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calliethetrekkie · 1 year ago

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Star Trek TOS S01E13: The Galileo Seven

Original Thoughts

"Okay, this is an interesting setup. Stranding Spock, McCoy, Scotty, and some extras on a planet with Kirk back on the Enterprise, which means we can let some other characters shine. It’s very much a contrast with Kirk being a serious, respected leader who can adjust his demeanor depending on the situation, which Spock is more logical but comes off as more cold and uncaring which clearly puts off the ones he’s in charge of. IDK how much of that is also Vulcan bigotry, but Spock’s logical approach that may dictate say… leaving people behind to a potential demise and not reacting when people die isn’t going to win him any points from the human cast. McCoy also pointing out how Spock failed to take into account the creatures reacting emotionally due to his focus on a logical approach also shows flaws in his leadership and general mindset that make him a great second to Kirk, but not always quite fit for command. He’s doing his job and I get where he’s coming from, especially due to what I know about Vulcans, but I can get the others as well. It’s a nice exploration of the two mindsets, which that and the general episode really kept my attention."

(Original Post)

Rewatch Thoughts

Not gonna lie, I've been a little anxious reviewing this one. Not because I dislike it, this was a really enjoyable one the first time around. But this is one of those episodes where I go completely against the consensus of the fandom, so I'm a little worried about what the reception may be (if I get any at all, of course). But this is my review and thus my opinion, and I'm going to be honest with it. So, my thoughts?

This is such an excellent episode. We take a bit of a different approach from the last few. Kirk serves more of a supporting role. He's still given things to do, but he's confined to the ship. The focus is mainly on the party on the Galileo shuttlecraft which includes Spock, McCoy, Scotty, and four one-shots. Apparently Rand was going to be one of them, but sadly her actress had been let go by then. This also means that we get to see Spock fully in charge this time. Not just taking over from the Enterprise cause Kirk isn't there. Not just running the Science Department. He's given his very first command on a major mission outside the ship... one that goes horribly wrong.

There's been a lot of opinions about the two sides (Spock vs. the crew), as I already alluded to. A lot of opinions I've seen portray Spock as completely innocent, doing his job as the commanding officer and doing what is necessary to save everyone. The crew, mainly McCoy and one-shot character Boma, are utter assholes to him, and it is unwarranted, and I've even seen it exaggerated into being racist cause of Spock being Vulcan. They should have shut up and just followed Spock's command because he's in charge, and they're being so mean to him.

In case my sarcasm wasn't clear enough, I don't agree with that portrayal. Now let me make it clear, I do understand where those opinions come from. It's true that the crew (again, mainly Boma and McCoy) were jerks at points, and it wasn't always warranted. That should be called out. However, that does not mean that Spock isn't culpable for his own actions nor does it make the crew unjustified in... you know, having their own feelings and thoughts of their own. They're also all in a situation where for all they know, they're going to die at any moment, so tempers are naturally going to fly. There's a lot to be said and a lot to consider, so let's get on with it.

Let's go into Spock's POV first. He has been put in command of what looks to be a simple scientific exploration mission that causes the shuttle to crash onto an unknown planet Now Spock has to get the ship working, keep as many of the officers alive as possible, and get back to the Enterprise. That's certainly a lot, but Spock doesn't show concern. Yeah, yeah, Vulcan, I know. But even when McCoy brings up how this is his big chance, Spock is convinced that his logical approach will pull them through at the end of the day. To quote:

SPOCK: I realize command does have its fascinations, even under circumstances such as these. But I neither enjoy the idea of command, nor am I frightened of it. It simply exists. And I will do whatever logically needs to be done.

He doesn't necessarily want his own command, but he's more than willing to take it on. He'll do whatever he logically must do.

Indeed, that's what happens. Every choice that Spock makes is a logical one. He considers abandoning crewmen to lighten the shuttle to increase the chance of escape. He shows little to no regard for the two officers who get killed. He is downright insistent on his methods and priorities, even if it goes against his own logical approach. We see him unwilling to listen to the other officers opinions about dealing with the creatures because he wants to avoid killing the unknown lifeforms for his own moral reasons (unless Jim's about to be killed, but eh) despite agreeing that their plan is the logical option.

Now, all of these decisions make sense, and I even agree with him at points. For example, I'm on his side both times when Boma insists on burials for the men who died. I get where Boma is coming from, especially since they don't know if they'll themselves make it. But Spock is doing what he can to ensure that they can at least have a chance of escape. Yes, he is pretty cold about it, but sadly those men have been lost. If they survive, they can be mourned later, but they to focus on survival. It sucks, but I am fully on Spock's side on that one. Even McCoy and Scotty get after Boma when he started getting particularly nasty. I also agree with him that they shouldn't kill the creatures, though more because if they had, it could have caused an even more violent response, though there's nothing saying that they had to kill either. I think only the one guy insisted on killing, but maybe I'm remembering wrong. Ah well.

So yes, Spock is doing his job and I don't think he's trying to be intentionally cruel. It's how he is, and he's legit acting as he believes is best. That being said, he's still at fault for plenty of things. He stubbornly sticks to his logical mindset, which to his crew makes him come off as incredibly cold. Yes, Spock is Vulcan, but unfortunately for him the other six are human and humans can't just set aside feelings like he himself can. When you hear your commanding officer talking about abandoning crewmen and them getting to be the one who decides who gets to stay and go, disregarding the dead, and unwilling to listen to you, how would you feel? Especially in a situation where you're likely going to die? Some may say they wouldn't act like that... but you probably would. Oh, and let's not forget said guy being perfectly willing to go against that logic when he sees fit such as when dealing with the unknowns despite insisting on it over and over, making him also look like a hypocrite. I'm just saying, Spock didn't make himself look all that great as a leader.

Let's compare with Kirk, for example. Kirk is a captain who has his men's faith and respect. He's not perfect, he can get temperamental and can push the crew too hard. But he's still someone who always pulls through, always corrects things when he messes up, and puts the safety of his men first and foremost. Even in this episode where he's confined to the ship and being pressured in abandoning the search, he continues down to the very last nanosecond in hopes of finding the shuttle. He reluctantly begins to withdrawal when his time is up, showing that yes, he will still put his duty above all else. But he also wasn't going to just abandon his men without giving it a fighting chance, even arguing against the Commissioner demanding that he give it up. We've seen Kirk struggle to maintain an image as a strong captain for his people to look towards and keep their spirits up, not bring them down. He will always do what he can for his crew and correct his mistakes, as we've seen in various episodes (The Corbomite Maneuver, The Enemy Within, The Man Trap, Balance of Terror, etc.). It's why Kirk is such a good leader. He is perfectly capable of being logical and tactical, but also shows care and consideration for those who follow him, and thus they trust him in turn.

Spock doesn't have that ability yet. He is focused on his logic, which is all well and good in certain situations. It works great when he's acting as Kirk's Second and reminding him of what, as a Captain, he must focus on. But he also had to be able to consider the people around him and their feelings and thoughts as well. He has to be able to have his men's trust and trust them in return. Sure, maybe that approach would work on a Vulcan ship, but that's not what this is. Spock is perfectly capable of understanding emotions if he wanted to, but he won't. He's a perfectly good Science and First Officer, there's no doubt about that. But this shows us why he isn't fit for command yet. He's unable to have that understanding or be willing to step away from his own mindset. He thought that his logic of scaring away the creatures would work, but he didn't at all consider that they would react with fear/emotionally, as McCoy bluntly points out. He'll get there one day, as we saw at the end where he took the risk with the fuel to signal the Enterprise. A risk that worked. But until he is able to learn that he can't rely on logic all the time, or at least adjust his demeanor to not be so cold-hearted, he won't be fit for a command like this again.

Alright now the rest of the cast. The one that gets the most blowback for the episode is McCoy. Boma does as well, but he's a one-shot that we never see again, and he's properly framed as in the wrong. Scotty was more focused on the shuttle than having any arguments and aside from one of the yellow shirts, the other crewmen don't give Spock much issue. They may get a little testy but again under the circumstances I think that we can forgive that. But McCoy is the one most willing to talk back and speak his mind, and with how they argue later on, I can see why some use this as a basis for 'McCoy hates Spock/McCoy is an asshole' opinions.

I don't want to talk about this too much because I am planning a whole Spock/McCoy analysis for later, and this episode is very much one I want to use in detail for that. But I think that for the most part... McCoy wasn't that bad? Yes, he does get heated a few times, and yes, he gets on Spock's case about being wrong about the creatures. But to be fair, it was after Spock's insistence got a second man killed. And regardless, McCoy actually does follow Spock's command the whole time. He's speaking his mind, which he also does with Jim (The Corbomite Manuever's a good example), but at the end of the day he still stands by Spock.

Really, McCoy came across more as disappointed in Spock than anything to me. He knew that Spock is a logical being. He himself pointed it out to him. But I think he expected better from Spock, especially now that he had his chance. He even tried to tell Spock that it's going to take more than logic to get out of the mess they're in, but to no avail. Right after that is when Spock discusses potentially abandoning people and just seems... sad. Not mad like you'd expect. Not disgusted as Boma is. He comes off as sad if the comment about his heart is anything to go off on. He gets annoyed when Spock tries to push memorializing one of the dead men onto him, despite that being a job for the commanding officer. Even when McCoy points out that attacking first is a logical option, he's ignored. McCoy was at least trying to be cooperative and maybe even help Spock like he would Jim, but it clearly wasn't wanted nor accepted. Given all that, I don't think it's hard to see why McCoy eventually snaps at him. I'm not saying it's right, the 'attack them directly' approach may have done no better. But I can see where he's coming from.

But even after all that, when Spock gets pinned by a boulder, what does McCoy do? Rush right on over to help him. Yeah, Boma ran over too, which he was even more pissed at Spock than McCoy was and still helped save him. But he was following McCoy's lead, and of course McCoy wasn't going to abandon Spock. IDK if I can say that they're friends yet, but they're still crewmates, and they have something going on between them at least. McCoy wasn't going to leave him to die, or anyone if he could help it. And when Spock made the more emotional decision? McCoy was actually proud of him. He saw that Spock could do it. Sure Spock tried denying it when McCoy blabbed about it to Jim, but the look of pure joy on his face... he truly is fond of him, whether he wants to admit it or not. There's so much with these two and their relationship, and this just adds more to it. So yes this provokes a rough patch, but it doesn't cause McCoy to hate Spock either. That's never going to happen.

If you want a better version of what I'm getting at, there's a really good meta here that I highly recommend. It says everything about Spock and McCoy in this episode and how it affects them going forward really well. But let's go ahead and wrap this up.

I guess my ultimate point here is yes, Spock was doing what he thought was right, and yes, certain crewmen were jerks. But Spock also gave little to no reason for them to want to listen to him with how pragmatic, cold, and even kind of bossy he was with them. To them, he lacked any kind of respect for them and came off more as demeaning with a superiority attitude to boot. To Spock, they were being overemotional, and he was acting as a proper commander in the most logical way that he knew how. I don't know how well I'm explaining this, I'm sure that others have done a much better job than me. But to me, there is a lack of understanding and arguably a culture clash. Everyone has a lot to learn from this. Everyone made bad choices and need to focus on improvement. The crew with understanding Spock's logic and why he acts in such a manner, and Spock to realize how he is perceived and why that's detrimental for everyone, including himself.

So with all of that said, this episode was great! It gave me so much to talk and think about. There's so many great character moments, and it's such a nice change of pace from what we've had so far. This was one I'd already liked the first time round, and I think that I enjoyed it even more this time, especially since I know and understand these characters so much more. Very much one that I will gladly watch again... and in fact I might right now XD

Original Rating: 4/5 Rewatch Rating: 9/10

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#star trek #star trek tos #tos s1 #st reviews #tos s1 reviews #the galileo seven #tos reviews

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dahyeltal · 2 years ago

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📝❔❌

📝Share a snippet of an unposted WIP, with or without context.

Leonard admitted that he wasn’t exactly clear about his relationship with Jim to other people. His close friends and boyfriend knew what it was, and that’s all he cared about. Hell, Spock even got in on the QPR action when they started dating, and it improved his dynamic with Jim, bringing it closer to what Spock Prime said their friendship would become. Still, Leonard didn’t expect others to interpret their closeness so wrong.

They were on shore leave on Earth, and Spock had some Vulcan things he had to do at the local embassy, so it was just Leonard and Jim on their first night in San Francisco. They went to the bar they frequented as cadets, got a bit drunk, and walked back to their old resident hall hand in hand. Those hands might have been swinging, there might have been a few waltzes somewhere in there, and maybe their heads rested together when they danced. Jim wasn’t the love of his life, but he was still Leonard's person.

“I don’t say this often, but I love ya, Jim,” Leonard would always say.

And Jim would always grin in return and kiss him, saying, “Love you, too, Bones.” Then they’d both make a face and wipe their lips with their sleeves because they would devolve into a childish fight over whose lips were chapped, whose breath was worse, and who sucked at kissing the most.

