Amazon.com

It seems pretty cute now to think about those first dozen or so episodes of The Next Generation. Laboring to establish its own identity and figure out who its characters were, the young series occasionally stumbled into various retro-cliches from hokey, sci-fi B movies. The hardbody paradise of the planet Rubicun III in "Justice" is one example: the peaceful sensualists (known as the Edo) living there are interested only in, uh, pleasure. But when Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton) violates an arcane law and is sentenced to death, Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) is faced with a conflict over following the Prime Directive or saving the boy.

The evolution of this story is almost bizarre. Beginning with a script by John D.F. Black set on a colony called Llarof, the drama concerned Enterprise personnel caught up in the colonists' antiquated and unjust infliction of instant punishment. The Prime Directive became Picard's barrier to helping the planet's progressives change things. In any case, Gene Roddenberry and writer Worley Thorne did a radical rewrite, perhaps pulling a convenient element or two out of the classic Trek playbook by inventing the sex-obsessed Edo. Still, Stewart and his co-stars leave their imprint on the episode, and the ethical struggle to balance Federation duties with higher obligations--a struggle that helped define TNG--has its roots here. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Justice For All?
No Justice. This entry in the Next Generation Saga"Justice" shows a society with one rigid law. The penaltyfor any crime is death. Wesley learns this very early when he wasplaying catch me with the colonists. He accidentally falls into agarden area behind some posts. Security guards come out of no whereand want to give him a lethal injection. Fortunately for him; Riker,Worf and Tasha show up to stop them. It can be argued that Wesleysaved the ship every time in the first season. He was an obnoxiouscharacter. I believe he acted the way he did to attempt to fit inwith the "adults." This one shows that laws can get out ofcontrol if there is no common sense applied. I love the scenes aboardthe observation lounge where their "God" appears out oforbit as computerized starship. This is a planet were all thebeautiful people run around and make love all day. However, they'reruled by a machine!

No Justice
No Justice

This entry in the Next Generation Saga "Justice" shows a society with one rigid law. The penalty for any crime is death. Wesley learns this very early when he was playing catch me with the colonists. He accidentally falls into a garden area behind some posts. Security guards come out of no where and want to give him a lethal injection. Fortunately for him Riker, Worf and Tasha show up to stop them.

It can be argued that Wesley saved the ship all the time in the first season. He was an obnoxious character. I believe he acted the way he did to attempt to fit in with the "adults." This one shows that laws can get out of control if there is no common sense applied. I love the scenes aboard the observation lounge where their "God" appears out of orbit as computerized starship. This is a planet were all the beautiful people run around and make love all day. However, they're ruled by a machine!

The Planet of the Bimbos!
Star Trek the Next Generation was and still is one of my favorite TV shows and I'm a fan who actually likes Wesley Crusher though I do admit that they sometimes went a little overboard with the whole boy genius thing but anyway This is not my favorite Wesley Crusher episode, and I agree that this episode is like watching a really bad B movie and I can just see Mystery Science Theater making fun of this episode and the goofy characters from the planet of the bimbos! Out of every episode made of Star Trek: The Next Generation I only disliked a few episodes and this is one of my least favorite ones.

"When has justice been as simple as a rulebook?"
Star Trek: The Next Generation crosses over into camp and B-movie territory with its depiction of the Edo civilization in "Justice." Yet if somehow you are able to look past the scantily-clad surfer boys and beach bunnies, this episode still manages to come across as ridiculous as Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) interprets the Federation's sacred Prime Directive in so liberal a manner as to invite guffaws. How this episode made it past the initial brainstorming stage has to be one of the more puzzling mysteries of modern times.

The Enterprise-D travels to Rubicun Three which is home to the carefree Edo. While playing with the inhabitants, Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton) accidentally crashes into a greenhouse and harms its plants. Wesley is immediately sentenced to death for his crime. Picard must decide whether to disregard local law and bring Wesley back to the ship. To make matters even more complicated, a strange vessel that seemingly has some connection with the Edo is also in the vicinity.

For everything one can find wrong with "Justice," the episode does serve some constructive purpose despite all its flaws. When comparing this episode to the more finely-polished ones of the later seasons, it is easy to see just how much progress Star Trek: The Next Generation made over the years. Indeed, "Justice" makes an excellent "control" episode to which future episodes can be measured against.

