Normally the biggest issue with fan films is the acting and directing, that is not an issue with this episode. This episode is excellent and as professional as any episode in the original series and most of the subsequent series. The pacing was good, with only minor issues, but a lot better than many of the more recent star trek series episodes. As for story, it was good and better than many official stories, however this is not surprising. One thing fan films normal excel at is the stories. Overall, in terms of acting, this is most certainly the best episode so far.
In terms of the specific story, it grabbed you from the beginning and had that magic mystery which I love. There were plot gaps, why did Tiberius let Kirk two leave if it was so powerful. If there was a reason it was unclear. Also it was unclear that they had discovered a 2nd kirk, a name plate would have been useful. There are a number of these minor plot issues, but they do not subtract from the viewing experience at all. Pacing was good, but it did slow down a bit in the last quarter, before speeding up once Kirk 2 was piloting the Defiant. Again, nothing major.
I wish the more recent star trek series was as good as this, I am very sad that no more episodes will be filmed due to the paramount directive. I love the series and recommend it to anyone who is a real trek fan.
8 Reviews
Are two Kirks better than one?!
planktonrules11 November 2019
A few years ago, some insanely die-hard fans made some amazing follow-up episodes from the original series. Of course, they needed new actors to play the parts but the folks did a great job in recreating the look of the original series--creating an identical ship and nearly identical uniforms. Some of the episodes are great...some are enjoyable but weak. Considering all the trouble they went to, I can forgive some weaknesses here and there.
In the original series ("The Enemy Within"), a transporter malfunction splits Captain Kirk into two people. In "Star Trek: The Next Generation", Will Riker is split into two identical people. So, having two Kirks in "Still Treads the Shadow" is certainly NOT without precidence!
When the Enterprise approaches a derelict Federation ship, the find that the Defiant (the same ship seen in "The Tholian Web") has a single and most unusual crewmember....an elderly Captain Kirk who survived over 200 years by going into cryogenic suspension. Now there are two Kirks...one of which is VERY old and decrepit. Maybe it has something to do with a nearby black hole. What's next?
This was one of the better episodes of the series so far. Although the entire episode was set aboard both ships and not on some interesting planet, it kept my interest throughout and had a really good and emotional ending. Well worth seeing.
By the way, in a small throw-away line, Sulu comments that he's great at surfing because he's from San Francisco. Has anyone from this show actually tried surfing there.....as they'd freeze their butts off in the very cold water.
In the original series ("The Enemy Within"), a transporter malfunction splits Captain Kirk into two people. In "Star Trek: The Next Generation", Will Riker is split into two identical people. So, having two Kirks in "Still Treads the Shadow" is certainly NOT without precidence!
When the Enterprise approaches a derelict Federation ship, the find that the Defiant (the same ship seen in "The Tholian Web") has a single and most unusual crewmember....an elderly Captain Kirk who survived over 200 years by going into cryogenic suspension. Now there are two Kirks...one of which is VERY old and decrepit. Maybe it has something to do with a nearby black hole. What's next?
This was one of the better episodes of the series so far. Although the entire episode was set aboard both ships and not on some interesting planet, it kept my interest throughout and had a really good and emotional ending. Well worth seeing.
By the way, in a small throw-away line, Sulu comments that he's great at surfing because he's from San Francisco. Has anyone from this show actually tried surfing there.....as they'd freeze their butts off in the very cold water.
Two Kirks? Where's Shatner when you need him?
mkurland2320 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The basic idea of Kirk encountering a much older version of himself is a fascinating one. It would have made a lot more sense if the older Kirk was brought to life by his original actor William Shatner. I'm guessing that Bill was busy with other projects which is why he didn't return. I'm just saying this story might have been better if Shatner had returned one more time.
Another quality 'fan' production, at least as good as some episodes of the original series.
jonathanrussell-047763 April 2017
The enterprise becomes trapped on the edge of a rift in space where alternate universes meet and Kirk finds himself having to contend with both ghosts from his own past and dangers in the present. Impossible to elaborate any further without a major spoiler, but there's a lot of Kirk being Kirk as well as moral and practical dilemmas to resolve - plus some spaceships flying around action!
As I said in a review of another in this series, while clearly a 'fan' creation, it really does have the look and feel or the original (1960s/1970s) series, and the screenplays and story lines are at least as good as many of those in the original. This screenplay was written by the same woman who wrote 'The Tholian Web' of the original series and she both elaborates on and ties up some loose ends from the earlier work.
It is all very well-produced and directed, head and shoulders above others fan productions out there. Vic Mignogna is uncannily like William Shatner at times and could almost be his twin brother. Other actors have developed their performances well, with Chuck Huber as McCoy and Chris Doohan as Scotty particularly impressing. Todd Haberkorn also does very well in the immensely challenging task of having to emulate Spock/Nimoy.
