Hard as it is to believe, it's a helluva good time to be a Trekkie. I mean, sure, there hasn't been an episode of Star Trek on TV since 2005 and Star Trek: Nemesis is regarded by everyone to be the worst Star Trek movie ever -- but there's hope for the future.
As Paramount turns it's focus back onto the original series with the up-coming Star Trek movie (which, in my mind, will make or break the future of the franchise), the fate of the Trek spin-offs rests in the hands of the so-called "TrekLit" department. This group of writers and editors have taken the Star Trek universe and given it a new direction.
The post-finale "relaunches" of Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise continue the adventures of the crews and vessels of said series. The Next Generation line of books have developed stories that work around the movies and have relaunched themselves, post-Nemesis.
Toss in new book-only series like New Frontier, Vanguard, Starfleet Corps of Engineers, and others, and we now have a vast universe that gives the writers a lot of freedom. Not all of them are successful and some of them miss their marks, but for the effort is there and there's always a chance of another writer coming in and cleaning up someone else's mess.
Which brings us to the whole point of this blog post -- a review of the Star Trek: Destiny trilogy, a series that takes the status quo of the 24th centrury and turns it on its head. The books, written by David Mack, were released late last year and are among the most exciting Star Trek books I've read.
The trilogy revolves around two main plotlines. One is the Alpha Quadrant's war with the Borg. The Borg, deciding to no longer try and assimilate the Federation, have decided to simply wipe them out completely. The other revolves around the mysterious presence of the long-lost USS Columbia NX-02 in the Gamma Quadrant -- a mystery that connects to a highly advance species called the Caeliar.
These two plots bring together the Enterprise-E, the Titan (Riker's new ship), and the Aventine, with its new captain, Ezri Dax. As the plots begin to intertwine, we are not only given the full origin of the Borg, but also its final fate. In the end, virtually the entire galaxy is transformed as a result, setting the stage for new Trek books that will further reveal the new status quo.
What I really like about these books is that it does in fact bring about change in the Star Trek universe. In addition, we're given some significant character development of the parts of Picard, Riker, Troi, Worf, Dax, Hernandaz, and a boat-load of other characters. In fact, even though the cast is three basically three starships full, there is plenty of character moments to go around.
We see scores of characters -- Martok, Admiral Paris, Chakotay, Seven of Nine, Tom Paris, and Garek. In addition to this, TrekLit-created characters appear. Federation President Bacco plays a large role. The Excalibur from New Frontier and the daVinci from SCE are name-dropped. Many political powers all play roles in the series, including the Tholians, Gorn, Breen, Ferengi, Romulans, and Cardassians.
That being said, I wish there had been a bit more. Voyager's role is minor, just a chapter or two spent with Chakotay, Seven, and Paris. The end result with the Borg -- while it worked out great -- really could have been seen as being more wide-spread. It doesn't address the Unimatrix Zero Borgs, Hugh, or the Borg Cooperative, all three of which would have helped increase the impact of what had occured.
We also don't even get a glimpse of the Romulans as they battle Borg.
That's not to mention the large amount of "WTF" moments for new readers. While I would recommend this book as something to help non-reading Trekkies get into TrekLit, there are certain elements that are tough to wrap one's head around. Janeway's dead? Picard and Crusher are married and having a baby? Torres left Paris? Dax is a Captain? I can see it being confusing to new readers. Heck, I've read some of the TrekLit books and even I was confused!
There are flaws with the writing too. I'm fairly certain that President Bacco repeats some of her dailogue throughout (side-note: I keep thinking her as some sort of strange combination of the West Wing's President Bartlet and Captain Amelia from Treasure Planet. I don't even know why). Picard's Borg-angst is way too heavy-handed.
But that being said, David Mack is among the best TrekLit writers and so much of this series is well-developed and interesting. Not only does it retain Star Trek's central theme of seeking out new life and new civilizations (in meeting and dealing with the Caeliar), but it also handles the Borg incredibly well. In fact, I dare say that the revelations made in regards to the Borg are a stroke of genius.
If you're a Star Trek fan, craving some 24th centrury lovin', this is where you need to go. If you want more, follow the bread crumbs into the series that crossover here. This series really does boldy go where no one has before.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
Books in '09
Reading checklist for 2009 (thus far):
The Book of Lies (ABANDONED -- IS A STUPID BOOK)
The Chronicles of Narnia
Star Trek: A Singular Destiny (at which point I'll post my review for "Destiny" -- not that anyone cares that much)
Great Expectations
Oliver Twist
. . . and, at some point, the Marvel Chronicle and comics to up-date my Uncanny X-Periment with.
There are a crap load of Star Trek books coming out too and considering the Trek-love I've been having, I'll probably take those on too.
I love words.
The Book of Lies (ABANDONED -- IS A STUPID BOOK)
The Chronicles of Narnia
Star Trek: A Singular Destiny (at which point I'll post my review for "Destiny" -- not that anyone cares that much)
Great Expectations
Oliver Twist
. . . and, at some point, the Marvel Chronicle and comics to up-date my Uncanny X-Periment with.
There are a crap load of Star Trek books coming out too and considering the Trek-love I've been having, I'll probably take those on too.
I love words.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
I (still) hate MSN
Is this really an article?
http://movies.msn.com/movies/galleryfeature/comic-book-movies/
I mean, is it? Basically, it says "Hey, there are comic book movies. Some of them have been good. Some of them have been bad. The good ones are so good, they might be hard to top."
And I can't get a job as a writer while these yokels vomit these words onto the screen?
http://movies.msn.com/movies/galleryfeature/comic-book-movies/
I mean, is it? Basically, it says "Hey, there are comic book movies. Some of them have been good. Some of them have been bad. The good ones are so good, they might be hard to top."
And I can't get a job as a writer while these yokels vomit these words onto the screen?
Star Trek primer
With the new Star Trek movie coming out in May and the hype machine going at a full Warp 9.5, I figured it was time to write this up. I’m targeting this for really any sort of causal viewer who is looking for some more info about Star Trek, though I believe my wife and a few friends will benefit from it just as well.
The concentration will be on the original series, though I’ll be touching on the spin-offs and movies.
So, without further ado . . .
STAR TREK
(The Original Series [TOS]; 1966-1969)
Taking place in the mid-23rd century, the original Star Trek chronicled the adventures of Captain Kirk as he led the USS Enterprise NCC-1701through the galaxy on a five year mission, seeking out new life and new civilizations. Along the way, Kirk and his crew were confronted with amazing discoveries as well as an abundance of conflicts - both personal and professional.
