Episode Review - The Masterpiece Society (Next Generation, Season 5)

For those who are new to my episode reviews, you can find the post where I establish my point criteria here.

Overview – The Enterprise is observing a stellar core fragment and discover that it is about to collide with an inhabited planet populated with genetically-engineered humans. As Picard and his crew discuss ways to save the colony, Deanna Troi forms a romantic relationship with one of their leaders, Aaron Connor. When the crisis is averted, the crew learn that their presence has caused unintentionally another problem among this “perfect” society.

Score: 4/10 – Oh Troi, why can’t the writers find a good romance story for you? “The Masterpiece Society” does try to give our beloved counsellor some attention in the romance department, but the spark and chemistry just do not seem to work here. The character of Aaron Connor is a tad on the dull side, and other than being physically attractive, I am not sure why Troi falls for the guy. The colony of genetically-engineered humans are just a bit too perfect, and they are not very interesting. The story moves along slowly, and it is only when the core fragment issue is dealt with that the interest begins to pick up. Hannah Bates (the first of three Trek roles for actress Dey Young) is sympathetic enough, and Ron Canada (also making his first of three Trek characters) is effective as Martin Benbeck, the representative of keeping the status quo. Even though these two characters are effective, they are unable to bring a lot of interest into the colonists. There are some good points, such as Picard’s debate with Connor, but you have to slog through a lot of boredom to get there.

Relevance – 0 points. This is one of those episodes where they do refer to some things that are recurring themes in Star Trek, mainly the thoughts towards genetically engineered humans. While this is a recurring theme throughout Star Trek, the events surrounding this episode are self-contained. We hear Picard and Connor banter the concept back and forth, but no mention of specific examples are given. In essence one can skip this episode and not miss anything relevant to the overall discussion of this theme, so it adds nothing.

Continuity – 3 points. Character continuity is intact here, although I was wondering about the likelihood of Troi falling for Connor. She seems to fall for the most unlikely men as apart from being physically attractive, there doesn’t seem to be anything that gives her a reason to fall for him. When I look at her track record, however, I think it fits her pattern. I particularly enjoyed Geordi in this episode, as he gets rightfully defensive about the colony’s attitude towards people with physical imperfections. His glee at the fact that his VISOR technology provides the key to saving them is appropriate. Story continuity does make it, though again I found the relationship between Troi and Connor to be a bit forced. I will also concede a point for universe continuity.

Character Development – 2 points. Troi is the focus, but this relationship does little to advance her character. Geordi also gets some good moments, but nothing that really helps discover things that we didn’t already know. It’s enough to score a couple points here, but that is about it. Again, if you miss this episode, you do not miss much.

Social Commentary – 1 point. The quest for perfection is shown in this colony (well, at least on paper; they really didn’t come across as anything but regular humans). There is also the idea that interaction with cultures external to your own can have unexpected influences. In all there were twenty-three colonists who wanted to leave the colony, creating a large disruption among those who remained. Still, how this concept was discussed really didn’t leave much for the viewer to sink their teeth into, so only a single point can be scored here.

Cool Stuff – 0 points. A dull episode where the most interesting guest characters are foils to a very bland character. John Snyder, who plays Aaron, has a much more interesting character in his first Trek appearance as the Romulan Bochra. I don’t lay blame on the actor for this. I think the character was very one-dimensional and bland, and even the most talented actors are limited in what they can do with a role such as this.

Rank – Ensign (10 points). This is a bit of a turkey episode from TNG’s fifth season. It really does not do enough to make you care about anything until almost the end of the episode. There are some good points to it, so do not give it too much of hard time, but if you choose to skip it, I won’t judge you poorly because of it.

If you would like to read other reviews from the Next Generation, click this link.

If you would like to read an episode review from any of the Trek series, click the following link to get to the series catalog. If the episode you want reviewed has not been done yet, then feel free to request it in the comments and I will see what I can do. 

