Showing posts with label STAR TREK TOS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label STAR TREK TOS. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

LENORE KARIDIAN - STAR TREK TOS

In Star Trek the Original Series, Kirk's first kiss with the "actress" (Barbara Anderson) was stalled when they discovered Dr Thomas Leighton, meanwhile the Enterprise transports the acting company to their next destination.




The "company" or troupe of actors included Lenores father, the suspected criminal Kodos the Executioner. So the game was afoot you might say. In any case Kirk was busy romancing Lenore, no less, hoping to pick up some clues and discover who Kodos really was.



 We know at this time its Lenores father but the guy really has a murky past. Sadly she's been covering for her mans ol' sins and has been killing off anyone who get too close to the truth, making the "KISS" almost fatal, a real sweetheart!

Whats the name of this classic trek episode?

1 Court Martial
2 Mirror Mirror
3 The Conscience of the King

Monday, April 17, 2017

STAR TREKS MEDICAL MIRACLES AND MY SCI FI EXPOSE

I'm featured on Alex J. Cavanaugh's Blog today, way to go Alex, I'm soaring through the stars...

On a trekker note "Medical Miracles" has become a fascinating set of buzz words in science, engineering and sci-fi. I introduced this concept here at Star Trek Sci Fi Blog eleven years ago and then wowsers! NASA's David Allen Batchelor shares further insight on "the Science of Star Trek" at the NASA Website. You read right trekker, just remember Spacerguy broke the news right here, FIRST.



 My subject at the time was simple and remains popular even now. I chose "Dr McCoys Medical Miracles" as the subject title for my thesis in 2006 and wrote about McCoys "Medical Miracles". NASA's physicist David Batchelor gives his informed opinion on Star Trek's "Medical Miracles" revealing fantastic things about Star Trek's futuristic features. For instance are android positronic brains (imagined by Isaac Asimov) the real or unreal deal?

In Star Trek's universe. He points out whether 1.) Technologies work. 2.) Technologies/ certain stories plots in star trek are scientifically accurate or not. He also highlights mistakes from a fun physics perspective. What works and what doesn't work is no laughing matter.... get it???? but I believe I can boldly up the ante on NASA's Maestro of Physics, hehe. I plan on writing a piece on Dr Crusher's Medical Miracles to energize some TNG fun in our trekverse.

 So whats my trekkie ace on NASA's Star Trek physics expert, David Allen Batchelor?

No biggie really,




During my trek voyages, I've discovered new evidence coming from science fiction into reality! Star Treks Tricorder now officially exists but does it work? Apparently, the "Qualcomm Tricorder X-Prize Foundation" started a global competition which Final Frontier Medical Devices won and received $2.5 million bucks.

 What can it actually do?

The device can diagnose 34 health conditions long before 24 hours elapses using a custom built AI. The beauty of this thing are the non-invasive sensors providing a final analysis on the patient while cross referencing all available medical data on medical conditions.




The Roddenberry Foundation has added $1.6 million for the development of these tricorders where they will eventually reach patients in hospitals across the world.


Can you see a Star Trek tricorder diagnosing your health years from now?


Isn't Alex J Cavanaugh the coolest for giving me a shout out?


What do you think of David Allen Batchelor article "the Science of Star of Star Trek"?


I coined Dr McCoys Medical Miracles in 2006 but  I'm a trekker not database!


LIVE LONG AND PROSPER! 

Saturday, April 05, 2014

Elaan of Troyius

E is for Enslaved by Emotional Elaan but who is she? Elaan is a spoiled princess played by Frances Nuyen who cries in Star Trek's classic episode "Elaan of Troyius." When the USS Enterprise escorts the beautiful Dohlman Princess of Elas all blazes breaks loose. The idea was to unite two wartorn worlds, Elas and Troyius with an arranged marriage union except her glory has other ideas. She doesn't want to get hitched fullstop.

The fun begins when a substance in Elaan's tears biochemically casts its spell on Kirk, who falls in love with her. The Dolhman's secret "weapon" specifically weakens the Captain's will and crumbles his resolve! You can't really blame Kirk for trying to teach her some manners, a task her tutor, Ambassador Petri despised totally.
Its true. Bones you've got to find me an antidote!
What will Spock and Dr McCoy try next? Can this lady killer really enslave Kirks heart forever? Will Dr McCoy find Kirk an antidote in time? How do you reverse falling in love with a beautiful babe?




Thursday, January 16, 2014

Star Trek TOS 'Balance of Terror'

Star Treks Balance of Terror was directed by Vincent McEveety in 1966 creating a gripping 'battle of wits' trek thriller. The Enterprises battle strategist, Captain James T. Kirk engages a Romulan aggressor in a high stakes game of cat and mouse.



