Star Trek: TNG 3.2 - The Ensigns of Command

Review 133 - Episode 129 (2nd Oct 1989)

The One with the aliens who are not hanging around.

Wow, that was longer than I thought. Apologies for the delays in posting here, real life, yada yada.

Anyway, this is quite a lowkey episode where not a lot happens. The Sheliak are an interesting race in that they barely tolerate human life and have no compunctions with wiping the colonists off the planet. Picards growing frustration with the aliens and his final victory are made all the more sweeter by Stewart, giving some excellent acting with his body language. Wiping dust of the plaque was a lovely touch.

Data has the other plot, trying to convince the colonists they have to leave. It's okay, but sometimes the whole Data as Pinocchio angle can get overdone and repetitive at times

Decent episode, but not a lot for the regulars to do.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 385/660

Troi/Crusher Appreciation Society

Star Trek: TNG 3.1 - Evolution

Review 132 - Episode 128 (25th Sept 1989)

The One with the Nanites

So, finally, here is Season 3. When I first thought about doing this Blog, I was going to start here as this feels like my TNG. It's almost a reboot of the series.

The stupid uniforms have gone to be replaced with smart collars that actually look like they could be real uniforms. There is an altered beginning and Beverly's back! For the first time, we have a stable Cast and look to the show. Add in some lovely new effect shots and actors who are comfortable with there roles and you have a great base to build on.

Couple of admin things to note as well. I'll probably only review one episode a week from now on, maybe two. I find that if I watch four in a row, then go to review them a week later I can barely remember any details. So the reviews will be longer, but less frequent (I say that now, but if I get a run going I'll probably do more in a week). I'm also going to add links to existing Trek Reviewers I used to read way back when. For TNG, it's got to be Tim Lynch, arguably the first Internet reviewer of note. I don't always agree with him, but he's worth a read and I'll add more as we go through the different seasons. Troi Cleavage Fans can rejoice as Deanna starts to wear a blue dress number this Season. I'll also add a couple of screen caps of other hotties as appropriate. It's rather nerdy, but it brightens up the Blog and makes a bad episode worth watching (and just because we're in Season 3, doesn't mean there's no bad episodes coming up. Nooooo, it certainly does not)

Anyway, this episode is basically a Wesley episode and I normally can't be doing with these. But Wil Wheaton is older now and not as whiny, so it's actually very watchable. He does still have his super smarts and and has accidentaly created a new race by accident as a school project. This would be annoying, but it actually ties in to the main plot, that being Dr Stubs is planning an experiment and has been a boy wonder like Wes. This is the man Wes could turn out like and has been in his shoes.

Beverly returns this episode and although there's no song and dance, she has missed her son and her conversation with Picard is excellent (and Guinan as well). The fact is, you would feel smothered by your mom on board a ship and it raises these questions excellently. Her scene with Wes when he turns on her for abandoning her is full of subtext and good acting on both parts.

Troi also has a big part this episode and confronts Stubs head on. It's a shame the director chose to film it in the back ground as we can't see anything, but there you go. Also, Her and Guinan co-exist in the same episode! Eureka! I think the key is Troi deals with Guest stars and Guinan the crew. Not ideal, but better than nothing.

Data has some nice scenes being the Nanites voice, but it's all very quick the way they create this conduit ib his brain. It could almost be an episode in it's self. Geordi has a few scenes that are mostly technobabble and Worf and Riker are sidelined for the most part.

This is a decent episode, but I could have lived without the baseball stuff - it really makes Trek seem so USA (which it is, but come on, make an effort). Really nice effects as well.

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 382/655

Troi/Crusher Appreciation Society

Basically, this will be whatever screen caps I think are decent of these two TNG babes from the episode that will appear here from now on. Nuff said!

