To you, your friends and family, have a thrilling holiday!
Star Trek Sex: The Book - Analyzing The Most Sexually Charged Episodes Of The Original Series
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Captain Kirk and Michael Meyers
Captain Kirk a crazed serial killer stalking co-eds on Halloween? Well, kinda.
John Carpenter's classic shocker, Halloween, needed a mask for their boogeyman. A Captain Kirk mask was purchased - modified by special FX guys - and voila! Starfleet Stalker!
John Carpenter's classic shocker, Halloween, needed a mask for their boogeyman. A Captain Kirk mask was purchased - modified by special FX guys - and voila! Starfleet Stalker!
Friday, October 30, 2015
Creepy Trek - Return Of The Archons
One of the creepiest TOS episodes is The Return of The Archons. Kirk's Enterprise encounters a planet ruled over by a super computer who keeps order by projecting a creepy hologram of a long dead ruler - Landru. The nasty artificial intelligence is assisted by zombie like minions garbed in flowing robes, faces hidden by hoods. Dunno about you, but I prefer Gru's Minions any day!
Thursday, October 29, 2015
The Look Of Love
It's that rare look we all treasure - the look of love. That undeniable feeling that must burst forth and show the whole world just how you feel about that special someone. In This Side of Paradise, City On The Edge of Forever and All Our Yesterdays, Captain Kirk and Spock saw that special look on their special someone - even if it only lasted for a few brief moments. Actresses Jill Ireland, Joan Collins and Mariette Hartley brought that look to amazing life.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Spock The Logical Vulcan Zombie
It's only logical - Vulcans make FASCINATING zombies. IDIC = Infinite Decay Interred Corpse
Die Quickly & Rot
Devilish Fun
Could you deal with the devil? Captain Jean-Luc Picard had to do just that when he battled a shifty being known as Ardra in the Next Generation episode, Devil's Due.
The Devil is in the details.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Halloween Borg Bash
If there's one alien race who captures the spirit of Halloween most perfectly, it's The Borg. Their leader, The Borg Queen, remains the most weirdly sexually attractive one of them all.
Played by Alice Krige (Stephen King's Sleepwalkers) The Borg Queen puts the Boo in the holiday.
Played by Alice Krige (Stephen King's Sleepwalkers) The Borg Queen puts the Boo in the holiday.
Monday, October 26, 2015
A Musical Journey from Original TV To The Feature Films
Music is an essential component of TV and feature film. For Star Trek, there's a group of world famous composers who scored memorable music for the original feature films starring William Shatner, Deforest Kelley & Leonard Nimoy. The musical scores are catchy, sexy and most of all inspiring.
Gene Roddenberry's landmark show's journey from 1966 TV show to huge cult show, then onto feature film franchise and sequel shows Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine and Voyager, is a unique Hollywood story, indeed. In addition to all of the hyper kinetic space battles, weird extraterrestrials and the mind bending philosophy and sweeping intellectualism, there's also the incredibly memorable and moving music. From TV composer Alexander Courage, who gave us the original, soaring TV theme to Jerry Goldsmith who crafted the epic score for Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Roddenberry's space opera definitely lives up to its name for such an all encompassing theatrical musical experience.
Alexander Courage - Original Star Trek TV Theme
For even those who've never watched a full episode of Trek, this music is probably at least familiar. It's a soaring, almost operatic theme which even most non Trek fans will recognize nearly instantly. Creator Gene Roddenberry actually wrote lyrics to the song, yet the words were never used in the actual broadcast series. Later, a legal dispute between Courage and Roddenberry over the royalties for the song ensued.
Jerry Goldsmith - Star Trek: The Motion Picture & Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
Jerry Goldsmith is noted for his fantastic, eerie score to sci-fi classics like Planet of The Apes or the supernatural horror movie The Omen, but his musical composition for the first of the original Star Trek movies is probably his most known and popular. Gene Roddenberry loved it so much, he used it as the theme for his syndicated spin-off show, Star Trek: The Next Generation running from 1987 to 1994.
James Horner - Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan & Star Trek III: Search For Spock
James Horner is best known for the best selling movie soundtrack of all time - director James Cameron's mega blockbuster "Titanic". Before he composed music for that most famous of ocean sailing ships, he crafted memorable scores for a galactic spanning starship - Captain Kirk's Enterprise in both Wrath of Khan and The Search For Spock.
Leonard Rosenman - Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
Most fans remember this popular feature film for the weird, humming space probe, the cool time traveling and the humpback whales, who are so central to the environmentally focused plot. Composer Leonard Rosenman crafted sweeping scores for such classic films as "Rebel Without A Cause" and "East Of Eden" before tackling movie science fiction.
Cliff Eidelman - Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
At only 26 years of age, Cliff Eidelman composed the richly dark music for director Nicholas Meyer's The Undiscovered Country feature film. Later, Eidelman went on to score for popular, family favorites like Free Willy 3 and The Lizzie McGuire Movie.
