Posted:
16:21:14 on July 11 2001
By: Steve Krutzler
Dept: TrekWeb Features
TrekWeb Product Reviews
Star Trek: The Next Generation
2002 Calendar
Written for TrekWeb by Antony F
PocketBooks certainly likes to get an early start on the calendars for the following year, and the 2002 calendars are certainly no exception, with the Star Trek line being released in June. There’s one for each of the four series, the recently added Ships of the Line calendar and the Stardate desk calendar to boot. It’s actually in 2001 that The Next Generation passes a sad milestone, having been off the air longer than it was on the air. So it’s fitting that I review the TNG calendar released this year, to adorn your wall in 2002.
TNG calendars have been dividing themselves between the movies and the series over the years. When a movie came out, the following calendar was dedicated to that film. The next year, it would go back to the mix of shots. As Insurrection received 2000’s calendar, it’s went back to the mix with 2001 and continues the mix with this, the 2002 calendar.
I actually feel the TNG calendars have lost some of their charm over the years. Instead of relying more on key moments in the episodes, they started to become more posed shots. Just a shot of Beverly looking concerned, was never as compelling as seeing more than one character in a pivotal moment. Although this trend continues to a certain extent, I do feel the 2002 calendar has recaptured the essence of TNG more successfully than previous editions, with a few notable pictures. The thumbnailed view on the back of the calendar doesn’t do some of its content justice. At first glance, it’s another collection of generic shots. However, the cropping is somewhat deceptive of what lies within.
Probably the best of the calendar is March, a striking shot of Data set against the Enterprise painting in the ready room. Another good month is May, with Riker at the poker table. Both have an artistic flair, and more importantly capture both characters just how we remember them.
There’s also some attention to the earlier seasons, which is very much welcome, and adds balance. It’s all very easy to focus on the “better years” (I say subjectively), so it’s nice that earlier seasons aren’t ignored. We have an impressive Dixon Hill shot, a season two picture from “Time Squared”, and a season two cast shot. This is especially good because it has Doctor Pulaski in it. Pulaski was a wonderful character, and so often ignored. It’s not a picture with her in particular, but it’s good to see her included none the less.
There are, however, several unimpressive months. January is a shot from “Descent”. It’s probably the most disappointing, as we’ve seen the image many times, and it’s not very special. Others are rather standard fare, such as Deanna, Beverly and a foot in July. They even cheat in October, with of Deanna from Voyager’s “Pathfinder.” She may be a TNG cast member, but I think this is taking liberties (but some may argue that this acknowledges the fact that TNG continues to live on)!
The front cover is an impressive shot of the Enterprise-D coming out of a starbase, and the actual design of the calendar itself inside is smart, if not very functional. There’s little room to write any notes on the calendar. But I’m sure many feel like myself, that writing on a Trek calendar is a bit of a taboo anyway. If you are wanting functionality, this may not be your thing.
So, it’s a good calendar all in all. I still think there is room for some more variety in the types of images used. Instead of just showing people standing doing nothing in particular, I’d like to see more pictures from the best moments. Images from popular episodes such as “Best of Both Worlds” and “Yesterday’s Enterprise” wouldn’t go unappreciated. However, it still has some impressive shots, such as the one of Data in April. With the next calendar probably devoted to Trek X, this may be your last burst of TNG memories for a couple of years. I think if you’re a TNG fan, you certainly won’t be disappointed with this calendar. It’s a worthy, if not entirely imaginative, addition to anyone’s wall.
