"Holodecks and Practical Jokes" [G] - 1/1

Here is new VOYAGER fanfic in which the show's favorite Vulcan deals with Harry Kim's penchant for practical jokes. Set during the series' Season 7: 


"HOLODECKS AND PRACTICAL JOKES" 

RATING: G
FEEDBACK: It would be nice to receive some. Please, no flames.
SUMMARY: Harry Kim goes too far in his campaign of practical jokes against Tuvok. Set in early Season 7. Spoilers to "Repression", "Unimatrix Zero" and "Body and Soul".
DISCLAIMER: Sigh! All characters and etc. pertaining to Star Trek Voyager belongs to Paramount, Viacom and . . . well, you know who. 

NOTE: The ritual of Tal'loth was first mentioned in the Season 3 episode, "Displaced". As for the Desert of Tulak, I'm sure no such place exists. Even in the Trek universe. Or possibly the Temple of Surak. But I'm not sure about that.

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"HOLODECKS AND PRACTICAL JOKES"


Bridge duty finally ended for Lieutenant-Commander Tuvok of the U.S.S. Voyager. As much as he found his work satisfying, the Tactical Chief looked forward to the two hours he had reserved to be spent inside Holodeck Two. Two hours of meditation in the Temple of Surak. 

Upon reaching his destination, Tuvok entered Holodeck Two and ordered the computer to initialize his program - Surak Delta Phi Tuvok. The holodeck's black-and-yellow grid immediately transformed into a familiar location on Vulcan. The Temple of Surak. A mecca for many Vulcans who traveled there to meditate and pay to the philosopher Surak, the very one responsible for introducing logic, reasoning and the suppression of emotion to the Vulcan race. 

Anticipation filled Tuvok. He took a deep breath and strode into the stone-constructed temple. Then he proceeded along the dark passageways, until a corridor led him to a large enclave. The Meditation Hall. There, disciples came to learn new practices of meditation. Tuvok halted beside a robed attendant. The latter's hood fell back, revealing the smirking image of Voyager's Chief Medical Officer. "Please state the nature of the emergency," it squeaked. Over and over again. "Please state the nature of the emergency." 

Tuvok heaved a very unVulcan-like sigh. Irritation and annoyance threatened to overcome his calm demeanor, but with great effort, he kept these emotions at bay. His suspicions were another matter. The Security Chief had a pretty good idea who was responsible for this "latest" joke. 

* * * * 

Ensign Harry Kim sat at a table inside the Mess Hall, studying the food on his plate. On it was a new dish that Neelix had created. The Talaxian called it Napenean soufflé. Exactly where it got its name from, Harry had no idea. Nor did he want to know. The dish suited the young Ops Chief just fine, as long as it tasted delicious and he remained ignorant of the main ingredients. Then again, one of Harry's personality traits was his curiosity. 

"I see that Neelix gave you a sample of his latest culinary creation," a smooth voice commented. Harry glanced up at the sight of his two best friends, standing beside the table. Both Tom and B'Elanna held dinner trays. 

Harry greeted the married couple. "Yeah. He calls it Napenean soufflé. I keep telling myself that I shouldn't worry what's in it, as long as it tastes good. But I can't help wondering." 

"Don't," B'Elanna replied. "You don't really want to know." She and Tom eased into chairs opposite Harry. "Just follow your first instinct and eat it. And hope that it tastes good and won't upset your stomach." 

Cautiously, Harry broke off a forkful of the soufflé and placed it in his mouth. A delicate combination of creamy egg filling and lightly spiced mushrooms and sausage exploded in his mouth. "Hmm!" he exclaimed, chewing. "This is delicious!" 

Both Tom and B'Elanna followed his example and reacted in the same manner. "You're right!" Tom added. "This is great! Neelix has really outdone himself, this time." 

The three friends continued to enjoy their meal, when a shadow fell upon their table. Tom glanced up. "Tuvok! Care to join us? You should try Neelix's new dish." 

"Some other time," the Vulcan coolly replied. "At the moment, I am here to discuss another matter. Someone," his dark eyes glowered, "has made changes to my holoeck program. Again." 

Tom immediately protested, "Look here, Tuvok. I haven't been near your . . ." 

"I am quite aware that you are not the culprit, Lieutenant." Tuvok's eyes shifted toward Harry. "My suspicions lie elsewhere." 

Aware of the looks directed at him, Harry kept his eyes fixed upon his plate. But reminders of his little "additions" to Tuvok's Surak program drew a spate of giggles from him. 

"Do you find something amusing, Ensign Kim?" 

Harry's laughter died down. A smirk remained fixed on his lips. "Okay, Tuvok. You got me. I was the one who tweaked your program." 

A sigh left B'Elanna's mouth. Tom responded with an "Oh Harry!" 

Tuvok's temple, much to Harry's amusement, began to throb. Disapproval poured from the former's eyes. "Ensign, time and again, I have asked you to keep your hands to yourself and not 'tweak' my holodeck programs." 

"C'mon Tuvok!" Harry protested. "Where's your sense of humor?" 

"I am a Vulcan, Ensign. I do not have a sense of humor." Tuvok sniffed. "And even if I were not Vulcan, I would find your . . . sense of humor, infantile. In the meantime, please do not meddle with my programs again." He squared his shoulders and marched toward the exit. 

