Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 7
Deep Space Nine Seasons 2-4
Voyager Seasons 1-2
Generations
Note: These are from brief, unedited comments posted on Facebook. Some of the grammar may be a little clunky – I hadn’t intended on archiving these anywhere, but I’ve popped them here as some people enjoyed them!
EPISODE THREE HUNDRED!: Rivals (DS9)
Quirky idea. Fun and lightweight. Feels like something that could have been at home in TNG too.
Episode 301: The Alternate (DS9)
Yay, the source of Odo’s hair! More good Odo backstory – at this point it feels like we’re teasing stuff that will never be answered, even though it’s all going to hit in a dozen episode’s time. Engaging episode, although mainly because we love Odo rather than because the story itself is anything special. Quark’s attempts to big Odo up are adorable.
Episode 302: The Pegasus (TNG)
Riker gets more back-story, and we get cool Federation cloaking stuff. Plus a great scene between Stewart and Frakes as the latter squirms to avoid answering questions. The real highlight of course is Captain Picard day. “Wouldn’t you agree, Number One!”
Episode 303: Homeward (TNG)
A really good idea (that a later film then semi-lifts) and an excellent guest star turn from Sorvino. Lovely location work too.
Episode 304: Armageddon Game (DS9)
Solid levelling up on the O’Brien/Bashir relationship. Generally cool storyline too, but this one really emphasises some of the differences the show is forging from TNG. Firstly, even the characters in TNG know there’s no room for major developments – if the Ent-D crew saw the video of O’Brien’s death, Riker would be loudly proclaiming that he’s not dead, Geordi would offer some technobabble, and they’d all go off on a hunt. Secondly, the Miles/Julian stuff grows here more than *most* of the TNG character interplay does in 7 seasons. This is all much more in line with the sort of stuff Buffy and B5 were pioneering around the same time.
Episode 305: Sub Rosa (TNG)
Dinnae light that caaaaandle! OK, so this one is silly and sexy in equal measure. Tonight for me it was sexy. There’s some dubious stuff: silly accents, unconvincing ‘outside’ sets and the like. But the concept is cool, Gates is fantastic, and, yes, it’s pretty damn hot. Tonight I liked it. Next time I probably won’t again.
Episode 306: Whispers (DS9)
Proving Colm Meaney is one of the show’s best actors. This is just bloody fantastic isn’t it? Also really clever direction, upping the paranoia every step. The scene where Miles is mulling over whether to eat the stew Keiko’s made is just so damn tense. And what a genius idea. One of my favourites so far, even though it’s one that could have been just as at home as a late-TNG or VOY.
Episode 307: Lower Decks (TNG)
Flawless episode, and a great idea – amazing it took so long to turn it into a series of its own!
Episode 308: Paradise (DS9)
Cool concept. Some tough stuff to watch. Another episode with a strong focus on O’Brien, and Meaney and Brooks both give solid performances.
Episode 309: Thine Own Self (TNG)
Data as Frankenstein. Always loved it. Really entertaining and some very smart direction and design.
Episode 310: Shadowplay (DS9)
High concept episode but something about it feels very familiar. Maybe we’ve just seen so many holodeck stories now this twist doesn’t seem so twisty. I dunno, something about this one has never grabbed me. And I’m just meh about Kira and Bareil. Nice to see the hints of doing something with Jake other than having him lust after girls with Nog.
Episode 311: Masks (TNG)
First time I saw this I though it was ridiculous and unintentionally funny. Every time I watch it I enjoy it more and more. Brent is fab. Patrick does look silly in the mask at the end though.
Episode 312: Playing God (DS9)
Good growth stuff for Dax, giving Terry Farrell more to do. Sci-fi subplot kind meh as always for these sort of character pieces.
Episode 313: Eye of the Beholder (TNG)
Nice idea, and some good twists the first time around, but dulls with rewatching. Doesn’t help I don’t really care for the Worf/Troi thing which seems to come out of nowhere this season. Mark Rolston is always good when he shows up in stuff.
