Reviews (2)

Jean-Luc Picard in a variation on the Prisoner Game
Captain Picard is sleeping when a junior variation of the 2001 Monolith appears. After he is scanned, Picard disappears, only to be replaced by a replicant. When he awakes, Picard finds himself in a cell with four beds. The other two occupants, a freshman cadet at the Academy and an overly accommodating bureaucrat are joined by the final prisoner, a hulking Chalnothian. It seems the newcomer cannot eat the food the captives are provided, but the bureaucrat would do quite nicely. Picard tries to keep the peace, find a way of escape, and discover why they are being held captive. Meanwhile, back on the Enterprise, the replicant Picard has been engaging in odd behavior, such as trying to get his crew to sing songs in Ten-Forward.

"Allegiance" is the Next Generation's variation on the classic prisoner game, where you throw together a small group of strangers, none of whom know why they have been captured. Consequently, the Dixon Hill loving Jean-Luc Picard is once again presented with a mystery. This time the big twist is that he does not have his crew or the ship's computer to help him figure out the puzzle. The joy is seeing Patrick Stewart, not only as the inquisitive and suspicious "real" Picard, but also as the jovial master of the ship "replicant" Picard. These latter scenes are almost as delightful as the ending of "Menage a Troi," but not quite.

Classic Logic Star Trek
This episode, in which Picard finds himself a captor with a group of other humanoids he has never met before, is classic in its slow revelation of what is really going on, and thoroughly enjoyable in its suspense and mounting excitement. ... Read more

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The uneasy treaty between the Federation and the Cardassians is broken when a Cardassian warship fires on the Enterprise. When Picard hails the attacking ship, its captain, Gul Macet (Marc Alaimo), explains that they are retaliating for the destruction of one of their space stations, which was accomplished by the Federation starship U.S.S. Phoenix, helmed by captain Benjamin Maxwell (Bob Gunton). To better gauge the mental condition of the apparently amok Captain Maxwell, Picard consults with Chief O'Brien (Colm Meaney) who once served under Maxwell during war with the Cardassians, and discovers that Maxwell's family had been cruelly slaughtered by the enemy. Maxwell claims the space station contained not the scientific equipment the Cardassians say it did, but arms for a coming war against the Federation. Now Picard must decide whether Maxwell acted out of hate and vengeance, or if indeed there is some grain of truth in his accusations.

The ways in which war and hatred can twist one's psyche are ably explored in the persons of Maxwell and O'Brien, the latter coming to terms with his demons in keeping with the show's plan to give its regular crew members heightened sensibilities. But Maxwell's motivations are not fully developed; Gunton portrays the apparently mad captain with rather a muted countenance for someone supposedly eaten up with hatred. There is also a subplot involving O'Brien and his wife sharing their native dishes that is almost wholly unnecessary, and a strange lack of personnel on Maxwell's ship that speaks to budget constraints. But the ending allows Picard to mete out a solution that adds a satisfying complexity. --Jim Gay ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Wounded
I am an ex-Trekker who dumped the Star Trek franchise as my favorite program after sixteen years, but I must say that The Wounded is one of the few TNG episodes I am still pleased to watch. This is the story of the fall from grace of Benjamin Maxwell, a starship captain and old soldier whose family was murdered years ago in the Federation-Cardassian border wars. Presently, Captain Maxwell sees indications that the Cardassians
may be arming for war again and, his judgment clouded by years of pain and bitterness, defies Starfleet orders to launch his own assault on them. I think I will never forget the scene with Captain Maxwell and the Enterprise's Chief O'Brien--who served with Maxwell during the warssinging the Irish folk song 'The Minstrel Boy' to bring Maxwell back to a sane but broken state of mind. Watch this episode, and enjoy.

Songs of war & glory..
An excellent episode containing many different angles: the bitterness harbored by Captain Maxwell towards the Cardassians for killing his wife & children, the comradarie shared by Chief O'Brien & Captain Maxwell (clearly demonstrated by the moving singing of "The Minstrel Boy" song at the end), the demonstration of strength shown by Captain Picard towards the Cardassians as he informs them that "we'll be watching". What really moves me with this episode is the scene with Chief O'Brien and the Cardassian officer in 10-Forward. Miles explains to the Cardassian about how he inadvertantly killed a Cardassian solder during the war (he used someone else's phaser which was set to kill rather than stun) and that he doesn't hate the Cardassian for who he is - rather he hates them for what he became - a killer.

Picard tries to avert war with the Cardassians
Near the Neutral Zone a Cardassian scout ship fires upon the Enterprise, which easily disables the attacking vessel. When Picard demands an explanation for the attack he is stunned to hear Gul Macet, the Cardassian captain, claim there is now war between his people and the Federation after an attack by Starfleet on a Cardassian research station. When Picard contacts Starfleet they confirm Macet's story: the USS Phoenix commanded by Ben Maxwell attacked the research station and has refused to respond to any attempts at communication. Starfleet orders Picard to do whatever is necessary to maintain the treaty and keep the peace. Accordingly, Picard has Macet and his aides come aboard the Enterprise as they search for Maxwell's ship. They find the Phoenix just as it destroys a Cardassian warship and freighter. In yet another surprise, Maxwell comes aboard the Enterprise to tell Picard that the Cardassians are getting ready for a war with the Federation: the research stations are really just military camps. Picard orders Maxwell to return to Federation space, but the Phoenix heads off after another Cardassian supply ship, which Maxwell insists will prove his wild claims.

"The Wounded" is a Next Generation variation on the classic tale that goes back at least to the Trojan War and Cassandra of the character who knows the truth but who is not believed, thereby bringing imminent wreck and ruin. There is something of a twist in that "Cassandra" this time around is not Picard or one of his staff but rather the Maxwell character, although this does put Picard in the position of making the hard decision: he has his orders but what if Maxwell is right? Of course, nobody in the Star Trek universe walks the diplomatic fine line any better than Jean-Luc (of all the possible futures hinted at in the series, Picard as an ambassador always made the most sense to me). This ends up being an average episode of the series, with few implications for events down the road and a title that is ultimately meaningless. There are several episodes where members of the main cast cannot convince the others of the truth only they can see that are quite better.

Favorite Episode
This is my favorite episode of the series of the series because it seems the least dependent on sci-fi conventions. It'n not about space adventures; it's about war. It shows the side of the Federation we never see. We see people scarred by war--battles and events too dark to be shown in the positive world of Star Trek. It even ends on one of the most sad notes in the series' history. Its tone set the stage for DS9.