The three friends watched the Security Chief's retreating figure. Then it was Tom's turn to heave a sigh. "Harry, Harry, Harry! Don't you think these practical jokes on Tuvok are getting a little old?" 

"What are you talking about? It was just a joke," Harry exclaimed. "Besides, Tuvok should be used to them by now." 

B'Elanna placed her fork down on her plate and gave Harry that stern look reserved for the engineers who served under her. "If Tuvok was so used to your jokes by now, Starfleet, we wouldn't have just experienced that little complaint from him. Now would we?" 

"Well, maybe it's time someone got through that Vulcan façade of his." Both Tom and B'Elanna first stared at each other and then at Harry. He did not care for the knowing gleam in their eyes. "What?" he demanded. "Why are you two looking at me like that?" 

"Harry," Tom said, "what's going on? This can't be about Tuvok being Vulcan, can it?" 

Outrage flitted across Harry's face. "Of course not!" he protested. "What do you think I am? A bigot?" Privately, he could not believe that Tom and B'Elanna thought he was capable of such bigotry. After all, he was a Starfleet officer. 

B'Elanna continued, "Then what is it? Why do you keep playing these stupid practical jokes?" 

"They're not stupid. They're fun! Hell, it was Tom who introduced me to playing jokes on Tuvok in the first place." 

B'Elanna glared at her husband. Who immediately cried out in protest. "What? All right! I admit I was the one who started the whole thing. But I've stopped. Remember?" 

"Why?" Harry demanded. "It's fun putting Tuvok down a peg or two. Besides, he deserves it." His last remark drew stares from his two friends. Harry immediately found himself regretting his words. "What I mean is . . ." 

"What do you mean?" B'Elanna asked sharply. "I was right, wasn't I? You do have some grudge against Tuvok." 

Harry shook his head. Tom and B'Elanna's reactions were not what he had expected. What happened to them? Did marriage ruin their sense of humor? "What's with you guys? This is Tuvok we're talking about? Yyou know how annoyingly superior he can be." 

"Annoying or not, I thought he was your friend," B'Elanna said. "After all, he did try to help you with your crush on that hologram." 

Tom added, "And he taught you how to play Kal-toh." 

Harry had enough of the guilt trips. He thought B'Elanna and especially, Tom would appreciate his practical jokes. Apparently not. What a shame that Mezoti was no longer aboard Voyager. She would have enjoyed the jokes. 

"I think you two have really lost your sense of humor," the young Ops Chief retorted. "I'll see you later." He stood up, picked up his tray and marched toward the nearest recycler. Harry never saw the looks exchanged between his two friends. 

* * * * 

Once again, Tuvok made his way along Deck, toward Holodeck Two. Today would be his second attempt to meditate in the Temple of Surak. Unlike yesterday, he was only able to reserve only one hour of holodeck time. 

Tuvok paused before Holodeck Two's doors. Suspicion of further tampering of his program by Ensign Kim rose in his mind. "Computer, who was the last person to enter Holodeck Two?" 

"Ensign Larson used Holodeck Two on Stardate 54261.3," the computer responded in its usual dry voice. 

Relief flooded Tuvok. That meant that Ensign Kim had not . . . Another thought occurred to him. "Computer, when was the last time the program Tuvok Delta Phi Surak was accessed?" 

The computer replied, "Tuvok Delta Phi Surak was last accessed on Stardate 54260.5." The very day and time the Security Officer had last entered the holodeck. Satisfied that he would not find his program tampered by Ensign Kim, Tuvok entered Holodeck Two. 

Once again, he ordered the ship's computer to initiate his Temple of Surak program. And once again, the holodeck grid transformed into the temple on Vulcan. Tuvok surreptiously glanced around for any deviation. Although the computer had confirmed him as the last person that accessed the program, one could not be completely sure. 

Utilizing the same caution, the Security Chief made his way inside the temple. He encountered the usual acolytes and disciples. Upon reaching the Meditation Hall, he paused. Careful observation of the robed attendant revealed no changes made by Ensign Kim. There seemed to be no sign of the EMH or anyone else's image. Good. Tuvok allowed himself a brief sigh of relief, took a robe from the attendant and entered the chamber. 

He found an empty spot between two disciples and squatted on the floor. Ahead was the altar. A large gong rose from it. Two robed figures entered the hall and walked toward altar. One of them was the Oracle of T'Kol. The second figure announced the beginning of a new session by striking the gong. The oracle threw back a hood and the next thing Tuvok knew, the Oracle of T'Kol had transformed into a Klingon, bellowing Klingon opera. 

Anger - genuine anger that Tuvok had not experienced since his mind meld with Crewman Lon Suder, nearly threatened to overwhelm his usual stoicism. But Tuvok was a Vulcan and with great effort, he squelched this latest threat to his emotions. However, he refused to deny one thing. Ensign Kim had finally gone too far. 

* * * * 

On Voyager's Bridge, Harry stood behind the Operations station, glancing at his computer console. A soft laughter escaped his lips. The console displayed a monitor, showing the interior of Holodeck Two. And Lieutenant-Commander Tuvok's reaction to his latest practical joke. 

Harry chuckled again. Everything happened just as he had planned. Aware of the Security Chief's legendary paranoia, Harry suspected that Tuvok would check on who had last accessed the Surak program. And the young ensign made sure to delete any record of that person's identification. Namely himself. 

