Target Audience / PATRON TIER LIST TNG S5E12

Good idea, poor execution.

Sherpa Jones

2025-03-01 05:06:52 +0000 UTC

Played straight and true? In Beverly's memory, Jev takes the place of Jack's corpse and torments her. In Riker's, he takes the place of an engineer and berates Riker for being responsible for the death of an officer. So how you can believe that in Troi's original memory Riker actually forced himself on her is beyond me. Riker is established as someone who can easily flirt with women and has rejected the "fantasy" women that Q tried to give him. The one "fantasy" woman he fell for was created specifically for him as a decoy for a higher motive. In "a matter of perspective" we see witnesses try to malign Riker because they believe he murdered Apgar. So when the facts proved his innocence, do you still believe that Riker either forced himself on Apgar's wife or they both gave into their passions? Even initially giving into Kamala he pulled away and said he never "opened another man's gift." He goes to Risa, basically a brothel planet, for a good time and fully enjoys himself, even to let his guard down and risk the ship by some mind control game. He successfully flirts with Guinan of all people. And you think he would ever need or want to force himself on Troi, his Imzadi? His colleague and trusted friend? And that if he did that it wouldn't have any consequences in their relationship going forward? I believe what the memory indicates it that one night after a poker game, they both gave into their feelings a bit and Troi was the first to say no, this isn't good for us right now. Riker would have paused to discuss it, but in the manipulated memory, he instead forces himself on her.

Sherpa Jones

2025-03-01 05:02:41 +0000 UTC

"The best is yet to come" would be more appropriate. Last third of the season is great though

#MaxwellDidNothingWrong

2025-01-23 05:14:10 +0000 UTC

Season 4 really is the peak. The bangers bang extra hard in the last 3 years, but there’s a lot of filler and an embarrassing number of stinkers. Those bangers, tho! Über-bangers!

rear adm. crackbiscuit

2025-01-14 16:16:55 +0000 UTC

The only thing I really find interesting here is that glimpse of young Picard and Beverly.

Joe Concepts

2025-01-13 02:22:48 +0000 UTC

I hate that episode. Nothing to do with the cast, just not the kind of violence i expect from the Star Trek universe. Worf's inverted face palm was great though.

Dan Here

2025-01-12 22:25:17 +0000 UTC

Ugh. TNG loves their telepathic scumbags. I do not. The only thing that saves this from an E is that awesomely casual punch Worf threw at the end. So uh, low D I guess.

Boggle

2025-01-10 01:34:14 +0000 UTC

Gak! I dislike this one so much I blocked it from my memory (rather fitting, that). I wish it had stayed lost. We are in a patch of episodes that done live up to the earlier S5 episodes, and I’d say this is the worst

Crankygrandma

2025-01-09 20:57:25 +0000 UTC

The premise of the episode was pretty good... the execution was uncomfortable... and not the "art is supposed to make you uncomfortable" way, but rather, "oh god I just walked in on mom and dad's brother" uncomfortable

Max Yoder

2025-01-09 18:16:04 +0000 UTC

This episode was a violation of our intelligence

Christopher Devlin

2025-01-08 23:58:26 +0000 UTC

So based on Troi's actual memory, it's left a little ambiguous whether Riker tried to force himself on Troi one night. The other memories that Jev invaded were played straight and true, that implies Troi's memory is a bad, yet possibly accurate one. Or is it?

Ian Westcott

2025-01-08 23:42:04 +0000 UTC

I always felt Season 6 was WAY better than Season 5. Season 5 has a few of my very very favorites, but there's a lot of what feels like filler in this one, as well as generic redos of episodes they've already done before (this one, The Bonding, etc)

Ian Westcott

2025-01-08 23:24:11 +0000 UTC

Oh no! Yet another Deanna, Troy mindfuck episode that goes nowhere Marina Sirtis is an excellent actor, Why do they keep crushing her character into this crappy little sex distorted mindfuck Ever since season three they’ve been doing this plot in one way or another at least once a season This is the Star Trek that boldly goes where everyone has went before and doesn’t want to go again Stuck in an old trope!

