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Part 2 of "Chain of Command" contains some of the darkest material Star Trek: The Next Generation had ever attempted. Federation information that the Cardassians are developing metagenic weapons turns out to have been a ruse to capture Captain Picard specifically. Picard is interrogated and tortured by the sadistic Gul Madred (David Warner), who has surgically implanted a pain-inducing device in the captain's chest. On the Enterprise, the Cardassian negotiator tells the new captain, Jellico, that they are holding Picard hostage. The friction between Riker and Jellico blows up over Riker's insistence that they try to rescue Picard, and Riker is relieved of duty. The intensity of this episode owes largely to the two guest performances, David Warner as the cruel tormentor Gul Madred, and Ronny Cox as the austere Captain Jellico. You may come away from the show thinking that Jellico's approach, opposite in style to Picard's humanitarian one, is perhaps more effective in an emergency, and therefore no less valid. The rationale behind the capture of Picard is thinly supported by the story, but once he's there the head games between Picard and Madred are mesmerizing and harrowing to watch. --Jim Gay ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great Episode - And Sad Showing From The Enterprise Crew
This two-parter was a terrific season-ending ST-TNG episode, featuring a duel with the Cardassians, Captain Picard in jeopardy and a new commander for the Star Ship Enterprise.

And the Enterprise crew really let us down. Rather than exhibiting military professionalism and backing to the hilt their new commander -- Capt. Jellico, magnificently portrayed by Ronny Cox -- they fought him every step of the way. The story had a strong emotional pull on the viewers, thus the obvious course was to sympathize with the crew's irritation at their new boss, whose personality was far different from that of Capt. Picard. However, that crew was placed on that ship to carry out orders issued by their captain, to the letter and spirit of his or her desires. Possibly their long association with Capt. Picard had made them too buddy-buddy with him, somewhat slack in their militarism, and weak in adapting to a personnel/command change.

Here's a new (though experienced) commander placed in charge of a crew whose former commander had been drafted for a special mission. Capt. Jellico too had a special mission, a head-to-head negotiation with hostile Cardassians. Rather than being completely free to concentrate on that mission, Capt. Jellico had to deal with the distractions of crew sensitivity and grudging cooperation, which extended to Executive Officer Riker's outright insubordination (for which he was quite properly relieved!). And Jellico was eminently appropriate in ordering Deanna to dress more professionally, rather than prancing around in her skin-tight slack-suit.

At first glance, combined with the history of being emotionally connected to the Enterprise crew, it could have been perceived that Capt. Jellico was being harsh and/or unfair -- but further thought, coupled with an understanding of how a military chain of command functions, illuminates only the fact that Riker, Deanna and the others truly reflected poorly upon Capt. Picard, who should have nurtured in them the ability to conform professionally to whatever martial situations they encountered. Instead, they acted like a bunch of whiny teenagers.

Capt. Jellico, upon his departure, told the crew it had been a privilege to serve with them. Later, however, I bet he subtly, quietly passed the word in his professional circle that the Enterprise command crew was a gaggle of spoiled brats, and working with any of them on a future assignment should probably be avoided. I believe that is what I would have done.

But then again, this was just a fictional TV show -- and a great one at that!

What a performance!
This episode is one of the best in the show's seven-year run. I am always amazed by the acting of Patrick Stewart and in this episode his talents are able to shine. He and an equally good David Warner are thrown together in this episode and they play off each other perfectly. It is a wonderful combination of storytelling and acting and I highly recommend it to any Star Trek fan.

"There . . . are . . . FOUR . . . light!"
At the end of Part 1 of "Chain of Command," Jean-Luc Picard had been captured by the Cardassians, who are moving towards the brink of war with the Federation. Meanwhile, back on the Enterprise, Captain Edward Jelico (Ronny Cox) has turned the ship upside down and is now infuriating everyone by refusing to launch a rescue effort to save Picard. While the diplomatic fencing between Jelico and the Cardassians is certainly interesting, the heart of this episode are the encounters between Picard and his captor, Gul Madred (David Warner, in another one of his patented bad guy roles). The Cardassians want to know Starfleet's defense plans for the target of their invasion, Minos Corva. Picard does not know the plans; after all, he is no longer captain of the Enterprise since Starfleet sent him into the trap on a dumb commando raid. However, this does not matter to Gul Madred, who is really nothing more than a sadistic bully. The scenes of a naked Picard being tortured are the most unsettling in the history of Star Trek, especially since we know full well what happened to the man when the Borg turned him into Locutus and used his knowledge to kills thousands of Federation citizens. Meanwhile, the Cardassians try to exploit Picard's drugged confession with Jelico, who refuses to play along because he is more concerned with avoiding the war than rescuing Picard.

"Chain of Command, Part 2" is yet another example of why "TV Guide" selected Patrick Stewart as its television actor of the decade of the 1990's. It does not matter that he is chained and has a pain-inducing device embedded in his body, Gul Madred does not stand a chance and when he allows his daughter to see what he is doing at this work, Picard has the opening he needs. This episode also has the virtue of providing two of the strongest acting jobs by guest stars with Cox and Warner that you will ever see on a Star Trek episode. The regulars are just along for the ride of this one. "Chain of Command" is the best mid-season two-part episode from the series because it is so well integrated into what has happened with these characters for the past five seasons. This not an episode about torture, rather it is an episode about the character and the nature of a pair of men. An unforgettable episode.

Basically a Two-Man Tour de Force
Patrick Stewart and David Warner are superb in this cat-and-mouse expose of the horrors of breaking a prisoner. Stewart in his role of Jean-Luc Picard, captain of the Enterprise, is put to a most intense interrogation by Warner's Cardassian Gul. Both actors stretch their acting mettle in performances worthy of awards.

After being rescued by his crew, Picard's final revelation is stunning.

Comparable in scope and execution to Deep Space Nine's "Duet," which was also basically a two-person story.

A great performance from Picard
In this episode, the second part of 'Chain of Command', Picard has been captured by Cardassians, and is being tortured by a suitably unpleasant Gul, while the Enterprise is under the command of Captain Edward Jellico. I think the first episode was better, only because it was more dramatic and exciting as Picard, Worf, and Dr Crusher undertook a secret mission to Cardassia. This is still pretty good and continues what is a nice insight into life on Cardassia, especially when the Gul is talking to Picard about the hardships of a childhood on the streets, and we get a bit of Cardassian history thrown in as well. The torture scenes were very well portrayed and not too over dramatic, with great performances from the characters involved.

This episode is a must have for all Picard fans. It's one of his best performances of the season, if not of the whole of Next Gen. Riker also has a pretty good part, as he and his new captain don't exactly see eye to eye. The actor who played Jellico did so very well and I really didn't like the character, especially after the way he treated those poor fish.

If you already have part 1, you gotta get this. If not, it's probably best to get that first; the story'll make far more sense :) ... Read more

Reviews (5)

One man's terrorist is another man's saint!
Ensign Ro (Michelle Forbes) dons the garb of Federation spy as she infiltrates the Maquis, Federation colonists along the demilitarized zone dedicated to fight the Cardassians residing there. Ro's loyalties to her new comrades and the mission are tested throughout the episode and her final decision makes for a thoughtful, if predictable, denouement.

Well-acted by Forbes and John Franklin-Robbins as the elderly resistance fighter, this installment also features two scenes "to die for": (1) Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) pretending to "pick up" Ro at a bar as part of the subterfuge to gain information about the mission and (2) the Captain's silent response to Ro's decision.

