Star Trek: Discovery - New series on Netflix
Discussion
I really liked it.
The mangled bodies initially seemed at odds with ST, but then I remembered Christopher Pike from the original series who gave me nightmares, so perhaps it's not so different after all, just more up to date.
I don't study ST enough to claim a comprehensive grasp of any continuity issues (nor do I particularly care), but I do take the point that part of ST's identity is the expansiveness of it. This series is set when that expanse is still out there and unexplored, so the tightness/focus of the of the setting of this series so far reflects this. We are only concerned about the Klingons at the moment at the expense of everything else.
We've also launched straight into the action but we don't actually know what everybody is fighting for at the moment. There are aliens in the crew, so presumably Star Fleet is not simply Earth, but there is no 'light' either contextually or in the characters as presented to date to balance out any darkness. If anything, I'm actually more sympathetic to the Klingons at the moment. Perhaps this moral ambiguity is ironically the most ST thing about it so far?
That all said, I'm 3 eps in and no longer think 'that's her off TWD' when I see Michael which was my main concern at the outset. Same couldn't be said for Jean Todt's wife though
The mangled bodies initially seemed at odds with ST, but then I remembered Christopher Pike from the original series who gave me nightmares, so perhaps it's not so different after all, just more up to date.
I don't study ST enough to claim a comprehensive grasp of any continuity issues (nor do I particularly care), but I do take the point that part of ST's identity is the expansiveness of it. This series is set when that expanse is still out there and unexplored, so the tightness/focus of the of the setting of this series so far reflects this. We are only concerned about the Klingons at the moment at the expense of everything else.
We've also launched straight into the action but we don't actually know what everybody is fighting for at the moment. There are aliens in the crew, so presumably Star Fleet is not simply Earth, but there is no 'light' either contextually or in the characters as presented to date to balance out any darkness. If anything, I'm actually more sympathetic to the Klingons at the moment. Perhaps this moral ambiguity is ironically the most ST thing about it so far?
That all said, I'm 3 eps in and no longer think 'that's her off TWD' when I see Michael which was my main concern at the outset. Same couldn't be said for Jean Todt's wife though
What a lot of viewers seem to be missing is that this is a time of war and a dark time in the federation. When was the last time you saw a bright and cheerful battleship?
The discovery is a science vessel that has been given over to a captain who's remit is to develop weapons. And it appears that the federation are happy to pay a blind eye to whatever he is up too.
So yes this first series is going to be dark and brody and I for one am loving it so far.
The produces have already stated that come season two the mood will change to a more traditional Trek look and feel so don't give up yet folks. As I said before the previous series were not exactly stellar in their first series where they.
The discovery is a science vessel that has been given over to a captain who's remit is to develop weapons. And it appears that the federation are happy to pay a blind eye to whatever he is up too.
So yes this first series is going to be dark and brody and I for one am loving it so far.
The produces have already stated that come season two the mood will change to a more traditional Trek look and feel so don't give up yet folks. As I said before the previous series were not exactly stellar in their first series where they.
Streetrod said:
What a lot of viewers seem to be missing is that this is a time of war and a dark time in the federation. When was the last time you saw a bright and cheerful battleship?
The discovery is a science vessel that has been given over to a captain who's remit is to develop weapons. And it appears that the federation are happy to pay a blind eye to whatever he is up too.
So yes this first series is going to be dark and brody and I for one am loving it so far.
The produces have already stated that come season two the mood will change to a more traditional Trek look and feel so don't give up yet folks. As I said before the previous series were not exactly stellar in their first series where they.
Spot on and better put then what I was trying to say earlier. Starfleet is relatively new, plus they are in the middle of a war and we all know how dark and single minded us humans can get during conflict. The discovery is a science vessel that has been given over to a captain who's remit is to develop weapons. And it appears that the federation are happy to pay a blind eye to whatever he is up too.
So yes this first series is going to be dark and brody and I for one am loving it so far.
The produces have already stated that come season two the mood will change to a more traditional Trek look and feel so don't give up yet folks. As I said before the previous series were not exactly stellar in their first series where they.
I'm loving that we are seeing a darker side of the Federation. Remember humans are an aggressive species by nature but in the other Star Trek series we have mostly matured past this point but as of the time of Discovery, we aren't quite their yet. It's been hinted at in some of the films with a few rogue\gung ho Admirals and Officers who want to take SF in a more militaristic direction but it hasn't really been fully explored.
