Mr Worf, did you remember to post Craggus’ Trek Trek Phase II Vol 8?
Craggus’ Trek Trek Phase II Vol 8 gets to the good stuff as season 3 really hits its stride.
Star Trek The Next Generation S3E10: The Defector
It opens with Shakespeare and ends in tragedy as the crew of the Enterprise intercept and play host to an apparent high ranking Romulan defector. It’s a taut and engrossing shell game as Picard and crew peel back lie after lie in order to get to the truth only to find they themselves are participants in an even greater Romulan game. Guest star James Sloyan brings real gravitas and pathos to the role of Romulan Admiral Jarok, giving the episode’s denouement real emotional weight.
Star Trek The Next Generation S3E11: The Hunted
On a planet led by the ‘Guy Incognito’ version of Zephram Cochrane, Picard and Riker are being schmoozed into giving Angosia III a good report for their application for Federation membership. The only problem is their dirty little secret of civil rights abuses against their genetically engineered war veterans. It turns out that creating basically unbeatable soldiers isn’t a great idea if you don’t plan to look after them once you’re done needing their services. Makes you think, doesn’t it?
Star Trek The Next Generation S3E12: The High Ground
Anakin Skywalker’s least favourite episode, it also found disfavour with the BBC, being banned from transmission for many years. Little wonder given it attempts to tackle the thorny issue of terrorism and makes direct reference to The Troubles in Ireland. In execution, though, it’s a windy, verbose soapbox of speeches and lectures on the esoteric theoretical morality of terrorism which doesn’t really have anything to say beyond piously resolving the conflict for the convenience of the episode’s conclusion. Trek wouldn’t touch the idea of terrorism again until Deep Space Nine came along and explored it with much greater insight and sensitivity.
Star Trek The Next Generation S3E13: Deja Q
When Q appears naked in mid-air on the bridge of the Enterprise, the crew studiously maintain eye-contact lest they accidentally stare at his Q-tip. Depowered by his fellow Q, the suddenly mortal and powerless former omnipotent one must learn to make do as a mere human. The only problem is that the Calamarain, an energy-based race who Q used to torment for fun, have learned of his plight and come to settle the score. John de Lancie is, once again, tremendous fun, bringing a wit and energy to the role which gives the regular cast a lot to play off. Corbin Bernsen makes a fun cameo as a fellow Q (Q2) who are caught off-guard by what Q decides to do.
Star Trek The Next Generation S3E14: A Matter Of Perspective
A Matter of Perspective starts with Picard Ecce Homo-ing a naked ensign then Rashomons Riker. Although it turns out Riker has been framed, for some reason at no point does Picard have a quiet word with Riker to advise him to keep it in his pants next time he’s working. This is the last duff episode for quite some time as TNG finally finds its groove.
Star Trek The Next Generation S3E15: Yesterday’s Enterprise
When Shooter McGavin falls through a time warp, history is radically altered. Not only is the Federation, and by extension the Enterprise, involved in a fierce war with the Klingon Empire but Tasha Yar is alive and actually competent at her job. Denise Crosby finally gets a chance to show what she could have done with the character had she had the benefit of better writing and storylines. Once again, Guinan manifests a conveniently extra-sensory perception that allows her to sense the changes in the timeline (Guinan must have a permanent migraine in the Kelvin universe) and it’s a credit to this episode that it not only manages to rehabilitate the character of Tasha Yar but it also brings new depths to Guinan and Picard’s relationship.
Star Trek The Next Generation S3E16: The Offspring
It’s a family affair as Data gets broody after a cybernetics conference and decides to create a ‘child’, Lal. Although the crew are a bit taken aback, they quickly adapt to and support Data’s foray into fatherhood. Unfortunately, Starfleet don’t see it the same way and want to take Lal away for study, like we didn’t all learn something in season 2’s Measure Of A Man. Fortunately, the episode avoids retreading the same ground by taking a more emotional approach and manages to deliver a poignant and moving tale of two supposedly emotionless machines experiencing the love and loss of family. It’s also Jonathan Frakes’ directorial debut and he shows a deft touch in handling the AI EQ with sensitivity and lightness although he also makes sure Riker still gets a little smooch action so 🤷♂️.
Star Trek The Next Generation S3E17: Sins Of The Father
It’s foreign exchange time again, this time the Enterprise welcomes a Klingon officer, Kurn, to serve as part of the crew. Kurn is fascinated by the Enterprise’s other Klingon officer and with good reason – it turns out Kurn is Worf’s long-lost brother and he is on a mission to defend the honour of their deceased father whose honour has been called into question by a rival Klingon, Duras. Ultimately, politics trumps honour and Worf takes on a burden of discommendation to protect Kurn and preserve the stability of the Klingon Empire and the treaty with the Federation. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the Empire and sets the stage for much drama to come in Seasons 4 and 5.
