The Star Trek The Next Generation Episode That Has Never Aired Unedited In Ireland

Season 3, Episode 12 “The High Ground” of TNG features Dr. Beverly Crusher taken hostage by a warring faction on a planet. It’s a pretty interesting episode, all things considered, and even features somewhat rare action scenes for Captain Picard.

There are some politics in it, however, that refer to a unification pact in 2024 that remain controversial, some 30 years after the episode originally aired in 1990.

According to a 2007 BBC report, at the time the episode had “never been shown on terrestrial TV in UK or in the Republic of Ireland and initial airings on Sky One were edited”. Entertainment.ie corroborates assertions that the episode was rarely broadcast in the United Kingdom and Ireland, noting: “the BBC specifically pulled the episode on its first-run transmission in 1990,” and that RTE, the broadcast organization in Ireland “reportedly never screened the episode”, even by 2020.

A Classic ‘Star Trek: TNG’ Episode Was Banned Overseas | Heavy.com

The title of this post is a bit deceptive considering streaming and physical media options are available to see the original episode uncut. At least, I think it can be purchased regionally without the editing. Please use the comments to tell me differently.

On our recent vacation, we encountered a full-size sit down Star Trek Next Generation slot machine, pictured atop this post. It was one of the first slot machines we saw when we exited the plane at the Vegas airport. It was also at South Point casino, the first casino we visited on our trip. Tight machine for us, anyway. We didn’t really care for it.

Star Trek has always been a little political, similar to how the original Twilight Zone commented on current events but in a fantasy and sometimes science fiction setting. Also some of the technology displayed on early Star Trek has become a reality. It’s part of what makes the property endearing through time that it was forward looking.

No idea if Ireland will ever do what Data said happened in 2024, nor do I really want to get into those politics here — I’m just not that informed on the conflict to discuss it intelligently or openly — but do find this element of Trek storytelling compelling. Alternate reality stories can be very interesting, especially if/when they come true.

Some episodes of the original series were also edited notes the article. “The High Ground” isn’t one of my most favorite STNG episodes, it’s probably somewhere in the middle, but the first three seasons of TNG are my most favorite and most watched, other than a few episodes from seasons 4-7 (the Borg cliffhanger conclusion, of course!). I liked “Relics” featuring Scotty and “The First Duty” in season 5.

Do you have any favorite Star Trek Next Generation episodes that you rewatch periodically?

Lynda Carter First Starred as Wonder Woman on 11/7/1975, Kamala “Momala” Harris Declared First Ever Female Vice President-Elect 45 years later

Let’s set aside President Trump’s current legal challenges to the election results in multiple battleground states for a moment and focus on something exciting and historic.

On Saturday November 7, the AP and consequently multiple other news agencies called the presidential election for former Vice President Joe Biden.

A curious coincidence that Lynda Carter aptly pointed out: she first starred as Wonder Woman in the pilot for the popular TV series exactly 45 years ago on November 7, 1975.

Carter also wrote of Harris becoming the first female vice president in U.S. history, “Beyond thrilled for my friend @KamalaHarris, who has fought for progress and justice for so long. A true stateswoman, she will show us all the things a VP is supposed to be.”

Lynda Carter Celebrates Kamala Harris By Noting 45th Anniversary of ‘Wonder Woman’ TV Premiere | Hollywood Reporter

I’ve been wanting to see more women in the highest political positions for years and this is one step for women closer to the presidency. In fact, if Biden should die during his time in office, which isn’t exactly a far stretch considering he will be the oldest president ever, then Kamala Harris will become the president.

I’d rather see a woman elected president than be awarded the position under 25th Amendment circumstances, but a win for women is a win.

Congratulations to “Momala” Harris, as she’s lovingly referred to by her family.

Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris explains what it means to be “Momala”

Kamala Harris will provide a number of firsts in the White House, and it’s time these barriers fall for women. It will be good to see a man stand by his woman vs. the opposite. Women can and very much should be just as eligible for any elected political position.

