KOOL TV REVIEW: 'STAR TREK - THE VISUAL DICTIONARY'

New life and civilisations explored in STAR TREK: THE VISUAL DICTIONARY. Images: DORLING KINDERSLEY.

STAR TREK: THE VISUAL DICTIONARY

Written by Paul Ruditis

(Foreword by John de Lancie)

Published by DORLING KINDERSLEY

Reviewed by Scott Weller

Its TREK, Jim, but more than we know of it…

The iconic universe of Gene Roddenberry’s enduring stellar sci-fi opus, STAR TREK, finally gets the detailed visual biography it deserves courtesy of those always innovative people at DORLING KINFDERSLEY books.

Primarily charting the franchise’s television series roots rather than the eleven (so far) films, author Paul Ruditis gives us a briskly efficient and informative text that takes us on an epic jump back to the beginning of creation, presenting a detailed chronological look at the universe that spawned such heroes as Kirk, Spock, Data, Janeway and Sisko: from the birth of mankind and the final conquest of its greed and prejudices, to its indomitable rise to the stars after almost destruction with World War III- the formation of the inspiring United Federation of Planets alongside the emotionally restrained Vulcans, and the launch of the first deep-space exploration vessel, Enterprise, captained by Jonathan Archer.

From those early defining days we head forward at warp speed into the era of the legendary Captain Kirk and his interstellar troop- from the classic ORIGINAL SERIES that stated it all, plus the expansion of the Federation and continuation of the Enterprise family/starship linage with the shows further popular spin-offs, first seen-in by THE NEXT GENERATION and beyond.

The supporting heroes of STAR TREK:ENTERPRISE.

Following the pleasing to the eye, now classic design style that DK uses on this type of specialist book, THE VISUAL DICTIONARY lives up to the Vulcan edict of infinite diversity in infinite combination with its accompanying exploration of the shows many memorable and beloved accompanying ships, key planets, iconic scientific hardware and stunning weaponry that have graced the series in its now rapidly approaching fifty year anniversary-the rich tapestry that Roddenberry and the magic-in-a-bottle casts and behind the scenes teams have built with their genuinely humanist endeavours.

Perusing the vast range of imagery present, it’s intriguing to see how different a universe STAR TREK is to the likes of STAR WARS more fantasy inspired domain, though no less detailed and singularly unique in its serious and intellectually inspired attempts at realizing a believable set of cultures and special exploration - a mantra set down by Roddenberry from the very beginning with his regular dealings and correspondence with the likes of real-life talents and ground breaking pioneers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and NASA, and in his talks/observations with respected scientists and authors like Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke. Obviously, with the success of the seventies emerging STAR WARS, the TREK universe, especially into its movie series incarnation, has adapted its realism so as to incorporate more fantastical, exciting elements to win over fresh audiences, which have been achieved through the rapid advances in today’s sophisticated production and special effects techniques that came into being from the late eighties onwards- our own real life evolution gaining ground to that prophesized by Roddenberry. One prime iconic example of this fusion, bringing wonder and danger to TREK in equal measure, must be the introduction of those incredibly successful, hard to beat super-baddies, the Borg, who truly made their mark with THE NEXT GENERATION.

Beyond the terrors of assimilation, classic regular enemies like the savage but noble Klingons and the treacherous Romulans also get some fine and deserved representation, adding further riches to the tapestry, as well as other icons, such as the reptilian Gorn and those blue skinned antenna’d warriors, the Andorians. Future modern series foes like the big-necked Cardassians, the evil Gamma Quadrant empire that is the merciless, all-encompassing Dominion (and their ground pounder Jem’Hadar soldiers) all prove standout entries, too.

The specially handled TREK prop photography of this far and wide universe covers everything from phasers and tricorders, from nanotechnology and Romulan disintegrators (even covering Dr. Soong’s early head for Lt. Data!), backed up with some rare photos alongside the now classic posed and episodic imagery.

Present from the shows early days, the Vulcans have made a strong impact on STAR TREK.

