‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Proves To Be One Of The Best ‘Star Trek’ Series In Years In Its Debut Season

Posted on April 3, 2023 by philspicks

Fans of CBS and Paramount+’s latest addition to the ever expanding Star Trek universe – Star Trek: Strange New Worlds — got some good news about the series late last month. The news in question was the announcement that the series has been renewed for a third season, this despite the fact that the fledgling series’ second season has not even premiered yet. Its premiere date is scheduled for June 15. Such a statement from higher ups at CBS and Paramount is quite the statement of faith in the series. For those who have yet to even take in the series’ first season, it may well be justified. That is because as the recently released first season shows, it is the best installment of the Star Trek universe since…well…The Next Generation. The writing that went into this season makes that clear. It will be discussed shortly. While the writing does plenty to make the show fully engaging and appealing, Season One’s recent home physical release does have some issue, that being its packaging. This will be discussed a little later. The packaging is not enough to doom the new release. To that end, there is still one more positive to note, and it comes in the form of the cast’s work interpreting the writing. This will also be addressed later. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of the new home physical release of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. All things considered, the recent home physical release of this standout series’ debut season largely a successful presentation despite its packaging concerns.

Late last month, CBS and Paramount+ brought their latest addition to the ever expanding Star Trek universe home on DVD, Blu-ray and Blu-ray steel book. The recent home physical release proves to be largely a welcome addition to the home library of any Star Trek fan. That is saying a lot, considering it took its predecessor, Discovery, three seasons to finally prove itself a worthy addition to the Star Trek universe and it took another of its predecessors, Lower Decks, two seasons to finally become appealing. Picard only barely improved from its first season to its second, but not by much, too. The immediate positive impact of Strange New Worlds comes in large part through its writing. Unlike so many series out there today (including so many Star Trek series), this series brings audiences back to the days of episodic writing. This means that audiences do not feel like they have to invest so much of their time into the series to really appreciate the show. This even despite the fact that each episode opens with the standard “previously on…” introduction. The show’s writers are to be applauded for their work throughout the season, even from early on. Season premiere episode “Strange New Worlds” takes audiences back to the golden age of Star Trek as Captain Pike and the crew of the Enterprise have to hide their identities in order to rescue first officer Una Chin-Riley (Rebecca Romijn – X-Men, X2, X-Men: The Last Stand) from an alien world where she is being held prisoner. Things don’t go quite as planned as the genetic change used to hide the crew’s identity wears off on Spock and they are revealed to not be from the planet. Ultimately it leads to a powerful climax when Captain Pike (Anson Mount – Hell on Wheels, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Crossroads) stands at a tense political meeting of the planet’s representatives, offering them to join the Federation or destroy each other using the technology they have gained. As it so happens, the writers reveal the warp technology the planet’s people have obtained was the result of the events of Star Trek: Discovery Season 3. The tie-in there is handled expertly by the writers, who allow the reference but do not let it overpower the bigger story line. The result is that said reference will likely get newer audiences to go back and watch Season 3 of Discovery.

Another example of the power of the writing comes much later in the season in the form of the episode, “Spock Amock.” In the case of this episode, Spock (Ethan Peck – The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, In Time, The Midnight Sky) and his fiancée, T’Pring (Gia Sandhu – A Perfect Plan, The Moth Diaries, A Simple Favor) accidentally change bodies when going through part of their courtship. Yes, it’s the old familiar plot device that’s been used in so many science fiction series. The thing is that in this episode, the writers do not allow it to fall into all of the trappings that those series have used and allowed to make the plot device to trite. Watching Sandhu (who is supposed to be Spock through most of the episode_ lay out another Vulcan makes for such a hilarious moment. That is because as serious as Spock is all the time, seeing that surprise moment is just so shocking and lighthearted. Meanwhile, T’Pring, in Spock’s body, has to help Pike navigate negotiations to being another alien race into the federation. The way in which Peck presents T’Pring handling Spock in the moment makes for an equally engaging juxtaposition to how Sandhu took on Spock being in her body. The whole is a surprisingly engaging comedy of errors, so to speak. How the pair finally return to their own bodies will be left for audiences to discover for themselves. It is a little bit too familiar, but still kind of funny in its own right. The whole here shows that even with an all too familiar plot device, the series’ writers are able to bring audiences something fresh, engaging and entertaining.

Another familiar plot device that has been used in previous Star Trek series (and other science fiction series) is that of a mystery ailment making its way through the Enterprise. One of the most notable times then happened was in TNG when a virus spread through the ship that essentially acted like alcohol, inhibiting the crew’s actions and judgements. The Enterprise is almost destroyed as a result. It all happened after the Enterprise’s crew went to investigate the death of another ship’s crew. In the case of “Ghosts of Illyria,” the virus gets onboard the Enterprise after the crew is beamed up from the surface of another planet that was ravaged by the effect of ion storms. The whole story will not be revealed here, but the virus infects the Enterprise’s crew and makes them crazy for light, to the point that they nearly destroy the ship, right down to Chief Engineer Hemmer (Bruce Horak – Warehouse 13, Transplant, In The Dark) trying to transport part of the planet onto the ship. Had Hemmer succeeded, it most certainly destroyed the ship. The tension that the writers create throughout the story makes this familiar matter fully original and in turn just as engaging and entertaining as the stories in the other episodes discussed here and the rest of the season’s episodes. The whole of that content and the bonus feature-length commentaries that accompany some of the episodes pair to make for plenty of appeal for viewers.

While the general content featured in the new home physical release of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season One does plenty to make this season a strong start for the series, the packaging thereof detracts from that appeal to a point. Speaking specifically about the season’s DVD packaging, the season’s 10 total episodes are spread across four discs. The discs overlap each other on the inside front and back of the case, with two discs on either side. One cannot help but wonder why all involved would use such an archaic packaging method, considering how easy it would have been to place one disc inside on the front, on inside on the back, and then put the other two discs on either side of a leaf inside the case. That would protect the discs while also allowing at least slightly more access to the welcome episode guide printed inside the case’s wrap. Instead, by placing them in overlapping style, viewers lose out. That is because they have to remove both discs on either side to get to just one disc. In the process of removing and replacing the discs, this packaging format dramatically increases the odds of the discs marring one another, in turn potentially reducing their life span. Keeping that in mind, this packaging used for Season One’s home physical release is very problematic. It is not enough to doom the season’s home physical presentation, but hopefully when the series’ second season becomes available to home viewers, all involved with rethink the packaging and do something…well…smarter (for lack of another word) with that season’s packaging. Knowing that the packaging is clearly problematic but not enough to doom the set, there is still one more positive to note. That positive is the cast’s work on camera.

Mount leads the way in terms of the performances as he returns to the role of the famed Capt. Pike. For those who might not be too familiar with the latest Star Trek series, Mount took on the role of Pike in the third season of Discovery in a standalone episode that threw back to the original Star Trek series, what with the whole issue of Harry Mudd and the Tribbles. He stood out just as much in that performance, too and it was likely that it was that performance that led to the creation of Strange New Worlds. The confidence that Mount brings to Mount in the needed moments and the controlled vulnerability that he displays as he faces his own mortality makes him just as enjoyable to watch as William Shatner (Capt. Kirk) and Sir Patrick Stewart (Cpt. Jean-Luc Picard) in their respective series. The moment when he sits down with the bridge crew and welcomes a young Uhura (played by relative newcomer Celia Rose Gooding) throws back to the performances of Stewart and Shatner in its own enjoyable way, too. Gooding herself presents her own impressive performance as the then cadet Uhura. The growth that she brings to Uhura as a persona makes her a fully sympathetic character because of the growing confidence that Uhura gradually displays. Her performances in the role are fully believable and enjoyable to watch during those formative years of Uhura’s career even as Uhura doubts her place aboard the Enterprise.