Picard must stop a Federation starship from starting a war!
In this episode we see the Cardassians for the first time. Worf describes them as having no honor, but when Picard learns that a renegade Federation ship is attacking Cardassians, he must prevent the ship's captain from starting a war, but will he succeed? ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Repellent attitudes
As a Star Trek story, this is standard fare, combining environmental disaster, conflict between characters, a holodeck problem, and a Prime Directive dilemma. Yes, it's well made and reasonably well-written. But it lacks emotional depth, and more was needed to explain Nikolai's actions and the difficult relationship between him and Worf. And I just don't believe that anyone could transport all those people into the holodeck with no-one noticing.
I've taken one star off because of the repellent atttitudes the crew of the Enterprise display in this episode. They will not lift a finger to intervene and save the Boraalans, which they could easily do without the Boraalans ever noticing. There seems to be no place for compassion or mercy in their world, as they flatter themselves that they are acting with nobler aims than is Nikolai. Picard's posturing was particularly annoying. Where would he and his crew be if Q had not shown them some mercy in "Q-Who"?

Another Prime Directive Fiasco involving Worf's "Brother"
The Enterprise responds to a distress call from Dr. Nicholai Rozhenko, the human stepbrother of Lt. Worf, who is on Boral Two. The planet's atmosphere will disappear in 30 hours ending all life. The problem is that Rozhenko is a Federation cultural observer who has broken the Prime Directive by setting up a force field over same caves nearby a Boralan village. Disguising himself as a native, Rozhenko led the villagers into the cave. Captain Picard refuses to set up atmospheric shields to provide the villagers with long term projection, so Rozhenko ups the ante: he creates an exact replica of the caves on the Holodeck and beams the Boralans on the Enterprise as their planet's atmosphere disappears. Now Picard needs to find a new home for the Boralans while Rozhenko and Worf lead them on a "journey" to their new home.

Having pretty much exhausted the possibilities of Worf's Klingon heritage, the series brings back his human family for another one of those episodes that reminds us that Starfleet believes the universe is served by letting planets of people die because they have not achieved warp drive and are therefore unworthy of belonging to the Federation. You would think at some point somebody in the history of Starfleet would have raised some objections, ethical or otherwise. Of course, the situation is contrived so Picard cannot simply beam the Boralans back to their lifeless planet. The relationship between Worf and his brother seems forced, while the subplot regarding Picard and the man who keeps the chronicle scrolls for the village (who manages to wander off the Holodeck) carries the emotional weight of "Homeward." This is an average STNG episode, burdened by the unnecessary stepbrother relationship of the Rozhenkoes, which adds nothing to the larger questions "Homeward" tries to raise. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

a weird crazy trip up the Howard family tree
Dr. Crusher travels to Caldos IV (all planets in Star Trek have Roman numerals - don't forget it! Caldos was such a popular name, they had at least 4 planets! We have trillions of stars, but each star gets its own name! Why not planets?!) to attend the funeral of her maternal grandmother, Felisa Howard. We learn that Beverly's mother died when she was only a little girl and she was raised by her grandmother, so they were very close.

The colony on Caldos IV started out as a terraforming project with the sole intent of mimicing the Scottish Highlands, so bagpipes are played at the funeral and Mrs. Howard's house is a modest & traditional stone and hay country home. As the mourners leave the gravesite, Beveryly notices a dashing young man (Duncan Regehr) who tosses a camellia (Felisia's favorite flower) onto her casket and as he walks away, he looks over his shoulder and gives a heartbroken, yet seductive look to Beverly.

Beverly enters the house to gather sentimental belongings of her grandmother and she tries to tie up the loose ends in her grandmother's affairs. She catches the caretaker, Ned Quint (Shay Duffin), attempting to throw out an old brass candle holder that has been in Beverly's family for generations, and perhaps one of her most treasured family possessions. Quint claims the candle is a source of bad luck, but Beverly kicks him out of the house and is quite brusque with him.

The Enterprise stays in orbit longer than planned, to fix an unidentified power fluctuation in the weather control net on the planet, which affords Beverly more time to stay on the planet and sleep in her grandmother's house. Beverly finds her grandmother's journals and discovers that she had a young lover named Ronin for years. She falls asleep after reading the journal, having what appears to be an erotic dream, only to be awakened by a man's sultry voice. When she wakens suddenly, no one is there.

The next day, she visits the grave of her grandmother to find it covered with camellias. Continued problems w/ the weather net cause storms to break out, so she runs back to the house, to find the house filled with camellias... and once again she hears the voice of the man who woke her from her special dream. He reveals that his name is Ronin, a ghost of sorts that has loved the Howard women for 8 centuries. He begins to touch her, but she tells him to stop and he retreats.

Geordi & Data discover that Quint is behind the problems with the weather net - as he's caught, he screams a warning, "he'll kill us all!" and is suddenly killed by a plasma discharge. Beverly's tricorder scans reveal that the plasma is not what killed him.

Normally one to investigate further, she is instead drawn back to Ronin and his wiles. He tells her that lighting the family candle will keep him in corporeal (touchable) form. On the Enterprise, she lights the candle and Ronin appears to her. She resigns her post on the Enterprise and decides to become a healer on Caldos IV like her grandmother. Apparently, loving a ghost that got jiggy with her grandmother isn't creeping her out like it should be.

Data discovers energy from the cemetery similar to what killed the caretaker, Quint. Picard goes down to investigate and Ronin blasts him with his green plasma kung fu grip.

Torn between her unquenchable desire for Ronin and her loyalty to Picard, she has an epiphany as to what Ronin really is.

An interesting story, but far from the best that The Next Generation has to offer. We do see some sides of Beverly we don't normally get to see - and for character development, it's a good episode - but easily forgettable.

The Worst Episode of the Series!
Out of every episode of the long run of Star Trek: The Next Generation I have only disliked a few episodes and I have to say that Sub Rosa is the episode that I dislike the most, my #1 least favorite episode followed by Samaritan Snare at #2 and Justice at #3. Bevery Crusher is one of my favorite characters but there are much better episodes that focus on her. I think this is the worst episode of the series but of course that is just a matter of personal opinion!

Sub Rosa,...Non! Sub Standard,...Oui!
While many episodes of the series rarely focused on ship's physician, Dr. Beverly Crusher, this one does and, unfortunately, it's rather tame with little that is commendable. At the end of my initial viewing, I couldn't help but wonder the mindset behind this installment. Repeat viewings have not altered this puzzlement.

Painful
Crusher is prepared to throw in her career for the sake of her new lover, Ronin - the family ghost who has loved the women of her family since the seventeenth century. But why isn't she telling her friends what's going on? And what is the connection with the problems with Caldos II's weather control system?
Gothic romance meets Star Trek? This might have been a good idea in theory, but it didn't come off. The writing is bad and the acting is over the top. The reasons for Crusher's strange behaviour are never really made clear. The faux Scottish setting is twee. And so what if Ronin made Crusher's female ancestors very, very happy? He was a lying creep who fed on them for centuries!
I would go so far as to call this episode unwatchable.