Episode 314: Profit and Loss (DS9)
Interesting to give Quark an episode that isn’t really comedy-based, although Garak steals the show as always.
Episode 315: Genesis (TNG)
Absolutely silly but always been a favourite of mine. The performances are great (eg Barclay starting to show arachnid qualities and Riker staring off into space) and some cool make-up effects.
Episode 316: Blood Oath (DS9)
An episode all about a battle, but actually that doesn’t happen until the last 12 minutes. Most of it is a talky character piece (and all the better for it). Some really fun stuff to be had here, and again redressing the balance for Terry who didn’t do much in the first season. Nice to see some old faces back again, albeit with new faces. And once again we’re reminded that Worf (presumably because of his upbringing) has a stick up his butt while most Klingons are actually a lot of fun.
Episode 317: Journey’s End (TNG)
A brilliant end to Wesley’s story, even if it’s a shame he obviously had a lot of cool character development offscreen. Wil Wheaton is fab in this. I really dislike the ‘magical Native American’ trope that gets wheeled out in scifi regularly (especially here when they’re many generations removed from all that) but I can eyeroll and get through it, because the acting is all good and it allows for some nice costumes and sets.
Episode 318: The Maquis, Part I (DS9)
Episode 320: The Maquis, Part II (DS9)*
Nicely following on from Journey’s End thematically, and laying a bit of groundwork for Voyager. Gul Dukat becomes a properly nuanced character in his own right. Sisko gets one of the best speeches of the first few seasons with the “it’s easy to be a saint in paradise” thing. Action packed, easily filling the 90 mins.
Episode 319: Firstborn (TNG)
A great Worf episode, and Sloyan once again adding huge amounts of value. Very cool concept and thought-provoking. Also nice to get cameos from Lursa, B’Etor and Quark. Shame B’Etor’s pregnancy is set up and goes nowhere.
*again, I watched in strict airing order here, so Firstborn in the middle of these two.
Episode 321: Bloodlines (TNG)
Shades of “been here before” from Suddenly Human, but I welcome back Bok, and Vigo is an interesting and likeable character. I kinda wish they hadn’t ended with a DNA “get out”.
Episode 322: The Wire (DS9)
Wow. I’d forgotten how amazing this is. Not much in the way of plot but just absolutely stunning performances between Robinson and Fadil. The scenes between them are the type that really make you stop and pay complete attention. “…especially the lies”.
Episode 323: Emergence (TNG)
Cool twist on the holodeck trope. Visually interesting, some quirky humour, and nice exterior filming. Always liked this one.
Episode 324: Crossover (DS9)
One of the few episodes post-s1 I saw in the 90s. And I saw it a LOT. Everyone is just marvellous in this, especially Visitor and Brooks. I’m a big ol’ Mirror Universe junkie and this episode stands up to 25 years of build up ❤️
Episode 325: Preemptive Strike (TNG)
Nice wrap up to Ro’s arc and retrospectively explaining where she’s been since Rascals (awww she didn’t stay as a kid). Some thought-provoking stuff about loyalty, good action adventure, and continues to build a pathway to Voyager.
Episode 326: The Collaborator (DS9)
I can take or leave this one. Never been too fussed about Bareil or bought into his relationship with Kira. But Louise Fletcher is of course absolutely fantastic and makes this episode fly. Already looking forward to seeing where this plotline goes, my child.
Episode 327: All Good Things… (TNG)
Series finales need to show some nostalgic look backs, hint to us what’s going to happen to our favourite characters after the show has finished, and also provide a robust plotline in the present. AGT takes this very literally doesn’t it? Massively fun romp, with some unimportant plot holes, cool make-up and visual effects, and De Lancie is fab as ever.
(And now, with the exception of a couple of movies, I’m in standard definition until Broken Bow… and indeed I’m on a solid DS9 binge until Caretaker)
Episode 328: Tribunal (DS9)
Poor old O’Brien, one of the first of his many bad luck episodes. This feels rather inspired by the middle of The Undiscovered Country (right down to some angry racist words coming back to bite our hero’s ass) but it’s a great film so who cares. We know Miles will be found innocent but it’s a fine ride, and the defence lawyer channels some marvellously Garak-like camp Cardassian.
