story, with brilliant effects.

****

Annapurna To Everest

DVD, Himalaya (Annapurna To Everest)

Best episode of the series. You see the real dangers of travel in these areas when Maoists kidnap their hosts, later releasing them, but showing that these things can happen when you're in an alien country. He also has to go through some of the hardest moments of any of his journeys as he climbs ever higher, affected by the altitude sickness. But he perseveres and remains cheerful. His attitude is that he hopes he proves the experts wrong, and climbing is good for you when you're ill after all! It's quite inspiring to see him carry on. He is helped by the dazzling vistas of the highest peaks on Earth, cloud-whipped, amazing shots.

There is also humour, such as drinking with some guides and mentioning how they say 'bottoms up' in the Sahara, a reference to the previous journey! The sights and experiences, especially focused on Michael are more intense and beautiful, and the widescreen aspect really brings that out even more. There is surprising stuff too, such as open air cremations where an actual dead person is alight, while monkeys have to be kept at bay. A great watch, this episode, and much like the earlier, classic adventures in going where no Palin has been before, seen before and survived before. And more of Everest is coming up.

****

Autokill

DVD, The Champions (Autokill)

And so another series ends. It's so good to see it go out on a high, with one of the better episodes they made. All the characters are involved in the action, even Tremayne, who becomes a pawn, sent to spread discord in a plot to attack the very heart of Nemesis itself. The motivations of the villains for doing this are never made clear, though you could come up with all kinds of backstory for the big guy, a vast and horrible man, who uncharacteristically for the series has a moment of reality shone on his villainy as his accomplice idly wonders what kind of a childhood had driven him to be the person he was, and he almost loses his temper in response.

Paul Eddington is brilliant as the fastidious, but charming accomplice, who seems to enjoy the scheme more for the chance to act out a character and dress in fine clothes, than for any hatred. Perhaps the main guy had experienced what he brainwashed his victims into believing - a brother and Father killed by Nemesis? It's amazing they did so few episodes focused on the organisation, as this and 'The Interrogation' are among the best they made. It really expands the characters and reality when we find out more about their HQ and operations at home. Perhaps the episode was conceived as a budget saving exercise. If so, I wish they'd saved more, earlier in the season so we could have more like this!

The violence is ramped up, with an exciting 'Matrix-for-the-sixties' fight in the corridors of Nemesis, as a man driven by a fictitious, brainwashed hate, kills a colleague and fights off several staff members at once, needing about five to eventually restrain him. This sets up the anticipation for Richard and Craig's big fight at the end. It's something you can't help wondering right from the beginning of the series - who would win in a fight between them. The answer seems to be Craig, although the odds weren't even as Richard was on drugs, and Sharon was assisting too. One of my favourite scenes is the dismay with which Craig punches his friend out cold, then catches him and holds him before he can fall. The only negative aspect of the fight is the obvious replacment of Sharon with a stuntwoman, but it's still hilarious when she chucks the huge villain over a table like bowling ball! It's surprising to see blood so evident, too.

At least Tremayne didn't die, perhaps they were still hoping to come back for a second year as they made this final episode, but sadly it never happened. Instead ITC made a new series, about two men (an English guy and an American) and a woman, all agents for a secret organisation... That was 'Department S' and from the few episodes I've seen was not a patch on 'The Champions'. If only they'd brought back this series instead. I'm surprised a modern remake has never materalised as I'd have thought it would be the perfect combination of superheroics, agents and adventure TV for Saturday nights. Like 'BUGS' all the best ideas get left behind.

***

The Godiva Affair

DVD, Dad's Army S7 (The Godiva Affair)

One of the best remembered episodes, with Mrs. Mainwaring finally revealed to the whole town, though thankfully not the audience. A lot of gags work well in this one, especially the morris dancing and Mrs. Fox's misunderstanding of Captain Mainwaring's intentions when they meet 'secretly' at the Marigold tearooms... with half the platoon looking on.