Defending the Federation of planets is a tricky job for anyone which is why our military 'Starfleet' has a network of starships and starbases loaded with superior FIREPOWER! YESSS! Now we can sleep safe and sound at night. Or so we thought...


When the USS Enterprise NCC 1701 responds to a Federation outpost in distress no-one knows what to expect. Its red alert, all hands battle stations! At first its unclear who the intruder is... for some weird reason a mysterious force obliterates four out of seven Earth outposts along the Neutral Zone in sector Z-6.



The Neutral Zone intruders are obviously very stealthy and powerful. The poor devil pleading with Captain Kirk is Commander Hansen who doesn't want to die. His fears sum up precisely what everyone on the bridge of the Enterprise is feeling and in a flash the enemy strikes again!

'No identification. No answer to our challenge. Only a glimpse of it. Then they fired something at us, some form of high-energy plasma. Fantastic power. And then the whole vessel disappeared. But it's out there somewhere. Our sensors show that much. Enterprise, something coming on our viewing screen, coming at us fast.'




So now after 100 years of Peace the Federation is teetering on the brink of war with the Romulan Star Empire! Captain Kirks' hesitation tells us the attackers identity is still unconfirmed. The spaceship silhouette is so obviously ROMULAN but then thats Star Trek affliction and addiction for you.



Isn't it great when Captain Kirk decides to follow the Romulan battleship on the quiet? The Enterprise's stand in navigator, Mister Stiles isn't impressed. Kirk's has to work out a plan of action on the double.



'If he has sensors, I want him to think we're a reflection, an echo.' says Kirk ordering a parallel course which doesn't win any brownie points with Stiles. To spice up things  the Romulans superior spy technology gives their 'Bird of Prey' the ability to dodge Starfleet sensors. However its Mr Spock who observes a curious weakness about the Romulans cloaking device delivering lots of dramatic tension to the space battles in this classic episode.




Mark Lenard (famous for playing Spocks Dad, Sarek) makes his first Star Trek appearance in this epic space chase through the stars. Don't be fooled by the pointy ears either, Lenard's character is the cunning Romulan Commander! 'I regret that we meet in this way. You and I are of a kind. In a different reality, I could have called you friend.'




Whos' side were you rooting for? the Federation, the Romulan Star Empire, the USS Enterprise NCC 1701 or the Romulan Bird of Prey?

Live Long and Prosper Trekkers!!

Friday, November 08, 2013

Star Trek The Galileo Seven

In  Star Treks classic 14th episode, "the Galileo Seven" is dispatched by Captain Kirk to investigate a mysterious quasar like formation. "An opportunity for scientific investigation" emerges but all is not what it seems. Mr Spock, Lieutenant Commander Scott, Dr. McCoy, Lieutenants Latimer, Gaetano, and Boma, and Yeoman Mears gear up for the special mission. So far, so good.



But when the "Class F" Galileo gets pulled into the heart of the spatial disturbance, treks melodramatic drums start beating, doom, doom, doom, doom, hehe. Yes these sound effects are hilariously goofy by modern standards but you got to love these quirky sounds. These "clues" reveal when a situation is getting critical and whats going down.

IMAGE OWNER CREATOR PARAMOUNT PICTURES
AND OR CBS


Boma confirms radiation from the spatial formation is "extremely disruptive" and time for Galileo crew is running out. This is Mr Spocks first shuttle command. Subspace communication, sensor scanners and transporters are neutralized by the spatial disturbance cutting the Galileo off from the Enterprise. Its not looking good.



Eventually Muraski's ion storm forces the Galileo to crash land on Tarus II. Ion cloud radiation is also hampering Captain Kirks search and rescue operation. To make matters worse, Galactic High Commissioner Ferris is spouting rules and regulations thwarting the Captain. Uhura confirms the Galileo is pulled off course. Its a catch 22 scenario when the shuttlecraft Columbus returns empty handed.

So now the Galileo crew are on their own with depleted fuel reserves, on a planet inhabited by Giant furry aliens. Heroically, two junior crew members die defending the ship. In true logical vulcanian fashion, Spocks analytical appraisal of the furry aliens weaponry nearly sends the Enterprise's Astrophysicist Lieutenant Boma diving off at the deep end.

SPOCK: "A bit more crude about the shaft, I believe. Not very efficient"
         BOMA: Not very efficient? Is that all you have to say?

         SPOCK: Am I in error, Mister Boma?
BOMA: You? Error? Impossible.  


Perhaps Boma is being disrespectful and insubordinate to Mr Spock? Remember this is war on a hostile alien planet. The vulcans strategic logic apparently gives the Galileo crew the edge they need for survival. Except the human "unpredictable element" towards Latimers death runs high. Star Trek's Galileo Seven is so undeniably fun with such an evocative storyline. Dr McCoys emotional outburst aboard the Galileo is totally epic, lol.




