Star Trek Continues (TV Series) Lolani (2014) User Reviews

Unusually good!

[dukeb0y · 9/10 · 5 January 2018]

Well, I will say of all the fan based episodes, the STORY is right out of TOS. Very good, we have politics, slavery, morals. Just like a TOS episode. And it was nice to see Erin Gray on the view screen. And Lou Ferigno too.

For a fan based effort, this is EXCELLENT. Now I plan to watch more.

Again, the story alone really was good. The sets are good. If they had more budget, they could have had the Tellurite ship interior. And the acting is getting good, with hits from the TOS. for example, Spock, has a few clever and logical things to say.

Amazingly emotional story with great work by Lou Ferrigno

[bgaiv · 9/10 · 26 April 2022]

Lou Ferrigno is fantastic here, worth watching for that alone. He really owns that part.

The story is excellent and packs as strong an emotional punch as any TOS episode, maybe even more, yet it still feels absolutely like it's from that era.

This IS a fan production so some of the acting is weak, but mostly it's great.

But the kinks aside, I definitely see this as a top 20 TOS ep, and maybe even a top 10. Seriously.

Kirk and crew fail!

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 11 November 2019]

I am a big Trek fan...and yes, that means I attend conventions and Trek cruises! So the fact that I'd watch a high quality fan film like "Lolani" is not surprising. My reaction to this second episode is wow...and it's a huge improvement over episode one of "Star Trek Continues". Much of it is due to the fact that episode one was built upon one of the weaker characters in the original Star Trek series. Another reason is that it really was a good episode...with a dandy and touching finale.

When the episode begins, the Enterprise comes upon a ship derelict in space. It seems that the Telarites aboard are dead and the only being left alive is their 'property'...an Orion slave girl named Lolani. Not surprising for an Orion, the men aboard Enterprise are quite smitten with her....but Kirk is level headed enough to investigate what exactly happened. It turns out that Lolani did kill them...but it was because she was being brutalized and she didn't want to be raped. More importantly...she also wanted her freedom. This is a serious problem, however, as the Federation has a non-intervention policy....and although slavery is disgusting, they cannot risk interstellar war AND they cannot just ignore the prime directive.

The ending is great...but I won't say more about it as it would spoil the show. Suffice to say that it is NOT a feel-good show....and I am okay with that. Very well written, as it left be feeling emotionally spent by the time the show was over...signs of a much better than average program. So, even with some occasionally less than stellar acting, it's very much worth seeing.

By the way, if you do watch, look for Erin Gray (of "Buck Rogers" fame) as the Commodore and Lou Ferigno as the Orion slaver.

Undeniably Brilliant Retro

[kira-quekas · 10/10 · 11 October 2014]

I grew-up in a Trek household. My father would bring us as a clan to Star Trek conventions and to the openings of Star Trek movies.

I grew up in a household that had the "old series" on videotape displayed on a bookshelf next to the collected works of Shakespeare. Even though it would have been appropriate adolescent behavior to rebel against Star Trek, I was won over. Over the years I have seen a lot of re-imaging of TOS. I watched "the next generation" and JJ Abrams' "re- boot." I have NEVER seen anything like this.

The energy and dedication that went into this series is, to me, unbelievable. It is not a re- imaging. It is not a cheesy, low-budget attempt. It is a well-crafted, labor of love that attempts, and achieves, to re-create the old series where TOS ended. It also attempts to do what the series did-- pick up real-world issues and channel them into the scripts (in this case, human trafficking). The result is nothing short of brilliance.

If I were transported back to my dad's childhood, the sets, costumes, effects and scripts would have been state-of -the-art. This series has to work to bring that exact, 1967-69 sets, music, etc back to life without it seeming fan-boy or stupid. It's akin to someone painting in the style of the Dutch masters with the same canvases and oils. This is impressive stuff (if you see it for what it is). Even the acting style, dialogue, and the music is set to portray the precise tone of TOS. It achieves. It achieves SPECTACTULARLY. I am amazed!

I also am pleased with how the series gives nods to the original in ways which are sophisticated and reverent (not, like JJ Abrams, for pure fan-boy appeal). I adore this episode in particular. It's troubling, touching, deep and sweet. I also admire how "Star Trek Continues" recreates the four-act structure of the original show.

This series brings back some wonderful memories, I am looking forward to bringing all the episodes to my family for Christmas. I am sure they (especially my dad) will be blown away by the similarity. The show may bring tears to my dad's eyes!

This is high-art in its reproduction quality. I cannot imagine the loving energy it took to bring this series to life in its current form. I hope that they can do exactly what they are setting out to do-- to complete the Enterprises 5-year mission.

Time Travel is possible! Star Trek Continues is not counterfeit nor is it cheap simulation. It's a true work of art made with love and adoration!

I know I have not reviewed this episode well-- I happily will ad my critique. I have seen all three of the current episodes and I am dumbfounded and amazed!