And Now We Wait, Election Day Now Extended To Plural DAYS

Early morning on election day 11/3, ballot has been cast and delivered to the ballot box

This presidential election is turning into a bit like a Martin Scorsese film run time: going longer than it probably should.

For those who voted for Biden or Trump, there remains no closure yet. No ending. The run time continues …

Like many others across America, we watched the massive amount of election coverage last night and on a positive note: we were excited that so many voted. Whichever way you voted, it’s the fact that you voted that is awesome. Increased turnout is a very exciting thing to see!

Now, on the not so positive front: a result remains in a waiting pattern for votes to be counted in multiple states. It’s reminiscent of 2000 only it’s happening in more than one state.

Worse, when I turned on the news this morning the words, “lawyers are in the air flying everywhere” this is exactly what we don’t need in this country (see: PLEASE NO CONTESTED RESULT — Whether Trump or Biden Wins Election 2020, We Need a Definitive Result). Am hopeful that once these votes are counted — and all eligible votes must be counted — a definitive result will present itself avoiding activity from these “flying” lawyers.

Emphasis on hopeful, because 2000 Bush vs. Gore and the whole hanging chad and Florida voting controversy is not something this country wants or needs in 2020. We don’t need multiple states with recounts, but there is a possibility we’re headed this direction.

Two of three battleground states being promoted as keys to watch for President Trump have been settled: North Carolina, Florida and Ohio with only North Carolina in the “still counting votes” waiting mode. That seems to be leaning toward President Trump as of this writing, but even if he carries that he still doesn’t have 270

Longtime GOP pollster and political strategist Frank Luntz told CNBC on Tuesday he will be closely watching the results in North Carolina, Florida and Ohio, describing the trio of states as key bellwethers in determining the election outcome between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden. “If Donald Trump wins all three of them, he’s going to be in this,” Luntz said on “Squawk Box,”

GOP pollster Frank Luntz: Trump-Biden race comes down to 3 states

Unfortunately, most of us in America and probably some in other countries are watching this unfold more than movies.

Again, as said in my other post linked above, I just want a definitive outcome — if that’s for Biden or Trump, either way. Disputed anything outcomes suck. Badly. They will drag this on and we’ll be all too glad to unplug and go back to watching more movies. At least movies have endings. They might not be great endings in some case, but you watch for 90 minutes or so and you see a story played out.

From a purely technology standpoint, I don’t understand how elections can’t be resolved in a single day in 2020. These aren’t horse and buggy times, we are on the edge of self-driving vehicles that can drive anywhere safely and efficiently. I recognize and appreciate this is a challenging year with unusual circumstances — and many ballots are being mail-in vs. voting in person — and am sending out positive vibes to the hard working men and women counting votes and doing the best with their jobs in these polling places.

PLEASE NO CONTESTED RESULT — Whether Trump or Biden Wins Election 2020, We Need a Definitive Result

Just sealed envelope and will take to the ballot box in the morning, long before the deadline.

Don’t worry, I’m not going to get into who I’m voting for, nor asking you what your vote was. This site is about movies and TV shows, but there is an entertainment angle to this election that will be played out on TV that’s worth exploring. At least in a post or two, before we return to regular business.

For the record, I don’t believe the current polls are accurate.

I believed them in 2016 and was shocked, so this time around I’m going the converse: don’t believe them.

I simply don’t think Biden is ahead a little bit. He’s either ahead a lot more than the poll results say or Trump is a little ahead and nobody in the media wants to report that. Trump could also be way ahead and that would make the polls wrong. Biden could be way ahead, also, and that would make them wrong, too.

Whether or not President Trump is reelected isn’t what this post is about, it’s the drama that exists between the two possible outcomes and played out on multiple news broadcasts. on election day and beyond. This sort of political theater, at least once every four years is entertaining to watch. I think this year might be the most entertaining election coverage since I’ve followed … but I worry about an ending to the story.

Will we get an ending?

