Game The Most Disliked Romance-Of-The-Week Episode

[Qonundrum]

A few to save, a few to heckle, a few in an n-way tie...

TNG, Season 1: “Haven”​

The arranged marriage routine is a bit soft around the edges, like dunking a box of spaghetti into water and not heating it up for a week and watching with glee as even softer mold spores form and spread... But the tragedy of Wyatt finding true love with a person with an incurable disease, despite being a little corny, is more than made up for as to HOW the Tarellians got their ailment and how other species reacted to them - a subplot equally worthy of time if not more as it's pretty dark and morbid stuff, except the episode doesn't quite know how to handle its best plot points and there's a lot more they could have done instead of focusing on a cringey, campy atte-- Ugh... Not going to describe it, phillips head screw-it. See for yourself (hair and all) what they wanted to spend more time on:

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

(Also, notice how Data smiles at 0:19... dirty ol' droid...)

That's a second-rate scene from "Dynasty", with some LSD added to be sure - just not the amount that was apparently intended for Richard Nixon, wow... Though Data's line at the end almost begins to make up for it. The Dynasty-in-space scene, that is... Then again, one can still smell the hairspray and be thankful that "Smellovision" never took off... the only thing worse than tons of hairspray are the sci-fi movies set in jungles or wastelands and all people do is fight. Body odor and/or pheromones would be annoying for sure...

At least the infamous scene was in a new part of the ship, unfortunately never to be used again.

And Crusher spits out "you're a damned fool" in one scene, so either which way it's hard to hate... and speaking of "Damn fool", here's something from the early-2000s with the same exact title:

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

What's left:
TOS, Season 2: "The Apple"
TOS, Season 3: "The Mark Of Gideon"
TOS, Season 3: "The Lights Of Zetar"
TOS, Season 3: "Requiem For Methuselah"
TNG, Season 2: “Loud As A Whisper”
TNG, Season 2: “The Icarus Factor”
TNG, Season 2: “Up The Long Ladder”
TNG, Season 3: “Booby Trap”
TNG, Season 3: “The Price”
TNG, Season 3: “The Vengeance Factor”
TNG, Season 4: “The Host”
TNG, Season 4: “In Theory”
TNG, Season 5: “The Masterpiece Society”
TNG, Season 5: "Cost Of Living"
TNG, Season 6: “Aquiel”
TNG, Season 6: "Birthright"
DS9, Season 2: “Melora”
DS9, Season 2: “Second Sight”
DS9, Season 2: “Profit And Loss”
DS9, Season 3: “Meridian”
DS9, Season 6: “Resurrection”
DS9, Season 7: “Chrysalis”
VOY, Season 1: "Prime Factors"
VOY, Season 2: "Non Sequitur"
VOY, Season 3: “Alter Ego”
VOY, Season 3: “Darkling”
VOY, Season 4: “Unforgettable”
VOY, Season 5: “The Disease”
VOY, Season 6: “Fair Haven”
VOY, Season 6: "Ashes To Ashes"
VOY, Season 6/7: "Unimatrix Zero, Part I & II"
VOY, Season 7: “Prophecy”
VOY, Season 7: "Workforce, Part I & II"
ENT, Season 1: “Civilization”
ENT, Season 1: "Two Days And Two Nights"
ENT, Season 4: "Demons/TerraPrime"

 

[Seven of Five]

I'm the person who likes The Icarus Factor, so that's my next save. I quite like the relationship between Pulaski and Kyle Riker, and Will's issues with his father are interesting enough. I also love Worf's issues regarding his Age of Ascension.

TOS, Season 2: "The Apple"
TOS, Season 3: "The Mark Of Gideon"
TOS, Season 3: "The Lights Of Zetar"
TOS, Season 3: "Requiem For Methuselah"
TNG, Season 1: “Haven”
TNG, Season 2: “Loud As A Whisper”
TNG, Season 2: “Up The Long Ladder”
TNG, Season 3: “Booby Trap”
TNG, Season 3: “The Price”
TNG, Season 3: “The Vengeance Factor”
TNG, Season 4: “The Host”
TNG, Season 4: “In Theory”
TNG, Season 5: “The Masterpiece Society”
TNG, Season 5: "Cost Of Living"
TNG, Season 6: “Aquiel”
TNG, Season 6: "Birthright"
DS9, Season 2: “Melora”
DS9, Season 2: “Second Sight”
DS9, Season 2: “Profit And Loss”
DS9, Season 3: “Meridian”
DS9, Season 6: “Resurrection”
DS9, Season 7: “Chrysalis”
VOY, Season 1: "Prime Factors"
VOY, Season 2: "Non Sequitur"
VOY, Season 3: “Alter Ego”
VOY, Season 3: “Darkling”
VOY, Season 4: “Unforgettable”
VOY, Season 5: “The Disease”
VOY, Season 6: “Fair Haven”
VOY, Season 6: "Ashes To Ashes"
VOY, Season 6/7: "Unimatrix Zero, Part I & II"
VOY, Season 7: “Prophecy”
VOY, Season 7: "Workforce, Part I & II"
ENT, Season 1: “Civilization”
ENT, Season 1: "Two Days And Two Nights"
ENT, Season 4: "Demons/TerraPrime"

 

[Qonundrum]

Ship in the Bottle is next for me. I loved Moriarty as an adversary, and his happy ending with the Countess (from their point of view at least) was nice.

