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There's trouble in the Neutral Zone. Following a distress signal, the Enterprise finds the USS Yamato stranded due to a systems failure, with the Romulans nearby. Even before the opening credits roll thestarship explodes, killing everybody on board. Turns out the captain of the Yamato had been searching for Iconia, a planet legendary for itstechnological advances, and whose technology would be incredibly dangerous if itwere to fall into the wrong (read: Romulan) hands. Then the computer virus thatdestroyed the Yamato starts to infect the Enterprise, and the Romulans show up and start threatening them. To make matters worse, Data himselfbecomes infected. A good yarn--and as the Internet continues to expand, storieslike this one about computer viruses will become increasingly relevant.--Andy Spletzer ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Iconians
The Gateway

Steve Gerber (creator of Howard the Duck) and writer Beth Woods wrote this terrific entry in the second season. It's about the Captain of the starship Yamato and his startling discovery in the Neutral Zone. He found a civilization that was long ago conquered but it's probes were still intact. The probe tragically infected all the computer systems with a virus destroying the Yamato. The same virus contaminated logs that were downloaded to the Enterprise! The episode has some dramatic moments where Data is almost destroyed by the probe.

When Picard, Worf and Data beam to a site where the signal is located; we discover the conquered Iconians left a legacy of destruction and deadly weapons. We see the gateway where perhaps the civilization escaped to preserve itself.

I was very surprised that Steve Gerber and Beth Woods, the authors of this story, were never called back for a sequel. Not even a book in the new Gateways series. I would have liked to have seen their version of what happened to this great civilization.

Picard races the Romulans for Ionian Technology
After the Yamato self-destructs in the Neutral Zone while searching for the fabled lost planet of the Iconians with their incredible technology, the Enterprise continues the quest. However, by the time the ship gets to the dead planet, it is beginning to experience massive system failures, just like the doomed Yamato. In transferring the Yamato's logs to their own computer, the Enterprise has introduced a computer virus. Picard, Worf and Data beam down to the planet, where Data is similarly infected. To further complicate things, a Romulan ship shows up to lay claim to the Ionian technology. Fortunately, they are facing the same problems as the Enteprise, but the race is definitely on.

"Contagion" is a concise, controlled episode and it is nice to see that Picard and his crew cannot handle everything that comes their way. I especially like the way things keep piling up. Every time La Forge thinks they have a handle on things, a new headache pops up. I also appreciate the irony that as they encounter the Iconian technology, the systems on the Enterprise are failing left and right. For Picard to solve this particular problem, he is going to have to rely on something other than Starfleet technology.

Best Season 2 Episode!
The Romulans make a guest appearence with Carolyn Seymour who would later play several other roles on Star Trek.

This is a welly written episode about the Enterprise stopping the Romulans from getting their hands on a new peice of Technology. About 7 years later the Dominion on Star Trek Deep Space Nine would also try to win control of this Iconian Gateway. GREAT EPISODE!!!! ... Read more

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Fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation will recall an episode entitled"Second Chances," which introduced Enterprise first officer Will Riker'sbiological duplicate, Tom Riker. (Jonathan Frakes played both men.) Createdby a transporter accident, Tom has all of the original Riker's memories andemotions, but none of the benefits: rank, esteem, the love of people whom heloves. Intent on bringing Tom back into the Trek fold, the creators ofDeep Space Nine came up with "The Defiant," in which Tom attempts tocarve out a life and reputation of his own as a leader of the Maquis--thatloose-knit army of rebels intent on sabotaging peace between the Federationand Cardassia. While pretending to be Will, Tom kidnaps Major Kira (NanaVisitor) and steals DS9's state-of-the-art warship, the Defiant, forcingCommander Sisko (Avery Brooks) and Gul Dukat (Marc Alaimo) to track him down.It's a lot of fun to see Frakes play Tom Riker again, since the character issomething of a looser version of the often-starchy Will, albeit immersed in ahighly unusual existential crisis. But this episode is also interesting forits several moments of true connection between Sisko and Dukat, who at one point evenspeak to one another of their respective sons. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Tom Riker, would-be 'Hero At Large' now 'Prisoner Incognito'
Picking up the character of Tom Riker once again was an intriguing prospect for Star Trek fans. Certainly nearly all of us were wondering what had become of him and if he would make another appearance at all. So the twist in the second act of this episode that reveals Tom Riker was more than welcome ' in fact it seemed overdue. The writers piqued our interest further by having him act as the leader of a band of The Maquis who return for the first time since second season's 'Tribunal'. Everything seemed set in place for a great storyline featuring Tom Riker, but we learn that isn't to be the case.

