Enterprise - 2/5/03 - AIDS Allegory
02-01-03, 02:39 AM
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Enterprise - 2/5/03 - AIDS Allegory
Just a reminder that the episode that deals with an AIDS-like disease and the stigma of those with it is airing this week. It's a classic Trek story.
TV Guide put it on their Don't Miss list for the week and their description of the episode gives it praise.
TV Guide put it on their Don't Miss list for the week and their description of the episode gives it praise.
In this affecting AIDS allegory, Jolene Blalock exudes a cool vulnerability as T'Pol, who reveals that she has a rare illness linked to a sect of Vulcan outcasts.
The pointed episode, which continues the Star Trek tradition of addressing social issues through its sci-fi storylines, finds T'Pol confronting the symptoms and stigmas involved with Pa'nar's syndrome. It's a brain ailment associated with mind melders---the telepathic, emotional Vulcans ostracized by their logical, unemotional peers. Wary of the disgrace that disclosure might bring, T'Pol hides her condition while Dr. Phlox (John Billingsley) discreetly consults Vulcan physicians about treatment.
The pointed episode, which continues the Star Trek tradition of addressing social issues through its sci-fi storylines, finds T'Pol confronting the symptoms and stigmas involved with Pa'nar's syndrome. It's a brain ailment associated with mind melders---the telepathic, emotional Vulcans ostracized by their logical, unemotional peers. Wary of the disgrace that disclosure might bring, T'Pol hides her condition while Dr. Phlox (John Billingsley) discreetly consults Vulcan physicians about treatment.
02-01-03, 05:10 PM
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Originally posted by cooper2000
Too much too little too late. Enterprise in an embarrasment to the trek Franchise.
Too much too little too late. Enterprise in an embarrasment to the trek Franchise.
02-03-03, 10:30 PM
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Unfortunately the AIDS allegory, according to descriptions for the ep, is B-Sided with a Humorous story of Trip trying to get away from the Advances from what he thinks is one of Dr. Phlox's Wives. I don't know but if you're gonna tackle a serious subject why bookend a farce onto it?
02-04-03, 02:48 AM
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Originally posted by Sdallnct
I afraid that with Enterprise and the poor showing of the latest Trek movie we are seeing the END of the Trek Universe. -sigh-
But what a run it was...
I afraid that with Enterprise and the poor showing of the latest Trek movie we are seeing the END of the Trek Universe. -sigh-
But what a run it was...
There will always be a Star Trek series. Even if it's a half-hour sitcom. In ten years, imagine "King of Queens" with the leads in Starfleet uniforms, and the friends as Klingons, and Jerry Stiller with Ferenghi ears.
Mark my words...
02-04-03, 06:10 AM
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Harsh.
I still see the Trek franchise with a lot more respect than the Star Wars one. And these guys have done more than 5 episodes.
(I’ll be watchin’ it and if it sucks, then it sucks. No big deal.)
I still see the Trek franchise with a lot more respect than the Star Wars one. And these guys have done more than 5 episodes.
(I’ll be watchin’ it and if it sucks, then it sucks. No big deal.)
02-04-03, 12:06 PM
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Originally posted by Dave Scarpa
Unfortunately the AIDS allegory, according to descriptions for the ep, is B-Sided with a Humorous story of Trip trying to get away from the Advances from what he thinks is one of Dr. Phlox's Wives. I don't know but if you're gonna tackle a serious subject why bookend a farce onto it?
Unfortunately the AIDS allegory, according to descriptions for the ep, is B-Sided with a Humorous story of Trip trying to get away from the Advances from what he thinks is one of Dr. Phlox's Wives. I don't know but if you're gonna tackle a serious subject why bookend a farce onto it?
Matt
02-04-03, 12:38 PM
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Title: Stigma
Production Number: 140 Airdate: 2/5/03
Written By: Rick Berman and Brannon Braga (story);
Directed By: David Livingston
Guest Cast:
Melinda Page Hamilton as Feezal
Michael Ensign as Dr. Oratt
Jeffrey Hayenga as Dr. Yuris
Production Number: 140 Airdate: 2/5/03
Written By: Rick Berman and Brannon Braga (story);
Directed By: David Livingston
Guest Cast:
Melinda Page Hamilton as Feezal
Michael Ensign as Dr. Oratt
Jeffrey Hayenga as Dr. Yuris
Spoiler:
Last edited by razorbackfan; 02-04-03 at 12:41 PM.