This is a chance to show that side of the Federation before it becomes the more peaceful and bright version that we know and love. Even then let's not pretend even the modern Star Fleet is all sweetness and love, a lot of the story-lines in the films and shows still center around conflict. Just because the ships are bright and shiny, I think people forget that SF has always had an aggressive side, albeit one that is mostly kept in check.
Well, I'm now offically hooked in.
Big Star Trek fan, although I'm a bit younger so TNG and Voyager were 'my' Star Trek. This isn't anything like those and I'm okay with that. My two-penneth worth anyway:
Storyline
Too early to tell really, but I like the setting (a prequel wouldn't have been my choice though) and you get the feeling early on that there is a very dark undercurrent running through everything. Michael has that whole 'super strong, super smart' vibe going on, which is a bit of deviation from the standard Trek format, but I guess this links in with the single character POV instead of a 'crew' POV.
Quite a varied mix of characters, some better than others but it is still early days and it usually takes a while for characters to develop. Quite like the 'Klingon War' setting; should hopefully provide a decent story arc instead of the typical 'monster of the week' format most Star Treks follow.
Visuals
Love it. Feels very fresh and modern; lens flare is probably a little OTT, but it does feel very 'real'. Trying to produce a prequel to a 60's TV show is always going to cause issues with the retro, yet modern look, but it doesn't really bother me. I'm not that absorbed into Star Trek that everything has to fit like a jigsaw, so I can forgive some of the conflicting technologies or canon slips. The new look Klingons are an interesting change and I quite like it, although they have been a bit limp so far.
Really enjoying the 'darker' sider of the universe; the push towards realism (ship x/y plane, freezing in space, blood, graphic deaths etc.) is a nice change from the cleaner, clinical nature of the series.
Overall
I know the show is getting mixed feelings from people, but I'm firmly in the positive camp. It isn't hardcore Star Trek, but it is an interesting offshoot from the typical format.
I firmly believe that this will kickstart a whole new generation of fans. Younger people, who want that 'darker, gritty' feel to a sci-fi show. Battlestar Galatica did a very similar thing and that was highly commended; I think the issue is that Star Trek has such a hardcore following that any radical change is immediately disliked.
Time will tell on this one, but I think that if they keep the quality to the same standard all through the season, it'll be very succesful.
Big Star Trek fan, although I'm a bit younger so TNG and Voyager were 'my' Star Trek. This isn't anything like those and I'm okay with that. My two-penneth worth anyway:
Storyline
Too early to tell really, but I like the setting (a prequel wouldn't have been my choice though) and you get the feeling early on that there is a very dark undercurrent running through everything. Michael has that whole 'super strong, super smart' vibe going on, which is a bit of deviation from the standard Trek format, but I guess this links in with the single character POV instead of a 'crew' POV.
Quite a varied mix of characters, some better than others but it is still early days and it usually takes a while for characters to develop. Quite like the 'Klingon War' setting; should hopefully provide a decent story arc instead of the typical 'monster of the week' format most Star Treks follow.
Visuals
Love it. Feels very fresh and modern; lens flare is probably a little OTT, but it does feel very 'real'. Trying to produce a prequel to a 60's TV show is always going to cause issues with the retro, yet modern look, but it doesn't really bother me. I'm not that absorbed into Star Trek that everything has to fit like a jigsaw, so I can forgive some of the conflicting technologies or canon slips. The new look Klingons are an interesting change and I quite like it, although they have been a bit limp so far.
Really enjoying the 'darker' sider of the universe; the push towards realism (ship x/y plane, freezing in space, blood, graphic deaths etc.) is a nice change from the cleaner, clinical nature of the series.
Overall
I know the show is getting mixed feelings from people, but I'm firmly in the positive camp. It isn't hardcore Star Trek, but it is an interesting offshoot from the typical format.
I firmly believe that this will kickstart a whole new generation of fans. Younger people, who want that 'darker, gritty' feel to a sci-fi show. Battlestar Galatica did a very similar thing and that was highly commended; I think the issue is that Star Trek has such a hardcore following that any radical change is immediately disliked.
Time will tell on this one, but I think that if they keep the quality to the same standard all through the season, it'll be very succesful.
I'm all for darker trek, but it feels pretty poor to me so far. The Expanse did modern sci-fi way better than this.
