“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”: Season 3 (2025) / Z-View
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2025)
Created by: Akiva Goldsman, Alex Kurtzman Jenny Lumet; based on Star Trek created by Gene Roddenberry
Teleplay by:
- (ep. 1) Davy Perez from a story by Henry Alonso Myers & Davy Perez
- (ep. 2) Kirsten Beyer & David Reed
- (ep. 3) Onitra Johnson & Bill Wolkoff
- (ep. 4) Dana Horgan & Kathryn Lyn
- (ep. 5) Onitra Johnson & Davy Perez
- (ep. 6) David Reed & Bill Wolkoff
- (ep. 7) Kathryn Lyn & Alan B. McElroy
- (ep. 8) Dana Horgan & Henry Alonso Myers
- (ep. 9) Alan B. McElroy
- (ep. 10) Dana Horgan & Davy Perez
Directed by:
- Chris Fisher (ep. 1)
- Jordan Canning (eps. 2, 8)
- Dan Liu (ep. 3)
- Jonathan Frakes (ep. 4)
- Andi Armaganian (ep. 5)
- Valerie Weiss (ep. 6)
- Sharon Lewis (ep. 7)
- Andrew Coutts (ep. 9)
- Maja Vrvilo (ep. 10)
Stars: Anson Mount, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Christina Chong, Celia Rose Gooding, Melissa Navia, Babs Olusanmokun, Martin Quinn, Rebecca Romijn, Dan Jeannotte, Paul Wesley, Adrian Holmes, Melanie Scrofano, Cillian O’Sullivan, Warren Scherer and Carol Kane.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
During Season 3 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Captain Christopher Pike and the crew of the USS Enterprise face more dangerous adventures.
- “Hegemony, Part II” Pike leads an attempt to rescue crew members and colonists held captive on a Gorn ship outside of Federation territory. Meanwhile Spock and Nurse Chapel work to find a cure to save Captain Marie Batel from Gorn eggs implanted in her body.
- “Wedding Bell Blues” Three months have passed. The Enterprise is docked for repairs. Nurse Chapel returns from her internship with Dr. Roger Korby who is now her new boyfriend (much to Spock’s dissapointment). The next morning Spock awakens to find everyone planning for his and Nurse Chapel’s wedding. Only Spock and Korby realize reality has changed.
- “Shuttle to Kenfori” The Gorn DNA in Captain Marie Batel’s body has awakened. Her only chance for survival lies with a rare flower found on the planet Kenfori. Because Kenfori is contested by both the Federation and the Klingons, it is off limits to both. With the Enterprise monitoring from a distance, Pike and Dr. M’Benga go down to the planet to retrieve the flowers. There they find scientists who’ve transformed into zombies. When the Klingons discover that the Enterprise, they send down a war party to capture/kill Pike and M’Benga. With each passing minute the odds of Captain Bartel’s survival diminishes. Same can be said for Pike and M’Benga with zombies and Klingons out to kill them.
- “A Space Adventure Hour” La’an Noonien-Singh is directed to test/de-bug a new addition to the Enterprise. The “holodeck” is a holographic simulator. La’an decides to run a murder mystery scenario based on a 1960s show called The Last Frontier. Crew member likeness will be used for the cast. The holodeck begins draining huge amounts of energy and the test goes off the rails. La’an is trapped. People are being murdered… or are they?
- “Through the Lens of Time” On a distant planet Spock, Nurse Chapel, Dr. Korby, Junior Medical Officer Gamble, and Beto (who is documenting the expedition) discover an ancient structure. When Gamble picks up a glowing object it explodes in his face. Gamble is transported back to the Enterprise. Meanwhile Spock and his team become trapped in the ancient building. There they learn that the structure was a prison — one with no escape. Back on the Enterprise, Dr. M’Benga’s efforts to save Gamble have failed. All scans show no brain activity… yet he appears awake.
- “The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail” When the USS Farragut is attacked by a huge ship of unknown orgin, the ship’s Captain is one of the injured. James T. Kirk becomes acting Captain for the first time. The Enterprise arrives to assist. Spock, Nurse Chapel, Lieutenant junior grade Scott, and communications officer Nyota Uhura join to assist Kirk on the Farragut. When the attack ship returns it attacks the Enterprise by draining its power and cutting off all communications. The Enterprise is doomed unless Kirk can lead his new crew and with a damaged ship figure a way to take out the assault warship.
