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Long before she was a glamorous movie star, before even her breakthrough performance in Ruby in Paradise, Ashley Judd was a good lookin' television actress who twice played Ensign Robin Lefler, an engineeringmission specialist, on Star Trek: The Next Generation. In "The Game," she teams up with visiting Starfleet cadet Wesley Crusher to save the Enterprise and flirt a little. The ship's problems start when Commander Riker returns from Risa with a game he was given by some alien prostitute. Immediately addictive, the game hooks into the mind and stimulates the pleasure centers. Everybody who plays it wants to share it with the poor, unfortunate souls who haven't yet tried it. Not only does the spread of the game interfere with their mission to chart the Phoenix cluster, it turns out to be a form of mind control from an alien race. Soon enough, the whole ship is hooked and following alien orders. Everyone, that is, except Wesley and Robin, who were too busy enjoying the endorphin rush of their first date to play it. Soon enough they suspect the worst and need to act. As a tribute to Invasion of the Body Snatchers, this is an entertaining episode (though the game itself is cheesy to look at), with the climax handled in a particularly exciting way. After the excitement, Wesleyand Robin share a closed-mouth kiss and promise to see each other again once he goes back to Starfleet Academy, where he'll likely learn thatlong-distance relationships don't work. --Andy Spletzer ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great episode, but HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT
This engrossing episode involved an evil electronic device that lured almost everyone on the Enterprise into a state of addicted, malleable euphoria. ALMOST everyone, that is, except for Wesly Crusher, who was visiting from Starfleet Academy.

Wesley noticed the crew behaving strangely, analyed the device, located the knocked-out Data and determined how to reactivate him, then arranged for same to appear just at the right moment and de-hypnotize the command staff -- which saved not only the Enterprise itself, but (per instructions being executed) several star bases, the Academy and, pretty much, the entire Federation.

Wesley, at this point, having bravely and cleverly prevented enslavement of the whole civilized universe, deserved nothing less than to be promoted to full starship captain... but no, he just kissed Ashley Judd goodbye and went back to school. It was a grave injustice, and I have never been more depressed after watching a Star Trek episode. Captain Crusher -- alas.

Great "suspense" episode!
This ST:TNG episode was full of mystery and fun, and also had a little hint of conspiracy to it. It all starts when Commander Riker is shown a game by a woman he likes, and then he quickly pursuades the crew to try it, and then it eventually leads to the conspiracy, where a chase for Wesley Crusher begins. What happens then is what you'll just want to find out yourself, so I hope you get this show!

My all time favorite episode!
My son's favorite episode is "Remember Me", which I admit is AWESOME. But this one, "The Game", is the one that fascinates me the most.

It seemed to be an innocent game. Riker was introduced to it by one of his female companions while on leave. It was HIGHLY addictive. He brought it back on board ship, had it replicated, and the game caught on like wild fire! EVERYONE was hooked! They played the game even while they worked. Only Wesley Crusher and one other female friend of his were wary. They realized the addictive game was not natural.

Wesley Crusher vs the entire ship. Talk about bad odds! But this nimble and intellegent teenager amazed me. To tell more would spoil it.

Considering only 3 episodes stand out for me ("True Q", "Remember Me", and "The Game"), I cannot help but post this in hopes that someone else will fall in love with these perticular 3.

A futuristic warning on the dangers of video games
There is nothing like a visit to Risa, the legendary pleasure planet of the Star Trek universe and Riker is having big time fun with a pleasure girl who introduces him to an exciting little game you play by putting on a visor like device. When Riker returns he brings with him "The Game" and starts replicating it for all of his friends. The game basically interfaces directly with your brain and the next thing you know everybody on board the Enterprise is hooked. Everyone except for Wesley Crusher, on board for a short vacation from Starfleet Academy. Wesley has hooked up with Mission Specialist Robin Leflar (Ashley Judd), a young engineer, and they become suspicious when people try to pressure them into trying the game. When they check out one of the devices they discover that not only is the game psychologically addictive, it also affects the brain's ability to reason. Wesley takes his findings to the captain, but discovers Picard has already become addicted to the game. The only person on the Enterprise immune from the game's effects is Data, but Wesley's mom has already turned him off and rewired him so Data is in an android coma. Now that we are totally confused as to what is going on, a spaceship approaches with Riker's "pleasure girl" in command of an alien invasion force. The game gives her mind control over everyone who has played. Picard gives orders to force everyone who has not played the game to do so, which quickly leaves Wesley the only one left aboard the Enterprise who has yet to be enthralled by the device.

Star Trek has always been known for dressing up contemporary social issues in futuristic trappings and in "The Game" we have a not too subtle indictment of video games (computer games were just starting to take off way back then, but they would also be covered under this indictment). Turn corporate giants like Atari or Nintendo into hostile aliens bent on taking over to the world and the rest of the extended metaphor certainly holds up. If the previous episode ("Disaster") was the wrong people in the wrong place at the wrong time, "The Game" is one of those where the Enterprise lucks out because Wesley happened to have dropped by for a visit. This is really the last episode with the "old" Wesley, since from here on in his character takes a significant turn. Final Note: Robin Leflar is currently one of the characters serving on the Excalibur in Peter David's Star Trek: New Frontier series.

The greatest episode of all
I really love all of the Star Trek Next Generation episodes but this one really tops them all, I think. It's taken me forever to get my hands on it, and through amazon.com I finally did. In my quest for this episode, I even wrote the tv studio asking them to air it again so I could tape it off of the tv, but the show was completely taken off the air recently. Then I was looking in stores for it but no one had it. They said it was a very popular episode. Now I have it and I love it. This episode shows that kids can be just as important as adults and truly make a difference when they are needed. ... Read more

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A pivotal episode in the development of security chief Odo (ReneAuberjonois) as a complex and sympathetic character, "The Forsaken" follows itscentral theme--the isolation of outcasts--on parallel plot lines. One involvesOdo's comedic interplay with the aggressively amorous Lwaxana Troi (Trekveteran Majel Barrett, making the first of three DS9 appearances), andthe other focuses on O'Brien's challenge when an alien probe wreaks havoc on thestation's Cardassian computers. The exceptional teleplay (by Don Carlos Dunawayand series cocreator Michael Piller) handles Odo's intimate dilemma with goodhumor and touching emotion, allowing Auberjonois and Barrett to craft memorablescenes that broaden the horizons of their popular characters. As we learn moreabout them, DS9 continues to capitalize on its dramaticpotential. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Do not forsake me, Odo darling...
Oh dear, Nurse Chapel is back. Oops, I mean, it's Mrs. Roddenberry. Wait, no, she's the voice of the computer. Er, no, it's Lwaxana Troi. I think. Well, whomever Majel Barrett is playing this week, she's stuck in a broken-down elevator with poor Odo. And I tell you, my heart went out to the guy.

