Target Audience / PATRON TIER LIST TNG S5E19

The dressing down of Wesley for participating in a conspiracy to cover up the truth of how a fellow cadet died... Damn I felt guilty just watching it. I am strongly committed to live a life of truth, but I tell ya, it ain't always easy. It's like every lie I've ever told was laid bare in my mind during Picard's speech.

Sherpa Jones

2025-03-01 04:43:43 +0000 UTC

This is an A-tier episode made into an S by bringing some much-needed character development for Wesley, coupled with him getting a brilliantly-delivered dressing down from Picard. We can still respect Wesley at the end but guess what, it turns out the boy-wonder is human, after all.

GratChat

2025-02-10 23:37:36 +0000 UTC

"The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the truth, whether it's scientific truth, or historical truth, or personal truth. It is the guiding principle on which Starfleet is based, and if you can't find it within yourself to stand up and tell the truth about what happened, you don't deserve to wear that uniform. " Great speech, solid episode, it helps Wes's character, because it humanizes him, previous episodes where Wes is chewed out, it is during a time where Wes was secretly absolutely right. But here he is overtly wrong. Bonus points for making the "villain" not be evil but be "principled". That guy legitimately just valued his idea of loyalty over honesty, and when Wes told the truth he took all the blame for the team because of that principle. High A.

Mr Moxie

2025-02-06 02:54:40 +0000 UTC

@ShazD Because it's Boothby!

GreenCauldron08

2025-02-04 19:29:55 +0000 UTC

sheepishly raises hand

Mark Walsh

2025-02-04 05:37:47 +0000 UTC

This is the Wesley episode we need. Very well acted from everyone, especially the interactions between Wes and Picard.

Worf and Riker Ride Again

2025-02-02 14:51:48 +0000 UTC

He completely refuses to tell the truth! He only does so when Picard threatens him with “either you tell or I will.” So he only tells the truth because he has no other option. It shows a real lack of integrity, and one would hope Wes could have made that choice without being forced.

Benjamin Azure

2025-02-01 00:05:30 +0000 UTC

"The Game" is fine.

Jovet

2025-01-31 21:29:14 +0000 UTC

Far cry from "I'm with Starfleet. We don't lie." to be sure. But I suspect young Crusher did not have much exposure to peer pressure until he got to the Academy and did not know how to handle it, either. It's messed up better people before. So I can see both sides of the reactions to this one.

Jovet

2025-01-31 21:28:56 +0000 UTC

@Benjamin Azure What's pathetic about telling the truth?

Jovet

2025-01-31 21:18:28 +0000 UTC

Wesley has enough experience and devotion to the principles of Starfleet to know what is the "right thing" to do. Instead, the hero is Picard, who pressures Wesley to confess. Instead, Wesley should have somehow been the one to convince all the cadets to stand up for what's right. Being coerced by Picard to tell the truth shows Wesley doesn't deserve to wear the uniform. A good episode would show Wesley actually learned those principles already. First Season Wesley would have done the right thing, but not Season 5 Wesley?

THE Fans

2025-01-31 16:06:55 +0000 UTC

"Deconstructing Wesley". Always fun to make a former main character an Op, or at least a supporting one in this case. And, a classic Picard speech to boot. Solid A.

The Ninth Doctor

2025-01-31 15:15:15 +0000 UTC

@ShazD Because he helped shape Picard into the great man he is today.

Jovet

2025-01-31 09:55:33 +0000 UTC

How is confessing the truth destruction of moral character?

Jovet

2025-01-31 09:52:31 +0000 UTC

Gene WAS the franchise. The good and the bad.

Jovet

2025-01-31 09:51:47 +0000 UTC

Wesley was right, his friends were not. The Picard has spoken. End of story.

Jovet

2025-01-31 09:50:52 +0000 UTC

Actually the door with the knob is fine. It's the weird electronic sound it makes every time it's opened or closed that is weird. Can't a door just be a door??

Jovet

2025-01-31 09:48:58 +0000 UTC

I have always felt "lucky" to be born with an immunity to peer pressure.

Jovet

2025-01-31 09:48:03 +0000 UTC

@Spencer Loften The Kolvoord Starburst maneuver was already banned after earlier cadets tried it and all five were killed.

Jovet

2025-01-31 09:46:07 +0000 UTC

How is it pompous?

Jovet

2025-01-31 09:43:58 +0000 UTC

I think Wesley is okay. He's just often written pretty poorly. "Shut up, kid" is funny. "Shut up, Wesley" is not.

Jovet

2025-01-31 09:43:41 +0000 UTC

This is maybe my second S tier this season. I believe to be an S-tier it not only has to be a personal favorite, but it also has to be a really good episode. I have personal favorites that I would not categorize as really good episodes. There will be one, possibly two more S-tier episodes this season, and that's a lot for me for a single season. I feel almost obligated to give as many E-tier ratings as I do S-tier, but the fact is that my ratings SHOULD be skewed positive, since the really bad episodes don't make it in as often, especially not in Seasons 3-5. (6 and 7 aren't bad... I just think they're not peak Trek. But still lightyears better than Season 1, and probably better than much of Season 2 as well.)

