Reviews (1)

Father, Looking for a Lost Love, is Charged with Murder
Father receives a message from Above, and tells Vincent he must venture there briefly. The message has led Father to believe that the love of his life, a woman named Margaret with whom he hasn't communicated in decades, is looking for him. When Father doesn't soon return to the tunnels, Vincent enlists Catherine's aid in finding him. Catherine finds that Father is in jail and charged with murder. Father, in seeking out the source of the message he received, has inadvertently managed to FRAME HIMSELF for the murder of Margaret's lawyer. Catherine goes to great lengths to clear him of the charges and help bring about a bittersweet reunion between Father and Margaret. The episode achieves some emotional power, with regretful thoughts over lost opportunity. Vincent and Catherine, witnessing this, must wonder if THEIR opportunity will be lost.

In 1998 I conducted a poll among Beauty and the Beast fans asking them to rate the 44 episodes of the first two seasons on a 1-to-10 scale. 31 fans participated. "Song of Orpheus" finished 16th out of the 44 episodes.

I placed "Song of Orpheus" 19th in my own personal 1-through-44 rank-ordering of the episodes. ... Read more

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This ambitious two-part adventure opens Deep Space Nine's fourth season with a major station shake-up, drafting Worf (Michael Dorn) from Star Trek: The Next Generation and pitting the Federation against their allies, the Klingons. The warrior race has their own plan to protect the quadrant from the threat of the Dominion on the other side of the worm hole, which involves "glorious battle" that will break the precarious peace the Federation has maintained. In many ways, it redefines the show in a rougher mode and puts the station in a more volatile situation. The Federation's clash with the Klingons breaks a 20-year peace and forces Worf into the most difficult decision of his life. Sisko's newly shaved pate adds to his battle-hardened authority and Worf's rigid adherence to military protocol adds some much-needed tensions back into the station. It's the most exciting show to date, a sharply written, action-packed episode climaxing with a spectacular battle that moves from outer space to the inner corridors of the station. Once again, the insidious hand of the Dominion lurks in the shadows, adding yet another paranoid dimension to one of the best stories of the series. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Worf joins DS9 as the Klingons go after the Cardassians
Sisko has been spending the day chasing Odo in a simulated attack on DS9 by a Changeling and wants to have a nice quiet dinner with Kasidy Yates when a Klingon fleet shows up requesting shore leave. The Klingons claim they are there to help defend the sector from attack by the Dominion, but Sisko has his doubts. To help him with the tense situation, Sisko gets Lt. Commander Worf on a special assignment. Worf soon discovers that Chancellor Gowron believes the Dominion is behind the Cardassian civilian government gaining control from the Central Command. The Klingons therefore intend to conquer Cardassia as the minions of the Dominion and it is up to Sisko and crew to stop them.

The fact this two-part episode is where Worf joins the crew of DS9 is reason enough to recommend "The Way of the Warrior." But the involvement of Klingon politics into on-going Cardassian and Dominion story lines is equally impressive, especially since it also justifies Worf's involvement in the series. The only thing that bothers me is that here we are at the beginning of the show's fourth season and we are STILL waiting for the Dominion invasion that was first threatened at the end of season two. The Founders sure are taking their time, don't you think? But then if Gowron is so paranoid that he thinks overthrowing the military government of Cardassia is motivated by Dominion intrigue rather than democratic spirit, maybe the Founders know what they are doing. Okay, I am also bothered by Worf walking away from Deanna, but that really has nothing to do with DS9.

DS9's Second Wind
Like the original series Where No Man Has Gone Before,The Way of The Warrior is DS9'second wind.Not only is Worf added to the cast(and later to marry and lose Jadzia Dax),but the course of the show about a run down station turns into the most exciting Star Trek series ever.Way of the Warrior sets off a chain of events that alters the show.Relations between the Klingons and the Federation erode(as the result of festering paranoia from the Dominion).The action scenes are the best of any series especially the Defiant's rescue of Gul Dukat's ship from the Klingons and the attack on the station.The most amazing introduction in this episode is that of "Capt."Benjamin Sisko.Whereas the beginning,he was a dour caretaker of a rundown station.But after the introduction of the Dominion,given a warship of his own(the Defiant),and a new look(a goatee and a shaven head),he becomes a truly passionate and heroic leader among the ranks of Kirk and Picard.Althought very underrated among the other skippers,Sisko would lead DS9 through victory throughout the Klingon conflict(which will turn around when Cardassia and the Dominion join forces)his role as the Bajoran Emissary,and the final battle in the impending Dominion War.Although the series ended in 1999(and sorely missed by Trekker Niners)Deep Space Nine still resonates and The Way Of The Warrior was that first step in what made it so great.

Finally!! Some good old-fashioned Klingon Nastiness!!
Although I am more of an Original Series Star Trek fan, I have to admit that this is one of the best DS9 episodes if not THE best. I loved the space battles and I was thrilled when the Klingons broke the peace treaty with the Federation! (Even if it wasn't for the reason I would have wished!) I always hated Worf AND Gowron!! They don't strike me as being true to their Klingon roots! Unlike TRUE Klingons, both Worf And Gowron are sniveling cowards who would rather negotiate than fight!! Original Series Klingon characters like Commander Kruge and General Chang would turn them both into mince meat!! Every story has to have its villians and the Cardassians and the Dominion just don't play that role sufficiently.
When I first saw this episode, I thought, "Finally the Klingons are showing their True Colours!" I thought The Klingons would start ravaging and plundering the Galaxy again, like they did in The Original Series and the first six movies! I never got used to the Idea that The Klingons made a lasting peace with The Federation! As A "First Generation" Trekker, I just keep visualising the Klingons as BAD!! I wanted to see Klingons out conquering and destroying again and I was disappointed with the direction the series took after this episode! Most Trekkies who disagree with my view are only trying to sound "politically correct"! I even heard some fans stopped watching DS9 after this episode and refused to watch it again until The Federation and Klingon Empire "kissed and made up". More politically correct nitpicking!!
All in all, "The Way Of The Warrior" does perfectly well on its own. It's impact was reduced only by the plot twists of subsequent episodes. The shows producers obviously caved in to the politically correct whining of the tree-hugging faction of trekkies. But this episode ,for a time,stood as a valiant effort on the part of the producers to stand up to all that nonsense. Too bad they couldn't keep it up! That day WAS a good day to die!!

One of DS9's more entertaining episodes.
The Way of the Warrior was a 90-minute episode that introduced Worf (Michael Dorn) from The Next Generation to Deep Space Nine. For that alone, it feels pretty gimmicky. The rest of the story focuses on growing hostilities between the Federation and the Klingons, which culminates to what it is, quite simply, one of the best battle scenes in Trek history. The space battle is massive and epic, and the Klingon parties that board DS9 lead to thrilling phaser fights and exciting, very well-choreographed hand-to-hand combat. This battle scene alone makes the episode stand out from the rest of the pack.

Big Screen Production from Trek'sThird Child
DS9 started its fourth season in a big way with a two-hour episode heralding the addition of fan favorite Lt. Worf (Michael Dorn). "The Way of the Warrior" can stand up well against the bigger-budgeted theatrical offerings in the franchise. It features state-of-the art effects, an enthralling storyline, wonderful performances from all cast members, and a rousing Dennis McCarthy score.

Speaking of acting, no one other than Dorn can don the Klingon makeup. He embodies the character's ongoing inner struggle between his allegiances to the Federation and his Klingon roots. Other noteworthy acting accolades go to Andrew Robinson, as the enigmatic "Garek", Marc Alamo as "Gul Dukat" and the eye-popping, scene-stealing Robert O'Reilly as "Gowron".

The show, like its predecessor, "Star Trek: the Next Generation", began to "feel its wings" during the third season and would maintain its level of excellence for the remainder of its seven-year run.

"Warrior" is one of the highlights of that time. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Dominion attack DS9 and the great war is on in earnest
The long awaited Dominion attack on Deep Space Nine and the outbreak of outright war makes Episode 124, "Call to Arms" (Written by Ira Steven Behr & Robert Hewitt Wolfe, June 16, 1997) the cliffhanger that ends Season Five and sets up the story act that will dominant the start of the next season. All the little diverting story lines regarding Quark's comic escapades and the like are now forgotten as the war begins in earnest. It begins with Starfleet ordering Sisko to stop further Dominion reinforcements from reaching Cardassia, so the captain decides to mine the entrance to the wormhole. O'Brien, Dax, and Rom come up with a plan to use self-replicating mines; the catch is that the entire minefield has to be laid out before it can be activated, which means that if the enemy learns of what they are doing, they will attack before DS9 is ready. Then, Weyoun (Jeffrey Coombs), the Dominion representative arrives to warn that if Sisko does not remover the mines, the Dominion will take over the station.

It took a long time to get to this point, but now things are starting to move quickly. Sisko endorses the non-aggression pact the Dominion proposed to Bajor, hoping to keep the planet out of the coming war, and the last thing he does before having the station evacuated of non-combatants is to marry Rom and Leeta. Then the Jem'Haddar attack in force and the battle for DS9 begins. Now, on the one hand I have problems with the idea that the station can be defended against a Jem'Haddar fleet, but on the other I was happy to see that both Sisko and Starfleet have a few surprises up their sleeves. Still, "Call to Arms" does represent the grim situation that Sisko and his crew face at the start of the war. Everything that happens here sets up the next season, so this is an important DS9 episode, though not a classic.

Dominion is taking back Deep Space Nine.
"Call to Arms" starts a seven-part episode, which I call "The Dominion War."

Synopsis:

As another convoy of Jem'Hadar ships emerges from the wormhole toward Cardassia, Sisko and his officers face the grim realization that the Dominion is taking over the Alpha Quadrant.

When Starfleet Command notifies Sisko that he must stop further Dominion reinforcements from reaching Cardassia, he decides to mine the entrance to the wormhole â€" a move that will likely lead to war.

Dax, Rom, and O'Brien hatch a plan to fill the wormhole entrance with self-replicating mines, but the entire minefield must be in place before it can be activated. This means the plan is likely to be detected, and the U.S.S. Defiant attacked, before the minefield is ready. When Sisko reveals that Starfleet cannot send reinforcements, the crew realizes the station may be lost. Shortly after Dax and O'Brien set off to deploy the minefield, Weyoun, the Dominion representative, arrives with a warning that they will take over the station unless Sisko removes the mines.

Refusing to back down, Sisko alerts the crew to the Dominion's impending attack. He asks General Martok to patrol the border and informs Kira he will endorse the non-aggression pact the Dominion proposed to Bajor, hopefully ensuring the planet's survival. After hurriedly marrying Rom and Leeta, Sisko is notified by Martok that the Dominion force should arrive within the hour.

The station is evacuated while Sisko, his officers, and a few others remain behind. As the battle begins, they fight the Jem'Hadar from the station while Martok and his troops protect the U.S.S. Defiant, allowing Dax and O'Brien time to finish the minefield. With the Dominion continuing to bear down, Sisko orders all remaining Starfleet personnel to evacuate.

Sisko addresses Kira, Odo, Quark, Rom, Morn, and the few others who will remain behind, promising to fight until he can return to the station. He also reveals that while they were keeping the Dominion occupied, the rest of the Federation fleet was destroying Dominion shipyards in Cardassian space. Preparing for a rendezvous with a Federation task force and a final battle with the Dominion, Sisko joins his crew and departs in the U.S.S. Defiant. Unfortunately, he must leave without Jake, who secretly arranged to remain behind and report on the imminent events. Back on Deep Space Nine, Kira, Odo, and their remaining comrades disable the station before surrendering their home for the past five years, to Gul Dukat and Weyoun.

One of the best episodes.
Call to Arms is one of the best episodes of DS9. Whether its The Dominion taking over the station, Rom and Leeta getting married, or the biggest double talk I've ever witnessed on TV between Sisko and Weyoun, this is a must have episode. ... Read more

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"Rules of Engagement" is quite possibly the most unusual Klingon episode ever made. Most Klingon shows involve Glorious Battles and Great Fights--or at the very least hand-to-hand combat--and have leather-clad warriors of both genders joyously snarling at each other. (All Klingon shows are about Honor.) "Rules of Engagement" takes place almost entirely in a judge advocate general's courtroom and plays by Federation rules.

Ron Canada is the very definition of suave as Ch'Pok, Klingon Advocate and ninja-at-law. Michael Dorn (Worf) and Avery Brooks (Sisko) valiantly try not to look silly in Starfleet dress uniforms. (They don't succeed. Nobody ever does.) And Deborah Strang is logically above it all as the Vulcan Judge Advocate. Chief gets his day in the Captain's Chair (sort of). Quark goes on about dabo girls and messes with the inquiry's mind. Curzon Dax is called upon to testify as an expert witness; it doesn't even matter that he's dead. This surreal episode was made by film buffs and it shows. Watch for truly creative camera work during flashbacks. In the end, however, "Rules of Engagement" is definitely and ultimately Klingon. It's about what goes into the making of an honorable person. --Kayla Rigney ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The trial of Commander Worf, or, A Few Good Klingons
The Klingon Empire wants Worf to stand trial for murder and "Rules of Engagement" deals with the extradition hearing that follows. Worf was captaining the Defiant when it escorted a Cardassian relief convoy that was attacked by two Klingon warships. When a third vessel started to uncloak, Worf opened fire and destroyed a transport ship carrying civilians (Klingon civilians, no less). Interestingly enough, Worf is charged with "knowingly" destroying the civilian transport, which is rather hard to do since it was decloaking at the time, but what the heck. "Rules of Engagement" is a slightly below-average episode of DS9 in which the performances are all fine, but the storyline does not hold together if you look at it too closely, especially from the Klingon point-of-view. The episode does underscore the lovely animosity between the Klingons and the Cardassians, who really do not like being enemies of the same enemy, the Dominion.

