I've long been a fan of Mr
Tony Todd,from the first appearance isaw of him, years ago, when
Candyman (1992)was first released.
He was an 'actor' in a true Shakespearean manner; not just his abilities, but his mellifluous voice, smmoth, and seductive, I could tell he's someone who can sell a person an invitation to hell, with the person asking if they could purchase first-class passage.
I'm so happy he's seen here, and in a role which really does him justice. As Captain Metis of the Bellerophon, he's Queeg-like, but, being so - and embodying it are only capable in the hands of a talent such as that of Mr Todd.
He gets to shine like a demented Federation-like captain, one who - on the surface, is all polish and shine, but, simmering just below is a man who's mind's been destroyed - similair-, in a way to the artificial 'mind' of the probe,in
The Changeling (1967),which had, also been designed for exploration, only,in its case, it's entire purpose was corrupted.
Here, due to the Bellerophon's being lost for such a long amount of time, has left the Captain's grasp on reality to become so narrowly defined, and anything outside of it is dangerous. There's no outside checks and balances, just his way.
I'm one of those who initially only saw this series when it initially aired, and - put off by (what were then ) not the greatest digital effects, brushed it aside.
But, i never completely forgot it.
It was only during the global TV-binge - aka COVID,, where I watched this series'in its entirety, and came away a fan.
This is one of the stand-out episodes-notjust of the 3rd series,but, it's entire run.
Not every show gets guest stars of this calibre, who can take an essentially good script, and make it sparkle, as Mr Todd does here.