Amazon.com

A rousing tribute to the original Star Trek's most popular episode, "Trials and Tribble-ations" is a triumph of clever plotting, technical achievement, and pure, unadulterated fun. Like "The Trouble with Tribbles" from 29 years earlier, this fifth-season episode is an instant classic, beginning when a surgically altered Klingon (Charlie Brill, reprising his role from "Tribbles") uses a Bajoran Orb of Time to travel back over 100 years to prevent his past-tense capture by Capt. James T. Kirk. Undercover time travelers Sisko, Dax, Odo, Worf, O'Brien, and Bashir track the Klingon's scheme on the Enterprise-A and the Tribble-infested space station K-7, turning this two-series hybrid into a nostalgic valentine, with DS9 characters digitally inserted into original "Tribbles" footage. With re-created sets, ships, and costumes, "T & T" mines hilarious gold from its Trek-savvy premise, including the mysteries of Klingon physiognomy, Starfleet snoops whose names are anagrams of "Mulder and Scully," and enough in-jokes to delight vigilant Trekkers everywhere. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (29)

The Best of DS9 ...
Episode 103 Trials and Tribble-ations is the best DS9 episode ever made....and more! The episode transcends DS9 blending arguably one of the best Star Trek "Original Series" episodes -- Trouble with Tribbles -- with charachters from DS9 and Next Generation.

The cinematography is superb as clips from the original episode are seamlessly integrated into this episode. And by "seamlessly integrated" I mean 2 things: technically speaking, and from a plot perspective.

This episode is at once nostalgic, original, filled with drama and humor (mostly Dax's comments, but comments by Sisko and others as well.) The fight scene is particularly well-done and stands as probably the best scene of the episode.

Oh, it's so good to see Kirk and Spock again, but it is all fresh and new and exciting in the context of this extremely well-done DS9 episode. This is a must-buy for not only DS9 fans, but also Next Generation and Original Series fans. Outstanding, and as entertaining as even the full-length movies.

One Of The Finest Hours Of Star Trek, Ever
Oh my, what a hoot! I commend the producers of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" for this witty, wonderful homage to the original series that also shines in its own right as one of the finest "Star Trek" episodes ever made. This is an exquisite blend of new footage around scenes from the "Star Trek" episode "The Trouble With Tribbles". Charlie Brill is terrific as the disguised disgraced Klingon from "The Trouble With Tribbles". Here he tries to change history by sending the "Deep Space Nine" crew back in time, hoping to kill Captain Kirk. Michael Dorn ("Worf") is hilarious as he tries to explain to his befuddled comrades why the Klingons from Captain Koloth's battlecruiser more closely resemble humans than Klingons of Worf's time. And now I know who was responsible for the barroom brawl - and it wasn't really anyone from from the old USS Enterprise! Admittedly "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" was my favorite "Star Trek" series, yet I'm sure this hilarious episode will appeal to "Star Trek" fans of all stripes as well as others, like myself, who enjoy hilarious science fiction television.

A Nice Tribute To The Original Series
Over 30 years ago, the Original Star Trek series produced an episode that continues to be a favorite among fans even today. "The Trouble With Tribbles" was a silly episode with lots of humor.

30 years later, the producers of Star Trek : Deep Space Nine (the best series of the modern Trek era) created this wonderful episode..."Trials And Tribble-ations". Using footage from the original episode, the crew of the Defiant go back in time to save Kirk from a vengeful Klingon.

This episode has many fun moments. The best one is when Bashir, O'Brien and Odo don't recognize the human looking aliens as Klingons. "Those are Klingons?"

A great episode and a fiting tribute to the original. Definitely better than Voyager's tribute episode with Captain Sulu.

This time everybody knows the Tribbles I've seen...
Sooner of later what was happening in the movies with "Zelig" and "Forrest Gump" was going to make a move to the small screen, which is as good an explanation for the fun of Episode 103 of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," "Trials and Tribble-ations" (Story by Ira Steven Behr & Hans Beimler & Robert Hewitt Wolfe, Teleplay by Ronald D. Moore & Rene Echevarria, "The Trouble With Tribbles" written by David Gerrold, Aired November 4, 1996). The "Defiant" return from Cardassian space with the Bajoran Orb of Time along with Arne Darvin (Charlie Brill), a Klingon who has been surgically altered to pass as human (gee, doesn't that sound familiar?). Darvin uses the Orb to send the "Defiant" and its crew back over a hundred years to Deep Space Station K-7 where the U.S.S. Enterprise, Captain James T. Kirk, commanding, is in orbit and suddenly we find ourselves in the classic original "Star Trek" episode, "The Trouble With Tribbles."

Darvin turns out to be the same spy that was caught by Kirk poisoning the grain shipment. Darvin wants to change history by killing Kirk, so Sikso, Dax, Bashir, and O'Brien dress up in period uniforms and search the Enterprise for Darvin. Meanwhile Odo and Worf, check out the space station. Granted, the interaction between the two casts consists more of cuts than using computers to insert the DS9 gang into the original "Star Trek" episode, but that does not take away from the fun, and there is a lot of fun to be had in this episode. The best moment is when O'Brien and Bashir join Odo and Worf at the station bar when the Klingons show up and start baiting Scotty and the Enterprise men. The other three all stare at the Klingons, then at Worf with his all those ridges on the top of his head, and then back at the Klingons with their smooth brows. But to their questions about what happened, all Worf will say is that Klingons do not talk about it with outsiders. This may well be the funniest moment in "Star Trek" history (my second choice would be Captain Picard's Shakespearean monologue when he is trying to win Lwaxana Troi back from an amorous Ferengi). Dax mooning over Kirk is not half bad either.

Clearly "Trials and Tribble-ations" is a unique crossover episode for the "Star Trek" universe, and fortunately there was no attempt to duplicate it with a similar project. Actually, since you can make the argument that not since "The Trouble With Tribbles" has there been a "Star Trek" episode that was so totally in the spirit of fun, that "Trials and Tribble-ations" is just the big cosmic wheel coming full circle.

Tribble Trouble
This was the first DS9 I ever saw, and it was wonderful. Sisko and his crew blended in wonderfully, althougth Odo's make-up probally wouldn't have been possible in 1967. This episode was funny, and the special effects(the effects where DS9 mixed with TOS) were great. I even found out how to annoy Worf("Is that lilac I smell"). I only have two complaints. George Takei(Sulu) wasn't in this episode. Then again, I'm not even sure he was in the original, and he was the star in the Voyager episode "Flashback". And second of all, Worf didn't tell us(actually Odo, O'Brein, and Bashir) how the Klingon change from brown humans to boney forehead aliens. Other than that, I love this episode. It's the only one from Deep Space 9 I saw, but already I think this the best DS9 episode I ever saw. I also recommend the orginal episode, "The Trouble with Tribbles. That is just as good as this one. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Children of Tama are a mysterious, rarely encountered race whose language is indecipherable even by the Universal Translator. This is because Tamarians speak in metaphor, which is strange and poetic, but, without a frame of reference, also gibberish. After yet another failed attempt at communication, the Tamarians take drastic measures: they kidnap Picard and beam him to the surface of a hostile planet along with their own captain. What follows is an interesting, well-acted story of the struggle to understand.

