Trek1701

New podcast episodes!!

2014-01-27T11:49:00.001-07:00

Jan 26, 2014

Trek1701 Ep 3: Interview with Rick Sternbach, Part II

In this second interview episode of the 'Trek1701' podcast Chris asks 'Star Trek' illustrator Rick Sternbach the most important question: Where are the toilets on the Enterprise? Aside from that they also discuss starships design, the 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' Technical Manual. We also discuss what we would want to see in a new Trek TV series.
This podcast is a proud member of The Atomic Geeks Podcast Network.

Live Long And Prosper!!

RN Ep 23: Random Rant about ‘Star Trek: Into Darkness’

> January 27th, 2014

Chris is flying solo for this episode and is ranting about his dislike for the most recent 'Star Trek' film.

Trek1701: A 'Star Trek' Podcast

2014-01-19T06:44:00.001-07:00

Ep #2: To Boldly Go Where Other Podcasts Have Gone Before…

Chris Lockhart (chrisloc1701) is joined by Evan Hanson and Dave Kish. In this first ‘group’ episode of the podcast they discuss ‘Captain Picard’ (Patrick Stewart), JJ Abram’s Star Trek movies and what we would want to see in a new Star Trek TV series. Then a Trek1701 Review on the film ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture’, we discuss who is our favorite Trek Doctor? And also included in this episode is a segment on the ‘Top 100’ moments in Star Trek history (100-90).

Be sure to leave an iTunes review. Any positive reviews help our standings on iTunes.

If you want to contact the show send your e-mails to trek1701podcast@gmail.com

You can also stream this podcast at www.trek1701.podbean.com

This podcast is a proud member of The Atomic Geeks Podcast Network.

'Kapla' or rather “Qapla” (The standard Romanized Klingon spelling it is a noun meaning "success" or sometimes "absence of failure").

Geek Fallout

2013-10-22T10:38:00.001-06:00

Geek Fallout

THE CAPTAINS TABLE: INTERVIEW WITH GEORGE PAPPY (THE GREEN GIRL)

October 22nd, 2013

Chris interviews George Pappy about his upcoming documentary called 'The Green Girl', which is about the life and times of actress Susan Oliver who played 'The Green Girl' on the original Star Trek pilot. George updates us on the project and his latest fund raising campaign.

Geek Fallout is a proud member of The Atomic Geeks Podcast Network.

Last Post of Trek1701

2012-10-27T02:38:00.000-06:00

Hey there friend, this is Chris Lockhart, also known as Chrisloc1701 and this is my 'Star Trek' themed blog. As you may be aware I have just started a podcast, based on my 'Random Nerdness' blog and it is ironically called 'The Random Nerdness Podcast', and we are part of The Atomic Geeks Podcast Network. Well things are going great with the podcast, I and my fellow podcasters are having a blast with this new endeavour. But sacrifices must be made for progress and sadly this blog will be one of those sacrifices. I am going to continue to blog at Random Nerdness, so there will be Trek themed blog entries there from time to time, but this site will halt all blogging effective immediately. I appreciate you taking the time to check the site out, thanks for that! As I said I will still be out there talking 'Star Trek' so be sure to check out my other projects:

The Random Nerdness Blog can be found at www.randomnerdness.blogspot.com

The Random Nerdness Podcast can be streamed free at www.randomnerdness.podbean.com and free to download from iTunes!

The Random Nerdness Blog & Podcast have both a group and page on Facebook so check us out there!

You can follow my tweets on Twitter @chrisloc1701

You can E-mail the Random Nerdness Blog & Podcast at nerdnesspodcast@gmail.com

Thanks again for reading. Live Long & Prosper!

Blog #37: Remembering B5's 'Commander Sinclair'

2012-10-13T15:06:00.000-06:00

Despite 'Babylon 5' not being in the Trek Universe, and in a way competition to Deep Space Nine, B5 has a special place in my heart. It was truly a great space sci-fi series that was way ahead of its time. It was a series that was definitely better than Star Trek: Voyager or Enterprise. Anyway for this weeks entry into the blog we have a sad one:

On September 28, 2012, J. Michael Straczynski posted that O'Hare suffered a heart attack on September 23 and had remained in a coma until the 28th, when he died.

^{I was very sad to hear this. I was and still am a huge fan of the 'Babylon 5' series and I really enjoyed Michael O'Hare as Commander Sinclair. I remember when season 2 started being devastated that O'Hare would not be returning. I had no Internet back then and had no way of knowing Bruce Boxleitner would be replacing him on the series. He did make a brief return appearance in Season 2 but made a big splash in the 3rd season 2 part episode 'War Without End'. I had always wished they would have had him back more on the series, especially when they started doing TV movies. I had wanted them to do a 'Babylon 4' movie which would have focused on O'Hare as 'Valen', who was actually}

^{Sinclair transformed into a Minbari. JMS did do a comic book series based on the B4 concept, but I really wished it had been filmed with O'Hare starring in it.}

And sadly O'Hare is the third B5 series star to have passed since the end of the series in the late 90's: Andreas Katsulas (G'Kar) passed away in 2006 and Richard Biggs (Doctor Franklin) in 2004.

