All Things Star Trek

[Saint]

I don't know if anyone else noticed this but as much as I love Star Trek and OS, TNG, V, etc. I have noticed that a lot of episodes, but especially TNG are almost like a big Soap Opera.
...
Thoughts?

Roddenberry's vision was that the soul of Trek was the exploration of the human condition, with an optimistic view of mankind's potential and future.  As cool as much of the sci-fi part was, the writing teams for all the Trek series used it mostly to expand the narrative canvas; and camouflage a few of the more contentious themes.  

You hit the nail on the head - soap space opera, for the most part.  The depth, complexity, and intelligence of modern TV writing is head and shoulders above those golden decades.  However, the head and shoulders needed a solid body to grow from.  In watching some older Trek recently, it still pushes many of the emotional and intellectual buttons for me.  

Pretentiousness ramble ends...    

[RogueLeader]

I don't know if anyone else noticed this but as much as I love Star Trek and OS, TNG, V, etc. I have noticed that a lot of episodes, but especially TNG are almost like a big Soap Opera.

Like, today's episode is one about Data and his struggles to finding humanity.  Oh, but there's a twist, the Marklarian alien has infiltrated the ship only it turns out it's looking for it's twin, or something.

It seems like the whole sci-fi aspect takes a back seat and a great deal of it focuses on character development but with a bunch of technobabble thrown in to still make it Star Trek.

There are many exceptions like Time's Arrow and whatnot, but most episodes involving Troi or Worf is like a big soap opera.  At least I do care about the well-being of the characters, it just seems a bit of a stretch from the original series which had character development, but it was a back seat to the sci-fi and exploration or drama.

Thoughts?

So I've started watching TNG and today marks my first day as a Trekkie, because I now feel qualified to go on the internet and talk with authority. I think I saw the episode you're talking about- was it the one with the Vulcan ambassador that was secretly a Romulan? That episode just reminded me of MLP the whole way through.

[eerockk]

I remember when my uncle came into the room on day in 1987 (I was 9) and said there was a show that I should watch that I might really enjoy. The episode's title was "Encounter at Farpoint", and I was hooked on the show ever since - even with Troi blubbering "Great joy and gratitude" over and over again at the end of part two. Never missed an episode (that I wasn't able to catch up on)! 

[Jev Moldara]

I remember when my uncle came into the room on day in 1987 (I was 9) and said there was a show that I should watch that I might really enjoy. The episode's title was "Encounter at Farpoint", and I was hooked on the show ever since - even with Troi blubbering "Great joy and gratitude" over and over again at the end of part two. Never missed an episode (that I wasn't able to catch up on)! 

The Best of Both Worlds

Greatest cliffhangar episode of all time.

[JEStucker]

TNG - Relics

James Doohan as Scotty on a TNG episode, pure awesome!

[Jev Moldara]

TNG - Relics

James Doohan as Scotty on a TNG episode, pure awesome!

Picard: The first vessel that I served on as captain was called Stargazer. It was an overworked, underpowered vessel, always on the verge of flying apart at the seams. In every measurable sense, my Enterprise is far superior. But there are times when I would give almost anything... to command the Stargazer again.

Scotty: Ah, it's like the first time you fall in love. You don't ever love a woman quite like that again. Well, to the Enterprise, and the Stargazer - old girlfriends we'll never meet again.

Best line of the entire episode, right there.

[JEStucker]

That and -

Computer Voice: Please enter program.
Scotty: The android at the bar said you could show me my old ship. Let me see it.
Computer Voice: Insufficient data. Please specify parameters.
Scotty: [frustrated] The Enterprise. Show me the bridge of the Enterprise, you chatterin' piece of...
Computer Voice: There have been five Federation ships with that name. Please specify by registry number.
Scotty: N-C-C-1-7-0-1. No bloody A - B - C - or D!

[eerockk]

"Just because something is old, that doesn't mean you throw it away!"

"Right you are, Mr. LaFARGE!"

[Manroon]

Thread full of win here.

[RogueLeader]

My first Trek fanvid!

Data and Lal- You'll Be In My Heart

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F9GPBZb_Ys" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F9GPBZb_Ys</a>

Comments please!

[RogueLeader]

Bumpy bump

[Manroon]

Not bad, Rogue! Good choice of song and episode, both are favorites of mine and they fit together well. I'd say you did nicely picking scenes and matching them up to the song, but most of the transitions were sort of abrupt, and sometimes a little jumpy when the scenes were close together. I think I saw one where Lal and Data just suddenly switched spots without walking. lol Of course, I'm one to talk, I can't edit video at all. XD Anyways, great work! The second half in particular was very well matched up and I loved the ending.

Man, that was one of the best TNG episodes too...

[TheHobbitofDune]

I just watched Star Trek for the first time. I think I'm in love.

[Manroon]

I'm assuming you mean the movie from 2009?

[TheHobbitofDune]

No, the first episode of the Original Series. THE MAN TRAP.