Episode Review - The Child (Next Generation, Season 2)

For those who are new to my episode reviews, you can find the post where I establish my point criteria here.

Overview – After having a rendezvous with the USS Repulse to pick up new Chief Medical Officer Kate Pulaski, an alien entity impregnates Deanna Troi. The pregnancy is unusual in that it is highly accelerated and the child that is born also accelerates in aging. His presence, while in itself is a concern to the crew, might be linked to a threat to the crew from some viral samples that the Enterprise is transporting. Meanwhile, Wesley Crusher is preparing to join his mother at Starfleet Medical, but after a conversation with the new hostess of Ten Forward, Guinan, he realizes he truly wants to remain onboard the Enterprise.

Score: 7/10 – This is an interesting episode to review. At this point, with four series that followed TNG, there is a certain expectation towards season openers. At the time, however, TNG’s second season was showing the signs of a major change that was taking place. With Gates McFadden being fired from the show and Diana Muldaur being brought in to serve as a more McCoy-like doctor, there were some definite feelings of growing pains. The episode, which was a recycled story from the abandoned “Phase Two” Star Trek series, is good. Not necessarily earth-shattering, but good. It does a good job of introducing a couple of new faces, Pulaski and Guinan, as well as highlighting the changes being made. We get some good character development and an interesting story. Aside from that, however, the show is just like any other episode in the season. A writer’s strike did factor into this, as there was originally talk of having the Borg, which were alluded to in the Season 1 finale, be introduced here. That would have been a far more compelling season opener, but alas, we are given this story instead.

Relevance – 3 points. A lot of changes are shown here in the season opener. In “Skin of Evil” Worf is made the acting security chief. In this episode, it looks as if it is permanent. Also promoted is Geordi La Forge to full lieutenant and Chief Engineer. Beverly Crusher is gone, and Diana Muldaur comes aboard as Kate Pulaski, the new ship’s doctor. Also premiering is the new hub of social activity, Ten Forward, and its mysterious host. Guinan was specifically created at the request of Whoopi Goldberg who was a lifelong Trekkie. Guinan became one of the most popular characters among the fans, and this is the episode that it all began with. So even though this is not the strongest of episodes there is a lot that is relevant to the season and the series that happens here.

Continuity – 3 points. Story and universe continuity are both fully intact here. What is of particular interest for this episode is the character continuity. In the briefing where the officers discuss Troi’s pregnancy, everyone who chimes takes the positions one would expect them to take. Worf sees it as a threat, while Data an opportunity to study. Riker is mostly concerned for Deanna, and Picard listens dutifully. Pulaski, who is introduced in this episode, quickly establishes herself in this episode, and we get a very clear picture of who she is. In short, character continuity is maintained as well.

Character Development – 3 points. Deanna is the main focus here. She is given a choice and chooses to become a mother to this alien child. We learn how much she loved her father when she chose to name her son after him. She shows that she would have made a very capable mother as well. We see her compassion as well as her resolve and grit. Wesley also is given some important development as he seeks to determine what is truly best for him: to be with his mother at Starfleet Medical or to be on the Enterprise. His dilemma also gives us the opportunity to see what Guinan’s role in the show is going to be. There is also the start of the gradual introduction to Doctor Pulaski. She does not like transporters, she is does not waste time or mince words, and she has a thing against treating Data like a sentient being (which has not yet been established). This also gives Data an opportunity to flex is assertiveness as she mispronounces his name, for which he dutifully corrects her. Lots of good character development here.