Here’s what I hope happens: a definitive outcome one way or the other. If Biden wins big, good, then President Trump better accept the loss gracefully. Biden already said in one of the debates he would accept the results if he lost and I believe he will.

For the sake and dignity of our country, whichever one wins, please to the other support the peaceful transfer of power. Please. We don’t need some super close contested results that drags on for days, weeks or … gasp —

Months.

Not knowing who the President of the United States will be is the unacceptable outcome. Will admit I fear that will be the outcome … at least for a little while.

I’ll be tuning in on Tuesday to follow the coverage, curious to see if the pundits are right or wrong, but hoping to find some definitive result.

I like that David Letterman is picking one side to win “big.” If the other side wins big, that’s OK with me, too. Just give us a “big” result one way or the other so we know what’s going to happen and who’s going to be the president the next four years.

I believe he will lose it big, and it will be a relief to every living being in this country, whether they realize it now or not. It certainly will be a relief to me and my family, and I think generally the population. I’m more confident now than I was then, and I was pretty confident then. I was wrong. I don’t think I’ll be wrong this time.

Interview: David Letterman on Trump and 2020 Election

Fellow American readers, whichever candidate you voted for — and I’m not asking to know but you’re welcome to share below if you want — I hope your candidate wins big.

I’ll accept either winner, although I have my favorite — and no, I’m not going to share who that is — I just hope he wins big. Biden or Trump, just win big already so we don’t have to hear about a deadlock over contested election results. That would just add insult to the pandemic injury.

Do you hope the result is undisputed? Hopefully, we’ll find out soon enough.

The Shocking, Viral Star of Last Night’s Vice Presidential Debate? The Fly!

The Fly ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

Seth Brundle for Vice President? Who needs the Republicans and Democrats, a new mutant cross-pollination of human and insect should be put in power.

(come on, you know I’m joking)

David Cronenberg outdid himself with the remake of The Fly. I know, recently I said harsh things about remakes. I hate most of them, yes I do, but they aren’t all bad. This is one of a small few exceptions. Geena Davis and Jeff Goldblum, that movie is just off the charts good.

And then there’s the Vice Presidential debate last night and the star wasn’t Mike Pence or Kamala Harris, it’s the fly that buzzed in and landed on Pence’s head for an inordinate amount of time. I mean, really, politics aside, this was spellbinding TV.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who I haven’t seen in Veep yet (but hated her in Downhill) makes an astute observation below. I’m now more interested in Veep, the show has risen up my watchlist, purely because she put spotlight on the genius of the fly.

Veep star Julia Louis-Dreyfus reacted to a moment in the Vice Presidential debate when a fly landed on Vice President Mike Pence’s head: “I really wish we had thought of this.”

Julia Louis-Dreyfus Has the Best Response to Fly Landing on Mike Pence – E! Online

The fly on Pence’s head has gone viral and, thank you for a good laugh!

A lot of things make this funny. When you think about politics, pretty much everybody agrees it’s a dirty racket. Flies are filthy, nasty creatures and you usually notice a fly landing on you, particularly on your head. Vice President Pence doesn’t seem to notice or care as he’s talking in the debate. It just lands on his head and steals the screentime and focus of viewers while he just keeps talking.

Flies are disgusting, indeed. They literally reproduce in excrement, rotting food and garbage.

 “are flies dangerous?” They seem innocuous enough and flies themselves don’t physically harm you; very few flies will bite or sting, especially not the flies we come into contact on a regular basis here in Wisconsin. But cluster flies, house flies and stable flies (among others) are known for spreading at least 200 known pathogens and parasites to humans; so the answer is yes – flies are dangerous! 

WHY FLIES ARE A DANGEROUS PEST

Nasty. Which just adds to the entertainment value of the spectacle. Credit the Biden campaign for seizing on the moment and branding a fly swatter.

Swats away flies and lies. Get yours today: https://t.co/ehsECKfDPO pic.twitter.com/oVLHHmq85c

— Team Joe (Text JOE to 30330) (@TeamJoe) October 8, 2020

Apparently they sold over 15,000 of these following last night’s debate, lol! It’s a certainty that an SNL skit this weekend is coming based on this fly encounter.

