Star Trek: Voyager: Reviews
95 reviews
Star Trek: Voyager:
Endgame (7x24)
Pike April 2, 2018, 12:04 ET
Terrible ending
The first thirty minutes are totally uninteresting. But then... comes one of the most memorable sequences in the entire series. Dr. Mark Greene gets physically attacked in an extremely violent scene.
For the first time after Carol in the pilot episode, we get to see a member of the main cast in a life-threatening situation in the ER.
NEW CHARACTER
And here comes a new doctor which we won't care about. Dr. Anna Del Amico.
SUMMARY
A superb ending. I give the episode 8 out of 10 just for the final fifteen minutes.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Homestead (7x22)
Pike April 2, 2018, 12:04 ET
New storylines
The interesting and new storyline was about Carol having to face the fact that she is reduced to a nurse. And that was interesting. Finally new interesting storyline.
Also, another storyline is Mark's daughter feeling bad. I enjoyed seeing that.
Finally, Jeanie Boulet's character had been reduced to her sickness. She has AIDS, and that is the only thing that she went through. In the last scene of this episode, we see her having some emotions about something (or someone) else than her situation. It felt good.
SUMMARY
A very good episode with new storylines. I give it 6 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Natural Law (7x21)
Pike April 2, 2018, 12:04 ET
Something new will happen
After quite a boring bunch of episodes, the series will finally provide something dramatic. We can see the root of this new storyline taking place in this episode.
SUMMARY
I give it 5 out of 10. Good.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Author, Author (7x19)
Pike April 2, 2018, 12:04 ET
Typical atypical
This episode is an atypical episode of ER, but at the same time, it is a typical non standard episode. While one of the main characters is going to an errand, he/she is stuck in a dramatic situation that coincidentally takes place around him/her. I recall the episode from the seventh season of The X-Files, where Fox Mulder is going to the bank and suddenly is stuck in a bank robbery. This is the exact same scenario here.
While this could have been interesting, I found it quite boring, as I have seen so many robbery films or episodes already. I did not find anything particularly original in its execution.
ANNOYING
And the phone ringing all the time was annoying as H-E-L-L.
WHY
Finally, I do not understand how Carol felt so strongly about the bad guy, knowing that he actually killed a man. I could have understood her feelings, but not after he killed someone.
SUMMARY
A typical atypical episode - meaning that while this is an original episode, its execution is not. I give it 5 out of 10. Good.
Oh, and there's Ewan McGregor in it.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Q2 (7x18)
Pike April 2, 2018, 12:04 ET
Lost magic
The magic is lost. Once again, I think that Sherry Stringfield leaving the series was really harmful to the series.
SUMMARY
A good episode, but I'm still missing the magic of the first two and a half seasons. I give it 5 out of 10. Good.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Human Error (7x17)
Pike April 2, 2018, 12:04 ET
I don't care anymore
Since Sherry Stringfield left the series, I don't care anymore. And the reason is not so much of her leaving, it's simply because of the boring main storylines. This is still the same show, with (almost) the same actors, but no one is having any strong storyline.
SUMMARY
I give it 4 out of 10. Average.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Workforce (2) (7x16)
Pike April 1, 2018, 12:04 ET
Something is missing
Since the moment Susan left the ER, I don't feel that the series is the same anymore. The storylines are not interesting one bit.
SUMMARY
The season and overall the series become boring. I give it 4 out of 10. Average.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Workforce (1) (7x15)
Pike April 1, 2018, 12:04 ET
No storylines but shocking ending
There are no more storylines between for the main characters, or at least not any remotely interesting. It is ironic that since the moment Sherry Stringfield left the series, there is a sense of the series not knowing where to go.
STUPID
The story of Kerry Weaver asking Jeanie to do some tests is clearly below ER's standards.
ENDING
But hopefully, the excellent final scene will provide for much quality in the next episode, with Gant jumping on the L tracks.
SUMMARY
A good episode. But only because of its final moment. I give it 5 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
The Void (7x14)
Pike April 1, 2018, 12:04 ET
The end of many storylines
This episode was excellent, because of the storyline of Jeanie Boulet announcing that she has AIDS. But this also marks the moment when many storylines have ended:
- Mark and Susan relationship.
- Mark feeling bad after Susan leaving.
- Jeanie keeping her sickness as a secret.
- Benton and Jeanie's relationship.
Will the next episodes still be interesting?
SUMMARY
An excellent episode. I give it 7 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Prophecy (7x13)
Pike April 1, 2018, 12:04 ET
Mark knows
An excellent episode, where Mark Greene finally knows about Jeanie. I think that the transition of Susan leaving was very well executed.
SUMMARY
An excellent episode. I give it 7 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Repentance (7x12)
Pike April 1, 2018, 12:04 ET
Good bye Susan
And Susans left. The reason is was greatly done is that we actually do not focus on Susan herself, but on her leaving through the eyes of Mark. This makes the final scene even more powerful. Mark runs towards the track, in a typical cliché move, but still, the resolution is interesting. Because it doesn't end in a happy ending. Anthony Edwards did a beautiful job in sharing his pain. To me, he is without any doubt the central character of the series up to this point at least.
Meanwhile, I actually think it was a positive thing to have Susan (or Sherry Stringfield) leaving the ER. Because her character had finished its course. Sure, there could have been a love story between her and Mark, but that would have been the end of it (at least that's what I think).
SUMMARY
An excellent episode but with a superb ending. That is why I give it 8 out of 10. Superb. One of the most memorable scenes of the entire series is the ending of this episode.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Lineage (7x11)
Pike April 1, 2018, 12:04 ET
Excellent
An excellent episode. All the storylines are great in that episode (Benton and the baby, Ross and his case being stolen by Benton, Susan leaving, Mark's pain of seeing Susan leaving, etc.).
SUMMARY
I give it 7 out of 10. Excellent.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Shattered (7x10)
Pike April 1, 2018, 12:04 ET
Baby
An excellent episode. I particularly liked the storyline of Benton following his temper and thus causing a baby to stay between life and death.
SUMMARY
I give it 7 out of 10. Excellent.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Flesh and Blood (7x09)
Pike April 1, 2018, 12:04 ET
Halloween episode
As mentioned in previous reviews, I like realism. I did not believe in the story of strange things happening in Halloween. For this reason, I give it a 4 out of 10. One of the worst episodes of the series so far.
SUMMARY
A very average episode, hopefully with some good parts to even out the Halloween scenes.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Body and Soul (7x07)
Pike March 31, 2018, 12:03 ET
Too much of everything
JOKES
I like realism. Therefore, I did not appreciate Carter having a bad reaction to the medicine, or the kangaroo, or the son of the old man.
NEW CHARACTERS
Most importantly, this episode marks the introduction of many new characters. As an audience, of course, we feel a bit odd and will need some time to get used to them.
