This is the City, 50 Years Later

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Today, January 12th, 2017, marks the 50th anniversary of the debut of one of the more memorable revivals ever to hit network television, at least in my opinion.  On this date, one of the iconic characters of TV and radio cop shows made his comeback onto NBC.  It was the ubiquitous Jack Webb and his show “Dragnet,”  with his iconic character Sergeant Joe Friday leading the way.  However, unlike the 1950s version, this show was different in tone.

Watch just about any episode of the original and you will see that they would usually do standard cop/action fare.  Bad guy commits crime, police track him down, dramatic standoff, and resolution.   When you get to the modern world of 1967 however, it’s quite apparent that formula would probably not work from week to week.  What Webb and his production team did is absolutely what was needed for the time:  a modern approach to the storytelling.  It is quite evident from the premiere episode: “The LSD Story.”

Everybody remembers that episode for these images of one Benjamin Carver, played by guest star Michael Burns:

I don’t think kids these days are painting their faces whilst high on drugs, but nonetheless it’s still pretty disturbing.  Of course, he dies at the end of the episode from, you guessed it, an overdose.  But where this show excels is the fact that this plot element isn’t treated as some glorifying realization, but as grim and irritating as the overdose of any person would be.  People should be warned about the dangers of narcotics, then and now.  They are not things to be played with, and certainly can ruin you and quite possibly everyone around you as well.

Of great note here also about the series in general is the change in Friday’s partner.  In the 1950s series, Ben Alexander played Friday’s sidekick, Officer Frank Smith.  Webb had wanted to bring him back for Dragnet 1967, however, Alexander was already committed to a short lived series on ABC called “Felony Squad.”  So, Webb turned to another venerable actor, Harry Morgan, to play a new sidekick, Bill Gannon.  Morgan was great at playing a character with a straightforward, dry sense of humor that his tone could certainly convey.  I like Gannon and his weird demeanor in this show, especially when he talked about his life outside of the job.  One could envision a whole spinoff of Gannon’s adventures outsid….. no, no, no, don’t give NBC bad ideas…

Would this show work in 2017?  Not in this form.  Probably not in any form.  Remember that 2003 attempt to revive it?  If you don’t, don’t worry about it, it was bad.

Snowpocalypse 2017

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So, the snow is here in Knoxville.  Yet, everyone acts around here like it’s never snowed before.  I just don’t get that.  Snow is supposed to be a beautiful thing of nature.  People should really stop and admire its beauty.  No, really, stop and get off the roads and appreciate it for what it is.

That’s why TV stations are on the air with snow updates, you know?  Because people don’t know how to stay off the roads in inclement weather.  Maybe I should start a driving school to try to teach people how to drive in the snow?   Maybe not, because I’m not 100% in it either.  I drive slow in the stuff just on the five minute drive from the house to the station.  That drive becomes 10-15 minutes in the bad stuff, especially ice.

Seriously folks, if you don’t have to get out. DON’T. GET. OUT. PERIOD.

Trek Review: “The Galileo Seven”

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Welcome to 1967!  As Trek begins the new year, it tells a tale of test and survival on a mysterious planetoid.  It’s the episode that introduces the shuttlecraft to Trek lore, “The Galileo Seven.”

While I want to like this episode 100%, I have always had this nagging feeling that there was something amiss in this storyline.  Time and time again I have tried to realize what that thought was.  Every time I watch it, I’m just so pulled in by the story that I don’t stop to analyze that nagging feeling I keep having.

I guess the problem I have is that Spock has this crew with him and most of them have to constantly question his methods and his lack of emotion.  Shouldn’t they already know that about Spock?  Any intelligent being should know and respect the differences in one another.  I realize of course that it has to be this way in order for the plot to work.  That’s why it doesn’t detract too much for me to not be able to enjoy the episode.

I like the conflict between Kirk and High Commissioner Ferris a lot, it adds an interesting dynamic to the desperate search that is ongoing to find the missing shuttle crew.

All around, another great story and a great episode to open 1967 for Trek.

Next week, we meet one of the most interesting foes in all of Trek lore, with comparisons to some later omnipotent beings:

My Reflection on 2016

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As I look back on the year that has transpired, I find myself thinking what really happened to make this year unique from prior years.  As a matter of fact, I doubt there will ever be another year bigger than 2015.  Of course, that was the year that I married my sweetheart.