"Now look, We may all die here! At least let us die like men not machines!

So when the Giant Furry Aliens come back to bash the Galileo to bits, the crew understandably begin to panic. Red Alert! Spock has an emotional epiphany! Pure vulcan logic failed to frighten the scary giants? Impossible! But you've got to wonder. Whats the point of having phasers with amazing stun settings? I bet pointy ears kicked himself for not listening to Gaetano. The poor dude actually predicted Spocks would get him killed!




Top trek tip. Don't argue with command or you'll get the redshirt treatment, hehe. Spock abandons Gaetano on guard duty, alone and ready to be murdered. Re-energizing the Galileo's fuel reserves with phasers to escape the gravity of the planet is what really counts.

Good ol' Scotty saves everyones bacon or was it Mr Spock's shuttlecraft distress flare?
Which do you think is the coolest? Who really saved the Galileo crew?

Live Long and Prosper, Trekkers.



Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Charlie X TOS

Charlie X is a first season classic Star Trek episode written by Gene Roddenberry and DC Fontana. The USS Enterprise 1701's rendezvous with the USS Antares coincides with a rather unusual human being. In this 8th episode epic, the young castaway Charlie Evans beams aboard Kirk's ship secretly manifesting psychokinetic powers. Charlie is the only survivor of a spaceship crash which marooned him on a hostile alien planet for 14 years! Imagine. Now 17, the boy is clearly taken with the beautiful Yeoman Janice Rand with unexplained strange scenarios unfolding in his vicinity. Tellingly the USS Antares Captain and Navigator make for a hasty departure, refusing even Kirk's friendly offer of saurian brandy!! Something is definitely afoot!



On the Enterprise Bridge Spock analysis of the Charlie X scenario reveals little results with McCoy as usual poking holes in the vulcans logical reasoning.

SPOCK: Doctor, didn't the boy make any reference at all to Thasians?
KIRK: Do you believe the legend, Mister Spock, that Thasians still exist on that planet in some form?
SPOCK: Charlie's very existence proves in fact there must be some intelligent form of life on Thasus. He could not possibly have survived alone. The ship's food concentrates would have been exhausted in a year or so. 
MCCOY: By which time he would have been eating fruits, vegetables.
SPOCK: Probes of Thasus indicate very little edible plant life.
MCCOY: And probes have been known to be wrong, Spock.
MCCOY: Doctor, are you speaking scientifically or emotionally?






Yeah, thats Spock for you getting McCoy back in the end! LOL. Meanwhile in the recreation room Uhura is singing "Oh, On the Starship Enterprise" to a rapt audience. Quick to react the boy silences Uhura's lovely voice in an attempt to gain Rand's attention with his card tricks. No-one cops on it was Charlie! In other emotional outbursts he injures crewmen or makes them vanish at will. The dudes a real charmer. Later when the USS Antares hails the Enterprise, the poor devils try to warn the Kirk's crew about Charlie, when unexpectedly debris is found drifting in space. Spocks analysis reveals it is USS Antares.



Kirk eventually realises he can't risk delivering Charlie to Alpha Five, fearing Charlie Evan's relatives will be next for the high jump. Finally at long last the Enterprise receives a message from an alien Thasian ship. Its the good guys to the rescue! LOL.The Thasians gave Charlie extraordinary mental powers so he could survive alone, but fear he cannot live safely with humans. Now its pay back time! Charlie's pleas fall on deaf ears. Omnipitent Thasians take Charlie back to live with their own kind. So ask yourself trekker. Would you invite Charlie X to live in your basement?



Live Long and Prosper, Trekkie and Trekker.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Star Trek's USS Yorktown





Six Starfleet spaceships have borne the name Enterprise. Each has been more advanced than the last but what happened to the first iconic starship? Did you know that the USS Enterprise NCC 1701 was originally known by another name? The USS Yorktown was that name given to Star Trek's first spaceship before the ship was re-christened, USS Enterprise 1701. Thank Galactic Space! In 1964, Star Treks first ever, test pilot was presented to NBC TV Network bosses who wanted an exciting action packed "space western."

Its fun watching Star Trek's classic episode of "the Cage" today with the camera sweeping across the "Enterprise" bridge officers on duty. Unfortunately their commander, Captain Christopher Pike looks a little lost with the robotic reactions of the bridge crew so not helping. The crew fall short on action and excitement led by their self doubting commander who's a rather humble soul for the big wheel on the Federation's Flagship USS Enterprise. Tellingly, the vulcan Spock smiles on Talos IV however NBC executives were not "Fascinated" at all.


Question: Who was the first captain of the starship USS Enterprise NCC 1701 and the USS Yorktown?