One of DS9's Finest Hours
Sure, Deep Space 9 was not your typical Trek series, it played around with the traditional format and was innovative with its structure, such as in this episode through the use of Worf's trial. Though this episode is not part of the larger story, it is emblematic of the series' willingness to throw the traditional Trek structure in its head. This innovation might be seen as a failing by some, but they simply may not have the necessary attention span to keep up with a story for longer than sixty minutes. All others, please feel free to buy this video and enjoy it along with the rest of this excellent series. You'll be able to watch it and enjoy it again and again. This is one of the series' many fine hours, including the finale.

"That is one unlucky ship!"
During Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's the fourth season the show had found it's niche utilizing various arcs(Dominion Paranoia, Klingon Wars, ect.) to focus on the characters intensely. This episode focuses on Worf and Sisko in an engaging, thoughtful, and humorous courtroom drama. It's filmed uniquely; as a delightfully hammy Klingon prosecutor asks Worf's camrades questions about the incident, we see what happened through them. This episode has the best scenes between Sisko and Worf. In the end when Worf is found innocent of the charges for firing on a ship, Sisko gives him one hell of a lecture which reveals a lot about Sisko's honorable character.

The Best
This is perhaps the best DS9 episode of the series. (Not counting any two - parters, or extended story lines.) In this episode we get a feel of how the war is going and also a glimpse into the difficulties of command. I currently serve in the military and I know how often it is hard to make those life and death decisions in a heart beat. I belive this episode gives you great insight into the characters of Worf, Sisko, and O'Brien and also Worf and O'Brien's relationship. Overall a great episode and it was directed by LeVar Burton.

Worf is on trial!
The war between the Federation and Kligon Empire is claiming more casualties, one of them a freighter carrying Klingon civilians, any attack on these such transport low-risk vessels is prohibited, and so the Rules of Engagement explores what is right and wrong in war and ultimately how Worf is framed for the murder of several dozen innocent Kligon's.

Worf gave the order to fire on the frieghter and thus must face trial. An hit-and-miss episode that is like so many Star Trek court stories that have gone before it... the good guy is always innocent. ... Read more

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"Fatal Attraction" in Beauty and the Beast
An ex-fiance comes back into Catherine's life. Catherine is not terribly comfortable with this as we see from flashbacks that the breakup up was not particularly amicable. Vincent is very uncomfortable with this as he battles feelings of jealously. He also worries for Catherine's safety as he is haunted by ominous dreams of Catherine being in danger.

The notion of an ex-fiance coming back into Catherine's life could potentially have made a compelling episode, but unfortunately this episode goes off into an unimaginative "fatal attraction" direction.

In 1998 I conducted a poll among Beauty and the Beast fans asking them to rate the 44 episodes of the first two seasons on a 1-to-10 scale. 31 fans participated. "Down to a Sunless Sea" finished 36th out of the 44 episodes.

I placed "Down to a Sunless Sea" 37th in my own personal 1-through-44 rank-ordering of the episodes. ... Read more

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"Because it's Been the Most Wonderful Year of My Life"
So says Catherine to her plastic surgeon when he expresses surprise after she declines his suggestion that he remove a scar from the side of her face. It is the only remaining visible scar among those she acquired one year ago on the night Vincent discovered her, bleeding and left for dead. She apparently cherishes it. This episode has a rather unremarkable main plot wherein Catherine's boss is victimized (and Catherine endangered) by a conspiracy of unscrupulous (to put it mildly) lawyers. But there is a nice subplot involving preparations leading up to, and the culmination of, Vincent and Catherine's one-year anniversary celebration.

In 1998 I conducted a poll among Beauty and the Beast fans asking them to rate the 44 episodes of the first two seasons on a 1-to-10 scale. 31 fans participated. "Temptation" finished 27th out of the 44 episodes.

I placed "Temptation" 29th in my own personal 1-through-44 rank-ordering of the episodes. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The "Ghosts" of La Forge and Ro try to save the Enterprise
"The Next Phase" always strikes me as a cross between "Tom Sawyer," "The Odd Couple," and "Ghost." La Forge and Ro Laren disappear when beaming back from a Romulan ship they were helping to repair. Everyone thinks they are dead, but the Romulans had been working on a cloaking device that puts people out of phase instead of rendering them invisible. Consequently, like Tom Sawyer the two Starfleet officers get to witness their own funeral. Like Patrick Swayze they are unable to communicate with their friends. But since La Forge was the one who most vocally objected to the Bajoran joining the crew of the Enterprise ("Ensign Ro," Episode 103) there is a Felix and Oscar in the great beyond aspect to the episode as well. Some of the best moments in the episode are as the two of them argue over whether or not they are dead and what they are supposed to do if that is indeed the case. However, there are more important concerns as the Romulans become convinced the Enterprise is going to figure out about the cloaking device and they send over their own phased crew members to blow up the ship. La Forge and Ro become aware of the plot but are unable to communicate with Picard or the others.

This is an above average episode, with the interplay between Michelle Forbes and LaVar Burton (it is so nice to see somebody really get under Geordi's skin and who gives better than she gets) overcoming the gaping holes in the whole being out of phase idea (they walk through walls but not through floors). But if you are not willing to engage in the willing suspension of disbelief by now when watching Star Trek, I just ain't never going to happen. The scientific nonsense is there to set up the character confrontations and developments. In that regard "The Next Phase" does signal a larger acceptance of Ensign Ro by the Enterprise crew, since the natural inclination is to focus on the good points of someone when you think they are dead.

One of thier best
One of the great strengths of TNG was it's cast, and two of the best (Michelle Forbes, Levar Burton) dominate in a well-paced story. Ensign Ro and Geordi LaForge find themselves slightly out of phase with the rest of the universe, and they employ heroic efforts to get back in time to keep the Enterprise from disaster. Sounds like your basic potboiler, but the complications and humorous twists make for solid entertainment, with a genuine cliffhanger ending. ... Read more

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The Enterprise is visited by a historian from the future
The Star Trek universe has seen its fair share of time traveling and in "A Matter of Time" the Enterprise encounters a visitor from the future. Rasmussen claims to be a historian from three hundred years in the future who has come back in time to study the Enterprise at a crucial moment. Picard has doubts about Rasmussen's story, but permits him to come aboard. When the Enterprise helps a young planet along by removing the giant dust cloud that is blocking its sunlight, Rasmussen applauds their historic efforts (to the bewilderment of the crew) and plans to quickly take his leave now that the big moment has passed and everybody did just want the history books said they did. However, Picard suspects Rasmussen of having stolen a number of items from the ship. Is Rasmussen a historian just procuring artifacts for his museum in the future or is there something else going on?