Watching the monitor, Harry noticed how Tuvok's temple throbbed repeatedly. A sure sign of the latter was barely controlling his emotions. Life can be so wonderfully fulfilling at times. Harry thought it was a shame that neither Tom nor B'Elanna could see this. Or appreciate his joke. Harry allowed himself another chuckle. 

"Find something amusing, Harry?" the First Officer's voice softly interrupted. 

Harry's laughter immediately vanished. He quickly switched off the monitor, gave a slight, embarrassed cough and murmured, "Sorry, Commander. Just remembering a joke that Neelix had told me." 

Dark eyes coolly bored into the young officer's. "Would you like to share it with the rest of us?" 

"Uh . . . no. I mean . . ." Again, Harry coughed. "I guess not. It's a bit inappropriate, if you know what I mean. It won't happen again." 

Chakotay nodded and returned his attention to the console at the Science Station. Harry surreptiously activated the monitor to the holodeck for another glimpse at Tuvok's discomfort. Unfortunately, Holodeck Two was no longer occupied. Harry was not completely disappointed. At least he had managed to witness the fruition of his latest practical joke. With that thought, he allowed himself a private smile. 

* * * * 

The turbolift slid open. Just as Harry stepped inside, he heard a voice cry out, "Wait for me, Harry!" It was Tom, who joined the younger man. "So, you seemed awfully chipper, today. Was Neelix's joke that funny?" 

Harry's mouth stretched into a smile. "Computer, Deck 6." He turned to Tom. "Have you ever known Neelix to tell a funny joke?" 

"Then what was with the . . .?" Tom stared at his friend. His blue eyes narrowed. "Harry, have you been up to something, lately?" 

"Well, if you must know . . ." Harry's smile transformed into a smirk. The turbolift's doors had just slid open at Deck 2, revealing a grim-faced Tuvok. The Vulcan paused momentarily at the sight of the Operations Chief, before he entered the turbolift. He commanded the computer to take him to Deck 5. 

The smirk remained fixed on Harry's face. "Good day, Commander," he greeted. "Missed you on the Bridge. Were you off duty, today?" 

Tuvok's body stiffened. "I don't report for duty until the Beta shift, Ensign." Spotting Tom, he gave the pilot a polite nod. "Lieutenant." Tom responded quietly. 

"So, were are you headed?" Harry continued. 

A pause followed. Tuvok replied in a tight voice, "To my quarters, Ensign. Why do you ask?" 

"Oh nothing. I thought you had reserved Holodeck Two for this time." Harry turned to Tom and winked. The pilot responded by rolling his eyes. 

Tuvok gave Harry a long, cool stare. "Yes, I did. Unfortunately there was a computer . . . glitch." 

It took all of Harry's efforts not to burst into laughter. A smile even threatened to tug the corners of Tom's mouth. "Oh, what a shame," replied in an innocent voice. "Would you like me to take a look at your program? Maybe fix that glitch?" 

Another silent moment followed. Tuvok stared at Harry for what seemed like eternity. "Thank you, Ensign," he coldly answered, "but I have no need for your . . . assistance." The lift stopped at Deck Five. "Good day." 

The moment the doors slid shut, Harry burst into laughter. "Did you see his face? Tuvok looked as if he was about to have an aneurysm. You should have seen his reaction inside the Holodeck." 

"So that's what you were laughing about," Tom said. 

Harry took one look at the pilot's face and his laughter died. The usually gregarious Tom looked somber. "Oh c'mon Tom! Don't tell me you didn't find that funny? You almost smiled a minute ago." 

The turbolift stopped at Deck 6. Both officers stepped out and marched toward Harry's quarters. Tom sighed. "Harry, Harry, Harry! I didn't realize you were smirking over another practical joke on Tuvok. I can't believe that you're still at it. When are you going to stop?" Disapproval radiated from his blue eyes. 

"When I feel like it," Harry replied defiantly, his good mood spoiled. "Why do you have a problem with that?" 

"Look Harry, I'll admit that Tuvok can be a stiff sometimes. And irritating. But who isn't on this ship? And to be honest, I rather like the guy. For some unexplainable reason, I have less trouble getting along with him than I do with . . . say, Chakotay." The two friends came upon Harry's quarters. "Remember when Tuvok cleared me of murder about six years ago? I told him back then I was a friend whether he liked it or not." 

Harry retorted, "He was only doing his job as Security Chief. Besides, if he had thought you were guilty, you would still be experiencing those images the Benari gave you. Or you would be dead by now." 

"At least he gave me the benefit of the doubt. Like you and the Captain. Hell, hardly anyone else did." 

Harry's quarters loomed before the two friends. The younger man punched in his authorization code and the pair stepped inside. While Tom headed straight for the sofa, Harry walked toward his replicator. Contemplating on Tom's response, he realized he would never understand the pilot's relationship with Security Chief. It seemed odd that two men with such opposite personalities and who constantly sniped at each other could develop a friendly relationship. Whether that relationship was private or personal, Harry had no idea. 

While Harry replicated two cups of coffee, Tom continued, "I noticed in his Insurrection Alpha program that Tuvok had not cast me as one of the crew who joined the Maquis uprising at the drop of a hat, unlike poor Neelix." 