John

2025-01-31 09:17:04 +0000 UTC

Surely you mean second best next to "The Game"!? (I kid, I kid.)

John

2025-01-31 09:11:21 +0000 UTC

I didn't know that. Not a bad start at all!

John

2025-01-31 09:10:52 +0000 UTC

+1 Jovet! "Scientific truth, or historical truth, or personal truth. If you can't find it within yourself to stand up, tell the truth, YOU DON'T DESERVE TO WEAR THAT UNIFORM."

John

2025-01-31 09:08:31 +0000 UTC

Yeah. This is the Wesley that I like. Imperfect, realistically young adult Wesley.

John

2025-01-31 09:06:04 +0000 UTC

I like Wesley too, so who's the third one?

John

2025-01-31 09:04:56 +0000 UTC

He was also on the cast of Picket Fences on CBS at this time.

Jeffrey P

2025-01-30 23:47:46 +0000 UTC

I'm one of the three people that like Wesley Crusher, and this is probably the best episode of TNG that he's a focus in. 'A'.

Boggle

2025-01-30 21:31:02 +0000 UTC

Maybe if they got a ridiculously talented cast, added a pro wrestler, and didn't let Alex Kurtzman into the writers' room. Oh well, 2 out of 3 ain't bad.

Jeffrey P

2025-01-30 17:46:38 +0000 UTC

I don't think doorknobs would have helped those episodes...unless he ran into one in the intro and was unconcious for the next 40 minutes. More doorknobs!

Jeffrey P

2025-01-30 17:42:34 +0000 UTC

The rehabilitation of Wes begins here. I mean, this episode is a wee bit pompous in places, but it's worth to shed some light on just how imperfect Starfleet is. It's made of flawed people. Just like every organisation, and finally allows a bit of genuine conflict to appear in the core cast of Trek(s).

Andy Frankham-Allen

2025-01-30 16:13:46 +0000 UTC

This is Wesley's best episode. I love this episode. He is not the super boy he is often depicted as, look he's flawed like everyone else. We get to meet Boothby which Picard mentioned previously to Wesley. The other cadets are also well acted Sito, T... Nick, and Jean. Courtroom setting, great Picard speech. Whats more to love here?

Sequiro

2025-01-30 15:06:45 +0000 UTC

I could be wrong but I don't think they ever say the move itself was illegal under federation law. Just that it was banned at the academy after the accident.

Spencer Loften

2025-01-30 05:12:54 +0000 UTC

Come to think of it shouldn't Wesley and pals be charged with manslaughter or negligent homicide? They preformed an negligent illegal act that resulted in someone's death? Do we have any lawyers in the chat?

Loot Narsbaar

2025-01-30 03:34:35 +0000 UTC

A tier. Get ready for the best Wesley Crusher episode ever, and it's when the show decides to completely dress down and deconstruct him, unflatteringly. It also has one of the best Picard speeches of all time. Also, pay no attention to the Lacarno behind the curtain. (It'll make sense eventually.)

Shortskirtsandexplosions

2025-01-30 02:26:31 +0000 UTC

I never understood the concept of "ratting" as a general rule. Sure, turning friends in who broke legitimately moronic rules or laws, that's wrong. But if a friend committed an awful act where people were hurt? I'm with Kramer, turning you in.

Paul

2025-01-29 21:50:12 +0000 UTC

A decent Wesley Crusher episode, who woulda thought it was possible.

Chris Stewart

2025-01-29 20:22:30 +0000 UTC

Having one of the best season 5 episodes be about Wesley was not on my bingo card. But this is pretty much everything I would want from an episode that deepens Wesley's character and further builds on his surrogate son relationship with Picard. I really appreciate how the episode does not really redeem Wesley in the end, but lets us sit with his failure and Picard's sincere disappointment. A fantastic example of how the series has really begun to expose our crew's genuine flaws and failings.

Deep Red

2025-01-29 17:35:08 +0000 UTC

I agree. Sometimes it is okay :) but in this case, the result is Wes coming off as pretty pathetic. That’s what I don’t like.

Benjamin Azure

2025-01-29 17:04:06 +0000 UTC

An S for me if for nothing else than Picard’s speech to Wesley…”Our first duty is to the truth.” Woefully needed in today’s alternative-facts climate. The only other thing that would have made this episode more perfect for me? Ray Walston telling Wesley and Nova Squadron in Mr. Hand’s voice, “What are you people? On dope?” 😆

Raphael Gaytan

2025-01-29 16:52:12 +0000 UTC

Fair enough Jeffrey

Evan Guthrie

2025-01-29 16:40:20 +0000 UTC

They're great for cadets.

Jovet

2025-01-29 15:28:36 +0000 UTC

This episode is the saving grace of Wesley as a character, I only lament that its way too late in the show to save his reputation as a dweeb saving everyone because prodigy. Easy A, highlight being Picard having to firmly deal with Wesley disappointing him.

cricketlenny

2025-01-29 15:28:30 +0000 UTC

This isn't an "S".

Jovet

2025-01-29 15:24:29 +0000 UTC

Peer pressure is a bee-eye-itch.

Jovet

2025-01-29 15:23:47 +0000 UTC

"The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the TRUTH!..."

Jovet

2025-01-29 15:16:53 +0000 UTC

The closeup on Picard when he's explaining what he thinks happened to Wesley in the Ready Room is pretty awesome.

Jovet

2025-01-29 15:15:11 +0000 UTC

Wesley was an official ensign, but he still has lots of official training he has to go through to be in Starfleet long term.

Jovet

2025-01-29 15:13:36 +0000 UTC

It's like Hogwarts students in denim blue jeans (Harry Potter 3)!

Jovet

2025-01-29 15:11:40 +0000 UTC

Wesley isn't perfect! Glory Hallelujah!

Jovet

2025-01-29 15:09:52 +0000 UTC

Hey! It's Tom P... Never mind.

Sam Langanke

2025-01-29 14:02:54 +0000 UTC

Wes having the childhood Gene wanted made for bad television. I think choosing to make Star Trek be good television trumps catering to Gene's poor choice forever

Jeffrey

2025-01-29 03:49:46 +0000 UTC

The only difference between an A and an S is if it is one of your personal favorites. It isn't for me, so it grades an A

Jeffrey

2025-01-29 03:46:51 +0000 UTC

I would agree with that. But I stand by my previous statement.

tyranusfan

2025-01-29 03:22:52 +0000 UTC

Don't think he ever got around the "porking" her sadly.

Evan Guthrie

2025-01-29 02:39:49 +0000 UTC

IMO Gene Roddeberry's judgement was clouded and he was overly possessive of the franchise, to its detriment. I would say the series was allowed to breathe a little more afterwards.

Evan Guthrie

2025-01-29 02:38:47 +0000 UTC

I think that's a really poor lesson. We're supposed to think Locarno's motives are compelling, but by no means nobler than the truth.

Evan Guthrie

2025-01-29 02:35:34 +0000 UTC

No Tom Paris didn't play anybody in this episode.

Evan Guthrie

2025-01-29 02:34:20 +0000 UTC

Gene Roddenberry: dies Writers: Okay now let's give this character some flaws.

Evan Guthrie

2025-01-29 02:33:17 +0000 UTC

I disagree. I think sometimes it's okay for a character not to grow, or not grow very much.

Evan Guthrie

2025-01-29 02:32:21 +0000 UTC

This is my favorite Wesley episode. If only we could have gotten more of this. If only we could have waited until the character was old enough to get more of this.

#MaxwellDidNothingWrong

2025-01-29 01:09:48 +0000 UTC

That bothers me every time I see it, but I still love this episode.

Justin B

2025-01-29 00:44:09 +0000 UTC

One of my favorites. Ray Walston alone would make it an A for me. Decent story, Beverly a worried mom, another great Picard speech, morals and values, what more could you want? Solid A.

Michael Metrick

2025-01-29 00:18:26 +0000 UTC

Brutal.

Michael Metrick

2025-01-29 00:15:19 +0000 UTC

I like this episode. It’s a good Wesley episode with a good moral message. We’ve all felt peer pressure before. Is it the greatest episode of TNG ever? No, but it is easily one of the best Wesley episodes.

Wade MacKinnon

2025-01-29 00:08:51 +0000 UTC

When he gets the red uniform at the end of season 3 he is given a field promotion to full officer because he gave up his ride to the academy to save the crew members who were held hostage. Otherwise what's the point of promoting him from a gray uniform (provisional officer's uniform) to a red one (officer's uniform) at the end of Menage a Troi? Trek is inconsistent on the permeance of field promotions.

Loot Narsbaar

2025-01-28 22:56:05 +0000 UTC

IMAGINE THIS: Wes is the leader of Nova Squad and he takes responsibility and resigns from Star Fleet at the end of the episode. THAT would be character development, not Picard giving him no other option but to rat everyone out! Such a weak writing choice….😒

Benjamin Azure

2025-01-28 20:16:15 +0000 UTC

By far the best Wesley-centric episode to this point. An episode that doesn't treat Wesley as a creator's pet, that doesn't make him a perfect little miniature adult, one that treats him as a teenager vulnerable to peer pressure from a charismatic classmate leader, and one that doesn't imply that he's space Mozart.

Ian Westcott

2025-01-28 18:14:56 +0000 UTC

A door with a knob in Star Trek ? An automatic F! Lol nah I love this episode.✍️✍️✍️🔥🔥note to Alexander’s episodes! BE MORE LIKE THIS !

Sixto

2025-01-28 16:33:57 +0000 UTC

Character growth for Wesley. Even those "perfect" kids can screw up badly with the wrong influences. Even the leader of the group showed character by taking the fall for everyone. And meeting Boothby! Picard being Picard. So much right with this one. Excellent example of the good character-driven stories completely lacking in season 1

Chris Mickelson

2025-01-28 15:55:41 +0000 UTC

IMO the one episode that Bursts the Wesley’s “perfect” image in the best way. His best episode yet. Conflicting loyalties to peers and mentors. Another Banger speech from Picard. Finally meeting Boothby is a treat. Solid A episode in my book.

