Hi everyone!
It's been, well forever since my last blog! I could go into a million reasons why I haven't written any for such a long time, but we'd be here for a while. So instead I'm going to tell you why I'm writing one now and what it's about. Put simply it's 60 years this year since this wonderful franchise came into being. If you recall 10 years ago Simon wrote a superb blog and did the Star Trek 50th Anniversary challenge. Here's a link to refresh your memory https://theengagepodcast.blogspot.com/2016/09/simon-star-trek-50th-anniversary-year.html
So the first 50 questions are the same but with 10 new ones Simon added on this year. HOWEVER this is different as I'm the one who will be answering this time and as you may know me and Simon answers will be quite different with maybe a few being the same. So without further ado lets warp straight into it!
Overall Favourite series: DS9/Enterprise – DS9 because it's the most dark, realistic and gritty out of all the Trek shows that wasn't afraid to show that humans are fallible and there's an uglier side to the Federation of war and Section 31. The character development especially of the secondary/recurring cast was some of the most in depth and engaging. For Enterprise as it has that nice mix of exploration in Seasons 1 and 2 and more in depth story arcs with an edge of Seasons 3 and 4. As a prequel the show did an amazing job not damaging established Star Trek canon and added well to it in the process.
Overall Favourite episode: The Visitor currently – A fantastic performance by the late Tony Todd as the older Jake Sisko. This is a beautiful heartfelt family story about the lengths a son will go to protect and save his father. It's very relatable for me and reminds me of the loving relationship between me and my Dad.
Favourite Mirror universe episode: In The Mirror Darkly – An insanely fun Mirror Universe episode with great twists and turns especially the last one. It beautifully links up with TOS cannon in the Tholian Web episode makes this one stand out above the rest. Plus who can resist Naughty Hoshi!
Favourite Time travel episode: Ent: Twilight – An excellent what if the Xindi had beaten Earth. This serves a reminder that the fate of an entire planet can rest on one person. In this case Archer. Not to mention Scott Bakula's amazing performance makes you believe he always loses his short term memory.
Favourite Federation starship: Enterprise NX-01/Enterprise E – Both beautifully designed and sleek ships for their time. The NX-01 in particular is very reminiscent of being ahead in our future, but not too far as to be unrecognisable. The E has a lovely aesthic quality to it's interior which I've always loved.
Favourite starship class: Sovereign Class – Lovely designed class with everything in the right place. It just looks gorgeous and as an amateur ship enthusiast that's the best explanation I can give!
Favourite small spaceship (auxiliary craft): Delta Flyer – A wonderful sleekly designed vessel with the controls inspired by Tom Paris's Captain Proton programme along with fitted Borg technology by Seven of Nine. This craft is the perfect blend of the past and future rolled into one making it one of the most unique to stand out in the franchise.
Favourite Alien starship: Bajoran Lightship (Solar Sailor) – Always liked the design of this basic ship by 24th Century standards. The fact the Solar Sailor made it from Bajor to Cardassia is incredibly impressive. It's my favorite mainly for nostalgic purposes as I love the episode Explorers (DS9 Season 3 favourite episode).
Favourite Klingon character: B'Elanna – Half human and half Klingon B'Elanna is constantly at war in terms of her emotions and cultures with her hybrid nature, which she has to contend with and adapt to throughout Voyager. Some fantastic episodes played superbly by Roxanne Dawson especially her romantic relationship with Tom Paris. She has a great character arc that is forever memorable.
Favourite Vulcan character: TOS Spock – For me nothing can beat the original 1960s Spock. All the other versions are great and interesting especially seeing the journey he goes on with his emotions and heritage to what he becomes in TOS. But Leonard Nimoy is Spock and part of what has been established with the lore of his character like the Vulcan neck pinch rests with him. Not to mention his autobiography I am Spock is a fascinating read.
Favourite Romulan character: Tomalok – An intriguing and formidable opponent for Picard. He makes a handful of appearances in TNG. Superbly played by Andreas Katsulas. We never find out much about him, but it's that lack of finding out that makes him all the more interesting.
Favourite Ferengi character: Nog – Acted brillaintly by the late Aron Eisenberg. Initially a typical young Ferengi who plays jokes and wants to earn profit, but matures due to partly his unusual friendship with Jake. He ends up becoming the first Ferengi in Starfleet and shows one of the most interesting and well developed character arcs over the franchise.
