TTV Fan Mail
New listener
From: Lenny
Hi Traughn Recently I decided to rewatch TOS which i hadn’t seen since I was a child and don’t remember at all save a few episodes here and there. Anytime I watch a show I’m always looking for some podcasters to watch it with me which is how I discovered your fine, (by which I mean hilariously irreverent) show. I’m about halfway through season three about to watch the animated series for the very first time and have loved your antics. Happily Tracy is always ready to tell me whose panties I missed seeing after the fact amidst the drunken banter. As a photo retoucher with 20 years experience I was excited to experiment with the blue screen yeoman photos but alas I cannot locate them. Help. I left a 5 star review on the US iTunes Store. Hope it helps. Live long and podcast Lenny
Hero Worship
From: Mark R
I never agreed with having children on the ship. What is the point of that? You are at work. I don't think people should take their kids to work even on this planet. There should not be families on the ships. The Navy does not currently allow you to take your family with you on the ship. Why does the Federation? Having families/children on board will make the officers rethink some decisions and that shouldn't happen. I personally wouldn't even allow those with children to serve on board a ship until the kids were grown. It changes what you will do and that can get others killed. If kids were as important to people as they say they are people would actually raise their own kids instead of shuffling them off to daycares and other places they park them. They are what today's society seems harsh to that kid but in fact children should have their questions answered truthfully. A child should be able to ask whatever they are wondering and have it answered in an honest way from adults. Shielding the truth from people does not make the truth different. Face an issue and get through it. The truth doesn't have safe spaces to hide in. Enjoy the 22 minutes of freedom the government graciously grants you outside your home each day. Use it wisely. Mark R
add to ETHICS if not too late
From: Marc Thomas
Hi Trek TV Friends, Here's my effort to get an mp3mail's landing to match the topic at hand, play this after your analysis of TNG's 'Ethics' Here's what I thought as I watched Oh. This episode. Kind of a throw-back to those TNG 'afterschool special' flavored fables that clutter it's early run. This episode felt pedantic and dated when I saw it in real time (199?) but Trek hada blind spot with respect to disability which it tried to rectify in TNG so that's good. Some awfully sweet prothstesis must available by then. The're a lot better now than they were in our own continuities recent past, I guess we see some here but seriously why salvage walking? Why walk all? Anti-grav it, NOMAD style and float around like a red balloon with contempt for mere bi-pedalism. I remember a Stephan Hawking interview where he wondered aloud why by Trektimes people were so tragically, uncritically sentimental about their own personal biology. Everyone should be a cyborg, six million dollar men, bionic woman and whatnot one and all, oh well. No matter. I like Worf. Even though I don't, at all, count myself among the Klingon devotees. I like Worf. It's important for the show's that the spotlight falls on him sometimes. ...also a few random observations Do two lady doctors discussing a male patient qualify as a bechtal pass? There's some philosophy for ya.... Oh, I forgot Alexander was on the ship...and is sick bay food big time diff from the rest of. rPrise's vittle stock? Ok, that's enuff Marc
A Matter of Time
From: Mark R
Here is what I think the timer Max Headroom keeps looking at does. At that time the timeship returns TO ITS OWN TIME if no one is inside to change a setting or put in a new destination. This would ensure that the ship is not lost in the past. That is why the ship left at that time, it likely went back to wherever in time it came from. It did not go back to the past. I am with Jared in that the time travel episodes are among the best. They really make you think. Are there historians here now studying us? Is one of them a host of this show? Mark R
The Game
From: Mark R
It is good to see sexist traditions like a Sadie Hawkins dance live on 400 years in the future. Why didn't Picard immediately confiscate the devices when W. Crusher told him there might be a problem? As a Captain I would be a little more concerned about my ship than he seemed to be. That game is not much different than today with folks staring at their phones crushing candies or whatever they do. As usual, all it takes to get into someone's head is for an attractive woman to run around and giggle. This is why we will never even make it to Mars. Mark R
Flashlights TNG
From: Marc Thomas
Hi Trek Tv Friends, Here's a thing. You know how all the Trek tech which doesn't challenge how the universe works has been invented? In the case of the flip open communicater invented and obsolented already? Replaced by the the smart phone? Which doesn't really appear in Trek? Which is kinda what I thought until walking down a dark rural route one day's eveningtime when I recalled some workaday water cooler talk from 1990-something or so and my colleague at the time whose commnets regarding the TNG flashlight held and aimed palm forward seemed awkward and un (it was assumed) futuristic to say the least as I held and aimed palm forward this damn awkward piece o' shit iPhone into the woods which harbor bears, rabid dogs and gun enraptured good old boys towards the safety of my getaway, a mini van which looks like the shuttle craft Galileo kinda albeit grounded by science which suffers only so much fun per customer It's ridiculous how long I've waited to remember... waited to remember write this letter Marc
Darmok
From: Mark R
In my top 5 best episodes of Trek for sure. If we are going to head to the stars we need to stop this thinking that something is not possible because we don't think it can be done. Because a society uses imagery for their language does not mean it won't work in computer programming. Just because that isn't the way we do things doesn't mean there isn't another way to do them. A society that uses this language is just as likely to develop a computer programming language as we are. To make the blanket statement is ridiculous. We should stop thinking the way we do things on Earth is the only way they can be done in the universe. Why didn't they get their captain after he was injured? Apparently none of you have been in the military. He could have given the order not to. That would be the end of it. An order is followed, PERIOD. This was not a partial success, the mission was a total success. Yes, Dathon died but it was Picard, his eyes opened! That was their mission. Now communication will be able to start between us. Humans are not so different. We tell stories to our offspring but many of them have a moral, a message. The story conveys the message. We do this with those we know also. "Hey, remember that time you fell off the dock at that restaurant?" This brings up a memory in the entire group of perhaps a good meal on vacation. Many times humans also speak in imagery. It is Wynonna Judd who is the singer. Ashley Judd is the actress and her sister. Mark R
In Theory
From: Mark R
Don't worry if not everyone agrees. That makes for a good discussion. When one side quashes the other's speech, freedom dies. I want to take this opportunity to say that this episode is why we all listen to your podcast. I will go out on a limb and say right here and now there is no other podcast dedicating 7 minutes to a dissertation on sock softness. Take that NPR! I imagine kissing Data would be a cross between licking a cardboard box and touching your tongue to the end of a 9-volt battery. I guess my question is: Why would anyone date Data? He isn't real. I ask my phone questions and it answers me but I don't have a relationship with it. This goes on even in society today. They are developing robots to assist people and they have said they will make them human-like so people will accept them. They are robots, period. Same as Data. A tool to be used, a mobile computer. Mark R
Domarc do Darmac?
