Since its first entry “The Man Trap” aired on Sept. 8 1966, Star Trek has released almost 900 episodes and 13 feature films. And yet, none of those TV episodes or movie releases have delved into that most popular of genres, the Christmas story.
Anyone who knows about the production of The Original Series can understand the reason for that omission. Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry placed religion alongside racism and capitalism as divisive tendencies from which humanity evolves. So of course a holiday based on Christianity and/or shopping would fade away as humans looked toward the stars.
But as is often the case, the actual execution of Star Trek differs wildly from Roddenberry’s intentions. Even though the franchise never openly embraces Christmas, some aspects of the holiday do catch up with it, no matter how far it boldly goes.
Does Starfleet Know It’s Christmas Time at All?
The first mention...
Anyone who knows about the production of The Original Series can understand the reason for that omission. Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry placed religion alongside racism and capitalism as divisive tendencies from which humanity evolves. So of course a holiday based on Christianity and/or shopping would fade away as humans looked toward the stars.
But as is often the case, the actual execution of Star Trek differs wildly from Roddenberry’s intentions. Even though the franchise never openly embraces Christmas, some aspects of the holiday do catch up with it, no matter how far it boldly goes.
Does Starfleet Know It’s Christmas Time at All?
The first mention...
- 12/24/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
"Star Trek: Enterprise" struggled throughout its four-season run. A prequel set in the 22nd century, before the Federation's founding, the series often felt like "Star Trek" was stuck in the past in more ways than one. The first two seasons hardly broke from the typical "Trek" formula despite the unfamiliar setting and the show bled viewership. Shake-ups in seasons 3 and 4 weren't enough to save the series. "Enterprise" was the first "Star Trek" since the original to not reach seven seasons and it put the franchise on hiatus, cementing its black sheep reputation. It didn't help that the series finale, "These Are The Voyages..." was a clunker.
The episode is centered around "Star Trek: The Next Generation" episode, "The Pegasus." In that episode, Will Riker's (Jonathan Frakes) former commanding officer Admiral Pressman (Terry O'Quinn) comes to the Enterprise to lead a recovery mission of his old ship, the source of the episode's title.
The episode is centered around "Star Trek: The Next Generation" episode, "The Pegasus." In that episode, Will Riker's (Jonathan Frakes) former commanding officer Admiral Pressman (Terry O'Quinn) comes to the Enterprise to lead a recovery mission of his old ship, the source of the episode's title.
- 8/7/2023
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Firefly, Season 1, Episode 9, “Ariel”
Directed by Allan Kroeker
Written by José Molina
Aired November 15th, 2002 on Fox
Welcome to Sound on Sight’s summer look back at Firefly, the beloved yet short-lived series that aired on Fox during the 2002-2003 TV season. Every Thursday, we will revisit an episode at a time of the show’s one and only season, in the order that they were meant to be seen. The correct sequence is accurately reflected on most, if not all, streaming services that currently have the show, but for those watching via other methods, the accurate order can be found here. Now, without further ado, time to spend some time with the most entertaining group of grifters in The ‘Verse.
For the majority of the first season, Firefly is content to steer clear of the more overtly futuristic qualities of the world it inhabits. The planets Serenity lands on...
Directed by Allan Kroeker
Written by José Molina
Aired November 15th, 2002 on Fox
Welcome to Sound on Sight’s summer look back at Firefly, the beloved yet short-lived series that aired on Fox during the 2002-2003 TV season. Every Thursday, we will revisit an episode at a time of the show’s one and only season, in the order that they were meant to be seen. The correct sequence is accurately reflected on most, if not all, streaming services that currently have the show, but for those watching via other methods, the accurate order can be found here. Now, without further ado, time to spend some time with the most entertaining group of grifters in The ‘Verse.
For the majority of the first season, Firefly is content to steer clear of the more overtly futuristic qualities of the world it inhabits. The planets Serenity lands on...
- 8/6/2015
- by Whitney McIntosh
- SoundOnSight
Grimm Episode 309
“Red Menace”
Written By: Alan Difiore
Directed By: Allan Kroeker
Original Airdate: 3 January 2014
In This Episode…
A Russian faith healer named Boris has rolled into Portland to offer his services. He is something of a celebrity amongst the Russian population. He lays hands on the ill and takes away their suffering, and wants no money in return. This isn’t some act; Boris is sincere, but each heal takes a toll on him. Of course, he is also a philanderer (and he doesn’t try to hide it) which does not sit well with his wife Olga.
