MSNBC's take on ENT.
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MSNBC's take on ENT.
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Turn the action up to 11: Trek fans may stay for the thinly veiled commentary on society, but they come for the sci-fi action. The talky, preachy “Deep Space Nine” worked best when intergalactic war broke out and Lt. Worf, the angry Klingon, was brought in to rejuvenate the fourth season. Kick some alien butt already! The “new” “Enterprise” has already upped the action (with the addition of a new military assault command) and sex (with a steamy, topless Vulcan massage session), but there’s more work to be done.
It's not action people want, it's adventure. Star Trek's predecessors weren't successful because of the action, Star Wars isn't successful because of the action, it's successful because of the adventure. This is a point that a LOT of people seem to miss.
Give viewers new characters to care about: Every Trek had its standout characters, and they all seem to be variations on the “fish out of water” theme. Besides the classic “I’ll never understand you illogical humans” bemusement of Mr. Spock, the biggest breakouts so far have been Data and Worf on “TNG” (and, to a lesser extent, the holographic Doctor and Borg babe Seven of Nine on “Voyager”). All were trying to get by in a world that’s unfamiliar and difficult to navigate. That’s speaking to the inner nerd in all of us. Keep ‘em coming.
Maybe, but I think B&B should focus on getting their EXISTING characters up to snuff before trying anything new just yet.
New villains: Not every alien race can possibly look exactly like a human with blue paint and a ridge above their nose. Let loose the computer-generated baddies, guys! The rework of “Enterprise” has indeed added a few CG characters (most notably the insect-like Xindi), but there’s room for a bunch more in the Trek universe.
When Enterprise is screwing up so badly as to show the fishing wire used to shake stuff around, I think they need to go back and polish up the basics before trying to get the actors to monkey around with actors that aren't in front of them.
Laugh it up: The best-received movie of the franchise has been “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home,” where Kirk and crew cracked wise and in return gained legions of new fans. (Who can forget Chekov looking for his “nuclear wessels”?) Sure, there’s a place for dark, brooding characters and plots in a Trek TV series, but today’s audiences, weaned on genre-crossing fare like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel,” expect a blend of compelling storylines and heartfelt drama lightened by clever, character-driven humor.
You know, I think TOS and TNG both had light moments in quite a few episodes.
Beam somebody up, Scotty: Speaking of Kirk and company, a visit from time-traveling William Shatner would do wonders to cement the new series as a successor worthy of carrying on the Trek name. Each of the other series saw plenty of crossover action. DeForest Kelley’s Dr. McCoy, now a retired admiral, showed up for “The Next Generation’s” maiden voyage. And Armin Shimerman, “DS9’s” gruff-but-lovable Ferengi Quark, paid a visit to “Voyager.” Through the magic of special effects, the “Deep Space Nine” crew even popped in on an actual episode of the original series. When will one of the old favorites beam onto this Enterprise?
Hopefully never.
Give up control. Hand over a movie to an established director who can bring new fans to the franchise. Geeks and non-geeks alike would sell their own mothers to see what David Fincher, Joss Whedon, Christopher Nolan or Stephen Spielberg would do with the keys to the Enterprise. And how about asking Stephen King or William Gibson to pen a TV script, as both did with “The X-Files”?
Sadly, will never happen with B&B around.
Get a catchphrase. “Beam me up, Scotty,” “He’s dead, Jim,” “Resistance is futile,” and “Make it so” have all made their way into non-Trek conversations. Let’s hear some new verbal gems. Of course, some catchphrases are assimilated into the lexicon more quickly than others. So while “I canna change the laws of physics!” made it, others may never catch on. (Just a tip: Potential bon mots like “Boy, am I hungry. Space hungry!” “Whatchyou talkin’ ‘bout, Subcommander T’Pol?” or “Dude, where’s my spaceship?” probably don’t stand a chance.)
But... but that might OMG cheapen the franchise! Maybe moreso than blooper reels! OMG Berman can never let this happen!!!
Sadly, I don't think I'm far from the truth. Fuck you Berman and your ban on blooper reels.
Don’t be stingy with the new technology. Let’s see some new inventions people can chat about around the water cooler. Trek has introduced plenty of cool new gadgets and gizmos over the years: Cloaking devices, holodecks, doors that open with a sssshhhhh sound. More, please.
WRONG SERIES
Turn the Trek universe on its pointy ear. Finally, do something — anything — to get back on the general public’s radar screen. Reinvent the franchise. Sign a big star to lead the next TV series. Wake up and smell the dilithium crystals: It’s been years since “Saturday Night Live” and its ilk have bothered to parody “Star Trek” and its once-obsessive fans. The fact that nobody even makes fun of it anymore is a clear indicator that the franchise’s image needs a boost.