From: Marc Thomas
Hi TrekTV Friends, Wow. 2016, that was a while ago right? What happend back then? The film Arrival, that's what. Based on a Ted Chiang's short "Story of Yer Life" What that's got to do with Trek? This... Sci Linguistics FI!!! When that movie came out I rememeber thinking "Wow I can't for tTV to cover 'Darmock', hope I live till then." Well I did. I have met my personal longevity goals and feel, now do I, free to resume my diet of candy, narcotics and briney fat. Poutine with bacon? Si si Por favor! Jared summed it up perfectly. Darmock is, in and of itself,a metaphor for an episode about language. It's Trek biting off more than it can chew which is what it does best and should do. It's probably nearly impossible to accurately show how Earthlife could get FTL then galavant around space-time making friends and enemies but Trek tries anyway which is what I love about it. Frankly it's why the special effects never matter'd much to me. Weather it's TOS, TNG or the Paramount Plus Stuff, none o' this is what it'd look like, but I don't care. What matters is that we think about it, think about the reality that the universe is big, and the possibility that we are not the only thing thinking about it. Marc
Redemption Part 2
From: Mark R
The first officer that was giving Data problems...I would not have tolerated that at all. In the military someone might be put in charge and you don't agree. TOUGH. I would have air locked that guy right to space. The boob windows are a great idea. I am considering starting a new fashion trend. Man boob windows! I mean, man boobs get sweaty, too. Also, it will give the ladies a peek of what's to come if they play their cards right. Who's with me? Mark R
Larger Than Minaj & Tang
From: Marc Thomas
Hi trekTV Friends I lost the text to this email but I remember the recipe described therein... *Freeze fresh kale,blue and strawberries too *Once frozen grind them to a powder then stir into a bowl with a well mooshed banana and a tablespoon of bitter cocao *Add plain yogurt infused with Tang *Return to the freezer *Serve later as a sorbet Marc
The Host
From: Mark R
The episode is on my 10 worst episodes of TNG although no one has asked me to publish it in a magazine. The sounds made can be described as that of a boot attempting to be extracted out of deep mud. I did think that Dr. Crusher was very unprofessional. As CMO she needs to keep her weird noises private and do her job when on duty. She deserves a reprimand at the least. We get much more acquainted with the Trill in DS9. I am looking forward to starting that series sometime in 2024 if we stay on track. I feel like listening to TrekTV should qualify for some kind of educational credit. I learned about everything from underage drinking to vaginal reconstructive surgery. Nice. The sooner I forget about The Host the better. Mark R
The Host
From: Kaelin
Hey guys! Your take on the episode "The Host" made it much more palatable! Thanks! Not palatable enough to lick a bucket of people though. I'm with Tracy on that one. I also had to turn down the volume on that one because I wasn't sure if my 7 and 9 year olds should know that much about vaginas and dunguses. But one of the things that really bugged me about that episode was not just Crusher's disgust for the Trill, but that she wouldn't even take responsibility for her feelings and actions. She claims that it's just a "human thing" to be disgusted with the Trill. Fuck that, Beverly. Speak for yourself. -Kaelin
Half a Life
From: Mark R
In my opinion, this is the best Lwaxana episode. Not because of her but because of the subject covered. The episode reminds me of "Logan's Run". Watch it if you haven't seen it. This planet sets an arbitrary time of 60 years as the end of the usefulness to someone. One thing we don't know is how long that might be in Earth years. Picard cannot interfere, of course. The episode hits me close to home. My Grandfather, who I have spoken about before, became ill late in life with dementia and was placed in a "Memory Care" facility. He was 88 at that time in 2003. Fortunately he had saved his whole life and had the funds to pay for it and it was about $45000/year at that time. His time there drained his money. I went to visit him and he didn't know who I was. Worse than that, he didn't know who HE was or where he was. The person he used to be was gone and all that was left was a living body. Now, the place he was in was clean and everything looked good but it was the saddest place I have ever seen. I apologized to him that he had to stay there because I know he would not have wanted that. What is the point of keeping a body alive like this? Because some religion says all life has value? No, it doesn't. Now, the person in the episode was still vibrant and could contribute but why was my Grandfather and so many others denied the right to die with dignity? Some fictional book written by nomadic desert people thousands of years ago says so? Hogwash. I vowed right then that if I get a diagnosis like this or any other life ending news I will choose the time and place of my passing, I will not allow myself to become a burden and die in a place like that. I will go on my terms when I say so. Sadly it took until 2007 for my Grandfather to pass away at 92 broke, broken and without honor. Mark R
Libertarianism
From: Data Logan
I took a little umbridge at the characterization in your recent episode of Libertarianism being "crazy". The core belief of Libertarianism is "don't initiate harm". Doesn't seem too crazy to me. But, as you discussed a bit on your show, where the line is between liberty and harm can sometimes be confusing and unclear. After listening to your show for years, I feel like we agree way more than we disagree, but I am a bit more Libertarian than you guys. For instance, I would defend the baker's right to not have to use his artistic genius in a way that disagrees with his own beliefs (even though I also happen to very much disagree with that belief of his). I have spent many weeks/months of my life considering the question of where to draw the line between individual freedom and the possible "harm to others/society". I fall very much on the side of the individual, while preserving the idea that society can sometimes limit the liberty of an individual for the greater good. But only in pretty stringent cases. I envision a society and governmental structure set up to very much side with the individual, while still acknowledging the needs of the society in extreme circumstances. Wanna know my thoughts more? Feel free to read the attached, which I am also very willing to discuss. BTW, this is not meant to be any real kind of critique on your show or you. I love the show. You guys are great. I'm just joining in the conversation. And it is alright to use my full name, though I'm not sure you'd want to burden most of your listeners with this kind of detailed analysis. Data Logan