While Kira is attempting to relax in the Promenade area she chances to meet Will Riker who is enroute to Risa. Though she pretends to be unaffected by Riker's charm she is soon giving him a tour of DS9 and at his suggestion the two board the Defiant for a look. He casually cons her into activating the bridge controls, suddenly stuns her with a hidden phaser, beams two waiting people on board, fakes a warp core breech so that DS9 will release the docking clamps and hijacks the Defiant. Before Sisko and the station officers can react the Defiant leaps into warp speed and heads for The Badlands with the intent of launching an assault on the shipyard located there believing that the Cardassian government is harboring a volatile political or military secret within it.

This fine episode of DS9 would have profound repercussions later in the series in such shows as 'The Die Is Cast' and 'Improbable Cause'. But what happened to Tom Riker? To this day he lingers in a Cardassian Labor camp awaiting a long overdue rescue. It makes sense that Sisko would work out the arrangement of this sentence; given the draconian nature of Cardassian justice (first seen in 'Tribunal') he barters with Gul Dukat on Tom's behalf. But I firmly believed that the DS9 members would attempt a rescue, especially since Kira promises Tom that she won't let him waste away in a labor camp. But as we all know the series ended without another mention of his name.

One of the high points of this episode is the Cardassian Central Command's War Room that Sisko and Gul Dukat are shown in. The Star Trek creative team did an excellent job creating the special effects for the displays that the two of them continually consult as they form a strategy to defeat the Defiant. And when Korinas of the Obsidian Order joins them in the War Room it adds even more intrigue to the affair. The clash of wills and political views between Central Command and the Obsidian Order would be one of the best continuing storylines of the third season. Also, Gul Dukat demonstrates that he has somewhat of a humane side to his naturally nefarious personality when he reveals to Sisko that he regrets having to miss his son's birthday. The two of them share stories about their sons adding a new dimension to their relationship that would be explored over the next two seasons. Kira's scathing indictment of Tom's sense of a higher calling and her final pleas to Tom to surrender the Defiant to Sisko and Gul Dukat are also highlights here.

Some final notes: In the ST: TNG episode 'The Wounded' Picard finds himself in a situation where he finds it necessary to assist the Cardassians in defeating a Federation ship that has become a renegade. Marc Alaimo played the Cardassian representative, Gul Macet, then as well. Tricia O'Neil, who plays Korinas, first appeared on the ST: TNG episodes 'Yesterday's Enterprise' as Captain Rachel Garrett and 'Suspicions' as Kurak, doing a sensational job in all three roles.

Decent
Pretty good plot. I was hoping to see more footage of the Defiant shooting stuff up. Oh well.....

Shows ambition, but has many problems
Episode title: Defiant

Written by: Ronald D. Moore

Directed by: Cliff Bole

After the second season episode "Tribunal", "Defiant" was the first to address the Maquis issue, that startet earlier on at season two, in the episode "The Maquis".

"Defiant" is finally an episode, that is clearly ment to contribute to the series as a whole, as it addresses the big political picture of the show.

The episode isn't very rich in the plot department, being more baced on conflicts between characters and the political aspects of the series, being more of a cat-and-mouse kind of episode.

These episodes are risky, because they often end up being boring and uninspired. "Defiant" isn't boring, as it carries the wiever throughout the episode, but it is in no means a succes either.

The story begins as Commander William Riker (yes, the one from the Enterprise-D) arives at DS9 to spend a vacation. Kira then takes Riker on a tour of the Defiant, and as soon as they get in, Riker hijags the ship.

Soon it becomes aparent that Commander Riker isn't actually Commander Riker, but his "evil double", Thomas Riker, who was introduced in the sixth season TNG episode "Second Chances", and who has since turned into a Mquis terrorist.

So begins a hunt, as Commander Sisko must co-operate with the Cardassian to stop Tom Riker as he takes the Defiant deeper into Cardassian territory.

The episode is uneven, with many promising sequences mixed up with some totally irrelevant fill-up scenes that contain clumsy and cliché filled dialogue, and don't contribute to anything.