Crew:
Captain James “Jim” T. Kirk (William Shatner)
Sucessor to Captain Pike, Kirk took a very hands-on and professional way of commanding the Enterprise. While willing to jump head-first into danger and to stare his enemy straight in the eye to get them to back-down, Kirk was also just as willing to resolve a conflict with diplomacy.
Lieutenant-Commander Spock, Science Office (Leonard Nimoy)
Half-human, half-Vulcan science officer. Loyal to a tee to both Starfleet and Captain Kirk, Spock presents the logical side to every argument – even in the face of his own inner turmoil. This conflict between his cold logic half and his passionate human side has led to tension between him and his father, Ambassador Sarek. Spock also enjoys a strong friendship with Captain Kirk and a rivalry with Dr. McCoy.
Doctor Leonard “Bones” McCoy (DeForest Kelly)
An old southern doctor that believes in both medicine and the body’s ability to heal itself, McCoy is one of Kirk’s best friends and serves as counter to Spock’s logic. A passionate and emotional human, McCoy is a advocate for saving lives.
Chief Engineer Montgomery “Scotty” Scott (James Doohan)
Scotty, a Scottish Engineer, is referred to as a miracle worker by the crew the Enterprise. Incredibly hard-working and dedicated, Scotty has helped save the Enterprise countless times.
Lieutenant Uhura (Nichelle Nichols)
Communications officer and very social and warm to the rest of the crew.
Lietutenant Hikaru Sulu (George Takei)
Navigation officer; fun-loving and athletic.
Ensign Pavel Chekov (Walter Koenig)
Navigation/Tactical officer; wet behind the ears, but ethusiastic. Promoted to bridge crew during second season.
Secondary characters:
Nurse Christine Chapel (Majel Barret-Roddenberry)
Yeomen Jancie Rand (Grace Lee Whtiney)
Notable/Recurring villains:
Khan
(“Space Seed”, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn)
Harry Mudd
(“Mudd’s Women,” “I, Mudd,” “Mudd’s Passion” [TAS])
Kang
(“Day of the Dove,” “Blood Oath” [Deep Space Nine], “Flashback” [Voyager])
Kor
(“Errand of Mercy,” “The Time Trap” [TAS], “Blood Oath,” ‘The Sword of Kahless,” “Once More Unto the Breach” [all three Deep Space Nine])
Koloth
(“The Trouble with Tribbles,” “More Tribbles, More Troubles” [TAS], “Blood Oath” [Deep Space Nine])
Trelane
(“The Squire of Gothos”)
Episodes:
Full episode listings can be found on StarTrek.com, but here’s what I recommend for the fickle viewer. Others may add or subtract to this list. It’s also worth noting that I’m more in favor of the “Remastered” episodes as opposed to the original cuts, mainly for the special effects and better quality picture. That being said, the original versions have a little more to them, as “Remastered” cut out a few small scenes here and there.
Unaired Pilot: The Cage
Aired Pilot/First Episode: Where No Man Has Gone Before
Season One (recommended):
The Corbonite Manuever
Mudd’s Women
The Man Trap
The Naked Time
Charlie X
Balance of Terror
Dagger of the Mind
The Conscience of the King
The Galileo Seven
The Menagerie, Parts One and Two
Shore Leave
The Squire of Gothos
The Arena
Tomorrow is Yesterday
Space Seed
This Side of Paradise
The Devil in the Dark
Errand of Mercy
The City on the Edge of Forever
Season Two (recommended):
Metamorphosis
Who Mourns for Adorias?
Amok Time
The Doomsday Machine
The Changeling
Mirror, Mirror
The Deadly Years
I, Mudd
The Trouble with Tribbles
Journey to Babel
By Any Other Name
The Ultimate Computer
The Omega Glory
Season Three (recommended):
The Enterprise Incident
The Tholian Web
Day of the Dove
Plato’s Stepchildren
Let That Be Your Last Battlefield
The Cloud Miners
The Savage Curtain
All Our Yesterdays
Final Episode: Turnabout Intruder
It should be noted, however, that while this is the last of episode of the original series, most fans recognized Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country as the “true” finale.
STAR TREK: THE ANIMATED SERIES
([TAS] 1973-1974)
Star Trek: The Animated Series was launched in 1973 after syndicated reruns of the original series did impressively well in the ratings. Personally, I haven’t seen much of this show, so I can’t really recommend any of it. It was just recently added to the Star Trek canon.
STAR TREK MOVIES (PART ONE)
After the success of Star Wars and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Paramount sought to revive Star Trek in movie form. The Original Series cast took the helm (as it were) for the first six movies, with the seventh film (“Generations”) serving as a coda of sorts and passing the torch to the “Next Generation” cast.
STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE
(1979)
Two years and a massive refit later, the Enterprise is put back into service. Captain Kirk takes command again after promising it to Commander Dekker. With the old crew reunited, the Enterprise goes and faces with a massive energy cloud containing a mysterious living ship within.
STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN
(1982)
During a routine training mission, Admiral Kirk and his crew are forced to confront a villain from the past – Khan. However, Khan now has a powerful weapon - Project: Genesis - at his disposal. And the ante for Kirk just grows higher as his son and ex-lover become entangled in the conflict.
STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK
(1984)
Reeling from the events of the previous film, the Enterprise crew are restrained from returning to the Genesis planet in the hopes of restoring their fallen comrade. Thus, Kirk and his senior staff steal the Enterprise – only to become involved with the Klingons, who seek the destructive nature of the Genesis planet.
STARK IV: THE VOYAGE HOME
(1986)
Returning from their exile on Vulcan with a stolen Klingon Bird-of-Prey, the crew of the Enterprise must travel back in time in an effort to answer the call of an alien probe that is accidentally destroying Earth’s atmosphere.
STAR TREK V: THE FINAL FRONTIER
(1989)
A Vulcan cult leader captures the newly-launched Enterprise-A and takes both it and the crew to the center of the universe in the hopes of finding God.
STARK VI: THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY
(1991)
The Klingon Empire, on the verge of complete and total collapse, seeks out a peaceful alliance with the Federation. The Enterprise is subsequently ordered to escort the Klingons to Earth for negotiations. However, when an assassination occurs, the crew is embroiled in a conspiracy to ensure that the Federation and Klingons remain enemies.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
([TNG]; 1987-1994)
75-80 years after the original series, Captain Jean-Luc Picard leads his crew aboard the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D as they continue Starfleet’s exploration of the galaxy. Their travels aren’t always easy, though, as they encounter danger from the Romulans, the Klingons, the Ferengi, and make first contact with the Borg.