^{Rest in Peace Mr O'Hare, Mr Katsulas and Mr Biggs, you will all be missed and never forgotten.}

Blog #36: Pop Culture Eraser

2012-10-04T22:01:00.000-06:00

A few months back the 'Nerd Lunch' podcast did an episode called 'Pop Culture Eraser' where they took one person and one thing from pop culture (TV series for example) and erased them from pop culture. What would theramifications be? This episode got me thinking of a couple things I would erase from Trek pop culture, and I of course am going to discuss it here:

Person to Erase from 'Trek' pop culture: Rick Berman.

I agree, it is a gamble getting rid of Berman since TNG really got it's groove in season 3, the season he took over the reigns. Biggest thing for me is Rick Berman is an admitted Non-Trekker. He did not watch it growing up, did not watch it in preparation to work for Gene Roddenberry, he was simply a TV Producer, period. But had someone like Michael Piller been in charge, a man who seemed to have a firm grasp on what works and doesn't work for Star Trek, we may have had even more quality TNG. Or someone who is a Star Trek fan running things after Maurice Hurley left TNG at the end of season 2. It worked for the 'Avengers' film having someone at the helm who was a fan of the original material and who knew what would work and what wouldn't. Berman really didn't have a clue, in my opinion.

Thing to erase from 'Trek' pop culture: The UPN Network.

From what I have read the TNG cast had agreed to an 8th season. But because of Paramount was getting ready to launch their 'UPN' network in the USA they wanted their flagship show for this new network to be a Star Trek series. Because of syndication deals in place at the time they could not transfer TNG to UPN, also they wanted a Trek series for many years to come thus 'Voyager' was created and TNG ended in syndication at the end of season 7, one of TNG's worst seasons. Had UPN not existed TNG may have done an 8th season, a season to wrap up all loose ends and leave television on a higher note. But sadly it was not meant to be, thanks UPN and Paramount.

Anywho that's all she wrote, or rather all I wrote. Thanks again to the Nerd Lunch podcast for giving me this blog topic. Nerd Lunch is a great podcast that listen to weekly, and they do talk Trek from time to time. Definitely give their show a listen. I made a guest appearance on episode #28 of Nerd Lunch where Trek was being discussed! Also give them a iTunes review, I'm sure they would appreciate that. See you next time!

Blog #35: Top 10 Best Trek Scenes, Part V

2012-09-26T13:47:00.000-06:00

Hello friend and welcome back to the Trek1701 blog. for the next 5 blog entries I will be discussing my favourite Trek scenes, arranged in a Top 10 format. Each entry will feature 2 scenes, counting down to my favourite Trek moment. I have included scenes from the movies and the television series. Here we go:

Picard sits upon the 'Captains Throne' on the bridge of the Enterprise D

#2- TNG: Guinan convincing Picard/Restoring history/Defending the Enterprise C

'Yesterdays Enterprise' is perhaps the best TNG episode they made in my opinion. Everything about this episode is great: time-line changed, Tasha is back: Troi and Worf are gone, the Enterprise and her crew are at war with the Klingon Empire, and only Guinan seems to know that things have changed, even though she is not sure herself. Whoopi Goldberg gave perhaps her best performance as Guinan in this episode, both her and Patrick Stewart were great together in this episode. Going on his faith in his friend Guinan, Picard decides to believe her and insist that the Enterprise-C go back in time to certain death in order to prevent the war with the Klingons. The Enterprise D and her crew must battle against 3 Klingon warships in order for the Enterprise C to safely make it back to its own time. Enterprise D suffers heavy damage and it will be destroyed by a warp core breach as a result of being hammered by the Klingons. Commander Riker himself gets killed in a bridge explosion, but the Enterprise C makes it back and time is restored back to normal, with only Guinan seemingly aware what has happened. The last 5 minutes of this episode feature perhaps the best TNG battle scene made.

The Enterprise D defends the Enterprise C against the Klingons

Locutus of Borg

#1- TNG: Picard abducted/Locutus revealed/Cliffhanger

'Best Of Both Worlds' featured the first TNG cliffhanger, and perhaps it's best. Picard gets abducted, turned into a Borg and Riker orders the Enterprise to fires it's deflector dish which will not only destroy the Borg and Picard (Locutus), but the Enterprise itself. This whole episode was great and was perhaps Jonathan Frakes best performance as Riker. Not only is this the best TNG cliffhanger, but perhaps the best cliffhanger in TV history.

Captain Riker and First Officer Commander Shelby

And that is that. See you again next time for some blogging. Live Long And Prosper!