In the original "script" before filming began, Gene Roddenberry named the USS Yorktown after a World War II aircraft carrier. The commander in charge was starship Captain Robert April who never made it onto TV. Next up for the big chair was Christopher Pike before Roddenberry makes James T. Kirk Star Treks big gun.

I reckon Pike made space history in 2261 in what becomes known as the "Talos Incident." The seductive charms of Vina as the bewitching green orion girl, fail to brainwash Captain Pike who had bigger fish to fry. He resists Talosians mind control and bungles his chances to mate with Vina played by Susan Oliver. Oh well, the burdens of command.

Live Long and Prosper, Trekkies and Trekkers!





Friday, April 26, 2013

Star Treks Weeper Plant



W is for Weeper plant. In the Star Treks classic episode of the Man Trap, the salt vampire disturbs "Gertrude" in the Enterprise botany lab.

All seemed fine on the surface until our bright pink carnivorous plant started to quiver and the little fella shrieked its lungs out. The plant whom Janice Rand calls "Beauregard" instinctively sounded the alarm because it was agitated and detected a threat to the ship. The Salt Vampire might have murdered both Sulu and Rand except that Beauregard scared it off.

Its funny watching "Beauregard" surveying the Enterprise Botany lab and ducking for cover. In Janices company the plant purrs softly because it likes her. Its obviously only a hand puppet, whose mysterious owner gave it true personality that makes you want to laugh!

Tuesday, April 09, 2013

Half-breed Origins

H is for Half-breed! Although absent from common conversation today, dictionary.com defines "half breed" as the "offspring of parents of different racial origin, especially American Indian and Caucasians. The term "half breed" which Mr Spock finds insulting, was I believe, in fairly common usage during the 1960's.


Early movie fans heard the term "halfbreed" expressed quite often in big screen westerns and occasionally with classic Star Trek. Although the term is almost never heard of today, its effect once spoken is powerful.

The reason Captain Kirk used "Half breed" in Star Trek's classic episode of "this side of paradise" was to deliberately infuriate his pointy eared First Officer, Spock who had mutinied aboard the USS Enterprise NCC 1701 over a beautiful woman. Spores from Omicron Ceti III infected the vulcan's pure logical reasoning which actually made the unlikely happen. Spock and botanist Leila Kalomi fell totally in LOVE.

Its weird seeing Nimoy smiling in this episode but Kirk has to snap him out of it, somehow, and how poor Spock hated him for it.

In the universe of Star Trek, Spock is biologically, emotionally and even intellectually a son torn between two worlds! Much more diplomatic don't you think!



Mind your own business, Mister Spock. I'm sick of your half breed interference, do you hear?


Live Long and Prosper, Trekkies, and Trekkers.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Nomad

N is for Nomad but who or what is he? Nomad appears in an epic Star Trek classic episode of 'the changeling' voiced by Vic Perrin.

In 2002 this ancient space probe leaves earth on a peaceful mission, to seek out new lifeforms!...... On its interstellar journey Nomad encounters 'Tan Ru' another of its kind. Quite by accident a merging of computerized minds unites and becomes one. A new far superior device evolves from the joining with an entirely new mission. To seek out and destroy!

In a way this episode reminds me of V'ger from Star Trek The Motion Picture. Both machines are sentient however all is not what it seems. Neither Nomad or V'ger can comprehend human beings or our simple feelings! Despite Nomads vast knowledge imbedded into his data assimilation digital encoder, Earths 21th century space probe now believes humans are the enemy, imperfect in every way! We are to be exterminated! However, the machines mission of perfection soon proves to be its deadly weakness.

It mistakes Captain Kirk for his creator proving once and for all, Nomad too makes human-like errors!

CAPT. KIRK
I am the Kirk, the creator?
NOMAD
You are the creator.
CAPT. KIRK
You're wrong! Jackson Roykirk, your creator, is dead. You have mistaken me for him. You are in error. You did not discover your mistake. You have made two errors. You are flawed and imperfect and you have not corrected by sterilisation. You have made three errors.
NOMAD
Error. Error. Error. Examine.
KIRK
You are flawed and imperfect! Execute your prime function!
NOMAD
I shall analyse error. Analyse error,
KIRK
Now. Get those antigravs on it.
NOMAD
Examine error. Error.

Friday, April 06, 2012

Friendly Angel Gorgan

F is for friendly angel but who or what is he? The Friendly Angel is a mind controlling Star Trek entity who brainwashes a group of children to take over the USS Enterprise NCC 1701. We find out later his name is Gorgan. Apparently, Angel eyes preys off the negative emotions of his unsuspecting victims corrupting them to do his bidding.