Hey, what if we signed Roy Schieder on and made a series about the dolphins aboard one of the GCS? Hey, somebody had to be taking care of those poor guys...
But, seriously, the franchise needs a break, and new leadership. Unfortunately the only people Paramount would think to hire would be either people just like B&B or people who would kow-tow to Paramount with nary an argument.
It's not action people want, it's adventure. Star Trek's predecessors weren't successful because of the action, Star Wars isn't successful because of the action, it's successful because of the adventure. This is a point that a LOT of people seem to miss.
Give viewers new characters to care about: Every Trek had its standout characters, and they all seem to be variations on the “fish out of water” theme. Besides the classic “I’ll never understand you illogical humans” bemusement of Mr. Spock, the biggest breakouts so far have been Data and Worf on “TNG” (and, to a lesser extent, the holographic Doctor and Borg babe Seven of Nine on “Voyager”). All were trying to get by in a world that’s unfamiliar and difficult to navigate. That’s speaking to the inner nerd in all of us. Keep ‘em coming.
Maybe, but I think B&B should focus on getting their EXISTING characters up to snuff before trying anything new just yet.
New villains: Not every alien race can possibly look exactly like a human with blue paint and a ridge above their nose. Let loose the computer-generated baddies, guys! The rework of “Enterprise” has indeed added a few CG characters (most notably the insect-like Xindi), but there’s room for a bunch more in the Trek universe.
When Enterprise is screwing up so badly as to show the fishing wire used to shake stuff around, I think they need to go back and polish up the basics before trying to get the actors to monkey around with actors that aren't in front of them.
Laugh it up: The best-received movie of the franchise has been “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home,” where Kirk and crew cracked wise and in return gained legions of new fans. (Who can forget Chekov looking for his “nuclear wessels”?) Sure, there’s a place for dark, brooding characters and plots in a Trek TV series, but today’s audiences, weaned on genre-crossing fare like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel,” expect a blend of compelling storylines and heartfelt drama lightened by clever, character-driven humor.
You know, I think TOS and TNG both had light moments in quite a few episodes.
Beam somebody up, Scotty: Speaking of Kirk and company, a visit from time-traveling William Shatner would do wonders to cement the new series as a successor worthy of carrying on the Trek name. Each of the other series saw plenty of crossover action. DeForest Kelley’s Dr. McCoy, now a retired admiral, showed up for “The Next Generation’s” maiden voyage. And Armin Shimerman, “DS9’s” gruff-but-lovable Ferengi Quark, paid a visit to “Voyager.” Through the magic of special effects, the “Deep Space Nine” crew even popped in on an actual episode of the original series. When will one of the old favorites beam onto this Enterprise?
Hopefully never.
Give up control. Hand over a movie to an established director who can bring new fans to the franchise. Geeks and non-geeks alike would sell their own mothers to see what David Fincher, Joss Whedon, Christopher Nolan or Stephen Spielberg would do with the keys to the Enterprise. And how about asking Stephen King or William Gibson to pen a TV script, as both did with “The X-Files”?
Sadly, will never happen with B&B around.
Get a catchphrase. “Beam me up, Scotty,” “He’s dead, Jim,” “Resistance is futile,” and “Make it so” have all made their way into non-Trek conversations. Let’s hear some new verbal gems. Of course, some catchphrases are assimilated into the lexicon more quickly than others. So while “I canna change the laws of physics!” made it, others may never catch on. (Just a tip: Potential bon mots like “Boy, am I hungry. Space hungry!” “Whatchyou talkin’ ‘bout, Subcommander T’Pol?” or “Dude, where’s my spaceship?” probably don’t stand a chance.)
But... but that might OMG cheapen the franchise! Maybe moreso than blooper reels! OMG Berman can never let this happen!!!
Sadly, I don't think I'm far from the truth. Fuck you Berman and your ban on blooper reels.
Don’t be stingy with the new technology. Let’s see some new inventions people can chat about around the water cooler. Trek has introduced plenty of cool new gadgets and gizmos over the years: Cloaking devices, holodecks, doors that open with a sssshhhhh sound. More, please.
WRONG SERIES
Turn the Trek universe on its pointy ear. Finally, do something — anything — to get back on the general public’s radar screen. Reinvent the franchise. Sign a big star to lead the next TV series. Wake up and smell the dilithium crystals: It’s been years since “Saturday Night Live” and its ilk have bothered to parody “Star Trek” and its once-obsessive fans. The fact that nobody even makes fun of it anymore is a clear indicator that the franchise’s image needs a boost.
Hey, what if we signed Roy Schieder on and made a series about the dolphins aboard one of the GCS? Hey, somebody had to be taking care of those poor guys...
But, seriously, the franchise needs a break, and new leadership. Unfortunately the only people Paramount would think to hire would be either people just like B&B or people who would kow-tow to Paramount with nary an argument.