- “What Is Starfleet?” A documentary filmmaker has been allowed to travel with the Enterprise. When Captain Pike is ordered to provide assistance to a non-Federation planet at war with a neighboring planet, the filmmaker begins to aggressively show all of Pike’s decisions/actions in a negative light. The mission is further complicated when a creature of war being transported on the Enterprise escapes.
- “Four-and-a-Half Vulcans” In order to save a planet that prohibits humans from landing, Pike, Chapel, Uhura, and La’An undergo changes to their DNA to allow them to pass as Vulcans. Once the mission is completed, their DNA will be changed back. During the change they will for all purposes think, act and feel as a Vulcan. The mission is a success. When the four return to the Enterprise, they announce that they don’t want to change back to humans. That would be illogical.
- “Terrarium” While flying a solo shuttle mission, Ortegas’ craft is pulled through a wormhole. The shuttle crashlands. Shaken, but alive Ortegas discovers herself on a barren, hostile planet. But she’s not alone. A Gorn pilot who suffered the same fate is also there. Gorn and humans are natural enemies, but in order for both to survive, they will need to trust each other. Meanwhile the crew attempts to locate the planet where Ortegas crashed. The Enterprise is on a mission to deliever needed vacines soon or colonists will die. The clock is ticking.
- “New Life and New Civilizations” It is revealed that Junior Medical Officer Gamble is dead and an alien is using his body. The creature has a plan to free others like it from the structure discovered by Dr. Korby, Spock and the landing party some time back. It will take the power of two star ships and absolutely perfect timing to stop the creature. But Spock with the help of James T. Kirk has a plan. At the same time Captain Pike’s love, Marie Bartel makes a decision that will affect both of them for the rest of their lives. Oh, what could have been.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Ethan Peck, who plays Mr. Spock, is the grandson of actor Gregory Peck. Ethan Peck is excellent as Spock.
I was a fan of the original Star Trek series, cartoon and movies with the original cast. I never watched any other Star Trek productions. So I’m not a die hard fan of everything Star Trek. Believe me, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is exceptional. Everything from the production values, the cast, the direction and the music is spot on. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a love letter to everything the original series strived to be.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is perfectly cast. Anson Mount is perfect in his role, but so are Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Celia Rose Gooding and Melissa Navia. The series is well written with each major cast member displaying personality and getting a showcase. If you’re a fan of the original series there are things that begin in Strange New Worlds that will reverberate in the original series.
In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Season 3 different characters continue to get the spotlight. This season saw a greater focus on humor. I love Pike as a Captain, but seeing how Spock and Kirk first interacted is a real joy. It’s also cool that when the focus moves to secondary characters, my interest is still there — Ortega, Nurse Chapel, M’Benga and Nyota Uhura are favorites.
I enjoyed every episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Season 3 and look forward to Season 4.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2025) earns 4 of 5 stars.
Marv by Darius Q Johnson!
Marv from Frank Miller’s Sin City is one of my all-time favorite characters. I love seeing artists do their “take” on the big lug. Today we have Marv by Darius Q Johnson. Love the colors and the cartoonyness.
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Sly Stallone as Barney Ross from “The Expendables” by Andrew Charipar!
Andrew Charipar is a Florida artist that I met going to conventions throughout the state. Andrew was always friendly. Getting a sketch at any show Andrew attended was mandatory.
In addition to his work as an artist, Andrew owns and manages Misfit Corner Comics in Jacksonville, Florida.
Here we have Andrew’s take on Sly Stallone as Barney Ross from The Expendables!
The 25 Best One Man Armies in the Movies
Way back in 2009, EmpireOnLine.com posted their list of The 25 Best One Man Armies in the Movies. Of course, Rambo came in at #1. Who could argue with that? Using just their choices I made my top ten list. You can check it out here should you desire.
But since that list was made so long ago, I felt it was time to come up with an updated list of The 25 Best One Man Armies in the Movies. These choices can [and should] be debated. Isn’t that the purpose of lists?