❔Choose a random WIP and talk about it. The Third Wheel (But We're a Trike)

I'll talk about the fic the snippet is from! Basically, Spones are together, but McKirk have their own QPR thing they've had since they met. Everyone who knows them knows who the romantic couple is. But everyone who doesn't has a hard time seeing it. In this fic, a jokey cadet tabloid-style magazine catches them kissing and runs their picture, along with a scathing and salacious article, about McCoy. (Who also dated Pike because give me all the McPikes!) Calling him a captain-hunting career climbing doctor who owes all of his success to good PR and who he's sleeping with. McCoy is devastated and worried that Spock will believe the article because although Spock knows how close he is with Kirk, McCoy is still afraid the rug's gonna be pulled out from under him.

❌What WIP do you find the most challenging? Why?

Anything with AOS Khan, and I have a surprising amount of WIPs with him. Two of them have been complete and edited for years. However, I do things to the AOS augment storyline and have headcanons that might draw unwanted attention and criticism. I don't want that to be the focus of my stories, but it's hard not to think about it when I'm writing and it takes the enjoyment out of it.

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jillianallen14 · 3 years ago

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Spirk fanfic rec

Some amazing Spirk fanfic to bless your dash because I’m falling in love with this shit all over again (this is like the 10th time this has happened lol):

Entering Orbit: Jim escapes to Iowa to avoid the media frenzy following the Narada incident, but a late-night miscommunication results in Spock turning up on his front porch; rated m; 30,957 words

Papers in the Roadside: Non-Starfleet AU. Jim owns a small bar in Chicago, keeps on picking up strays and taking care of everyone no matter how hard it makes his own life. Spock is a journalist writing feature articles for the Chicago Tribune; he depicts the world with uncanny skill, but hides more than one personal drama and is possibly under surveillance from the Vulcan royal family. They meet by accident just before their lives start to spin out of control; rated e; 49,637 words

Take Refuge in What You Know: AU - Kirk has moved into a apartment/house and wants to get to know his neighbors. He meets his neighbor Spock, a loner who suffers from extreme agoraphobia. Kirk thinks he's beautiful enigma; rated e; 120,334 words

Listen, this is not only my favorite Star Trek fic of all time, it’s also one of my favorite fanfics in general. It’s right up there with Text Talk and The Shoebox Project from the HP fandom, which if you’ve read, you know are incredible and frankly life-changing. And this fanfic changed my life. The description the author gives doesn’t do the beauty of this fic justice. I suffer from agoraphobia and Spock’s depiction as an agoraphobic man was probably the most well-researched, sympathetic, empathetic, caring, realistic portrayal of what it’s like to be agoraphobic that I’ve ever witnessed in fiction. It made me cry like a child because I had never felt so seen and understood. This writer is incredible, and this fic is incredible. I can’t recommend it enough. It’s an AU, which I’m usually pretty wary about, but it barely even feels like an AU. It just feels like Jim and Spock. The author’s understanding of both of their characters’ is perfect, like just a spot-on portrayal of who they are. This fic genuinely helped me accept who I am and helped me understand that I am capable of & deserving of love. If you don’t read any other Star Trek fics (and you def should read more Star Trek fics because they’re amazing), then let this one be the one you read. I dare you not to read it three times in a row like I did.

Observations: First Officer Spock comments on life aboard the Enterprise and his service under Captain James T. Kirk; rated m; 500,000+ words.

So the author of this fic actually did a thing where they made this fic into two books (similar to what The Shoebox Project authors did many years ago in the HP fandom). They don’t get any money from people buying the books; the cost is just to go towards producing the books. This fic is the equivalent of two LARGE novels. We’re talking 600 pages & up. It’s a huge fic. Now, that being said, I read it in one day. ONE DAY. It’s that good. This is another one of my all-time favorite fics, though not quite as dear to my heart as the one I listed above. It’s focused on AOS, and tbh, I forget that what happens in this book isn’t actually canon. Like it’s so well-told, it just feels like it’s now part of the timeless story of Kirk & Spock. The “professional” Star Trek writers would never be brave enough to do what this author does with Kirk and Spock, though. This fic will make you angry, will make you laugh, will make you cry. It has such a good grasp on every single character. It also shows the love between the crew of the Enterprise, which is always a treat, and it’s beautifully done in this fic. It has a sorta-enemies-to-lovers arc between Spirk and an enemies-to-close-friends arc between Spock and McCoy that is beautifully done and fleshed out. This fic is definitely a journey to go through, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s extremely slow burn, and you will want to slap both Kirk and Spock (and McCoy) upside the head at certain points lol.

Of Coffee Beans and Green Tea Leaves: The progression of a relationship, through Coffee Beans and Green Tea Leaves. Basically, it’s an AU where Kirk works at a coffee shop to pay his way through school, and Spock visits often. rated t; 16,429 words

Love, love, love, this fic. It’s cute, it’s in character. They have kind of a rocky start together, so it’s got a little bit of that Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy i-hated-you-but-now-i-love-you-marry-me vibes to it. I’m a sucker for that, if you haven’t figured that out by now lol. It’s really good, and a really enjoyable read. And it’s not too long, if you’re in the mood for something on the shorter end of things.

Please Don’t Touch the Vulcans: The "yes" is out of Jim's mouth before he can think about it. Jim is chipper about having time off for the holidays. He asks everyone if they want to spend time together but sadly, everyone ditches Jim over the holidays because they have plans. McCoy visits his daughter, Nyota visits her family, and everyone splits. Not knowing Spock has feelings for him, Jim doesn't even bother asking if he wants to spend time together figuring he has something to do. Something cute, romantic with the boys spending time with one another and confessions; rated m; 17,690 words

Super cute and has lots of Sarek, which idk about y’all, but I’m always a fan of. Sarek and Jim kind of get to know each other a bit, and it’s cute. Sarek knows about they’re in love before Spock & Kirk know lol. If I remember correctly, there’s also some appearances from everyone’s favorite: Old!Spock! You also get a little bit of jealous and protective Young!Spock. So you’re in for a real treat with this one.

The Ren shat’var Trilogy: A split-second decision changes Jim's life forever, as he enters into a bond with Spock in the face of certain torture. Enemies to the Federation emerge from unlikely places, and the command team must contend with unexpected threats, as well as challenges within their own intense relationship. In this three-part series, the Enterprise races across the galaxy to confront the unknown, and Jim and Spock discover the true significance of their unprecedented connection; rated e; 184,411 words

Textual Attraction: Valentine’s Day does not bring up pleasant memories for Cadet Kirk. But the serendipitous switch-up of his cell phone with a particular Vulcan professor’s will make his day far more interesting –and romantic. Perhaps some new memories can be made! 15,900 words

SO GOOD. Just SO good

Spaceman: Academy AU. Five times Spock realizes he's attracted to a barista at the academy spaceport, and one time he decides to do something about it. rated t; 3728 words

Short, sweet, funny. You’ll love it.

Subtext: Texting your Vulcan first officer in the middle of the night is never a good idea. Especially when you have an obsessive crush on said Vulcan.The holidays are approaching and Jim is left entirely Spockless aboard the Enterprise when his First takes shore leave on New Vulcan. After some midnight pining, Jim sends a text he instantly regrets. That is, until Spock responds and willingly continues their textual communications to an inevitable conclusion; rated t; 13,032 words

Cute, sweet, funny. It’s a texting fic. I think you’ve probably figured out I love those. This one makes me laugh so fucking hard. Like actually laugh-out-loud-omg-did-i-just-snort kind of funny. Spock is great in this one

All Spock Wants For Christmas: While Jim is away on a delegation mission, he panics about what to give Spock for Christmas. With help from Bones and Uhura, and in between some spam texting with Spock, Jim realizes he already has the perfect gift. And all it needs is wrapping paper and a bow; rated t; 11,966 words

And here we have another cute, sweet, funny texting fic. Sue me lol

The Morning After: Jim convinces Spock to take shore leave with him on Risa, hoping the time together will help re-solidify their bond of friendship after some recent tension. Meanwhile, Spock convinces himself he's on Risa for one reason and one reason only, to prevent his wayward captain from getting into trouble. After a passionately illogical night of Romulan Ale and chocolate infused liquor, everything changes when Jim wakes with something other than a hangover filling his head. Something he's sure neither he nor Spock can handle. Because if Jim knows anything for sure, it's that his messed up thoughts belong nowhere near Spock's clean, ordered mind; rated m; 50,381 words

HAHA. This fic fucking cracks me up. You’ve got drunk boys pining over each other & not realizing it. You’ve got accidental marriage. You’ve got bed sharing. It’s great, it’s cute, it’s funny.

Take This Sinking Boat (And Point It Home): In which Spock pines, Jim isn’t stupid (except he kind of is), and Christopher Pike has had enough of this bullshit; 6698 words

Pike is great in this one, and it’s super, super funny.

Extracurricular Activities: Spock returns to the Academy from a tour of duty to find an intriguing cadet captures his attention; rated e; 15,433 words

Veritas: Basically, Kirk and Spock are on trial because the Federation thinks they are emotionally compromised by each other, which is putting the lives of their crew in danger. They have to convince a court they’re not actually in love with each other. They think the claims are bullshit. They think it will be easy to prove that they aren’t in love or emotionally compromised, damn it. It isn’t; rated m; 186,80 words

This one is so, so good. A real gem off of Fanfic.net. I remember it was actually one of the first Spirk fanfics I ever read, and it blew me away. The progression of their relationship is really well-done and interesting. It has star-crossed lovers vibes and has some really emotionally intense moments in it, especially for Spock.

A Habitual Affection: Living in 1930s New York with the Vulcan you're secretly in love with is no simple thing. But Jim never liked anything simple. And then, the big snowstorm hit...; rated t; 7998 words

A beautiful TOS fic about one of the gayest episodes of Star Trek. Love this one.

Atlas: Between what was and what will be stands James Tiberius Kirk, in all his fractured patchwork glory. Because saving the Federation was only the beginning; rated t; 135,529 words

A beaut. Really great characterization, and the progression of Jim and Spock’s relationship is really well-done.

#spirk #spock #kirk #james t kirk #spock/kirk #kirk/spock #star trek #star trek tos #star trek aos #space husbands #spirk fanfic recs #spirk fanfic

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bonesmctightass · 3 years ago

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"I'm just saying." Jim slurs into his fourth glass of bourbon. It's half empty already. The alcohol leaves a pleasing color in his cheeks and a relaxed curve to his spine. McCoy, he's sure, must make a similar picture. They've had this conversation before. Many times, in fact. Sober and drunk. Recently, more often than not, they've had it drunk. "I'm just saying." Jim says again, severely. "You're his doctor. You’re," Jim gestures wildly, "together. You've seen it before."

"More 'an that." McCoy concedes with a roll of his eyes and a flush on his cheeks that isn't altogether due to the alcohol. "But neither of those things are a secret."

"It is." Jim accuses, pointing a finger at McCoy. "It is, though. Because you won't tell me anything about it."

His interest in the subject at hand is nowhere near medical, obviously. If Jim hadn't had depraved revelations to propel his morbid curiosity thanks to an ill-timed visit to the gym's communal showers, this probably, maybe, wouldn't have come up at all. But Jim is nothing if not persistent. And he’s never so easily sated.

"Can't." McCoy grunts into his own glass flippantly. “HIPAA.” He shrugs his shoulders and waves his hand dismissively, trying to shake Jim off, knowing full well it's not going to work. Swigging the last of his drink, McCoy reaches for the bottle to pour another. He feels, deep in his bones, that on this night he's going to need it.

Jim's face goes through the five stages of grief in the span of a few seconds, falling just short of acceptance. "I'm not asking you as his doctor. I'm asking you as his…" He trails off, trying mighty hard to form some sort of conclusion. "Ah. What are you two, exactly?"

Lovers immediately comes to mind, unbidden. McCoy takes a moment to think about it. Boyfriends seems too juvenile for the level of connection they have. Bondmates, perhaps, but they're not quite there yet in the true Vulcan sense of the word. It's too hard to think about it at present. "It's private." McCoy decides finally. "I'm not gonna describe Spock's cock to you just so you can get your rocks off about it."

At this, Jim looks affronted. He leans back in his chair and presses a palm to his chest, aghast. "That's– That's not– Rude. That's rude. An attack on my character." He shrieks indignantly.

McCoy snorts, shoulders shaking as he laughs. "Yeah, sure. Sure it is."

-----

By the time McCoy finally makes it back to his quarters he's only slightly stumbling. It takes him longer than strictly necessary to punch in the code to the bulkhead, mostly because he remembers it just one number at a time. Also because he's leaning a little too much to the left and his finger slips on the keypad.

As he enters he's pleased to find Spock still awake. He's reclined on the bed, leaning back into a mountain of pillows. There's a book in his hand that McCoy doesn't pay much attention to. As he gets onto the bed Spock puts it down to make room on his lap for McCoy to put his head.