Its early days and I'll keep watching, but already I care so little for these people I'm pretty zoned out, the drama isn't very compelling and the characters...off somehow. I find myself wishing Saru was the focus and that Jason Issacs is given more to do.
I know historically Trek pilots and early seasons are like this, but in a world with Game of Thrones and the Expanse, its no excuse to be a bit lame for 3 series, you have to hit a home run from the get go.
Its early days and I'll keep watching, but already I care so little for these people I'm pretty zoned out, the drama isn't very compelling and the characters...off somehow. I find myself wishing Saru was the focus and that Jason Issacs is given more to do.
I know historically Trek pilots and early seasons are like this, but in a world with Game of Thrones and the Expanse, its no excuse to be a bit lame for 3 series, you have to hit a home run from the get go.
AndyWoodall said:
I'm all for darker trek, but it feels pretty poor to me so far. The Expanse did modern sci-fi way better than this.
Its early days and I'll keep watching, but already I care so little for these people I'm pretty zoned out, the drama isn't very compelling and the characters...off somehow. I find myself wishing Saru was the focus and that Jason Issacs is given more to do.
I know historically Trek pilots and early seasons are like this, but in a world with Game of Thrones and the Expanse, its no excuse to be a bit lame for 3 series, you have to hit a home run from the get go.
We're literally 3 episodes in!Its early days and I'll keep watching, but already I care so little for these people I'm pretty zoned out, the drama isn't very compelling and the characters...off somehow. I find myself wishing Saru was the focus and that Jason Issacs is given more to do.
I know historically Trek pilots and early seasons are like this, but in a world with Game of Thrones and the Expanse, its no excuse to be a bit lame for 3 series, you have to hit a home run from the get go.
Game of Thrones is an anomaly in a sea of lukewarm starts, ramping up to a solid series. The amount of people I know that couldn't get through the first season of Breaking Bad as they found it too slow, yet it is considered one of the best TV series ever made.
Not liking the style is one thing, you can make that judgment pretty early on, but character development and storyline is something that takes at least 5-6 episodes to judge. Sometimes longer, a la Breaking Bad.
It took me 2 attempts and about 5-6 episodes before I got into GoT and as mentioned Breaking Bad got of to a very slow start too so even the very best can struggle initially.
I'm not saying this is up there with those giants but IMO it's got off to a better start than any of the other Trek shows so far.
My missus is even watching it and that's saying something!
I'm not saying this is up there with those giants but IMO it's got off to a better start than any of the other Trek shows so far.
My missus is even watching it and that's saying something!
AndyWoodall said:
I'm all for darker trek, but it feels pretty poor to me so far. The Expanse did modern sci-fi way better than this.
Its early days and I'll keep watching, but already I care so little for these people I'm pretty zoned out, the drama isn't very compelling and the characters...off somehow. I find myself wishing Saru was the focus and that Jason Issacs is given more to do.
I know historically Trek pilots and early seasons are like this, but in a world with Game of Thrones and the Expanse, its no excuse to be a bit lame for 3 series, you have to hit a home run from the get go.
You see I just don't get that, I thought the Expanse was terrible.Its early days and I'll keep watching, but already I care so little for these people I'm pretty zoned out, the drama isn't very compelling and the characters...off somehow. I find myself wishing Saru was the focus and that Jason Issacs is given more to do.
I know historically Trek pilots and early seasons are like this, but in a world with Game of Thrones and the Expanse, its no excuse to be a bit lame for 3 series, you have to hit a home run from the get go.
Episode 3 is slightly better but it's still not something I'd have to watch or be sad if it was cancelled. However as others have said, still better than how TNG started (and that had Denise Crosby underboob!)
Apparently they'll do mirror universe stuff too, think they'll have über goatees considering it is a pretty dark series so far?
Apparently they'll do mirror universe stuff too, think they'll have über goatees considering it is a pretty dark series so far?
Catatafish said:
As said, its better than most of the ST universe pilots.
The pew-pew phaser sounds are really turd though. Bring back the old sound effects and a theme that isnt a random tune with the classic trek tones shoe-horned in at the beginning and end.
I thought Farpoint was a pretty good pilot for TNG tbh. Ok the first couple of seasons might not be as good as latter ones, but having recently re-watched them (again… The pew-pew phaser sounds are really turd though. Bring back the old sound effects and a theme that isnt a random tune with the classic trek tones shoe-horned in at the beginning and end.
