Episode Review - Yesterday's Enterprise (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

Overview – A time rift has Picard’s Enterprise encounter the previous ship that bore the same name, having been transported about two decades into the future. The appearance of the older Enterprise vessel causes the timeline to change and has the Federation in the midst of a brutal war against the Klingon Empire. In addition to the war, Lieutenant Tasha Yar was on the bridge of the Enterprise, not having died two years prior. The only person who seems to have any recollection of the previous timeline is Guinan, and she tries to convince Picard to send the Enterprise-C back to restore the timeline.

Tasha Yar is back.

Score: 10/10 – “Yesterday’s Enterprise is one of those special landmark episodes that makes a bold move in the story telling in that it admits that they got something wrong and are trying to fix it. In this case, it was the past death of Tasha Yar. She had died in the late first season episode “Skin of Evil” and both the fans and those involved in the making of the show had felt dissatisfied with it. This was a collaborative effort between Trent Christopher Ganino and Eric Stillwell and it was thought that as well as telling a fun story, it would give Tasha Yar a more meaningful death. What we were given was a great episode that is usually in people’s Top 5 TNG episodes (it’s ranked #4 on mine). We see a much different Enterprise here and the tone is considerably darker than most of what has come before. The amount of detail that went into this new reality was impressive, down to the finer points like having a male voice for the computer and much more spartan sets. The new Enterprise has one function, and that is war. Throw in the mystery surrounding Guinan and the return of a beloved character that many felt was gone too soon, and mix in some exciting battles, and you get a classic episode. These types of episodes where we see the what-could-have-been scenarios play out are always fun. It allows us to see things we wouldn’t expect, such as Riker getting killed by an exploding console. Originally, we were also supposed to see the deaths of Data and Wesley Crusher, but those were cut from the story. That would have been fun and added to the intensity of the final scene, but we still get a good dose of that when Picard mutters “That’ll be the day” as the Klingons demand his surrender and the good captain jumps behind the weapons controls. We also get some great guest stars with Tricia O’Neil as Captain Rachel Garrett and Christopher McDonald as Richard Castillo, and their characters quickly became fan favourites. Overall, this episode is gold on many levels.

The U.S.S. Enterprise NCC 1701-C

Relevance – 3 points. One point scored for bringing back Yar and giving her a death that has meaning. Being snuffed out by a giant, evil oil-slick is not the best death that one can imagine, and Tasha deserved better. Another point is scored as this story ultimately leads to Denise Crosby returning as the half-human, half-Romulan Commander Sela. The third point? Well, it’s likely less epic but definitely noteworthy. This is the episode where Worf gets his first taste of prune juice. His love for the beverage will carry on throughout the rest of TNG and DS9 as well.

Two Enterprise captains meet

Continuity - 2 points. Character continuity is hard to measure in an episode as anything that is different with our characters is going to be attributed to the fact that this is an alternate reality. Still, our characters continue to act in familiar ways, and everything that is slightly different makes sense. Even the absence of Worf and Troi in the alternate timeline makes sense. Worf, being Klingon, is obvious. For Troi, it makes sense that her skills would not be necessary on a warship. Universe continuity is also intact here, but again the differences (e.g. at war with the Klingons) is are easily explained with the time rift. Where I am going to dock them is on story continuity. In the closing scene, where Guinan asks Geordi to tell her about Tasha Yar, Geordi is still wearing the more military-like uniform of the alternate timeline. A minor oversight on the part of the producers, but it is enough.

Look at Geordi's cuffs. He's wearing the wrong uniform.

Character Development – 1 point. OK, this is a hard one for me. Any character development is almost a moot point as whatever happens gets reset when the timeline is restored. So, I will look at it this way, the most development goes to Guinan (not a main character), Picard (but it gets voided when they successfully return the Enterprise-C to its proper time), and Yar (who used to be a regular cast member but is now a guest star). Well, I can stretch it a bit and give a single point here. The impact of this episode will not be truly felt until “Redemption: Part II”, so the minimal impact on Worf’s love a prune juice will get us a single point here.

Worf tastes prune juice for the first time

Social Commentary – 2 points. The actions of the past often have unforeseen impacts on the future. Just as one ship sacrificing itself to defend an outpost could prevent a devastating war, our own acts of kindness, no matter how small, can end up changing someone’s life in a way we cannot predict. In addition to that little message, there is also the theme of second chances that is given here. When Tasha learns that she had died a meaningless death in the other timeline, she knew that she had a chance to make a difference. How many of us would want to do the same? Some food for thought.

Castillo and Yar

Cool Stuff – 3 points. A point for the great amount of detail given in the alternate timeline. New uniforms, new set designs, all of it was cool. Seeing Tasha Yar again was also very cool. I quite enjoyed her character and was sad to see her killed off in Season 1, so any reason to have her brought back is great, and they way they did it was very cool. I also found that having two Enterprises of different eras was fun. Having Garrett and her crew wearing the movie era uniforms was also a good attention to detail.

