Star Trek Continues (TV Series) Fairest of Them All (2014) User Reviews

From the intro to the end credits this is fan service to the Nth degree. Thank you.

[bulletpeople · 10/10 · 9 September 2016]

Before I effuse, I'd like to pose a question for the writers and actors: how did you, one or two generations younger than we who watched this from '66 on, nail the mood and themes of our beloved Star Trek?

This continuation of "Mirror Mirror" Season 2, Episode 4 of the original series is everything a fan could want. Picking up where the original ended, this follows the story of the returning evil Kirk, Uhura, Scotty, and McCoy and what becomes of the final scene advice Kirk dispenses to evil Spock.

While concentrating on Kirk, we see enough of Uhura, Scotty, and McCoy (whose evil counterpart is especially mind-blowing) to tie up all of the loose ends that you as a fan have been wondering about for nearly 50 years. The writing in this episode demonstrates immense respect for Roddenberry's original vision and the acting, music, and direction pays fan service of a quality unmatched in the world of Sci Fi. Special recognition should be paid to casting who somehow found in Asia De Marcos a perfect embodiment of the look and feel of Marlena Moreau as defined by Barbara Ann Luna in the original series.

If you have any interest at all in the original series and are a fan of the original "Mirror, Mirror", do yourself a favor and set aside an hour on a Friday night to watch this on your best platform and get ready for a treat that will thrill you in the first watching and please you endlessly in repeat watchings. Thank you, all.

This episode couldn't be better

[sartr-1 · 10/10 · 18 January 2015]

The Star Trek Continues endeavor is like a dream. This sequel to Mirror Mirror truly feels like what TOS would have done with it and every aspect of the mimic production seems to be clicking into place with this episode. The primary actors are delivering their lines more convincingly and let's face it, that's most of what their job is. With Spock's more prominent role in Fairest of Them All, Todd Haberkorn did a pretty good job of stepping into his shoes while distinguishing himself from Nimoy. On the plus side he gives the character more of a sage-like feeling, but on the down side he's a bit too restrained, clearly lacking Nimoy's brilliant expressiveness in conveying Spock's inner struggle. Vic Micnogna is channeling William Shatner beautifully and you can just imagine how much fun this is for him. Scotty is working out fine and the recasting of McCoy won't hurt. Grant Imahara seems to be giving a decent performance.

The writing, the direction, the sets and costumes: everything is firing on all cylinders, here. Honestly, watching this I felt kind of like I was in a cool dream about watching a lost TOS episode and I can't wait to see what they'll do to top themselves. Bring on the Gorns!

Bravo!

[larrytheradioguy · 10/10 · 14 August 2014]

Like so many, I have watched Star Trek and all its various incarnations since I was a wee lad, and love it to pieces. I have to say I haven't been super-impressed by the Trek Phase 2/Continues/what have you. While I certainly admire the zeal of the actors and crew, especially the designers and others for faithfully recreating the original sets, much of what I've seen has been, well, OK. Until this episode, that is. Sure, one could nitpick some fine points, but for the most part this is a terrific yarn. Good writing, acting, everything. One thing that drives me crazy about many of the other fan episodes is poor choice of accompanying music from the original series scores. But not with this this episode. Never once did I think "Why did they choose THIS piece of music for this scene?" In fact, I barely noticed the music at all, which means that it integrates seamlessly with, and enhances, what's on the screen. One other problem that many of the other episodes has is poor camera focus. The operator focused on the background, not on the subject, which is annoying as heck. But hey, it's pretty much a volunteer crew -- or are they actually paying for the privilege? Sorry, I digress. One thing they should have done in this episode is in the final scene when Spock takes the captain's chair in his new command gold uniform shirt, Uhura and the navigator should also have changed -- into traditional (and not quite so revealing) Trek uniforms, to signify that women in this alternate universe are now not so overly sexualized. Regardless, bravo and three cheers to the cast, crew, writers, etc of this episode!

Mirror Mirror continues and it is great!

[whotobe · 10/10 · 17 December 2017]

As a fan of the original series (TOS) from day one, I cannot say how grateful I am to Vic Mignogna and the cast for completing Season 3 of the original series. This episode in particular was fun to compare with the original Mirror, Mirror. I truly liked the opening taking the original script line by line and setting the stage for this episode. Todd Haberkorn did an acceptable job in recreating Spock. And Christopher Doohan truly channels his father as Scotty. It was good to see what might have happened in the alternate universe after Mirror, Mirror. Clearly the budget of these episode is lacking but the set design and CGI is wonderful. Also, it is clear to see that all of the actors want to do their best in recreating TOS. There are minor issues with costumes and some inexperienced actors but nothing that makes this or any other "ST:Continues" any less enjoyable. I am saddened to learn there will be no more episodes made of this but everyone that loves Star Trek as it once was should view the work and efforts of this project.

