On to the sophmore season of TNG. Right off the top there are lots of changes, which is to be expected. Pretty much every show uses its first season as an experiment to see what works and what doesn't. A lot of what we see in the first episode of season 2 will be around for a long time--like Riker's beard, and others--like our new doctor--won't find a footing and will go almost as abruptly as they came.
So what's new and notable?
1. Worf has a new look. The gold uniform signifying his move from glorified extra to chief of security and a snazy new silver sash to go with it. It made sense that the sash had to change, gold on gold is just tacky. And the new look is much more butch. But I admit to a little nostalgia with the loss of the old sash, which were a nice call back to the original Klingons of TOS.
2. Another look that is gone is the awful unisex minidress uniform. Yes, they were trying to have it make some sense that in the "future" the minis from the original series would actually have a some continuity with the fashions of those enlightened times, but please!
3. Continuing our fashion review, Wesley gets his grey pajamas. *shudder*
4. Riker has a beard. I'm not a fan of facial hair in general, but Frakes does have a bit of a baby face and the beard gives him a more mature look that lends an additional gravitas and air of authority to the character. So in this case I'm giving the beard two thumbs up.
5. Hair, hair, hair. Troi has finally let her hair down. Definitely an improvement on the tortured chignon from season 1. Unfortunately, her uniform has not improved. Isn't she a Starfleet officer? Why doesn't she wear a Starfleet uniform? Her maroon unitard looks to me like a precursor to the Seven of Nine cat suit, but Sirtis has neither the slim figure nor the super boobs to pull it off. In both cases I return to an earlier comment. *shudder*
6. Geordi is a whole new man. His promotion to Chief Engineer does wonders for his character right from the beginning. He has a solid purpose and even Burton's acting seems elevated by it. Very good move.
7. Ten Forward. Since this new Enterprise is essentially a floating city in space it makes sense to give us a sense of community by adding something like a local watering hole. The character of Guinan, your friendly bartender with a listening ear and lot of good advice makes Ten Forward the new Cheers of the Trek verse. I don't care for Whoopi Goldberg as a person, but I can't deny she's got some acting chops. And the fact that she's a Trek fan redeems her slightly in my eyes.
8. Colm Meany is back and in the transporter room where he belongs. We got a glimpse of him on the bridge somewhere in the first season (and I think he was in command red), but unbeknownest to anyone at the time this little glimpse of him in the transporter room as a silent extra will be the beginning of a long and fruitful character arch spanning two series.
9. Last and certainly least, IMO, Dr. Polaski. What can I say? I just never cared for her. As I understand it she was meant to be the female McCoy, but see Kirk and Spock even (although he would never admit it) actually liked McCoy. Polaski is just grating and insulting with neary a friend in sight. At least McCoy had some southern charm.
Edit:10. The lounge chairs for ops and helm are gone. They looked so awkward and the actors looked uncomfortable trying to deliver their lines will reclining. I expect the upright, rotating chairs will make the performances a lot more natural and more dynamic.
I'll be keeping my eyes open for other new and interesting developments as I work my way through Season 2.
So what's new and notable?
1. Worf has a new look. The gold uniform signifying his move from glorified extra to chief of security and a snazy new silver sash to go with it. It made sense that the sash had to change, gold on gold is just tacky. And the new look is much more butch. But I admit to a little nostalgia with the loss of the old sash, which were a nice call back to the original Klingons of TOS.
2. Another look that is gone is the awful unisex minidress uniform. Yes, they were trying to have it make some sense that in the "future" the minis from the original series would actually have a some continuity with the fashions of those enlightened times, but please!
3. Continuing our fashion review, Wesley gets his grey pajamas. *shudder*
4. Riker has a beard. I'm not a fan of facial hair in general, but Frakes does have a bit of a baby face and the beard gives him a more mature look that lends an additional gravitas and air of authority to the character. So in this case I'm giving the beard two thumbs up.
5. Hair, hair, hair. Troi has finally let her hair down. Definitely an improvement on the tortured chignon from season 1. Unfortunately, her uniform has not improved. Isn't she a Starfleet officer? Why doesn't she wear a Starfleet uniform? Her maroon unitard looks to me like a precursor to the Seven of Nine cat suit, but Sirtis has neither the slim figure nor the super boobs to pull it off. In both cases I return to an earlier comment. *shudder*
6. Geordi is a whole new man. His promotion to Chief Engineer does wonders for his character right from the beginning. He has a solid purpose and even Burton's acting seems elevated by it. Very good move.
7. Ten Forward. Since this new Enterprise is essentially a floating city in space it makes sense to give us a sense of community by adding something like a local watering hole. The character of Guinan, your friendly bartender with a listening ear and lot of good advice makes Ten Forward the new Cheers of the Trek verse. I don't care for Whoopi Goldberg as a person, but I can't deny she's got some acting chops. And the fact that she's a Trek fan redeems her slightly in my eyes.
8. Colm Meany is back and in the transporter room where he belongs. We got a glimpse of him on the bridge somewhere in the first season (and I think he was in command red), but unbeknownest to anyone at the time this little glimpse of him in the transporter room as a silent extra will be the beginning of a long and fruitful character arch spanning two series.
9. Last and certainly least, IMO, Dr. Polaski. What can I say? I just never cared for her. As I understand it she was meant to be the female McCoy, but see Kirk and Spock even (although he would never admit it) actually liked McCoy. Polaski is just grating and insulting with neary a friend in sight. At least McCoy had some southern charm.
Edit:10. The lounge chairs for ops and helm are gone. They looked so awkward and the actors looked uncomfortable trying to deliver their lines will reclining. I expect the upright, rotating chairs will make the performances a lot more natural and more dynamic.
I'll be keeping my eyes open for other new and interesting developments as I work my way through Season 2.
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