I remember when I first heard about Star Trek: New Voyages (now renamed Star Trek: Phase II). I was afraid that like some fan productions, it would look like someone's home movies made by people who want to play at being Kirk and the crew. After hearing very good reviews from friends and other ST fans, I decided to give it a shot, and was amazed. The episodes are very well done, in all aspects. The sets are wonderful, and look like they are the original sets. The costumes look authentic, and those that are new and unique to different episodes also look as if they would have been used in the original series. The actors are excellent, and you can tell they have studied their counterparts extensively. I feel like they stay very true to the original characters and cast.

Original series writer DC Fontana wrote a very compelling story, centering around Chekov. As always, she did a wonderful job writing this story so that it fits into series continuity and refers to events from the original three-year run, while giving us a new story and allowing us new insight into Chekov's character. I particularly liked the scenes where the young and the old Chekov talk to each other. Not only were they well written, the actors (Andy Bray as young Chekov and Walter Koenig as old Chekov)gave a first-rate performance. I have to admit to not being entirely happy with the ending, but I will not say more here so as not to ruin things for others.

Perhaps the hardest part of creating an ST episode like this is the special effects. Of course, they want the effects to be well done, but not look out of place for being part of this continuation of the original series. While the effects that were originally done for “To Serve All My Days” were quite good, James Cawley, who not only plays Captain Kirk but also serves as Senior Executive Producer, and the special effects team felt that they were not able to achieve their exact vision. Now, they bring us “To Serve All My Days: A Night in 1969” which is a remastered version of the original episode. I was lucky enough to be included in the sneak peak that was arranged between and Roddenberry Productions.

In the remastered version, the special effects got a major overhaul, and all I can say is WOW! The beginning sequence when Chekov's shuttle is being chased and fired upon by the Klingon ship has been completely redone, and I believe looks much better than the original (which at times reminded me of a video game, while the new effects look more realistic). Other exterior ship sequences, including the multiple attacks on the Enterprise by enemy forces, have also been updated and improved.

While I liked the episode as done originally, I am very pleased with the remastered version. I feel that it is another step in the evolution of Phase II. This bodes well for the quality of future episodes. I highly recommend that all TOS fans give Phase II a look, and if you have already watched “To Serve All My Days”, check out the new version. You won't be disappointed.