"What's the point of all this?" Harry found Tom's "tribute" to the Vulcan Security Chief a little hard to take. He handed the other man a cup of coffee and settled on the sofa with his own. 

Tom took a sip of coffee. "The point is . . . maybe you should ease up on Tuvok. He's not that bad. Really. And besides, he's been through a lot, lately. Getting assimilated by the Borg, his . . . uh, Tarkalian flu. And getting brainwashed by that psychotic Bajoran vedek to start . . ." Tom broke off. Realization gleamed in his blue eyes. Much to Harry's dismay. "That's it, isn't it?" 

"What?" Harry demanding, dreading Tom's answer. 

The pilot's eyes narrowed. "These practical jokes. They have something to do with what happened after that Bajoran vedek brainwashed Tuvok into reviving the Maquis aboard ship. Especially when Tuvok was investigating the attacks upon the Maquis." 

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Harry flushed, aware of the unconvincing tone in his voice. He tried to dismiss Tom's accusations. Tried and failed. Memories of Tuvok's interrogation and admission of accessing his private mail returned. And so did a familiar anger. 

Tom gave the younger man a shrewd glance. "So, this unrelenting string of practical jokes toward Tuvok has nothing to do with . . ." 

"Nothing at all," Harry added firmly. He finally managed to push the offending memory from his mind. 

Okay." Tom shrugged. "But if it does, just remember. Tuvok was only doing his job. You remember those words, don't you Harry?" 

* * * * 

Maybe Tom was right, Harry decided after his friend left. It did seem pointless to get even with Tuvok for nothing. After all, Harry was a Starfleet officer. He that as Voyager's Chief Security Officer, Tuvok had every right to access private correspondence in regard to an investigation. Maybe he should end the practical jokes. Put the? incident behind him. Perhaps suggest a game of "?" to signify the end of hostilities. 

"Mr. Kim", a deep voice called out, interrupting Harry's reverie. It was Tuvok. "I had asked you for the status on the data from the ship's sensor array." 

Harry's mind jumped back to the present. A quick glance around the Bridge revealed the Vulcan Second Officer seated in the Captain's chair. There was no sign of Captain Janeway or Commander Chakotay. "Uh, I'm sorry, Commander," Harry replied. "What did you say?" A few snickers could be heard on the Bridge. 

"Data from the sensors array, Mr. Kim," Tuvok repeated. "I am waiting for the status." 

Coughing nervously, Harry reported that the array was operating at 100 percent. "The external sensors have detected a Class 'J' nebula, located five light years away." 

Tuvok commented dryly, "Thank you, Ensign. Perhaps you should run a diagnostic on all of the ship's sensors." Something resembling a sardonic note (or so Harry thought) crept into the Vulcan's tone. "Perhaps this will keep your mind focused on your duties . . . and not on insignificant matters." 

More snickering from the other crewmen followed. Along with a snort from a certain person at the Conn. A simmering anger replaced the embarrassment inside Harry. Any thoughts of regret, an apology or a game of Kal-toh flew from his thoughts. As far as he was concerned, Tuvok was toast. 

* * * * 

The moment his shift on the Bridge ended, Harry rushed toward the turbolift and headed for Deck 6. Holodeck Two. He had already formed an idea for a new practical joke. One that would transform Tuvok's Surak program into a Captain Proton adventure and keep the Vulcan trapped inside the simulation during the latter's scheduled time. Harry allowed himself a smile. Yes, that sounded like a fine idea. 

Upon reaching Holodeck Two, Harry entered and headed straight for the computer console. He ordered access to Tuvok's Surak program. "That authorization code is no longer in effect," the computer's voice chirped. 

Harry smirked. Nice try Tuvok, he thought to himself. This was the Vulcan's second attempt to block Harry's access into the Surak program. The Operations Chief felt certain that any security measures created by Tuvok could be bypassed. "Computer, please state the last holodeck program filed by Lieutenant-Commander Tuvok. Authorization code, Kim Alpha Seven." 

The computer responded, "Unable to comply. Private authorization code is required for that information." 

So, Tuvok wanted to play rough. When it came to Voyager's computer, Harry considered himself master of this game. Undaunted, he set about creating a brief program to hack into Tuvok's new code. It did not take long before he finally succeeded. 

"Computer, state the last program filed by Lieutenant-Commander Tuvok using the following decompiling system." Harry punched in a few codes. 

The computer complied. "Last file saved by Lieutenant-Commander Tuvok is T'Pel Gamma Phi Six." 

Harry ordered, "Initiate T'Pel Gamma Phi Six and open the narrative parameters." 

The holodeck grid transformed into the familiar stone temple of Surak. Another smile touched Harry's lips. But it disappeared, along with the temple. In a blink of an eye, the young ensign found himself standing in the middle of a flat, dry landscape with no temple in sight. "What the hell?" he murmured, confused. A humanoid materialized before Harry. It was Tuvok. Or a holographic simulation of the Vulcan. "Tuvok! What the hell is going on?" 

"Good day, Ensign Kim. You are about to participate in the ritual of Tal'loth," the Vulcan coolly replied. 

Harry exclaimed, "The ritual of what?" 

