The Letters to the Editor department is intended to be a forum for our readers to express their own opinions and ideas. While we appreciate the many complimentary letters we receive each day, you won't find them on this page. Instead, you will find letters that go beyond or even contradict what we have written, letters that offer a different perspective and provide a different view of science fiction. If you would like to submit a letter, please use our feedback form or send a message to scifiweekly@scifi.com.
-- Craig E. Engler, Editor
Reprinting The Road To SF
'd like to thank Charles Phillips for his comments about The Road to Science Fiction, and pass along the information to him (and anyone else interested) that White Wolf Publishing has reprinted in updated and expanded form No. 3 and No. 4 in The Road series and has added the previously unpublished No. 5: The British Way and No. 6: Around the World. So at least part of Phillips' wish for a (nearly) complete set can be realized, and White Wolf hopes to reprint No. 1 and No. 2 within the next year or so.
James Gunn
jgunn@falcon.cc.ukans.edu
Trek Is Changing...For The Worse
ear! Hear! to Michael Lustig and your comments on technobabble in the new Star Trek movie. I saw Star Trek: Insurrection on opening day, and was again disappointed by the direction Star Trek has taken.
I have enjoyed Star Trek since I was a little boy, watching in awe as Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, et al., would visit strange new worlds, seek out new life, etcetera. I count Star Trek right along with Star Wars and Marvel Comics as the major cornerstones of my tastes in entertainment. It is this importance Star Trek has played in my life that has caused me to grow disillusioned, or probably more disgusted, at the direction Star Trek has taken in recent years.
My problems with Star Trek are never more evidenced than in Star Trek: Insurrection. While the movie was heads and tails better than Star Trek: Generations, the creative forces behind The Next Generation movies still cannot capture what made Star Trek so good (and as a side note, to date the closest in film the Next Generation has come is First Contact even though that didn't come close to the mark set by the Wrath of Khan or even Star Trek: The Motion Picture). The problem with Star Trek: Insurrection was lazy writing. Here the writers had a great idea: A secret movement in the Federation to transplant a race, and the crew of the Enterprise wrestling with the issue only to ultimately oppose not only what the Federation is doing, but the Federation itself. Instead, we have storylines such as the opening plot thread with Data being resolved with a gadget (the name and function of which I can't remember, but I'm sure involved the word phase and the use of tachyon particles).
Unfortunately, the problem of technobabble plagues both Deep Space Nine and Voyager, as well as re-runs of The Next Generation. The writers of Star Trek have replaced the ingenuity, diversity and resilient adaptability of humans that was such a big part of the show with equipment, technology and words that either didn't exist before that problem or were convenient to fill a slot. It would be different if the focus of an episode was on, say, the chief engineer and he/she tried something new as a last resort to save the ship, unfortunately Star Trek has moved into realm where technobabble reigns supreme.
I know this criticism is not unique, heck I was prompted by another Trekkie's complaints in this letter column, so I know this one letter isn't going to change much of anything. What I'm trying to get to is this. Star Trek: Insurrection marked a change in Star Trek for me. I'm tired of plunking my hard earned cash down to watch a movie that isn't really fulfilling outside of some fairly impressive special effects, and maybe some panoramic views. I'm tired of watching television shows about characters who I'm not particularly attached to spouting out words that don't mean much of anything outside the situation the writers have created. And ultimately, I'm tired of watching the uninspired, often insipid excuse for writing that passes on a show/franchise that was once great. While the potential is still there, I truly doubt any of the writers would know a good story if it came up and bit them on the arse. Unfortunately if that happens, I may not be around to watch it, my ever shrinking leisure time taken up with something that respects the viewers and is responsive to fulfilling their entertainment needs.
Sean Seger
sdseger@ibm.net
If You Don't Like It, Don't Go
t amazes me on how many people wish to "trash" any and all Star Trek movies. Roddenberry envisioned a time when events like this would happen and hoped that people would take a hint and get their "act" together and realize that man can live and explore in harmony with one another. The movies are trying to make comments and be entertaining and they succeed well enough to make their points.