Excellent continuation!k

[aeowen-03398 · 10/10 · 3 May 2019]

I never thought it could have been done this way, but it did...yet the only thing I feel that was just a pinch flawed was when Spock donned the captain's top at the end. Just didn't seem right, but then again, Spock found a way to become captain of the Enterprise.

I wish I would have known about this series when it was released in 2013 as the continuation of a few of my other favorite episodes are here. It's a great addiction now to watch these.

Job well done! A tip of my hat to the success of this unique and pleasant series that is very imaginative in every way that the original series is as well.

love all mirror mirror spin off

[fredbud · 10/10 · 17 February 2021]

Another great well done eoisode!! there should have been a spin off series in this universe

My vote for best STC episode!

[GentlemanGeorge · 10/10 · 10 September 2021]

After Space Seed, the Mirror, Mirror episode of TOS was that which most begged for a follow-up adventure. Fairest Of Them All satisfies almost as much as Wrath Of Khan.

By this time, as the third installment of the imagined "fourth season" of TOS, the production has truly hit its stride. A few changes also bring this revisit to the original crew into focus: Chuck Huber joins the cast as Dr. McCoy - no disrespect to Larry Nemecek, but Huber is much more reminiscent of Deforest Kelly, both physically and in personality. Scott Doohan sacrifices his regular hairstyle to adopt a coif that more closely matches that of his father, and now more than ever, we see our beloved Scotty in his person.

Extraordinary attention to detail to set design, costuming, and cinematography make this episode a truly enjoyable indulgence in shameless nostalgia. The term "fan-service" has been used to describe this story. My fellow reviewer meant it as a compliment although it is usually a pejorative applied to sloppy, juvenile efforts, long on "starship porn", phaser battles, and cameos, and short on story and plot. Fairest Of Them All is what fan service should be - absolute commitment to continuity and production quality borne out of a love of the show and respect for the audience.

The revised open with the militarized theme and fascist-themed Kirk exposition was a nice touch. As the entire episode is spent in the mirror universe, this makes sense and illustrates the commitment to making a great adventure.

I have only two critical observations, but they are extremely minor and in no way detract from the enjoyment of this story. First, I would have loved to have seen Mirror Kirk portrayed with more cunning and menace. He didnt always have the assassination machine in his quarters and he must have been pretty ruthless to rise to command of a starship in the Terran Empire. Alas, the limits of a 50-minute time showtime. Second, as this was Chuck Huber's intro as Dr. McCoy, I would have enjoyed more time seeing his take on the good doctor twisted into a cold-blooded sadist.

I profoundly wish another fan production (which I shall not name) had not screwed the pooch for fan films by trying to operate as a profit-making venture under the table and resulted in the powers that be slapping massive restrictions on fan films. Otherwise, we may still be waiting with unrestrained enthusiasm for further installments of this extraordinary production. To all involved in this endeavor, a heartfelt thanks.

Nothing quite as much fun as a space mutiny!

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 11 November 2019]

This is the third episode of a high quality fan series about the ongoing adventures of the original crew of the Enterprise. Episode one was pretty good...episode two was much, much better. So what about this third one? Is it worth your time?

The episode begins with a word-for-word recreation of the final portion of "Mirror, Mirror" where the good Kirk lectures evil Spock about how the Terran Empire is destined to die. The episode then picks up with the beaming back of the evil landing party to the evil Enterprise--and evil Kirk is ready and willing to carry out his original order to wipe out the planet below! Nice guy, huh?

Because this is a Mirror Universe episode as told by the Terrans, the introduction is a militaristic one....a nice touch. What follows is an insurrection that breaks out on the mirror Enterprise--with either Spock, Kirk or perhaps some other taking control of the ship.

This episode marks a couple cast change among the core members of the ship. While the Scotty from episodes 1 and 2 was excellent, James Doohan's son, Chris, takes over and sounds even more like the original Mr. Scott. Dr. McCoy is also a different actor...though I hardly noticed much difference between the two.

So is it any good? Absolutely, as I always wondered what happened aboard the evil Enterprise following "Mirror, Mirror"...and the writing was good, as the show seemed quite logical and well thought out regarding the space mutiny. Overall, well worth seeing and an episode that is a must-see for any Trekkie.

Why no Vulcan pinch?

[mariogomezg · 8/10 · 15 December 2021]

I liked this episode (as I did the whole series), it was certainly a nice continuation to "Mirror, Mirror" from TOS. While some people complains that Todd Haberkorn isn't up to par with Leonard Nimoy (who is, really?), I think he does a really decent Spock, who is allowed to shine in this particular story. My only gripe is that in his fight with "evil Kirk", he should have been able to defeat him easily by way of the Vulcan pinch, but alas he didn't use this handy (in the most literal sense) technique. I guess it's just another case of abilities coming and going to the convenience of the script, as it so often happens in popular fiction. Anyway, great work of everyone involved.