Ian Lavender almost breaks into laughter during one scene in which he tells the Captain he's informed his wife that he's too busy to answer her call because he's having tea with Mrs. Fox! Wilson is also good in this one, before his illness drained him away, but Cheeseman doesn't feature much for a new character. Pike's impression of the Town Clerk's pronunciation of 'fleshings' is also very funny. And of course the ending is very familiar, as Mainwaring collapses in the shock of his life!

***

A Passage To India

DVD, Himalaya (A Passage To India)

Perhaps the most interesting episode of the series, thanks to the surreal interview with the Dalai Lama where he discusses such things as his dietary relief and knowing Michael Palin's face from his other journeys - a big fan of the BBC! The episode has other fascinating moments too, with a visit to the Sikh Golden Temple where they make thousands of meals a day, to the dramatic border ceremony between the Indian and Pakistan soldiers, more stamping than marching. And don't forget the mix up over his name when appearing on the stage of the Gaiety Theatre. First it's Michael Pallin, then it's Michael Plain! And we get the first taste of what is to come with views of K2 and the surrounding peaks.

The photography is impressive as usual (Nigel gets his little moment of glory when he's offered some food from the Michael), I especially liked the rainy shots of the lake they stayed round on house boats, with a plant bouncing a single drop around it's leaf, standing out.

This feels a lot more like the older series, with completely new places, people and the fascination of customs and events. Though just when I was beginning to think the Sikh's had pretty ordinary ways they then reveal the putting to bed of their holy book... A good continuation of the journey and they haven't even got to the mountains yet.

***

Close Encounters of The Third Kind

TV, Close Encounters of The Third Kind (film, 1977)

You can't really be someone who loves sci-fi and not watch the classics. I didn't expect too much from this, being an older film, but I liked it less than I would have suspected. It was mostly for the uninteresting characters that I didn't care about, and the looooooong drawn out journey to the conclusion, which kind of ended like a damp squib. No doubting the impressive effects, but for me this was too dull and slow and didn't get anywhere.

*

Child's Play

DVD, Voyager S6 (Child's Play)

Seven goes all mother hen on the Borg children, quite a change from her initial discomfort with the role. The story is quite a shocking one; discovering your existence was simply to be a weapon, that your life was created to end, is horrifying, but somehow I don't think it came across as powerfully as it should and this lessens the impact of the revelation.

I always hoped Voyager would increase continuity, but I never really warmed to the Borg children as it made the ship seem a bit like a creche. Icheb was hard to like in many ways too, being a bit staid, and personality-less in some ways. Also these sorts of episodes take away from the main characters, without a strong enough secondary world, so successfully crafted on DS9. There were some really nice effects however, such as the escape from the Borg sphere, but again this takes away from the threat of the Borg, another example of an easy getaway, albeit inspired. The colony on the planet made a really good visual contrast too, with stark outdoor lighting making every detail stand out, right down to Tuvok's ears! There are nice scenes, such as Mezoti waking Seven up from her regeneration station, but I think Icheb's parents weren't quite as strong characters as was needed.

**

Exodus

DVD, Smallville S2 (Exodus)

It doesn't fill you with a pleasant 'oh no!' like the previous season ender did, but a strained kind of 'dohhhhhh nooooo...' feeling of slight disgust and a bit of disappointment that they could end the season this way. The addition of Lex's mystery of a plane heading for a crash with all onboard disappeared is much more interesting, but for me the overall feel of this episode was of depression, sadness, grief, without the fine emotional attachment inherent in the better episodes of the series.

The first time round it almost made me turn off for good. Indeed, knowing the ending would be Clark driving off stupidly with a red ring on, capped a disappointing season for me that ditched much of the promise and feel of S1. I went on to to watch some of S3, but I couldn't stomach the way the series had changed and gave up for good on it, only becoming interested again when I had bought the S1 DVD and got excited about it all again. Now and again I caught an episode or an excerpt that showed the characters changing, new characters, and different places, but only to confirm my impressions - that 'Smallville' had turned into pretty much a teen soap with sci-fi elements as I first thought it would be.

