A series of stand-alone short films featuring characters and storylines from “Star Trek: Discovery.”
First off, I’ve never really been a huge “Star Trek” fan. I’ve heard comparisons of the cultural-debate ala Stones vs Beatles superiority but between Star Trek or Star Wars, I’ve always preferred the latter. I’ve only seen the recent J.J. Abrams bastardized versions and didn’t even watch the final entry in the trilogy, so my limited Star Trek knowledge is purely from pop-cultural references. Also, it’s kind of insane how Abrams (who in my opinion is overrated Speilberg-lite) has had the two largest sci-fi franchises handed over to him. There’s no doubt that his Bad Robot Production company is successful, but one mediocre man’s vision results in a more homogenized film and tv landscape. Hey Hollywood, let some other men and women reboot and rehash massive intellectual properties.
The titular “Shorts” are condensed episodes that briefly expand on some minor but key characters in the “Star Trek universe.” One episode focuses on Saru, played by the exceptional Doug Jones. Jones has made a career out of acting behind lots of make-up and elaborate costumes. Saru is a Kelpien slave whose face resembles something between Marvel’s The Thing and a lobster’s exoskeleton. I had to look up his character’s background and apparently he was born a slave and made to serve on the ISS Station. Saru is back on his home planet questioning the traditions of his people. The writers try their darndest to create some gravitas but the dialogue with Saru’s family falls completely flat. I really hated the cinematography and production design, it was way too polished and clean. The exotic beach looks like they filmed near Malibu, which is a beautiful place, but it doesn’t resemble a distant planet. I was about to totally give up on this episode but out of nowhere, Michelle Yeoh appeared, looking fantastic and needing assistance.
My favorite short or episode was “The Escape Artist,” starring Rainn Wilson. As soon as the credits in flashy ’70s typeface hit the screen I was ready. Wilson plays Harry Mudd introduced with a nice full beard and in restraints being badgered by extraterrestrial bounty hunters. The bounty hunters read off his rap sheet and list appropriate charges like smuggling and other aspirational charges like “regicide.” Harry speaks in a half-assed British accent that would be right at home at some Medieval Times establishment. Like Han Solo, he’s full of witty-quips and “worming his way out of things”. I really liked the set design of the ship and the bounty hunters look like the warthog guards that protect Jabba the Hut. Overall, I was hoping for a bit more but this episode by far was the most interesting premise.
Regardless, I am interested in one day checking out the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” series starring Patrick Stewart and I’m also quite intrigued by the recent standalone, “Picard.” I will always appreciate Star Trek’s original writers for including diversity and potentially promoting tolerance and a broader interest in sci-fi fantasy. I’ve come to realize I dislike shorts unless they’re really compelling. Unless the short is a good horror premise or perhaps directed by the Coen Brothers, I find it hard to be invested. Maybe Trekkies will appreciate the expansion and breezy escapes but I found myself looking at my watch half the time.
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