Episode Review - Hide and Q (Next Generation, Season 1)

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

Overview – While Picard and his crew are traveling to a Federation colony to provide medical assistance, Q returns to the Enterprise. This time the omnipotent being comes with an invitation for none other than Commander Riker. Q is offering him a chance to join the Continuum and inherit all the powers of the Q. Riker is sorely tempted by the offer even to the point where he is able to give his friends and crewmates gifts beyond their wildest dreams.

Score: 6/10 – I always enjoyed the character of Q. He started out as a villain and over time evolved into a pseudo-ally of Picard. This being the second of his episodes, he is still largely seen as the antagonist. He continues his ploys and shenanigans as this time he focuses on Riker. This seems to be the only time that a Q story pairs up our imp of the galaxy with the first officer. Considering the context of this episode, it made sense to try to pass Q around a little to see how his chemistry works with others. This episode shows why this was the only real time that Q and Riker ever got some quality time together. We will learn that Data, Worf, and definitely Picard were better matches, but Riker does OK here. The idea is solid, and we get to see some fun things. Worf dies for the first time, and the haters of Wesley’s character get a bit of glee when they see him get skewered by one of Q’s animal/soldier things. Still, while this is a pretty decent episode, it is by far not the strongest of Q’s stories. His character is pretty two-dimensional, even compared to “Encounter at Farpoint”. Almost every other episode with Q is better, but this one does have some good moments making it worth a viewing.

Relevance – 1 point. A point will be scored for Riker being offered the powers of Q, something that is referred to in the next Q-centered episode “Q Who” and refers to the series premier episode “Encounter at Farpoint”. It is a good Segway episode that links Q’s story together. That, for now, is the only connection between this episode and others, so only one point will be scored here.

Continuity – 3 points. Character wise things check out here. Riker originally scoffs at the idea of having the powers is something that he accepts at first, and then it starts to corrupt him. How the rest of the crew help him realize it makes sense. Story wise, it also works. It is a classic tale of the corruption of power. Universe continuity is also good. Q continues to meddle, and Picard continues to wear a pained expression on his face.

Character Development – 2 points. This is a Riker tale. He goes through the typical path of being given extreme power and falling down the hole of corruption. It is a fairly typical story that it does little to really advance his character. We are given more insight into some of the other characters with less time. We sense that Geordi has a little crush of sorts on Tasha, Worf is able to move quickly over rough terrain, and Wesley would rather get to adulthood on his own. Picard and Yar have a moment that in hindsight is a little bit awkward. Not enough to give it full marks, but still something.

Social Commentary – 2 points. Ah, the old “power corrupts” tale. Again, given the context of when the episode was filmed, the message is formulaic at best, but it still works. Riker has the power of a god and tries to keep his humanity. As the temptation grows, he starts to see himself as being above his crewmates and captain. When confronted with how the power is getting to him, he realizes that he has been a fool and turns his back on the power. It is effective in its message, yet not very ground breaking, so only two points here.

Cool Stuff – 1 point. The part where Riker is giving his friends gifts that he thinks they want is my favorite part of the episode. We see the first female Klingon in the show and we are given a glimpse at Klingon romance. We see a really good casting decision for the adult Wesley Crusher, and we see Levar Burton’s actual eyes for the first time. It is a cool scene.

Rank – Lieutenant (15 points). Many years ago while TNG was on the air I once attended a video store opening that had John de Lancie as the guest of honor. He did a Q and A session and an autograph signing after. During the Q and A he mentioned that “Hide and Q” was his least favorite Q episode (if memory serves correct, we were in season 4 or 5 at the time). I can understand his sentiments as Q was terribly lacking in depth here. Still, it’s not a horrible episode, but if one chooses to skip it, I would understand.

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 - 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 - Death Wish (Voyager, Season 2)

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

Overview – The crew of Voyager accidentally free a member of the Q Continuum from a unique comet that the rest of the Continuum had imprisoned him over three centuries ago. When Q, known to have caused much mischief to Picard on the Enterprise, arrives, Janeway becomes the arbiter for a hearing to determine if the newly released Q will be imprisoned again or be allowed his one true desire: death. 