I fell in love with Beverly Crusher in this episode...
I think this was the episode that I realized how loveable Beverly Crusher is. Beverly's heart is being tugged when the ignorant people of Edos are planning to put her dear son Wesley to death for the "crime" of falling into a garden. The Edos people APPEAR happy and peaceful, but appearances are deceiving since underneath, they are suspicious, ignorant, and superstitious and show no remorse for the pain and suffering they cause Wesley and his mother. I saw the wonderful mother-son bond that Beverly and Wesley share vividly here and it's touching how Beverly weeps softly when she is reunited with her son. I also love how fiesty outspoken Tasha blasted the Edos people for the corrupt sense of justice and stood up for Beverly and Wesley. Beverly is my favorite character of all science fiction. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Tin Man" is that rare TNG episode about failure. Tam Elbrun (Harry Groener) isn't equipped to perform within what Starfleet considers normal parameters, but because of his rare talent, his presence is tolerated--just. Elbrun is a Betazoid of extraordinary telepathic abilities and is a renowned first contact specialist. However, his gift is also his vulnerability, and the stress of hearing so many minds takes its toll.

Elbrun's mission is to make first contact with an alien dubbed "Tin Man," a living spaceship orbiting a dying star. Gomtuu, as the being calls itself, communicates telepathically. It's ancient, the last of its kind, and extremely alone. It's also suicidal. Elbrun wants contact at any cost--even if that cost is the Enterprise. "Tin Man" is an episode of extraordinary subtleties. It's about the way society uses yet resents the gifted. It's about the struggle to belong. And mostly: "Perhaps you're just different. It isn't a sin, you know."

Trivia alert: Gomtuu is an homage to the thermal pods in the cult film Buckaroo Banzai and one of many nods that appear throughout both TNG and DS9. --Kayla Riggney ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Good study of man and "beast"
The episode is a good one that deals with the mysterious and awe-inspiring encounter with alien life. The battle of wits between Picard and the Romulan commander takes second fiddle to the space-faring creature that just wants to die. This is one that is both touching and dramatic.

(...)

Tam Elbrun is going to give something to the "Tin Man"....
The Enterprise is heading into a section claimed by the Romulans to investigate a living spaceship that is orbiting a dying star. This alien has been named "Tin Man" by Starfleet, which obviously suggests that the legacy of the rock group America will survive several millennia of political correctness. Aboard the Enterprise is Tam Elbrun, a Betazoid telepath with stunning powers beyond anybody from his planet. The idea is that he will be able to contact the creature, which is in danger not only from the dying star but also from the Romulans, who claim this sector of space. But what Picard and Troi do not know is that Tam Elbrun has his own agenda.

The idea of mind reading has always been compelling, and while Deanna Troi and her mother provide examples of what telepaths can do, Tam Elbrun is this "gift" taken to an extreme. This is a fascinating character, who must be constantly shielding his mind against the constant intrusion of every thought by every person with whom he comes in contact. In "Tin Man," he finds a kindred spirit, or at least a being with whom he can find some sense of peace. It is not often that the main characters on Next Generation take a back seat to the guest star, but "Tin Man" is one of those episodes, providing an intriguing looks at the dark side of a person's "gift."

Bonding with the beast
A fellow empath from Troi's home planet takes passage on the Enterprise. Their mission: to meet up with an enormous alien life form and talk it into alliance with the Federation. It is a race against the Romulans for first contact. Troi is torn between her responsibility to the ship and her concern for her Betazoid buddy, who happens to have a problem with authority. Contact is made, with surprising results.

An excellent video, exploring the ups and downs of empathic ability. ... Read more