When one knows it all non-profit and made with love for the project, it seems unfair to criticize. I did feel there was a bit too much CGI, which doesn't sit well with the solidity of the rest of the set, and also a bit too much 'story', making this episode a bit episodic in itself and overpopulated with concepts at times. I can understand the temptation to do this, though, because CBS (the Star Trek copyright holders) have stipulated that STC may make only two more episodes as they're unhappy with the proliferation of fan productions in general.
Quality work, really looking forward to the final two episodes, but would caution not to stuff them too full of ideas, on the principle that, generally speaking, less = more.
As I said in a review of another in this series, while clearly a 'fan' creation, it really does have the look and feel or the original (1960s/1970s) series, and the screenplays and story lines are at least as good as many of those in the original. This screenplay was written by the same woman who wrote 'The Tholian Web' of the original series and she both elaborates on and ties up some loose ends from the earlier work.
It is all very well-produced and directed, head and shoulders above others fan productions out there. Vic Mignogna is uncannily like William Shatner at times and could almost be his twin brother. Other actors have developed their performances well, with Chuck Huber as McCoy and Chris Doohan as Scotty particularly impressing. Todd Haberkorn also does very well in the immensely challenging task of having to emulate Spock/Nimoy.
When one knows it all non-profit and made with love for the project, it seems unfair to criticize. I did feel there was a bit too much CGI, which doesn't sit well with the solidity of the rest of the set, and also a bit too much 'story', making this episode a bit episodic in itself and overpopulated with concepts at times. I can understand the temptation to do this, though, because CBS (the Star Trek copyright holders) have stipulated that STC may make only two more episodes as they're unhappy with the proliferation of fan productions in general.
Quality work, really looking forward to the final two episodes, but would caution not to stuff them too full of ideas, on the principle that, generally speaking, less = more.
The latest new eposisode of the classic series.
UNOhwen19 April 2017
I'm a huge fan - both both this, and Star Trek phase II, The Voyage Continues.
I was initially wary of not 1, but, 2 fan-made series being of such high quality, but, this gang has happily corrected me.
Vig Mignona - the 'hyphenate' at the helm here (he's Kirk, and creator, and producer - you name it) does a terrific job of being a scene-chewer all of his own. If William Shatner's seen this, I'm certain he'd be proud, and laugh.
The crew here is terrific - some faces will be familiar - such as Sulu, is Grant Imahara of Mythbusters, and usually the guest stars are quite a pleasant surprise - here, the lovely Tory Foster, from the fantabulous Battlestar Galactica - is onoard, for this episode, as Kirk's flame, and the scientist, who help unravel the mystery of the plot.
Kepping it short; everyone involved - both in front of, and behind the camera - is here, because they love Star Trek, and they all deserve applaud, for making this series as high calibre, as it is.
Several episodes - such as this one - are tied to the original series - be it, a 'part 2', or, in this case, an...'alternate' to what was offered elsewhere.
A few months ago, I was saddened, when I read that CBS - the holder of © for Star Trek - had said they'd allow the fan shows to continue - but, they couldn't be more than 30 minutes, they couldn't contain any crew members, nor could they tell stories which reflect back on anything we loved.
I hoped then - and still am - that I heard it wrong. If I hadn't, I don't know how many more of these wonderful episodes, because, personally, I really dislike the latest 'alternate time-lime' films (not the cast - I hate the ship - BLECH! - and the stories), and this series and it's counter-part keep me - and many others -very happy.
I want Vic Mignogna & crew to have a continued, long mission.
I was initially wary of not 1, but, 2 fan-made series being of such high quality, but, this gang has happily corrected me.
Vig Mignona - the 'hyphenate' at the helm here (he's Kirk, and creator, and producer - you name it) does a terrific job of being a scene-chewer all of his own. If William Shatner's seen this, I'm certain he'd be proud, and laugh.
The crew here is terrific - some faces will be familiar - such as Sulu, is Grant Imahara of Mythbusters, and usually the guest stars are quite a pleasant surprise - here, the lovely Tory Foster, from the fantabulous Battlestar Galactica - is onoard, for this episode, as Kirk's flame, and the scientist, who help unravel the mystery of the plot.
Kepping it short; everyone involved - both in front of, and behind the camera - is here, because they love Star Trek, and they all deserve applaud, for making this series as high calibre, as it is.
Several episodes - such as this one - are tied to the original series - be it, a 'part 2', or, in this case, an...'alternate' to what was offered elsewhere.
A few months ago, I was saddened, when I read that CBS - the holder of © for Star Trek - had said they'd allow the fan shows to continue - but, they couldn't be more than 30 minutes, they couldn't contain any crew members, nor could they tell stories which reflect back on anything we loved.
I hoped then - and still am - that I heard it wrong. If I hadn't, I don't know how many more of these wonderful episodes, because, personally, I really dislike the latest 'alternate time-lime' films (not the cast - I hate the ship - BLECH! - and the stories), and this series and it's counter-part keep me - and many others -very happy.
