My favourite beers (updated)

O.K., I have to update the list of my five favourite beers after finally discovering the wonder that is Fuller’s Extra Special Bitter:

1. Innis & Gunn Original
2. Fuller’s ESB
3. Leffe Blonde
4. Guinness
5. Tennent’s

Honourable mentions:

• Steam Whistle
• Keith’s Red
• Blanche de Chambly
• Beau’s

I might also be adding Innis & Gunn Blonde to the list shortly: I’m sipping my first one right now, and really enjoying that hint of caramel that Darren noted on a Blog o’ Beer post.

The Galileo Seven

It was interesting, watching this episode so close to The Conscience of the King: Spock’s logical choice of who to leave behind (versus drawing lots) was similar to Kodos’ justification for the executions.

I also noted fairly early on — when Spock and McCoy were around back of the shuttlecraft — the difference between McCoy’s comments about command and Spock’s actions: it turned out to be the theme of the episode, as, at the crucial moment of the creature attacking the shuttlecraft, Spock openly questions how what is logically correct continues to lead them astray. It was clear that his actions weren’t appreciated long before this, but I particularly liked Yeoman Mears‘ line of some inspiration would be nice, or some such. :-)

My other notes follow:

• I thought the service for Latimer was a bit premature, but Spock was needlessly callous about it; particularly when it seemed he might even leave the body for the creature.
• Spock’s look upon finding Gaetano’s body was priceless! As if to say, “Well, this is inconvenient.” :-)
• A Zefram Cochrane (from First Contact) sort of move, that fuel burn.
• I loved how Kirk couldn’t speak for a moment upon learning that five crewmen had been beamed aboard alive.

The Conscience of the King and Balance of Terror

First, my notes on The Conscience…:

• Ah, the life of a starship captain: “I’m beaming back down” — for a cocktail party! :-)
• Spock was hilarious during the “pick-up” scene: first, with wondering how Kirk knew that Lenore was beaming aboard, and then with his eyebrows when Kirk hinted at quoting Starfleet regulations to her.
• Did she just ask Kirk if he was throbbing? :-D Ahem… Sorry, high-school moment.
• I really like it when Uhura sings.
• I loved that scene in Karidian’s quarters: “I AM TIRED!” I had my doubts about Moss in the opening scene, but by this time I was thoroughly enjoying both his and Barbara Anderson’s performances.
• Lenore’s collapse was both terrible and beautiful.

I really enjoyed Balance of Terror; I think it was an even better battle than Khan’s last stand in Star Trek II:

• The unseen Romulans; great opening.
• Spock’s hint of a smile as the Romulan commander was revealed was pure gold. Mark Lenard was immediately recognizable.
• The Romulan ship’s paint-job was awesome! Of all the references to birds of prey over the years, this was the best!
• The reference to Centurion got me thinking about the Roman Empire. Upon reflection, it’s clear that that’s just one of many with regard to the Romulans.
• As I said, the battle was fantastic. The moments of silence reminded me of the submarine warfare I’ve seen dramatized.
• The conversation between Kirk and Bones as Kirk gets up from his rest was great: it reminded me of the pilot footage of Pike talking about retiring with his doctor.