But don’t think 2016 doesn’t rank up there in popularity.  I met some great people and traveled again to one of my favorite places, New York City.  I dare say our trip in early September was the highlight of the year.  Greg and I met probably the nicest couple you could ever meet, Francois and Keith.  I didn’t think to get a picture with them while we were there (sorry, guys), but I promise that the next time we visit them… and there will be a next time… I will be more photogenic.

Looking ahead to the year to come, while there is much to be concerned about (and that language is much tamer than I have thought in prior weeks,)  there is much to look forward to.  Like I said, we are planning to go back to New York City next year.  Don’t know if it will be a Spring or Fall trip yet, but we’ll figure that out soon.  We also would like to see the Braves at their new home, although we will miss going to the Ted.  RIP Turner Field.

If I could have my way, we would take a visit to Los Angeles again.  It’s been way too long (8 years!) since we’ve been there.  Maybe one of these days if airfare is ever affordable again.  Maybe after another year of saving we might be able to do it.

And, well, there’s Star Wars Episode VIII to look forward to next December.  It’ll be nice to hear Mark Hamill speak this time.

I hope everyone out there reading this has the greatest year in 2017 that one could ever hope for!

Much love from Greg and myself.

Trek Review: “Shore Leave”

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Have you ever wanted a vacation somewhere but never got to do what you truly wanted to do?  While all of my vacations over the years have certainly been satisfying, I can truly understand how some people could possibly have wanted more out of their leisure moments.

Imagine a planet where what you thought becomes reality.  That is the planet at the core of the episode “Shore Leave.”  This is one of the most uniquely crafted stores in the first season of Star Trek.  I love it for its off-beat humor that isn’t absurd whatsoever, but is true and believable.  The situations that our favorite characters encounter on this planet are wide and varied.  Such things as the giant white rabbit, a Samurai warrior, a tiger, and Finnegan, Kirk’s nemesis from his academy days.  I mean, what would you expect from a guy like this:

As Kirk puts hit, “He’s the kind of guy that would put a bowl of cold soup in your bed… or a bucket of water propped on a half-open door.  You never knew where he’d strike next.”  He sounds like the kind of guy that would get on my nerves, that’s for sure.

But what this episode is in the serious Sci-Fi aspect is an examination of just how complex a planet can be, yet be simple all at the same time.  As is said towards the end, “The more complex the mind, the greater the need for the simplicity of play.”  I really can’t state it any other way than that.

The one minor complaint with this episode that I have is the all-of-a-sudden love and romance that briefly buds between Yeoman Barrows (played by Emily Banks) and Dr. McCoy.  You’re not expecting it, and then, all of a sudden, it’s there.  Yes, it is necessary to the plot to set up McCoy’s “death” at the end of Act Two, but still, I think McCoy could have been protecting her without necessarily being in love with her.

I think the 1966 TV viewers would have been very pleased with this episode.  Airing during the middle of kids’ holiday break from school could afford the whole family the opportunity to watch it together.  There is lots of mystery, intrigue and a little comedy to delight all eyes.  This is all around a solid, great episode.

I should note that it’s a miracle it turned out as well as it did, given the hell they went through while filming on location to even have a script to shoot. That fact is well documented in many books.

Next week, a crew of seven goes missing, and Kirk has to find them against incredible odds…

My Nephew

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If there is one thing I hold very close to my heart, it’s my family.  I have always been very proud of my entire family, even the in-laws (they are great too, contrary to what popular humor of the past would have you believe.)

My youngest nephew, Houston, at the ripe age of 7 (almost 8), is quite the sharp guy.  Whenever we can, we try to buy him a board game that is appropriate for his age.  One to stimulate his mind and have fun all at the same time.  Games like Operation, Candy Land, and Monopoly Junior.  This Christmas Day, we bought him Battleship.  I think we can call ourselves proud Uncles for the fact that on only the second playing of the game, he won the game very handily.

This guy is a bright fellow, and I am pretty certain he is going to go far in life.  Yes, I am making this assumption based on the result of a board game, but I have known this child for a long time, and mark my words, I think he is going to do wonderful things when he grows older.

I just wanted to be proud and boast about that fact.