Don't be put off by the premise. "Darmok" is one of the best episodes of TNG. It's action-packed and holds its own next to "The Best of Both Worlds, Part I," "Time's Arrow," and "Descent." Thanks to Joe Menosky's brilliant teleplay and Paul Winfield's solid acting, this uphill battle in futility shows what probably would happen when two truly alien races attempt to communicate. There is genuine desperation in Dathon's (Winfield) eyes when he attempts to explain "Darmok and Jalad at Tenagra" for what seems like the millionth time. Watching Picard struggle to understand is downright painful, as is the inevitable confrontation that follows. The viewer comes to care what happens to the Tamarians. We want to know this alien race; but at the same time, we also know we'll probably never comprehend them.

In series television, it's almost unheard of for a show to depart from canon. TNG takes a huge chance with "Darmok" and the end result is worth watching again and again. --Kayla Riggney ... Read more

Reviews (15)

One of the best TNG episodes
Next to "Best of Both Worlds" or "Yesterday's Enterprise," "Darmok" is one of the most intelligent and vibrant episodes of the entire Next Generation catalog. Picard's attempts, and eventual success, to communicate with the Tamarian captain, wonderfully portrayed by Paul Winfield, is splendid. Obviously, most Star Trek stories, whether they be the original series or TNG, offer socio-political commentary on our own society, this episode is no different. It basically teaches that communication with peoples or entities that are different than us can be accomplished if one is willing to try. "Darmok" is Patrick Stewart's finest hour in TNG.

In order to read, you must have read.
Have you ever read The Canterbury Tales? Allusions to classical literature abound. These references were a sort of shorthand or jargon of the time, a way of saying much by saying little. To refer to Zephirus, for instance, is to mention the warm, sweet breezes of Spring and to conjure up that time of year, with all of its freshness and new life.

Episode 102 presents a culture in which this sort of idiom is carried to the extreme. The words are getting through, but the meaning is not. The struggle of the two captains, the alien and Picard, to bridge the gap is brilliant and fascinating.

This is my favorite Star Trek episode of all time, of all generations.

Magnificent.

The best episode from the 7 years of ST:TNG
"Darmok" remains the best of the best of the seven years ST:TNG was on the air. In a short 55 minutes, one has learned a new language. Think of it: at the time Picard speaks with the Tamarian First Officer, the language exchange (if you paid attention to the whole episode) is completely understandable. There is no need for a translation scroll at the bottom of the screen...and was wisely done that way.

Highly recommended.

A testament to the excellence of season 5...
"Darmok" captures what is the heart and soul of Star Trek: discovering new races and learning to coexist with them. In this episode, that is no easy feat for Picard, who is trapped on a planet with an alien captain who talks different from everyone else. The two cannot understand each other, but as a monster hunts them down, it becomes apparent that the two must learn how to communicate. This is a phenominal episode, downplaying the action and instead building on the characters of the alien captain and Picard. It's not just good Star Trek, it's great science-fiction. While the monster effects are very subpar (they always are for Star Trek), the being itself is of little importance to the story. What is important is how Picard and the other captain learn how to communicate. Truly a wonderful episode.

An example of how Star Trek can be a good base for new ideas
One of the things I like about Star Trek was the ability for it to be a platform of new ideas. This episode certainly shows that strength- it's not loaded with special effects and technobabble but it shows good acting and an outstanding idea in having a race which talks solely by example. Though I've not watched much TREK recently this is one of the episodes I remember. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This two-hour finale of Star Trek: The Next Generation is a very satisfying piece that leads the seven-year-old television series back to its beginnings in the original TNG pilot. Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart), whipping through time uncontrollably, simultaneously finds himself back at the start of his tenure on board the Enterprise while also on the ship's deck in the present--at the same time he tried somewhat feebly to forestall a disaster in the distant future. As fans might expect, a certain imp named Q seems to be behind the mystery...but not necessarily for bad reasons. A wonderful wrap-up to seven years of TV legend, All Good Things deserves to be a TV classic. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (31)

'All Good Things' Run Forever In Syndication
Most television series exit the boob tube on only one leg, but STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION sailed off into the small screen sunset with this incredible thought-provoking opus, "All Good Things."

With a stellar performance by Patrick Stewart as Jean-Luc Picard, the adventure travels the gamut of three separate periods in time ... the future, the present, and the past ... juggle a series of events that might, in fact, forecast the end of all mankind (not just the series, that's how much was at stake here).

While I never REALLY liked Q (played by John de Lancie), his role came full circle in this science fiction twist with shades of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. In this two-hour episode, Q rose above being a mere plot device and showed that, as a character, he had worth that the viewers couldn't have possibly imagined.

So ... where's the Q movie?

Spectacular end to a great series...
This TV movie is the last episode of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and it isn't to be missed. Captain Picard is moving back and forth through time, where an anomaly is destroying life in the universe. It doesn't take long for him to find out that the mischievious Q is behind it all. Very exciting conclusion to the long-running series. It's especially good if watched right after the episode "Encounter at Farpoint," the first show. John DeLancie is always excellent as Q and Patrick Stewart is the only man who could ever play Picard correctly. The biggest reason to see this is if you're a fan of Star Trek. If not, don't bother.

Better than any of the movies.
While the original crew had it better with the movies, The Next Generation was the only Star Trek TV series that I watched consistently. The show had a cast that at least equalled that of the original, boasted better production values, and plots that were intriguing and touched on varieties of concepts that Kirk, Spock, and Bones never got the chance to explore. Deep Space Nine was too mired into the whole "war of the quadrants" to explore any ideas with real satisfaction, and while Voyager had the best effects and the best premise, the cast was middling at best. As for Enterprise, hell, I tried to watch one episode and got too damn bored.

All Good Things..., the swan song episode for TNG, is possibly the best of Star Trek, period, focusing on mind-boggling concepts while retaining the character development and human interest that made the show so appealing. It's the seventh year that the crew of the Starhip Enterprise have been together, but Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) is experiencing odd timeshifts. He's constantly switching between three different time periods; to the past, right before the Farpoint mission, the present, and the future, where the crew has long since split up, Picard is retired and is diagnosed with a debilitating mental illness. Naturally, the rest of the crew is skeptical (be it in any time period), but when Picard discovers the true nature of his constant shifting, he realizes it is both the means and cause with which the existence of mankind could be erased.

I hesitate to give too much away, though I doubt anyone with a passing interest in Star Trek hasn't already seen this episode. But it plays as an interesting comparison and contrast to the series' first episode, Encounter at Farpoint, which it directly ties in to with Picard's timeshifting to the past. There's been a notable improvement in the quality of the sets and the visual effects, and also the acting, the pacing, and the plot development.

All Good Things... has all the solid acting one expects from the cast, and a human touch that was missing from the latest film, Nemesis. It's interesting to note that this episode (meaning the whole series, as well) ends with the door open for all sorts of possibilites; at this time, this clearly implied the much-hyped transition to the big screen.

Unfortunately, some of the more open-ended questions this episode focused on were never even touched on. Sure, the Worf/Troi/Riker triangle was resolved, but one of my favorite ongoing side stories, the burgeoning romance between Picard and Dr. Crusher, was completely ignored in the movies. And the final scenes lead one to believe that the movies would take us to "places" never explored, even though the most recent film was merely a plotless action movie that didn't even have enough action to warrant the movie's existence.

Stewart is the true highlight of this episode, displaying the great acting chops he's been known for. The fact that we care for him and the rest of the crew as well, adds a sense of urgency and involvement in the proceedings that the otherwise quite frantic pace alone might not have been able to develop. The plot twists are pure Trek, each mysterious element giving away to some big revelation that only leads to more questions. The story is engrossing, the dialogue is strong, and the performances and characterizations are spot-on.

