The Orbital Defense Grid

This is something somewhat different today, because unlike many of my recent posts which usually tie-in or are in someway tangentially related to upcoming and current movies and films or comic events....this one doesn't have much to do with anything outside the MC2. Unless I'm mistaken (and feel free to correct me) this is a wholly original MC2 concept: The Orbital Defense Grid.

 A collection of satellites positioned in orbit around the planet Earth, the Orbital Defense Grid comes equipped with long-range sensory instrumentation and offensive weaponry capabilities allowing it to detect and destroy incoming space debris, extraterrestrial spacecraft and various other threats to the planet from outer space (A-Next #2, Spider-Girl #34, #46, #86).

We learn a little history behind the Orbital Defense Grid in A-Next #2 when Mainframe off-handedly mentions the Orbital Defense Grid was erected years prior when the government was convinced by the events of the mysterious 'Skrull Incident'. We also learn in Last Planet Standing #2 that Reed Richards helped design the Orbital Defense Grid.

It's worth mentioning that on occasion the Orbital Defense Grid seems to be referred to using different names  and there is also one instance where the speaker may, in fact be referring to an entirely different satellite. The only potential reference to appear in either Fantastic Five series comes from Fantastic Five (vol. 1) #1 when Johnny Storm mentions having downloaded images from the team's 'new Safeguard Satellite'. However, aside from this one example, I believe all other mentions to defensive satellites protecting the Earth are referring to the Orbital Defense Grid.

With all of that out of the way, let's take a look at the various appearances and mentions of the Orbital Defense Grid throughout the MC2. The Orbital Defense Grid first appears to in A-Next #2 when it detects the approach of a Kree spacecraft and fires upon it, resulting in the craft splitting into two before crashing into the Washington National Park.

Following the return of hero spider-powers, May 'Mayday' Parker and her father visit the Fantastic Five for a full check-up. The check-up is interrupted when Lyja spots an alien vessel on long-range space scanners. Lyja calculates the unidentified alien spacecraft will be within range of the planet's Orbital Defense Grid. The team sets out to determine the alien's intentions and potentially avoid a misunderstanding (Spider-Girl #34).

The Fantastic Five are again involved when the Orbital Defense Grid destroys the meteor swarm concealing Apox the Omega Skrull on his approach to Earth. However, the Grid isn't powerful enough to prevent the Skrull from reaching the Fantastic Five Headquarters on his mission to destroy the team (Spider-Girl #46).

The Orbital Defense Grid detected the Skrull High Command's coherent energy beam as it passed on it's way to restore the Power Cosmic to Apox the Omega Skrull so that he could play a part in their revenge plans against the Fantastic Five (Spider-Girl #86).

In Last Planet Standing #2 we not only learn that Reed Richards helped design the Orbital Defense Grid but we also see it's destruction when the latest Herald of Galactus Dominas the Wavemaster uses his phenomenal power upon his approach to Earth.

The destruction of the Orbital Defense Grid is referenced in Avengers Next #1 by American Dream when she mentions Mainframe being called to Washington to consult on a 'new Space Defense Program'. The situation is also referenced by Nova and Earth Sentry when they recall their near deaths during the events of Last Planet Standing (Avengers Next #2). Notably, on both occasions Nova doesn't use the term 'Orbital Defense Grid', instead calling it 'Earth's Satellite Defense Program' in Last Planet Standing #2 and 'Space Defense Perimeter' in Avengers Next #2. Perhaps these are colloquialisms, as we see the likes of the more formal and intelligent Reed Richards, Mainframe and Vision use the term 'Orbital Defense Grid'.

This is the last time the Earth's Orbital Defense Grid is mentioned or seen in the MC2. It's unclear whether Mainframe's meeting in Washington yielded productive plans for a new and improved Orbital Defense Grid and related program. In the meantime, the MC2's Earth remains just a little more vulnerable.

I like the idea of an Earth that's frequently combated alien incursions and invasions developing a defense, particularly because it shows the veteran heroes are competent and didn't leave the world defenseless in their absence. It's a nice plot device.