Riker's fate in the alternate universe

Rank – Admiral (21 points). I cannot fully express how amazing this episode is. It brings a much-needed closure to one beloved character and opens up the possibilities for another. While the tone is dark, the impact is enlightening. If this is not on your Top Ten list of the best TNG episodes, perhaps you need to rewatch it.

A tale of two Enterprises

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. 

Let us make sure that history never forgets the name "Enterprise"

Episode Review - Q Who (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 – Q returns to the Enterprise, wanting to be a member of the crew. When Picard scoffs at the idea, Q warns him that there are great dangers in the universe that they are unaware of. Without warning Q sends the Enterprise to a distant corner of the galaxy where Picard and his crew encounter a new threat, one that seems to be unstoppable.

Score: 9/10 – “Q Who” is one of those episodes that you need to see for following TNG. This is the first time that Q has appeared on the ship since Guinan came aboard, and it is obvious that they have a past. It also gives us some insight to her character, and layers on the mystery of her character. We learn that her people were destroyed by the Borg. Speaking of which, this gives us our first official introduction to the most dangerous enemy Picard and his crew will tangle with throughout the series and the films. Because of how powerful the Borg are, they are (appropriately) used sparingly so as to maintain the seriousness of their threat. This episode effectively establishes them as the deadliest foe the Federation has yet to face. This episode also has a lot to offer. There is action, humor, and suspense. The writing is crisp, the acting is great, and the story is compelling. Before this point the Enterprise had not really suffered any loss of life in the double digits. The Borg took out 18 crewmembers. That was a serious blow to Picard, and he approaches it with concern and trepidation. Overall, one not to miss.

Relevance - 3 points. One point for solving the mystery of the missing colonies along the neutral zone that was mentioned at the end of the last season. One point scored for the references to Q’s purposes for his prior visits to the Enterprise. And finally, a third point is scored for the introduction of the Borg. I think it is safe to say that the Borg would turn out to be TNG’s nemesis above all others. This episode marks a launching point that will give us some great episodes, such as “I, Borg”, “Descent”, and, of course, “The Best of Both Worlds”. Plus, if you are a Q fan, this episode is also relevant in that it establishes a history between our favorite omnipotent being and Guinan.

Continuity – 3 points. Story continuity is good, although I would have liked it if they had been a little more explicit with the connection to “The Neutral Zone” which established that Federation and Romulan outposts were being destroyed. Universe contiuity also gets a point here, though I thought that the subtle change in the Borg’s main objectives between this and their next appearance pushed it a bit. In this episode, it is technology that they are seeking to assimilate, whereas it will later be established that it encompasses much more than that. Since it is a logical progression, I still gave it a point. Character continuity also gets a point scored here. Since Picard is the major focus, his reactions are under the most scrutiny. When he has to tell Q that he is helpless to defeat this adversary, it took a great deal of humility. While Picard often works at establishing confidence in his leadership, it is perfectly fitting for him to demonstrate that there are times when in order to help his crew, he must confess his limitations.

Character Development – 2 points. The characters that receive the most development in this episode are the two main guest characters, Q and Guinan. That leaves Picard from the main cast as the one who receives some significant treatment. For our beloved captain, Jean-Luc must swallow his pride a bit. I like the ending of this episode where, as Q is mocking him for being out of his league with the Borg, he humbly admits that Q is right. At that moment, Picard is inadequate to handle the situation and needs Q. I have always felt that the best leaders require an element of humility in their character, and Picard demonstrates that here. While he is not groveling for help, he does show that he is in need of Q’s help. That is one of the first times that I can recall Picard conceding that he is not always up to the task. Sadly, for Picard, this will not be the last time he finds himself falling short when dealing with the Borg.

Social Commentary – 2 points. As often seems to be the case in some of these excellent episodes, I have difficulty narrowing down what the story might be saying about our day-to-day lives. In this episode, there are several comments that can be interpreted. Picard’s show of humility teaches us the importance of being humble when leading. There are those that feel that any sign of humility is a sign of weakness, and that a good leader never shows weakness. I’m not advocating that all leaders need to constantly inform their crew that they are inadequate to the task at hand, because I do believe that good leaders need to be confident in themselves and their crew, but I do feel that if a leader is faced with a difficult or even impossible task, there is no shame in admitting it.

Cool Stuff – 3 points. Everything about the Borg here is cool. Their look, their ship, and their culture was beyond impressive and showed a great deal of consideration and planning. Originally they were supposed to be insectoids of some sort, but I like the cyborg better. While the Borg themselves score a point, I am scoring a second point for the special effect of the section of the Enterprise being carved out of the hull. A very cool effect. Finally, since I cannot use Guinan’s development in the Character Development, I think the excitement about the mysteries surrounding her character just made her that much cooler.

Rank – Admiral (22 points). While Q may not be everyone’s cup of tea, he is a very popular character that has made several big impacts on the TNG. This episode is one where some argue he makes the biggest impact of them all in introducing the Borg to Picard and his crew. It has been hotly debated over the last three decades as to whether or not Q did Picard any favors here, it cannot be denied that this episode is an essential show to watch for the series. The episode itself is excellently made and is a lot of fun on repeat viewings.