But this episode... It makes you mad, and not in a good way. More like 'Crush' in S1. The characters are all upset with each other, Chloe goes down the dark path, the baby is lost (that seemed a bit of a set up for me. You kind of knew something like that would happen - a baby could change the dynamic of the series too much. So it was a bit of a let down they chose to do that).

The good points of the episode just about keep it up: there's a fine sense of tension, not a patch on, but reminiscent of 'Tempest', there's some heartwarming scenes with Lex as once again he chooses the right, admitting his crime to Helen, shaking hands with Jonathan. And there's a very satisfying glimpse of Lionel letting his guard down for once - his rage at finding the Kryptonite key gone. Reminds me of Smith in the Matrix films.

It's generally the soapy moments that let the side down,  also there not being a strong central story. It feels like all B-plots somehow. I can see they've tried to recreate 'Tempest' in structure, but it's nowhere near as effective. Pete suffers - he's suddenly (in the last couple of episodes) involved in important scenes trying to help Clark, but because he's been almost a recurring character (Helen has had more screentime!), there's less attachment and it's hard to accept him as easily, because he's become a little distant. The writers really dropped the ball on that character.

So the story is a little hard to swallow, and while it may be realistic for Clark doing two wrongs and still not making a right, it's not as effective a storyline. The problem is created by Clark rather than being something he's caught up in or has to react to. And it doesn't look quite right seeing Lana and Clark together as they are. You can see it's not going to last... And I'm not even going to start on the whole speaking to Chloe troubles. Grrr! A patchy finish to a patchy season, though one that wasn't as bad as I remembered.

***

The Matrix Reloaded

DVD, The Matrix Reloaded (film, 2003)

It's got big problems, mainly from spewing out all kinds of philosophy and ideas, introducing a huge cast of characters none too effectively, and for making us wait for the action with longish talky scenes in between. If the first film was an almost perfect balance, and the third is geared towards the character and narrative side, this film definitely fills in for the superb action side of things, with escalating fight scenes and excellent car chases. It likes to think it's clever but really we just want to see the action!

There are moments that could have been better (in some of the fights you don't get the sensation the blows are heavy, more like a light tapping) and that one with all the Smith's is ridiculously funny and entertaining, rather than gripping. But it's a good film and it was an almost impossible job to follow the first classic, so it's faults are often a point of trying too hard to live up to that.

***

Ninety Pounds of Trouble

DVD, Starsky & Hutch S4 (Ninety Pounds of Trouble)

Somehow this time I enjoyed it a lot more! Better than expected. All the times they've reused actors in different roles, and then they bring back Joey and recast her! Mrs. Carston, her Mum, also returns, and Minnie too. Enough story to hold the interest and make you wonder what's going to happen next, and a funny tag scene at the end, make it more enjoyable than some, but maybe there could have been more on the action front?

**

The Gun-Runners

DVD, The Champions (The Gun-Runners)

Although there are quite a few moments that seem slow, this episode has enough details and smoothness to make it better than the last few. The three of them are integrated better, their powers are used in fun ways, and they jet off to various places, as they used to do, rather than focusing on one location. There seemed to be a good budget, with some nice back-projection, elaborate sets, even little touches like the live Chimp scampering across the floor show attention has been paid.

Okay so you can point out certain things that might be inconsistencies - wouldn't the daughter of the police leader who died, have recognised the police traitor when she was brought back to the station? But then you realise he stayed in a separate room there. Another might be the bit where the police chief allows Craig to use his office to talk to the traitor, and surreptitiously switches the intercom on so he can hear what happens. Craig unmasks the traitor, but uses him to set up a meeting with Hartington. So why did the chief listen in and what did he say afterwards? Probably something along the lines of 'so, that guy's a traitor, and you're using him to get to Hartington, eh?'