Peck deserves his own share of credit, too, as Spock. He is not the same Spock portrayed by the late great Leonard Nimoy, but his presence in the role really does its own share to mirror Nimoy’s performances, both in his more serious moments and at least one lighter moment. In similar fashion, Horak’s gruff Chief Engineer Hemmer is so lovable because he is that persona who still does have a certain amount of heart. Horak does so well balancing those sides of Hemmer throughout the season as does Babs Olusanmokun as ship’s doctor M’Bega. M’Bega is no Bones, but his moments on screen allow him to portray some personality, too. Speaking of medical staff, Jess Bush (Home and Away, Playing For Keeps, Skinford: Chapter 2) surprises as the young nurse, Christine Chapel. Chapel is essentially M’Bega’s second in command, yet every time she is on camera, the duality that she brings to the pair with her energy makes for its own share of engagement and entertainment, too. That is because of the comic appeal that she creates opposite M’Bega’s more serious tone. It is just one more example of the importance of the cast’s work here in SNW’s debut season. Between the performances examined here and those of the rest of the cast (all of which are just as deserving of praise in their own right), the overall work of the cast throughout Season One makes for so much engagement and entertainment. When the overall work of the cast is paired with the work of the series’ writers, the whole makes watching each episode so fully engaging and entertaining. That overall content makes Season One’s home physical presentation all the more deserving of praise, even considering the issue of the packaging. All things considered, the home physical release of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season One proves to be one of the best of this year’s new DVD and Blu-ray releases for grown-ups.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season One’s recent home physical release is a mostly successful presentation and start for the series. Its success comes in large part through its writing. The writing brings viewers something new and something familiar throughout its 10 total episodes. The writing makes the new stories fully engaging and entertaining because of their originality. The more familiar story lines are given equally, welcome new life thanks to the writing staff’s work. While the stories that were crafted for Season One are enjoyable, one can only hope that viewers will be able to watch them for years to come. That hope is due to the issue of the packaging method used for the set’s four discs. The overlapping of the discs greatly increases the risk of the discs scratching one another during removal and replacement of each disc, greatly increasing the risk of the discs’ life begin reduced. Thankfully this is not such an issue that it will doom the set. Keeping that in mind, there is one more positive to Season One’s presentation. It comes in the form of the cast’s work. From the bridge crew to the Engineering staff and others in-between, each cast member brings his or her own flair to the show that is enjoyable in its own right along with the writing. When the writing and performances are considered together, they ensure Season One is a strong start for Strange New Worlds and even despite the packaging issues, is one of the year’s top new DVD and Blu-ray box sets for grown-ups.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season One is available now on DVD, Blu-ray and steel book Blu-ray. More information on the series is available along with all of the series’ latest news at:

Website: https://paramountplus.com/shows/star-trek-strange-new-worlds

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTrek

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cbs

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

‘Star Trek Picard: Season 2’ Struggles To Survive

Posted on October 3, 2022 by philspicks

Hardcore fans of the seemingly ever-expanding Star Trek universe got some good news this year when it was announced that Star Trek Picard, which focuses on legendary Federation Captain turned Admiral Jean Luc Picard, would get a third season run. The wait for the series’ third and final season will not be too long for said audiences, either, as it is currently planned to stream on Paramount+ from Feb. 16 to April 20, 2023 over 10 episodes. While audiences wait for the series’ final season, they can take in the series’ second season on DVD and Blu-ray now in a new three-disc set released through CBS DVD. Of course, this latest installment in the series sadly has little to applaud, save for a couple of high points. The most notable of the high points is the fact that it relies far less on the foul language and blood and gore of the first season. This will be discussed shortly. On the other hand, though, there is a lot to dislike about the season’s story and the packaging for the season’s home release. This will be examined a little later. The only other positive to this season is the surprise season finale, which will be discussed but not given away here. Each item noted here is important in its own way to the whole of the season’s presentation. All things considered they make the second season of Picard an intriguing presentation that is worth watching at least once regardless of audiences’ devotion to the Star Trek universe.

Star Trek Picard: Season 2 is an intriguing continuation of the series, which focuses on the one and only Jean Luc Picard. That is because of its overall mixed presentation. One of the few positives to this season is that it relies so much less on the violence and foul language that was incorporated into the series’ debut season. The writers relied far too much on that content in Season One, almost as if they knew that otherwise Season One would not work. Yes, there are some moments of foul language peppered throughout the season, but its presence is so much less in this case than in Season One. The worst of the bloodshed comes late in the season’s run this time as Seven is run through by the Queen Borg/Agnes (not to give away too much for those who have yet to see this season). Rios gets injured by one of the borg drones that Dr. Soong uses, but even in that case, the writers kept the bloodshed to a minimum. It is a nice change of stylistic approach that while still could have been minimalized even more, was still a welcome change in comparison to the level of violence in Season 1.

While the clearly decreased level of violence and foul language incorporated into the second season of Picard makes it more worth watching, this season still fails in so many ways, not the least of which is its story. The story in question finds Q (John De Lancie) sending Jean Luc and his friends back in time to the 21^st century, apparently out of his own bizarre sense of something. He admits in the end that he just wanted Jean Luc to learn a lesson about forgiving himself (once again, not to give away too much), but he does this at the risk of history being changed forever. Yes, there is even an alternate timeline bit tied into the season. What’s more, there is even an indirect reference to none other than Quantum Leap as part of the story. That really is what audiences get here. Picard and company go back in time and have to ensure history’s safety, this time all because Q has some quirky fascination with Jean Luc even as he (Q) is dying.

Complicating matters even more is that Picard and his rogue’s gallery of friends have to ensure that the borg queen, who essentially possesses Agnes, does not manage to take over 21^st century Earth and turn it into a borg planet. Adding even more to the complication is Dr. Soong and his role in everything. He lets his selfish desire for fame and immortality (literal and figurative) blind him and makes things even more difficult for Jean Luc and company. Considering that Jean Luc already had to battle the Borg in Star Trek First Contact in order to preserve history, this whole story arc becomes all the less original. The only difference is that instead of making sure that first contact is made, he has to ensure that his ancestor precedes that moment and joins the flight to Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons.

As if all of this was not problematic enough, the writers incorporate a completely cheesy and unnecessary romance subplot between Rios and a young, single mother who runs her own clinic in Los Angeles. Obviously, Rios’ own future is set early on and audiences know what will happen here.

The fact that the writers drag out this season’s story as much as they do over 10 episodes, ensuring that Jean Luc keeps getting into so many tough spots, using so much exposition as he recalls his childhood that led him to become the stoic person her became known as during his life, makes for even more problem. It makes the season feel so much longer than it really is. To that end, if Season One failed to live up to expectations, then all of this together makes this season fail to live up to expectations even more so because of its overall

The writing is just one of the very problematic issues that Season Two faces. The season’s packaging proves problematic in its own way. The three discs over which the season’s 10 episodes are spread are poorly packaged for starters. Disc One sits on its own spot inside the Blu-ray case while Disc two sits atop Disc three with nothing to protect Disc two from getting marred by Disc 3. This greatly decreases the potential longevity of at least one of the discs if not both, depending on which one ends up sitting atop the other from one point to another.

Adding to the problems of the packaging is the fact that there is no hint of an episode guide anywhere in the packaging. The episode titles are printed on the discs, but that is the extent of what audiences get here. The result is that audiences who have not yet seen Season Two will just have to sit and wait to find out what happens from one episode to the next. What’s more, even those who are familiar with the series might forget each episode specifically, so even they might end up having to go through just to remember which episode has what aspect of the story. This greatly diminishes the general effect of Season Two along with the massive writing problems that plague this season.