In Theory
From: Kaelin Brons
Hey Trek TV! As someone who married an android, i have a few things to say on this episode. My own android also plays beautiful music and has been programmed in multiple... techniques. Having been with him for half my life now, I feel confident saying that the subroutines that he has programmed to accommodate my presence are not very different from the way I had to learn to accommodate his presence and needs. So what is this episode getting at? Androids can't make good husbands? Because I know they do. Star trek got that wrong. I think the problem with their relationship was the expectations that she had for data. She did not accept who he is. She said he doesnt truly care about her, but we know from other episodes that his version of caring is that his subroutines have become accustomed to someone's presence and he thinks about them when they're gone. And in case you guys missed this, did you see the way Geordi grabbed Thorn's neck when he got tossed by the electrified work station? I think his first aid ticket may need updating. Kaelin
Old Coat
From: Marc Thomas
Hi trekTV Friendz, Sci fi has become such a big trashy business since these shows were new. I really love how ideas and character rule the roost here in this, the pinnacle, I suspect, of Star,as it were, Trek. This is so cool. I've found, metaphorishally an old coat with a bag of stank and primo Trek zipped into a long forgotten pocket. Up until this point these Federation Future Fables were so familiar that I'd frankly seldom actually watch the episodes before listening to the podcast but now I wait until the new TTV drops,take a break from Columbo, TNG it then listen. It's really fun. Marc
The Drumhead
From: Mark R
Excellent discussion about choice. People are only free when they have choice. I guess the only one with no choice is the person making the cake in your example? They are enslaved to make it, meaning others through force of government can mandate a person provide their labor even against their own will. Interesting. On to The Drumhead: My Grandfather retired from the Calumet City, Illinois police force as a Lieutenant and my Dad was medically retired from the same force after being shot in the line of duty. They are both passed now and I retain much memorabilia from their careers. They both drilled into my head NEVER TALK TO THE POLICE. The only thing they want is to convict you. The system is corrupt from top to bottom and always has been. It had nothing to do with race as the talk is now. They would convict whoever was charged. They train endlessly on how to get you to talk, including lying to you over and over, beating you down mentally. Never go downtown to answer questions and don't talk to them. If you make it difficult for them they generally move on to the next person. In the US over 80% of people that go to trial get not guilty. Don't talk and don't agree to a deal. Hearing them talk at home and with their friends is why I never became an officer. 3 years ago I served on a felony case here. It took 3 days and when we went to deliberate it was immediate acquittal. In fact it was so quick we agreed to wait to hand out the verdict so we could get lunch on the state. It pays poorly, only $40/day. The state had virtually no evidence and we felt they wasted our time and the time of the defendant especially. Several times the judge did tell us to ignore something said after an objection was sustained. Ridiculous. This case worked out but I long ago decided to never convict anyone due to the corrupt system. I would have held out for not guilty no matter what happened. Mark R
Qpid
From: Mark R
Thank you for the tip! I used the code "TrekTV" and I got 25% off a codpiece! I am, of course, wearing it as I write this. Apparently Data is virtually indestructible except for 12th century arrows that can pierce him? One of those in the wrong circuit and he is out. Why does the crew indulge Q and go along with his shenanigans? They should simply refuse to participate. Mark R
robin hood
From: Marc Thomas
Hi trekTV Friends, Wow, my mp3mail about Columbo, kinda, was a strain to discern, sorry. Here's one crafted less hectically and ideally with care... Did I mention that I appreciate each episodes comprehensive essay beneath the TTV logo, and that they remind me of the liner notes on long playing vinyls of recorded non-rockin' old square music of the 19, perhaps 60's or so. There, now I did. Because I do!! also... I was out with Gabriella one day explaining that Star Trek is good because the space people have a demi godfriend who uses them to play Robin Hood when a innocent bystander overheard, then interjected that he liked Star Trek too, so I told him and his embarrassed girlfriend about you discover insert appropriate emoji, Marc
wood
From: Marc Thomas
Hi Trek tvFriends, Here's what I thought I'd share this time. A succinctly expressed Trek observation untethered to any given TNG, an mp3 relevant to any episode of The Patty Stu Show mercifully brief for Dustin's sake in nothing else The polished wood that arches over the triumvirate over which in turn Worf presides, is lovely design but to my eyes, entirely unfuturistic by TOS' aesthetic vocabulary, downright Davey Crocket. Because it's wood. I grew up surrounded by wood. It was the primary appeal of TOS to me. No stupid wood. Don't worry, that was a long time ago. Calm down, I'm fine with wood now. Damn, suddenly everyone's Smokey the Bear. Whatever! Have you stupid wooden future Marc
First Contact
From: Mark R
This episode and the discussion after is why most aliens hate us. We humans assume that our morality at that moment is superior to all others EVEN THOUGH what we believe to be right and moral is constantly changing. For Starfleet to go view these people as if they are in a zoo is reprehensible. "Riker was raped." Who are we to say this is not how business is done on that planet and it works for them? I would venture to say some business gets done on this planet the same way. Not too many years ago it was moral to OWN PEOPLE. It is currently ILLEGAL (although not enforced) for people to have sex out of wedlock in Virginia. Whose "morality" do we choose when we compare it to another planet? If we are to travel the stars it would be helpful if we would leave our judgements here on Earth. It would be even better if people here lived as they wished and allowed others the same courtesy. I do what I want and you do what you want. As long as people are adults they should be able to engage with each other in whatever mutual activity they both (or more) agree to no matter what society thinks. Morality is merely what a person is taught. If a child is indoctrinated, sorry taught, something they will grow to believe it is true. It is what it is at the moment and others may or may not see it as right. Would it be acceptable for that planet to come here and tell us our HR department should go? I doubt people would agree to that. Mark Rumps Lafayette, IN 16C
