Series: Star Trek: The Next Generation
Season 4, Episode 1
Original Air Date: September 24, 1990
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| via Tim Lynch Star Trek Reviews Wiki |
The story begun in last week's featured episode concludes. The previous episode (and season) ended with Picard being captured by the Borg, then incorporated into the collective as Locutus, to serve as spokesman for the Borg in their presumed conquest of Earth. Riker - now acting-captain of the Enterprise - must now square off against his former friend and boss and hope that his people can find a weakness in the seemingly irresistible enemy. Interestingly, the writers themselves weren't even sure how they were going to conclude the story after Part 1. They didn't see any vulnerabilities in the Borg either. Fortunately, inspiration came over the summer in time for the new season.
A few worthy notes:
- Riker's decision to stay aboard the Enterprise is retroactively justified when the USS Melbourne, the ship he would have commanded, is destroyed by the Borg at Wolf 359. It's not the first time in the series this little narrative trick has been employed - kind of a lazy resolution to the problem, to be honest.
- That same battle will have important implications for Deep Space Nine, TNG's first spinoff series.
- Part 2 is generally considered to be the weaker of the two episodes but I prefer it. As noted last week, it has important implications for the development of Picard. Over the long run, I feel Jean-Luc's efforts to come to terms with what happened to him represent the most meaningful fallout from this story. As such, I feel that "Family," the next episode, is actually more interesting. That one, in turn, helps lay the groundwork for an absolutely stunning DS9, Season 7 episode. But I'm getting way ahead of myself...
Acting Notes
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| via Charmed Wiki |
Elizabeth Dennehy (Lt. Commander Shelby) was born October 1, 1960 in Jacksonville, North Carolina. She is the daughter of legendary actor Brian Dennehy and his first wife, Judith Scheff. She trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. In addition to Trek, she has made guest appearances on such shows as Guiding Light, Seinfeld and Charmed. Her films include Clear and Present Danger, Gattaca and Red Dragon.
They're still dealing with that fallout in the Picard series.
ReplyDeleteRight.
DeleteI loved the 2nd part and thought it was great showing how Picard has to deal with the fallout and the next episode really was excellent.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to revisiting "Family."
DeleteAs noted previously I also prefer this one. It also helps solidify the Picard/Data relationship that becomes so much more important in the movies and sequel series.
ReplyDeleteI suppose so.
DeleteYeah, this episode was the weaker of the two, but I do give it solid points for finding a nice way to out think the Borg. Most sci-fi shows would have just found a way to out fight the Borg.
ReplyDeleteAnd that, in a nutshell, is why Star Trek is awesome!
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