Boldly Going

Star Trek is something that I’ve always been curious about. It has been there, persistent in my periphery, seeming both appealing and dull at the same time. I’ve had friends who were big fans, and my Grandma always spoke highly of it. I recall watching Fox 13 as a kid, and as soon as the cartoons were finished for the night I would see the ad for Coming Up Next: Star Trek (I think it was Deep Space 9), and I would think, “That looks so boring,” and I would go do something else. I didn’t grow up with my Grandma in the house, and my mom has never been a big fan of TV. There simply wasn’t someone of influence around to say, “Hey, give it a try!”

I wasn't fortunate like Wesley here, with his sweaters and excitability. source.

There is now,  his name is Morgan, and man does he love Star Trek: The Next Generation. My own, true interest in Star Trek happened with the 2009 reboot movie. I quite liked both Chris Pine and Zachary Quintos, so I went to see it. And I was totally blown away! I absolutely loved it! Of course I knew that the Original Series was not comparable in terms of production value, but the characters on screen were the same, or at least similar, so I figured I’d enjoy watching TOS. It had been my plan since then to start from there and work my way up. That plan got derailed with Morgan though (he doesn't want to watch TOS).



He’s been watching TNG since he was a kid, and I just started my journey a few months ago (if that). We began on season one, episode one, and I am very much enjoying myself! I’m beginning to feel sad that I didn’t have someone around to encourage me to start watching the show sooner. And it’s sort of like  Doctor Who, how it’s awesome to start to understand and be a part of this enormous fandom, this movement in television and entertainment history.



Some of the campier storylines and dialogue are rough to watch, but still enjoyable in their own way. I really can't help shouting out at the TV when I think something is ridiculous, and more than once I’ve had to pause the show because I was laughing too hard at dialogue. I really wanted to start tweeting my thoughts while I watched, and I finally did beginning with season two. You can follow me on Twitter to catch all of my amazing episode recaps.

The kind of quality entertainment you can expect from me.

So far my favorite character has to be Data! He’s so funny, and the actor has amazing facial control. In recent episodes I’ve come to really appreciate Captain Picard and his ability to stay calm when shit hits the fan. I guess that’s why he’s captain! And, I don’t know what’s wrong with the Internet world, because I really like Wesley! Based on Tumblr and Twitter, I expected him to be… incredibly annoying? But he’s just an excited teen, anxious to be a part of something as wonderful as the Enterprise bridge. Suck it, haters!



We are currently on season three, and I am so glad that Dr. Crusher is back! Dr. Pulaski was not my jam. I am also delighted to see Whoopi Goldberg is in the series, as that was certainly news to me. I’m just loving the diversity of issues the crew runs into, and how they end up handling everything. Although, I have to say that, hands down, my favorite aspect of the show is watching Riker smile at EVERYTHING. It’s even funnier than the fact that he clamors over the backs of chairs.

How could someone dislike that smile? source.

Lastly, I want to let everyone know that I officially have a new OTP, and it is Picard and Dr. Crusher. I can’t be the only one!

Oh, Doctor. Oh, Captain! Swoon. source.

Let me hear it Star Trek fans! Talk to me about this amazing show!



-MJ



*header and preview image source 

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Firefly Will Have Me Emerging Shiny and New.

It has come up on multiple occasions, mostly random previous articles, that I have never watched the show Firefly. Before you freak out let me assure you that it a source of constant shame and sadness and my shoulders are heavy with the burden.

The point of today's article isn't to talk about my shame, but rather to discuss why I'm glad I haven't seen it yet. I feel I've been given some sort of rare gift and opportunity. How often do people say they wish they could experience something for the first time all over again? I know I've wished that, and I feel that watching someone else's first experience can be nearly as good. So, with that in mind, I've got grand plans to watch Firefly with my Whedonite friend Rachel at my side (different from my Whovian friend Rachel. I have the best friends). And it is going to be fantastic.

Mentally prepping to become intimately acquainted with the Firefly logo. Source.

The fact that I've never watched the show has been causing heart attacks for a long time now, and one might think that would build up some sort of impossible-to-actually-achieve-greatness. But the truth is I know I won't be let down. My television journey has recently brought me to watch Buffy, and I have been so enthralled and impressed with Whedon's writing style and characters that I am really excited to watch his... space cowboy offering. 

Last week I finally started my journey. I believe it was the fourth time I had sat down to watch the pilot episode of Firefly. Every other time I was bored, restless, and confused. Watching it last week, though, was really like watching it with fresh eyes. 

Perhaps it was advantageous to have a seasoned fan next to me to fill me in on their slang and the random bits of Chinese. Maybe it was the fact that Rachel encouraged me to talk and ask questions through the episode. It could have been because we turned on subtitles so I could actually follow the dialogue because they seem to speak incomprehensibly to me. Whatever the case, something lined up and I was enthralled. 

Just look at that stunning cast. I want to know them! Source.

There are many things (movies, music, TV shows) that I watched as a child and then later watched as an adult with so much more appreciation. Firefly seems like the sort of show that, had I watched it ten years ago as a teenager, I would have enjoyed but not truly understood. So I believe it is a treat to be watching it for the first time as an adult, with a history in science fiction and fantasy, and with a greater knowledge base of writing skills, direction, and story arcs. 

It will be wonderful to finally join the ranks of the Browncoats and to no longer have to say, "I've never seen Firefly."

-MJ

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