I wish they mentioned Dr Pulaski. It's ironic that a sentient computer program acts as if she never existed and he had the hots for her too., wanting to fill her with his crumpets... (That ain't me, he says it verbatim at the end of "Elementary, Dear Data"!)

I'm the person who likes The Icarus Factor, so that's my next save. I quite like the relationship between Pulaski and Kyle Riker, and Will's issues with his father are interesting enough. I also love Worf's issues regarding his Age of Ascension.

TOS, Season 2: "The Apple"
TOS, Season 3: "The Mark Of Gideon"
TOS, Season 3: "The Lights Of Zetar"
TOS, Season 3: "Requiem For Methuselah"
TNG, Season 2: “Loud As A Whisper”
TNG, Season 2: “Up The Long Ladder”
TNG, Season 3: “Booby Trap”
TNG, Season 3: “The Price”
TNG, Season 3: “The Vengeance Factor”
TNG, Season 4: “The Host”
TNG, Season 4: “In Theory”
TNG, Season 5: “The Masterpiece Society”
TNG, Season 5: "Cost Of Living"
TNG, Season 6: “Aquiel”
TNG, Season 6: "Birthright"
DS9, Season 2: “Melora”
DS9, Season 2: “Second Sight”
DS9, Season 2: “Profit And Loss”
DS9, Season 3: “Meridian”
DS9, Season 6: “Resurrection”
DS9, Season 7: “Chrysalis”
VOY, Season 1: "Prime Factors"
VOY, Season 2: "Non Sequitur"
VOY, Season 3: “Alter Ego”
VOY, Season 3: “Darkling”
VOY, Season 4: “Unforgettable”
VOY, Season 5: “The Disease”
VOY, Season 6: “Fair Haven”
VOY, Season 6: "Ashes To Ashes"
VOY, Season 6/7: "Unimatrix Zero, Part I & II"
VOY, Season 7: “Prophecy”
VOY, Season 7: "Workforce, Part I & II"
ENT, Season 1: “Civilization”
ENT, Season 1: "Two Days And Two Nights"
ENT, Season 4: "Demons/TerraPrime"

Dr Pulaski gets some good treatment in that episode from what I recall. Riker's solid. Loved the Worf subplot.

 

[Qonundrum]

Saving "THE PARADISE SYNDROME".

Kirk happy and in love with a wife was nice to see, because you can see he loves fully and without reservation. It was truly tragic that he not only lost his wife, but his unborn child.

People tend to forget that TOS had a LOT of dark or unhappy endings... "WHERE NO MAN HAS GONE BEFORE", "THE MAN TRAP", "CHARLIE X", "BALANCE OF TERROR", "THE ALTERNATIVE FACTOR", "THE CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER", A PRIVATE LITTLE WAR", and a number of others. This was another reminder of how it's not always a happy ending.

That's another one I would have saved. Shatner's playing it largely straight, which helps, and that ending is one hell of a downer for TOS. Pretty morbid too - wife and unborn baby stoned to death. It wasn't holding anything back and sugarcoating nothing.

True, TOS had numerous neutral or sad endings. By TOS standards, this one (IMHO) is the grimmest bar none. It looks the most personal since we're given an hour to get to know the characters, in ways those other stories didn't. (Those worked on their own merits, TPS having its own so it's not a recognizable retread of old themes.)

The actual romance felt more authentic than most of Kirk's encounters as well. I blame it on the acting and onscreen chemistry between the actors. (Unlike, say, Scotty and Romaine in the episode penned by Shari Lewis and Lambchop).

Margaret Armen had the guts of this episode really well and taut. Salish makes for a very strong villain, up there with Khan in some ways. One of the few where a sequel isn't entirely unthinkable, but contriving his return or the return to the planet would be too much of a stretch despite the character's strengths.

Some of the content is well-meaning but contentious - depending on which reviews you read, the story mixes familiar and unfamiliar elements that leads to some contention, and such reviews are not necessarily wrong. But the episode also created The Preservers, and other races in TNG to help make more out of the concept and explain a few canonical holes.

