Sci-Fi Friday Presents - Space : Above and Beyond ; Mutiny

“Cooper and McQueen, both In Vitroes, face a difficult decision when the captain of a space cargo hauler decides to sacrifice his In Vitro cargo in order to save his ship after it comes under attack.”

Welcome back to Space : Above and Beyond where this episode effectively shifts gears to the group dynamic and less on singular character-centric episodes. This allows a little more freedom for the actors to grow together. I have to say, James Morrison absolutely stole the show in this episode. While everyone played their roles very well, no one else stood out performance wise more than James Morrison. The ability to use his eyes and facials to express emotion while still being an effective leader let's you read more into his character. There is a such a degree of subtlety to him that when he shares a scene everyone comes up to his level.

The best example is West, whom they have not shared much time with as of yet. As he still has Kylen on his mind, West is still not as focused as he should be. It took McQueen to step in and take the pendant away and remind him of his duty and place. This was a much needed development before West fell into a potential rut and turned into a pivotal character moment. It was definitely interesting to see West acknowledge his selfishness, get focused and understand where he is now.

I don't want to stray too far from the main plot with Hawkes and McQueen. The dynamic between the two is captivating to saw the least. Hawkes is still very much young and full of ideas, feelings, etc... The intangible desire for family and learning your place in the world, whilst McQueen has lived through all of this and comes with a different perspective. Rodney Rowland played his role to a “T” in their scenes, looking for wisdom. Yet often hearing things he didn't want to hear but had to hear. It's a strong dynamic, akin to father-son, between the two but it's not all roses. The confrontation about the killing of the In-Vitro cargo put McQueen on his heels. It forced McQueen to really think about what's going on. It's not that he wanted to singular with his experience, but he needed to be confronted with “How can you kill your own people?” before the plot could move. In my opinion, the most dynamic scene came at the end of the episode when McQueen acknowledged their differences. Especially in regards to how he never looked for his family. “It's not because of what I might find. It's because of what I might feel.” It's refreshing to see dialogue and character development like this allowed his character to open up for a brief moment. Many television series around this era lacked this level of touching character moments.

The rest of the cast did fairly well as they mostly took to playing within their own subplots. Damphousse, Wang were definitely more involved and are growing as characters with our group. This was the point in the series I was looking for. The point when all the characters and stories really start to come together and focus on the 58th as a whole rather than one character. You could argue that still exists in this episode, but I felt that dynamic shift to include the group and it was much needed. I found the Wang and Vansen conversations about internet dating to be pretty hilarious. Lastly, it was great to see more for Damphousse to be more active and standout with her intelligence and background coming together.

The only downside to this episode, was the supporting cast who made up the freighter crew were a bit paint by numbers. They still played well to the mutiny in order to avoid the killing of the In-Vitro's in cargo. The actors did their parts, but the characters just were not defined well enough, nor relatable enough to make this more impactful. It was a weekly tv series, so I get it that not everyone can have a standout character to relate to. I highly enjoyed how the episode played with the idea of the ship being an attack before confirming it really was an atttack. It made great use of West, McQueen and reminded the audience that the Chigs are still hanging over the series. The concept and core plot was tight though delivering a compelling episode with a good message.

Overall, while Mutiny was not part of the overall story arc it did further characters and the world building of the In Vitroes. Technically this is a filler episode, but it acts like it's not. It's not vital to a watch through for the main points of Space: Above and Beyond. I would still advise to watch this episode. There's a great energy and dynamic to this episode. Yes, it falls a little flat at times with the crew of the freighter, but it makes up for it in spades. Especially when you're talking a great cameo in Tony Amendola, of Stargate SG-1 fame, who played the role of Captain Lewelyn. Now that was simply awesome for the sci-fi geek in me! Especially when I see him and say, Master Bra'tac?1? I'm dropping that alien attack ship with 8/10 Hammerheads.

Not to mention, but stay tuned for next weeks review. It's a personal favorite of many, Ray Butts!

Sci-Fi Friday Presents - Space : Above and Beyond ; The Dark Side of the Sun

“Shane is chosen to lead a mission against a group of Silicates, artificial intelligence rebels who not only killed her parents years ago, but determined to destroy all human life.”

The official premise listed above is not entirely accurate of this episode but is the synopsis on the DVD set. The premise is more like this. The 58th squadron are assigned to what appears to be a routine sentry posting at the Icarus mining colony on Bunuel. However, little do they know that Silicates, artificially intelligent beings, have taken over the facility. Vansen is confronted by her demons of the past and the looming cloud of despair hanging over her present and future.