Nathan Walker

2025-01-28 04:45:43 +0000 UTC

He wasnt actually an ensign. He was "acting ensign" which Picard has the authority to do, but only carries weight for Picard's ship specifically. He would never be able to transfer to another ship or get promoted unless he made it official by going through the academy. And if Picard were to die, retire, or get promoted, the next captain could dismiss him entirely back to civilian.

Pokeysaurus

2025-01-28 04:17:21 +0000 UTC

Not the exact same backstory, but pretty close. Budget choice for sure (in terms of paying royalties to writers).

captveg

2025-01-28 04:11:44 +0000 UTC

I never understood why Wesley had to go back to the academy after having been made an officer, because if he graduates he going to be promoted to... ensign?... which he already was. I guess this episode explains why he was never allowed to have friends his own age.

Loot Narsbaar

2025-01-28 04:06:47 +0000 UTC

This legit made me LOL

captveg

2025-01-28 04:06:04 +0000 UTC

I get what Moore is going for, but I also think dramatically you need any another non-guilty character that keeping silent will protect from being railroaded to make it really work. Dead Poets Society comes to mind.

captveg

2025-01-28 04:05:29 +0000 UTC

What's weird is they keep this same backstory....

The Travelers Travels

2025-01-28 04:05:25 +0000 UTC

It's easy to get second-hand anxiety watching Picard give this lecture -- you can feel his anger and disappointment. My dad has a saying he picked up in the Army: "I'll kick your ass so hard your breath will smell like Kiwi shoe polish." Wesley definitely walked out of the Ready Room with shoe-polish breath.

Jesse Manning

2025-01-28 04:04:36 +0000 UTC

God damn, dude😆

Timothy Nikiforovs

2025-01-28 04:01:51 +0000 UTC

Who's that?

Timothy Nikiforovs

2025-01-28 04:00:56 +0000 UTC

Tom... Tom Paris??.......

The Travelers Travels

2025-01-28 03:44:19 +0000 UTC

Uh, oh, Wesley's in trouble at Star Fleet Academy! BIG trouble that resulted in the death of a classmate. It looks like he and his friends will get away with it if they all just keep quiet. Eventually Wesley does do the right thing, but not until Picard lays down the law to him. I rank this as another “Best of the Best”.

KatWithAttitude

2025-01-28 03:15:27 +0000 UTC

This one was good until Wesley turned rat. Ron Moore hated that ending. He felt Wesley should have stood by his friends. He was overruled. I wonder what you think of the actor playing the leader of the cadets. I thought he was pretty good.

Crankygrandma

2025-01-28 02:50:03 +0000 UTC

No vilain, no phaser, no epic space batle just a simple and human episode that could have been a Top Gun sequel. Still an A for me 🖖

Dan Here

2025-01-28 02:36:33 +0000 UTC

The best opportunity they had to kill off Wesley and they fumbled it. Still a decent episode despite that, B tier.

tkitez (take it easy)

2025-01-28 02:20:58 +0000 UTC

Surely you didn't miss the antennae rising from the back of Boothby's head. 😂😂

Dale Williams

2025-01-28 02:05:18 +0000 UTC

This is the episode they should’ve brought Wesley back for the first time in, not the idiotic “The Game”.

Ron Hubbard Jr

2025-01-28 01:39:56 +0000 UTC

E! I hated what they did with Wesley. The writers argued that making a big mistake and lying about it humanized him, but here’s my take: for better or worse, Wesley was Gene’s surrogate on the show. Wes had the childhood Gene wanted when he was a sickly kid. Waiting until after Gene was gone to do this (because they knew he’d never approve) just felt dirty.

tyranusfan

2025-01-28 01:18:37 +0000 UTC

Solid A! A rock solid ethics/morality tale that gives needed depth to Wesley's character. The Picard/Wesley moments are spectacular. The dead cadet's dad gives a subtly heartbreaking performance. The Boothby cameo makes for a great Picard scene. Themes are very relatable. Even a couple of the non-Wesley cadets are memorable. Great ep!

Lovok

2025-01-28 01:07:48 +0000 UTC

I .. just ... don't connect with anything in this episode. RDM's leader character is a guy I wouldn't do anything he says. And Wesley only fesses up AFTER he realizes he has no choice. This episode destroys any moral character Wesley should have. Plus, as a court drama, there should have been a hidden twist at the end, but we already simply know they are guilty.

