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

Star Trek: TNG 2.18 - Up the Long Ladder

Review 127 - Episode 123 (May 22nd 1989)

The One with the Oirish.

Fucking hell, this is bad. A race that have spurned technology become rural Irish folk people. The other race become white suit wearing weirdos. I don't know who's worse?

There's a story about cloning, the dangers of inbreeding and taking DNA without permission, but you were never going to get me back after that opening. There might be a message in here that could change someones viewpoint about science, but I ain't watching it again to find out. Avoid.

1/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 370/640



Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner

Star Trek: TNG 2.17 - Samaritan Snare

Review 126 - Episode 122 (May 15th 1989)

The One where Picard and Wes bond

After the Borg, this is a bit of a let down.

Picard and Wes bond on a shuttle craft trip and Geordi is help hostage by aliens who trap good Samaritans.

The Picard/Wesley sub plot is quite interesting to watch, but I could have done with out the whole Pulaski to the rescue to save his life ending. Though to be fair this will feature in one of the best episodes, Tapestry, later in the show. But it's always good to see Picard talking to Wes and even the Kid isn't half bad here with some nice touches of continuity.

Geordi being trapped is rather boring to watch and the solution is a bit weird. Seemed like space filler to me.

Quite dull episode this.

2/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 369/635

Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner

Star Trek: TNG 2.16 - Q Who?

Review 125 - Episode 121 (May 8th 1989)

The One with the Borg!!!!

Yeah baby! Probably the best episode of the first 2 seasons, the Borg are here!

So many good things about this episode. I like the teaser with Gomez and spilling the tea on Picard. Q is excellent this episode, the first time he really becomes the Q we know. His scenes with Picard are always excellent, but these are some of the finest.

The Borg themselves are obviously brilliant, the best villain in Trek lore. Probably they were made too dangerous, as every time we see them after this, they get gradually downscaled in power, but still evil.

The Borg cube is very different to later episodes with an Alien feel to it. Especially creepy are the Borg babies, never seen again but a nice touch. Guinan is also good here, in her dealings with Q and the Borg.

The chase scene lets it down slightly, but only because I've watched it over and over, you spot daft things, like how ineffective the rear torpedo is. Then they do it again, with dramatic music, and it still does nothing!

We're really getting into a period where the writers and cast had settled down and could produce genuinely good shows that anyone could watch and enjoy, not just Trekkie's. This is one of the best.

5/5

Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 367/63

Beverly Crusher Appreciation Corner