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Reviews
Star Trek: The Next Generation: Cost of Living (1992)
A favorite episode for newer reasons.
Watching this episode for the first time when it was first released, it quickly became a favorite of mine. It seemed different than other episodes with Lwaxana Troi, and for me, I think I know why.
I recently read that Rod Roddenberry identified this episode as one Majel Barrett very much enjoyed filming, especially working with Brian Bonsall, as Worf's son. Their interaction and quick bond is evident of this.
It is also true Majel's husband Gene Roddenberry passed a mere 4 months before this episode was filmed. I sensed a very genuine and real delivery when Lwaxana was educating Alexander on relationships. I could see Lwaxana's vulnerability, and throughout the episode, her humor, care and advocacy for herself and others.
While Majel put a lot of herself into every episode of this character, this one hit closer to home.
Star Trek: Discovery: Such Sweet Sorrow, Part 2 (2019)
Ties up loose ends
I recall a director saying of season 2, we wanted to explain why Spock never spoke of Michael. They do this. Loose ends are tied up but you'll need to watch the entire season to figure out how this whole thing is put together. It's not an episode, nor is this series a one-hour sit and enjoy break raising a current issue we deal with every time. What we have is a 14 hour movie. Every other Trek series gave us 20+ episodes per season. We are short changed. Yes, the series is expensive and has fantastic effects. The story arc is so involved this season, I feel like the original execs to Gene Roddenberry with The Cage and calling it too cerebral. Then there are other times I feel like the actors had to be able to produce tears to get on the series, because they cry rivers every 2 episodes. It's a series of extremes. Kill a character the episode we get to know them. I used to and still do watch TNG to unwind and relax from a hard day. I found hope in its seasons. Watching this, I leave confused and "what just happened". Some Trek elements are there, but this is definitely a new generation of TV. I hope next season will give us more of what the others did. Looking forward to Sir Patrick Stewart's series as well.
The Good Place (2016)
Not what you think.
I like this show. I think it speaks to a variety of watchers. Has no one noticed that 13 episodes per season is half what you used to see with other sitcoms? The network is paying half for development of half the episodes. You can blabber more expensive sets, quality episodes, etc. All I know is that 3 years has seen half the story I have ever seen in a TV show. Watch if you wish. I had no problem waiting for the first 2 seasons on Netflix. Be patient. You will be entertained by a quality sitcom that produces half of its predicessors and double the profit in ads.
Star Trek: Discovery: Will You Take My Hand? (2018)
So that's it?
After Trek refers to this episode as the "end to season 1." Yet it was supposed to be the end of the 5 episode arc to "season 2" I will give credit to the immense story and place they have left us, but I reiterate, as I have before: Every Star Trek Season has produced at least 20 episodes in season 1. We will likely wait until September for the release of the next episode. The plot takes us in these 15 episodes, with extreme character developments you would only see in movies. You have After Trek to discuss the previous episode with cast and director/producer guests. Perhaps such an arrangement would have helped the crew of Star Trek TOS. Perhaps production without social media and cranking out 20+ episodes per season helped the actors become more effective in their roles in the other series. I don't have an answer. All I know is that the season, if finished and we must wait until the fall, leaves us short. We pay for access to a series that provides 2/3 the quality of the previous 5 series. Wait for this to come on Netflix or as a DVD compilation, that's up to you.
Star Trek: Discovery (2017)
production slow
I'm sorry, but whatever the reason "season 1" is 9 episodes and "season 2" is 5. Am I the only one who thinks we're getting half what we asked for? By this time, the only series with 14 episodes the first year of production was Star Trek TNG. They had 15 episodes by now. This series kills key characters early on. Maybe that's the point along with a talk show after the episode. I dont have a solution. I am committed to CBS for a year, so I"ll follow "Season 3" with I assume an average of 7 more episodes for a total of 21 episodes, among the lowest of any Trek series in any given years time. And we didn't call 3 seasons within a year. I don't have answers but I'm disappointed with the production of three seasons in 1 year. I'm disappointed in the lack of cannon devotion and Gene Roddenberry's original vision. This is the worst Trek series I have ever seen. It has its moments, but, I suppose, it passes the torch to the next generation with 3 seasons in 1. If that appeals to you, as does major actions to main characters within a few episodes, then go for it.