ScuzzBlog: Diaries September 2026
Entry 13th September 2026: Post 1: Star Trek Next Generation - Probably the final frontier.
Star Trek Next Generation - Probably the final frontier.
During the recent heat wave I had taken to watching some of my old
video tapes and particularly films of that era. One such film was
First Contact the Star Trek movie from 1996 featuring the cast of
The Next Generation. I got to reflecting on why I never watched
the series when it was on TV.
The series first aired in the USA in 1987 and ran for 26 episodes
concluding in May 1988. It reached the UK viewing audiences on
BBC2 in 1990 I believe. Sadly the first runs following the first
series was taken up by SKY and I didn't have satellite in those
days. I do recall it being on BBC2 for later reruns but by now I
was well into my Amiga era and had lost interest in TV.
And so the exploits of Jean-Luc Picard and his crew of the
Enterprise D in the 24th century went by very much unnoticed. I
would say that I have seen Wil Wheaton, LeVar Burton and Brent
Spiner more times on Big Bang than in Star Trek.
Anyhoo I decided to put matters to rights and finally boldly go
where I hadn't gone before like previously... if you know what
I mean. I have taken a small step and purchased the first series
box set and have watched the first six.
I have to say the presentation grey box is the best case for a
TV series that I have ever acquired. It really is a work of art.
The effort put into making this was admirable. Not sure about the
fold out disc case. Could have been split in two. I am not a fan
of downloading films, always buying the discs and in this instance
I regret not doing it sooner.
In respect of the series itself it feels dreadfully dated. You
can certainly feel the hand of Gene Roddenberry in the making of
this given the emphasis on the sense of comradely and strong
fellowship. At each twist I can sense Captain Kirk and his strong
will to do what is right at any price. Picard continues where
Kirk left off. Personally I think the plots get a bit vague and
drawn out at times losing its main direction. It also has a habit
of force feeding character traits often just to add content that
really is unnecessary. This I'm afraid became the way of so
many TV dramas that followed. A presumption of sympathy and a
general interest in a character whether relevant to the story
plot. I find Data at times very annoying as he wanders off in
his own world rarely adding to the main thrust of the story. I
also found both the Crushers to be very lightweight. The pace is
at times a little off and you get fed up of the advert breaks
where Picard tells you the star date and the story so far.
I can see why I didn't follow up on the series and watch it at
the time. It doesn't grab you instantly and the special effects
are a little Dr Who. Voyager was much better and had a significant
reoccurring plot thrust with them trying to get home. Deep Space
Nine is also another of those forgetful science fiction dramas.
I will endeavor to embrace the series but sense at the moment
I am a little underwhelmed, much like Amy in Big Bang when Sheldon
buys her the box set just to appreciate Will Wheatons character
better who she perceives as wooden. I'm kinda with Amy on this.
Star Trek Next Generation - Probably the final frontier.
|