SUMMARY
A too light of an episode for me. I give it 4 out of 10. Average.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Inside Man (7x06)
Pike March 31, 2018, 12:03 ET
Jeanie
Jeanie Boulet's character is taking some true density in this season, since the moment it was revealed that she had AIDS. I don't recall any other series where the topic is treated in such a realistic and delicate matter, at least to my knowing.
SUMMARY
An excellent episode. I give it 7 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Critical Care (7x05)
Pike March 31, 2018, 12:03 ET
Excellent start
CARTER, M.D.
An excellent start of the third season. The progression of John Carter into a new doctor is really interesting.
AIDS
Also, the storyline of Jeanie Boulet not wanting to inform the ER about her having AIDS was very powerful. It felt really true.
I QUIT!
The only thing I did not understand is why the fact that Carol quit the ER was not mentioned in this episode. Or even the fact that she decided to stay for that matter.
SUMMARY
I give it 7 out of 10. Excellent.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Repression (7x04)
Pike March 31, 2018, 12:03 ET
Perfect ending
THE END OF AN ERA
The first two seasons of ER are really great. This episode makes for a perfect ending of those first two seasons.
In this episode, Kerry Weaver becomes the attending, which is a perfect idea since the character is so interesting.
Of course, the series is a soap opera and has lots of exaggerated moments, but even though, it is a great watch.
THINGS CHANGE
What I also appreciated is that, as Carol says in this episode, "things change". We don't get in an endless status quo like in some other series. John Carter becomes a doctor, Carol quits and leaves her boyfriend, Kerry Weaver becomes attending, etc.
WIDESCREEN
This is the first episode of the series that is shown in widescreen format (at least on my DVD's).
SUMMARY
The perfect ending of two great first seasons. I give it 8 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Drive (7x03)
Pike March 31, 2018, 12:03 ET
Directed by Anthony Edwards
This episode was directed by Anthony Edwards, the actor portraying Dr. Mark Greene. While he didn't do anything crazy, you can see that he tried to carefully shoot his episode. There are a couple of very interesting shots and I really liked the final one at the church.
This episode really resonates with me and for the first time ever in a story, I cared about and rooted for a mother losing her child.
SUMMARY
An excellent episode directed by Anthony Edwards. I give it 7 out of 10. Excellent.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Imperfection (7x02)
Pike March 31, 2018, 12:03 ET
A baby well managed
One of the typical series tool is to put a baby into the loop. And 9 times out of 10, the result is quite bad. Some women get pregnant and then, they usually deliver their baby during the season finale.
In here, because of an excellent writing, we truly care about Susan not being able to keep "her" baby. This makes for some very dramatic and real emotions.
SUMMARY
A top notch episode. I give it a high 7 out of 10. Excellent.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Unimatrix Zero (2) (7x01)
Pike March 31, 2018, 12:03 ET
Love triangle...
An excellent episode, even though the love triangle is clearly a cliché but when watching ER, you also want this kind of cheap thrills.
SUMMARY
An excellent episode with great storylines. I give it 7 out of 10. Excellent.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Unimatrix Zero (1) (6x26)
Pike March 30, 2018, 12:03 ET
You have a bad night
I liked the episode, focused on Dr. Mark Greene having to face a very difficult night shift.
SUMMARY
I give the episode 7 out of 10. Excellent.
Star Trek: Voyager:
The Haunting of Deck Twelve (6x25)
Pike March 30, 2018, 12:03 ET
Excellent
The stakes are high in this episode, much higher than in the first seasons. The main characters are struggling and got their personal crusades, whether it is Susan trying to keep Chloe, Benton not having the courage to tell about bad behaviors, Doug having to keep his mouth shut on a malpractice.
SUMMARY
An excellent episode. I give it 7 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Life Line (6x24)
Pike March 30, 2018, 12:03 ET
I'm sorry
I really enjoyed this episode. The final scene with the two rescuers was really powerful. The moment Carol's boyfriend says "I'm sorry" felt really true.
SUMMARY
An excellent episode. I give it 7 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Fury (6x23)
Pike March 30, 2018, 12:03 ET
Too much scream, a baby episode
The episode is featuring countless screaming mothers and babies, to the point of being way too loud and annoying.
Also, since when do you see a fussball table in a fancy hotel's bar?
SUMMARY
I give the episode 5 out of 10. Good.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Muse (6x22)
Pike March 30, 2018, 12:03 ET
True Benton
BENTON
I really liked this episode, especially the part where Benton is true and show his feelings to his step-brother. The final scene is really perfect.
MATURE
There are no immature scenes in this episode, as it was actually the case in the last episodes. This felt good to see a serious episode - except maybe for the scene in which Mark buys a bike.
SUMMARY
I give the episode 7 out of 10. Excellent.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Live Fast and Prosper (6x21)
Pike March 30, 2018, 12:03 ET
Lawsuits and worms
Like its predecessor, this episode is both excellent and pretty bad. The story of the worms was really out of place and not funny. Meanwhile, Mark Greene having to face the repercussions of the lawsuit was really interesting.
SUMMARY
Overall, I give the episode 6 out of 10. Very good.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Good Shepherd (6x20)
Pike March 30, 2018, 12:03 ET
Great and bad
The episode was both very good at times and at others quite bad. The final scene with Mr. Rubadoux and Carter was extremely powerful and well crafted. On the other side, the story of Dr Morgenstern wearing a kilt was too far fetched for me to believe in it.
SUMMARY
At times great and at times pretty bad, I still give a 6 out of 10 to the episode. Very good.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Ashes to Ashes (6x18)
Pike March 30, 2018, 12:03 ET
Christmas episode
I never understood the Christmas special episodes. This is to me the typical tv series cliché.
SUMMARY
I am not a fan of Christmas special episodes. I give it 5 out of 10. Good but not more.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Spirit Folk (6x17)
Pike March 30, 2018, 12:03 ET
Evil Jen
Jennifer, Mark's wife, is without a doubt the most evil character in the series so far. Since the first episode, she first complains about wanting her husband to work in a different place, she then wants to work outside and moves, she then leaves him, then takes him back, then cheats on him. No wonder the audience hates her.
SUMMARY
An excellent episode. I give it 7 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Collective (6x16)
Pike March 30, 2018, 12:03 ET
Feud
I liked the feud between Doug Ross and Mark Greene, which is taking an higher turn.
SUMMARY
An excellent episode, I give it 7 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Tsunkatse (6x15)
Pike March 30, 2018, 12:03 ET
Action!
For the first time in the series, ER is providing a much different episode. Lots of its action is taking place outside the ER. While I found the scene of Doug Ross trying to save the kid outside a bit too melodramatic and cliché, I was still engaged, especially during the resolution.
SUMMARY
An original episode for the series, taking place mostly outside. I give it 7 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Memorial (6x14)
Pike March 30, 2018, 12:03 ET
More soap, more fun!