There are a few problems with All Good Things. The timeshifting obviously means we're going to see past and future versions of the cast, but everyone's aged to the extent where they can't quite pass for their more youthful selves, and the old-age makeup is never entirely convincing (Old Riker's first appearance gave me a good laugh). That said, I would like to make mention of what full-blown hotties Marina Sirtis and especially Gates McFadden became (McFadden is easily the most attractive post 50-year old actress I've ever seen).

The continuing movie series actually began quite well; Generations and First Contact were enjoyable adventures, but everything seemed to fall apart with Insurrection. Funny, All Good Things... is a title that turned out more prophetic than anyone would have guessed.
**** 1/2 out of *****

Brilliant - what else can you possibly say?
If you were tempted in the beginning season of TNG as many were, to compare the personalities of Kirk and Picard, I think that by the time you got to this production, actually the final one of all, you would have long given up. As a character in a fiction, Picard in no way is even an analogue of Kirk. This virtual tour de force is confirmation of this, if it were needed at all.

My sons and I actually saw Patrick Stuart in the flesh in Leeds on my sisters birthday (I should really have gone there instead, but there you go), watching his signposted one man performance about Shylock - Shakespeares alien. It was quite famous over here, and very well attended. I wish I could relate this to you, but I would go WAY over the 1000 word limit and not even begin to scratch the surface. Sufficient to say, that Stuart's vocabulary as an actor is enormous, and he brought so much intelligence to bear on this very rich and complex play (the merchant of Venice) and interwove it most perspicaciously with recent events - terrorism, racism, and his own fascinating recollections of performances, character interpretations, and so many other things. It was like being on board a ship in a gale, exhilarating and wonderful, and no-one wanted it to end.

It's a fact that when we had the opportunity to ask questions, and also at other times during the show, Patrick mentioned his relationship with Paramount in several ways. I don't want to quote these comments, but sufficient to say that all the cast members felt that things were not always on an even keel. In fact, there was evidence of a really complicated and not always simple state of play at many times. Fortunately, during the last season, there was relatively little in the way of compromise, largely due to the continuous diplomacy of Spiner and Stewart. The result of this diplomacy in the case of this episode pair is just about as good as it gets, and is a truly magnificent way to conclude the series.

Picard, in this episode, has to deal with the final and inevitable onset of the final enemy - age, and mortality. In this he plays beautifuly an far older man than the younger commander seen at Farpoint, though the story is ingeniously composed in such a way that this ending episode is wrapped in an inescable embrace with this very first episode. I doubt whether this could ever have been pulled off by anyone else so well. But what is so well done is to (within the confines of the show format) to produce a strange sense of the timeless and the memorable. This is an astonishing effect. The whole thing seems... haunted by a strange atmosphere which would have been impossible to script in if you were aiming for it intentionally.

I think there is a remote chance that this may just happened anyway, by accident. Perhaps, this is may have been due to the time paradoxes and folding in of the plot. But this atmosphere is surely due in greater part to the unconscious realisation by all participants that this was, in fact, the last time that all the cast would be gathered together in precisely that time and place and circumstance, a sort of breaking of the fellowship.

After the gymnastics of a complicated plot, which gradually reaches a rather dramatic climax, the final stroke of genius is that the ending is positioned somewhere and sometime, but where exactly... Who knows? I suspect in a future which is that strange ambiguity that we know as happily ever after - no irony intended - in fact, you can truly imagine that the ending never actually happens at all,at least not one witnessed, but trails off into memory forever, into the furthest of distance. And it is there that we bid good bye.

Of course, it's not really over, but here the story TELLING naturally ends, and most satisfyingly so. My gosh, what a way to go...

The End
This final episode of TNG stands alone as an all-time classic science fiction episode. "All Good Things", (co-directed by David Carson, from Star Trek: Generations) moves back and forth across time in an eye-appealing way. It's very fulfilling to see Picard deal with both his past, present, future, and Q to top it all off! A great way to end the series. ... Read more

Reviews (413)

Family Fun for All
What a great movie, even with this epic being nearly 7 hours long on DVD. You'll find it hard to stop watching the adventures of Tony and Kimberly as they make their way through the 9 Kingdoms with Wolf and The Prince. There is comedy, magic, romance, drama and all the rest for every one. Safe for every one to watch with only a very few mild words and violent acts that might cause a few parents concern for the very young. Entertaining on all levels, even for myself a middle aged male into war flix. I found myself fixed on this movie only getting up to change the 3 disc it takes to watch it. While I question a couple of the casting choices like headlining Ann Margret for such a small role, overall the acting was well above par for a made for TV movie. Even the FX and make-up were above average for a made for TV film. This film did not find a fan base until after it aired, which due to poor ratings on TV there may never be a another one which without giving anything away the movie hinted at that near the end. Recommended for raining day or winter watching as it is a all day view, and a number of fan sites have spung up with fanzine stories that carry the movie on well past the ending.

My all time favorite movie.
I hope everyone sees this movie, but it's not for young kids. This is my top five favorite movie of all time. All the fairy tales built into one. It will make you laugh and cry. I watch this movie again and again when I can see it all the way through. If anyone knows of a sequel drop me a line. I like the wolf the best. I think they should make a real life 10th Kingdom maze similar like the movie.

Was I watching the same film as the rest of these folks?
As I write this, I wonder whether it's possible there were two entirely separate "10th Kingdoms" released, and I just bought the evil twin version! This series is so bad as to be almost unwatchable...in fact, it is unwatchable. I forced myself to sit through it, since I shelled out considerable cash for it in high hopes that it would be the awe-inspiring series mentioned on the back and in reviews.

The problem seems to lie in that the film couldn't decide whether the main audience should be adults or children, and consequently fails miserably to reach either. All of a child's favorite fairy-tale characters are included, which would be fine, but the story had to be "modernised", apparently on the presumption that today's "hip" kids wouldnt appreciate it and that adults would get bored (it is about 10 hours, after all). So, to spice things up, the writers added gratiuitous sexual innuendo and profanity (like the pathetic "butt" kissing episode, but the word used wasn't butt, and I cannot repeat it here since Amazon.com wouldn't allow it and deleted my last review for content...ask yourself if you want your kids watching a film with language Amazon.com won't allow in a review!). How to pick up chicks and pop psychology are thrown in, apparently to amuse the adult audience, but the whole thing just seems grossly patronising and you actually feel a bit insulted and offended while watching. The story line is moronic, and the interplay between the evil queen and her daughter would be deeply disturbing to some children (in short, you are a burden to your parents, and they would do anything, including murder, to get rid of you). The acting is so bad you feel uncomfortable watching it...three notable examples are the babbling, neurotic "wolf", the three "hip" maniacal troll children and Laroquette's character, who tries and fails to convey that he takes this whole romp seriously. you actually feel sorry for all of the actors in this series, and hope that the poor acting is a result of an irredeemable script and not lack of talent. There are some cute moments, like an obese Snow White (the fairest in the land?) and a geriatric Cinderella (or Sleeping Beauty, I forget) whose youthful face belies bone cracking agony whenever she is invited to dance. All in all, adults will find this film completely unwatchable, and kids will find it weird, incomprehensible or just boring, perhaps a healthy dose of all three.

The sad fact is there was SO much potential here, and the special effects really are spectacular (the opening sequence in particular), and the series' failure to deliver just leaves one angry and wanting to mash the tapes into tiny, little bits, especially after ten hours of hoping that it will somehow get better.

See "Arabian Nights" with Leguizamo and others. It tackles the same theme and manages to deliver with much more humor and entertainment in 1/5 the time.

best movie!
This is one of the best movies ever! It's got adventure, love, action and fairy tales what else could you ask for!??!! Everyone should at least watch this if not buy it and watch it once a month!

Sparkling, inventive fantasy
Virginia is a charming but rather insecure girl who lives with her father Tony in a building in New York where he is the put-upon janitor. Virginia is tormented by muddled memories of her mother, who disapeared when she was a young child. Strange things begin to happen in their lives when a Prince who has been turned into a golden retriever escapes from his magical world into theirs. He has been transfored by a wicked queen who wants to take control of the Nine kingdoms. She sends her werewolf henckman and a group of hideous trolls in pursuit of the escaped Prince. Tony and Virginia find themselves obliged to return to the Nine Kingdoms and help the enchanted Prince in his quest to defeat the Wicked Queen. They end up travelling with the werwolf, who has an eye for Virginia, but is he friend or foe? This is an absolutely wonderful series, which is full of dazzling special effects, superb acting, wit and charm. There are som very funny scenes, like the one where the werewolf has Virginia's grandmother trussed up and ready to cook,the one where Tony is given some wishes and makes the most of his chance to humiliate his obnoxious employer, and the scene where Virgina has to enter a shpeherdess contest and sing a song, "We will, we will shear you". Virginia's father Tony (John Larroquette) is my favourite character, his commonsense approach to the weird fairytale world is great, ("What is the point of having an evil door?"). And there is a delightful if strange romance between Virginia (Kimberley Williams) and the wolf (Scott Cohen). An absolute delight. Only one regret, at the end of this series there is a hint that there may be furthere adventures to come, but so far we haven't seen any. Is a sequel too much to hope for? ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Beverly Hills 90210 is one of my favorite shows!
This video is a must for anyone who loves 90210.It gives bits and pieces of the first two seasons, which brings back happy and sad memories of the characters.The video also talks about the character's feeling about graduating from high school and about leaving each other.If you have graduated or going to graduate from high school, this video will make you feel sad as you recall high school experiences.The saddest scene is at the end when they are looking at the sign that says, West Bev 93 and are staring at it.This is a video that you will love to own about all of the 90210 characters!

90210 is the best show on television!
I am a big huge Beverly Hills, 90210 fan! It's the coolest show on FOX, it even has a great soundtrack too. I watch the show all the time and all the actors are good. It's still a good show even though if it's been on for awhile. For those of you 90210 fans you can catch 2 episodes on FX every weekday at 4:00 and 5:00 (I think).

The sadness of 90210 ending
It is such a shame that 90210 had to go off the air. It was my favorite show ever since i've been alive. I will miss Luke Perry alot on T.V. I recorded almost every episode they made so at least the memories will stay with me forever. All I hope is that they make another show just like that. It really feels good to watch a great show and have the characters go through some of the same issues you might be going through. It was a great show and they did a great job. 90210 will be in memory forever...

Huge Fan from Brazil
I'm a huge, huge fan of BV 90210 from Brazil and I have never missed an episode of all ten seasons. I really look forward for their release on DVD!!! Beverly Hills 90210 definitely needs to be on DVD ASAP! I still watch the show everyday! Maybe this is the third time!!! But I NEVER get tired of it! I REALLY LOVE THE SHOW! I wish they would come out with all the DVDS soon.

90210 big fan!
i want to buy this video but with some of the reviews ive seen im not sure if i still want to. but i was young when the show started so i never watched it untill about the begining of 2004. see i really think luke perry (dylan mckay) is so hot so i started watching it and my dad records it every week day and on sat and sun. i love it so much! i wish they would come out with all the DVDS! season 1/10 cuz i would buy them all. i need to catch up with the early days. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

QWERKYNESS SQUARED!!!
If you like brilliant writing coming from the qwerkyest characters ever put on screen, than this is the show for you! I stumbled upon this show years back while channel surfing and have sought it out ever since. Awhile back, A&E ran it every day, and there was a marathon that I taped, but of course it was VHS. Having had DVD for two years now, I just can't watch VHS or broadcast TV anymore. Apart from the obvious video quality and sound issues, the incredible ease of navigation and repetition abilities of DVD's make VHS tapes more obsolete to DVD's than dinosaurs are to humans; it is that drastic a quality difference! PLEASE, PLEASE, PRETTY PLEASE release this brilliant drama/sitcom...IT DEFIES DESCRIPTION really, but you can't watch it for five minutes and not be a fan forever. The Northern Exposure fan base is huge. So speaking for Joel, Maggie, Maurice, Chris, Ed, Holling, Shelly, Marilyn, Ruth Ann, Adam, and Jesse The Bear; please release Northern Exposure so I can die a HAPPY MAN!!!

The Best TV Series Ever!
Northern Exposure has to be the most wonderfully directed, acted, and produced television series' I have ever seen. Especially the pilot episode. The scenary and the music in every episode make you feel as if you are a part of it all. Every episode has a very emotional ending, and leaves you with this warm, satisfying feeling inside. After watching Northern Exposure, I wanted to move to Alaska for the longest time. From Chris in the Morning to Dr. Fleischman, every character is dynamic, and you can never once tell that they are acting. It is just a very wonderfully natural show. I tried to get some of my friends to watch it, but they don't get the worth and moral value from it that I do. I hope that TV stations keep playing the re-runs on A & E or other networks. Rob Morrow, aka Dr. Joel Fleischman, is one of the best, and now one of my personal favorite, actors. The way each episode goes into detail about the smallest things, just shows you how thought-out, well-written, and well-planned the makers are. Its a shame there aren't more series like Northern Exposure today. The makers also did an A+ job in casting the characters. I don't really have a favorite, since they are all just great, but I especially like Chris, Ed, and Fleischman. Chris has this intellectual way about him. He's sort of a rehabilitated philosopher so to speak. He and his radio show are one of the key moral points of the series. He usually sums up the moral value of each episode. I just can't say enough about this show!

Northern Exposure NOT on DVD?
I have seen some of the dumbest movies and TV series come out on DVD, and they were just made recently. Where's Northern Exposure? This series has been over with for a long time, what is it you are waiting on? I have never been glued to a TV set before in my life until NE came to TV.
I, as well as others are extremely disappointed in this, so PLEASE begin recording this on DVD so the entire world population can once again watch the best series that was ever created.
I thank you very much.

season one available on DVD in UK
If season two comes out on DVD in the UK I'm going to buy one of those "illegal" DVD players that let you watch DVD encoded for others regions-countries. The players start at $89.00 and are as high as $600.00. There is a huge amount of good DVD stuff out there that will never be released here so that $100.00 bucks would be well spent. The $89.00 one is small and easy to slip into a crowded area. So instead of getting all my money the studio will only get a royalty. too bad for them.

what's the hold up with the DVD's ?
i can get "Britney Spears" concerts on DVD, but not the all-time best TV series EVER?? ... Read more

Amazon.com

In 1893, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's weariness with his most famouscreation, Sherlock Holmes, led him to write The Final Problem. The plan was to bring Holmes face to face with his most cunning and vile adversary, Professor Moriarity, in a showdown that would bring a graceful and ennobling close to the Holmes saga. In time, Doyle allowed popular pressure to change his mind, and he brought back the sleuth. But this Granada Television adaptation of The Final Problem truly seems like Holmes's last bow and gives no hint of things to come. The drama is certainly engrossing: Holmes (Jeremy Brett) has been on the run in London for days, barely avoiding assassination attempts by Moriarty's lieutenants while international lawmen work with him to shut down the brilliant villain's crime organization. Moriarty, apparently, is the only one to escape Holmes's tightening net, leading to an extended chase across Europe and a fateful confrontation at Reichenbach Falls in Switzerland. Eric Porter makes for a dark, wicked Moriarty, his weathered face a window onto all the destruction the character has left in his wake. Typically, Brett and David Burke (as Dr. John Watson) are a perfect reflection of the dynamic duo Conan Doyle had in mind. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (7)

The Final Problem
If you're reading this review, then I am sure you are already familiar with the story so I'm not going to bother telling you what it's about. I'll just give you my opinion of it. It wasn't entirely faithful to the short story but it was great nevertheless. Oh and Jeremy Brett is the definitive Sherlock Holmes.

