Thoughts on "Azati Prime"

[FredM 0]

Hey there,

 

A poll...about....the recent episode!

 

For those who can't remember, this edition of Star Trek: Enterprise was episode 318 and dealt with "Upon discovering the Xindi weapon underwater on an ocean planet, Archer decides to go on a suicide mission to destroy it."

 

I loved it. Can't say anything else. I was hooked within the first few minutes. There were numerous plot twists I didn't expect. I thought the special effects were amazing. I liked the fact things didn't go according to plan and you couldn't tell if that's what was going to happen. The show didn't fall into any particular pattern and I liked it.

 

The entire visit to the NCC-1701-J fascinated me. A discussion regarding that and it's implications is going on in another thread, so head on over to Power Phasers....we need to start blowing up ships. Do have to wonder where that battle actually look place at. I mean, given advancements in warp technology, could have been in another galaxy. Just really makes your imagination go wild.

 

I liked how the battle went realistically. The NX01 wasn't able to pull a miracle, but at the same time didn't sit there like a bunch of stupid fools.

 

The only down side I could see was this return to the emotional T'Pol. This is something I haven't been pleased with for a bit and I think many agree. If they could give some sort of justification, perhaps a medical exam showing the sphere subspace something is causing a problem for her....just....something.

 

With the conclusion to this episode not set to air until April 21st, I can tell you I will be watching. I am disappointed that Paramount's trimmed the season from 26 episodes to only 24, leaving us with 5 before it's a wrap. Though looking ahead, I must say I'm even more intrigued as to how this is going to play out.

[STSF_BluRox 0]

I liked how the battle went realistically. The NX01 wasn't able to pull a miracle, but at the same time didn't sit there like a bunch of stupid fools.

 

The only down side I could see was this return to the emotional T'Pol.

You just gotta love when ya get crewmen sucked out of hull breaches!! And boy, is that thing going to need to lay up in the yards for a bit to get fixed! They've lost extensive hull plating. Unless of course...they get zapped back in time just enough to avoid it...ugh.

 

But I agree with Fred on the T'Pol issue. All the Vulcan's on this series have been emotional to some extent. Most of her superior had almost an 'angry' quality to them, and with her, she's...well..there's several aspects. She's hooked up with Trip, and wants to keep that quiet. She's hooked up with Trip's clone. Now she's all emotional about not wanting Archer to die? Come on woman....just pick one!! Who's she going to be aching after next? Mayweather? Malcom? Geez, she's like in a two-year Pon Farr already....enough please!!

[Nemesis 0]

I loved it, it was very interesting. About T'pol's late over emotions I think that can be tied to them being in the Expanse, it has an effect on Vulcans remember :)

[Travis Kroells 0]

Yo. I picked the VCR one, because something like that happened. I had to go to church and serve lenten meals, even though Im an Atheist. (my dad just thinks I say it to get out of these things) Anyways, we come back, and get ready to watch ENT. The opening scene plays...and the opening credits roll. Just as their doing that, Anthony Montgomery's name plays (Mayweather for all you bums who arent obsesed)

 

And...IT STOPS! For some odd reason, my VCR cut out recording, and CSI came on. Granted, it was the one with the woman with the sick fetishes for clowns, BUT I WANTED ENTERPRISE!!!

 

Wow, I never thought I'd hear myself say that...these episodes have been good lately.

 

I'm also inclined to agree with Fred on the T'pol thing. I hated the fact that her and Trip hooked up. From my understanding, Vulcans only mate to reproduce. Doing it for pleasure would be illogical, that's what ponfar is for. So, when T'pol said it was like an experiment, I thought, "What the hell!" Unless Im mistaken on Vulcan make up, They dont really have a...um... Sex drive other then when in Ponfar. So, if Im right, then it made no sense, if Im wrong, Vanroy can tie me to the outside of the QOB and fly through two pulsars like Voyager did.

 

Anyways, I'm really looking forward to seeing it on Sunday, which is when UPN plays a rerun of it. Enterprise J! YAY!

[Vex Xiang 0]

If they could give some sort of justification, perhaps a medical exam showing the sphere subspace something is causing a problem for her....just....something.

 

Maybe you've hit on something, Fred! Remember when they first decided to go into the expanse and they showed that Vulcan ship...people were turned inside out and they were going all crazy. Maybe something in this region does something to Vulcans.

 

I liked the episode but...apparently I missed the beginning part with all the weird future stuff.

 

I loved how the Enterprise got its tail whooped. And the battle sequence was very realistic. But it seems to me that whenever the Enterprise is attacked heavily, it gets a whole bunch of holes ripped in it. When Enterprise attacks some other ship, after a few shots the enemy looks undamaged physically and suddenly explodes.

 

The only real space battle in Trek I can think of offhand was the STII Miranda/Constitution battle.

[Vex Xiang 0]

I hated the fact that her and Trip hooked up. From my understanding, Vulcans only mate to reproduce. Doing it for pleasure would be illogical, that's what ponfar is for.

 

I have to disagree. Maybe two vulcans mating for reproduction involves pon farr...but I cant think of any human who would want to marry a vulcan and not be physically intimate except once every 7 years. So there must be something more to their sexuality since we know Vulcan/Human coupling occures pretty frequently.

 

Btw...does this episode air again this weekend sometime? I'd like to catch the beginning of it.

Edited March 4, 2004 by Vex Xiang

[FredM 0]

Hey there,

 

Well, keep in mind that these other ships have shields vs the Enterprise that only has hull armor/plating. I mean, in that alternate future where Earth is destroyed I recall Trip saying "Be sure to thank (can't recall the name, the lead Andorian) for those new shields." So, I can somewhat understand that.