Be sure to check out my most recent blog post on the Random Nerdness blog called 'Star Trek: Stargazer' at www.randomnerdness.blogspot.com

Blog #34: Top 10 Best Trek Scenes, Part IV

2012-09-19T19:49:00.000-06:00

#4- TNG: The Defector: Picard owns Tomalok/ Admiral Jarok speech

This is perhaps my favourite Romulan episode ever. A Romulan defector crosses the line and Picard must debate what he should do: Cross the Neutral zone to stop a war, or perhaps to start one? The Enterprise and defector Admiral Jarok were set up and the Enterprise is at the mercy of 2 Romulan warbirds commanded by Commander Tomalok, played brilliantly by the late Andreas Katsulas (Babylon 5's 'G'Kar'). Picard refuses to surrender hi ship and very calm and cooly reveals his ace up his sleeve: Cloaked Klingon Warships at his command surrounding the romulan ships. Tomalok has no choice but to back down and leave, which leaves the pawn Admiral Jarok to commit suicide for his betrayal. It in many ways is a very moving episode, and Picards ready room speech to Jarok is one of the best ever delivered by Captain Picard.

#3- Star Trek II: Khans revenge/ Kirk strikes back!

Khan comes back and he wants his pound of flesh from Admiral Kirk. Ricardo Montalbon was absolutely brilliant playing the villainous Khan. This film is the best Star Trek film ever made hands down. Khan using his captured USS Reliant cripples the Enterprise, and only Kirks cunning keeps him and his crew alive, which leads into the movies stunning final space battle between the Reliant and Enterprise. Kirk outmanoeuvres Khan yet again and Khan dies, but not before making one last effort to kill his mortal enemy, thus forcing Spock to sacrifice himself to save his shipmates. Khan and Kirk are so engaging when they interact with each other the viewer, myself included, don't realize they never actually share screen time together. Their battles take place in space and via communication channels. And their exchanges are so powerful they don't actually need to physically battle each other, something they should have used in the TNG films...

Top 2 next week! Stay tuned...

Blog #33: Top 10 Best Trek Scenes, Part III

2012-09-13T17:15:00.000-06:00

#6- TNG: "There are Four lights"!/ Jellico making enemies

Picard is replaced as Captain of the Enterprise by Captain Edward Jellico, and Picard is captured while on a secret mission for starfleet into Cardassian space. Picard is tortured by Gul Madred while back on Enterprise Jellico is pissing everyone off who crosses his path. Patrick Stewart gives perhaps his best performance as he plays a man who is both mentally and physically tortured. "There are Four lights" is perhaps one of the most famous Picard lines to be recited by fans. It was hard to see Picard beaten down the way he was but it made for great drama and a great performance by Stewart. Meanwhile Ronny Cox as 'Jellico' did a great job stirring up the status quo on the Enterprise. The heated exchanges between Jellico and Riker were very cool with both Cox and Frakes giving great performances.

#5- Star Trek III: Stealing the Enterprise/ Kirks revenge for death of son

How cool was it to see the old boys working together to steal the Enterprise and rescue Spock. The scene where they actually steal the ship out of space dock is absolutely awesome. Then later in the film Kirk is fighting the man who ordered the death of his son, Kruge, played wonderfully by Christopher Lloyd (Back To The Future). Do you realize that this is the only original series film where Kirk actually physically fights the bad guy. Picard fought the villain in every TNG film, but Kirk only ever fought Kruge. Kinda weird considering Kirk was the fighter and Picard was the diplomat. Despite the fact that Kruge was trying to kill him Kirk tries to save him, before kicking him to his certain death. Freakin awesome!

More next week! TTYL

Blog #32: Top 10 Best Trek Scenes, Part II

2012-09-06T10:47:00.001-06:00

Hello friend and welcome back to the Trek1701 blog. For the next 5 blog entries I will be discussing my favourite Trek scenes, arranged in a Top 10 format. Each entry will feature 2 scenes, counting down to my favourite Trek moment. I have included scenes from the movies and the television series. Here we go:

#8- TOS: Kirk allows true love to die/ "Lets get the hell out of here"

Kirk travels back in time to 1930's Earth and finds perhaps his one true love in Edith Keeler (Joan Collins). Then he learns from Spock that Edith Keeler must die in order to restore the future from which they came. Kirk lets her get hit by a car, holding McCoy back as he tries to save her, and allows his love to die in order to save billions. Very heavy stuff here folks, would you allow the love of your life die in order to save lives? This episode was written by sci-fi writing legend Harlan Ellison, and is perhaps the greatest episode of Star Trek ever made, out of all of the series. And it ended on a powerful note when Kirk says "Lets get the hell out of here". 'Hell' being a word seldom heard on conservative 60's television. You feel Kirks pain when he realizes what he had to do. Great acting by William Shatner.

#7- DS9: Defending DS9 against a Klingon invasion

Shit really hit the fan when the Federation defied the Klingon Empire by not sanctioning the Klingon's invasion of the Cardassian Union. Then the Klingon's come to DS9 and attack the station. DS9 and her crew are more than ready battling the Klingon fleet, and the Klingon boarding parties fight the DS9 crew in hand to hand combat. This the first episode of DS9's 4th season really stepped up the action and overall quality of the series with Michael Dorn(TNG) bringing his Worf character to DS9 and joining the cast. This is when DS9 got really good and started to become the best Trek series of all time (thus far). They boosted their special effects, making them better than Trek movie quality.

Till next time...