I'm just going to quote the end of the episode's transcripts:

KIRK: How is she?
MCCOY: She had bad internal injuries, Jim.
KIRK: Will she live?
MCCOY: No.
MIRAMANEE: (in pain) Kirok. It is true. You are safe.
KIRK: And so are your people, Miramanee.
MIRAMANEE: I knew you would save them, my chief. When I am better, it will be as it was, will it not?
KIRK: If that's what you want.
MIRAMANEE: We will live long and happy lives. I will bear you many strong sons. I'll love you always.
KIRK: And I'll love you, Miramanee. Always.
(He kisses her.)
MIRAMANEE: Each kiss is as the first. (she dies)

Few TV episodes make me shed a tear. That one does. Kirk proverbially biting his upper lip for the sake of his dying love interest is a mammoth scene in of itself. and in so many ways Watching him remain so poised to someone he genuinely loved so deeply - that's palpable. (And Kirk wouldn't mind having daughters either...)

 

[Brennyren]

"Requiem for Methusalah" was not without its creep factor, what with "Flint" designing his own daughter/lover. But his whole character concept was an interesting conceit, and Rayna came off as a true innocent, which can't be easy to play. And Spock's compassion for Kirk's heartbreak was nice to see -- though after Star Trek V, one does have to wonder how Jim would feel if he knew Spock had taken his pain away! (Of course, he would trust Spock's motives far more than he trusted Sybok's.)

TOS, Season 2: "The Apple"
TOS, Season 3: "The Mark Of Gideon"
TOS, Season 3: "The Lights Of Zetar"
TNG, Season 2: “Loud As A Whisper”
TNG, Season 2: “Up The Long Ladder”
TNG, Season 3: “Booby Trap”
TNG, Season 3: “The Price”
TNG, Season 3: “The Vengeance Factor”
TNG, Season 4: “The Host”
TNG, Season 4: “In Theory”
TNG, Season 5: “The Masterpiece Society”
TNG, Season 5: "Cost Of Living"
TNG, Season 6: “Aquiel”
TNG, Season 6: "Birthright"
DS9, Season 2: “Melora”
DS9, Season 2: “Second Sight”
DS9, Season 2: “Profit And Loss”
DS9, Season 3: “Meridian”
DS9, Season 6: “Resurrection”
DS9, Season 7: “Chrysalis”
VOY, Season 1: "Prime Factors"
VOY, Season 2: "Non Sequitur"
VOY, Season 3: “Alter Ego”
VOY, Season 3: “Darkling”
VOY, Season 4: “Unforgettable”
VOY, Season 5: “The Disease”
VOY, Season 6: “Fair Haven”
VOY, Season 6: "Ashes To Ashes"
VOY, Season 6/7: "Unimatrix Zero, Part I & II"
VOY, Season 7: “Prophecy”
VOY, Season 7: "Workforce, Part I & II"
ENT, Season 1: “Civilization”
ENT, Season 1: "Two Days And Two Nights"
ENT, Season 4: "Demons/TerraPrime"

 

[Qonundrum]

Loved "Requiem", and I suspect Spock did the "Forget" thing on him after Miramannee too... season 3 had an upside of Kirk's relationships feeling more substantial than his flings from season 2 (most noteworthy being Shahna...)

TNG, Season 3: “Booby Trap”​

There are lots of Boobies in this one...

Picard's love of old ancient ships and model toys helps get Enterprise into the trap (though in fairness he knew nothing of the bigger trap!)

Geordi asks the computer to make a simulation and accepts a 7% margin of error, which is remarkably big. It's also the computer that initiates giving backrubs based on its re-creation of Brahams' personality based on available accessible data and nothing more, with Geordi saying it's inappropriate. 60s and 70s tv shows all used exposition to lampoon computer logic screwing up. This episode does "show vs tell" and is so much more interesting as a result.

The Promelian cruiser's captain discusses the love of his crew. Of course, they all ended up fried like the marshmallows that scouts devour at the campfire.

The love of staying alive gets everyone out of the trap.

Ron Jones' love of experimental music styles got too far, hence the final action scene having a partial re-use of a season 2 score ("Where Silence Has Lease").

But Worf was never a boy, so there's no love lost there...


I found three exemplary clips from that episode...

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

...if TNG was The Orville.


TOS, Season 2: "The Apple"
TOS, Season 3: "The Mark Of Gideon"
TOS, Season 3: "The Lights Of Zetar"
TNG, Season 2: “Loud As A Whisper”
TNG, Season 2: “Up The Long Ladder”
TNG, Season 3: “The Price”
TNG, Season 3: “The Vengeance Factor”
TNG, Season 4: “The Host”
TNG, Season 4: “In Theory”
TNG, Season 5: “The Masterpiece Society”
TNG, Season 5: "Cost Of Living"
TNG, Season 6: “Aquiel”
TNG, Season 6: "Birthright"
DS9, Season 2: “Melora”
DS9, Season 2: “Second Sight”
DS9, Season 2: “Profit And Loss”
DS9, Season 3: “Meridian”
DS9, Season 6: “Resurrection”
DS9, Season 7: “Chrysalis”
VOY, Season 1: "Prime Factors"
VOY, Season 2: "Non Sequitur"
VOY, Season 3: “Alter Ego”
VOY, Season 3: “Darkling”
VOY, Season 4: “Unforgettable”
VOY, Season 5: “The Disease”
VOY, Season 6: “Fair Haven”
VOY, Season 6: "Ashes To Ashes"
VOY, Season 6/7: "Unimatrix Zero, Part I & II"
VOY, Season 7: “Prophecy”
VOY, Season 7: "Workforce, Part I & II"
ENT, Season 1: “Civilization”
ENT, Season 1: "Two Days And Two Nights"
ENT, Season 4: "Demons/TerraPrime"

 

[Seven of Five]

I love The Workforce two-parter, though the romance between Tom and B'Elanna despite their memory wipe was very sweet. That romance was more interesting to me than the one Janeway had with Jaffen.