In The Best Tradition Of Gene Roddenberry's Vision

[nkprev · 10/10 · 25 October 2014]

"Lolani", like all of Star Trek Continues thus far, emulates the look and feel of the original series with loving and quite frankly amazing fidelity. Just as importantly, this episode also continues the original series' exploration of morality and succeeds brilliantly.

There is little specific I can say without spoiling the experience, and that would be a disservice. Suffice to say that the entire STC regular cast was superb again, and the guest stars fit their roles to them like gloves. Fiona Vroom tore at my heart, and Lou Ferrigno delivers as an urbanely savage villain--not an easy character to portray, but he made it look easy!

Emotions run high in this episode, and the issues raised remain in your mind after it's over. That's the hallmark of a great presentation in any medium. Just watch it; you'll be happy you did.

Quite Remarkable

[johnc-45018 · 10/10 · 5 January 2019]

Growing up in the late '60's and into the '70's I watched TOS every time it came on T.V. and have seen each episode dozens and dozens of times. Read through the other reviews of this fan driven series - we all agree: This series is remarkable the way it recreates and honours everything that made TOS so great.

This has everything!

[markokare-09934 · 12 April 2017]

Oh my god! This episode made me cry. It's at the same level as "The City on The Edge of Forever." Lolani is unbelievable. There are real tears. And, Vic Mignogna, as James T. Kirk! He even has the same kind of body as William Shatner had in 1966. And, he is also a producer and one of the screenwriters.

Mignogna is also editing this! What is he?! A new Chaplin? I am really impressed about this.

As a classical pianist, the accuracy of the original music stuns me. Normally, that is not the case, but the makers of this series really seem to know the right tone and carcass.

I don't know too much about lighting, sets, and effects... but for me, they look exactly as in the original series.

There is so much to praise here. I don't want to sound like an ad too much; I just don't find any flaws.

Thank you! This made my day! Damn.

Star Trek gets progressivism right, finally

[nhawks · 8/10 · 13 November 2014]

Despite some painfully awkward moments, the Star Trek Continues crew have pulled together an excellent modern look at womens' struggles. In doing so, it subverts many expectations - Star Trek lore expectations, TV trope deployment expectations, and more.

The worst offense this episode makes is the horrible, couldn't-care- less performance from Grant Imahara (Sulu) during the most dramatic scene. It's like he wasn't aware there was any dramatic tension or emotional weight to the scene. Or a camera rolling.

Bearing in mind that this is episode 2 of a fan production, and that TV sci-fi is typically an embarrassment to itself all the way into the fourth season, "Lolani" is near flawless, with emotionally effective cinematography, music, acting, and script.

People who think Star Trek shouldn't ever address politics or social issues, might never watch Star Trek Continues again after this episode. If you've been waiting for the next episode on par with TNG's "The Drumhead" -- this is it.

Average acting, but stellar show

[svtcobra331 · 10/10 · 21 June 2020]

I feared the worst. Right off the bat, thin, weak voices from everyone, none of the dramatic lighting, who is on the screen seems to be a matter of afterthought, and the choreography of the bridge is plain undramatic. But the stories and the presentation put you right back in TOS. These are stories about humanity, what TOS was about, not stories about whether Data gets a joke or if whoever is captain can save the universe... again. Lolani was so well done it brought tears to my eyes, something TOS never did. The episode was well written, inspirational, and will always be relevant to real life, precisely the goal of real sci fi. Everyone involved in this show should be proud of it... but maybe somebody can get some digital magic and add bass to all voices.

Oh, and one point about the 1960s, most actors had served in the military due to WW2. Doohan was at Normandy and lost a finger there. But the group of actors in 'Continues exhibits none of this ingrained military-purpose that was second nature back in the sixties. To see the actors standing there, a couple of them nervously swinging their shoulders, questionable postures, and a lot of other minor indicators, was an interesting insight into the differences in society between then and now. Interesting.

Good show.

A very educated Orion slave girl

[danrs000008 · 8/10 · 8 March 2020]

I just discovered this series and am enjoying it very much. I did find it very interesting how in this episode an Orion slave girl quotes an Irish statesman and philosopherwho lived on 18th century Earth

Outstanding

[lwio1960 · 9/10 · 25 October 2020]

A fantastic episode with a great cast and story. They really did hit every button right with this one and at the end it had you really thinking which is always a sign of a great show. The sets, costumes, makeup, everything was superb. Well done guys.

A Senior Trekker writes..............

[celineduchain · 5/10 · 8 February 2022]

Lolani addresses the issue of sexual trafficking and human slavery in the guise of a story about a fugitive from the Orion race. This episode probably makes a better job of exploring the subject than legitimate Star Trek in either The Cage (1966) or Borderland (Enterprise 2004) although the sight of green skinned women in bikinis never seems to lose its appeal.

