Episode 103, "The Lotus Eaters" is now in limited release.  It will go into wide release this weekend or early next week.

Post your comments and feedback here!

Rob

OH man what an Awesome episode.  So when the next one.

I give this Episode an A

Short but sweet. I give it a sold B. Great work.

Calm yourself, Ryan.

Your like those Harry Potter fans. Finished the book in a day, wants to know when the next one comes out.  :D

Not going to disagree with you there David.  But I can and will wait. LOL

I Liked what I saw But My wireless died lil' less then halfway throu so i only sew the first 10 min. now i'm frustrated and waiting for the wide release. hope it's not to long.

you're lucky for the 10 minutes, my connection crashed like half a second into the opening pic and I couldn't reenter the chat. sometimes life's just not fair. :cry:

I gave it a B. It felt like it could have been a little longer. It seemed jumpy in some places. But definitely not bad. I must say, the acting by the principal cast in this episode was the best I have seen so far. Especially from Brandon. He seems to be breaking into the role of Ro with no trouble. And I am really interested to see where the Archein plot is going.
Keep up the great work, guys!

Dangit!!!  I missed the release.  Turned the computer off.

I thought it was a very good episode, and I thought the Odyssey crew interaction scenes showed how comfortable the actors are working together.... especially Brandon and Michelle, who were featured in this episode.  Your guest stars did an excellent job, too.

The explanation given for the creation of the anomaly zones (and their origin) was tossed out there quickly and a bit too fast... wasn't easily assimilated by me... I got enough of it to understand in general, but I am hoping for further understanding in a future episode. 

I liked the integration of our new 'old' friends, and the explanation, while not totally elegant, was fully plausible and acceptable.

Sam Bacsa and Beau Williams kicked ass in their supporting roles. 

I liked the space battle scenes, and the ship tumbling towards the planet from warp scenes, too.

The destruction of the planet was a bit... anticlimatic for me.  I wanted BOOM.  It was more of a minor crush/chomp.

Finally, I was thinking Seram was a bit too lovey-dovey... until the last scene.  That Archein is one serious psycho-babe! 

Rick

P.S. Enjoyed the prop placement, too   :wink:

P.P.S.   If I ever get stabbed or otherwise injured, I will know to use my mini unfolding booklight to heal myself.   Actually, it truly is a cool prop.

I gave it a solid A. It was very taught, the action moved quickly and the actors were very good. The special effects were, as always, good. Brandon is definitely wearing Ro well. It was also nice to see a little bit more of Stadi. Special treats was seeing Heather as a relief tactical officer minus her Tellarite nose. Also, nice to see the Kelvans back with the 'By Any Other Name' references.

I thought the episode was well done. It was really nice to see all of the actors really settling into their roles. I think the characters are developing really nicely and I look forward to seeing more.

It was fun to see the Kelvan's but I agree that the cause of the anomalies was kind of rushed through. I hope to see more of the Kelvan's as allies for Odyssey.

Great Job Everyone!

There are parts of this story that will be carried over to the next episode. While not a two-part episode per se (and being part of an arc, I don't think you could even call that to begin with), this story sets in motion things to come in 1.04 -much like what I did when I helmed the HF 7.07 episode, The Center Cannot Hold.

Glad you saw that Rick. I needed something for Panos to "remember" his wife by. Apparently it's a can of portable antimatter. Who knew?  :D

David

when will show be released on forums

See my highlight below.

Obviously, Dr Achlys shopped at the same place Artim did.  The article of clothing Panos was holding looked a lot like the shirt Artim was wearing at the Ro/Aster wedding. ;)

"We're big; we have branches from Ba'ku to Andromeda!"

I thought the episode was good as whole, but I was hoping for the planet to be split apart by all those gravitational forces acting on it.

Also, Odyssey is looking a lot more worse for wear.  Will she ever get some of the holes in her patched up?  Flying around at warp, with holes in your nacelles can't be a good thing under a great deal of stress.