Social Commentary – 3 points. When the pregnancy was announced, there was a great deal of discussion around it among the senior officers. Worf, the ever-pragmatic security chief, stated that the pregnancy should be terminated. Riker wanted to learn about the origin of the child, and Data was speaking to the potential for study. During all of this, Troi had to burst out that because it was her child that she should be the one to make the decision, which was to keep it. This is as close to the debate on abortion that Star Trek has ever gotten to. It was interesting in that it re-enforced the mother’s right to choose what happens to her body while at the same time having her choose to keep it. Of course, that needed to happen in order to have the story last the whole episode. Meanwhile, with the Wesley story, there is the idea of a young man unexpectedly finding his independence. His heart was telling him that he belonged on the Enterprise and he chose to follow it. While for the show it was important to have this happen in order to keep Wil Wheaton on the show, it was a good way to address this coming-of-age motif in a way that makes sense. So while the first issue is only dealt with in a very brief and almost superficial manner, the second theme has much more general appeal to the audience.

Cool Stuff – 0 points. Sadly, as interesting as this episode is, there is not much that I found that met the criteria for being “cool”. There is a lot of good in this episode, but nothing that really stands out.

Rank – Captain (19 points). This is not really good example of how to start your sophomore season, but it is a good episode in and of itself. While this episode is not very strong or memorable on its own, what makes it special is all the changes that it establishes. It sets a tone for a more stable season than the previous and has some good character moments.

If you would like to read other reviews from the Next Generation, click this link.

If you would like to read an episode review from any of the Trek series, click the following link to get to the series catalog. If the episode you want reviewed has not been done yet, then feel free to request it in the comments and I will see what I can do. 

Episode Review - Face of the Enemy (Next Generation, Season 6)

For those who are new to my episode reviews, you can find the post where I establish my point criteria here

Overview – Deanna Troi awakens to find her facial features have been changed to look Romulan. It is soon after that she learns she has been forcibly conscripted into the Romulan underground movement to help smuggle some of its members seeking asylum in the Federation. Troi learns that her empathic abilities are the main reason for this situation, and she reluctantly enters into a battle of wits and personality with the commander of a Romulan warbird.

Score: 8/10 – This is a fun episode that really puts Troi out of her element. She really gets a chance to shine in an interesting covert, espionage-type episode. We get some great insight to how things run on a Romulan warship. Marina Sirtis really gets to show off her acting chops as she gets to play a greater emotional range than the character has been accustomed to. Typically a Troi episode has her falling in love with someone, but not in this case. She gets to show some real grit and steel in her scenes. We also see something that we don’t often get to see in Star Trek: a Federation defector. It has almost always been someone else who wanted to leave their culture to become a part of the Federation. Ensign Stefan DeSeve had become disenfranchised with his decades long defection to the Romulan Empire and was returning home, despite knowing he would quickly be arrested. This shows that even within the projected paradise of the Federation not everyone is enamoured with it.

Relevance - 2 points. One point is scored for this being the only episode that directly addresses the Romulan underground unification movement that Spock was an essential part of. There is also a point scored for the mentioning of the artificial quantum singularity being used as a power source for the warp drives of Romulan ships.

Continuity - 3 points. Nothing in this episode goes against any pre-established storyline. The mention of Spock’s underground movement is sadly the only time we have mention of it in the rest of the series. Character continuity goes well. Troi definitely shows a predictable uneasiness about things at the beginning, and then finally has to stand up to N’Vek in taking control of the situation. In the aftermath, she shows appropriate compassion for N’Vek’s sacrifice that fits her character well. While she shows great growth in her character, it occurs in a logical and sensible fashion. Universe continuity is maintained and even built upon as the Tal Shiar makes its debut in Trek canon.

Character Development – 2 points. By putting Deanna out of her comfort zone in such a big way we really get to see some great growth in her as a character. She develops a lot of inner confidence while maintaining her compassionate side.

Social Commentary – 0 points. As enjoyable as this episode was, it really doesn’t offer us anything that really hits home with a statement about our own society.

Cool Stuff – 3 points. One point is score for seeing Carolyn Seymour as her second Romulan commander. She definitely has a thing for playing no-nonsense leaders. A second point is scored for the most in-depth look we have had in the Romulan military, specifically the introduction of its intelligence agency, the infamous Tal Shiar. Seeing a main cast member in an alien disguise is also a cool thing to see.