Dueling Qs

Score: 9/10 – I really think that this episode is one of the strongest from Voyager’s second season. Since Voyager started, fans have been wanting the ever-popular Q to make an appearance. The issue at stake here was how to do so with a story that was worthy of this monumental occurrence. “Death Wish” gives us that. Creator Michael Piller was given the idea from his son, Shawn, and it provided a way for Q to come to voyager in a way that was not so contrived. By introducing Quinn (which is how I will refer to the suicidal Q from this point on), we are given a reason for Q (played once more with brilliance and wickedly impishness John de Lancie) to appear in the Delta Quadrant. Quinn is fascinating to me as a character. Played by Gerrit Graham (whom we saw previously in DS9’s first season episode “Captive Pursuit”), he is able to grab onto the mischievous quality common to most Q, but brought a bit down to Earth by his weariness with an immortal existence. Most of all, what works best in this episode is the superb on-screen chemistry between Q and Janeway. This is the third captain that Q has tangled with. Picard set the standard and his relationship with Q was always entertaining. Sisko only got one shot, and while he hadnled Q well, from a story point the fire just wasn’t there. With Janeway, Q takes things to a different place. The banter is there, but it is different. This refreshes the character of Q, and the theme of the story being the place of euthanasia in society gives Q an opportunity to change. While much of the rest of the cast is relegated to the background, we get some great scenes for Tuvok and Janeway.

Q(uinn) attempts to end his life...and causes all the men on the ship to vanish

Relevance – 2 points. One point for setting the stage for the rest of the Q-centered episodes that will follow on Voyager. Because of Quinn’s death, Q rethinks his attitude towards the Continuum, and causes him to go back to his rebel ways. Another point is scored for a quick list of Q’s previous antics (most notably introducing the Federation to the Borg).

The game of hide and seek continues

Continuity – 3 points. Story wise this works well. It would make sense that when Janeway hears that “Q” is on the ship, she declares red alert and braces herself for a tough go. Universe continuity also works well, and we get a rare glimpse as to what life in the Q continuum is like. Character continuity is good as well. I thought even Q was true to himself throughout the episode, despite the growth and change he underwent.

Everyone has been the scarecrow

Character Development – 2 points. Q gets the most treatment and growth here, and while he is not a main character on the show, he is a beloved character that now spans three series. While this may not score points in this category, it does deserve a mention. I also feel that Janeway gets some significant development and lays the foundation for what will be an entertaining rivalry between her and Q. Much of the main cast becomes glorified extras here, but Tuvok does get to tangle his logic as he advocates for Quinn.

Best double-face-palm in Trek. Vulcans.

Social Commentary – 3 points. Even today many governments in the world are conflicted by the debate around a person’s right to die. As much as we would like to think that all lives are important, what happens when one is overcome by the pains of life to the point that they want to end it? Does Quinn have a lot to contribute? Of course he does. He would have been invaluable to the Voyager crew. And yet he would have been miserable and therefor chose to end his life. Is this right? That is a hard question to answer and evokes much emotion, but that is what makes the social commentary so relevant. While we continue to grapple with this issue, this episode gives us a lot to consider and helps us better understand both sides of the argument.

The Q Continuum

Cool Stuff – 3 points. Of course we score a point for Q. The show is almost always a bit more special when this omnipotent rascal blips onto the screen. John de Lancie is true form and pulls off one of his better outings as Q. I enjoyed the exploration of the Q Continuum itself, with its whimsical portrayal of the long highway, with various Q playing the different parts, from the dog to the scarecrow. I also award a point for the appearance of Q’s witnesses. Issac Newton appears again (this time as a non-holographic entity) and we get to see William T. Riker again (it’s always nice to see Johnathan Frakes), but I love how the second witness, the hippy responsible for saving Woodstock, is named after the actor that plays him. The story goes that the character had a different name, but upon meeting actor Maury Ginsberg, the Michael Piller loved his name so much that they changed it in the script. This makes him the second character to share the same name as the character, but the first person to have that honor for a character that was not himself (Stephan Hawking played himself in a TNG episode). That’s a bit of obscure trivia for your day!