Mirror Mirrors TOS perfectly

[amesmonde · 14 December 2021]

In the mirror universe, after Spock's encounter with a parallel Kirk it tests his future with his Captain Kirk.

This recreates the end of the 1967 episode and picks just where it left off. It's yet another well written episode echoing a classic mutiny in true Star Trek style.

Here the Dr. McCoy Bones actor has been replaced by Chuck Huber and it's for the better. Michael Dorn who played Worf in Star Trek: The Next Generation voice cameos as the computer.

Impressively Asia DeMarcos uncannily resembles BarBara Luna who originally played the character Marlena Moreau in "Mirror, Mirror".

It mirrors perfectly the original Star Trek sounds, costumes, sets and more but goes one better encompassing the alternative Mirror universe sets and costumes.

Vic Mignogna and Todd Haberkorn again capture the characters of Kirk and Spock with sixties style acting without being caricatures of Shatner and Nimoy. In this episode Haberkorn gets to shine.

Credit to writer director James Kerwin and Vic Mignogna story skills which successfully continue the vibes of the original series.

A bold continuation

[Fluke_Skywalker · 7/10 · 2 October 2023]

A lot of "Star Trek" fans, casual and crazed, can at least agree on one thing. Modern "Star Trek" sucks. From rapping Klingons to supposed 23rd century space explorers sounding like Southern California teenagers, the iconic franchise has most definitely become lost in space. But there is hope. No, not from Hollywood. They're a lost cause. It's from the people who actually care about these IP's in their heart, not their wallet. I'm talking, of course, about the fans.

If you love classic '60s "Star Trek" rejoice! "Star Trek Continues" is a faithful recreation of the look, tone and spirit of the original series. The care, the craftsmanship and the execution here are first rate. Just *chef's kiss*. You could splice a scene from this episode into one from classic "Trek" and I dare say the average viewer would be none the wiser. But this is no mere cosplay. This is actual storytelling.

Picking up right where the classic Original Series episode "Mirror, Mirror", left off, "Fairest of them all" shows the repercussions from the events of the latter as we follow the alternate Enterprise crew. The script is crisp, smart and perfectly captures the kind of dialog used in vintage "Star Trek.

Bringing it to life is a (mostly) very capable cast. Particularly good are Vic Mignogna as Captain Kirk, Todd Haberkorn as Mr. Spock and Grant Imahara and Christopher Doohan (Son of James) as Sulu and Scotty respectively. Mignogna has the most difficult job of the bunch, as it's nearly impossible to "do" Shatner without it lapsing into parody, but he never does.

"Fairest of them all" represents a guidepost for modern "Star Trek". If only they'll follow it.

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

[celineduchain · 5/10 · 8 February 2022]

Fairest of Them All is a Mirror Universe tale which picks up where the original series episode Mirror, Mirror ends. The Alternative Universe character of Spock (the one with the goatee beard) has fallen under the influence of Prime Universe Kirk (the one without the sleeveless, lurex top). Many of the Mirror crew gradually realise that all this shouting, backstabbing and wearing of glittery outfits has it's limitations and gradually begin to join the rebellion.

Besides some stellar overacting, we can see the painstaking work that has gone into re-creating every aspect of the Original Series: props, sets, costumes, scripts, music and lighting are all crafted in exquisite detail to produce a near-perfect match.

Vic Mignogna does his customary William Shatner impersonation while not neglecting any opportunity to show off his infinitely better toned physique. At one stage he leans over a recently spared crewmember and when he intones the words "Am I not merciful?" it is actually quite chilling.

Asia de Marcos, as Marlena Moreau looks so uncannily like Barbara Luna from the Original Series that we cannot but cheer at her ultimate escape from the undignified role of Captain's Woman. The remaining cast give performances that rise to the level of "just about watchable" depending upon your willingness to forgive some of their amateurishness. Personally, they have ALL MY SUPPORT.

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.

Good But Not Great

[StuOz · 15 April 2021]

Sequel to Original Series episode - Mirror, Mirror.

Despite a flaw with some of the acting, this is an entertaining hour.

You have to be honest in these reviews and in this case being honest is a struggle. I have the greatest respect for series star Vic Mignogna (Kirk) who was also apart of the writing/production team. Vic is normally great but he obviously struggles in scenes where he has temper problems.

His acting in this hour reminds me a lot of William Shatner in the Original Series episode - Turnabout Intruder - where Kirk's body is taken over by a woman. Yes, Vic's angry moments in Fairest of Them All come over as a bit effeminate.

Frankly, I find STC a very hard show to review and give a rating to. I find the odd flaw in some episodes (like this one) but I keep finding myself returning for repeat viewings? Perhaps the amazing match ups to the old series just have me under a spell? Whatever the case, Fairest of Them All is well worth watching.