Star Trek - Discovery - 1.01: The Vulcan Hello
- Thread starter Cathbad
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ralphkern
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So far -
The Good
I'm enjoying the atmosphere. It does feel like they're far out on the frontier.
We haven't seen much of the Shenzou, and nothing of Discovery yet, but the ship and set design is awesome. The most impressive yet, but somehow retro compared to say the Next Generation's.
I prefer the new Klingons. They are far more intimidating, even if they talk vvvveeeerrrryyyy sllllooowwwelly. I would add the caveat that they aren't Klingons as we might recognise them - which may make purists twitch.
The Bad
The front loading with exposition feels painfully forced in the pre credit scene - To the extent I almost felt angry with how amateurish it seemed.
"As you know, you've been my first officer for seven years."
Facepalm. I'd expect to be hung upside down over a long drop by the likes of @Brian G Turner if I offered something like that up for a crit!
The crew are a bit 'meh'. The new captain clearly bunked off on the day Star Fleet Academy held management lectures on how "Not To Be A Busy Fool." I do get they're moving away from the Captain being the MC and having them out of their depth adds a different kind of conflict than we've seen before in Star Trek. If I'm reading correctly between the lines here, I get the feeling we're seeing a Star Fleet which hasn't been significantly challenged in a long time leading to complacency among its leaders at best, outright nepotism at worst. (In which case that could be a very good thing in terms of potential arcs / conflict).
In summary, I like enough to watch the next, but not as impressed as I thought I would be on watching the trailer. BSG it ain't.
The Good
I'm enjoying the atmosphere. It does feel like they're far out on the frontier.
We haven't seen much of the Shenzou, and nothing of Discovery yet, but the ship and set design is awesome. The most impressive yet, but somehow retro compared to say the Next Generation's.
I prefer the new Klingons. They are far more intimidating, even if they talk vvvveeeerrrryyyy sllllooowwwelly. I would add the caveat that they aren't Klingons as we might recognise them - which may make purists twitch.
The Bad
The front loading with exposition feels painfully forced in the pre credit scene - To the extent I almost felt angry with how amateurish it seemed.
"As you know, you've been my first officer for seven years."
Facepalm. I'd expect to be hung upside down over a long drop by the likes of @Brian G Turner if I offered something like that up for a crit!
The crew are a bit 'meh'. The new captain clearly bunked off on the day Star Fleet Academy held management lectures on how "Not To Be A Busy Fool." I do get they're moving away from the Captain being the MC and having them out of their depth adds a different kind of conflict than we've seen before in Star Trek. If I'm reading correctly between the lines here, I get the feeling we're seeing a Star Fleet which hasn't been significantly challenged in a long time leading to complacency among its leaders at best, outright nepotism at worst. (In which case that could be a very good thing in terms of potential arcs / conflict).
In summary, I like enough to watch the next, but not as impressed as I thought I would be on watching the trailer. BSG it ain't.
Not watched it, and likely won't for ages (no Netflix), but I agree with Dave's point about prequels. Not just for the tech level, but you usually end up with retconning and constrained (especially in this instance when you have series both before and ahead of it).
Cathbad
Level 30 Geek Master
Lucien21
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CBS all access is an american thing. They aired the first episode on CBS and put Episode 2 behind a pay wall.
Everywhere else it's on Netflix.
I watched it this morning on Netflix and enjoyed it. I'll keep watching.
The scheme seems to be working for the CBS revenue stream.
‘Star Trek Discovery’ Fuels Record Sign-Ups For CBS All Access
‘Star Trek Discovery’ Fuels Record Sign-Ups For CBS All Access
Cathbad
Level 30 Geek Master
I was tentatively pleased after the first episode - the second hooked me! 
ctg
weaver of the unseen
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"We come in Peace!!!" I understand why Klingon's might think that phrase as a fatal insult, when it's all about honour to their race. Honour and singing in a way that make our ears to bleed. But thing is they would have seen the Enterprise carving path and coming ever so closer to Klingon borders. And every time, almost without a fail, the humanity end up battling with others as that is part of unfortunate nature.
