nerrdrage

This episode really shows the problem with this series' episodic approach. The premises just become shallow gimmicks since the whole thing must be reset in 50 minutes.

What if La'an, as the only non-canon character, had been permanently "Romulanized"? At least then the premise could be used for more than comedy. And the comedy generally fell horribly flat. These writers just aren't good at comedy, yet they keep trying, and failing.

Dear David Ellison: now that you are taking over the reins of Star Trek, please fire that hack Kurtzman, clean house and bring in a whole new staff. The SNW actors are good so if you want to bring them over to a new series, fine. But please for the love of the Great Bird of the Galaxy, get better writers. This season has been mainly painful to watch. Star Trek deserves better than this.

Flashback episodes are one of my favorite types, and this is a very good example, explaining a great deal while still delivering unexpected surprises.

I look forward to Ethan's flashback during the Indian Wars; Sir Malcom's story of his fatal African expedition; and the genesis of Dr. Frankenstein's mania for resurrection.

I was negative towards Dorian Gray at the first because he seemed like a stock character and didn't want Vanessa dragged into some boring romantic-interest plot to nowhere.

Well goodness me, I guess I don't need to worry about that. Or worry about it being boring.

The other relationship that gets some development is between Sir Malcolm and young Doctor Frankenstein. The latter has had a tenuous link to the story so it's good to rope him in more securely with his need for acceptance and connection. (Is that the real reason behind his science experiments?)

Brona's reaction is sad but believable. A working class lass of that time and place would feel very threatened by her beau's high class friends showing up, especially if one was a stunning woman.