Episode 329: The Jem’Hadar (DS9)
Oooh, we’re kicking the ongoing story up a notch. Finally this Dominion that’s been hinted at all season shows itself. It’s a fabulous cliffhanger-without-a-cliffhanger teasing us righ go into season 3!
And with that, the end of the second of seven “alternating episode” seasons. Up next: DS94, VOY1 and Generations…
Episodes 330 and 331: The Search, Part I; The Search, Part II (DS9)
Continuing the action adventure upswing from the end of s2, introducing us to some great new villains in the Founders. At the time I found it a shame that the Odo mystery from the last two seasons was largely resolved so quickly, but it brings up so much potential for the next few seasons that it really doesn’t matter. Dax’s hair is weird. “First, I pretend to be their friend. Then, I shoot you.”
Episode 332: The House of Quark (DS9)
Meh, I think this is quite a popular one isn’t it? I’m not a massive fan of Ferengi or Klingon episodes, so this mash-up doesn’t impress. Shimmerman is fun in it.
Episode 333: Equilibrium (DS9)
A brilliant mystery and my favourite Dax story to date. Gives us yet more good insights into the Trill, which is being teased out surprisingly slowly.
Episode 334: Second Skin (DS9)
Wow. Such a clever plot you actually find yourself believing Kira may have been a Cardassian all along. And DS9 has been twisty enough so far that it feels plausible they could write her out this way and bring her back as a recurring villain. Marvellous performances from all the cast.
Episode 334: The Abandoned (DS9)
I get what this is trying to achieve, but it’s too early to humanise the Jem’Hadar. It’s an OK episode, and I’m sure to some people it speaks on a very personal level, but it’s a pass for me.
Episode 335: Civil Defense (DS9)
Brilliant fun! I love how things keep going from bad to worse, right to Dukat’s inability to beam off the station. Proper action/comedy mix. Love it!
Episode 336: Meridian (DS9)
I know the production team were unhappy with this. I love the concept. The delivery is a little slow-paced but it’s OK. Gentle.
“Episode” 337: Generations (TNG)
First Star Trek movie where I was following pre-production publicity. SO MUCH HYPE. And I adore it. Patrick Stewart and Malcolm McDowell both get some great performances in, and the rest of the main cast all have their moments (albeit, as with all the TNG movies, this largely becomes the Picard and Data show). The redesigned Ent-D interiors seem unnecessary now we can see TNG in HD and it all looks fine after all, but whatever. The low lighting gets a lot of flak but I LOVE the fact that so much of it is lit by natural sunlight coming in through windows – just gorgeous. The effects are beautiful, Kirk’s death works great for me (both of them), and Captain Cameron Frye with that stunning Ent-B! So much to enjoy. Let’s just ignore the dirty great big plot hole that Soran flew into the Nexus with a starship but can’t do it again because the starship might be destroyed, so instead goes around wiping out solar systems. Sssh.
“They say time is the fire in which we burn”.
Episode 339: Defiant (DS9)
Great to see Thomas Riker back, and being taken in a new direction. Frakes is fabulous, the whole episode is action-packed. Strong hour!
Episode 340: Fascination (DS9)
Yuck. Bored with Horny Lwaxanna stories, and now we’ve got got a Horny Crew variation. It’s funny for about 5 minutes but then it just goes on and on and on. Oh well.
Episode 341: Past Tense, Part I (DS9)
Episode 342: Past Tense, Part II (DS9)
I love sci-fi set in time periods I expect to live to (fingers crossed) so Trek coming back to 2024 was such a cool idea for me… and now it’s in sight! And… well, not too far from the truth, if you ignore global pandemics. Some great visuals here, good moralising, and Brooks and Fadil relish the action plot. Plus Dick Miller yay!
Coming tomorrow, back to alternating shows as Voyager added into the mix.