Ultimate peace is an illusion. It's a perfect utopia that we cannot ever achieve. We can try, but just the Laws of Nature says that the peace isn't achievable. There are always those that will prey on the weaker and use them for food or to do whatever they like. Just like at the Orcas for example and you'll see a smart creature playing bloodsports with poor seals.
So it's good to see that they bothered to make the ST universe alive with creatures that clearly aren't as lovable as the furpies. Like for example this one:
Not only that but they've bothered making the universe more believable by adapting Extra Vehicular Activities. Things we rarely saw in the course of the previous series. To be honest, I don't think I've seen First One ever been so eager to conduct a mission. So it's understandable that the series focuses on the XO's adventure than on the captain that bridge.
First One the right person to command EVA's as the command structure stays intact. I'm just surprised that they didn't send out a red shirt with the Commander Burnham. It should be the protocol to have at least an ensign to go out with the commanding officer. Then again I doubt another victim would have changed the meet with Klingon Nobles that much.
They were aimed to make USS Chenzhou to be a sacrificial vessel for their rituals. There could not be any other outcome. We know it, because we've seen the previous series. I just don't know what a person, who has never seen anything ST wise might find it out. The lack of carnage suggests that the ST might be a series that you can safely watch with the small ones. Although most of the dialogue is adult, and require at least entry level to astronomy, physics and so on. In the deep level the jargon is just right and the crew executed it perfectly.
I raise my hat to the producers. Well done.
Ultimate peace is an illusion. It's a perfect utopia that we cannot ever achieve. We can try, but just the Laws of Nature says that the peace isn't achievable. There are always those that will prey on the weaker and use them for food or to do whatever they like. Just like at the Orcas for example and you'll see a smart creature playing bloodsports with poor seals.
So it's good to see that they bothered to make the ST
universe alive with creatures that clearly aren't as lovable as the furpies. Like for example this one:
Not only that but they've bothered making the universe more believable by adapting Extra Vehicular Activities. Things we rarely saw in the course of the previous series. To be honest, I don't think I've seen First One ever been so eager to conduct a mission. So it's understandable that the series focuses on the XO's adventure than on the captain that bridge.
First One the right person to command EVA's as the command structure stays intact. I'm just surprised that they didn't send out a red shirt with the Commander Burnham. It should be the protocol to have at least an ensign to go out with the commanding officer. Then again I doubt another victim would have changed the meet with Klingon Nobles that much.
They were aimed to make USS Chenzhou to be a sacrificial vessel for their rituals. There could not be any other outcome. We know it, because we've seen the previous series. I just don't know what a person, who has never seen anything ST wise might find it out. The lack of carnage suggests that the ST
might be a series that you can safely watch with the small ones. Although most of the dialogue is adult, and require at least entry level to astronomy, physics and so on. In the deep level the jargon is just right and the crew executed it perfectly. I raise my hat to the producers. Well done.
ratsy
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I watched the first episode, and I'm usually quite hard on shows, but this one did it for me. I agree the dialogue at times wasn't great, and the dynamic between Michael and the Captain was all over the place, but I loved the look of the show. The info-dump from the tall alien guy who wanted to get out of there was a little much. She would have known his history after seven years!
The old Star Trek bridge sounds were a great touch, and that scene where she suited up and thrusted out, was super-cool.
It's hard to judge on one episode, and I know things will change shortly, adding new characters we haven't seen yet. I do have decent hopes for the show though, and actually really liked the Klingons. They seemed very Egyptian in their ornate carvings and statues. Was cool.
The old Star Trek bridge sounds were a great touch, and that scene where she suited up and thrusted out, was super-cool.
It's hard to judge on one episode, and I know things will change shortly, adding new characters we haven't seen yet. I do have decent hopes for the show though, and actually really liked the Klingons. They seemed very Egyptian in their ornate carvings and statues. Was cool.
I know it's only the beginning, but is it all going to be fighting with the Klingons, because if it is, I'll give up now, even if I do get it not separately chargeable on Netflix.
Furthermore I wasn't nuts about the Klingon tendence to chant, à la 'Daleks are Awesome. Daleks are awesome.' in piled ranks.