Rasmussen is not a particularly engaging rogue and there are enough holes in his story that it is only by the miracle of contrivance that he is allowed such free reign aboard the Enterprise. Then again, whatever doubts they have about Rasmussen the crew is pretty sure that is a real time machine in that cargo bay. "A Matter of Time" is a slightly below average episode that would have benefited from Rasmussen being a more compelling or more mysterious character. Final Note: once the secret is revealed you have to conclude that this guy is a real idiot; if Spock had trouble trying to find a way to read his tricorder when stuck in the past on Earth in the Great Depression (see the classic "The City on the Edge of Forever" episode written by Harlan Ellison), then what chance does this clown have of doing anything even half as complicated? An interesting story dragged down by a buffoonish character. This one could have easily been a lot better. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Political intrigue among the stars!
Guest star James Sloyan is riveting as the "defector" in the episode's title. Almost like a companion piece to "Deep Space Nine's 'Duet'", the show is an exercise in the politics and machinations of war.

Like the best "Treks," this one mixes science fiction with biting social commentary. This third season offering was one of the best.

Nothing is as simple as it seems in "The Defector"
When we saw the face of the first Romulan, memorably played by Mark Lenard, there was a strong element of quiet nobility associated with the character. Often on the original Star Trek the Romulans were reduced to a standard stereotype, the "Chinese" to the "Soviet" Klingons at odds with the Federation. But there are times when that initial nobility comes back, and there is no better example of this than "The Defector." This is one of the best Next Generation episodes because it is about "people" and not specific effects.

Responding to a distress call from a Romulan scout ship, the Enterprise beams aboard an apparent Romulan defector named Setal. He claims that he is a simply low-ranking officer who has learned the Romulans have created a hidden base on Nelvana Three as a prelude to taking over the Neutral Zone. Of course, Worf is suspicious, with good reason. "Setal" is really Admiral Jarok, who made his reputation in engagements against the Federation. Should Picard belief Jarok's story and investigate Nelvna Three, thereby violating the treaty between the Romulans and the Federation? Is he a true defector or are there plans within plans within plans? Enjoy playing along with Picard in this episode as he tries to determine the truth. Another classic Star Trek character study well worth the viewing.

The best episode
The Defector is the best Episode of Star Trek in my book. I like how the writers of Star Trek are telling us that every culture has its flaws. The Federation has the little worm things (conspiracy), the klingons have civil wars (Redemption), the Ferengi have Moogie, the Cardassians have the dominion, and the Romulans have defectors.

Besides seeing the mighty Romulan Empire become more realistic, I like the events that show the inner workings of Starfleet. Suddenly, the Enterprise is far enough away that recordings have to be sent, and conversations happen over days, not minutes. The Enterprise can now make deals with alien races on its own, and the Starfleet Intelligence Network begins to show promise (section 31? Maybe). But if you want one that will keep you thinking, look at this one.

Complex character portrait in an action show
Classic STAR TREK's two (hard to believe, but that's all there were) episodes depicting Romulans were very much one-man shows: Mark Lenard as the very noble Romulan in BALANCE OF TERROR and Joanne Linville as the passionate Romulan commander in THE ENTERPRISE INCIDENT.

THE DEFECTOR is Admiral Alidar Jarok, strategist, war hero, butcher, and traitor -- depending on your point of view. But what of Jarok's point of view?

Skillfully introduced by Picard's and Data's evocation of "a little touch of Harry in the night" from HENRY V, Jarok shows that the "king's cause" -- or that of the Romulan Star Empire is one thing, but the cause of his own conscience is more powerful yet.

Skillfully played, the character takes us from one reversal to the other, one step behind the ENTERPRISE's crew, which is often angry, often contemptuous at the first defector in Romulan history. Curiously, the one who is most compassionate to him is Data.

Jarok knows what he can expect, what he has sacrified, and what his people will do to him. But he has done it for love of his baby daughter, and the scene in which he explains this to Picard puts, for once, the intrepid Captain firmly in the wrong.

Picard closes the show with what one hopes is a promise that can be kept.

An excellent episode
This episode is one of the best that TNG has ever made. It has lots of action, above average special effects and great acting. It has a real surprise twist at the end, too! Fans of TNG or star trek in general shouldn't hesitate to buy this truly stellar episode! ... Read more

Amazon.com

When Captain Picard seeks some much needed recreation in theEnterprise's newly revamped holodeck, he decides to take a fantasyvacation as his favorite fictional private eye, Dixon Hill, a hard-boiled,trench-coated defender of WWII-era San Francisco. Picard's thrilling account ofthe computer-generated verisimilitude persuades a few shipmates to join him: Commander Data, Dr. Crusher, and some guy you've never heard of. Guess who gets shot when the holodeck malfunctions and its artificial creations turn very real and very deadly? The cast plays up to the genial humor of the witty story, and guest star Lawrence Tierney is a hoot as a Sidney Greenstreet-type villain philosophically intrigued by the notion that he doesn't truly exist. All that's missing is the playfulness that could have sent this over the top. Like many Next Generation episodes made before the show found its own voice and tone with the introduction of the Borg, "The Big Goodbye" suffers in comparison with the original Trek. One looks back fondly to Kirk and Spock's similar brush with '30s-style gangsters ("A Piece of the Action"), which had a goofy, go-for-broke sense of the situation's absurdity which this show lacks. And for allPicard's going on about the stunning reality of the simulated San Francisco,this is a disappointingly set-bound episode, cramped and confined when it mostneeds to break out of its story and breathe freely. --Bruce Reid ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Holodeck malfunction, overused but works here
The Enterprise is on route to make contact with the Jarada, an insect-like species who demand a ritual greeting from the captain of the ship. It is a very difficult greeting for humans to pronounce and the Jarada are very exacting in their expectations. A single mispronounced syllable could have interplanetary consequences. Captain Picard has been practicing the greeting, but it is starting to wear on him. Since it will be several hours until contact is made, he decides to engage in a diversion in the holodeck. He will assume the role of the fictional private detective Dixon Hill and Dr. Crusher, Data and crewman Whalen accompany him.
However, a scan of the Enterprise causes the holodeck to malfunction, they are unable to disengage the program, they cannot exit and all safety protocols are turned off. Some gangsters arrive to settle a score with Hill and Whalen is seriously injured. Furthermore, the time of the rendezvous is approaching and Captain Picard cannot deliver the greeting from the holodeck. Wesley finally manages to open the exit and Picard and his group are able to leave the holodeck in the nick of time.
What makes this episode work are the characters they interact with in the holodeck. In many ways they are self-aware and the title of the episode is derived from the conversation that Picard has with a fabricated police officer. The officer asks what will happen to him when the program terminates and Picard is forced to answer that he doesn't know. Hence, from the perspective of the officer, their parting is the big goodbye. The gangsters are also excellent characters, especially the leader. Even though he is on the verge of having Picard's party killed, he demonstrates that he is more than a thug. He insists on good manners and his dialog with Picard is excellent.
In general, I do not like the episodes based on a holodeck malfunction. In my opinion, that plot device was far too overused in the series. Any technology used on the Enterprise that prone to malfunction would not be used on the Enterprise. What I found most difficult to believe is that there was no priority override to the holodeck. There would be a switch or button that would immediately disengage the holodeck, no matter what it was doing. However, the story was so well done that I override my usual objections and give the episode four stars.

