Welcome back to Underrated Trek, where I take a special look at Star Trek episodes that I love…which may not be the most popular or even liked by most. TNG had a rough patch in season 5 where the episode were less than stellar. There was one that a lot point out is the worse. Then why do I kinda like it? This is...
Plot Synopsis:
The Enterprise manages to save a planet from destruction, but unknowingly particles penetrate the ship. Meanwhile, Worf and Alexander are discussing difficulties with Troi just as her mother arrives with big news.
Turns out Laxwana is getting married to someone she doesn't know. She and Alexander connect and Laxwana brings him to the holodeck for a mud bath against Deanna and Worf's orders.
As the ship begins to fall apart, Laxwana and Alexander get closer. Alexander makes Laxwana realize she doesn;t need to settle for a man she doesn't know. The particles then infect the ship to such a degree that life support is compromised. The particles are removed while Laxwana rejects the marriage.
Guest Stars:
Majel Barrett of course as well as Brian Bonsall and the awesome Tony Jay as the groom.
What I Liked:
The opening scene showing the Enterprise working to save a planet was a pretty good action scene. Of course since it was really the only action scene in the episode they probably through everything into it. This episode has an A plot and a B story. This happened a few times in season 5 before creators realized it was a bad idea and stopped them. The good story is Laxwana and Alexander bonding. They are two lost souls who find comfort in each other's company. Quite honestly if explored more it could have been great, but the B story keeps getting in the way.
I know people hate Laxwana and I get it, but I think she's great im this episode. She shines in two scenes. When Alexander discusses how his mother is dead her empathy is clear. The fact Majel Barett had just lost her husband, Gene Roddenberry, probably contributed Then the scene where she tries to explain why she would marry a stranger, you can feel the pain of lonelinesss she is feeling. Majel Barett reallt could act and she shows it here. The ending of the story shows Laxwana remember herself and she shows up at the wedding naked. Even though tradition of the groom didn't allow it. It's a great scene and the following mud bath scene is a cute ending, especially seeing Worf in that last shot.
And my favorite moment, when Laxwana played by Majel Barrett talked to the computer also played by Majel Barett. I love stuff like that.
What I Hated:
So what about that other story? Sigh. There are so many problems with it. The fact that it is shoehorned into the script that there isn't a lot of time to develop the suspense. Also, the fact this is caused by particles seems silly. Nothing detected it? There is one decent moment with Picard and Data in the turbo-life, but the rest is just rehash. The worst part is the whole thing reminds me of so many other episode, where it was done better, right down to Data having to save the day since he is an android. Often in shows two stories will come together in the end, but no not here. It literally feels like two episodes mashed together. In fact during the conclusion when the ship is in peril Laxwana and Alexander flat out vanish from the episode, until we finally get back to it in the last two minutes.
Then we have Deanna Troi. I don't make fun of her awful advice like many others do, but man is it bad here. In the opening we see her suggesting Worf and Alexander come up with a contract that the two can follow which details each of their responsibilities. And Laxwana of all people explains what a stupid idea that is when she points out contracts are usually between parties who don't trust each other. And there is no way for Alexander to punish Worf if he doesn't live up to his part. Troi also should have been happy Alexander was connecting with someone, even if it was Laxwana.
And why does Worf feel like a background character through a lot of it? That dinner scene between him and Alexander is painful.
Fast Forward Moment:
While the Laxwana and Alexander stuff was good the scenes on the holodeck did drag a bit. And accomplaish very little. I never understood how the holodeck can simulate people in a real location, or is the computer just making them up?
Final Thoughts:Dropping the nonsense subplot and developing the main story would made a stronger episode. I honestly didn't care for this one at first either but learned to appreciate it in re-watches.
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