Keeping all of this in mind, there is at least one aspect of the story that does work. That aspect is the season’s surprising finale, which actually ties (at least indirectly) back to the story element from Season One involving the Borg. Audiences who have seen Season One will recall that Jean Luc made the revelation that the Borg were more victims than the monsters that they were made out to be for so much time. That realization likely led to Picard to ultimately make the decision to give talks with the Borg the chance to talk in the first place in the season premiere (and finale). The revelation that is made at season’s end is sure to play into the coming third and final season. It makes all of the slow boil buildup to that point at least somewhat bearable. Keeping that in mind, this final aspect of the season works with the lessened violence and foul language to make the season worth watching at least once.

The second season of Star Trek Picard is hardly the presentation that it clearly could have been. It could have done so much right, but sadly did so much else. That is not to say that it is a total failure. It succeeds in that it uses far less foul language and overt violence (including bloodshed) than was used in Season One. The surprise finale to Season Two makes for its own interest, too. It is certain to shock plenty of longtime Star Trek fans. These two elements make up at least somewhat for all of the failures that are so prevalent throughout Season Two’s writing and packaging, which are so problematic in themselves and collectively. Each item examined is important in its own way to the second season of Picard. All things considered they make Star Trek Picard: Season 2 come up even shorter than the series’ first season.

Star Trek Picard: Season 2 is available now on DVD and Blu-ray. More information on Star Trek: Picard is available along with all of CBS All Access’ latest news at:

Website: http://www.cbs.com/allaccess

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CBSAllAccess

Twitter: http://twitter.com/cbs

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Grown-Ups Had Just As Much To Enjoy As Younger Audiences In All The New TV Box Sets

Posted on December 20, 2021 by philspicks

This year offered lots for families to enjoy together in the way of television and movies. It also offered plenty for older viewers, whether those audiences needed the occasional break from the more family friendly fare or just needed and wanted something to enjoy. Between imports and domestic releases, this year’s field of new viewing options for grown-ups offered much to appreciate.

DC and Warner Brothers’ second season of Doom Patrol, BBC America’s The Watch (It is sadly still unknown if the show will get a renewal for a second season) offered plenty of enjoyment in their own right. Meanwhile, CBS/Paramount’s third season of Star Trek: Discovery finally got that ship righted. Along with so many domestic and import releases from PBS and other sets from WB and DC, this year’s field of new offerings for older audiences helped audiences escape and relax every day. So much new content was released that it gave Phil’s Picks more than enough for another annual list of the year’s top new offerings in said field.

As with every list from Phil’s Picks, this list offers the Top 10 new entries in said field alongside five additional honorable mentions for a total of 15 titles. Each entry in this list is deserving of applause in its own right, too. Without further ado, here for your consideration is Phil’s Picks 2021 Top 10 New Grown-Up DVD/BD Box Sets.

PHIL’S PICKS’ 2021 TOP 10 NEW GROWN-UP DVD/BD BOX SETS

Cold War Creatures

All Creatures Great & Small: Season 1

Doom Patrol: Season 2

The Watch

Miss Scarlet & The Duke: Season 1

Human: The World Within

Jekyll & Hyde

Star Trek Discovery: Season 3

Black Lightning: Season 4

Superman & Lois: Season 1

Star Trek Lower Decks: Season 1

Finding Your Roots: Season 6

Finding Your Roots: Season 7

The Twilight Zone: Season 2

Star Trek Discovery: Seasons 1-3

That’s it for this list, but before the attention turns from the box sets, there is still one more category to check in on tomorrow. That category is the year’s top new DVD/BD box sets overall between the stuff for families and that for older audiences. From there, later this week, the attention will turn toward the year’s top new family DVDs and BDs to finish this year’s field of year-end lists. So there’s still plenty to come. That means as always, stay tuned!

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

‘Star Trek Discovery’ Improves Noticeably In Its Third Season

Posted on July 18, 2021 by philspicks

Paramount+’s Star Trek series Discovery is a property that has struggled to find its place in the bigger Star Trek universe over the course of its first two seasons. Of course, the series did show some growth in its second season, offering some hope for the show. Now in its third season, which is scheduled for release Tuesday on DVD and Blu-ray, that growth has continued even more, showing even more potential for its own future. That is exhibited mainly through its writing, which while not perfect is still key to this season’s success. While the writing does much to make Season Three a continued improvement for the Discovery franchise, the bonus content detracts slightly from the season’s forthcoming home presentation. This will be addressed a little later. Luckily, the detraction that the season’s bonus content causes is not enough to make this season’s presentation a failure. The acting works with the writing to continue showing the noted growth. It will also be addressed later. Each item noted here is important in its own way to the whole of Star Trek Discovery: Season Three’s presentation. All things considered, they make the season such that longtime Star Trek fans will agree is another improvement in this series.

Paramount+ and CBS DVD’s forthcoming home release of Star Trek Discovery: Season Three is a presentation that brings the series another step forward in its ongoing growth. That is due in large part to the season’s writing. The writing stands out because while it ensures the season is still serialized, there is more going on within the season. Instead of just one central story, the writers create two central stories – Burham’s efforts to reunite with the Discovery crew, the crew’s efforts to find the source of “the burn,” and the crew’s efforts to rebuild the Federation. Along the way, the writers also developed story lines within those larger stories that allow the rest of the crew to shine (E.g. Lt. Detmer’s dealing with what is essentially PTSD, Tilly’s own personal growth as she comes into her own on board the Discovery, and Emperor Girgio’s own growth and change). Given, the writers still make Burnham something of a Christ-like figure, ensuring she is at the center of the bigger stories (and crying as much as possible yet again along the way), but seeing the rest of Discovery’s main crew getting their own time in the spotlight is a nice growth. That the writers were able to keep everything balanced and keep the whole from getting bogged down in itself is definitely worth its own share of applause.

Adding onto everything already noted is the fact that the writers also worked hard this season to bring Discovery into the bigger Star Trek canon through items, such as the introduction of Andorians and Orions, and even Carl (a.k.a. the Guardian of Forever). The Guardian of Forever reaches all the way back to Star Trek The Original Series, showing once again the attempt to pull this series into canon. As if all of that is not enough, the discussion of Spock’s attempts to reunite the Vulcans and Romulans is a direct throw back to The Next Generation. Captain Picard’s name is even directly used in this discussion, which will make even the most devoted viewers happy. There is even a tribute to Star Trek Voyager at another point, adding for even more appeal. That the writers did everything noted here without making any of it feel forced is even more impressive. It results in each episode being that much more engaging and entertaining.

While the writers’ work in this season is unquestionably important to its presentation, the lack of any real discussion on that work in the bonus content detracts somewhat from the season’s presentation on DVD. That is not to say that the events of Season Three are not addressed. Quite the opposite is true as a matter of fact. They are discussed in the home release’s only real worthwhile bonus, “The Voyage of Season 3.” Audiences are taken from the season premiere to its finale, outlining how the crew grows and changes, and how everything happens. The one thing that it does not do however, is offer commentary from the cast or crew on how the course was set (no pun intended) throughout the season. It would have been nice to have known from the show’s creative heads why the surprising source of the burn was chosen for instance. That one is a bit of a head scratcher with all due respect. The source of “The Burn” will not be revealed for those who have yet to see Season Three, but again, it just feels like the writers, in this case, just decided to throw something against the wall and see if it sticks. It is just a little disappointing at least in the mind of this critic. It is the only real downside to the writing, though. Considering how much the writers brought Discovery into Star Trek canon this season, it also would have been nice to have received comment from the writers and creative heads about that. That sadly is absent in this bonus feature, too. Did the creative heads do this out of reaction to audiences or was this all planned long term? Audiences are left not knowing this.

Looking at the rest of the bonus content featured this time out, the “Bridge Building” bonus is entertaining in its own right. Considering how much more the Discovery’s bridge crew is featured this season, this profile of the crew from the actors themselves is a nice added nod to those actors.

Speaking of cast profiles, the profile of cast member Kenneth Mitchell is engaging in its own right, even if it is not necessarily memorable. Audiences get to hear from Mitchell himself here and learn of how many roles he has played over the course of the series’ now three seasons. His discussion on being diagnosed with ALS will grip and move audiences, certainly. It adds a little more appreciation for the character development and widening character portrayals this season too.