There are some classic powers used, such as the cup-throwing contest, and the tray throwing done by Sharon. She was well used this time, and had one of the best intro's where she physically pulls her mini out of a blocked parking area with one hand. That was one of the bits I always remembered from when I saw it as a child. One of the most memorable bits was the police sitting in a car in the rain, for some reason. There were a lot of little touches like this, for example the faulty ceiling fan, and generally the outdoor sections looked impressive. At least the series was ending on a high with one episode to go. Not sure why the barman from the King’s Head in ‘The Night People’ had changed his name to Filmer and become a baddie pilot guy!

***

Birds of a Feather

DVD, Starsky & Hutch S4 (Birds of a Feather)

Martin Kove (Jimmy Lucas) was the bad guy in the Karate Kid films, I think. Minnie pops up again, albeit briefly. And it's another good police mate that gets into trouble and turns bad. At least it had a slightly happier ending than the last one, but it's still a theme that is depressingly familiar. Do they have any old friends who are just straight good guys?

There were some good fight scenes, but I don't think the episode held up all that well as a story. It's not a bad one, but it doesn't have enough humour (because it's a serious story), or tension, which it should have. At least Huggy and Dobey are in it a bit. Was it my imagination, or does Reuben call his secretary Chloe the first time we see her, and Gloria the rest of the time?

**

Himalaya (North By Northwest)

DVD, Himalaya (North by Northwest)

A good start to another (arguably the last great one) Michael Palin documentary. Filmed in 2003 and released on BBC One in 2004, this proved one of the hardest journeys for the ageing presenter, who was sixty at this time! There's plenty to enjoy in this first episode, with beautiful widescreen photography that puts, for example, his last series 'Sahara' in the shade. In that you had less variety of visuals, but here we see amazing mountain peaks, winding and treacherous roads, towns, camps and grass.

The gun shop was interesting, particularly the James Bond bullet-firing pen, although the scene where they walk through a street and someone fires a gun off behind them looked staged. For me the bull races were the most interesting aspect of this episode, with amazing shots in slow motion, and the exciting moment when a pair of bulls ran towards the camera! And the build up and showing of the big Polo match makes the sport seem positively thrilling!

***

Ashes To Ashes

DVD, Voyager S6 (Ashes To Ashes)

They missed a great opportunity here, to bring back a minor or recurring character from earlier in the series. Doing that would have given more weight to the story, and perhaps it could have been a classic. As it stands, the episode remains enjoyable thanks to Lyndsey being a good character - someone you'd remember if you'd seen her. That's the only flaw with it, that the story rests on her being a cremember from the past, yet we've never seen her and so all this stuff with Harry comes out of the blue. How he admired her since his Academy days... what about Libby? Or did they forget her. It further puts Harry through it again, he's becoming as put upon as O'Brien!

It's a shame this is a Harry episode in a way because it comes across as another episode focused on his character that isn't particularly special and there aren't many he gets. I wonder why the UT didn't translate Ballard's Kobali speech? I think this episode marks the introduction of Kadis-Kott.

The B-story with Seven overseeing the Borg children was quite fun, and they haven't become annoying yet, but Naomi didn't get much of a look in. It was quite surreal having Janeway make peanut butter and jam sandwiches - another pot roast bites the dust! I thought there might be a dark ulterior motive to Ballard's coming, but I suppose she didn't need it, though her realisation she didn't belong was a bit truncated. So a good episode, that could have been better. Typical Season 6.

The Doc won best line for his comment about 'hair being his speciality... despite appearances'!

***

Ballad For a Blue Lady

DVD, Starsky & Hutch S4 (Ballad For a Blue Lady)

As soon as you see it's directed by Paul Michael Glaser you know it's going to be morose and slow in an arty kind of way. And it was. Too much lingering camerwork, and wacky angles. Not that that's bad in itself, but it doesn't fit with the series' style and feels radically different to the other episodes.

