...there's no denying that of all the associated personalities whom have embraceably prospered, in devoted advocation and uphelding of the enduring legacy of the 'Star Trek' franchise, actor William Shatner has led the pack, in that respect. Often in the past, he had been accused...even outright lambasted...even by those whom he had worked with...for 'shamelessly and egotistically' stepping up to the forefront, and seemingly self-servingly heralding his (...and ONLY his) efforts towards the classic sci-fi TV series; since those critically acidic and biting times, we have since better come to understand the much-more-seasoned, though no less bigger-than-life character, that IS William Shatner, and have come to realize that it is that it's that driven, 'egotistical', 'method-to-his-madness' pride of the work he has accomplished, acknowledgebly in TANDEM with those whom he has worked with, which has elevated the concept of 'Star Trek' to a pop culture level, almost quite literally far and above any of those fictionally conceived, unknown and unexplored worlds & destinations in the show (...as well as it's varied television and motion picture incarnations), countless light years away. It is that embraceable and unswerving ego, coupled with an incomparably jovial wit, which we have come to love, admire and appreciate over the years, and which has kept an incredibly laborious and untiring Bill in the forefront, in whatever he as done, be it his work in television, motion pictures and commercial endeavors (...one of this viewer's favorites is the clever 'hip-hop' musical styled deep fried turkey fire safety message, which he did for State Farm Insurance, reportedly based upon personal experience)...
...such is the case, with a recent introspective documentary production, which he spearheaded in 2011 for the fledgling EPIX cable network, called "The Captains"...an intimate glance through the window of an iconic science fiction character, the man behind that character, as well as the equally iconic performers, whom in character have also assumed 'the center seat', in subsequent 'Star Trek' televised incarnations, like "...The Next Generation", "Voyager", "Deep Space Nine", and the shorter-lived-though-no-less-revered "Enterprise"; with the critical success of this compellingly in-depth, documative production, Bill saw fit to elaborate further upon these commanding characters...the actors behind those characters, and how being ushered and embraced into the 'Star Trek' fold, came to forever alter their careers...indeed, their very lives...in this, an episodically retrospective (...and much more balanced) extension of "The Captains"...close-up...
...and ya' know?? A funny thing happened. In the midst of Bill's well-intentioned attempt to get his fellow 'captains' to surrender themselves to his imitable wit and charm...to reveal more about themselves, they surprisingly and unexpectedly turn the tables on him, and reciprocate...not only by design and intent, unveiling more about themselves, but spontaneously managing to coax even more out of Bill, himself...Go Figure. But then, we're getting ahead of ourselves, here...
...the first episode kicks off very much like others, in the sense that all of the thespians focused upon herein, all had humble beginnings on the Broadway stage...with the embodiment of Captain Kirk, being no different. Warmly and waxrapsonically reminiscing about his career, in a capsule abbreviation of the past, William Shatner is seen here, amidst his efforts toward juggling the rehearsals of his acclaimed one-man show, "Shatner's World", and collaborating on yet another music album, with amusing and candid moments of exchange with 'Kirk's' new and younger motion picture incarnation, actor Chris Pine, as well as snippets of relevations, coaxed out of the veteran actor, through the charming wiles, queries and cleverly manipulative affections of his fellow 'captains'...themselves, the crust of the remaining episodes...
...actor Patrick Stewart's episode seems to prove to be the most varied and eclectic, historically, as he escorts Bill through some very luch and beautiful palatial gardens. He recalls having been inspired into the acting realm, as early as his youth, during the times of war-torn England. As with Bill, Patrick pridefully dotes in speaking of his moments on the theater stage, with particular affections toward literary performances, associated with Shakespeare...not surprising. Taking on the occasional movie role (...this viewer genuinely recalls seeing Patrick as far back as the 1981 John Boorman fantasy classic, "Excalibur"), it was being cast in "Star Trek: The Next Generation", which changed his life forever...and yet, surprisingly enough, it was THIS role which Patrick was most deathly intimidated by...understandable, considering the legacy he was soon bound to uphold...
...Bill's encounter with actor Avery Brooks was relishingly amazing, in the sense that Avery has always been a very private person, less-than rarely speaking to the media, regarding his past, as well as his ensuing fame, and the conversation that ensues...while elegantly playing some snippets of musical pieces, sometimes accompanied by Bill, himself...proves to be one of the most endearing and thought-provoking moments in the documentary. Also emoting a great sense of pride, with regards to his theatrical background, Avery speaks of his eclectically respectable work in television...early on, with his standout role on "Spencer for Hire", the show's subsequent spin-offs, and then, his acquisition of the part of Sisko, on "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine"...a challenge which he marks a great appreciation for, in that the commanding character proved on of the most dark, complex and troubled personas, in the "Star Trek" lexicon...
...the engagement between Bill and actress Kate Mulgrew was probably the most stimulating, here...not just because Kate remains a quite beautiful woman, despite the cusp of showing her age here, but also, the ensuing exchange between her and Bill was insightful, intelligent, endearing and a bit playful. This viewer couldn't help but relish the moments in the conversation, when not only did she reciprocate and somewhat manipulate the interview, in order to cajole Bill into sharing himself, as was his intent with her, but also, her comments regarding her love of working the theater circuit...a love, which she says that she'd embrace, without expecting monetary return. With regards to her performance of Janeway, on "Star Trek: Voyager", Kate fondly recalls being a bit intimidated by the role, but never outright fearful, seemingly saying that she couldn't help but just bravely jump into the fray, and start swimming, so to speak...
...although this viewer had a definite appreciation for Scott Bakula's much more jovial, down-to-earth demeanor and persona, with regards to his chat with Bill, this particular delving seemed the most dissatisfying of the lot; at the end of the conversation, rocking back and forth to Scott's and Bill love and handling of horses, one cannot help but feel that in walking away, the viewer really doesn't get the whole picture, of what Scott is all about. A career which, much like Avery Brooks, got it's humble beginnings on the theater stage, and took it's turn in a successful reign on television, commencing with a plethora of countless random characters on "Quantum Leap", and culminating with his appreciative four-year stint on "Star Trek: Enterprise"...being far from fearful of the role of Captain Jonathan Archer, in the sense that he didn't feel that he had anything to live up to...a level to perform up to, since his character's starship escapades take place many years before Kirk's daring exploits...
...on a whole, these candid and spontaneous glimpses into 'the captains' proved relishingly insightful, endearing and quite heartfelt; any viewer...even those of the non-trekker meld...may well find themselves being quite thought-provoked...laughing along with...even getting misty-eyed over many of the relevations unveiled herein, the culmination of which has only been touched upon, in this review. Once again, William Shatner has afforded the fans of himself, as well as the 'Star Trek' devotees, a delightfully endearing, fun, informative and entertaining production to relish...Thanks, Bill; this was oh-so ultra cool...
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