Date: 23 Dec 2013 04:49 Title: Act Five
Well, I can't say I didn't see this ending coming, but it was well-done. The symbiont adapted too quickly to Govan, something I don't find a coincidence at all, and the family drama came to an end, at least for now. I'm glad the Guardian wanted the two separated but it feels like a hollow victory.
The episode definitely made me think, though, and that's what I have to like best about this (besides family drama, which I always like). Between the deeper questions/thoughts on death, self-sacrifice, and emotional entanglements, and the the family dynamics, I come away pleased.
There are hints of more things to come laced in here, which should make for fascinating reading in the future. :)
Date: 23 Dec 2013 04:43 Title: Act Four
I smell S31. I like S31. Seems as though things are going to get messier in the future for the crew. As for the ongoing drama with Govan, I was waiting for the parents to exercise their authority. They've played the game and aren't satisfied with the results. I hate the way they're going about it, but I have to agree with end result if they achieve it: separation is the best for all parties. The argument is compelling the other way but I just can't bring myself to agree with it.
Author's Response:
I think this might be one of those times where a reader is seeing what he/she wants to see. :) There's no S31 involvement in this episode, that much I can say with certainty.
Thanks for reading!
-- MDg
Date: 23 Dec 2013 04:38 Title: Act Three
Govan and the symbiont make a decent case, but I still can't quite get behind the argument. The risk is greater to the symbiont than to Govan, yes, but there are too many question marks. I'm hoping the Trill Guardian comes to the same conclusion I have, but who knows at this point?
Date: 23 Dec 2013 04:31 Title: Act Two
Seems as though Govan is suffering from the affliction known as "youth." I get it, having been there and still finding myself there some days. "Young and stupid" as the phrase goes. He's clearly more confident and definitely has his heart in the right place, but I agree with Andrus: he needs to be separated from the Trill, if only because it's the best for the Trill.
The self-sacrifce angle is a good one for Govan but the flaw in his agrument, I feel, is that he was doing it to save the Trill. Great, the Trill has been saved but if the long-term ramifications are to be considered, it's best that the two be separated. I feel both parties are enamored with one another, Govan with the experience and the Trill with the youth.
The ending of the this particular act seems to indicate that all is not as well as Govan would like us to believe and I hope that Isira and Andrus make the right decision here and separate them. Sure, it won't be popular with Govan, but it's the best for both parties.
Very much enjoying the family dynamics here.
Date: 23 Dec 2013 04:16 Title: Act One
Damn. The beginning of this was a good exploration on grief and how to deal with it. The death of a family member is tough and especially so when it's the youngest of the bunch. Seeing Isira and Andrus both sit there and try to figure out how their youngest sibling died before them was pretty true to life, IMO, and for sure a consideration I'd be making were I in their situation.
The twist, seeing that Govan was alive, was nicely pulled off and then the Trill curveball ... wow. Reflecting back to when Riker was joined with a Trill, Govan's situation seems to be all right for now but likely going to get worse before it gets better. Do they respect the wishes of this joined entity? Is it the wish of both of them or only Govan? Having the confidence boost and the knowledge of a 500 year old Trill at his disposal seems like a great thing NOT to give up.
Date: 23 Dec 2013 03:58 Title: Teaser
Ouch. I'm admittedly jumping in here mid-series, but out of all the summaries this one caught my attention. I like a good family dynamic episode and Betazed promises that in spades, so I'm here and the teaser is indeed a tough one to stomach. We all dread that phone call from home out of the blue because, usually, it means something's wrong.
Author's Response:
Not sure why I didn't see these reviews before. I don't think I got the email notifications. Weird.
So, this story is actually written entirely by my co-author, AJ Gertner. I think she's got an amazing take on Betezoid and Trill societies and we agreed that she should try her hand and writing this episode solo. I made a few suggestions, but she did the lion's share of the planning and execution.
Thanks for reading!
-- MDg