Until I figure out a way to expand the 'Skrull Incident' into a full post, I remain

frogoat

Doctor Who Series 8 Re-Watch Snippets Part 2

Here is the second part of my re-visit of Doctor Who Series 8. Part One can be found here. In the run up to the Series 10 premiere, I am re-watching all of Peter Capaldi's era. So without further ado, here we go!

Is 'shut up!' the Twelfth Doctors catch phrase or are there too many pudding-brains everywhere?

'Kill the Moon' is a difficult story to pin down my thoughts on. I get that it's a kind of parable or exploration of morality but I don't feel it fairly weighs up the moral dilemma nor the enormity of the choices people have to make. I get that Capaldi's Doctor isn't going to hand-hold Clara or anyone through things but he also comes across as particularly cold and unfeeling for the majority of the story. It's atmospheric, to it's credit, in places. The supporting cast amount to a basically redundant cypher to argue against. On a side note, this retroactively means past stories set after 2049 involving the moon are now retroactively located on this new 'moon'.

'Mummy on the Orient Express' is possibly one of the best traditional Doctor Who stories in the modern series while also being a brilliant new series story. Atmospheric, fun, scary, built upon previous character moments. Capaldi really works in this episode, curious, bold, condescending but not uncaring, focused. Perkins deserves a special mention as the best would-be companion ever. Clara's appearance here is likely limited due to the filming schedules time constraints. Under the circumstances and this being a last hurrah, it works well to see her obviously question her decision to part ways with the Doctor.

'Flatline' is a great sci-fi concept executed well. Last episode was the Clara-lite episode and this is the Doctor-lite episode, though you really wouldn't know it. Capaldi's scenes are confined to the TARDIS interior and he is clearly having a ball playing the Doctor encountering a new unknown and very bizarre alien species from a two-dimensional universe. Clara stepping into the Doctor's role in this episode isn't unexpected, unprecedented nor the last time we'll see this development. Actually....despite the common criticism that Clara's characterisation is inconsistent I think it's actually fair to say she always lied (poorly) to those around her, desired adventure possibly moreso than any companion in the modern series to date, had a strong connection with children, a half-hearted wish for a normal life that conflicted with her overriding yearning for adventure. The reason she so easily slipped into the role of the Doctor was because deep down she wanted it more than anything else. And it will be the death of her. This story is one of my favourite New-Who standalone episodes. The Doctor's comment at the end of the episode about Clara acting in his place having nothing to do with being 'good' sum it up well.

'In the Forest of the Night' is certainly not one of my favourites. I'll try to be mostly positive. The concept is interesting even if the execution and visuals let it down. Capaldi demonstrates again that he plays well opposite children. Clara's clear inability to be honest is once again prominent....not sure that's a positive but it is surprisingly consistent. Contrast her failure to confide in Danny without being forced to with previous companion Amy. Before, we had an odd yet somehow functional relationship-come-family unit. Here, Clara is completely incapable of this. She's shown it time and time again. One bit of serious criticism though: that bit about the girls sister coming back...from a tree? I mean....come on. Could we please lend just a little gravity to what is a very real situation.

Side thought: the seemingly intelligent trees in this story could be linked to the Forest of Cheem from 'The End of the World'.

Oh, okay! One final positive for this episode: the scene between Clara and the Doctor which calls back to 'Kill the Moon' is actually very affecting.

The opening of 'Dark Water' is probably the most brutal piece of drama I've ever seen on Doctor Who. Removing any science fiction elements from the show makes the phone call Clara makes to Danny all the more stirring. Powerful stuff, truly. Somehow the mundane seems more surreal and the surreal science fiction seems more grounded and painful. The scenes that immediately follow between the Doctor and Clara are some of Capaldi and Coleman's best together. This kind of dynamic is something we rarely see in the show, and thank goodness because it really ratchets things up to a whole new level and it's terrifying. These two people are fundamentally incapable of being 100% honest. With each other. With others. With themselves. Manipulative both, but truly the best of friends. No wonder things turned out the way they did. They are absolutely the best and worst for one another. The Doctor offering to literally go to hell to help Clara even though she betrayed him is probably the point where I realized Capaldi was one of the best actors ever to portray the Doctor. Oh and there are Cybermen and Missy is revealed as the big bad and yadda yadda. But that's all window dressing, isn't it? Don't get me wrong, Gomez is fantastically bonkers and thoroughly entertaining but that really isn't the point of the series arc, is it? Besides, we'll see her again. We always do. Danny's out of body (for lack of a better phrase) experiences touch on his characters guilt. I'm not entirely sure it's satisfying as a payoff but it works to flesh him out somewhat. The majority of the episode's length is dedicated to convincing both the audience and our protagonists of the series conceit....only to pull the rug out from under us. Not sure how to feel about that. The Doctor's advice about remaining skeptical and critical were never more true.

