The Next Generation continues it's awesomeness. It's so funny how good this show is after such a lackluster first couple seasons! I really wonder how it persevered, when now, if a show doesn't do well in the first half, they will just can the whole thing. I don't really know the viewing figures at the time though so maybe it was decent and I'm sure the franchise really helped the show get to the third season. Now for my top 5 episode picks this season, I'll start with-
5. Future Imperfect
This episode had such an interesting premise - Riker contracts a virus that will activate 16 years later, when everything he experienced between contracting the virus and the virus activating will be erased from his memory. Essentially it's like he wakes up and he is 16 years older. The premise allows the viewer to see what might happen to the crew in the future - and it's kind of sad to see Picard and Troi move on from the Enterprise, and even for Riker to be so downcast about his memory loss. Riker is usually a gung-ho kind of guy, so it's interesting to see him so hesitant. There is a twist to this episode though, which negates this future, but while the viewer believed in this future, it was fascinating to see all the differences.
4. Clues
The Enterprise crew, except for Data, mysteriously lose 30 seconds of time. Data assures them everything is fine though but there are indications that the crew actually lost more than a day in time. But Data denies it! And is acting really weird. Now that I'm actually into season 5 at the time of writing this, there seems to be quite a few episodes where Data is sinister and untrustworthy (although he is generally not himself in that case) and it seems they go to that well a lot. But it's very well done in this episode, because the mystery of Data's actions are so intriguing, and it is always interesting to see just how much the crew trusts him. And even takes things about him for granted. I think that is why it is so entertaining to see Data as a potential bad guy - because his character is incorruptible (except when it's easy to bypass his circuits!)
3. The Drumhead
This is basically a witch hunt on the Enterprise. Just substitute witches for Romulan spies and conspiracies. The gradual spiraling into suspicion and fear-mongering is upsetting to see on the Enterprise - especially when humanity is supposed to have made such progress in this future. But of course, the point of this episode is to pull back the veil on inescapable human weakness, and it's always a timely message (unfortunately). Picard continues to reinforce what a fantastic Captain and leader he is, and the brilliant script and power play between Picard and the investigating Admiral really elevated this into a chilling and thought-provoking episode. I think it is technically one of the best in this season, but I found more enjoyment in my number 2 pick.
2. Final Mission
I feel like this is not a highly regarded episode - partly because people find Wesley Crusher annoying? and maybe partly because it is too cliche, but this episode really touched me. And I should say that I do like Wesley. This is Wesley's final days on the Enterprise as he is off to StarFleet Academy, so Picard decides to take him on a quick and easy mission. That goes horribly wrong. I think stranded-in-the-desert stories also appeal to me for some reason, as a way to expose the best of human nature and also to create very real and nerve-wracking danger. Picard's faith in Wesley was so very touching, as was Wesley's respect and admiration for Picard and for Wesley to be the one to reason a way out of their dilemma was very satisfying. It was a great farewell to the character for me, and I think it showed a wonderful new side to Picard.
1. The Best of Both Worlds pt 1 & 2
Usually with the TNG episodes I watch on my iPad, so I start and stop it whenever I want - I don't always finish a whole episode, but with this two parter, I could. Not. Stop. I had to watch this one from beginning to end (and thank goodness I didn't have to deal with an actual summer-long cliffhanger!) This two-parter is amazing! The Enterprise encounters the Borg once again, and are unable to stop their advance towards Earth. They take Captain Picard and make him their voice to tell Earth to surrender. After the Borg destroys the Starfleet sent against them, Riker and the Enterprise are the only ones who can stop them. I think these episodes advance Picard and Riker's characters beautifully, and there was so much suspense and danger because the episode highlights what an utterly unstoppable force the Borg are - well until we get to the end. The stakes were so high in this episode too, that it's just impossible not to feel afraid for the crew and for Earth. And for Picard. (I really enjoyed how they addressed what happened to him in the episode to come after this one by the way, it's just overall I didn't love that episode.) This is such an intense showdown, and really highlights the best of the show, the characters and the world of Star Trek.