Led in by a warmly affectionate and inspiring foreword from popular actor John de Lancie, who played Q- the enigmatically tempestuous alien antagonist to the bold Captain Jean-Luc Picard, in and out of THE NEXT GERNATION’s seven very successful years, it amazes me that a book of this type has never been done before, especially after the success of other sci-fi and comic legends in this format, notably STAR WARS and BATMAN. STAR TREK: THE VISUAL DICTIONARY is a fun primer for fans old and new, what with the franchise’s five TV series evolving restoration onto digital Blu-ray, plus the coming soon, suitably epic new STAR TREK movie adventure taking us INTO DARKNESS...

Now firmly on the path- this book being a sure-fire success- we’ll likely see more specialized DK projects/visual dictionaries linked to the series-perhaps on the previous movies and/or the new, other modern TREK films emerging from the CBS PARAMOUNT/J.J. Abrams powerhouse combo, with their now different time lines and re-imagined heroes and villains.

Imagination, excitement, morality and a whole lot of heart are the prime ingredients that have made STAR TREK in all its guises so successful, and this visual dictionary tribute is an enjoyable embodiment and continuance of that legend.

To Boldly Go...

KOOL TV OVERALL RATING: Lots of history, technology and world-hopping adventure in a very pleasing visual package: 4 out of 5

A IS FOR 'ALPHAS'

Unpredictable heroes for an unpredictable world. The cast of ALPHAS. Image: SYFY CHANNEL.

Just because you have superpowers doesn't make you any less human-that seems to be the motto and ethics to the flawed but likeable heroic characters of the quiet but building success that became the SYFY Channel's hit series ALPHAS, created by Zak Penn and Michael Karnow, about to launch into what promises to be a story and character arc advancing second season in the US this summer, though its first set-up year is now available for viewers old and new to catch up with starting today, and every Saturday, on the FIVE USA channel in the UK.

Danger in New York for Dr. Lee Rosen (David Strathairn) in the show's third episode.

With a solid and exciting pilot episode that showed promise beyond what could have easily been a charmless rip-off X-MEN/HEROES format idea, the show is by no means original but has managed to create its own universe and format structure that's very enjoyable. It had a couple of slow early episodes, too, but confidently gained momentum in its second half, developing an ultimately interesting and reactionary story arc that gave our once everyday people turned heroes, led by the quietly dignified Dr. Lee Rosen (David Strathairn), a revolutionary terrorist force of equally powered baddies to fight against, whilst the government, working in conjunction with the Alphas to contain the escalating new biological situation, showed increasing strain in its relationship with their evolutionary raised band and the dangerous new super powered humans that seemed to be constantly springing up to endanger general homo sapient life. It seemed like a new kind of underground world war was inevitable by season one's end...

Brent Spiner makes a fine addition to the series guest star cast in the episode Blind Spots.

The series, with violent, often unexpected deaths, and intriguing surprises in places, also had some very good Cult TV guest stars in the form of THE BIONIC WOMAN's Lindsay Wagner (who might return to the series), FIREFLY's Sumer Glau (as a gifted, on-the-run techno-freak), STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION's Brent Spiner as a clever Hannibal Lecter-ish foe, without the cannibalistic tendencies but possessing an intriguing sonar-like ability, and LOST's sexy English babe Rebecca Mader as a mostly invisible assassin. Storyline/ episodes contributed by show producers Ira Steven Behr and Robert Hewitt Wolfe, who also brought dramatic impetus and flair to many great episodes of later STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE seasons, would make the duo ALPHAS ultimate, well deserved custodians for the rest of its premiere season, of which the show was all the better for their presence as they pushed its format boundaries and increased the character inter-action.

New destinies for our cast in Season Two?

There's no information as yet on the anticipated Season Two and its possible new story/character arcs and changes, apart from the fact that there is a new producer: Bruce Miller, who has been involved in several other SYFY CHANNEL hits including EUREKA, and other popular series like ER, but KOOL TV is hoping for even bigger, better things to come for our unique heroes and villains within their intriguing alternate reality world. Watch this space...

KOOL TV BLOG 500: REVIEW - STAR TREK VAULT

Re-discover The Final Frontier! AURUM PRESS's new STAR TREK VAULT

STAR TREK VAULT

Written by Scott Tipton

Published in the UK by AURUM PRESS

Reviewed by Scott Weller

Over the last forty-five years in which the Starship Enterprise has been making science fiction and television/film history under the noble command of Captain James Tiberius Kirk, viewers and critics have all had their own unique takes and viewpoints on just what encapsulated ingredients came together to make STAR TREK, created by the legendary Gene Roddenberry (who sadly passed away twenty years ago this month), so enduringly beloved the world over.