The story was the same old 'one of them falls for some dodgy lady' thing. I thought the guy that played her brother Harry was a standout performance, really nailing that worried tightrope of knowing where he was and having faint hope things would improve Unfortunate he shared the name of the serial killer from earlier in the season though.

Fun to have Malachi Throne as the baddie (he'd been a Commodore in 'Star Trek'), and Huggy had a good little scene jogging along with Starsky in the car, but that end sequence... straight from a sad death scene to the two cops in a funny tag. It had no bearing on the story and seemed a little out of place. No mention of Mary-Anne or the fate of Fitch.

**

Calling

DVD, Smallville S2 (Calling)

I'm glad it didn't end with Chloe walking away, sad, but with the exciting cliffhanger. A proper two-parter at last? There's a lot happening here, as a whole, despite the slightly overmuch soap stuff. I didn't expect Dr. Walden to come back, and he gives a different challenge to the meteorite-infectees of old, although of course he is neatly tied up. Lionel shows once again his truly evil self, Chloe her truly loyal friendship and yet he was closer than he knew perhaps, and the price of her friendship is deep sadness. That aspect of it is so sad.

Pete walks in for his one and only scene (which was a funny one), but he felt like a stranger almost, it's so rare to have him in the series, it seems. Definitely an underused character. And I was surprised that Lex really had been the one to have stolen the vial of blood. It shows he is actively, if not against the Kent's, not willing to miss the revelations about Clark, by now he must have a fairly rounded picture of Clark's secret. Like Chloe I think he feels that once again, even the most trustworthy of people are not to be fully trusted. He only truly has himself. And that's very sad, but at the same time comes from his own choices. Chloe could choose to give up all hopes of love from Clark, and Lex could give up all claim to knowledge. Yet he must now compete on his Father's terms in his eyes, deceit becoming his friend, lies his shield as others have to him. For the first time he lies like his Father - calmly, coolly, to his bride to be, with the same kind of manner.

It's all so sad, but at the same time it has enough mythology stuff to keep the interest piqued (and it made me jump a couple of times!), so although it's not one of the better ones it's kind of important to the ongoing plots even if events are not panning out as one would like... (My DVD played incorrectly so I started with the scene when Lex shows Clark the empty cell, and it was only after a while I realised it hadn't started at the beginning!).

***

Assignment: Earth

DVD, Star Trek S2 (Assignment: Earth)

Immediately you're put on the back foot. Kirk tosses aside the news they've just popped back in time to basically have a look or something - it's a bit vague, and with nary time for a thought about what that means and why, and sundry other questions, the episode's off! To be generous, at least he mentioned that they did it in the usual way as seen in last year's 'Tomorrow Is Yesterday', even if it does seem weird for them to go back to a time a year after they visited last year. Do they plan on doing it every year? Kind of an annual outing to the past? It does throw up all sorts of possibilities, or it would if you had five seconds to think about it. Take Captain Christopher who came aboard in the previous episode. They could drop in on him to see how his family's doing. Put away such thoughts because one thing this episode deson't do is make the most of the situation.

In fact it's a confused mish-mash that doesn't explain itself too well, and feels like another series, maybe one of those 60's ITC series. Which is pretty accurate as it was written with the hopes of a spin-off for Mr. Gary Seven. He's a fine character, what we learn of him, which isn't a lot, despite the screentime he nobbles from the regulars. The way he calmly seems in control, even when he's not, makes for a mysterious and intriguing character, much like Spock. Add to that his black cat (bizarre how the first episode of the season had a black cat/woman and so does the last!), and Dr. Who-style catch-all pen-gadget, you never know what tricks he has up his immaculately turned out sleeve.