Listen to Melvin Belli's magnificent voice (below). This man gained Legendary fame in the United States legal profession as the 'King of Tort.' His appearance in the classic series episode "And the Children Shall Lead" as our Friendly Angel, Gorgan is a surprise. When Gorgan's masterplan is exposed, he warns his following that their 'operation' has been discovered but have no fear, call and I will appear!

Friends we have reached a moment of crises!
The enemy have discovered our operation but they are too late.
They no-longer control the ship.
We do, we shall prevail!
They will take us anyplace we desire.
So back to your stations,
maintain your controls.
If resistance mounts,
call upon their beast.
Their beast will serve us well.
The fear in each one of them is the fear which which will consume him.
Remember how it was on Triacus?
If they resist, so shall it be on the Enterprise!
If you need me call and I will appear,
our new goal is Marcos12.
It is our new beginning, we must not fold!

Only love and happiness can stop the Friendly Angel.

Is it time to summon the Friendly Angel?

Hail, hail, fire and snow,
Call the angel, we will go.
Far away, for to see,
Friendly angel come to me!

Thursday, April 05, 2012

Edith Keeler

E is for Edith but who is she? Edith Keeler is played by Joan Collins caught at the center of a temporal accident in Star Trek's City on the Edge of Forever.

Her 21st Street Mission helps scores of unemployed people who have reached the end of their rope. 1930's planet earth is a gloomy, primitive culture rocked by hunger, suffering and homelessness. Fighting oppression with hope and encouragement, Edith preaches from her mission's soup kitchen feeding lost unhappy souls wandering in from the streets, inspiring them to believe in a bright future.

Keelers optimism insists life is worth living but its a tough job converting hungry stomachs dying for some food. 'I don't pretend to tell you how to find happiness and love when each day is a struggle to survive.'

The Guardian of Forever identifies itself to Kirk and Spock summarizing their predicament.

"Your vessel, your beginning. All that you knew is gone."

'Little ms Goodie two-shoes' soon realizes Kirk and Spock are not what they seem. The Mission's angel of mercy is curious about Kirk and Spock who hides his ears under a beanie hood. Trust is the cornerstone of all friendships however Edith soon falls for quiet Kirk and a romance follows.

We know from Spock's chat with Captain Kirk that if Edith lives, Earths history will be irrevocably contaminated tipping the balance of power into evil Nazis hands. Imagine the Third Reich winning World War II erasing the United Federation of Planets from cosmic history! How is this possible? Spock jumpstarts his tricorder and discovers shocking timeline displacements.

1) Keelers pacifist peace movement convinces Franklin D. Roosevelt to delay the United States entry into World War II with disasterous consequences.
2) Has Dr McCoy's meddling damaged time beyond repair?
3) What if Edith Keeler must die?

What would you do?

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Jack the Ripper


Image Owner/Creator: Paramount/CBS Studios

J is for Jack the Ripper. Who or what is Jack the Ripper? Our pointy eared friend, Mr Spock from Star Trek the Original Series has an interesting theory. The vulcan suggests that Jack the Ripper is essentially a "Ripper entity" and may not possess physical form. 

Instead the entity feeds off fearful humanoids terrorizing the wits out of its victims before taking possession of their minds and bodies! On the planet Argelius II, a black cloud looms over the Chief Engineer of the USS Enterprise NCC 1701, when Scotty is found gripping a knife taken from Kara played by Tania Lemani. 


This poor lass danced the night away and this is her reward! She's completed the finest belly dance ever and goes out for a walk in the fog with Scotty. What is her reward ? A dagger taken from her back! Dr Hengist is the Administrator and a native to Rigel IV. He takes a keen interest in the murders as the noose around Scotty's neck begins to tighten



Captain Kirk investigates the name "Redjac" which is a nickname for "the Ripper", so too were "Kelsa and Beratis" on worlds the ripper entity visited. The enigma deepens when a female Argelian empath is brought in and detects an evil presence, driven by a deep hatred of women. The young women Sybo, crys out in agony before she too, is found murdered by the USS Enterprise's Chief Engineer.

The question is, did Scotty do it?  What makes Star Trek's TOS "Wolf In the Fold" frantically funny is Scotty can't remember anything which makes him look pretty guilty. I mean the guy is covered in the girls blood. Yup, right up to his eyeballs, so its worse than bad. Scotty's goose was in a spot but he wasn't finished.



The USS Enterprise NCC 1701 springs a lie-detector test which throws Mr Hengist into a spin. Scottys innocence is finally confirmed which gets the engineer off the hook. However, something doesn't quite add up so Kirk and Mr Spock leave no stone unturned. Why was Mr Scott found at the scene of the murders?. The murder weapon is discovered and analysis yields startling results. The knife originated from Rigel IV, Mr Hengist's home planet! When confronted, the "Redjac Entity" controlling Mr Hengist goes beserk.