Now, popular comics/pop culture/TREK fan comic writer Scott Tipton goes back to the future to answer such important questions, embarking on a new writing mission of important celebration, passion and imagination about the show he’s loved since childhood, in all its diversity and infinite combination, lovingly crafted around a stylish visual compendium of rarities and collectibles that would make any STAR TREK fan put down their phasers and tricorders and snap it up with fervor: the STAR TREK VAULT, published in the UK by AURUM PRESS.

Check out the books trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/embed/GGJFAjvroWw

The Original STAR TREK gave the world Dr. McCoy (DeForest Kelly), Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and Science Officer Spock (Leonard Nimoy). Images: CBS/ PARAMOUNT

From the super soaraway sixties to the somber seventies, then into the extravagant eighties and then the more restrained nineties and noughties, STAR TREK has endured, and for the most part successfully adapted with the times and the changing attitudes of audiences. The STAR TREK VAULT takes us on a streamlined journey of adventures and imagination-our very own Memory Alpha- through the entire history of the series: its creation, its acclaimed and landmark storytelling, remarkable and iconic screen chemistry characters and ensemble casts over the years, its notable ups and downs in behind the scenes production, and its revolutionary moments brought to life on television, then through to the film series (the most recent TREK movie from J.J. Abrams, however, doesn’t get included: itself a new era/canon re-imagining from what has boldly gone before, and which will surely be covered in its own range in the future) and then back to television. Also, most importantly, as this is a Vault product, there’s a symbiotic treasure trove of lovely rare memorabilia, images and reproductions, on display, including iron-on T-shirt transfers, theatrical posters, storyboards, a blueprint of Captain Picard’s command chair, and 1960’s trading cards. There isn’t quite as much Vault material on TREK in comparison to something like STAR WARS (which, despite close ties to TREK, is it own unique and singular phenomenon that can never be topped: spawning a merchandise revolution bigger than anything ever seen in sci-fi and fantasy), but the books 13 key classic reproductions do the legend and fans justice.

A look at the lovely and diverse collectible reproductions from the new book.

With shaky early beginnings for the show’s mid-sixties US launch, which had a dedicated youthful fan base but not a large overall audience share, its the seventies that have the lions share of memorabilia to compensate, with the series now taking off in a big way in American TV syndication and abroad, and spawning a huge leap in tie-in products, and a foothold of quality and range that would rise and fall during the movie years, yet regain a higher ground with the launch of the Next Generation series, and its new cast, from 1987 onwards. Along the way there are looks at model kits, selected novels and notable comic books, and even some of the zanier products that have come out relating to TREK over the years, including the KRAFT marsh mallow dispenser for STAR TREK V: THE FINAL FRONTIER and early comics whose tales and art work vaguely resembled the series they would be spawned from. And beyond the merchandise there’s the fans themselves who are explored within the books pages, whose passion for the series remains undiminished and brighter than ever, with such things as the birth of conventions and the development of the legendary baddies, the Klingons, as a way of life and language adopted by people and families worldwide, also charted as they make their uniquely mark and impact on world society.

The mid-seventies animated TREK series gets a nice chapter within the Vault book.

Fun side notes add further dimension to the history journey too, as Tipton’s personal observations on why the series endures, alongside classic motifs, supporting characters (like the brilliant Ricardo Montalban as the demented, revenge seeking Khan Noonien Singh), and technology (where modern fact has now quickly caught up with science fiction). Another plus for the book is the loyal inclusion by the author of the unique mid-seventies animated TREK series from FILMATION, which gets a well-deserved chapter on its making, and documenting some of its finest episodes, in an under-rated show which featured the return, albeit in vocal form, of the Classic Series cast, alongside some fine writing from that shows best behind the scenes people.

Passing the torch: Captain Kirk meets Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) in the movie STAR TREK: GENERATIONS.