Fasten your seat belt
This is a fast moving, suspenseful, finale to Conan Doyle's long running series (or is it?). Like The Hound, The Final Problem combines beautiful scenery (albeit the Swiss Alps instead of the English countryside)with a great story. The sequence of Moriarty and Holmes in the latter's rooms on Baker Street is unforgettable as is the climax at Reichenbach Falls. A must for any fan of this series.

Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes
Mr.Brett was the finest Sherlock Holmes ever!! He created the escents and mannerism that are that of Holmes. Every case I have seen is truly a winning performance. You cannot go wrong with any of these tapes or DVD's

Jermey Brett is the best Holmes yet!
Being a major Sherlock Holmes fan for some years now, I am quite picky on what I consider a "good" portrail of Sherlock Holmes. Jermey Brett is the most true to the inner character of Holmes that I have ever seen. He has that quirky smile that just tugs at you till you end up grining as well. This episode is one of my top favorites! With the amazing chemistry placed between Jermey Brett and Eric Porter(Moriarty), you feel the cold respect as well as the irking hatred that lies under the characters exteriors. From the entire eposode my favorite scene is at the very end. Watching the waterfall as the two bodies of Holmes and Moriarty flail in the air in slow motion as they plunge downwards. A very emotional scene. Even though I know the outcome of the story, and that of the next, I always have to see the "The Empty House" directly afterwards. Absolutly superperb!

You must also watch THE EMPTY HOUSE
...immediately after seeing this one! I had to, just to be really sure that Holmes did indeed return from the Reichenbach Falls. This show contains one of the most spectacular stunt shots I've ever seen--it does really look like the end for the great detective. Of course he manages to escape, even if his creator would have preferred it to have been otherwise. Eric Porter is an absolutely terrifying Professor Moriarty. The verbal 'non' duel between him and Jeremy Brett's Holmes--in which each one already knows what the other is going to say-- is beautifully staged and acted. This is one of my four favorite episodes of the Granada series. I should point out that Patrick Gowers' moving violin theme adds so much to the last shot, you can actually feel emotion for the death of a fictional character. An outstanding episode of a great series. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Best ending
Excellent episode from this great show. The ending makes this one memorable. After the ice breaks, all of the men in town gather together for their traditional "running of the bulls"- in the buff. The music is perfect' "Where the Wild Things Are"- about everyone's need to go a little crazy, and we'll go there together.

Spring Breakup Brings Out the Animal in Cicely
This is one of my favorite episodes because it first introduces Officer Barbara Semanski to Cicely, the future bride of Maurice Minnefield. The whole town is struck with "Spring Fever"in anticipation of the ice breaking and to go along with that is a healthy dose of mass "horniness". Joel and Maggie go at it for the first time and Holling gets his horns clipped when Officer Semanski, played brilliantly by Diane Delano, lands a TKO in the boxing ring before the whole town. Chris has his own scheme for reminding people about "chaos" by ripping off stereos and Ed tracks him down. A quote by Chris "Sometimes you gotta do something bad just to know you're alive"..Excellent episode!

Spring Break
This is a gem of postmodern television. Spring is approaching, and along with it, the annual breaking of the ice. The stress of the ice manifests itself in many of the townspeople. See MTV, the Garden of Eden, the impermanence of material goods, boxing, and zen all come together for a rousing running of the bulls.

This is one of the best of what was a wonderfull show.
This episode has everything that makes northern exposure good. If you have never seen northern exposure than this is a great one to start with. ... Read more

Amazon.com

There were only two ways for "classic Trek" cast members to appear in a movie with the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation: either Capt. Kirk and his contemporaries would have to be very, very old, or there would be some time travel involved in the plot. Since geriatric heroes aren't very exciting (despite a welcomed cameo appearance by the aged Dr. McCoy), Star Trek: Generations unites Capt. Kirk (William Shatner) and Capt. Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) in a time-jumping race to stop a madman's quest for heavenly contentment. When a mysterious energy coil called the Nexus nearly destroys the newly christened U.S.S. Enterprise-B, the just-retired Capt. Kirk is lost and presumed dead. But he's actually been happily trapped in the timeless purgatory of the Nexus--an idyllic state of being described by the mystical Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg) as "pure joy." Picard must convince Kirk to leave this artificial comfort zone and confront Dr. Soran (Malcolm McDowell), the madman who will threaten billions of lives to be reunited with the addictive pleasure of the Nexus. With subplots involving the android Data's unpredictable "emotion chip" and the spectacular crash-landing of the starship Enterprise, this crossover movie not only satisfied Trek fans, but it also gave them something they'd never had to confront before: the heroic and truly final death of a beloved Star Trek character. Passing the torch to the Next Generation with dignity and entertaining adventure, the movie isn't going to please everyone with its somewhat hokey plot, but it still ranks as a worthy big-screen launch for Picard and his stalwart crew. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (151)

A great transition!
Star Trek Generations is simply a great transition movie, handing the torch from Captain Kirk and crew to Captain Picard and crew. While not living up completely to what we the fans wanted, that doesn't really matter. That is the case in most of the movies. Especially the odd numbered ones for some strange cosmic reason. We all knew the Galaxy Class Enterprise 1701-D had to go. It was simply not made for the silver screen. I was personally hoping that more of the original series crew could've made it for the opening sequence. The scenes between Kirk and Picard were very well done. If I remember correctly, this was also the first time that we'd heard Captain Sulu's first name. Patrick Stewart once again showed the depth of his acting abilities with the death of his character's brother and nephew. It's a little disturbing to see Captain Picard basically recieve a beating from Soren. After watching Kirk fight many a people and win over the years. Malcolm McDowell, Soren played a very good, tortured villain. And yes, Captain Kirk said in Star Trek V The Final Frontier that he always knew he'd die alone. And that was the case, he was alone in the sense the Spock and McCoy weren't there. The way Kirk died did seem a little melodramatic for the character. Overall though, a very good transition movie. I would suggest that if you'd like a few more of the details, I believe you can still get a copy of the book. It does bring to light some of the things that were glossed over on the screen.