As a quick preview: Voyager was the first show I heavily tracked in pre-production (I became an obsessive fan shortly before DS9 started so I tracked the build up to that a bit) and had a lot of hype for. And at the time it absolutely lived up to it in a way that DS9 didn’t. I loved that it felt so much like TNG but “bravely” lost the shackles of Starfleet. I watched the first season as it came out, but then missed almost all of the rest until the DVD releases in the early 00s. By then I realised the things I loved it for were actually the weaker parts, but I still really enjoyed it. I marathoned it again several years later and felt the same. Not sure what I’m going to make of it now, especially as I’m loving DS9 so much more than before.
Episode 343: Caretaker (VOY)
The best of the Berman pilots. All the characters are instantly interesting or likeable (even Neelix!), the setting is great, and builds on stuff built in TNG and DS9, and the plot a suitable blend of action and mystery. Well paced, and pretty much stands alone as a proper movie (albeit an open ended one) while Farpoint and Emissary definitely suffer from “well, it introduces a show that gets good later” syndrome.
Episode 344: Parallax (VOY)
Not much going here. Very TOS/TNG “weird thingy in space” plot, just there to form the background of character building left over from Caretaker. But that character stuff is all important and good and the Starfleet vs Maquis stuff shows a lot of promise, despite the fact that we know it gets mostly sidelined in the future.
Episode 345: Time and Again (VOY)
Wait, two wobbly timey episodes in a row already? Strange choice. It’s a fun one though with some lovely location work. Definitely starting to feel very TNG here, which gives me some familiar grounding after half a season of DS9’s grit.
Episode 346: Life Support (DS9)
Never cared much for Bareil but this is a good exit for him, with some lovely work for Visitor and Fadil. Louise Fletcher is very off this episode, as a result of the flu, which is a shame. Great to see Lark Voorhies showing up in Trek, and the Jake/Nog stuff is fab – sooner or later we all discover our best friends aren’t the same people as us, and that it’s actually cool that they’re not.
Episode 347: Phage (VOY)
There’s coffee in that nebula. Still really enjoying Voyager, although there’s some elements (Maquis/Starfleet in particular) that have been sadly sidelined. This episode has a GREAT original concept, and allows for some very moving stuff with Neelix thinking he’s effectively paralysed.
Episode 348: Heart of Stone (DS9)
Effectively a two-hander between two of the strongest characters, and well worth giving them time to shine. Odo’s love for Kira has kinda come out of nowhere but never mind. The Nog starfleet stuff has also come out of nowhere but it’s both amusing and interesting so ok.
Episode 349: The Cloud (VOY)
Another TOS-style plot but it feels like we’re still easing in here with some comfort viewing. Janeway goes on a hunt for her animal guide, and I gotta say after TNG s1 with Picard walking around with a stick up his butt, and DS9 s1 with Sisko played by a man who has seemingly only just learned how to talk, it’s refreshing to see a genuinely likeable and watchable captain immediately without having to apologise that she gets better.
Episode 350: Destiny (DS9)
Great character piece for Kira as she finally has to balance her Bajoran and Starfleet responsibilities. Surprised it’s taken this long. I’m never that fussed about anything to do with prophecies etc but it serves a purpose. Love the flirtation between Miles and the Cardassian scientist too!
Episode 351: Eye of the Needle (VOY)
Brilliant episode. Some wonderful ideas and great twists. The hairs stand up on my neck first when Tuvok asks what year it is, and then again after Telek leaves when he says “Captain…” and Janeway gives him a “what now?” look.
Episode 352: Prophet Motive (DS9)
Wallace Shawn’s finest moments in DS9 right here. Absolutely hilarious. Subplot about Bashir getting nominated for an award is *shrugs*
Episode 353: Ex Post Facto (VOY)
Twisty turny murder plot. Shades of A Matter of Perspective. Although despite having seen this a couple of times, I still couldn’t remember the resolution. Surprising once again!