Especially when goldyface hadn't even recruited them until 1/2 a second before.
So. Basically still waiting to be convinced.
Furthermore I wasn't nuts about the Klingon tendence to chant, à la 'Daleks are Awesome. Daleks are awesome.' in piled ranks.
Especially when goldyface hadn't even recruited them until 1/2 a second before.
So. Basically still waiting to be convinced.
IMHO Star Trek series pilots are not usually very good. I didn't like Caretaker at all. Encounter at Farpoint was pants. Broken Bow was only so, so. I only really liked Emissary and that drew heavily upon Best of Both Worlds. So, this may not be brilliance but it shows lots of possibilities.
The star emblem - covered that enough. Just wrong.
There are too many aliens in Star Fleet. I'm not being racist here, they just hadn't explored that far yet. Founder members of the Federation are Humans, Vulcans, Tellarites and Andorians. Other ships we have seen from this era had 100% Humans or 100% Vulcans, except for Archer's ship, which had one Denobulan, and Kirk's ship, which had one Vulcan.
The "cowardly" Lt Cmd Saroo (sp?) alien on the Bridge also quickly became annoying. I hope he isn't a regular every week.
There was a lot of "looking at the wonders of the galaxy" (otherwise known as the special effects department have been given a new box of toys to play with) in this episode. They did the same thing in the first Trek film. Maybe they can't help themselves when they get new toys to play with, but they must realise that it is quite dull, and not a substitute for plot, and that it also very quickly dates as effects invariably improve.
The Klingon physiology and morphology was a little strange. They have developed very small ears. They also have weird shaped heads with ridges down the back of the neck - almost like the H R Giger "alien." However, they do have human eyes! Also, the swarthy human looking "Northern" Klingons are now totally absent and whitewashed away.
The did use all the previously established Klingon mythology, such as the death chanting. I think they just take death very seriously rather than suddenly believe in goldyface.
In fact, there were lots of nods and winks to earlier Trek in this episode i.e. "We have Engaged the Klingons!" exactly as Picard said, "We have Engaged the Borg!"
The Plot
A routine mission to check on a damaged communications relay leads to the discovery of a Klingon plot. Klingons haven't been seen for 100 years (god only knows what they've been doing.) As the Klingons only understand strength, the 1st officer must mutineer in order to try to prevent a war.
Where is the USS Discovery?
Clearly, Star Wars cannot have a monopolistic reserve on all stories concerning arid planets, so I have no problem with that and the creature was interesting.
You've taken that phrase out of its context. As it was said in context I wouldn't have flagged it up, but yes, I agree there was too much exposition and too little action. The action all comes in the second episode.
The star emblem - covered that enough. Just wrong.
There are too many aliens in Star Fleet. I'm not being racist here, they just hadn't explored that far yet. Founder members of the Federation are Humans, Vulcans, Tellarites and Andorians. Other ships we have seen from this era had 100% Humans or 100% Vulcans, except for Archer's ship, which had one Denobulan, and Kirk's ship, which had one Vulcan.
The "cowardly" Lt Cmd Saroo (sp?) alien on the Bridge also quickly became annoying. I hope he isn't a regular every week.
There was a lot of "looking at the wonders of the galaxy" (otherwise known as the special effects department have been given a new box of toys to play with) in this episode. They did the same thing in the first Trek film. Maybe they can't help themselves when they get new toys to play with, but they must realise that it is quite dull, and not a substitute for plot, and that it also very quickly dates as effects invariably improve.
The Klingon physiology and morphology was a little strange. They have developed very small ears. They also have weird shaped heads with ridges down the back of the neck - almost like the H R Giger "alien." However, they do have human eyes! Also, the swarthy human looking "Northern" Klingons are now totally absent and whitewashed away.
Not sure about the subtitles either (especially at the top of the screen as everyone else puts subtitles along the bottom.
The did use all the previously established Klingon mythology, such as the death chanting. I think they just take death very seriously rather than suddenly believe in goldyface.
