The Drumhead Stardate not given: When an explosion aboard the Enterprise disables the ship, its cause is suspected to be initiated by visiting Klingon officer J'Dan. As a result, investigators from Starfleet are sent to confirm this incident. However, although J'Dan is found to have been stealing data from the Enterprise, the explosion is an accident. Nevertheless, the investigators are convinced that J'Dan did not work alone, and as a result a witch hunt starts aboard the flagship of the fleet, not sparing anyone to achieve its agenda.

I love this episode because this is to me what would happen to a society dedicated to the betterment of themselves and their attitudes to other "lesser" cultures. Despite their high ideals, there is still a lot of ignorance and pride about. They claim to have shunned their old ways but when push comes to shove it can come to the surface - and in this episode this is well played out.
So many elements here to emphasise this - the immediate accusation of J'Dan because he is different - and that difference is that he is a Non-Starfleet officer - instinctual obvious choice. Then the attitudes of the investigators - noticeably Admiral Norah Satie (played well by Jean Simmons) who is no doubt proud to be heading this investigation, especially aboard the flagship of the fleet, convinced their is more to this than meets the eye. Her support in the Betazed Sabin is like interrogation PC style - subtle in appearance but brutally effective in result. Then the way the incident changes - from a simple investigation, then an accident to a blatant witch hunt. The finest part of all of this is the dialogue exchanged between Picard and Worf - Picard wisdom and experience, Worf warrior and defender. It is here that Star Trek - sci-fi at its best - makes us stop, listen, and most important of all think. No phasers, no ships, no special effects, no silliness - just good acting. Only gripe was the slight over the top challenge at Picard's trial but on the whole a real rare gem.
Remarkable quote: "Mr. Worf, villains who twirl their mustaches are easy to spot. Those who clothe themselves in good deeds are well-camouflaged." And the exchange ends on this...perfect. Here it shows that we must be vigilant, as Worf admits. And how easily we are duped by those we think have good intentions.
Remarkable dialogue: "Sir, the Federation does have enemies! We must seek them out!" - "Oh, yes. That's how it starts, but the road from legitimate suspicion to rampant paranoia is very much shorter than we think. Something is wrong here, Mr. Worf. I don't like what we have become!" (Worf - Picard: The exchange in the ready room begins with this)
From Memory Alpha: In the Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion Jeri Taylor names this episode's script as the one she was most proud of. This is one of Michael Dorn's two favorite TNG episodes, the other being "The Offspring".
Rating: 8 (Chris)

In Theory Stardate not given: Synopsis in main TNG listing

A well executed episode.
The prime story of Data and Ensign Jenna D'Sora is interesting in many ways - mainly the real differences between a mechanism and a human being. She is on the rebound and is looking for love, he is trying to understand the concept of romance via programs and recommendations.
It's bittersweet how it turns out, and there are a lot of amusing incidents here, like his chat to Worf and Riker, Picard's determined but failed attempts to elude Data's request on women, the clunky way how Data fails to see the signs of romance and the poor countermeasures employed. In the end it all falls apart, Jenna is a woman - Data is an android, and when she ends it, he deletes the program and carries on. She may be devastated, but it's inevitable looking at the way things were going to go. He is incapable of emotion.
Yet this was allowed to occur, I am amazed despite the fact that Deanna warned against this, it was permitted - more amazed that SHE did not stop this from happening. I mean for Data to "progress" is it right for a woman's at her most vulnerable to be literally exploited?
What is more surprising is that romances are allowed to blossom aboard a starship. Some will say that it encourages bonding but what happens when break ups occur? Having said that they do have families aboard...
However it's not focused on too much because the second story is far more interesting - the discovery of Dark Matter. This is what space exploration is about - encountering the unknown and how to deal with it. When it's discovered that this Dark Matter can phase shift the walls in a well executed build up series of events, the crew know they are in trouble - when Lt Van Mayter dies when she falls through the floor that then rematerialises, they know they have to escape fast.
In a spin similar to TNG: "Booby Trap", Picard once again shows why he has earned the right of command due to his vast experience - this time by using a shuttle as a guide through the nebula of Dark Matter. Yet, even with his skills and experiences, he is way out of his depth, and as he carries on guiding the Enterprise out of the nebula, his shuttle bears the brunt of the phase shifts, to such a point the vehicle becomes a death trap. Only a well executed transport saves him from the exploding shuttle.
It's a great episode - its original, well done, and worthy of a watch.
Remarkable fact: Patrick Stewart directed this episode, and is most proud of it.
Remarkable scene 1: Lt Van Mayer embedded in the floor; the chairs by the window in the ready room, and the phasing of all the panels in engineering shocking various crewmembers.
Remarkable scene 2: Picard's shuttle striking a dark matter blob, and the nacelle phasing, before the ship spins out of control and explodes.
Remarkable dialogue 1: "Captain. I am seeking advice in how to..." - "Yes, I've heard Data. And I would be delighted to offer any advice I can on understanding women. When I have some I'll let you know." -Data and Captain Picard
Remarkable dialogue 2: "I require advice." (laughs) "Don't look at me." (Data turns his head and looks away from her) -Data and Guinan
Remarkable quote: During a lover's quarrel, Data yells "I am not your mother!" to an astonished Jenna - pure class acting and comedy.
Rating: 8 (Chris S)