Where do id download it? It's not in sneak peeks :(

It was a chat premiere only so unfortunately you'll have to wait until general release.  Either this weekend or soon afterwards.

It's great that the episode it only a few days away from general release but for those of us that can't make it to the chat, can't the episode be released early in the sneak peeks forum?

I'm in the UK and I stayed up until nearly 1am in the chatroom waiting for the release but to no avail. As I have to be up at 6.30am for work I couldn't stay up longer but I feel a bit cheated that though I'm an avid fan and have been for some time I still have to wait to the general release.

I don't want to come across as ungrateful as I'm aware that a huge amount of time and effort goes into producing these shows (and I'm really amazed by the work you guys do) but please spare a though for those of us in a different timezone.

Another excellent episode!!

Brandon McConnell has definitely grown more comfortable as Ro, and his interaction with T'Lorra brings to mind some of the great arguers of the canon Treks like Spock & McCoy, Odo & Quark, etc.

I liked seeing Hal Alpert again in a different role. I rather liked his performance better as Pados than as Cassius Dao, but then, I suppose he was supposed to seem like he was dying in that episode, wasn't he?

Melodee was WONDERFUL as Achlys!  She seemed to settle into the role with amazing ease, and I was sorry to see her go. I hope she'll be playing other characters! ;)

I do think though, that after this long in Andromeda, they would've been able to make more repairs to Odyssey, including those hull breaches. HC-101 established that they've been there for over 6 months!  I do agree that Voyager repaired itself a little too quickly, but by six months, that's at least feasible, unless Gillen is utterly incompetent as an engineer, as T'Lorra seems to take unending joy in insinuating.

But with the Kelvans now around, hopefully they'll patch it up, eh? :)

As for the Archeins, their presence seemed rather short in this episode. It was good to see the Grand Majan again, who seems to be in denial about Seram's lack of wisdom, while Morrigu was rather cruel in this episode.  Caecus seems to be little more than a slave in this one, despite Vito's intimation in ODY-102 that he comes from a noble line, as well as Seram's . . . concubine?  But DUDE!  Stabbing him in the gut to teach a lesson?! WTF?!  I was right! She IS a psycho!!!  I wouldn't put it past Seram to be poisoning the Grand Majan with the red goo.

Out of a sense of morbid fascination, I can't wait to see what she does next! She is SCARY!

Yet again, the newsletter informing me of the premiere and the chat failed to show up - it seems to be hit and miss about whether I get the newsletter :: grumble grumble ::

Heck, even if I could get the letter I wouldn't have been able to get into the chatroom based on past experience.

There was no newsletter announcing the premiere, the chat details are all posted on the Chat news page of the website.  Sorry you missed it but I believe sending out too many newsletters would diminish their value.  There was a newsletter announcing it was on its way though.

I may have got it wrong about it being a few days from release.  It may be a few days from sneak peak, Rob will no doubt correct me.  However, there's also a balance to be struck between providing something a bit special for the chat attendees, the forum members and guests and it can't please everyone.  The time between the chat releases and general releases has been shortened a lot over recent months though.

Regarding time zones.  There has been a small adjustment (I think it's been brought forward by an hour) to help with UK/EU time zones but since many chatees are in the US and the production team are also, it's tough to make this much earlier without making it difficult for those in the US.  There was also a special early chat I think to easily fit in with some other zones.

Accessing chat.  It is well known that the standard HF chat system has issues for some people and this is unlikely to change in the near future.  There are other ways to access chat and somewhere around the forum is a thread especially for this purpose.

However, I'm now way off topic and expect someone else may chime in somewhere more appropriate.