Clues
From: Mark R
I am going to say what we are all thinking. The shot of Guinan's legs at the beginning is going in the spank bank, AM I RIGHT? I think what needs to be mentioned is how Picard disrespects Data. On other episodes officers may say something to the Captain and he takes them at their word. Without trust you can't run the ship. Data says basically to "let it go" and Picard is all "Leave the room so I can ask everyone else if we can trust you or if we should take you apart". If you can't trust your officers it is over. As an aside, I also have a podcast. It is in 63 countries but not China! How did you crack that code LOL?! Mark Rumps Lafayette, IN 20C
Devil's Due down to Dia La Data
From: Marc Thomas
Hi trekTVfriends I've enjoyed reading the extensive written liner notes which accompany each new podcast episode aswell as the fun sound bite collage which precedes, each time, the tTv jingle. Over at the website new fan art! Real life Data in his high school letter jacket? Yay! Chris W's conjectural Jared? Hurray!! So far as season four of TNG goes, since my last and as of this email? Yes please, to the secular ethics which bolster Devil's Due, Here here to confirmation of the 'everyoe else in starfleet's an a-hole principle in '...Wounded' The Loss, was an poignant take on 'Theory of Mind' disorders Data's Day? What can I say?...Notable, if only, for its introduction of Spot, who would have a bigger role later in The Improvised Star Trek Audio Series which lived long and prosperously during the last decade until it died of Covid. She had more lines in that iteration “….” Played there by Chicago Improv hot shot Julia Weiss...But also it features a working class guy wedded in a ceremony under the influence of Japanese culture as was, many yeas ago, friend of the show, Mr Locke, who is real and not me Marc
The Loss
From: Mark R
It turns out Troi is a terrible person. Basically telling everyone they are savages. "How do you people live like this?" when she loses her abilities. Can we ask the question no one is asking? How is Riker not FIRED out of Starfleet? He immediately goes to hit on someone with brain damage? "Hey Deanna, I heard you got some brain problems. Too bad, let's do it." I agree, only a couple of B plots in this one. On to the next... Mark Rumps Lafayette, IN -4C
Final Mission
From: Mark R
I know you all liked this but it was a snoozer for me. Too many problems with the science of the show not always being in effect. Newton was likely rolling over in his grave after watching it. I agree that Picard was the greatness of the show. You mentioned The Orville. This is what Star Trek should have been. Sure, the first season was full of jokes that were unnecessary. If it had 10% of the jokes it could achieve greatness. Discovery has nothing on The Orville. I met Wil Wheaton at a Star Trek Convention in the 90s. He looked like he just woke up. Not shaved in a few days and clothes from the hamper. Nice guy (kid) but hey, maybe run an iron or get some fresh clothes to wear to an appearance. For the suggestion box I submit you add a page to your website. "FANS". Those that want to could send a pic of themselves to be posted. Mark Rumps 0C
Final Mission
From: Marc Thomas
Hi trekTV Friends, I don't know if this mp3 will land on the 'Final Mission' tTV but if it does..... Westley heats a cave by phasing rocks!!! My most cherished of Trek conventions. So swordsintoplowsharezie! I don’t know how often that happens in non-TOS. Nothing comes to mind. It's the natural roundabout of anthropic tech-volution, given The Campfire's pride of place at the misty beginnings of human-ity's environmental manipulation! I guess I guess that's why, my en-Dig-It-edness of 'Rocks Phased in a Cave' resists calm expression. I like Trek to touch base with big picture issues like this and it does. It's what Trek does. Or did. TNG, at this point, is Trek at its artistic pinnacle but here's me into it cuzof a call back to it's kitsch antecedencie. It must be so weird for those new to the podcast. Why do they put up with that guy? whyzie talk that way? I dunno but thank you Marc
Final Mission Episode
From: Chris W
Greetings again, Trek TV. I wrote you a few weeks back thanking you for helping me get through some tough times, and you continue to do so. I thank you again, and hope that this email finds you all living long and prospering. I decided to watch "Final Mission" before you covered it in your podcast, and I hope this email makes it to you in time before you record the episode on it. I remember watching this episode when it first aired. I grew up watching reruns of the Original Series back in the 80's, and I fell in love with Star Trek because of those reruns. When TNG came out, I remember thinking it looked goofy, I hated the bulky design of the Enterprise-D, and found Picard to be more of a tea-sipping diplomat than the space cowboy Kirk was. So, I dismissed TNG, and continued looking to Kirk and company for my Star Trek fix through Star Trek V and VI. I eventually gave TNG another try as VI was stated as the final TOS-cast film, and by that time TNG had its Riker beard. I became enamored with TNG as I began to realize that although this show was indeed different, it was still very much a Star Trek adventure. "Final Mission" is one of those episodes that cashes in on the bonds and relationships the characters have built over previous episodes, something I find lacking from more recent media. Wesley Crusher is a character I never found as annoying, buy that is probably due to me being around the same age as him (I am three years younger than Wil Wheaton), and the fact that I really got into TNG around the time his character was maturing into the young man we see in this episode. I will try to keep the rest of my comments about this episode short as I feel like this email is already going longer than I anticipated. For starters, was the alien shuttle just a refit of one of the Enterprise's shuttles? If so, I am sure it was a budget-saving technique and not a lack of creativity from the art department. I am pretty sure the interior of the shuttle was a re-dressing of the shuttle interior set for Starfleet shuttles. "Captain" Dirgo was an interesting character even though one wonders how