Mr Hengist has some explaining to do except on further scrutiny the "Redjac or Ripper" entity inhabiting Mr Hengist desserts his body and enters the Enterprise computer. Kirk and Spock devise a plan to get rid of "Redjac" once and for all. Scotty is relieved to discover he wasn't to blame for the serial murders. The Ripper entity made engineer Scott stab beautiful young Kara, Lieutenant Tracy and Prefect Jaris's pretty wife Sybo. It always fun to watch Chief Engineer Scotty get an active role during an away mission, but could you live with all that bloodshed on your hands?

Live Long and Prosper, Trekkies and Trekkers.

Thursday, April 07, 2011

Kirk vs the Gorn

A mysterious alien race called the Metrons intervene and transport two starship captains to a planet where Kirk and the Gorn are given a choice. Fight or die and whoever is victorious saves the lives of his crew. The thing is see, Captain Gorn destroyed the Earth outpost on Cestus III and claimed it was an intrusion into Gorn territory. Now Captain Kirks got major issues with that kind of crap. You just can't let aliens get away with that kind of stuff especially when it undermines the peaceful harmony currently enjoyed within the United Federation of planets which Starfleet is sworn to protect.

Image creator/owner: Paramount Pictures and/or CBS Studios.

Here is a large, immensely powerful, hissing, reptilian creature with sharp claws and spikey, sharp, teeth. Thats right he's the Gorn. Look at the color of the its scaly skin and the fierceness of those terrifying teeth. When I watched Star Trek TOS "Arena" episode for the first time I was highly entertained by the worst Star Trek fight of all time but something puzzled me. The lizard Gorn's character played by both Gary Coombs and Bobby Clark demonstrates a true warrior bred for fighting. This alien creature obviously means business! I mean watch how easily the lizard creature catapults that massive rock at Captain Kirk! The Gorn is strong but being a lizard sure can be major drag sometimes! Poor Captain Kirk has to engage this beast in a fight to the death. Now I have to ask why doesn't the Gorn just chomp off Captain Kirk's head when he gets him in the deadly wrestling grip?

Saturday, August 07, 2010

City on the Edge of Forever

The USS Enterprise NCC 1701 detects time disturbances centred around a deserted planet. Mr Sulu is injured on the bridge and Dr McCoy saves his life with just a few drops of cordrazine. However, McCoy accidentally suffers an overdose when the Enterprise experiences another time displacement and injects a full vial of the powerful drug cordrazine into his bloodstream causing him to go beserk. Bones beams down to the planet below amidst the remains of a ruined city some 10,000 centuries old. In the grip of complete madness, he evades the enterprise crew yet again and leaps through a strange arch pulsating with power. The Guardian of Forever identifies itself to Kirk and Spock summarizing their predicament.

"Your vessel, your beginning. All that you knew is gone." Dr McCoy has gone back through time and changed their history! Their world no longer exhists! Uhura reports dead communicator contact with the ship. Fortunately, Mr Spock's tricorder was recording the Guardian's past timeline events, right at the point, McCoy dived through the portal giving them a chance to rectify the damage done. I love how Spock manufactures a computer from his tricorder that shows how history will unfold if the focal point in time, Edith Keeler, lives.

City on the Edge of Forever" had inclusions from Gene Coon and Steve Carbastos, major changes from Dorothy Fontana and a final rewrite from Gene Roddenberry, won the 1968 Hugo for Best Dramatic Presentation in a shortlist that was entirely composed of star trek episodes. Harlan Ellison's story won a Writers Guild of America (WGA) award for Outstanding Dramatic Episode Teleplay in 1967-68.


Image owner/Creator: Paramount Pictures and/or CBS Studios.

My friend is obviously Chinese. I see you've noticed the ears, they're actually easy to er explain" Kirk looks to Spock with a lost look on his face.

"Perhaps the unfortunate accident I had as a child." prompts Mr Spock.

"The unfortunate accident he had as a child, he caught his head in a mechanical rice picker."

This is a great moment when Kirk and Spock face a 1930's policeman who isn't convinced with the captain's rice picker bluff. Now I wonder why?

Live long and prosper, trekkers.


Friday, October 12, 2007

Star Trek TOS Hits The Big Screen

On November 13th at 7:30 p.m. local time, “Star Trek: The Original Series” is being beamed onto the big screen in a special one night event in select movie theatres across the U.S.A. and Canada. Cinemas will feature the original series episodes “The Menagerie” Part 1 and 2, digitally remastered in High-Definition and Cinema Surround Sound.