"I trust you had an enjoyable evening with the captain?" Spock murmurs into the silence of the room. He's running his fingers through McCoy's hair, scratching at the base of his scalp just the way he likes.

McCoy groans appreciatively into Spock's stomach. "Mmm. Mmhm."

"Ah." Spock hums, sliding his hand down McCoy's neck and back up again. "Jim has been making inquiries about my person again." It's not a question. McCoy had just been thinking about it, which meant it wasn't difficult for Spock to glean that with minimal telepathy. He supposed it was going to come up one way or another, McCoy's mortification be damned. "You are rather adamant about maintaining my privacy."

At this, McCoy pitches forward. Pushes his face impossibly further into Spock's stomach. "Well yeah." He grunts frustratedly, distantly aware that it's perhaps more of a whine. "It's not my business."

The fingers in his hair halt for a moment, hesitating. After a beat they continue stroking. "Isn't it?" Spock says carefully. Measured.

"Well." McCoy stutters, rolling over to face the far wall. The back of his neck is burning hot. "Well. Okay. It is. I mean, you're my business. That's not…" Uncomfortable, suddenly sweaty under too many layers of clothing, McCoy sits up. "What I mean is. It's not my dick. It's not… my place to discuss it."

Spock falls quiet for a moment. Considering. "Are you ashamed?" Spock tries. Insecurity really doesn't suit him.

"No." McCoy says, without hesitation, turning to fix Spock with a level stare. "No. I'm not ashamed of you. Of any part of you." Spock seems to sag incrementally. Spine just a little less straight. He's relieved at that. McCoy feels a stab of guilt at having even insinuated such a thing. His breath catches in his throat as he leans forward to wrap his arms around Spock's shoulders. "I like it." He says quietly. "You know that. I just feel… You know. I'm just a little protective of you, that's all. Feels dirty to talk about you like that when you're not there."

Perhaps it's his own drunken imaginings, but he thinks he can feel Spock smile into the crook of his neck. They're content to stay like that for a few long minutes. Until he gets a crick in his back and Spock finally, inevitably, voices his discontent at McCoy having his shoes on the bed. It's another handful of minutes before McCoy is undressed and sliding beneath the covers, exhaustion finally washing over him like a tide. Spock's warm. Always warm. He turns into the welcoming heat and fits himself against Spock's side.

The lights turn off and it's wonderfully, blissfully quiet. He's about to fall asleep. Unconsciousness is right there, just within his grasp. Until Spock shifts. McCoy can feel his mouth nudging against the shell of his ear. "Perhaps Jim would like to see for himself."

"Hah, yeah." McCoy agrees sluggishly. It takes a solid ten seconds before his brain catches up. His heart promptly jumps up into his throat, eyes snapping open. "Wait, what?"

Spock exhales sharply against his cheek. A ghost of a laugh. "Merely a suggestion to end your suffering." He offers good naturedly. Which is, in itself, a most compelling argument considering Jim's been on about this for the better part of a month now. "I wouldn't be opposed to a…" Spock slides the tips of his fingers down beneath the waistband of McCoy's boxers, "hands on demonstration."

"Hands on." McCoy snorts incredulously, suddenly fervently, hopelessly turned on. "Who's hands?"

"Preferably yours," Spock says as he turns his body, pressing McCoy's insistently into the mattress. McCoy takes his weight easily, opens up to it like a flower to the sun. Spreads his legs thoughtlessly to let Spock fill the space.

He doesn't feel drunk anymore.

#google archives #wip #maybe someday ill finish this #spones #spock #leonard mccoy #bones #ficlet #my fics

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twentiethcenturymoviesandtv · 4 years ago

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Star Trek: The Characters

Storytelling, especially where it regards movies and television, is always evolving.

Whether it’s in deeper themes, better effects, different genres, or evolving archetypes, there is always something that is changing, except, perhaps, where the importance of characters are concerned.

Characters are an integral part of storytelling, particularly where it concerns television. When it comes to television, the setup is everything, and the characters are part of that setup, that ‘home base’ that the audience returns to at the start of every episode. The characters are the people that the audience gets to know, who star in each adventure. Characters are what holds the audience’s investment, the reason fanbases tolerate bad episodes and praise good ones. In the end, the main characters keep an audience’s attention, making each episode, even the bad ones, enjoyable.

In short, characters can make or break a television show. It is vital that they be likable, or at the very least, interesting, lest the audience utter those eight deadly words:

I Don’t Care What Happens To These People.

Once those words are uttered, it doesn’t matter how gripping your narratives are. The viewers will start to leave.

See, while a film can get away with some lesser characters by distracting with an interesting concept, set-piece or a fast-paced story, television can’t. Thanks to a smaller runtime and a smaller budget, television, by necessity, tends to be character based. As a result, the main cast of a television show has to be able to work in multiple stories of different kinds.

This means that writing for characters on television can be pretty difficult.

The best television characters tend to merge two ideas together: That of relatability and entertainment value.

You see, television, like all stories, tells stories of exaggerated versions of reality, especially in the cases of science-fiction adventure shows like Star Trek. The only way to make an audience buy an unbelievable world is to create believable characters to place in that world, that relatability in the stories and characters. When we see McCoy’s frustration, or Kirk’s boldness, or Spock’s reservedness, we see elements of ourselves, our own personalities and lives. It is vital to make characters seem real, if not realistic.

The question is, does Star Trek manage to do that?

That’s the question we’re going to be answering today. Let’s take a look, starting with the Captain of the Enterprise Crew: James Tiberius Kirk.

Kirk truly was The Captain in every sense of the word. A Reasonable Authority Figure who did far more adventuring than realistic counterparts would have, Kirk was an Action Man, level-headed, dutiful, and always loyal to his ship and his crew. A Bold Explorer (it’s in the job description), Kirk, while not fearless per say, took the Chains of Commanding quite seriously, and would often face down hugely powerful beings, power-mad computers, or other forces beyond him in order to save his crew. A Determinator to the last, known for his interesting ways to think outside the box and refusal to accept a ‘no win scenario’, he is the unquestionable Hero of the show, the Leader, who often throws the rules aside to do what he feels is right, in a constant battle To Be Lawful or Good. He was a Charmer, an expert fast-talker, and very smart. In later installations of the franchise, Kirk would become a Living Legend, much as he became in our own pop culture.

All that being said, the common cultural image of Captain Kirk isn’t quite right. Allow me to adjust it, as best I can.

More than any other character in Star Trek, or perhaps the history of television in general, Captain Kirk is possibly the most misrepresented character of all time. Since the ‘60s, Kirk has evolved into an icon of heroism, machismo, and brash boldness, with even the recent Star Trek reboot depicting, not Kirk, but rather, the distorted, separate idea of Kirk in the modern light.

This idea, quite frankly, is just not right. While Kirk did have his share of romances, he was no womanizer, often entering into dubiously consented-to relationships reluctantly, in order to save the ship. The relationships he did actively pursue, he threw himself into wholeheartedly, and he was just as crushed as the other party every time they fell apart (for proof, watch City on the Edge of Forever or The Paradise Syndrome). Kirk was no player. As a matter of fact, he was a deeply compassionate man who respected the women in his life as much as he respected Spock and McCoy. It just so happened that the women in his life tended to not stick around, unlike his one true love: The Enterprise.

Even his reputation of the ‘Cowboy Captain’ isn’t accurate. As I mentioned before, Kirk was defined by compassion. His moments of ‘rule-breaking’ wasn’t to impose ‘the way he thinks things should be’, it’s because Kirk cannot bear to watch helpless people in trouble. The few times where he does break the famous ‘Prime Directive’ (To not interfere with less developed races) is to help. Kirk was a deeply moral character, determined to not stand by while people were taken advantage of. He wasn’t rash, either. While it may be accurate to say that the ship’s doctor, Leonard McCoy, was a bit on the hot-headed side, it is entirely inaccurate to accuse Kirk of the same. Kirk was an extremely smart man, a level-headed captain who was an expert at thinking fast. He trusted his instincts, but he trusted his advisors too, often finding a balance between McCoy’s impulsiveness and Spock’s cold rationality. Kirk’s intelligence and competence is often lost, overshadowed by his more extreme companions, and some audiences have forgotten the truth of Kirk’s character: a cunning problem-solver capable of saving the day under enormous pressure, whose decisions are far from based in irrationality. He is a romantic, duty-bound to protect his ship and crew, greatly exaggerated and mis-characterized in the years following his captaincy.

As such, Kirk was a well-rounded, balanced character, far more three-dimensional than the modern idea of him tends to give him credit for.

That’s all well and good, sure, but how does he fit as a main character in a television show?

As a matter of fact, absolutely incredibly.

Kirk serves as a wonderfully effective lead, compelling, entertaining, and interesting. Infinitely more developed than most leads of his time, and even more modern examples, Kirk was a game-changer, a revolutionary kind of protagonist who just worked. The perfect balance of the main trio of the series, Kirk is the perfect face for Roddenberry’s ideals: a hopeful pragmatist, an idealist who proves the best of humanity: compassion mixed with intelligence, boldness combined with understanding. A man of action surrounded by True Companions, Kirk was an extremely gripping protagonist who felt intensely, a perfect person for the audience to connect to and be invested in. He drove the stories, opposed the villains, and always saved the crew, as a hero should, but it’s important to note that Kirk was hugely human, possessing many of our greatest attributes, but some of our failings as well. He wasn’t perfect. Sometimes he made the wrong choice. In the end, though, he was us, or us as we should strive to be: always learning and helping, and always reaching for the stars.

But of course, Kirk wasn’t alone in his position as the ‘lead’ of the show. It’s doubtful the show would have survived in the popular culture as well as it did if it weren’t for his support team, his True Companions: Dr. Leonard McCoy, and, more famously: Mr. Spock.

If Kirk represented the best of humanity, Spock represented the critique of it. In a previous article, I pointed out that Spock exists as a very unique character: a half alien, half human crewmember who, while equally valuable to the script and the characters as Kirk was, served a different purpose: to point out and explore humanity from the outside.

Like I’ve mentioned before, Spock is a different sort of character than Kirk is. Where Kirk is a demonstration of the best of humanity as we see it, Spock is a demonstration of humanity as someone else might. He served as a criticism of the human condition, a character at war with himself and his heritage, split between the emotional humans, and the rational Vulcans. Spock is the Number One, almost Comically Serious as he eschews his more illogical half and chooses to embrace the stoicism of the Vulcan people. A Gentleman and a Scholar, Spock has Hidden Depths, a heart of gold and deep emotions that he usually succeeds in hiding.

Most of the time. More on that in a minute.

Spock’s role in the show was The Smart Guy, the Stoic who had all the answers, all the statistics. He was the champion of impartial logic, of cold rationality. His job was to give Kirk the hard answers, to bring to him the facts and give him their options, especially the unforgiving ones. He is the cold to McCoy’s hot, a stern-faced, cold-blooded computer.

Or is he?

Much like Kirk, there is a lot more to Spock than meets the eye. While the cultural perception of Spock has often mutated into a parody of itself, much as it has done to Kirk’s reputation, Spock remains a much deeper character than he, or a brief skim of the series, lets on. As I said earlier, Spock is at war with himself, uncomfortable in his own skin. He insults humans for their humanity, but has strong, deep friendships with them. He is not above expressing frustration and their emotional natures when pushed (usually by other forces that knock his guard down), but isn’t frustration a human emotion?

Spock is a bag of contradictions, a supposedly emotionless master of sarcasm, a man without feeling who invites his close friends (emotional humans) to a private Vulcan ceremony, a cold-blooded creature with undying loyalty who occasionally makes ‘illogical’ decisions that would make Kirk proud. A lover of music and a sympathizer to space hippies (Not one of Star Trek’s better episodes, admittedly), Spock was an outsider who fit neither fully as a Vulcan or Human, a person who was struggling to find his place in the universe.

At first, this seems incongruous with the ice-cold exterior he projects, however, rather than being an example of inconsistent writing, it’s a shining example of development and nuance.

You see, Spock never gives up his following of logic. He just begins to approach it differently.

Spock’s style changes slightly as Star Trek progresses (most notably in the films, released ten years after the show’s final season), from cold, ‘computer’ logic to something else: human logic.

One thing of especial note in the original Star Trek show is that you could see characters visibly affecting one another. Kirk, Spock and McCoy all influenced each other in the ways they thought, reacted, and planned, and worked best as a unit. In this, the humanity of the main cast affected Spock in his slow, reluctant appreciation of human merits. In time, Spock began to make one or two decisions based on human logic, intelligence and emotion. In episodes like The Menagerie or The Galileo Seven, Spock makes decisions that seem out-of-character for him, based in emotion.

Spock is, in many ways, Star Trek’s best known and favorite character. The most visibly recognizable, as well as the most distinct, Spock is given more episodes exploring him than any other character, with installments like Amok Time and Journey to Babel, (the latter of which we explore his parents, and discover why it is that Spock has such a hard time with his human half) helping to examine Spock as a character.