he got as far as he did with his flaws and brashness. I do like how he has to keep reminding Picard that not everyone is as well-equipped and funded as Starfleet, showing us that life is still a real struggle for many even in the Star Trek universe. I like how his equipment was older, the phasers he had were even older models seen in Star Trek III. While I think this is one of the better episodes of season 4, I do have a few nitpicks. The obvious stair steps in the caves that are perfectly-sized for humans seemed like a weird design choice. The tractor beams in Star Trek always bothered me as there seems like no need to keep a continuous beam since once an object begins moving in space, there is little to keep it from slowing down. This makes even less sense in this episode as the radiated vessel has a clear path to the sun. Maybe navigating the asteroids would require continual course changes, but it seems like Data or the ship computer could calculate a trajectory for the ship to be pushed into easily. Once on its path, the Enterprise would be free to begin search and rescue for Picard and Wesley. Lastly, I love Gates McFadden as she usually gives very good performances, but she seemed way too calm throughout this episode. Overall, this episode is excellent, and I love the relationship Picard has with Wesley. The touching dialogue between the two was done so well - moving but not overly-saccharine. Picard being the hard-ass, intimidating commander yet showing he has so much envy and respect for young Wesley...truly great character writing. I love how Picard dresses down Wesley for being tardy only to reveal to Wesley he is accepted into the Academy - Wesley's smile when he realizes this is a great moment that had me smiling with him and wishing, like Picard, that I was still young and felt the stars were attainable. I find this episode an excellent send-off for Wesley Crusher. If you haven't yet commented on it, what is your favorite moment from this episode? Thank you again for doing the podcast! I want to do some fanart for you guys, but have been unable to think of anything. Got any suggestions? Chris W.
Future Imperfect
From: Mark R
Now we on to when Trek is mostly good with a few bad episodes thrown in to prove they can still do it. I have a ping of 19 at home. Are you telling me in 300+ years there is still lag? Disappointing. The Romulans did a poor job of recreating stuff. It was like a movie set, nothing behind the fronts. If they can deep scan your brain for all that, why don't they just get the info they want from scans? I had that kid pegged immediately. Trust no one.
FUTURE:IMPERFECT
From: Marc Thomas
Hi trekTVfriendz I'm trying to remember what I was doing when season 4 flew it's maiden voyage. Recollections of these episodes are so terribly vague, I must have had something else to do in 1990. It was the end of my 20's and I was coming to terms with the likelihood that my livelihood was to remain a lower decks matter. Which is fine, Lower Decks is my fave of the new Treks and besides even 30 years ago I was square enough to know that Riker was trying to play Misty before the opening credits. Here's Stan Kenton's band havin' a go...That might be a trombone. Fundamentally, this is not some humdrum high stakes political intrigue but only the loneliness of an adorable orphaned alien. So sweet. They kinda need a double switcharoo since you know, going in, that it's probably not really 16 years in the future or at the very least, that some cleaver twist or another's in store but...TWO? Well, whoop dDue, indeed and thensome! These fourth season shows, show in turn, me, why you, TNG aficionados, are so damn hard on the new Treks. There are some real ideas in so many of these oldie but goodz, and while I certainly enjoy the new CBS ALL ACCESS stuff (though not without considerable equivocation) I can't say I've seen anything like this level of philosophical exploration in any of the 21st century fare. I remember being amazed at the up tick in quality TNG'd undergone and I find it wonderful to have forgotten enough of it that I can dig it anew. I so win. Well, I woulda won more if they’da mada sit com spinoff ‘bout the twitchy Bug Eyed Bambino later which they never did so boo hoo but it’s fine. marc
Reunion
From: Mark R
Mark Rumps 6:27 AM (6 hours ago) to trektv I just want to comment on the part where Worf has to go to HR and get written up! Picard is like the head of HR. "Mr. Worf, I know you are Klingon and we at Starfleet Corporation are sensitive to the cultural needs of your people but if you could keep the vengeance killings to a minimum we would appreciate it. Here is your write up and 3 days off with no pay." Mark R Lafayette, IN 43F/6C
Reunion
From: Colin H
Ah, tis the episode when we find out Klingon children are just as whiny as human children, albeit that they do it with honour and ridges. I can see Frakes sitting in his directors chair saying “roll cameras, action and whine.” Sadly we only see this incarnation of Alexander once, Frakes thinks it was because he didn’t play him with much Klingon leanings. Well of course he didn’t he was asked to whine, not shine. The roll of Alexander seems to be cursed. Bonsall who took over the roll was a precious child actor who thought he was the bees knees. Sure he had won several awards for his acting, but the TNG cast thought he was a major Diva. Then like a lot of child actors, booze took its toll when he left acting to be in a band. He then had multiple run ins with the law including charges for assault and kidnapping. The joy of making money for your parents to spend. The fight scene at the end as with all fight scenes does make me ponder a few things, Klingons tend to twirl the bat’leth around a lot when wielding it, have they not seen raiders of the lost ark? Someone could just shoot them while they are doing all that. Also this is the only time we see a Klingon use a sword. I can only assume that after Duras died using said sword, Klingons then thought. “Well fuck! that didn’t work, I’ll stick to my bat’leth.” Now let’s reverse to the start when a Vor’cha class battle cruiser (incidentally the first time it is seen) decloaks in front of the federation flagship. What no shields automatically coming on, no “holy shit where did that come from!” Not even a “well you called have called first instead of showing up unannounced.” Oh no, nothing! Still as Khan said “we are all one big happy fleet.” Right up to the point when a Klingon can beam onto your ship and commit murder, closely followed by another Klingon beaming off to take revenge. I mean I know O’Brien is probably bored shitless in the transporter room, but he doesn’t seem to even ask why all these Klingons are coming and going. I guess his just glad of something to do. Speaking off Klingons Worfs “chair” was the command chair used in Haven. I’m guessing it cost a lot and so they needed to find a use for it. Now there’s a major moment in this episode when K'Ehleyr dies, this is pivotal to Worf and his son both now and in future episodes, but is she dead? I mean when Worf is lowering her to the floor she opens her eyes to see where she is heading and lowers her arm to soften the landing. Also she is facing one way when laid down, but another way when Worf makes Alexander look at her. Meaning she moved. Ah don’t worry Alexander mommy isn’t really dead, she’s just fed up with all your whining and so is getting rid of you to your dad. After all she’s got to go and lay a Q and then be painted Blue for Enterprise. She’s to busy to be mom. Live long and podcast Colin
