16th June, 2023: “The Broken Circle”.
Right …
At the moment, I’m … I think the polite phrase is ‘twatted off’!
Yes: twatted off seems to describe it!
YouTube took forever to upload that introduction video!
Two initial attempts …
Then a third, when I realised what I’d done wrong!
At any rate … ?
It’s Friday: the day after the first episode of Star Trek Strange New World’s second series, aired.
And?
I’m keen to have dinner, make a nice cup of tea …
Then watch the opening episode.
Yes: it’s called “The Broken Circle”.
And it sounds like there’s a drinking contest going on …
17th June, 2023.
Episode 1 — “The Broken Circle” — opens with a summary of the show’s first season: reminding us that many of the crew of the USS Enterprise had suffered during that Klingon War, that the ship’s First Officer — Una Chin-Riley (Rebecca Romijn) — was facing trial, and that Lieutenant La’an Noonien-Singh had taken very long term leave.
The scene shifts.
With a dramatic shot of Star Base One, in orbit around Earth: and the current port of call for the USS Enterprise.
As Captain Pike (Anson Mount) tells us in his log entry?
The ship is due a serious amount of inspections: led by Commander Pelia (Carol Kane*.)
That proves awkward for Captain Pike.
As a subspace conversation with his First Officer tells him Una needs more than just help: she needs a very good lawyer.
Something that Pike — gentleman that he is — offers to get.
He doesn’t want to leave his XO in the lurch: and that — whilst the ship’s in for repairs — the Enterprise can be safely left to Lieutenant Spock (Ethan Peck) for the three days Pike will need.
Once the Captain’s out of the way?
Spock can only find himself relaxing with the help of a Vulcan harp.
And, whilst he’s in his quarters, between shifts?
Is the wrong time for Ensign Uhura to bring him some bad news.
She’s just picked up a signal from Cajitar 4, a mining world jointly run by a human/Klingon syndicate called the Broken Circle.
A Federation signal.
A Federation distress signal.
A Federation distress signal from La’an Noonien-Singh.
Stuff … is going to kick off …
~≈🖖≈~
Now … what did I think of “The Broken Circle”?
What did I think?
It has to be said, “The Broken Circle” is a strong opening episode.
Whether I’m stunned about it, is a whole other matter.
The basic idea — a joint Human/Klingon plot to restart the war between the Federation and the Empire? — isn’t exactly new: let’s face it, that basic plot point is at the heart of Star Trek 6: The Undiscovered Country.
To give writers Myers and Goldsman their due, they have come up with a fresh take on the idea.
And — between them, director, Chris Fisher, and the show’s designers — made improvements on the look and feel of the Klingons.
That’s a mixed thing, for me.
As much as I like the refreshed look of the franchise’s favourite villains — updated foreheads, wigs weaved into the forehead ridges, subtle resigns of the uniforms — I miss the updated Klingon look featured in both Star Trek Into Darkness and Star Trek Discovery’s first season.
Some of them had pierced forehead ridges, and veils screwed into their heads: you have to love detailing like that!
There’s something else.
A important part of the story takes place on a faked Federation ship: one that the extremists have built, in order to trigger a war.
It’s the setting for for M’Benga and Chapel’s arc: kidnapped to treat Klingon soldiers, stuck on board as the ramshackle thing is launched, and having to fight their way out.
I don’t know quite what the technical terms would be, here.
But the design of the ship’s interiors, combined with the lighting used … ?
Was something I found unfortunate.
To me, it made these key scenes — and impressive fights — looking very murky.
Something I didn’t appreciate, with my aging eyesight!
Granted?
This is a very good episode, with very good performances all around: especially from both Ethan Peck as Spock, and Carol Kane as Pelia.
And granted, the episode has a tasteful dedication to the late Nichelle Nichols, the original Uhura, at the end?
But that design choice?
Was something that put a crimp on the episode.
~≈🖖≈~
With all that said?
With all that said, I can hear your question.
‘Paul,’ I hear you ask, ‘Paul, are you going to be watching the next episode? Are you going to be watching “Ad Astra Per Aspera”, next week?’
Yes: I am, thanking you!
I’ll be happily watching “Ad Astra Per Aspera” on Friday, 23rd June: and will be posting my written and video reviews of it on Saturday, 24th.
In between now and then?
I’ll be watching “The Foundling”, the next episode of The Mandalorian’s 3rd season, this Monday, 19th June, and posting my written and video reviews of that on the 20th June.
Hopefully?
I’ll see you then!
“The Broken Circle”.★★★☆
* As SOON as the character turned up? I was reminded of the version of the Ghost of Christmas Present, in the Bill Murray film, Scrooged. Played — as it turned out — by Carol Kane. I get the feeling Pelia’s going to be interesting …
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