). They are highly watachable and even quite humorous in places.The Voyager and Enterprise pilots were also pretty awesome IMO. And I liked the DS9 pilot with the TNG tie-in. Just as VOY had the DS9 tie-in for the pilot.
The only pilots that weren’t so great were the TOS ones. But in many ways that’s largely down to the limited special effects and a radically different era.
Wobbegong said:
Episode 3 is slightly better but it's still not something I'd have to watch or be sad if it was cancelled. However as others have said, still better than how TNG started (and that had Denise Crosby underboob!)
Apparently they'll do mirror universe stuff too, think they'll have über goatees considering it is a pretty dark series so far?
And don't forget...Harry Mudd's coming!Apparently they'll do mirror universe stuff too, think they'll have über goatees considering it is a pretty dark series so far?
300bhp/ton said:
I thought Farpoint was a pretty good pilot for TNG tbh. Ok the first couple of seasons might not be as good as latter ones, but having recently re-watched them (again… ). They are highly watachable and even quite humorous in places.
The Voyager and Enterprise pilots were also pretty awesome IMO. And I liked the DS9 pilot with the TNG tie-in. Just as VOY had the DS9 tie-in for the pilot.
The only pilots that weren’t so great were the TOS ones. But in many ways that’s largely down to the limited special effects and a radically different era.
Really? I havent met anyone who liked farpoint (seen it a few times, for a laugh). ). They are highly watachable and even quite humorous in places.The Voyager and Enterprise pilots were also pretty awesome IMO. And I liked the DS9 pilot with the TNG tie-in. Just as VOY had the DS9 tie-in for the pilot.
The only pilots that weren’t so great were the TOS ones. But in many ways that’s largely down to the limited special effects and a radically different era.
DS9 far too ponderous and pedestrian despite the interesting set up.
Voyager has the worst, blandest characters/ship. Dont see how cross show tie-ins make it any more interesting.
Enterprise's vulcans dont let us do anything story was gash. The writing was awful for the whole show whereas the others grew into something great... and voyager got a pair of tits.
Catatafish said:
Voyager has the worst, blandest characters/ship. Dont see how cross show tie-ins make it any more interesting.
.
For me, the best parts of Voyager were the sniping interactions between the holographic doctor and Seven of Nine..
I have been re watching TNG on BR, and I find I am enjoying them more now than I did when I first seen them.
TNG is still my favorite. It got off to a slow start admittedly but the characters developed into some of the best in the ST franchise and the acting from most of the cast was a cut above the other series.
DS9 was OK, again it got better as it went along, especially when the Dominion war stuff kicked off but I never really gel'd with characters like I did with TNG.
Again Voyager was OK for me but I never really like Janeway, just found her annoyingly smug. I should really give it another go as I know some of the storylines were very good, especially the stuff with the Borg and of course it had the sexiest crew member of them all, 7 of 9.
Enterprise - Didn't get past the first season. Even though I like Scott Bakula, it's just not a story and timeline that really interested me tbh. I also hate how the Enterprise is so basic\limited and get's it's arse kicked by pretty much everyone. A far cry from the pride of the fleet that it becomes in later series.
ToS, didn't really like the shows perhaps because I was too young but the mostly wooden acting and special effects didn't really help. I still think the core of Kirk, Spock, Bones and the other prominent crew members are the most likable crew. Most of the original cast movies were very good too with Wrath of Khan being the standout of course.
I think currently, Discovery sits behind TNG for me.
DS9 was OK, again it got better as it went along, especially when the Dominion war stuff kicked off but I never really gel'd with characters like I did with TNG.
Again Voyager was OK for me but I never really like Janeway, just found her annoyingly smug. I should really give it another go as I know some of the storylines were very good, especially the stuff with the Borg and of course it had the sexiest crew member of them all, 7 of 9.
Enterprise - Didn't get past the first season. Even though I like Scott Bakula, it's just not a story and timeline that really interested me tbh. I also hate how the Enterprise is so basic\limited and get's it's arse kicked by pretty much everyone. A far cry from the pride of the fleet that it becomes in later series.
ToS, didn't really like the shows perhaps because I was too young but the mostly wooden acting and special effects didn't really help. I still think the core of Kirk, Spock, Bones and the other prominent crew members are the most likable crew. Most of the original cast movies were very good too with Wrath of Khan being the standout of course.
I think currently, Discovery sits behind TNG for me.
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