The Return of Ro Laren and our Introduction to the Maquis
"Preemptive Strike" features the return of Ro Laren, promoted to Lieutenant and back from advanced tactical training. Obviously something is in the wind. Then Admiral Nechayev visits the Enterprise to brief Captain Picard on what has happened to the Federation colonists who remained in Cardassian space after the peace treaty was signed (see "Journey's End," Episode 172). Apparently the colonists are having second thoughts about living under Cardassian rule and have formed resistance groups known as the Maquis, whose actions have become more and more aggressive, thereby threatening the existing peace. Nechayev wants Ro to go under cover and infiltrate the Maquis, her reputation in Starfleet serving as a cover story. Ro successfully joins the Maquis, becoming very good friends with the leader of her cell. With the information she has gathered, Picard plans to bait a trap for the Maquis with a convoy. However, when the Cardassians murder some colonists, Ro finds herself remembering the Cardassian occupation of Bajor and having second thoughts about where her loyalties lie.

"Preemptive Strike" is an interesting penultimate episode for STNG. What it does provide is a link to the future, since the Maquis will become important charactes on Deep Space 9 and Voyager. You have to remember that originally Michelle Forbes' character was going to be on DS9 as Sisko's Bajoran second in command, but the actress wanted to pursue a film career (she ended up back on television on "Homicide"). What makes this a great episode are the scenes between Picard and Ro. Usually it is the captain who finds himself in the mind of some ethical dilemma with repercussions for the entire universe, but this time he is on the outside looking in. This episode certainly provides a fitting farewell for Ro's character.

A welcome return of a popular character
I was reading through the reviews of this video and realised that all of them forgot to mention why this episode is so good. Firstly the episode marks the return of Ro Laren, the Enterprise's 'black sheep' and features a wonderful cast of supporting stars and an intriguing plot. Secondly, the episode must be commended: instead of being a rather dull episode before the huge finale (like the previous 3), the writers have still managed to come up with an excellent story which seals the fate of Ro Laren and has a very shocking ending.

ST:TNG goes out with a bang
I believe this to be the final episode, as 176 were made. In response to , I put this one on my list. Yes, I'm a Star Trek fan, and I think that this is not a video I would give a Star Trek neophyte. But for the fan, this is a good choice. Where else can you see Picard eliminate and subsequently save the human race, see three incarnations of the Enterprise in different times, and see all of them blown to smithereens. If memory serves, this was a tasty end to the TV journey of Enterprise-D.

Excellent Episode
I very much enjoyed this episode. It's well worth your time ... Read more

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In this, the first of a two-part episode that continues the saga of Worf's discommendation by the Klingon High Council, Captain Picard is called to oversee the succession ceremony of Gowron (Robert O'Reilly) as the new leader of the High Council. The Duras family, whose rival to Gowron was killed by Worf in episode 81, "Reunion," and whose traitorous collaboration with the Romulans led to Worf's dishonor, is planning a civil war. Worf lends his support to Gowron in exchange for getting the honor of his family name back. This episode ends with one of the show's most jaw-dropping cliffhangers, involving a surprise from the past.

These episodes having to do with the Klingons' political turbulence are among the most evocative ones besides those with the Borg. And for those following the previous episodes in this saga, "Sins of the Father" and "Reunion," it is most satisfying seeing Worf reinstated as a Klingon in good standing. But there are inconsistencies for those who like to keep track of continuity. For instance, Gowron states unequivocally that women are not allowed to hold positions on the High Council, yet in episode 81 he tried to bribe Worf's mate K'Ehleyr with just such a position. --Jim Gay ... Read more

Reviews (3)

a cliffhanger you won't believe
In this first part of surprising 2-part episode, Gowron is ready to take his place as successor, to be leader of the Klingon High Council. Worf has grown weary of bearing the burden of discommendation and dishonor he accepted in order to save the Klingon Empire and longs to regain his family honor.

In episode 81 ("Reunion"), Worf kills Duras after Duras kills Worf's mate, K'Ehlyer, and as a result, prevents the Duras family from ever taking official power in the High Council.

Duras' sisters, Lursa and B'Etor are powerful and even feared, but women may not serve on the High Council. Worf tells Gowron the true nature of his discommendation and offers to support Gowron if he will in turn restore his family honor. Gowron refuses, since his ascension to the throne is almost a certainty... or is it?

Worf's younger brother, Kurn, is the commander of a small, yet powerful squadron of Klingon warships and as elder brother, enlists Kurn to aid him in bending Gowron's will.

Picard is the reluctant Arbiter of Succession. Patrick Stewart, a long-time Shakespearian actor must have inwardly cringed at the ridiculous Klingon phrases he was forced to recite during this ritual.

The last 5 minutes are where the true surprises rear their head. As Gowron has told Picard, the Romulans are indeed behind the Duras family and when the person behind the scenes, driving the Romulans to this path is revealed, the avid Star Trek fan will gasp in amazement and be dying to see Part II to have it explained.

Forget the new Klingon Emperor. Who's the blonde Romulan?
After the epic cliff hanger of "The Best of Both Worlds, Part I" which ended the previous season, STNG went for a much more intimate but equally dramatic ending to its fourth season focusing on Worf in an episode that brings together virtually every Klingon plot thread in the series. In "Reunion" (Episode 81), Captain Picard was named the arbiter of succession for the leadership of the Klingon Empire. The Enterprise is heading to the Klingon home world and Picard wants Worf to challenge his discommendation ("Sins of the Father," Episode 65) and restore his family name. The two competitors for the throne are Gowron and the illegitimate son of Duras, supported by the lovely Duras sisters, are things are getting ugly and personal big time. Worf tells Gowron the truth about his discommendation and offers the support of his brother Kurn and several other squadron commanders in exchange for returning Worf's family honor. After Gowron is installed as leader civil war breaks out between the two sides and the new Klingon Emperor asks the Federation for assistance. When Picard refuses Worf resigns his commission and joins Gowron. It is then that we learn the Duras sisters have been conspiring with a blonde Romulan who looks very, very familiar.

If "The Best of Both Worlds" left us with a summer wondering WHAT will happen after Picard orders the Enterprise to open fire on Locutus/Picard and the Borg Cube, "Redemption" had his scratching our heads over WHO that was we saw in the final shot. We do not believe that Worf is walking away from the Enterprise for good any more than we believed Riker was going to kill Picard, but the episode does a nice job of bring the personal and political conflicts involved to a head and the final shot of Denise Crosby might be the greatest OMG moment in the entire series. There is nothing like a summer of speculation to warm the hearts of the fans of a beloved television series and the answers in the second part of "Redemption" are well worth the wait. Meanwhile, with every episode focusing on him, Worf continues to become much more than "the only Klingon serving in Starfleet," which I always thought a bit excessive. But if the idea of Worf as some sort of Klingon "Moses" is a bit over the top, these episodes certainly give Michael Dorn some great scenes and compensate him for all the time he had to spend in make-up getting his head together.