Bizarre!
This episode where Beverly Crusher gets it on with some kind of ghostly being is the strangest episode I have ever watched, not just of a Star Trek the Next Generation episode but of any TV show period! ... Read more

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In 1991, Star Trek: The Next Generation did its own version of The Search for Spock in this two-part episode featuring Leonard Nimoy as the legendary Vulcan. When an intelligence scan spots Ambassador Spock on the planet Romulus, home of the Federation's enemy the Romulans, Picard is ordered to track down the wayward Vulcan and investigate his apparent defection. Picard visits Spock's ailing father, Sarek (Mark Lenard), who is now senile, and finds out that Spock has maintained a long-standing relationship with a Romulan senator, Pardek (Malachi Throne), hoping to keep alive a dialogue between the two antagonistic sides. To search for Spock, Picard and Data beam down to Romulus disguised as Romulans, after approaching by stealth using a cloaked ship acquired from the Klingons. Back on the Enterprise, Riker investigates a decommissioned Vulcan ship, apparently stolen from a surplus depot whose quartermaster is Klim Dokachin, played wryly by Graham Jarvis (Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman) in one of the episode's funny highlights. Does the theft of the Vulcan vessel have anything to do with the disappearance of Spock? Well, as you might expect in a two-part episode, that story line is to be continued. These multiple tracks just whet the appetite for part 2, and build expectation ably toward the appearance of Spock and the mysteries surrounding his disappearance, something thrilling for any fan--as thrilling as the sorry state of Sarek's mental condition is poignant. --Jim Gay ... Read more

Reviews (3)

What is Ambassador Spock doing on Romulus?
A Starfleet Admiral informs Captain Picard that long-range scanners have detected Ambassador Spock on Romulus, the home world of the Romulan Empire. The question on the table is whether or not Spock has done the unthinkable by defecting. The Enterprise travels to Vulcan where Picard meets with a dying Sarek, who explains that Spock has been cultivating a friendship with Pardek, a Romulan Senator. Sarek believes his son went to Romulus to meet with Pardek to discuss the possibility of the "unification" of their two peoples (An aside: seeing as how the Romulans have an empire and the Vulcans have just their planet, this reminds me of China wanting "unification" with Taiwan; these are not exactly equal parties in these negotiations--but the parallel sure works). After Sarek's death, Picard and Data are transported to a cloaked Klingon warship, which will take them to Romulus where they will beam down and attempt to locate Spock. Meanwhile, the Enterprise tries to solve a seemingly unrelated mystery: wreckage from a Ferengi transport ship marked "medical supplies" contains a navigational array from the Vulcan Ship T'Pau, which is supposedly docked in the interstellar junkyard around Qualor Two. Riker discovers not only that the T'Pau is missing but that a mysterious ship is stealing more equipment from the junkyard. Back on Romulus, Picard and Data continue their search for Spock.

"Unification I" sets up almost all of the pieces for the mystery of Spock's disappearance (there is one more important character in the tale who does not make their appearance until part two). The final appearance of Mark Lenard as Sarek is especially moving and quite unexpected. Picard finds himself caught in the gulf between father and son that is now solidified by Sarek's death. But Star Trek has always known how to make the most out of the death of their characters and this part of the story is far from over. Although he has only a few seconds of screen time in this episode, the character of Spock dominates the story. Of course Sarek is right about what his son is up to. so the challenge is to find Spock more than anything else.

Star Trek: The Next Generation was not going to lure Leonard Nimoy into making a guest appearance as Spock without giving the actor/character a real solid story line and the two-part "Unification" episode really delivers. Unlike the appearance of Scotty in "Relics," the return of Spock is integrated into on-going STNG story lines. The Romulans have become increasingly less subtle about their expansionist intentions (most recently in the two-parter "Redemption," Episodes 100-101) so that they are certainly a growing concern for the Federation. The idea that the Romulans and Vulcans have common ancestry dates back to the first appearance of the Romulans on the original Star Trek ("Balance of Terror," Episode 9). On a more personal level, there is the fact that Picard has mind-melded with Spock's father Sarek, an intimacy that has been denied the son ("Sarek," Episode 71). Consequently, the appearance of Spock on STNG is eminently logical.

Unification
A very good and refreshing storey(nice to get a break away from Klingons) where Spock is on Romulus (and is spotted by Starfleet inteligence) urging a re-unification between Vulcans and Romulans. Picard goes to see Sarek, Spocks father, to find out where Spock could've gone. It is a very moving scene with Mark Lenard (Sarek), where he portrays a deteriorating Vulcan who has lost almost all his mind control capabilities (worth watching if only for this scence, it is very moving and is a truely great loss with the death of Mark Lenard). Spock finds that many people on Romulus want follow a Vulcan way of life. Then he finds that the Procouncil wants to meet with him to urge the re-unification. It is a trap. With Spock is Picard to check-up on him. They get themselves out of the trap with a little technical help from Data. Picard offers Spock to mind meld to find out more about his father and the fact that he loved Spock. Picard and Data leave while Spock stays behind to continue to teach the Vulcan way of life to those that wish it.

Old and New Trek worlds collide
Spock has defected to Romulus in order to help them reunite with Vulcan. The gem and best scene of the show was Mark Lenard's death bed scene as Sarek with Picard. It truly breaks your heart to see Sarek on the edge of death. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

An episode that almost rises to the level of insipidness
"Identity Crisis" is arguably the worst of the STNG episodes focusing on Geordi La Forge. It seems that five years earlier La Forge was part of an away team from the USS Victory that investigated the disappearance of a colony on Tarchannen Three. One of the other members of that team, Susanna Leitjen has joined the Enterprise, and the two old shipmates learn that two of the other members of that original away team have . . . disappeared! So here is the Enterprise, investigating the site of the missing colony on Tarchannen Three and here is poor Susanna spouting blue veins on the back of her neck while the middle fingers on her hands weld together. What is she changing in to? Could La Forge be next? Of course, La Forge is next, because this is a predictable plot with a mumbo jumbo explanation for why bad things are happening to good people. For some reason this episode reminds me of e-mails you get warning you not to open dangerous e-mails that will destroy your computer (no downloading a file, just opening e-mail mind you). This is hokey science fiction foisted upon characters who are forced to act stupidly to advance the plot. If you like this episode you should know that they took the word "gullible" out of the dictionary.

Okay, okay, its not that bad. But its not a good episode.

Not one of the best.
I thought this episode was one of the weirdest. I usually like weird but this went its own way. I not quite sure how to explain what happened to Geordi and many of the people on his pevious ship but they are mighty ugly. If you are getting just a few of the videos in the series skip this one, go for one of the many other fabulous episodes like cause and effect. If however you are going for the complete collection it's a must. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

'Weird Science'...Wait...Make That 'Really Weird Science'!
This late ST:TNG series entry has been the subject of much debate and the recepient of many negative comments. I cannot side with those who judge this the worst of the TNG episodes. It has many of the familiar series ingredients that makes it an engaging story, beginning with humor. Barclay obsesses needlessly about being infected with a deadly virus - Beverly informs him he simply has the flu, but only after mildly enjoying Barclay's discomfort. Riker reports to Sick Bay as well, having accidentally rolled onto a cactus in the arboretum and getting it's needles stuck in his back. Worf belches - loudly - during a meal with Deanna, ogles the waitress then Troi. Riker suffers a loss of intelligence (trouble concentrating he says) that is undeniably humorous to see develop - especially the conversation with Geordi about whether to run a level 1 diagnostic. When Picard and Data are in Sick Bay attempting to diagnose what happened to the crew they are interrupted by 'something' beating on the doors. Data scans the area with his tricorder and reports, "It is large. It is approximately 240 kilograms. It is heavily armored..." Do you really need to hear anymore to know that you should arm yourself or get out of harm's way?

Besides that the mystery builds quite nicely allowing for both suspense and intrigue. Worf becomes irriatiable on the bridge and is relieved of duties by Riker; later that night he scurry's about madly in his quarters destroying his bed and has fits of growling; Troi develops an overwhelming need to drink and later to be submerged in water; Barclays exhibits very odd behavior - even for him! However, the episode takes an unfortunate turn halfway through from which it never recovers.

But, ultimately this episode has some story elements that are intellectually difficult to accept. After Picard and Data encounter the Neanderthal Riker Data scans him with the tricorder. He then reports to Picard that Riker's cranial bone structure has increased 20% and that his brain has decreased in size. What happened to the discarded matter that once composed his brain? After the crew is 'cured' by Data's toxin how does Riker's brain reconfigure to it's natural state? Also, both Worf and Barclay are depicted as having their skin replaced or discarded in favor of the new life form they are becoming. How is their skin is repaired if it is missing completely? Actually I suppose one could suggest that in the 24th century an advanced type of reconstructive surgery process could this. Beverly did need it because of the facial damaged caused by Worf spraying her with venom.

Above and beyond all of these though is the theory that dormant genes within humans carry genetic sequences that could surface after an inexplicable event and effect such horrific changes. It simply is unbelievable and insufficiently supported. Some viewers were even offended or disturbed by the show's speculation of human's evolutionary development. Keeping in mind that Star Trek is a show that historically takes adventurous risks (indeed, "To boldly go where no one has gone before!") for such an outlandish idea a stronger scientific platform should have been developed before progressing with the production of this story. A more plausible development would have been that all the crewmembers regress to the same or near Neanderthal state that Riker does.

Still, I don't dislike "Genesis" for all it's flaws. Instead I like it because of the strong first half and also because it does dare take such a risk with storytelling. I don't necessarily agree with the theories it presents but it does make for a lively discussion.

actually not phenomenally stupid
"Genesis" is nowhere near as phenomenally stupid as the synopsis makes it sound. The basic premise is, yes, pretty darned stupid, but if one suspends one's disbelief (and if one cannot do that, why is one watching Star Trek?), there are some fun chills here.

Gates McFadden didn't have much to work with, but she created a fine eerie atmosphere. This one ends up being fun to watch (Troi scarfing down a big plate of caviar, Worf calvinistically suggesting it's too rich) -- and at least it's not preachy.

Excellent Episode That Sends Chills
....It's a television show designed to entertain. I loved this epsiode due to its suspense. The crew of the Enterprise slowly turns into different creatures due to a drug administered into Lt. Barclay. The thing that makes it exciting is that you don't know whats going to happen next and you don't know what everyone is going to turn into. Wipe the science of things out of your head and watch a classic such as this. .... 5 stars all the way.

Will Picard be a lemur or pygmy marmoset?
This is also my choice for the worst STNG episode ever. Dr. Crusher is examining Spot, Data's pregnant cat, and Reg Barclay (Dwight Schultz) in Sick Bay. She gives Barclay a synthetic T-cell that will allow his body to fight off this rare disease to which he is particularly susceptible. Meanwhile, the Enterprise is testing a new targeting program for photon torpedoes. One of them gets lost, which for some reason requires Picard and Data to get on a shuttle and go after it. They return three days later and find the Enterprise crew has de-evolved into hideous creatures. Every time some monstrosity shows up you get to guess who they really are.

I do not know a lot about genetic science, but this sounds pretty far-fetched to even me. A synthetic T-cell becomes an airborne virus and every one starts mutating like crazy? I don't think so. Nor do I think that undoing such genetic mischief is equally easy to accomplish. Certainly the make-up department does a nice job of turning the crew into various creatures. Also, the romance between Worf and Troi continues: he bites her, but this also turns out not to be a good thing. But this is a poor use of Barclay's character and when all is said and done I am left with the conclusion "Genesis" is just a lame episode.

very disapppointed
I'm afraid this is one of my least favorite episodes. The direction and filming were indeed good, but the science behind the episode was completely bogus. (I know a lot of medical people, including geneticists...they hate this ep.) Worse, and perhaps because she directed it, Gates' character,the doctor responsible for the trouble, showed absolutely NO sign of any remorse or regret for her actions...actions which caused a number of murder deaths among the crew. The only redeeming quality was the as usual high quality work of Dwight Schultz, as the neurotic and entertaining Barclay.

ST:TNG has often had trouble with its main characters being wooden or unemotional, or with weak science, but this one I just couldn't forgive. Sorry. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Ventax II goes to hell in a handbasket...
...almost. A thousand years earlier, leaders of Ventax II supposedly made a deal with the Devil... a.k.a. "Ardra." The deal: 1,000 years of peace and prosperity. The catch: after 1,000 years, the people become slaves of Ardra.

The Enterprise gets an emergency summons from a group of Federation anthropologists doing study on Ventax II. The public has gone crazy, looting, rioting and engaging in all sorts of mayhem, taking some of the scientists hostage.

Picard races to the planet and saves one scientist who tells them what is going on. The citizens are panicky because Ardra is due to return in just one day. As prophecy dictates, her coming was preceded by earthquakes and visions of her throughout the planet.

Picard does his best to not laugh out loud, when suddenly Ardra (Mara Dubois) appears before them. To prove she is who she claims to be, she causes the earth to shake at a blink of her eye. She changes herself into the Klingon version of the Devil to scare Worf and teleports people here and there just by glancing at them.

Picard is incensed. He knows there is technology, not mojo, behind Ardra's "magic." He sets Geordi LaForge on the task of finding out how Ardra is pulling off this hoax. Meanwhile, he has Data research Ventaxian law to see if there are any loopholes in the contract signed a millennia ago.