It was cool seeing a focus on the under-used characters, especially seeing them have to rescue the rest of the crew. The follow-up on the ECH was good as well.

TOS, Season 2: "The Apple"
TOS, Season 3: "The Mark Of Gideon"
TOS, Season 3: "The Lights Of Zetar"
TNG, Season 2: “Loud As A Whisper”
TNG, Season 2: “Up The Long Ladder”
TNG, Season 3: “The Price”
TNG, Season 3: “The Vengeance Factor”
TNG, Season 4: “The Host”
TNG, Season 4: “In Theory”
TNG, Season 5: “The Masterpiece Society”
TNG, Season 5: "Cost Of Living"
TNG, Season 6: “Aquiel”
TNG, Season 6: "Birthright"
DS9, Season 2: “Melora”
DS9, Season 2: “Second Sight”
DS9, Season 2: “Profit And Loss”
DS9, Season 3: “Meridian”
DS9, Season 6: “Resurrection”
DS9, Season 7: “Chrysalis”
VOY, Season 1: "Prime Factors"
VOY, Season 2: "Non Sequitur"
VOY, Season 3: “Alter Ego”
VOY, Season 3: “Darkling”
VOY, Season 4: “Unforgettable”
VOY, Season 5: “The Disease”
VOY, Season 6: “Fair Haven”
VOY, Season 6: "Ashes To Ashes"
VOY, Season 6/7: "Unimatrix Zero, Part I & II"
VOY, Season 7: “Prophecy”
ENT, Season 1: “Civilization”
ENT, Season 1: "Two Days And Two Nights"
ENT, Season 4: "Demons/TerraPrime"

 

[Sakonna]

"Up The Long Ladder" Do any of these other romances present washing feet as the most erotic act a person can do? No they do not!

One of Trek's most memorable so-bad-it's-good hours.

TOS, Season 2: "The Apple"
TOS, Season 3: "The Mark Of Gideon"
TOS, Season 3: "The Lights Of Zetar"
TNG, Season 2: “Loud As A Whisper”
TNG, Season 3: “The Price”
TNG, Season 3: “The Vengeance Factor”
TNG, Season 4: “The Host”
TNG, Season 4: “In Theory”
TNG, Season 5: “The Masterpiece Society”
TNG, Season 5: "Cost Of Living"
TNG, Season 6: “Aquiel”
TNG, Season 6: "Birthright"
DS9, Season 2: “Melora”
DS9, Season 2: “Second Sight”
DS9, Season 2: “Profit And Loss”
DS9, Season 3: “Meridian”
DS9, Season 6: “Resurrection”
DS9, Season 7: “Chrysalis”
VOY, Season 1: "Prime Factors"
VOY, Season 2: "Non Sequitur"
VOY, Season 3: “Alter Ego”
VOY, Season 3: “Darkling”
VOY, Season 4: “Unforgettable”
VOY, Season 5: “The Disease”
VOY, Season 6: “Fair Haven”
VOY, Season 6: "Ashes To Ashes"
VOY, Season 6/7: "Unimatrix Zero, Part I & II"
VOY, Season 7: “Prophecy”
ENT, Season 1: “Civilization”
ENT, Season 1: "Two Days And Two Nights"
ENT, Season 4: "Demons/TerraPrime"

 

[Richard S. Ta]

Enterprise: Civilisation I saw this one quite recently. It's one that's actually become better in my mind after a few months distance from it. The chemistry between Bakula and Diane DiLascio worked. I think one of the things I don't like about it is that it is a one episode romance. It would have been cool to see Riann again.

TOS, Season 2: "The Apple"
TOS, Season 3: "The Mark Of Gideon"
TOS, Season 3: "The Lights Of Zetar"
TNG, Season 2: “Loud As A Whisper”
TNG, Season 3: “The Price”
TNG, Season 3: “The Vengeance Factor”
TNG, Season 4: “The Host”
TNG, Season 4: “In Theory”
TNG, Season 5: “The Masterpiece Society”
TNG, Season 5: "Cost Of Living"
TNG, Season 6: “Aquiel”
TNG, Season 6: "Birthright"
DS9, Season 2: “Melora”
DS9, Season 2: “Second Sight”
DS9, Season 2: “Profit And Loss”
DS9, Season 3: “Meridian”
DS9, Season 6: “Resurrection”
DS9, Season 7: “Chrysalis”
VOY, Season 1: "Prime Factors"
VOY, Season 2: "Non Sequitur"
VOY, Season 3: “Alter Ego”
VOY, Season 3: “Darkling”
VOY, Season 4: “Unforgettable”
VOY, Season 5: “The Disease”
VOY, Season 6: “Fair Haven”
VOY, Season 6: "Ashes To Ashes"
VOY, Season 6/7: "Unimatrix Zero, Part I & II"
VOY, Season 7: “Prophecy”
ENT, Season 1: "Two Days And Two Nights"
ENT, Season 4: "Demons/TerraPrime"

