Divided We Stand is an absolutely typical Star Trek story in which some sort of alien possession transports the minds of Kirk and friends into whatever period of history the costume department currently has access to. In this instance it's the American Civil War and The Captain & Doctor join a group of re-enactors to re-create some of the bloodier aspects of the 1862 Battle of Antietam.
For an amateur production, clever use is made of the available props, costumes and extras, giving the outdoor scenes a sense of scale and gravitas which would otherwise have been way outside the scope of the budget for this type of production. The performances given by guest "actors" playing the soldiers are sincere and Chuck Huber, as Dr McCoy has some powerful moments as he confronts the carnage.
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.
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