To go where many have gone before: A Star Trek Convention

I just returned from six days in Las Vegas and what included my first Star Trek convention experience. To be honest, a part of me was not looking forward to the convention. I was not sure what to expect, and some of the comments I read online were far from positive. However, I am sorry now I read those comments, or at least I regret taking much stock in them. I ventured into the convention experience somewhat lack lustre, only to find myself swept into the experience and enjoying what it had to offer.

I regret not bringing one of my Star Trek costumes. Again, I allowed myself to be influenced by online material and immediately jumped to foolish conclusions. I visited Creation Entertainment's website, the company that organizes this convention and many other science-fiction/fantasy conventions, and came away with the impression that everyone who dresses up for these conventions really goes the extra mile.

I am not a costume designer, nor do I have any skills in working with fabric. I figured anything I could muster up to wear would have paled in comparison to some of the stylish displays. While that proved to be true, my Star Trek: The Next Generation or Voyager officer shirt would have been one of many among other fans who settled to be just another "red shirt." If I ever get the chance to attend another convention, I will make sure to bring along a pair of black pants and one of my Star Trek officer shirts. Although, I certainly did not feel out of place just sporting a simple Star Trek t-shirt.

In fact, that is one thing I really enjoyed about the convention. It was very laid back and the other attendees were, for the most part, extremely polite and easy going. There were people of all ages in attendance. And I do mean all ages. From babies to seniors, it is clear that Star Trek has not fallen out of popularity with any age group.

The fans who do take the time to come dressed in amazing costumes are also willing to have their photo taken with other eager fans. I had my photo taken with a few, and observed many other attendees requesting permission. All of them were patient and proud of their costumes and graciously accepted compliments on how well they captured the characters they represented. I was quite content at times to just walk around and check out these impressive costumes and the tribute these dedicated fans make to a science-fiction series they clearly respect and cherish.

Because of my travel schedule, I unfortunately missed the tribute to Leonard Nimoy that included the participation of his son, Adam Nimoy. Adam is currently working on a personal documentary film about the life and career of his father (and the iconic Mr. Spock). The documentary is titled For the Love of Spock.

Yet, even though I was not there for the formal tribute to Leonard Nimoy, throughout the weekend many other guest speakers all mentioned their love and admiration for Nimoy and the loss and grief they have experienced from his death. I was particularly impressed with George Takei, who was extremely eloquent in sharing his memories of Nimoy and his admiration for the man.

Yet, in pure Takei-style, the day before he arrived to speak, attendees of the convention were given cutouts of Takei's face. We were encouraged to be as "creative" as possible with Takei's cardboard face when taking photos and to share them on social media using the hashtag #Allegiance, the name of the new broadway musical that will start in October. Inspired by true-life experiences, Takei is one of the performers as well as actors Lea Salonga and Telly Leung.

This was another interesting aspect of the convention that I did not anticipate. When actors like Takei, William Shatner and Patrick Stewart spoke at the convention, they took some time to discuss what was currently occurring in their lives. Sure, some of the information is essentially "plugs," but they are plugs that most attendees want to hear about, because as much as they love the characters they played in Star Trek, they also love most of the actors too, not only for their acting, but how they contribute to society in different ways. For instance, Shatner's support of Therapeutic Horse Riding Programs for Kids and Veterans. Takei's activism for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) rights and Stewart's campaign against domestic violence.

All three actors appeared as genuine about their causes as they did about being proud to share what was currently happening in their acting careers. Aside from Takei's upcoming broadway show, Shatner was leaving the next day after he spoke at the convention to Asia with Henry Winkler, George Foreman and Terry Bradshaw for a new NBC reality show, Better Late Than Never. While he may have been the captain of the Starship Enterprise, bolding going all over outer space, Shatner told the attendees that this will be his first trip to Asia. Stewart shared a new trailer of Starz's sitcom Blunt Talk. Not only is he excited for the release of this television series, he was particularly delighted that he got to work with his son, Daniel Stewart, who also appeared (years ago in 1992) in the episode "Inner Light" on Star Trek: The Next Generation.

One criticism I did read online about the Star Trek conventions is the level of commercialism that is promoted at these events. Indeed, many vendor displays did contain the common merchandise that can easily be found online or at comic stores and specialty geek shops. However, there were also a number of very interesting products and promotions as well.

For instance, Metal Souls had a display of various science fiction sculptures created out of scrap metal. The pieces are incredibly rich in detail and very unique. I ended up buying one of the Starship Enterprise and also a Dalek (yes, I know, that is from Doctor Who). Another interesting product was a Star Trek doorharp from Dream Singer Harps. Several vendors also had products which were clearly from their own private collection of classic action figures and toys and games from decades past. Many were in very good condition. Products were in their original packaging and a lot of them appeared as if they were never opened. You could tell some attendees were delighted to discover a product they may have had as children (or always wished they had when they were younger).