Dennis McCarthy - Star Trek: Generations
For the final film to use more than one original "Star Trek" character - played by the actor who originated the role on the classic TV show - in this case Captain Kirk (William Shatner), Scotty (James Doohan) and Chekov (Walter Koenig), the film producers hired composer Dennis McCarthy. He's best known for scoring TV shows like Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine and the 1985 TV revival version of creator Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone.
Alexander Courage - Original Star Trek TV Theme
For even those who've never watched a full episode of Trek, this music is probably at least familiar. It's a soaring, almost operatic theme which even most non Trek fans will recognize nearly instantly. Creator Gene Roddenberry actually wrote lyrics to the song, yet the words were never used in the actual broadcast series. Later, a legal dispute between Courage and Roddenberry over the royalties for the song ensued.
Jerry Goldsmith - Star Trek: The Motion Picture & Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
Jerry Goldsmith is noted for his fantastic, eerie score to sci-fi classics like Planet of The Apes or the supernatural horror movie The Omen, but his musical composition for the first of the original Star Trek movies is probably his most known and popular. Gene Roddenberry loved it so much, he used it as the theme for his syndicated spin-off show, Star Trek: The Next Generation running from 1987 to 1994.
James Horner - Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan & Star Trek III: Search For Spock
James Horner is best known for the best selling movie soundtrack of all time - director James Cameron's mega blockbuster "Titanic". Before he composed music for that most famous of ocean sailing ships, he crafted memorable scores for a galactic spanning starship - Captain Kirk's Enterprise in both Wrath of Khan and The Search For Spock.
Leonard Rosenman - Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
Most fans remember this popular feature film for the weird, humming space probe, the cool time traveling and the humpback whales, who are so central to the environmentally focused plot. Composer Leonard Rosenman crafted sweeping scores for such classic films as "Rebel Without A Cause" and "East Of Eden" before tackling movie science fiction.
Cliff Eidelman - Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
At only 26 years of age, Cliff Eidelman composed the richly dark music for director Nicholas Meyer's The Undiscovered Country feature film. Later, Eidelman went on to score for popular, family favorites like Free Willy 3 and The Lizzie McGuire Movie.
Dennis McCarthy - Star Trek: Generations
For the final film to use more than one original "Star Trek" character - played by the actor who originated the role on the classic TV show - in this case Captain Kirk (William Shatner), Scotty (James Doohan) and Chekov (Walter Koenig), the film producers hired composer Dennis McCarthy. He's best known for scoring TV shows like Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine and the 1985 TV revival version of creator Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone.
A Starship Crew's Romantic Adventures
Star Trek Sex: Analyzing the Most Sexually Charged Episodes Of The Original Series - now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bearmanor Media.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Halloween III - Season of the Witch - Androids Run Amuck
It may not be Star Trek, but fans of Halloween III: Season of the Witch - directed by John Carpenter - remember those nasty androids - straight out of the darker episodes of Trek.
Donald Trump On Star Trek?
Trump did a jump to the stars? How so? A Captain? A Klingon? A Romulan? A Borg? Not exactly....
The Ferengi and Trump - So Perfect Togetehr
Friday, October 23, 2015
Neelix And The Art of the Culinary Orgasm
Neelix always kept the hot stuff coming.
Culinary Orgasm anyone?
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Unconventional Conventions
Flashback Fun - First published in 2007
Despite the name, Star Trek conventions aren't conventional.
Star Trek Conventions are only for obsessed fans - right? Nope. I attended one and found a lot more than Klingon warriors and pregnant Tribbles.
Trek Conventions only attract obsessed fans dressed as Captain Kirk or wild eyed Klingons gunning for a rumble. It's science fiction friction reserved for hardcore Trekkies or rubber ear wearing, ray gun armed fanatics.
Not exactly.
I saw it myself last weekend, at Creation Entertainment's Official Star Trek Convention in Cherry Hill, NJ. I'd never experienced such a gathering over the full course of the event lasting three days. A good friend treated me to accommodations at the Crown Plaza Hilton, so we experienced everything the festivities offered.
Bob's generous gift of a Gold Weekend Pass, allowed full access. Luxuries like photo ops weren't included, but I've never been gripped with an overwhelming compulsion to be photographed with Sulu, pilot of Starship Enterprise, so that exclusion was fine. George Takei who plays Sulu was there, but he now also counts fans of his hit NBC hit show Heroes and his hilarious Howard Stern escapades on Sirius Satellite Radio.
So how did it measure up in terms of fans gone wild? Was I assaulted by rabid Romulans? Not even close. You will find extremes of sci-fi idol worship strutting around in outlandish attire at a Star Trek Con, but you'll also encounter:
Hand made models, original artwork, and clothing from shows like Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica, Heroes, Doctor Who, Lost and even ABC hit drama Grey's Anatomy.
