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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: The Elysian Kingdom (2022)
Over-the-top, cheesy, cute, and FUN
Look, this isn't Trek's finest hour, but not every episode needs to be!
People calling this a "holodeck" episode are missing that everything that happens is real, a product of a new encounter/entity, not a holographic fabrication. Because of this, it doesn't need to have the same sort of dynamics we've seen in past holodeck episodes.
Having the resolution rely on a conclusion to a character's story, rather than Tekknobabble, was an inspired choice that made the episode feel like it had real weight.
The writing and dialogue are a bit lacking, and the final act was a bit rushed, but overall this was a fun episode that lets the actors ham it up, while also moving the story along.
Jackass Forever (2022)
It just works
I can't remember the last time I laughed as hard as I did during the "Silence of the Lambs" prank. Just pure unadulterated lunacy, and it perfectly illustrates the Jackass ethos - these guys all love and trust each other enough that they can be willingly brought into these dangerous situations, get absolutely wrecked, and leave with a smile.
In the 90-minute runtime, I can only remember like two short skits that failed to get a laugh from me. Everything else had me and the whole theater rolling on the floor.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: The Sound of Her Voice (1998)
Debra Wilson is Phenomenal
Upon my first viewing of DS9 many years ago, this episode was one of the ones that stuck with me. Not necessarily because it was an "upper-echelon" episode on its own, not because anything universe-altering happens, but because Debra Wilson managed to create such an immediately likeable and memorable character in Cpt. Lisa Cusak.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: You Are Cordially Invited (1997)
A very special, klingon wedding episode
Look, I'm a sucker for the more goofy, light-hearted episodes of Trek. And not only does this episode manage to provide thay levity after a very serious two-parter, but it does so while also showcasing some serious acting chops from its cast, and providing some wonderful characterization, to boot.
I also appreciate the flipped-on-its-head trope of the man being the one obsessed with wedding details, and the woman being the one to acquiesce for the good of the relationship. Dax rules.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Business as Usual (1997)
Fun A-plot w/ magnetic guests, affirming B-plot
Quark's story is a fun one, not only because we finally see him get to carry out A full operation on the station without Odo interfering, but his cohorts are such fun characters played by engaging actors.
Add on to that a charming and oddly-heartwarming B plot about O'Brien trying to get his baby to stop crying. Throughout the episode, men talk to other men about the wonders of fatherhood, and share tender moments together in support of a mutual cause. And that's just really nice to see in a time when gender roles were still a bit stuck in their old ways.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Nor the Battle to the Strong (1996)
A surprisingly affecting episode
Everyone likes to bring up "The Siege of AR-558" as a pinnacle when discussing DS9's exploration of war, but this episode often gets overlooked, which is strange because it might actually do a better job of showcasing the grim reality of war.
First, the characters: these are not trained soldiers fighting a monolithic enemy, they're what's left of a federation outpost, mostly made up of medical professionals working under stresses unforseen in their lives.
Next, the emotion. "Siege" introduces us to interesting new characters, which ultimately take screen time away from the stars, sometimes at the cost of development. narrowing down the emotion of the episode to Bashir and Jake was a smart move; since these are your main characters, using them to bounce off each other with anger, demand, sadness, betrayal works well. Especially with Jake as a true fish-out-of-water.
In "Siege", everyone gets their glory moment, and the battle is won, despite some key losses. In "Nor the Battle", that trope is effectively dropped, in favor of more-sardonic, M*A*S*H style moments. There are no 'heroes of war' here, just conversations like "you're gonna see a lot of people die for no reason, soldiers are going to have PTSD, and no lessons will be learned."
In a way, Jake has spent much of his life around war and death, but this was the first time it probably seemed visceral and real to him.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Broken Link (1996)
Important plot point, invaluable characterization
This episode's main plot concerns a fairly important plot beat for Odo's development, but more than that, this episode is an absolute peak for inconsequential banter and relationship-building between the cast.
From Sisko, Worf, and Dax betting on how many times Kira sneezes, to Garak regailing Odo with old spy stories, to Dax and the crew laughing at O'Brien's paranoia regarding Kira & Keiko, thid episode has it all. Up there with Kirk/Spock/McCoy singing rounds in Yellowstone.
BioShock Infinite (2013)
An Impressive Narrative and Visual Feat
Going in, I was expecting great things: the first Bioshock was one of the best games I'd ever played, including the best heel-turn I'd ever seen. And with all of the hype, I was expecting to be let down. Luckily, I was not. Bioshock Infinite manages to deliver on every single level, often simultaneously, to produce a truly remarkable gaming experience.
The graphics, art, and animations are incredibly well-thought out and defined, often capturing your interest and making the fantastical world of Columbia seem real.
The game-play is very fluid and very fun. The combat is similar to the first two games, but with a few new mechanics that keep things fresh and exciting. Also, Elizabeth is a companion. But it doesn't end up being an escort mission, where she is in constant need of rescue, and sits by while you are attacked. Elizabeth ends up being a useful and resourceful addition to the player, almost an extension.
The writing and voice-acting are spot on, the actors who play DeWitt (Troy Baker) and Elizabeth (Courtnee Draper) especially. You feel the strong chemistry between then, and the relationship organically and believably grows.
The story. Oh man, the story. Like I said, I was blown away the first time I played Bioshock 1. It was so creative, so smart, and so complete. But Infinite manages to irk out its predecessor in all of these departments, leaving me audibly remarking at many of the plot turns. Even the banter, which there is a fair amount of, feels necessary and important. Also, it does not reel you in and then simply let you go after a couple hours of play, like so many games nowadays. It keeps you engaged for well over 12 hours, as long as you take your time.
All in all, this is one of the best games I've ever played. It looks absolutely incredible. The combat and game-play is fluid, enticing, and always fresh. The story is fleshed out, entertaining, thought-provoking. The environment is incredibly deep, leaving the player room and time to explore all of the little things that are put in.
HOW TO PLAY THIS GAME: -Go through it slowly. Take your time to explore and soak in the environment and story. -Expect to play multiple times. Don't try and use all of the Vigors and weapons at once. Focus on what you like, and what works for you. Also, there are collectibles like in the first two games. Find the ones you can, but going on a treasure hunt isn't necessary.
10/10, 5/5, *****, A+