It's also quite interesting to watch two of the worst modern-trek acting talents interact as Jonathan Frakes' Riker and Nana Visitor's Kira have intence, if overly lenghtend discussions on the Defiant. Especially Jonathan Frakes' performance as the rogue terrorist borders parody.

The end of the episode is predictable, but unlike so many other episodes, it leaves the feeling that something has changed.

I only hope the promising premise could have been exploited more fully, instead of concentrating on the quest character from another series.

The deletion of Tom Riker from the Star Trek universe
Okay, this is obviously going to be the minority opinion on this particular DS9 episode. I think "Defiant" is a solid episode and of some importance because it establishes that the Obsidian Order and the Cardassian Central Command have split, creating a serious power rift that will cause some problems as well as provide a few opportunities for Sisko and crew down the line. The strange and convoluted relationship between Dukat and Sisko continues to develop as well, which is always nice to see. My only complaint has to do with using the character of Tom Riker. Yes, I think it makes perfect sense that Kira and O'Brian would accept Tom as Commander Riker and I have little doubt that Tom would be unhappy with his lot in the universe he has found once rescued in the STNG episode "Second Chances." My complaint actually has to do with the later, because I would think it would be obvious even to Deanna Troi in the face of Tom Riker's love for her, that these two guys needed some serious counseling. But apparently nobody in Starfleet paid enough attention and now Tom Riker has joined the Maquis. Okay, so far I am with them. But then at the end Tom ends up being thrown in a Cardassian prison for the rest of his life. I realize that the point here is to simply remove the character from the Star Trek universe. Having taken the pains to create the character along with some interesting problems for the Will-Deanna-Tom triangle, the Star Trek creators have now effectively pushed the delete button. Besides, given Tom's psychological problems in adjusting to everything, I would find his sacrifice at the end of this episode to be another sign of his need for counseling and treatment, not incarceration in a Cardassian hell hole. So, because of the treatment of Tom Riker by both the writers and the characters, I have to knock this one down a star. Somebody has to speak up for the guy.

Riker Returns
Attention Star Trek Fans. Spoiler Alert: If you want to be surprised don't read this!

This is one of the best action episodes to date. If only Lore; Data's android counterpart joined Thomas in this one! Thomas Riker; the twin Riker transporter double returns to help the Maquis. It's fortunate he has the values of his original brother Riker. He sees he cannot be the ruthless freedom fighter he hoped. It's not in his character.

I wish one of the Trek novelists would create a story about his time on the Starship Gandi. Thomas was trapped for eight years and does not share the views William Riker has. It would be a rare and interesting book of about an officer who sees the fleet as an unfair and imperfect entity. ... Read more

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On the lifeless desert planet of Velara III, a small group of scientists are hard at work terraforming the planet. When a routine check-in by the Enterprise leads to a testy dismissal from the head engineer, as well as bad vibes for Counselor Troi, the away team goes to investigate.Apologies are quickly made by the newly conciliatory terraformers, who explainthat their manners tend to fade over the decades of isolation required to bringlife to a dead world. (So what exactly happened to Star Trek II's Genesis Project?) But during the brief tour, one scientist is killed by an apparently malfunctioning laser, and suspicions are raised again. Data and Geordi investigate, and discover beyond question that an intelligent force in fact controlled the deadly beam. The three remaining scientists are brought up to the ship for questioning; also beamed aboard is a small crystal whose arrhythmic, "musical" light pulsations have intrigued Data. Despite some insistence from the ship's computer that, lacking organic structure, the crystal simply can't be life (why exactly aren't Starfleet medical programs informed of the silicon-based Horta encountered by the old Enterprise crew?), alive is exactly the right word. Alive, growing, and angry at the attempted extermination of its species by the terraformers. Not to mention able to control the Enterprise's computers, thus puttingthe entire crew at risk. Though the rapidly multiplying creature, eventually dubbed the microbrain, is one of the show's all-time cheapest aliens--basically some glowing penlights placed under a bell jar--the story is a fairly interesting rehash of some classic Trek themes. Plus, any episode that introduces the catchy phrase "ugly bags of mostly water," the microbrain's description of humans, is an instant classic. --Bruce Reid ... Read more

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"Bag who drill in sand of home had to die."
Star Trek has always produced its fair share of cautionary tales. "Home Soil" is its attempt to point out the unintended dire consequences terraforming can cause. It also is the episode that forces you to wonder if the crystals in your personal collection regard you as "an ugly bag of mostly water" when you're not around.