The family of Boris’ most recent patient holds a celebratory dinner in his honor at a local Russian restaurant. Boris excuses himself to the bathroom, where he is set upon by a man named Alex. The men fight, and Alex withdraws a switchblade. Boris is cut, which enrages him. His eyes glow green,...
“Red Menace”
Written By: Alan Difiore
Directed By: Allan Kroeker
Original Airdate: 3 January 2014
In This Episode…
A Russian faith healer named Boris has rolled into Portland to offer his services. He is something of a celebrity amongst the Russian population. He lays hands on the ill and takes away their suffering, and wants no money in return. This isn’t some act; Boris is sincere, but each heal takes a toll on him. Of course, he is also a philanderer (and he doesn’t try to hide it) which does not sit well with his wife Olga.
The family of Boris’ most recent patient holds a celebratory dinner in his honor at a local Russian restaurant. Boris excuses himself to the bathroom, where he is set upon by a man named Alex. The men fight, and Alex withdraws a switchblade. Boris is cut, which enrages him. His eyes glow green,...
- 1/5/2014
- by Alyse Wax
- FEARnet
Grimm, Season 3, Episode 9, “Red Menace”
Written by Alan Difiore
Directed by Allan Kroeker
Airs Fridays at 9pm Est on NBC
This week, on Grimm: Nick doesn’t sweat, Capt. Renard returns, and a Russian healer comes to town
Grimm has always balanced its usual procedural format with serialized elements, from Nick’s growing awareness of his Grimm heritage to the various character relationships, but for the most part the series has focused primarily on cases of the week with a few arc-specific episodes each year. This has changed with season three, which has followed Adalind’s European-set journey to reclaim her Hexenbeist abilities. At the same time, Nick’s physiology has changed dramatically, either as a side effect of his anti-zombie meds in the two-part season premiere or as a natural progression of his Grimm abilities. Then there are the Royals and the anti-Royal rebellion Capt. Renard has joined,...
Written by Alan Difiore
Directed by Allan Kroeker
Airs Fridays at 9pm Est on NBC
This week, on Grimm: Nick doesn’t sweat, Capt. Renard returns, and a Russian healer comes to town
Grimm has always balanced its usual procedural format with serialized elements, from Nick’s growing awareness of his Grimm heritage to the various character relationships, but for the most part the series has focused primarily on cases of the week with a few arc-specific episodes each year. This has changed with season three, which has followed Adalind’s European-set journey to reclaim her Hexenbeist abilities. At the same time, Nick’s physiology has changed dramatically, either as a side effect of his anti-zombie meds in the two-part season premiere or as a natural progression of his Grimm abilities. Then there are the Royals and the anti-Royal rebellion Capt. Renard has joined,...
- 1/5/2014
- by Kate Kulzick
- SoundOnSight
"Cult"'s brief run on The CW comes to an end this Friday night with Episodes 1.12 and 1.13, "1987" and "Executive Producer Steven Rea," respectively. Will Jeff and Skye find the answers they're looking for? Check out this preview for clues.
"Cult" Episode 1.12 - "1987" (airs 7/12/13, 8-9 pm)
Jeff And Skye Remain In Hiding From The True Believers — Stuart (guest star Jeffrey Pierce) tasks Nate (guest star James Pizzinato, “Alcatraz”) with deciphering the copy of Kellian’s manuscript, but Cameron (guest star Eric Lange) remains skeptical that Nate can uncover the answers about the Moon Hill parents.
Nate asks Allegra (guest star Sheila Vand, Argo) to get a message to Jeff if she makes it out alive. Nate reveals to Stuart that 32 followers disappeared from Moon Hill and gives Stuart a phone number that he found repeated in the manuscript’s code. Jeff and Skye remain in hiding from the True Believers now...
"Cult" Episode 1.12 - "1987" (airs 7/12/13, 8-9 pm)
Jeff And Skye Remain In Hiding From The True Believers — Stuart (guest star Jeffrey Pierce) tasks Nate (guest star James Pizzinato, “Alcatraz”) with deciphering the copy of Kellian’s manuscript, but Cameron (guest star Eric Lange) remains skeptical that Nate can uncover the answers about the Moon Hill parents.
Nate asks Allegra (guest star Sheila Vand, Argo) to get a message to Jeff if she makes it out alive. Nate reveals to Stuart that 32 followers disappeared from Moon Hill and gives Stuart a phone number that he found repeated in the manuscript’s code. Jeff and Skye remain in hiding from the True Believers now...