Christmas Reflections

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Now that it is Christmas Morning, I find myself reflecting.  I look back on Christmases past and think of all the fond and happy memories that I treasure.  But I also look back on the two Christmases that were not so good to me.  I’m not going to become emotional or upset.  I’ve had many years to process the events of 2001 and 2002. I still find myself thinking about my Dad and my Great Grandmother.  If they were here, they would probably tell me just to suck it up and try to find something to smile about because I’d be wasting my time feeling all sorry for myself.   Funny thing is, they’d be absolutely right.  So, I won’t feel that way.  Not in the slightest.  I’ll treasure my memories of them both and celebrate this awesome holiday and enjoy my time with my family.  Everyone should do that if they’re able.  If you’re stuck working, at least call, send a message, talk to someone and at least try to make it something that will make you feel good inside.  Because you never know when someone else will feel better for just that little contact to brighten what otherwise would have been a dark day for them.

Christmas Time is Here

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What do I have to be thankful for this Christmas… a lot of things.  I have the best husband in the world that anyone could ever ask for.  I have a great job and great co-workers.   I have great friends in all walks of life.  Some I know in person, some I know online, with some of those friendships stretching back almost 20 years.  And yet, when I look back at all of that, I have nothing to regret, not a single, solitary thing.  I have always been a firm believer in this:  You have to know where you’ve been to know where you are going.  Don’t spend all of your time dwelling on the past, keep moving forward, but don’t forget your roots.

I want to especially profess my love for my husband, Greg.  He is the best partner a guy could ever ask for.  He puts up with a lot from me and trust me, I can be quite a challenge in domestic life sometimes.  But if there’s one thing he has shown me, it’s an unwavering love and affection that you don’t often find, even when you think you have found it.

My advice to you this holiday season is this:  Hold those close to you even closer this Christmas.  Love those near you like you’ve never loved them before.  Because if you love them, then the world can be an amazing place.  It already is an amazing place for sure, but we can make it even more amazing than it already is.  I truly believe that.

Love,
Nick

New Toy!!!

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Today is a big day for me technology-wise.  I am now the proud owner of a Lenovo Yoga 710 2-in-1 laptop.  As a matter of fact, this blog post is entirely written from the on screen keyboard.  I realize that it may seem like I am behind the times a bit, but at least I am now at least somewhat modern.

Just in case you need photographic proof, well here you go:

 

Trek Review: “Balance of Terror”

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Before I begin my thoughts, watch this trailer for the 1957 20th Century-Fox film, “The Enemy Below”…

Now, imagine some of that out in deep space.  That in a nutshell is the episode “Balance of Terror.”

This show introduces one of the hallmark alien races of the Trek universe… the Romulans.

You have to imagine what it was like for 1966 viewers to see that this new war like race looked the same as Spock.  I surely would have thought about all of the plot possibilities that the writers could go with in future episodes with this new race being unveiled.

This story itself is very enthralling.  However, one or two minor things that I love to nitpick about.  This is assuming, of course, that you have already seen the episode (which I assume in all of these posts as a standard, by the way.)

First of all is the Stiles character itself.  I find it hard to believe exclusively that anyone in a bright future that this 23rd Century entails could hold any kind of bigotry towards someone like Spock.  Anyone on the Enterprise should full well know that if it’s First Officer is anything but loyal, he wouldn’t be in that position.  I have to take exception with that characterization.  It’s OK to certainly have some misgivings, but I think they went a little heavy-handed with it.  If they had toned it back a bit, I wouldn’t have such a problem with it.  Then again, there is no motivation left for having that in the story if you dial it back.  So, I guess it has to stay, right?  (I realize that I’ve just talked myself into a corner.)

The other thing is the safety of working in the phaser room.  If you know the phasers are damaged, shouldn’t you be taking proper precautions.  Check this out…

I mean, shouldn’t Tomlinson and Stiles have known that could possibly happen?  Of course, they didn’t.  But still, why is something like that so exposed to anyone working in that room?  It probably would have worked better had the room exploded.  (OK, now I’m overthinking it a bit.)

Don’t get me wrong, this little nit-picky behavior on my part doesn’t take away from my enjoyment of this episode.  Paul Schneider wrote a great script, and it was masterfully directed by Vincent McEveety.   This one is still highly recommended.

Next week, Star Trek took a week off and showed a repeat of “What Are Little Girls Made Of?” (which aired back on October 20th.)   Here is the trailer that presumably aired during that repeat telecast, for “Shore Leave”.