Episode Overview – The Enterprise is called to
provide assistance to the planet Rutia IV, where the government is heavily
threatened by internal terrorism. The terrorists have begun using a new form of
experimental transporter technology with deadly consequences. Soon, Dr. Crusher
is kidnapped and becomes personally involved.
Episode Score – 6/10. The episode is solid but not
revolutionary (pardon the pun). Its main message: terrorism is bad. Not very
revelatory. Many of the writers and producers of the show were not fans of it.
I do think that it is a good vehicle to give Dr. Crusher’s character a bit of
depth.
Relevance – 0 points. This story is a stand-alone
episode that really does not connect much to other episodes. It is worthwhile
to watch it, but if you are streamlining your episode viewing to only watching
key episodes, then this one is likely not to make the final cut.
Continuity – 3 points. Character continuity scores a
point as everyone does what they are expected to do. This ranges from the
continued personal attachment between Picard and Beverly to Worf always
managing to go down first in a fire fight. Universe continuity gets a check
from me as it is typical for the Federation to provide medical aid while
attempting to stay out of an internal conflict. Storyline continuity scores a
point as nothing that happens goes against what has been previously
established.
Character Development – 2 points. As far as character development goes, this is a big time Dr. Crusher
episode. I have always liked how Beverly has a true caregiver’s heart, and she
easily makes connections with the people around her. This is tested as she
forms a bond with her captors, especially Finn, the terrorist leader. Picard,
Wes, and Riker also get some good moments, but this is pretty much a Beverly
Crusher episode.
Social Commentary – 2 points. I am writing this review in
2016, over 25 years after this episode first aired. I also am writing this on
the day that 50 people were killed in Orlando Florida, in what is believed to
have been done by a domestic terrorist. At the time of its original airing,
Ireland and the UK would not allow the episode to be shown due to IRA terrorism
and how the episode could be interpreted as being sympathetic to terrorist
activities. I wonder how this episode would be received today by people watching
it for the first time. With radical terrorist groups getting a lot of media
attention today, the concept of using terrorism to achieve political change is
very relevant, as is the notion of humanizing the terrorists. What I am not
sure is as relevant is the idea that terrorism should be glorified, as some may
claim happens to an extent in this episode. While I am not wanting to use the
case of Finn and his followers as an analogy to such horrific groups such as
ISIS, I do think we can learn some valuable lessons from this episode as we try
to reach out to those who feel disenfranchised in our society.
Cool Factor – 1 point. I think the dimensional shift
inverters are pretty cool, and it would have been nice to see something more
come from this.
Rank – Lieutenant (14 points). Overall an average episode. I like how Beverly gets the spotlight and a chance to shine. Gates McFadden shows some good acting chops here. Like many early TNG episodes, this one is pretty much self-contained. For those that are only wanting to watch what are considered essential episodes, I would recommend it only for the die-hard Doctor Crusher fans.
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