Blog #31: Top 10 Best Trek Scenes, Part I

2012-08-28T06:20:00.000-06:00

#10- Star Trek VI: "To Be Or Not To Be"/Enterprise gets pummelled!!

I love the final battle scene from Star Trek 6. Christopher Plummer is such a great actor and it was great seeing him playing the final villain the original crew would face together before going into retirement. The cloaked Klingon bird-of-prey does severe damage to the ship and Sulu's ship when they come to their aid. All while Christopher Plummer is reciting Shakespeare. And to see Spock and McCoy working together to get a gas sniffing torpedo on line, and General Chang (Christopher Plummer) ultimately saying "To Be Or Not To Be"... then Sulu and kirk ordering the destruction of the Klingon ship...Awesome. Great final battle for the original crew.

#9- Star Trek IV: Saving the whales/The crew out of their element

This was a great film. Seeing Kirk and company on the streets of San Francisco in the 80's, having to deal with punks and swear words... very funny. it was also a nice change of pace and a movie that didn't take itself too seriously after the first 3 films being very serious. My favourite scene out of them all is when Kirk and crew, on board their stolen cloaked Klingon bird-of-prey, have to rescue whales 'George' and 'Gracie' from a whaling ship. When the whalers shoot their harpoon it hits an invisible wall, then the bird-of-prey De-cloaks in front of them much to the shock of the whalers. Plus the whole plot line of using a ship at warp speed slingshotting around the sun to travel time was genius.

See you next time for more moments!

Blog #30: Insurrection & Nemesis

2012-08-20T21:49:00.000-06:00

Recently on the 'Nerd Lunch' podcast they guys discussed the TNG films 'Insurrection' and 'Nemesis'. For those of you who are reading this and have not listened to 'Nerd Lunch' I highly recommend you do. It is a great podcast that I must listen to every week. CT, Jeeg and Pax are really cool guys and they have put together a great show. I made a guest appearance on episode #28 of Nerd Lunch where we discussed (you guessed it) Star Trek. check them out on iTunes. Anyway listening to their discussion on the last 2 TNG films inspired me to write a commentary blog post about them.

- With 'Nemesis' they were really trying to recreate 'Wrath Of Khan' (Data dying: Spock dying, enemy out for vengeance Shinzon/Khan). Also the idea of a ship that can fire while cloaked was stolen from Star Trek VI. If they wanted to do a vengeance story why not simply have 'Lore' be reassembled by foolish star fleet techs, then he goes after Data, Picard & crew.

- I don't think 'Nemesis' was actually supposed to be the final TNG film. I think they were waiting to see if it was a box office success, then if all went well make another. But it did not go well...

- I think they killed Data because Brent Spiner felt he was getting too old for the character... my simple solution: Get 'Q' in a movie and have him make Data human. Snap of a finger and all is well. Why was 'Q' not in one of the 4 TNG films? John Delancie was great as Q and I really wish we could have seen him interacting with Picard and crew again. Trying to forget he made guest appearances on 'Voyager'...

- If they were going to go the Romulan route why not have it be a move about Spock's resistance movement. Bring Leonard Nimoy back, which he would have done with the right script as he proved with 2009's 'Star Trek'. Bring Sela and Tomalok back as the villains... it would have been awesome.

- Really the only thing I liked about 'Insurrection' was that Riker/Troi finally got together, and even Riker shaving the beard was cool. other than that there ain't a whole lot I like about this film. I know they were trying to do a more light hearted film, like Star Trek IV, but the jokey humour just didn't work for this film. The bad guys sucked, but the special effects were OK. The 'Admiral' character was not interesting at all, would have loved to see Ronny Cox come back as 'Admiral Jellico' for this film.

Finally on a final note it retrospect it is sad that TNG only made 4 films and they were these 4 films. Overall the TNG films were forgettable when compared to the Original series cast's films. Again I lay huge blame for these films, and the state of the Trek franchise (up until 2009) on Rick Berman. Had someone else who actually cared and had a clue about Star Trek been in charge of the franchise it would be in a better state than it is now.

See you next week!

Blog #29: Babylon 5 (DS9's Competition)?

2012-08-11T10:09:00.000-06:00

Part I: My Pre-Discussion Of 'Babylon 5'

Shortly after the launch of DS9 in the spring of 1993 there was a TV movie that made it's premiere, and it was called 'Babylon 5'. To be honest I was not impressed. The story was bad, the make-up looked terrible and and special effects were not even close to being as good as DS9. Despite all this the movie was enough to convince someone at Warner Brothers to invest in a TV season and in January 1994 'Babylon 5' the TV series was born.

They really cleaned up the TV series from what the TV movie had been. the special effects, although not DS9 quality were a lot better. B5 was one of the first space series to use all digital fx, which really made them pioneers in the field. As the series progressed the special effects got pretty solid and looked good, but the first few season did not look as good as their DS9 counterpart. The make up got better for the series, especially with regards to the Minbari, Narn and Centauri characters. The costumes even got better. They recast some key characters in particular they brought in Claudia Christian to play Lt Commander Susan Ivanava. She was a great actress and was a great addition to the series. The show lasted 4 seasons in syndication, then in the 5th and final season they were brought to the TNT Cable Network, where they also aired past episodes along with 4 original B5 TV movies.

This was a great series and I have only scratched the surface of my discussion for the series. Be on the look-out for future blog posts where I finish discussing this show.

In Valens name!

Blog #28: Great Trek Actors Who Need More Work: 2

2012-08-01T04:07:00.002-06:00

Continuing last weeks topic. I listen to the 'Nerd Lunch' podcast and one of their franchise topics is 'Give That Guy some Work' where they discuss great actors from TV and film who have not been seen in anything for a while. Got me thinking about some great Trek actors who are wonderful and I would like to see them in something again.

Brent Spiner:

I think Brent Spiner needs to be in more. That guy is a multi-talented actor who I think if given a chance could d anything. I could see him doing a slap-stick comedy like 'The Naked Gun' where he could play a Leslie Nielson-type character or a serious psychological thriller like John Lithgow did in 'Raising Cain'. Spiner would be awesome in either capacity. I got the chance to meet Spiner this April at the 2012 Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo. he was a very nice guy and very cool towards my son, asking him what his name was. We got our pic taken with him. Just meeting him alone made the convention worth it.

And they need to give Andrew Robinson (DS9's 'Garek') some work!! He is a wonderful character actor, would love to see him play a villain like he did in the 'MANTIS' TV series in the 90's.

Will continue this discussion another time. TTYL. Taking next week off to do some holidaying so see you back here in 2 weeks(ish). Same Trek Time, Same Trek Blog!

Blog #27: Great Trek Actors Who Need More Work

2012-07-25T21:47:00.000-06:00

I listen to the 'Nerd Lunch' podcast and one of their franchise topics is 'Give That Guy some Work' where they discuss great actors from TV and film who have not been seen in anything for a while. Got me thinking about some great Trek actors who are wonderful and I would like to see them in something again.

Matt Frewer:

I met Trek guest star Matt Frewer summer 2011 at the Calgary Expo and he was a great guy to meet. He played 'Rasmussen' in a 5th season TNG episode. He actually is a busy guy for work, but I'd like to see him in something like 'Dexter' or 'Breaking Bad', or better yet 'Game Of Thrones'. I loved his 90's comedy show 'Doctor, Doctor' and the drama 'Psi Factor' in the 90's. Awesome actor who needs to be included more on big projects.

At the 2011 Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo I caught a Matt Frewer panel. Frewer is best known as 80's icon 'Max Headroom', but being a Trek nerd I was more interested in his guest appearance on an episode of 'Star Trek: The Next Generation'. I even asked him about it and I was so nervous having him and the entire room staring at me...but I got out my question. I said "I....I...I wanted to ask you about your role on Star Trek. Did they call you for the role because I had heard a rumour that that role was originally written for Robin Williams (who apparently was a big fan of the show)". He said to me that he was asked to take the role and also heard the Williams rumour but doesn't know if it is true. He also had hoped to make another appearance with that character, but it never happened.

And the episode originally written was supposed to have a scene where he is sent to a prison planet, according to Frewer.

More to come. See you next time, same Trek time, same Trek blog.

Blog #26: My New Trek Series Premise, Pt III

2012-07-12T04:05:00.001-06:00

As I write this it is my hope someone involved in the creation of the new Trek series will read this idea and (hopefully) use it. My idea for a new series is this:

Star Trek: Light In Darkness

Section 32 on board the USS Yorktown travels the known Galaxy in secret undertaking missions needed for the protection of the Federation and it's allies. This will see the Yorktown travel everywhere from inside the former Romulan Empire, to the Klingon Empire, all the way to Deep Space 9 where it will travel to the Gamma Quadrant to determine if there is a Dominion conspiracy to destroy the Federation. Aside from DS9 we could possibly see Captain Riker and the USS Titan make an appearance, as well as other guest stars from TNG, DS9 and Voyager.

I want to call it 'Light In Darkness' as this is a dark time for the Federation as the galaxy seems to be in turmoil. Also I wanted to get away from calling the series after the vehicle from which it takes place (Deep Space 9, Voyager, Enterprise). The characters I plucked from TNG, DS9 and Voyager are all people I feel would be willing to do another Trek series. and given the uncertain nature of this series main characters may be killed off from season to season, making room to bring in new characters or re-introducing established characters. Another reason why it should not be called 'Yorktown' is that I want to leave the option open for destroying the Yorktown.

Going with established characters too will help eliminate unnecessary back story episodes and each episode can focus on the story rather than back story. Also it can serve to give fans closure on certain characters that were forgotten (Thomas Riker).

Well this is my preliminary idea for a new Trek series taking place after Voyager. More thoughts to come. I'll be taking next week off from Trek1701 so I'll see you back here again in 2 weeks. Live Long And Prosper!

Blog #25: My New Trek Series Premise, Pt II

2012-07-03T04:00:00.001-06:00

As I write this it is my hope someone involved in the creation of the new Trek series will read this idea and (hopefully) use it. My idea for a new series is this:

Star Trek: Light In Darkness

Section 32: a new Starfleet Intelligence Task Force that answers to Admiral Janeway and/or Captain Worf. (Janeway and Worf would not be series regulars, but would guest star from time to time on the show). Going with people they trust or people they know capable of running Section 32 the way it needs to be run the new Intelligence Unit breaks down as follows:

Main Characters:

- General Thomas William Riker: Section 32's Field Leader. He receives the orders from Starfleet Command and carries them out. He also is considered Captain of Section 32's prototype stealth/cloak ship: The USS Yorktown. (The Yorktown is what Gene Roddenberry originally wanted to call the original Enterprise. Seemed fitting to use it here)

- Colonel Helena Stane: Member of Starfleets military branch. Originally a member of Section 31 she has vested interest in finding who killed her friends and punishing them. First Officer of Section 32 Unit.

- Lt Commander Wesley Crusher: First Officer of the USS Yorktown. He handles the day to day operations of Section 32's ship.

- Lt Commander Harry Kim: Operations officer of Yorktown, Second Officer.

- Lt Commander Nog: Chief Engineer of the USS Yorktown. He is often called upon to use his 'Feringi Connections' to assist Section 32.

- The Doctor: EMH program that serves as the Yorktowns Chief Medical Officer. (Doesn't have to be Robert Picardo, but if he's willing to do it then that would be cool. But if not a new actor could be brought in to be the Doctor)

- Lt Salok Nedvek: USS Yorktown tactical/security officer. A female Romulan national who was recruited by Starfleet Intelligence following the collapse of the Romulan Empire. She hopes to find her missing family and stop the Klingons from destroying whats left of her people.

- Lt Orion Angeles: Navigator of USS Yorktown.

Guest Stars:

- Elim Garek: Former member of the Cardassian Obsidian Order, he is brought onto Section 32 at the request of Captain Worf as Worf feels Gareks previous experience as a member of the Order will help Section 32 get on track and become the secretive organization it must be to eliminate the enemies of the Federation. Garek is not a permanent member of the team and comes and goes as he pleases, often going on undercover research missions for Section 32.

- Admiral Janeway: Member of Starfleet Command overseeing Section 32 operations.

- Captain Worf: Member of Starfleet Security helping to oversee Section 32.

- Sela: Former Romulan Commander who joins up with Starfleet Intelligence following the collapse of the Romulan Empire and the Klingon Invasion.

- The Traveller: mysterious alien who is a close friend and ally to Wesley Crusher, who assists when called upon.

_________________________________________________________

My Weekly Pick

2012-06-25T12:19:00.001-06:00

Hey there friends this is Chris with another Weekly Pick, and this will be a 2 week pick as next weekend I will be busy attending a family reunion. My pick this week is for a great Canadian program called 'North of 60'. It is in my opinion the best drama ever filmed in Canada. It aired in the 90's and lasted 5 seasons and had 4 TV movies. The series was about the life and times in a North West Territories native community called 'Lynx River', but it was in fact filmed in my home province of Alberta. It was required weekly viewing in my home. The reason why I am making this my Weekly Pick is because this past weekend while attending my friends wedding I actually got to meet one of the stars of that series. Dakota House, also known as 'Teevee Tenia' on the series was there and I got the chance to meet him and talk his ear off. I had had several alcoholic beverages at that point and I talked his ear off for probably 1-2 hours. He was very nice and a pleasure to meet. 'North of 60' currently airs in Canada on TV Tropolis, but if you live outside Canada I highly recommend you seek out this series as it is in my opinion the finest Canadian drama ever made.

See you in 2 weeks!

Blog #24: My New Trek Series Premise

2012-06-18T18:16:00.000-06:00

As I write this it is my hope someone involved in the creation of the new Trek series will read this idea and (hopefully) use it. My idea for a new series is this:

Star Trek: Light In Darkness

*Assuming it is filmed for a fall 2013 release it would be set in the 24th century in 'real time' taking place 12 years after the end of Star Trek: Voyager, 11 years after the events of Star Trek: Nemesis and after the destruction of Romulus as depicted in the 2009 'Star Trek' reboot film. The year would be approximately 2390.

Events prior to start of series:

- Chancellor Martok was assassinated by his son Drex in personal combat following Martoks refusal to invade the Romulan Empire following the destruction of their homeworld and moon Remus, thepower base of the entire Romulan Empire (Star Trek, 2009 film). Chancellor Drex ignores the urging of the Federation council to not attack the Romulans, he dissolves the Khitomer Accords and once again the Klingon Empire and the Federation are enemies. Drex leads his fleet into Romulan space and what is left of the Romulan Empire is on the run from the Klingons.

- Thomas Riker spent the better part 15 years as a prisoner of the Romulans, prior to his rescue following the collapse of the Romulan Empire. In 2372 he was taken prisoner by the Cardassian military, but his custody was quickly transferred to the Cardassian Obsidian Order, who at that time had an alliance with the Romulan Tal'shiar who asked for Thomas Riker and was given custody of him. Riker was to be used in a brainwashing plot but the plot was abandoned and Riker was left forgotten to rot in a Romulan prison. Riker was liberated following the Romulan Empire collapse and after a year of intense physical and mental rehab he was re-instated into Starfleet's Military Section and given the rank of General. With his intense knowledge of the inner workings of the Romulans he accepted a position withStarfleet Intelligence.

- Deep Space Nine reports strange fleet activities by the Dominion in the Gamma Quadrant. The Dominion do not respond to commication attempts by the Federation and it would seem they may be gearing for war again. No one knows what has become of Odo.

- Section 31 and the official Starfleet Intelligence are systematically destroyed by a series of explosions over most of their installations with all evidence pointing to shapeshifters being responsible.

- The remnants of the Romulan military have gone into hiding as they were overwhelmed by the Klingon Invasion force.

- Admiral Janeway with the assistance of Captain Worf are teamed with putting together a new Starfleet Intelligence task force, codenamed 'Section 32'.

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See you next time!

Blog #23: Trek in Comic Books

2012-06-09T02:41:00.001-06:00

Being a kid who is a Trek fan I loved to read Star Trek comics. DC Comics had a great run with their Star Trek comics with the great Peter David writing a lot of Trek comics. Probably my favourite storyline was when Captain Kirk was stabbed and almost killed. Very heavy stuff for a 8 year old kid to read but I remember loving every issue I could get my hands on. They even did a great annual issue where George Takei himself helped to write it. Marvel did Trek comics in the late 90's, didn't buy much of those other than their series based on Captain Pike and the original crew featured in the original 'The Cage' pilot. That was a very neat concept and made for some great reading. Wish I could collect that run in trade paperback format.

Currently IDW is doing a series based on the 2009 JJ Abrams alternate time-line Star Trek. I've read a few issues and they are doing a solid job with that series. So far they are re-telling original series stories with this 'new' crew with some plot twists. but I'm told that later issues focus on original stories written just for the book. I'm looking forward to read those.

I've also ordered the Doctor Who/Star Trek crossover comic. Haven't got it yet but I am a huge fan of the Matt Smith 'Doctor Who' television series so i am very excited to read it.

And that's all folks again for this week. See you in the future!

Blog #22: DS9: Best Trek Series?!

2012-06-01T07:40:00.001-06:00

I have to say that DS9 may be the best Star Trek series ever made thus far. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge TNG and TOS fan but DS9 just has much more going for it than any other Trek TV series. The creators were able to be creative with this series and were not restrained, especially towards the end of the series. For example they allowed real conflict on this series, the last 2 seasons the characters were fighting in a war. Characters were allowed to change and grow, actors were able to act and writers got to write and see their vision become a reality. They had long reaching story arcs and a supporting cast that got in some cases more screen time than the 'main' cast. I loved in particular the long continuing story lines. In the start of season 6 they had 6 episodes that were essentially one big continuing story and the last 10 or so episodes of the 7th and final season followed the same pattern. It was an interesting and rewarding experience for us fans, but it did alienate new viewers who came in and had no idea what was going on. That is probably why TNG was able to create such a big fan and casual fan base, by doing one and done stories. A 2-part episode is all that TNG ever did, where as DS9 would do 3-part, 6-part, 10-part epic stories.

DS9 is the best Trek series in my opinion. TNG may have a better cast and better one and done stories, but DS9 overall told a better epic story. And the actors were great too. But if you are a new viewer to the DS9 universe may I suggest that the first 3 seasons can be hard to get through, because they follow the TNG one and done story telling style, but DS9 seasons 4-7 are the best Star Trek ever made.

See you next time. Beam me up Scotty!

Blog #21: Color Of A Shirt

2012-05-24T11:53:00.000-06:00

Changing uniforms: Regular Trek stars who changed the color of their regular uniform and why.

- Spock in the 'Shatner' pilot had a yellow uniform before changing to the iconic blue.

- Sulu in the mirror universe wears red: did that mean they were gonna kill him??

- Chief O'Brien had a red uniform in the TNG pilot.

- Geordi and Worf switched uniform in the TNG second season when they changed ship jobs. But was Worf gonna be killed off in season 1 had Tasha not been killed as rumoured?? Curse of the red shirt!!

- Data got a red shirt when he was promoted to First Officer by Captain Jellico and Troi had to go back to wearing a standard blue uniform in the 6th season 2 part episode 'Chain Of Command'.

- Picard had a blue uniform in 'Tapestry'.

- Thomas Riker had a yellow uniform, a big change from Commander Rikers iconic Red.

- Worf went back to wearing red after joining the cast of DS9 in season 4.

- Season 5 of DS9 in the episode 'Trials And Tribbliations': The DS9 crew went back in time to the original series and while in disguise on the original Enterprise Sisko wore yellow, Dax red, O'Brien red, because that was the uniform color scheme in that era.

Trek TV Series Uniform Colors by Area:

TOS/Enterprise: Yellow (Command & Operations), Red (Engineering & Security) and Blue (Science & Medical). Captains had the option of wearing a Green V-cut shirt when on duty.