In fact, there were lots of nods and winks to earlier Trek in this episode i.e. "We have Engaged the Klingons!" exactly as Picard said, "We have Engaged the Borg!"
While I am quite sure that they would have holographic communications by this time, TNG established that Holodeck technology was very new, and such a big deal was made in Voyager of the EMH that it did seem odd. On the other hand, Voyager had huge desktop personal computers too. It's really a problem with Voyager rather than with Trek.
The Plot
A routine mission to check on a damaged communications relay leads to the discovery of a Klingon plot. Klingons haven't been seen for 100 years (god only knows what they've been doing.) As the Klingons only understand strength, the 1st officer must mutineer in order to try to prevent a war.
Where is the USS Discovery?
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As I said in another thread, I enjoyed the first episode.
The visuals were stunning for the most part, but the lens flare was stupid and these odd camera angles need to be rethought. Used sparingly they work really well, but too much and it takes you out of the moment as you have to get your bearings. More head on angle lets you feel more a part of the story I think.
The Klingons were pretty wooden both in appearance and acting, but I chalk that up to costume design. Previous Klingon armour was menacing, but also allowed easy movement. And those awful teeth make their speech difficult I'm sure. And Kahless forbid that you're a Klingon with a lisp!
Our primary character Cmdr. Burnham seemed a bit nervous at first, but she settled into the role well enough I thought. I'm willing to give her some time. Michelle Yeoh, was fantastic. I wish she was the lead, but alas...
I was surprised by the Lt. Saru character. At first I thought he was just another rubber head alien, but the fact that his species are rather cowardly it made me warm to him somehow. It could be interesting to see how he either overcomes his fears, or uses them to aid the ship.
As for episode two...
The visuals were stunning for the most part, but the lens flare was stupid and these odd camera angles need to be rethought. Used sparingly they work really well, but too much and it takes you out of the moment as you have to get your bearings. More head on angle lets you feel more a part of the story I think.
The Klingons were pretty wooden both in appearance and acting, but I chalk that up to costume design. Previous Klingon armour was menacing, but also allowed easy movement. And those awful teeth make their speech difficult I'm sure. And Kahless forbid that you're a Klingon with a lisp!
Our primary character Cmdr. Burnham seemed a bit nervous at first, but she settled into the role well enough I thought. I'm willing to give her some time. Michelle Yeoh, was fantastic. I wish she was the lead, but alas...
I was surprised by the Lt. Saru character. At first I thought he was just another rubber head alien, but the fact that his species are rather cowardly it made me warm to him somehow. It could be interesting to see how he either overcomes his fears, or uses them to aid the ship.
As for episode two...
Alexa
traveller space dreamer
As I can see, you had time to mention everything important, while I worked. *sigh*
I don't understand why they split the pilot in 2 episodes. When the 1st episode ended, I was left open mouth and asked myself what was going on.
Quite a temper, the first officer ! She forgot almost every bit of vulcan education after a few years away. Reminds me of young Kirk.
I don't like the new klingons. They are really ugly and scratch my ears when they talk.
I don't understand why they split the pilot in 2 episodes. When the 1st episode ended, I was left open mouth and asked myself what was going on.
Quite a temper, the first officer ! She forgot almost every bit of vulcan education after a few years away. Reminds me of young Kirk.
I don't like the new klingons. They are really ugly and scratch my ears when they talk.
I'll admit that this opener had flaws, plenty of them, but let's not forget the horror that was season one of Next Generation. Compared with that mess, this was a vast improvement. I wasn't expecting it, but I see promise in this series.
Cli-Fi
John J. Falco
So for me.
TOS: terrible pilot and the whole thing barely even got off the ground. Once it did, they scrapped almost the entire cast and re-did it.
TNG: Terrible pilot but better than TOS and more optimistic
DS9: Horrible pilot and cheesy. Too cheesy.
Voyager: I don't even remember this one, but I bet it has something to do with the ship disappearing.
Enterprise: Really, really, boring. That's all I remember about that one. If i rewatch that series, I skip the pilot.
Dare I say Discovery had the best pilot out of all Trek shows??? It was also on par with First Contact in terms of style and tone.
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