THE Fans

2025-01-28 00:32:24 +0000 UTC

A true walk so something else could run element going on here.

captveg

2025-01-28 00:24:00 +0000 UTC

It being satisfying for both Wesley lovers and haters is a great observation.

captveg

2025-01-28 00:22:33 +0000 UTC

An excellent Picard episode, as well as a great episode by McNeill as the asshat Locarno. I've never thought much of Wheaton's acting ability but he's got better material to work with here. I've wondered if more Star Trek based at the academy would be any good, but I fear that the need for conflict every episode would logically hurt it. Having student characters mess up and stick around with little repercussions makes little sense; nor does having them involved in anything with real, non-classroom Starfleet stakes. As for The First Duty I give it a solid A.

captveg

2025-01-28 00:13:22 +0000 UTC

Fun fact: This is the first writing credit for future “The Expanse” showrunner Naren Shankar

Matthew McKinnon-Gray

2025-01-27 23:14:23 +0000 UTC

Ah yes, the Best Wesley Episode.

Thomas Cole

2025-01-27 22:48:42 +0000 UTC

OMG! Wesley Crusher is actually a human and acting like an actual teenager! The team leader is kind of an ass. And Boothby is kinda like the Guinan of Starfleet Academy. How easy to want to be part of the "in" crowd and doing everything possible to stay there, including lying to the Admiral. Peer pressure! Then he finally gives in to the peer pressure from Picard and does some real growing-up. Solid A from me. More courtroom drama always seems to be good.

Rogerbear60

2025-01-27 22:46:09 +0000 UTC

Not one of my favourites. I usually skip this ine. C- at best from me.

jon bolton

2025-01-27 22:14:19 +0000 UTC

It's ironic that Wil Wheaton had to leave the show to get the really good scripts, and this is arguably the best Wesley episode. I think the reason it works is it throws mud on Wesley's squeaky clean image by having him screw up in a big way. In the end however he owns his mistake and accepts the consequences, and ends up a much more mature character for it. We also get one of the all time great Picard speeches. Easy S tier for me.

Timothy Nikiforovs

2025-01-27 22:00:23 +0000 UTC

i love watching the parental reactions - trying to let their children live their own lives, but failing because parental love is too strong - worth many rewatches

jan

2025-01-27 21:30:29 +0000 UTC

Best Wesley episode! We meet Boothby (who I thought was going to turn out to be some alien, but it's Ray Walston from My Favorite Martian) and some great moments between Patrick Stewart and Wil Wheaton.

Collin Freeman

2025-01-27 21:18:45 +0000 UTC

Weaseley is also a snitch, but he did bang Ashley Judd so.....

Prof Moff

2025-01-27 20:50:46 +0000 UTC

Solid S tier for me! The theme of our boy Wesley being browbeat by a charismatic but self-serving Robert Duncan McNeil is a valuable one. It's so tempting to embrace an easy lie. But Picards speech about the first duty if every Starfleet officer is to the truth has stuck with me since it aired when I was 12. This episose is a part of my core values in life.

Alexander McKechnie

2025-01-27 20:45:11 +0000 UTC

How do you make a great Wesley episode? Ditch the boy genius and make him a fuck up! Instantly relatable. Picard’s speech about truth is one of his best. S.

John M.

2025-01-27 20:20:55 +0000 UTC

A good guest cast. Robert Duncan McNeil does an excellent job playing a character you want to hate. Ray Walston is everything I hoped Boothby would be ever since we heard about him on “Final Mission”. The mystery of the show is compelling enough to keep me interested. What I don’t care for in this episode is the change in Wesley Crusher. I just don’t see this character making the choices that got him in trouble. A Ron Moore writing choice that I just don’t think is accurate for the character. Rating B for “big, bad, out of character Wesley Crusher”

Column Meanie

2025-01-27 20:04:47 +0000 UTC

Maybe Wesley episodes aren't so bad after all.

Nerd's Gold

2025-01-27 20:03:17 +0000 UTC

Very surprised to see this is not a universal S tier. I would love to hear your (or the patrons') biggest detractors for this episode.

Evan Guthrie

2025-01-27 20:02:04 +0000 UTC

I give it an S. Wisely having to deal with a horrible decision and trying to make it right was intriguing. Also you get to meet Boothbay in this epidode.

Keith S

2025-01-27 20:02:03 +0000 UTC

How long did it take you guys before you realized they were guilty?

Evan Guthrie

2025-01-27 19:59:59 +0000 UTC

Did you notice that Wesley’s room at Starfleet Academy didn’t have automatic doors? Just a doorknob. Goes to show that college dorms/barracks are always the last to get upgraded!

Matt Everkoul

2025-01-27 19:47:54 +0000 UTC

Ray Walston (Boothby) was no stranger to science fiction. He played the title role in the 1963-66 sitcom “My Favorite Martian.”

James H

2025-01-27 19:47:32 +0000 UTC

Easily the best Wesley episode. That's not saying much but this one is actually good. It's also the first episode that doesn't portray him as being perfect. It features one of Picard's best verbal smackdowns.

Spencer Loften

2025-01-27 19:47:07 +0000 UTC

Surprisingly good Wesley episode! I like the strain this episode puts on him and on his relationship with Picard. I think it's kind of nice how he doesn't feel like Little Mr. Perfect anymore after this. I thought Robert Duncan McNeill was a good guest actor as Locarno.

Forbidden Donut

2025-01-27 19:41:44 +0000 UTC

Ray Walston was in "My favorite Martian " with Bill Bixby (later Bruce Banner in the Hulk tv series)

Jason Lallathin

2025-01-27 19:29:38 +0000 UTC

As of now no votes lower than B. I guess it's because, love or hate Wesley, either way this episode satisfies. This ep really set the show apart. Many of us can identify with screwing up in life and for them to be willing to use Wesley to teach that lesson was totally bold and unexpected. It's never too late! There is always hope! But it is not all peaches and cream along the way.

FreshBread

2025-01-27 19:28:06 +0000 UTC

The first genuinely excellent Wesley episode, with a court-drama to boot! I think Josh will give this an A, Alex will. give it a B+

Paul

2025-01-27 19:25:23 +0000 UTC

The appeal of Boothby is mostly the actor, I think trek fans like it when we watched this episode with family and someone older said "hey we used to watch that guy on tv all the time".

Alan Thompson

2025-01-27 19:19:30 +0000 UTC

One of the better Wesley episodes. It truly deserves an A, but I'm giving it an S due to....spoilers.

startrekiborg

2025-01-27 19:11:07 +0000 UTC

I'm sure one of you mentioned during 'The Game' that you wished Wesley had been one of those succumbing because it'd be nice to see a 'perfect' character mess up for once. Well, this is your chance! Wesley finally makes his first serious mistake and has to live up to the consequences. I love Picard in this episode and how he doesn't hold back on telling Wesley just how disappointed he is. That scene is intense.

Elizabeth N

2025-01-27 19:04:08 +0000 UTC

Pretty good episode but looks like I scored it worse than most here (B). I think Alex and Josh may like it even less than I.

Greg Quinn

2025-01-27 18:57:29 +0000 UTC

Easy S tier for me. This is the right way to use a character like Wesley. Too often he's just the prodigy who does everything right, and being a prodigy is a fine aspect of his character, but episodes like this humanize him better by showing he can still get in over his head and sometimes needs firm guidance, like any kid does.

Jeff Cornell

2025-01-27 18:55:14 +0000 UTC

Best Wesley episode ever, not even close. Treating the character like a human being, not a ‘genius wiz kid’ leads to better stories. Who could have guessed?

Jeffrey

2025-01-27 18:54:16 +0000 UTC

The best Wesley episode there is. Pretty much everyone has that "I effed up" moment in their youth. Wesley's is particularily harsh in that someone died. Picard's had him getting stabbed through the heart. And on top of that is one of the best Picard speeches yet. "The First Duty is to the Truth!" What a thing to have in mind in this "post truth" era. Especially worthy of note is how Picard then elaborates on the different kinds of truths that are out there. There is no singular "Truth" but a variety. Life isn't about following a single Truth, but about finding the balance between multiple truths. Some damn fine nuanced stuff. S tier for me.

Nolan

2025-01-27 18:51:13 +0000 UTC

This Is a real good one and has one of the classic Picard speeches from the whole series. Also, Wesley gets some depth and isn't a know-it-all the way he has been most of the rest of the series.

John

2025-01-27 18:51:05 +0000 UTC

Because we've heard about him several times, but we've never actually met him.

John

2025-01-27 18:50:18 +0000 UTC

I asked ChatGPT's opinion: Boothby’s inclusion in The First Duty elevates the narrative through his role as a quiet yet profound moral compass, a character who embodies the enduring power of humility and wisdom. As the Academy’s unassuming groundskeeper, he functions as a literary archetype—the sage mentor—whose value transcends status or rank. His counsel to both Wesley Crusher and Captain Picard resonates with timeless themes of honor, accountability, and the cost of ambition, casting him as a living reminder of the foundational values Starfleet seeks to uphold. Boothby’s presence not only humanizes the Academy but also serves as a poignant narrative device, juxtaposing the grandeur of Starfleet’s ideals with the quiet, often-overlooked figures who nurture them. His character enriches the story’s moral complexity and leaves an indelible mark, embodying the essence of wisdom in its most unassuming form.

Paul Hess

2025-01-27 18:49:44 +0000 UTC

Why is Boothby exciting?

ShazD

2025-01-27 18:41:29 +0000 UTC

This is up there as one of the best TNGs I've seen. Easily Wesley's best episode, and here he was given a problem that is relatable to just about anybody. It's a shame he went part-time just as he was reaching the age to handle more complicated stories. I gave it an A.

Ken R

2025-01-27 18:35:38 +0000 UTC

Boothby! Real conflict! Wesley not being so weasley! Cool maneuvers. Great Picard speech. What more could you want? I particularly liked the subplot with the dead kid's father thinking the whole thing was his son's fault.

Paul Hess

2025-01-27 18:35:18 +0000 UTC

Intense speech for Picard. I never questioned that convicton..........until now. I really dont want to be stared down by him like that. A for me.