"I spell knife with an 'n' but then I never could spell."
The holodeck premise has led to the creation of many horrendous Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Voyager episodes. It has brought about so much misery and confusion to loyal Trek viewers that it is easy to forget that there actually have been quality holodeck episodes. "The Big Goodbye" is one of them.

The Enterprise-D is traveling to quadrant Korona IV which is home to the Jarada. In order to get on their good side, Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) has been asked by the alien race to deliver a precise greeting that cannot deviate in any way from its specifications. To ease his stress, the captain visits the holodeck along with Data (Brent Spiner), Doctor Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden), and ship historian Whalen (David Selsburg). The group participates in an adventure set in twentieth-century San Francisco but a malfunction occurs which traps them in the holodeck with the safety features deactivated. A race against time ensues to save the lives of the trapped crewmembers and to free Captain Picard in time for his meeting with the Jarada.

Yes, Wesley once again helps to save the day but let's concentrate on the more positive aspects of this episode, shall we? The Star Trek franchise has always been at its best when it explored profound ideas. In keeping with this approach, the holodeck has been a wonderful device to comment upon the nature of reality and our perceptions of it. When it is utilized correctly as a storytelling tool, it has posed some intriguing questions about who we really are and what exactly is this world that we occupy. This was the first Star Trek: The Next Generation episode that hinted at the better things yet to come in later seasons. It is not as smooth or polished as later entries but it still holds up rather well when measured against the other noteworthy episodes in the series. And who knew that the job of Enterprise-D historian could be so hazardous?

Another fave of mine...
Another one of my favorite episodes. It's sooo funny to see the modern-day Jean-Luc, Beverly, and Data dressed in 1940's gear. I laughed out loud (and still do today) when Beverly has trouble walking in the narrow "women's" shoes (Beverly has rather wide, short feet) and nearly trips coming into the holodeck and keeps touching the curly wig she has on over her straight red hair. I think she was really embarrassed. It was hysterical when someone passed her gum and she winds up swallowing it whole with a noisy GULP; that was a timeless scene! There's also a touching scene where Picard meets Beverly in the police lobby and Beverly softly asks if he's having a good time. Jean-Luc says how glad he is that she came and Beverly blushes a bright red; that scene shows Beverly's shyness in an endearing way. Things get scary when the holodeck malfunctions and the safety feature fails, then one of the gang members threatens Beverly taunting her archiac sexist words. The scenery was real and gave a feel of that era of impending war, tough times and the backwards living of people back then. I could see that the crew was taken slightly aback by the ignorance and primitiveness of characters in Dixon Hill's time. Especially sensitive Beverly was shocked by the rampant violence and callous disregard for humanity of that time.

Too underrated...
This highly underrated first season episode of TNG is actually the best of the holodeck episodes. Looking for a break in the goings-on of the Federation, Captain Picard seeks refuge in the guise of Detective Dixon Hill. In the meantime, the crew is preparing for peace talks with the hostile Jerada. When the ship is scanned by the Jeradan flagship, Picard, Data, Dr. Crusher, and Expendable Crewman #13h are trapped in the holodeck and the safety has been turned off, making fake bullets real! The suspense mounts up to the creative ending. All of the guest stars do very well and provide a neat contrast with 1930s literature and 24th century universe. It's a great, fun episode with Trek lore perfectly in tact.

'The Next Generation' Strikes Gold! - More To Follow!
I was originally quite skeptical about Paramount producing a new Trek television series along with many others. My dubious instinct proved to be prophetic as ST:TNG began it's network run. I found the first several episodes were hardly worth sitting through and I was ready to write the series off. But show's like "The Battle" and "Hide And Q" kept me coming back the next week and hoping for more excellence. "The Big Goodbye" is the episode that singlehandedly won my allegiance as a fan.

Though the holodeck would be returned to for several more 'star-turns' in other shows, this one remains my favorite. This parody of the film noir classic "The Maltese Falcon" is expertly written and faultlessly performed. The Enterprise crew members reactions to the holodeck characters are played mostly for laughs and therefore to great effect. "The Big Goodbye" also features one of Next Generation's finest ensemble supporting casts. Harvey Jason, as Felix Leach, is an absolute riot as a poor man's Peter Lorre; Lawrence Tierney, doubling for Sydney Greenstreet, is commanding as the proper but nefarious Cyrus Redblock - his best role in years prior to being in "Reservoir Dogs"; cult film star Dick Miller appears as a newstand vendor; William Boyett, who appeared in several episodes of television's "Dragnet, shows up as a brow-beating police detective.

Tracy Torme, who scripted this Peabody Award winning episode, created a totally unique and ingenious plot by having Enterprise crew members get trapped in the past without even leaving the ship. The Star Trek production team also does a marvelous job of creating the effect of the holodeck as well the attention to period detail. Arguably the best episode from the inaugural TNG season but most certainly the best looking one. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Worf finally comes to terms with Alexander's future
Worf takes Alexander to a Klingon outpost so the boy can observe their cultural heritage up close and personal. However, that night three assassins attack them. They survive in part because of the actions of K'Mtar, an adviser to the House of Mogh. When K'Mtar shows Worf that the knife of the assassin bears the symbol of the House of Duras. While the Enterprise begins looking for the Duras sisters, K'Mtar tries to inspire Alexander to become a warrior. But, as always, the boy resists the idea. However, when confronted with the evidence the Duras sisters not only deny they were involved in the assassination plot, they point out that the knife bears not only the symbol of the House of Duras, but the mark of Lursa's son. The twist is that Lursa only recently became pregnant. That would mean the knife produced by K'Mtar, comes from the future...