"Tal'loth. Since you have developed a fondness for Vulcan holographic simulations, I have decided to create this particular one. For your enjoyment." Tuvok strode forward. "This is the Tulak Desert on Vulcan. This is where I once participated in a Vulcan survival ritual. The very same ritual you are about to take part. I hope you will enjoy it." 

"Wait a minute!" Harry cried. "I'm not going to take part in any survival ritual! Computer, end holodeck simulation!" 

The computer's voice responded, "Unable to comply. The T'Pel Gamma Phi Six program is programmed to end in exactly two hours after its initiation. Only a private authorization code from Lieutenant-Commander Tuvok can end the program." 

"Computer, end this program. Authorization code, Surak Beta Delta!" 

"Unable to comply. A vocal authorization from Lieutenant-Commander Tuvok is required." 

Desperation dominated Harry's voice as he cried to the holographic Vulcan. "Tuvok! Do something! Order the computer to end the program!"

Tuvok coolly replied, "I am not programmed to do so, Ensign Kim. Please enjoy your holodeck time." He began to dematerialize. 

"Tuvok? Tuvok!" 

* * * * 

Tom stepped off from the turbolift and strode along Deck Six's corridor. Recalling Harry's dash from the Bridge, he suspected that another practical joke was about to be plotted against Tuvok. Especially after the Vulcan had humiliated Harry on the Bridge. Tom intended to stop the Ops Chief, but a summons from Seven required his presence in Astrometrics. 

As he approached Holodeck Two, Tom found Voyager's Tactical Chief standing outside. "Tuvok," he exclaimed, "what are you doing here? Holodeck time already?" 

"I am here to . . ." A blood-curling scream from inside Holodeck Two interrupted Tuvok. Tom immediately recognized the voice. Harry. He rushed forward to enter the holodeck, but Tuvok grabbed hold of his arm and stopped him. "I would not, if I were you, Lieutenant. Ensign Kim is already in the middle of his holodeck recreation time." 

Tom frowned. "What are you saying? Harry never said anything about reserving time for the Holodeck, today." Another scream followed. Tom attempted to free himself from the Vulcan's grip. "Tuvok! Let me go! Harry's in trouble!" 

"I assure you that Mister Kim is in no danger. Especially since he is capable of moving ten times faster than the Tulak Desert worm," Tuvok responded. 

"Desert worm?" 

The Vulcan continued, "A common native of the Tulak Desert on Vulcan. Granted, its appearance may be considered intimidating at 12 feet long and its bite is dangerous," Tom glanced sharply at the older man, "but the worm does not pose any threat, due to its slow movement." A scream from inside the holodeck punctuated Tuvok's remarks. "Of course, there is more than one worm." 

Speechless, Tom found himself wondering how Harry ended up in a holographic simulation of a Vulcan desert. "I . . . uh, why would Harry . . .?" 

"Apparently, Ensign Kim had access to my new Vulcan survival course program," Tuvok replied. One of his brows quirked upward. "While attempting to access my Surak program." 

Tom blinked. "Survival course?" 

Tuvok nodded. "The ritual of Tal'loth. I took part in it long before I had participated in any survival course at the Academy. And since Ensign Kim seemed curious about my holodeck programs, I thought he would also enjoy the Tal'loth ritual." 

Tom stared at Tuvok. The latter's stoicism remained firmly in place. Yet, Tom thought he had detected a touch of smugness in the Vulcan's dark eyes. He finally understood. Tuvok had finally decided to teach Harry a lesson about practical jokes. 

A fourth scream emitted from inside the holodeck. Tom and Tuvok exchanged looks. "Exactly how long will Harry take part in this uh . . . survival course?" 

Tuvok's second brow formed an angle. "Unlike Seska, I have placed a time limit in the holodeck program." He paused. "At least three hours." 

Three hours in the Vulcan desert, dodging 12 feet long worms that can bite. Poor Harry. Tom shook his head and smiled. That ought to finally dampen his friend's penchant for practical jokes. 

The two officers walked away from Holodeck Two. Tom asked, "Say Tuvok, what if I had continued with the jokes. Would I be facing desert worms in the holodeck?" 

Dark eyes stared pointedly at Tom. "Do you really require an answer, Lieutenant?" 

Tom felt a wave of relief. "No," he said, shaking his head. "No, I don't." Thank God B'Elanna had weaned him off practical jokes. Then he added, "You know, I didn't realize that Vulcans were capable of revenge." 

Tuvok's brows rose higher. "I assure you, Lieutenant Paris, we are not. Revenge is an illogical and unnecessary trait. What Ensign Kim is experiencing is merely a lesson in respecting another's possessions." 

Tom allowed himself a smile. "Of course, Tuvok. Whatever you say." 


THE END

"SUICIDE SQUAD" (2016) Photo Gallery

Below are images from "SUICIDE SQUAD", the recent adaptation of the DC Comics series. Written and directed by David Ayer, the movie stars Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman and Viola Davis: 


"SUICIDE SQUAD" (2016) Photo Gallery

"I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU" (1951) Review

"I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU" (1951) Review

I have seen my share of time travel movies and television programs over the years. But I do not believe that I have never seen one as ethereal as the 1951 movie called "I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU". 

A second adaptation of John L. Balderston's 1927 play, which was an adaptation of Henry James' incomplete novel, "The Sense of the Past"; "I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU" told the story of an American nuclear physicist named Dr. Peter Standish, who is transported to London of the late 18th century. The story begins when a co-worker of Peter's with the British nuclear program, Dr. Roger Forsyth, expresses concern about the former's lack of social life. As the two become friends, Peter reveals that he had inherited an old house located at London's Berkeley Square by a distant relative. He also also reveals that he was a descendant of an American Tory who had immigrated to Britain after the Revolutionary War to marry a cousin named Kate Pettigrew. Not long after this revelation, a thunderstorm sends Peter back to 1784, where he takes the place of his late 18th century ancestor, the other Peter Standish.

However, once 20th century Peter settles into his new life, he is struck by a series of surprises. One, he finds himself slowly falling in love with his fiancée's younger sister, Helen Pettigrew. Peter discovers that Georgian era London is not the paradise he had assumed it to be for years. He also realizes that his occasional lapses of judgment, in which he uses modern day language and revealing information he could not have known if he had actually grown up in the 18th century. Peter's occasional lapses and his feelings for Helen lead to growing antagonism toward him from not only his fiancée Kate, but also from Mr. Throstle, the man to whom Helen had been promised; leading to potential disaster for him.

I am usually a big fan of time travel movies. But if I must be honest, my reason for watching "I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU" stemmed from sheer curiosity and nothing else. I never really thought I would be impressed by this movie. And I was . . . much to my surprise. Mind you, the film's method of time travel - a bolt of lightning - struck me as unrealistic, even from a fictional point of view. There was no machine or vehicle like a Delorean to channel the energy from that bolt of lightning. Instead, the Peter Standish was struck by lightning and transported some 160 years back to the past. That he survived being struck is a miracle.

Nevertheless, I still enjoyed "I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU" very much. At its heart, the movie featured two genres - time traveling and romance. And both seemed to intertwine perfectly, thanks to director Roy Ward Baker, who directed the 1958 classic, "A NIGHT TO REMEMBER". There have been time travel movies in which the protagonists are slightly taken aback by the "primative" conditions of the time period in which they end up. But I found Peter Standing's reaction to the reality of 18th century London rather enjoyable on a perverse level. I found it satisfying to watch him come to the realization that 1784 London was not the social paradise that he had assumed it was. "I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU" is also one of the rare works of fiction that pointed out the lack of decent hygiene that permeated Western society before the 20th century. Between Peter's disgust at London society's array of body odors and their bafflement at his habit of a daily bath, I was nearly rolling on the floor with laughter. But more importantly, "I'LL NEVER FORGET" is a poignant love story between Peter and Helen. What made it very satisfying for me is that Helen was the only one who seemed to have a bead on Peter's personality. More importantly, she seemed to be interested in Peter's comments about the future, instead of repelled by them. 

But what really made the romance between Peter Standing and Helen Pettigrew worked were the performances of the two leads, Tyrone Power and Ann Blyth. Thanks to their intelligent and subtle performances, they made Peter and Helen's love story believable. I was surprised that Michael Rennie had such a small screen presence in the movie, considering that he had received third billing. Nevertheless, I thought he gave a pretty good performance as Peter's 20th century friend and colleague, Dr. Roger Forsyth. Another performance that caught my attention came from Dennis Price, who gave a very entertaining performance as Helen and Kate's brother, a dye-in-the-wool late 18th century cad, Tom Pettigrew. Kathleen Byron gave an energetic and brief performance as Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire. The movie also featured solid performances from Beatrice Campbell, Raymond Huntley and Irene Browne, who not only portrayed the Pettigrew matriarch in this film, but also in the 1933 version, "BERKELEY SQUARE".

Although I found the mode of time travel rather implausible - being struck by lightning, I must admit that I enjoyed "I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU". In fact, I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. And I have to thank Ranald MacDougall's adaptation of John L. Balderston's play, intelligent performances from a cast led by Tyrone Power and Ann Blyth, and more importantly, intelligent and subtle direction from Roy Ward Baker.

"POLDARK" Series One (2015): Episodes Five to Eight

"POLDARK" SERIES ONE (2015): EPISODES FIVE TO EIGHT

Within the past year, I had developed a major interest in author Winston Graham's 1945-2002 "POLDARK" literary saga and the two television adaptations of it. Series One of the second adaptation produced by Debbie Horsfield, premiered on the BBC (in Great Britain) and PBS (in the United States) last year. Consisting of eight episodes, Series One of "POLDARK" was an adaptation of 1945's "Ross Poldark - A Novel of Cornwall, 1783-1787" and "Demelza - A Novel of Cornwall, 1788-1790". Whereas Episodes One to Four adapted the 1945 novel, Episodes Five to Eight adapted the 1946 novel. 

Episode Four left off with the death of Ross Poldark's uncle, Charles; leaving Trenwith, the family's premiere estate, in the hands of his cousin Francis. Ross' former kitchen maid and new bride, Demelza Carne Poldark, formed a friendship with Francis' sister Verity and accompanied Ross to a rather tense Christmas celebration at Trenwith, which was further marred by an unexpected appearance of the noveau-riche Warleggan family and friends. Ross also learned that copper had been discovered inside his mine and that Demelza had become pregnant with their first child.

Episode Five began several months later with the arrival of a traveling theater company that includes a young actress named Keren, who attracts the attention of miner Mark Daniels. The episode also marked the arrival of two other players - Dwight Enys, a former British Army officer and doctor, who happens to be a former comrade of Ross'; and young Julia Poldark, whose birth interrupted her parents' enjoyment of the traveling theater company's performance. The four episodes featured a good number of events and changes in Ross Poldark's life. Julia's birth led to a riotous christening in which he and Demelza had to deal with unexpected guests. Francis lost his fortune and his mine to George Warleggan's cousin Matthew Sanson at a gaming party. Ross learned that his former employee Jim Carter was seriously ill at the Bodomin Jail and tried to rescue the latter with Dwight Enys' help. The tragic consequences of their attempt led to Ross' ill nature at the Warleggan's ball. Dwight drifted into an affair with Keren Daniels, with tragic results. 

Ross and several other mine owners created the Carnmore Copper Company in an effort to break the Warleggans' stranglehold on the mineral smelting business, while Demelza plotted to resurrect her cousin-in-law Verity Poldark's romance with Captain Andrew Blamey. The success of her efforts led to an estrangement between Ross and Frances. Demelza's matchmaking also led to financial disaster for her husband's new business venture. A Putrid's Throat epidemic struck the neighborhood, affecting Francis, Elizabeth and their son Geoffrey Charles. Not long after Demelza had nursed them back to health, both she and Julia were stricken by disease. The season ended with a series of tragic and tumultuous events. Although Demelza recovered, Julia succumbed to Putrid's Throat. The Warleggans' merchant ship wrecked off the coast of Poldark land and Ross alerted locals like Jud and Prudie Paynter to salvage any goods that wash up on the shore. This "salvaging" led to violence between those on Poldark lands and neighboring miners and later, both against local military troops. One of the victims of the shipwreck turned out to be the Warleggans' cousin, Matthew Sanson. After Ross insulted Sanson's death in George Warleggan's face, the season ended with the latter arranging for Ross' arrest for inciting the riot.

I must admit that I liked these next four episodes a bit more than I did the first quartet. Do not get me wrong. I enjoyed those first episodes very much. But Episodes Five to Eight not only deepened the saga - naturally, considering a they were continuation of the first four - but also expanded the world of Ross Poldark. 

One of the aspects of Series One's second half that caught both my attention and my admiration was the production's continuing portrayal of Britain's declining economic situation during the late 18th century . . . especially for the working class. Both Episodes Five and Seven featured brief scenes that conveyed this situation. In Episode Five; Ross, Demelza and Verity encounter a starving family on the road to Turo, begging for food or money. A second brief scene in Episode Seven featured Demelza baking bread and later, dispersing it to the neighborhood's starving poor. However, the series also featured bigger scenes that really drove home the dire economic situation. Upon reaching Truro in Episode Five, both Demelza and Verity witnessed a riot that broke out between working-class locals and the militia when the former tried to access the grain stored inside Matthew Sanson's warehouse. I found the sequence well shot by director William McGregor. The latter also did an excellent job in the sequence that featured locals like the Paynters ransacking much needed food and other goods that washed ashore from the Warleggans' wrecked ship. I was especially impressed by how the entire sequence segued from Ross wallowing in a state of grief over his daughter's death before spotting the shipwreck to the militia's violent attempt to put down the riot that had developed between the tenants and miners on Ross' land and locals from other community. 

Even the upper-classes have felt the pinch of economic decline, due to the closing and loses of mines across the region and being in debt to bankers like the Warleggans. Following the discovery of copper inside his family's mine in Episode Four, Ross seemed destined to avoid such destitution. Not only was he able to afford a new gown and jewels for Demelza to wear at the Warleggan ball in Episode Six, he used his profits from the mine to create a smelting company - the Carnmore Copper Company - with the assistance of other shareholders in an effort to break the Warleggans' monopoly on the local mining industry. One cannot say the same for his cousin Francis, who continued to skirt on the edge of debt, following his father's death. Unfortunately, Francis wasted a good deal of his money on gambling and presents for the local prostitute named Margaret. In a scene that was not in the novel, but I found both enjoyable and very effective, he lost both his remaining fortune and his mine, Wheal Grambler, to the Warleggans' cousin, Matthew Sanson, at a gaming party. But this was not the end of the sequence. Thanks to director William McGregor and Horsfield's script. The sequence became even more fascinating once the Poldarks at Trenwith learned of Francis' loss, especially Elizabeth. And it ended on a dramatic level with Francis being forced to officially close Wheal Grambler in front a crowd. I realize the sequence was not featured in Graham's novel, but if I must be honest; I thought Horsfield's changes really added a good deal of drama to this turn of events. Not only did McGregor shot this sequence rather well, I really have to give kudos to Kyle Soller, who did an excellent job in portraying Francis at his nadir in this situation; and Heida Reed, who did such a superb job conveying the end of Elizabeth's patience with her wayward husband with a slight change in voice tone, body language and expression.