Quality time with iconic celebrities. Star Trek actors are the majority of key guests, however TV actors from Xena, Buffy or even popular daytime actors or soap stars can also often be found at events. Broadway caliber performances, including Shakespeare and musical cabaret with actors who've starred in films, television and on Broadway's Great White Way.
Perhaps the most powerfully inspiring element, but one, which is only experienced in person is a sense of camaraderie with like minded people. The anticipation before each event is powerfully infectious. During the Q&A sessions or autograph time, celebrities entertain, surprise and connect with fans in ways both sincere, theatrical and touching.
Actor, director and acclaimed photographer Leonard Nimoy was asked a question by one of his littlest fans. Nine year old Brandon dressed sharply in red Starfleet uniform impressed Nimoy enough to have the legendary Mr. Spock invite the youngster up on stage for a few thrilling minutes. The audience knew it was a special moment between a young fan and a Hollywood veteran. It wonderfully exemplifies the family friendly vibe. Several generations of fans were here - from the old guard who followed the original crew to grade school Trekkies like Brandon.
Despite my most grand expectations of diversions I'd find at a con, being treated to Shakespeare wasn't counted amongst them. Marc Alaimo who played roles in Next Generation and then created Gul Dukat, one of the most popular villains of Deep Space Nine, conducted an exhilarating class on the bard. We've all had the experiences of struggling through studying Shakespeare in high school or college. How could we blame our poor literature teacher when it's a good bet none were professional thespians like Mr. Alaimo.
He had volunteers read Hamlet. They tried their best, but it mostly amounted to those forced clumsy recitations I recalled from high school. When Alaimo took over, the only way to describe the transformation was of being transported. Immediately, the Hilton Hotel's Ballroom became a historic theater house and we now watched a veteran Shakespearean actor expertly ply his craft. Any student of acting, lover of the classics or just an admirer of theater would have loved to share the experience.
On the last day we met William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. These two as Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock launched Star Trek during the 1960's and have nurtured the flame and kept it together for nearly forty years. These days Nimoy is mostly retired from acting, though he did address reports about being in JJ Abrams upcoming Trek film. As for Shatner, he can be seen on the hit ABC show Boston Legal and he's just been nominated for another Emmy for his role as Denny Crane.
Their onstage chemistry was electric. Like the camaraderie of Paul McCartney or John Lennon, who could understand the demands of such lasting global fame, but the sci-fi duo that helped create it? It was a fitting way to end the convention, seeing the friendship between two men whose talent helped bring us together in that ballroom.
If someone suggests you try something new - something as bizarre as say a Star Trek convention - don't be so quick to dismiss it. Give it a try. You may find it worlds better than you could have ever imagined.
Despite the name, Star Trek conventions aren't conventional.
Star Trek Conventions are only for obsessed fans - right? Nope. I attended one and found a lot more than Klingon warriors and pregnant Tribbles.
Trek Conventions only attract obsessed fans dressed as Captain Kirk or wild eyed Klingons gunning for a rumble. It's science fiction friction reserved for hardcore Trekkies or rubber ear wearing, ray gun armed fanatics.
Not exactly.
I saw it myself last weekend, at Creation Entertainment's Official Star Trek Convention in Cherry Hill, NJ. I'd never experienced such a gathering over the full course of the event lasting three days. A good friend treated me to accommodations at the Crown Plaza Hilton, so we experienced everything the festivities offered.
Bob's generous gift of a Gold Weekend Pass, allowed full access. Luxuries like photo ops weren't included, but I've never been gripped with an overwhelming compulsion to be photographed with Sulu, pilot of Starship Enterprise, so that exclusion was fine. George Takei who plays Sulu was there, but he now also counts fans of his hit NBC hit show Heroes and his hilarious Howard Stern escapades on Sirius Satellite Radio.
So how did it measure up in terms of fans gone wild? Was I assaulted by rabid Romulans? Not even close. You will find extremes of sci-fi idol worship strutting around in outlandish attire at a Star Trek Con, but you'll also encounter:
Hand made models, original artwork, and clothing from shows like Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica, Heroes, Doctor Who, Lost and even ABC hit drama Grey's Anatomy.
Quality time with iconic celebrities. Star Trek actors are the majority of key guests, however TV actors from Xena, Buffy or even popular daytime actors or soap stars can also often be found at events. Broadway caliber performances, including Shakespeare and musical cabaret with actors who've starred in films, television and on Broadway's Great White Way.
Perhaps the most powerfully inspiring element, but one, which is only experienced in person is a sense of camaraderie with like minded people. The anticipation before each event is powerfully infectious. During the Q&A sessions or autograph time, celebrities entertain, surprise and connect with fans in ways both sincere, theatrical and touching.