Episode 354: Visionary (DS9)
Very cool and clever. I love short-hop time travel stuff. Reminds me of Time Squared, another favourite. As with TS, you have to sort of squint through some of this stuff for it to make sense, but it’s a fab one anyway.
Episode 355: Emanations (VOY)
Thought provoking and good to see Jerry Hardin back again. Good to see Janeway embracing a spiritual side again at the end. It’s a strong episode for Kim although could have been anyone really.
Episode 356: Prime Factors (VOY)
Clever idea. How many times have we seen Picard screw over an alien culture because of the Prime Directive (and justify it well to the audience) and now it’s the other side of the coin. Also sets up some Seska stuff ready for…
Episode 357: State of Flux (VOY)
…wow, this seemed to come out of nowhere! I remember at the time being shocked that they’d kept Seska undercover all this time. Of course these days a production team would happily do that to a main character rather than just a minor recurring guest, but it was brave for the time. And really hard to tell up until the end whether it’s her or Carey.
Episode 358: Distant Voices (DS9)
Good insight into Bashir’s personality, adding new layers. I suspect most of the quality of this episode hinges on whether you think Siddig El Fadil can do “old man acting” well or not. Personally I think he did great, which makes this a really fun episode, and Andrew Robinson is a joy as always. Of course if you think his doddering old man is rubbish, this probably ruins it. Also unusual take that he figures out he’s in a coma early on – most “it was all a dream” stories use it as the deus ex machina.
Episode 359: Through the Looking Glass (DS9)
Love the mirror episodes, and it’s great to see DS9 seems to be making a yearly return to them. As always, everyone seems to be having so much FUN, and it’s great to see a pseudo-crossover with Voyager, plus Jennifer back!
Episode 360: Heroes and Demons (VOY)
I’m not a fan of Beowulf or anything of that ilk… but Picardo is fabulous, and Marjorie Monaghan is hugely entertaining too. New twist on the old holodeck malfunction story as it’s essentially an “away mission” too.
Episode 361: Improbable Cause (DS9)
Episode 363: The Die is Cast (DS9)
Wow, DS9 properly kicks up a notch into intergalactic battle territory. This is probably about the time I decided DS9 definitely wasn’t “proper Trek” the first time around – even though I wasn’t able to watch them “live” I caught synopses and judged based on them. What synopses don’t give away though is the beautiful scripting and drama against the fighting. None moreso than that final scene with Garak and Odo agreeing to have breakfast together someday. Moving.
Episode 362: Cathexis (VOY)
Bit of a double bluff here, as Chakotay shows up without a brain, and someone starts taking over the minds of everyone on board the ship. Of COURSE it’s Chakotay. The twist is that the red herring “alien” is actually there too! Neelix’s paranoia is a comic highlight.
Episode 364: Faces (VOY)
Like TOS’s Enemy Within, we learn that everyone has two sides to their personality, and we need both. Yes, it’s been done before, but Roxann Biggs-Dawson absolutely nails it, Having Brian Markinson under a bunch of make-up playing the Vidiian scientist is a master stroke, although a shame Durst hasn’t been around for longer to increase the shock.
Episode 365: Explorers (DS9)
Brave choice – two non-sci-plots in one episode. Been a while since this (Family?). I was never that fussed about the Sisko/Jake plot but now I’m a father myself it speaks to me a lot more. I hope I can be a Ben. Also Miles and Julian drunkenly singing Jerusalem is a classic.
Episode 366: Jetrel (VOY)
I don’t get the hate for Neelix. He’s been a great comic character most of the season, and here Ethan Phillips gets to really show off his acting chops. Very moving episode, and Sloyan is brilliant as always. Tough viewing in a lot of places but worth it.
Episode 367: Family Business (DS9)
I’m still not a huge fan of Ferengi episodes. This one has its moments though, Jeffrey Combs is fab of course as Brunt, and it says some important stuff (even today) about standing up against societal norms. Jake as matchmaker is cringe, but we know Kassidy’s here to stay so I’ll roll with it.