reUnion
From: Marc Thomas
Hi trekTV Friends I wonder what sort of policy work Klingon government concerns itself with. How would a Duras administration have differed from Gowron's. Do Klingons have regulatory bureaucracies to oversee society's non-Martial humdrummery. I just think it'd be funny if the real issue between Duras and Gowron was over funding for public transportation or subsidies to the Ghak industry. They never talk about that though,Trek loves it's mono cultures yeah,yeah there I go again... I can't remember what we learn about Alexander later but geez, Poor kid, I don't wanna be warrior either. I'd love to hear Children's Counselor Kaelin weigh in on this one, wow. He has a tough time here Saddly Jon Paul Steuer, the actor who played him passed away tragically back in 2018, he'd rocked punkishly in the bands Soda Pop Kids and P.R.O.B.L.E.M.S. He also ran a vegan restaurant, right here in Portland but I never went there. I tend not to pay for vegan food, because it can't run away. It's too easy to catch for free. One final note RE the cocktail howto uploaded by me to FACEBOOK a while back... As the nausea sets in try to pass out with your head facedown in the toilet bowl so's not to leave a mess. At this point your entire body will be strongly motivated to die and that's nothing compared to how it will feel in the morning. Also, in the morning, the friends who witnessed one's shinannigans the night before will be friends no more. So prepare for that. Serious, I got kicked out of a party once and never hung with the host again. "Just say no" is always an option kids. Vape an eDoob maybe, to play it safe.
Legacy
From: Mark R
There are a couple of prominent things that stick out to me in this episode. People in Star Trek are always so trusting. Oh, this is Tasha's sister? Ok, let her roam around the ship and we will certainly consider what she says. HUH? Also, no one mentions that the Enterprise left a HUGE HOLE on the planet. Could they at least put some cones up or something? That must be a trip hazard. You know the clothing part of the replicator is programmed by guys. They probably told her to go get some new clothes. She taps the screen and there are several options available but when you select one, the only one not currently "UNAVAILABLE AT THIS TIME" is CATSUIT. Mark R Lafayette, IN 61F/16C
Remember me
From: Colin H
Hello Trek Tv I keep meaning to write, but believe it or not I’m one of the few people who is busier than ever, despite half the world being in lockdown. What a static warp bubble would do for us now. So Wesley the so called child genius is carrying out one of his many experiments and once again fucks up, yet some how once again is seen as the somewhat saviour. Well him and creepy alien guy, his PA team is off the chart. So to dissect, Wesley is one the flag ship of the federation and decides to carry out and experiment in engineering, you know the most fundamental part of the ship where to use a pakled term, they make things go. Commander pissy pants aka Geordie no management skills La Forge, comes down to do what he does, shout at someone and in the process they zap dear old mom into a pocket of space time. Now from here on in we see a few mistakes, the “wind” from the vortex blows papers off the desk. Yet in the future they don’t use paper, it’s all electronic. Unless of course the doc was looking into ancient texts to learn new ways to perform euthanasia, I’m sure Star Fleet has cottoned on to all her other techniques. Now Aside from the fact that despite everyone, from her point of view slowly disappearing, none of the crew thinks she’s is cray cray. Now I think this is interesting because we now this reality is created by her, so we are seeing these people from her point of view. Which means she knows they wouldn’t think her cray cray. The other interesting thing is that the person who disappears from her perception last is Picard, not Wesley. Probably because she knows her son caused this fuck up on some level and beside he didn’t do he chores again so deserves to die. Gates really gets to show he acting chops here and she did all the stunts as well, later finding out she was pregnant, oops. We get so few crusher centric episodes to get one where she carries the entire episode is great. There are the standard mistakes, you see the Boom mic twice. The bubble actually expands in certain graphics when it should be shrinking, the lights in the turbo lift indicate she is going up, when in fact she got on at the bridge, so there is no up. The plus side, crusher should clearly enter a sprint race, because the bubble is collapsing at 15 metres a second, yet she outruns it. What ever she had for breakfast was good shit. Oh and “Doctor” Crusher mom to Wesley emerges from the bubble sees her son slumped over the console, Says nothing to him. Nor goes to help him, but instead talks to the traveller. Which incidentally brings me to my favourite stating the bleeding obvious bit of dialogue. “ the alien from Tau Alpha C said he was a Traveler.” “Oh you mean the traveller!” Guess the writers where on decaf that day. Oh and why is it when the traveller/Wesley do the whole manipulation thing they close there eyes. I mean the traveller is probably getting off on it, as for Wesley I can only assume it’s so he can’t see his actually pressing a blank panel. Live long and podcast Colin
Remember Me
From: Mark R
I consider this a good episode as a crew member uses logic to figure out a situation. "If everyone else is disappearing, it must be me that is different." Most would not be insightful enough to see that in time. The quick "conjuring up" of the Traveler is the only real let down here. Quick fact about me: I have visited 11 Star Trek conventions over the years in the midwest and met many cast members big and small from across Star Trek. Mark R Lafayette, IN 44F/7C today.