Actor, director and acclaimed photographer Leonard Nimoy was asked a question by one of his littlest fans. Nine year old Brandon dressed sharply in red Starfleet uniform impressed Nimoy enough to have the legendary Mr. Spock invite the youngster up on stage for a few thrilling minutes. The audience knew it was a special moment between a young fan and a Hollywood veteran. It wonderfully exemplifies the family friendly vibe. Several generations of fans were here - from the old guard who followed the original crew to grade school Trekkies like Brandon.
Despite my most grand expectations of diversions I'd find at a con, being treated to Shakespeare wasn't counted amongst them. Marc Alaimo who played roles in Next Generation and then created Gul Dukat, one of the most popular villains of Deep Space Nine, conducted an exhilarating class on the bard. We've all had the experiences of struggling through studying Shakespeare in high school or college. How could we blame our poor literature teacher when it's a good bet none were professional thespians like Mr. Alaimo.
He had volunteers read Hamlet. They tried their best, but it mostly amounted to those forced clumsy recitations I recalled from high school. When Alaimo took over, the only way to describe the transformation was of being transported. Immediately, the Hilton Hotel's Ballroom became a historic theater house and we now watched a veteran Shakespearean actor expertly ply his craft. Any student of acting, lover of the classics or just an admirer of theater would have loved to share the experience.
On the last day we met William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. These two as Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock launched Star Trek during the 1960's and have nurtured the flame and kept it together for nearly forty years. These days Nimoy is mostly retired from acting, though he did address reports about being in JJ Abrams upcoming Trek film. As for Shatner, he can be seen on the hit ABC show Boston Legal and he's just been nominated for another Emmy for his role as Denny Crane.
Their onstage chemistry was electric. Like the camaraderie of Paul McCartney or John Lennon, who could understand the demands of such lasting global fame, but the sci-fi duo that helped create it? It was a fitting way to end the convention, seeing the friendship between two men whose talent helped bring us together in that ballroom.
If someone suggests you try something new - something as bizarre as say a Star Trek convention - don't be so quick to dismiss it. Give it a try. You may find it worlds better than you could have ever imagined.
Zarabeth - Mariette Hartley
She was the alien woman who helped warm up Spock's cool interior - and nearly kept him by her side permanently. Zarabeth, played by actress Mariette Hartley, was a political prisoner who fell in love with the cooly logical Vulcan on planet Sarpeidon.
Cave Woman Chic
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Heads Up
Being an android, Data has one helluva head on his shoulders.
Sometimes it's not even on his shoulders.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Genevieve Bujold - The First Captain Janeway
Some Voyager fans don't realize that the first choice to play Captain Kathryn Janeway wasn't actress Kate Mulgrew, but Genevieve Bujold. Bujold was first cast as Janeway, but she didn't last long.
When Bujold was cast, the character's name was Nicole Janeway. Bujold lasted only one day for the pilot filming, and then realized that a TV actress schedule was just not to her liking. Bujold's professional resume is extensive, but she's probably best known to American audiences in the Michael Crichton thriller Coma - opposite Michael Douglas.
When Bujold was cast, the character's name was Nicole Janeway. Bujold lasted only one day for the pilot filming, and then realized that a TV actress schedule was just not to her liking. Bujold's professional resume is extensive, but she's probably best known to American audiences in the Michael Crichton thriller Coma - opposite Michael Douglas.
Alien Abductions On Picard's Starship
Captain Picard's crew are the focus of creepy alien abductions. Alien? You got it. Like UFO's? Little Green Men? In this case, big hooded, and weirdly clicking men.
As the crew realize the truth of their dire predicament, they successfully fight back. Schisms remains one of the spookiest Next Generation episodes to ever air.
As the crew realize the truth of their dire predicament, they successfully fight back. Schisms remains one of the spookiest Next Generation episodes to ever air.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Dr. Richard Daystrom and Blacula
Actor William Marshall brought to life the brilliant architect of the advanced computer power on Starship Enterprise. Fleshing out Dr. Richard Daystrom, Marshall gave fans an arresting performance in the original series episode, The Ultimate Computer.
Fans of the cult horror classic, Blacula, and its sequel, Scream, Blacula, Scream, know Marshall as the title character - the African Prince Mamuwalde, cursed to follow in Dracula's bloody footsteps.
Fans of the cult horror classic, Blacula, and its sequel, Scream, Blacula, Scream, know Marshall as the title character - the African Prince Mamuwalde, cursed to follow in Dracula's bloody footsteps.
Do Vulcans Like Halloween Because They Look Like Vampires?
Today, I was looking at my little Vulcan beanie baby. And then my nephew saw it on my bookshelf and he shouted, 'Is that a vampire?' No, it's a logical Vulcan, but he certainly could pass for a vampire, couldn't he?
Vulcans, Vampires and Halloween
a perfect combination.
Friday, October 16, 2015
Borg Alert - It's That Time Of Year
Aliens are a decidedly mixed bunch. They can be weird looking, cool or funny. They can inspire awe and mystery, and more than endless fascination about their origins and cultural customs.
