Where They've Gone Before ... and Funny as Ever

The Fox animated comedy Futurama no doubt already holds the prize for Star Trek references with last year's season finale "Where No Fan Has Gone Before." It would be hard to top that act, but the self-professed Trekkies who make this show came close last Sunday in an episode that evoked not only The Original Series, but every Trek since in ways both blatant and subtle.

Where to start... On top of the use of TOS sound effects such as the Red Alert klaxon and parodic dialog such as "Activate glass window," there is a scene where the green alien character Kif introduces his girlfriend Amy to the "Holo-Shed," which in its bare form looks exactly like a holodeck on Star Trek: The Next Generation or Star Trek: Voyager, complete with the hologrid and the futuristic exit doors. Kif tells Amy, "This is the Holo-Shed. It can simulate anything you desire. And nothing can hurt you ... except when it malfunctions and the holograms become real." Amy innocently replies, "Well, that probably won't happen this time."

But of course, it does, and what transpires seems like a cross between "The Savage Curtain" and "Elementary, Dear Data." The couple are attacked by holograms of Professor Moriarty, Jack the Ripper, Attila the Hun (not exactly Genghis Khan, but who can really tell the difference?) and "Evil Lincoln." Moriarty declares, "Right-o gents, it's another simulation gone mad, so murder and mayhem, standard procedure!"

After the crew — who are onboard Zapp Brannigan's ship, the Nimbus (possibly a reference to the Paradise City planet in "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier"?) — survive the ensuing mayhem, they are treated in the "Sick Bay & Horta Burn Clinic" by a Dr. McCoy take-off using a TOS-style medical tricorder. The doctor announces that Kif — a male — is pregnant. Kif's explanation: "When one of my species experiences deep feelings of love, we enter a so-called 'receptive state' ... At that point, our skin becomes a semi-permeable membrane which allows the passage of genetic material. I held Amy's hand, and... voilà." Sound familiar? An "Unexpected" Trip Tucker reference?

Then Kif returns to his homeworld to perform the ancient birthing rites in a sequence reminiscent of "Amok Time" blended with Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's "The Begotten" (when Kira underwent her own birthing rite). The ceremony is officiated by a "Grand Midwife" who seems like a cross between Yoda and T'Pau.

If you missed the episode, ask around — surely someone you know taped it. (And if you can add to this report, please do so in the Star Trek message boards!)

The Shatnerian Method Strikes Again

You never really expect to catch allusions to Star Trek in a mainstream sitcom, but then again, what comic performer can resist doing an over-the-top William Shatner impression every now and then? In last Thursday's Will & Grace on NBC, Jack (Sean Hayes) signs himself and Will (Eric McCormack) up for a gay soccer team. On the field, the team leader approaches and introduces himself. "I'm Kirk, the captain," he says. Will responds, "Oh, so you're, uh... Captain Kirk." "Right." Then in really exaggerated Shatnerian form, gestures and all, Will remarks, "Who do we play first, the Romulans, or the Klingons?"

"Captain Kirk" just glares at him and ignores the comment.

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