Rene Auberjonois gets to demonstrate how to act annoyed, baffled and horrified through his centimeters of thick make-up. Yes, Momma Troi is looking for love, and she thinks she's found it the variable form of the station's shape-shifter. And due to some mechanical problem threatening the ship, the two of them become trapped in very close quarters. It mostly turns out to be as silly as it sounds, but it's thankfully quite entertaining. As the episode goes on, we actually learn a little bit of what makes Odo tick. Auberjonois moves from an entertainingly over-the-top, eye-rolling performance into something much more subtle and interesting. The storyline itself similarly moves from amusing to sweet.

The rest of the episode deals with the Deep Space Nine crew trying to overcome some strange occurrences taking place in the station's subsystems. It's fairly tame science-fiction stuff, but it's engaging enough. The Odo subplot is the reason to watch this story.

Lwaxana Troi and Constable Odo trapped in a turbolift
"The Forsaken" is the first really great episode of Deep Space Nine. Lwaxana Troi is visiting DS9 and immediately becomes enamored with Odo, much to the Constable's chagrin. Meanwhile, the station's computer receives a download from an unidentified probe from the wormhole. The computer is actually working beter for a while before systems start failing all over the station, one of which results in Lwaxana and Odo being trapped in a turbolift. Lwaxana thinks this is a great opportunity to know the Constable better, but Odo has a problem: it is almost time for him to revert to liquid form to regenerate.

All of the scenes between Majel Barrett and Rene Auberjonois in this episode are priceless. What is surprising is that while they start off as classic Trek comedy shtick as Lwaxana hits on Odo, they end up being quite touching, as Odo becomes upset that someone will see him during the very personal and private time of regeneration. Although the character of Lwaxana Troi was created as comic relief on Star Trek: The Next Generation, there were a few episodes that touched upon the more serious side of the character and "The Forsaken" is right up there with those efforts. Fans of Major Kira will note that this is the episode where she starts wearing her catsuit, but the chief charm of this DS9 episode is for those who are fans of Lwaxana and/or Odo.

Great All-Around Episode
A befuddled Basir, a hounded Odo, and Luxanna Troi is in the mood for LOVE!!!! A great episode that will have you laughing non-stop! Highly recommended! ... Read more

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It's always enjoyable to see the family members of familiar Star Trek characters, because it gives new dimensions to people usually seen in work mode. In "Manhunt," the familial arrival is Lwaxana Troi (Majel Barrett), mother of counselor Deanna Troi. Barrett, the widow of series creator Gene Roddenberry and the only actor to appear in every Star Trek series, had made one previous appearance in The Next Generation, and this character would turn up again in later episodes. In this outing, she is beamed aboard the Enterprise, which will transport her to a Federation conference where she is a delegate. The Enterprise is also carrying a pair of delegates from the planet Antede Three--but they have chosen to spend the flight in suspended animation because it's the only way they can endure space travel.

Though they provide the plot's jeopardy at the end of the show, the real focus is on Lwaxana, who is going through what Deanna refers to as "the phase"--a period of heightened sexual hunger. The story is meant to be comic, based on the turnabout notion of this female sexual predator chasing Picard and Riker. Given that the episode aired in 1987, it seems retrograde in its depiction of men trying to put off this forthright vamp. It doesn't help that Barrett, never a great actress, reads all her lines as though they were written by Oscar Wilde, when the script doesn't even rise to the level of Neil Simon. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Picard trying to smoke a cigarette, very funny moment.
In this episode, the Enterprise is assigned to transport delegates to a Federation conference, two of which are from Antede Three. Since they are unaccustomed to space flight, the delegates place themselves in a self-induced trance for most of the voyage. Suddenly, the Enterprise receives a message to transport another Federation delegate, who turns out to be Lwaxana Troi, mother of Deanna Troi. Furthermore, Lwaxana is in the midst of the phase, a time when Betazoid women experience a very dramatic increase in sex drive. In her usual obnoxious style, she sets her sights on Captain Picard, inviting him to a diplomatic dinner where he is the only guest.
Thinking fast, Captain Picard invites Data to the party to explain the ceremonies of other cultures. After extricating himself from his predicament, Picard decides to make himself scarce by going to the holodeck and taking on the role of a private detective who has made a great deal of enemies. Lwaxana then sets her sights on Commander Riker, unexpectedly announcing their forthcoming wedding. In the end, even though she amuses and befuddles the crew, Lwaxana is unable to snare a husband and must leave to tend to her diplomatic duties. Before leaving, she casually informs the Enterprise crew that the delegates from Antede Three are in fact assassins.
Although the character of Lwaxana Troi is one of the most obnoxious and self-centered in all of television, I enjoyed the episode. What saved it for me was were the scenes where Picard was in the holodeck. Although he fails in several attempts to relax and avoid people trying to kill him, Picard finally manages to get away from it all by taking his receptionist to the local bar. Having his radio play a song about "getting away from it all" was a funny moment. The best scene of all is when Picard is in the bar with his receptionist and the friendly bartender, trying to act the part of a tough private detective. His attempt at smoking a cigarette is one of the funniest moments in the next generation series.

Lwaxana Troi goes through "the phase." Run, Picard, run!
The Enterprise is transporting two delegates in stasis to a conference on Pacifica, when a shuttle arrives bearing Lwaxana Troi who will be representing Betazed. However, it turns out Deanna's mom has another agenda. Apparently Lwaxana is going through "the phase," during which the sex drive of a Betazoid woman big time, and since the widow Troi has her standards she needs to find a husband. Suddenly the meaning of the episode's title becomes crystal clear. You will never guess who she has decided should be Deanna's step-father, but for some strange reason Picard is on the holodeck in another one of his Dixon Hill novels. But Jean-Luc cannot hide form Lwaxana forever.

"Manhunt" is a pleasant diversion that showcases Patrick Stewart's comic timing, a side of Picard that tends to come up only when Lwaxana comes to call. Comedy was never really a forte of the Next Generation, with the funny moments usually coming from the characters rather than the story line, but "Manhunt" would be the exception that proves the rule. In addition to an excuse for Majel Barrett to strut her stuff, the episode does add another interesting wrinkle to life on the holodeck. Besides, the final scene is a hoot. Lwaxana is still a comic contrivance at this point, but some truly memorable episodes are coming down the road for her, both comic and tragic. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

I Just Don't Get It
As die-hard a Trek enthusiast as they come, I've never understood the appeal of this go nowhere, do nothing story which visits the lives of a bunch of no names serving aboard everyone's favorite incarnation of the Enterprise, the Enterprise-D.

A bunch of ensigns waxing on about having to go to work just had no appeal to me, and, in subsequent viewings, it had even less.

To be perfectly frank, I'm not quite certain how this droll story ever got off the drawing board.