The end result was a beloved science fiction icon, Kirk’s right hand man, an analytical, fascinating character as well-crafted and loved as Kirk himself.

Spock and Kirk are often remembered fondly, and are typically considered the most memorable and iconic characters of the franchise, but they don’t work alone. Their dynamic is as effective as it is because of balance. Spock is one extreme, and Kirk is the middle, but it’s no good without the other extreme: Dr. Leonard Horatio “Bones” McCoy.

McCoy is all hot-blooded human, the third of the main Power Trio. An old-fashioned competent doctor who wasn’t entirely thrilled with deep space, McCoy is a deeply emotional character, duty-bound to follow his morals. He clashed with Spock regularly, routinely criticizing him for his perceived lack of emotion. Despite the fighting, McCoy respected Spock greatly, counting him as a close friend, despite their arguments and different perspectives. A cantankerous pacifist (though not above getting into the action when needed), McCoy is a Super Doc and a Sarcastic Devotee, a Grumpy Old Man who serves as the Heart to Spock’s Brain (hah!), a man who values Honor Before Reason who values the Good Old Ways. He’s a Determined Doctor who does everything he can for his patients, and a Deadpan Snarker to the point where he can match Spock in verbal sparring.

Bones represents the unpolished rawness of humanity, getting carried away with his emotions sometimes, but always with the best intentions. Another Jerk with a Heart of Gold, McCoy’s gruff nature accompanied a deeply moral man, very concerned with human empathy and doing the right thing. No philosophical discussion was complete without McCoy’s two cents, telling Kirk what he thought the right thing to do was. He was the quintessential Knight in Sour Armor, who would follow Kirk to the ends of the earth, complaining the entire way.

Despite the fact that he’s not as well-known as the other two members of the Power Trio, Bones was a vital component to the True Companions dynamic. His Vitriolic Best Buds relationship with Spock made up one of the most interesting and compelling dynamics on the show, serving as perfect counterbalances to one another. However, although his most famous role in the show was arguing with Spock (and delivering phrases such as ‘He’s Dead, Jim’), there is another, equally important position that he held in the trio.

McCoy served as a foil to Kirk, as well as one to Spock, a confidante, a close friend, providing perspective. While Spock was focused on the logic, Kirk on the best thing for the mission, McCoy’s focus was purely on the ‘patients’, the people, the right thing to do. No matter the situation, McCoy was the closest to empathy with the people involved, and provided the audience with another surrogate, saying the things that the viewers are thinking.

While not being a terribly big fan of space (and liking transporters even less), Bones was the epitome of the Frontier Doctor to the stars, taking care of every patient, even if they weren’t humanoid (Devil in the Dark) or a heavily pregnant woman who refuses to listen (Friday’s Child). McCoy was painfully human, reminding us of our most problematic traits while also holding onto that wild, fiery compassion that made him so incredibly humane, relatable, and understandable, making him just as vital to the Enterprise and her crew as Kirk or Spock.

The trio worked best together, providing a perfect main cast for an audience to follow. The formula was an interesting one, allowing the audience to hear separate viewpoints and ideas, listen in to the philosophical banter, and truly feel the strong friendship holding the leads together. The dynamic between them was powerful, an extremely vibrant bond that connected all three very different characters.

The result? Extremely dynamic characters that remain iconic and memorable even to this day.

But the cast didn’t stop there.

The other characters of Star Trek, while not quite possessing the pop-culture iconography of the main trio, still hold their own rather impressive cultural footprint.

None more so than the chief engineer, Montgomery Scott.

Scotty’s job was to be a miracle worker, solving impossible problems in impossibly small amounts of time. Whether it was the transporters, the phaser banks, the shields, or the engines, Scotty was the man for the job. Nobody had a better understanding, or love for the Enterprise than Scotty (except maybe Kirk). He was the king of outside-the-box solutions, and had the Enterprise jury-rigged to push her past her limits more times than can be easily counted. As the name implies, he was also Scottish, and extremely stereotypically so. Kilt, whiskey, haggis and all, Scotty was extremely proud of his heritage (though not quite as much as Chekov). Fitting the traditional stereotypes, Scotty had a fiery temper, with a Berserk Button triggered by any insult to the Enterprise. A Gadgeteer Genius (and the inventor of Scotty Time) as well as a Genius Bruiser, Scotty was both the brains and brawn, more than capable of holding his own in a fight, or thinking of a new, creative way to push the Enterprise past her capacity.

Scotty also held the distinction of being third in command, routinely taking the Captain’s chair when both Kirk and Spock were in the landing party. He was also the focus of a few episodes, making him a rare character with a Day in the Limelight, with episodes such as Wolf in the Fold, The Lights of Zetar, By Any Other Name, and The Trouble with Tribbles giving him a little more screen time and story than is typical. Scotty was an indispensable member of the crew, a life-saver on more than one occasion, and another of the legendary, iconic characters of the original Star Trek.

But it didn’t stop there.

Lieutenant Nyota Uhura was another prominent character. As the ship’s communications officer, she codified the term ‘Bridge Bunny’, although she proved herself far more useful than she’s typically thought of. Whenever given the chance, Uhura is a capable Action Girl, intelligent, witty, and good at her job, being extremely fluent in multiple languages. She too got her days in the limelight, with episodes such as Mirror Mirror, The Gamesters of Triskelion, and The Trouble with Tribbles giving her more to do than just sit at her station and say ‘hailing frequencies open’. Uhura was Silk Hiding Steel, not typically in the heat of the battle, but tough as nails when she had to be. (I’ve talked about Uhura’s extensive influence on the real world in the Legacy article, but even that doesn’t scratch the surface of what Uhura’s impact has been.)

There were others on the bridge crew of equal importance, including the ship’s helmsman, Hikaru Sulu.

Sulu was a level-headed officer, amiable and cultured, with an extensive knowledge of botany, fencing, and antiques. Yet another Deadpan Snarker (it must run in the cast), Sulu is another Genius Bruiser, as skilled in fighting as he is in his piloting, with a great sense of humor. He is given special attention in episodes like Mirror Mirror and The Naked Time (Albeit as evil, and Brainwashed and Crazy), but often got great character moments in multiple episodes (especially Shore Leave). A reliable officer and loyal to the core, he made an interesting character by himself, although he did end up forming a fun ‘Those Two Guys’ dynamic with the youngest of the cast, Pavel Chekov.

Chekov was introduced in season 2 as the navigator of the Enterprise. A bright young man with a fierce, passionate loyalty to Mother Russia (which evidently invented every good thing known to man), Chekov tended to be at the receiving end of a lot of the embarrassing agony in the series (mostly because Walter Koenig had a great scream). Also serving as a relief science officer, Chekov was plenty smart, if a bit of a Cloudcuckoolander, and the king of Cultural Posturing. Reckless and impulsive to balance Sulu’s calm good humor, Chekov’s temper tended to get the better of him. Like the others, he’s given a bit more screen time in episodes such as Mirror Mirror, The Trouble with Tribbles, The Way to Eden, The Deadly Years and Spectre of the Gun, but got to shine in plenty of other episodes, demonstrating his capabilities (despite being ‘The Intern’ and the Plucky Comic Relief) as a competent officer. Unsurprisingly, he was yet another Deadpan Snarker, lending his style of jokes well to bounce off of Sulu’s drier humor.

But there was more to the crew than the bridge.

Another crew member of note was Christine Chapel, one of the nurses who operated in the sickbay. Chapel was notable for having an attraction to Spock, as well as being another in the long line of Enterprise Deadpan Snarkers. One of the most caring of the Enterprise’s crew, Chapel was given larger roles in episodes like The Naked Time, What Are Little Girls Made Of?, Amok Time, and Plato’s Stepchildren.

Arguably though, one of the most important characters in all of Star Trek was the Companion Cube: the Enterprise herself.

The Enterprise was one of the most powerful ships in Starfleet, a character in her own right. The epitome of the Cool Starship, the Enterprise was well known for Explosive Overclocking, and always coming through in the end (with a little help from Scotty). A Lightning Bruiser of a ship, the Enterprise became as legendary as her captain and crew, as beloved as the characters themselves to the point where one of NASA’s shuttles was named after her.

The characters of Star Trek are legends, both in and out of universe, and they are for a reason. No member of the crew is useless. Everyone has a purpose and a job to do, and each was distinct and unique. No two characters were the same, and each brought their own special personality and abilities to each episode they appeared in.

And that’s what made the drama of the show work so well.

Each character felt real, memorable and genuine. We as an audience worry for them with each danger, and cheer with each victory. We liked these people. We cared about what happened to them.

And they worked.

In each scenario and situation, the characters found new and interesting ways to deal with the circumstances, while never losing the core elements of their personalities. That’s important, hugely so. These characters were loved, and still are, for a reason. They work very well as characters, both in main and supporting roles, providing entertaining and compelling figures for the audience to invest in. The balance between relatability and entertainment was hit perfectly for every single character, allowing everyone to shine in their own ways in each episode. They felt real, and in the end, that’s the point of a character.

After all, one doesn’t get to be some of the most iconic television characters of all time by being boring.

Thank you guys so much for reading! Join us next time as we discuss Star Trek’s place in the times and the culture. If you have anything you’d like to say, don’t forget to leave an ask! I hope to see you all in the next article.

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iimanga · 3 years ago

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The Whole Marvelous Super Ultra Cosmic Magical Comic Book Universe

The produce of imagination and business that was Marvel Comics was a synchronic harmony sounded by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko and every one of the creators and craftsmen and inkers and colorists who worked there. Everything began during the mid 1960's the point at which the Fantastic Four and Spider-man and the X-men (The Uncanny X-Men) were framed from the creative mind of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

X-men was a film industry crush the previous summer. I'm certain you additionally recall the profoundly effective Hulk TV show.

The most punctual X-men comprised of Jean (Marvel Girl) Gray (who later turned into the amazingly well known Phoenix), Professor X (Xavier), Cyclops (Scott Summers), the insightful Beast (Hank McCoy), and Iceman (Bobbie). Freaks brought into the world with exceptional "super-freak" capacities.

Later came the New Mutants with more youthful characters having freak controls that occasionally appeared to have them (the main sort of comic book story I don't care for).

These characters from X-men including (Nightcrawler, Wolverine, Storm, Banshee, Kitty) advanced with the appearance of the imagination of John Byrne (beginning in issue #108 of X-men) and Chris Claremont (Giant Sized X-men #1 and Uncanny X-men #94 now esteemed at $500. up in "mint" condition. The most famous person was the principle star in the X-men film- - Wolverine. There makes certain to be a continuation for this film industry crush.

X-men Comics instructed kids that bias is shrewd. Individuals who live in dread and in this way eagerness attempt to annihilate what they don't comprehend.

Fascinating that both the latest Star Wars film and X-men film truly investigated lawmakers (Congress). In the event that force undermines totally is it conceivable our framework is totally bad? The Senator in the X-men film took in his example somewhat late.

Insect man- - the new Marvel film in progress - is about a typical young child anxiety (menaces thumping him, not getting any darlings, skin break out, etc is gentle stuff contrasted with the present school encounters -, for example, not having chance and killed while going to or going to the everyday schedule lured by a destructive medication or tainted by a stellar infection) is only nibbled by a radioactive bug (revolutionary stuff for the mid 1960's).

This gives Peter Parker super powers- - creepy crawly controls - whenever intensified a man could lift a truck and convey it 20 miles as insects do. (Try not to get me going discussing Henry Pym the Antman who became Giant Man in the Marvel's Avengers ((Capt. America, Thor the Thunder God etc.))). Add to that Peter Parker was likewise a splendid understudy who had the option to concoct a web shooter and other extraordinary innovations. What's more, Spider-man was brought into the world as a bi-result of the bi-item known as radioactive material (which Science actually doesn't have the foggiest idea how to dispose of). (Take a stab at telling that to the Bush organization). Everything is energy! Recall Tesla curls.

However, Marvel was not by any means the only spot strutting superpowered characters.

D.C. Funnies (Time Warner), as well, used folklore and accounts of Biblical extents to entrain, invigorate and energize ages of youngsters, children and grown-ups from the 1940's to introduce.

A few characters like Superman, Atom, Flash, Batman, Green Lantern, JLA and others and even D.C's. adaptation of Capt. Wonder might have been propelled by profound writing which recounted Hindu Gods and Goddesses and surprisingly Biblical personages who could remain in fire and so forth

Contents and Wit

Superheroes: starting through human creative mind and from writing, folklore, religion.

However most likely comic makers just made up their wondrous stories.

When I talked with Gerry Conway for the Comics Journal he conceded to me that he had investigated a portion of the funnies he composed. Conway's companion accomplice Roy Thomas no question investigated Conan and Thor and other material while author and supervisor at Marvel. They cooperated on the incredible enlivened Fire and Ice film. (Ralph Bakshi/Frank Frazetta).