However, those who continue to make fun and point out flaws in the movies aren't really there for the movie, they are there to make sure that people who enjoy movies have a wonderful time listening to them tell how bad the movie is and that it won't work. All I have is basically one comment to those people: "Don't Go!!" Go watch a movie that is based on what you want it to be based on. Then you can tell people that you were smart all along and knew what was happening because it was the only thing that could happen.
I enjoy movies and science fiction and fantasy, but I also know the difference between making stupid comments and keeping my mouth shut so others can "hope for the future." I would love to see what kind comments they will make on Star Wars or Battlestar Galactica or any other space science fiction movie. I suppose they would love to see an asteroid hit the earth and all life be extinguished and with their dying breath say, "I knew it was coming all along."
Michael Guss
mguss@inu.net
Trek Just Isn't The Same
recently saw Star Trek: Insurrection the day it came out and I am disappointed. Ever since Gene Roddenberry died, Star Trek has become less and less "Star Trek." Insurrection was basically a love story (in my opinion). Picard (once again) fell in love with someone. There was a civil war with a group of people who were more advanced than the Federation. I liked First Contact a bit, Generations blew (pardon my language), and Insurrection wasn't that much good either. The first six movies (with Gene Roddenberry in charge) were very good. It seems to me that Rick Berman isn't doing a very good job in charge of the Star Trek franchise.
Joe Barrett
joeyb@pair.com
Insurrection Was A Colossal Bore
just wanted to take a moment to say how disappointed I was with Star Trek: Insurrection. And not myself only. I went with a very large group of Star Trekkers from all walks of life, who were all let down by this waste of celluloid. While the cinematography and musical score were impressive, the plot was thin and annoying, with many of the scenes more akin to a first season Next Generation episode rather than what was to be a major motion picture. The special effects budget seems to have been slashed to the bone (the direction seemed almost intent on capturing the effect of a trap-shooting outing at one point, while ignoring the jettison of the warp core or even showing us some new camera angles on the bridge).
By the way, if Jonathan Frakes would like to waste a few scenes portraying himself as a sex symbol angling in on Counselor Troy, perhaps such a scene doesn't even need to be discussed before he drops 30 pounds or so.
Aside from the lackluster fountain of youth story line, even the new characters Anij and Admiral Bozo (whatever his name is) were both, in my opinion, irritatingly portrayed by shamelessly underspoken actors. If the portrayal of character parts cannot be projected properly to unfold a storyline (or at least with some amount of zest), then Frakes should have kept looking. But oh well, if this colossal bore earns its money back, just maybe we'll have a shot at something decent in two more years. Total score for Star Trek movies: 6 Wins, 3 Losses. Thanks for nothing Frakes!
Paul M. Feinberg
pfeinberg@att.com
Trek Is About Entertainment
aybe someone should tell the person complaining about Star Trek: Insurrection, that Star Trek is entertainment, not a way of life. I have seen the movie and thought it was great, whether or not they use the word "phase" too many times doesn't take away from it's entertainment value. I love Star Trek and always will, but it is entertainment and people need to stop picking it apart so much.
Patrick Walters
pwalters@hsonline.net
Insurrection Was Darn Good
think that Star Trek: Insurrection would have made a masterful episode, and did make a darn good movie. An interesting aspect of this movie was the parody of the Cherokee Removal of the 1840s, which Jean-Luc Picard knew very well of. Some of the nuances of this comparison/parody are beautiful and very telling about human nature. The Ba'ku's power to "stop time" was similarly symbolically beautiful.
I think that the "metaphasic" dust (or whatever it was) was a stretch even
from normal Star Trek standards, which usually has some base in reality. I think that they could have done a better job of making the story of the Ba'ku more believable. Other than small loose ends that the makers of the movie failed to tie together at the end, such as the conflict with the So'na, the movie was classic Star Trek, classic science fiction, and classic humor, which combined to make a great movie.
Jorian P. Schutz
jorian@jorian.com
Insurrection Was The Best Trek Yet
n response to Michael Lustig's comments on Star Trek: Insurrection, think of it this way: The universe is constantly in flux, or phase. I don't think it's at all improper for Star Trek to recognize that. Do the creators of the show sometimes use something like "phase" a little too often? Maybe, but it's a part of the show's "language." It all started with phasers and moved on to metaphasic shields. Nothing wrong in my mind.