Star Trek from a different perspective...excellent!
This is what Star Trek's SUPPOSED to be all about -- real people courageously risking their lives because they want to know what's out there, and because they BELIEVE in what they do. What's great about this episode is that, for one of the few times in Star Trek, we actually get more than a short peak at the lives of people besides the main characters who make up a starship. FINALLY! This is a great idea in and of itself, and a lot better than just having the non-main character in a red shirt get killed in the first 5-10 minutes of the show! :) Besides that, what focusing on some OTHER, lower-ranking characters for a change does for us is give us a very different perspective (in this case, a bunch of ensigns) on the the series' giants (Picard, Riker, Worf, etc.). Very interesting, and very rewarding! And, to top it all off, this is an exciting story, and an emotionally moving one as well. Great stuff...I just wish Star Trek would do more of these types of episodes!

A dangerous mission for one of the junior officers
"Lower Decks" is one of the most unique STNG episodes, because it focuses on the lives of four junior officers aboard the Enterprise. Two of them are somewhat familiar: Alyssa Ogawa (Patti Yasutake) is one of Dr. Crusher's nurses, while Sito Jaxa (Shannon Fill), is a Bajoran who was one of the members of Wesley's Alpha Squadron in "First Duty" (Episode 119). The other members of the quartet are Sam Lavelle (Dan Gauthier) and Taurik (Alexander Enberg). We also meet Ben, a civilian who works in Ten-Forward (and who stands in for Guinan in this episode). As the episode begins, Riker and Troi are doing crew evaluations, and the junior officers are all fretting over their fates. There are some nice moments throughout the show as they try to impress the senior officers and play poker. But then the show takes a decidedly serious turn.

The Enterprise suddenly heads for the Argaya System, on the border of the Cardassian Empire. La Forge is working on extending the range of the transporters. Finally, Picard calls Ensign Sito to his ready room and explains what is going on: Joret Dal, a member of the Cardassian military, has brought vital intelligence data for the Federation. The Enterprise needs to get Dal back safely so he can continue to be a Starfleet operative. Dal wants to pose as a Cardassian bounty hunter returning with a prize: A Bajoran. Once past the border patrols, Dal will send Sito back in the shuttle's escape pod. Sito agrees to "volunteer" for this mission. Picard knows full well she wants the opportunity to restore her reputation. However, when the time comes for the Enterprise to retrieve the escape pod, there is nothing to be found.

"Lower Decks" is a change of pace episode, and one of the most memorable in STNG's last season. What makes this a great episode is that it stands in stark contrast to all those Star Trek episode where some nameless if not faceless Starfleet person was killed on an Away Mission. Like the sudden death of Tasha Yar, the passing of Spock's father Sarek, and the mystery of Deanna's sister, the tragic fate of Ensign Sito is one of the most heart rending moments in the history of the series. Reducing the regular cast to secondary status in this episode was absolutely brilliant, and you will find yourself wishing we could have seen more about the Enterprise's junior officers. This is an outstanding episode.

I cry at the end of this episode every time!
What a great episode! The parallels between the junior officers and the senior officers is what truly makes this episode unique. I can't think of any other TNG episode that places so much focus on other members of the Enterprise's crew. There are funny parts (like when Taurik tries to impress Geordi), cute sequences (like when Ensign Sito & Worf are working out and he gives her some advice the hard way), and tragedy (when Sito is killed). The final scene brings tears to my eyes every time I see it: as Worf sits down with the other junior officers in 10-forward, he looks at them and they all acknowledge one another as new friends who have lost a treasured comrade. This is a must buy!

One of my favorite STTNG episodes!
A wonderful story about junior officers. Shannon Fill (as Ensign Sito) really created a very sympathetic character, and her loss at the end really tugged at the heartstrings. Alexander Enberg (as Ensign Taurik) reminded was we adore Vulcans so much - a very effective performance. ... Read more

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Deanna Troi's mother Lwaxana (Majel Barrett) returns to theEnterprise bringing more mother-daughter baggage. This time she is thesole translator for the Cairn, a species who developed with no concept ofspoken language, but who need to learn to speak now that they're joining theFederation. Established right away as an annoying blabbermouth, Lwaxanaimmediately tries to marry off her unwed daughter to the eligible Cairnwidower Maques (Norman Large). When Lwaxana falls into a coma after too muchtelepathic contact with the Cairn, it's up to Deanna to probe her mind (withthe help of Maques). Deanna discovers her mom has suppressed a dark secretfor more than 30 years, a secret that must be exposed and dealt with beforethe episode can come to its inevitable conclusion. The most interesting thingabout the episode is the casting of Hedril, the daughter of Maques. Yes,that's Kirsten Dunst when she was about 10 years old! Not a great episode,but an interesting footnote to the career of Dunst. --Andy Spletzer ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The reason why Lwaxana calls Deanna "Little One"
Lwaxana Troi is again visiting the Enterprise, having spent time helping the Cairn, a race that is exclusively telepathic, learn how to communicate verbally to prepare for meetings with Federation officials. Lwaxana is trying to set up Deanna with Maques, one of the Cairn delegate, a widower with a young daughter (played by Kirsten Dunst). After a conversation with the young girl, Lwaxana falls into a coma. Maques tells Deanna that her mother had some sort of psychic trauma in the past that has forced her to retreat into her mind. Deanna makes telepathic contact with her mother, but Lwaxana piteously begs to be left along, sending images of a wolf, Picard and Deanna's father to chase her away. Going through her mother's journals for a clue as to what could have happened in the past, Deanna discovers a seven-year gap, covering the period from Lwaxana's marriage until shortly after Deanna was born. Going back into her mother's mind, Deanna uncovers the shocking truth.

This is far and away the most memorable of the Lwaxana Troi episodes, showing that Majel Barrett is as adept at doing dramatic scenes as she is at doing comedy. Marina Sirtis also shines, especially in the shattering conclusion and its aftermath. What impressed me the most is how they took Lwaxana's use of the pet name "Little One," and gave it such emotional significance. It is one of the most emotional sequences in the show's history, made all the more powerful because it is so unexpected. For my money, "Dark Page" is the biggest tearjerker in the history of STNG.

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This is a really great episode, especially so for those who are more fans of Deanna Troi. Marina Sirtis and Majel Barrett have some very emotional scenes in this one, and they do it beautifully. ... Read more

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A rare, outright comedy from the Trek gang, "Fascination" is setduring the annual Bajoran Gratitude Festival, in which spirits are alwayshigh aboard DS9--though not as high as they get here. The arrival of Betazoidambassador Lwaxana Troi (Majel Barrett), her ever-amorous eye set on seducingOdo (Rene Auberjonois) this time, throws a twist in the proceedings when atelepathic virus she's carrying spreads to the rest of the space station'screw. Soon, small or subconscious attractions between individuals are greatlyamplified, causing some unusual pairings: young Jake Sisko (Chiroc Lofton) ischasing Kira (Nana Visitor) around while Kira's steady beau, Vedek Bareil(Philip Anglim), moons after Dax (Terry Farrell). An annoyed Dax, in turn, ismaking passes at Captain Sisko (Avery Brooks), who turns to Dr. Bashir(Alexander Singer) for sage counsel until the good doctor himself is foundswapping spit with Kira.

In contrast to this apparent orgy-in-the-making,Miles O'Brien (Colm Meaney) and his wife Keiko (Rosalind Chao) are fightinglike a real couple trying to endure logistical hardships: schedules,commuting, etc. Lots of wish fulfillment here for Star Trek fanspining for more romance in the shows, especially between beloved, familiarcharacters. Lots of laughs, too, as the cast has to look a little ridiculousand not mind doing it, though it's Brooks (whose Sisko seems unaffected byTroi's illness) who proves to be the most valuable player as everybody'sstraight man. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Lwaxana Troi's Love Bug bites everyone on DS9
The Dominion is on its way (really, they are coming through that wormhole at any moment) but for now the chief concern on DS9 is a celebration for the Bajoran Gratitude Festival. A shuttle brings Keiko and Molly home after two months on Bajor, along with that party animal Vedek Bareil and Lwaxana Troi, who has come to comfort Odo about the unsettling news that his race founded the Dominion. But then the fun begins as the Gratitutde Festival gets under way. To recap: Jake falls in love with Kira but she and Bashir are suddenly pawing each other; Vedek Bareil goes after Dax who is making moves on Sisko; and Quark is in love with Keiko. Eventually Bashir discovers that Lwaxana has Zanthi fever and her attraction for Odo has affected everyone on the station. This is a very funny episode that gives the actors a chance to go a little crazy. The best scene is when Bareil decides to beat up Sisko, who does not want to deck a Vedek--so Dax does it instead. But the image of frail little Bareil trying to take on Sisko, who is trying not to laugh at the ludicrous threat, might be the funniest thing I have ever seen on DS9. A classic "funny" Star Trek episode. Don't you just love to be in love?

Like "Baywatch" in space...
Episode title: Fascination

Teleplay by: Philip Lazebnik

Story bu: Ira Steven Behr & James Crocker

Directed by: Avery Brooks

The third season of Star Trek Deep Space Nine surprises us again by it's uneven nature as it introduces an episode that's probably as bad as you can get with star trek.

It's a discusting waste of the quest characters Lwaxana Troi and the family of Miles O'Brien. By the way, Miles's and Keiko's marrital crisis creates a misplaced and clumsy sub-plot to the episode.

By it's main plot, "Fascination" is like a bad porn film with all the X-rated stuff cut out of it. A weird condition takes over the main characters and they start feeling irresistable sexual attraction towards each other.

Yes, I'm afraid that once again it's every bit as bad as it sounds, as the characters get abused in horribly written scenes, with only Terry Farrel making it through with maintained credibility while the acting in general devolves into soap-opera quality performances that follow the style of the whole boring episode, wich is like a sensured porn film with plot, combined with Baywatch and teenage soap opera.

Really dumb. Really funny.
It wasn't the most relevent episonde of DS9, but it wasn't supposed to be. It made me laugh. That is't something that happens when I watch DS9. ... Read more

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Quark's mom is still wearing clothes and causing trouble
The Jem'Haddar have come through the worm hole in force and the Dominion has forged an alliance with the Cardassians, so it is time once again for another comic relief episode involving Quark, his mother, and those wacky Ferengi. "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," Episode 118, "Ferengi Love Songs" (Written by Ira Steven Behr & Hans Beimler, Aired April 21, 1997) finds Quark (Armin Shimerman) so depressed over being blacklisted by the Ferengi Commerce Authority, that he goes home to get some love and sympathy from his mother, Ishka (Cecily Adams, taking over for Andrea Martin). But mom is not happy to see Quark and when he finds the Grand Nagus hiding in the closet of his old bedroom, he learns the shocking truth: Ishka and Zek are having an affair. Zek wants Quark to keep the affair secret, and Quark quickly agrees seeing an opportunity to get his license back.

However, the opportunity actually comes form the FCA, who want him to break up the romance. The bad news is that Quark succeeds, at which point he learns something even more surprising about dear old Mom, which is really the entire point of this episode. But if you do not see the punch line of this one coming from early on then you simply have not been paying attention to the continuing story of Ishka. I mean, the woman is wearing clothes; how much more of a clue do you need? With this comic little contrivance I realize how far the Ferengi have come from the when we first met them on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and they were these mysterious aliens with big ears and whips. Even with the Rules of Acquisition I find it hard to believe the Ferengi ever manage to turn a profit. Of course, there is some fun to be had making up lyrics to a song to go along with the title (using the music of Paul McCartney's "Silly Love Songs," of course).

A Ferengi episode!
Quark is upset, earlier he lost his trading licence which prohibits him from doing business with other Ferengi, something he misses. So he decides to head back to Ferenginar to cheer himself up, something I don't know why he does as he hates his mother. Any way, in a quick visit it is revealed that Quark's mother is dating Grand Master Zek!

Brunt arrives shortly after, the guy everyone loves-to-hate who will really start to grow on you in this episode, he offeres Quark a deal: split up the happy couple and he can have his licence back. Quark does but then the whole Ferengi economy begins to fall apart, Quark realises that his mother is the one who has 'the lobes for business' and that she is the one person that is keeping the economy going and that if she dates Zek again her influence on him will make everything all right - again.

But getting the couple to date again may be harder then he thought. A mediocre episode that would be a lot better if Zek had more scenes - that guy is hilarious! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

One of the entertaining, nonpreachy episodes
It had more humor in it than normally found in a TNG episode: for example, the Ferengis that are brought aboard make total fools out of themselves with lines like "Peace is good for trade!...unless you're an arms merchant." But the best part of the ep is how Kamala keeps shifting her personality for every man she runs into: when she enters Ten-Forward, she turns blue-collar when she meets some miners the Enterprise is transporting, then starts purring/growling seductively at Worf on her way out. An interesting piece of trivia regarding this ep is that Famke Janssen was the original consideree for the role of Jadzia Dax on DS9, and her character makeup of freckles down the sides of her head would later be used for the Trill species.

Jean-Luc Picard caught between love and duty
"The Perfect Mate" is the first of the two classic "Picard in Love" episodes from STNG, with an unforgettable conclusion that drives home once and for all the idea that Picard's choice of a career, as fulfilling as it might be, still speaks to some significant voids in the man's life. The Enterprise is serving as the host to a peace conference between the planets of Krios and Valt Minor. The ship rescues a pair of Ferengi from an exploding struggle and the next thing we now the two are in a cargo bay checking out a large object brought on board by the Kriosian Ambassador. A security team arrives and startles the Ferengi, who accidentally open the object from which emerges a beautiful woman named Kamala (Famke Janssen). She is a empathic metamorph, who will bond with a man and become his perfect mate, and she is a gift for the leader of Valt Minor, Chancellor Alrik. Of course the Ferengi she an opportunity for big profit and try to bribe the Ambassador, who is wounded during the, uh, negotiations. This forces Picard to take over the Ambassador's duties of instruction Kamala on her new home. Unfortunately, the reason Kamala was encased in the giant egg is that once she emerges she is ready to bond.