I imagine sometime down the road I will attend another Star Trek convention. I may return to Las Vegas, or I may attend one a little closer to home. I know if I do decide to attend the one in Las Vegas again, I would seriously consider staying at the resort where the convention is being hosted as it would be more convenient. In the meantime, I am excited about the Star Trek Cruise that is scheduled for January 2017. Another tidbit I discovered at this year's convention in Las Vegas.

To see more photos from the convention, click here.

Should Under the Dome crawl under a rock?

From: http://underthedometv.com/

Back in 2010, I wrote about Stephen King's novel Under the Dome. I enjoyed the book. Unfortunately, however, I have not enjoyed the television series adaptation. In fact, I would say the television series is more of a mutation than an adaptation of the original story. Mutations can make for some good storytelling in the right science fiction plot. That is not the case with Under the Dome.

Many of the comments contained in online reviews about season two of the series criticize lazy writing and poor plot development. While there is, sadly, an abundance of this in season two, I think the poor reception to the series also has to do with the fact that it is difficult to have any real emotional connection to the characters. Granted, this is connected to poor writing because the stilted dialogue does make it difficult for the actors to offer a convincing performance. Yet, there were so many subplots taking place that I found myself waiting for conclusions, hoping a new subplot would allow for a bit more character development and give me a reason to care about at least one character.

I compare my gradual disengagement with the show to how I feel with much of the weak offerings on "reality" television. In the end, I have a hard time rooting for anyone on a series like Big Brother, and find myself, not really giving a care in the world who ends up the winner. Much of that attitude also surfaces with shows like Under the Dome. It is unfortunate, because while I found season one a bit bumpy and awkward, it was watchable. I was hoping the show would find its feet by season two. By the fourth episode, however, it appeared evident that season two would be cut off at the knees before the finale. I cannot personally confirm it was horribly maimed, since I stopped watching the show, but given what I have read online, it appears the show is seriously struggling.

Yet, while the number of viewers who watch the show has fallen significantly, it has been renewed for a third season and many fans have come out swinging in defence of the series. Several reader comments found on online reviews of the show express their commitment to the series, and how much they enjoy each episode. I might have taken more stock in these comments if many of these fans did not compare the show to Lost. Season one of Under the Dome was watchable, but it certainly did not have the style nor the creativity displayed in the Lost series.

Ultimately, I think the show's biggest failing was the lack of character development. As I mentioned in an older post on King's novel, he spent less time on the "technical side" of what was happening in the storyline and instead focused and developed his characters, displaying all the goodness, and nastiness, that makes up who we are. I think if the television series had stuck to a similar exploration, the show would be offering its audience a much more engaging and fulfilling viewing experience.

Sadly, Under the Dome appears to be part of a crop of what I see as bland science fiction offered on television right now. I enjoy a good television series, but lately most shows that keep me coming back for more have not been science fiction. I tried to get into Helix, but after watching the first episode, I have yet to revisit the series. Netflix has led me to some "older" science fiction that I never watched when it was current, such as The 4400, and I have watched most of the TorchWood series for the second time. The fact that I am watching older shows I never viewed, and revisiting shows I have watched before, makes me wonder about the state of science-fiction on television.

Granted, The Leftovers was engaging and I am looking forward to the next season. Extant had some decent episodes, although I am hoping season two develops smoother than season one did. Even The 100 was pretty entertaining, although I quickly realized that a forty something year old man was definitely not the target audience for the series. The premise of the show has some intriguing elements, although the plot development has some glorious lame moments. Additionally, the show has some serious continuity issues when it comes to character appearances, leading me to think it would be better if all of the main male characters had brush cuts.

If there is a current show, however, that gives me hope for engaging science fiction on television, it is Orphan Black. In my view, Orphan Black is what makes for a good science fiction series: an exploration of a "what-if" in terms of science or technology (or both) combined with solid character development and strong acting. It is, essentially, what Under the Dome is not. And the show is served up in a gritty realism that is so refreshing from the polished stiff products we normally see on television.

Perhaps one of the biggest reason for what seems to be a void in the realm of good science fiction storytelling on television has more to do with the fact that any promising new shows are still in their infancy. I certainly hope so. At any rate, there is always Doctor Who, right? I have to get caught up on that soon too!

The Day of the Doctor: 50 Years of the Doctor

Today marks fifty years of Doctor Who. Check out the live pre-show on YouTube.

When old meets new...or vice versa!