Favourite Bajoran character: Ro Laren – Despite only being a secondary character and her appearances scattered through TNG and Picard, Ro was someone who was very troubled and turned her life around in Starfleet before becoming a Marquis and eventually turning up in Picard Season 3. I admired her tenacity and guts in doing what she thought was right and her character arc was compelling and commedably played by Michelle Forbes.
Favourite Cardassian character: Garak – The most mysterious, elusive and interesting Caradssian superbly acted by Andrew Robinson. Why tell the truth when a good lie will do! Even after 7 seasons of DS9 we still don't much about our favourite tailor and we probably never will!
Favourite Andorian character: Shran – Played to perfection by Jeffery Combs. In all honesty there aren't that many side/main character Andorians in the franchise to pick from. Plus his friendship with Jonathan Archer is pinnacle to help forming the founding of the Federation in 2161.
Favourite Planet: Monean Ocean Planet – Such a cool stand out concept of an ocean planet in space like Atlantis makes it unique. Beautifully designed as well makes it one of the most memorable.
Favourite Captain: Archer – The Captain who would be instrumental in the founding and forming of the Federation in 2161 and the Prime Directive. Both of which still stand in stead in the Star Trek universe today. Not to mention his amazing speech according to Troi. Just wish we could have heard it in the Enterprise finale!
Favourite First officer: Riker – Commendable tough and fiercely loyal to his Captain and crew. Despite being offered 3 captaincy's in TNG he turned them down, which just shows how much the crew and the Enterprise meant to him.
Favourite Helmsman: Lt Detmer (Disco). Though maybe not the best or most memorable pilot in the franchise. Someone from Discovery deserves a fair shake and Emily Coutts played her terrifically well even if the writing wasn't the best. Plus she has piloting skills in 2 centuries!
Favourite Science officer: Jadzia Dax. It can't get much better than a being who has knowledge and experience of 8 lifetimes at her fingertips!
Favourite Chief engineer: Trip – A fun and able engineer superbly played by Conner Trineer (whom I had the pleasure of meeting and having a photoshoot with at Destination Star Trek). Despite being only a 22nd century engineer his knowledge and ability of the NX is impressive. He strikes me as the sort of person who would been able to adapt quickly to the evolving engineering practices and principles in the later centuries of the series.
Favourite Doctor: Phlox – Like Trip a fun and multi-faceted character excellently played by John Billingsly (Lovely guy at DST). He was a great doctor of his time especially using his assortment of bugs and critters as well to help heal the crew and like Trip would have adapted well to the future medical advances in the later centuries.
Favourite Security chief: Odo – You can't beat a security chief who can assume different shapes to investigate and stop criminals! Not to mention one of the most interesting characters in DS9!
Favourite Communications officer: Hoshi – Responsible for the design of the universal translator. A lot of what Hoshi did was a precedent past down to future comm officers and how Starfleet/Federation were able to communicate with these strange new worlds and dozens of species. Considering she had to do it all herself is even more commendable.
Favourite Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) episode: Galileo Seven – Classic Trek with so much going on with Spock in command. His personality as a Vulcan clashes with the human crew which creates issues and tension when they crash land on a planet. Not to mention the cavemen that attack them adds more heightened drama.
Favourite Star Trek: The Animated Series (TAS) episode: Yesteryear – Written by Dorothy Fontana this gives us a unique and compelling insight into Spock as a child. Great character development for him and Vulcan culture as a whole.
Favourite Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) episode: Lessons – The episode I always come to in TNG. A beautifully acted and written romance between Captain Picard and Lt Commander Darren. It explores the complexities and complications that can arise from ''office'' romances but also how someone as closed off as the Captain shows a softer vulnerable side. Superb romantic chemistry between the two actors with some lovely scenes as they share a passion for music. Not to mention linking it to the Inner Light with the Resican flute from Season 5 is the icing on the cake.
Favourite Star Trek: Deep Space 9 (DS9) episode: Hard Time – This one is a no brainer. A fascinating plot unfolding of the effect prison can have on one's physical and especially mental health particularly as O Brien was innocent. Both Colm Meaney and Craig Wasson as guest star Ee'char give fantastic performances. The writing is superb. The scene especially where O Brien is holding a phaser under his chin as Bashir tries to talk him out of killing himself is brilliantly acted and written.