The Enterprise-D arrives at Velara III to check up on a terraforming group charged with the mission of turning the inhospitable planet into one that will eventually support life. However, after an engineer is killed and Data (Brent Spiner) is attacked, the crew realizes that something is seriously amiss on the surface. A startling discovery is soon made - there are microscopic life forms that are falling victim to the drilling on the planet. The previous attacks were initiated by them as a means to defend themselves.

This variation on the original series' superior "Devil in the Dark" (1967) is filled with problems that it cannot overcome. Guest star Elizabeth Lindsey is strangely stiff in her supporting role, Walter Gotell is over-the-top in his supporting role, the production values for the microscopic life forms must have set a new record for production money saved on creating an alien race, and the line "ugly bag of mostly water" is so unintentionally goofy that it undermines the seriousness of the episode's message because you can't get it out of your head and can't stop giggling once it's spoken on-screen. Well, at least "Home Soil" did teach us that the only way to defeat evil crystals is to shut the lights off. That valuable piece of information is what prevents the episode from being a total lost cause.

Home Soil ....Or Ugly Bags of Water Go Home!
"Ugly Bags of Water"

A terraforming station on Velara III discovers a microscopic life form within the sand of the planet. It kills one of the colonists to save it from destruction. The Enterprise utilizes it's universal translator to communicate. It refers to humans as "ugly bags of water." In this average entry from the first season; actor Walter Gotell, portrays the station supervisor. He's known for his role as General Gogol in the 60's James Bond series.

This episode has a few good highlights. Data disarming the laser cannon in the terraforming chamber. The microscopic entity taking control of the Enterprise. If you've got to purchase all the episodes for your collection; this one's got a few dramatic moments. It's worth a look.

It didn't take Troi's powers to tell us the supervisor was hiding something about the planet.

Picard hears a tiny crystal that flashes beautiful light
Perhaps the most significant liberal principle on Next Generation was the inherent right of sentient beings, whether they are androids, unexpectedly different species, or even holodeck creations. "Home Soil" adds to this progressive argument when the Enterprise arrives at the terraforming project on Velara III. In keeping with the Prime Directive the planet has been officially declared devoid of life, but when the terraformers start pumping subsurface water the laser drill malfunctions and then attacks Data. The source of the malfunction turns out to be tiny crystal that emits light. When the crystal divides, Picard concludes it is alive. This is confirmed when the crystal keeps dividing and uses the Universal Translator to declare war on the Enterprise. After all, the crystal lives in the subsurface water and its civilization was being destroyed by the terraformers.

Whether you find the episode reminiscent of Dr. Seuss' "Horton Hears a Who," Gulliver's travels among the Lilliputians or simply a flip on the standard science fiction analogy that superior races are to humans as we are to the ants beneath our feet, "Home Soil" underscores the constant Star Trek demand for at least tolerance of those who are different, although outright acceptance would be nice. This belief is certainly personified in Captain Picard, not only in this episode but throughout the series (although he has some slight difficulties in being tolerant when it comes to Q). ... Read more

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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

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"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

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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

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You know, this would be a very bad day for Worf to die
The Dominion formed an alliance with the Cardassians in order to attack the Klingon Empire, and in "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," Episode 119, "Soldiers of the Empire" (Written by Ronald D. Moore, Aired April 28, 1997), we find out that things are not going to well for the Klingons. General Martok is ordered by the Klingon High Council to search for the B'Moth, a mission Klingon war ship that is missing near the Cardassian border. Martok takes command of the "Rotarran," with Worf as his First Office and Dax as the Science Officer. However, they are surprised to learn that this Klingon crew has been beaten up by a long string of losses to the Jem'Hadar. Martok declares that what this crew needs is a victory to improve morale, but when the opportunity comes for the cloaked Klingon ship to attack a Jem'Hadar vessel, he lets it slip away. Worf decides that there is only one course of action dictated by honor, and that is to challenge Martok for command of the ship.

My biggest complaint about season five of "DS9" is that the war with the Dominion gets ignored in a lot of these episodes. "Soldiers of the Empire" is the exception that proves the rule, because it hints at the hard struggle the Klingons have been facing against the Jem'Haddar and Cardassians while we have been watching comic relief episodes focusing on Quark. But somewhere out there in the "Star Trek" universe a war is going on and this episode provides some evidence of what is happening. Of course, most episodes focusing on Worf and the Klingons are above average, and this one is no exception. Plus you have Dax, who is proving to be as much of a Klingon purist as her beau.

