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STNV 'Mind Sifter' in Review

warpedspace
Dec 2, 2014
3 min read

I'm a HUGE fan of STNV/Phase II and like thousands of other fans I sat in front of my computer last night waiting for the announcement that the new episode was live and ready to watch. New actors, a new story...what would we see? Well, we would not be disappointed, that was made clear.

'Mind Sifter' is the first full length episode to star Brian Gross as Captain Kirk since James Cawley stepped down from the role. I'm going to miss Cawley's portrayal of Kirk, as I'm sure many others will, but Phase II/STNV is moving forward and so must we fans. So, onward we go...SPOILERS AHEAD.

Before getting into the story, there are a couple of cool call backs in this episode I'd like to mention first. Both have to do with the new beginnings of Brian Gross taking over the role of Kirk. Firstly, there was the classic 'The Twilight Zone' episode 'Nightmare at 20,000 Feet' playing on a T.V. In the background behind Kirk in one of the asylum scenes. That was a Shat-tastic little touch, I thought, and it gave me a good chuckle and smile too. Next, is the fact that this is a 'Gateway' episode. STNV's pilot episode, 'Come What May' follows 'The City on the Edge of Forever' and is where we saw the new incarnation of Kirk as played by James Cawley for the first time. For each Kirk, a new 'Gateway' episode. These call backs really give a sense of continuity to the episode and the series overall. Nicely done folks =D

Ironically though this episode is not so much a story about Kirk as it is about the crew. It is about how they grieve and try to dope with loss of Captain Kirk together. It is about the conflicts and tensions it brings to the surface. It is about how they pick up the pieces together and move forward as a crew. It really is about how they pull together and support each other through the period when everyone (sans Spock) thinks that Jim is dead. There is a lot of heart felt writing in this episode.

Brandon Stacy did a good job as Spock again. With Spock being at the heart of this story Stacy had a lot on his shoulders in portraying the complexities of everything Spock was going through. I'll leave out spoilers here and just say that Spock is in a uniquely complicated and difficult position. It is a performance you'll appreciate.

We're all used to seeing John Kelley in the role of McCoy, but this time Jeff Bond played the role. And he did a very fine job of it too. I really enjoyed his performance. His is probably the closest to DeFroest Kelly's portrayal of Bones that I've seen yet. That's not to say he is mimicking DeForest, rather it is that he really reflects the essence of the McCoy character with his performance.

We did not see as much of Brian Gross in this episode as we will in later ones, but I think his full episode debut was quite good. His portrayal of a traumatized Kirk was believable and intriguing and they were really able to show off some of his range with these scenes. I'm really looking forward to seeing Gross' next performance and more of how he is going to portray Kirk.

I think Charles Root deserves some mention also. I think this was some of his best acting as Scotty thus far. The scene between Scotty and McCoy felt very genuine. It was captivating, sorrowful, and deeper writing for Scotty than we usually get to see. Kudos, Charles, on a fine performance!!

As usual thee production and writing were fantastic and I was really pleased to see Kor show up in an STNV episode. Clay Sayre guest starred as Kor and he did a very good job. It certainly felt like the Kor of old (played by John Colicos). So, if I had to give it a grade? An 'A+' of course!! This IS Phase II we're talking about here after all. They have yet to leave us with a bad episode and that tradition continues!!

For those of you just discovering Star Trek Phase II/New Voyages you should go to their website. That is where all the info, episodes, wallpapers and more are available: http://www.startreknewvoyages.com/

And don't forget to donate if you can please!!

I hope you all enjoy/enjoyed 'Mind Sifter' as much as I did!!

LLAP

-Capt. Zant