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Drooling Iguana
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I'm becoming more and more convinced that Star Trek simply can't be saved. I mean, the thing's been going for 15 years straight, with two TV shows and a movie series running simultaniously for a good portion of that time. They've simply run out of things to do. A "break" won't solve anything, since once that break's over they'll still have the same problems they have now. frankly, I'm surprised the franchise's lasted as long as it has.
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"These deadly rays will be your death!"
- Thor and Akton, Starcrash
"Before man reaches the moon your mail will be delivered within hours from New York to California, to England, to India or to Australia by guided missiles.... We stand on the threshold of rocket mail."
- Arthur Summerfield, US Postmaster General 1953 - 1961
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This may be moronic, but what do you all think would happen if B&B were able to cross over some other sci-fi universes with Trek? I mean, wouldn't it be neat for captain archer to run across a Dune ship, replete with a navigator and spiced-up warriors using voice-activated guns?
Perhaps dropping out of warp in the middle of a battle between a couple hundred Gunstars against a fleet of Ko-Dan fighters, picking sides and joining that battle?
Personally, I'd be more than THRILLED to see an ISD drop out of hyperspace, take one look at the NX-01 and frag it without a second thought, effectively ending the series with the ISD popping back into hyperspace and a small piece of the NX-01's hull floating away silently in the vacuum of space.
Spielberg as a director of a ST movie would just pwn, as would James Cameron. hell, even M Knight Shalalllayabalahlyalhalalabalahalyahalablaahlayaablalabalayahalaabbalahan could pull one off fairly well, IMHO
Perhaps dropping out of warp in the middle of a battle between a couple hundred Gunstars against a fleet of Ko-Dan fighters, picking sides and joining that battle?
Personally, I'd be more than THRILLED to see an ISD drop out of hyperspace, take one look at the NX-01 and frag it without a second thought, effectively ending the series with the ISD popping back into hyperspace and a small piece of the NX-01's hull floating away silently in the vacuum of space.
Spielberg as a director of a ST movie would just pwn, as would James Cameron. hell, even M Knight Shalalllayabalahlyalhalalabalahalyahalablaahlayaablalabalayahalaabbalahan could pull one off fairly well, IMHO
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HemlockGrey
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Like half those suggestions sucked. I guess that's why the guy is writing for MSNBC and not making TV.
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Turn the action up to 11:
The show doesn't need more mindless action. What it needs is good, well written action that can serve as a driving force to bring the story along with it. Something along the lines of The Doomsday Machine or Undiscovered Country or episodes like that. In fact the action serves as part of the story, not the story serving as an excuse for the action
Give viewers new characters to care about:
Definitely. None of the character have progressed beyond certain stereotypes or cardboard cut outs. And bland knock off of the original for that matter. Hell, one of the good things about TOS, TNG, and DS9 were the fact that the characters had some personality and interest. And for that matter the only two characters from Voyager to earn respect were the ones that showed personality.
New villains:
Definitely. Get a villian we can respect. If it's a laughable alien of the week it doesn't have the presence of the old TNG Borg, Romulans or even the Klingons in their smarter days.
Laugh it up:
Another good suggestion. It doesn't have to be a comedy but some fun, humorous moments would definitely help. Just because a show has funny moments doesn't mean it has to lose the serious aspect entirely. Babylon 5 managed to have quite few of those with out losing the serious intent. Farscape was a perhaps more humorous than they want but managed to balance the two elements just fine.
Beam somebody up, Scotty:
I'd rather not see the other casts (save Voyager they just sucked) embarrass themselves on ENT. For that matter I'm wondering why Scott Bakula is embarrassing himself on ENT.
Give up control.
Some of the best of the orginal series episodes and movies were done by outsiders. For my money Harlan Ellison wrote the single best episode ever to bear the name Star Trek, in any incarnation. New blood is essential if there is to be any originality at all.
Get a catchphrase.
Oh god, fuck no. It's okay to have some thing like "he's dead jim" that becomes a signature line but to hunt one is bad. Muy malo.
Don’t be stingy with the new technology.
Techno doodads won't help in the long run.
Turn the Trek universe on its pointy ear.
Defintitely. The whole franchise has turned stale and it' going to require a big shake up on every level to get it back to the forefront of television SF.
The show doesn't need more mindless action. What it needs is good, well written action that can serve as a driving force to bring the story along with it. Something along the lines of The Doomsday Machine or Undiscovered Country or episodes like that. In fact the action serves as part of the story, not the story serving as an excuse for the action
Give viewers new characters to care about:
Definitely. None of the character have progressed beyond certain stereotypes or cardboard cut outs. And bland knock off of the original for that matter. Hell, one of the good things about TOS, TNG, and DS9 were the fact that the characters had some personality and interest. And for that matter the only two characters from Voyager to earn respect were the ones that showed personality.