- 7/8/2013
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
Defiance, Season 1: Episodes 9, 10 and 11 – “I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times,” “If I Ever Leave This World Alive” and “The Bride Wore Black”
Directed by Allan Kroeker (9 and 10) and Todd Slavkin (11)
Written by Clark Perry (9), Bryan Garcia (10) and Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer (11)
Airs Monday nights at 9 on SyFy
Apologies for major technical issues on my end that made me fall behind on these reviews. Coming back to watch and write about three episodes of Defiance as one unit, though, was a really interesting exercise. As this debut season has gone along, it has felt like Defiance episodes work perfectly fine in their own right as self-contained stories but that they lack that substance that lends itself to more meaningful examination or criticism. When I’ve addressed this in the past, I’ve pointed my finger at the fact that the show is more concerned with world-building than...
Directed by Allan Kroeker (9 and 10) and Todd Slavkin (11)
Written by Clark Perry (9), Bryan Garcia (10) and Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer (11)
Airs Monday nights at 9 on SyFy
Apologies for major technical issues on my end that made me fall behind on these reviews. Coming back to watch and write about three episodes of Defiance as one unit, though, was a really interesting exercise. As this debut season has gone along, it has felt like Defiance episodes work perfectly fine in their own right as self-contained stories but that they lack that substance that lends itself to more meaningful examination or criticism. When I’ve addressed this in the past, I’ve pointed my finger at the fact that the show is more concerned with world-building than...
- 6/27/2013
- by Sean Colletti
- SoundOnSight
Synopses Arrive for the Final Two Episodes of The CW's Cult - 1987 and Executive Producer Steven Rea
Planning to catch the last few episodes of "Cult" when they air on The CW beginning June 28th? We're gonna give it another go; if you are too, here are synopses for "1987" and "Executive Producer Steven Rea," airing July 12th.
"Cult" Episode 1.12 - "1987" (airs 7/12/13, 8-9 pm)
Jeff And Skye Remain In Hiding From The True Believers — Stuart (guest star Jeffrey Pierce) tasks Nate (guest star James Pizzinato, “Alcatraz”) with deciphering the copy of Kellian’s manuscript, but Cameron (guest star Eric Lange) remains skeptical that Nate can uncover the answers about the Moon Hill parents.
Nate asks Allegra (guest star Sheila Vand, Argo) to get a message to Jeff if she makes it out alive. Nate reveals to Stuart that 32 followers disappeared from Moon Hill and gives Stuart a phone number that he found repeated in the manuscript’s code. Jeff and Skye remain in hiding from the True Believers...
"Cult" Episode 1.12 - "1987" (airs 7/12/13, 8-9 pm)
Jeff And Skye Remain In Hiding From The True Believers — Stuart (guest star Jeffrey Pierce) tasks Nate (guest star James Pizzinato, “Alcatraz”) with deciphering the copy of Kellian’s manuscript, but Cameron (guest star Eric Lange) remains skeptical that Nate can uncover the answers about the Moon Hill parents.
Nate asks Allegra (guest star Sheila Vand, Argo) to get a message to Jeff if she makes it out alive. Nate reveals to Stuart that 32 followers disappeared from Moon Hill and gives Stuart a phone number that he found repeated in the manuscript’s code. Jeff and Skye remain in hiding from the True Believers...
- 6/20/2013
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
Covert Affairs
Created by Chris Ord and Matt Corman
imdb, USA, Tuesdays at 10Pm
2.01 Begin the Begin
Directed by Kate Wood, Written by Chris Ord and Matt Corman
2.02 Good Advices
Directed by Ken Girotti, Written by Stephen Hootstein
2.03 Bang and Blame
Directed by Allan Kroeker, Written by Erica Shelton
2.04 All the Right Friends
Directed by Stephen Kay, Written by Norman Morrill
2.05 Around the Sun
Directed by Félix Alcalá, Written by Dana Calvo
2.06 The Outsiders
Directed by Marc Roskin, Written by Julia Ruchman
2.07 Half a World Away
Directed by Félix Alcalá, Written by Julia Ruchman
*****
Covert Affairs is a surprisingly smart espionage procedural which is simultaneously built on the unrealistic TV tradition of Bond Girls and a more realistic tradition of espionage procedurals.