Looking at all of this (and the mostly forgettable “Writer’s Log” bonus feature), the bonus content adds some appeal to this season in its home presentation at best, but because of what it lacks, it also detracts from that presentation. Luckily, that balance of pro and con here is enough to keep the presentation still mostly positive.

One more item that makes the third season of Star Trek Discovery positive is the acting. Every cast member serves his or her own positive part in terms of the acting. That includes Mitchell. While Mitchell only appears near the season finale, his subtle performance as part of the Emerald Chain and his realization as to what the Emerald Chain is really all about is powerful in its simplicity. Mitchell shows here a real appreciation for his time on screen, making audiences really connect with him. On another note, Michelle Yeoh is once again one of the real highlights in terms of the acting. Her role as Emperor Giorgio, that hard-nosed figure is just so great to take in. Even the crew appreciated that snappy nature. Audiences will be left for audiences to figure that out for themselves. On a more subtle note, Linus (David Benjamin Tomlinson) makes for some great subtle comic relief as he tries to figure out how the new Federation badges work, even accidentally breaking up a romantic moment between Burnham and Book. Yes, she falls in love again, but that development was obvious right from the duo’s meeting in the season premiere. Tomlinson may not be a key member of the cast, but he is used so well even as a lesser member of the crew and deserves his own share of applause. Between his work, that of the other cast members addressed here and that of the rest of the cast, the overall acting does a lot to make this season enjoyable in its own right. When it is considered along with the positives of the writing and even some of the positives in the bonus content (as few as they are), the whole makes the third season of Star Trek Discovery a cast improvement on the series from its first two seasons. One can only hope that the improvements continue in the now apparently planned fourth season.

The third season of Star Trek Discovery is a noticeable improvement on the series from its first two seasons. That is evidenced in large part through its writing. The writing has expanded this season, incorporating more story elements rather than just focusing on one item. That means also allowing stars other than Sonequa Martin-Green to have the spotlight. It is a nice change of pace. Add in the more clear effort by all involved to tie Discovery into Star Trek canon, and the writing creates even more appeal. While the writing does a lot to make this season appealing, the bonus content that accompanies the season’s home release detracts from the presentation. That is because while it does offer some background on the season, that background is limited. Luckily, the character profiles make up for that shortcoming at least to a point. Keeping that in mind, the few positives in the bonus content make up for the shortcomings to keep the bonus content from dooming the presentation. Those positives work along with the wholly positive acting to rounds out the most important of the season’s elements. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of the season. All things considered, they make the third season of Star Trek Discovery largely a win and clear improvement on the show from its first two seasons.

Star Trek Discovery Season Three is scheduled for release Tuesday on DVD and Blu-ray. More information on the series is available online now at:

Website: https://cbs.com/shows/star-trek-discovery

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTrekCBS

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cbs

‘Star Trek: Picard’ Falls Short Of Expectations In Its Debut Season

Posted on November 11, 2020 by philspicks

Courtesy: Paramount/CBS/CBS All Access/CBS DVD

CBS All Access’ latest entry in the ever-expanding Star Trek universe, Picard is another disappointment in the “new generation” of Star Trek series, next to Discovery. The 10-episode debut season of Picard gives audiences little reason to remain engaged or even entertained in its writing and acting. That is not to say that this season is a complete failure. It is saved at least in part by its special effects and the packaging of its home release. Other than those aesthetic elements, there is really no other reason for viewers to even try out this attempt to resurrect the TNG era of Star Trek.

The debut season of CBS All Access’ Star Trek: Picard is a rough first outing for the show. It is not a complete failure, though. It does have at least a couple of positives, one of which is its special effects. Technology has come a long way in terms of the use of special effects, and they were used quite well throughout the course of Picard’s debut season. Audiences will marvel at the upgrades made to the Borg cube that was so badly damaged in an epic battle with the Enterprise back in the days of TNG. In a similar vein, the effects that were used to create the home world of the “synths” and the Federation headquarters is just as impressive. The space battles that took place were just as enjoyable to watch, even though they looked more like something out of Battlestar Galactica and Babylon 5. The effects that were used to create the early destruction of the Mars shipyards is worth acknowledging, too. Those sequences are pretty brutal, even though again, one can’t help but think of BSG in this case, too. Simply put, the special effects that were presented throughout the course of Picard’s debut (and hopefully only) season give viewers at least something to appreciate here. Going back again to the mention of the BSG comparison, that item is just one of many that brings about the season’s one major detractor, its writing.

The writing that is featured in the first season of Picard is problematic to say the very least. The whole thing starts off as essentially a “sequel” of sorts to Star Trek: Nemesis, the finale to The Next Generation’s cinematic universe. That 2002 movie was the lowest point for the TNG franchise at the time, but Jean Luc’s desire to find Data’s consciousness here is just cheesy to say the very least. The real Jean Luc-Picard did mourn for Data in Nemesis, but he ultimately would have accepted Data’s passing. So to have this story open like this makes suspension of disbelief difficult to say the least. From there, audiences are presented with the all too familiar topic of whether artificial intelligence can become fully sentient. It is a topic that became central to TNG, but was addressed far before Star Trek was a thing, thus the reference to Isaac Asimov throughout this season. It has been used and used again so many times throughout the sci-fi world that it has become little more than a trope. The over-the-top preachiness that ensues in regards to the Romulans’ blind hatred of synths is yet another echo of something that has been addressed so many times in other movies and television shows that preceeded Picard. To that end, it makes the topic that much more unengaging.

Of course for all of the negative in the show’s writing, it does have some positives. One positive element of the writing comes in Jean Luc’s revelation about the Borg being “victims, not monsters” as he visits the Borg cube in which he himself became a Borg in TNG. He realizes that the Borg were in fact real, living beings who were transformed by the sentience. That is a direct connection to the bigger discussion on the synths’ place in the universe, but is still far less preachy than the other noted talk. Considering that the story line in Star Trek Discovery states the Federation essentially made the Borg when it created “Control,” Picard’s statement holds even more water so to speak.

Staying on the topic of Jean Luc’s revelations, his comment early on that the Federation does not decide which society survives is powerful in itself. It echoes back to Luke Skywalker’s disillusionment with the Jedi order in the Star Wars universe. The Federation’s Prime Directive was to not get involved directly in any society, so for his fellow Admiral to declare the Federation does hold that power makes Jean Luc a more sympathetic character. It shows that there is at least a little bit of positive to the writing. Sadly though, other than these revelations, most of the writing still poses its share of problems. There is so much exposition and waxing philosophical throughout the season that the show’s pacing starts to suffer many times. It isn’t the lighter but direct writing that audiences enjoyed in the “old days” of Star Trek. Audiences are even made to endure an extensive discussion on mortality in the season finale (not to give away too much) that is way heavy.

As if everything noted was not enough, the blatant foul language and often gory content written into the scripts detracts from the writing even more. TOS, TNG, DSN, Voyager, and Enterprise did not need violence and foul language in order to work. To that end, why did the show’s creative heads think these elements were so necessary in this case? It leaves one shaking one’s head in disbelief that much more.

Simply put, the writing detracts from the presentation of Picard: Season One noticeably. That is even with its rare positives. While the writing does considerable damage to this season’s presentation, there is at least one more positive for audiences. It is the packaging of the season’s home release.

Audiences will note that Season One’s packaging actually is its own positive. The set’s three discs sit on their own “plate” inside the box. This protects them from being damaged in any form. Brief but concise episode summaries are also printed on the inside of the set’s cover art. This is where things get a little bit problematic. Due to being printed on the inside of the case’s art, some of the summaries are partially covered by the package’s “bones.” This leads to the need to shift the box so that they can be better read. Even doing that is problematic because even in doing that, there is still some difficulty in reading said summaries. Thankfully it doesn’t happen with all of the summaries. To that end, the inclusion of the summaries is still mostly positive in its own fashion. When all of this noted packaging presentation is considered along with the show’s special effects, the show’s presentation proves to have at least something to appreciate

The debut season of CBS All Access’ Star Trek: Picard is a rough start for this series. It does not give audiences much to appreciate. Rather, it comes across more as a cash grab attempt by someone to get fans of The Next Generation to welcome the “new age” of Star Trek. That is evidenced in large part through the season’s central story and writing. The writing comes across as some kind of attempt by the show’s creative heads to see if they could make up for the failure that was Nemesis while also rehashing the far too familiar topic of artificial intelligence and the potential results of said intelligence becoming sentient. It all feels so forced. To the show’s defense, there are at least a couple of positives to the writing, but they are just not enough to make this season memorable. The only real positives to this season are its special effects and the packaging of its home release. Even as much as they do to help the season’s presentation, they just are not enough to save Season One. Ultimately, one can only hope that considering all of the problems posed throughout the season, the now confirmed second season will be anything but the failure that is Season One.

More information on Star Trek: Picard is available along with all of CBS All Access’ latest news at:

Website: http://www.cbs.com/allaccess

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‘Short Treks’ Is The First Fully Successful Presentation From The ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Universe

Posted on September 14, 2020 by philspicks

Courtesy: Paramount/CBS/CBS All Access

CBS All Access’ Star Trek series Discovery has proven over the course of its current two-season run. The series, and its cast and crew are hoping to “right the ship” when the series’ third season debuts next month – Oct. 15 to be exact – on CBS All Access. Until Season Three makes its debut, audiences have another way to pass the time in the form of Star Trek: Short Treks. Released June 2 on DVD and Blu-ray, this latest addition to the Discovery universe is a rare ray of light for the otherwise maligned over-the-top series. That is due in part to the shorts featured in the single-disc collection. They will be addressed (along with the one short that did not make the final cut). The bonus content featured along with the stories adds to its appeal and will be discussed a little later. The collection’s average price point proves relatively worth the money, considering the featured content and its value. It will also be addressed later. Keeping all of this in mind, the collection proves to be the first truly successful offering so far in the Discovery universe. It gives hope that maybe, just maybe, the series’ third season will be just as enjoyable. Even if not, at least audiences will have this rare bright spot in the series.

Star Trek: Short Treks is the first great presentation that fans of Star Trek Discovery have received since the series made its debut in September 2017. It is a presentation that gives hope for the series’ third season upon its debut Oct. 15. That is due in part to the shorts that are featured in the single-disc collection. The shorts in question have loose ties to the series, but are still their own unique stories in themselves. One of the most notable of the nine total featured shorts comes in the form of “Ask Not.” Directed by Anson Mount, who also plays Captain Pike in the series, this story focuses on Pike testing a young cadet named Thira Sidhu (Amrit Kaur – The D Cut, Kim’s Convenience) to see if she is ready to serve on the Enterprise. There is really little to no real connection to Discovery in this story. Though considering that a spinoff series involving Pike’s time on the Enterprise is allegedly in the works, that short might in fact come into play somewhere down the line. Getting back to the subject at hand, there is something compelling about this story. Maybe it is the acting between Mount and Kaur. Maybe it is the writing. Maybe it is the production (which Mount mentions in his commentary – this will be discussed a little later). Maybe it is all of the above. Regardless, the approach that was taken in front of and behind the camera, made this story something unique that shows in its own way what make this collection worth watching.

“The Girl Who Made The Stars” is another key addition to the collection. This story, which goes back to Michael’s childhood, finds her father having to come check on her after she has a bad dream. Her father, by the way, is played here by Kenric Green (The Walking Dead, The Originals, Hawaii Five-O). Green is the same man who played her father in the series. In the case of this animated story, Mike (played by Green) tells a then young Michael Jr. the story of how the stars came to be. The very act of a parent sharing a bedtime story with a child is something that will appeal to any viewer. It is just a portion of what makes the short so appealing. The other portion of the short’s appeal comes in the fact that Mike Sr. used the story to help Michael learn a valuable lesson while also connecting her to the rich history of her African ancestors. In reality, there is no story of a girl who created the stars, though there is a myth from the Khoisan people of the Kalahari about a girl who threw embers from a fire into the sky and created the Milky Way galaxy, which included the stars. So to that end, maybe Mike’s story was rooted to some extent from that real life African myth.

“The Trouble With Edward” is another key addition to Star Trek: Short Treks. Like many of the other shorts, this one boasts no connection to Discovery. In this case in fact, its connection is to the infamous Star Trek: TOS episode “The Trouble With Tribbles.” The short and simple of the short’s story is that it tells how the Tribbles came to be so reproductive and hints at how they likely ended up on the Enterprise. According to the story Federation scientist Edward Larkin (H. Jon Benjamin — Home Movies, Bob’s Burgers, Archer) was responsible for all of the problems. Larkin tells his cohorts during a meeting that they actually reproduced slowly and that he was able to speed up their reproduction. Larkin revealed the whole intent was to be able to do just that so as to use them as a food source for a non-human race of beings. This just seems odd. It’s right up there with the revelation in the second season of Discovery (***SPOILER ALERT) that the Federation black ops group Section 31 essentially created what would go on to become The Borg in what was then called “Control.” It’s hard to imagine that an organization that was meant to bring the universe together would be responsible for two such destructive species (if one even wants to call the Borg a species). While the story just seems so suspect Benjamin’s performance here is so entertaining to say the very least. His demeanor as he talks about being able to use the tribbles as a food source is so unsettling, but all a person can do is laugh because he is so unsettling in his persona. The same applies as he reveals whose DNA was combined with the tribble DNA to make them reproduce so quickly. Even as he is being overtaken by the tribbles (not to giv away too much), he holds character. That makes that moment just as hilarious even though it is supposed to be a tense moment. It leads to the final scene being such a powerfully entertaining exclamation mark to the story. It is hardly the last of the collection’s most notable stories. “Calypso,” with its tie to the Greek myth of Odysseus, and its minimalist approach is another powerful work in its own right. There is allegedly even a chance that it might end up having a tie to the third season of Discovery after all. “The Escape Artist,” with its standalone story about the infamous Harry Mudd (who also appeared in an episode of Star Trek: TOS) makes for its own entertainment. It allows for Rainn Wilson (who played Mudd in Discovery) to expand and really show his chops even more.

Now for all of the value that the noted shorts (and those not noted) offer audiences, it should be noted that there is at least one short not featured in this set. That short is “Children of Mars.” Why it was omitted from the collection is anyone’s guess. Maybe it was a copyright issue. Maybe it was an intentional saving for a second volume of shorts. With those potentialities in mind, one cannot be but so displeased with that issue. Hopefully it will end up on a second volume of shorts in the not too distant future. Keeping all of this in mind, the shorts featured in this collection give audiences more than enough to appreciate in themselves. For all of the value that the shorts themselves offer audiences, they are just a portion of what makes the collection stand out. The set’s bonus content adds its own share of appeal for audiences.

The bonus content that accompanies the set’s shorts adds its own appeal because of the background that it offers audiences. Case in point is the audio commentary in the episode “Ask Not.” As previously noted, Anson Mount (who stars as Captain Pike in Discovery) directed the short “Ask Not.” Mount talks in the short’s audio commentary about directing the short as well as its production values and tone. He notes the use of the camera work as he and co-star Thira Sidhu circle one another in the simulation and his intention in using such an approach to help heighten the tension of the moment. It was an approach that worked, too, as audiences are led to believe fully at first that what was happening was anything but a simulation. He also addresses the sound balance, considering everything that was going on in the tight space, while also offering praise to Sidhu for her own portrayal. Mount is so reserved as he talks about everything, and it serves to really draw audiences in that much more and appreciate everything he has to talk about.

