Jim Lancaster

A femme fatale, a hard-bitten detective, a mysterious list of names, and a case…of MURDER!

Jim’s Take on Episode 2.8: “Necessary Evil” Not only is “Necessary Evil” a fantastic episode with a cool and unusual film noir style, it’s full of fascinating firsts for many characters. Surprising revelations come thick and fast for viewers of the show and for the characters themselves. Of course, in true film noir fashion, itContinue reading “A femme fatale, a hard-bitten detective, a mysterious list of names, and a case…of MURDER!”

Greedy, Misogynistic, Untrustworthy, Little Trolls are a lot of fun!

Jim’s Take on Episode 2.7 “Rules of Acquisition” As is always the case, in all things, Jadzia Dax is correct. The Ferengi may well be, as Kira calls them, “greedy, misogynistic, untrustworthy, little trolls”, but they are a lot of fun! Unlike Dax, I wouldn’t want to hang out and play Tongo with them, becauseContinue reading “Greedy, Misogynistic, Untrustworthy, Little Trolls are a lot of fun!”

Pondering Ableism and Interdependence

Jim’s Take on Episode 2.6: “Melora” One of the founding principles of Star Trek has always been the idea that we will reach a future where everyone is equal, all people are valued, all people have a voice, differences are embraced, everyone is allowed to be seen and heard, no one judges anyone because ofContinue reading “Pondering Ableism and Interdependence”

“Cardassians” provides a complex view of the race

Jim’s Take on Episode 5: “Cardassians” Cardassians! Those reptilian rapscallions sure do get up to some wacky hijinks. Between the genocide and their immaculate filing, it’s a wonder they even found time to really, properly, abandon all those war orphans. Seriously, though, one of the elements that makes DS9 unique amongst Trek shows is thatContinue reading ““Cardassians” provides a complex view of the race”

Star Trek’s Greatest Monster?

Jim’s Take on Episode 4: “Invasive Procedures” When fans discuss the most terrifying and dangerous villains in Star Trek history, it’s always “Khan this” and “Borg Queen that” and “Roga Danar had great hair.” But Verad, this intolerable wet noodle of a failed Trill, this utter, utter twit of the highest order, has the audacityContinue reading “Star Trek’s Greatest Monster?”

The Circle is Definitely Broken

Jim’s Take on Episode 2.3: “The Siege” The fact of the matter is, in the Star Trek universe, if you bet against the Federation, you are probably going to lose. If you compound this mistake by betting against Benjamin Sisko, your odds get even worse. So Minister Jaro, Vedek Winn, The Circle, and even theContinue reading “The Circle is Definitely Broken”

Beware Strange Orbs

Jim’s Take on Episode 2.2: “The Circle” (Part 2) You know that dream where you’re naked, but all your friends are there, and then the handsome religious leader of your people appears behind you, also naked, and starts putting the sexy-times moves on you? No? Only me and Major Kira? The point is, the ProphetsContinue reading “Beware Strange Orbs”

Deep Space Nine: Now with 50% More Swagger

Jim’s Take on Episode 1: “The Homecoming” (Part 1) As brilliant as DS9’s first season was, and it was pretty brilliant, Season 2, to use a metaphor Sisko might approve of, is a whole new ballgame. There is a confidence and swagger that wasn’t quite there yet in the first season and it comes throughContinue reading “Deep Space Nine: Now with 50% More Swagger”