 

[Cyfa]

I'll give you my analysis on why "PRECIOUS CARGO" was appalingly bad.

First, 'Romance of the Week' episodes rely almost entirely on the chemistry of the couple in question. Here, the 'chemistry' was so forced and artificial that it just automatically brought down the episode.

Second, while having two types of plots or stories used in the same episode is old hat by the time this was produced, it just didn't work. A kidnapping plot and romance between them just felt like no real thought was put into it. (Despite the fact it was a direct callback to TNG's "The Perfect Mate", which was a FAR superior episode and romance.) Slapping together two stories and hoping it works was not a strategy conducive to a good production.

Third, her character was just so IRRITATING. Maybe it's a personal bias, but I cannot stand snobs. They are annoying, rude, and are just such a chore to even be around that it's impossible for me to hide my disgust. Watching snobs is even worse... it's one of the reasons why I don't watch any reality shows. So many of them are snobs of the worst kind, and really show just how much humans don't really deserve to exist.

Fourth, the guest actress was terrible. Just absolutely, horribly, terrible. STAR TREK usually does well in the casting department, but this was an utter, total failure. Which is a major problem here, since the episode relies so heavily on the guest romance.

If I were to be completely honest, "THESE ARE THE VOYAGES..." is actually superior to "PRECIOUS CARGO". And everyone knows how much I DESPISE that episode. But that episode MIGHT be better if it was not the series finale, and Frakes always gives his all. But it will always rank as my most hated episode because of so many factors that would make this post far longer than it should be.

But "PRECIOUS CARGO"... nothing precious about this episode. It is one of the extremely few episodes in the franchise that I cannot defend its existence.

If you like it, more power to you. But I hope I clarified on why this episode is hated. At least, from my point of view.

- Oh, wow! Yes, I understand why you hate it so much now - and thank you for taking the time to explain your reasons. I'd read bits and bobs from other people who despise it, but they were just that: bits and bobs - nothing particularly comprehensive like this.
Fortunately, when I watch "Precious Cargo" I see it as a bit of light entertainment, some amusing escapist fluff that wouldn't affect the Trek Universe if it didn't exist, so your reasons haven't given me second thoughts (phew!).

It was the episode that ended my fandom back in the day! I started waffling in Voyager season 5, slowly missing a greater number of episodes as we went along, and when I caught "Precious Cargo" I declared for the first time "that's it, I am DONE with Star Trek!"

Though, that clearly didn't take. But not until the Kelvin films, I was done with Enterprise! (I think I only came back for "The Expanse" and "These Are The Voyages")

- Ha ha! Yes, I seem to remember reading in another thread that "Precious Cargo" was your final straw. I'm glad you made it back.

Everyone hates it, but I've always enjoyed "Unexpected." Maybe I'm just such a big fan of Trip I can't think straight.

I also always say the best thing about Enterprise was that it was the first Berman Trek to objectify the men as much as the women, so the Archer shower teaser makes a nice statement of purpose in that regard as well.

- I must admit, I'm a huge Trip fan, too, so any episode in which he's running around in his undercrackers is an automatic favourite

Now, back to the romances, I'm going to have to do some research on the remaining episodes because not one of them that's left has me thinking "Ooh! I must watch that again!" (which is one of my main criteria when it comes to making a choice).

 

[Oddish]

They're starting to get pretty dismal at this point. But, I will give some love to the Terra Prime two-parter. The romance was forgettable, but the show itself was good. A far better goodbye than the "These Are the Voyages" abomination.

TOS, Season 2: "The Apple"
TOS, Season 3: "The Mark Of Gideon"
TOS, Season 3: "The Lights Of Zetar"
TNG, Season 2: “Loud As A Whisper”
TNG, Season 3: “The Price”
TNG, Season 3: “The Vengeance Factor”
TNG, Season 4: “The Host”
TNG, Season 4: “In Theory”
TNG, Season 5: “The Masterpiece Society”
TNG, Season 5: "Cost Of Living"
TNG, Season 6: “Aquiel”
TNG, Season 6: "Birthright"
DS9, Season 2: “Melora”
DS9, Season 2: “Second Sight”
DS9, Season 2: “Profit And Loss”
DS9, Season 3: “Meridian”
DS9, Season 6: “Resurrection”
DS9, Season 7: “Chrysalis”
VOY, Season 1: "Prime Factors"
VOY, Season 2: "Non Sequitur"
VOY, Season 3: “Alter Ego”
VOY, Season 3: “Darkling”
VOY, Season 4: “Unforgettable”
VOY, Season 5: “The Disease”
VOY, Season 6: "Fair Haven"
VOY, Season 6: "Ashes To Ashes"
VOY, Season 6/7: "Unimatrix Zero, Part I & II"
VOY, Season 7: “Prophecy”
ENT, Season 1: "Two Days And Two Nights"

 

[CorporalCaptain]

Choosing VOY, Season 6: "Ashes To Ashes"
Weird, but original. The Kobali are unique among species of the franchise.