After several less than stellar stories involving Worf's Klingon heritage and his problems raising Alexander, "Firstborn" gets down to the basics. At long last, Worf, the only Klingon in Starfleet, recognizes the uniqueness of his son and finally grants him the right to follow his own destiny, no matter what the cost (apparently Alexander wants to a diplomatic peace-maker). Given all the time it has taken for this obvious idea to get through Worf's thick skull (it has all those bony ridges), this was a nice payoff to resolving that particular sub-plot. It was also nice to see an episode that makes subtle but appropriate use of time travel. An excellent final STNG "Klingon" episode. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

M*A*S*H adds B.J. and Colonel Potter to the comedy mix
At the end of the third season of "M*A*S*H" the character of Colonel Henry Blake was killed while flying home. At the start of the fourth season of the military situation comedy Trapper John McIntyre went home as well, which meant that the show had to replace two of the three most important characters on the show. As we see from these first eight episodes from Season 4 (including the one-hour season premier), "M*A*S*H" not only replaced those two character, it evolved into the first and still one of the finest dramadies in television history:

Episode 1-2, "Welcome to Korea" (Written by Everett Greenbaum, Jim Firtzell, and Larry Gelbart, Aired September 12, 1975) has Hawkeye (Alan Alda) returning from R&R only to find that Trapper has just been shipped home. Grabbing Radar (Gary Burghoff) and stealing a jeep, Hawkeye races to Kimpo hoping to catch Trapper before he leaves. They arrive too late to say goodbye to Trapper, but they do get to meet his replacement, B.J. Hunnicutt (Mike Farrell), from Mill Valley, California. On the way back to the 4077th the new M*A*S*H surgeon is introduced first hand to the Korean War. The transition to Hawkeye's new second banana is awkward and that awkwardness is made a part of this episode. Of course Frank Burns (Larry Linville) dreams of molding Hunnicutt into his sort of officer, but by the time the new Swampmates make it back, it is too late. 4.5 Stars.

Episode 3, "Change of Command" (Written by Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum, Aired September 19, 1975) heralds the arrival of Colonel Sherman T. Potter (Harry Morgan), Regular Army, as new C.O. of the 4077th. Despite the fears of the others that Potter will not fit in, the old man proves himself to be exactly what this group needed. I remember thinking at the time that "M*A*S*H" should have left Frank Burns in charge for a few episodes, but it is hard to fault them for wanting to take advantage of having Harry Morgan in the cast each week. 4.5 Stars.

Episode 4, "It Happened One Night" (Story by Gene Reynolds, Written by Larry Gelbart and Simon Mutner, Aired September 26, 1975) finds the 4077th being shelled while the surgeons try to carry on. Clearly the function of this episode is to further initiate Potter and Hunnicutt into the world of meatball surgery under pressure. 4 Stars.

Episode 5, The Late Captain Pierce" (Written by Clen Charles and Les Charles, October 3, 1975), finds B.J. getting a phone call from Hawkeye's dad in the middle of the night wanting to know "how and why." In a horrible SNAFU, the Army has declared Hawkeye dead and informed his father. Adding insult to injury, because President-elect Eisenhower is in the area, all communication has been cut off and Hawkeye cannot let his dad know he is still alive. Meanwhile, a guy (Richard Masur) arrives to pick up Hawkeye's corpse. Written by the future creators of "Cheers," this episode is one of the first to sober up Hawkeye's character and his speech about giving up and going home because the wounded will never stop coming is memorable. 5 Stars.

Episode 6, "Hey, Doc" (Written by Rich Mittleman, Aired October 10, 1975) has the gang trying to help out Sgt. Kimble, who wants to go home on a slow boat from Pusan rather than an airplane so he can ship home supplies to open by a Korean Kafe. This is a standard military comedy episode with Hawkeye and B.J. wheeling and dealing to get things done. Okay, but nothing special. 3.5 Stars.

Episode 7, "The Bus" (Written by John D. Hess, Aired October 17, 1975) has the doctors returning from a medical conclave (i.e., poker game) when their bus gets lost and they have to avoid North Korean patrols. Nice little change of pace episode that reminds us there is no situation that Frank Burns cannot make worse. 4 Stars.

Episode 8, "Dear Mildred" (Written by Everett Greenbaum and Jim Fritzell, Aired October 24, 1975) finds Colonel Potter writing home to his wife. The "letter home" format serves the series well as it allows Potter's character to be developed as he comments on the oddballs of his new unit. To be followed by B.J.'s "Dear Peggy." 4.5 Stars.

While B.J. works his way into gang, Sherman Potter provides instant revitalization to the series. After all, the man is not going to back down from Frank, Hot Lips, Hawkeye, or anybody else, which really changes the dynamic of the 4077th. What we would clearly see is that Harry Morgan could handle not only comedy, but provide pathos as well. Arguably the most brilliant addition of a cast member in the history of television. Go ahead, argue with that one. ... Read more

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Lauded by most insiders on Voyager's creative team as one of the most satisfying episodes in the series, "Phage" is indeed a nice balance amongcharacter development, story hook, and moral and emotional conflict. With power sources dwindling aboard the ship, Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) sends an away team, including Neelix (Ethan Phillips), to a planet in search of dilithium crystals. While there, Neelix is literally robbed of his lungs by the Vidiians, a once-civilized people who are combating a deadly disease called the Phage by stealing organs. Set up with a pair of holographic lungs by Voyager's doctor (Robert Picardo), Neelix is forced to remain absolutely still while Janeway chases the alien thieves.

Writer Skye Dent may be the only person not entirely happy with the show: he describes the Vidiians he had conceived as arrogant and formidable, while their actual portrayal is, in his words, "wimpy." Point taken, but both Dent and Brannon Braga, series producer and cowriter of "Phage," do find a way here to capitalize on one of the few real relationships--Neelix and his lover, Kes (Jennifer Lien)--among the characters at that time, and the result is tender. Best of all, however, is Janeway's visible pain when she has to get tough with such a pitiful people as the Vidiians; executive producer Jeri Taylor says Mulgrew was quite moved by those scenes. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Is Neelix gonna die?
With the annoyance that Neelix's character seemed to cause pretty much everyone else on the ship, I thought this is the episode that he would leave the show.

An alien with a disease called the "Phage" steals Neelix's lungs and graphs them into this own body. After hunting down the lung theft, Janeway demands the organs back, only to find out he's already using them. Kes offers to give Neelix one of her lungs, the alien offers to perform the surgery using their advanced technology to modify organs from 2 unlike species.

This was a good episode, but I feel that the plot was a little weak. Most episodes have a major story line and a couple of minor ones, as well as the other 'day to day' ongoing struggles. This one seemed the lack the minor conflicts.