After all the wondering, fascination and speculation, certain aliens shock or chill us to the bone. Let's face it, some of them are just downright scary.
The Borg
Bringing Halloween to Star Trek like nobody's business.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Ghosts Of The Final Frontier
For decades, we've explored strange new worlds and sought out new lifeforms with Starfleet. What of death?
Indeed, Kirk's and Picard's Enterprise met those who weren't really alive - or dead - at least the way we understand those terms in our own limited, human way. Perhaps the most important part to ghost hunting is to first ask, What is a ghost? From such a starting point, and with preconceptions put aside, these are a few of the more surprising, disturbing and plain ghostly Star Trek tales.
Day Of The Dove
When Captain Kirk tangles with war ready Klingons, he can't know a thing more villainous and destructive lies at the core of the conflict with the battle loving boys. After taking Klingons prisoners aboard Enterprise, they escape and engage in brutal hand to hand combat with the Starfleet crew. It seems a non-corporeal alien - one of pure energy - or a 'ghost' is quietly manipulating circumstances so it can feed off the negative energy and the wounded and dying. In the end, it's discovered good feelings - especially frivolity and laughter - are like poison to the phantom intruder. As Klingons and humans laugh off the ghostly thing, it flees in frustration. Numerous reports through history document ghosts as siphoning off energy or being troublesome, like the Poltergeist theory of misbehaving ghosts who suck energy from humans and act mischievously.
Wolf In The Fold
Was murderous Jack The Ripper a ghost? Could other serial killers, apparently unconnected to each other, be the bloody work of the same savage phantom? It's the mind boggling premise here, and it's one of Trek's spookiest tales. After Chief Engineer Scott, or Scotty to pretty much everyone, is accused of killing several women on an alien world, an investigation is launched into the murders. Even a kind of seance is used, but when Scotty apparently kills the medium performing it, things turn more bone chilling. Finally, it's determined that an entity - much like the one from 'Day Of The Dove' - is feeding off people's hate and fear. It's able to climb inside a person to posses their body, much like how Patrick Swayze's ghostly character invaded Whoopi Goldberg in the Oscar winning spook fest, Ghost, and then it compels them to kill others.
And The Children Shall Lead
Can an obese attorney at law be considered a ghost? Marvin Belli, the rather rotund, famous lawyer, tried his hand at acting, and this was one of his roles. When a group of colonists are found dead, apparently from mass suicide, and their children are found alive, Kirk's Enterprise takes in the tykes to ferry them home. Belli plays the Gorgan, a ghostlike spirit of evil intent and potent power. He enables the kids to sort of wish at people - by using a hypnotic like mind hijack - thereby gaining control of them or influencing them with their own thoughts. Like other 'ghost' creatures mentioned previously, the Gorgan acted like an energy sapping spirit or poltergeist.
The Survivors
If you had awesome powers approximating a god's omnipotent ability, would you seek revenge if a loved one was murdered? It's the mind bending idea behind this haunting Next Generation episode, and though the alien creature called a Douwd may not be an actual ghost, the spooky vibe, plus the alien's ghostly feel qualify it as being on the fringe of supernatural study. Captain Picard and crew meet Kevin and Rishon Uxbridge, who are apparently a human senior citizen couple still in a loving marriage. Before the story's close, it's revealed Rishon is actully a fantastically realistic illusion being projected by the incredible alien entity Kevin, a Douwd. A side plot where Counselor Troi's mind is distracted, by the torture of a song playing over and over again is another ghost like moment which haunts us far after the show's end.
Sub Rosa
Writer Jeri Taylor, a producer on TNG, and writer for this episode calls it a 'romance novel in space.' It certainly qualifies as such, but it's also the most direct parallel to a ghost story ever to appear in Star Trek. Dr. Crusher (Gates McFadden) gives the eulogy at her grandmother's funeral, only to later be obsessed with quitting Starfleet and taking up residence in her Nana's house. Captain Picard must approve his Chief Medical Officer's resignation, but he still worries for her, and for good reason. A mystery man known as Ronin, who romanced Crusher's Nana, has now set his sights on Dr. Crusher. Turns out Ronin is a creature composed of 'anaphasic energy' - yet another parasitic lifeform who feeds on humans; here, by possessing a person's body and using them as host. In the end, Crusher is forced to destroy the charismatic creature, but she realizes that its romantic embrace brought great happiness to much of her family - including herself.
The Next Phase
If you died, yet never left your home or the sound and sight of your loved ones, would you be a ghost? Another clever science fiction premise coincides with the notion of ghosts and supernatural, in this suspense filled romp. When a transporter accident renders Ensign Ro (Michelle Forbes) and Chief Engineer LaForge (LeVar Burton) invisible and mute, courtesy of their physical matter being out of phase, the two conclude they must have died from a transporter malfunction. LaForge, however isn't entirely convinced, and sets about to prove that it must be yet another wild sci-fi happening. Despite the logical nature of their state, Ro keeps on acting as if she's in the hereafter - complete with baring her soul to her crew mates in a deathbed confessional manner.