The witnesses are called

Rank – Admiral (22 points). This is definitely a must watch and shows some of the strength in Voyager. Q was such a popular character on TNG that fans had been clamoring for his return in every follow-up series. While his appearance on Deep Space Nine was not terrible, it was only decent at best. On Voyager, however, they were able to bring him into the show in a way that was more than just another Q running a muck episode. This episode is Star Trek at its best.

The comet where Quinn was found

If you would like to read other reviews from Star Trek: Voyager, click on the link here.

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 - Encounter at Farpoint (Next Generation, Season 1, Pilot)

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

Episode Overview – Captain Jean-Luc Picard takes command of the Federation flagship, the USS Enterprise and goes to Farpoint Station to pick up his first officer, William T. Riker, and the rest of his crew as they are about to embark on their exploration mission. Before arriving, the Enterprise encounters the mysterious omnipotent entity known as Q, who puts Picard and his crew on trial for the crimes of humanity.

Episode Score – 8/10. As far as history goes, this was the first Trek episode in almost twenty years. It was great, but because of that there are some weak points to it. Most of the weaknesses in this episode has to do with the notion of everything about the show (the acting, the pacing, they story) as trying to find itself. We can overlook much of that as we were just happy to see new Trek again.

The new crew

Relevance – 3 points. Hey, it’s the pilot episode! Of course it will be relevant. It introduces all major characters, including Q, who will be popping in and out on the Enterprise for the next seven years. We see the first appearance of Colm Meaney as Miles O’Brien. We have the first mention of the Ferengi as a potential enemy. If nothing else, a relevance point would be scored for the pilot and the series finale being the perfect bookends to the entire series.

Continuity – 3 points. Universe, character, and story continuity is all maintained in this episode. Another advantage for being the pilot is that a lot of what is shown is establishing the continuity.

Our introduction to the Chief

Character Development – 3 points. This is a gimme for almost any pilot episode as it introduces us to the new characters, most with a clean slate to work on. We see the diplomatic explorer Jean-Luc Picard who exudes confidence from the opening line. Riker is the up and coming first officer with a stellar record also has a past with the empathic ship’s counsellor, Deanna Troi. Troi shows she is not only in tune with her own emotions but with the emotions of everyone around her. We are introduced to Data, the android who would be human, Beverly Crusher, the devoted chief medical officer, and her genius son Wesley. Geordi gets a minimal treatment as we see more of the abilities of his Visor than much of a glimpse into who he is. Worf is almost an afterthought, but his character will get a fair bit of development in the upcoming seasons, but even in a two hour pilot there is only so much room for the nine main characters.

Defiance

Social Commentary – 3 points. A new twist on the classic judging-a-book-by-its-cover motif with the secret of Farpoint Station. There is also the idea of being put on trial for the crimes of people who you share a bond with (in this case, the entire human race).

Mystery solved

Cool Factor – 3 points. OK, so there is so much coolness shown in this episode. We have coolness in the technology with the holodeck and the first saucer separation of the Enterprise. We have cool character moments as Q is established as a great nemesis to the crew. Cool factor for having the first physically disabled bridge officer with the blind helmsman, Geordi LaForge. The true nature of the Farpoint station was cool. For me, the coolest part of the entire episode occurs at the halfway point as DeForest Kelley makes his final television appearance as “the Admiral” Leonard McCoy. What a perfect scene, and it serves as an essential bridge between the two generations of the crew. It established a great tradition of having a character from a previous incarnation appear in the pilot of the new series.

Two generations brought together.

Rank – Admiral (23 points). There is no denying that if you are going to watch TNG, you are going to have to watch the pilot. Good news is that it is a strong episode that introduces us to some of the greatest characters in the television history.