A Journey

[Spider]

I'm back, finally. And season four is really starting out good.

Best of Both Worlds, Pt 2 – A

The ending to the best cliffhanger in Star Trek is still enjoyable no matter how many times I see it. To bad the cliffhangers were never as good again, and frankly, I don’t like cliffhangers. One of the best episodes in Star Trek brought about its worst habit: these damn cliffhangers. Well, what can I say; it’s still wonderful to watch.

Family – A+

What a great follow up, or as some would have it, the end piece to a three parter. I didn’t care for Worf’s parents at all, but that doesn’t distract from this show. Stewart really shows his acting chops in this one, and Jeremy Kemp playing his brother was just perfect in that role. Someone should have gotten an Emmy nomination for acting in this episode from those two. Hell, I even liked Wesley’s last scene with his father.

Did you know the kid that played Rene, Picard’s nephew in this episode, really does make it into space? He plays the young Picard in Rascals.

Brothers – A

I’m either getting soft or season four really starts out good. This is a great Data episode, and Spiner does a fantastic job playing all three roles in this one. The hated Rick Berman wrote a good episode here. One of these days it might be interesting to watch all the Data/Lore episodes together, starting with the three part Enterprise episode where Spiner plays the ancestor of Soong, Arik Soong.

Suddenly Human – B-

I’ve always liked this episode for some reason, even though I can think of many reasons not to like it. That stupid sound the kids do makes my skin crawl. But I’ve always enjoyed the fact that what seemed to be abuse turns out to be something else and the Enterprise crew was all wrong about it from the start. The ending where Picard admits the mistake and the boy is returned to where he really wants to be is a good finish.

Remember Me – B-

I almost gave this a C+ for horribly embarrassing acting on the part of Wesley and the Traveler at the end when they get Beverly back, but the rest of the episode pulls it out. If there is nothing wrong with me, there must be something wrong with the universe. I’ve been saying that to myself for years, but to no effect however. A very good episode but with a very lame ending.

 

[K-Star]

Spider said:Did you know the kid that played Rene, Picard’s nephew in this episode, really does make it into space? He plays the young Picard in Rascals.

Really? I had no idea. I thought it was someone different.

Also, GAH! You've pulled ahead of me by one episode!!!

 

[Spider]

K-Star said:

Spider said:Did you know the kid that played Rene, Picard’s nephew in this episode, really does make it into space? He plays the young Picard in Rascals.

Really? I had no idea. I thought it was someone different.

Also, GAH! You've pulled ahead of me by one episode!!!

Erm....five now.

Legacy – C+

If it weren’t for Tasha Yar’s sister and some good scenes with Data, this would be nothing but a by the numbers episode for TNG. The whole thing with Ishara Yar and her relationship with Data pulled this up from average to above average, but still, a fairly ordinary episode.

Reunion – B+

I never really took to Alexander, but otherwise a first-rate Klingon episode. I really like the character of K’Ehleyr and it’s a shame she got killed off in only her second episode. I would have liked to seen a lot more of her and Worf together. They made a great pair IMO, and their relationship certainly made a lot more sense than his later pairing with Deana.

Future Imperfect – B

This episode loses a little when you know the ending, but I still enjoyed rewatching it. I still remember my reaction when I first saw this episode so many years ago when it was first telecast, and the ending caught me by complete surprise as I was thinking it was about the Romulans. Riker is one of my favorites on this cast, and it’s always good to see a Riker centered episode. It’s a damn shame we never got a Captain Riker series, I would have been a big fan of that show.

Final Mission – B-

Well, Wesley departs with a good episode. He finally acts like something other than a geeky know it all and becomes an actual person. He should have been written this way from the beginning, it would have saved us all from the typical Wesley hate threads in here.

 

[K-Star]

*is gonna try to catch up now* Well I have a new roommate, and I dunno how she feels about Star Trek yet... Guess we'll find out!

*to avoid a double post*

Remember Me - This is a WEIRD episode. Not much more I can say than that, but I do like when it all comes together at the end.

Legacy - I really feel sorry for Data in this one. I know he can't feel any emotions but no one deserves to be betrayed like that... At least she showed some concern for him by telling him to get out of there before the generator exploded.

Reunion - Never seen this one before. Another nice Klingon story, and I still really like K'elehyr or whatever her name was. Poor Worf and Alexander...

Future Imperfect - This episode is pretty interesting. I was happy to see Data as first officer, of course. I like Riker's comments to everyone when he realizes what's going on, even telling Picard to shut up.

Meh... so I didn't quite catch up yet...

 

[K-Star]

Final Mission - Pretty interesting. Nice touching scenes between Picard and Wesley.