Here are my suggestions…
- Rambo played by SYLVESTER STALLONE in the RAMBO franchise
- Lee played by BRUCE LEE in ENTER THE DRAGON
- John Wick played by Keanu Reeves in the JOHN WICK franchise
The rest appear in alphabetical order
Alejandro played by BENECIO DEL TORO in SICARIO
Billy Jack played by TOM LAUGHLIN in the BILLY JACK franchise
Bryan Mills played by LIAM NEESON in TAKEN
Chance Boudreaux played by JEAN-CLAUDE VAN DAMME in HARD TARGET
Detective Dave Bannon played by GLENN FORD in THE BIG HEAT
Geno Felino played by STEVEN SEAGAL in OUT FOR JUSTICE
Jack Reacher played by TOM CRUISE in the REACHER franchise
John Matrix played by ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER in COMMANDO
John McClane played by BRUCE WILLIS in the DIE HARD franchise
John Patrick Mason played by SEAN CONNERY in THE ROCK
Leon played by JEAN RENO in LEON THE PROFESSIONAL
Martin Riggs played by MEL GIBSON in the LETHAL WEAPON franchise
Marv played by MICKEY ROURKE in the SIN CITY franchise
Max Rockatansky played by MEL GIBSON in the MAD MAX franchise
Porter played by MEL GIBSON in PAYBACK
Scott Ward played by DAVE BAUTISTA in ARMY OF THE DEAD
Snake Plissken played by KURT RUSSELL in the ESCAPE FROM franchise
Tom Sharky played by BURT REYNOLDS in SHARKY’S MACHINE
Toorop played by VIN DIESEL in BABYLON A.D.
Tyler Rake played by CHRIS HEMSWORTH in the EXTRACTION franchise
Walker played by LEE MARVIN in POINT BLANK
Walker played by TOM HARDY in HAVOC
“Predator: Badlands” – The Final Trailer is Here!
Here is the final trailer for Predator: Badlands.
Watch the new trailer for Predator: Badlands.
Experience the film only in theaters and IMAX November 7.
Set in the future on a deadly remote planet, “Badlands” follows a young Predator outcast (played by newcomer Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) who finds an unlikely ally in Thia (Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Elle Fanning) as he embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary.
Produced by John Davis, Dan Trachtenberg, Marc Toberoff, Ben Rosenblatt and Brent O’Connor, “Predator: Badlands” opens exclusively in movie theaters on November 7 in IMAX, Dolby Cinema, RealD (3D), Cinemark XD, 4DX, ScreenX and premium screens everywhere.
“The Twilight Zone” by Mat Peg!
I’d never seen Mat Peg‘s art before today. What a talented and creative artist! The Twilight Zone art above is just one example. Click on the link and plan to stay awhile!
“The Outfit” (1973) starring Robert Duvall, Karen Black, Joe Don Baker and Robert Ryan / Z-View
The Outfit (1973)
Director: John Flynn
Screenplay: John Flynn, Walter Hill (uncredited); based on THE OUTFIT by Richard Stark
Stars: Robert Duvall, Karen Black, Joe Don Baker, Robert Ryan, Timothy Carey, Richard Jaeckel, Sheree North, Felice Orlandi, Marie Windsor, Jane Greer, Henry Jones, Joanna Cassidy, Tom Reese, Bill McKinney, Anita O’Day, Archie Moore, Tony Young and Elisha Cook Jr..
Tagline: Nobody plays rougher than The Outfit…Except maybe Earl, Cody and Bett!
The Plot…
When Earl Macklin gets out of prison, his girlfriend Bett picks him up. She drives to a motel and informs Earl that his brother was recently murdered. Late that night a man breaks into the hotel room and attempts to kill Earl. Earl survives and gets the upper hand. He then tortures the man for information.
Earl’s brother robbed a syndicate bank. That’s the reason he was killed. They sent the killer to take out Earl so he wouldn’t seek revenge. Earl lets the killer live on the condition he takes a message to the people that hired him. The message: The Outfit owes him $250,000.00. If they pay, Earl will go away. Until they do, Earl is going to cost them money that he’ll keep. And they will still owe him the quarter million.
Earl wants his money. And he doesn’t care how many people he has to kill to get it.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Film legend, Robert Ryan’s last released film. He was also in Executive Action filmed after The Outfit, but released first.
The Outfit features Joanna Cassidy’s film debut.
Former Light Heavyweight Champion Archie Moore has a role as a tough guy. Moore held the light heavyweight boxing title for ten years — longer than any champ in that division.
The great (and eccentric) character actor Timothy Carey appears in a supporting role. Same could be said of Elisha Cook, Jr.
The Outfit (1973) rates 4 of 5 stars.
Conan Times Two by Joseba Alexander!
I love Joseba Alexander’s take on Conan. The only problem I have is deciding if I prefer the color or black and white version. As problems go, that’s a good one to have.
You can see more of Joseba Alexander’s art here.
“Die Alone” (2024) starring Carrie-Anne Moss, Douglas Smith and Frank Grillo / Z-View
Die Alone (2024)
Director: Lowell Dean
Screenplay: Lowell Dean
Stars: Carrie-Anne Moss, Douglas Smith, Jonathan Cherry, Sari Mercer, Steven Roy, Harlan Blayne Kytwayhat and Frank Grillo.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
A zombie outbreak is underway. Ethan and his girlfriend Emma planned to make it to a remote cabin which they hoped w0uld provide sanctuary.
That’s all that Ethan remembers since he woke up alone.
As Ethan begins looking for Emma he is attacked by several armed men. He’d have been killed if Mae, a middle-aged woman, hadn’t rescued him. Ethan thanks Mae and says that he since he woke up, he can’t remember much, only that his girlfriend is missing. Mae hasn’t seen her. Mae says that Ethan is in no condition to continue his journey. She says he’s welcome to stay at her farm until he’s better.
Ethan agrees. Mae’s definitely a survivalist. Her farm is remote and full of booby-traps. As time passes Ethan starts remembering more and more. Before long he’s sure all is not as it seems.
But he has no idea of what is to come.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Frank Grillo appears in just a few (but very memorable) scenes.
I figured out the twist early on, but wasn’t sure how it would play out. The final scenes of the movie were unexpected.
Die Alone (2024) rates 2 of 5 stars.
Get Carter by Jarrod Alberich aka The Yard Sale Artist!
Jarrod Alberich aka The Yard Sale Artist created the Jack Carter piece for pick-up at HeroesCon. I’ve known Jarrod for years. He’s a fun guy and an easy artist to deal with.
Jarrod calls himself The Yard Sale Artist because he uses materials that he finds at yard sales, thrift stores and so on. Jarrod passes those savings on to his customers with reasonable prices.
“Long Gone Heroes” (2024) / Z-View
Long Gone Heroes (2024)
Director: John Swab
Screenplay: John Swab; story by Santiago Manes Moreno
Stars: Eden Brolin, Melissa Leo, Frank Grillo, George Carroll, Beau Knapp, Wendy Moniz, Josh Hutcherson, Mekhi Phifer and Andy Garcia.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
When a retired special forces vet’s niece is kidnapped by a Venezuelian drug cartel, he recruits two of his old teammates and heads down to get her back.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
I was expecting Long Gone Heroes to be a lot better considering the cast includes Frank Grillo and Andy Garcia.
Long Gone Heroes (2024) rates 2 of 5 stars.
The All New Thrilling Adventures of The Bat-Man by Matt Wagner!
I love Batman stories set in this era. Matt Wagner must as well. Just look at that beautiful art. Bat-Man is just starting out. We have castles, evil bad guys, damsels in distress and of course The Bat-Man!
“Rocky IV” Alt Poster by Al Abbazia!
Al Abbazia created this championship quality Rocky IV alt poster. It definitely goes the distance. You can see more of Al Abbazia’s art here.
CEREMONY: A SPENCER NOVEL by Robert B. Parker / Z-View
CEREMONY: A SPENCER NOVEL by Robert B. Parker
First sentences…
“She’s a goddamned whore,” Harry Kyle said. “And I don’t want her in this house again.”
The Overview: Beware of Spoilers…
April Kyle, a high school student ran away from home. Although her parents don’t know exactly where she is, they know what she’s become.
A teenage prostitute.
Susan Silverman, a counselor, meets with her parents. Susan’s lover, a hard case private eye named Spenser could find April. Spenser could bring her home. But April’s dad is too self-righteous to care for his daughter because of what she’s become. Dad doesn’t want April back. April’s mom is too weak to stand up for her child. Spenser is ready to walk away. He can’t stand April’s father.
But Susan cares. She convinces Spenser to find April. If April stays on the streets she certain for an early grave. Spenser agrees to find April, but will only bring her home if she agrees.
What sounds like an easy job, find a high school girl who has gone down the wrong path, turns out to be anything but. Spenser is soon at odds with Trumps, a pimp with a stable of hoes, as well as people (some who are very “connected”) who specialize in trafficking kids.
Spenser and Hawk are on the case. Let the fun begin.
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CEREMONY was published in 1982. It’s as relevant today as it was over 40 years ago. Maybe even more relevant now since it deals with child-trafficking. Also if written today, I have no doubt that many would make accusations that Parker was making a comment by naming a pimp Trumps.
I’m a huge fan of Robert B. Parker’s tales… especially those involving Spenser. Not many authors would be willing to have their main character save a teenage girl from a life on the streets using Spencer’s solution.
Rating:
