Hi there -- and welcome indeed! This is just a little introduction to both myself and the site.
Deep Space Nine: The first Trek review I ever posted to the newsgroups was an overview of the sixth season's Dominion War arc. Due to the positive feedback I received, I picked up reviewing the rest of the season and have now finished the seventh and final season. These reviews (particularly the more recent seventh season postings) are generally quite in-depth and thorough -- and often quite lengthy, too! I would like to go back and cover DS9's earlier seasons at some point, but this won't be happening in the immediate future -- life is just too darned busy at present to make such a commitment.
Voyager: My Voyager reviews are quite sporadic. Aside from the pilot episode and a smattering of third season episodes, I have only covered the fourth season completely. Alas, growing ever more disenchanted with this most feeble of Trek offspring, Voyager is the only Trek series that I've ever given up watching and, therefore gave up reviewing.
Q. Why do you review Star Trek?
A. I guess it's a good way to combine two of my great loves -- writing and Star Trek! Although I've never tried to get any of my work published before, I love writing and writing these reviews gives me a good opportunity to practise and develop my writing style and ability.
Q. How long have you been into Star Trek?
A. I've been an avid viewer since the BBC started showing The Next Generation over here about 10 years back. Although a lot of TNG's earlier episodes weren't quite up to scratch, it was the only major (new) sci-fi series on air at the time and thus filled quite a void in the TV schedules. Gradually, of course, the quality improved and I became a fully-fledged fan.
Q. What's your favourite Star Trek series?
A. That's probably not a good question to ask a reviewer. I don't want to seem biased! But, it's probably no great surprise to many of you when I admit that I find DS9 the most interesting and compelling of the Trek shows. It has a depth and richness that sadly eludes much the rest of television. I also have a great fondness for The Original Series and The Next Generation, but DS9 is really the one that's closest to my heart.
Q. How do you feel now that Voyager is the only new Trek show on the air?
A. Frankly, I feel slightly depressed. But that could just be because I miss DS9. Voyager is a poor substitute.
Q. Any feelings about the next Star Trek series?
A. Apprehension, to be honest. I'd be a lot happier if it weren't Brannon Braga and Rick Berman at the helm. Besides, I really think Star Trek deserves a break. Why not wait a couple of years and give the franchise time to catch its breath? Series V will, in my opinion, either be the death of Star Trek or, hopefully, a rebirth. Time will tell...
Q. Any plans to review The Original Series?
A. I'd love to review TOS, but sadly I simply don't have the time and energy to devote to such an undertaking at present. But it's a possibility for the future, albeit a quieter future. To coin a phrase, "there are always possibilities".
Q. Okay, do you have a favourite Star Trek character?
A. You know, I don't actually. There are a lot of characters I like -- some more than others -- but no overall favourites. I guess that's a plus when it comes to my line of work. Means I'm not too biased when it comes to character development (or, in some cases, lack thereof).
In TOS, I love the Kirk/Spock/McCoy triad. Though they've tried, TPTB have never since matched that wonderful character dynamic. In TNG I particularly like Picard and Data and my DS9ers include Sisko, Odo, Kira and Jadzia. As for Voyager, I must admit I'm quite partial to the Doc and Seven.
Q. And a favourite episode?
A. Stick around, I'm planning to compile what I think are the 50 all-time greatest episodes of Trek. In the meantime, I won't spoil things by divulging the top 10!
Q. Anything else you'd like to say?
A. Just a heartfelt thanks for anyone still reading this self-indulgent twaddle! Thanks for all the support I've received and above all, thanks for reading my work! You may not always agree with my opinions, but I do hope you enjoy reading them all the same. Cheers, m'dears!
Onwards, brave warriors, to the reviews:
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