Sorry, this is the third post in a row because I forgot to add something!
'Frame of Mind' is a superb episode, I agree with you again, Banner. I have it on tape, and never tire of watching it.
Throughout TNG, DS9 and Voyager I watched the credits especially for Brannon's name, and Ron Moore's as well.
Something just happened, and I think it might just be a simple case of burn out. Being so immersed in something as complicated and keenly observed as Trek is must be exhausting.
Yes, Brannon does write for 'Enterprise' and has been responsible with Rick Berman for a large chunk of the episodes written so far for the first season.
I also agree with you he could turn Trek into something wonderful, but at the moment... it seems they're going for ratings more than for what Trek was always meant to be (according to Roddenberry's vision as stated in an old StarLog interview with him years ago).
Roddenberry's aim was to explore contemporary issues through a science fiction format. To get a message across to his audience in a way that challenged them, and did not often offer popular answers to unpopular questions. Sci-Fi was to Roddenberry in the 60s and 80s a front for social opinion and expression. He wanted to disguise the truth in a pill with a pleasant flavour and then see where the audience took it.
Trek is meant to be cerebral, and Bragga managed that, but now... I don't know... I could be so very wrong, and it actually makes me cringe to criticise someone I admire as a writer. But at the same time, I feel it is a fans duty to challenge and speak out. Sometimes we (me) are wrong, sometimes we have a point. Sometimes we (me) sound like screaming banshee's, sometimes we sound like the voice of reason or caution. Sometimes we just come across like the thought police!
Thanks again for making me think about what I wrote, and provide reasons for my opinion. Criticism is only constructive if we back it up and are prepared to defend our statements.
Calling Bragga the 'death of Trek' was an irresponsible and highly dramatic remark. I'm hoping that with the new blood they have injected into the writing team that things will pick up and go in a new direction that challenges us, as well as entertains us.
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Sheridan: "It's... damn inconvienient!"
Delenn: "The truth often is."