If you love the Klingons, this is for you!
For fans of the Warrior Race, "Soldiers of the Empire" is arguably the best Klingon episodes of any Trek series. The entire story is set on a Klingon Bird of Prey. Worf boards as Exec, to bolster the shaky leadership of the warship's commander, General Martok. Jadzia Dax signs on as a subordinate bridge-officer, to monitor the growing unrest of the Klingon crew. Having suffered some humiliating defeats by Dominion forces, the warriors are now further demoralized by Martok's cowardly avoidance of combat. Resentment is rampant and to Dax's dismay, Martok and even Worf seem oblivious to the impending mutiny. How disaster is averted, and the very Klingon manner in which Worf restores Martok's confidence and command make for a good story. Even better are the characterizations of the Klingon crew, who are not just stereotypical berzerkers. Borrowing heavily from the definitive novel "The Final Reflection", they are scripted as interesting but alien people with individual strengths and weaknesses. Particularly compelling is the female engineer who fearlessly asserts her position as third in command. And David Graf, best known for his comic portrayal of firearms-fanatic Officer Tackleberry ("Police Academy") gives a delightful performance as the frustrated helmsman. Perhaps the sweetest treat for Trekdom's klinfans is the cast's rousing battle-ballad with singable lyrics in the authentic klingo-lingo. "Soldiers of the Empire" provides little of plot-importance to DS9's ongoing space-opera, but it is certainly one of the most enjoyable episodes of the series.

One of the Great Klingon Episodes!
Why is paramount withholding these great episodes? This like almost all of Deep Space 9 was such a great episode. Is it revenge for our love of this series or just a plot to bleed even more money out of us. Can anyone at Paramount answere this question? ... Read more

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Stop the presses. Lwaxana Troi is married and pregnant!
Actually, "The Muse" is about a psychic vampire named Onaya, who shows up and takes Jake the aspiring writer under her wing. As she inspires him to write the most ambitious novel he can think of, she massages the poor kid's head and literally feeds off his creative energies sending Jake to the infirmary in a state of near synaptic collapse. Meanwhile, Lwaxana Troi shows up PREGNANT! Seems she has married a Tavnian named Jeyal who learned their child was going to be male and immediately invoked the tradition of his people to raise male children away from their mother. Apparently the telepathic former Mrs. Troi could not see this coming because Betazoids cannot read Tavnians; I am surprise Lwaxana wanted that sort of a relationship (or that Mr. Homm, Deanna, Captain Picard or the kid down the street did not do any computer research on their culture). So she comes running to Odo, who, of course, will help her get out of this little jam. As much as I like watching the interaction between Lwaxana and Odo, this is a bit over the top, which makes it a below-average plotline. But the Jake and the Muse plotline is slightly above average, so it all balances out in the end. However, I do wonder if the writer of this episode is trying to say something about the producers of Star Trek...

What you won't do for love!
I thought this was a cool episode! Especially when we find out that Lwaxana Troi finally got married and on top of that, she's explosively pregnant! Only thing about it is that Lwaxana's new hubby wants to keep her imprisoned and take away her baby when it is born; and the mother is never allowed to see her child according to Tavnian law girls are raised by women, girls by men, there fore going back on his promise to treat her as if she were his wife rather than his property- and you don't want to try to imprison a fireball like Lwaxana Troi. And wouldn't it just figure that the only one who can help her keep her baby is the main one whose been avoiding her from day one of their meeting - Odo!

You have got see how! It's a real chick flick with a kick!

Boring...
This is a terrible outing for the Deep Space Nine team, it concentrates on Jake and his new found friend, some witch like women called Onaya. Using some strange energy field she allows Jake to write more than he has ever written before, addicted to this ladies strange field Jake becomes a walking talking Zombie. It takes ages for everyone to realises, which just means we have to sit through 40 minutes of rubbish, a lame script that wastes the talent of Ciroc Loftman and Avery Brooks. ... Read more

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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

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

Reviews (6)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (3)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (2)

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

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

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

Reviews (7)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (3)

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

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

Teleplay by: Philip Lazebnik

Story bu: Ira Steven Behr & James Crocker

Directed by: Avery Brooks

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

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

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

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

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

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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 Cairnwido