"The Perfect Mate" has its fair share of contrivances to create this unique situation, but that does not lessen the impact of the final scenes. Of course it is inevitable that Kamala will bond with Picard; after all, he is the only man she has any contact with after emerging from the giant egg. The ultimate irony is that in becoming Picard's perfect mate she is imprinted with his sense of duty, which is so strong that he will stand by and watch the woman he has come to love be married to a total stranger. This is a scene that reaffirms my belief that the really great actors can do as much with the look on their faces as they can with dialogue. Compare it to the similar scene in the other "Picard in Love" episode, "Lessons" (Episode 145). No wonder TV Guide picked Patrick Stewart as the television actor of the 1990s.

Great character development for Picard
This story lets viewers see an emotional side of the captain that hadn't previously been explored. The relationship between Picard and the metamorph was well-developed, and this episode contains some fine acting. We see the kind of woman Captain Picard likes, and how much he really needs her. Their parting is heart-wrenching for both, and I really felt for them. The main flaw I have with the episode is the ferengi, who should not have been trusted to roam the ship unescorted. The metamorph should have been accidentally released in some other way than by the meddling ferengi, whom the crew should not have allowed to be there in the first place.

Command is Sacrafice
Not a lot of action, but it shows a side of Picard's character that makes him the Captain he is. A metamorph, a being with the ability to become whatever she needs to be to please her mate, has found Picard of interest to her. He resist, but since she reflects his interest and desire so perfectly, finds her irresistable. But she is to wed the leader of another planet to end decades of war.

Her final words to him before becoming another man's wife, the stoney expression on Picard's face as he gives her to that man as part of his duty....You have to watch this one for yourself. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When Picard receives a secret transmission from an old friend, StarfleetCaptain Walker Keel (Jonathan Farwell), he agrees to attend a secret meeting onan uninhabited planet, even though it means breaking several Starfleet regulations and jeopardizing his career. Keel and a couple of other highly respected captains have gathered because Keel has begun to notice some bizarre orders emanating from Starfleet and suspects a growing conspiracy. Back on the Enterprise, Picard is skeptical, but Data helps confirm some of the strange orders. Picard sets up a meeting with Admiral Quinn (Ward Costello) to check it out. Admiral Quinn had previously boarded the Enterprise in episode 19 ("Coming of Age") in order to investigate the competency of Picard in the face of an unstated conspiracy, but now he seems like a differentman. Though the writing is a bit forced, it's nice to see the show working onlong-form, continuing story lines. --Andy Spletzer ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Invasion of the mind snatching beetle-like monster bugs
Previously on Star Trek: The Next Generation (Episode 19, "Coming of Age" to be exact), Admiral Quinn confided to Captain Picard that there was some sort of internal threat to the Federation. Needing officers he can trust in position of authority, Quinn wanted to promote Picard to Admiral and make him head of Starfleet Academy. Picard turned down the extraordinary offer, but in "Conspiracy" we find out what Quinn's bizarre ramblings were all about.

Well, boys and girls, this was not worth waiting for. An old friend warns Picard about an insidious plot to overthrow Starfleet, which the captain dismisses until his friend's ship blows up. Picard then has Data analyze recent command decisions by Starfleet, which show a covert attempt to control key sectors of the Federation. A concerned Picard heads for earth and a meeting with several admirals at Starfleet headquarters while Admiral Quinn visits the Enterprise and beats up Riker, Worf and La Forge before Dr. Crusher takes him out. It seems these beetle-like creatures have attached themselves to the base of Quinn's brain and are controlling him. Who knows how many more of these evil creatures are out there! They must be stopped, I tell you, stopped! Or else the entire Federation is doomed!

Yeah, right.

The original Star Trek had to deal with its share of bug-eyed monsters and in "Conspiracy" we get monster bugs. For me this is a pretty laughable episode and certainly the low point of the first season. Having set up this idea several weeks earlier (which was a nice touch) it is someone disheartening to see the true situation revealed and then this massive conspiracy dealt with so neatly by the end of this episode. I guess it was not that much of a conspiracy after all and I am sure there are plenty more admirals to replace all those lost in this episode's culminating blood bath. Fortunately, the producers will get the dire alien threat to the entire Federation right when they bring in the Borg. But this dry run for what will be the Next Generation's most powerful story line is pretty lame.

They blew up the wrong head...
Ah, 'Conspiracy', AKA the episode with the exploding head. I'm sure some were shocked by this moment, and others downright disgusted. Me, I was disappointed-- I wanted the head that exploded to be Wesley Crusher's! Man, do ya know how funny that would've been? I'd've literally died laughing, just like those poor people in that Monty Python 'Funniest Joke in the World' sketch (oh great-as if a review of a Star Trek eppie wasn't geeky enough, now I'm dragging a reference to Monty Python into the mix! Sheesh, talk about bein' a total loser...)! Heck, I'm chucklin' just thinkin' 'bout it REALLY should've unfolded:

PICARD: "Wesley? YOU'RE the host of the Mother Parasite?!"

WESLEY: "Well, gee, Captain Picard, I didn't want to be... but all they want is to coexist--" KABLOOEY!!!

RIKER: "Great shot, sir!"

PICARD: "Serves him right for making my highly-experienced and extensively-trained engineering officers look like a bunch of idiots every time he'd single-handedly save the ship!"

RIKER: "Well, it sure doesn't look like he has the brains for that NOW, does he, sir?"

PICARD: "Good one... Number One!"

PICARD & RIKER (in unison): "AHHH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAAAA!!!"

'Late

The time Star Trek got an idea from "Alien".
This was one of the best first season TNG episodes. It was something quite unique and different in the Star cannon: a gory, terrifying descent into madness by way of bug eating, back stabbing (figuratively and literally), and true conspiracy theories. The video cover picture on Conspiracy of Riker pretty much sums the episode up. Well, of course, so does the infamous exploding head scene. Is there any other Star Trek episode that you can say that about?

Exceptional television storytelling...
This is a controversial episode among Trekkies, but I absolutely love every minute of it. The conspiracy hinted at in the episode "Coming of Age" finally comes full circle and Picard must now go back to Earth to confront the heads of Starfleet. What ensues is a TNG episode like none other! Lots of action, creepy stuff, and some pretty ooky special effects. This is a very dark episode, however, and the ending isn't quite the cheery resolution Trekkies are generally used to. But that's why I like it. It takes new risks and does new things with Star Trek that hadn't really been done before. It's one of my favorite episodes.