When all else fails, the chat information page also lists the episode release schedule:
    http://www.hiddenfrontier.org/chat.php

I'm working on the March Newsletter now.  It'll go out sometime this weekend, so don't worry, it's coming to everyone.  :)

Rob

Thanks to Hudson for replying. I normally check the chat page to see when episodes are likely to be released but if I can't make the actual chat I end up checking and re-checking the forum, hoping the episode has been released. Could there be a defined number of days between releases so that if we miss the chat we know we only have to wait so long? e.g. the episode could be released on chat then 2 days later on the sneak peeks forum then 2 days later for general release (or however many days is appropriate).

By the way, sorry that I'm off topic - I've slapped myself across the wrist as punishment.  :)

( Some guy named "AndrewF" also replied ;) )

Usually, the episode follows in general release within a few days.  I certainly sympathise with your time zone issues, although I am only 3 hours ahead of Pacific time.

TIP: If it is feasible, leave your chatroom session open when you go to sleep and check it when you wake up.  The link may still be active depending on how long chat lasts.

For me, one thing that stood out as memorable (other than that guard in the black leather jacket) was Melodee's performance; both strong and tender, and a wee tear in her eye.  I'm looking forward to her role in "The Helena Chronicles"!

Worrying who’s worrying? (as I bite my fingernails… Yuck!!) :sick:

To bump us back on topic: (Not relevant by the time I posted my comment.)

Did anyone catch when Ro said something about Corey, now that’s progress, progress I tell ya! ;D

Good episode by the way.

Edited to cross out irrelevant text.

Sorry Andrew, didn't mean to miss you off my previous post. I tried leaving the chat session open but by the time I'd checked it the following morning (literally as I was running out the door to work) the chat session had timed me out and the chat history that was available for me to see was just general chit-chat after the release. I guess I'm just jealous that others have been able to watch the episode and I haven't yet.

Note to self: must learn patience!  :wink:

Okay, I gave it an "A".  Wonderful episode!  Even though I was at a few of the shoots, it was still super to see the final thing, all put together, with music - Great Music Bodo!

David - great job directing!

To all the actors - Brandon, Michelle, Julia, Hal, Melodee, Heather, Tim & Sam - great job everyone!  Same to Jacob, Lyle and Wayne!  Yeah, those silly background people - they need to get more screen time!  :P

Again, great job overall!

Jenn

P.S. Who the heck voted "F"!!?!?!  You gotta be kidding me!  Honestly, no respect!  :wtf:

Hopefully, otherwise, the Odyssey may end up looking like scorched swiss cheese by the time they get back to the Federation, and I don't think the admiralty will like Ro bringing back a banged-up ship.

Hold on to your horses everyone. 

Biggest complaint brought against Voyager when Odyssey was announced ?  - "The reset switch".  Why was everything fixed by the following week ?  How many shuttles could it carry ?  and so on.......

Now, Odyssey, a long way from home and short on resources and staff is having a problem keeping the ship in "as-launched" condition and now it's "How come they haven't fixed the ship ?"

They might well have half a nacelle missing and hull plates held on with chewing gum by the time they get home (if they get home) - BUT, it will be more realistic.

:agree:

I hated the pristine condition of Voyager.

Odyessy is more realistic, being far from home and short on resources you fix what you can and only what is absolutely necessary.  You don't send out ensigns to touch up the paint job.

Unless they've been *really* bad...

I think some repairs could have been done by now, not to pristine conditions, but some. I don't think that Odyssey’s condition looks to bad though, and I don’t think the damage has been over done.

I agree that Voyager looked to good after 7 years in the delta quadrant, it needed a little scratched paint.

To tell you the truth if Ro gets the ship and crew home I think the Admiralty will look past a banged up ship and give Ro a very nice promotion.

Thanks, Michael.

As you pointed out, the biggest complaint about Voyager was the overuse of magical, candy-like reset button (and Kate Mulgrew's horrible acting. No, wait, that's MY complaint  :D).

Rob has chosen, very deliberately I might add, to give the crew more pressing things to do than vacuum the debris from hallway.