In the meantime, I would like to take this space to congratulate Paramount, Jonathan Frakes, Rick Berman, Patrick Stewart, and the entire cast and crew on making what I and my wife believe to be the best Star Trek movie yet. The many weeks of location shooting provided a very lush on one hand, and crisp on the other, look to the movie. The story was a wonderful balance of humor, drama, action, morality, and romance. And the special effects were great, too, especially the shots of the ship (interiors were great, as well--we got to see much, much more of the E this time).
My wife was even impressed with the tapestry or quilt used in the scene between Picard and Anij where she points out that the apprentices will be ready to advance in rank in 30 years. In fact, she's so into quilting that she was wondering if anyone knew how to get a pattern of the quilt to make one, or who made it to get a hold of them.
Finally, we were both so impressed with the overall effect of the movie that we plan to go back to see it again soon. Which is something we almost never do.
Martin Cahn
martin.cahn@cwix.com
Insurrection Is A Movie For Fans
fter reading Mr. Lustig's comments in your December 14th issue, I am afraid that I would have to agree with him on some points. Yes they do use the catch-all word "phase" more times than an X-Men comic book featuring Kitty Pride, but you have to give the powers that be a bit of credit for finding creative ways to use it. Maybe they are planning a new college dorm room drinking game (every time someone says "phase," take a drink. Every time Geordi says it, finish your drink and call Michael Lustig and tell him how close he was to a seizure).
Techno-babble aside, I actually enjoyed Star Trek: Insurrection, but I can understand the critics throwing a fit. You really needed a working knowledge of Trek (especially The Next Generation) to thoroughly enjoy this flick. I applaud Paramount for doing something "for the fans." After all, us Trekkers are the one that have made this mythos what it is today.
I can only hope that Rick Berman will end Deep Space Nine with the dignity it deserves. This series was one of the boldest, and most daring chapters in Gene Roddenberry's mythology. Here we saw the rest of the galaxy, warts and all, outside of the Federation. People were greedy, nasty, lusty and all sorts of "-ty" words. It was a refreshing change of pace to see the all-powerful Federation as the minority for a change.
I was also happy to see Insurrection mention the "Dominion conflict." I mean, it is only taking all the resources of every major galactic power. One does wonder why the Enterprise, the flagship of the Federation, is never mentioned in DS9 or why they are not seeing any action. You know, when The Bionic Woman went from ABC to NBC, they still crossed over (and had the same boss). So why can't Berman make us nit-picky fanboys happy? Oh well, I guess that is what playsets are for.
Brian Bengtson
BrianBengt@aol.com
Defending Jack Frost
have to disagree with Kathie Huddleston's comments on Jack Frost. I found it a surprisingly light film that got to the heart. Especially at this time of year when we are all supposedly trying to be the best we can be, as we scream at people who steal our parking spots or grumble at the person who took that last "special" toy practically out of our hands. I found the movie whimsical and enjoyable in a time when tempers can flare their highest. Something to sit back, relax, and enjoy. Something every person needs to remember to do during this time.
Tom Terry
leareth87@hotmail.com
SF Is A Great Learning Tool
pon reading Mike Coonfield's letter in the last issue of Science Fiction Weekly, I was struck by his comments about kids reading science fiction and fantasy. I think that in the last five or so years, science fiction and fantasy have become much more accessible to the general public, including kids. More people are reading it, with all the publicity which comes from The X-Files and movies like Starship Troopers, much as I despised the movie.
Even though I personally may not like these publicity stunts, I cannot deny that they have done some good to the field by drawing more and more readers into the pool.
As an example, let me relate a fairly recent experience. A couple of months ago, I was in my local Barnes & Noble, and there were three families there, parents with kids, looking for summer reading. They were all in the science fiction section. Teachers appear to be taking science fiction more seriously now than even five years ago, and this allows the genre to spread in this way as well. The advantage is that it's also entertaining, as well as thought-provoking in many instances, and this makes it an ideal learning tool.
In other words, I don't agree that science fiction is as dead as some people think. I would go so far as to say that it's more alive than it has been in years.
Irina Ruden
iruden@brynmawr.edu