So, was the cold opening of 'Death in Heaven' meant to bait the fans? Because while I like it, I never bought it for a second. The scene with UNIT showing up was nice, especially the Invasion-style Cyber-head. Cyber-pollen is a great concept, as is resurrecting the dead as Cybermen. As a huge fan of the big metal men, it's a real shame they are nothing more than foot soldiers for the real antagonist, Missy. It bothers me every time; they say they got the TARDIS out and locked down St Paul's....yet no one saw Clara only a few metre's away hanging with some Cybermen? And how did Cyber-Danny get in then? Is it a TARDIS or not? Probably enough nitpicking for now. The colours are muted and the tone of the episode is sombre and morbid. I quite like that. The Cybermen attacking the plane like gremlins was a nice idea and so were the Cybermen rising from their graves. Missy was decidedly nasty and watchable yet somehow kind of likable. Danny will bring you to tears if you aren't prepared. When Clara tries to help Danny it's a very real look at how monstrous the process is. The Doctor's turn when Danny offers him a tactical advantage is beautiful and brings up a mountain of questions. The blood-soaked general. Clara telling Danny she wasn't very good at it, but she did love him is a perfect illustration. The real crux of the series arc is in the Doctor questioning who he is and it's amazing. He's not a good man, nor a bad man, nor a hero, not a president or an officer. No, he's an idiot. Brilliant. Goodbye, Danny. I love the turmoil and hypocrisy of the Doctor potentially letting Missy go. The Brigadier steals one more scene and I have to admit it got me in. The final scenes with Clara and the Doctor lying to each other for the others sake is one of my favourite things about this pair. It's a hallmark of their complex relationship that I think people miss. Capaldi smashing the console in anger before collapsing in despair is powerful imagery. What a great way to end things. All things considered, a great first series. Now, onward to Christmas!  

'Last Christmas' is an entertaining and solid story. Santa showing up in any other show means you are in for a whimsical, cheery story. Not so much here, though...a little bit? The references to 'Alien' were appreciated by me as a hug fan. The Dream Crabs are an interesting concept that lets the episode play with our perceptions. Question and interrogate everything, the Doctor said. Comedy elves who complain about racist comments are amusing. The horror elements work well when jammed up against the more comic elements. Clara visiting Danny in her dream was bitter sweet, particularly when she can't even enjoy the lie. The Doctor and Clara admitting they both lied for the others benefit was a nice but short scene. 'Nobody likes the tangerines' is possibly one of my favourite put-downs delivered by Capaldi to-date. These notes aren't in any particular order. The chalkboard motif continues and I must say I really enjoy seeing it again. The board is present in basically every episode and plays a part in many stories. Will it be one of Capaldi's fondly remembered motifs? I hope so. The Doctor willingly entering Clara's dream via Dream Crab facehug is one of his many subtle and not so subtle heroic moments that I feel many people miss under his grumpy exterior. Dream-Danny saying he died saving Clara, not the whole world was a nice touch. While I know processing guilt and grief and loss doesn't happen in such a brief time as it is presented here, I think this is a nice way to encompass some of those emotions. I'm glad the Christmas Special didn't shy away from it. Waking up in another dream was a great rug-pull moment. Santa-as-subconscious is lovely and bonkers. The Doctor objecting to being considered a figment of imagination because of how out of place he seems was wonderfully self-aware. The dream within a dream within a dream reveal is even better when you re-watch it and notice the clues. Capaldi is fantastic at delivering long monologues full of emotion and, in this case, dread. Clara saying she's always believed in Santa Claus before hugging the Doctor is sweet. The Doctor's glee at being offered the reigns despite being fully aware he's in a dream is absolutely brilliant. Capaldi can play all facets of the Doctor with verve. The scenes of everyone waking up is lovely until Shona wakes up and you get a sense she didn't want to wake up and all the movie references makes sense. When the Doctor 'awakens' and finds Clara as a much older woman, his comment about not seeing her any different was a nice call back to 'Deep Breath'. Yet another dream within a dream! Finally, at the conclusion of the story we have to friends who have made amends. I quite like it. A nice ending considering the series proper closed out on such a sombre note. Next time: The Magician's Apprentice!