Rank – Captain (18 points). A great episode for Troi fans in that it has absolutely no romantic interests for her, showing great strength in the character and allows Marina Sirtis to shine as an actress in one of her best performances. Fans of the character and those who like the more spy-like thrillers will likely enjoy this episode.

Episode Review - Disaster (Next Generation, Season 5)

For those who are new to my episode reviews, you can find the post where I establish my point criteria here.

Episode Overview – The Enterprise is left critically disabled after hitting a quantum filament. With the crew separated from each other and unable to communicate with different sections, each officer must dig deep within themselves to handle the situation as best as they can.

Lt. Monroe right before she bites it.

Episode Score – 8/10. I really enjoyed this excellent bottle episode. It pushes many of the characters out of their own comfort zone and gives us several smaller stories interwoven by a large scale disaster. With five separate tales being told, it is impressive how each one is treated almost equally, although the Crusher-La Forge story seemed just a little bit like an after-thought. It was as if they needed another something to go wrong to give these two characters something to do (which, mind you, may not be a bad thing after all). There are definitely some lighter moments that bring you laughter, and though you know that everything will work out for the main characters, there are some moments when you feel concerned for the outcome.

Troi and O'Brien discuss their options.

Relevance – 3 points. Three key things that score a relevance point. First, in the episode “The Loss” the ship encounters a cosmic string. Troi references that when she is discussing what has happened to the ship. Second, this episode leads Troi to eventually seek a promotion to Commander in the episode “To Thine Own Self”. Finally, the birth of Molly O’Brien, ushering in a character that we watch grow up on Deep Space Nine. The fact that Worf delivers Molly is also brought up in the Deep Space Nine episode “Accession”.  

Worf meets Molly

Continuity – 2 points. Trek universe and story continuity both score points here. Where a point was deducted was in character continuity. This is for two reasons. First, Ensign Ro was very apologetic at the end of the episode. After butting heads with Troi over what to do (Ro wanted to separate the saucer section while Troi chose to give everyone as much of a chance as they could to survive), when the dust finally settles, Ro meekly offers her apology to Troi, conceding that she was right. Show producer Michael Piller felt that this was not the right direction for the character, feeling that she would have been the one to point out that she could have very well been right. I agree with that reflection. Second, Riker tells Data that, android or not, he wouldn’t order anyone to risk their life in the manner in which Data offers. In the next season, when Troi is taking the promotion exam, Riker tells her that his first duty is to the ship, which means that sometimes you order officers to risk their lives to save the ship

Data acting as a lightning rod

Character Development – 3 points. Lots of great character development here. We see growth in several of the main cast and some supporting cast. This being the second episode to feature Ensign Ro we see more of how she interacts with a Starfleet crew. We learn that La Forge can sing and that Beverly is heavily involved in the ship’s theatre program. We see Worf squirm a bit as he delivers Keiko’s baby (which also brings in some great comedic dialogue). Riker and Data pretty much do things by the book for their characters. Picard really has to soften up as he is trapped in the turbolift with three scared children, and he makes further growth in dealing with his discomfort around children. I especially liked how Picard used his own rank pips to give the children their ranks as they became a part of his crew. When he agrees to show the kids some of the more exciting parts of the ship on their reschedule tour (starting with the battle bridge), it shows how far he has come in this regard. More than all the others, though, this is Troi’s episode. She is the one left in command of the bridge, and the moment when she takes her place in the captain’s chair seems to be a major turning point for her career and attitude. Troi fans should definitely watch this episode.

Troi takes command

Social Commentary – 1 point. Work well as a time in tough times. That’s about it. Hey, a fun episode does not always have to have something profound to say.

Picard;s worst nightmare is realized.