ComMix

2025-01-27 18:31:21 +0000 UTC

This is a good "send off" for Wesley, for so many reasons. Enterprise relationships are special, but so are the ones with your classmates at the academy. Wesley is in an impossible position and this actually shows how young people act. The writing here is great and does EXACTLY what it needs to do. One of the few, but an A for a Wesley episode.

Paul Sage

2025-01-27 18:30:41 +0000 UTC

A for me, possibly the best Wesley episode so far, and a good one for Picard as well. We see Starfleet Academy for the first time as well as Boothby who was mentioned by Picard in The Game.

Paul Rymer

2025-01-27 18:29:47 +0000 UTC

Based on THE TA FORMULA: C plus WESLEY GETTING HIS ASS HANDED TO HIM = SSSS!!!! I love watching Wesley get in deep trouble for a change. Another great Picard speech too.

T’Pynyn of Vulcan

2025-01-27 18:28:37 +0000 UTC

This is a generally excellent episode in which Wesley's shining halo finally gets tarnished. A tier for me.

David Wayne Fox

2025-01-27 18:28:12 +0000 UTC

How awesome are those cadet uniforms?

THE LORE!!!

2025-01-27 18:27:23 +0000 UTC

Wesley gets his ass handed to him. Picard sees through the bullshit and puts fear of god into him. I love knocking him down a peg. A

Phil Ken Sebben

2025-01-27 18:26:10 +0000 UTC

B tier. Nice change of scenery being at Starfleet for most of the episode and a good Picard speech. If this has been the quality of writing between Picard and Wesley for the first four seasons, I don't think people would have held such a negative view of him.

EnigmaticPenguin

2025-01-27 18:26:05 +0000 UTC

MUCH better Wesley episode, and among his best of the series. Plus, Picard’s speech about ‘The First Duty’ to the Truth is just CLASSIC Trek through and through. Great stuff, hope you enjoyed!

Andrew F.

2025-01-27 18:25:20 +0000 UTC

Wesley is on the other side of a Picard speech for once.

Gregory

2025-01-27 18:24:54 +0000 UTC

Gets an A, if nothing else because it’s better than Wesley’s last appearance…

Brian Dunleavy

2025-01-27 18:21:01 +0000 UTC

PATRON TIER LIST TNG S5E19

Comments

This is an A-tier episode made into an S by bringing some much-needed character development for Wesley, coupled with him getting a brilliantly-delivered dressing down from Picard. We can still respect Wesley at the end but guess what, it turns out the boy-wonder is human, after all.

@ShazD Because it's Boothby!

*sheepishly raises hand*

This is the Wesley episode we need. Very well acted from everyone, especially the interactions between Wes and Picard.

He completely refuses to tell the truth! He only does so when Picard threatens him with “either you tell or I will.” So he only tells the truth because he has no other option. It shows a real lack of integrity, and one would hope Wes could have made that choice without being forced.

"The Game" is fine.

Far cry from "I'm with Starfleet. We don't lie." to be sure. But I suspect young Crusher did not have much exposure to peer pressure until he got to the Academy and did not know how to handle it, either. It's messed up better people before. So I can see both sides of the reactions to this one.

@Benjamin Azure What's pathetic about telling the truth?

"Deconstructing Wesley". Always fun to make a former main character an Op, or at least a supporting one in this case. And, a classic Picard speech to boot. Solid A.

@ShazD Because he helped shape Picard into the great man he is today.

How is confessing the truth destruction of moral character?

Gene WAS the franchise. The good and the bad.

Wesley was right, his friends were not. The Picard has spoken. End of story.

Actually the door with the knob is fine. It's the weird electronic sound it makes every time it's opened or closed that is weird. Can't a door just be a door??

I have always felt "lucky" to be born with an immunity to peer pressure.

@Spencer Loften The Kolvoord Starburst maneuver was already banned after earlier cadets tried it and all five were killed.

How is it pompous?

I think Wesley is okay. He's just often written pretty poorly. "Shut up, kid" is funny. "Shut up, Wesley" is not.

Surely you mean second best next to "The Game"!? (I kid, I kid.)

I didn't know that. Not a bad start at all!

+1 Jovet! "Scientific truth, or historical truth, or personal truth. If you can't find it within yourself to stand up, tell the truth, YOU DON'T DESERVE TO WEAR THAT UNIFORM."

Yeah. This is the Wesley that I like. Imperfect, realistically young adult Wesley.

I like Wesley too, so who's the third one?

He was also on the cast of Picket Fences on CBS at this time.

I'm one of the three people that like Wesley Crusher, and this is probably the best episode of TNG that he's a focus in. 'A'.

Maybe if they got a ridiculously talented cast, added a pro wrestler, and didn't let Alex Kurtzman into the writers' room. Oh well, 2 out of 3 ain't bad.

I don't think doorknobs would have helped those episodes...unless he ran into one in the intro and was unconcious for the next 40 minutes. More doorknobs!

I could be wrong but I don't think they ever say the move itself was illegal under federation law. Just that it was banned at the academy after the accident.