Staying on the same track, Rainn Wilson directed his feature short “The Escape Artist.” He talks in the bonus content “Covered in Mudd” about directing the short and everything that went into directing. His humility in his discussion is refreshing. It will please any longtime Star Trek devotee. What’s more, Wilson talks about how the final scene was created. It gives a new appreciation for the painstaking efforts that those responsible for special effects make to entertain audiences. As if that is not enough, Wilson also addresses getting the chance to allow Harry Mudd to expand as a character through the short. This goes back to Wilson’s humility as he discusses taking on the short in front of and behind the lens. It really is a discussion that audiences will appreciate just as much as any other. It certainly is not the last of the most notable bonus features. The bonus feature “Score!,” which is featured as a companion to the short “Ephraim & Dot” is yet another standout bonus feature. When that feature, which explains the short’s connection to Discovery — ***Spoiler alert, Ephraim is the Tardigrade from Discovery) – is considered along with the other bonus content addressed here and the rest of the disc’s bonus content, the whole of said content adds even more reason for audiences to check out this presentation. That whole, together with the disc’s primary content makes the collection’s average price point a positive in its own right.

Star Trek: Short Treks was released this past June on DVD and Blu-ray. The average price point for the collection’s DVD presentation is $15.38. Its average price point on Blu-ray is $22.44. Those prices were reached by averaging listings through Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, and Books-A-Million. Amazon and Walmart offer the least expensive DVD listing at $12.96 while Amazon offers the least expensive Blu-ray listing at $19.74. Barnes & Noble Booksellers and Books-A-Million are the only major retailers listed whose prices — $28.96 and $25.99 respectively – exceed the average for the Blu-ray. They are also the only retailers of those noted whose prices exceed the average for the DVD, at $18.39 and $17.99 respectively. Keeping that in mind, they are the only retailers that audiences should avoid when ordering the collection on either platform. All of the other retailers stay within the bounds of the averages on each platform.

The price itself is its own positive for audience. Audiences should also take into account with the noted average prices that they are going to get the same presentation on each platform. The primary and secondary content is the same on DVD and Blu-ray in other words. Keeping that in mind and the fact that a DVD can play in a Blu-ray player, audiences really will do themselves more of a service purchasing this on DVD than Blu-ray. That is especially considering that the DVD’s average price listing and its separate listings are all below the $20 mark. As the sticker on the box notes, audiences get more than three hours of content (including the bonus content) for less than $20 on DVD. That is a positive that cannot be ignored. It puts the final touch on a presentation that in reality is the best Discovery presentation so far.

CBS All Access’ latest Star Trek: Discovery presentation Short Treks is the best presentation that the company has released to date. That is important to note considering all the problems presented in the series’ first two seasons. This standalone collection shines in part because of its featured shorts. They exemplify acting and writing done right, in comparison to everything presented in Discovery. It is known widely that a new creative force was brought in behind the lens during the second season of Discovery. Maybe these shorts are a reflection of the stylistic change brought on by the new crew addition. The bonus content featured with the shorts adds to the set’s appeal. It offers background that enhances the experience even more. The collection’s average price point (especially on DVD) adds even more appeal to the collection’s presentation. Each noted item is important in its own way. Collectively, they make Star Trek: Short Treks a welcome watch for any true Star Trek fan. The collection is available now.

More information on Star Trek: Short Treks and Star Trek: Discovery is available online now at:

Website: http://cbs.com/shows/star-trek-discovery

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StarTrekCBS

Twitter: http://twitter.com/cbs

Paramount, CBS Announce Release Date For ‘Star Trek Picard: Season 1’

Posted on July 25, 2020 by philspicks

Courtesy: Paramount/CBS/CBS All Access/CBS DVD

Paramount and CBS are bringing CBS All Access’ latest Star Trek series to DVD and Blu-ray.

The series’ first season is scheduled for release Oct. 6 on each platform. The 10-season debut season follows now retired Starfleet Admiral Jean-Luc Picard as he comes out of retirement an embarks on a whole new journey. It begins 20 years after the events of the last of the Star Trek: TNG movies, Nemesis (2002). Data’s death and the destruction of the planet Romulus have had a deep emotional impact on him.

When a mysterious young woman named Dahj (Isa Briones — Takers, Lonely Boy, Brown Soup Thing) approaches Picard for help, he realizes she might have a connection to his own past.

Season One also stars Harry Treadaway (The Lone Ranger, Honeymoon, City of Ember), Alison Pill (Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Milk, Dan in Real Life), Evan Evagora (Fantasy Island), Michelle Hurd (Blindspot, Ash vs. Evil Dead, Lethal Weapon TV series), and Santiago Cabrera (Big Little Lies, Transformers: The Last Knight, Heroes).

More information on Star Trek Picard and other CBS and CBS All Access series is available at:

Website: http://cbs.com/shows/star-trek-picard

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CBS

Twitter: http://twitter.com/cbs

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Shows Some Growth In Its Second Season

Posted on November 24, 2019 by philspicks

Courtesy: Paramount/CBS/CBS All Access

Early next year, CBS All Access will debut the latest entry in the long-running Star Trek franchise in the form of Star Trek: Picard. The series’ debut is set for April 2020. According to information from multiple media outlets, the third season of the streaming service’s other Star Trek series, Discovery will premiere. While audiences wait for the premiere of Discovery’s third season, they have the series’ to take in on DVD and Blu-ray. Officially released Nov. 12, the series’ second season is a slight improvement from its debut season. That is proven in part through the season’s writing, which will be addressed shortly. At the same time that the writing has provided a certain improvement from the series’ first season, it also has proven to be a negative to the season. This will also be addressed. The season’s acting rounds out its most important elements and will also be discussed here. Between the writing and acting, audiences get in the second season of Discovery, an example of a show that is improving, but still has a very long way to go before it can be considered among the best of Star Trek’s series.Star Trek: Picard

The second season of Star Trek: Discovery is a small step up from the series’ debut season. It shows that the series has some potential. That is due in part to the series’ writing. The writing offers audiences far more lighthearted moments this time out than in Season One. There are more jokes and casual moments featured throughout the season’s 14 episodes this time around. That could be perhaps because the crew of the Discovery has more breathing room, what with the war with the Klingons ended after Season One. It is nice to see those more lighthearted moments, as it shows that the show’s writers apparently don’t constantly take themselves with a lot of seriousness and can offer some entertainment.

The writing offers entertainment not just through lots of lighthearted moments this season, but also in the more action packed moments. Those moments are many throughout the season, too. From the crew’s dealings with “Control,” which are essentially the ancestors of the Borg, to the fights with Capt. Leland to the final epic battle in the season’s two-part finale, there is just as much enjoyable action throughout the season as there is joking and lightheartedness. The combination of those elements shows that clearly a lot of time and thought was put into improving the writing for this season. The time and thought paid off, clearly.

For all of the payoff that the noted time and thought had in the writing, it also proved just as much a negative as a positive. That is proven as there is an overabundance of unnecessary, over-the-top drama throughout the season, too. From the season premiere to its exciting two-part finale, the show’s writing team gave star Sonequa Martin-Green more than her share of screen time and just as many opportunities to shed a river of tears and then some. Between her personal moment with Saru when it appears he is going to die (not to give away too much here, but Saru doesn’t die), her nonstop emotional confrontations with Spock and her adopted parents, to her full-on emotional breakdown after another of her ship mates forced her to send her out of an airlock, killing her, Martin-Green gets plenty of crying time on screen. As if all of that is not enough, Anson Mount’s extraordinarily (and unnecessarily) long speeches as the season nears its end make it quite easy for audiences to hit the fast forward button on their remotes. The ongoing drama between Hugh and Stamets, and the seemingly never-ending drama between Michael and Ash adds to that overabundance of drama, too. That overabundance of drama sadly detract quite a bit from the season’s overall general effect and make it difficult for audiences to take seriously. Rather, they give the season more of a feel of one big supernova of an interstellar soap opera than an action, science fiction series. Simply put, the overabundance of drama tied into Season two’s presentation does just as much to hurt this show even more as the more lighthearted moments do in order to make the show more enjoyable. To that end, one can only hope that the show’s writers will continue to infuse more light dialogue next season than drama. If they don’t go that route, odds are, it will just continue to alienate fans (no pun intended) and find itself ending sooner rather than later.