The Loss - Ok, Troi gets to be a bit annoying with her self-pity, but I'm quite happy to see her get over it and come up with a solution. The scene where she discusses the possible solution with Data is pretty good.

 

[K-Star]

Forgive the triple post but no one's really been paying attention to this topic lately.

Data's Day - Alright, by now it should be quite obvious why I like this episode. The dance lesson is hilarious... there's just SO MANY good moments in this episode! And of course, it's all centered around my favorite character. However, this is NOT my favorite episode. More like my third or fourth favorite...

The Wounded - Interesting story, nice background for O'Brien.

Devil's Due - This is just a FUN episode, what with all of Ardra's antics and everything, and the arbitration scene. I really like when Picard turns it all back on her and eventually Data basically tells both of them "That's enough."

Clues - Interesting idea. It's a good ep to watch but I'm not particularly fond of the circumstances. It is good when it all comes together though.

First Contact - Never seen it before. I LOVE how it starts out like a modern day medical drama and then they're like "OMG HE'S AN ALIEN!" And then that one girl wants to make love to Riker just because he's an alien... ROFLMAO! It's almost like what would happen if our modern society encountered aliens, with everyone being like "OMGWTF!!!" Very entertaining episode.

Galaxy's Child - I love the whole plot with the baby entity. NOT a big fan of the Geordi/Leah subplot until it comes together in the end.

 

[WillsBabe]

Thanks for posting your reviews, K-Star. I've enjoyed reading them.

 

[tomalak301]

K-Star said:

The Wounded - Interesting story, nice background for O'Brien.

That's all you have? This episode had so much going for it, from bringing some background for O'Brien to setting a tone for DS9 that it's one of my favorite episodes of the season.

 

[K-Star]

^ Well I don't know much about DS9...

Night Terrors - This episode is pretty creepy, and includes one of the all-around lamest scenes in the series (the floating dream sequence). And of course I like the fact that Data gets to take command and orders Picard to go to bed.

Identity Crisis - Never seen this one before. Very interesting idea and entertaining story.

The Nth Degree - Probably my least favorite Barclay episode, but the "I'm afraid I can't do that" line makes it all worthwhile (and I saw it coming a mile away!) Nice to see Barclay with confidence, and the alien species encounter at the end is kinda funny.

Qpid - Just plain fun! Seen it a bit too often but it's still good! Worf's parts were hilarious (the "I am NOT a Merry Man!" line and smashing Geordi's mandolin) and the part where Troi shoots Data is really funny too. And Picard and Vash arguing instead of escaping.

 

[Spider]

I guess nobody has been watching much TNG lately.

I plan on going through at least three or four DVDs this weekend.

The Loss – C

I found this difficult to sit through, as I’m not a big fan of Sirtis when Troi is being emotional. She just doesn’t do it well. A rather mundane episode I probably wouldn’t rewatch under normal circumstances.

Data’s Day – C+

I like the Romulan sub-plot, and Data dancing, but not really the whole bit with the wedding and Keiko. Keiko is one of the filler secondary characters that I rarely enjoyed. The relationship between her and O’Brien made as much sense to me as Worf and Troi, which is not much. But the Romulans edged this episode up just a tad above average.

The Wounded – A-

This is quite possibly the best O’Brien episode on TNG. I love the bar scene with O’Brien and the Cardassian. Bob Gunton was great as Captain Maxwell, and the tension between him and Picard was excellent. This is a stand out episode for TNG. The final scene with Picard and the Cardassian captain where Picard lets him have it was great. The Cardassians and the Romulans were much better as bad guys than the over done Klingons.

Devils Due – B-

I know some people don’t like this episode, but I do. It’s not a great episode, but it’s certainly entertaining. Except for the Klingon monster, that was some bad make up there. This is one of those episodes though that loses a lot when you already know the ending. I liked Data as the Judge.

Clues – D

I just don’t like this episode because I feel that Picard is way out of character in his acquiescence with the aliens. The episode is a good mystery up until the ending where Picard basically just gives in with lines I just can’t believe he would say. The episode get’s a D just for that.

First Contact – A-

A favorite of mine. You just have to love the alien nurse saying “I’ve always wanted to make love to an alien.” The episode is a good analogy on our infatuation with UFOs. I’ve always been disappointed in the Malacorian president deciding to send Picard and the Federation on it’s way though. Somehow I don’t think that would happen if the roles were reversed with our civilization. At least I would hope so.

Galaxy’s Child – B-

I would have given this a better grade if I didn’t see so much of Wesley in Geordi in this episode. Geordi comes off as a child and a genius engineer in the same episode which is why I say that. I think the alien baby was a good example of TNG doing a credible alien instead of the usual bumpy foreheads.