The second season is continuing strong and focuses more on the soap opera aspect. Therefore, we spend more time caring about the main cast than sometimes being bored by some small patient stories, as we had in the first season. But of course, there is a big downside to it. By adding lots of drama around the main doctors, the level of realism will start to go down at the same time. So, it is a good balance to find, otherwise the series would end up like any other soap.
SUMMARY
Once again, an excellent episode. I give it 7 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Virtuoso (6x13)
Pike March 29, 2018, 12:03 ET
Excellent
Even though not as great as the previous episodes, I still find it excellent.
SUMMARY
I give the episode 7 out of 10. Excellent.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Blink of an Eye (6x12)
Pike March 29, 2018, 12:03 ET
Catchy
DRAMA
And once again an excellent episode in this very catchy second season. There is definitely more drama between the characters. Kerry Weaver was really an excellent add to the mix. She brings the type of drama that would see in any real company or any organization for that matter. The only difference between any company and here is that the actions of the doctors can lead to a patient dying. Therefore, the level of drama is much more intense than it would for any other matter.
CARTER
For the first time, Carter is romantically involved with someone.
STORYLINES
What struck me in this second season is that until now at least, all the storylines are interesting. Whether it is Doug and his love life, Carter learning the job, Benton falling in love with a married woman, Greene and his wife, Susan and her sister's baby, etc. The writing is very good.
SUMMARY
I give the episode 7 out of 10. Excellent.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Fair Haven (6x11)
Pike March 29, 2018, 12:03 ET
Excellent continuation
The second season is still going strong with this third episode, where a patient basically dies because of Carter trying to impress a lady.
SUMMARY
An excellent episode, which I give a 7 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Pathfinder (6x10)
Pike March 29, 2018, 12:03 ET
Kerry is annoying and it's fun!
The beginning of the second season is very interesting. This episode marks the first episode in which Kerry Weaver is joining the ER (after her quick interview in the previous episode). The interactions are suddenly changing and it feels damn good to see the way Susan or Doug are reacting.
Overall, Kerry Weaver is a character that you love to hate, from the very first moment. She has a sort of je-ne-sais-quoi. This was great casting.
SUMMARY
An excellent episode, thanks to the introduction of Kerry Weaver. I give it 7 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
The Voyager Conspiracy (6x09)
Pike March 28, 2018, 12:03 ET
Energetic season premiere
BIGGER
This episode is very interesting, with a sense of fresh energy. The season starts very well. You can sense that after the huge success of the first season, NBC went fully at it and gave even more focus on the second season.
KERRY WEAVER
The introduction of Kerry Weaver is interesting as well. Kerry Weaver, played by Laura Innes, will be the second most important character in terms of number of episodes in which she will appear (250 episodes!).
SUMMARY
I give the episode 7 out of 10. Excellent.
Star Trek: Voyager:
One Small Step (6x08)
Pike March 28, 2018, 12:03 ET
Very good season finale
WEDDING
The episode is very good. At first, I thought that it was a horrible idea to have Carol's groom cancelling the wedding - the scene was really cliché. But the resolution of the friends eating and having fun was... well... fun!
SEASON RECAP
At the end of the first season, I can only say that this was clearly a very compelling start. While of course it is a soap opera, it is an interesting one.
SUMMARY
A very good season finale, except for the infamous wedding scene. I give it 6 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Dragon's Teeth (6x07)
Pike March 28, 2018, 12:03 ET
Directed by Quentin Tarantino
This episode was directed by Quentin Tarantino. The result is not as extreme as you would imagine, knowing the director's filmography. This is still ER, with the characters acting the same way and the cinematography being the same. The changes are subtle. For instance, there are a couple of nice close-ups, some characters are wearing shades, etc. But overall, he didn't take huge risks with the series, which is something I would have hoped, knowing he would direct an episode.
SUMMARY
An excellent episode, directed by Quentin Tarantino himself. I give it 7 out of 10. Excellent.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Riddles (6x06)
Pike March 28, 2018, 12:03 ET
Swift!
The character of Swift is extremely interesting. The relationship between him and Greene is really great.
SUMMARY
A very good episode. I give it 6 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Alice (6x05)
Pike March 28, 2018, 12:03 ET
Very good
I loved the short scene in which Doug Ross is visiting a psychiatrist. I will let you watch it to see what I mean by that.
SUMMARY
A very good episode. I give it 6 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Tinker Tenor Doctor Spy (6x04)
Pike March 27, 2018, 12:03 ET
Very good
BENTON'S MOTHER
I really loved every scene with Benton's mother this season. Every of her appearances were really touching and delicate. Behind her old age, she looks like a little girl.
DEB'S GIVING UP
Also, Deb trying to learn fast was the cause of her downfall in this episode. This was also very interesting.
SUMMARY
Very good. I give it 6 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Barge of the Dead (6x03)
Pike March 27, 2018, 12:03 ET
Very good
I liked the introduction of the new ER chief and the fact that he thinks that Mark Greene is quite a bad doctor.
SUMMARY
I give it 6 out of 10. Very good.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Survival Instinct (6x02)
Pike March 27, 2018, 12:03 ET
Baby thriller!
THRILLER
This episode is outstanding! For the first time in the series so far, I was literally on the edge of my seat. The episode heavily focuses on a couple where the woman is expecting a baby. The delivery goes terribly wrong and from that moment, the episode is deeply exciting! You really sense the pressure of the medical staff, especially Dr. Greene. I totally identified with Dr. Mark Greene and can only say that I much prefer my own job. As I usually say, if I do a mistake, no one dies. There are indeed true heroes like doctors, firefighters or policemen, that, at times, really have the lives of others into their own hands.
And when you think that all is fine, then the mother is crashing and you get drawn into the story once again. A really great screenplay with a terrific directing, as well as acting from mostly Anthony Edwards.
Finally, once we also think that the episode is over, we get a great epilogue, that was the perfect and logical conclusion to this great episode. In it, Mark Greene goes directly to the husband/father and informs him that his wife has passed away. A truly remarkable episode.
And the final scene gave me chills. With this sad music, and Mark Greene crying alone in the L train. It felt truly realistic. And even more interesting, when you rewatch the episode, you actually see and understand why the episode starts with a shot of the train. Brilliant.
REALISM
I'll exchange any Marvel movie against this episode. In all those stupid films, immortal superheroes punch each others with no repercussions and I literally fall asleep (i.e. Captain America 2). In this episode, you simply get to see a doctor delivery a baby and you get chills up to your spine. Realism beats fantastic world each time.
AMBITION
This is the first episode where we see the furious ambition of the series, who started as a fun soap opera with some dramatic moments and moved onto a true drama with some comedy in it.
