I grew-up in a Trek household. My father would bring us as a clan to Star Trek conventions and to the openings of Star Trek movies.
I grew up in a household that had the "old series" on videotape displayed on a bookshelf next to the collected works of Shakespeare. Even though it would have been appropriate adolescent behavior to rebel against Star Trek, I was won over. Over the years I have seen a lot of re-imaging of TOS. I watched "the next generation" and JJ Abrams' "re- boot." I have NEVER seen anything like this.
The energy and dedication that went into this series is, to me, unbelievable. It is not a re- imaging. It is not a cheesy, low-budget attempt. It is a well-crafted, labor of love that attempts, and achieves, to re-create the old series where TOS ended. It also attempts to do what the series did-- pick up real-world issues and channel them into the scripts (in this case, human trafficking). The result is nothing short of brilliance.
If I were transported back to my dad's childhood, the sets, costumes, effects and scripts would have been state-of -the-art. This series has to work to bring that exact, 1967-69 sets, music, etc back to life without it seeming fan-boy or stupid. It's akin to someone painting in the style of the Dutch masters with the same canvases and oils. This is impressive stuff (if you see it for what it is). Even the acting style, dialogue, and the music is set to portray the precise tone of TOS. It achieves. It achieves SPECTACTULARLY. I am amazed!
I also am pleased with how the series gives nods to the original in ways which are sophisticated and reverent (not, like JJ Abrams, for pure fan-boy appeal). I adore this episode in particular. It's troubling, touching, deep and sweet. I also admire how "Star Trek Continues" recreates the four-act structure of the original show.
This series brings back some wonderful memories, I am looking forward to bringing all the episodes to my family for Christmas. I am sure they (especially my dad) will be blown away by the similarity. The show may bring tears to my dad's eyes!
This is high-art in its reproduction quality. I cannot imagine the loving energy it took to bring this series to life in its current form. I hope that they can do exactly what they are setting out to do-- to complete the Enterprises 5-year mission.
Time Travel is possible! Star Trek Continues is not counterfeit nor is it cheap simulation. It's a true work of art made with love and adoration!
I know I have not reviewed this episode well-- I happily will ad my critique. I have seen all three of the current episodes and I am dumbfounded and amazed!
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