A Disappointment
This episode starts out promising with the story of a conspiracy that reaches up into the highest eschelons of the Federation, and Captain Picard's mission to investigate.

As the plot unfolds, we find that the Federation is being usurped by wormlike parasites that take over high ranking officials, and it is here that the disappointment sets in. As usual the Federation is still portrayed as a utopian organization, and the first episode to hint at a dystopian future fizzles because the humans are essentially blameless, so once again the Federation is uncompromised by human fear or greed.

Contrast this episode with "Ensign Ro" where Picard will match wits with a rogue Admiral who is acting against Federation policy. That was a much better episode that explored similiar themes. ... Read more

Amazon.com

An old schoolmate of Dr. Watson's, Percy Phelps (David Gwillim), hasasked the long-time friend of Sherlock Holmes to intercede on his behalf with the famous detective. Phelps, a member of the Foreign Office, has stolen a copy of a naval treaty with serious international consequences, but the document has been missing for two months.His nerves shattered from worry, Phelps is under the care of his fiancée (Alison Skilbeck), but so far the treaty has not surfaced. Holmes (Jeremy Brett), aided by Watson (David Burke), agrees to take the case, which is handsomely adapted in this episode from the Granada Television series. As usual, Brett is the most fascinating, most complex, and truest of the many Holmes portrayals in film and TV history, Burke is solid as the good doctor, and Rosalie Williams is delightful in her fleeting appearance as the Baker Street housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Good
"The Naval Treaty" along with "The Crooked Man" are my least favorite episodes in "The Adventures of SH" series. I give it four stars though because it was well done. I probably just don't like it as much as the others because "The Naval Treaty" was never one of my favorite short stories. But it is definitely worth seeing, if for no other reason, then just for Jeremy Brett's definitive performance as Sherlock Holmes.

Brett in Fine Form
Jeremy Brett's portrayal of Holmes is brilliant most notably because of his seemingly effortless success in giving depth to a difficult character such as Holmes. In this installment, (as well as well as "The Dancing Men,") we see more of Holmes' difficult side: he barely hides the fact that he does not like his client! Percy Phelps' weak constitution clearly grates on Holmes, but as Phelps is an old school chum of Watson's, he decides to help him anyway. The scene where Holmes leaves Phelps and his strong-willed fiancee up in the air as to whether or not he will help them, shows just how acerbic Holmes could be; even Watson is stunned by Holmes' lack of tact. The acting is up to the stars' usual fine standards, but the supporting players, most notably Phelps, leave a bit to be desired. Phelps' character hams it up a bit much in his breakdown scenes, and he comes off a wimp and not deserving of our sympathies. The character of his fiancee is so tight and stuffy, one fails to see what even a milquetoast like Phelps is doing with her. The production values are quite good, and on the whole, this episode is recommended, most notably for Brett's intricate performance as Holmes.

One of the truest adaptations of the Doyle stories
Jeremy Brett richly deserved an acting award (which he sadly never received) for his faithful portrayal of Sherlock Holmes as Doyle actually wrote him. THE NAVAL TREATY shows a bit of the Great Detective's softer side-and his somewhat bizarre sense of humor. In this episode, Holmes appears to take leave of his senses and starts spouting philosophy about the cosmic significance of a moss-rose right in the middle of a case. Of course, he has his reasons... When Percy Phelps receives his treaty he dances about the room shrieking with joy. These episodes are both from the original story and are faithfully reenacted as a direct result of the actor's insistence on remaining true to Arthur Conan Doyle. Bravo, Mr. Brett. One other fascinating aspect of THE NAVAL TREATY is the portrayal of the class system of the time: note how casually the police burst into a poor woman's home and take her away from six or seven hungry children with no assumption that she might in fact be innocent. I found this one of the most important points made in the program. It really is a story of the social inequities of the time. It's also fun to see how the villain badly underestimates Holmes' abilities and lives to pay for it. My one complaint about this episode: The slow motion camera is an anachronism and seems out of period, smacking as it does of modern action pictures. But that's a small complaint. ... Read more

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The Enterprise is summoned to San Francisco, where excavations deep beneath the former Presidio seem to indicate an alien presence in Earth's past. Captain Picard and Data are shown artifacts dating back to the late 1800s: a pair of spectacles, a Colt 45, a watch--and Data's disembodied head! They take the artifacts back to the Enterprise for further study, and Data comes to the conclusion that sometime in the future, he will travel back to the 19th century and die. His friends among the crew are deeply shaken, especially Will Riker. However, Data is comforted by the idea of his mortality. He tells Geordi that he had always believed that as an android, he would outlive friendship after friendship, but knowing that he will die brings him one step closer to humanity.

"Time's Arrow, Part I" is imaginative and very well written. Brent Spiner and Whoopie Goldberg absolutely shine. In true IDIC fashion, old San Francisco is blind to their obvious "otherness." Historical characters Samuel Clemens and Jack London weave seamlessly into the plot; and Cardassian Marc Alaimo appears as a human for once. Borg aside, this episode introduces the most effective and frightening alien race of the series. Cool things to watch for: old Los Angeles, "Mr. Pickerd," and the ophidian, a totable species. --Kayla Riggney ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Time travel rocks!
The Enterprise is called back to Earth and Picard and Data are summoned to the planet's surface in San Francisco. During an archeological dig, 24th century scientists uncover some interesting artifacts - eye glasses, a spyglass (old telescope), a gold pocket watch with the initials S.L.C. enscribed and most sensational of all, Data's head. You read right - a 500-year-old head - Data's head is there. At some point in the future, Data will be sent back to the past where he will be killed and his head will slowly decay, awaiting discovery for 500 years. Data determines that it is indeed his own head, not the head of his brother, Lore, due to the type-L phase discriminator. (A birthmark for androids?)

Before the dig, scientists were trying to scan the old mining shaft, only to have their readings bounce back due to triolic energy - a type of energy source used by few species due to it's deleterious effects on organic matter (you'll melt your eye out, kid) over long exposure. This indicates that there was an alien presence on earth in the 19th Century. But who? And why?

Geordi finds something odd in his scans of the cave - a microscopic fossil that probably hitched a ride on the aliens just like dust or dandruff. The fossil is only known to exist on one planet, Davidia II. Why on earth so many planets have numeric designations in Star Trek land is beyond me. Davidia was so cool of a planet name, they had to have 2 or more. Geesh!

Anyway, they go to Davidia II and with a phase compensator they are able to phase into the alien's domain and lo and behold, Data ends up going back to the 19th Century. This cliffhanger in this 2-part episode is awesome and Part 2 does not disappoint. This is right on up there with my favorite episodes. Highly recommended.