FIRST
Since we are in the first season of the show, all "first moments" will always be the best. In this episode, this is the first time that one of the main doctors will try to continue resuscitating a patient when it is actually too late. This will become a gimmick in the series, but feels so damn fresh and dramatic in this first time.
SUMMARY
An outstanding episode. The best episode of the series so far, and by far. I give it 9 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Equinox (2) (6x01)
Pike March 27, 2018, 12:03 ET
Personal
This is an excellent episode, and the reason is very simple. Three of the main characters live something personal and dramatic:
- First, Carol is learning that she cannot adopt the little Russian girl, because of her recent suicide attempt.
- Second, Mark's wife is leaving him.
- Third, Benton's mother is falling down the stairs and is taken to the ER.
CLIFFHANGER
I think that this is the first time that the series end on a cliffhanger. I liked it.
SUMMARY
An excellent and personal episode. I give it 7 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Equinox (1) (5x25)
Pike March 27, 2018, 12:03 ET
Benton's mother
Benton has to face the reality. He cannot have a private life, let alone take care of his own mother, if he wants to pursue his medical career. I found this storyline compelling.
SUMMARY
I give the episode 5 out of 10. Good.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Relativity (5x23)
Pike March 27, 2018, 12:03 ET
Very good
I liked the scene where the kid enters the ER with a gun, to ensure that his "friend" is actually dead. Also, the opening scene was very well done.
Meanwhile, we get to see once again Mark's wife, which we hadn't seen for a while. She is always a true... well... let's just say she isn't the friendliest person on Earth.
SUMMARY
A very good episode. I give it 6 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
11:59 (5x22)
Pike March 27, 2018, 12:03 ET
Very good
I liked the story about Susan fighting with the older doctor and suddenly having to save and fight *for* him.
SUMMARY
A very good episode, but not as good as the previous one. I give it 6 out of 10. Very good.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Someone to Watch Over Me (5x21)
Pike March 27, 2018, 12:03 ET
You have a bad day
SUSAN
The discussion between Susan and Dr. Morgenstern was very interesting. I liked the overall situation with her. She is having an argument with Mark about the fact that he talked about her with Dr. Morgenstern. The friend slash co-worker relationship was a key point in this episode.
A NEW STUDENT
It was also very interesting to see the new student (Deb) and the authoritative way Carter acted on her.
STRONGER SOAP
The soap opera factor is getting stronger and a little more dramatic.
SUMMARY
Like last one, an excellent episode. I give it 7 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Juggernaut (5x20)
Pike March 27, 2018, 12:03 ET
John Carter
CARTER-BENTON
In this episode, we clearly see that the best storyline of the first season is the relationship between John Carter and Dr. Benton, as well as the evolution of Carter in the ER and in his studies.
This is the first episode where Carter is trying to go against Benton.
DR. SUSAN LEWIS
The fight of Dr. Lewis with the older doctor was also extremely interesting. And for the first time in the series, there is a dead person because of someone's malpractice. Since it's the first time, it feels extremely true and therefore is interesting.
SUMMARY
Finally, something interesting happening with the main characters. I give it 7 out of 10. Much better than the previous episode.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Prey (4x16)
Gruic March 26, 2018, 12:03 ET
Thrill
The last scene always make me thrill. The music is perfect, colors are splendid... saw it a hundred times.
Star Trek: Voyager:
The Fight (5x18)
Pike March 25, 2018, 12:03 ET
Above standard
The episode was a bit better than usual. I liked the introduction of CCH Pounder.
And the ending was quite lovely.
SUMMARY
An excellent episode of the series, slightly better than the previous ones. I give it 7 out of 10. Excellent.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Course: Oblivion (5x17)
Pike March 25, 2018, 12:03 ET
Very good
Once again, a very good episode. The situation of Dr. Carter having to face the suicide of a transexual person was very interesting.
SUMMARY
I give the episode 6 out of 10. Very good.
Star Trek: Voyager:
The Disease (5x16)
Pike March 25, 2018, 12:03 ET
Very good
Once again, a very good episode, in a series that starts with lots of consistency.
SUMMARY
I give it 6 out of 10. Very good.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Dark Frontier (5x15)
Pike March 25, 2018, 12:03 ET
Soap!
Yes, this episode is a clear representation of the soap opera side of ER. But ER is one of the best soap operas in this genre.
SUMMARY
A very good episode. I give it 6 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Bliss (5x14)
Pike March 25, 2018, 12:03 ET
Charming
The episode is very charming, especially because of Mark Greene taking his daughter at work.
SUMMARY
A very good episode. I give it 6 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Gravity (5x13)
Pike March 25, 2018, 12:03 ET
Moving
A moving episode, especially because of the man slowly fading away.
SUMMARY
I give the episode 6 out of 10. Very good.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Latent Image (5x11)
Pike March 25, 2018, 12:03 ET
Carol is back
In this episode, we follow the first day of Carol being back after her suicide attempt. The episode is more serious that its predecessor and though more interesting.
SUMMARY
A very good episode. I give it 6 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Counterpoint (5x10)
Pike March 25, 2018, 12:03 ET
Very good
FUNNY
This is a good episode, definitely less serious than the pilot episode. The series is on the verge of going too far into the comedy, but it is still done carefully, although I hate vomiting scenes, which are always badly done in most series and films.
OLD COUPLE
The story of the old couple saying good bye to each others was extremely moving and true.
CHICAGO
The outside scenes in Chicago are beautiful, whether on the roof when waiting for the helicopter or when Mark and Doug are talking outside.
CARTER-BENTON
The relationship between Carter and Benton works perfectly. I like their relationship in that episode.
SUMMARY
A very good episode. I give it 6 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Thirty Days (5x09)
Pike March 24, 2018, 12:03 ET
Groundbreaking!
REALISM
The first thing that struck is the high sense of realism. The emergency room is messy, noisy, too small, people are screaming, vomiting, drunk or angry. The doctors are angry over the nurses using their coffee and the actresses are not wearing tons of make up and do not have beautiful hair, as in all the other tv series.
Therefore, we get to be witnesses of an environment. The same as when we are on the Titanic in the eponym film or when we witness the creation of dinosaurs in Jurassic Park (written also by Michael Crichton). We are in a world carefully depicted with enough realism that we would believe in it. And the more realism, the more we believe. And we desperately want to believe, even if we don't know it sometimes.
DOCTORS
Even though ER has all the characteristics of a soap opera, the big difference with most other soaps is that is it realistic. We truly believe and care about the characters - at least in the earliest seasons. We get to live theirs lives and understand their reality. And often, it is very bad. I would never want to work in such an environment. As mention Dr. Benton:
"We work 36 hours on 18 off, which is 90 hours a week, 52 weeks a year. For that, we are paid $23,739 before taxes and we also have to make the coffee?"
CHARACTERS
I really like most of the introduced characters:
- Dr. Mark Greene (Anthony Edwards), with his good heart and the problems with his wife.
- Dr. Doug Ross (George Clooney), the not so typical heart crusher paediatrician, with actually a dark side in him, played by George Clooney, who will become one of the biggest names in Hollywood. I must mention that at times, Clooney is on the verge of a very bad performance.
- Dr. Benton (Eriq La Salle), a very serious an ambitious character, who will have a furiously interesting relationship with Dr. Carter.
- Dr. John Carter (Noah Wyle), a great intern who will become one of the central characters of the show.
- Dr. Susan Lewis (Sherry Stringfield), a warm character who is seen as very close to Mark.
- Nurse Carol Hathaway (Julianna Margulies), the mysterious nurse playing in an almost numb way.
And a special mention to the brilliant William H. Macy as Dr. David Morgenstern.
INTERNS
I loved the way, at 15 minutes mark, when the main characters are seeing the intern John Carter for the first time. They look at him from afar and are all laughing at him. Then, Dr. Benton decides to go meet him. The way he suddenly changes and becomes very serious and authoritative is very fun. Psychologically, it means a lot. At a certain point in your career, do you want to put yourself at the same level of others or do you want to show confidently that your are the boss? Question mark...
Meanwhile, Dr. Ross is introducing himself to his new student and her reaction is priceless. "I've got all the friends I need, thanks."
SENSE OF URGENCY
The first ten minutes provide an accurate sense of urgency. All the action may take place in the same location, but it is very well produced and believable. There are no explosions, no fights, no guns. But we are on the edge of our seat, because of how well it is done.
GREENE-CARTER
The relationship between Dr. Greene and Carter is perfect. Knowing the rest of the series, we witness here the beginning of the sense of ownership of the unit. Those men can be seen are true heroes. I would exchange Dr. Greene against any Marvel superhero. Because he is made of flesh, he has fears and he truly goes the extra mile. But enough with the comparison.
MUSIC
The music is a real character in the series.
MICHAEL CRICHTON
Many people do not know that the series was actually created by Michael Crichton, author of the famous Jurassic Park novel.
SUMMARY
A groundbreaking start of an excellent series, who will, as many other tv series, run for way too long until it becomes unbelievable and overall irrelevant. But let us enjoy the first seasons. I give the episode 8 out of 10. Superb.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Demon (4x24)
Pike March 17, 2018, 12:03 ET
Love yourself
AN EPILOGUE
I have recently discovered something. The real series finale of Breaking Bad is taking place with Ozymandias. Then, the next two episodes are actually the epilogue. This is the same in Six Feet Under, the true series finale is three episodes before the final one, taking the form of an epilogue. In Neon Genesis Evangelion, this is the same. Episode 24 is the true series finale, while the next two are the epilogue. And I think this is the true perfect and only way to properly end any series. Because you get to experience and live the lives of characters for many hours, and suddenly, all should stop in an hour? Of course not. And every great book is similar as well, you get to spend many hours with characters. Therefore, you deserve an epilogue.
LOVE YOURSELF
And the epilogue is that you have to love yourself to start loving the others and therefore be loved by others. This is the true message and voyage of Shinji.
SUMMARY
I love the series immensely and this series finale is outstanding. I give it 9 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Living Witness (4x23)
Pike March 17, 2018, 12:03 ET
Perception is reality
CONSEQUENCES
In good movies and series, actions have consequences. And this episode starts exactly there. Shinji is tormented, after having killed Kaworu. And out of this torment, we get to move onto each character and the grand Instrumentality Project.
INSTRUMENTALITY PROJECT
The Human Instrumentality Project begins. Its aims seems to be to fills the voice inside everyone's heart.
This is a great episode, that may not be easy to follow or easy to appreciate, but at the end, the light is turned on and the greater truth comes from within.
SUMMARY
A superb episode, difficult to appreciate but clearly very interesting. I give it 8 out of 10. Superb.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Unforgettable (4x22)
Pike March 17, 2018, 12:03 ET
Numb: A Fifth Child Classic
NUMB
We feel numb in this episode. All our (aka Shinji's) friends have vanished, Asuka is living in a profound depression, Rei is not herself anymore. But suddenly, out of all of this sadness, we get to have a new friend in the form of Kaworu Nagisa. Kaworu is friendly with us, is warm and because of this, we think we will not get harmed. So we let our defence down, or should I say, we reduce our AT Field, and let him inside our heart.
THE COLD HARD TRUTH OF LIFE
But one more time, we get to feel the cold hard truth of life. Kaworu is actually an Angel. The 17th and final one, with a birthday coinciding with the date of the Second Impact.
The character of Kaworu is magnificent. The relationship with Shinji is brilliant and makes for a perfect episode.
CONTACT
And finally, the Angel makes contact with Adam, or does it? The scene in Terminal Dogma is outstanding, ending with the masterpiece of a scene with Eva Unit 01 having Kaworu in its hand, on this perfect classical music.
SUMMARY
This episode is one of my top five episodes of the entire series. I give it 10 out of 10. Perfect timeless classic.
Star Trek: Voyager:
The Omega Directive (4x21)
Pike March 17, 2018, 12:03 ET
The Truth
THE END
The final episodes of Evangelion clearly deliver. This is one of the best mythology series that I've ever seen, in a sense that the mythology is not only beautifully constructed, but also beautifully resolved. Because you need to have a resolution or at least to some degree.
Ritsuko opens the doors of the truth to the audience, showing off the vessels of Rei (I am purposely not using the word clone) as well as the visually stunning graveyard of Evas (where we learn that this is where Yuri Ikari - Shinji's mother - was seen for the last time).
RITSUKO
Ritsuko is playing a very important role in that episode, and is a proof that once again, most, if not all of the characters from Evangelion were mastered and had a purpose. There were not here and suddenly left on the side, as it is the case in so many series (i.e. Skyler's sister Marie in Breaking Bad).
MYTHOLOGY
In this episode, we learn that there would be only 17 Angels to defeat, according to the Seele. The one from this episode was the 16th one.
SAD
As with every beautiful ending of a drama series, the end of Evangelion is dramatic. We had to witness the death of Kaji as well as the agonizing Toji. In this episode, we will face the almost death of Rei. The tone of the episode is therefore quite sad, where even Pen Pen is laying on the ground.
DC VERSION
In the DC version, the Evas graveyards is very different. I strongly suggest any watcher of the series to see both versions in order to compare.
SUMMARY
A superb episode. I give it 8 out of 10. Superb.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Vis à Vis (4x20)
Pike March 16, 2018, 12:03 ET
Epic
ASUKA'S MOTHER
We finally get to understanding more about Asuka's mother. The only time she made a reference to her was in the early episodes, when Shinji tried to kiss her in bed one night.
PSYCHOLOGICAL RAPE
When the Eva is launching a psychological attack, it feels as if the Angel is actually raping her. This makes for a very suggestive imagery. Asuka even says "I've been defiled" multiple times.
EPIC
The episode is reaching an epic level, with the classical music and the God-like scenes from underneath the Earth and from beyond the sky.
NO DEUS EX MACHINA
I liked that Shinji was not the Deus Ex Machina saving everyone at the end.
MYTHOLOGY
- Ikari is explaining that it is impossible to go through an AT Field in Orbit. Therefore, he asks Rei to go into Dogma and take the Lance of Longinus.
- Misato seems to understand that an Angel getting into contact with Adam would actually not create a Third Impact. Therefore, the Second Impact may not have been caused by an Angel getting into contact.
SUMMARY
An excellent episode. I give it 7 out of 10. Excellent.
Star Trek: Voyager:
The Killing Game (2) (4x19)
Pike March 16, 2018, 12:03 ET
Excellent flashbacks
MYTHOLOGY
- We learn that Gendo Ikari's real name was Gendo Rokubungi.
- The Human Instrumentality Project was created by Ikari after Yui's death.
FLASHBACKS
An episode made of flashbacks could have easily been, but I loved those. We get to witness Professor Fuyutsuki meeting with Yuri and Gendo Ikari.
RISTUKO'S MOTHER & REI
The scene between Ritsuko's mother and Rei is extremely powerful.
IKARI'S FATE
This marks the final episode with Ikari. Misato's reaction was very moving.
SUMMARY
A great episode with very interesting flashbacks. I give it a big 7 out of 10. Excellent.
Star Trek: Voyager:
The Killing Game (1) (4x18)
Pike March 16, 2018, 12:03 ET
Very good
CONVENIENT BACKUP
At one point, after witnessing the destructed command center, Katsuragi is referring to a backup secondary command center. This feels like a very convenient writer's idea, but I wouldn't dare criticize it. I just want to mention it, that's all.
MUSIC
There is a brand new song in this episode which I loved.
POWER OF SUGGESTION
There is a great love scene between Kaji and Misato. You fully get the power of suggestion, in a typical Alfred Hitchcock way, even though this is about a love scene. Often (I hesitate to say always), it is much better to suggest than to show. And this is a clear example.
Meanwhile, at the end, Kaji is trying to put something inside Misato. One could only think that he tried to put it into her ass, which really makes it for a strange place to put this thing...
SUMMARY
A very interesting episode but sometimes a bit boring. I give it a big 6 out of 10. Very good.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Retrospect (4x17)
Pike March 16, 2018, 12:03 ET
The beginning of the end
THIRD IMPACT
Kaji is explaining that if an Angel comes in contact with Adam, the all humanity dies in a Third Impact.
MYSTICAL
In a mystical move, the Eva Unit 01 is suddenly taking life on its own, in a perfect resolution act.
SUMMARY
An excellent episode, which marks the beginning of the end. I give it 8 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Prey (4x16)
Pike March 16, 2018, 12:03 ET
Masterpiece
TOJI
Since he knows that he is the Fourth Child, Toji is taking an entirely new dimension.
ANGEL #13
And then it happened. The thirteenth Angel was in fact the Eva Unit 03. This is just perfect writing. Shinji having to fight the Eva, knowing there may well be a child inside of it, but not knowing that the child is actually his friend Toji.
When Shinji refuses to kill a human being, his father Ikari commands the team to implement the dummy plug and take control on Shinji's Eva Unit 01.
This is a brilliant scene. One of the most memorable moments of the entire series. Unit 01 tranforms into a blood-thirsty ferocious animal.
SUMMARY
One of the best episodes of the series. I give it 10 out of 10. My favourite episode of the series so far.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Hunters (4x15)
Pike March 16, 2018, 12:03 ET
Sad tone for a new child
TOJI
I liked this episode very much. We can clearly understand that it is about Toji becoming the fourth child, but the entire tone is very sad. Also, we see that a young girl is in love with Toji. This clearly shows that Toji will probably have a dark fate and that we will live it through her eyes.
SUMMARY
A very good episode. I give it 6 out of 10. Very good.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Message in a Bottle (4x14)
Pike March 16, 2018, 12:03 ET
Outstanding
Where to even begin...? This episode is terrific on so many levels.
PSYCHOLOGY
One of the reasons I love this series is because of the psychological element of it. The Angels are often excuses to place psychological storylines to the episodes. And this Angel is so far the most useful at it.
A SEA OF DIRAC
The concept of the Angel itself is just great. A shadow of only three nanometers thick transports Shinji into an imaginary space - the Sea of Dirac - which is probably connected to another Universe. In it, Shinji gets to experience his inner self by going through some of his early memories, as well as the different versions of himself, as seen from himself but also from the others.
Meanwhile, Shinji’s real life is in danger and you can only feel deeply frightened by seeing him stuck in his coffin-like environment.
CHARACTERS
All the characters are great in that episode. Whether it is Misato and Ritsuko having an argument (culminating with a visually stunning slap), or Asuka not accepting not being the « number one ».
VISUALLY
Visually, the episode is sublime. When the Unit 01 arrives during the resolution act, it was fantastic, ending on the Unit 01 under a rain of blood.
SUMMARY
One of the best episodes of the series so far. I give it 9 out of 10. Outstanding.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Waking Moments (4x13)
Pike March 16, 2018, 12:03 ET
Mythology Starts!
PART CHARACTERS, PART MYTHOLOGY
I really liked this episode, as it contains both very fun and interesting scenes about the characters interractions, as well as a great mythology that is starting to become much bigger - as well as more complex.
CHARACTERS
There is a beautiful scene in which Shinji is visiting his mother’s grave with his father. This makes for not only a visually stunning scene, but the writing is also very moving while never pathos.
ADAM
In the last scene, we get to finally see Adam. We learn that Adam is the very first Angel, the one from the Second Impact (Secondo Impacto!).
Rei is in a special machine in Central Dogma, while Adam is underneath, in the Terminal Dogma.
KAJI
The character of Kaji is really great. In this episode, we get to learn that he his a secret agent infiltrating the Nerv organization. Misato uncovers it and learns that Kaji is actually working for the Investigation Department of the Japanese Ministry of Home Affairs. This makes for some very interesting story telling.
SUMMARY
An excellent episode with the best of both worlds: characters and mythology. I give it 7 out of 10. Excellent.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Mortal Coil (4x12)
Pike March 16, 2018, 12:03 ET
Crucial recap
PREVIOUSLY... ON NGE
At first, one could think that this is only a recap episode. But in Neon Genesis Evangelion, nothing is a simple as it seems. Even know the first half of the episode is about the retelling of the Angels attacks, we actually get to learn the names of each Angel (as seen in the series).