Indeed, Kirk's and Picard's Enterprise met those who weren't really alive - or dead - at least the way we understand those terms in our own limited, human way. Perhaps the most important part to ghost hunting is to first ask, What is a ghost? From such a starting point, and with preconceptions put aside, these are a few of the more surprising, disturbing and plain ghostly Star Trek tales.
Day Of The Dove
When Captain Kirk tangles with war ready Klingons, he can't know a thing more villainous and destructive lies at the core of the conflict with the battle loving boys. After taking Klingons prisoners aboard Enterprise, they escape and engage in brutal hand to hand combat with the Starfleet crew. It seems a non-corporeal alien - one of pure energy - or a 'ghost' is quietly manipulating circumstances so it can feed off the negative energy and the wounded and dying. In the end, it's discovered good feelings - especially frivolity and laughter - are like poison to the phantom intruder. As Klingons and humans laugh off the ghostly thing, it flees in frustration. Numerous reports through history document ghosts as siphoning off energy or being troublesome, like the Poltergeist theory of misbehaving ghosts who suck energy from humans and act mischievously.
Wolf In The Fold
Was murderous Jack The Ripper a ghost? Could other serial killers, apparently unconnected to each other, be the bloody work of the same savage phantom? It's the mind boggling premise here, and it's one of Trek's spookiest tales. After Chief Engineer Scott, or Scotty to pretty much everyone, is accused of killing several women on an alien world, an investigation is launched into the murders. Even a kind of seance is used, but when Scotty apparently kills the medium performing it, things turn more bone chilling. Finally, it's determined that an entity - much like the one from 'Day Of The Dove' - is feeding off people's hate and fear. It's able to climb inside a person to posses their body, much like how Patrick Swayze's ghostly character invaded Whoopi Goldberg in the Oscar winning spook fest, Ghost, and then it compels them to kill others.
And The Children Shall Lead
Can an obese attorney at law be considered a ghost? Marvin Belli, the rather rotund, famous lawyer, tried his hand at acting, and this was one of his roles. When a group of colonists are found dead, apparently from mass suicide, and their children are found alive, Kirk's Enterprise takes in the tykes to ferry them home. Belli plays the Gorgan, a ghostlike spirit of evil intent and potent power. He enables the kids to sort of wish at people - by using a hypnotic like mind hijack - thereby gaining control of them or influencing them with their own thoughts. Like other 'ghost' creatures mentioned previously, the Gorgan acted like an energy sapping spirit or poltergeist.
The Survivors
If you had awesome powers approximating a god's omnipotent ability, would you seek revenge if a loved one was murdered? It's the mind bending idea behind this haunting Next Generation episode, and though the alien creature called a Douwd may not be an actual ghost, the spooky vibe, plus the alien's ghostly feel qualify it as being on the fringe of supernatural study. Captain Picard and crew meet Kevin and Rishon Uxbridge, who are apparently a human senior citizen couple still in a loving marriage. Before the story's close, it's revealed Rishon is actully a fantastically realistic illusion being projected by the incredible alien entity Kevin, a Douwd. A side plot where Counselor Troi's mind is distracted, by the torture of a song playing over and over again is another ghost like moment which haunts us far after the show's end.
Sub Rosa
Writer Jeri Taylor, a producer on TNG, and writer for this episode calls it a 'romance novel in space.' It certainly qualifies as such, but it's also the most direct parallel to a ghost story ever to appear in Star Trek. Dr. Crusher (Gates McFadden) gives the eulogy at her grandmother's funeral, only to later be obsessed with quitting Starfleet and taking up residence in her Nana's house. Captain Picard must approve his Chief Medical Officer's resignation, but he still worries for her, and for good reason. A mystery man known as Ronin, who romanced Crusher's Nana, has now set his sights on Dr. Crusher. Turns out Ronin is a creature composed of 'anaphasic energy' - yet another parasitic lifeform who feeds on humans; here, by possessing a person's body and using them as host. In the end, Crusher is forced to destroy the charismatic creature, but she realizes that its romantic embrace brought great happiness to much of her family - including herself.
The Next Phase
If you died, yet never left your home or the sound and sight of your loved ones, would you be a ghost? Another clever science fiction premise coincides with the notion of ghosts and supernatural, in this suspense filled romp. When a transporter accident renders Ensign Ro (Michelle Forbes) and Chief Engineer LaForge (LeVar Burton) invisible and mute, courtesy of their physical matter being out of phase, the two conclude they must have died from a transporter malfunction. LaForge, however isn't entirely convinced, and sets about to prove that it must be yet another wild sci-fi happening. Despite the logical nature of their state, Ro keeps on acting as if she's in the hereafter - complete with baring her soul to her crew mates in a deathbed confessional manner.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Set Phasers On Trick Or Treat - Trek's Scariest Moments
Horror isn't what you'd usually associate with Trek.