TNG/DS9/Voyager: Red (Command & Operations), Yellow (Engineering & Security) and Blue (Science & Medical) Captains had the option of wearing a 'Captains' Jacket when on duty.

Not Attending 'Spock Days'...

2012-05-18T15:55:00.000-06:00

Sadly I had to cancel my trip to Vulcan Alberta this year due to the fact that I now have to work that weekend, and I am unable to get out of it. But I intend to go next Summer.... But I am still attending the Edmonton Pop Culture Fair, September 23rd at the Alberta Aviation Museum.

Blog #20: Star Trek TNG EXPOsed!

2012-05-15T09:14:00.000-06:00

This year at the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo they managed to gather the entire original cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation and they had their own separate ticketed event on the Saturday of the convention weekend called TNG EXPOsed, and I was there!! Here is some of my recollections of that evening. It was great to see them all on stage at the same time and if you want to watch it TNG EXPOsed is available for free viewing on YouTube.

It opened with a awesome band playing Sinatra and swing band style music, kinda like Michael Buble. Then a recorded message from the Mayor of Calgary. Then the introduction of 'Emily Expo', the cons super sexy mascot. Then a video of Emily interviewing other sci-fi stars at the 'Emerald City Con' about TNG. Those interviewed included Christopher Judge (Stargate), Edward James Olmos (BSG), George Takei (Sulu), Walter Koenig (Chekov), Robert Picardo (The Doctor from 'Voyager') and others who I didn't know, mostly voice actors.Then Garret Wong (Ensign Kim from 'Voyager') came out and had a funny story about why he likes TNG, and he did a great George Takei impersonation. Then one of the original TNG crew workers was there to say some words. He apparently works on the TV series 'Hell On Wheels' now and said Colm Meaney sends his best. Meaney was Chief O'Brien and stars on 'Hell on Wheels'. Then they unwisely had a 30 minute intermission...Then the TNG cast came out. It was a great show, moderated by the Innerspace Crew (Teddy, Ajay and Cynthia) and guest appearances by Aaron Douglas (Tyrel from 'Battlestar Galactica') and John DeLancie (Q). They asked Patrick Stewart who his favorite villain was and he said 'Damon Bok', then from the back of the arena someone yelled 'Hey wait a minute!' And in walks John DeLancie. He came on stage and sat with the crew and Stewart admitted it had to be Q. Wil Wheaton had some great comments, the whole crew were funny to watch. Wheaton discussed how he felt bad leaving the show when he did. And Gates McFadden thanked fans for getting Dr Crusher back on the show after the Producers decided to get rid of her in Season 2, she returned in season 3. I was not aware that is why she was taken out.

It was a great show. Hopefully it was filmed for release because I would like a copy. There was a film crew there. If they were smart they would sell that on DVD or on iTunes. It is available to watch for free on YouTube because someone recorded it and posted it. Definitely worth the watch!

Blog #19: More Star Trek 'What If?' Scenarios, Part IV

2012-05-10T15:52:00.000-06:00

- Guinan was first conceived to be 'the most beautiful woman in all creation', before Whoopi Goldberg had expressed interest in being on the show and the role was given to her. If she had not joined the show and it was the most beautiful woman what would that have been like and which star of the time could have played her? And how would this beautiful woman had interacted with the men of the crew?

And more importantly would Riker have been able to resist her, and she him? But seriously who in the late 80's could have played that character? Maybe Heather Locklear! Back then she was probably in my humble opinion the most beautiful woman who would be willing to commit to a TV series in a regular guest starring capacity. And there is no way Commander William T. Riker would have been able to resist her. Which means that Troi would be totally opened up for Worf to make his move and seal the deal.

A Candidate to play 'Guinan'?

- Wesley Crusher originally was supposed to be 'Leslie Crusher', a female? Would that have been better and which Tween star of the time would have played her?

Again who back in the late 80's could have played Leslie Crusher? I can't help but think that perhaps one of the pre-'Beverly Hills 90210' stars could have filled that role. Shannon Doherty or perhaps better yet Jenni Garth. If it had been Shannon Doherty she was known for her on-set antics which lead to her being written off of 90210, she no doubt would have been written off and 'Leslie' may have even had to be killed off to keep fans demanding Doherty's return. It would have been interesting indeed. But I am glad we had Wesley Crusher, because despite many fans dis-liking that character I always liked him. I no doubt will be devoting an entire blog post to discussing Wil Wheaton and Wesley in the not too distant future.

Leslie Crusher?

- What if Star Trek: TOS had been renewed for a 4th season?? What episodes would you have like seen done? What characters would you like to see return?

I would like to have seen 'Gary Seven' return since his spin-off series was never picked up.

I would like to see 'Harry Mudd' make a return, maybe for some payback against Kirk for leaving him with all those androids of his wife. Whatever happened to those androids anyway? Would have been cool to see some of them show up on TNG and meet Data.

I always wanted to see 'Kor' make a return.

I always loved the Romulan episodes and would have liked to see them again in battle.

Doctor McCoy's unmentioned family could have made an appearance.

Another 'Gorn' episode!!!