Also, at first Thomas got the Conan property over to Marvel from Edgar Rice Burroughs in Tarzana, CA. (Tarzana- - Tarzan...get it? That's right, it also is a comic.)

More seasoned society know and love the endless Films and TV shows and serials highlighting these and other most loved brilliant characters: Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon, Commander Cody (which might have enlivened the Rocketeer comic and film).

COMIC BOOKS - Born by the sheer exhurberance of the actual Universe through the vehicle of the Human Being!

The Comic Industry is an analogy forever. An inestimable dramatization unfurling. In any case, not to place old wine into new containers: Many occasions in the past Marvel and D.C. have joined to do specials that helps the play of imagination. I initially met Stan Lee while I was the administrator of a Comic Book Store in Studio City, California in the 1970's.

Or then again, more precisely, I met him through his works at Marvel Comics - his exceptional contents and mind in 1961.

Exceptionally astute association with the fans through clubs and letter sections in bygone times caused one to feel like one was a piece of something. With Merry Marvel "we had a place."

Stan Lee's accounts contained genuine person's, finished with issues and the start of incredible groundbreaking thoughts and standards for carrying on with a decent life.

As when Spider-man didn't stop a Burglar - a similar Burglar who later killed his caring Uncle- - Peter Parker (Spider-man) got the message - serve humankind. With extraordinary force comes liability.

Furthermore, obligation is the capacity to react.

Energizing anecdotal stories loaded with experience and energy with ethics. Outlined lavishly.

Wonder Super characters were at first looked on by society as trouble makers. Even subsequent to saving human butt large number of times.

J. Jonah Jameson (modest Editor of the Daily Bugle paper) has abhorred Spider-person for more than 30 years. Jameson really attempted to annihilate Spider-man by turning into a super reprobate.

Adrenaline junkie (blind Attorney yet Batman-esque in capacities and actual strength and spryness - however with uplifted faculties) the Man unafraid was regularly marked a scalawag too from the start.

Similar to the always well known Incredible Hulk - first deified as a comic book during the 1960's. Who went from dull and idiotic to approach virtuoso relying upon the decade where this suffering person is perused.

What we dread we regularly view as shrewd.

Funnies have attempted to instruct us that the means are pretty much as significant as the finishes they produce.

What we do en route decides the outcome we will get. Funnies are distributed in light of the fact that a word sounds great to the distributer. However, a portion of these new youthful free distributers need to find out about the significance inside these words (thus do their clients). However, more capacity to these ambitious youths.

What is Yoga, Meditation, Tai Chi, Mantra? What is Zen? (One youthful upstart distributer of "Harmony - intergalactic Ninja" had never known about Alan Watts - incredible advertiser of Zen until I let him know Alan Watts was a renowned and famous scholar turned maverick Philosopher and Author (one of many) liable for acquainting Eastern Religions with the profoundly starved West- - frequently heard on KPFK radio. Alan Watts is potentially the chief advertiser of Zen. Watts' book " The Wisdom of Insecurity," specifies, for goodness' sake, Comic Books. What are Chakras? The Tao implies what? When children grow up and find out with regards to Meditation will they be spoiled by our ineptitude and insatiability?

Trendy expressions ordinarily lower cognizance and create turmoil. Obviously when I use to distribute stuff as a young person I made up names that sounded great however had almost no significance, for example, Beyond Infinity, مانجا لاند, Eon the Magazine of Graphic Illusions. I know less now than I did then, at that point. What is make, craftsmanship, Love, Truth?

I held a few signature parties with Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in the 1970's and 1980's. I tossed more than 50 effective signature parties with numerous awesome comic book specialists and authors. I'd have the occasion, give rewards, do all the publicizing, realistic workmanship, official statements, and so forth It was an invigorating encounter. It was enjoyable to cooperate with professionals and fans. I parted with a ton of free promotion stuff.

10th Nebula's first signature party was held with Stan Lee, distributer of Marvel Comics. For a considerable length of time my shop suffered in North Hollywood, CA nearby to the world's most seasoned Science Fiction Club (an inherent crowd of companions and fans and PC monsters).

The Stan Lee occasion evoked long queues of Comic Book devotees of any age slobbering for Stan's mark on the sprinkle page of their old and new funnies. These days experts sign funnies on the front of their title en mass which I don't support. (Yet, who pays attention to me).

Funnies structures are frequently manhandled by hopeful youthful distributers who utilize a few pointless full page sprinkles when the impact could be accomplished in a minuscule board - misuse of cash, ink and paper if you were to ask me. Not at all like bygone times when Steve Ditko gave us our best possible value as around 6 boards for each page - he in his manner resembled a Zen Master - the accuracy of his work matched the craft of Chinese Calligraphy (see his one of a kind style in old Atlas Comics from the 1950's). A portion of the new experimentation's by Frank Miller and different gifts have all accomplished outstandingly imaginative work as well.

#new

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curator-on-ao3 · 5 years ago

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A Little Bit More

Ooh ah, just a little bit Ooh ah, a little bit more Ooh ah, just a little bit You know what I'm I'm looking for -- “Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit” by Gina G

Recently, the ladies of the @voyager-book-club shared recommendations for fics they felt deserve some extra lovin’ -- by authors outside of book club. But book club is a powerhouse of fic writing and here is a list of fics by book club authors that other book clubbers nominated as excellent pieces of storytelling that deserve “a little bit more” readership, love, attention -- you name it. Please consider reading and giving these fics some lovin’.

Evasive Action (M) by IceCream_Junkie: Katrina Cornwell/Gabriel Lorca; This is a great little fic that focuses on THAT scene in the first season of Disco. You know you liked it, you know you need more of it, you know you want those feels. So read this fic .;) (recommended by @killermanatee)

Quicksilver (G) by Helen8462: Harry Kim/Seven of Nine; K/7 in general deserves more attention than it gets, and this is my favorite K/7 fic. It’s heartbreaking in the way you’d expect from Course: Oblivion, but it one-ups the episode with the ending and gives us a beautiful relationship to root for—and grieve for—that we didn’t get in canon. (recommended by @cnrothtrek)

Across Oceans (M) by BlackVelvet42: Chakotay/Seven of Nine; On the show, the relationship between Seven and Chakotay came seemingly out of nowhere and because of that felt forced. However, in this story BlackVelvet lets it build slowly over time making it so much more believable. It's an enjoyable story even if, like me, you don't ship them. (recommended by @icecream-junkie)

War Torn (T) by Curator: Kathryn Janeway & Miles O’Brien, Kathryn Janeway/Mark Johnson; This fic is such a meaningful story about a mission in the Federation-Cardassian war that connects two pieces of canon (one from TNG and one from VOY) in a way that is brilliant and heartbreaking and ALL THE THINGS. Drop everything and read it, and give it some much-deserved love. Hands down, my favorite fanfic ever. (recommended by @cnrothtrek)

A Patient Man (G) by Helen8462: Kathryn Janeway/Mark Johnson; I love explorations of the beautiful, tragic love between Kathryn and Mark, and this one stands out for following Mark as he faces canceling their wedding and later makes the heart-wrenching decision to move on. Plus Ben Sisko makes a short appearance, which is wonderful. (recommended by @cnrothtrek)

uncharted (E) by killermanatee: Christopher Pike/Kathryn Janeway; It is the ONLY fic with this pairing and dang it I LOVE this pairing!! Also, Killermanatee writes Kathryn Janeway like no other. I love her version and I love how she explores her. To get to read her put my rare pair together was just awesome! (recommended by @ariella884) Also recommended by @allthewians, who says, “This is a lovely Janeway/Pike fic. It was the first time I'd read that paring, and I'm into it,” and by @icecream-junkie, who says, “Time travel shenanigans leading to sexy times. What’s not to like? ;-)”

160 Shades of JetC (Series) (G) by khurst: Chakotay/Kathryn Janeway; So to be honest it's been a really long time since I read this entire series, but I remember really enjoying all these small moments from each episode. I want this to get some more love, because maybe she will come back to it and finish ALL the episodes! (recommended by @ariella884)

The Prisons You Inhabit (T) by MiaCooper: Chakotay, B’Elanna Torres, Ayala, Kurt Bendera; Mia is arguably the most popular writer in the Voyager fandom, so I don’t understand how the fuck this fic has such low stats. It’s amazing! She deftly provides us with a look into Chakotay’s harsh experiences in the Maquis, his “angry warrior” moniker, and his thoughts/feelings when he agrees to be Janeway’s XO. It’s a much-needed insight into one of the show’s most short-changed characters. (recommended by @cnrothtrek)

Where There is Love There is Life - Fictober 2019 (G) by arcadia75: Carla Johnson/Mark Johnson, Chakotay/Kathryn Janeway, Kathryn Janeway & Mark Johnson, Carla Johnson & Kathryn Janeway; These drabbles were my true introduction to the form and they have stayed with me ever since. Each of these eighteen, 100-word explorations of Carla and Mark’s relationship is a gem. Read them all and you’ll feel richer. (recommended by @curator-on-ao3)

Air (G) by cnroth: Marla Gilmore & Joe Carey; Remember the first time you finished Equinox II and you thought, wow, it’s going to be interesting watching this new crew integrate into Voyager? Well, where the show failed you, cnroth has your back with this gorgeous exploration of Marla Gilmore’s strength and fears. Bonus: Joe Carey being awesome (because, hello, he’s Joe Carey). This fic has lived in my heart since the first time I read it, and I think it’s worth a place in yours. (recommended by @curator-on-ao3)

The Sun and the Other Stars (T) by ariella884: Kathryn Janeway/Mark Johnson; This fic offers everything you hoped their relationship was. It's sweet and romantic and knowing that their relationship was doomed makes it also bittersweet. I just adore this moment between them and fully accept it as headcanon. (recommended by @killermanatee) Also recommended by @arcadia75, who says, "I have such a soft spot for Mark and this is just a lovely story of a pre-series moment between Mark and Kathryn."

The Dying of the Light (T) by cnroth: Janeway/Chakotay; Okay. You guys. I will eternally tell everyone who will hold still long enough just what a beautifully heart-breaking piece of art this is. It's based on the TNG episode "The Inner Light" but about 500 times better. At least. This fis is beyond fantastic and it's a fandom crime that it doesn't have more comments and kudos. (recommended by @killermanatee)

Fatal Mistake (T) by muldy: Janeway/Chakotay, Tessa Omond/Chakotay; This is the only reading of Tessa I will ever accept because it's perfect. It's the Timeless fic I've always wanted and that this fandom deserves. How on earth this gem currently stands at 39 kudos and 11 comments is beyond me. It's such a wonderful reading of Tessa and it deserves so much more love. (recommended by @killermanatee)

to falter (M) by Miss_Mil: Janeway/Chakotay; This is a gut-wrenching, but wonderfully poetic addition to Full Circle focused on Chakotay. I love every single word in this fic. Everyone should read it and comment and leave kudos. Even if you haven't read Full Circle, because this fic is just so damn good. (recommended by @killermanatee)

Take This Waltz (M) by BlackVelvet42: Janeway/Chakotay; Part of the 2019 Cohen fest, I hope you know what to expect from this. ;) Because it is certainly dark and painful and a punch to the gut. But it is also incredibly beautiful at the same time. It's such an honest depiction of depression and loss and how it impacts the love you feel. Just a wonderful fic. (recommended by @killermanatee)

Severed Hearts (M) by Devovere: Chakotay & Torres, Chakotay/Torres, Janeway/Chakotay, Torres/Paris; THIS FIC! YOU GUYS! How can it possibly only have 46 kudos???? This is a brilliant piece showing what getting older does to these characters, how their lives have changed them and how they struggle to cope and it's so, so, so beautiful in all its pain. Read it!! (recommended by @killermanatee)

In plain view (E) by Icecream_junkie, Killermanatee: Sylvia Tilly & Number One, Christopher Pike/Christopher Pike, Christopher Pike/Sylvia Tilly/Christopher Pike; A very kinky and very good BDSM AU, that deserves so much more love (recommended by @allhewians)

formal wear (E) by Killermanatee: Leonard "Bones" McCoy/Christopher Pike; Hot dudes in dress uniforms being kinky, I love it (recommended by @allthewians)

For You (E) by Killermanatee: Philip Boyce/Christopher Pike; It's sex with feels, and I couldn't ask for more, everyone should take a read:) (recommended by @allthewians)

Within my reach (I could have touched!) (E) by IceCream_Junkie, Killermanatee: Christopher Pike/Sylvia Tilly; A great Pike/Tilly AU. It's funny and sexy and just amazing. One of my favourites (recommended by @allthewians)

A thing that can ignite (E) by IceCream_Junkie, Killermanatee: Christopher Pike/Sylvia Tilly; Another very sexy Pike/Tilly AU. I love the way the characters are written so much (recommended by @allthewians)

You Make It Easy (E) by TheShorty: Christopher Pike/Sylvia Tilly; Sexy and sweet Pike/Tilly fic (recommended by @allthewians)