The Ventaxians are all but bending over backwards to accommodate Ardra - their limited technology makes them vulnerable to her wiles and makes them believe she is truly the Devil incarnate.

Ardra pushes Picard's buttons by showing up half-naked in his quarters and trying to seduce him. After being rebuffed, she beams him down to the planet's surface, wearing only his pijamas. There is quite a bit of humor in this episode. Picard refuses to allow the Ventaxians to fall prey to this space-faring snake-oil saleswoman and does his best to call her bluff. Entertaining to watch.

The Second Coming of Ardra the She-Devil
The Enterprise responds to an emergency distress call from Ventax Two, a planet with a very unique problem. One thousand years ago the people made a pact with Ardra, the she-devil, with a slight twist on the tradition Faustian deal: in exchange for 1,000 years of peace they would give themselves and their planet into servitude. Well, now the millennium is about to end and the people on Ventax Two are convinced that Ardra is about to show up and claim her inheritance. In anticipation of the end of the world as they know it, the hysterical populace have attacked the Federation science station and taken hostages. When Picard shows up to negotiate with the planet's leaders, Ardra appears and claims the planet, backing up her claim with several nifty tricks. This is Star Trek, so maybe she really is a supernatural demon with a legitimate claim. Be that as it may, Picard wants to see the contract. When Data discovers a possible loophole, Picard calls for arbitration where each side will be permitted to make its case.

Certainly an offbeat episode, "Devil's Due" is very reminiscent of the "Encounter at Farpoint" premier episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation what with a superior being and a trial, although I think this story is better thought of as a cross between "Faust" (as opposed to "Dr. Faustus) and "The Devil and Daniel Webster." Then again, there is a sense in which this episode is another Dixon Hill adventure for Picard, since there is indeed a mystery or two to be solved. One thing you have to say for Jean-Luc Picard, the Captain sure knows how to face down supernatural being. This episode also makes good use of Data, who gets to serve as the arbiter since obviously he is not about to let emotions come into play. The arbitration scene is the best in the episode with a decent job of coming up with intelligent arguments on both sides.

Star Trek: The Next Generation #87
The 87th episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation is a blast! Ardra, also known on earth as "THE DEVIL" has made a signed deal with a foreign planet stating that the planet is allowed one millinium of peace for exchange for their slavery. Captain Picard and the rest of his Star Fleet crew must save this planet from destruction. This episode is not one to pass up. END ... Read more

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Data warns Picard: You can't handle the truth...sir
The Enterprise encounters a spacial distortion that knocks everybody unconscious except, of course, Data. When he revives the crew he explains that the ship passed through an unstable wormhole which knocked everybody out for 30 seconds. However, as the Enterprise continues on its way, it becomes clear that there are some holes in Data's story starting with the fact that Dr. Crusher's experiments reflect the passage of twenty-four hours. When La Forge discovers the ship's chronometer has been tampered with, Picard confronts Data with the evidence, but the android refuses to answer. Picard continues to cross-examine Data, using the parameters of both Starfleet regulations and Data's positronic brain to get at the truth. Finally it becomes clear that Data has been "ordered" not to reveal the truth, at which point Picard is stunned to learn that Data claims the one who gave him that order was the Captain. In order to solve the mystery, Picard orders the ship back to the planet where they encountered the spacial distortion.

The little sub-plot where Guinan as Gloria from Cleveland is supposed to join the Captain as Dixon Hill on the holodeck is a not so subtle clue that this is one of those Next Generation episodes where Picard is confronted with a real life mystery. There is a great sense of anticipation to the first half of the episode, especially because we all know that even if Data is doing something wrong he is doing it for the right reasons, and there is the definite feel that Picard may well regret finding out the truth. The exchange between Picard and Data is an excellent scene, one of the best examples of logical argument seen on the show. "Clues" is one of those episodes where the payoff does not match the set up, but I have been saying that about such things every since "Apocalypse Now." Actually, the truth is pretty interesting; it is the solution that leaves something to be desired. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

One of my favorites...
This episode is a wonderful mixture of scientific "technobabble", battling with moral and ethic issues, and character development. The initial premise of the crew having lost their memories was probably greeted with the reaction "sigh, another alien influence episode?" by many viewers. However, it exceeds these expectations and is well rounded.

When the entire crew has their memories erased, they are forced to cope with interacting with each other and reforming a command structure. The sudden appearance of a Commander Kieran MacDuff as Executive officer is coupled with the Enterprise's mission to destroy the Lysian command center, the base of the Federation's "mortal enemy". Picard and his crew must decide if their actions are justified and neccessary for peace.

Along with the amazingly cohesive and gripping A-plot, there is some charming character interaction as the crew struggles to form new friendships. Data and Geordi have a well-played scene in engineering as they wonder why he is the only android on board (the best line of the show is here, "You must have been one hell of a bartender" after seeing Data's speed). Riker is the little player in this episode, leading both Troi and Ro on, and having to face this embarrassment in the end. I thought it was very cute how Troi was able to remember Will out of everyone, but that's just me. :)

Overall, a very good episode, worthy of purchase.

Clever Plot, Good Acting
This is a well-written, thought-provoking episode, which was not something unusual in the fifth season of The Next Generation. Les Landau's direction is competent and helps explore the surprising love triangle in a very effective way - and the performances by the three actors involved are as good as they've ever gotten. The other highlight is Patrick Stewart, who takes this unique opportunity to show how well he knows his character and flies with it.

In the entire episode, there was only one thing that bothered me: Troi beating Data at chess? Yeah, right. (By the way, I do get the - rather obvious - point. She's a beautiful and sexy woman but she can also beat the super-intelligent android at a strategy game by using "intuition", as she says. Give me a break. I mean, it would have been fine if Troi had been seen playing chess at least ONCE during the four previous years. The scene wouldn't have been so artificial.) Anyway, at least that's at the very beginning of this otherwise great episode. Once the teaser is over, you'll get to sit back and enjoy it.

The mystery of Commander MacDuff
This episode begins with an interesting throw away example of the title's meaning as Troi beats Data in a game of chess, relying on her "intuition" as opposed to his positronic brain that probably contains every 23rd century chess program available. But I digress. The Enterprise picks up sporadic subspace transmissions and traces them to a small craft. A probe launched from the ship takes down the Enterprise's shields and then emits a yellow beam. The next thing we know everybody is standing around looking at each other: they no longer remember who they are. Fortunately they can still remember the basic tasks of running the ship. Although the ship's computer has some major problems, La Forge is able to access a partial roster of the crew. So "Picard" learns he is captain (to the surprise of most of the crew in a delightful moment of ensemble acting). But what the audience wants to know is: Who is Commander MacDuff? With this mysterious figure on the bridge the crew discovers what is supposedly their current mission: the Federation is at war with the Lysian Alliance, who has been using a new weapon that affects both human and computer memory. This would certainly explain not only what has happened to the Enterprise but also why they have been ordered to destroy the Lysian central command center. However when the Enterprise enters Lysian space and easily destroys the warship that attacks them, Picard begins to feel quite uneasy about their mission. There is nothing to suggest the Lysian can give the Federation any problems whatsoever. However, Commander MacDuff argues vigorously that the mission should continue.