Data catches Guinan with Mark Twain in the 19th-Century
"Time's Arrow" is the cliffhanger from STNG's Fifth Season. The Enterprise has returned to Earth where Captain Picard is shown an archeological dig in San Francisco that has uncovered many late 19th-Century artifacts, including Data's head. The scientists have also found evidence of an unknown energy source. Fortunately there is a fossil from Devidia Two, which leads the Enterprise to that planet where Data discovers a small temporal distortion. The away team can see nothing because of the phase differential. When Data attempts to compensate for the difference, he is caught in a temporal rift and sent back to 19th-Century Earth. Data survives by winning enough money at poker to get a room at a fancy hotel, where he discovers a literary reception being held in honor of Guinan. Data explains his situation to her; the good news is that she believes him--the bad news is that Data's story is overheard by Samuel Clemens. Meanwhile, back in the future, Guinan tells Picard it is very important that he go on this away mission. The away team discovers that there are strange beings who are capturing the life forces of humans for food. When a couple of the beings are transported to the past, Picard and most of the bridge crew follow them. To be continued...

If Jim Kirk can deal with an alien recreation of Abraham Lincoln, then I guess Jean-Luc Picard can meet up with the real Mark Twain. It is hard to be impressed by time travel episodes in the Star Trek universe, since "The City on the Edge of Forever" is the standard by which all such efforts are ultimately judged. The scenes with Data adapting to live in the past are a hoot and the strange beings are ominous enough to counter the cynical witticism of Mark Twain, marvelously played by Jerry Hardin. "Time's Arrow" is probably the least enthralling of the cliffhangers STNG ever had, but it is still an above average episode.

Episode 126, Warning!
This episode was excellent as are so many Next Generation episodes. The only problem with it is that there is no indication on the cover that this is a 2 part episode. I ordered it, watched it and was dismayed to realize I have to go back and order 127 now.

I loved seeing Guinan as she was 500 years before. Jerry Hardin did an excellent job as Mark Twain. I can't wait to see the rest of it!

Times Arrow Part 1.
The episode Times Arrow was a very interesting story. It is yet another of those Star Trek time paradoxes. The story is quite interesting and somewhat believable, however Commander Data does not seem to take any of the Star Fleet precautions to prevent polluting of the time line. Whoopi Goldberg has an interesting role as an intellectual woman of stature in 19th century Earth.

I was disappointed that this episode was a two parter and it was not indicated on the jacket or in the description. You will need episode 127 which is the second part to complete the story. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This underrated, early episode of The Next Generation presents one of the most interesting ethical problems ever faced by Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart). A plague on Styris IV sends the Enterprise in search of an organic vaccine on Ligon II. Delicate diplomacy with Ligon's skeptical chief, Lutan (Jessie Lawrence Ferguson), breaks down when Lutan kidnaps Tasha Yar (Denise Crosby) in keeping with his cultural traditions regarding the selection of wives. Picard is confronted with following the Prime Directive, which means accepting Ligon's subjective notion of civilized behavior and putting Tasha in real danger. The Next Generation often concerned itself with highly original moral quandaries where other species are concerned. But there is a uniquely human face to the situation in "Code of Honor," perhaps owing somewhat to the fact that Ligon's feudal society is entirely black. Ironically, it's that last point that embarrasses some of TNG's creative types, as if the episode serves up stereotypes. But in the best Star Trek tradition, the opposite is true: the show works because it resonates with real-world issues about resisting exploitation, about the occasional difficulties of respecting the integrity of other places, other people.--Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (8)

great for trivia buffs
Star Trek - The Next Generation came a long way after its first season and episode 4 wasn't one of their shining stars, either.

The main plot - the Enterprise is en route to what Picard cites as a Federation planet, Ligon II. Are there that many planets with life on them that people had to start using the same names over and over again? Hmmph. Anyway, they are on a diplomatic mission to retrieve a medicinal compound that cures a deadly virus that is plaguing Styris IV... another planet starved for its own proper name.

Even though Ligon II is a member of the Federation, the Enterprise crew is unaware that part of their strict code of honor, the planet chieftan, Lutan, must take a suitable mate by kidnapping her. He finds Tasha Yar to be appealing and believes she will make an excellent replacement for his current wife.

Picard and Dr. Crusher duel it out in a war of words over the need for the medicine ("Millions are suffering and dying, Captain!") versus the Prime Directive which will not allow them to take both Tasha AND the medicine by force, so they succomb to the chief's will by allowing Tasha and his current wife to partake in a wet t-shirt contest to the death.

In the ultimate futuristic cat fight, Tasha and her opponent swing around like monkeys in a glowing jungle gym, armed with a needle-embedded claw with poison tips. A single nick means instant death.

During one scene, Troi refers to Riker as Bill, not Will and in another scene, Data uses the contraction "you're" instead of "you are." The closed captioning on the episode says "you are" but Data clearly uses the contraction when saying "you're welcome, sir."

Supposedly, one of the many human traits that Data aspires to, including being able to properly whistle is to figure out why he can't use contractions. In a later episode, "Datalore," the crew is able to tell the difference between Data and Lore because Lore slips and uses a contraction.

There are many little nuggets for the pointy-eared Trek trivia buff, but as entertaining episodes go, this one could have been a lot better.

One of the best early episodes
This was the second episode of TNG that I saw and it restored my faith in the quality of the Star Trek phenomena. An ancient culture consisting entirely of black people heavily bound by a proud tradition possess a vaccine that can check the spread of an extremely deadly epidemic. The Enterprise is sent to retrieve the vaccine and in an action of honor, the leader of the culture kidnaps Lieutenant Yar and expects Captain Picard to perform the appropriate ceremonies in order to have her returned. The events do not go as planned and Yar ends up in a duel to the death with the wife of the leader. Since the black culture is technically inferior, Picard could easily take whatever he wanted without serious opposition.
The ethical bounds imposed by the prime directive severely restrict Picard's actions, although their solution is not original. They borrow a solution from the "Amok Time" episode of the original series, portions of which you can see throughout this episode. However, it is not a remake of "Amok Time", as the storyline is focused on the clash of cultures, neither of which has a monopoly on ethics and civilization. Some of my favorite episodes in all of the Star Trek series involve Star Fleet personnel encountering new cultures, as they require an adaptability that few other situations require.
This episode is an example of Star Trek at its' best, breaking new ground in that the new culture is one composed of blacks, and there are references to Earth cultures that were similar. Only Star Trek ever seemed to treat all types of people as equals, and the allusions to what Europeans did to technically inferior African cultures is obvious.

"Your skill impresses me. I like you."
Episode three of Star Trek: The Next Generation's first season is first-hand evidence that the new series still was a long way away from developing complex and involving storylines. "Code of Honor" is nothing more that a spruced-up cat-fight episode that adds little to the Star Trek mythos.