Begging Angels for a Sin (E) by TheShorty: Christopher Pike/Sylvia Tilly; I really love the way both Pike and Tilly are written, and I like the sexyness (recommended by @allthewians)

Lighthouse (E) by Wians: Philip Boyce/Christopher Pike; This isn't just any Pike/Boyce fic. It's a DISCO-SPECIFIC Pike/Boyce fic. On top of that it's sweet and sexy and such a perfect add-on to season 2 of Discovery. It is labelled as incomplete, but I promise you won't be left hanging. (recommended by @killermanatee)

Every New Beginning Comes from Some Other Beginning’s End (G) by curator: everyone; This is an amazing sequence of portraits of what you didn't see in Endgame. Very in-character and very striking. (recommended by @amoderngirl)

Yaala (E) by Prixin47: Janeway/OC; I used to run away from OC pairings, and this is the story that changed my mind about them for good. Super sexy and fun, with a great Tom and Harry moment as a bonus. (recommended by @amoderngirl)

Red Queen Running (T) by Caladenia: Janeway/Chakotay, Janeway, Seven, B'Elanna; This is a cracking fun adventure that builds off of one of my favorite episodes, "Distant Origin." Read this to see the Voyager ladies kick some ass! (recommended by @amoderngirl)

The road ahead (T-E) by Killermanatee & Wians: Christopher Pike/Sylvia Tilly; The first story is tagged "It gets worse before it gets better" and it does, but all these stories are so beautifully written that I happily accepted the heartache. If you don't want to read the whole series, at least read the third story "To not lose heart", because it is absolutely amazing. (recommended by @icecream-junkie)

When the West Wind Moves (M) by Devovere: Katrina Cornwell/Gabriel Lorca; I may be biased, because this story was gifted to me, but it hit me right in the feelz – repeatedly. I love how the relationship between Lorca and Cornwell is portrayed here and how much they care for each other. (recommended by @icecream-junkie)

Venom (T) by Helen8462: Kathryn Janeway, Chakotay; A delicious dark snack (recommended by BlackVelvet42)

A Long Journey’s Night (G) by Curator: Kathryn Janeway & Kathryn Janeway; Pick any fic from this writer and prepare yourself for a pleasant, refreshing surprise. (recommended by BlackVelvet42)

Shattering Glass (T) by Devovere: Janeway/Chakotay; This is a brilliant reinterpretation of the first scene in the Full Circle relaunch novel. So heartbreaking and beautifully written. (recommended by @arcadia75)

#star trek fanfic recommendations #voyager book club

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boldlygo-boldlygoing-boldlygone · 4 years ago

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And We Do It All Again - Chapter 2

Summary: Jim has two big problems right now. The first is that he is hopelessly in love with his First Officer and his Chief Medical Officer, and neither seems to return his feelings. The second is that he’s stuck in a time loop where his ship is destroyed and his crew killed, over and over again.

Things can never be simple for James T. Kirk, can they?

Warnings: angst, (temporary) character death, swearing, time loops, suicide attempt in a later chapter (again, it’s in a time loop so it doesn’t really work)

Pairing: McSpirk

Chapter 2 of 7

Previous Next

A/N: Can also be read here on AO3!

Jim thrashed, legs tangling in his sheets, and ended up on the floor, clutching his chest and sucking in breath. Panicked, he kicked off the sheets and stumbled to his feet.

It was only when he realized he wasn't being sucked into the emptiness of space that he paused.

He stood in his room, blinking and taking deep, plentiful breaths. With a shaky hand, he glanced at the clock. Seeing the date, he exhaled deeply. A dream. It had only been a dream. His eyes turned, pausing on the chess board and glasses. A shiver ran up his spine.

Just a dream.

He rushed through his routine that morning, unwilling to admit even to himself that his hands shook a tad. Seeing them would help, he decided, and the sooner he got to see them, the sooner he'd feel better. Once he was dressed, he headed for the mess hall, trying to keep his face relaxed. Something caught in his chest when Spock was seated in the exact place he'd been in his dream, reading, but Jim pushed it away. Spock sat in roughly the same place every day. And he liked to be productive, so the PADD wasn't strange either. Still, he knew he was tense as he sat across from his First Officer.

"Good morning, captain."

"Morning, Spock."

"Our match last night was quite riveting. Your skill is improving."

Jim blinked, mouth going dry. He just knew Spock well. This wasn't weird, it didn't mean anything. "Thanks, Spock. Glad you had a good time."

The corner of Spock's mouth flickered down. "Are you well, Jim? You seem startled by my comment and you are, as Dr. McCoy says, fidgeting."

"No, I'm okay. Just had a weird dream." Jim threw his friend a reassuring smile and allowed himself to lightly touch his First Officer's forearm. Hands were a whole thing for Vulcans, he knew that, but a forearm should be okay. Besides, the contact made it easier to prove to himself that this was real and that he hadn't just watched the two people he cared about most die. "Anyway, let's have a rematch tonight. Bet you beat me this time."

"Not this again." Bones plopped down beside Jim, scowling. Jim grinned and let his arm- the one not touching Spock- wrap around his friend's shoulders. The contact did wonders in calming his racing heart.

"Yes, this again! You wanna come?"

"Depends. Will there be whiskey?"

"Not tonight. You drank everything I had last night."

Bones snorted and started eating. "Like you didn't help."

"Come on, Bones, it'll be fun!"

"I dunno if I can suffer both of your presence without a drink." Bones smirked, quirking an eyebrow at Jim. "But I can try."

"Great! We can meet in my cabin at 2300."

"Affirmative."

"I can do that."

"Perfect." Jim paused, pushing aside the words that came naturally. "Spock, we outta get to the bridge."

"Correct, captain." Spock stood and nodded at Bones. "Until tonight, Leonard."

"See ya, Bones!" Jim grinned as Bones waved half-heartedly, something fond flickering in his features even as he rolled his eyes.

Jim fell into step with Spock as they headed for the turbolift. Inside, Spock spoke up. "I must admit, I do find the recreational time spent with you and Dr. McCoy quite enjoyable."

"I'm glad, Spock. It's- It's quite enjoyable for me too."

He felt Spock glance at him from the corner of his eye, but he didn't comment further. They stepped on the bridge together, then separated for their respective stations.

"Captain on the bridge!"

"Status report, Mr. Sulu?" Jim asked, a strange nervousness crawling over him as his pilot responded.

"Starfleet sent us new orders this morning. There's a planet in our sector they want us to check out."

"Okay." Jim hesitated. It had only been a dream. They were on an exploration mission, after all. It was a common enough command, it wasn't surprising.

"Sir?" Sulu glanced at Chekov, then back at him. "Shall I set the course?"

Jim cleared his throat. "Yes, Mr. Sulu. Thank you."

"Yes, sir."

He forced his attention to turn to his paperwork (paperwork that felt too familiar, too much the same as before), though was unable to keep from occasionally glancing out at the stars. Time crawled by and he found himself painfully tense, worry circling his mind. It had just been a dream. A frighteningly realistic one, but a dream all the same. After his shift, he'd head to his room, meet Bones and Spock, and tell them about it. They'd calm his fears and assure him that he was, in fact, being ridiculous. It'd be okay. He just had to finish this shift.

Then Sulu spoke and he felt as though all the air had left the room. "Sir, there's an unidentified ship approaching."

Jim sucked in a breath and ground his teeth, forcing his shaking hands to steady. "Hail them."

"They're not responding."

"Shields up. Then try again."

"Yes, sir." As Sulu moved to act, the entire ship jolted.

"We've been hit, captain! Damage to engine one!"

Jim swore, a cold panic washing over him. "Are the shields up?"

"Yes, sir, but the hit came while I was putting them up. They didn't block the entire blast."

"Fire back immediately!"

"Shields at twenty percent!" Chekov called.

"Firing now!" Sulu tensed. "It didn't even dent their shields!"

"Get us out of here, Mr. Sulu!"

"Yes, sir. I need-" The ship shook again. The hit took the lights with this time.

"Shields at ten percent!"

"Sulu, can you get us out?"

"The engine is too damaged, sir, I can't warp!"

"Damn it! Evacuate the ship!" He commanded, slamming the button. Red light flooded the room and Jim strode to the console, already pulling Sulu up.

"The autopilot is down, sir, I need to stay and-"

"Get out of here, Hikaru! That's an order!"

"But sir-" The ship rocked again.

"Think of Demora!"

Sulu's eyes went wide. Jim felt guilty for the bluntness, but it got the man moving, and that was what mattered. Jim turned his attention to Spock immediately.

"I need to find Bones."

"I will accompany you, captain."

Jim nodded sharply, not bothering to argue. The memory from yesterday- the dream, the damn dream- rose, but he pushed it down and pressed on.

"Bones!" The ship shook, more violently this time. The shields were down.

"I need to get my patients off this ship. Go without me!" Bones barked, not even looking at Jim.

"Come on, Bones, we can't stay!" Jim insisted, even as he pulled a patient out of bed and helped Nurse Chapel get a grip on him. She dragged the man- the last patient, he realized, as Bones helped Dr. M'Benga with another.

"Alright, alright. Lead the way."

Jim moved, knowing the two were behind him. Fear gripped him as the world exploded again, however, and he was thrown into Bones' office.

"No!"

Spock and Bones, clinging for dear life.

"Bones! Spock!"

Spock's eyes rolling. Bones' face going blue.

"No! No!"

Spock let go. Jim screamed. The world exploded.

. . .

This time, he shot out of bed, eyes fearful as they found the clock.

Same time. Same day.

He wanted to believe to it was a bad dream. That he was stressed and his brain had come up with some weird situation to cope with that. But it had all been too real for that. He didn't know what was happening, but he had to stop it.

He barely pulled on appropriate clothing before taking off, sprinting for Spock's room. He pounded on the door as soon as he arrived, heart racing.

"Jim. It is quite early, is all well?"

"No. You have to listen to me. I dunno what's going on, but I've been through this day twice now and both times, the Enterprise has been blown up and we all die. I need your help stopping it." As soon as it was out, he knew how insane it sounded. He was certain Spock thought he had lost it, but he was simply staring. When he spoke, his voice was void of emotion.

"Why don't you come inside?" Jim blinked, confused, but let Spock usher him inside. "Were you able to sleep last night, Jim?"

"What? Yeah, I guess. Spock, you're missing the point!"

"I am not. I am simply assessing the situation. You are certain these events were real?"

"Yes. Like I said, I don't know how, but they were! We have to do something!"

"Indeed." Spock looked at him a moment longer, then cautiously raised his arms. "You are shaking. May I hug you?"

Jim blinked. "Uh- what?"

"Hugs are customary means of comfort in Earth culture, correct?"

"Well- yeah."

"Then I wish to comfort you. This has clearly caused you great distress."

"I guess." Jim was still confused as Spock hugged him. He couldn't recall if Spock had ever hugged him. "I'm just glad you aren't calling me crazy. I thought you'd think I lost it."

"Believe me, Jim. I do not think you 'crazy,' as you say." Spock released him, sincerity in his eyes even as his features remained neutral. "I do apologize, however."

"What? What are you-" He didn't have a chance to finish as he felt Spock's fingers at his neck. The world was black before he even hit the ground.

The first thing he registered when he came to were voices, low and worried.

"-clearly believed these events to be real."

"Jesus, Spock. You did the right thing bringing him here."

"Will you be able to determine what is wrong?"

"Yeah, I should. He's probably just been pushing himself too much. You saw how tired he was last night."

"Exhaustion could cause delusions."

Delusions? "Bones. Spock!" Jim forced his heavy eyes open and tried to sit up. He found he couldn't.

"Woah, Jimmy, relax." Their faces appeared in his vision.

"Spock, what the hell!?"

"I apologize, captain. You were clearly in a state of panic and I believed Dr. McCoy could best assist you."

"I'm not having delusions! The ship is going to get attacked! Let me up so I can stop it!"

Bones frowned, eyes worried. "Kid, calm down. We're gonna figure out what's wrong, okay? You're gonna be fine." He was being gentle. Bones was never gentle.

He really thought Jim had lost it. He struggled harder against the restraints, anger and despair and betrayal flowing through his system. "Damn it, Bones! Just listen to me!"

"You're not makin any sense, kid. The ship is fine."

"Yeah, now! But we're gonna get attacked!"

"Jim-"

"I saw the crew dying! I saw you both die! I need to save you, let me save you!"

Spock and Bones exchanged a look. A hand closed around his and squeezed. "We're right here, Jimmy."

"Don't touch me, damn it!" Jim thrashed violently, too angry to properly appreciate the gesture. "Listen!"

"I'm gonna put you to sleep again, kid. We'll figure this out, I promise."

"No, Bones, don't! Please, don't!" But it was too late. Jim glowered at Bones, then Spock, as he felt the hypo kicking in. "Damn you both!" He snarled before his body relaxed on its own account and he fell unconscious again.

When he woke the second time, the world was red. Bones was beside him, yanking his limp body- still weak from the sedative- off the biobed. Jim leaned again Bones, groaning as the doctor practically dragged him to the door.