Beyond CLASSIC TREK and NEXT GEN, we also travel to the furthest regions of the Alpha quadrant, and the Bajoran sector of space, with the darker and battle damaged edges trod by the crew of DEEP SPACE NINE, headed by the passionate Benjamin Sisko (the truly commanding and simmering presence of Avery Brooks), then get lost in space in the Delta Quadrant with the brave but often conflicted souls of the starship VOYAGER, headed by the series first full time on-screen female Captain, Kathryn Janeway (the ultimate Mother Hen protector character, played by Katherine Hepburn-esque Kate Mulgrew), and then back in time with the pre-Federation, pre-Star Fleet, pre everything genesis of ENTERPRISE (later quietly retitled STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE) with ex-QUANTUM LEAPster Scott Bakula as the enthusiastic explorer Captain Jonathan Archer, and his youthful team (and little doggie Porthos!) leading the quest to explore the final frontier anew. These modern TREK series that followed- a veritable golden goose of profit for PARAMOUNT, who bought the show from a then ailing Desilu in 1968, with the syndicated TREK and the first spin-off, THE NEXT GENERATION- see the legend enter the next television age-in many ways they are a different animal to the original series that inspired it, though they often robustly carry on with many of Roddenberry’s familiar motifs and ideals linked to the spirit of the human adventure, and everything it entails…

Defending the Alpha Quadrant. The Star Fleet/Bajoran crew of DEEP SPACE NINE.

Lost in space! The crew of STAR TREK: VOYAGER.

Did the ENTERPRISE crew have the right stuff?

Tipton makes some very enjoyable personal observations on all things TREK (having been a Trekker since childhood) and has a writing style that’s both informative and not over burdened, keenly supporting and acknowledging all the talented actors and behind the scenes teams that have gamely and imaginatively steered this show across its television waters.

Even with such a lovely tome, however, there are a few personal niggles here and there. The book could have delved a bit more into the international appeal of TREK (fandom isn’t just confined to America) and showed some examples of their magazines, posters, rare art and merchandise- weird and wonderful- from across the pond (of which there have been exhibitions and, in the UK, even an officially authorized STAR TREK stage play!). I feel that there also could have been more on the importance of DEL REY/POCKET BOOKS in keeping the TREK flame alive in the seventies and across six series and ten films. A visual platform of their best classic covers could have been reproduced from the sixties up ‘till now, from both the States, Europe and Japan. And no look at the various series and films on the home video/DVD front of the last thirty-three years, either. Finally, I would one day like to see a full color book totally devoted to the Original Series- the ultimate CLASSIC TREK celebration book has so far yet to be produced. Perhaps such things are all planned for the future?

The mission continues for the Starship Enterprise.

In the meantime, the STAR TREK VAULT (available in the UK within a unique hardcover slipcase) is a lovely 45^th anniversary celebration statement, and a fitting tribute to all things TREK- a juicy final cherry on the birthday cake that will surely be a much desired Christmas present for Trekkers everywhere during the Holiday Season.

STAR TREK lives!

KOOL TV RATING: 8.5 out of 10

KOOL TV HEROINE OF THE WEEK: NANA VISITOR AS "STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE"s MAJOR KIRA NERYS

It's a brave new world for Major Kira Nerys (Nana Visitor) in STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE. Images: PARAMOUNT.

Ever since it originally debuted in 1966, Gene Roddenberry’s legendary STAR TREK series and its multiple spin-offs have had their fair share of attractive, capable and independent women. None more so than the lovely, equally multi-talented actress/singer/dancer Nana Visitor who, for seven seasons from 1993 to 1999 played the gutsy, straight talking Bajoran resistance fighter turned military officer, Major (later Colonel) Kira Nerys in the darkest interpretation yet of the STAR TREK vision: DEEP SPACE NINE, the first non-Roddenberry created series following his sad passing in 1991, from the helm of his trusted THE NEXT GENERATION stalwarts producers Rick Berman and Michael Piller.

Crooked Bar-keep Quark (Armin Shimmerman) doesn't always stay on the right side of Major Kira's temper!

In a series that enjoyed almost total creative freedom from its backers at PARAMOUNT, DS9’s production team and writers boldly created characters that were multi- dimensional, who’d been through struggles and hardships and had not generally had the greatest time of their lives in what should be the Utopia of the 23^rd century. By the end of the first few episodes of this intriguing multi-arc story-telling new series of TREK, these individuals, with their heroism and convictions, soon found themselves pulling together as protectorates and overseers in one of the most important areas of space ever, which contained a one-of-a-kind wormhole linking two special quadrants together for trade and exploration, from which a delicate balance must be kept on new alliances soon formed from this new discovery and the constant threat of alien invasion and warfare. Riding such times of turmoil and wonder, DEEP SPACE NINE is well and truly open for business…

Through good times and bad, Kira's friendship and love for Odo (Rene Auberjonois) stand true.