Favourite Star Trek: Voyager (VOY) episode: Year Of Hell 2 parter – A glimpse into what Voyager as a series could have and should have been with the ship constantly looking battle worn with supplies dwindling. This two parter is excellently written and acted with great commentary on the consequences of messing with time.
Favourite Star Trek: Enterprise (ENT) episode: Twilight – Same reasons as why it's my favourite time travel episode. Always loved it and it's the first episode of Entetprise I always think of!
Favourite Star Trek: Discovery (DISCO) episode: The Red Angel – Season 2 was the strongest one for Discovery and it makes sense to pick one from here. The culmination of finding out the identity of the Red Angel is a superb and well worth waiting pay off, which I didn't even get right. So the fact I was more surprised by the reveal made it all the more worth it and compelling.
Favourite Star Trek: Short Treks episode: Children Of Mars – Even as something as short as this Star Trek is still able to convey it's values with two different cultures through the Federation. This time children who are at odds, but overcome it to become friends when they go through a shared trauma of losing their parents.
Favourite Star Trek: Lower Decks (LOW) episode: Hear All Trust Nothing – Basing an episode around DS9 was always going to stand out to me. It's absolutely hilarious with wonderful references and having a personal connection between Kira and Jacks made it even better!
Favourite Star Trek: Picard (PIC) episode: The Last Generation – It could only be this one bringing together the old and new crew back on the iconic Enterprise D is the epitome of TNG and Picard of Classic Trek. The fact they have to defeat the Borg by going old school as at last they seem like a threat again just makes it more nostalgic. The final scene is a wonderful tribute to the ending of TNG and the era as whole.
Favourite Star Trek: Prodigy (PRO) episode: Supernova 2 parter – The two part ending of Season 1 is the epitome build up of what's been set up throughout the first season as our young heroes with other allies embody the best of what it means to be in Starfleet. A thrilling blend of action, comedy and the start of a new era for our characters at the end.
Favourite Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (SNW) episode: S2 Ep2 Ad Astra Per Aspera (meaning To The Stars Through Hardship) – This was a no brainer. It's the one episode I always come to when I think of SNW. Up there for me with the most classic and finest Star Trek episodes in the whole franchise like Court Martial. Brilliantly acted and superbly written with wonderful subtly. The notion of exploring genetic engineering is done amazingly well with a complex issue that isn't shied away from. How Una is able to prove her case by seeking asylum was a stroke of genius. Not to mention the writers were careful and faithful in not altering already pre-established canon regarding the subject.
Favourite uniform: Disco S1 and 2 and SNW. For the first 2 seasons of Discovery the blue uniforms (my favourite colour) were a wonderful mix of TOS and Kelvin timeline design which I loved. For Strange New Worlds for it's ability to stick close to the much loved TOS uniform design but tweaking it slightly to add interesting alterations with out interfering with pre-established canon
Favourite quote: Live Long and Prosper – One of Spock's most famous and well known. Said countless times throughout the franchise in happy and sad emotional moments that are forever memorable. This can apply to individuals and societies throughout the franchise. The top moment being in Star Trek II Wrath Of Khan when Spock says this to Kirk before he dies.
Favourite Drink: Blue Lagoon Romulan Ale – The only Star Trek drink I've had and it tastes lovely!
Favourite Theme tune: Star Trek Strange New Worlds: A wonderful modern update but still retains vibes of music associated with TOS. This is one tune that signifies all that Star Trek stands for perfectly and it's really catchy. Not to mention the visuals are amazing and refreshed every season.
Favourite “Prime Universe” film: Star Trek First Contact – The first thing in Star Trek I ever watched, which got me into the franchise from the scary Borg that links up beautifully with episode Regeneration, Q Who and Best Of Both Worlds. I was instantly drawn to one of my favourite characters of the series, Data.
Favourite soundtrack: Star Trek Prodigy – A wonderful soundtrack that invokes all of what Star Trek is with it's positive upbeat music of travelling through the stars exploring new worlds and cultures and overcoming adversity makes it perfect to listen to.