Female spies on TV have always been heavily influenced by Bond Girls, although TV influenced Bond as well. Two of the earliest female spies on TV, Cathy Gale...
Created by Chris Ord and Matt Corman
imdb, USA, Tuesdays at 10Pm
2.01 Begin the Begin
Directed by Kate Wood, Written by Chris Ord and Matt Corman
2.02 Good Advices
Directed by Ken Girotti, Written by Stephen Hootstein
2.03 Bang and Blame
Directed by Allan Kroeker, Written by Erica Shelton
2.04 All the Right Friends
Directed by Stephen Kay, Written by Norman Morrill
2.05 Around the Sun
Directed by Félix Alcalá, Written by Dana Calvo
2.06 The Outsiders
Directed by Marc Roskin, Written by Julia Ruchman
2.07 Half a World Away
Directed by Félix Alcalá, Written by Julia Ruchman
*****
Covert Affairs is a surprisingly smart espionage procedural which is simultaneously built on the unrealistic TV tradition of Bond Girls and a more realistic tradition of espionage procedurals.
Female spies on TV have always been heavily influenced by Bond Girls, although TV influenced Bond as well. Two of the earliest female spies on TV, Cathy Gale...
- 11/23/2011
- by Michael Ryan
- SoundOnSight
Chuck Review, Season 5, Episode 4, “Chuck Versus the Business Trip”
Written by Kristin Newman
Directed by Alan Kroeker
Airs Fridays at 8pm (Et) on NBC
During its first three weeks, Chuck’s fifth season relegated many of its supporting characters to the sidelines. It also struggled with resolving the uneven story line of Morgan as the Intersect. Both of those issues disappear quickly in the fourth episode, which moves closer to a return to form. Last week’s cliffhanger had Morgan walking out to his car, unaware of the car bomb waiting for him. There was little tension, especially since NBC ruined the resolution in their previews. During this week’s opener, it is entertaining to watch Morgan perform one of the slowest walks ever to ensure Chuck could save him in time. Following this close call, he’s ready to get rid of the Intersect, and General Beckman is more than happy to oblige.
Written by Kristin Newman
Directed by Alan Kroeker
Airs Fridays at 8pm (Et) on NBC
During its first three weeks, Chuck’s fifth season relegated many of its supporting characters to the sidelines. It also struggled with resolving the uneven story line of Morgan as the Intersect. Both of those issues disappear quickly in the fourth episode, which moves closer to a return to form. Last week’s cliffhanger had Morgan walking out to his car, unaware of the car bomb waiting for him. There was little tension, especially since NBC ruined the resolution in their previews. During this week’s opener, it is entertaining to watch Morgan perform one of the slowest walks ever to ensure Chuck could save him in time. Following this close call, he’s ready to get rid of the Intersect, and General Beckman is more than happy to oblige.
- 11/22/2011
- by Dan Heaton
- SoundOnSight
New episodes of Gossip Girl return on January 24. The first few episodes back will focus on the fallout from the teens discovering Lily's many secrets during the winter finale - including her part in putting Ben in prison and the fact that she's trying to sell Bass Industries without informing Chuck. Yesterday we posted a trailer and promo photos for the January 24 episode. Now The CW has released an additional trailer and a sneak peek, showing that Serena is most definitely Not on her way to forgiving her mother and there's serious friction in the Humphrey-Van Der Woodsen household.
Michael Boatman (“The Good Wife”) And Tika Sumpter (“One Life To Live”) Guest Star
A former associate of Chuck’s (Ed Westwick) father, Russell Thorpe (Boatman) – along with his daughter Raina (Sumpter) – returns to Manhattan with some unfinished business for our Upper East Siders. Serena (Blake Lively) and Chuck join forces...
Michael Boatman (“The Good Wife”) And Tika Sumpter (“One Life To Live”) Guest Star
A former associate of Chuck’s (Ed Westwick) father, Russell Thorpe (Boatman) – along with his daughter Raina (Sumpter) – returns to Manhattan with some unfinished business for our Upper East Siders. Serena (Blake Lively) and Chuck join forces...
- 1/12/2011
- by Clarissa
- TVovermind.com
Check out this clip from Gossip Girl episode 4.12, “The Kids are not All Right,” with a Humprey and van der Woodsen family dinner. Don’t expect any smiles after last seasons finale and Lily’s shenanigans. This clip features Serena (Blake Lively), Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley), Rufus (Matthew Settle), Eric (Connor Paolo) and Lily (Kelly Rutherford).