Back to the Star Trek portions though, and it's good they get right into the story, it's good they use all the main cast, even if sparingly, and it's nice Mr. Leslie gets called by name again. No one seems to remember his death a few weeks ago! The transporter room has been upgraded and now has a science station and viewscreen, unless this is another room, but I assumed there was only one, or Kirk would say "meet me in the transporter room" and half the landing party would arrive a few minutes late, realising they'd gone to the wrong one! Before long Kirk and Spock are mingling, with the Vulcan's trademark hat (something later emulated by 'Stargate' alien Teal'c). But you soon realise this isn't going to be playing up to the endless possibilities when they simply walk around, have trouble with Seven (as in Gary, not 'Of Nine'). It's a nice touch (or it was a cost-cutting measure, either way works for me) to see Seven with a fully-operational multitronic computer, as seen in 'The Ultimate Computer' - it shows how advanced Seven's alien leaders are, which is good as they're not too revealing when it comes to these beings. Their planet is invisible apparently, and they've trained up Seven and other humans for generations. Also their blue cloud transporter looks real cool.

There is humour, such as Seven's misunderstnding with the secretary, who provides a lot of the laughs, or the police being beamed up and beamed down again, though as with most of the gags they've already been done better in previous episodes. The cat was very well trained even if the meowling sounded like a human, and it was fun to see the automatic doors on the Enterprise open just wide enough for it to pass through. Sort of auto catflap, where the ship saves door opening power!

It's often the way there's a lot of note happening in episodes that aren't the best example of a strong episode, and this is true here. Doohan for example, lends his voice to an intercom in the mission control area. What makes for a slightly lower class of story is the lack of excitement and drama - half the time we don't really know what's happening, with Seven doing his stuff, coupled with the lack of Enterprise crew integrated into the story. If this had been the last ever episode you would feel cheated out of a 'proper' episode.

I hoped for a final scene onboard the ship where Kirk discusses the events and makes a joke or a statement as often happens. Sometimes you don't want that kind of ending, but for once that would have really enhanced the ending, especially as it's the end of a season. So it feels a bit disjointed to go from Gary and Roberta having a little chat and seeing Kirk and Spock beam up, and then a shot of the ship leaving to explore planets new, and unsatisfying. A word that would describe the episode as a whole, as the concepts and ideas were in evidence, they just weren't melded together.

**

The Final Countdown

DVD, The Champions

The one with the syrup as I like to think of it. All those super powers and it takes but a jar of syrup to save the day. There's a moral in there somewhere... Actually their powers weren't quite as in evidence in this one, or used in less spectacular ways. Look at the post-credits bit. It's a nice little scene with children playing in the snow, and it's good to have something different, but the likelihood of them finding a bomb a few centimetres under the snow, whacking it against a pice of wood, and it only explodes when Richard rushes to the rescue and throws it away... well let's just say that's not the end of such illogic.

Take the scene with one of the best stunts they ever did - chucking a car off a clifftop, like it's James Bond. Not even thinking too much about the padding, such as the guy getting out of the car, opening the gate and the cars drive through, and... etc - there was a bit too much padding all over, with slow scenes, and Nemesis taking so long to track the place down. But back to the illogic, if that be a word. The car gets mashed, yet the unfortunate driver appears in hospital with his only damage seemingly to his voicebox as he can't speak. Hardy men these Germans!

You have to admire the sets sometimes, such as the outside shots, which looked real. And the fight was pretty exciting, even though it was odd the Germans didn't use their guns. They were taken unawares, and maybe they'd emptied their guns to be on the safe side? As much as it had some great stuff (Richard and Craig's synchronised leaping through glass windows, Craig's chair snapping, Tremayne's involvment on the phones, and what usually would be the tag scene which happened early on in the episode where he wants Richard to explain and they disappear!), the padding dragged it down, and it took too long to tell it's story where it could have made more excitement or quirks.