Hopefully all the rambling and out of order business made some semblance of sense to you, dear reader. Until I find a better show in this universe, I remain

frogoat 

Degrees of Doctor Who

Ever sat down to watch a movie or perhaps your favorite new show only to do a comical spit take when you realize you know that characters face?

Just the other day, for instance, I happened to catch a few minutes of  a 1959 film; The Mouse That Roared in time to catch a glimpse of the legendary William Hartnell as Will Buckley. It's such good fun, but let's not make it so hard to play the game. Let's start with the big targets of genre film, shall we?

I've mentioned Tolkien's world previous in The Hobbit review. Sylvester McCoy- best known for playing The Seventh Doctor- here plays Radagast the Brown to kooky perfection. I truly hope we see more of his performance, either in the remaining films or on the home releases special features. Fingers crossed, aye? Check off Middle-Earth, then.

I've only touched upon the Alien universe very briefly when discussing artificial life. This next person is all too human. Alien 3 gives us Golic- a convict turned convert- who is very much out of touch with reality, played by the inimitable Paul McGann, aka The Eighth Doctor. His role is unfortunately cut rather short in the theatrical release, but an entire sub-plot revolving around his character unfolds in the so-called 'Assembly Cut' of the film available in the box sets. Aliens, check.

Christopher Eccelston aka The Ninth Doctor has had a commendable career on the big screen as well as the small. Some people may remember him as the baddie from Gone in Sixty Seconds, or as that guy from 28 Days Later, or even McCullen from the GI Joe flick. Heck, if you watched Heroes, you will remember him. Adding yet another notch in his genre belt, however is the up-coming Marvel film follow up, Thor: The Dark World. Marvel? Big ol' check.


I'm a big Harry Potter fan. I'm a big Doctor Who fan. So, it was both surprising and with much glee that I watched David Tennant-who played the creepy and loyal Death Eater Barty Crouch Jr- cast as none other than The Tenth Doctor. Stange then, isnt it, that in his run on Doctor Who he mentions reading the Potter series and crying through 'book 7'. How does that work, then? The Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Yes, ma'am.
 

Any more? Give it a go, you might find more than you bargained for.

Until Matt Smith is cast in the new Star Wars films, I remain

frogoat

Prometheus and Artificial Life

So, I watched Prometheus recently. And it just wouldn't be an Alien-ish flick without an android in the group.

Let's have a quick recap, shall we:

Ash

Cold and calculating, and with just a hint of misogyny, Ash followed The Company's orders to retrieve and study the Xenomorph creature in Alien. Crew expendable, naturally.

Bishop

Pleasant and endearing, Bishop is the other side of the same coin. Following the classic sci-fi robotics laws to never harm, or allow to come to harm a human, he's instrumental throughout Aliens and nearly makes it in Alien 3. Bishop also has this cool party trick with a knife, man...

Call

The newest addition to the pirate crew aboard the good ship Betty, Call is soon shown to be more than a cute face: She's a second generation synthetic (an 'Auton') trying to stop the rebirth of the loveable alien species Ripley rendered extinct 200 years prior.

David

Finally, we have David who tends to the crew of the Prometheus as they seek out the origins of their species. David displays emotions but appears detached from humanity. David may have an Oedipus complex, apparently desiring to smite his creators for making him simply because 'they could'.

I feel the Alien series as a whole has given us a great mirror to look at humanity through with these creations. Like the Xenomorphs themselves, the depictions of artificial intelligence change and evolve to reflect our own status quo.

Oh, and the next synthetic/android/auton must have a name starting with 'E'. It's tradition at this point!

Until The Company becomes benevolent, I remain

frogoat