Gossip Girl Season 4 Episode 12: The Kids Are Not All Right
A former associate of Chuck’s (Ed Westwick) father, Russell Thorpe (Boatman) – along with his daughter Raina (Sumpter) – returns to Manhattan with some unfinished business for our Upper East Siders. Serena (Blake Lively) and Chuck join forces against Lily (Kelly Rutherford). Blair (Leighton Meester) realizes that her mother, Eleanor (guest star Margaret Colin), may be her key to becoming a future CEO. Nate (Chace Crawford) worries that his father, The Captain (guest star Sam Robards), is having a little too much fun and not taking his parole seriously.
Gossip Girl Season 4 Episode 12: The Kids Are Not All Right
A former associate of Chuck’s (Ed Westwick) father, Russell Thorpe (Boatman) – along with his daughter Raina (Sumpter) – returns to Manhattan with some unfinished business for our Upper East Siders. Serena (Blake Lively) and Chuck join forces against Lily (Kelly Rutherford). Blair (Leighton Meester) realizes that her mother, Eleanor (guest star Margaret Colin), may be her key to becoming a future CEO. Nate (Chace Crawford) worries that his father, The Captain (guest star Sam Robards), is having a little too much fun and not taking his parole seriously.
- 1/12/2011
- by Alexis James-Whitehead
- BuzzFocus.com
Chuck gathers his Upper East Side friends to plot a way to keep Lily from selling Bass Industries. Gossip Girl returns with new episodes on January 24 and below are promo photos and a trailer for the January 2011 return of the show.
Michael Boatman (“The Good Wife”) And Tika Sumpter (“One Life To Live”) Guest Star
A former associate of Chuck’s (Ed Westwick) father, Russell Thorpe (Boatman) – along with his daughter Raina (Sumpter) – returns to Manhattan with some unfinished business for our Upper East Siders. Serena (Blake Lively) and Chuck join forces against Lily (Kelly Rutherford).
Blair (Leighton Meester) realizes that her mother, Eleanor (guest star Margaret Colin), may be her key to becoming a future CEO. Nate (Chace Crawford) worries that his father, The Captain (guest star Sam Robards), is having a little too much fun and not taking his parole seriously. Penn Badgley and Matthew Settle also star.
Michael Boatman (“The Good Wife”) And Tika Sumpter (“One Life To Live”) Guest Star
A former associate of Chuck’s (Ed Westwick) father, Russell Thorpe (Boatman) – along with his daughter Raina (Sumpter) – returns to Manhattan with some unfinished business for our Upper East Siders. Serena (Blake Lively) and Chuck join forces against Lily (Kelly Rutherford).
Blair (Leighton Meester) realizes that her mother, Eleanor (guest star Margaret Colin), may be her key to becoming a future CEO. Nate (Chace Crawford) worries that his father, The Captain (guest star Sam Robards), is having a little too much fun and not taking his parole seriously. Penn Badgley and Matthew Settle also star.
- 1/11/2011
- by Clarissa
- TVovermind.com
I'm subbing in for Mandi this week. I'll admit upfront: I'm a Bones latecomer. I once thought it was just another procedural, left over from the mid-decade glut of CSI rip-offs (like Crossing Jordan or Medical Investigation). But then my girlfriend got me into the Booth/Brennan supernova-hot chemistry. People compare them to past TV will-they-or-won't-they couples like Moonlighting's David and Maddie, but their flirtatious one-upmanship more resembles the love-as-a-competition backbiting in classic Howard Hawks movies. Yes, half the dialogue on the show is scientific bio-babble; yes, the visual style is somewhere between monochrome noir and Law & Order handheld verité; and yes,...
- 10/2/2009
- by Darren Franich
- EW.com - PopWatch
Dollhouse Episode 5 "True Believer" Written By: Tim Minear Directed By: Allan Kroeker Original Airdate: 13 March 2009 In This Episode… A wacky religious cult in the backwoods of Arizona makes their monthly pilgrimage into town for supplies. One member hands the clerk their shopping list. As they are leaving, the clerk notices a note scrawled on the back: "Save me." Senator Boxbaum comes to DeWitt to hire an Active to infiltrate this cult. DeWitt is not thrilled with the idea, but she agrees because the Senator is an important ally in keeping the Dollhouse secret. Topher and Doc Saunders turn Echo into a living camera...
- 3/15/2009
- FEARnet
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