 

As far as T'Pol, I've just read something that seems to indiciate what I said above will take place. Something about being addicted to something, Rick Berman apparently said it in an interview in Star Trek: Communicator. Also gave a hint we may be seeing another Enterprise in the not too distant future...or...in the future...or something. I forget.

[Travis Kroells 0]

I think it was Shran...the androian...I think....

 

FRED! You play an Andorian! You should know this!

[Vex Xiang 0]

Something about being addicted to something, Rick Berman apparently said it in an interview in Star Trek: Communicator.

 

Is there an internet version of the interview you could point us to? I'd be interested in reading it.

[FredM 0]

Is there an internet version of the interview you could point us to? I'd be interested in reading it.

Hey there,

 

Don't know of an online version of the interview. Several Trek news sources online do have the story though.

[Vex Xiang 0]

I checked some...but I guess the full interview is only avaiable online via subscription or over the shelf.

[FredM 0]

Hey there,

 

Well, I was fascinated by a remark from Jolene Blalock about playing a "200 year old T'Pol" during a TV appearance on Wednesday.

[Lance Moris 0]

oh? that is interesting... wouldn't that make her an old lady... even by vulcan standards

[Vex Xiang 0]

Isnt TPol supposed to be the TPal we're familiar with in TOS?

[STSF_BluRox 0]

Isnt TPol supposed to be the TPal we're familiar with in TOS?

That was the original plan, until the issue came up that each time the name t'Pau was said, mentioned or what have you, etc, etc, etc., that they would have to pay the original actress a royalty for using her character. Thus....the slight change of name/character.

Edited March 5, 2004 by STSF_BluRox

[Seiben 0]

Great episode, though I missed half of it.. but I really did emjoy it alot. :)

[Travis Kroells 0]

That was the original plan, until the issue came up that each time the name t'Pau was said, mentioned or what have you, etc, etc, etc., that they would have to pay the original actress a royalty for using her character. Thus....the slight change of name/character.

Huh, learn something new every day.

 

Now I should probably watch that TOS episode. :)

[Dumbass 0]

That was the original plan, until the issue came up that each time the name t'Pau was said, mentioned or what have you, etc, etc, etc., that they would have to pay the original actress a royalty for using her character. Thus....the slight change of name/character.

They are the same? Wow, she sure let her figure go in her old age, didn't she?

[FredM 0]

They are the same? Wow, she sure let her figure go in her old age, didn't she?

Hey there,

 

They were originally going to be the same, but since I don't think so. As a result, there are now "T'Pol" and "T'Pau." :)

[Dumbass 0]

If it is conceivable that an adult character from Enterprise would be still alive during The Search for Spock then it is also conceivable we might see a young Sarak.

[Vex Xiang 0]

I'm a bit confused. Paramount owns the rights to the character...not the actress. Its like in the Silence of the Lambs movie...when they replaced Clarice with another actress they didnt have to pay Jodie Foster to use the character.

 

So every time on TNG they mentioned James T Kirk, they had to pay Shatner money? :)

 

I did some quick research on the net. From what I can see the legal issue was that they would have to pay the writer of the show "Amok Time", Ted Sturgeon I think (or his estate) royalties, not the individual actress. It still doesnt make sense to me why Paramount doesnt own all the rights to everything Trek though.

Edited March 6, 2004 by Vex Xiang

[FredM 0]

I'm a bit confused. Paramount owns the rights to the character...not the actress. Its like in the Silence of the Lambs movie...when they replaced Clarice with another actress they didnt have to pay Jodie Foster to use the character.

Hey there,

 

It's incorrect to say they'd have to pay the actor. They would have to pay the writer of the episode, who thus created the character.

 

Paramount owns the right to the "Star Trek" franchise. Thus, they can market it as they see fit. However, they did not create the "Star Trek" franchise. They did not create the individual episodes. It simply deals with royalities.

 

So, for James T. Kirk: Gene Roddenberry was paid. This wasn't an issue since he was under contract to let Paramount use all of his writings, but still.

 

Think of it this way. Before syndication came into consideration for contracts, actors were paid for the creation of the movie/show and that was it. They were paid by the studio, who was making an investment to earn money. The payment of the actor was their share of this.

 

With syndication, the actor/writer/creator continues to get their share as long as the studio continues to get their share. So, as long as the studio is making money on their work, they get paid. This was something that started in the 1960s and has since become a standard for every production since.

 

So in your example Vex, when they replaced actresses it didn't matter. They were still paying for the "rights" to use Silence of the Lambs, which are owned by the author. Studios may own/hold contract to show/produce/distribute a show, but they still aren't the "author."

 

As far as Amok Time goes, my guess would be this: The writer's estate is covered under standard syndication contracts. Heck, might have expired so they don't have to be paid anymore. Problem is, to create a new series based on something only found in that episode, a new contract would be required. Estate/family would want all they could get, now using 2001/2002 standards for "payment." Thus, financial problem using "T'Pau."

 

On the flip side, if Gene Roddenberry had written the episode or it was mentioned in almost every other adventure, legal rules would probably be different. You confused? I am. :) ;)

[Vex Xiang 0]

Well it does kind of make sense. But I would think that if a writer creates a show for TV then the people producing the show would basically have all the legal rights to it and they'd just be paying the writer for his idea. One time payment or pay him while he's on the writer's staff.

 

Maybe I need to be a lawyer to make sense of this logic :)

[Travis Kroells 0]

Dont you love how we manage to bring good stuff like this up, yet totaly fall off topic at the same time?

 

I LOVE IT!

[Tovan 0]

GASP! Enterprise is in pieces!