Aliens steal Neelix's lungs and Janeway wants them back
One of the prime tenants of Gene Roddenberry's "Start Trek" universe is that plot lines will dress up contemporary issues in futuristic situations. The "Phage" is a devastating plague (think AIDS) that is afflicting an alien race searching the Delta Quadrant for "donors." During an Away Team survey trying to retrieve some raw dilithium, Neelix (Ethan Phillips) is brutally attacked and his lungs are removed. The EMH (Robert Picardo) comes up with a pair of holographic lungs to keep the Talaxian alive, but confined to sickbay for the rest of his life. Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) personally leads an Away Team back to the planet where they discover a medical lab filled with organs harvested from other unwilling donors. The bad news is that Neelix's lungs are not in the lab and when a space ship blasts off from the planet "Voyager" is in hot pursuit. But when they catch up with the Vidiians the crew discovers that these aliens suffer from a horrible plague that destroys their cellular structures that forces them to find healthy organs to replace their own, which is why Neelix's organs have already been transplanted into one of their crew. Thus we come to the big question of this episode: will Janeway kill the Vidiian to get Neelix's lungs back?

"Phage" (Episode 5, Story by Timothy De Haas; Screenplay by Skye Dent and Brannon Braga; Aired: February 6, 1995) plays off the "Star Trek: Voyager" pilot in an interesting way. The ship is stuck in the Delta Quadrant because Captain Janeway put principle ahead of her crew and here we are just a few episodes later and she is confronted with essentially the same decision on a smaller scale. The episode also establishes the principle of bartering and negotiation that serves the crew in good stead as they try to get back home. "Phage" is also the episode when the Doctor comes up with the idea of Kes (Jennifer Lien) being his medical assistant (remember, the EMH was only supposed to a short term solution). It also provides a serious side to the happy go lucky Neelix, who is probably the most cheerful alien in the galaxy. Although he will always remain quaint until the very end of the series, Neelix really does provide necessary social and diplomatic skills and services to "Voyager."

Slightly bizarre, but good character development
Well, I must say that I enjoyed this episode, even though at first blush, the premise (Nelix gets his lungs stolen by aliens) sounded pretty silly.

However, by the end of this episode, we were further aquainted with the characters of Neelix, Kes, and The Doctor...and we met for the first time a species of aliens (the Vidiians) that would come to plague Voyager's crew throughout many episodes to come.

In short...this was a sleeper episode for me. Before I saw it, I must admit not expecting much. But it turned out to be a lot better than the packaging blurb lets on.

Fantastic!
This is a fantastic episode. The plot may seem rather funny at first, but is actually quite serious. While search for dilitheum, Neelix has a strange encounter with an alien who removes his lungs. In order to servive, the Doctor makes Neelix a pair of holographic lungs, but he must remain motionless or they won't work. The crew on Voyager goes searching for the aliens who did it and when they find them, the aliens admit to what they did and offer to do a lung transplant for Neelix. Who will donate a lung? This video shows emence bravery on the parts of Neelix and Kes and is definently worth buying.

Entertaining with Good Characterizations
"Phage" does rely on one slight contrivance to get its plot going, but its a very nice show. The concept is mildy goofy, but the show executes it so well it almost plausible someone's organs can be snatched out from their body using some kind of magical beam. This was the premise behind "Spock's Brain" but DO NOT worry, "Phage" is much smarter than that brainless (pun-intended) travesty. The crew's search for Neelix's lungs is very quick and interesting. Meanwhile, the doctor has created Neelix a pair of holo-lungs. Once we find the thiefs, even they prove interesting. Not usual for Voyager's villians. The final scenes reveal some wonderful characterizations. "Phage" is classic episode of Voyager. ... Read more

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Voyager's most intriguing character, the holographic Doctor(Robert Picardo), gets a plot of his own. When Voyager rescues a dyingVidiian woman named Denara Pel (Susan Diol) who suffers from the phage (anAIDS-like epidemic), the Doctor springs into action, digitizing her brain andcreating a holographic version of her, as he tries to save her actual bodywith a brain graft. But even as he works on her humanoid form, he findshimself beguiled by the holographic version he has created--and despite thefact that he is also a computer-generated hologram, he realizes he is fallingin love with her. Picardo, one of the great unsung character actors in moviesof the 1980s (he's a regular in the films of director Joe Dante), has a goodtime with the persnickety hologram's attempts to come to grips with humanemotions, including a lesson in love from the redoubtable Tom Paris (RobertDuncan McNeill). --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Why can't the doctor be an EMH in love?
In "Star Trek: Voyager," Episode 36, "Lifesigns" (Written by Kenneth Biller, Aired February 26, 1996), we discover the EMH has taken another significant step along the road to personhood. "Voyager" rescues a Vidiian female who dying from the Phage, the horrible Delta Quadrant disease that is killing off her people. The Doctor (Robert Picardo) puts the dying woman in statis and not only transfers her synaptic patterns into the holobuffer but creates a holographic body of what she would look like without the disease. The Viddian is Dr. Denara Pel (Susan Diol), a hematologist, and while the Doctor's solution is only temporary, he has hopes of being able to save her life.

Since Klingon DNA is resistant to the Phage, the Doctor is able to persuade Torres (Roxann Biggs-Dawson) to donate brain tissue that is then grafted onto Pel's brain. While waiting to see if the graft works and retards the Phage, the two physicians send time together and the Doctor is surprised to learn that he has feelings for Pel. Of course, his programming gives him no clue as to what he should do next. Fortunately Kes (Jennifer Lein) is around to give encouragement and Tom Paris (Robert Duncan McNeill) is available for dating advice. However, the two doctors are clearly a star-crossed pair.

Until Seven of Nine joined the cast of "Voyager" it was the Doctor that was the most intriguing character, not to mention the one that underwent the most change over the course of the series. There is something compelling, or perhaps reassuring, about what is basically a computer program that exhibits anxiety and is plagued by doubt. The Doctor's unrequited love for Seven of Nine down the road offered as much pathos as any "Voyager" subplot (although the echoes of Odo and Kira on "Deep Space 9" were rather obvious), and this episode constitutes the first major step in that direction with Picardo's performance driving home the emotional impact. Bonus points for "Lifesigns" having a one word that title that applies to both of the main characters.

The Doctor turns out to be a nice guy!
I really enjoyed this episode of Voyager and feel that it represents a real turning point in the character development of The Doctor. In this episode, The Doctor first saves the life of, then falls in love with a Vidiian woman who is seriously afflicted with the Phage.

What I really enjoy about the episode is the "new ground" that the character of The Doctor is breaking with his exploration of human love and desire. This is a significant step forward in the overall character development of The Doctor, and Robert Picardo does some excellent acting in this episode as well. I give it 4 stars.