RE...Member Me
From: Marc Thomas
Hi trekTV Friends Did you know that between the age of candles and electricity, a briefly extant infrastructure served towns and cities by providing a lumminant gas piped into homes and other architecture which could be safely ignited to provide light? You did. Oh.Well, it was news to me Also Apparently... A 1938 stage play that got cinemafied a couple o' times was named "Gaslight" and this became a shorthanded idiom for "making someone think they’d gone crazy" kinda This episode is about Wesley using science to gaslight his own mother, SIGH, kids today. Wesley Crusher is the Mad Scientist on aboard the 1701 D, as he here he creates the Static Warp Bubble, hot on the heels of his Nanites at the start of season 3... I can't think of another to round out the rules of three so maybe this entire thesis is flawed. Nevermind. No matter...a point if not the point is... I do love a trek plot driven by happenstance rather than say...villainy Wee wittle Wesly didn't do it on perpose and that matters what does matter is This episode has some serious DI-Fi to it, I dig it. This is what Trek is for, mind bending speculation, in this instance, instances inter-dimensionality itself are under scrutiny. A far assed cry from most of the other sci fi recommended by the various Web-bourn algorithms that think that because I like this I'll like other sci fi which I won't cuz it's, likely as not, dumb fun, maybe, if guns and speed are yer kink but dumb as fuck and then some. Ok, not fair. In the last decade dramatized A/V scifi's, at long last, allowed the smart stuff in.....but as a well seasoned audiant it's hard for me for to let go of old gripes. Suffice to say, that while there are other sci fis out there, of comparable quality now, there sure weren't back in the 90’s. Not on screens anyway. Ok, maybe there were but non that caught my eye. Maybe Bab 5 Shut up, Matrix’ not sci fi. No space, no xeno bi...if it aint got Tang it dont mean a dang Speaking of xeno bi might the micro-scopic fart monsters of Venus gas light their homes with phosphine? Nope, say's that grumpy old Doc Fritz. Hopefully, further research won't have thrown a wet blanket over that potentially paradigm shifting observation which made headlines mid September. Recently a gas named posphine was discovered then independantly confirmed to exist in the upper atmosphere of Venus. On Earth this gas need life to get made. Big planets like Jupiter can produce phosphine, but rocky terresials like earth, mars and venus, it has been assumed, cannot. Not without something metabolic. Author Ben Bova hypothosized such aeriel germs 20 years ago in his book 'Venus’…part of his “Grand Tour “ series which pre-date The Ex-Pants that sort of sci fi thing Join the Trek TV Fans Facebook page…’k? k! https://www.facebook.com/Trek-TV-Fans-106672104521460/ Marc
Suddenly human
From: Kaelin
Hey folks! While I liked the episode Suddenly Human, I gotta say that as a children's counselor, I'm confused by Troy's decision. Not sure why she thought that the curmudgeon who hates children is the best choice to bond with a boy who has potentially experienced trauma... I think someone needs to make a complaint to the ethics board. On another note, I think we all need to hear more of Tracy saying Jesus H Christ. Kaelin
Suddenly Human
From: Mark R
This was an interesting episode to look at the differences between cultures. That kids culture allows the taking of the son of those you kill. We don't. Who is right? Why do we humans think we are always on the moral high ground? Who is to say the Talarians aren't right? Q talks about the hubris of humans and I think he is right on. We look at other cultures, including those on this planet, with disdain. At the end, who has to make the call to the Grandmother? Mark R Lafayette, IN
Brother
From: Mark R
Parents: "Commander, can we leave our two kids alone on this huge starship while we go on sabbatical? Also, did we mention that they have a combined IQ of a medium-sized cantaloupe?" Commander Riker: "Sure. The only thing I ask is they don't eat the death fruit." Parents: "Deal!" 10 minutes after parents leave... Low IQ kid: "I need a snack." Children have no place on a starship. If it was today and Data was attempting to enter a password it would have taken 20 minutes because the computer voice would have told him to be between 7 and 20 characters and must include at least one character that is not a letter or number and one must be capitalized and also reenter your password to verify. I see why Picard did not have one. I was the 6th like of the FB page. Everyone should go there! Mark R Lafayette, IN
WARNING: this email contains trace quantities of Mister Locke
From: Marc Thomas
Hi trekTVfriends, Usually when I....Oh lookie loo! Mister Locke is here too "I just listened to Trek TV." Usually when I see what episode is up next I read the synopsis and and go "Oh that one" but this one? Nada, man, nada damn thing. I guess I'll have to watch it. I wish I could watch it on my phone the way young folks do. Can I get a VHS to smart phone adaptor cable? Por favor? The seizure of enemy children to replace ones own reminds me a lot of a well regarded and racist John Wayne movie The Searchers Guess who else was in that....The Cage’s Captain Pike...Jeffery Hunter Nurture? Nature? Does 23 and me mean anything or maybe? Ethnicity's how yer raised not what the DNAs say. Treks specialized in creating what are basically cultures that are not alien so much as foreign or merely local variants of contemporary Norte Americana. The Talarians, may not seem like they are from California where Star Trek is from but they could be from, oh I don't know, Idaho? So far season four's going deep, looking for hard questions. Not science questions though, not this time. TV scifi still doesn't do xenobiology much. Owed mostly to pop sci and fi's insistence on evolutionary miscontrution as discussed a couple or so weeks ago on your fine show, Mr Locke, likely as not, perseverant over my recent employment of a neologism has not let the ‘evo’ go either "...evolution’s not having a beginning or an end." I think this was him paraphrasing Tracy, eager then to add... "...with CRISPR, with CRISPR..." Spit it out man! "Evolution is quickly becoming manageable by homo sapiens with CRISPR and it can be very fast" Too deep in the weeds for me but as the spouse of veterinarian Mister Locke's authority on matters biological is as unimpeachable as Vaughns archeologics Meanwhile, Jono's high pitched keening sound's super not cool...pro-tip....fix this in post Marc