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 - Rascals (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 – Returning from an expedition, Captain Picard, Guinan, Ensign Ro, and Keiko O’Brien encounter an occurrence that puts their shuttlecraft in jeopardy. When the Enterprise beams them aboard, they appear on the transporter pad as children. The altered crew members try to adjust to their new youthful states and the rest of the crew try to help them adapt. As Doctor Crusher searches for a way to reverse their condition, a group of rogue Ferengi attack and capture the Enterprise, forcing the adult crew members into slave labour. Picard and the rest of the “children” are left to retake the ship.

A surprise upon their rescue.

Score: 8/10 – I must admit that while I was writing the overview for this episode, I was taken aback by how ridiculous the summary sounded. Yet the episode is oddly endearing and fun. Yes, it is a bit incredulous that the Enterprise could be taken over by the Ferengi in such a manner, but if you can suspend your belief over that, the story is quite clever and enjoyable. We love to see our beloved characters in interesting, unusual, and odd situations, and who wouldn’t want to see them as children with adult personalities. I must say that the casting of the child actors was brilliant. Isis J Jones, who plays young Guinan, was also cast as a young version of Whoopi’s character in the movie “Sister Act”. To cast David Tristan Birkin, who previously played Picard’s nephew, as a young Picard was clever and perfect. Caroline King and Megan Parlen are wonderful as the respective younger Keiko and Ro Laren. Each child actor wonderfully captures the essence of their adult counterparts. In addition, we get to use Worf’s son, Alexander, in a more meaningful manner. I also love the humor in this episode, from Riker’s techno-babble to confuse the Ferengi Morta, to Guinan and Ro’s polar opposite approaches to their condition, to Picard’s “temper tantrum” to get access to his “father” Riker (“He’s my Number One Dad!”), the script is cleverly written. Yes, it is odd that the hundreds of experienced Enterprise crewmembers are unable to fend off the Ferengi, yet Picard and a bunch of kids are able to retake the ship, and yet I can’t help but love this episode.

Guinan and Ro, perfectly cast.

Relevance - 3 points. One point for the first time that Hana Hatae as Molly O’Brien. This is also the final episode for the O’Brien family on TNG as they will be going to Deep Space Nine after this episode (which was actually filmed after DS9’s pilot). This incident is referenced in the DS9 episode “Bar Association” when Odo is reminding Worf of various security breaches on the Enterprise during is tour as security chief, so a third point is scored.

O'Brien is not too sure how to take his wife's change.

Continuity - 2 points. Character continuity works perfectly here, especially with the children versions. I loved how Picard runs his fingers through his hair, how Keiko still acts like a wife to Miles (which was also quite funny), and how Guinan especially is thrilled to be a kid again. Mostly, it is Ro Laren that acts perfectly here, as her childhood was much less enjoyable than the others, leading her to first resent and then love this second chance. Story continuity is spot on as well. While to enjoy the episode requires the viewer to simply ignore the relatively easy manner in which the Enterprise falls to a bunch of Ferengi with a couple of old Klingon ships, I cannot ignore this bit of universe continuity violation in this section. I must deduct a point for making the Enterprise crew look either totally incompetent, or the Ferengi extremely lucky.

Can you believe these guys took the ship?

Character Development – 2 points. I would say that if there is one character whose story is advanced in this episode, it is Ro Laren. We get a deep insight into her childhood that explains much about her tough manner. She is then taught to appreciate childhood thanks to the guidance of Guinan, her friend and mentor. The other affected characters are also given a bit of depth, but none more than Ro. Of particular, the ending which has Ro choosing to remain a child for a little longer so that she can continue to enjoy her coloring is sweet. This is before adult coloring books were created, so I am sure a lot of us adults were thinking how nice it would be to spend the afternoon coloring like a kid again.

Kids mobilizing to retake the ship

Social Commentary – 2 points. What would we do with a second childhood? That is a great question that we the viewer can’t help but ask ourselves upon watching this episode. For some of us, like Ro, we need to learn to be kids again. Others of us are like Guinan, who take the most of the opportunity. We also explore a bit of what we would do with Picard, contemplating everything from taking a sabbatical to returning to the Academy to take more courses. There may also be the time-honored parenting lesson of never underestimating the tenacity of children.

Like father, like son.

Cool Stuff – 2 points. As I have mentioned several times, we have brilliant casting that gives us one of the coolest moments with seeing some beloved characters as children. A second point is scored for the director. This is the first Trek episode directed by Adam Nimoy, son of Leonard Nimoy. It was neat to know that the son of the legendary actor and director was following in his father’s footsteps by directing Star Trek.

One of the more touching moments for Ro and Guinan

Rank – Captain (19 points). A great episode full of light-hearted fun and shenanigans. Try not to let the incompetence of the Enterprise crew get in the way of enjoying a trip to a second childhood.

Picard and his "#1 Dad"

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.