Episode 368: Learning Curve (VOY)
It’s like the production crew suddenly remembered the Maquis/Starfleet plotline and rammed it all into one episode. Not bad, but not exactly gripping either. And, although not originally planned to be, this is the season 1 closer. Eek.
Episode 369: Shakaar (DS9)
Whenever I watch DS9 I think I’m not going to enjoy the Bajor episodes. Then I’m proven wrong by episodes like this. Pretty gripping.
Episode 370: Facets (DS9)
Great thing about ensemble shows is that an episode focussing on one character can be such an opportunity for the other actors. Case in point, this Dax episode flies because of the performances from Brooks and Auberjonois. Also, the Nog academy entry subplot provides some awesome stuff for Rom.
Episode 371: The Adversary (DS9)
Another one of DS9’s tension-heightening season enders. On reflection it seems a bit odd it takes them so long to figure out the blood test, but squint and you can overlook it. It’s nice and tense and the reveal of the shapeshifter is a scary moment!
Rare break from watching in strict airing order here. Below is the order these episodes were produced in, and released on VHS in the UK (and as such the first way I saw them). The first four have season 1 era Stardates, feel tonally like part of season 1, and The 37s makes a great season finale (Jeri Taylor and Brannon Braga agree). However for first broadcast they were mixed in with Initiations and Non Sequitur (the first two season 2s) and aired as the first six of the second season. It doesn’t make sense to me that way, so I always undo that decision when watching.
Episode 372: Projections (VOY)
Twisty turny, with several real surprises (particularly Kes’s “so then our marriage is over!”). It’s the bastard love child of Frame of Mind and Ship in a Bottle, but despite being done before, Picardo and Schultz are awesome.
Episode 373: Elogium (VOY)
Urgh. OK, here’s where I get the Neelix hatred from. He’s just awful in this. And Kes’s insanity is cringey. I’m sure this is down to the script and the direction rather than Lien, but this is basically unwatchable.
Episode 374: Twisted (VOY)
Bit dull and lifeless. Doesn’t help the big “twist” is to just sit it out and do nothing. Not as bad as the production team make out though.
Episode 375: The 37s (VOY)
What a cracking season finale! The ship lands! Amelia Earhart! David Graf! And that moment where Janeway walks into an empty cargo bay and nearly cries is tearjerking.
Episode 376: Initiations (VOY)
I remember thinking this was a bit of a weak season opener but it’s pretty cool and gives Aron Eisenberg and Beltran both some great material.
Episode 377: Non Sequitur (VOY)
I do like it when Trek goes to Earth, and this is a nice time travel-esque plot too. By his own account Garrett Wang got this by complaining about the lack of interesting stuff with his character in season 1, then complained again that all of it happened in one episode. Doesn’t make him come across well. But it’s a solid episode!
Episode 378: The Way of the Warrior (DS9)
Well isn’t this just a whole new pilot? The first 20 mins is full of exposition to introduce new viewers, and we set up so much new stuff over the following hour. Plus action, humour, Klingons! Yes, this is a complete sidestep from the previous season, but it’s SO good it makes me excited for what’s to come. Even the gimmicky addition of Worf is welcome. Avery Brooks finally seems properly eased into the role (can allowing him to choose his own hairdo really have made that much of a difference?!). The only downside for me is the new opening theme with that completely off-tempo beat added. But the visuals are gorgeous!
Episode 379: Parturition (VOY)
The ultimate Neelix jealousy episode. But it’s dealt with in a fairly dignified way and clearly designed to close the door on the whole sorry plotline. The “three men and a baby” type backstory is OK.
Episode 380: The Visitor (DS9)
Following our action packed season opener, a real goddamn tear-jerker. Sure it’s a cool time travel type plot too, but this is all about family, and quite amazingly moving. Tony Todd is fab. One of DS9’s finest hours.
Episode 381: Hippocratic Oath (DS9)
Another one of DS9’s more thought-provoking episodes, putting a couple of favourite characters up against each other… and both of them are right. Ah, plus some Worf stuff whatever.
