I hated this episode, even before the gory ending (I’ll get to that). And while many consider it a highlight of season one, it’s not for me. I really am not sure when the last time I sat and watched it was, maybe not since it first aired! Well let's see if time has made me change my mind.
Plot Synopsis:
After diverting to a secret meeting with an old friend and some of Starfleet's finest commanders, Picard finds the Horatio blown to bits just hours after the meeting and he returns the Enterprise to Earth looking for answers.
The vague innuendo about a plot to take over a strategic sector of the Federation by replacing mysteriously dying Starfleet officers doesn't quite impress Picard, but he reconsiders after Keel and his crew die in an explosion. So he intends with Riker to visit Starfleet HQ, where he will dine with admirals and their aide Remmick.
Picard realizes everyone is infected including Riker. It looks like has been taken over until he lashes out against the others and betrays them. Picard and Riker discover Remmick is the source of the conspiracy and destroy him.
Guest Stars:
A lot as we get a good look at Starfleet HQ for the first time on the series.
Episode pros
As I said this is a good look at the working of Starfleet Command. I really don't have much good to say about this one, I'll be honest. Actually it is a good Picard episode. I always said I liked Picard more when he gets out of his chair and actually does something. And the final scene with him and Riker is kind of cool.
The first act is actually a nice setup. It’s moody and does a good job setting up an interesting mystery. The problems come when the ship goes to Starfleet.
These aliens are teased to be returning in the end but of course they never did (in canon anyway) thank god. These were actually supposed to be connected with the Borg but the idea never really worked thanks to the writers strike that year. Of course the Borg would be reimagined and make their first appearance next year.
Episode Cons
Well let’s see, where do we even begin? First of all the way Riker is tossed around pissed me off. In fact Riker was kind of a ragdoll for the series for a few episodes not just this one. Did someone on the staff hate the character or Jonathan Frakes specifically? Yeah he does better after the betrayal is revealed.
The episode loses me when the admiral goes to the Enterprise for almost no reason and then beats up the crew so easily. It’s just ridiculous the way he tosses Geordi and worf around! Yeah I know it’s the aliens infesting him but still. Picard was told not to trust anyone! To be fair he realizes Quinn is a fraud but then lets him stay on the ship? And yeah Crusher being the badass to take him down was kinda awesome.
The episode was almost rejected for being to dark, and yeah it really is. It’s jarring after the previous episodes. That dinner scene is a little, much. And let’s have them eat live worms just for fun!
So let’s discuss the big issue. How this episode ends. After Remmick is revealed to be the main alien he brags they mean no harm in a way that suggests they do; even with his neck bulging! So what do Picard and Riker do? They take their phasers and blow his head up. No really they do! The alien burrows out of his stomach revealing a huge mother parasite, that Picard and Riker then destroy. Yeah a little graphic not gonna lie! It was too much for me in 1988 for sure.
The episode has one thing in common with “Counterpoint” and that the fact the other characters don’t get enough to do.
But the funniest thing is that the episodes biggest problem is, it goes to fast. Feels like a two parter crammed into one.
Fast Forward Moment:
Data is sent to scan the records and his scene is pointless could have cut it and gone right to Data summarizing.
Final Thoughts:
It helps the cgi is awful. And it was nice to see the beginning which is solid. But yeah that whole last act with the somber tone, graphic violence and downer ending is still not winning me over. It’s not awful and not the worst (Code of Honor anyone?) but there’s nothing that makes me want to watch it over and over again either.
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