Come to think of it shouldn't Wesley and pals be charged with manslaughter or negligent homicide? They preformed an negligent illegal act that resulted in someone's death? Do we have any lawyers in the chat?

A tier. Get ready for the best Wesley Crusher episode ever, and it's when the show decides to completely dress down and deconstruct him, unflatteringly. It also has one of the best Picard speeches of all time. Also, pay no attention to the Lacarno behind the curtain. (It'll make sense eventually.)

I never understood the concept of "ratting" as a general rule. Sure, turning friends in who broke legitimately moronic rules or laws, that's wrong. But if a friend committed an awful act where people were hurt? I'm with Kramer, turning you in.

A decent Wesley Crusher episode, who woulda thought it was possible.

I agree. Sometimes it is okay :) but in this case, the result is Wes coming off as pretty pathetic. That’s what I don’t like.

Fair enough Jeffrey

They're great for cadets.

This episode is the saving grace of Wesley as a character, I only lament that its way too late in the show to save his reputation as a dweeb saving everyone because prodigy. Easy A, highlight being Picard having to firmly deal with Wesley disappointing him.

This isn't an "S".

Peer pressure is a bee-eye-itch.

"The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the TRUTH!..."

The closeup on Picard when he's explaining what he thinks happened to Wesley in the Ready Room is pretty awesome.

Wesley was an official ensign, but he still has lots of official training he has to go through to be in Starfleet long term.

It's like Hogwarts students in denim blue jeans (Harry Potter 3)!

Wesley isn't perfect! Glory Hallelujah!

Hey! It's Tom P... Never mind.

Wes having the childhood Gene wanted made for bad television. I think choosing to make Star Trek be good television trumps catering to Gene's poor choice forever

The only difference between an A and an S is if it is one of your personal favorites. It isn't for me, so it grades an A

I would agree with that. But I stand by my previous statement.

Don't think he ever got around the "porking" her sadly.

IMO Gene Roddeberry's judgement was clouded and he was overly possessive of the franchise, to its detriment. I would say the series was allowed to breathe a little more afterwards.

I think that's a really poor lesson. We're supposed to think Locarno's motives are compelling, but by no means nobler than the truth.

No Tom Paris didn't play anybody in this episode.

Gene Roddenberry: *dies* Writers: Okay now let's give this character some flaws.

I disagree. I think sometimes it's okay for a character not to grow, or not grow very much.

This is my favorite Wesley episode. If only we could have gotten more of this. If only we could have waited until the character was old enough to get more of this.

That bothers me every time I see it, but I still love this episode.

One of my favorites. Ray Walston alone would make it an A for me. Decent story, Beverly a worried mom, another great Picard speech, morals and values, what more could you want? Solid A.

Brutal.

I like this episode. It’s a good Wesley episode with a good moral message. We’ve all felt peer pressure before. Is it the greatest episode of TNG ever? No, but it is easily one of the best Wesley episodes.

IMAGINE THIS: Wes is the leader of Nova Squad and he takes responsibility and resigns from Star Fleet at the end of the episode. THAT would be character development, not Picard giving him no other option but to rat everyone out! Such a weak writing choice….😒

A door with a knob in Star Trek ? An automatic F! Lol nah I love this episode.✍️✍️✍️🔥🔥note to Alexander’s episodes! BE MORE LIKE THIS !

IMO the one episode that Bursts the Wesley’s “perfect” image in the best way. His best episode yet. Conflicting loyalties to peers and mentors. Another Banger speech from Picard. Finally meeting Boothby is a treat. Solid A episode in my book.

Not the exact same backstory, but pretty close. Budget choice for sure (in terms of paying royalties to writers).

I never understood why Wesley had to go back to the academy after having been made an officer, because if he graduates he going to be promoted to... ensign?... which he already was. I guess this episode explains why he was never allowed to have friends his own age.

This legit made me LOL

I get what Moore is going for, but I also think dramatically you need any another non-guilty character that keeping silent will protect from being railroaded to make it really work. Dead Poets Society comes to mind.

What's weird is they keep this same backstory....

God damn, dude😆

Who's that?

Tom... Tom Paris??.......

This one was good until Wesley turned rat. Ron Moore hated that ending. He felt Wesley should have stood by his friends. He was overruled. I wonder what you think of the actor playing the leader of the cadets. I thought he was pretty good.

No vilain, no phaser, no epic space batle just a simple and human episode that could have been a Top Gun sequel. Still an A for me 🖖

The best opportunity they had to kill off Wesley and they fumbled it. Still a decent episode despite that, B tier.

Surely you didn't miss the antennae rising from the back of Boothby's head. 😂😂

This is the episode they should’ve brought Wesley back for the first time in, not the idiotic “The Game”.

A true walk so something else could run element going on here.

It being satisfying for both Wesley lovers and haters is a great observation.

Fun fact: This is the first writing credit for future “The Expanse” showrunner Naren Shankar

Ah yes, the Best Wesley Episode.

sheepishly raises hand

Gene Roddenberry: dies Writers: Okay now let's give this character some flaws.