(Last week the Star Trek New Voyages episode, "In Harm's Way" was reviewed. Here are my impressions of that show.)

Ambition hijacks the helm in STNV's admitted "Kitchen Sink" episode. There's almost too much crammed in for an hour's presentation, from the jaw-dropping teaser to the strange blooper at the end. For those thinking the first pilot too simple, the second pilot almost overcompensates with a challenging mix of "Yesteryear," "Doomsday Machine," "All Good Things," and even "Wrath of Khan." It's clear the plot serves the effects, not the other way around, although that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Fortunately the acting has improved and the cast is having fun. The special effects remain outstanding; I like the squirming planet-killer! It was good to see Pike, his crew, and his "Enterprise" again (love the redressed bridge and old transporter hum!). McCoy gets a few good laughs. The action sequences were exciting, accented by shots like the "up the Jefferies Tube and out the engine" view. Even the sound is noticeably better, both in editing and musical cues. I especially liked the little touches, such as "City's" boxing poster in Veronica's garage, and the shuttlecraft "McAuliffe."

In fact I found very little objectionable. Personally I don't care for time travel stories. In my opinion the Guardian should have been left alone, since there's nothing really "new" about such a "voyage." At the climax I had trouble following the story, unable to distinguish the players or the action (this is certainly no radio play!). Though it was fun to see a Connie flying close and fast to a planetary surface, it's not very realistic. And why include the name "Daniels" after all the good he did for Enterprise?

The episode rewards me best if I consider it wholly as Pike's dream, all taking place inside his head sitting in his chair. Consider that it both opens and closes on Pike. The nonsense deflector weapons and "chroniton" technobabble become tolerable. It further explains that there's no sign of Decker's guilt, or Kirk's regret over Keeler (since they're unknown to Pike). Perhaps we're experiencing a daydream inspired by a bored imagination fueled by reading other Captains' Logs?

Anyway, however you choose to enjoy it, enjoy it! Though perhaps over the head of non-Trekkers, all in all it's well worth not only the watch but also the repeat watch. And with a Roddenberry once again as executive producer! Keep this kind of quality coming, and the New Voyages may continue for quite some time.


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