Lou Ferrigno, the original Hulk, inhabits his villainous character with enthusiasm and Erin Gray, veteran of cheesy 1980's Sci Fi series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, appears as a Star Fleet Admiral. If lead actress, Fiona Vroom, looks familiar under all that make-up, it is because her career has really taken off on both the small and large screen since this episode was made.

Following a legal case by the studio, effectively shutting down all fan-made productions, these full-length episodes were hastily concluded in 2017. The creator, Vic Mignogna, subsequently became embroiled in a series of personal law-suits concerning his behaviour towards female cast-mates. Claims and counter claims abounded and, as of 2022, no effective conclusion has yet been reached.

WHATEVER THE REAL NARRATIVE BEHIND THEIR FALL FROM GRACE, THIS PARTICULAR GROUP OF STORIES REPRESENTS SOME OF THE BEST STAR TREK FICTION EVER BROUGHT TO LIFE. So many people, including Marina Sirtis and John de Lance, stars of the Next Generation, gave their time and enthusiasm, and some very dedicated people behind the scenes captured both the look and the feel of the original.

In true Roddenberry fashion, the "message" episodes covered such subjects as: inter-cultural marriage, child abuse, human (or alien) trafficking and the promotion of women to positions of high office. Actually Senior Trekker thinks that last one was a dud but does this really seem like the oeuvre of a man who disrespects women?

Best watch for yourself.

Consistent fantastic TOS vibe.

[amesmonde · 14 December 2021]

A slave girl takes refuge on the Enterprise but her owner has other ideas for her.

Another well written episode that has plenty social commentary with a lot to say. Green Katie Perry-alike actress Fiona Vroom as the Orion slave is memorable. As if it couldn't get better with everything original Star Trek from sounds, costumes to sets and everything in between there is also Buck Rogers actress Erin Gray and TV Hulk's Lou Ferrigno to put the icing on the cake. Skilled Vic Mignogna and Todd Haberkorn again capture the characters of Kirk and Spock wonderfully with performances in keeping with the sixties style, without becoming over the top caricatures or taking anything for Shatner and Nimoy.

Continues brilliantly oozes more vibes of the original series. With a solemn twist at the end excellent production and equal amounts of entertainment you can't go wrong.

fantastic episode

[fredbud · 10/10 · 16 February 2021]

Terrific episode!!! great acting, writing, production, directing etc....

Faults weigh down this attempt

[fcsuper · 3/10 · 15 August 2014]

Of the Star Trek Continues series, this episode should be held as an example of everything that shouldn't be done for a Star Trek OS rekindling effort.

There's whole subplots that go nowhere, and the whole story itself goes nowhere.

There's too much personality artificially injected into the story. The acting and script nuances just end up being just nuisances. Every attempt to add something a little extra takes away from the story. Actors are doing a lot of little things (improvisation/poor directing choices/bad writing?) that doesn't fit into the personality of the characters they play.

The episode also suffers from poor editing. Several scenes go on far too long. There are way too many shots of unvoiced responses/commentary. Many scenes could cut entirely without impacting the story in any way.

I'll give a pass to the bad acting, since that is holding partially true to the original series. Even still, the acting could be improved a bit to produce a higher quality product more on par with the original series.

The cinematography in many shots is horrible, with bad framing, way way way out of focus camera, and unintentional wobbles. There is no analog with the original series to match this, so it really just comes off being very poor quality, not camp revival.

The new ship's counselor character should have never been conceived. This character is completely out of sync with the rest of the cast, both in terms of the actress playing her and the writing of the character. It appears to be an attempt to connect "modern" audiences of the 90's to the 60's style storytelling. But the difference in acting styles between this character and the rest of the crew horribly clash. It feels a bit like sticking Seinfeld in the middle of Gone with the Wind. This character would benefit from contracting Chuck Cunningham Syndrome.

The other bad casting choice is Dr. McCoy. The actor has no business playing Bones. Mr. Rogers, maybe, not Bones. There is not one ounce of grit, sarcastic humor or righteous indignation in the way Bones is being portrayed. Although, he does have the occasional huff. Casting needs to a actor swap ASAP.

Overall, this episode evokes feelings more a kin to those of Plan Nine From Outer Space rather than Star Trek OS.

Great Episode

[StuOz · 15 April 2021]

An attractive green skinned alien girl has the Enterprise crew under her spell.

This story of taking-a-girl-from-her-people has been done in all sorts of TV shows. In fact, if two of the main characters did not have green skin, it would have shades of a 1972 M*A*S*H episode - "The Moose".

In M*A*S*H, Hawkeye (Alan Alda) takes issue with a US soldier for using an attractive Korean girl as his servant. Perhaps endless repeat viewings of M*A*S*H have just locked this episode into my memory and others might not see the connection? Whatever.

After the STC opener - Pilgrim of Eternity - I had such high hopes for the second episode and am pleased to say it is a knockout. Star Trek fan films are so often bashed for the bad acting but I would challenge anybody to dislike the acting in Lolani.