TOS, Season 2: "The Apple"
TOS, Season 3: "The Mark Of Gideon"
TOS, Season 3: "The Lights Of Zetar"
TNG, Season 2: “Loud As A Whisper”
TNG, Season 3: “The Price”
TNG, Season 3: “The Vengeance Factor”
TNG, Season 4: “The Host”
TNG, Season 4: “In Theory”
TNG, Season 5: “The Masterpiece Society”
TNG, Season 5: "Cost Of Living"
TNG, Season 6: “Aquiel”
TNG, Season 6: "Birthright"
DS9, Season 2: “Melora”
DS9, Season 2: “Second Sight”
DS9, Season 2: “Profit And Loss”
DS9, Season 3: “Meridian”
DS9, Season 6: “Resurrection”
DS9, Season 7: “Chrysalis”
VOY, Season 1: "Prime Factors"
VOY, Season 2: "Non Sequitur"
VOY, Season 3: “Alter Ego”
VOY, Season 3: “Darkling”
VOY, Season 4: “Unforgettable”
VOY, Season 5: “The Disease”
VOY, Season 6: "Fair Haven"
VOY, Season 6/7: "Unimatrix Zero, Part I & II"
VOY, Season 7: “Prophecy”
ENT, Season 1: "Two Days And Two Nights"

 

[Brennyren]

"Loud as a Whisper" was a solid episode with an interesting and unusual premise. Nice work by guest star Howie Seago.

So many episodes left!

TOS, Season 2: "The Apple"
TOS, Season 3: "The Mark Of Gideon"
TOS, Season 3: "The Lights Of Zetar"
TNG, Season 3: “The Price”
TNG, Season 3: “The Vengeance Factor”
TNG, Season 4: “The Host”
TNG, Season 4: “In Theory”
TNG, Season 5: “The Masterpiece Society”
TNG, Season 5: "Cost Of Living"
TNG, Season 6: “Aquiel”
TNG, Season 6: "Birthright"
DS9, Season 2: “Melora”
DS9, Season 2: “Second Sight”
DS9, Season 2: “Profit And Loss”
DS9, Season 3: “Meridian”
DS9, Season 6: “Resurrection”
DS9, Season 7: “Chrysalis”
VOY, Season 1: "Prime Factors"
VOY, Season 2: "Non Sequitur"
VOY, Season 3: “Alter Ego”
VOY, Season 3: “Darkling”
VOY, Season 4: “Unforgettable”
VOY, Season 5: “The Disease”
VOY, Season 6: "Fair Haven"
VOY, Season 6/7: "Unimatrix Zero, Part I & II"
VOY, Season 7: “Prophecy”
ENT, Season 1: "Two Days And Two Nights"

 

[Qonundrum]

A few left are worth plucking like a harp:

TOS, Season 3: "The Lights Of Zetar"​

The main concept of aliens who formed an incorporeal entity isn't new, but the script takes a rather creepy horror-driven approach and succeeds nicely on that front. There is some great suspense to be had.

The effects of the Zetarians on the Alphans are also suitably creepy.

Shari Lewis had too much help from Lambchop as some of the story's logistics are questionable. Yes, a few logistical details are apparent, but overlooking those and accepting the proceedings as shown yields some very effective results and are easy enough to roll along with despite plot nitpicks. Season 3's done some bad stuff. This one is more "lost potential" than "genuinely bad". The feel and tone of the episode more than make up to it. I do like this one.

At least Memory Alpha and Risa both have the same ludicrous ideologies about having absolutely zero security because everything is open and free, from books to space syphilis.

Romaine wasn't given much background or detail. The bowl of salad of the same name has more substance to it. It's no wonder the actress sleepwalked through it. Jan Shutan has something of a career in the industry so I'm not blaming her as an actress. There's not much in the role to really do much with.

The Scotty/Romaine relationship is probably fine on paper, but on screen feels rather stock and lifeless, and neither actor has any chemistry to make any of it even remotely believable. Hell, I'd have liked to have seen Shari Lewis in the role (which she wanted) because I suspect she would have put more into the role and might have had a modicum of onscreen chemistry with Doohan. A missed opportunity, even if it was self-promotional. When done right it can work. When done wrong, people would only ask who else might do it better.