More misses than hits, unfortunately....
When I was fifteen, I was so excited to see my favorite Star Trek crew get their own shot at the big screen. I was disappointed to hear that the baton was not completely passed, and that this film would feature the not-so-eternally-young William Shatner as Captain Kirk. I watched the movie anyway with much anticipation and excitement. Back then, I thought it was the best movie I had ever seen. Now that I'm 22 (more grown up) and I've had a chance to view a more superior film in "First Contact," I must retract my initial reaction and say that "Generations" is only okay.
I don't know if anyone else has pointed it out, but this movie has many depressing moments. The Enterprise B has its problems, Picard faces tragedy, Data gets choked up in his worry about Geordi, the Enterprise D crashes and eventually is blown to bits, and Captain Kirk (as much as I disliked his place in this movie) meets his fate. There seemed to be no bright side to this movie, no resolution of good truly conquering evil in the end. The crew of the Enterprise D were left with a mess of wreckage in the end. Where is the hope in that?
As far as humor goes, it was misplaced all the way through. Data's first turns with an emotion chip should have been eye-opening, but here they are ridiculous and obnoxious. Mr. Tricorder? Oh dear. Data's character has delivered better funny moments in the television series when his confusion got the better of him. I think the strongest laugh, and the most brilliant one, comes when Data says a dirty word to become the first TNG character to truly swear. Nice little touch for shock value anyway.
Patrick Stewart and friends always do well in the acting department and Malcolm McDowell as Soren is a welcome villainous addition to this story. So I think the trouble lies in the script and the continued push for old Trek cast members. It was time (pardon the cliche) for a new generation to take over, and it still wasn't fully their turn (not fair). Giving TNG their own movie would pay off next with "First Contact," an obviously superior journey.
As always, Trek delivers great special effects, but they cannot carry "Generations." It needed more emotional variety, a more clever story (time travel is tired), and an exclusive showcase of TNG characters.

Making Generations Better!!
If your a Star Trek Fan, you will enjoy this film. This flim is a blending of the old to the new generation. It seems that at first William Shatner has a Cameo in the film's first half, but becomes a full member of the cast in the last half.
If your a TRUE Star Trek Fan, and want to enjoy this film even more, you MUST get the three books written by William Shatner. The first book is "Ashes of Eden." It takes place just before "Generations" and has Jim Kirk battling between his long Star Fleet Career and the lack of action in any retirement. In it Capt. Kirk find that he is still called to save worlds, even in his retirement. It fills the gap leading up to the first part of the film. It is true Captian Kirk in action. This book could have been made into a Star Trek movie by itself and can stand alone.
The second book, "The Return", takes place right after the death of Jim Kirk with Spock at his best friend's grave. As from the title, we all want Jim Kirk to live and he does "Return."
You can stop after this book too, if you want to have Jim Kirk dead. (Yes, he dies at the end) But, hold the phone, he will live again in the next book, "Avenger" to save the universe again. This time he has new friends. It's Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the Enterprise TNG crew. Yes, Spock is logicly there to help Kirk(RET) save the universe again.
Read this and enjoy the movie even more.

Excellent Bridge Between The Old & The New...
STAR TREK GENERATIONS (1994) took on a monumentally difficult task---namely, the passing of the legendary STAR TREK torch from the original cast to the "Next Generation" cast---and does it almost seamlessly. Despite what many self-professed "Star Trek experts" may say, there was no perfect way to accomplish this. Having recently viewed this film for approximately the 10th time, I am as impressed as ever at the job that director David Carson and screenwriter Rick Berman (who took over as head of the STAR TREK franchise after creator Gene Roddenberry died in 1991) did. I can honestly say that I couldn't have done as good a job at bridging the two generations---and neither could have any of these "experts" who choose to pick apart at it.

If you're reading this review and others, you undoubtedly know what this film's about, so I'm not going into a rundown of plot here. I will, however, put in my two-cents worth of opinion about this film: it is a well-paced, fully realized cinematic vision, with great special effects, a compelling main plot, a humorous subplot and some excellent acting on the part of Patrick Stewart, Brent Spiner and Malcolm McDowell. Even William Shatner is pretty good here---his acting *has* improved with age and experience! As Dr. Tolian Soren, Malcolm McDowell creates a villain for whom we can actually care; although we don't agree with what he does, we can certainly relate to the reasons why he does what he does. However, this does not make it any less compelling for Capts. Kirk and Picard to stop him from carrying out his destructive methods, leading to the extremely suspenseful---and, ultimately, sad---scene which is as inevitable as it is fateful.

I really love STAR TREK GENERATIONS. It has a winning combination of intelligent storyline mixed in with action, suspense and---surprisingly---humor, and plays fair with the rules of the game and the legacy of the series. I really can't imagine any true STAR TREK fan not loving it. It may require some patience on first viewing, perhaps, but the rewards are great for sticking with it. Plus, it only gets better on repeated viewings. I can vouch for that!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

GENERATIONS DISAPPOINTS
For years, Trekkies wanted to see Captains James Kirk and Jean-Luc Picard finally team up and unite the two major generations of the Starship Enterprise in what would, doubtless, be an adventure to remember. As is so often the case, the realization of that dream leaves a lot to be desired, and the final result is all too forgettable.

What went wrong? For one thing, Kirk's character is handled very poorly. The adventurous, 23rd-century Odysseus has devolved into a whipped milksop who wants to leave galaxy-saving to Picard so he can go back to fixing eggs. Moreover the film is choppy and slow. There's not much action, despite a brief confrontation between the Enterprise and some rogue Klingons. There's a lot of really silly "humor" courtesy of Data and some new emotions, which makes a mockery of the ordinarily poignant portrayal of the android's ongoing quest to become more human. And Soran, despite behing essayed by an excellent actor in Malcom McDowell, is a terribly weak antagonist who fails to bring any genuine menace to the lackluster plot. Worst of all, the infamous death scene (and if you've ever even heard of this movie before you know what I'm talking about) is a total embarrassment and a sorry way to send off one of the greatest sci-fi heroes in TV and cinema history.

I suppose there are a couple of plusses, though they are relatively weak ones. The early scenes with a few of the original Trek crew members are effective, and Captain Picard's familial subplot is genuinely touching. As one would expect of a big-budget Star Trek film, the production values are excellent all-around and everything looks terrific. But there should have been a lot more to brag about, and there's just not.

This could have easily been a milestone in the Star Trek canon. Instead, it's possibly the series' low point (though I admit it has some competition for that dubious honor from "The Final Frontier"). The story needed a stronger script, better characterization for Captain Kirk, a more powerful villain, and more action. This is one film that might have actually benefitted from being half an hour longer. Trekkie loyalists and completists may still enjoy it, but it's not a movie I can recommend to the general fan. Save your time and watch "First Contact" or "The Voyage Home" instead. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Nominated for the prestigious Hugo Award and voted the best Star Trek ever by readers of TV Guide, "The Visitor" transcends the limitations of series canon and exists in a continuum of its own making. There is something indefinable, something both solid and intangible about the love that exists between a parent and a child. If strong enough, it probably could forge a connection through time and space--and beyond life itself. This episode feels very real.

The plot is deceptively simple: a young writer appears on Jake Sisko's doorstep in the middle of a very dark and rainy night. She wants to hear his story; and Jake is an old man. He needs to tell it. Distinguished kudos all around for great writing and great acting. Tony Todd is superb as the adult Jake Sisko. Not only does the man age from twentysomething to 80, he also nails Cirroc Lofton's mannerisms and body language. Lofton's expressive performance as the young Jake is a standout as well. Avery Brooks is a profoundly gentle Sisko here--a father who obviously loves his son. And Rachel Robinson is absolutely luminescent as Melanie, the young writer. (She's also Andrew "Garak" Robinson's daughter.) Kudos to the design team for using color and lighting to express Jake's mounting depression. Honorable mention to Aron Eisenberg as Captain Nog. Watch for the "future" uniforms that seem to come from TNG's "All Good Things." "The Visitor" is an amazing episode and it belongs in every Trek fan's collection. --Kayla Rigney ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Probably THE BEST episode of Star Trek Deep Space Nine
If I could, I would rate this episode as 6 stars out of 5, because it's so good.
The episode "The Visitor" deals with the relationship between Jake Sisko and his father, Captain Benjamin Sisko. What happens is Jake, who is an old man who's about 80, tells the story of his father's death to a young, aspiring, and attractive woman named Melanie (played by Andrew J. "Garak" Robinson's lovely daughter Rachel). In the end, when the musical suite plays, we see Ben Sisko, sitting in front of his elderly, napping son, who shows him a draft of a book he dedicated "To my father, whose coming home", which he won't be able to publish, but he reveals to his father what he realized, and why he has taken the path he has. If you're interested, and haven't seen this episode, I won't ruin it for you. But if you either have it, or have seen it, you understand why I would rate this a 6 out of 5.

