FNG1978 Reviews

Dark Angel (2000–2002)

Show set in 2020 delivers

[8/10 · 26 November 2020]

Corruption, untrusted media, armed militias, good coffee hard to come by, and the almost mystical safe haven called Canada.

Reality in the US? I don't know, but for sure the premise of "Dark Angel" set (coincidentally?) in 2020.

James Cameron, we need closure! For 2020. And the show. Is a season 3 with a moderate happy ending really too much to ask?

The Orville (2017–2022)

The Search for Star Trek

[9/10 · 26 November 2020]

So this is a comedy show? Well, I am not laughing.

Because this is where I come to soothe my Star Trek withdraw syndromes:

Moral dilemmas, social predicaments, inspiration and hope for a better future with three-dimensional and relatable characters.

Seth, live long and prosper!

Star Trek: Picard (2020–2023)

The Ghost of Star Trek past.

[3/10 · 26 November 2020]

This show entirely lives of (and bathes in) nostalgia, the Ghost of Star Trek past. Your mission was to boldly go... not just entertain.

Star Trek used to raise multifarious moral and social dilemmas and made you overcome prejudice and small-mindedness. In every episode. Now it is down to one predicament per season.

When watching Star Trek one has to accept to premise of warp drive, beaming, and subspace communication.

What one does not have to put up with are plot holes, irrational characters, bad acting, and the absence of a story-line worthy of a season. Indeed, the entire first season has no more content than a double episode of TNG. And still, the development of characters lacks, both, depth and purpose.

Star Trek: Discovery (2017–2024)

The search for Star Trek

[1/10 · 26 November 2020]

Star Trek used to make you think, check and question your morals, overcome prejudice and small-mindedness, and inspire hope for a better future.

This action-and-tears show does nothing of the kind: An insecure, yet stubborn, and supremely unrelatable main character is time and again told that she is the only one fit to save the day (and the universe). She feels out of place, she has changed (yes, she cries more), she doesn't know if she can take it anymore (I can't).

The overall premise of season 3 could actually be interesting. Cut out the weeping and soft music and there'd be 25 more minutes per episode for character development and actual story-line.

I am sure, though, JJ Abrams loves the show as is. Just his kinda thing. And TNG's Wil Wheaton can henceforth claim to have portrayed a grounded, brave and likable character.