Cool Factor – 2 points. When Riker takes Data’s head and brings it to engineering to stabilize the warp core we have a cool moment (especially since it becomes apparent that all you really need is Data’s head). I always thought they should have finished the episode with only Data’s head hooked up to his console. The birth of Molly is one of the funniest scenes in Trek, as Worf and Keiko have a great dialogue between them.

Data showing he is the brains of the operation.

Rank – Captain (19 points). This episode is a breath of fresh air for so many reasons. It is fun, has some great comedy, some tension, and some good character development.  

I AM PUSHING!!!!

Episode Review - Tin Man (Next Generation, Season 3)

For those who are new to my episode reviews, you can find the post where I establish my point criteria here.

Episode Overview – (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Season 3). The Enterprise meets up with the USS Hood where they are given both an unusual assignment and an unusual passenger. Picard and his crew must race towards a disputed system to make contact with a strange entity, code-named “Tin Man”, before the Romulans do.

Episode Score – 6/10. This episode is OK, but not outstanding by any means. The mystery is there, but not significant. The effects are OK, but not stellar. The story is routine, but not special.

Relevance – 1 point. This episode finally shows us the captain of the USS Hood, Captain Robert DeSoto, Riker’s former Captain. He is mentioned again in DS9, though this is the only appearance of the captain.

Continuity – 3 points. Character continuity gets a point. Everyone acts as they should. Universe continuity gets a point. We get some insight on Betazoid abilities. Storyline continuity gets a point. 3 points total. Nothing contradicts anything else before or after.

Character Development – 1 point. This story is about Tam Elbrun, plain and simple. While Deanna has a past with him, Data has a connection with him, and Riker has misgivings about him, this story does nothing to propel the development of any of the main characters. What we do explore is the character of a gifted telepath who struggles to find a place for him in the galaxy. He is never seen again, so character development is minimal.

Social Commentary – 1 point. There is not much that hits home in society in this episode, except for perhaps addressing the needs of those who don’t quite fit in. Tam Elbrun is not your typical Betazoid, and is socially handicapped because of it. I have met a few individuals who remind me of him. They tend to see the world in a way that is different, and they struggle with social conventions and fitting in. The story does not delve too deeply in that story, however, and the commentary is superficial at best.

Cool Factor – 2 points. It is cool to see Gomtu (the name for Tin Man) as a living space vessel, capable of sustaining a crew. This is also the first time that Romulan Warbirds were given the classification of D’deridex class.

Rank – Lieutenant (14 points). Not a bad episode, but things just did not quite click the way I thought they could have. Take it or leave it

Why I Love the Next Generation

Celebrating the five full decades of Star Trek should be a yearlong event, so I thought I would spread the love of all things Trek. Previously in this series I wrote about why I love the Original Series. Next up, Picard and his crew aboard the USS Enterprise D and my Five Reasons for why I love the Next Generation!

It’s hard to imagine that TNG is almost 30 years old. For me, this is the series that I grew up with. I remember the excitement of hearing about a new Star Trek series, and in 1987 we began a seven year journey that furthered the story and ideology of creator Gene Roddenberry. Sadly, it was during the height of TNG that we would lose Gene, but he was able to see a renaissance of the franchise that has carried it forward for decades to come. So, in continuation of my reasons for loving all things Trek, I give you my Five Reasons for loving what became not only a worthy successor to the Original series, but arguably the most successful series in the franchise.

1.     Familiar, yet new – Whenever there is a sequel to a popular series, fans are anxious because they want to see that which is familiar, but not have it be a blatant copycat of the original. TNG achieved this in grand style. The ship is still the Enterprise with a familiar approach to the design, but is now the flagship and much sleeker. While Kirk and Picard are definitely different as captains, there is a familiarity in Riker’s charm and swagger that reminds us of good ol’ James T. Even the uniforms are familiar yet updated, with the same basic colors (red, gold, and blue), just a bit of switching (how many of you were originally concerned that all captains now wore red shirts!). It brought us a sense that yes, this is Star Trek, but it is also something new and exciting.