Fans will also be greeted by an introduction from creator Gene Roddenberry’s son, Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, and given a behind-the-scenes look at how the star trek episodes were digitally re-mastered from the original 1966 negatives. Trekkies will experience the reinvention of Star Trek's "old Tv Show Special Effects" now digitally remastered using new High Definition, CGI animation.

Image Copyright Belongs To Paramount Pictures or CBS Paramount Television.


The orchestral re-recording of the show’s theme music was re-recorded with modern, digital age recording techniques and better microphones using the original notes from the old archives. Greg Smith (Conductor) was thrilled with the new Star Trek recording.


"We're being very truthful and faithful to the original notes because its sacred hollowed ground, this theme."


Experience the Star Trek Buzz! Trekkies will be beaming in from all over the galaxy, to view this new historic 30-minute in-theatre exclusive featurette. Woo Hoo! I'm excited. Why? because I'm a trekkie too!





“Star Trek” debuted on Sept. 8, 1966 on NBC in the U.S., telling the story of the crew of the starship Enterprise and its five-year mission, “to boldly go where no man has gone before.” William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Spock starred in the series which addressed issues of the 1960s including war and peace, imperialism, class warfare, racism, human rights, sexism and feminism.

After just three seasons, the show was cancelled and the last episode aired on June 3, 1969, but it became popular in reruns and a cult following developed. The “Star Trek” franchise went on to include the TV series “Star Trek: Next Generation” (1987-1994), “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (1993-1999), “Star Trek: Voyager” (1995-2001), “Star Trek: Enterprise” (2001-2005), and Star Trek: “The Animated Series” (1973-1974) as well as 10 feature films.

Live Long and Prosper Trekkers!

Friday, February 09, 2007

Doomsday Machine (CGI) Special Effects.

Star Trek's "Doomsday Machine" has everything. A crazy commodore out for revenge, a hungry planet killer on the rampage posing a definite threat to the USS Enterprise NCC 1701 not to mention action packed, nail biting drama and a mystery to be solved. What happened to the USS Constellation NCC 1017?  Enhanced with Computer Generated Images the "Planet Doomsday Weapon" is the main star attraction of this episode thrilling fans with fierce antiproton attacks on two federation starships.

The reason becomes clear. Decker and Kirk interfere with its heavy appetite for nearby planets, inhabitants included! Judge for yourself the C.G.I. effects taking place within the timeline of the Enterprise crew and the Constellation. For you pleaure I've included new and old Star Trek screenshots!



Image Copyright Belongs To
Paramount Pictures or CBS
Paramount Television

These images have been remastered with wizard special effects. Its obvious the USS Constellation has taken one hell of a beating.

CGI effects radiate detailed damage on Matt Decker's starship Constellation from the mysterious, scary doomsday machine. The hull is completely exposed to the cold atmospheric conditions of outer- space. Spacerguy has uncovered that trekkie reactions are mixed.

Startrek.com Doomsday CGI Photos

Some people love the whole idea while others don't. One guy thought the Constellation looked awesome but the planet killer looked cartoonish. Trekkers just don't know yet. Its a wait and see. Star Trek.com has remastered images of "The Doomsday Machine" and its obvious CBS have been working hard to give this their best. I'm really excited about this. Don't count on streaking stars, bubble shields, or different fly-by shots though.

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Paramount Television.

Star trek's "Doomsday Machine" is a great all time favourite because Commodore Matt Decker just wouldn't give up his vendetta on the space monster that devoured countless planets and also turned his ship into a useless hulk. The gigantic doomsday weapon has a hull of solid neutronium resistant to phaser attack.

Photons were useless also. Deckers transporters were knocked out. It left his Constitution class starship U.S.S. Constellation NCC-1017 crippled while it consumed Matt's crew on the third planet. Decker of course wouldn't admit to defeat. Once aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise he relieved Spock from command and began his crazed attack on the hungry space killer all over again!

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"They say there's no devil, Jim but there it is. Right out of hell! I saw it!" Matt Decker
"Where's your crew?" Kirk
"On the third planet" Matt Decker
"There is no third planet!" Kirk
"Don't you think I know that? There was, but not anymore" cries Decker

Trektoday Doomsday Article

The Commodore is held in the Doomsday Monster's spell. Deckers guilt over the loss of his crew has nearly driven him over the edge. He can still hear them screaming for help in his head. So he sets a counter attack point blank range. Kirk's Enterprise gets nearer and nearer to the maw of the spooky space demon. Phasers Fire!! Fire!! Fire!!! Spock warns Matt Decker that the Enterprise cannot hold out for much longer...

Humans mattered little to the planet killer. The annilation of planets in the L-374 system is evidence of that. The machine was some kind of weapon miles long used in an ancient war between two warring planets now long extinct.

The Constellation found it slicing up a planet for an afternoon snack. There was no stopping it.