I was also impressed by other scenes in Series One's second half. The christening for Ross and Demelza's new daughter, Julia, provided some rather hilarious moments as their upper-crust neighbors met Demelza's religious fanatic of a father and stepmother. Thanks to Harriet Ballard and Mark Frost's performances, I especially enjoyed the confrontation between the snobbish Ruth Treneglos and the blunt Mark Carne. It was a blast. Ross and Dwight's ill-fated rescue of a seriously ill Jim Carter from the Bodmin Jail was filled with both tension and tragedy. Tension also marked the tone in one scene which one of the Warleggans' minions become aware of the newly formed Carnmore Copper Company during a bidding session. Another scene that caught my interest featured George Warleggan's successful attempt at manipulating a very angry Francis into revealing the names of shareholders in Ross' new cooperative . . . especially after the latter learned about his sister Verity's elopement with Andrew Blamey. Both Soller and Jack Farthing gave excellent and subtle performances in this scene. Once again, McGregor displayed a talent for directing large scenes in his handling of the sequence that featured the wreck of the Warleggans' ship, the Queen Charlotte, and both the looting and riot on the beach that followed. Series One ended on a dismal note with Ross and Demelza dealing with the aftermath of young Julia's death and Ross' arrest by the militia for leading the beach riot. Although I found the latter scene a bit of a throwaway, I was impressed by the scene featuring a grieving Ross and Demelza, thanks to the excellent performances from series leads, Aidan Turner and Elinor Tomlinson. 

If there is one sequence that I really enjoyed in Series One of "POLDARK", it was the Warleggan ball featured in Episode Six. Ironically, not many people enjoyed it. They seemed put out by Ross' boorish behavior. I enjoyed it. Ross seemed in danger of becoming a Gary Stu by this point. I thought it was time that audiences saw how unpleasant he can be. And Turner did such an excellent job in conveying that aspect of Ross' personality. He also got the chance to verbally cross swords with Robin Ellis' Reverend Dr. Halse for the second time. Frankly, it was one of the most enjoyable moments in the series, so far. Both Turner and Ellis really should consider doing another project together. The segment ended with not only an argument between Ross and Demelza that I found enjoyable, but also a rather tense card game between "our hero" and the Warleggans' cousin Matthew Sanson that seemed enriched by performances from both Turner and Jason Thorpe.

I wish I had nothing further to say about Episodes to Eight of Series One. I really do. But . . . well, the episodes featured a good number of things to complain about. One, there were two sequences in which Horsfield and McGregor tried to utilize two scenes by showing them simultaneously. Episode Seven featured a segment in which both Demelza and Elizabeth tried to prevent a quarrel between two men in separate scenes - at the same time. And Episode Eight featured a segment in which both Ross and Demelza tried to explain the circumstances of their financial downfall (the destruction of the Carnmore Copper Company and Verity Poldark's elopement) to each other via flashbacks . . . and at the same time. Either Horsfield was trying to be artistic or economic with the running time she had available. I do not know. However, I do feel that both sequences were clumsily handled and I hope that no such narrative device will be utilized in Series Two.

I have another minor quibble and it has to do with makeup for both Eleanor Tomlinson and Heida Reed. In Episode Eight, the characters for both actresses - Demelza Poldark and Elizabeth Poldark - had been stricken by Putrid's Throat. Both characters came within an inch of death. Yet . . . for the likes of me, I found the production's different handling of the makeup for both women upon their recovery from Putrid's Throat rather odd. Whereas Elizabeth looked as if she had recently recovered from a serious illness or death (extreme paleness and dark circles under the eyes), the slight reddish tints on Demelza's face made her looked as if she had recently recovered from a cold. Winston Graham's portrayal of Demelza has always struck me as a bit too idealized. In fact, she tends to come off as a borderline Mary Sue. And both the 1970s series and this recent production are just as guilty in their handling of Demelza's character. But this determination to make Demelza look beautiful - even while recovering from a near fatal illness - strikes me as completely ridiculous.

If there is one aspect of this second group of Series One's episodes that really troubled me, it was the portrayal of traveling actress Keren Smith Daniels and her affair with Dr. Dwight Enys. After viewing Debbie Horsfield's portrayal of the Keren Daniels character, I found myself wondering it Debbie Horsfield harbored some kind of whore/Madonna mentality. Why on earth did she portray Keren in such an unflattering and one-dimensional manner? Instead of delving into Keren's unsatisfaction as Mark Daniels' wife and treating her as a complex woman, Horsfield ended up portraying her as some one-dimensional hussy/adultress who saw Dwight as a stepping stone up the social ladder. Only in the final seconds of Keren's death was actress Sabrina Barlett able to convey the character's frustration with her life as a miner's wife. Worse, Horsfield changed the nature of Keren's death, by having Mark accidentally squeeze her to death during an altercation, instead of deliberately murdering her. Many had accused Horsfield of portraing Keren in this manner in order to justify Mark's killing of her, along with Ross and Demelza's decision to help him evade the law. Frankly, I agree. I find it distasteful that the portrayal of a character - especially a female character - was compromised to enrich the heroic image of the two leads - especially the leading man. Will this be the only instance of a supporting character being compromised for the sake of the leading character? Or was Horsfield's portrayal of Keren Daniels the first of such other unnecessary changes to come?

Despite my disppointment with the portrayal of the Keren Daniels character and her affair with Dwigh Enys and a few other aspects of the production, I had no problems with Episode Five to Eight of Series One for "POLDARK". If I must be honest, I enjoyed it slightly more than I did the first four episodes. With the adaptation of "Demelza - A Novel of Cornwall, 1788-1790" complete, I am curious to see how Debbie Horsfield and her production staff handle the adaptation of Winston Graham's next two novels in his literary series.