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 2 Index

2.1- http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-21-child.html

2.2 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-22-where-silence-has.html

2.3 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-23-elementary-dear-data.html

2.4 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-24-outrageous-okona.html

2.5 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-25-loud-as-whisper.html

2.6 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-26-schizoid-man.html

2.7 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-27-unnatural-selection.html

2.8 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-28-matter-of-honor.html

2.9 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-29-measure-of-man.html

2.10 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-210-dauphin.html

2.11 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-211-contagion.html

2.12 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-212-royale.html

2.13 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-213-time-squared.html

2.14 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-214-icarus-factor.html

2.15 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-215-pen-pals.html

2.16 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-216-q-who.html

2.17 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-217-samaritan-snare.html

2.18 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-218-up-long-ladder.html

2.19 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-219-manhunt.html

2.20 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-220-emissary.html

2.21 -

http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-221-peak-performance.html

2.22 - http://startrekreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/star-trek-tng-222-shades-of-gray.html

Star Trek: TNG 2.22 - Shades of Gray

Review 131 - Episode 127 (27th July 1989)


The One thats an insult

Sometimes, you're better not screening an episode. This is a fucking travesty. As the writers have said, it was written in 3 days as the writers strike was looming and it shows. Made up of clips from Rikers POV (even when he's not in the scenes? Man, that's just lazy) it's the only "clip show" in star trek history.

It's bad, obviously a hash job and puts a sour taste in the mouth for a finale. When will they learn? (next season actually with the Borg)

Simply put, Riker injured. He go to sleep. Erotic dreams bad. Nightmares good. He wakes up.
GARBAGE!!

Anyway, that's Season 2 and Pulaski's swan song. She never really fitted in with the crew, though the writers are to blame for that, but she became a bit more likable in later eps. Still, next season is what I consider the Official start of the Star Trek phenomenon. With the uniforms, stable cast and great storys and effects, its good. Season 2 was better than I thought and actually produced 3 5/5's so it can't be all bad. But I'm glad it's finished.

Never watch this episode.


0/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 379/650


Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner

As this is the last BCAC I thought i'd put a picture of her first day. To be fair, Pulaski actually came good at the end, but she's no Bev. Welcome back.

Star Trek: TNG 2.21 - Peak Performance

Review 130 - Episode 126 (10th july 1989)

The One with the war games

Arghh, I fucking hate Sirma. He's too OTT for me and almost derails this episode.

With the Borg on the horizon, starfleet gets Riker to take charge of the Hathaway and engage the Enterprise in some war games.

The scenes on the Hathaway are excellent. You really sense the crew are up for the challenge of tring to beat the Enterprise. Picards respect and practical fawning of Riker are maybe a bit much, but fuck it, I like it when Picard hands out the compliments. Nice effects as well of the ship powering up.

I don't really believe the Ferengi would appear out of nowhere, be confused and boost again. But it kindof works as a twist.

Data having a lack of confidence is also a good B plot and praise when it's due, Pulaski is very good here. Shame it's 2 episode before her finale, but I like her here which makes a change.

Good episode again, but Sirma ruins it slightly.

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 379/655

Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner

Star Trek: TNG 2.20 - The Emissary

Review 129 - Episode 125 (29th June 1989)

The One with Worfs Bird

Worf gets laid! Yep, it happened here (and he obviously doesn't perform safe sex either as we'll see in future episodes)

Quite drunk writing these final 3 season 2 episode reviews, so apologies if they are brief and rather pointless.

K'Ehleyr (and that's the last time I'll be writing that) arrives in a cool photon torpedo type device. She tells the crew that Klingon's from Kirks day are getting ready to "awaken" and they are going to tear up some Federation ass if they see it. She's there to stop it. And she's Worf's ex bird.

This is a good Worf episode and his relationship with her is strained and causes him to lose his rag a few times. She's a good character and also pushes the right buttons with Worf as we see aspects of his character not seen before.

The solution, of Worf pretending to be captain is well done, humorous and tense at the same time. I also really like the poker scenes at the start. Lovely character building.

Good episode.

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 376/650

Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner

Star Trek: TNG 2.19 - Manhunt

Review 128 - Episode 124 (19th June 1989)

The One where Lwaxana's back

Yes, it's that yearly episode where Deannas mother Lwaxana comes to visit.

You know by now if you love these episodes or loathe them. I used to loath them, but maybe I'm getting soft in my old age, as I though this was decent and had some funny moments. It's a terrible idea though. Troi's Mother is sexually active and wants a mate. She pursues everyone bar Geordi (once again, he get's no sexual storylines). Now, whether you think this is a funny concept will determine whether you like this episode. On the face of it, it looks bad, but I actually laughed out loud at Picards antics and Rikers as well. Majel barrett does seem a natural at comedy. I don't mind these episodes, but I'm always glad when they're gone.

The assassin B plot with the fish people is bizarre and tacked on for on apparent reason. There seem to have been issues with the script, so maybe that had something to do with it.

Better than you'd think. But no more for a while, eh?

3/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 373/645

Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner