TF01 3,Desert Island Trek 4, Yet another two helpless victims from Infinite Frontiers have been left stranded on a deserted asteroid, with nothing but a selection of episodes and merchandise to keep them sane. This time, it's the turn of Tim Smith and Matthew Dean... Tim Smith ----------- It's a virtually impossible task to narrow down 301 episodes (at the time of writing) spread over 3 series that span 28 years to just 10 to take onto a desert island. So many of these episodes are good for so many different reasons. Indeed, what I am about to choose now, may bear little relation to what my choice in a weeks time might be. However, rather than facing the chance of being washed ashore with "Imaginary Friend" or even worse, "Genesis", here's my current choice of ten. 1. "The Devil In The Dark" This is what Star Trek is all about. Learning to live with those who are different instead of fearing them, ot wanting to destroy them. It starts off as a typical, albeit well done, monster story that is turned on it's head in the final act and is all the more effective for doing so. Atmospheric sets, strong acting from all three main leads and the immortal McCoy line "I'm a doctor, not a bricklayer!" This is the episode I would use to introduce all the TNG fans to Classic Trek. 2. "The Squire Of Gothos" Okay, this is little more than an enjoyable romp, but it's done with so much style! William Campbell (in his first of three Trek appearances) is perfect as the mischevious Trelane, and one can't help but like him. Comedy and action are blended well, with the final act being suitably exciting. Of all the classic Trek stars, Trelane is the one I would have liked to have made a return appearance the most. It also shows that classic Star Trek tended to be better at comedy than TNG ever was. 3. "The Offspring" Hallie Todd gives one of the best performances by a guest star in TNG's history. I remember being surprised at how well Jonathan Frakes had done with his debut as a director. All of the cast are supremely effective in their roles which makes the ending all the more powerful. "The Offspring" is almost too painful to watch but it is so good that I just couldn't leave it out of my choice of 10. 4. "Family" This was a very different Trek episode - no strange planets, monsters or battles. It could have been so incredibly bad, but instead turns out to be a near classic. The only thing that spoils its otherwise faultless status is the scene with Wesley and his dad. It just doesn't work. However the sparring between Picard and his brother that culminates in the scene in the vineyard, the final goodbye between the two brothers and Worf's trouble with his foster parents all make up for the holodeck scene in spades. 5. "I, Borg" So Classic Trek has "Devil In The Dark", DS9 has..., well, we'll come to that later, and TNG has "I, Borg". This has so many things going for it. The Borg were (and still are to a certain extent) the most powerful alien race in Trek's history. Everyone expected lots of explosions and action whenever they turned up. This episode confronts all the prejudices we had about the Borg and shows them in a different light. Jonathan Del Arco is brilliant as Hugh, but barely stands out from an impressive cast. If they have any sense Hugh will be back whenever the Borg return. 6. "The Inner Light" Picard lives an entire lifetime in the space of 30 minutes. This is a visual feast with a heart. Although, as Simon has said to me, nothing really happens, the scenes with Picard's other life are beautifully shot and played by all concerned. There is a real sense of loss when he realises what has actually been going on. As well as all this Patrick Stewart acts his little cotton socks off and there is some of the most effective and memorable music in Trek's televised history. 7. "Relics" This sees the return of one of Classic Trek's original crew in a far more satisfying way than the previous season's "Unification". All the little touches to remind us of Scotty's past are there, and he makes a real contribution to the episode rather than Spock in "Unification" who just stood there. The scene in the holodeck is particularly impressive, not just in terms of technical brilliance, but in terms of nostalgia and emotional power. I'm sure that there must be a few errors, but for sheer enjoyment it is right up there. 8. "Frame Of Mind" Jonathan Frakes shows that he can act when given the chance. Now I know that alot of you are probably beginning to think of jokes about wood and trees, but that really isn't fair! Frakes is the best director TNG has had and can act. It's just all too rare that he is given the opportunity. As for the episode it really is superb. Stories that focus on the mind and the tricks that it can play interest me and "Frame Of Mind" is the finest example of such an episode. This was Brannon Braga at his best. After this he went rapidly down hill. Such a shame as he used to be so promising. 9. "Face Of The Enemy" After Frakes got his chance to shine "Face Of The Enemy" gave Marina Sirtis her turn. Again she shows that she can act, and act exceptionally well. A sequel of sorts to "Unification" it is one of the high points of TNG's seven seasons combining political intrigue, action and mystery perfectly. Carolyn Seymour is very good as the Romulan commander and manages to portray her as much more than the usual stock villian. Indeed she is a character that I would very much like to see return. This is a good episode that keeps you gripped to the end and can not be faulted. 10. "Duet" My final choice, and what an episode to end with! Remember about five choices ago I said that Classic Trek had "Devil In The Dark", TNG had "I, Borg" and DS9 had...? Well, this is it! After 13 episodes that had little to do with Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek, the show began to turn the corner. "Duet" is not only the perfect example of this, but an episode I think Gene would have liked. Harris Yullin is simply excellent in his role and the scenes between him and Nana Visitor crackle with energy. Once again a perfect episode. On to my other choices now. For the movie, I would choose "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home". It would have been "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan", but I'm becoming increasing disallusioned with Nicholas Meyer's militaristic view, particularly after the way he treated concerns over "Star Trek VI". Anyway "The Voyage Home" has all the right ingredients for a good movie - comedy, a "message" and excitement. As for the novel, I guess it would have to be the Deep Space Nine novel "Betrayal". It's not that it's the greatest work of fiction since "Bleak House", because it isn't. It is however an enjoyable and easy read. Just the thing for those days on the beach. Now, the piece of merchandise. Simon knows what to expect. I originally wanted to take a person on this island rather than a piece of merchandise but Simon wouldn't let me. So, I guess I'd have to make do with a poor substitute of the cardboard cut of Nana Visitor. It's not quite the real thing but at least the view would be interesting. Matthew Dean -------------- Episodes: 1. "The Best Of Best Worlds" This episode still remains THE greatest episode I have yet seen. I would take this video on to the asteroid because it is just so damn good, and no matter how many times I watch it, it just keeps getting better! 2. "Yesterdays Enterprise" Two reasons for salving this episode from the wreckage of my shuttle before escaping to the asteroid - one, it has Tasha Yar in it, and two, it has one of the most tense battle sequences since Star Wars' Death Star scene. The final scene before the Enterprise C enters the rift has you cowering. 3. "The City on the Edge of Forever" Again, like Star Trek IV, this allows us to re-examine our history through the eyes of 23rd century people. Also, the team work, and 'beyond the call of duty' attitude to the three musketeers (Kirk, Spock and McCoy) would allow me to keep a sense of friendship on that asteroid. 4. "Spock's Brain" Still the holder of my coveted Turkey of Trek award, "Spock's Brain" would go with my collection for the sole reason that it is so damn funny. It would also make me believe in miracles: if this episode can make money, then I can certainly be rescued... 5. "Emissary" In my opinion, the best Trek pilot ever made, "Emissary" marked a successful transition between TNG and DS9. The best dream sequence ever, also, was in this episode - Sisko's recollections remaining emotive and philosophical. 6. "Tapestry" One of the all time great Q episodes, I would pick Tapestry to keep me laughing. Q's one liners will have you rolling in laughter here, and the episode just gives you the inkling that Q is not such a bad bloke after all. 7. "The Galileo Seven" A strange choice, but I would pick this episode not only because it was the VERY FIRST Star Trek episode I ever bought (and subsequently dropped in the middle of the road on the way home - absolutely true!) but also because it again develops the close human relationship between Spock and McCoy - to surface later in Star Trek III. 8. "Relics" Remaining in my opinion the most nostalgic episode ever made, this episode brings together the first two phases of Star Trek - something never done before (except for a titchy bit in "Encounter at Farpoint"). The adaption of Scotty to 24th century life is both sad and funny - and the knowledge that he is alive for future appearances is very reassuring. I would take this story with me to remind myself that all is well the the father of the Enterprise. 9. "Family" Beautifully photographed, this episode again deals with the personal side of Picard. I would salvage this story to remind myself that all differences can be overcome, with time - shown in the development of Picard and his brother, Robert. 10. "Chain of Command" I would take this story to remind myself that everything, no matter how bad, can be overcome. The demoralising and humiliation of Picard represents the ever present evil in the universe. Picard's courage and subsequent victory shows the way that good will always overcome evil. Movie - Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home I would pick this film particularly for its humour and excellent storyline. The ability to be able to look at your own world through the eyes of a 23rd century man is a very interesting idea. Also, while stuck on this asteroid, I would also like to dream about `Voyaging Home' myself. Novel - "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Siege", by Peter David Definitely my first choice among novels, I would pick "The Siege" above all else for the storyline (Peter David admits) that Trek budgeting wouldn't allow. Also the funny bits are VERY funny. In addition, most of the un-funny bits turn out very funny too. Hmmm. Merchandise: The piece of Star Trek merchandise which I would most like to take with me would be the Star Trek Chess Set, to keep me amused for the many aeons to come alone on the asteroid. Two more in a couple of months...