I won’t be going as in-depth here)
Crew:
Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart)
Commander William T. Riker (Jonathan Franks)
Lieutenant-Commander Data (Brent Spiner)
Lieutenant-Commander/Chief Engineer Geordi LaForge (LeVar Burton)
Lieutenant Worf (Michael Dorn)
Doctor Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden)
Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis)
Additional crew/Recurring characters:
Lieutenant Tasha Yar (Denise Crosby) (Season One only)
Ensign Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton)
Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg)
Ensign Ro Laren (Michelle Forbes)
Chief Miles O’Brien (Colm Meany – left after season five)
Doctor Katherine Pulaski (Diana Muldaur)
Chacellor Gowron (Robert O’Riely)
Lieutenant Reginald Barclay (Dwight Schultz)
Kurn (Tony Todd)
Recurring villains:
Q (John DeLance)
Commander Sela (Denise Crosby)
Lursa (Barbara March)
B’Etor (Gwynyth Walsh)
Duras (Patrick Massett)
Lore (Brent Spiner)
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
([DS9]; 1993-1999)
Deep Space Nine, formerly a station manned Cardassians during the destructive occupation of Bajor, has come into hands of Starfleet and the Bajoran government. While at first, the Federation seeks only to aide Bajor in reconstruction and recovery, a wormhole is discovered nearby. Not only does it pique the curiosity of Starfleet, but it also serves as a religious discovery for the Bajoran. And, on top of all this, it puts Deep Space Nine and Bajor at a political crossroads. The Klingons, the Romulans, the Cardassians, the Breen, and (from the Gamma Quadrant on the other side of the wormhole), the Dominion all become involved in massive political and religious battle that threatens to engulf most of the galaxy.
Crew:
Commander/Captain Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks)
Major/Colonel Kira Nerys (Nana Visitor)
Lieutenant-Commander Jadzia Dax (Terry Ferrel) (Seasons 1-6)
Lieutentant Ezri Dax (Nicole de Boer) (Season 7)
Chief Miles O’Brien (Colm Meany)
Doctor Julian Bashier (Alexander Sidding)
Lieutenant-Commander Worf (Michael Dorn) (Seasons 4-7)
“Constable” Odo (Rene Auberjonois)
Quark (Armin Shimmerman)
Jake Sisko (Cirroc Lofton)
Reoccuring Characters:
Garek (Andrew Robinson)
General Martok (J.G. Hertzler)
Rom (Max Grodenchik)
Morn (Mark Allen Sheppard)
Leeta (Chase Masterson)
Kieko O’Brien (Rosalind Chao)
Kirayoshi O’Brien
Molly O’Brien (Hana Hatae)
Kasidy Yates (Penny Johnson)
Michael Eddington (Kenneth Marshall)
Cadet/Ensign Nog (Aron Eisenberg)
Ishka (Cecily Adams)
Grand Nangus Zek (Wallace Shawn)
First Minister Bareil Antos (Phillip Anglim)
First Minster Shakaar Edon (Duncan Regehr)
Admiral Ross (Barry Jenner)
Tora Ziyal (Melanie Smith)
Recurring Villains:
Gul Dukat (Marc Alaimo)
Kai Winn Adami (Lousie Fletcher)
Female Changeling (Salome Jens)
Weyoun (Jeffery Combs)
Damar (Casey Biggs)
Brunt (Jeffery Combs)
STAR TREK: VOYAGER
([VOY]; 1995-2001)
While tracking a band of Federation rebels called the Maquis, the USS Voyager is thrown across the galaxy into the far reaches of the Delta Quadrant - 70 years from home at maximum warp. Together with the Maquis, Voyager must travel across the expanse of the Delta Quadrant and face down threats from scores of species - including the Borg, Kazon, Viddians, Voth, and more . . . while still up-holding Starfleet’s mission of peaceful exploration.
Crew:
Captain Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew)
Commander Chakotay (Robert Beltran)
Lieutenant-Commander Tuvok (Tim Russ)
Lieutenant B’Elanna Torres (Roxann Biggs-Dawson)
Lieutenant Tom Paris (Robert Duncan McNeill)
The Doctor (Robert Picardo)
Ensign Harry Kim (Garret Wang)
Neelix (Ethan Phillips)
Kes (Jennifer Lien) (Seasons 1-4)
Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) (Seasons 4-7)
Recurring Characters:
Captain Braxton (Allen G. Royal; Bruce McGill)
Icheb (Manu Intiraymi)
Admiral Owen Paris (Richard Herd)
Suder (Brad Dourif)
Naomi Wildman (Scarlett Powers)
Lieutenant Samantha Wildman (Nancy Hower)
Vorik (Alexander Enberg)
Key/Recurring Villains:
Seska (Martha Hawkett)
Culluh (Anthony DeLongis)
Q (John DeLancie)
Mrs. Q (Suzie Plakson)
Q Jr. (Keegan DeLancie)
Borg Queen (Susanna Thompson, Alice Krige)
STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE
([ENT] 2001-2005)
Set 150 years before Captain Kirk took command of the Enterprise, Star Trek: Enterprise follows Captain Jonathan Archer as he commands the USS Enterprise NX-01 – the first Warp 5 vessel to explore space. His historic journey pits him and his crew against not only the Klingons and Romulans, but other races as well – including the Suliban and the Xindi, two races tied to a Temporal Cold War. Archer also proves important in bringing together the founding worlds of the Federation.
Crew:
Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula)
Sub-Commander T’Pol (Jolene Blalock)
Commander Charles “Trip” Tucker, the Third (Connor Trinneer)
Lieutenant-Commander Malcolm Reed (Dominic Keating)
Lieutenant Hoshi Sato (Linda Park)
Ensign Travis Mayweather (Anthony Montgomery)
Doctor Phlox (John Billingsley)
Porthos (a dog)
Recurring Characters:
“Crewman” Daniels (Matt Winston)
Admiral Forrest (Vaughn Armstrong)
Major Hayes (Steven Culp)
Rivers (Seth MacFarlane – yep, Family Guy)
T’Pau (Kara Zediker)
Captain Erika Hernandez (Ada Maris)
Ambassador Soval (Gary Graham)
Commander Shran (Jeffery Combs)
Koss (Michael Reily Burke)
T’Les (Joanna Cassidy)
Recurring/Key Villains:
Vosk (Jack Gwaltney)
“Future Guy” (voiced by James Horan)
Silik (John Fleck)
Arik Soong (Brent Spiner)
General K’Vagh (James Avery)
Antaak (John Schuck)
Klaaang (Tommy “Tiny” Lisner Jr.)
