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Enterprise: Out of the GateRead the article this discussion is about
This archived discussion is "read only".
» BuckyRea - Almost loved the show I like the new Enterprise show, but I wanted to love it. I think it's a good idea putting the characters closer to us in time and I too was taken aback and pleasantly surprised by the new style of opening themesong. But with the one episode that I've seen so far, the new Trek has the same problem that the last three Trek shows have suffered from. All the characters lack personalities.In the real Star Trek, there was serious tension and conflict between the people on board the big space rocket. In the Enterprise episode that I saw, Scott Bakula acted like he'd OD'd on prozac. He sat around in his office like Ward waiting for the Beav to come by and talk out his problems (in this episode, the Beav du jour was a crewman almost experiencing emotions over the fact that he was in Starfleet instead of a freight-hauler). I don't think they put much effort into creating these characters. Or it's a marketing decision to keep them from becoming too individualized. As usual the humans are all American-ish (albeit some with accents) and the aliens are a whole bunch smarter and wiser than us and all have easy to pronounce, monosyllabic names (in this case its Dr Phlox and T'Picannoe the Vulcanette). Gag. That's the downside--the predictability. The premise is still intriguing, if only for its connection to the real Star Trek, and full of optimistic archetypes. I won't write this show off, but it'd sure be nice if every once in a while this new captain could kick someone's ass or nail an alien princess. -- posted by BuckyRea » Marella - Gets a B- I like the show okay but I agree they need to do a lot more character-driven stories. Personally, after several weeks, my main gripes are that I can't tell the white guys apart, and that if Jolene Blalock thrusts her chest out any farther, she's going to either fall over backward or snap her spine.The episode where T'Pol has to decide whether or not to go back to Vulcan or stay on the ship could have used THAT as an A story, with a lot of exploration of Vulcan culture, etc. Instead, the whole "Vulcan culture" arc got about two scenes. Plus, the entire crew is completely ignorant of basic facts of ecology (they introduce new species to new planets without considering the possible ecological devastation). Have their history lessons never mentioned kudzu, zebra mussels, rats, pigs, nutria, rabbits, or even HUMANS? I like that they're new at this exploration game. But often, instead of naive or inexperienced, they're just stupid. I hope the production team manages to upgrade them to intelligent explorers by later this season. -- posted by Marella » desertblue - Remains to be seen Glad I'm not the only one who thinks the characters need personalities. I will be patient and give them some time, but still. No one even stands out for me as interesting, except Phlox. I like his intense interest in learning and sharing knowledge. T'Pol is kinda angry all the time and doesn't act Vulcan-like. Even Tuvok was better. The actress should watch more episodes with Spock and try having a subtle sense of humor.The other characters are all pretty bland. On the other hand, I like the "small" episodes. Ya don't have to save the universe all the time... -- posted by desertblue » CBJ - Re: Almost loved the show In response to message posted by BuckyRea:Now Bucky, I know you are a TOS guy. Your opinion wouldn't be influenced would it? LOL Seriously speaking, I see what you are saying to some extent. I'll save my thoughts on this until tomorrow's article, though. If you want to find out what I think about each of the characters, check out Enterprise Week's second article, "Enterprise: Early Characters". I think the writers are attempting to recreate some of that TOS conflict with T'Pol and Archer. Whether or not it will work remains to be seen. It is in a way more forced because Archer has a chip on his shoulder about the Vulcans. On TOS, there was this kind of gentle animosity -- a real love-hate relationship -- between Spock and McCoy. And even Spock and Kirk got to each other from time to time. I wouldn't say that Berman and Braga didn't put much effort into creating these characters. I think we probably just haven't seen where they are going with it yet. But certainly some of the characters are stronger than others. I read an interview once in which the Trek producers revealed that there has always been a conscious effort -- going back to TOS -- to create names with sharp accents. They favor 'K,' 'T,' 'X' sounds. That's why you have names like Kirk, Riker, Picard, Dax, Sisko, Chakotay, Neelix, Phlox. They believe it gives strength to the characters. Regarding your last comment. I've heard in press conferences that the captain actually does get to nail an alien princess sometime soon and there is an ass-kicking (only it's his that gets kicked.) BTW, I've been meaning to tell you how much I love what you're doing with Dewey in your signature files! -- posted by CBJ » BuckyRea - Re: the emotional Dewey I wish I could take credit for the sundry Dewey mutilations that will appear in the upcoming Anger event. But they're actually the work of Suite member Ann T. Social, creator of Stinky The Wonder Cat.
-- posted by BuckyRea » CBJ - Re: Gets a B- In response to message posted by Marella:Hi Marella, thanks for dropping by! I haven't been able to see enough episodes yet to make a real judgement on the sufficiency or lack of character-driven stories. You made me laugh about Blalock thrusting her chest! When I watched "Strange New World" and they were down in the cave, having a phase pistol face off, she was really sticking it out there. It's a good thing she didn't lose her balance. Trip might have fired! I haven't seen the one where T'Pol has to decide whether or not to go back to Vulcan. It's a shame if they missed a chance to show off some Vulcan culture. For such an integral race, we've sure only been fed tiny morsels of their planet and culture over the years. Hopefully as Enterprise goes on they will rectify that. Certainly this series is well-positioned to do so. I think the ecological ignorance is part of the point of the show. As you said, they are new at this exploration thing. We are ecologically ignorant at the beginning of the 21st century, and these guys aren't that far removed from us. I think the writers may be starting them out very close to us in their attitudes and ideals and will grow them from there. Humans in the year 2151 are not yet as enlightened as Picard. (Though they have eradicated war, poverty, and hunger.) I hope to hear from you more as Enterprise Week continues! -- posted by CBJ » CBJ - Re: Remains to be seen In response to message posted by desertblue:Hi Jill, glad to hear from you. I also find Phlox to be very interesting. When I saw the first images of the show -- before the launch -- I thought he looked out of place. What was an alien doing on the ship when humans haven't been out into deep space yet? But it all makes sense after you see it. He's one of the best characters thus far. In addition to Phlox, I really like Trip. To find out what I think about all of the characters, check out the second article in Enterprise Week, "Enterprise: Early Characters". It's interesting that you say Jolene Blalock should watch more episodes with Spock. She has said in press conferences that she grew up watching the original Trek and that Spock was her favorite character. So far I have felt she acts appropriately Vulcan, but I do agree that she shows a bit more emotion than either Spock or Tuvok. But I always give characters a full season to settle in, so let's see how she does come this time next year. So far I think Enterprise has been better in the early first season than any of the other shows. -- posted by CBJ
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