This episode centers on Shane Vansen, played very effectively by Kristen Cloke. Kristen covers the depth of emotions so well it's hard to see where the character begins and ends. Her subtely and body language really bring out her talent. At times, the emotion feels a bit forced but the evolution of Vansen through this episode is incredible. Vansen goes from questioning her ability to come back alive, leading the 58th to breaking down when confronted with her tragic history. Then when she gets answers, you can feel the surge of her rage and intensity. Her whole presence and body language shifts as her switch was flipped. Kristen here had a much more impactful episode than West did in the previous one. The ending of the episode with Vansen, still haunted by the Silicates is incredible and shows they will forever stay with her. As Kristen carries on in upcoming episodes, she'll get even more comfortable in this character.

It was fantastic to see that West played a pivotal role in this episode with Vansen. His remarks, were timely and appropriate after what he recently went through. The line “We've got another family to keep alive.” was so apt and well-delivered. His intelligence and mind for strategy on display in this episode. He's developing into his character nicely; the whole cast is actually!

Speaking of which, Wang and Damphousse received much needed development with the group. Especially in interacting with Hawkes who played the role of us, the audience, getting key information about the Silicates history. We are far removed from the lingering background characters from the Pilot and second episode. Wang picked up quite a bit with his love of football and Elvis impersonation stories. As well, Damphousse was able to show her intelligence and knowledge with the group. Damphousse definitely needs a bit more attention and interaction; the chemistry with the group is dynamic and fun. All these character defining moments are best when they are intimate before and after the important scenes. This is the core of what makes these episode and series so much fun to watch. The influence of this series is pretty obvious to most familiar with Stargate SG-1, Battlestar Galactica.

The visuals continue to show their age, but at this point I'm accepting them for their intent and not quality. I liked the setting in a mining facility, the drop ship and some time on the Saratoga. The subtle reference to the USS Colin Powell may be dated, but for those of us at the age to remember him this is a fun touch. I have to admit, the light up football being thrown into the expanse of space was hilarious! Otherwise, the visuals in Vansen's dreams of floating into the sun furthered the theme of the episode. The one of Icarus flying close to the sun. It's appropriate the episode carried that theme through the Vansen character so very well. The score and musical aspects tie the bow around this episode beautifully. I absolutely love the score to this episode and this series.

Overall, The Dark Side of the Sun is a step-up from the previous episode. We're hitting the main characters stories right away; I don't mind as it allows deeper stories to unfold and the characters to grow on us. Special shout out to guest star Kimberly Patton for doing a decent job as the de facto leader of the Silicates. I'll give this 9 /10 Hammerheads.

Sci-Fi Friday Presents - Space : Above and Beyond ; The Farthest Man From Home

“When the USS Saratoga passes close to the planet where the earth colonists were attacked. West goes AWOL and flies down to the planet in hopes that his girlfriend, Kylen, somehow survived.”

Let us get right into it with this episode. It's very curious to see the series jump right into a Nathan-centric episode, specifically with Tellus and Kylen. You can look at it any number of ways, but the writers must have felt the need to address the Nathan West character right away. The elephant in the room so-to-speak with his character still haunted by the loss of Kylen enough to go AWOL for her. We were going to see this at some point in the show as it's cliché with this sort of character arc. At least, if felt like it was brought up swiftly and left open enough for further development.

Morgan really had a chance to emote through facials and body language for a section of the episode. I started to appreciate his character more at this point than earlier on. Not to mention it's great to see we don't need a monologue or a ton of talking to further the scenes. At the very least, West was actually able to locate and help the rescue of two survivors. This is an appropriate, if easy way out of punishing West and the 58th at the end of the episode. We haven't found Kylen yet, but there's still hope despite her obvious alien confinement.

Another aspect of this episode I really appreciated was the interplay between Hawkes, Vansen and West. There's still friction between everyone but it's great to see a slow and steady build of their relationships. This is accentuated furthered that it had only been a few weeks since the Tellus colony attack and their accelerated training. Thankfully, we're not fast forwarding time in order to tell a story in the quickest way possible. Though at times the pacing of the episode does feel a bit off and tends to hit a little flat. It doesn't become boring, but there are some moments that linger a bit too much.