Amazon.com

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

Amazon.com

The planet Mordan IV has finally settled into peace after 40 years ofcivil war. Everything's going fine until terrorists take several Federation officials hostage. The leader of Mordan IV, Karnas (Michael Pataki), requests the presence of skilled negotiator Admiral Mark Jameson (Clayton Rohner), so it's up to the crew of the Enterprise to bring these two together. Admiral Jameson is in his mid-80s, but was requested because he handled negotiations on the planet before the civil war broke out. You can tell by the annoying old-age makeup on what is obviously a young actor that Jameson will eventually take a drug that will make him young again. The badmakeup is the biggest flaw in an otherwise good episode. Themes include thequest for youth, the uneasy balance between work and family, and owning up forpast political mistakes. The episode is directed by Rob Bowman, a NextGeneration veteran who's worked on tons of other TV shows and directed theX-Files feature film. --Andy Spletzer ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Too much story so that nothing is done well
Terrorists take Federation officials hostage on Mordan IV and the Enterprise is ordered to transport the aged and infirm Admiral Mark Jameson to Mordan IV. The Admiral is a legendary negotiator, and among his many accomplishments was the mediation of a conflict on Mordan IV forty-five years earlier. However, as the Enterprise makes its' way to the planet, Jameson begins changing, becoming younger and more vigorous. This is due to his having taken some form of drug that reverses the aging process, although there are dangerous side effects. Furthermore, it is clear that there are complicating circumstances that the Enterprise crew are unaware of. Jameson and Karnas, the leader of Mordan IV, appear to be talking with a great deal of circumspection, saying things that only they understand.
By the time the Enterprise arrives at Mordan IV, Jameson is a man in his twenties, certainly vigorous, but no longer possessing the aura of wisdom that his age granted him. On Jameson's order, an armed Enterprise party beams down in an attempt to free the hostages. They fail in this mission and eventually they go before Karnas. At this point, it is revealed that Karnas himself has taken the hostages in an attempt to have Jameson come back to Mordan IV. It is revealed that Jameson's solution to the previous conflict on the planet was to give both sides weapons, which ignited a decades-long civil war. The purpose of having Jameson come back to the planet was so that he could be executed for what he did. Seeing a young man suffering from severe convulsions, Karnas frees the hostages and allows Jameson to leave.
While the basic idea of the dangers of arming both sides in a regional conflict is a good one for a story, in this case, it is not delivered very well. This story suffers from the same affliction that many of the early episodes of TNG did, an attempt to pack too much story into the episode. The secondary plot of the wonder drug that is a fountain of youth tends to supercede the main plot that deals with non-interference. Given that the igniting of a civil war is so significant, it would not have been difficult to create a complete episode using only it as a plot device. If that had been done, this would have been a much better story.

"Age and wisdom have their graces too."
There are two lessons to be learned by watching "Too Short A Season." Number one - the quest for the fountain of youth is ongoing well into the 24th century. Number two - the practice of aging actors through bad-make-up applications in television productions was still ongoing well into the late 20th century.

The Enterprise-D is ordered to transport Admiral Mark Jameson (Clayton Rohner) to Mordan IV so that he may negotiate for the release of hostages. Karnas (Michael Pataki), the governor of the planet, has a score to settle with the Admiral as their prior dealings decades ago led to catastrophe. As the Enterprise-D gets closer to the planet, Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) cannot help but notice that the aged Admiral appears to be physically turning younger. When confronted with this observation, Jameson tells the captain that he has used an alien drug to help him regain his youth so that he would be in a better position to deal with Karnas. However, the Admiral soon discovers that his regained youth is not the blessing he had hoped for.

"Too Short A Season" is a misfire. Despite the sweet interplay between Clayton Rohner and Marsha Hunt as the Jamesons, this episode never makes any serious attempt to explore the perceived connection between youth and job performance. Is Jameson correct in asserting that he needs the vigor of youth to do his job adequately? We never find out since the de-aging process and Jameson's accompanying deterioration is just used as a story gimmick. Even more fatal to the episode is the aforementioned make-up application on Rohner. It is so bad that it will constantly keep you distracted. You will not absorb vast amounts of story information because brain cells in your head that should be following the unfolding tale will instead be rendered numb and useless every time the horrific image of the elder Jameson appears on the television screen. If you can actually recall specific aspects of this episode besides the bad make-up job when it is over then you are indeed a master of concentration.

This one is a sin in itself
Again, I've been duped by other reviewers (thanks johnstory). How about NOT giving away the ending?The cast is just going through the motions and even the typical special effects are second rate.
Again, check your brain at the door to enjoy this one! Or better yet, go see a doctor.

The Living Legend?
Too Short A Season

For those of you who remember Oliver North; this episode has a 24th century twist. The legendary Admiral Jameson comes aboard the Enterprise. He rides a mechanical wheelchair that looks like Professor X's from the X-Men. Picard has to take him to a mission to free hostages.

Unbeknownst to our captain; Jameson made a deal with a terrorist leader years ago. A brutal dictator named Karnas. Probably a parody on the word carnage. He gave him weapons for the hostages. The admiral declared, "It wasn't my golden oratory that saved these men," he cut a deal.

Actor Clayton Rohner, gave an incredible performance as a man living a lie as a great negotiator. The rest of the cast took a back seat in this episode. It was well worth it. I wonder why Clayton was never asked to return as another character? It's been tradition with this show that many a guest star has come back as someone else.

X-Files fans take note: Rob Bowman; who directed this episode, went on to direct the first X-Files Movie.