Favourite actor in a leading role: Colm Meaney – Fantastically plays Chief O Brien as a supporting character in TNG and main one in DS9. By this point he was getting roles in movies and could have easily had left Star Trek but he nobly stuck with TV as well making him one of the most versatile actors in this generation.
Favourite actress in a leading role: Nicole De Boer – Despite only being able to play Ezri for one season. Her performance brought something fresh to the Dax character and managed to develop her from a nervous new joined Trill into a more wholesome confident character by the end of the series.
Favourite supporting actor: Andrew Robinson – Not much need be said here for the legend of Andrew Robinson playing the mysterious tailor Garak magnificently throughout the whole series. Without him the character would only be half as interesting and enjoyable to watch.
Favourite supporting actress: Louise Fletcher – Sensationally played Vedek/Kai Winn for 7 seasons who was power hungry and corrupt by using religion and politics to try and improve her own standing over her people. She is one character we all love to hate and is forever memorable in the world of Star Trek due to her performance.
Favourite Federation weapon: TOS Type 2 Phaser – A fun, lovely designed and sleek weapon. The type 2 has always been a personal favourite especially the sound it makes when it fires.
Favourite alien weapon: Klingon Bat'leth – A sharp and durable melee weapons with his curved edged is deadly in experienced hands. Always loved the design of it.
Favourite Federation technology: TOS communicator. Such a cool design especially having to flip it open before speaking into it. Again like type 2 phaser I love the sound it makes too!
Favourite alien technology: The Exocomp – These wonderful lifeforms develop from useful and creative technology to intelligent beings. Their ability to adapt to any given situation whether dangerous or otherwise with the different tools they can create makes them one of the most interesting and unique lifeforms using technology in the franchise.
Favourite “Kelvin Timeline” film: Star Trek – Going back to basics to reinvigorate the Star Trek franchise, this first Kelvin Timeline film centres back to a young Kirk, Spock and McCoy and how their friendship and legendary crew comes together and it's done brilliantly.
Favourite “Kelvin Timeline” character: Scotty – Thanks to Simon Pegg's superb performance he brought something new to the beloved engineer whilst making it his own but also embellishing the wonderful legacy led by the original James Doohan.
Favourite battle scene: Season 5 Call To Arms DS9. When the Dominion and Cardassia attack and take over the station. Exciting set pieces and filled with drama. The fact that the Federation lose such an important and strategic post fills you with dread.
Favourite book (story): Full Circle – My favourite Star Trek novel testing the boundaries of human exploration and relationships with the Voyager crew. They have to deal with ancient Klingon sects and The Borg. Throughout all this they have to grapple with love, lose and conflict, which is masterfully written by Kirsten Beyer.
Favourite book (technology): ST DS9 Technical Manual. A brilliantly illustrated and well explained book that is lighter on the technobabble compared to others. Had a good look through it round Simon's. I need to obtain a copy.
Favourite comic/graphic novel: Star Trek: The Next Generation/Doctor Who: Assimilation2 - A really cool and unique crossover combining two of the most popular sci-fi series with some of the best villains of it's genre. Plus the Borg and Cybermen teaming up actually makes sense within the context of the comic/graphic novel. A really fun read!
Favourite author: Kirsten Beyer – Fantastically written books continuing the Voyager series. She expands on ideas from the series and makes them even better and more interesting. This goes for the same with the characters especially Harry Kim!
Favourite celebrity encounter: John Billingsly – A lovely person! It was a pleasure to meet and talk with him about his character as I mentioned my dad is a big fan of Phlox. He asked me more about him and dedicated the autograph to me and him. Top bloke.
Favourite Galaxy Quest moment: This seems like a bit of a cop out, but I loved the whole film for it's weirdness and quirkiness. No one particular moment stands out as I enjoyed the whole movie from it's writing to the performances.
Favourite The Orville episode: The Tale Of Two Topas – How being different in whatever way can form prejudice and paranoia in a society when it goes against the 'natural' order. Those who are persecuted rise up against it and are accepted by other cultures and some in their own to persevere. This episode does it absolutely magnificently with Bortes's child Topas.
And that concludes my 60 choices for the Star Trek 60th anniversary challenge! I hope you enjoyed reading this blog! Until then this is Jamie from the Engage Podcast warping out! Punch it!