Lifesigns displayed
Another terrific episode of the voyager series. This episode deals with a Vidiian female who is found and seriously injured from the phage, their species AIDS virus. In order to treat her the docter creates a holographic body for her consciousness to reside in while he treats her body's injuries. As the episode progresses the she and the doctor begin to form an interesting relationship. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Captain Janeway tries to make an alliance with the Kazon
"Star Trek: Voyager" Episode 31, "Alliances" (Written by Jeri Taylor, Aired January 22, 1996) has Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) confronting the realities of being stuck in the Delta Quadrant trying to get home when she agrees to try and form an alliance with the Kazon. "Voyager" has been under repeated attack by the Kazon and the ship has been damaged. Running out of options, Chakotay tells Janeway that the Maquis would have exploited the competing factions of the Kazon and urges her to do the same thing. Janeway is reluctant, but when Tuvok argues that such an alliance could provide some degree of stability to that section of the Delta Quadrant, she agrees to make the appropriate overtures. However, both the initial talks between Janeway and Chakotay with their old friends Seska (Martha Hackett) and Culluh (Anthony De Longis), and those between Neelix (Ethan Phillips) and a representative of another Kazon faction go from bad to worse. But then things take a turn for the better and a conference of warring Kazon factions is called to try and establish peace in the quadrant. Unfortunately arriving on the scene as well are the Trabe, who were once the slaves of the Kazon and who are now exiles. Throw into the mix Seska's machinations to use the conference as another move in the effort to capture "Voyager" and it is just a question of how bad things are going to be at the end of this one.

My only real problem with this episode is that even if Chakotay has things he wants to keep secret from Janeway regarding Seska there is no way that the Captain should ever trust Seska or her ally. However, I certain appreciate the way "Alliances" complicates the situation for the "Voyager" crew, although it is a bit difficult to follow all the political implications. Granted, forming alliances is going to be a prime ingredient in getting "Voyager" further along on its long journey home, but Janeway's first diplomatic steps should probably have been something considerably less ambitious. Then again, just to argue out one final flip, after the monolithic enemies of the Star Trek universe from the Klingons and Romulans to the Borg and Cardassians, it is a pretty good change of pace to have the Kazons with their multiple factions (although, once again, it seems there is a pretty good parallel between the Kazons and the factions of the Middle East that are vying for control). The bottom line is that "Alliances" is an above-average "Voyager" episode, with implications down the road for more than the Chakotay-Seska sub-plot.

One of Voyager's best!
This episode is full of action and it has an interesting plot twist! I love it! And to keep things interesting, Seska's hair is curled this time around! Haha! (Not that that is important!). More importantly, we get to see that darned ol' Seska again. I was a little surprised that she agreed to talk about an alliance with Voyager, but oh well, the episode was still great!

Good background for the Kazon
Well, since the Kazon are perhaps "the" villans of Voyager Seasons 1 and 2, it's good that we discover the roots of their aggression. In this episode, we explore the hostile and distrustful relationship between the Kazon and the Trabe, and the result is an excellent episode filled with good dialogue and action.

Unfortunately, the crew of Voyager is, by the end of the episode, left in a position of complete isolation from both the Kazon and the Trabe...but Janeway stands her moral ground with both, and that counts for something!

Also in this episode, Seska makes an appearance, giving us still more reasons to hate her (as if we didn't have loads by this time!)

Overall, and enjoyable episode and one worth viewing from season 2.

Trabe who?
In this episode we learn more about the Kazon revolt against their enslavers and how they were truly treated. By the end you almost feel sympathy toward them. Voyager tries to form a protective alliance with the Trabe but let's just say there's more than a few problems. This is a MUST for every Star Trek fan. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Ferengi comedy at its best
If you find the Ferengi funny, especially Quark, then you'll love this episode. Quark, who knows humans as an intelligent and formidable species in his time, is amazed to meet the humans of the 1940s. He's amazed at their niavety and apparent stupidity (compared to humans of the 22nd Century), and, in classic Ferengi style, he immediately tries to take advantage of them for a profit. This episode attempts no moral theme or philisphical statement about anything or anyone; it's not dramatic. It's for pure fun and entertainment, and I thought it was great!

A bad attempt at comedy
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine gives it's weakest performance in a long time after five relatively insightful episodes from the fourth season of the show.

"Little Green Men" begins with Nog leaving to the starfleet academy. Amazingly enough, Quark's cousin Gayla just happens to give Quark a ship for the purpose of Nog's transport...

Quark, Rom and Nog start the joyrney towards Earth. The trip leads to a weird accident in Earth's orbit that leads to a crash that -as a consequence of a freak technobabble phenomenon- carries the ship into the past. More specifically to the town of Roswell, where the U.S. military finds it.

Ring a bell?

The story of "Little Green Men" comes from Toni Marberry and Jack Trevino and the teleplay from the main writer's od DS9: Ire Steven Behr & Robert Hewitt Wolfe.

Behr and Wolfe's dialogue combined to James L. Conway's directing are the only things that save this episode from being the absolute worst trek has to offer. It comes near, though. One of the first rules of modern sci-fi is: forget Roswell; nothing good will ever come from it.

This applys to comical sci-fi more accurately than to any other kind.

"Little Green Men" is probably meant to be a comical episode, but it's more like a torture for star trek viewers in it's unintellectually boring way of telling it's "humorous" story. An idiotic premise, horrible additional characters and lousy story structure quarantee an episode that really should be non-canon.

Little Green Dollars and Greedy Ferengi
AWESOME EPISODE ! Quark, Rom, and Nog get tossed back into time ( United States ) ! If you love Ferengi episodes then here is another one that is sure to rub your lobes ! 5 STARS !!

OO Agent

Uproarious Ferengi
Armin Shimerman's, Aron Eisenberg's, and Max Grodenchik's talents are showcased in this Ferengi episode; my favorite of all the Ferengi shows. The three Ferengis (Quark, Nog, and Rom) are thrown back in time to 1947 Earth as a result of a sabotaged shuttle. Rom and Nog think of ways to get home while Quark thinks of ways to take over Earth. The problem is they are held prisoners of the military who think they are invading martians. Quark continually tries to manipulative the military and convince Rom and Nog that their taking over Earth is in the Ferengis best interest. However, Quark doesn't realize that there was a stowaway on board his shuttle and this stowaway is determined to get back to DS9 and their own time.

This show gives a hilarious twist to the Roswell, New Mexico, UFO story. If you're a fan of the Ferengi, as I am, this is a must see episode!

Explains Roswell perfectly!
I absolutely loved this episode. Normally I find Quark detestable-and generally I feel the same way about all ferengi-but this episode was perfect. It was actually believable. Can't you just see Quark going back in time and causing the Roswell incident? I love how Odo shows up and gets them all out of the mess they are in. I didn't expect Odo to be there at all. It was a surprising episode that was funny and well done. A nice change from all the 'Dominion Wars' and constant political struggles. ... Read more