Science fiction and horror tread a fine line between one another, but can be blended together smoothly, Classic examples from literature clearly illustrate how connected they can be. Take these English language novels; Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. First and foremost, they're sci-fi tales of lab experiments gone awry, however a primary goal is to scare us.
Catspaw
It has witches, a bubbling cauldron and even a black cat. It was intentionally designed as a Halloween themed episode and mostly succeeds in its chilling mission. When Kirk's crew come upon a planet with a Gothic style castle - complete with spell casting, cackling witches - it's a spookfest. Writer Robert Bloch (Psycho) scripted the surreal, spooky tale, where Kirk's enormous starship Enterprise is reduced to a piece of jewelry.
Return Of The Archons
Much of this episode takes place at night, or sees the actors running about in dark caves. Kirk's crew must free a society in the grip of a domineering being calling itself Landru. This beastial despot uses robed guards to zap anyone who doesn't do his bidding. The hooded flunkies wear thick hoods too - you can barely make out their faces - and talk in a weird, electronic vibrato, making them really creepy.
Charlie X
When you're a teenager, much of life and growing up can be downright scary. For teenager Charlie (Robert Walker), everything he does or says seems to give those around him a fright or a laugh. Charlie's human, but was gifted with fantastic powers by a weird energy based race. When the Enterprise crew cramp Charlie's style, he proceeds to rip their faces off or turn them into lizards. Talk about scary stuff!
Schisms
It's more than a little ironic when an advanced Starship staffed with a capable crew become target of alien abductors, but that's just the premise here. It's not so much the story, but the slick execution of just how the Enterprise crew are reduced to little more than lab animals for an advanced inter-dimensional race conducting experiments. The lighting and sets heighten the fright factor, but it's the clever sound design of the creepy clicking creatures which really shakes things up into a fear realm.
Man Of The People
A diplomat's life is challenging, even frustrating - but scary? An ambassador (Chip Lucia) causes Counselor Troi to become a raving thing, and that's when the scares begin. We see Troi transformed into a screaming, witch like husk of her former self, while the diplomat's possession of her comes to a nightmarish boiling point.
Realm Of Fear
TNG writer and producer Brannon Braga took his own real life fear of flying and injected it into main character Lt. Barclay in this spooky tale of missing persons. When Barclay must help out in recovering tech in the mission, he starts experiencing flashes or hallucinations of weirdly floating creatures. Fearing he could be going nuts or even dying of a rare condition called 'transporter psychosis', he visits Counselor Troi for therapy. Actor Dwight Schultz brings such a dread fear to the proceedings, he more than communicates it to us.
Whispers
Is all that we see or seem but a dream within a dream? Edgar Allen Poe knew what scared us, and in this weird tale, Chief O'Brien (Colm Meaney) plays a man lost within his own known world. This one is so spooky, much like Chief O'Brien's experiences within the tale, we're not sure of anything until the stunning final act.
Sound Of Her Voice
More suspenseful than scary, yet there's still a creepy vibe permeating till the final act. The Defiant is on a rescue mission. It's perilous because the Dominion could be engaged. The Starfleet officer they're seeking isn't only injured, but will die because of high levels of carbon dioxide in the planet's atmosphere. The tale's desolate quality is heightened by the fact Defiant only gets audio signals from her, so it feels like a radio play throughout the episode. Debra Wilson (MAD TV) plays the injured woman with the captivating voice. It's a triumphant performance since she's never seen on camera.
Phage
There's an urban myth - there are criminals who rob people of organs, to sell to clinics or the wealthy for transplants. This tale plays with that horrible medical premise. It created a whole new villainous race for Voyager to contend with for many a season. When it's revealed that the aliens want the organs for their own disease infected species, it's poignant, but no less chilling.
Haunting Of Deck Twelve
Neelix, the starship cook and mascot, scares up chills with a ghost story. The Borg kids become alarmed when they can't regenerate properly, so Neelix seeks to distract them. What's designed to be a fun, yet chill filled time, devolves into something far darker and spine tingling.
Science fiction and horror tread a fine line between one another, but can be blended together smoothly, Classic examples from literature clearly illustrate how connected they can be. Take these English language novels; Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. First and foremost, they're sci-fi tales of lab experiments gone awry, however a primary goal is to scare us.
Catspaw
It has witches, a bubbling cauldron and even a black cat. It was intentionally designed as a Halloween themed episode and mostly succeeds in its chilling mission. When Kirk's crew come upon a planet with a Gothic style castle - complete with spell casting, cackling witches - it's a spookfest. Writer Robert Bloch (Psycho) scripted the surreal, spooky tale, where Kirk's enormous starship Enterprise is reduced to a piece of jewelry.