Action!The battles are awesome!
When the Enterprise approaches the Klingon homeworld,Gowron(Robert O'Reilly)informs Picard(Patrick Stewart)that a Klingon civil war might form.Worf talks to Kurn(Tony Todd) and Kurn wants to overthrow Gowron.Then,the war begins,Worf joins Duras and gets his honor back.The Romulans are involved.And a special guest star,stars! ... Read more

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The dubious introduction of the Ferengi, subjects of advance hype about a "new alien threat" on The Next Generation, was a disappointment for everyone concerned, as well as many fans. The galaxy's ultra-capitalists are chased by the Enterprise when a Ferengi vessel steals an energy converter. The chase ends when both ships are immobilized above an unknown outpost of the long-dead Tkon Empire. A joint effort to investigate fails when the Ferengi double-cross Riker's away-team. Viewers who could never much stomach the Ferengi won't find a lot here to appreciate, despite efforts by Gene Roddenberry to invent a viable and interesting new nemesis for the Federation. The story, which involves an automated Tkon guard sitting in judgment on Riker as well as the irritating aliens, is less-than-inspired as well. On a positive note, Armin Shimerman makes his first appearance as a Ferengi, this one called Letek. The diminuitive actor went on to play Quark on Deep Space Nine.--Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Poor way to introduce the Ferengi
While this episode accomplishes one very positive thing, namely introducing the Ferengi to Star Trek lore, it does so in two very bad ways. The first is that the Ferengi are presented as sniveling liars, hardly creatures that would be expected to create mighty star ships and civilizations that span multiple planets. The second is that the storyline from the original series episode "Arena" is reused. TNG episodes that reuse plot devices from the original series always seem to lack some of the fire of their forebears.
The episode begins with the Enterprise in hot pursuit of a Ferengi vessel that stole a power device from a Federation outpost. As the ships pass close to a planet, both ships drop out of warp. Having only limited knowledge of the Ferengi, Captain Picard assumes that they are responsible for his loss of power and contacts them about surrender terms. To his surprise, the Ferengi agree to surrender and he then realizes that a force on the planet is holding both ships.

After searching out historical records, the Enterprise crew learns that the planet was a remote outpost in the Tkon Empire, a civilization that collapsed thousands of years earlier. Now that the Ferengi are also aware that it is the planet that is draining their power, Picard and the Ferengi commander agree to cooperate and send away teams to the planet's surface. The Ferengi immediately violate the agreement, but the Enterprise team manages to get the upper hand.
A representative of the Tkon Empire known as the Portal appears and issues a challenge to the away teams. Due to their devious nature, the Ferengi fail and it is up to Riker to answer the questions. He does so successfully, power is restored to both ships and there is a peaceful resolution of the dispute between the Federation and the Ferengi.
There is also a mildly amusing subplot involving the Chinese finger puzzle, where Data gets his fingers stuck in one during a briefing. While it adds some humor to the story, the idea that anyone, even an android, would play with such a puzzle during a briefing when the survival of the ship is at stake is preposterous.
To the credit of the series developers, the Ferengi reappear as an integral part of future episodes of TNG and later Star Trek series, and their sniveling behavior is eliminated. However, this episode must rank as one of the lowest, in that it is hard to see beyond their behavior in this one.

"Yankee traders, I like the sound of that."
Star Trek: The Next Generation's first attempt to introduce a trademark villain to its new series in "The Last Outpost" did not bear fruit as the Ferengi proved not to have the widespread appeal of the Klingons or the Romulans. Their capitalistic orientation, oversized ears, sexist ideals, and diminutive stature characterized them more as comedic foils rather than enduring and worthy adversaries.

The Enterprise-D pursues a Ferengi vessel carrying stolen goods. Suddenly both ships lose power after coming into proximity of a planet that once served as an outpost for the long dead Tkon Empire. In order to free their respective ships, the Enterprise and the Ferengi send crew members to the surface to search for answers. Both parties encounter an entity called "Portal" (Darryl Henriques) who subjects Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes) to a test of wisdom.

The initial appearance of the Ferengi into Star Trek continuity was not flattering as their behavior mimicked circus animals more than the sophisticated businessmen they would transform into during Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. In fact, Star Trek: The Next Generation's attempts to find a quality foe for the series would not succeed until a certain cybernetic race came along in its second season. The Ferengi just did not have a threatening aura about them despite their build-up at the beginning of this episode and their mention in the series' pilot. Thankfully though, a complete overhaul of the cosmic capitalists would lead to better things for them in the future.

The Fury of the Ferengi
The Ferocious Ferengi Strike Back!

While attempting to get a T-9 energy converter; the Enterprise and a Ferengi ship come across a world that paralyzes both vessels. Helpless, the Enterprise away team consisting of Data, Tasha, Geordi and Riker, attempt to find out what is stopping them from escape. The sleeping Tkon Empire is revived. Some strange character in a black robe with a large walking stick wants to know the motive behind Enterprise's journey. This episode proved without a doubt that the Ferengi are comic relief. They were not the next "Klingon" breakout villain characters the producers hoped.

If there were more sharp features in the Ferengi's ears and facial structure; perhaps they'd have the look of someone dangerous. It's surprising to see the first drawings of the them. They look a lot more sinister than they turned out to be.

Will Riker makes first contact with the fierce Ferengi
This is the episode that introduces the Ferengi to the Star Trek universe. In fact, this is suppose to be the Federation's "first look" at the species, which is interesting seeing as how they are the key commercial traders for the entire quadrant. These Ferengi are decidedly more barbaric and less comic relief than they become on Deep Space Nine. In terms of developing the cast of characters on the new Enterprise, "The Last Outpost" focuses on William T. Riker, who just looks too darn youthful without his whiskers. On the surface of Gamma Taouri IV Riker has to contend not only with a Ferengi away team but a mysterious being who turns out to be the "Portal" for the fabled Tkon Empire that became extinct long ago.

"The Last Outpost" also serves to establish Riker's standing as the best First Officer in Starfleet since he is basically on his own on this away mission. Like many of the early Next Generation episodes, "The Last Outpost" sounds the theme that the Enterprise crew represent the angels of our better nature always finding a better solution to intergalactic problems than kicking butt. However there is still the problem that most of these earlier episodes have so many elements strongly reminiscent of original Star Trek episodes. You can really make a game of it when you watch these episodes again, naming all the Star Trek episodes that are reflected in any given Next Generation script..

The Last Outpost
In this episode, the crew of the Enterprise first encounter the Ferengi. The Enterprise and the Ferengi's ship both are experiencing severe power drains, and the answer is for away teams from both ships to beam to the surface of the planet they are orbiting to investigate. The planet is the last remnant of an ancient, dead civilization. The Ferengi are scheming, short beings with "phaser-whips" for weapons, and they cannot be trusted. ... Read more

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The Enterprise visits a solar system that is being torn apart by unknown geological forces. Riker, eager to forward Wesley's training as an officer, puts him in charge of the geological survey team of Drema Four. Wesley is eager for the work, but worries about giving orders to older and more experienced crew members. Meanwhile, Data picks up a call from Drema Four's surface, and begins what he thinks is a harmless exchange with a child named Sarjenka. (Look carefully under Sarjenka's makeup and you might recognize a very young Nikki Cox.) When it becomes clear that Drema Four is doomed to the same fate as the other planets in the system, Data reveals his friendship to the crew. You guessed it--it just might be time to violate the Prime Directive. For those who always found it a cop-out, this episode contains one of the more extensive discussions of the Prime Directive, and goes a long way towards explaining why it's so important. --Ali Davis ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Data goes beyond his programming
While scanning broad radio spectrum, Data hears a young female voice say, "Is anybody out there?" Data replies and he and his unseen friend, Sarjenka, become pen pals via the radio broadcasts. Sarjenka (Nikki Cox) tells Data of geological disturbances on her planet. Through the weeks of communication, Data has learned that his young friend lives on Drema Four (so many planets, so few names!), a pre-space travel world that limits what Data can share with her.

Data brings the matter to the attention of the senior staff who seem more than mildly shocked that the Leiutenant Commander could behave in such a reckless manner, possibly exposing a pre-warp civilization to the knowledge of alien beings beyond their world. Data asks that the Enterprise help to save his friend's planet, but Picard is bound and gagged by the Prime Directive. He is angry at Data for having exposed their hearts to a child they must leave to her fate.

Picard orders Data to terminate communications with Sarjenka, and he wryly does so slowly, as Sarjenka's pleas of "Data, why aren't you answering me?" penetrate the room. Picard finds a way out of the dilemma as Data begins to terminate his radio downlink - Sarjenka asks for help.

The other minor plot involves Wesley, who Riker has put in charge of the geological survey team that will attempt to save Sarjenka's planet. Wes is put in a position where he must order and supervise a team that is older, more experienced and has higher rank than he does and goes through a Baptism by fire experience in his first command of sorts.

Data makes a final gesture to Sarjenka that gives a peek into the heart of this heartless android, a subtle, easy-to-miss scene that speaks volumes as Sarjenka's planet is saved and she returns home. A true treasure of an episode.

Sarjenka and the crumbling planet...
Sarjenka cries for help

This episode is one your showcases everyone's favorite android, Commander Data.
He hears a cry for help from his workstation and the Prime Directive is held under a microscope. While Picard is pondering as to help this poor kid, Data continues to receive transmissions for help. It would have been very cold if Picard decided not to break policy...which is what the show does every time. I can't for a minute believe the fiction Prime Directive when it's broken all the time when it suits the interests of Starfleet....I know ... it's only a TV show...

There are lots of good special effects in this one. The deteriorating planet of Sarjenka and the scenes between Data and Sarjenka will bring a tear to the eye in the most jaded of fans. I recommend this one.

A little child shall make them forget the Prime Directive...
Yet another one of those infuriating Prime Directive episodes where Starfleet rules demand that an entire of being die because it would be wrong for them to find out there are beings zipping around the cosmos in starships. The Enterprise is studying violent geothermal activity on planets in the Selcundi Drema system. While Wesley is put in charge of planetary mineral surveys, Data fiddles with the sensor array and comes across a radio transmission from a little girl on Drema IV named Sarjenka. When the child asks the fatal question, "Is anybody out there?" Data answers "Yes." This pretty much violates every rule in the book, but before Picard can get away from the planet, which is about to self-destruct, Sarjenka makes a plaintive call for help. Suddenly this changes everything.

What redeems this episode is the friendship between Data and Sarjenka, which is rather endearing. For some reason I have always liked the way children interacted with Data, much the same way I get a kick out of Naomi Wildmon and Seven of Nine on Voyager. No rationale explanation available, sorry. In "Pen Pals" I am perfectly content to let Picard stew in his own juices as to how to save Sarjenka's planet without letting anybody who lives there have a clue as to what is happening, although I tend to think all those beings might turn to a theological rather than a scientific explanation that might alter their destinies a bit. Besides, never argue with an android with a positronic brain. As somebody said once upon a time, not playing God is just another way of playing God.

"Is Anybody Out There?"
Data breaks Starfleet first contact protocol, talks to scarey orange child; Wesley saves planet. Picard rides a horse. Enterprise rides off into sunset.

Okay; so it's not THAT bad. I find this episode of TNG charming because it explores the fact that sometimes, Data's ethical programming is a lot more "ethical" than Starfleet's Prime Directive. I mean, when Data is faced with the prospect of watching his friend Sarjenka's planet die, he acts. Do any of the PEOPLE act? Not until the android forces the issue.

I found myself wondering what would happen if the humanoid Starfleet officers were faced with a Final Solution type problem? Would they sit around and analyse it and endlessly babble about the Prime Directive while millions died? Data would size up the situation, decide This Is Wrong and take action. Says a lot about "humanity." And that's the whole POINT.

Not as good or as well-written as Measure of a Man or Data's Day-- but worth owning just for the scene where Sarjenka takes one look at Troi, moves behind Data for protection and calmly says "Leave me alone." We're talking this is one smart scarey orange child. She knows where HER bread is buttered! ... Read more

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Taking a page from Rashomon, Akira Kurosawa's classic film about conflicting perspectives, this Next Generation episode finds Commander Riker (Jonathan Frakes) caught between different points-of-view about whether he murdered a scientist (Mark Margolis) after a failed effort to seduce the latter's wife (Gina Hech). The facts: while visiting the married couple and observing the Federation researcher's work on a new source of energy, the Enterprise's first officer has an argument with the scientist, who is then killed while Riker beams out of the scene. But what really happened? The situation looks cut-and-dry to Tanugan Inspector Krag (Craig Richard Nelson), who arrests Riker but is then convinced by Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) to re-create the varying testimonies in the ship's holodeck. For Trek fans, the episode clearly echoes a show from the original series entitled "Wolf in the Fold," in which engineer Scotty is accused of a heinous sex crime while visiting a planet. The plot is intriguing, the suspense is fine, and the suggestion of a dark streak in Riker will not be lost on fans of the series. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An excellent blend of mystery and science fiction
This episode is a classic whodunit, where three witnesses give accounts of the events that lead up to an explosion and the death of a scientist. Riker and LaForge visit a scientist, Dr. Apgar, whose work on a new energy source is being funded by the Federation. LaForge beams back to the Enterprise from the satellite and hints to Captain Picard that there are difficulties. When Riker attempts to beam back to the Enterprise, there is a problem and as soon as the beaming starts, the satellite inexplicably explodes, killing Dr. Apgar.
Shortly after this, the chief investigator from the planet arrives on the Enterprise and demands that Riker be turned over to him to face charges for murder. Picard refuses and is forced into the position of being an impartial arbiter over whether the evidence indicates that Riker should stand trial. To resolve the issue, the events, based on the testimonies of Riker, Mrs. Apgar and Dr. Apgar's assistant are recreated in the holodeck.
The testimonies are quite different. According to Riker's testimony, Mrs. Apgar threw herself at him and according to Mrs. Apgar's testimony, she was subdued and it was Riker who forced himself on her. However, in the end, the difficult point is that the evidence conclusively indicates that there was an energy surge similar to a phaser blast from Riker's exact position right before he beamed to the Enterprise. It turns out that the explosion was not an accident, but due to the actions of someone attempting to commit murder.
The unique point of this episode is the use of a holodeck to recreate the events significant in a murder investigation. It was interesting to follow through the testimony and try to concentrate on the key points to determine who is guilty, (I got it wrong).
Murder mysteries will be around as long as there are self-aware creatures who can die. This is one that is resolved through the use of technology, and the blend of the two genres of murder mystery and science fiction is very well done.

Lies and Deception aboard the Enterprise
Spoiler Alert for TREK Fans
Read no futher if you want to see the ending...

This one is an otherwise run of the mill episode made interesting by three different points of view of the same story.
We have Riker charged with murder when in fact it's the scientist's experiment that is responsible for the radiation that destroyed the station and almost finished the Enterprise.

We get the wife of the fellow developing this "Kreiger" ray project...she claims Riker made unwanted advances when it was actually her was doing all the advancing. The unethical assistant said he was also going after Krieger's wife. It all turns out to be false when the radiation from his experiment is putting holes in the Enterprise hull and insides of the ship.

It's all put to rest when the radiation bursts are 5.3 hours apart. It's at just such an interval when the station blew up.

All in all it's a good episode. It's worth it to put this one in your collection.

Picard tackles a mystery with a Rashomon twist
Given all the time he spend on the holodeck in Dixon Hill mysteries, Jean-Luc Picard gets a chance to solve a real life mystery. Riker beams back from the Science Station orbiting Tanuga Four when it suddenly explodes. Krag, a representative from Tanuga, accuses Riker of murdering the scientists and blowing up the station to cover his evil deed. Refusing to extradict his First Officer, Picard convenes a preliminary hearing using the holodeck to examine the "evidence." With a tip of the hat to "Rashomon," the one thing all of the witnesses agree on is that something happened between Riker and the wife of one of the dead scientists. There is also physical evidence from the sensors that an energy pulse came from Riker and hit the station's generators as he beamed back to the Enterprise. Meanwhile, Data, La Forge and Wesley are investigating strange energy bursts on the Enterprise. Could this somehow be connected to what happened on the station?

This is one of the better mystery episodes from the Next Generation. We know Riker is innocent, but proving it will be the trick. The fun in this episode is that just because you hear what witnesses say they heard, that does not necessarily mean what they thought it means. Each time the scene plays, another piece of the puzzle falls into place. The resolution is not all that exciting, but it does fit the evidence. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Is there something rotten on the good ship Enterprise?
Gene Roddenberry always thought of the Star Trek universe as a time and place when humanity would finally rise above its barbaric past and live in simple peace and harmony. This was why the Enterprise bridge crew was racially diverse and even included a Russian. The problem is that there is not a lot of dramatic conflict in peace and harmony, which is why we often find episodes like "The Drumhead," where the problems of the present are extended to the future. Certainly on the one hand this episode deals with the evils of righteous persecution, which we saw during the Red Scare of the McCarthy period, but which go back to the Salem Witch Trials and beyond. But this episode also speaks to one of the annoying dramatic conventions of the STNG, which is that while there is not a finer captain in Starfleet that Jean-Luc Picard, there are Admirals back at Headquarters who idiots, controlled by weird little alien creatures, or, in this case, subject to acute paranoia.

Certainly it is great to see a film actress of some repute such as Jean Simmons playing the role of Admiral Norah Satie, but it would be even better if she was not playing yet another Starfleet Admiral jumping off the deep end until Picard brings them back to reality. Satie is investigating possible sabotage after an explosion rocked the Enterprise's dilithium chamber. There had been a report that the Romulans had recently received detailed schematics of the device. Worf uncovers the fact that a visiting Klingon exobiologist stole the plans, but the man denies he had anything to do with the explosion although he admits stealing the schematics. Satie's investigation widens, and when she learns that Simon Tarses, one of the medical technicians, lied about the fact that his grandfather was Romulan and not Vulcan, the admiral's investigation escalates. When Picard tries to offer a reasonable defense for Simon's actions, Satie decides that Picard too is obviously a Romulan collaborator.

I will not quibble with those who really like "The Drumhead." Certainly watching Simmons and Stewart go head to head is worth the price of admission, and when it comes to STNG episodes dealing with Picard in conflict with the clowns who rise to the rank of admiral in Starfleet, you will not find an episode better than this one. I just have a prejudice against stories in which military leaders are invariably portrayed as people too dangerous to have anywhere near advanced weaponry. That stereotype is already too rampant in the movies today and it would be nice if it were eradicated in the Star Trek universe at least. Do we really believe there are more pseudo-Napoleons and Hitlers in our military than Powells and Schwarzkopfs? If so, why are we sitting around watching old episodes of Star Trek?

paranoia self-destroy-a
After a visiting Klingon, J'Ddan (Henry Woronicz) is accused of spying aboard the Enterprise, retired Admiral Norah Satie (Jean Simmons) is dispatched by Starfleet to investigate. With a Betazoid aide to assist her, she remarkably and quickly extracts the truth from the Klingon spy and he confesses.

Satie becomes obsessed. She is certain that this is only one loose thread in a tapestry of deceptions and a large spy network that has obviously penetrated the Enterprise and the very Federation itself. She enlists Worf, who is eager to assist her, to aid her in investigating every member of the Enterprise crew.

During an interview of medical technician Simon Tarses (Spencer Garrett), the Betazoid aide detects that he is nervous and hiding something, so they drill into his background and discover that he lied on his Starfleet application. When filling out family information, he claimed his paternal grandfather was Vulcan, when in fact, he was Romulan. Such a connection would have made Tarses ineligible to apply to Starfleet, yet getting caught in a lie like this could mean a Court Marshall.

Satie is unsympathetic to Tarses, believing he is part of a Romulan plot to undermine the Federation and to destroy it from within.

Picard is furious. Satie has turned a simple investigation into a witches' tribunal. Satie has powerful friends in the Federation and has been in constant communications with Starfleet, behind Picard's back. When Picard gives her an ultimatum, she begins to investigate him, and subpoenas him to appear before their court, where she brings up the 9 times he has violated the Prime Directive.

Suddenly, Worf gets his wake-up call, but it seems like it's too late. The senior staff has their jaws hanging open as it appears their world is falling apart. Satie is grilling Picard in a twisted ends-justifies-the-means vendetta.

Will Picard emerge unscathed? Will the rest of the crew be next? A great, albeit disturbing, episode.

...And Justice For All
Not just an excellent TNG episode but also one of the most superior shows ever done in any of the Star Trek series'. With echoes of Sinclair Lewis' "It Can't Happen Here" and the HUAC hearings, writer Jeri Taylor deftly creates an effective and suspenseful fable about the foibles of suspicion, using the elements of the Trek universe - the Federation's judicial system and a natural skepticism concerning the Klingons. What could have been a long, boring and talky treatise on the fallibility of 'guilty till proven innocent' is instead turned into a chilling and unforgettable examination of power run amuck, paralleling the communist witch hunts of the 1950's very closely.

When a Klingon officer is suspected of spying he is brought before Riker and Troi for questioning. Despite compelling evidence the Klingon proclaims his innocence over and over again; he is then sequestered in his quarters until they reach a starbase where an expanded and more formal hearing can take place. Since the officer had been part of an exchange program Picard remains diplomatic and open-minded on the affair unless someone can present solid evidence suggesting - or proving - guilt. When retired Admiral Norah Satie, a former Judge Advocate General officer, is recalled by the Federation to assist in the investigation Picard is pleased to have her aboard convinced she will resolve the matter most effectively. But the investigations soon become more personal than professional and when Picard attempts to stop the admiral from pursuing the matter further he becomes her next target.

Terse, frightening and utterly believable 'The Drumhead' is one Star Trek's finest hours. The casting of the accomplished film and television star Jean Simmons as Admiral Satie is a real coup and lends even further credibility to the episode. She is absolutely convincing as the insatiable power mad former hatchet of the Federation's JAG office. The teaser (that snippet of the show just before the opening credits run) sets up the episode nicely. As Worf is escorting the Klingon suspect back to his quarters the scoundrel tells Worf "I know people of power who can restore your name. Turn your back for just a second and allow me to leave in an escape pod." Worf's offense gives way to violent anger and afterwards he threatens and taunts the spy. It's a terrific lead into the story and we are immediately on the side of the prosecutors until we have our own eyes opened.

The plotting of the show is well done also; though the Klingon is proven to be a spy he is unfortunately comprised by additional circumstantial but damning evidence; crewman Simon Tarses has his Star Fleet career destroyed by the machinations of Admiral Satie and her unwitting accomplices; Worf becomes a victim also as Satie preys upon his weakness concerning his hatred for the Romulans; even after Data and Geordi offer conclusive proof against the suspected sabotage it isn't enough to convince the admiral to halt the investigations. Though there are many lines of dialogue worth remembering Picard has the most memorable: "The road from legitimate suspicion to rampant paranoia is very much shorter than we think." Spoken eloquently, factually and lending historical significance to the Star Trek canon.

McCarthyism revisited
"The Drumhead" is one of the finest Star Trek Next Generation episodes ever made, reprising the disgraceful period of slander,innuendo, and insinuation conducted under Senator Joseph McCarthy during the 1950's that led to the blacklisting of many talented Hollywood writers and actors.

Legendary actress Jean Simmons is outstanding as Admiral Nora Satie who gradually and insidiously feeds her paranoia and megalomania with the careers and reputations of her opponents during public trials masked as "hearings", ultimately ending with a trial of Captain Picard himself.

The casting of Simmons in this role has an interesting twist -- she played the part of Varinia in the screen adaptation of Howard Fast's novel "Spartacus", directed by Stanley Kubrick, and written by blacklisted writer Dalton Trumbo. This landmark film helped break the blacklist.

This episode serves to remind us all about the value of individual rights and freedom.

This is the True Essence of Star Trek!
If one wants to view an episode that explains the staying power of the Star Trek, one needs look no farther than this episode. A timeless tale about the effects of prejudice and ignorance is told here with intelligent wit, stellar performances from all involved, and superb direction. Besides the usual effortless excellence of Patrick Stewart, motion picture legend Jean Simmons does a smashing job as a Star Fleet admiral investigating what appears to be a "blemish" in the perceived unbreakable armor of the Federation. The final few minutes of the episode features acting that is far above the average television program. This is one to own and share with others as a representation of what television can, and should, be: that is,thought-provoking and challenging! ... Read more

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This is a great episode for Troi fans. When the seemingly happy Lieutenant Kwan suddenly commits suicide, Troi and Worf investigate. As the two try to determine whether Kwan's empathic abilities had something to do with his death, they also stir up some surprising feelings for each other. "Eye of the Beholder" is an enjoyable mystery, complete with mysterious, menacing crew members and a touch of Edgar Allan Poe. Troi is very much the focus of the episode: her empathic abilities seem to be the key to understanding Kwan's suicide, and she finds herself overwhelmed by visions any time she gets near the site of his death. Most importantly, we at last have an answer to the question "Do empaths get jealous?" --Ali Davis ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A shocking surprise is around every corner
This episode starts out in an interesting way, where everyone is wondering what is going on, and the story soon gives all the answers as it builds up in a very unique way, at the same time showing a deep affection of Worf and Troi, like Picard and Beverly in "Attached".

As the romance winds on, it appears to cause some trouble which is too shocking to talk about, and then that leads to the evidence of who started it all. So, don't miss this exciting mystery episode if you are a Star Trek: TNG lover!

Counselor Troi deals with the Ghosts in the Enterprise
Lt. Dan Kwan commits suicide on the Enterprise by jumping through a force field into the plasma stream of one of the engines. As Troi and Worf are investigating, the Counselor experiences an emphatic jolt of fear, panic and rage. Shaken, Troi tries a second visit to the site and suddenly finds himself back at Utopia Planitia where the Enterprise was constructed, where she sees a couple kissing and a third person who turns out to be Lt. Walter Pierce, now serving about the Enterprise. But when they question the officer, he has nothing to say. That evening, Troi and Worf become a couple. But the next day when Deanna sees him paying attention to young Ensign Calloway (Kwan's girlfriend), she grabs a phaser and kills Worf. Then she goes back to the narcelle tube to throw herself in; just like Lt. Kwan.

The blossoming romance between Troi and Worf follows up on what was started in "Parallels" (Episode 163), where the Klingon saw an alternative reality where he was married to the Counselor. The idea that part of the Enterprise is haunted is a bit much, although like Dr. Crusher's encounter with a "spirit" in "Inheritance" (Episode 162) there is a rational (i.e., scientific) explanation. This is an average STNG episode, memorable mainly because Worf finally makes a move on Deanna.

An Enterprise crewman commits suicide?
One of the worst episodes from the final season of Star Trek: The Next Generation. After a crewman commits suicide by jumping into the plasma stream, Troi begins having strange empathic flashes when she investigates. ... Read more

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"Redemption, Part II" ends the saga of Worf's discommendation by the Klingon High Council and the civil war that erupts from all of that political backstabbing. When we last left off in "Redemption, Part I," Worf had resigned his commission to Starfleet in order to join the Klingon forces against the evil trilobite-headed, traitorous Duras family that collaborated with the Romulans to gain control of the High Council. Realizing they intend to make this so, Picard creates a tachyon-field blockade to prevent their attack. But the commander of the Romulan forces, Sela, bears an uncanny resemblance to the Enterprise's own Tasha Yar, lost so many seasons ago, which causes the crew pause. Is she really an enemy? She looks so much like their old friend.

Meanwhile, Worf has been kidnapped by the evil but disgustingly seductive Duras sisters who try to turn him to their cause, to install their young nephew as leader. There is also a nice subplot with Lieutenant Commander Data helming a ship of his own, but saddled with a prissy, android-hating first officer, making points about prejudice and helping to defeat the Romulans at the same time.--Jim Gay ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Stupid and totally predictable!
The writers of Star Trek TNG cleverly find a way to bring back Lt. Yar (well, her daughter anyways) and then totally misuse the potential. As with many of the season finales, this one is a good story yet nothing really great. Even the "Borg taking Picard" season finale was made into a disappointment,with everything wrapped up neatly at the conclusion of the second part of the episode so that the series goes on as always. The writers of this series certainly didn't "Boldly Go" anywhere in the majority of this show's run.

My suggestion- don't buy this- it's probably on today anyways on the reruns. Save your money instead and use it on one of the Lord of the Rings dvd's.

The future and the past end up haunting the present
If you haven't already seen part 1 of this 2-part episode, do not read further, as this will spoil the shocking ending of part 1.

At the end of part 1, we see a blonde Romulan - played by Denise Crosby. Denise Crosby played Tasha Yar, the Enterprise Security Chief, in the 1st season and she was killed off.

Sela (Crosby) is in the company of the Duras sisters and their nephew, Toral, in an attempt to undermine the Federation/Klingon alliance and to build an alliance with the Klingons by backing the Duras family's rise to power in the Klingon Council.

The beginning of part 2 reveals Commander Sela, speaking with Picard and the senior staff via the viewscreen on the Enterprise. They are shocked and very unprepared to see what appears to be their dear departed comrade, Lt. Yar. Sela claims to be the daughter of Yar, which doesn't seem possible, since she is only a year or two older than Tasha was when she died. Tasha would have been a young child when Sela was born. Troi detects no deception - and announces that Sela believes this to be the truth, whether it is or not.

Guinan tells Picard that she has a "hunch" that Picard, at some time in the future, sent Yar back to the Enterprise C to fight the Romulans - and was captured alive and lived on Romulus.

Picard decides that Sela's resemblance to Tasha is just a distraction and to act as though it was not a factor... but this tidbit of trivia will rear its head in another episode as Picard begins the paradox.

Picard plans a brilliant gambit but is foiled by Sela's ingenuity. As the Federation armada loses it's Tachyon detection grid, Commander Data proves himself as a capable ship captain and more than just a trivia machine on the Enterprise. Data saves the day and once the Romulans are found out, they retreat, leaving the Duras clan to fend for themselves.

Data's maturity as an officer and the development of the characters is truly a pleasure to watch. A great two-parter.

Klingon Justice
Redemption part 2

Worf does some very uncharacteristic things in this one. He is not his boisterous self here. His brother Kurn helps him restore his family name from the Duras family. This one has an appearance from Denise Crosby as Sela. The explanation as to how she came in the current timeline stretch the lines of credibility at best. Of the two parts this one is best. The Klingon star ship battles in this one are worth the price of the cassette. The final standoff between Worf and the young Klingon to take over the Empire are the best in the series. I wish there were more episodes costarring his brother Kurn. He is the opposite of Worf. He is not as near as conscientious as his brother.

Revealed at last: the mystery of Tasha's daughter Sela
When last we left our heroes in the season finale for season four, the Klingon Empire had been plunged into a civil war, Worf had resigned from Starfleet to help Gowron the new Emperor, and a blonde Romulan who looks a lot like Tasha Yar was plotting with the Duras sisters. In one of those intuitive leaps that is necessary for the plot to progress, Captain Picard figures out that the Romulans are behind everything and that the Federation needs to send a fleet of ships to the Clinton/Romulan border to catch the cloaked Romulan vessels when they sneak across by using active tachyon beams (forget for that borders in small are a lot bigger than boarders on a planet and pretend this is a feasible plan). What this allows is for Picard to assemble a fleet of 23 ships, with Riker and Data each getting command of their own ship. This sets up one of the sub-plots for the episode because Data's first officer does not like the idea of taking orders from an android, even though we are sure some of his best friends are computers. But the main action of this episode takes place on the Enterprise.

The Romulans notice the Federation's blockade and the Romulan commander decides to pay Picard a visit, at which point the mysterious blonde from the final shot of part one introduces herself as Commander Sela and claims to be the daughter of Tasha Yar. What happened in "Yesterday's Enterprise" (Episode 63) is new to Picard, but Sela explains how Tasha survived the attack on the Enterprise C and was taken captive by the Romulans, had a child by one of her captors, and was killed trying to escape. Sela then tells the stunned Picard that if he does not remove the Starfleet ships, the Romulans will attack. Picard counters by asking Gowron to make an attack on the Duras family in order to get them to contact the Romulans for help and get them to run the Blockade, thereby inviting Federation assistance. Picard's plan proceeds accordingly, but as the Romulan ships make their move they flood the Neutral Zone with tachyon emissions, making it impossible to track the cloaked ships. One thing you have to say for the writers of STNG: they might have made a major mistake in creating Tasha Yar, the least interesting main character in the history of Star Trek and had to kill her off because they could not come up with much worthwhile for her to do, but they sure made it up to the character and actress Denise Crosby since then. "Yesterday's Enterprise" was a stunning epitaph for the original character and the creation of Sela becomes on of the more memorable and recurring villains in the series. The only drawback in terms of this episode is that Sela's machinations and Data's problem with his bigoted First Officer really detract from the Worf resigns to help Gowron plot line. "Redemption I" sets up Worf at a pivotal moment in the whole Klingon Empire power struggle story arc and then he really becomes just a minor player in "Redemption II." Consequently, there are some great moments in this episode with lots of implications down the road for Picard, Worf and the whole Enterprise crew, but the second part is just not as good as the first part. However, most payoffs are not as good as the set-ups, so such things are to be expected. Fortunately, the next time Sela pops up in the two-part "Unification" both the set-up and the payoff will be first rate.

Klingon Civil war
Worf has resigned from starfleet to go and help prevent a klingon war from erupting. The Duros sisters are trying to take over the empire with the help of the Romulans.

Picard, meanwhile, pursuades Star Fleet to help in the Civil war indirectly. Picard takes charge of a fleet of ships, and sets of blockcade at the Klingon-Romulan border, with tachyon beams suspended between each of the starships, and puts Data and Riker each in command of a starship, If a cloaked ship passes through the tachyon's, that ship will show up on sensors. As the Captain orders the fleet to move away, Data saves the day, by disobeying a direct order, and fires energy beams, uncovering Romulan Warbirds entering klingon space.

Once discovered, the Romomulans retreat back to their space, deserting the Duross sisters. Once the sisters find they are abandoned they escape, and Worf helps Chancellor Gawron stay in power. Worf returns to duty on the Enterprise. ... Read more

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Investigating the disappearance of the USS Drake, the Enterprise receives a message from a seemingly uninhabited world. Itturns out to be nothing more than an ancient, prerecorded sales pitch (delivered with sleepy enthusiasm by long-faced character actor Vincent Schiavelli) welcoming visitors to Minos, the arms market of the universe. Beaming down to the planet, Riker, Tasha, and Data wander about a lush forest before encountering a series of flying sentinels (vaguely resembling outboard motors minus their propellers), the first easily destroyed by phaser fire, but subsequent incarnations adapting themselves to the crewmembers' attacks. Meanwhile, Picard and Dr. Crusher also go exploring, finding themselves trapped in an underground cave where the captain must tend to the doctor's broken leg. With both Picard and Riker on the planet, La Forge finds himself in command for the first time; he's not the only one questioning whether he's ready for the job. Though the situation is old hat and unfolds with a certain tattered predictability, this is one of the better outings of The Next Generation's first season. The characters are fleshed out without resorting to too much overdrawn dialogue (even the usually aggravating almost-romance between Picard and Crusher is subtly drawn); in particular it's Geordi's day to shine, and LeVar Burton brings a nice self-confidence to the heretofore submissive engineer. Overlooking the studio-bound landscapes typical of early Star Trek, the episode also features some impressive effects in the brief scenes of the Enterprise's saucer separation, a clever device that fortunately wasnever overused on the show. Nothing groundbreaking, though no major missteps either. --Bruce Reid ... Read more

Reviews (5)

"Remember, the early bird that hesitates gets worms."
"The Arsenal of Freedom" is clearly one of the low points of Star Trek: The Next Generation's first season. The only positive this episode contains is Commander William Riker's (Jonathan Frakes) joke about his new ship - the "good ship Lollipop." The rest of the episode is nowhere as amusing.

The Enterprise-D arrives at the planet Minos in search of the U.S.S. Drake. Upon beaming down to the planet, the away team is attacked by floating energy weapons and Doctor Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) is seriously injured upon falling into a sinkhole. Meanwhile, the Enterprise itself is under siege from an undetectable enemy in space. Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) eventually learns that the disappearance of the Drake and the attacks on his away team and his ship are all tied to the missing Minos people themselves.

Watching the crew be put in peril and learning that all the dangers they faced were part of a sales pitch gives an awkward feel to this episode. It's like watching a used-car salesman terrorize a prospective buyer by taking him as a passenger on a reckless jaunt down the freeway in order to demonstrate the merits of a particular car. Well, at least we got a peek at the battle bridge in action again which is always a cool sight. Too bad it was only used to destroy a floor model of a sales product. You would think the writers would have thought of a better situation in which to showcase the battle bridge, but then again you would think that episodes like this one would not have moved beyond the drawing board stage.

when salesmen go in for the kill
The Enterprise tries to find the Drake, a ship Riker was once offered a command on, but passed up to be on the Enterprise. They believe the ship may have crashed on Minos, a now uninhabited planet other that the remnants of war-torn buildings, tropical plants and some wildlife.

An automated sales pitch message comes on the main viewer - a salesman tells about "The Arsenal of Freedom" on Minos, where the best deterrent to war is a strong armament. The away team beams down to locate any sign of the Drake. They find melted tritanium (a material used in the hulls of Federation ships) and know the ship's fate was not a good one.

Suddenly, Riker sees his old Academy friend, Paul, on the surface... Paul was the captain of the ill-fated Drake. It sure looks like Paul, but he doesn't know answers to simple questions and he gives off no bio readings. It turns out to be a clever surveillance device meant to gather information to defeat the enemy. The attack orbs continue to improve after each attack and soon become unstoppable as the automated salesman continues to show off his weaponry for sale.

The other plot is Geordi's growth as an officer. He is left in charge, even though he is not the highest ranking officer and he and the chief engineer get into a machismo contest of words that is way over the top in the cheese meter... and yet another lame excuse to do a saucer separation.

More character growth for Crusher and Picard and a decent episode.

Arsenal of Freedom or....Separation Anxiety!
Geordi commands the Enterprise!