David

Sharon, you're bad! Definitely an A! 8)

Good stuff, but would someone please explain to me exactly what happened to Caecus in that last scene?  :wtf:

[spoiler]He got stabbed, then he had an electrode jabbed into the open wound.  He was then immediately patched up.
[/spoiler]
-Jonathan

i gave it a B.  it wasnt perfect, but it was definately solid. Brandon really seems to be settling into the role, and Julie has shown great improvement since the series began. Michelle has T'Lorra down to a science. I think the hull damage on Odyssey give a sense of realism to the show. the Archein plot was a little baffling, but i think i got it in the end.  i also think that the Kelvan story arc adds a little meat to the series.

great work

It all becomes clear to me now...thanks!

I voted B. It felt rushed. I didn't understand what exactly happened in the late scene with Adam.

I'm still not sold on Ro Mk 3 as the same character. For what seemed like a very long time since Wine Dark Sea, I was disappointed.  Maybe next time?

Some scenes could have used a little more being surprised and talking about things so that the viewer can get accomplished to new major plot points more easily. I also think there was an unhealthy accumulation of Dei Ex Machinae (Is that the correct plural form?). Other than that, another great episode! :)

Shouldn't Starfleet have a mechanism in place for releasing an Omega lockout after the Captain has been killed? Wouldn't assuming acting-captain duties come with security upgrades or something?

That would be logical but as seen on Voyager; only Captains and Flag officers are supposed to know about Omega, so it would follow Starfleet’s line of thinking not to have a backup. The fact that Omega is supposed be top secret necessitates limited knowledge and limited knowledge narrows the opportunity for backups. At least that’s how I’d rationalize it.

Ro is unique and should probably have clearance to deactivate the Omega Lockout, but then we wouldn’t have an episode. Either way he would still be compelled to fulfill the Omega Directive and destroy the particle, unless he uses it as T’Lorra suggested but in that case he would technically be violating the directive (personally that wouldn’t stop me and I don’t think it would’ve stoped him).



I don’t think so not without command codes being released to the acting-Captain, and we didn’t see anything like that (doesn’t mean it didn’t happen). 

That leads me to a question, can an acting Captain activate the ships self destruct?

Now that I think about it we’ve never seen someone with such a low rank have to take the position of Captain because of devastation to the command structure. It leads me to more questions.

But now I’ve ventured WAY off topic.

I have often wondered about that.  That there has to be a way of transfering command codes, including the omega one, if the captain is suddenly dead.

To me it should be something like the CMO confirms that the captain and whoever else in the chain of command is dead, and then you have other officers concur that so and so is now acting captian.  Once done the computer transfers command codes.

That makes sense.

I had a problem with everyone and his brother knowing about Omega in this episode until T'Lorra reminded us that the Tetrahedron utilized it.  Ro and a few others would definitely have to know about it.  I don't know why they aren't trying harder to keep a lid on it unless the entire crew was briefed (which is entirely possible...for all Starfleet knew this was a suicide mission anyway).

I got the newsletter last night and watched the ep.  Really good.
Sharon was a real baddie - at least in THC, I can whistle instead of hiss when she comes on screen.  ;)
I'm really impressed by Brandon, he's really good.  And Michelle is a perfect Romulan, though T'Lorra's aggressive attitude struck me as more Klingon than Romulan.
David, kudos on the directing.
I assume the lotus eaters in this case are the Kelvans, with the "lotus" being the Omega power source?

i loved this ep brandon is doing a great job!!! and seems to be getting better,Michelle is great as T'Lorra she is so cold i love it and sadie is just great i love the way she exresses herself,i have stoped trying to figure out what might happen next,you always surprise me which i love,i would however like to see if brandon and jt have  chemistery like bobby and jt had i have read the Odyssey and this is a lot better i hope to see ro and aster do a scene soon weather in a flasback or holodeck and could there be some way of commution with Odyssey?