Certainly "Conundrum" gives the audience an interesting perspective on the big mystery of what is going on in this episode since we all know Commander MacDuff is not supposed to be there. The problem with this episode is that if you have a device that can (a) knock out the shields on a Federation starship in the blink of an eye, (b) selectively erase the memories of every crewperson on board during that blink; (c) selectively block out and rewrite files in the main computer in that exact same time frame; and (d) do essentially the same thing with Data while doing all of the above, then why in the name of the Great Bird of the Galaxy do you need a Federation ship to do your dirty work for you? The bottom line is that the premise undoes the episode. But then you remember this is just a television show, you allow for the willing suspension of disbelief and go along for the ride. "Conundrum" does call for subtle changes in characterization by every one of the actors, which certainly adds to the overall feeling of uneasy, that things are not as they should be. No wonder these actors do so well when they are given first-rate material; look at what they do with an episode like this one.

A Clever Conundrum!
This is an excellent episode! The way in which the episode was filmed keeps the watcher intrigued througout the entire show. In the opening segment, the camera, as it nears the beginning credits, the camera focuses in on the three main chairs of the bridge, introducing Commander McDuff, a "new member" of the crew. At first, this could have been any boring "what happened?" episode, but with the new character introduced, it sets up for a very perplexing situation.

The crew slowly progresses . . . which usually equals a boring episode, but not in this case. Every so often there is a new twist to interest the watcher even more. Therefore, this episode never gives you a chance to turn it off, for something new and startling is always happening. Even a bit of a love twist! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Trekking into "Lost in Space" Territory
It must be a sci-fi staple that aliens just love to possess us weak-minded earthlings. No less than five episodes of the 60's "Lost in Space" had a similar theme. Even the original Trek toyed with the idea itself - one of the most memorable episodes being the last, "Turnabout Intruder".

Obviously, it was time for ST: NG to have its shot at it and this one is a doozy. Three crew members (Troi, Data, and O'Brien) have their psyche shared by aliens intending on freeing thousands of their kinsmen (with the assistance of the Enterprise, of course).

While the credibility of the plot is stretched somewhat, the installment does allow Marina Sirtis, Brent Spiner, and Colm Meaney some time to chew the scenery. Many episode were devoted to "Data"; thus, "Deana" and "Miles" were highlighted, although not as their usual good-as-gold Federation officers.

Another case of possession by minds without bodies
The fifth season of STNG provided the cast with ample opportunities to show off their acting ability. In "Power Play" the Enterprise picks up a weak distress signal coming from a supposedly uninhabited moon. The signal is apparently from the USS Essex, a ship that disappeared over 200 years earlier. When Troi insists she senses life on the moon's surface, Picard has to investigate. However, there are intense magnetic storms on the moon, which force him to send down the away team of Riker, Troi and Data in a shuttlecraft. When the shuttle loses power on the way down, O'Brien risks a transporter trip to the moon's surface to set up pattern enhancers to get the away team back. However, right before the group transporters, little points of light enter the bodies of Data, Troi and O'Brien (Riker has a broken arm). Back aboard the Enterprise, the three try to take over the ship. When they fail to take over the bridge (the best scene in the episode), the trio end up taking hostages in Ten-Forward. Picard trades himself for the hostages who have been injured and in formed by Troi that "she" is Bryce Shumar, the captain of the Essex and demands the Enterprise search the southern pole of the moon for their remains so that their consciousnesses can rest.

"Power Play" is an odd choice of an episode to follow "Conundrum" in the STNG series, since the previous episode had a beam from an alien probe stripping the entire crew of their identities. Apparently Data, Troi and O'Brien have to go through the whole thing again the following week (it is the two times in a row that Data's positronic brain gets hijacked that bothers me the most). I also find it ironic that Marina Sirtis gets better scenes as Troi being possessed than she does when Deanna is in complete control of her mental faculties. With all that her brain gets put through on this series, you have to hope she is getting some counseling of her own. Ultimately, "Power Play" is an average episode for this series; we can trace the "beings without bodies have possessed key members and are not telling the whole truth about who they are and what they want" back to the original Star Trek series. We are also getting close to the point where Captain Picard needs to stop being so understanding and so compassionate. Where is Q when we need him?

Action-Packed Fun
In a season dominated by dull political episodes("Redemption Part II" and the major Spock let down), kiddie stories("Hero Worship", "New Ground" and the god awful "Imaginary Friend"), and sappy episodes like "I,Borg"(which ruined one of the greatest alien villains ever created), it's good to see TNG get back to it's action-packed,cheesy Sci-Fi roots. This episode is merely an action episode with a neat sci-fi twist; Criminal aliens have taken over the bodies of Data, Couseler Troi, and Transporter Chief O'brien, and they hold the ship hostage. They claim to be the "spirits" from the missing U.S.S. Essex but their ruthless antics betray them. The fun is watching the bridge crew try to outmenuever the aliens, and there is some juicy conflict between the criminal who possessed Data and Worf. "Power Play" features a tense and moody score by Jay Chataway(evocative of Ron Jones's fabulous TNG scores),and Director David Livingston imbues the episode with style and excitement. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

First Contact is not always a good thing
Commander Riker has beamed down to Malcoria Three to visit a group of observers from the Federation. The planet is about to develop warp drive capacity, which is the point at which the Federation makes "first contact." After all, what happens when you first go out into space and discover the UFP, Klingon Empire, Cardassians, Romulans, Tholians, etc. Unfortunately, Riker is seriously injured during a riot by citizens protesting the development of this new technology and when a routine physical exam reveals he is an alien, he is immediately confined by the Minister of Security. To resolve the situation, Captain Picard and Counselor Troi beam down and meet with the Malcorian scientist who runs their warp drive program. Although thrilled to meet strange visitors from another planet (okay, two other planets), the scientist warns that if this news is made public, the citizens will think this is an invasion force. Picard meets with Chancellor Durken (always nice to see George Coe with a good part to play) and takes the Malcorian leader on a tour of the Enterprise. Everything is progressing nicely until they learn that Riker has been captured and that the Chancellor's political opponents and the planet's isolationist citizenry are about to find out everything that is going on.