Perhaps the finest hour of 'Trek' ever.
This episode from the early fourth season was the most moving and heart-rending episode perhaps ever done for any Star Trek series. Outstanding performances all around by Avery Brooks, Cirroc Lofton and Tony Todd as the elder Jake Sisko. There are very few trek episodes I will buy for posterity through the years but this will be one of them, when they finally release it on video.

The best of Trek
Often, episodes that earn the "best of" title are those that take that which is unique to the science fiction universe to the limits. Witness TNG's "The Best of Both Worlds," which is often labelled the best of that series and shows the desperate battle against an implacable enemy. For "The Visitor," however, the science fiction elements are mere window dressing for an examination of human relations. They allow the plot to progress, but except for the specifics of the technology, we're not seeing anything that couldn't happen in this day and age with the most minor of changes.

This is why the episode resonates so strongly with the viewers, who see not the crash and burn of a starship, but of a human life. Everything is immediate and nearly any viewer will be able to find an emotional connection to the events onscreen. It showcases the best father/son relationship I've ever seen on a TV show, and that showcase makes for the best episode of any Trek series.

Best Star Trek episode ever!
This episode clearly marked DS9 as the best,if not equel to TNG by conveying emotions between characters instead of much appreciated action. Never has an episode of Star Trek dealt so realisticly with its characters that it excels as one of the series finest moments. From the stormy beginning to the emotional finale this is Star Trek acting and directing at its best. If you dont like DS9, then this probably wont change your mind about the show due to its character driven plot but for any DS9 fan this is an episode not to miss.

A Standout Episode for a Remarkable Series
"The Visitor", from DS9's fourth season, remains a fan and critical favorite. Like the best of Trek, this particular installment is more dependent on character development than special effects or other technical wizardry.

The acting by all is first-rate. Tony Todd (of "Candyman" fame and an earlier role as Worf's brother) turns in a fine performance as the elder Jake Sisko, enduring a lifelong quest to rescue his father from subspace limbo. Cast member Cirroc Lofton gets one of his few chances to shine as the young Jake. Guest star Rachel Robinson is quite good as a young woman that visits Jake in the winter of his years. Last but not least, star Avery Brooks brings his usual dynamic strength to the role of Benjamin Sisko as he pops in and out at stages of his son's life.

The respective scenes featuring exchanges between Brooks, Todd, and Lofton are endearing and memorable.

Besides being well written and acted, the episode features one of the best scores of any Trek show. It is no wonder that composer Dennis McCarthy's music is featured on a "Best of Trek" compilation album. The music is a combination of subtlety, poetry, and foreboding as it represents the strong bond between father and son.

"The Visitor" is an example of true quality television and deserves a place in the TV Hall of Fame. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

"All hands abandon ship..." BOOM!!!
The above line, and subsequent collision, still chills after repeated viewings as it did when the episode aired over fifteen years ago. Although the destruction of the Enterprise is fiction, the line resonates almost as much as did the real-life "Go with throttle up" spoken to the crew of the ill-fated Challenger.

"Cause and Effect" is one of those time loop episodes that find a welcome home in most science fiction. And it's a remarkably well-paced one, with each "revisitation" as enigmatic as the first one.

This is is first-rate in all aspects!

A truly entertaining episode...
Directing "Cause and Effect" couldn't have been an easy task, but Jonathan Frakes does incredibly well. The Enterprise seems to be trapped in a time loop that starts with the crew playing poker, and ends in the ship colliding with another ship and exploding. How does this happen? How can they prevent it? Watching the episode, you'd think some of the repeated scenes would get old. They don't. In fact, it gets more interesting as the crew begins to realize something's wrong. The ending is terrifically smart and this episode is a TNG classic.

Writer's block episode...
Cause and Effect or the Writer's Block Episode

Kelsey Grammer makes an appearance as a captain of the Starship Bozeman from Kirk's era. He accidently stumbles onto Picards timeline and averts a disaster with the Enterprise. In this one we get to see the Enterprise destroyed at the end of each act before the commercial break. It took them a few tries before they left the endless time loop. It's plot has been repeated before in Voyager and many other Trek episodes. I like to call them the writers block episodes. They have taken the place of what I call the mysterious cloud thing where some ghost like cloud covers the Enterprise and makes the crew act unusual. When the producers get the crunch time of not being able to do location shooting... this is the rusult.. a shipboard story where some special effect wrecks havock with the crew. It doesn't require new sets or any other budget breakers.

The Enterprise blows up (again, and again, and again...)
You will not find a more dramatic teaser to an episode of STNG than this one: The Enterprise is badly damaged with the crew unable to regain control of the ship. Captain Picard issues a frantic order to abandon ship but it is too late and the Enterprise is destroyed by a massive explosion. The next thing we know we are in the middle of just another normal day aboard the Enterprise, except people are experiencing strange feelings of deja vu (as opposed to the unstrange type of that feeling). When the Enterprise encounters a time-space distortion field the main power systems on the ship fail. Suddenly another spaceship emerges from the distortion; Picard tries to use the tractor beams to avoid the other ship but they collide, damaging the Enterprise's starboard warp drive engine. The Enterprise is badly damaged with the crew unable to regain control of the ship. Captain Picard issues a frantic order to abandon ship but it is too late and the Enterprise is destroyed by a massive explosion. We are back to where we started.

This pattern is repeated several times in this episode, with each progression offering slight but significant chances in solving the mystery and avoiding the ship's apparent fate. These changes are most notable in the poker game being played by several members of the bridge crew. "Cause and Effect" is a first rate episode that does a marvelous job of exploring the repetitive and yet still progressive pattern of each time through the time loop. Of course we know that eventually the disaster will be adverted; the fun here is watching them discover the how. This is far and away the best of the STNG time distortion episodes. Final Note: This is the episode where Kelsey Grammer has a nice cameo appearance.

Great episode
The eterprise is in a temporal causality loop. That is the same period of time is repeated again and again with the crew having no memory of the previous loop. If they don't get out of the loop they will be stuck that way possibly forever...