ANGELS
The names of the Angels are:
Angel #3: Sachiel
Angel #4: Shamshel
Angel #5: Ramiel
Angel #6: Gaghiel
Angel #7: Israfel
Angel #8: Sandalphon
Angel #9: Matarael
Angel #10: Sahaquiel
INTERCOMPATIBILITY TESTS
Then, the episode moves forward with the intercompatibility tests. I did not care so much about it at first, but it actually provided a great way for the characters to feel some emotions, especially Rei. The dreaming-like scenes of Rei were outstanding and open a door on the ending of the series. This proves that the robots are actually a great way to talk about psychology and the inner-ins of the characters. And you would not expect this from « an anime about robots ».
PROJECT ADAM
At the end of the episode, there is a crucial scene in which we learn that Project Adam is still going as planned, and that it is linked with the Lance of Longinus. The episode ends on Rei’s Eva walking and holding apparently that Lance.
SUMMARY
To summarize, this is definitely a strange episode, part recap and part crucial. I give it 5 out of 10 and I must say it is a very difficult one to rate.
PS: KANA, THE MATH PUPPY
I loved a small thing that most will not know about in this episode. When Shinji is once again waking up in front of an unfamiliar ceiling at the hospital, we can hear at the radio the introduction of Kana, the Math Puppy. I was really intrigued when I heard it. How could a dog do some math? And then, the question arrives. What’s 325 minus 324 ? Wouaf! (Wan).
Star Trek: Voyager:
Concerning Flight (4x11)
Pike March 16, 2018, 12:03 ET
Ikari, you jerk!
TECHNOLOGY
In most movies and series, technology is always a bad choice, as it is always badly managed. In this episode, I can easily say that the writing was excellent. We actually - and this is very rare - care very much about the progression of the Angel inside Magi. This makes for a scene with lots of suspense.
ORIGINALITY
Once again, like in the previous episodes, we get an interesting and original episode. In a bad series, the Angel would be mostly the same each time. Here, we get many different and original approaches. I like it.
MYTHOLOGY
- We learn that Maggi is made of Melchior (1), Balthasar (2) and Casper (3).
- It is said in the episode that the digital Angel (if I may call it that way) is spreading to close to Adam.
- Magi was developed by Ritsuko’s mother.
- Ritsuko’s mother has written « Ikari, you jerk! » inside Casper. This would mean that she may have had an affair with Ikari.
SUMMARY
A much better episode than the previous ones. I give it a big 6 out of 10. Very good.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Random Thoughts (4x10)
Pike March 15, 2018, 12:03 ET
Secondo Impacto!
The opening scene of this episode is su-blime. I simply love it dearly. The color, the images, the writing, everything is just great.
Then, the episode is clearly better than the previous ones.
MYTHOLOGY
The Second Impact took place in year of 2000.
SUMMARY
An excellent episode, starting with a beautiful scene. I give it 7 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Year of Hell (2) (4x09)
Pike March 15, 2018, 12:03 ET
Good
ANGELS
The Angel is extremely original as well in this episode. Surely, this makes quite a coincidence that its power is to send a deadly liquid and that at the same time, the three Evangelions are precisely in a hole. But it was still enjoyable.
MYTHOLOGY
- We learn that Magi is not only one but three super computers.
SUMMARY
A good episode. I give it 5 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Year of Hell (1) (4x08)
Pike March 15, 2018, 12:03 ET
Great concept but boring
GREAT CONCEPT
Magma Diver is an episode with a great concept. For the first time, the Angel is actually not physically moving towards Tokyo-3. I really enjoyed the fact that the Nerv is sending an Eva inside the vulcan.
BORING
But the episode is very boring, to me at least.
SUMMARY
A great concept with a boring execution. I give it only 4 out of 10. Average.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Scientific Method (4x07)
Pike March 14, 2018, 12:03 ET
Sex and dance
SEX...
This episode is all about sex (and dance). There are many suggestive images and the young Shinji is having mixed feelings for Asuka.
...AND DANCE
Meanwhile, the episode is about Shinji and Asuka getting in sync in order to defeat the seventh Angel. This is a clear way for the writer to put Shinji and Asuka in the same bed, but I admit that it is still an interesting idea which makes for a great ending.
ENDING
The way Shinji and Asuka are defeating the Angel at the end is very imaginative and overal original. That is without any doubt the best part of this very immature episode.
ANGEL #7 (A/B)
The new angel is still original. I really liked that in the series, the Angels are always new and different from each others. This makes for original scenes.
SUMMARY
A very immature episode, with more soap opera elements than the poesy imagery that I was so found of in the first episodes. I give it 5 out of 10. Good.
Star Trek: Voyager:
The Raven (4x06)
Pike March 14, 2018, 12:03 ET
Good
NEW CHARACTER: ASUKA
The episode introduces the character of Asuka. While I appreciate the character, as an audience, I can only be at first a bit frustrated by having someone new being added into the original “castâ€.
NEW CHARACTER II: KANJI
We also get a new character, Kanji. This will provide for some classic soap opera scenes, but we’ll need to wait for the next episode for it to start.
NO POESY
One of the key elements of the series is the poetic imagery. This episode is all but that. This is the main reason why I do not like it very much.
MYTHOLOGY
- We get to see Evangelion Unit 02.
- Kanji: “This is the keystone of the Human Instrumentally Project, isn’t it?â€
Ikari: “This is the first human being. Adam.â€
ONLY GOOD
A good episode introducing the great character of Asuka. But I personally disliked the story on the sea. I give the episode only 5 out of 10. Good.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Revulsion (4x05)
Pike March 14, 2018, 12:03 ET
« Worst » episode so far
MYTHOLOGY
- Evangelion Unit 02 was built in Germany.
- Apparently, the Second Impact was not really caused by a metorite.
SUMMARY
I give the episode 5 out of 10. Good. Without any doubt the « worst » episode so far.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Nemesis (4x04)
Pike March 13, 2018, 12:03 ET
Visually stunning and action packed
FASTER PACE
After the very slow pace of the previous episode, this episode feels like the reward of its predecessor.
VISUALLY STUNNING
Visually, the episode is stunning on so many different levels. Especially in the beginning of the episode, as well as when Shinji and Rei are talking at night before the beginning of their tasks.
BRILLIANT STORY
The story is brilliant. The new Angel is actually drilling a hole on the ground and trying to get to the Nerv headquarters.
This makes for a very interesting operation (named Yamashi), set up by the very effective and upbeat Misato.
ENDING
The ending is just sublime, with Shinji saying to Rei to not say good bye when they leave on a mission, with tears in his eyes. And then Rei smiling at him while thinking of Ikari.
MYTHOLOGY
- We learn about the Magi supercomputer.