 

[Spider]

Night Terrors – C+

The episode starts out much better than it ends, which was rather sudden and cheesy. It was interesting to see the crew going nuts, but even that was over handed a bit. Poor Worf, always over reacting. But still, overall, slightly better than average.

Identity Crisis – B

Even though this is one in a long line of “humans changed into something else and then back again by the end of the episode”, I like the way they did it. The effects of their change, those eyes, were nicely done. And I liked the chemistry between Leijten and Geordi, to bad we didn’t get to see more of it in future episodes.

The Nth Degree – B-

I was all prepared to dislike this episode, as my memories of it were not good. However, upon rewatching it (for the first time in many, many years) I liked it. Barclay is not one of my favorite characters, as I don’t understand why someone like him would ever get a posting on a starship, but this episode I enjoyed him.

Qpid – A

Sir, I protest. I am NOT a merry man!"

What can I say, this is a fun episode and Vash and Picard are hot together. There is very little to dislike about this episode, as just about everything in it is fun to watch. Good ole Worf; “Nice legs....for a human”. And, of course, smashing Geordi’s mandolin. It was fun watching this one again.

OK, well, on to the next DVD. I guess I’m in a TNG mood today.

 

[K-Star]

You seem to have caught up to me... *needs to start watching again*

 

[Spider]

Well, I've finished season four. I'll probably get started on season five later this week.

The Drumhead – A-

Excellent acting all round, and a terrific story. Admiral Satie is truly a tragic character and Jean Simmons plays the role wonderfully. This is not an episode I can watch frequently, however, because it sort of loses its flavor with repeat viewing. But still, one of many fine 4th season episodes.

Half a Life – No Grade

I’m sorry, but ten minutes into this and I wanted to throw my remote through the TV at Lwaxana Troi so I just skipped it and went to the next episode. I just couldn’t bear to sit though it, even if it does contain TNG footage I’ve never seen before. I should give it an F, but I think that is unfair because I’ve never seen this one all the way though. From what I hear, this one is supposed to be a fairly decent Lwaxana episode, but not from what I’ve seen of it.

The Host – B

Another episode I didn’t like the first time around, but enjoyed upon rewatching. I think Gates McFadden was very good here, and watching her go through a range of emotions in this episode was great for this Crusher fan.

The Mind’s Eye – B+

A good Geordi episode, and in a sense, a sort of lead in to Redemption for Sela. Poor Geordi, this is not the last time someone will screw with him to get him to unknowingly commit evil deeds. I thought the last scene with Geordi and Troi was moving.

In Theory – B

A much better Data episode than Data’s Day IMO as he tries and fails in his relationship with Jenna. I thought it was hilarious when he attempted to fight with her, and then just as quickly reverts back to being emotionless. Spiner really made Data a memorable character over the years. I can’t wait to get to Masks, I really love that episode.

Redemption, Part One – B+

OK, I’ve harped a lot on the Klingons being over done, but Tony Todd does a terrific job playing Worf’s brother. He’s certainly more believable a Klingon than Worf is sometimes. I realize that might be a sacrilegious statement there, but its how I feel. And we get to meet the outrageous Duras sisters and Sela is back. Pretty entertaining stuff here. I like Crosby as Sela much better than I do as Tasha Yar.

My episode rankings for season four:

Family A+
Best of Both Worlds, Pt. II A
Brothers A
Qpid A
The Wounded A-
First Contact A-
The Drumhead A-
Reunion B+
The Minds Eye B+
Redemption, Pt 1 B+
Future Imperfect B
Identity Crisis B
The Host B
In Theory B
Suddenly Human B-
Remember Me B-
Final Mission B-
Devil's Due B-
Galaxy's Child B-
The Nth Degree B-
Legacy C+
Data's Day C+
Night Terrors C+
The Loss C
Clues D
Half A Life No Grade

And my list of favorites through the first four seasons. I'm just listing the episodes that get an A from here on out. Otherwise the list would get to long as I've handed out a lot of B grades this season.

Best of Both Worlds, Pt. 1 – A+
Family A+
Q Who? A
The Measure of a Man A
The Offspring – A
Yesterday's Enterprise – A
Best of Both Worlds, Pt. II - A
Brothers - A
Qpid - A
Tin Man – A-
Who Watches the Watchers? – A-
The Wounded - A-
First Contact - A-
The Drumhead - A-

My summation of the season grades from my reviews so far:

Season One - C
Season Two - C
Season Three - B-
Season Four - B+

 

[K-Star]

I just watched one episode tonight.

The Drumhead - Admiral Satie is a BITCH!!!!!!! Glad to see she ended up pwning herself thanks to Picard!

 

[Spider]

I've started season five.