This episode has a cameo appearence by Kelsey Grammer ... Read more

Amazon.com

The two-hour pilot of The Next Generation holds up well after all these years and many, many subsequent episodes and four feature films. Gene Roddenberry's second go-round with Star Trek on television boldly goes where no other soul had gone, overcoming Trekker skepticism at the time about new characters and a new cast. After introducing Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) and the rest of the crew, the script by Roddenberry and former Star Trek story editor Dorothy Fontana plunges them into a familiar Trek confrontation with a superior power, Q (John De Lancie), in a weirdly archaic setting drawn from Earth history (in this case, the bloody kangaroo courts of Robespierre's day). Declaring mankind barbarous and unworthy of existence, Q gives Picard 24 hours to prove humans are not just a "grievously savage race." The story is punctuated with various delights, particularly first meetings between the characters (watch for Riker's houndish introduction to Dr. Crusher) and a surprise cameo from a Trek icon. There are bumps: originally shot as a 90-minute special, "Encounter" had to be padded a bit (ergo the ship separation scene) to make it two hours. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (20)

"This is a new ship, but she's got the right name."
Star Trek made its return to the television airwaves with the premiere of Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1987. It was apparent from the beginning of "Encounter at Farpoint" that this new series would be more cerebral and less dependent on green-skinned slave girls and bare-chested captains. This was going to be a series that emphasized that humankind could co-exist in harmony with the technology of its creation and would only resort to violence to solve problems as a last resort.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) sets a course for Farpoint Station on his newly commissioned Enterprise-D to pick up new crew members Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes), Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden), Lt. Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton), and Wesley Crusher (Wil Weaton). However, with Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner), Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis), Lt. Worf (Michael Dorn), and Lt. Tasha Yar (Denise Crosby) already on board, the Enterprise is intercepted by the mysterious Q (John de Lancie) who chastises Picard for humanity's inability to leave behind its more savage impulses. Picard objects to the accusation and argues that humankind, while still far from perfect, has abandoned its more destructive habits. Q decides to test this claim by subjecting the Enterprise-D to a test at Farpoint Station which will determine just how far humanity as a whole has evolved.

Being the first episode in a new series, "Encounter at Farpoint" has the usual problems typical of television pilots. The dialogue and performances are a little stiff and the nuances between characters had not yet had time to develop. Yet, "Encounter at Farpoint" is notable for expanding the Star Trek mythos considerably in just a single episode. We are introduced to a new class of ship, a new uniform design, new alien beings, the infamous holodeck, and given a history lesson on important developments that preceded the advent of Starfleet. A cameo by Admiral Leonard McCoy (DeForest Kelley) also provides a nostalgic link to the fondly-remembered original series. It would take some time before Star Trek: The Next Generation found its stride but "Encounter at Farpoint" did its job by establishing a solid foundation on which to build upon.

The ST:TNG pilot episode...
The U.S.S Enterprise, captained by Jean-Luc Picard, is on a routine investigative mission to Farpoint Station when they encounter an enigmatic, god-like individual known simply as Q. The omnipotent being appears to have no other intention other than to cause trouble and immediately places Picard and his senior officers on trial for the crimes of humanity...

Encounter of Farpoint is not among the best of the Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes - it merely serves as a necessary starting point for a TV programme that took until its third series to display the type of quality we associate it with. Characters are introduced; past relationships are established (although it does take 178 episodes, seven series, three movies and eleven years for anything to come of it in the case of Riker and Troi). This is a must-have for any fan of the series - watching "Encounter at Farpoint" and comparing it to later episodes will allow you to see just how far the characters - Picard, Riker, Troi, Dr Crusher, Data, Worf, La Forge and Yar - have evolved and how the show as a whole changed over time.

~*Jenna*~

It introduced us to so many characters and yet told a story
Had I written a review of this episode shortly after it came out, it would not have been nearly as positive as this one. In viewing it again, I am struck at how well the two "unusual" characters of Q and Data are introduced. While to outward appearances he is human, Data is an android and we are immediately made aware of that as well as some of his "failings." Simple things such as whistling and humor are beyond his capacity at this time.
The outstanding feature is the introduction of one of the best characters to ever appear in a television series, Q, the impish God. Without question, he is a god, possessing mighty powers and yet he is using them to determine the worthiness of humanity to explore the stars. After the dark, foreboding and sometimes bloody descriptions of God in much of our religious literature, it is a pleasure to see one who puns and tests us with puzzles rather than in how well we slaughter our enemies. Of secondary interest is the mention of the Ferengi, although they are described as a people who eat those who displease them.
Dr. McCoy of the original series makes an appearance as an admiral, inspecting the medical facilities of the Enterprise. He is as irascible as ever, yet he also praises the Vulcans as an honorable race, worthy of respect. Data escorts him while he is on the Enterprise, and their conversation is one of the classics in the entire Star Trek genre.
The Enterprise crew gets together and their mission is to investigate Farpoint Station, a structure constructed with unusual rapidity by a people who wish to have the Federation use it as a star base. On the way to Farpoint, they encounter Q and we are introduced to the plot device where the saucer and weapons sections can be separated. This was not extensively used in subsequent episodes, which was unfortunate. Given that families are now on starships, it is my belief that such separations would be standard practice when there is the reasonable expectation of hostilities.
Q creates a courtroom whose spectators are survivors of an atomic holocaust. Humanity is put on trial through the crew of the Enterprise and then they are let free to continue their mission. When the Enterprise arrives at Farpoint, things are not what they appear to be. When the leader of the people who built Farpoint is questioned, he professes ignorance, yet it is clear he knows what is happening. Another "ship" arrives and begins bombarding the city near Farpoint. Rather than immediately firing on the new arrival, Picard seeks information and learns that the "ship" is in fact an intelligent entity that is trying to free its' mate, which has been transformed into Farpoint. By firing energy of the proper form into Farpoint, the Enterprise heals the creature and it frees itself. Q is impressed by this and announces that humanity has passed the test.
Given that there was very little to build on, this episode effectively introduces much of what is arguably the greatest television series ever. Therefore, it can also be considered the best episode of the series.

Just what you'd expect from the first episode of a series
While 'Encounter At Farpoint' is only average at best it's important to take into consideration that it is the series opener. In many such shows most of the production staff and especially the actors tend to be concerned whether or not the show will succeed; additionally the actor's character portrayals naturally become sharper and better defined. Considering the daunting task of attempting to revive the series with an all-new cast it is completely understandable that there should be some hesitation or reservations present. The debut of this Trek serialization was penned equally by the seasoned and distinguished series veterans D.C. Fontana and the show's creator Gene Roddenberry. Reportedly the story went through several changes but basically retained the same original plot of the new Enterprise crew at the edge of known Federation explored space, find the peculiar conundrum and expose the culprits. The Farpoint scenario isn't really fleshed out well; what really works best in this episode is the inspired invention of Q, brought to vivid life by the underrated and underused John De Lancie. He became more of a scamp and a thorn in the side of Picard in later episodes, but here he is genuinely nefarious and quite ominous. His performance in his relatively few scenes is more than memorable and adds punch to the proceedings when it is lagging. There is also a natural lead-in to the future episode 'Hide And Q' that comes near the end when Q first meets Riker face-to-face.

Though the show falls flat where it is concerned with the Farpoint station, the concept of Q is well developed; an omnipotent, all-powerful being appears and tells the humans they can come this far and no farther. Incapable of battling against such a potent foe the humans strike the only bargain they can: test us. See if we've advanced beyond our primitive and savage desires; watch us and make certain we don't corrupt and defile everything and everyone we come into contact with. The challenge comes at an opportune and delicate time too as the Enterprise is beginning their new mission. Sure it's a convenient plot element but it gives the writers something to work with right out of the gate and besides future Q appearances give the viewer something to look forward to in later episodes.

Initially the main characters themselves don't really come off too successfully; with the exceptions of Jonathan Frakes as Riker and Brent Spiner as Data everyone would appear to be only a distant reflection of what they were here in the episodes immediately following. At times Patrick Stewart as Jean Luc Picard comes off as more of a classroom instructor grading the crewmembers in some sort of a starship mockup exercise; Denise Crosby as Tasha Yar seems mousy here in comparison to the rest of the series; Michael Dorn as Worf speaks lines only so that Picard can chastise him; Marina Sirtis as Deanna Troi wavers uncomfortably between strong and meek characterizations, unable to discern