SUMMARY
A visually stunning episode, with a second part with lots of action. A great and fun episode with a sublime ending. I give it 8 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Scorpion (1) (3x26)
Gruic March 13, 2018, 12:03 ET
Shivering
Evangelion needed only 2 episodes to become a classic. There's nothing else like Evangelion, and this episode is the begining of the legend.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Day of Honor (4x03)
Pike March 12, 2018, 12:03 ET
Very good but slow pace
IKARI
It is very interesting to see that Ikari feels strongly about Rei, especially knowing how cruel he is with Shinji, his own son. There is a very powerful scene in which he doesn't wear his glasses anymore, and we can see him vulnerable for the very first time.
I also loved the short scene in which Shinji is looking at his father and Rei talking through the window, not being able to hear what they are saying to each others, but clearly Ikari smiling and caring about Rei.
REI
The episode, centered around Rei, is great. And the best moment is without any doubt when Shinji is going to Rei's apartment. It is also very interesting to see Rei being so close to Ikari, to the point of slapping Shinji when he says he doesn't trust his father.
CLIFFHANGER
The episode is the second to provide a big cliffhanger. In this one, we see the fifth Angel appearing on the horizon, this time in a geometric form.
SUMMARY
A very good episode, with an extremely slow pace. I give it 6 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
The Gift (4x02)
Pike March 12, 2018, 12:03 ET
Visually stunning
COUNTRYSIDE
The images of Shinji leaving Tokyo-3 and going to the countryside are extremely poetic and overall beautiful.
FINAL SCENE
The episode marks the first time we get to see a very long paused shot. This is yet another example of a production challenge becoming an actual asset. The production of the series had very little money and this unmoving 45 seconds shot is the result of that.
SUMMARY
A superb episode in which Shinji leaves the NERV for a while. I give it 7 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Scorpion (2) (4x01)
Pike March 12, 2018, 12:03 ET
Not as good as the first two
MYTHOLOGY
Shinji's teacher explains that "in 1999, a massive meteor from space slammed into the continent of Antartica. The continent's ice cap was melted almost instantaneously. The water level of the oceans rose, the Earth was thrown off its axis, and abnormal weather patterns threatened the lives of all living things. Several thousands species and half of the world's population were lost for eternity. This was the so-called Second Impact." And it took place 15 years ago.
ANGEL #2
In this episode, we get to see the second Angel so far, but according to the live images from the observation satellite, this is the forth Angel. Only three weeks after the last one, a new Angel appears.
In some shots, the Angel does look like a penis.
RAGE, RAGE AGAINST THE DYING OF THE LIGHT
I loved the moment where Shinji is giving everything against the Angel and where we can see and feel all the rage from Shinji, as well as the aftermath and him, crying in front of his classmates.
HEDGEHOG'S DILEMMA
I also loved the concept of the hedgehog's dilemma.
SUMMARY
Slightly not as good as the first two episodes, but still damn great and the final act is sublime. I give it 7 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Scorpion (1) (3x26)
Pike March 12, 2018, 12:03 ET
Superb
ORIGINAL CONSTRUCTION
I loved that the continuation of the previous episode is only taking place at the 18 minutes mark. It makes for a very original construction. Also, you would not expect at first the "good robot" to actually be so agressive. And it's nothing compared to what we'll see in future episodes.
FUN
I liked the fun aspect moments of Shinji living with Misato - and Pen Pen of course.
MYTHOLOGY
If the Eva project doesn't work, there is an even more secret project, titled "The Human Instrumentality Project".
SUMMARY
An excellent episode. I give it 8 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager:
Worst Case Scenario (3x25)
Pike March 11, 2018, 12:03 ET
Grandiose opening act
(Some of my terms and quotes are used by the English translations and are not purely accurate as I would normally have to use the original language. While I watch the series in Japanese, I do not speak the language myself.)
This review is written after starting a new rewatch of the entire series.
CRICKETS
The first thing you can hear are the crickets. It may seem like nothing to most of the viewers, but to me, I associate this sound with some very emotional aspects of the series. There will be, in future episodes, some fixed shots with only the sound of the crickets. But I will come back to those crickets in a future review of future episodes.
SOUNDTRACK
The first song that we can hear is the dark theme. It took me right back to the series. The soundtrack is brilliant, but in this episode, we just get a glimpse of the astonishingly amazing soundtrack of the show.
ANGEL 1
We can see the first Angel appearing (at least in the series). What I loved about it is that we have no clue what this thing even is and most importantly, where does it come from. This is, for the audience, the start of one of the best mythology ever, and boy one of the most complexe ones.
SHINJI
We discover the young boy Shinji, a kid that, at first, doesn't seem like much.
MISATO
Misato is a delight from the start. She is a very fun and upbeat character. But do not get used by her demeanor, she is a real character with a turmoil inside of her.
SHINJI-MISATO
The relationship between Shinji and Misato is starting almost instantly. They are driving together and Misato tells Shinji he's a cold fish. In return, he tells her she is a childish person.
IKARI
The character of Shinji's father is brilliant. He refers to his own son as "a spare one" (when talking about pilots). He hasn't seen his son in three years, but feels no emotions whatsoever while rejoining with him. Visually, the "camera" angles are, even if classic, perfect. Ikari is appearing above Shinji, while the poor kid is extremely emotional and feeling even smaller than he already is in comparison. He even lowers his head when his father talks to him.
There is even a shot at the 15 minutes mark, where Ikari can be seen at the top. With the music, it feels like if the scene was taken from a Western. But an intellectual Western with a father-and-son relationship. Ikari even goes so far as to simply say "I have a need for you. (...) Because no one else can." The words are not "I need you", but "I have a need for you." This is quite a difference, although I would like to know the original words and hope the translation is accurate.
ULTRA DENSE
In only its first 9 minutes, there are so many things happening and being thrown out the audience, that even a twenty-three minutes episode feels extremely dense.
RITSUKO
The character of Ritsuko is very interesting.
PILOT
According to the Marduk report, Shinji is the Third Child. While Rei had seven months to synchronize with Unit 00, Shinji will have to learn it the hard way.
The fluid used in the Eva is LCL.
NERV & UNIT 01
The Nerv is a secret organization under the control of the United Nations. The Nerv has been created in absolute secrecy, according to Ritsuko, "the mankind's ultimate multipurpose decisive weapon, the synthetic human Evangelion, Unit 01."
STRUGGLE: FEAR
We can sense the struggle inside Shinji. He feels that he cannot do this task. And he will later on repeat multiple times to himself: "I musn't run away!"
REI
Even before she appears, we already long for Rei. We hear that she is being used and is not dead. When she suddenly appears, we already, as an audience, want to protect her. Therefore, I think this is a perfect trick to force Shinji to find a reason to pilot Unit 01.
CLIFFHANGER
The episode ends on one of the best cliffhangers of the entire series. Shinji just arrives in the city and pilot for the very first time the Eva Unit 01.
OVERALL
Overall, I think this is a perfect first episode. I rate it an 8 out of 10 and know that some later episodes will even go beyond that rating.