There was a great moment when West finds Hawkes after being shot down. West just starts popping off about regulations. Hawkes just looks at him dumbfounded and says, “Yeah, you're one for following regulations.” Now, I will take points off for the cliché of “I can find Kylen or I can help that fighter that was just shot down.” It's a bit cliché, but these older series still had to paint within the lines to some degree.

There are smaller character moments that were definitely nice to see. For example, the scene at the beginning of the episode, where the 58th were in the lounge each doing different things. West was watching the History Network (History Channel), Wang was going on about the Chicago Bears, Hawkes was doing a shooting VR sim/ game, Damphousse and Vansen chit chatted, etc... It's the little characters touches that really flesh out this episode. The group still has tension to a degree, but they are starting to find some common ground together. Something of which many people can relate to when starting a new job with a ton of new coworkers. I'm looking forward to the group dynamic growing even more.

We are introduced to two new characters here. One being Commodore Ross played by Tucker Smallwood with an incredible presence. I'll try not to jump the gun, but from the moment we meet him he's played perfectly and with much wisdom. It's clear he's in charge and exudes that aura of authority throughout. We are also introduced to Howard Sewell from Aero-Tech, the corporation that is a bit shady at this point. He is played by Michael Mantell, who plays it pretty straight and mysterious. I like the subtlety in his delivery, clearly there is more going on with this guy. He's not a favorite character of mine, but maybe we shouldn't like his character or should we? This possibly plays a role later on when the 58th is basically told, this entire mission didn't happen. If you say otherwise then you'll be subject to severe punishment. Someone higher up was pulling strings and authority over Commodore Ross. Wang's response was so funny, “What the hell?” was delivered so spot on with the audience I couldn't help but laugh. Special shout out to the special guest star French Stewart. He played the traumatized Farthest Man From Home, which drove the story points forward in this episode. I barely recognized him. I only remember him from the Stargate movie in a role similar to this. It's great to see French Stewart before his time 3rd Rock From the Sun, when he could do more than silly comedy.

Last, but certainly not least, the aliens get a little more development. They are nicknamed “Chigs” as their appearance resembles a Chigoe Flea. In a display of restraint, we see partial remains of a deceased Chig in a sacred burial site. There are some new Chig ships and technology. I like the designs despite the dated CGI. There are times, it's tolerable and other times that are cringe worthy. We still trudge on with show and grow our questions of the Chig race. What kind of civilization are they? What do they really look like? Why are they keeping prisoners now? Why were we told they kill everyone? What's really going on here? They writers are very methodical in the reveal and motivation of this alien race and series overall. It's the details in the writing that tease us, leaving us wanting to know more.

Overall, The Farthest Man From Home is a solid followup that packed a bit of a punch. At times the pacing felt a bit off, the CGI continues to be hard to watch and we are still missing out on side characters like Damphousse and Wang. However, the story and characters still drive the series forward and a desire for more. I'll give this 7 /10 Hammerheads.

Do be sure to check out the fan group : Space: Above and Beyond / 2063

EDITORIAL - STAR TREK : PICARD

 There has been a lot of discussion so far in regards to Star Trek : Picard. It is akin to another scifi franchise that had a very similar shift. Especially in regards to previous series beforehand. Star Trek : Picard is different in tone, style and atmosphere. However, it still carries forward from it's previous incarnations and trying to be something new. Yes, Starfleet is much different but we're touching the surface of everything that's happened. All empires eventually fall, nothing is forever in the Star Trek universe. Romulans are decimated, we know nothing of the other power struggle at large and we are getting a much more intimate series based on the prime character of Cpt. Jean-Luc Picard.

That said, it's very much like Stargate Universe to Stargate SG-1. Everyone felt that Stargate Universe ventured too far in one direction. Style, writing, direction and pretty much everything. I disagree with the sentiment that fans were burned out. The fans were heartbroken at the loss of SG-1 and Stargate : Atlantis not getting a true finale. Now, despite all that, the fans started to come back around during the much improved second season. It was becoming it's own series and carrying a new identity. There were cameos to SG-1 cast.

Last and certainly not least, let's not forget that most early seasons of Star Trek series are rough around the edges with their differences, stories and characters. Somewhere around 2-3 seasons they always come back around and deliver quality engaging television. Let's see how this first season goes before we consign it to oblivion for not being Star Trek enough. Hell, if Picard is what it takes to get ship/station based series again, since Star Trek : Discovery is not delivering, then maybe it's a chance worth taking.