Amongst this band of flawed and fascinating people living and working on the station would be Major Kira Nerys, truly becoming one of the stand out heroes of this ground breaking dramatic series: a young woman from the peaceful, pacifist religious society of Bajor, her life would be turned upside down from the moment she was born, witnessing first hand her world’s occupation by the dreaded forces of the neighboring aggressive Cardassian Empire, as, originally arriving on their world “to help them”, soon looted it of everything good and pure it once represented, its people turned to slaves working at the crack of a whip and its mineral wealth and assets taken by deadly force. Over the next forty years that the Cardassians reign of terror would shake their world and its system of planets, a small but dedicated number of Bajoran resistors would spring up to cause as much chaos and damage to the enemy as possible, amongst them the battle hardened Kira, who, when the Cardassians had finally finished with the planet and stripped it bare of everything her people held so dear, was eventually part of the provisional government and military forces assigned to try and clean up the mess they’d left behind, with help from the galaxy spanning United Federation of Planets, an organization for peace and unity of whom Bajor was to eventually join its noble ranks.

At first resistant to any further outsiders arriving on their world, and totally aggressive/bitter to the newly arrived Star Fleet forces (led by Commander Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks) sent to help the Bajorans and their tactically important Deep Space Nine space station (an abandoned Cardassian facility previously known as Terek Nor), Kira eventually settled down in her crucially important job position as First Officer and began to trust her new found friends, of whose equal nobility and courage she admired, resulting in her, through many dangerous adventures, often gladly being prepared to risk her life to save both them and the welfare of her people. Beneath that fiery exterior was a pure but also emotionally complex heart, previously damaged from her time as a killer of Cardassians: a part of her earlier haunting terrorist life that would constantly conflict with her pacifist and religious upbringing. As peace and stability of a kind eventually find their way to the Alpha and Gamma quadrants with the end of the lengthy Dominion War, Nerys would go on to enjoy the new challenges of command, exploration and renewal for her people that life now affords…

The actress would have great fun playing the Mirror Universe version of Kira-the evil Indentant. 

To realize and bring dramatic and emotional resonance, and believability, to this once in a lifetime TV series role of Nerys, you need a seriously talented and versatile actress to give it the part the justice it deserves. And Nana Visitor would be that woman, who, through the shows seven seasons and 176 episodes, gave us a memorable, multi-faceted and evolving character: a person whom you may not always agree with or like in certain situations but were emotionally invested in and cared about, as well as being the kind of brave and courageous role model that women, and men, would admire and cheer on through good times (especially in her romance with alien shape shifting security officer Odo (Rene Auberjonois) and bad. Memorably adding the characters unique voice to a whole new generation of STAR TREK’s best and brightest heroes, Visitor would do a terrific job inhabiting the part and truly making it her own (even getting the fun chance to play an alternate, darker version of her character-the playful but cruel bi-sexual, almost Dominatrix-like Intendant in several of the series popular Mirror Universe episode storylines over six years).

With Bajor behind her, Nana Visitor post DS9. Image: ULIKE.

Beyond TREK, the Broadway starring actress (and niece of the legendary Cyd Charisse), who had prior roles in hit TV series like DYNASTY, L.A. LAW and THIRTYSOMETHING, would go onto appear in numerous cult and mainstream TV series hits like James Cameron’s DARK ANGEL (where she played the bleached blond baddie, Doctor Elizabeth Renfro), FRASIER, CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, the re-imagined BATTLESTAR GALACTICA and in the ABC family series WILDFIRE. More recently, she can be heard playing numerous character voices in episodes of FAMILY GUY and will soon be seen in an episode of The BBC/STARZ hit series: TORCHWOOD: MIRACLE DAY.

A dedicated and zestful entertainer, character actress, and all-round talent, Miss Visitor’s highly likable and respected presence on the small screen is always most welcome by KOOL TV.

All seven seasons of STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE are on DVD from PARAMOUNT. The series is also in re-runs on the UK's SKY 2 channel.