What's left:
TOS, Season 2: "The Apple"
TOS, Season 3: "The Mark Of Gideon"
TNG, Season 2: “Loud As A Whisper”
TNG, Season 3: “The Price”
TNG, Season 3: “The Vengeance Factor”
TNG, Season 4: “The Host”
TNG, Season 4: “In Theory”
TNG, Season 5: “The Masterpiece Society”
TNG, Season 5: "Cost Of Living"
TNG, Season 6: “Aquiel”
TNG, Season 6: "Birthright"
DS9, Season 2: “Melora”
DS9, Season 2: “Second Sight”
DS9, Season 2: “Profit And Loss”
DS9, Season 3: “Meridian”
DS9, Season 6: “Resurrection”
DS9, Season 7: “Chrysalis”
VOY, Season 1: "Prime Factors"
VOY, Season 2: "Non Sequitur"
VOY, Season 3: “Alter Ego”
VOY, Season 3: “Darkling”
VOY, Season 4: “Unforgettable”
VOY, Season 5: “The Disease”
VOY, Season 6: "Fair Haven"
VOY, Season 6/7: "Unimatrix Zero, Part I & II"
VOY, Season 7: “Prophecy”
ENT, Season 1: "Two Days And Two Nights"

 

[Sakonna]

There are still a lot here I have various degree of warm feelings for. I will next save "Prophecy" -- Neelix has more chemistry with that Klingon woman in this one episode, than he did with Kes collectively in their 3 seasons together.

- I must admit, I'm a huge Trip fan, too, so any episode in which he's running around in his undercrackers is an automatic favourite

Funny you should say that! To link it back to "Precious Cargo", as I posted upthread, that was actually the episode when I initially gave up on my Trek fandom (I had started missing episodes during VOY season 5, and kept missing them at progressively higher rates till "Precious Cargo" got me to intentionally stop). But to drill down more specifically, it was during the climax I thought to myself: "Trip is now wrestling in wet underwear, and I am still not liking it. If even Trip wrestling in wet underwear can't get you, you really are DONE with this show!"

Now this is making me feel I should have maybe saved "Two Days And Two Nights" this turn... maybe the next one...

And as a huge fan of "Top Chef" (hosted by the same woman who guests as Kaitaama in "Precious Cargo"), I now even get a retroactive kick out of seeing her in Trek.

So many episodes left!

Tell me about it! I was trying to time it out so this would wrap up at the right moment for "The Most Disliked Holiday Episode" to be posted for First Contact Day tomorrow. I think we'll make it!

TOS, Season 2: "The Apple"
TOS, Season 3: "The Mark Of Gideon"
TNG, Season 3: “The Price”
TNG, Season 3: “The Vengeance Factor”
TNG, Season 4: “The Host”
TNG, Season 4: “In Theory”
TNG, Season 5: “The Masterpiece Society”
TNG, Season 5: "Cost Of Living"
TNG, Season 6: “Aquiel”
TNG, Season 6: "Birthright"
DS9, Season 2: “Melora”
DS9, Season 2: “Second Sight”
DS9, Season 2: “Profit And Loss”
DS9, Season 3: “Meridian”
DS9, Season 6: “Resurrection”
DS9, Season 7: “Chrysalis”
VOY, Season 1: "Prime Factors"
VOY, Season 2: "Non Sequitur"
VOY, Season 3: “Alter Ego”
VOY, Season 3: “Darkling”
VOY, Season 4: “Unforgettable”
VOY, Season 5: “The Disease”
VOY, Season 6: "Fair Haven"
VOY, Season 6/7: "Unimatrix Zero, Part I & II"
ENT, Season 1: "Two Days And Two Nights"

 

[Summer Solstice]

There are still a lot of episodes on this list that I really like. I'm going to save "Alter Ego". It's nice to see normal life on Voyager - I love the beach party holodeck program, there are hints of the relationship between Tom and B'Elanna, Janeway and Chakotay are totally on a date. Maranya doesn't understand her own motivations and it takes Tuvok for her to understand what she's feeling and why. I love that this episode focussed a lot on Tuvok. I felt Harry learned something and although we don't see it much, there is some friendship between Tuvok and Harry after this.


TOS, Season 2: "The Apple"
TOS, Season 3: "The Mark Of Gideon"
TNG, Season 3: “The Price”
TNG, Season 3: “The Vengeance Factor”
TNG, Season 4: “The Host”
TNG, Season 4: “In Theory”
TNG, Season 5: “The Masterpiece Society”
TNG, Season 5: "Cost Of Living"
TNG, Season 6: “Aquiel”
TNG, Season 6: "Birthright"
DS9, Season 2: “Melora”
DS9, Season 2: “Second Sight”
DS9, Season 2: “Profit And Loss”
DS9, Season 3: “Meridian”
DS9, Season 6: “Resurrection”
DS9, Season 7: “Chrysalis”
VOY, Season 1: "Prime Factors"
VOY, Season 2: "Non Sequitur"
VOY, Season 3: “Darkling”
VOY, Season 4: “Unforgettable”
VOY, Season 5: “The Disease”
VOY, Season 6: "Fair Haven"
VOY, Season 6/7: "Unimatrix Zero, Part I & II"
ENT, Season 1: "Two Days And Two Nights"

 

[BillJ]

I dislike them all!