"Leonard!" Spock skidded to a halt in front of them, then grabbed Jim's other arm and helped drag him towards the door.

"What the hell is going on?" Bones hissed as they stumbled to the door.

"We are being attacked." Spock explained shortly. Jim was too weak to say 'I told you so.'

"What? By who?"

"I do not-"

The explosion cut him off. This time, Jim watched, horrified, as Bones was sucked out of the ship. The only thing keeping him from the same fate was Spock's strong arm, his grip painful on Jim's bicep.

"BONES!"

"Jim!" Spock pulled at him, but it was obvious the lack of atmosphere was affecting him. Jim himself already felt lightheaded. Black spots filled his vision and he passed out before Spock's grip failed.

#star trek #jim kirk #spock #leonard mccoy #mcspirk #tos #star trek tos #star trek aos #aos #fanfiction #my stories #mine #and we do it all again

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calliecat93 · 4 years ago

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Seriously though, the thing that annoyed me most about the Kelvin Timeline films is how is really did not understand Kirk, McCoy, or the Triumvirate dynamic. I don’t want to rant on the AOS films too much, they’re perfectly fine movies and being a newbie fan maybe I just don’t have the understanding of things tat I thought. But after spending two months watching all of TOS and loving it so much because of that dynamic... it just irks me. I know that reboots have to do things differently. Things have to change or you get an urban copy with no identity for value on it’s own. But at the same time, you have to understand that original property and put in the time and effort to make it work. Reboots like Ducktales 2017 worked because that effort was make. Reboots like The Powerpuff Girls 2016 failed because no effort was made at all. The AOS films made an effort, don’t get me wrong. But aside form Beyond, it just feel like they either didn’t understand how The Triumvirate and their respecitve dynamics worked and hwy it was so essential (and even then Beyond ain’t perfect int hat area) or decided that it was better to stick to pop culture interpretations despite those almost ALWAYS being exaggerations.

Kirk is a risk-taker and could be reckless and arrogant at times. But he was also perfectly level-headed and responsible as well, and no him being younger (if anything TOS said he was kind of a serious, overly studious person int he Academy so shouldn’t his arc be int he opposite direction?) or this being an alternate timeline (with the films doing NOTHING to explain/justify the changes the event that triggered it made) is NOT a valid excuse. This was the film going by the pop culture interpretaiton of Kirk. A reckless, arrogant, rebellious, womanizing idiot who has a heroic soul, but is a pain int he ass. Which sure it’s fun to joke about, but that is a shallow reaidg of James T Kirk. He was brave, responsible, charming, and VERY dedicated to his duty. Sure he’d go against Starflee’s orders sometimes, but he knew when to judge whenw as the time, hece hwy he needs Spock AND McCoy with him. He needs the logical half (Spock) and the emotional half (McCoy) to find the balance. To make the right choice. Sometimes it may be best to be logical. other times it’s best to be emotional. Sometimes it’s a combo of the two. But Kirk had the ability to take those options and make the right choice and f he makes the wrong one, find a way to make it right. Sometimes it meant going against Starfleet’s orders, sometimes he abided by it. Sometimes he could be rational, other times his emotions or circumstances got the better of him. But regardless, this was a man who proved over and over why he is a Starfleet Captain and one of the best. AOS Kirk got there eventually, but... let’s just say that he never should have gotten that captain chair in 2009.

McCoy has always pretty much ben given the shaft compared to Kirk and Spock since the former is the main character and the latter is the breakout character. Event he TOS movies are guilty fo sidelining him, though at least those tried to keep him involved. TOS is guilty of it too, but they also put a lot into his character even if not everything made it onto the screen. My point is... what is McCoy’s role aside from Chief Medical Officer? He is the one who gets Jim to took at the emotional/human aspect of situations. He is the who challenges Spock and his repressed emotions. If Spock is concerned about the needs of the many, McCoy is the one concerned with the few or the one left behind. He’s a doctor. A psychologist. A caretaker. It’s his JOB to look after the well-being of everyone especially Kirk physically, mentally, and emotionally. Essentially, he is the opposite of Spock. Spock is the logical one. The big picture person. The one whose roll is to keep Kirk on task and remind him of what’s truly at stake depending on their success or failure. He’s not emotionless, but logic will be what he leans towards first unless certain circumstances forces him otherwise. They are the opposite ends of the spectrum. Because AOS made Kirk the opposite end of the spectrum compared to Spock, McCoy loses his roll nor does he take up being the balance between the two ends. Essentially Kirk and Spock have to sort it out on their own, which... well if you read my watchthrough post you know I didn’t care for how it was done. McCoy’s part was sorely missing. He was just...t here. he filled the sarcastic best friend spot well, don’t get me wrong and he DID feel like McCoy because Karl Urban is a great actor who cared about what he was doing. But the narrative clearly didn’t feel the same way.

Here’s what I think, and again as a newbie fan maybe I just don’t have the proper understanding. I apologize for that. But TOS was at it’ best, imo, when these three were together. They were great on their own. Their respective broken up dynamics (Kirk and Spock, Spock and McCoy, McCoy and Kirk) were all also great. But went they were together? Even during the show’s lowest points, they were at their best. heck Final Frontier, while NOT a good movie, was enjoyable because of these three being together and doing their thing. Sure TOS might not gave given McCoy the attention he deserved and maybe Kirk and Spock hogged too much of the attention due to their main character (and Shatner’s ego) and being the most popular character respectively which affected EVERYONE else, not just Bones. But you can tell when the writers realized what they had with The Triumvirate, and they took advantage of that. I can only speak for myself but while I was liking ST TOS alright, it was near the end of S1 when they began focusing more on these three with the finale seeming to be when it truly clicked into place that I went from liking it to becoming a fan. Because the dynamic was just that good.

AOS just... didn’t seem to get it. Beyond did, but even then they spend most of the movie part so it can’t really shine fully. Now they are films. They get two hours a piece at most. TOS had an hour runtime, but got over 20 episodes a season and six films. It had PLENTY of hours to form and showcase the respective characters, relationship dynamics, and the three together. But tbf again, the films were made when TOS was about 40 years old. But they ultimately decided to go how they did, and it just... missed the mark. Kirk wasn’t Kirk and given McCoy’s most emotional traits without his common sense. McCoy lost hi importance and relegated to side character. Spock... honestly he got it the best of the three, through given a LOT more unnecessary angst when his TOS story already gave him everything he needed to be sympathetic and relatable. Seriously, Amanda dying still pisses me off especially HOW she died. But he at least maintained his role and played it mostly well. The dynamic that made TOS so great was broken, and I highly doubt that was the big change that was supposed to signal how this timeline is broken. Which, sorry to say this, but it is just an easy excuse for whatever changes are made without having to put the work in to justify it. Which when it comes to reboot, is one of my biggest issues.

Again, I don’t mean to bash the AOS films. I don’t hate them. I liked watching them. It took a bit but the characters did grow on me. Whether it continues or not, there is potential in it and I can see fanon getting very creative with it especially because there’s so much that allows so much creative freedom. Plus they DID bring this era of Star Trek back to popular conscious, hence why Spock has likely been brought back in Discovery and soon Strange New Worlds. But I just feel so... annoyed by it because it took the thing I loved most about TOS, and cowered away from it. I was so excited to see these three together again after being so sad when I finished TOS, and it just... wasn’t there. I expected it to be different, not essentially non-existent. But ah well, guess I have fanon at least. I can only hope that if this reboot continues or a new one emerges, they will do better there. Because I want to see them again and it’s okay fi they’re different form TOS. I just want those differences to come with the understanding and respect of what came before. And AOS, at least int his area, did not until it was arguably too late. It’s not even close tot he worst reboot I’ve ever seen though and like I said, Beyond showed signs of hope. But only time will tell if they lead to anything.

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rewritetheself · 5 years ago

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How to Learn (Part 2): Obstacles of Learning 2

There are 5 major obstacles to all learning:

1) Distraction 2) Multitasking 3) ? 4) ?? 5) ???

Much like how every hero has a nemesis. These obstacles each have specific targets of the learning or remembering processes that they attack. We are going to go over how they work, what they target, and how to overcome them so that we can learn to identify and defeat them when they appear. This time we will go over the second obstacle: Little Brother Multitasking.

Obviously, multitasking is self-explanatory. It is the act of doing more than one thing at the same time. We have all sorts of encouraging examples of how great the act of completing several tasks at once can be: It's efficient, it saves time and, depending on the tasks you're doing, it makes you seem like a totally badass. So much so that you don't even need your full attention to do them.

“What? You need to follow a recipe and have tools and a timer to make a meal? I can create a 5-course dinner while fighting an evil ninja clan that's trying to kill me and help my best friend get over being broken up by her asshole ex via Facebook. All at the same time while asleep.”

Now we all can recognize how ridiculous that sounds and yet in our day to day lives we still somehow believe that we (badass protagonists of the stories that are our lives) think we're capable of doing it just because. No training or practice required.

We really want to really hold this illusion of competence for a few reasons. Mainly because it makes us feel as if we're being productive and it also makes us feel more entertained if the thing we're learning isn't as interesting to us as something else.

Now multitasking can prey on the sensory and encoding stages of learning in that it can prevent you from noticing details of information in the first place or prevents you from spending enough time processing the information for it to be stored in your long term memory.

The Game of Multitasking

Multitasking has two objectives that it can achieve to prevent you from learning.

"Time flies when you're multitasking" -Bert McCoy

The small goal is to prevent you from being able to focus on your task of learning. So it forces you to rapidly switch back and forward between activities. This keeps you in a constant state of context reloading (which I've gone over in my article Why You Can't Focus). This wastes both the time that you could have been using to learn the skill/ info you're trying to and also prevents you from really using the full extent of your cognitive abilities to process them. So it's like doing a timed foot race to the finish line when you have 50 lbs steel balls tied to your ankles and you're also not really focusing on running to the finish line because you're also doing a crossword puzzle.

The big goal is to have its big brother Distraction take hold of you. This is a natural progression because if you have a moment of frustration at how long it's taking to learn this thing you're learning while multitasking. You might just say 'What the hell' and stop doing at all because 'I'm not being in a learning mood' or 'I have to do this other thing right now. I'll come back to learning later,' and thus you have fallen into the arms of Distraction.

(Read about Obstacle 1: Distraction)

How to beat Multitasking

Multitasking takes advantage of two things:

The belief that you can multitask

Now I'm not going to tell you that effective multitasking isn't a thing but it's a high-level skill that most people definitely don't possess. Additionally, the more things you do at once, the less cognitive power you have to do each thing. Meaning that while you are technically doing multiple things at once, you aren't doing them very well, which is a notable trade-off.

Your innate desire to be entertained/intrigued

Biologically we are motivated to chase enjoyable or pleasurable activities over doing boring or difficult ones. This is why it takes no effort to watch tv or play video games but take a bit of effort to meditate or work out regularly. If you aren't outright, distracted from learning by the seductive distractions you'd prefer to do in your free time, you'll at least be tempted to multitask them with your learning. In essence, sailing your ship home while listening to the siren's songs expecting not to crash into the rocks you're being drawn to.

Knowing all this, the strategy to beat Multitasking becomes obvious. The answer is to not play the game at all.

Your goal is to single task. Focus on what you are learning without distraction. This will let you pick up on all the information you need and let you use all your cognition to process and store it. Simple and efficient.

And if the task isn't as interesting or fun as other things you like doing, you should look into ways to make it enjoyable. Reward yourself when you learn parts and the information as a whole. Track your improvement to keep yourself motivated. Incorporate some aspects of an activity you like into the learning process like learning it as a trivia game or write a song about it.

The more fun something is for you the easier it is to focus on. So tailor it to your preferences.

Next Time: Obstacle #3: Information Overload

#multitask #multitasking #distraction #focus #learn #learning #productivity #procrastination #self development #self improvement #rewrite #rewritetheself #get things done #learn things

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adamwatchesmovies · 5 years ago

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Abominable (2006)

Abominable may be the best killer Sasquatch movie available. It’s faint praise considering the runner ups (Night Claws?) but this movie's kills are awesome. The setup is also encouraging; it’s Rear Window meets the abominable snowman. That said, there are too many idiotic characters, badly written scenes, and improbable developments for you to fully buy into it.

Still recovering from an accident that killed his wife and left him paraplegic, Preston Rogers (Matt McCoy) is staying in a cottage with his nurse, Otis (Christien Tinsley). A group of city girls - Karen (Ashley Hartman), Michelle (Natalie Compagno), C.J. (Karin Anna Cheung), Tracy (Tiffany Shepis), and Amanda (Haley Joel) - are his neighbors. As Preston watches in horror from his window, a terrifying creature emerges from the woods.

Having a disabled protagonist is a great way to begin your horror film. If Preston could get the women's attention, he might save them from the killer cryptid. Even then, who'd believe him? Even Otis doesn’t take the warnings seriously. Meanwhile, the deranged Sasquatch is hungry. Horror fans may be mixed on the film itself, but the monster is perfect. Its rows of crooked, jagged teeth chomp through flesh and bone, and you see all the traumatic details.

