Wil Wheaton TNG Review: "Haven"

[Salinga]

Wil Wheaton has found some time to write a new review for an episode from TNG's first season: "Haven"

Data, Dr. Crusher, and Tasha tell a story so filled with sci-fi cliches, the ensuing drinking game would put Ted Kennedy into a coma: Tarella was an Earthlike planet (drink!) with technology equivalent to late 20 century Earth (drink!) The Tarellians were very similar to humans (drink!) and ended up in a big old nasty war, just like World War II (drink!) One faction developed a biological weapon (drink!) and unleashed it on the other half, eventually infecting them all (drink!) in a planet-wide plague (drink!) that infected the survivors so virulently, even when they fled the planet, they infected and killed the entire populations of the other planets they attempted to settle (drink!). A few of the more noble infected survivors tried to stay away from inhabited planets, but they were hunted down and killed, anyway (drink, and tip that 40 for the fallen Tarellian homies, yo.)

Read the full review here:
http://www.tvsquad.com/2007/05/08/star-trek-the-next-generation-haven/

 

[cultcross]

hmm. hard as i try I am unable to find Wheaton funny. interesting read though, I like his behind the scenes sections.

 

[Mallory]

Any episode featuring Lwaxana Troi is virtually unwatchable.

 

[cultcross]

Mallory said:
Any episode featuring Lwaxana Troi is virtually unwatchable.

especially 'Cost of Living' *shudders*

 

[Danny99]

Mallory said:
Any episode featuring Lwaxana Troi is virtually unwatchable.

Agreed.

 

[erastus25]

Mallory said:
Any episode featuring Lwaxana Troi is virtually unwatchable.

I don't know, "Fascination" (the one where all the DS9ers start making out, I think that's the Fascination, at least) is pretty fun.

 

[Kirks_Flying_Wig]

cultcross said:

Mallory said:
Any episode featuring Lwaxana Troi is virtually unwatchable.

especially 'Cost of Living' *shudders*

Was that the one where she takes Alexander down a long, deviant path? If so, I hate that episode.

 

[Trekker4747]

Kirks_Flying_Wig said:

cultcross said:

Mallory said:
Any episode featuring Lwaxana Troi is virtually unwatchable.

especially 'Cost of Living' *shudders*

Was that the one where she takes Alexander down a long, deviant path? If so, I hate that episode.

Yeah. Also features her naked ass. Majel was a striking woman in 1968! In 1988? Not so much.

(Yes I know "Cost of Living" was aired in 1992.) There's many problems I have with CoL but that's another thread.

Haven, though, yeah is pretty damn unwatchable but as much as I like WW I don't care for the review snippet. The "(drink)" bits stink a bit of "bashing Trek cliches." The cliches and story set-up provided has good potential for a typical Trek episode which tries to use the setting to "preach" about issues. So "Haven"'s faults don't lie with using Trek cliches but with much deeper issues not the least of which is silly sub-plots (the bickering wedding parties) and vapid acting from the guest stars.

 

[Spider]

Mallory said:
Any episode featuring Lwaxana Troi is virtually unwatchable.

I love TNG, believe me, I love TNG. But I gotta go with Mallory here.

 

[Jon1701]

The worst, absolute worse bit in Haven is the scene in the ready room where the entire senior staff tell Picard all about the terallians. Its just so contrived its almost unwatchable. Picard seems to be the only one that doesnt know about them.

 

[Mitty]

I thought Cost of Living was the one with that MASH dude?

 

[Turtletrekker]

^ That was "Half A Life".

 

[General Martok]

Am I the only one who actually LIKED Lwaxana Troi? Who, thought while most often used for comic relief, played a significant role in Trekdom? I thought she was funny as heck, yet allowed us to see a little bit of what it must be like to grow old. You have to admit, there's some relatively deep dialogue they gave Mrs. Troi over the years.

 

[Trekker4747]

Mrs. Troi had her moments for sure, but many times she played the part to broad for the tone of the series.

 

[erastus25]

Trekker4747 said:

Kirks_Flying_Wig said:

cultcross said:

Mallory said:
Any episode featuring Lwaxana Troi is virtually unwatchable.

especially 'Cost of Living' *shudders*

Was that the one where she takes Alexander down a long, deviant path? If so, I hate that episode.

Yeah. Also features her naked ass. Majel was a striking woman in 1968! In 1988? Not so much.

I agree. That's why it's a good thing they used a body double!

 

[SmoothieX]

I generally find Lawaxana annoying and silly and dislike her episodes. When she showed up it was a good time to reach for me remote.

The only episode of hers I like is the one with Alexander. They form a nice bond and help each other to see things in a different light. Why all the hate for this one?

 

[Saxman1]

General Martok said:
Am I the only one who actually LIKED Lwaxana Troi? Who, thought while most often used for comic relief, played a significant role in Trekdom? I thought she was funny as heck, yet allowed us to see a little bit of what it must be like to grow old. You have to admit, there's some relatively deep dialogue they gave Mrs. Troi over the years.

I like her, too. Lots of fun and well-played. I think Majel once pointed out she finally got to do comedy, which she always felt was her strong suit. I agree, although she did have some good dramatic scenes in TNG/Ds9, too.

She and Mr. Homm are my kids favorite TNG characters. I think she reminds them of both their grandmothers!

My only comment about Majel as Nurse Chapel: nice legs. OINK!

 

[Noname Given]

Iremember back when I watched the opening teaser for this turd of an episode (desp;erately wanting to like it because it's Star Trek back on the air after 18 years); and I saw the 'talking treasure chest' and exclaimed:

"Jesus Fucking Christ - Are they trying to make this a Lost In Space crossover/revival too? Sheesh now all we need is the guy in the giant carrot suit; or data crying 'Danger, Will Riker! Danger!'"

That Weaton gives it a 'B' is amazing. This is one of the worst episodes from TNG's first season; and Majel Barret as 'Luxanna Troi' was NEVER this fan's favorite. As others have said above; ant TNG episode with her in it ranged from mediocre to utterly unwatchable.

 

[Jimmy_C]

I liked Ménage à Troi and Half a Life. I was moved by the end of Dark Page too. I thought Haven had a few funny scenes; though, it was overall a horrible episode.