STAR TREK MOVIES (PART TWO)
Beginning with Star Trek: Generations and following the end of their series, The Next Generation continued the motion picture portion of Star Trek’s franchise. While Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise never made it to the big screen, they have had mentions and appearances throughout the four films. The USS Defiant appears in Star Trek: First Contact, and Worf (at the time, a recurring character on DS9) appears in all four movies; Admiral Janeway appears in Star Trek: Nemesis, as does mention of the USS Archer, a ship named after the captain of the NX-01.
STAR TREK: GENERATIONS
(1994)
The mad Doctor Soran seeks to re-enter the time ribbon called the Nexus, which allows those who enter to live out their greatest fantasies. Unfortunately, this means destroying millions of lives and wiping out entire star systems. Aided by the time-lost Admiral Kirk and dealing with his tragedies, Captain Jean-Luc Picard must put a stop to Soran’s terror.
STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT
(1996)
The Borg have returned to conquer Earth! But even after stopping their invasion, the crew of the Enterprise-E must chase them back into the past, where the Borg seek to assimilate the Earth during the launch of Zephram Cochrane’s first warp ship and the eve of first contact with the Vulcans.
STAR TREK: INSURRECTION
(1998)
In the middle of an area called the Briar Patch, a rustic civilization called the Ba’ku holds the key to a veritable “fountain of youth.” However, corrupt forces within the Federation have teamed with a race called the Son’a, who has dark ties to the Ba’ku. Now, Captain Picard and his crew must defy orders to protect the Ba’ku.
STAR TREK: NEMESIS
(2002)
After Riker and Troi’s wedding, the Enterprise-E is drawn towards Romulan space by the detection of an android similar to Data. From there, they are invited to Romulus proper to meet with the new head of state - a clone of Picard named Shinzon. Shinzon has rallied the slave-populace of Remas in overthrowing the Romulan senate. Under the false pretense of peace, Shinzon not only seeks to kill Picard to save his own life, but to also destroy the Enterprise and eventually, Earth itself.
Which brings us to . . . STAR TREK (2009)
Not much is known about the plot, save that it involves a Romulan named Nero and 24th century Ambassador Spock, both traveling back in time to when Kirk and Spock first meet. It seeks to tell the origin story of the crew of the Enterprise. While it may contradict some information, writers have assured fans that the timeline will not be altered in any huge way.
Like I said, you can visit www.startrek.com for more information. Memory-Alpha is just as good. If I get inspired enough, I may write on of these about the Star Trek books, which are now focus on the Enterprise and Next Generation eras of Star Trek since the spotlight is turning to the original series again. They’re just as good as the shows. Trust me.
The concentration will be on the original series, though I’ll be touching on the spin-offs and movies.
So, without further ado . . .
STAR TREK
(The Original Series [TOS]; 1966-1969)
Taking place in the mid-23rd century, the original Star Trek chronicled the adventures of Captain Kirk as he led the USS Enterprise NCC-1701through the galaxy on a five year mission, seeking out new life and new civilizations. Along the way, Kirk and his crew were confronted with amazing discoveries as well as an abundance of conflicts - both personal and professional.
Crew:
Captain James “Jim” T. Kirk (William Shatner)
Sucessor to Captain Pike, Kirk took a very hands-on and professional way of commanding the Enterprise. While willing to jump head-first into danger and to stare his enemy straight in the eye to get them to back-down, Kirk was also just as willing to resolve a conflict with diplomacy.
Lieutenant-Commander Spock, Science Office (Leonard Nimoy)
Half-human, half-Vulcan science officer. Loyal to a tee to both Starfleet and Captain Kirk, Spock presents the logical side to every argument – even in the face of his own inner turmoil. This conflict between his cold logic half and his passionate human side has led to tension between him and his father, Ambassador Sarek. Spock also enjoys a strong friendship with Captain Kirk and a rivalry with Dr. McCoy.
Doctor Leonard “Bones” McCoy (DeForest Kelly)
An old southern doctor that believes in both medicine and the body’s ability to heal itself, McCoy is one of Kirk’s best friends and serves as counter to Spock’s logic. A passionate and emotional human, McCoy is a advocate for saving lives.
Chief Engineer Montgomery “Scotty” Scott (James Doohan)
Scotty, a Scottish Engineer, is referred to as a miracle worker by the crew the Enterprise. Incredibly hard-working and dedicated, Scotty has helped save the Enterprise countless times.
Lieutenant Uhura (Nichelle Nichols)
Communications officer and very social and warm to the rest of the crew.
Lietutenant Hikaru Sulu (George Takei)
Navigation officer; fun-loving and athletic.
Ensign Pavel Chekov (Walter Koenig)
Navigation/Tactical officer; wet behind the ears, but ethusiastic. Promoted to bridge crew during second season.
Secondary characters:
Nurse Christine Chapel (Majel Barret-Roddenberry)
Yeomen Jancie Rand (Grace Lee Whtiney)
Notable/Recurring villains:
Khan
(“Space Seed”, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn)
Harry Mudd
(“Mudd’s Women,” “I, Mudd,” “Mudd’s Passion” [TAS])
Kang
(“Day of the Dove,” “Blood Oath” [Deep Space Nine], “Flashback” [Voyager])
Kor
(“Errand of Mercy,” “The Time Trap” [TAS], “Blood Oath,” ‘The Sword of Kahless,” “Once More Unto the Breach” [all three Deep Space Nine])
Koloth
(“The Trouble with Tribbles,” “More Tribbles, More Troubles” [TAS], “Blood Oath” [Deep Space Nine])
Trelane
(“The Squire of Gothos”)
Episodes:
Full episode listings can be found on StarTrek.com, but here’s what I recommend for the fickle viewer. Others may add or subtract to this list. It’s also worth noting that I’m more in favor of the “Remastered” episodes as opposed to the original cuts, mainly for the special effects and better quality picture. That being said, the original versions have a little more to them, as “Remastered” cut out a few small scenes here and there.
Unaired Pilot: The Cage
Aired Pilot/First Episode: Where No Man Has Gone Before
Season One (recommended):
The Corbonite Manuever
Mudd’s Women
The Man Trap
The Naked Time
Charlie X
Balance of Terror
Dagger of the Mind
The Conscience of the King
The Galileo Seven
The Menagerie, Parts One and Two
Shore Leave
The Squire of Gothos
The Arena
Tomorrow is Yesterday
Space Seed
This Side of Paradise
The Devil in the Dark
Errand of Mercy
The City on the Edge of Forever
Season Two (recommended):
Metamorphosis
Who Mourns for Adorias?
Amok Time
The Doomsday Machine
The Changeling
Mirror, Mirror
The Deadly Years
I, Mudd
The Trouble with Tribbles
Journey to Babel
By Any Other Name
The Ultimate Computer
The Omega Glory
Season Three (recommended):
The Enterprise Incident
The Tholian Web
Day of the Dove
Plato’s Stepchildren
Let That Be Your Last Battlefield
The Cloud Miners
The Savage Curtain
All Our Yesterdays
Final Episode: Turnabout Intruder
It should be noted, however, that while this is the last of episode of the original series, most fans recognized Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country as the “true” finale.
STAR TREK: THE ANIMATED SERIES
([TAS] 1973-1974)
Star Trek: The Animated Series was launched in 1973 after syndicated reruns of the original series did impressively well in the ratings. Personally, I haven’t seen much of this show, so I can’t really recommend any of it. It was just recently added to the Star Trek canon.
STAR TREK MOVIES (PART ONE)
After the success of Star Wars and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Paramount sought to revive Star Trek in movie form. The Original Series cast took the helm (as it were) for the first six movies, with the seventh film (“Generations”) serving as a coda of sorts and passing the torch to the “Next Generation” cast.
STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE
(1979)
Two years and a massive refit later, the Enterprise is put back into service. Captain Kirk takes command again after promising it to Commander Dekker. With the old crew reunited, the Enterprise goes and faces with a massive energy cloud containing a mysterious living ship within.
STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN
(1982)
During a routine training mission, Admiral Kirk and his crew are forced to confront a villain from the past – Khan. However, Khan now has a powerful weapon - Project: Genesis - at his disposal. And the ante for Kirk just grows higher as his son and ex-lover become entangled in the conflict.
STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK
(1984)
Reeling from the events of the previous film, the Enterprise crew are restrained from returning to the Genesis planet in the hopes of restoring their fallen comrade. Thus, Kirk and his senior staff steal the Enterprise – only to become involved with the Klingons, who seek the destructive nature of the Genesis planet.
STARK IV: THE VOYAGE HOME
(1986)
Returning from their exile on Vulcan with a stolen Klingon Bird-of-Prey, the crew of the Enterprise must travel back in time in an effort to answer the call of an alien probe that is accidentally destroying Earth’s atmosphere.
STAR TREK V: THE FINAL FRONTIER
(1989)
A Vulcan cult leader captures the newly-launched Enterprise-A and takes both it and the crew to the center of the universe in the hopes of finding God.
STARK VI: THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY
(1991)
The Klingon Empire, on the verge of complete and total collapse, seeks out a peaceful alliance with the Federation. The Enterprise is subsequently ordered to escort the Klingons to Earth for negotiations. However, when an assassination occurs, the crew is embroiled in a conspiracy to ensure that the Federation and Klingons remain enemies.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
([TNG]; 1987-1994)
75-80 years after the original series, Captain Jean-Luc Picard leads his crew aboard the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D as they continue Starfleet’s exploration of the galaxy. Their travels aren’t always easy, though, as they encounter danger from the Romulans, the Klingons, the Ferengi, and make first contact with the Borg.
I won’t be going as in-depth here)
Crew:
Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart)
Commander William T. Riker (Jonathan Franks)
Lieutenant-Commander Data (Brent Spiner)
Lieutenant-Commander/Chief Engineer Geordi LaForge (LeVar Burton)
Lieutenant Worf (Michael Dorn)
Doctor Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden)
Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis)
Additional crew/Recurring characters:
Lieutenant Tasha Yar (Denise Crosby) (Season One only)
Ensign Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton)
Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg)
Ensign Ro Laren (Michelle Forbes)
Chief Miles O’Brien (Colm Meany – left after season five)
Doctor Katherine Pulaski (Diana Muldaur)
Chacellor Gowron (Robert O’Riely)
Lieutenant Reginald Barclay (Dwight Schultz)
Kurn (Tony Todd)
Recurring villains:
Q (John DeLance)
Commander Sela (Denise Crosby)
Lursa (Barbara March)
B’Etor (Gwynyth Walsh)
Duras (Patrick Massett)
Lore (Brent Spiner)
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
([DS9]; 1993-1999)
Deep Space Nine, formerly a station manned Cardassians during the destructive occupation of Bajor, has come into hands of Starfleet and the Bajoran government. While at first, the Federation seeks only to aide Bajor in reconstruction and recovery, a wormhole is discovered nearby. Not only does it pique the curiosity of Starfleet, but it also serves as a religious discovery for the Bajoran. And, on top of all this, it puts Deep Space Nine and Bajor at a political crossroads. The Klingons, the Romulans, the Cardassians, the Breen, and (from the Gamma Quadrant on the other side of the wormhole), the Dominion all become involved in massive political and religious battle that threatens to engulf most of the galaxy.
Crew:
Commander/Captain Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks)
Major/Colonel Kira Nerys (Nana Visitor)
Lieutenant-Commander Jadzia Dax (Terry Ferrel) (Seasons 1-6)
Lieutentant Ezri Dax (Nicole de Boer) (Season 7)
Chief Miles O’Brien (Colm Meany)
Doctor Julian Bashier (Alexander Sidding)
Lieutenant-Commander Worf (Michael Dorn) (Seasons 4-7)
“Constable” Odo (Rene Auberjonois)
Quark (Armin Shimmerman)
Jake Sisko (Cirroc Lofton)
Reoccuring Characters:
Garek (Andrew Robinson)
General Martok (J.G. Hertzler)
Rom (Max Grodenchik)
Morn (Mark Allen Sheppard)
Leeta (Chase Masterson)
Kieko O’Brien (Rosalind Chao)
Kirayoshi O’Brien
Molly O’Brien (Hana Hatae)
Kasidy Yates (Penny Johnson)
Michael Eddington (Kenneth Marshall)
Cadet/Ensign Nog (Aron Eisenberg)
Ishka (Cecily Adams)
Grand Nangus Zek (Wallace Shawn)
First Minister Bareil Antos (Phillip Anglim)
First Minster Shakaar Edon (Duncan Regehr)
Admiral Ross (Barry Jenner)
Tora Ziyal (Melanie Smith)
Recurring Villains:
Gul Dukat (Marc Alaimo)
Kai Winn Adami (Lousie Fletcher)
Female Changeling (Salome Jens)
Weyoun (Jeffery Combs)
Damar (Casey Biggs)
Brunt (Jeffery Combs)
STAR TREK: VOYAGER
([VOY]; 1995-2001)
While tracking a band of Federation rebels called the Maquis, the USS Voyager is thrown across the galaxy into the far reaches of the Delta Quadrant - 70 years from home at maximum warp. Together with the Maquis, Voyager must travel across the expanse of the Delta Quadrant and face down threats from scores of species - including the Borg, Kazon, Viddians, Voth, and more . . . while still up-holding Starfleet’s mission of peaceful exploration.
Crew:
Captain Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew)
Commander Chakotay (Robert Beltran)
Lieutenant-Commander Tuvok (Tim Russ)
Lieutenant B’Elanna Torres (Roxann Biggs-Dawson)
Lieutenant Tom Paris (Robert Duncan McNeill)
The Doctor (Robert Picardo)
Ensign Harry Kim (Garret Wang)
Neelix (Ethan Phillips)
Kes (Jennifer Lien) (Seasons 1-4)
Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) (Seasons 4-7)
Recurring Characters:
Captain Braxton (Allen G. Royal; Bruce McGill)
Icheb (Manu Intiraymi)
Admiral Owen Paris (Richard Herd)
Suder (Brad Dourif)
Naomi Wildman (Scarlett Powers)
Lieutenant Samantha Wildman (Nancy Hower)
Vorik (Alexander Enberg)
Key/Recurring Villains:
Seska (Martha Hawkett)
Culluh (Anthony DeLongis)
Q (John DeLancie)
Mrs. Q (Suzie Plakson)
Q Jr. (Keegan DeLancie)
Borg Queen (Susanna Thompson, Alice Krige)
STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE
([ENT] 2001-2005)
Set 150 years before Captain Kirk took command of the Enterprise, Star Trek: Enterprise follows Captain Jonathan Archer as he commands the USS Enterprise NX-01 – the first Warp 5 vessel to explore space. His historic journey pits him and his crew against not only the Klingons and Romulans, but other races as well – including the Suliban and the Xindi, two races tied to a Temporal Cold War. Archer also proves important in bringing together the founding worlds of the Federation.
Crew:
Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula)
Sub-Commander T’Pol (Jolene Blalock)
Commander Charles “Trip” Tucker, the Third (Connor Trinneer)
Lieutenant-Commander Malcolm Reed (Dominic Keating)
Lieutenant Hoshi Sato (Linda Park)
Ensign Travis Mayweather (Anthony Montgomery)
Doctor Phlox (John Billingsley)
Porthos (a dog)
Recurring Characters:
“Crewman” Daniels (Matt Winston)
Admiral Forrest (Vaughn Armstrong)
Major Hayes (Steven Culp)
Rivers (Seth MacFarlane – yep, Family Guy)
T’Pau (Kara Zediker)
Captain Erika Hernandez (Ada Maris)
Ambassador Soval (Gary Graham)
Commander Shran (Jeffery Combs)
Koss (Michael Reily Burke)
T’Les (Joanna Cassidy)
Recurring/Key Villains:
Vosk (Jack Gwaltney)
“Future Guy” (voiced by James Horan)
Silik (John Fleck)
Arik Soong (Brent Spiner)
General K’Vagh (James Avery)
Antaak (John Schuck)
Klaaang (Tommy “Tiny” Lisner Jr.)
STAR TREK MOVIES (PART TWO)
Beginning with Star Trek: Generations and following the end of their series, The Next Generation continued the motion picture portion of Star Trek’s franchise. While Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise never made it to the big screen, they have had mentions and appearances throughout the four films. The USS Defiant appears in Star Trek: First Contact, and Worf (at the time, a recurring character on DS9) appears in all four movies; Admiral Janeway appears in Star Trek: Nemesis, as does mention of the USS Archer, a ship named after the captain of the NX-01.
STAR TREK: GENERATIONS
(1994)
The mad Doctor Soran seeks to re-enter the time ribbon called the Nexus, which allows those who enter to live out their greatest fantasies. Unfortunately, this means destroying millions of lives and wiping out entire star systems. Aided by the time-lost Admiral Kirk and dealing with his tragedies, Captain Jean-Luc Picard must put a stop to Soran’s terror.
STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT
(1996)
The Borg have returned to conquer Earth! But even after stopping their invasion, the crew of the Enterprise-E must chase them back into the past, where the Borg seek to assimilate the Earth during the launch of Zephram Cochrane’s first warp ship and the eve of first contact with the Vulcans.
STAR TREK: INSURRECTION
(1998)
In the middle of an area called the Briar Patch, a rustic civilization called the Ba’ku holds the key to a veritable “fountain of youth.” However, corrupt forces within the Federation have teamed with a race called the Son’a, who has dark ties to the Ba’ku. Now, Captain Picard and his crew must defy orders to protect the Ba’ku.
STAR TREK: NEMESIS
(2002)
After Riker and Troi’s wedding, the Enterprise-E is drawn towards Romulan space by the detection of an android similar to Data. From there, they are invited to Romulus proper to meet with the new head of state - a clone of Picard named Shinzon. Shinzon has rallied the slave-populace of Remas in overthrowing the Romulan senate. Under the false pretense of peace, Shinzon not only seeks to kill Picard to save his own life, but to also destroy the Enterprise and eventually, Earth itself.
Which brings us to . . . STAR TREK (2009)
Not much is known about the plot, save that it involves a Romulan named Nero and 24th century Ambassador Spock, both traveling back in time to when Kirk and Spock first meet. It seeks to tell the origin story of the crew of the Enterprise. While it may contradict some information, writers have assured fans that the timeline will not be altered in any huge way.
Like I said, you can visit www.startrek.com for more information. Memory-Alpha is just as good. If I get inspired enough, I may write on of these about the Star Trek books, which are now focus on the Enterprise and Next Generation eras of Star Trek since the spotlight is turning to the original series again. They’re just as good as the shows. Trust me.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Star Trek series . . . off- course
Sorry guys. Still trying to get things settled down. I'm still trying to get my Star Trek series together . . . even though it's a pain in the ass. I've been in a huge Trek mood lately, too. Trying to get my wife to like it. She enjoys the original series, but mostly because of it's high camp value. She did watch some DS9 with me (while, that is to say, she was sitting in the room with me doing other things while I watched it).
So . . . enjoy this awesome Star Trek space battle from my fave DS9 episode "Sacriface of Angels."
So . . . enjoy this awesome Star Trek space battle from my fave DS9 episode "Sacriface of Angels."
Thursday, August 7, 2008
The Culmination
What follows is the account of the past two days, in which my grandmother, a quadriplegic of 16 years, saw at long last, the end of her life. She was 86 years old and was cared for by my grandfather. Every day, he exercised her limbs, monitored her health, and tried his hardest to make sure she was still alive.
They've been through many hardships -- extending simply beyond the past 16 years. They were married just as my grandpa entered the military to serve in World War Two.
I heard a number of terms in the past 48 hours. "Lingering," "holding on," "finishing," but I think I like "Culimination" the best. It fits.
What I've written here was written in two seperate sittings: one earlier today at my grandparents and the other shortly after recieving the news of her departure. You'll note these with the tense changes.
----------------
1)
“Thanks for stopping by.”
“I might come back tomorrow, if that’s all right.”
“Of course it’s all right. We’ll always be here. Your Grandma may not be, but she’s alive tonight, God bless her. It’s a terrible struggle, but we’ll see her again.”
The conversation was held over the open dishwasher and in the bright light of the kitchen. My grandfather spoke with wisdom that only a grandfather can speak with; an alchemy of knowledge and experience that was both humbling and vast at the same time. His voice didn’t quiver once when he spoke and it was said in a way that the entire drive home, I kept rolling it around in my head.
My grandmother is dying. They claim she’s been dying since the day she fell and broke her neck 16 years ago. I’ll tell you she’s only been dying for a few months. But, to be honest, my father and uncle see her more than I do and part of me has to take what they say into account.
2)
Before slipping out into the living room on my second visit here in as many days, I just sat on the couch and stared at her face. The only word I can think of is ‘ghastly.’ I don’t even know why; maybe it’s just the expression she has. Her empty, slacked eyes; her jaw moving just slightly in a vain attempt to get more air into her liquid filled lungs. There was a sound like liquid coming from her that mouth and a smell came off her that was foul; it was worse yesterday, by far.
I had to get up and walk away. Just go into another room for a few minutes and regroup. Could I go back in there? Could I stand there and watch her die?
“It’s a hard thing to love your Mom and to want her to die,” my uncle Brian told me about an hour ago. Just before this, I heard him utter something that had become a Woodside mantra the past two months: “I just want this to end.”
When he told me this, my mind went to my Mom and being in the hospital when my Grandma Craver was losing her war with cancer. I wondered if she thought that – I don’t think she did, honestly. But it sparked something that Janine said to me this morning.
“To be honest, I’m not going. It’s going to be hard and it’s going to bring up all these memories about watching Grandma Craver dying.”
(Grandma Craver is sometimes regarded as a sort of patron saint in my family)
So here I am, alone with my aunt and uncle . . . my grandpa . . . and my grandma who is the star of the show.
3)
Yesterday, I was struggling with the fact that I could be at work packing some asshole’s groceries when my grandma died. So I left after 5 hours and went back to my place, where I worked up the courage to call my grandpa. He sounded a little surprised to hear from me, but welcomed me over with open arms.
When I walked through the door, I was a little taken aback by what I saw. My grandma was leaned forward with her face the way I described earlier – open jawed, eyes slacked.
Moments later, I was sitting in the living room with my grandpa and Uncle Brian, being grilled about my up-coming wedding. My aunt Pat arrived – thankfully – which spared me from more of the same. I talked to my Dad briefly, who seemed surprised and caught off-guard by my being here. We had to move some stuff, but I returned with him in tow – at which point, we sat and ate dinner just like any other time. In the family room, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.
Honestly, just any other visit. It made both my father and me uncomfortable, a fact that he shared with me. I liked that; he doesn’t open up much about that sorta thing and I’ve been trying to get him to lately.
We walked as my grandpa napped and then I went home.
4)
My grandpa and my uncle love to sound clever. They act like goofballs and I like to think I have a little bit of that charm and humor – but it’s unsharpened and dull.
5)
This morning, I awoke and was aware that the she wasn’t dead yet – simply by the fact that I hadn’t gotten a call yet. I sat downstairs this morning, planning my day. The phone rang and I strongly suspected it wasn’t good news; in fact, I was right about that.
But not exactly.
It was Tricia, in her half-panicked, half-crying tone. “My grandpa just had a heart attack!”
I couldn’t believe it. Part of me wanted to make a joke (I did later: “I think your grandpa read today’s script wrong; my grandma was supposed to have a heart attack!”) This added a new dimension to the day; a new struggle; a second concern. Part of me wondered just how the next few days would go. Surely our trip to Pittsburgh was out of the question.
I went to the hospital after dropping off an order for our wedding cake (heh, yeah) and then I went and saw Tricia and the family. I held her as she sobbed into my shoulder, then we had McDonald’s sweet tea and discussed the potentials the day.
After that, I went back to the house for a while and ended up going through some things before I made my way over here. I helped Brian cut down some dead branches.
6)
Yeah. And I’ve been out in the living room ever since, waiting for dinner, hearing my aunt and uncle try not to bicker. My aunt Pat, who has been so great during this whole thing, is seeming to lose some patience. My grandpa is kinda wandering the house and napping. And I’m sitting on the couch in the living room, writing my thoughts. My uncle, as much as I love him, is kinda nosey. I was questioned when I first came out here about what I was doing. As though I’m five and I might break something.
7)
I left not long after dinner and Jeopardy. I took a long way home, then got back and laid down on the couch, getting comfy in my distractions. Tricia’s grandpa’s pacemaker is fucked up and after some tests over the weekend, he should be out soon.
Thank God.
Kyle came home, interrupting my reading, and we chatted a bit about some things that weren’t about death. And then, as he was heading to bed, my phone rang, I saw it was my Dad and saw that it was 11:10 and knew what had happened. I paused, knowing what the call would be.
“Your grandma passed away about half an hour ago.”
Grandpa had been napping, Aunt Pat was in bed, and my Dad and Uncle Brian were sitting the family room when some unusual noises brought their attention to what was happening. And then . . .
8)
And then it was over.
As my Dad explained to me what had happened, I wasn’t full of sadness. I didn’t break down in tears, I wasn’t on the ground sobbing. I just felt . . . relief. Pure and simple relief tinged with a little happiness. Oh God, it’s over. It’s over, she’s free . . .