New villains:
Definitely. Get a villian we can respect. If it's a laughable alien of the week it doesn't have the presence of the old TNG Borg, Romulans or even the Klingons in their smarter days.
Laugh it up:
Another good suggestion. It doesn't have to be a comedy but some fun, humorous moments would definitely help. Just because a show has funny moments doesn't mean it has to lose the serious aspect entirely. Babylon 5 managed to have quite few of those with out losing the serious intent. Farscape was a perhaps more humorous than they want but managed to balance the two elements just fine.
Beam somebody up, Scotty:
I'd rather not see the other casts (save Voyager they just sucked) embarrass themselves on ENT. For that matter I'm wondering why Scott Bakula is embarrassing himself on ENT.
Give up control.
Some of the best of the orginal series episodes and movies were done by outsiders. For my money Harlan Ellison wrote the single best episode ever to bear the name Star Trek, in any incarnation. New blood is essential if there is to be any originality at all.
Get a catchphrase.
Oh god, fuck no. It's okay to have some thing like "he's dead jim" that becomes a signature line but to hunt one is bad. Muy malo.
Don’t be stingy with the new technology.
Techno doodads won't help in the long run.
Turn the Trek universe on its pointy ear.
Defintitely. The whole franchise has turned stale and it' going to require a big shake up on every level to get it back to the forefront of television SF.
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Raoul Duke, Jr.
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Well put.Stormbringer wrote:Turn the action up to 11:
The show doesn't need more mindless action. What it needs is good, well written action that can serve as a driving force to bring the story along with it. Something along the lines of The Doomsday Machine or Undiscovered Country or episodes like that. In fact the action serves as part of the story, not the story serving as an excuse for the action
I think personally that it's almost too late for this idea -- they could still pull it off with the MACOs, but if they gave the MACOs personalities, they'd steal the show from the regulars. And which two Voyager characters had personality? I think Paris might qualify, but who the hell was the other one?Give viewers new characters to care about:
Definitely. None of the character have progressed beyond certain stereotypes or cardboard cut outs. And bland knock off of the original for that matter. Hell, one of the good things about TOS, TNG, and DS9 were the fact that the characters had some personality and interest. And for that matter the only two characters from Voyager to earn respect were the ones that showed personality.
I'm thinking old villains that haven't been overused -- see below.New villains:
Definitely. Get a villian we can respect. If it's a laughable alien of the week it doesn't have the presence of the old TNG Borg, Romulans or even the Klingons in their smarter days.
I can't speak for the other shows you mention, but I do remember that TOS did this right. Even, "A Piece Of The Action", which is by far a lighter than average episode, was still an engaging story even excluding the funny bits.Laugh it up:
Another good suggestion. It doesn't have to be a comedy but some fun, humorous moments would definitely help. Just because a show has funny moments doesn't mean it has to lose the serious aspect entirely. Babylon 5 managed to have quite few of those with out losing the serious intent. Farscape was a perhaps more humorous than they want but managed to balance the two elements just fine.
It worked okay for Scotty, though perhaps not as well as it could have. It got iffy with Worf until they gave him a reason to be there with the Dominion War. It was disappointing with Kirk in Generations. If they do it again, it will most likely be cheaper than a polyester suit.Beam somebody up, Scotty:
I'd rather not see the other casts (save Voyager they just sucked) embarrass themselves on ENT. For that matter I'm wondering why Scott Bakula is embarrassing himself on ENT.
If I read that one as, "Step down, you no-talent pieces of shit," I'd say it's the best advice B&B could get.Give up control.
Some of the best of the orginal series episodes and movies were done by outsiders. For my money Harlan Ellison wrote the single best episode ever to bear the name Star Trek, in any incarnation. New blood is essential if there is to be any originality at all.
Hey, it worked for Bart Simpson.Get a catchphrase.
Oh god, fuck no. It's okay to have some thing like "he's dead jim" that becomes a signature line but to hunt one is bad. Muy malo.
And will more likely hurt. Flagrant disregard for established Trek history is already driving the fans away.Don’t be stingy with the new technology.
Techno doodads won't help in the long run.
That's fine -- but it's not the right thing to do with a prequel. It's cheap and it's lazy, and the fans will react to it like people going to see a serious historical drama would react to seeing William Wallace whip out a cell phone and chew the fat with King Edward while watching the 1295 Highland Games on McESPN. Tell the stories we've heard about but never got to see, or at least stories that aren't contradicted by established events and settings. If you can't, go play in your own sandbox. If you won't at least do that much, don't expect the fans to be happy.Turn the Trek universe on its pointy ear.
Defintitely. The whole franchise has turned stale and it' going to require a big shake up on every level to get it back to the forefront of television SF.