Anderson Rearick III’s Reviews > Chronicles of the Lensmen, Volume 1: Triplanetary / First Lensman / Galactic Patrol > Status Update

Telepathic communication that covers interstellar distance is an nuclear superpower. I’m concerned that no one talks in offensive fleets. The heroes are scientists and engineers. Frustrated old man. I tire of the general agreement…but genius agree don’t they? (Sarcasm)

The varied abilities of them Lensmen are revealed especially telepathy. Jill has some other power that is unique to her sex. Reading people’s faces and muscles. The two sides now involve terrorism and assassination.

Two observations: in the Lenzman the universe all three planets in the lower solar system have developed life of the role. Humans may dominate but there are Martians and Venusians as well. Also I spite of the intelligence of these beings, some characters—usually female—describe them in loathsome disgusting terms.

Interesting to imagine a race without any sense of hearing. The Rigilians here are interesting.

The Rigilians with their complete moral soundness but their lack of personal drive reveals an interesting take on Smith’s perspective of an alien culture. There seems to be less xenophobic response in this section than earlier.

Smith’s description of the space port is breathtaking. Illustrating the scene would be spectacular. The problems of personal description fades.

Some funny comments of future advertisements

I find the general status of the Lensmen a bit annoying. I felt about the same about Picard’s Enterprise—the gem of Star fleet. Kirk was just part of the fleet. There is an element of smugness around the characters.

The laying out of the supernatural quality of the Arisians which found the Lens Corps. Ironically they claim that they are but a small point on the cosmos in the great moving pattern. The account of facing Mentat who has different forms reminds me of the party who face the Wizard of Oz. Why exclude females from Lens use? Force drive and scope.

The idea of a chosen few. Neither absolute good or evil.