"First Contact" is a good title because this is certainly the best STNG episode dealing with that particular facet of tooling around the universe. Ultimately, what makes this an above-average episode is that the resolution is not the proverbial happy ending. When it provides such twists, STNG is at its best. "First Contact" is not a great episode, but it is a very, very good one indeed. It also has one of the best cameo appearances in the history of the series as Bebe Neuwirth (Lilith on "Cheers"/"Fraiser") plays a Malcorian who has the hots for Riker (there is simply no other way to put it). ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Not The Silliest Episode I Ever Saw!
The silliest episode? No, the silliest and worst episode would have to be an episode from season 2 called Samaritan Snare. Galaxy's Child may not be the best TNG episode but I think it's pretty good and I thought it was great to have Dr. Leah Brahms back only I was hoping the character would come back again at least as a recurring character. Maybe it's just me but I thought it was a very touching, moving episode of Geordi and Dr. Brahms working together not only to save the Enterprise but also the baby of the alien lifeform that was accidently killed and the baby was only trying to take energy from the Enterprise because it thought it was it's mother.

The Enterprise becomes a nursing mother to a space baby
As a general rule of thumb, when an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation tries to do some variation on an episode of the original series, such as "The Naked Now" (Episode 3), it is a bad sign; but when the series extends off of its own episodes, as is the case with "Galaxy's Child," it is a good sign, a very good sign indeed. In "Booby Hatch" (Episode 54) La Forge became enamored of Dr. Leah Brahms when he worked with a holographic recreation of her while doing creative problem solving. The Enterprise's Chief Engineer had been having more than his fair share of women problems and he hit it off very well with the computer's version of Brahms. Now the real version is coming aboard the Enterprise and La Forge can hardly contain himself: he just knows that he and Leah will be good friends. However, when Dr. Brahms arrives she immediately accuses him of messing up her engines. No matter what La Forge tries it does not work with this woman, who would need to be beamed outside the ship to even begin warming up to the guy. Just when you think things could not get any worse between these two, Brahms discovers the holodeck version of herself that La Forge created and assumes he has been using her as recreation (remember Barclay's "Goddess of Empathy" from "Hollow Pursuits"?).

Meanwhile, the Enterprise discovers a new form of life, a sort of space whale that lives in space and eats by extracting energy directly from stars. When the creature attacks the Enterprise, Picard orders a low-intensity phaser burst and is horrified when the mild response kills the creature. Data discovers there are new energy readings from the creature. Concluding the creature was pregnant, the crew uses the phasers to do an emergency Caesarian and release the baby, which then attaches itself to the ship and begins nursing on the Enterprise's energy. Now the question becomes how to wean the baby before it destabilizes the ship's power supply. Fortunately the person who designed the warp engines just happens to be on board, where she is about to proceed with the dismantling of the Chief Engineer without even using any tools.

This is a painful episode to watch as Geordi gets shot down by the woman of his holodeck dreams. This pain is somewhat reflected in the other plot line when Picard realizes his actions are responsible for the death of this wondrous space creature. "Galaxy's Child" runs against the traditional romantic impulse that compels us to want the characters to live happily every after, which is certainly a turn for a more realistic depiction of what life is like to be sure. Everyone can relate to getting carried away with your feelings for someone who has virtually no clue that you even exist and who has a life of their own that you have failed to take into account. This is one of the best "romance" episodes on the series.

The sillyest episode I ever saw.
The alien creatures in this show look like Tube worms in space, and as useual, Picard acts like a wimp.

Geordi Has A Girlfriend? Not really!
One of the quieter storlines going through most of the NG seven year run is LaForge's lack of success with women. It seems that the only place he can find a good woman that likes him is on the holodeck.

This is when he met the beautiful Ms. Brahms. He had used an image of her on the holodeck in an earlier episode to help him with a technical problem. He gave her a warm personality which suited his desires.

In this episode he finally meets her. But she is somewhat cold and distant, and he soon learns she is married, which naturally crushes him.

He is humiliated when she discovers the saved program that Geordi created. The storyline that accompanies it is somewhat interesting, and some would say uplifting.

I would give this episode 4 stars, but 3 is a better fit. It just seems to miss something that the series is so rich in. But if you are a Geordi LaForge fan, this is a must-have episode. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

one moon circles...
The Enterprise is en route to the last known coordinates of the USS Brattain, 29 days after they sent out a distress call followed only by silence.

The away team finds a disturbing scene onboard the Brattain. All crew members, except one Betazoid, are dead - results of phaser fire and hand-to-hand combat with their crew-mates. The Betazoid is the only living witness, but he is in a disturbed, catatonic state and Troi has trouble reaching him.

Crusher performs autopsies to see if there is any reason for the crew going bonkers and killing each other, and seemingly crippling many of the ship's vital functions. Tension begins to ripple throughout the crew. While finding a ship full of dead Federation crewmembers is disturbing, the behavior of the Enterprise crew is becoming less than ordinary. Their feathers are ruffled and many of them begin to behave in aggressive, paranoid ways.

Troi is plagued with nightmares, where she is flying through space as dark voices attempt to communicate with her, "one moon circles, eyes in the dark...," all with cryptic words she can't make sense of.

Crusher tells Picard that whatever happened on the Brattain is happening on the Enterprise and they need to get away as soon as possible. Picard informs the doctor that they will be leaving within the hour as they prepare to take the Brattain in tow.

As they begin to embark, it's obvious they're not going anywhere. Engines won't respond. Other systems are failing and power is seemingly leaking from the ship. After detailed analysis by Data, it's determined that they are stuck in a Tyken's rift. So named after Captain Tyken, whose ship was in a similar rip in space, bleeding power to the rift. Tyken's experience makes no mention of sleep disturbances or paranoid, aggressive behavior among his crew. Crusher discovers that the only person on board that is able to dream is Troi - everyone else is being deprived of REM sleep and the deprivation is slowly driving them insane... all without explanation.

How are they going to get out of this one? They can't move. They are bleeding power and the crew is starting to lose their wits, with eruptions of violence occurring in Ten Forward and Worf attempting ritualistic suicide due to his plaguing feeling of fear.

Many memorable scenes - probably the most creepy scene is Dr. Crusher in the morgue, as the dead crew-members of the Brattain appear to come to life. This is truly an episode that has the viewer on the edge of their seat.

Wow! That's wierd!
How odd! What a strange stance the away team takes on finding only one person alive on the USS Brattain while all the others are dead. That's...um... I can't describe it. This film is kind of strange when you watch it. It'll probably make you experience the same mental deterioration just like the crew on the Enterprise suffers. It's kind of scary when no one is able to dream. If we can't dream! what's the point of sleeping? Anyway! I know that this is just a movie, and I know that this ain't real. Anyway! I highly recommend this trek video to new future Star Trek fans. Buy it and enjoy.