Captain's Holiday
From: Marc Thomas
Hi Trek TV Friends, An archeology themed TNG? I love it! Or do I? While the plot concerns the Vorgon's McGuffining after a quantum phase inhibitor named Tox Uthat, the planetary setting of Risa is what makes this episode distinct. I'm not sure that we learn much about the future of Doctor Tracy's science, here. When I first saw this, I really wanted it to be the same planet as featured in TOS's 'Shore Leave' I would have said as much in my letter to you concerning that particular TOS outing which you covered in October of 2010 but that was before I'd become one of your regular correspondents. Knowing I'd missed airing my opinion on the aforementioned Shore Leave, I eagerly awaited the podcast for this TNG to have my say. Well, now it's here. I must admit, the planet of Alice in Wonderland’s bunny, somewhere in the galaxy’s Omicron Delta region is more like West World. In fact, when the original Yul Brenner version of ol' WW first appeared, I immediately recalled TOS 17. Risa, on the other hand, is more like a seaside party town, a tourist trap in space. Woefully under roboted. Not my cup of tea but if its parent star’s fusion got squelched, I’d, maybe, go there for the snow Thankyou for your service, Marc PS... That was so fun, writing a TTV email again. Don't feel obliged to make a podcast for it, right away. I'm a lot busier than I was 3 years ago too, so I understand. I didn't even get a pandemic brake, because I work at home! I was just so happy to hear from you, those massive Australian fires that left the news cycle once COVID 19 took the spotlight, brought you two to mind, which made me start listening to the podcast again, That was when I noticed that Trek TV had an anniversary in June so I decided I’d write to you then.
(no subject)
From: Kaelin
Hey Vaughn and Tracy, Well I wasn't planning on actually making a facebook page, but damn since you said I am doing it I guess I will. I am homeschooling my children while still working on my masters degree, and I don't know how busy that's going to keep me. But you know, I was just complaining to George that I don't have any nerd friends (or any close friends at all) in this gorgeous but boring place I live. So I am going to make a facebook page and hope to connect and argue with you other fabulous nerds over the internet. Cheers! Kaelin PS - you can pay me in quatloos.
Family
From: Mark R
Although set on a Vinyard, this episode is more like water. Not exciting and lacking flavor. I had forgotten it until you brought it up. Remembered and forgotten again. Your dog's farts were more action packed than "Family" and likely will be remembered longer. Mark R Lafayette, IN
Los Bros Robo
From: Marc Thomas
Hi trekTV Friends Doctor Noonian Soong,as a character, embodies a through back to the Doctor Zarcovs of sci fi. A mad scientist. This is one of the earliest genre arch-types. Reminiscent of primordial science's 'lone' genius, before inventiveness required the large infrastructural framework which only a governmental, academic or corporate institution could provide. Of course innovation never truly happened in a vacuum as Newton noted from the shoulder tops of giants who preceded his work on Principia. But Frankenstein reanimated the dead without society's help and that doesn't happen anymore. Mad science is fun. My physics friend Fritz is so non-insane it's sad. It seems odd that The Federation can't reproduce Soong's work. Com'on Daystrom Institute! Ol' Doc Day'd had a crazy on now 'n' then...Frankly I'da thought they'da worked out androids after the discovery of anthropomorphic AIs by Roger Korby or those others by Harry Mudd. If in fact...oh sorry. Dr Zarcov? That's from Flash Gordon. Flash Gordon was a popular science fiction property that would have been familiar to a young Gene Roddenberry. Doctor Zhivago? No, nothing to do with this. Star Trek is largely a counterpoint to Flash Gordon. The idea behind Trek was to make a smart sci fi, more inline with the headier literary stuff, something for grown ups. Interestingly, Star Wars was a reaction, in part, to Trek's high mindedness and a reversion to the innocence of comic strips and weekly Buster Crabbe movie house serials. Star Wars is Flash Gordon with a dash of dumbed down Dune. But let's not get diverted into that subject cuz this is about android science. Vaughn works in the same general area as Doc Soong right? Vaughn, is it possible that you are a mere break with wits away from making robots? If so, go crazy man, that'd be cool. Marc
Warning: This is Mr Locke not Mr Marc (a forwarded email)
From: Marc Thomas
Hello Trek TV, This is Mister Locke. Thank you, I am fine and you? It just occurred to me, that when referencing the Borg we employ plural pronouns. As a collective, ought Borg be regarded as a single entity, Borg is the epitome of Von Neumann's 'singularity' . I believe your new Brazilian guest host got it right initially until peer pressure drove her into linguistic compliance. We could, appropriately, be using the singular and non-binary 'they' when speaking of 'them' but when they address us as 'we' it confounds our efforts to be respectful and accurate. Maybe I'll have a different perspective, post assimilation. I wonder how the drones of Landru (Return of the Archons) handled this issue, but not too much. There's a lot going on right now. Ours sincerely, Mr. Locke.
Welcome back
From: Scott R
Wow, you guys are finally back. I found myself checking for new podcasts every month or two and wondering what happened to both of you . 3 year bender...alien abduction...international incident...mutual restraining orders...who knows. Now I see you've been busy, which is a little anti-climactic, but I'm glad that you're doing well and excited to be able to listen to you again.
Newest Fan Art
Swag
From: Marc Thomas
Trek TV Swag