02-04-03, 01:14 PM
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Originally posted by Kudama
Harsh.
I still see the Trek franchise with a lot more respect than the Star Wars one. And these guys have done more than 5 episodes.
(I’ll be watchin’ it and if it sucks, then it sucks. No big deal.)
Harsh.
I still see the Trek franchise with a lot more respect than the Star Wars one. And these guys have done more than 5 episodes.
(I’ll be watchin’ it and if it sucks, then it sucks. No big deal.)
However, every company, every network IS watching $$. So that is why I fear we may be nearing the end...
HOWEVER, most critics, fans, etc feel that STNG "turned the corner" in that 3rd-4th season. Both in it's quality and in making money. As evidence look at Deanna Troi in the very 1st episode of STNG. VERY short skirt, big hair, almost a little "ditsy". By seasons 3 and 4 she had a drastic change. Same could be said for Riker, Date and Picard. All were noticably more relaxed, rounded (not talking Riker's weight). Not to mention the stories became more in depth (and some good "funny" shows).
Hopefully Enterprise can "turn the corner" as well.
02-04-03, 01:28 PM
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I look for the Trek franchise to end with the exception of a movie now and then. A series based on the Starfleet Academy has been kicked around, but Paramount is not doing well, and there's been talk of unloading its UPN network. If another series was developed, I would see it going right into syndication. The 3 REAL networks would never carry a trek series.
02-05-03, 01:02 AM
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Most of the Canadian viewers have said the episode was pretty good, but Bakula turns in yet another unremarkable performance.
Matt
Matt
02-05-03, 01:13 AM
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I read about the humorous B story too. What the ...?
I am surprised they are going to have a trip to the decotamination chamber in this one.
Oh and the worse Vulcan ever was Tvok.
I am surprised they are going to have a trip to the decotamination chamber in this one.
Oh and the worse Vulcan ever was Tvok.
02-05-03, 06:43 AM
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Originally posted by cooper2000
Oh and the worse Vulcan ever was Tvok.
Oh and the worse Vulcan ever was Tvok.
The worst Vulcan would be that VERY cranky one from the first episode.
02-05-03, 09:06 AM
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TVGuide.com
"Overall, Enterprise's intentions are good and more than compensate for any dramatic lapses. It's refreshing to see a serious issue treated with understated grace rather than preachy self-righteousness. "Stigma" may only be one small step for TV, but it's one giant leap for Enterprise."
http://www.tvguide.com/tv/review/
Matt
"Overall, Enterprise's intentions are good and more than compensate for any dramatic lapses. It's refreshing to see a serious issue treated with understated grace rather than preachy self-righteousness. "Stigma" may only be one small step for TV, but it's one giant leap for Enterprise."
http://www.tvguide.com/tv/review/
Matt
02-05-03, 11:57 PM
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The episode was done fairly well. Bakula seemed able to convey emotions convincingly for the first time this season.
Matt
Matt
Last edited by MvRojo; 02-06-03 at 12:00 AM.
02-06-03, 08:59 AM
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Once again showing itself to be ahead of its time, this show is going into forbidden territory that hasn’t been seen since “Plato’s Stepchildren.” As this episode demonstrates, and as Jerry Falwell and his Fundamentalist cronies will soon find out, AIDS is not just for “queers and hop heads” any more. Research is showing that AIDS is becoming pandemic and will soon have an effect on all areas of society, not just the gay and intravenous drug community.
What I think is unfortunate, however, is that by portraying N’Pol as a “rape” victim, it may cloud the issue considerably, suggesting that that’s the only way for a “straight” person to be infected. But, I suppose, no show is perfect, and the basic message has far more potential for good than this slight flaw can damage.
What I think is unfortunate, however, is that by portraying N’Pol as a “rape” victim, it may cloud the issue considerably, suggesting that that’s the only way for a “straight” person to be infected. But, I suppose, no show is perfect, and the basic message has far more potential for good than this slight flaw can damage.