She’s free.
I have this striking visual in my head of her walking – just like she used to. Walking towards Bob Garthwaite and Granny and even Grandma Craver. It’s corny, it’s hokey, but it’s beautiful in my head.
She’s finally free.
They've been through many hardships -- extending simply beyond the past 16 years. They were married just as my grandpa entered the military to serve in World War Two.
I heard a number of terms in the past 48 hours. "Lingering," "holding on," "finishing," but I think I like "Culimination" the best. It fits.
What I've written here was written in two seperate sittings: one earlier today at my grandparents and the other shortly after recieving the news of her departure. You'll note these with the tense changes.
----------------
1)
“Thanks for stopping by.”
“I might come back tomorrow, if that’s all right.”
“Of course it’s all right. We’ll always be here. Your Grandma may not be, but she’s alive tonight, God bless her. It’s a terrible struggle, but we’ll see her again.”
The conversation was held over the open dishwasher and in the bright light of the kitchen. My grandfather spoke with wisdom that only a grandfather can speak with; an alchemy of knowledge and experience that was both humbling and vast at the same time. His voice didn’t quiver once when he spoke and it was said in a way that the entire drive home, I kept rolling it around in my head.
My grandmother is dying. They claim she’s been dying since the day she fell and broke her neck 16 years ago. I’ll tell you she’s only been dying for a few months. But, to be honest, my father and uncle see her more than I do and part of me has to take what they say into account.
2)
Before slipping out into the living room on my second visit here in as many days, I just sat on the couch and stared at her face. The only word I can think of is ‘ghastly.’ I don’t even know why; maybe it’s just the expression she has. Her empty, slacked eyes; her jaw moving just slightly in a vain attempt to get more air into her liquid filled lungs. There was a sound like liquid coming from her that mouth and a smell came off her that was foul; it was worse yesterday, by far.
I had to get up and walk away. Just go into another room for a few minutes and regroup. Could I go back in there? Could I stand there and watch her die?
“It’s a hard thing to love your Mom and to want her to die,” my uncle Brian told me about an hour ago. Just before this, I heard him utter something that had become a Woodside mantra the past two months: “I just want this to end.”
When he told me this, my mind went to my Mom and being in the hospital when my Grandma Craver was losing her war with cancer. I wondered if she thought that – I don’t think she did, honestly. But it sparked something that Janine said to me this morning.
“To be honest, I’m not going. It’s going to be hard and it’s going to bring up all these memories about watching Grandma Craver dying.”
(Grandma Craver is sometimes regarded as a sort of patron saint in my family)
So here I am, alone with my aunt and uncle . . . my grandpa . . . and my grandma who is the star of the show.
3)
Yesterday, I was struggling with the fact that I could be at work packing some asshole’s groceries when my grandma died. So I left after 5 hours and went back to my place, where I worked up the courage to call my grandpa. He sounded a little surprised to hear from me, but welcomed me over with open arms.
When I walked through the door, I was a little taken aback by what I saw. My grandma was leaned forward with her face the way I described earlier – open jawed, eyes slacked.
Moments later, I was sitting in the living room with my grandpa and Uncle Brian, being grilled about my up-coming wedding. My aunt Pat arrived – thankfully – which spared me from more of the same. I talked to my Dad briefly, who seemed surprised and caught off-guard by my being here. We had to move some stuff, but I returned with him in tow – at which point, we sat and ate dinner just like any other time. In the family room, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.
Honestly, just any other visit. It made both my father and me uncomfortable, a fact that he shared with me. I liked that; he doesn’t open up much about that sorta thing and I’ve been trying to get him to lately.
We walked as my grandpa napped and then I went home.
4)
My grandpa and my uncle love to sound clever. They act like goofballs and I like to think I have a little bit of that charm and humor – but it’s unsharpened and dull.
5)
This morning, I awoke and was aware that the she wasn’t dead yet – simply by the fact that I hadn’t gotten a call yet. I sat downstairs this morning, planning my day. The phone rang and I strongly suspected it wasn’t good news; in fact, I was right about that.
But not exactly.
It was Tricia, in her half-panicked, half-crying tone. “My grandpa just had a heart attack!”
I couldn’t believe it. Part of me wanted to make a joke (I did later: “I think your grandpa read today’s script wrong; my grandma was supposed to have a heart attack!”) This added a new dimension to the day; a new struggle; a second concern. Part of me wondered just how the next few days would go. Surely our trip to Pittsburgh was out of the question.
I went to the hospital after dropping off an order for our wedding cake (heh, yeah) and then I went and saw Tricia and the family. I held her as she sobbed into my shoulder, then we had McDonald’s sweet tea and discussed the potentials the day.
After that, I went back to the house for a while and ended up going through some things before I made my way over here. I helped Brian cut down some dead branches.
6)
Yeah. And I’ve been out in the living room ever since, waiting for dinner, hearing my aunt and uncle try not to bicker. My aunt Pat, who has been so great during this whole thing, is seeming to lose some patience. My grandpa is kinda wandering the house and napping. And I’m sitting on the couch in the living room, writing my thoughts. My uncle, as much as I love him, is kinda nosey. I was questioned when I first came out here about what I was doing. As though I’m five and I might break something.
7)
I left not long after dinner and Jeopardy. I took a long way home, then got back and laid down on the couch, getting comfy in my distractions. Tricia’s grandpa’s pacemaker is fucked up and after some tests over the weekend, he should be out soon.
Thank God.
Kyle came home, interrupting my reading, and we chatted a bit about some things that weren’t about death. And then, as he was heading to bed, my phone rang, I saw it was my Dad and saw that it was 11:10 and knew what had happened. I paused, knowing what the call would be.
“Your grandma passed away about half an hour ago.”
Grandpa had been napping, Aunt Pat was in bed, and my Dad and Uncle Brian were sitting the family room when some unusual noises brought their attention to what was happening. And then . . .
8)
And then it was over.
As my Dad explained to me what had happened, I wasn’t full of sadness. I didn’t break down in tears, I wasn’t on the ground sobbing. I just felt . . . relief. Pure and simple relief tinged with a little happiness. Oh God, it’s over. It’s over, she’s free . . .
She’s free.
I have this striking visual in my head of her walking – just like she used to. Walking towards Bob Garthwaite and Granny and even Grandma Craver. It’s corny, it’s hokey, but it’s beautiful in my head.
She’s finally free.
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