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Posted By: AspZelazny Oct 26, 2001 - 01:29 am

A bit more serious episode, this time; and a look at a slice of 'bad history' of the next 100 years or so. It is still a time of scarcity, prior to the development of replicators (I think -- there was that one scene last week when T'Pol spoke to a drink dispenser: wasn't really clear if that was a replicator or not -- to me, anyway); and the Keep Off! principle still seems to be operational except among our 'sainted crew.'

As an aside: I read a speculative article once -- can't remember where -- about the societal changes that free access to replicator tech would have on the human psyche. Tangible Value of all but a few items would collapse; the scarcity, and associated avariciousness/acquisitiveness would become archaic and over time, pathologic. Of course, the Ferengi seemed to still be willing to play those games, but they were a dysfunctional society, and sort of looked upon as, well, weird. Back from the diversion ...

The backstory on Terra Nova was rather more interesting than the current storyline action ... we've seen versions of that particular paradigm on every single ST iteration so far. I guess it's good that they got it out of their systems early. Not badly done though; I felt for the T.Novans, and even empathized a bit with the crew.

Interesting that the disease they chose as their 'cure/lure' for the old lady was something as 'simple' as lung cancer ... and Phlox's offhanded 'It'll take me a few minutes to mix up the correct serum' spoke volumes about how that currently dreaded disease has lost its power in the future. And you know: the more I see of Phlox, potbelly and all, the more I LIKE that character. He's very practical, and unflappable within his realm. And he's no longer an Unknown Alien (not that the name -- Bellesarian?? was it? --- helps much).

Got to see Reed move around a bit on stage this time: that was nice, but other than some Stiff Upper Lip stuff, we still don't get much of his character.

Does anybody else get the feel that so far the ensemble cast idea that is a characteristic of the ST shows isn't jelling here yet? I don't think it's the actors; the stories don't seem to allow us to know the characters and their personalities, their quirks and personal interactions at all. Heck, by this far into ST:TNG, EVERYBODY hated Wesley ...

Posted By: Iznardi Oct 26, 2001 - 05:32 am

I remember in an early episode of ST:TNG, Picard said, "Shut up, Wesley," and it became everyone's favorite line. Wil Wheaton couldn't open his mouth after that without somebody yelling "Shut up, Wesley" at the screen.

I must have zoned out this week, because I missed the episode. Sometimes it airs here at 8 p.m. on Wed. and sometimes at 10 p.m. on Thursday, and I don't remember seeing it listed for either time.

Posted By: Bmat Oct 26, 2001 - 11:38 am

I had the same thing happen, Iz, I think it wasn't shown here even though at first I thought I must have missed it.

I know I am in the minority- but I liked Wesley. I agree it was odd that a child would be given such a position of responsibility, but I liked the way his character was presented. He wasn't a cute little kid playing up to the cameras. The actor did a good job.

Posted By: The Master Oct 26, 2001 - 04:59 pm

This ep seemed more like standard Trek fare. Lost colonies have been investigated before, always with some interesting twist.

The stand out moment of the show for me was T'Pol talking to Archer about what to do, and setting him straight on why taking these people to Earth would be a horrible mistake. I truly loved the "I'm sure Mr. Reed can fashion suitable restraints" line.

I thought the makeup was fairly stupid. The "aliens" looked like they had dried mud on their faces--not very alien looking at all. Especially not to the point where the crew had to scan them up close to figure out they were human.

I know what you mean about the crew...the magic isn't quite there yet. Trip-Archer-T'Pol seems to be working, but the rest of them are "just sorta there". At least we finally got some action out of Mayweather and Reed...it was starting to feel like the "Trip Tucker Show". Unfortunately, neither strikes me as very charismatic. I'd almost liked to have Hoshi go so we could watch her freak out again!

I've decided I like Phlox too--its this "yeah whatever" vibe I get from him. I'm just waiting for him to say "well, I can treat you and you live, or not treat and you die. You're choice, makes no difference to me at all..." And we finally found out his race! I can't recall exactly what it was either though Need to watch the repeat on Sunday I guess.

Ahh...but next week should be really good--first contact with the Andorians! And what do you know...Jeffrey Combs (Weyoun/Brunt on DS9) guests as an Andorian.

Posted By: ZimNova Oct 26, 2001 - 06:52 pm

I agree with our Master, *TN* was standard *Trek* fare. Typical throughout. As soon as they figured out the comet, (and a bloody small one at that. The *crater* in AZ which is 1 1/2 miles across and 2000' deep was the result of an impact of a small frament equal in size to a 2 bedroom house, a 45 meter wide piece), had caused the damage to the northern hemisphere I knew right away they would find a home in the southern hemisphere of the planet.
I as well liked Phlox better. No moralizing along with the condescending speech, simply, if you do this you live, if not you die.
Bones, Crusher, Plaskie(sp), Bashire and the *holo-doctor* on V'ger spent way to much time trying to explain why their decisions were the right ones. Waste of film.
Phlox is a *bottom line* doctor. The Trek franchise will be better served with him IMHO.

Posted By: Nomad Oct 29, 2001 - 07:19 am

Saw the ep on Saturday.

Yup, I thought it was a good episode and I agree, it was typical Start Trek exploration. If you think about it, this ep is right where it should be. They have started to venture out into unknown space and , of course, they should investigate a place where humans had gone, but hadn't been hear from since. I could swear I have hear Terra Nove mentioned befoer in one of the other series. Anyone agree?

My only question about Terra Nova is ...Why haven't we gone there befoer Enterprose was built but after the place was settled. Dont other ships have Warp Drive that could have gotten them there within a few months?

Posted By: Bmat Oct 29, 2001 - 10:41 am

I saw it yesterday (Sunday.) (9 pm Eastern, UPN)

I liked the episode.

The situation around the contact between Humans and Novans seemed reasonable. I question whether the Novans would really have mutated to their present facial appearance from human in two generations however. Perhaps we were to assume that was radiation damage or mutation from radiation - although if that was mentioned I missed it.

The characters are starting to settle in it seems to me. When I hear Reed speak I still look quickly to see if he is Bashir, and I'd like to see him get more prominent camera time. Phlox is a character I like, Neelix is just about gone. T'Pol is my favorite character, she does the Vulcan struggling to get along with humans well.

The writing for Archer's dealing with the Novans was effective. Aappear to go along with the demands of the encountered race while gaining time to further discussion.