Professor’s election prediction invokes memory of Ivan Drago’s, “You will lose” speech for President Trump

November is coming and everybody knows we’re in a presidential election year.

My headline is joking. I am the one invoking Ivan Drago’s famous line from Rocky IV in regards to this professor’s prediction that we’ll get to shortly. Why? It’s the movie line that shot through my brain the minute I read the quoted piece.

Apollo Creed was confident, sporting his Uncle Sam garb … but the Russian Drago wasn’t in the mood

Who the United States President is may tangentially impact the entertainment business. President Trump, though his vibrant and arguably reckless Twitter use has been like watching a four year long movie. Some believe he’s made things worse, some think it’s better, most of us wish he’d be a better leader of the free world. I think everybody agrees the guy has been too controversial.

Has Trump earned another term in office? I don’t want to veer too deeply into politics here, as it’s not what we’re about, but I found this well known professor’s election prediction a bit premature — even though we’re only a few months from the election. After all, Joe Biden hasn’t picked a VP candidate (he has to pick one by August 17) and we haven’t seen a debate between the candidates yet.

Susan Rice, considered a strong contender, recently sold roughly $300,000 worth of her Netflix stock:

“Ambassador Rice’s sale of a fraction of her Netflix stock has nothing to do with VP speculation,” her spokesperson, Erin Pelton, said in a statement. “She filed a stock plan pursuant to SEC regulations over three months ago.”

Susan Rice Sells Netflix Shares Days Before Joe Biden Chooses Running Mate

Then again, we have four years of the sitting president to review. Plenty of time to see what kind of job President Trump has done.

Current polls mostly favor Biden winning, depending on how reliable you feel these polls are. A lot of people are counting Trump out, just as was the case versus Clinton in 2016. Whether or not you like Trump, the odds historically are against a sitting president earning reelection, especially when we pile on a struggling economy, high unemployment and the pandemic.

I’m not about to lobby for who anybody should vote for or against on this blog. I’d rather discuss whether or not Rocky should have thrown in that towel for Apollo Creed. He should have, by the way. Duke told him to throw that towel. Duke knows all.

But, curiously, will Professor Lichtman’s prediction be correct in November? Sounds like his only failed election results prediction was Al Gore in 2000. We all remember that debacle.

History professor Allan Lichtman is used to being right. He has correctly predicted the winner of each presidential race since Ronald Reagan’s reelection victory in 1984 using his “13 keys” system. (It’s worth mentioning that in 2000, Lichtman predicted that Al Gore would win the election. Although Gore won the popular vote, he ultimately lost the presidency to George W. Bush after the Supreme Court ruled to stop the recount for Florida’s electoral votes. Lichtman stands by validity of his prediction.)

Allan Lichtman, who has accurately predicted every election since 1984, says Trump will lose in 2020 – CNN

Again, without getting too political, what do you think of this prediction? Is it premature? Do you think Lichtman’s prediction will be correct?

Personally, I don’t know who I’m voting for in November yet. I don’t vote strictly Republican or Democrat, I’m one of those pick who I think will do the best job voters. I disagree politically with both sides on several issues, but that’s not the point.

I wish there was a third option instead of Biden or Trump. Both of them have many drawbacks. There were some promising Democratic candidates and somehow the nod went to Biden. Why him? Why couldn’t we have gotten one of the other predominantly female candidates facing off against Trump?

I think the country is ready for a woman to be President. Why not? We’ve had plenty of old men, some younger men and even one African American man. It’s time to give the right woman the job. Not that sex should make any difference, I’m not arguing that as the only qualification, but it seems very wrong to me that after 44 presidents and hundreds of years there wasn’t at least one woman candidate who deserved the job. Of course there was, but she was never put on the ballot.

Alas, November is coming.

Will Ivan Drago be right? Will Trump lose?

It seems like we’re going to be forced to vote on who won’t do the worst job over the next four years, not who will do the best. Again.