Episode 382: Indiscretion (DS9)
Gotta admit, not that fussed about the Dukat revelations here, and the Sisko/Kassidy stuff has never interested me. I’m sure this is a good episode for some people but I’m not bothered.
Episode 383: Persistence of Vision (VOY)
Entertaining enough. Kes’s skin boiling hallucination is goddamn nightmare inducing though – makes me feel sick just thinking about it.
Episode 384: Rejoined (DS9)
I remember the hoohah about this before it aired. The big lesbian episode (big episode, not an episode about big lesbians). Well this is as much about lesbians as Plato’s Stepchildren was about interracial relationships. This is a REALLY strong episode for me – especially as I get older – about second chances, missed opportunities, and what ifs. The fact that the two leads are female is entirely incidental although Thompson and Farrell should be congratulated for making it that way through such good performances.
Episode 385: Tattoo (VOY)
Not a fan of Chakotay episodes. Not a fan of episodes in ANY genre show that worships Native Americans as having some sort of mystical powers / intelligence. This one is definitely “interesting” but had a lot counting against it before I even pressed ‘play’.
Episode 386: Starship Down (DS9)
DS9 does “Disaster” without the humour. Some brilliant character stuff here. In particular revealing some open topics for Kira I’d not really considered would be.
Episode 387: Cold Fire (VOY)
The follow-up we didn’t need, although at least it shows the production team were confident enough to remove the trapdoor they left at the end of Caretaker. Gary Graham is always a pleasure to see though, and once again we see Kes involved in a terrifying skin-boiling incident.
Episode 388: Little Green Men (DS9)
One of the all time classic comedy episodes. Plus I love all the Roswell stuff. And some great Rom material here in particular. A highlight!
Episode 389: Maneuvers (VOY)
A rare decent Chakatay episode, but more for Seska and Torres, plus the very cool invasion sequence at the start. Unfortunately the actual Chakotay stuff always leaves me cold.
Episode 390: The Sword of Kahless (DS9)
Love this. Once again highlights how unKlingon-like Worf is with such a stick up his butt. Kor is a lot of fun, and the action stuff is both exciting and on occasion thought provoking.
Episode 391: Resistance (VOY)
Very moving – tough watching at times. Joel Gray and Mulgrew are magnificent.
Episode 392: Our Man Bashir (DS9)
I’m only a casual fan of Bond, so I quickly tire of homages that worship the format. This one’s fun though – love the music, and the actors all seem to be having fun. Nice twist on the usual holodeck story.
Episode 393: Homefront (DS9)
Episode 394: Paradise Lost (DS9)
Awesome two parter here. Changeling stuff, shades of grey at Starfleet, Sisko’s dad, gorgeous night shooting at the water reclamation facility (with a great little performance from Colm as a shapeshifter). Fab!
Episode 395: Prototype (VOY)
Urgh. Silly robot with silly face. “Computer looking for creator” plot straight out of TOS. Nice twist as the robot turns on B’Elanna but not enough to save this from blandness.
Episode 396: Alliances (VOY)
I remembered this one as being a bit dull. And although it’s quite a talky episode, it definitely has some really good material for Beltran and Mulgrew in particular, and the twist at the end came as a genuine surprise the first time.
Episode 397: Threshold (VOY)
This one gets a bad reputation (indeed my good friend Allison made a whole video about how laughable this is). While the premise is ridiculous, I do find a lot to like here, especially with the depth it gives Tom. Before turning him into a salamander.
https://youtu.be/EYt-OI7LlTk
Episode 398: Crossfire (DS9)
Woah. All the feels right here. Rene’s performance is outstanding. And Nana Visitor is commendable at managing to repeatedly twist the knife into Odo’s heart while still coming across (rightly so) as a complete innocent in this unrequited love story. Props to Admin Shimmerman too for some sensitive stuff for Quark.
Episode 399: Meld (VOY)
Any time Brad Dourif shows up, you know someone’s gonna get killed. My only issue with this episode is NOT ENOUGH BRAD. Although this is really Tim Russ’s chance to shine, and he does.