Redemption I/II Stardate not given: Synopsis in main TNG listing

This two parter is the result of numerous episodes that has built it up - "Reunion", "Yesterday's Enterprise", "Sins of the Father", "The Neutral Zone", and "The Mind's Eye". As in the mentioned episodes, the story is about the Romulans' plan to destroy the Federation/Klingon Alliance. In theory this should be a belter and in a way it ties up all the 'loose ends' from the previous episodes.
We learn that Gowron is to be sworn into office by right, but is challenged by the Duras family who reveal that Duras has a son, a squab called Toral. As a result they challenge Gowron's place. Gowron is the leader by right but due to corruption, tradition, and 'pride', most Klingon houses back the Duras family despite the fact that Duras's father betrayed the Khitomer colony and it is well known, but the shame of a highly respectable Klingon would tear the Empire apart (See TNG ep "Sins of the Father").
However the best kept secret to secure the stability of the nation is blasted when in a bid to keep tradition flowing Gowron refuses to bow. The Klingon Civil War all fear has begun. There are good moments in this; the above sequence is a constant reminder that burying scandal to preserve peace is like corking a fizzy drink. At some point it will give way to an explosive reaction.
There is the overall build-up, the few seen but well placed fights, and the good conclusion. Worf is the key here and is well played by Mr Dorn as best as possible. He is infuriated by the ineptness of the Klingon society, the dishonour he has to bear, and being forced to choose sides. That was a sort of shock when he leaves Star Fleet to join Gowron, but his choice is a valid one. It’s his people, his race/species, and justice of sorts needs to be done.
On Star Fleet, Picard takes the right course of action - it’s not their war, and it’s not right of him to intervene - that is down to the Federation and its governors to make that choice. However, Picard is not one who is willing to sit back either - he knows that the Romulans are behind numerous attempts to destroy the Federation/Klingon alliance, and he knows they are involved via previous evidence, and the potential of the failure of the alliance too irresistible to ignore. His idea of the Tachyon net to form a "blockade" between both the Romulans and the Klingons is well done - he knows that the Romulans would be annoyed but also there is little they can do - any act would expose their hand.
It’s in this that the entire two part episode is clunky to say the least.
First is the actress playing the Star Fleet Admiral - oh my gawd - talk about cardboard! Wood is more interesting - she overdraws every criticism, she overdoes every condemnation, and she relents in the most clumsiest manner. Wince able.
The deployment of Data to the Sutherland is another embarrassing point - Lt. C. Chris Hobson is a dreadful officer - Star Fleet is supposed to deal with the unknown and work with the unhuman, yet he wants to get off ship, challenge Data because he is a machine, and berates him for being 'inhuman'? How the hell did he get into Star Fleet? More to the point, why is he such an asshole!? It’s always the same - Data has to be the lynchpin of some conflict or incident, the cause of some prejudice (Look to Pulaski to get my point). Can't Hobson be supportive? Be a too by the book officer? Or a decent chap? His actions would have him disciplined - especially at such a critical stage with the Klingons and Romulans.
On that, first the Romulans - more to the point the return of Denise Crosby - as the Romulan nemesis Sela. Denise left because she felt that Tasha was too banal, too inept - so she returns as what? A villain who is banal and inept too....so what did her return accomplish? Also we learn that Tasha was taken from the Enterprise-C and that Guinan in her wise mage role, "knows but does not know" that Sela is Tasha's daughter - and the entire story is ruined by this stupid time travelling fiasco.
The Klingons - god sake, here we go again but more panto - they snarl, growl, challenge, drool, and the bit in their "pub" is ludicrous - head butting, fist fights for fun, arm wrestling with knives!! Getting pissed, threatening each other. No wonder Worf was mortified about planning! I am amazed that anyone DOES ANYTHING!! It was so embarrassing! The Great Klingon race reduced to pissed pub thugs.
The ending is typical but needed; Data's assignment to the Sunderland is the key to victory, and the Duras' plans fail with the sisters of Duras fleeing and leaving poor Toral at the mercies of Gowron. When Worf is given the chance to kill the poor lad, he chooses not to, and spares him - and to me the title is apt: this is Worf's redemption for the deaths and failures building up to this. His victory is not that his family name has been restored but his return to the Enterprise. He is at peace.
The best bit of all is Data's explanation to Picard why he disobeyed his orders to rejoin the fleet - he acted on a whim - but that is not the real reason - the real beauty is Picard's praise for Data's act, which he acted with the right judgement, despite the orders.
When Star Trek gets its right, its brilliant - and here it is; it’s true that many obey orders just like that - and justify actions because of it, but here is a reminder what command is about - responsibility.
6/10 overall.
Remarkable dialogue: "The claim, 'I was only following orders' has been used to justify too many tragedies in our history. Starfleet does not want officers who will blindly follow orders without analyzing the situation. Your actions were appropriate for the circumstances, and I have noted that in your record." -Captain Picard, to Data
Remarkable quote: "Mr Data - Nicely done"  Captain Picard, to Data
Rating: 6 (Chris S)

 

Proceed to TNG Season 5 Guest Reviews

Home   Top
	Last modified: 15.03.10
http://www.ex-astris-scientia.org/episodes/tng4g.htm