Return Of The Archons
Much of this episode takes place at night, or sees the actors running about in dark caves. Kirk's crew must free a society in the grip of a domineering being calling itself Landru. This beastial despot uses robed guards to zap anyone who doesn't do his bidding. The hooded flunkies wear thick hoods too - you can barely make out their faces - and talk in a weird, electronic vibrato, making them really creepy.
Charlie X
When you're a teenager, much of life and growing up can be downright scary. For teenager Charlie (Robert Walker), everything he does or says seems to give those around him a fright or a laugh. Charlie's human, but was gifted with fantastic powers by a weird energy based race. When the Enterprise crew cramp Charlie's style, he proceeds to rip their faces off or turn them into lizards. Talk about scary stuff!
Schisms
It's more than a little ironic when an advanced Starship staffed with a capable crew become target of alien abductors, but that's just the premise here. It's not so much the story, but the slick execution of just how the Enterprise crew are reduced to little more than lab animals for an advanced inter-dimensional race conducting experiments. The lighting and sets heighten the fright factor, but it's the clever sound design of the creepy clicking creatures which really shakes things up into a fear realm.
Man Of The People
A diplomat's life is challenging, even frustrating - but scary? An ambassador (Chip Lucia) causes Counselor Troi to become a raving thing, and that's when the scares begin. We see Troi transformed into a screaming, witch like husk of her former self, while the diplomat's possession of her comes to a nightmarish boiling point.
TNG writer and producer Brannon Braga took his own real life fear of flying and injected it into main character Lt. Barclay in this spooky tale of missing persons. When Barclay must help out in recovering tech in the mission, he starts experiencing flashes or hallucinations of weirdly floating creatures. Fearing he could be going nuts or even dying of a rare condition called 'transporter psychosis', he visits Counselor Troi for therapy. Actor Dwight Schultz brings such a dread fear to the proceedings, he more than communicates it to us.
Whispers
Is all that we see or seem but a dream within a dream? Edgar Allen Poe knew what scared us, and in this weird tale, Chief O'Brien (Colm Meaney) plays a man lost within his own known world. This one is so spooky, much like Chief O'Brien's experiences within the tale, we're not sure of anything until the stunning final act.
Sound Of Her Voice
More suspenseful than scary, yet there's still a creepy vibe permeating till the final act. The Defiant is on a rescue mission. It's perilous because the Dominion could be engaged. The Starfleet officer they're seeking isn't only injured, but will die because of high levels of carbon dioxide in the planet's atmosphere. The tale's desolate quality is heightened by the fact Defiant only gets audio signals from her, so it feels like a radio play throughout the episode. Debra Wilson (MAD TV) plays the injured woman with the captivating voice. It's a triumphant performance since she's never seen on camera.
Phage
There's an urban myth - there are criminals who rob people of organs, to sell to clinics or the wealthy for transplants. This tale plays with that horrible medical premise. It created a whole new villainous race for Voyager to contend with for many a season. When it's revealed that the aliens want the organs for their own disease infected species, it's poignant, but no less chilling.
Haunting Of Deck Twelve
Neelix, the starship cook and mascot, scares up chills with a ghost story. The Borg kids become alarmed when they can't regenerate properly, so Neelix seeks to distract them. What's designed to be a fun, yet chill filled time, devolves into something far darker and spine tingling.
Hot Chocolate With Sonya Gomez
Ensign Sonya Gomez is thrilled be on the Enterprise D. She's energetic and passionate, but not always the most well coordinated - especially around Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
Need a wet one, Jean-Luc?
Played by actress Lycia Naff (Total Recall), Gomez was introduced into the Next Generation family in the episode, Q-Who?, and would later appear in Samaritan Snare, with the comical, though dangerous Pakled race. Today, Naff is an active writer and journalist, who writes for The Globe.
Animal Magnetism - M'Ress Of The Animated Series
M'Ress served on the Starship Enterprise as a relief communications bridge officer. Her people are called Caitan and they are valued members of The United Federation of Planets.
Her exotic, feline allure speaks for itself. Meow!
Her exotic, feline allure speaks for itself. Meow!
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Monday, October 12, 2015
Catspaw - Spooky Halloween For Kirk's Crew
Who says we won't be celebrating Halloween in the 23rd century? For Captain Kirk and his noble Starfleet crew, they have no choice but to get into the spirit of scary things after they visit a planet that takes the whole notion of spectacular spooktacular very seriously.
Where's Vincent Price when you need him?
Where's Vincent Price when you need him?
Pon Farr Increases Nipple Sensitivity
Pon Farr is the Vulcan time of mating. Apparently it's fun for all involved parties.
Come on fellas, control yourselves, it's only every 7 years, right?
Come on fellas, control yourselves, it's only every 7 years, right?
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