While on a mission to find the missing U. S. S. Drake; the big E encounters a world that sells weapons of war. The away team: Data, Tasha and Riker, find a holographic captain from the Drake. After discovering the fake; a flying robot weapon attempts to eliminate them.

Meanwhile, Picard and Doctor Crusher also beam on the surface. The good doctor falls into a cavern taking the captain with her. Geordi separates the saucer section and goes looking for Picard and crew. This one is the most fx heavy of the season. It shows Geordi taking his first steps as a captain. Fighting off the chief engineer who wants to bump him from the center seat!

Picard, does Minos have the weapons system for you!
Remember when the original Star Trek crew beamed down to a planet for rest and recreation only to be confronted with White Rabbits, knights on horseback and people from their past because the planet was really a galactic version of an amusement park? In "The Arsenal of Freedom" the Enterprise finds that the point of the supposedly uninhabited planet Minos is to sell cutting edge weapons technology. Investigating the disappearance of another Starfleet ship, the crew ignores the holographic sales pitch they received when they dropped into orbit and beam down to the surface where a series of increasingly sophisticated pods attack the away team. Eventually Picard catches on that it is all part of the planet's attempt to impress customers and quickly agrees to buy a weapons system so his crew can survive the demonstration.

Actually, I rather like this episode. Every time one of the pods gets destroyed the crew has to deal with an even more dangerous one, which certainly gives them pause while solving problems on the run. "The Arsenal of Freedom" is also one of the few episodes where the saucer section detaches with Geordi La Forge in charge, giving him a chance to make some command decisions. I always thought this episode set the stage for La Forge to be Chief Engineer, i..e, more than the guy with the visor driving the ship. In turn, would allow Wesley to attain the exalted rank of "Acting Ensign" and sit alongside Data on the bridge.

Fun Episode! First Season Highlight!
The first sesaon of Star Trek: The Next Generation was hard to watch at times. TNG had yet to "find" itself and the writing was...uneven, at best. But toward the end of the first season, the writers and producers finally gave TNG life with such excellent episodes as "Coming of Age", "Heart of Glory" and "The Arsenal of Freedom".

"The Arsenal of Freedom" tells the story of a super-weapon that takes on a life of it's own. The Enterprise encounters this device on a planet that is one giant weapons factory. But something went terribly wrong. These weaponeers created a weapon so smart that it became something more powerful and dangerous than what they intended: It wiped out every intelligent life-form on the entire planet. And when Picard and crew investigate, this weapon attempts to wipe out the Enterprise as well. What sets this episode apart is that we get to see Lt. Geordi La Forge shine as commander of the Enterprise. Picard and most of his command staff are stranded on the planet and La Forge has to not only rescue them from one of the super-weapons but he has to protect the Enterprise from one of these weapons as well. It's fun to see La Forge, a junior lieutenant, face all the problems of command. He contends with threats inside and outside the ship as a ranking officer tries to take over the ship and La Forge stands he ground saying only Captain Picard or First Officer Riker can relieve him of duty. La Forge, along with Worf (acting as both first officer and tactical officer) and two young ensigns save the entire senior staff and the Enterprise from destruction.

Solid episode and one of a very few TNG stories that spotlights La Forge. This is THE La Forge episode to own. And one of only a few first season highlights. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Just reward for foolishness
This is the story of two people whose romantic relationship falls apart because they got involved with each other for all the wrong reasons.
When Jenna D'Sora wonders aloud why she doesn't fall for someone like Data and then kisses him, the emotionless android ponders, on this minimal encouragement, whether to pursue a relationship with her. After asking advice of all and sundry, he does. And then both he and Jenna discover that Data's unique nature does not make romance an easy prospect.

"In Theory" tackled the subject of Data and romance very well, I thought. It's a sad tale, as we see Jenna's growing disillusionment with Data, and her painful realisation that she did not know him, or herself for that matter, as well as she thought she did. The lack of impact the whole business has on Data is a pointed lesson in itself.
In the other story thread, the Enterprise finds itself in difficulties on account of the mysterious "dark matter" surrounding it. It's a competent plot, but nothing special. And why does Picard always insist on doing the flying himself? Where are all the young hot-shot pilots with superior skills to those of their ageing captain?
It's nice to see that Data has friends and interests beyond the command crew, and you really do feel for him and Jenna as what seems to have been a very comfortable friendship is destroyed. But they are both very silly people. Jenna seems to have been convinced that Data had hidden depths to be discovered, and is quite definitely on the rebound. And Data's motivations seem all selfish; he seems to have no better reason to romance Jenna than "because I can". Perhaps that was another lesson about the character - thoughtlessness and an abysmal lack of understanding can still be possible for Data after so long amongst Humans.
I do find "In Theory" a difficult episode to watch. Data's behaviour makes me cringe, it is so awful. But it is a good episode; thoughtful, well-written, and moving.

In Theory Data's emotions aren't real
"In Theory" emotionally unavailable men aren't good at relationships

Take a guy like Data and the poor Ensign Jenna Anaya. She has a thing for men who are emotionally unavailable. I have to say why did you think Data could provide any real emotion? Before his emotion chip was available this romance was doomed from the start.

The Dark Matter part of the story is much better. While Data is attempting to get in touch with his feelings; parts of the ship start vanishing. There is a good part in this one where Picard has to travel through the nebula to stop the Dark Matter.

The Best stories are those about people's personal lives
Data has always been my favorite character of any star trek series. I've always liked those episodes that delt more with the personal lives of the crew rather than some planetary problem. Here, There are moments that are both interesting and histarical! For instance, people who know the Data character know that he never yells for no reason, but when he is told that all couples fight, he starts a fight with his girlfriend for no reason just because he thinks he is susposed to. It doesn't get much more funny than that.

P.S. MR. BERNADO! I am interested to know that name of that novel where Wesley finds out about Datas' program. If you could tell me I would happy. Thank you.=)

Data in Love (or as close as his romance subroutine can get)
"In Theory" is the episode where Data gets a girlfriend, which is all most people would need to know to want to check this one out. After all, the android is clearly the most popular character on the show even thought the best episodes always seem to revolve around Captain Picard. In one of the STNG novels there is a scene where Wesley figures out that Data has a subroutine that makes seem a babe in the woods. Data explains that he found out people were more comfortable with him when he needed to have things explained to him which certainly makes sense when you remember that Data is basically a walking computer who must certainly have every definition of every slang word, euphemism, or figure of speech ever uttered on file somewhere in that positronic brain. On top of that you also have to remember that Data was discovered twenty-six years before the series began and that he functioned as an "adult" pretty much from the day he was activated which means his life experiences would be comparable to a thirty-something person. So when Data decides to purse a relationship with Lieutenant Jenna D'Sora, who has been helping him reprogram a warp torpedo for a science experiment, he really should not be so clueless. However, that is the charm of Data's character. Meanwhile the science experiment, which was to help explore a "dark matter" nebula is apparently linked to a most bizarre set of occurrences, ranging from everything on Picard's desk ending up on the floor to an ensign who dies when her body is caught in the floor.

However, it is Data's attempt at a love life that dominates our attention here with the most memorable moment coming when Jenna makes the mistake of asking Data what he was thinking about while they were kissing. A big mistake on Jenna's part with a great answer by Data (reconfiguring the warp field parameters, calculating the maximum pressure he should apply to her lips, analyzing the complete works of Charles Dickens, consideration a new food supplement for Spot the cat, etc.). More than any other episode, "In Theory" shows us the price Data pays for not being able to express emotions. Unfortunately, now that the characters have entered the movie universe we will probably never get to see a post-emotion chip Data in love. But it could happen. ... Read more

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There's trouble in the Neutral Zone. Following a distress signal, the Ent