I want Vic Mignogna & crew to have a continued, long mission.
She's a Cylon!
jacpdx26 February 2022
A Senior Trekker writes................
celineduchain9 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Still Treads the Shadow is Vic Mignogna's version of the Ageing Kirk episode and, like Shatner before him, he achieves this with white hair, an oversized shirt and some unconvincing latex wrinkles. It doesn't look much better this time around.
In addition there is a new character from Kirk's past, Avi Samara, a great looking girl he grew up with who is now a top flight engineer. We are treated to a view of what looks like one of the original Tholian Web space suits although it's clearly superimposed over a stretchy metallic jumpsuit. I expect that was necessary to accommodate Vic's bulging, gym-honed body without damaging such a precious relic.
Next, Kirk gets to debate a computer. In this case, it's one that has evolved from his own consciousness but, of course being Kirk, he rapidly turns it into a screaming mess of pixels. Finally, Senior Kirk sacrifices himself to go into the Black Hole and save everyone while, at the last moment, sending Avi back to the manful embrace of Junior Kirk.
In fact, we get a pretty satisfying cocktail of Original Series tropes as long as no one actually tries too hard to work out what is going on.
Following a legal case by the studio, effectively shutting down all fan-made productions, these full-length episodes were hastily concluded in 2017. The creator, Vic Mignogna, subsequently became embroiled in a series of personal law-suits concerning his behaviour towards female cast-mates. Claims and counter claims abounded and, as of 2022, no effective conclusion has yet been reached.
WHATEVER THE REAL NARRATIVE BEHIND THEIR FALL FROM GRACE, THIS PARTICULAR GROUP OF STORIES REPRESENTS SOME OF THE BEST STAR TREK FICTION EVER BROUGHT TO LIFE. So many people, including Marina Sirtis and John de Lance, stars of the Next Generation, gave their time and enthusiasm, and some very dedicated people behind the scenes captured both the look and the feel of the original.
In true Roddenberry fashion, the "message" episodes covered such subjects as: inter-cultural marriage, child abuse, human (or alien) trafficking and the promotion of women to positions of high office. Actually Senior Trekker thinks that last one was a dud but does this really seem like the oeuvre of a man who disrespects women?
Best watch for yourself.
In addition there is a new character from Kirk's past, Avi Samara, a great looking girl he grew up with who is now a top flight engineer. We are treated to a view of what looks like one of the original Tholian Web space suits although it's clearly superimposed over a stretchy metallic jumpsuit. I expect that was necessary to accommodate Vic's bulging, gym-honed body without damaging such a precious relic.
Next, Kirk gets to debate a computer. In this case, it's one that has evolved from his own consciousness but, of course being Kirk, he rapidly turns it into a screaming mess of pixels. Finally, Senior Kirk sacrifices himself to go into the Black Hole and save everyone while, at the last moment, sending Avi back to the manful embrace of Junior Kirk.
In fact, we get a pretty satisfying cocktail of Original Series tropes as long as no one actually tries too hard to work out what is going on.
Following a legal case by the studio, effectively shutting down all fan-made productions, these full-length episodes were hastily concluded in 2017. The creator, Vic Mignogna, subsequently became embroiled in a series of personal law-suits concerning his behaviour towards female cast-mates. Claims and counter claims abounded and, as of 2022, no effective conclusion has yet been reached.
WHATEVER THE REAL NARRATIVE BEHIND THEIR FALL FROM GRACE, THIS PARTICULAR GROUP OF STORIES REPRESENTS SOME OF THE BEST STAR TREK FICTION EVER BROUGHT TO LIFE. So many people, including Marina Sirtis and John de Lance, stars of the Next Generation, gave their time and enthusiasm, and some very dedicated people behind the scenes captured both the look and the feel of the original.
In true Roddenberry fashion, the "message" episodes covered such subjects as: inter-cultural marriage, child abuse, human (or alien) trafficking and the promotion of women to positions of high office. Actually Senior Trekker thinks that last one was a dud but does this really seem like the oeuvre of a man who disrespects women?
Best watch for yourself.
Very Average
StuOz16 April 2021
Kirk finds his double - an old man.
Basically, this is two Kirks talking away for an hour and while the plot is interesting, it is not exactly mind blowing.
What gives this episode a lift is the well used music cues. Granted, all eleven episodes make great use of old music, but this tale goes all out in finding the very best music and putting it in just the right place.
I am sorry to say that "Continues" has atleast three very average or poor episodes and this is indeed one of them.
Basically, this is two Kirks talking away for an hour and while the plot is interesting, it is not exactly mind blowing.
What gives this episode a lift is the well used music cues. Granted, all eleven episodes make great use of old music, but this tale goes all out in finding the very best music and putting it in just the right place.
I am sorry to say that "Continues" has atleast three very average or poor episodes and this is indeed one of them.
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