While the writing incorporated into Discovery’s second season is both a pro and a con, the one element that can be said to be a full positive is the work of the show’s cast. Anson Mount (Hell on Wheels) is a wonderful addition to the cast. His portrayal of Capt. Pike makes him one of the best additions to the cast. He really conjures thoughts of Capt. Kirk as he directly contrasts the much harder-edged presence of Capt. Lorca. Getting off topic for a moment, the writes mention Lorca in the opening episodes of the season, but still do nothing to explain away what happened to the prime universe Lorca, since it was revealed that Discovery’s Lorca was from the alternate universe. Getting back on topic, Mount effortlessly makes Pike a character that every viewer loves just as much as the Discovery’s crew. He cracks jokes with the bridge crew, shoots sarcastic remarks at Ash and Emporor Georgiou, and takes control when the heat is on, just as a good leader would. He just shows so much charisma throughout. It makes it too bad that he allegedly will not return for the series’ third season.

Another notable acting job from Season Two comes from newcomer Tig Notaro. Notaro, who takes on the role of Federation Engineer Jett Reno plays expertly off of Anthony Rapp (Paul Stamets). The verbal barbs that Reno so willingly shoots at Stamets are among the best of the season’s lighthearted moments. Her timing and general presence makes for some of the season’s best laughs. In the same breath, she shows her own unique brand of care as she talks to Hugh about his relationship with Paul (yes, Hugh does return this season, albeit in a rather comic book-esque fashion, which is another issue with the writing that detracts from the season’s general effect). She maintain’s Reno’s edge, but still manages to show Reno has a heart in the process. It makes her quite the sympathetic character and talented actor. Between her acting, that of fellow newcomer Anson Mount and Ethan Peck (who plays Spock – Peck’s take on the timeless, beloved figure is noteworthy in its own right), audiences have just as much reason to watch this season for its acting as for the growth exhibited in the show’s writing. One can only hope that between the growth exhibited in the writing and the positive acting jobs of the cast, the improvements made in this season will continue in Season Three and continue to help this show prove its potential.

Paramount Pictures and CBS’ latest entry into the Star Trek universe, Discovery has show n significant growth in its second season from its debut season. That is evident in part in the season’s writing, which attempts to offer more lighthearted moments to balance out its overabundance of unnecessary over the top drama. Speaking of the drama, there is a lot of that, which seriously detracts from the season, along with the oftentimes dizzying cinematography. Thankfully, as much as those items detract from the season’s presentation, they are not enough to make the season completely unwatchable. The on-camera work of some of the show’s new cast members adds its own share of engagement and entertainment. Each item is key in its own way to the whole of the season’s presentation. All things considered, they show this season has the potential for growth, if only its creative heads won’t let it become the full-on interstellar soap opera that it largely become this season. Here’s to hoping Season Three will avoid all that drama and instead opt for more action than overdrawn, overabundant and unnecessary tear-filled jaunts. If they do that, it can make Season Three a major turning point for Discovery; if and only if they go that route. Star Trek: Discovery Season Two is available now on DVD and Blu-ray. More information on the series is available online now at:

Website: http://cbs.com/shows/star-trek-discovery

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StarTrekCBS

Twitter: http://twitter.com/cbs

No Joke, Time Life’s Robin Williams Retrospective Is 2018’s Top New Box Set For Grown-Ups

Posted on December 31, 2018 by philspicks

Courtesy: Time Life

The final hours of 2018 are upon us, and with those final hours nearing their end, so do Phil’s Picks’ annual year-ender lists. One of this year’s final yea-enders examines the year’s top new box sets for grown-ups.

Grown-up audiences have quite a few options from which to choose this year in regards to box sets. From the multitude of dramas turned out by CBS to the wider variety of titles released via PBS to material released via Time Life, audiences had plenty to enjoy this year.

This year’s list was actually relatively easy to develop even with the number of titles released for grown-ups. Taking the top spot in this year’s list of best new DVD/BD Box Sets for Grown-Ups is Time Life’s Robin Williams retrospective, Comic Genius. The multi-disc set, which spans two separate volumes, offers hours of entertainment while chronicling Williams’ evolution as a comedian. This set is well worth the money and time.

The second spot in this year’s list goes to the second season of PBS’ British import crime drama Endeavour. From its debut season years ago to this season, the prequel series to Inspector Morse has proven to be so infectious and head and shoulders above its American counteraprts. That is thanks to its strong writing.

The bronze in this year’s list goes to the debut season of The CW’s Black Lightning. The CW is filled out by so many superhero series today that it should re-brand itself as “The DC/Superhero Network” — note the sarcasm here — and even with all of the shows that it airs, this series stood out proudly in its first season thanks to its writing, acting and bonus material.

Along with these three titles, is a bevy of other wide-ranging titles, such as the second season of NBC’s The Good Place, the debut season of PBS’ new cooking series Milk Street and the fourth season of the network’s family history series Finding Your Roots along with Shout! Factory’s recently released Super Sentai: Gojin Sentai Jetman — The Complete Series and plenty of other titles. As always, the top 10 titles on the list are just that, while the five that follow are honorable mentions, making a total of 15 titles.

Without any further ado, here for your consideration is Phil’s Picks 2018 Top 10 New Grown-Up DVD/BD Box Sets.

PHIL’S PICKS 2018 TOP 10 NEW GROWN-UP DVD/BD BOX SETS

Robin Williams: Comic Genius
Endeavour: Season Five
Black Lightning: Season One
Finding Your Roots: Season Four
Milk Street: Season One
The Good Place: Season Two
Super Sentai: Gojin Sentai Jetman — The Complete Series
The Durells in Corfu: Season Three
Rowan & Martin’s Laugh–In: The Complete Series
Star Trek Discovery: Season One
Rowan & Martin’s Laugh–In: The Complete Second Season
Rowan & Martin’s Laugh–In: The Complete Third Season
Rowan & Martin’s Laugh–In: The Complete Fourth Season
Rown & Martin’s Laugh–In: The Complete Fifth Season
Rowan & Martin’s Laugh–In: The Complete Sixth Season

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

CBS All Access’ New ‘Star Trek’ Series Fails In Its First Season

Posted on December 8, 2018 by philspicks

Courtesy: CBS Television Studios/Paramount

In a little more than a month, CBS All Access’ latest entry into the Star Trek universe – Star Trek: Discovery — returns for its second season. While audiences count the days until the fledgling series returns, they have its debut season to take in on DVD and Blu-ray courtesy of CBS Television Studios and Paramount Home Entertainment. Released in stores Nov. 13 on separate DVD and Blu-ray sets, Season One’s home release offers both pros and cons to note, beginning with the series’ very writing. It will be discussed shortly. The set’s bonus content is its own positive, and will be discussed a little later. The set’s average price point is also important to discuss, and will be addressed later. Each item noted here is important in its own right to the whole of the season’s presentation. All things considered, the debut season of Star Trek: Discovery proves to be a new start for the Star Trek universe that is worth at least one watch, but sadly not much more.