Guest star Clayton Rohner in a story about redemption
An atypical first season episode in that the Next Generation crew are pretty much spectators on this one. The Enterprise is heading to Mordan IV with Admiral Mark Jameson to negotiate a hostage crisis. The 85-year old Jameson, suffering from the incurable and crippling effects of Iverson's disease, had successfully negotiated a similar crisis 45 years earlier. On the trip Picard discovers that Jameson has been taking a dangerous alien drug to reverse the affecting of aging and disease. It turns out that Jameson had resolved the earlier crisis by giving into the demands of the Mordan leader Karnas for weapons to fight his opponents. In a belated attempt to follow the Prime Directive, Jameson then supplied the other side with the same weapons. The Civil War that started as a result is still being waged on Mordan IV and Jameson is pretty sure his presence was requested so that Karnas can take revenge on the man who caused all the trouble.

Another first season episode reminiscent of a couple of original Star Trek episodes, "Too Short a Season" serves as yet another lesson about the importance of that tricky Prime Directive. Clayton Rohner has what is certainly the most substantial guest star role on the series after Q, providing a nice sense of dignity to an old man risking his health and his life to redeem the greatest mistake he ever made. His performance is the centerpiece of the episode and he does a wholly credible job. ... Read more

Amazon.com

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

Amazon.com

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.

------------------------------------------------------------
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

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

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

Reviews (11)

MAGNUM! There is a God! Needs to be DVD though
The Best series ever and yet no movie? Not many have seen the first episode. It's a bit strange after seeing the later ones, only because it was more serious, not as much comedy. There needs to be a push to wake Universal up ... this should have hit the silver screen Years ago! Make DVD's and a Movie!

Oh My God, Magnum !
This is the first episode of a tremendous series that dominated the 1980's starring Tom Selleck as Thomas Sullivan Magnum, an ex' naval officer turned private investigator. The beginning of this episode features the hillarious round one of an ongoing confrontation between Magnum and his frequent nemesis, Jonathan Quail Higgins, who is the major domo of the Robin Masters' estate in Hawaii. This episode artfully combines humor and drama to present an outstanding harbinger of the show that ran for eight years. Highly recommended.

Dont eat the snow in Hawaii
Magnum is my absolute favorite series and when you see the first episode you'll know why he and the cast were so popular and still are to many of us. I loved how he introduced us to who he was , where he came from.
we hear him say "Ive done funnier" rub his shoulder you see a bullet wound then flashbacks intro us to Rick as a gunner and TC as a pilot in Nam (Steve Kux was a real Nam pilot responsible for all those cool shots over the opening theme hard to get but hes great and did it)
It had funny moments"Dont look at the dogs work the lock , dont look at the.." then he looks(apollo and zeus(Higgins dobermans) coming toward him) "you looked at the dogs" he was hired to see if he could breach security including steal the Ferrari. Youll see early Magnum trademarks that slow building temper esp. when he went to confront a hardnose officer who didnt like him. "youre gonna lose those bars you spent 30 years eggsucking for" (Magnum growls)important cause you'll see that temper again and again when Magnum feels he was wronged. It became a trademark the slow burn warn tone then boom he was off..and on your case.
He had very memorable music "the brazilian " in Unfinished business" and Mama in "Death and Taxes" you gotta see those two too!
Nobody had a cast like them they got along great couldnt be better friends..highly reccommend it for people who love suspense this is it!! youll be hooked..Mahalo (Thanks!!)

I would recommend you to see this very first Magnum episod
Magnum PI is one of the best shows on TV ever, and I really enjoyed seeing this premier episode. If you have seen the later episodes, you can see the chemistry between the casts - they are great together. In this first episode, the characters are still very "unpolished", and you would probably have difficult to recognize the different characters if you just have seen episodes from the last seasons. For example, Rick is some kind of Bogart-look-a-like that has some kind of Casablanca-club in Honolulu...nothing like King Kamehamea Club at all. Higgins are pretty much the same, even if I miss his great stories in this 1,5 hours episode. However, this is a great production, and if you were interested in seeing a film about great adventures, Hawaii, Ferrari, Friendship, and the start of one of the most successful TV shows ever, I would recommend you to see this very first Magnum PI episode.

a must see for all magnum fans
you've got to see this! I am a huge fan of the show, and this episode is definitely a classic. find out rick's real name, see the original scenes for the theme song, and learn about magnum's personality roots. I love this series, and enjoy this episode. it's not the best, but it will give you a deeper understanding of the show. thankfully they got a better theme song, and ditched the rings. the show only gets better... ... 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

Amazon.com

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