Trekathalon TOS: 1-1 The Man Trap

Meanwhile...  In Photoshop.

Ah, the Salt Vampire.  Unique to me as one of the few TV monsters I wasn't terrified of.  I was scared of anything vaguely monstrous on TV, but more on that in later episodes.  It's an testament to the writing of the episode that even as a little kid, I got the point that the creature was more to be pitied then feared.

I shouldn't be surprised that William Shatner was actually a good actor, once upon a time.  But it's still a bit of a shock. His current person and parodies of such have overwhelmed my perception.

As for the updates, they're a mixed bag.  The new opening sounds to much like the TNG theme, and on my TV's speakers, Shatner's voice-over appears to be coming from a bathroom... In the next building.  There is definitely something off with the new CG space scenes, they look flat and cheap.  I haven't pinned down my objection.  On the other hand, the new enhanced matte-paintings look nifty, and I think they add richness and scope without being obtrusive.  The cleaned up picture makes everyone look sweaty.  Not sure that's a good thing.

Unanswered plot questions: Did the Salt-Sucker's build those ruins and shouldn't away team members be bright enough not to wander off by themselves?