The debut season of CBS All Access’ new Star Trek offering, Star Trek: Discovery is a rough new start for the Star Trek universe’s latest offering. It is not the franchise’s worst entry, but definitely is not the franchise’s best entry, either. That is due in part to the writing, which like Paramount’s 2009 big screen Star Trek reboot, is little more than just another revisiting of the Star Trek universe’s past. It takes audiences into the past, attempting to show what led to the never-ending tensions between the Federation and the Klingon Empire. The result is a presentation that conjures thoughts more of SyFy Channel’s most recent Battlestar Galactica reboot than any Star Trek entry, either on the big or small screen. This is just the beginning of the problems with the writing, because the set-off is actually somewhat ambiguous. Were the Klingons already planning to rise up before the incident with Michael Bernham and the Klingon warrior, or did it only happen after that incident? Audiences know that said incident played at least in part to the conflict, but because of the dialogue featured throughout the early episodes of Season One, audiences will be left scratching their heads to a point as to that setup.

As season one progresses, it resurrects some ST story elements that are all too familiar to longtime ST fans. One of those elements is a time loop arc. Another is the alternate universe story arc. The time loop has been done already in Star Trek: The Next Generation while the alternate universe arc was used in Star Trek: TOS. This series’ writers try to freshen up the time loop arc by setting it off through a character that fans of TOS will recognize, and while it does work to a point, the story starts to plod along after a while, getting lost in itself along the way. The alternate universe arc proves even more problematic not only because it’s already been done, but also because it creates its own share of plot holes. Not to give away too much for the sake of those who haven’t yet seen Season One, but if the alternate universe has the evil twins of the Discovery “prime” universe – the term “prime” is actually used by Berham in this arc – then where is the “good” twin of Capt. Lorca and the “evil” twin of Bernham? Bernham’s doppelganger is mentioned by the “evil” Phillipa, but the writers never address where she is in a bigger sense. Nor is it mentioned where the “good” Capt. Lorca is or if there even is a “good Capt. Lorca. The writers try to explain it away in an early scene in the arc between Discovery’s Bernham and Lorca, but it is still ultimately left up in the air. Even Paul Stamets’ double is introduced as he sits in a coma. This is its own problem as one can’t help but make comparison to so many soap operas, as every major soap opera has done the coma “dream sequence” way too many times. Getting back on track, even as Discovery gets back to its own universe, the whereabouts of the “evil” Discovery ship is not addressed, either. Where is it? Did it go back to its universe when Discovery jumped back to its universe? Again, here audiences have a plot hole that is left wide open even as the writers struggle to address the situation in the story arc’s finale.

Another plot hole that is left wide open involves Bernham’s adoptive father, (who also proves to be the father of another even more well-known Star Trek character) Sarek. Again, not to give away too much, but Sarek is rescued after his ship is sabotaged (in a moment that makes one think of something from Iron Man 3), but after his rescue, his character is ignored until the season’s final two episodes. Audiences don’t hear from him after Bernham leaves him laying in sick bay, recovering from his wounds. Next time he’s seen, he’s in full health. This is problematic as it doesn’t take long after that instance for the problems to start again for Discovery. Was Sarek still on the ship at that point? When did he leave the ship? Again, this is a plot hole that simply cannot be ignored. It proves the writing that much more problematic. This still is not the last of the issues raised through an examination of the writing. The introduction of Lt. Tyler creates its own issue.

The introduction of Lt. Tyler is a direct comparison to Battlestar Galactica. This critic will attempt to not give away too much information here, but the revelation about who and what Tyler is makes that comparison far too easy. The recent reboot of Battlestar Galactica saw the Cylons infiltrate the humans’ ranks by making them look like the humans. This in itself was a lifting from Terminator 2 (if not other previous movies and TV shows). What the writers did here with Tyler is very similar, but instead of making him a robot, they made him something else. Audiences who have yet to see this season will be left to make that discovery themselves, but it goes without saying that it has been done before. In this case, it is the same thing, just altered slightly and in more gory fashion.

As if the general story elements, the plot holes and that they create, and the rehashing of another element are not enough, the smaller items of the writing prove just as problematic for this presentation. There is lots of overt bloodshed, gore, sexual content and foul language. Given, maybe her and there, there has been some mildly suggestive material in previous Star Trek incarnations, but never was it to the point that it is here. There are flashes of a sex scene between one of the lead Klingon characters and another character late in the season’s run. There is also enough bloodshed and overt violence to appease the most bloodthirsty person. It’s a disappointment because none of the Star Trek universe’s other series’ needed any of that in order to be even mildly entertaining. So, why did the writers think it was needed here? Have audiences really become that dependent on violence and sexuality? If so, then that is in itself is a troubling statement.

While the writing exhibited in the debut season of Star Trek: Discovery does a lot to detract from its presentation, the set is not a total loss. That is thanks to the bonus content featured throughout the set. Throughout the set, audiences are treated to featurettes, which focus on the series’ sets, costumes, makeup and even the philosophical aspects of the storylines as well as other items. The discussions on the stories’ deeper ruminations are interesting, and do create at least a little bit of appreciation for the work that the writers put in. After all, this is not the only Star Trek entry that has striverd to use its stories to create dialogues on certain deep topics. However, it sadly is not enough to make up for the bigger problems posed through the writing. The discussions on the sets and costumes make for fun glances behind the cameras, Audiences will be interested to see how the costume and makeup departments used modern 3D printing technology alongside more traditional methodology to create the look of the Klingons. In the same vein, the thought and effort put into the sets is just as interesting. This feature will appeal just as much to theater production specialists as it will to general audiences.

As the season comes to an end, audiences are treated to another, different type of feature in the season retrospective, “The Journey of Season 1.” This roughly 20-minute featurette features discussions from the show’s cast and creative heads about their favorite episodes and the importance of those episodes to the season’s overall presentation. This brings everything full circle in regards to the bonuses. It brings back those discussions on the season’s philosophical elements while also letting more people offer their own perspective on those themes. Of course it is just one more of the bonus features worth watching. The bonuses, including deleted scenes (at least one of which gives a hint about Season 2), are spread throughout the season’s discs. This is important in that it shows Paramount and CBS Television Studios did not try to just cram a bunch of random featuerettes onto the last disc, unlike what so many other studios do. It shows the companies wanted to give audiences the biggest bang for their buck. They succeeded at that, too.

Speaking of bang for the buck, the set’s average price point is respectable. The average price point for the season’s Blu-ray presentation – using prices listed at Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million – comes to $39.86. In other words it comes in at just under $40. The DVD set’s average price – using those same outlets – comes to $32.14. Both sets feature the same bonus content and the same episodes. There is no real difference between the two platforms in terms of content. Considering this, the pricing here is on part with other DVD and Blu-ray sets for other TV series, so there is that to appreciate. Considering the entertainment that the bonus material (and to a slightly lesser degree, the primary content) offers, that makes both platforms’ average pricing respectable. When this is considered alongside the noted bonus and primary content, the whole of Discovery: Season One proves worth at least one watch, but sadly, no more.

CBS All Access’ latest journey into the Star Trek universe, Star Trek: Discovery – Season 1 is a presentation that is nothing like its predecessors. More akin to Syfy’s most recent Battlestar Galactica reboot and Disney’s most recent Star Wars movies, this latest revisiting of the Star Trek universe history’s past (it has already been done in 2009 with Paramount’s big screen Star Trek reboot) suffers severely from writing problems, such as lagging story arcs that are often times overflowing with plot holes and general lack of creativity. Additionally, the overall cinematic nature of the season, and the knowledge that the series is a serial (unlike its predecessors) makes this season feel more like one big movie than a general TV series. Some people will like it, but others – like this critic – will very much dislike these aspects. The bonus content spread across the set’s discs does at least a little bit to make up for the problems posed by the writing. The average price point for the set’s separate DVD and Blu-ray platforms lets audiences know that their money spent was not entirely wasted. Despite that affordable price point and the positives in the bonus material, the problems posed by the writing are just too much to overcome. In general, the positives of the pricing and secondary content makes this set worth at least one watch, but sadly no more than that. Star Trek: Discovery – Season 1 is available now in stores and online. More information on Star Trek: Discovery is available online now at:

Website: http://www.cbs.com/shows/star-trek-discovery

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StarTrekCBS

Twitter: http://twitter.com/cbs

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