The Enterprise-D travels to Ligon II to secure a vaccine needed by the inhabitants of Styris IV. Upon seeing Tasha Yar (Denise Crosby), the Ligonian leader becomes infatuated with the security officer and kidnaps her. In order to free her, Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) must let Yar battle her kidnapper's wife. Using a little trickery, Picard and Yar succeed in maintaining the strict Ligonian code of honor while also obtaining the valuable vaccine.

"Code of Honor" deserves some credit for showcasing the feisty Yar. Never had such an empowered female character been seen as a regular Star Trek cast member. However, growing pains were still in evidence. Characterizations are still shallow as the Ligonians are developed in only the most rudimentary manner. They exist merely to drive the events of the story. The Enterprise's crew fares little better as the primary characters still find themselves overanalyzing whatever predicament they find themselves in. Meaningful action sequences that both excite the viewer and compliment the honorable ideals of the series are still absent. "Code of Honor" ultimately winds up as just another pedestrian episode on the series' scorecard.

Just "OK"
The Enterprise is on a routine mission to the planet of Ligon II. The people of Styris IV are desperate for the rare vaccine that the people of Ligon possess. Despite initially appearing to be friendly, it is not long before the delegation member Lutan kidnaps Tasha Yar during a diplomatic meeting and demands her as his "First One". Not surprising, the woman who currently occupies that position is not best pleased and immediately challenges Tasha to a fight to the death. What ensues is a battle around a space-age climbing frame where the weapons are spiked gloves with poisoned barbs and Tasha must win to secure both her own life and the vaccine...

This was a fairly average, unspectacular episode. The fight scene alone was quite humorous and any episode that features Tasha Yar is a great as far as I'm concerned (I still haven't come to terms with the fact that they killed off my favourite character so early. Yesterday's Enterprise was no consolation!), but I still feel as if the writers went far out of their way in trying to present TNG as being set in a politically correct era where women and men were equals. Overall, Code of Honor is like most of the first two Next Generation seasons: OK, average and more for collectors than fans looking for the best of Star Trek.

~Jenna Ryan~

This one should be called, "No Tasha Yar. No Vaccine!"
"No Tasha Yar. No Vaccine!"

Spoiler Alert!:

In this episode a retro 1940s type of tribal leader falls for Tasha Yar. He also holds a vaccine that will cure millions of sick and dying. He kidnaps Tasha to claim her as her wife. His former "First One",or wife is set to fight Yar to the death to get back her husband. In this culture women rule the men. Just like Gene Roddenberry's failed 70's pilot "Genesis 2." Although the concept is a little dated; it proved to be an exciting episode. The fight between Yar and the "First One" was worth buying the video. There are lots of parallels between the fight scenes in this Next Generation episode and the "Amok Time" one in the original. Both have primative rituals for choosing a mate. ... Read more

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Holodeck madness! After passing through a magnetoscopic storm, the Enterprise starts exhibiting bizarre malfunctions, largely centered on the holodeck. When Data and La Forge investigate, they discover that the ship seems to be developing the first nodes of its own neural pathways--and protecting them. The crew becomes nervous as the Enterprise's systems begin not only working together, but working independently of human commands. This is an excellent, richly plotted episode, perfectly blending suspense, whimsy, and good old-fashioned Starfleet problem solving. The holodeck's incarnations of the ship's systems are interesting in concept and appropriately menacing, and the crew gets to mull over an interesting tacit question: If the Enterprise develops intelligence, does that make them parasites? As an added touch of class, Brent Spiner gets to show off his classical chops when Data performs Prospero's big monologue from The Tempest--managing, of course, to both foreshadow and comment on the episode's themes as he does. --Ali Davis ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great effects do not a great Trek make!
Yeah, the visuals are stunning, the costuming is, forgive the pun, "fitting", but this has to be the dumbest ST: NG episode, next to "The Royale" and "Devil's Due".

Great TNG Episode
This was one of my favourite Star Trek episodes, from the teaser scene before the opening credits to the strange world created by the holodeck. I always liked the TNG episodes that were mysterious and dream-like. Since "Emergence" calls for the crew to interpret images in the episode it also calls to mind the first part of "Birthright" when Data started dreaming. Overall, this is a great episode, and one of last TNG episodes to air.

Scattered nodes on the Orient Express
"Emergence" begins with a wonderful scene on the holodeck where Data is doing a scene from Shakespeare's "The Tempest" for Picard. Then the "Orient Express" almost runs over them right before the Enterprise suddenly jumps to warp speed. A quick investigation discovers strange nodes scattered all over the ship, apparently the result of a recent magnascopic storm (you know how tricky those things can be). The nodes continue to spread over the Enterprise, taking over vital operations. Meanwhile, the crew keeps visiting the "Orient Express" on the holodeck, trying to unravel the puzzling clues.

"Emergence" is one of the last in a long line of mysteries that has to be solved by the Enterprise crew before the ship is destroyed/absorbed/changed with yet another dangerous holodeck malfunction thrown in for fun. In retrospect I get the feeling they were so busy putting all their energy into the final episode of STNG that they let a few episodes slip through the cracks. This is a below average episode with nothing special to recommend it after the opening scene, to be owned only by those driven for a need to have a complete collection.

Good Visuals...
I recieved this video as a Christmas present, and I thought it was one of the better ones I had seen. It involves a lot of mind twisting tricks. I suggest you buy it. ... Read more

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This epic 10-hour miniseries from the Emmy-winning writer ofGulliver's Travels was a ratings bust on television, but on video and DVD, where it can be enjoyed at one's leisure, it has a better chance to cast its magical spell. Kimberly Williams has never been more enchanting than as Virginia, a waitress who still lives with her janitor father (John Larroquette) and yearns for something exciting to happen to her. Her wish comes true when she and her father are transported from New York City into a dimension that, with apologies to Rod Serling, can only be called the Fairy Tale Zone; nine kingdoms populated by characters from fairy tales of yore. They team up with a dog who's really a prince--Wendell, grandson of Snow White--changed into canine form by the evil Queen (Dianne Wiest), who plots to usurp Wendell's throne. Father, daughter, and his royal dogness are relentlessly pursued through the nine kingdoms by the Troll King (Ed O'Neill) and his three bumbling and horrible children, and the conflicted Wolf (Scott Cohen), who is allied with the Queen but, with the aid of some Oprah-esque self-help books, tames his inner beast and falls in love with Virginia. The 10th Kingdom is a special effects extravaganza. There is indeed, as one character marvels, magic to behold here. But despite the Hallmark brand name and the presence of a grown-up Snow White (Camryn Manheim) and Cinderella (Ann-Margret), bewitched animals, magic mirrors, and trolls, this is not kid's stuff. It can get scary, surprisingly violent, and quite intense; you know, just like real fairy tales. --Donald Liebenson ... 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 t