Redemption Pt II – B+

I liked Data in command, plus he saves the day! The quantum grid they set up was a bit hokey, but I’m used to writers treating space like they do airspace on Earth. All in all, a very good ending for this two parter. Tony Todd is an excellent Klingon.

Darmok – A

A wonderful episode. I think I’ve seen this about four or five times now, and it’s still just as good as it always was. The scene where Picard is telling Dathon the legend of Gilgamesh right before he dies is classic. "He who was my companion through adventure and hardship, is gone forever ...".

Ensign Ro – B

I’ve always like the character of Ensign Ro and Michele Forbes does a great job with the character. I like her scenes with Guinan. This is basically a by the numbers episode made much better simply because of the chemistry between the actors.

Silicon Avatar – C

I just don’t like the character of Marr, and I don’t know if it’s the silly writing or the actress. She just doesn’t make a lot of sense to me, even though some of her scenes with Data were quite good. The ending where she destroys the entity with some program that can’t be stopped is stale and tired. Hell, I can kill a process on my computer in task manager, three centuries from now they can’t?

Disaster – B+

I like the scenes with Troi in this one, and I thought I should mention that because it’s something I don’t say often. Keiko and Worf’s scenes made me laugh; “You may now give birth.” Even the kids and Picard were good, but only because Stewart is such a great actor. Poor Data is used like a set of legos.

 

[K-Star]

GRR! *watches some tonight just to make progress*

Also, *looks around* we appear to be the only two continuing this thing... It's fun though!

Half A Life - I watched the whole thing. BOOYA! It's really not that bad. Lwaxana's hilarious! She's probably my favorite recurring character in this series. I don't like where she gets all upset though.

The Host - This is just a WEIRD episode, but I love the intro! Odan and Beverly, making out in the turbolift, then it stops and Data comes in and he's completely oblivious to ANYTHING that might be going on between the two! Then Beverly rushes him out so he can get on with his work and she can be alone with Odan! ROFLMAO!

The Mind's Eye - The conditioning reminds me of a scene from Clockwork Orange that we were shown in my psychology class. I'm sure most people are familiar with it. It was nice to see Data figure it all out in the end and calmly give orders to Worf on the way while Worf was like "WTF?" I guess Geordi's gonna need a REAL vacation after that!

 

[K-Star]

Finished season 4 and began season 5.

In Theory - Data is just too damn cute in this episode, but I don't really like the part where he starts emulating all sorts of typical "lover's behavior." Gets to be a bit annoying.

Redemption pt 1 - Yay! Worf gets his honor back! A great Klingon episode, and one hell of a send-off for Worf at the end! Also, the part where Sela was revealed must've shocked the hell out of everyone when this was first aired.

SEASON 5

Redemption pt 2 - Klingon barfights and Data in command... what's not to like about this episode?

Darmok - This episode is good merely for it's major WTF factor. I'm sure every single character involved was like "WTF?" at some point or another.

Ensign Ro - This is the first time I've ever seen this. I lol'd at the opening scene with Picard and Mott. Other than that, this is a very "meh" episode. Also nice to see how the relationship between Ro and Guinan got started... I didn't think they'd ever really talked to each other before Rascals.

Silicon Avatar - It's great that they bring back the crystalline entity and discuss the tragedy at Omicron Theta and the memories of the colonists that had been stored in Data, but that lady gets to be really creepy at the end when she's obsessed with avenging her son's death.

*is determined to watch all of the next disc tomorrow to pull ahead of Spider*

 

[tomalak301]

I'm enjoying reading your reviews guys. I've actually started watching other shows (Tonight was Farscape) but I'm still reading an enjoying what you guys have to say about the individual episodes. I wonder where Old Mixer went though. He was the one who was reintroducing himself to the series.

 

[Orac Zen]

I need to write up my reviews of the eps I watched two months ago and then watch a few more. I'm sure I'll get around to it eventually.

 

[CaptainStoner]

I've been catching up. Last night watched "Remember Me" and "Legacy".
I agree, "Remember Me" started out great, but bringing in the Traveller and having Wesley use the Force was too much. It would have been a solid A if they'd done it without the Kazinski/Traveller connection, and had Wesley work out the problem with Geordi and Data. Still, I love an episode like this, with weird quantum stuff happening.
"Legacy" with Tasha's sister. Some foreshadowing of 7 of 9 putting her in an outfit so tight I involuntarily drooled. But what is it with Next Gen and all these camel toes? Did they not learn anything from "The Price"? I adore the female form but it's just goofy and I can't understand how something like that gets through. It would be like having Picard stand up to talk to the viewscreen, and have a boner.
Anyway, for a soap opera episode, "Legacy" was pretty good.

"Remember Me" B+
"Legacy" B-