2.     Star Trek became cool in mainstream – The Original Series was cancelled after three years (and we were lucky to get the third season) due to low ratings. While you will get no argument from me that Star Trek was and continues to be influential, the franchise really jumped into the mainstream midway through the Next Generation. TNG became a ratings juggernaut, which was impressive for a syndicated series. Soon, it was beating out all comers, including the traditional powerhouse Monday Night Football. When it ended its seven year run (which became the unofficial bar for all future series to meet), it went out on top. Many thought it could have gone on for a few more, but people were hoping to turn it into a successful film franchise. TNG helped a lot in making it cool to be a Trekkie. I can think of no bigger endorsement for Star Trek than to have Whoopi Goldberg request to be a part of the show. To have an Oscar-winning A-lister Hollywood want to be a large part of the franchise says something, and she was not alone.

3.     A strong main cast and the characters they played – I love the original crew, but the show revolved around the triad of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy for the most part. On TNG, an equally diverse cast spread the love a little more evenly. We had stories dedicated to each of the main crew, and the actors who played them were solid. Gates McFadden gave the compassionate Dr. Crusher a level of strength that helped her character grow. Levar Burton brought a level of vulnerability and eagerness to Geordi. Michael Dorn brought depth and respect to our favourite Klingon, Worf. Marina Sirtis gave Troi a fierce conviction. Johnathan Frakes brought a sense of professionalism and charm to Riker. Arguably the strongest actors were Brent Spiner, whose portrayal of Data required such great discipline, and Sir Patrick Stewart as Captain Picard, taking the leadership role to a new realm. Many of these fine actors brought their theatre training as one of their assets, and after watching an episode like “Frame of Mind”, “Brothers”, or “The Inner Light”, we can see just how great an asset it was.

4.     Story telling ahead of its time – Ask anyone for their top 10 favorite Trek episodes, and there will most likely be some real gems from TNG. “The Inner Light”, “Yesterday’s Enterprise”, “Relics”, “The Measure of a Man”, “The Offspring”, “The Drumhead”, and the list goes on. And let’s not forget the classic “The Best of Both Worlds” that kept audiences trembling with anticipation for an entire summer, desperate to know the fate of Picard in what is arguably one of the best cliffhangers of all time. Yes, there were some duds (looking at you, Code of Honor), but we had a good mix of wonderful tales that kept us coming back each week. We dealt with the death of beloved crew member in “Skin of Evil”, tackled themes such as sexual identity, torture, terrorism, and what constitutes life. The stories also, and appropriately, brought us the odd tip of the hat to the original crew, with episodes like “Sarek” and “Unification”. Suffice it to say, the stories were more often than not very well told.

5.     It has to be Q – From the first to the last episode, Q has been there. John de Lancie appeared in eight separate episodes and each one were memorable. OK, so “Hide and Q” may not have been the best episode (it was one of de Lancie’s least favourite), but we did see Wesley get the point! All bad puns aside, Q was often one of the highlights of the season. We had the silly fun Q stories (Deja Q and Q-Pid), the serious tales (Q Who and True Q), and the truly philosophical (Tapestry). And while the crew were ultimately frustrated by this omnipotent rascal, we the audience were delighted. I particularly thought that the pilot and series finale being the ultimate bookend to the introduction to Q was perfect for the series. Q was a perfect foil for Picard and gave us some great moments. Whether it was his banter with the crew (“Growl for me micro-brain! Show me you still care!”), introducing us to the Borg, trading verbal barbs with Guinan (likely my second most favourite guest character) or teaching Picard about the value of a life lived without regret, Q was always a welcome visitor to the show.

So there you go, my Top 5 reasons as to why I love the Next Generation. I have many others, and I am sure that you have your own Top 5 list. Please feel free to share the reasons you love Picard and the crew of the Enterprise D. If you want to know what my Top Ten favorite TNG episodes are, check out this link.