Star Trek Continues - Episode #1 "Pilgrim of Eternity"

 The series, as the title suggests, picks up right where the original series left off with the Enterprise and her crew continuing their 5 year mission.  While I missed the premiere at Phoenix Comicon this year, I was able to finally sit down and watch it a couple of days ago.  I have to admit, I had a moment of doubt that this could be a terrible train-wreck, but that feeling passed not only with the first three 4-minute vignettes, but also with the first few minutes of the first episode "Pilgrim of Eternity".

As a kid, I used to watch Star Trek TOS episodes in reruns with my dad. As an adult, I recently ran through the entire series, along with every other Star Trek show that aired (Thanks, Netflix!).  Watching STC's beautiful love-letter to the original show unfold, I couldn't help but be swept up with notsalgia: the lights, the ambient sounds of the bridge, the orchestral musical cues and stings, even the mannerisms from the entire crew as they matched their 60s counterparts: this episode was proof that it was done by a cast and crew that loved Star Trek as much as any other fan.  The episode even ties in directly with the 1967 episode "Who Mourns for Adonais?".  

After a harrowing encounter with a mysterious object off of the Enterprise's bow, two beings materialize on the bridge of the ship: one of which dies and fades away.  The remaining being is identified as Apollo, the alien with god-like powers the Enterprise crew encountered 2 years prior.  Michael Forest, who originally played the part in 1967, reprises his role as Apollo.   

"Pilgrim of Eternity" carries with it the theme of "what can be done when a person (or in this case, a god) seems to have outlived their usefulness?". What does one do when they no longer get the attention or worship they're accustomed to? The answer is almost never an easy one to face.

Along with Vic, Grant Imahara portrays Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu, Chris Doohan steps into his father's shoes as Lieutenant Commander Montgomery "Scotty" Scott, Todd Haberkorn dons the Vulcan ears of Commander Spock, Larry Nemecek plays Lieutenant Commander Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy, Kim Stinger as Lieutenant Uhura, and Wyatt Lenhart as Ensign Pavel Chekov. 

It should also be noted that the voice of the computer is Marina Sirtis, who you might recognize as Counselor Deanna Troi in Star Trek: The Next Generation.  Even more interesting: the actress that played Deanna's mother, Majel Barrett was not only married to Gene Roddenberry, but originally provided the computer's voice in nearly every instance of Star Trek (her final portrayal being the computer voice in the 2009 reboot). So it only made sense that the role of the computer's voice be passed on from "mother" to "daughter". 

If you're a fan, I highly recommend watching the vignettes and the first episode at the Official Site or on Vimeo (which also has a free app for PS3 and Xbox).  If you're not familiar with the crew of the NCC-1701, I'd suggest watching the entire series, but it's not necessary to enjoy this bit of wonderment. 

Thanks for continuing to "boldly go", Vic & crew.