The Enterprise crew adrift in space and unable to dream
The Enterprise discovers the USS Brattain, which has been missing for 29 days, floating along in space. The away team finds everybody on board dead with the exception of a Betazoid male in a catatonic state. When Counselor Troi tries to reach him telepathically all she gets from him is insane babbling. Dr. Crusher's examination of the dead on Brattain suggests the entire crew simply went insane and killed themselves. Remaining in the area to investigate this mystery, the Enterprise crew then begins to experience their own mental deterioration, compelling Crusher to suggest they leave the area before anything really bad happens. Picard agrees, but suddenly none of the propulsion systems on the ship work. After everybody gets a bad feeling about this Data discovers they are caught in a rift in space that absorbs their energy and prevents them from moving. Obviously this is what happened to the Brattain. The only solution is to use a gigantic explosion to free them. However, it so happens for the purposes of this story that the Enterprise cannot produce the required explosion. Then, to make things really interesting, Crusher scans the brains of the dead Brattain crew and discovers each has a chemical imbalance caused by (you ready for this?) a lack of dreaming. This same imbalance affects everybody on board except for Data (duh) and Troi, who is half-Betazoid. The Ship's Counselor is beset by the same recurring nightmare, which bears a striking resemblance to the rantings on the still comatose patient in sickbay. What ever could this all mean?

"Night Tremors" is an average example of the STNG episode where the Enterprise stumbles across some intergalactic mystery that threatens their very lives. The solution to their problem is somewhat ingenious except for the fact that the problem is rather contrived in the first place. Good thing this particular starship had an android AND a Betazoid aboard. The episode title sort of suggests that we would see the entire Enterprise crew confronted with their nightmares and that certainly would have been much more interesting than what we end up with here.

Night Terrors
I believe when the writers where writing this episode they wanted to make it a diffrent episode. Something we usually don't see in Star Trek. Well that is very true this is quite a diffrent episode from others. The crew begins to suffer from sleep deprivation and things on board the USS Enterprise get a little strange. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Original airdate: 4/24/95. Stardate: 48693.2. The Emergency Medical Hologram (Robert Picardo, a.k.a. "the Doctor") gets his first "away mission" when assigned to rescue Chakotay, Tuvok, and Kim from a holodeck version of the epic poem Beowulf, in which Kim had been playing the hero's role. The holodeck has been corrupted by a life form made of photonic energy from a nearby protostar, and only the Doctor can safely confront the creature, which has assumed the role of Beowulf's demonic nemesis, Grendel. As the Doctor grows fond of his heroic duty--even enjoying the advances of the ill-fated Viking heroine Freya (nicely played by Marjorie Monaghan)--Janeway, Torres, and Paris devise a "prisoner exchange" that will return their lost shipmates to safety. A hokey premise with familiar plotting, but enjoyable for its expansion of the Doctor's character and Picardo's reliably nuanced performance. And while the Beowulf setting offers a welcomed detour for fans of ancient fantasy, the sword and sorcery is almost tongue-in-cheek in its gruff, Wagnerian theatricality. Still, an invigorating episode, worthy of its two Emmy nominations for cinematography and music score. Worth a look, for more open-minded Voyager loyalists. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Doctor goes after Grendel on the Holodeck
The hook on "Heroes & Demons," Episode 12 of "Star Trek: Voyager" (Written by Naren Shankar, Aired April 24, 1995) is that the Doctor (Robert Picardo) goes on his first Away Mission. The trick is that he does this without ever leaving "Voyager." It seems Harry Kim (Garrett Wang) is (wasting limited energy resources) playing the hero in the "Beowulf" program in the ship's holodeck when he disappears. Chakotay (Robert Beltran) and Tuvok (Tim Russ) enter the Holodeck and find the "Beowful" program still running, but no sign of Kim. When they join in the fight against Grendel they disappear as well. Tired of losing crewmembers, Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) sends the EMH off to do battle on the holodeck. The Doctor is apprehensive but willing to do honor to the new name he has adopted: Schwitzer. However once there he discovers he not only has to deal with Vikings and a monster, but the affections of the lovely Freya (Marjorie Monaghan).

For those of you who enjoy watching the propsect of the Doctor engaging in good old fashioned swordplay, this is the episode you want to watch. There are also some tentative movements for the Doctor in terms of honest emotions as clearly the producers are trying to set up the character for future developments. Since "Heroes & Demons" begins with "Voyager" taking samples of photonic energy from a protostar (and there is a breach in the transporter's containment field) you know that somehow this has something to do with what is happening on the holodeck. But "Heroes & Demons" is not so much a mystery episode as it is character development in the Doctor's journey to becoming "real," so the scientific explanation takes a back seat to the Doctor fighting the good fight and learning some valuable lessons from his first Away Mission.

The Doctor's first away mission
When Harry, Chakotey and Tuvok disappear on the holodeck the Doctor is the only one who can be send to rescue them. It will be his first away mission: a special occacion, and not without hazard, since the safety limits are offline. The episode takes place in the time of Beowulf, with Vikings, desperate Kings,. monsters and fighting maidens. The Doctor has ample opportunity to show his poetic, romantic and valiant sides. Some scenes are very funny. Especially those where the Doctor,with his dry comments, intellect en photons interacts with the medieval supersticious Vikings. This is surely one of the better episodes for the Doctor.

Oldest English Epic Given Fresh Life
Ensign Harry Kim disappears from the holodeck while taking part in a holonovel based on the oldest English epic, Beowulf. Tuvok and T'chokote enter the holodeck, but computer controls and safety measures have been disabled. They follow in the footsteps of Beowulf and bravely agree to stay and confront Grendel, hoping to learn what happened to Kim. But Grendel takes them, as well. It's up to the holographic Doctor to go on his first away mission and succeed where the heroes have failed. ... Read more

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Geordi in the Next Generation version of a classic war tale
The Enterprise responds to an unknown distress call from Galorndon Core, an uninhabited planet wracked by constant storms. Riker, Worf and La Forge beam down and discover a Romulan craft that has crashed. Searching for survivors, Riker and Worf find a wounded Romulan and are forced to beam back before they can find La Forge. While the Enterprise figures out a way to locate their Chief Engineer, La Forge is attacked by another Romulan. Because of the struggle and the violent storms of the planet, La Forge loses his vision and the Romulan can no longer walk. Meanwhile, a Romulan ship has arrived upon the scene ready and willing to fight.

One of the standard war stories has a pair of enemy soldiers having to work with together in order to survive. The most notable example of this would be the 1968 film "Hell in the Pacific" with Lee Marvin and Toshiro Mifune marooned together on an island. Of course the story does not have to take place in a war, as Tony Curtis and Sidney Portier proved in "The Defiant Ones." In the Nex