Beyond the abominable snowman, certain details strike you as odd. Early on, a gas station clerk (played by horror regular Jefferey Combs) is shown reading the town’s daily newspaper. There’s no way a community that small has enough material for an issue a day. Call it nitpicking, but such details show writer-director Ryan Schifrin was excited to dive into the carnage without taking the time to think everything through. When Preston sees the Bigfoot, he immediately emails the police, telling them… Bigfoot is on the loose. Come on. Who would take that warning seriously? In his attempt to then catch the attention of the ladies next door, he screams out his window. They have a hard time understanding what he’s saying (despite being next door) but somehow manage to hear a cellphone lying in the driveway… from inside the house. A wheelchair-bound hero is a good setup but at several points, the movie cheats. Either he’s suddenly able to hear what people are saying from incredible distances (as if binoculars would help you hear) or the framing device forces the women to behave a certain way for its own sake. The ladies' cabin has two bathrooms. Both with huge windows and no drapes - just so Preston can see them at all times. Once the forest monster attacks, things get really stupid. I know these women are frightened… but they’re too dumb to live.

Viewers eager for a Sasquatch killing unsuspecting victims who get excited hearing that Dee Wallace, Lance Henriksen, and Jeffrey Combs all play roles (even if their parts are very small) will get some enjoyment from Abominable. Even they will wish it was better. Being the best movie killer Bigfoot doesn’t make bad writing disappear. (On DVD, September 29, 2019)

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redshirtrights · 5 years ago

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who mourns for adonais?

[tos s2 ep2]

fun fact: sometimes i can’t read and i’ve been pronouncing adnoais as adonis for like..years

SCOTTY!

scotty waiting to ask this girl out. king. we love a bold man.

mccoy being like...”im not sure about those two.” just admit you like scotty and try to ask him out next time bones

hello kirk and mccoy. i know it’s the 1960′s but a woman can work and be married at the same time.

i start crying on sight with chekovs wig.

THE GIANT GREEN HAND.

“analysis, mr. spock!” sulu: “let me just save you some time. dude it’s a giant hand.”

“is it a...HAND?”

the hand: yoink gotcha

the disembodied head...this is the pinnacle of trek

agamemnon? you’re bringing up that bitch? ugh. pick a better mythical greek figure. agamemnon sucks ASS

WAIT WHAT HTE FUCK. ARCHAEOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY IS A BLUE SHIRT DIVISION?? HAVE I BEEN A BLUE SHIRT THIS WHOLE ASS TIME WKHATJH

IM HAVING A CRISIS

OH MY GOD IM A BLUE SHIRT. I THOUGHT I WAS RED???

so. this blog is a week old but we have branded as red shirt rights so...we’re gonna pretend my art history degree makes me a red shirt even tho im an archaeologist

“AND I’M TZAR OF ALL THE RUSSIAS” CHEKOV...BITCH

i love that scotty and his girl are hanging out

i love that scotty’s girl is an anthropologist....i have a chance.

this is such a pretty set honestly.

chekov...your wig...

not to validate apollo but i would 100% wear his sparkly gold toga

did you compare agamemnon to KIRK? i vomited in my mouth a little.

“wise for a woman” palamis kick his ASS

scottys face when this dude is flirting with his girl

SCOTTY TRIED TO SHOOT SOMEONE FLIRTING WITH HIS DATE...

loving that chekov also...whipped out this gun. boy’s been here for two episodes and he’s already RIDE OR DIE

i like carolyn bc she’s anthro representation but ma’am stand up for scotty

sulu and spock working together gives me sulu/spock content

if anyone actually has read these, or my ones from s1...i really do just ship everything huh.

this is such an incredibly interesting take of how the greek gods were aliens who needed attention to survive.

scotty is getting the absolute crap beat out of him today

“and for you..i’ll fulfill your wildest dreams..you’ll be a mom to my kids lol”

so palamas is talking about myths and..what would i give to study cultures from other planets. like...on earth numerous cultures have flood myths like is there something like that with alien cultures. do numerous alien species have the same sort of myth framework?

honestly....feel a little bad for apollo

this ep was actually really fun?? i feel as if i have so much more to say with the s2 episodes bc they are so fun and enjoyable. star trek really hits it’s stride here. 8/10

#lexie rewatches tos #this one is really funny bc i have the realization that with my degree im actually blue shirt instead of a red shirt RIP

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mst3kproject · 6 years ago

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423: Bride of the Monster

My favourite part of this episode is the ‘Favourites from Hired!’ skit Joel and the bots do in between the short and the movie. It’s so perfect in its parody of musicals, and the songs are better than almost any of the music featured in MST3K’s movies. When I got my current job, back in 2012, I actually extemporized a career-appropriate version of I Just Got Hired to sing on the way home.

I enjoy the movie, too, though. The ‘Old Willows Place’ is a house by a lake in the middle of some very spooky woods, with a reputation for being a home to monsters – which include the hulking Lobo and the gargantuan octopus that lives in the lake. The monsters, however, are just the appetizer: mad Dr. Vornoff has built an evil laboratory in the basement and is trying to create a race of giants by experimenting on random passers-by. So far all his attempts have been failures, but enough rumor about this has leaked out to get the attention of zealous reporter Janet Lawton. She heads out to the Old Willows Place to see for herself, only to be captured by Vornoff and Lobo. Is Janet doomed to become Vornoff’s first successful giant?

This movie is famously cheap, to the point where it becomes kind of charming. The walls of Vornoff’s laboratory are plywood painted with big dark squares to try to look like stone. When the monster octopus isn’t footage shot through the side of an aquarium, it’s a few immobile rubber tentacles off a prop from the 1948 movie Wake of the Red Witch (it is not true that Wood stole the octopus, by the way – Tim Burton appears to have made that up). Vornoff growing to gigantic size is represented by him raising his arms into the air, and later by the stuntman wearing platform heels. A scene with ‘quicksand’ is just actor Tony McCoy standing in a hole in the ground.

Also rather entertaining is the fact that while nobody in the movie is very good, they all look like they’re having a great time. Loretta King relishes every word of her dialogue and Harvey B. Dunn as the police chief seems to enjoy the banter scenes and the interactions with his little parrot – I wonder if it were Dunn’s real-life pet. Bela Lugosi as Vornoff chews the scenery with evident enjoyment and a surprising amount of dignity for such a silly film.

The plot mostly resembles a coherent story, and the cast’s actual dedication is enough to move Bride of the Monster past ‘bad’ and into ‘so bad it’s good’. What really interests me about it, though, is the question of whose movie it actually is. There’s only one character who can properly be said to have an arc, to start off as one thing and evolve into another. It’s not Janet or Dick, our apparent heroes, nor is it Dr. Vornoff – it’s actually Lobo!

Lobo begins the movie as Vornoff’s unquestioning servant, doing his master’s dirty work and being beaten into submission when he refuses – which isn’t often. We’re meant to believe he’s mentally handicapped, but he’s smarter than he lets on, and something about Janet (or perhaps her furry hat) awakens some rebellion in him. At the climax he takes charge of his own destiny, saving Janet from Vornoff’s clutches and strapping Vornoff into his own machine. He has become somebody capable of standing up for himself against his abuser, only for the very instrument of his revenge – the giant-making machine – to turn against him!

Think about it: who else is gonna be the hero of this movie? Not Janet – once she reaches the Old Willows Place, Vornoff places her in his hypnotic thrall and she’s incapable of doing anything useful until Lobo unties her. Not Dick – he’s chained up while Vornoff prepares to experiment on Janet and can’t get out until she’s free to undo his shackles! Then he tries to fight Lobo, gets his ass kicked and his shirt mostly torn off, and just lies on the floor during the climax. Certainly not the chief of police – his bird shows more initiative than he does! It’s Lobo all the way! He oughtta team up with Eulabelle from The Horror of Party Beach. There’s a pair of unappreciated heroes who could totally save the world!

On the other hand, Lobo also gets a death suitable for the villain of this movie! Like any halfway-respectable mad scientist, Lobo is killed by his own creation, the giant Dr. Vornoff! It’s a bit of an open question what Lobo thought the embiggening machine would do to Vornoff… he clearly fears it’ll kill Janet, since he takes the trouble to rescue her from it, and it’s likely he puts Vornoff into it hoping to see him fried. Why he didn’t just break the man’s neck or feed him to the octopus, as he did with Dr. Strowski, I don’t know. Perhaps he’s merely falling back on his training, although there are clearly some higher thought processes at work, since he must have learned to operate Dr. Vornoff’s machine by watching, and since this is evidently something he hasn’t done before he must have made a conscious decision to do it.

Vornoff is in turn killed by his creation, the monster octopus. Such is the fate of all who Tamper in God’s Domain.

Another argument that this is actually Lobo’s movie is that he might be the monster referenced in the title. Janet is clearly the bride, since she’s wearing a wedding dress at the climax – though the movie never tells us why, and the last guy Vornoff experimented on appeared to just have a sheet over him. It’s true that Vornoff tells the two hunters Lobo is not the legendary Lake Marsh Monster, and implies that it is actually the giant octopus – but nobody comes near marrying the octopus. Instead, it’s Lobo who appears to consider Janet a potential bride, and rescues her in the hope of winning her heart. Then again, perhaps Vornoff is the monster. He carries Janet off, probably intending to rebuild his laboratory and make her his giant bride, and his acts throughout the movie certainly qualify as monstrous.

I know, I know. It’s an Ed Wood movie. I’m thinking too hard.

Unique in Ed Wood's filmography, Bride of the Monster is rather mysterious about its message. I’ve observed before that Wood wanted to make important movies, movies that would teach people to be better human beings, and usually this ‘moral’ is pretty obvious. The Sinister Urge is about the horrors of pornography, Jail Bait and The Violent Years are about being involved with your children’s lives, and Plan Nine from Outer Space is about the arms race, as the aliens are determined to destroy us before we can discover the ultimate weapon. What the heck is Bride of the Monster about?

Perhaps it, too, is about humanity’s warlike tendencies: Dr. Vornoff’s home country wants to use his work to rule the world, while Vornoff, like Dr. Zorka of The Phantom Creeps, would rather rule the world himself. The final line, the infamous he tampered in God’s domain, suggest that the theme is scientific over-reach, which is also echoed in Plan Nine – Vornoff discovered something man wasn’t mean to know and it destroyed him, just as the Solarmanite is likely to do to all humanity in the other movie. But there’s also yet a third theme from Wood’s other works that creeps in here, and that’s the uselessness of the police.

I’m not sure if this is something Wood actually thought about, like he did his other themes, but it is a motif that runs through multiple films: the police don’t try very hard and are, ultimately, irrelevant. It was true in Plan Nine, as well as in Jail Bait and The Sinister Urge – policemen are fairly major characters without doing anything much to further the plot. This seems to be at the forefront of Bride of the Monster even more than the other films, as we get to know at least three of the cops fairly well and one of them, Dick, has an intimate connection with the actual plot in that he’s engaged to Janet.

As well as Dick, who tries to be a hero and fails, spectacularly, over and over, we get to know two other policemen: Kelton is eager to please but incompetent and cowardly, and Captain Robbins is far more interested in playing with his pet bird than with solving crimes. They’re all spectators for the climax, while Lobo does interesting things and giant Vornoff fights his octopus. Did Wood have some kind of grudge against the constabulary? Or was all this just a side effect of bad writing and attempts to add character?

Finally, Bride of the Monster is particular fun for MSTies because it’s so full of opportunities to play The Movies Are All Coming Together. If you feel like it, for example, you can wonder if Tor Johnson is playing the same Lobo as in The Unearthly – perhaps he came to, escaped the fire, and went to go work for Dr. Conway! Heck, maybe he’s also the same character as in The Beast of Yucca Flats… maybe he got his scars from that nuclear test, and is able to work Vornoff’s machinery because somewhere in there is some vestige of Joseph Javorski, Noted Scientist!

You can also ponder whether this might be a sequel to The Corpse Vanishes. In both movies, Bela Lugosi plays an evil scientist who keeps deformed henchmen and works alone in an isolated house… in The Corpse Vanishes he was interested in young brides and hormone secretions. Maybe in Bride of the Monster he dresses Janet up in a wedding gown because he’s used to working on young brides, and any attempt to turn people into giants would probably involve human growth hormone.

Wood did make a sequel of sorts to Bride of the Monster, called Night of the Ghouls – I’ll have to find that and watch it as an Episode that Never Was. I will not, however, be reviewing Plan Nine. So many other internet reviewers have done so that I doubt I have anything new to say about it, and besides, I honestly don’t think MST3K would ever have featured it. As supposedly ‘the worst movie ever made’ (though we MSTies have seen way worse), it was simply too obvious.

#mst3k #reviews #bride of the monster #ed wood #50s

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