**

Bloodlines

DVD, TNG S7 (Bloodlines)

Everything goes a bit Star Trek II there for a while, but I had a kind of feeling Vigo wouldn't be Picard's son after all (mainly because he boos about not having any heirs in the first film), though I'm not sure how Bok was able to resquence his DNA, beam through the Enterprise shields at huge distances and have powerful enough sensors to keep track of all these people! Something tells me Starfleet should get back onto the Subspace Transporter bandwagon... (maybe in a 25th century series?).

I'm all for continuity and bringing back old faces, but the episode didn't live up to the 'The Battle' which as I recall was one of the best episodes of S1. After DS9, and specifically Quark, you realise how badly Ferengi can be done, and the ones in this don't come across as favourably, with little personality or dimensionality. And Deanna seemed easily cowed where usually she'd give as good as she got! It seems to be a tradition that S7's of a series have to have some rather slow episodes, and this is further proof. Not bad, but a little pointless by the end (and if it had been DS9 Jason probably would have died or something).

**

The Omega Glory

DVD, Star Trek S2 (The Omega Glory)

Not sure how suited the title is to the episode, but the actual thing was a fine story with some action, the odd clever twist, and you get to see Sulu take command (and his helm computer viewer moved! Wow!).

Quite rare to see a face used again in another role (Bill Campbell was one, but he was in Klingon makeup and looked quite different to Trelane - Captain Tracey looks very similar to Dr. Van Gelder, except with neater hair and less mad eyes... for most of the episode anyway!).

I guessed as soon as I saw those uniforms with crystals coming out of them that it must be the crew and I was surprised the landing party didn't twig it at once. I like the idea they could be trapped forever on that planet, unable to leave or they would die (like that cartoon episode where they have to breathe underwater from then on). I was very surprised to find this was a fourth parallel Earth tale - you don't really discover it until near the end. The best moment for me was when Kirk is thrown into a cage with two seemingly savage natives, who are going to fight until they're tired, and Spock points out that they can take a break by alternating with him!

Tracey is another figure in Starfleet that drops his ideals at the first impulse and ends up on murderous rampages, killing thousands of Omegans and trying to kill Kirk! I suppose his crew had been reduced to dust, he'd become permanently marooned and he thought he'd discovered the secret to eternal youth. So if he went a bit crazy you can forgive him. But he was still clear-headed enough to try and talk Kirk into death at the end - the fight with the two of them strapped together by one hand reminded me of the Andorian/Archer fight in 'Enterprise'.

Oddly both Scotty and Chekov were absent. I would guess Scott must have been either too ill to take command or was at another location (perhaps an engineering conference, or helping people on another planet and due to be picked up). Maybe the ending was a little heavy-handed with such direct parallel to American culture, but there was enough fighting, peril, humour and story interest to sustain it.

***

The Golden Angel

DVD, Starsky & Hutch S4 (The Golden Angel)

It doesn't matter that this is a very simple story and you can guess quite early that the crazy ex-wife is responsible. It doesn't matter that the big fight is a little quiet, with a lack of a huge audience and loud enough cheering. Because it makes you laugh, it's fun, and it does just what you want it to do. You know that Starsky's going to be brought down a peg by the end, getting only a small gift from his uncle's will. You want him to go up against the big guy in the ring. It happens, just like it should. Sometimes in episodes you get to hoping for a certain conclusion, by the nature of the way the story is going, and it doesn't always do what you want or expect. But this one does.

Wrestling is ideal for the series, since it's larger than life, with crazy characters, just like the series! Add to this, Huggy and Dobey well integrated and you get a solid all-rounder. There's a bit of tension, with the threats against Golden Angel, the best part of which must be where he waits to answer the phone and becomes a target because they're trying to trace the call, turning the police's procedures against them. The resolution is fast and exciting, even if she is an awful shot, shooting multiple bullets around, yet not hitting anyone. For a change the villain of the piece isn't really important, it's the process the duo go through that is the enjoyment.

***