 

[Summer Solstice]

I dislike them all!

Life would be very boring if we were all the same!

 

[Qonundrum]

Another episode with a decent premise but stuffed with far too much, especially after the reveals.

TOS, Season 3: "The Mark Of Gideon"​

At face value, seeing Kirk on what is the Enterprise-but-abandoned leads to some great moments of suspense. At least until the episode explains the situation, which is a huge let-down and ripe with logistical problems. So the Gideons steal the schematics for the ship and create a mock-up, complete with blinking lights and found just enough free space to shoo away enough people crowded so tight that sardines removed from their tin are in awe. That's better suited for a Romulan episode, but it gets better:

The rest of the episode is high-concept. And "high" can mean lots of things... Their biology somehow eclipsed mortality and more and more of them accrued, like dust bunnies in a clothes dryer lint vent. Or like horny doped-up tribbles in a fisher price popping lawnmower toy. What's the solution? Systematic culling thanks due to something special in Kirk's blood. How do they transmit that? Well that's simple, they make him boink enough people until they get enough of the virus to give to others in their civilization via other means.

Man, this episode is warped, and I'm not mentioning the coordinate transposition that's aimed squarely at the audience, whom they think are (for once) solely comprised of 5 year-olds who otherwise can't figure it out. Trek's treated its audience with having a lot more intelligence in other episodes, but not all of them are going to work out. Oh well...

Not just warped, but slightly cynical - the love of life ends up having a surprisingly hateful attitude, because of the magical means that caused their people to live immortal to somehow excuse any number of one-liners with. It doesn't really add up... but the tribbles do... where's the romance music and candles? well, no space for the music and fire extinguishers, as if those would make a difference?!

Yes, the episode deals with contraceptives and such, and maybe the episode is so outlandish as being the only way to get around 1968 censors. The story has a message, but it could have been told a lot more effectively. But I'm saving it for the ideas alone, rather than the execution so over the top that watching an anthropomorphic carrot bent on metamorphosing all animal life into plants becomes more compelling as a plot device.


What's left:
TOS, Season 2: "The Apple"
TNG, Season 3: “The Price”
TNG, Season 3: “The Vengeance Factor”
TNG, Season 4: “The Host”
TNG, Season 4: “In Theory”
TNG, Season 5: “The Masterpiece Society”
TNG, Season 5: "Cost Of Living"
TNG, Season 6: “Aquiel”
TNG, Season 6: "Birthright"
DS9, Season 2: “Melora”
DS9, Season 2: “Second Sight”
DS9, Season 2: “Profit And Loss”
DS9, Season 3: “Meridian”
DS9, Season 6: “Resurrection”
DS9, Season 7: “Chrysalis”
VOY, Season 1: "Prime Factors"
VOY, Season 2: "Non Sequitur"
VOY, Season 3: “Darkling”
VOY, Season 4: “Unforgettable”
VOY, Season 5: “The Disease”
VOY, Season 6: "Fair Haven"
VOY, Season 6/7: "Unimatrix Zero, Part I & II"
ENT, Season 1: "Two Days And Two Nights"

 

[Sakonna]

I will now follow up on my comment a few posts up and save "Two Days And Two Nights." They give Trip & Reed dialogue in this that is properly repulsive, but since it's all just a justification to get them in their underwear again...

I so intensely loathe DS9's visit to Risa that I sometimes think I hate "Two Days And Two Nights" as well, merely by association. But I actually do think the other stories in this ep are kind of fun! There's an appealingly dreamy atmosphere in a lot of it.

I'd even be interested in seeing what SNW might have to offer in terms of a visit to Risa...

TOS, Season 2: "The Apple"
TNG, Season 3: “The Price”
TNG, Season 3: “The Vengeance Factor”
TNG, Season 4: “The Host”
TNG, Season 4: “In Theory”
TNG, Season 5: “The Masterpiece Society”
TNG, Season 5: "Cost Of Living"
TNG, Season 6: “Aquiel”
TNG, Season 6: "Birthright"
DS9, Season 2: “Melora”
DS9, Season 2: “Second Sight”
DS9, Season 2: “Profit And Loss”
DS9, Season 3: “Meridian”
DS9, Season 6: “Resurrection”
DS9, Season 7: “Chrysalis”
VOY, Season 1: "Prime Factors"
VOY, Season 2: "Non Sequitur"
VOY, Season 3: “Darkling”
VOY, Season 4: “Unforgettable”
VOY, Season 5: “The Disease”
VOY, Season 6: "Fair Haven"
VOY, Season 6/7: "Unimatrix Zero, Part I & II"