Spock's Enterprise analysis of the Constellation's captain logs detail what happened during Decker's battles clearly illustrating that "Doomsday" is some kind of interstellar robot which came from outside the Galaxy. It took a battle of wits, bravery, sacrafice, hardwork, and expertise not to mention one hellulva cosmic explosion to shortcircuit this beastie. Enjoy.

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Live Long and Prosper Trekkers! Enjoy Your Star Trekking.

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Tribble Trouble

Star Trek's Trouble with Tribbles was on. The chance to observe soft, fuzzy, little critters emitting charming purring sounds had a strangely relaxing effect on me. Filled with fun, wit, engaging arguments and action packed scenes, this episode is one of the favourites and left me in good spirits. The creature known as "tribble" had me mesmerised.






"They seem to be gorged!"






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Star Trek TOS
Memory Alpha.



KIRK: Good. Mister Chekov, this flight is supposed to provide both experience and knowledge. How close will we come to the Klingon outpost if we continue on our present course?
CHEKOV: One parsec, sir. Close enough to smell them.
SPOCK: That is illogical, Ensign. Odours cannot travel through the vacuum of space.
CHEKOV: I was making a little joke, sir.
SPOCK: Extremely little, Ensign.













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The Trouble with Tribbles.

Trouble with Tribbles is a great episode because this harmless little tribble critter is the center of much devotion on the USS Enterprise and the Deep Space Station K7. Spock being a vulcan, naturally, would'nt admit to being affected by the little animals trilling.

" Most curious creature Captain. Its trilling seems to have a tranquillizing effect on the human nervous system, fortunately of course, I am immune to its effects."
Spock's crewmates looked at him in amused, sheer disbelief.





"As captain. I want two things done. First find Cyrano Jones and close that door!"




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The Trouble with Tribbles.

Uhura was the first to be held in its spell at K7 in 2267.This warm-blooded little animal with no teeth had a special charm that Uhura found adorable. Born pregnant and reproducing a family of ten every 12 hours eventually became a problem aboard the Deepspace Station K7 where numbers jumped to 1,771,561. The U.S.S Enterprise NCC - 1701 too fell victim to tribble infestation where Uhura's pet had its offspring.

Interstellar trader Cyrano Jones removed tribbles from its predatory filled homeworld where this highly perceptive creature lived in persecution from reptiles. Sold as pets to unsuspecting earthers, these mites liked to eat and reproduce.


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The Trouble with Tribbles.
Memory Alpha.

Deep Space Station K7 had plenty of food. To be more precise quatrotriticale, a genetically engineered Earth grain crucial for the development of Shermans Planet which only the Federation had. This created a dispute in 2267 between Klingon and Earthling.

Under the terms of the Organians Peace Treaty, only the most efficient could assume ownership of the planet which was near the Klingon border. The tribbles soon discovered K7's quatrotriticale storage compartments and skillfully bypassed Kirk's clueless guards. The feasting was about to begin! Whoopee!



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The Trouble with Tribbles.
Memory Alpha.

Tribbles coo when their feeling happy, especially when around Humans and Vulcans. This moving, purring ball of fur is hard to ignore when seen ambling accross a counter top. Picking one up and patting it is generally the human response however you will never see a Klingon do this. The reason?

The little animal is a highly sensitive, perceptive creature and can detect unwellcome people in a flash. The poor mites become badly affected and scream their little lungs out with a high pitched screech, a definate sign of an agitated animal in distress and a warning to others.

When tribbles are near, klingons have plenty to fear. In 2267 Klingons looked human and some even behaved without honour but this was due to a Klingon Augment Virus developed in 2154 which spread throughout the Klingon Homeworld, Kronos. It twarthed Klingon DNA and affected facial features for over a century. (Read my post on Worf's Bumpyhead Secret)

Tribbles were good detectives. Spotting Klingons was easy. Spotting poisoned grain was not so easy ... but this discovery soon led to another startling revelation. A Klingon spy! Our furry friends are indeed resourceful.


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The Trouble with Tribbles.
Memory Alpha.

Spock and McCoy are men of science. There is however a divide that can never be bridged that takes its shape in the form of cold logic (as Dr McCoy has described it) vs. human emotionalism. The following dialogue is hilarious and excellently performed by Leonard Nemoy and DeForest Kelley, classic Spock vs McCoy.

" Spock, I don't know too much about these little tribbles yet but there is one thing I have discovered.." - McCoy.
" What is that Doctor?"- Spock.
" I like them ... better than I like you." - McCoy.
" Doctor." - Spock.
" Yes?" - McCoy.
" They do indeed have one redeeming characteristic"- Spock.
" What is that?" - McCoy.
" They do not talk too much. If you'll excuse me sir." Spock leaves the room.

Live Long and Prosper, Trekkers!

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