Thicketdweller

2025-01-08 05:58:34 +0000 UTC

I like Marina Sirtis the actress, but I just can't stand Deanna Troi the character. Every episode that features her in the story manages to be as mediocre and cringy as possible. No matter the conflict presented I just can't bring myself to CARE. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

StealthMomo

2025-01-08 02:51:48 +0000 UTC

Agreed. I was just looking at the upcoming episodes for the rest of the season and, unlike season 4, there is a lot of crap to wade through to get to the good ones. If fact I believe there are only two really good episodes before we get the the final four of the season. Luckily those final four are all bangers. Patiently waiting for DS9. Which is, IMHO, the overall best series in the franchise.

StealthMomo

2025-01-08 02:46:10 +0000 UTC

Top to bottom, 4 was better. Lots of strong Bs where we get weak Cs in 5. That being said, I’ll take my top-10 episodes from 5 over my top-10 from 4.

Pokeysaurus

2025-01-08 00:31:15 +0000 UTC

Riker is a player, not a forcer, and in truth he shows more respect to women than most male characters do in trek at that. Riker is a truly respectable man in all ways.

Ben Smith

2025-01-07 18:30:47 +0000 UTC

An interesting idea, I like some of the direction, but the execution doesn’t quite stick the landing. It’s nice to See Troi fight back at the end. I get what they were trying to do here tho. C tier

Darren Seal

2025-01-07 16:37:07 +0000 UTC

I agree. I was one of those who would say that Season 5 is great, but honestly, I'm now realizing it's mediocre. It has some very high highs and very low lows. You could say the same thing for Season 2 and that's not nearly as high-praised as this one is. I'm ready for DS9 at this point

Justin B

2025-01-07 16:25:06 +0000 UTC

Some feel uncomfortable while watching, others do not. That’s all.

Shanelle

2025-01-07 14:33:33 +0000 UTC

I mean there's plenty of violence in trek though?

ShazD

2025-01-07 13:28:50 +0000 UTC

Because its written terribly in this, and it just didnt work. Also, its what you're watching something for: I don't watch Law and Order to imagine a hopeful future. Conversely, I don't watch Star Trek to watch an officer on the Federation flagship be raped/violated, just like I don't watch Sesame Street for drugs use and gang violence. Context is key.

The Ninth Doctor

2025-01-07 10:46:29 +0000 UTC

Is it really that big a deal? Do you automatically write off episodes of Law and Order if they include rape too? Not getting the logic.

ShazD

2025-01-07 09:24:20 +0000 UTC

That was a weird aside about the hair in the middle of talking about how "disturbed" you are by rape.

ShazD

2025-01-07 09:23:42 +0000 UTC

I feel like "psychics on board" was done better in "Remember".

ShazD

2025-01-07 09:22:42 +0000 UTC

This is why when people were saying things like "it only gets better" when season 4 ended I was like... Really?? I think some people still only think about specific episodes and high points in the future rather than a holistic view.

ShazD

2025-01-07 09:20:59 +0000 UTC

Season 5 was better in my memory.

Sam Langanke

2025-01-07 08:55:01 +0000 UTC

I think the idea of being able to dive into memories and even share them with others is very interesting. I have quite a few i would love to relive and wouldn't necessarily mind sharing them with their collected recollections. That being said, i do love watching Worf take out the creepy guy.

Connor Fallon

2025-01-07 06:06:52 +0000 UTC

It's a slog of discomfort and boredom as people get violated and we wait for the characters to figure out what we already know. I'll give it an E. That being said, I love the teaser! Very cool idea.

GreenCauldron08

2025-01-07 05:52:28 +0000 UTC

Still hate this episode. I understand what they were going for, but it just did not work.

wildhunt1973

2025-01-07 05:03:16 +0000 UTC

Seeing Picard with hair and Worf strong pimp hand was not enough to save this weird episode trying to deal with a VERY serious subject. Just weird AF.

Sixto

2025-01-07 04:02:28 +0000 UTC

Oh man, judging by people's scores, I guess I'm just that freak that enjoys the dark or campy episodes, haha. Yeah, it's for-sure a problematic horror story, but I mean, those situations ARE horrific, the Troi/Riker one being particularly awful, obviously. I get that plenty of people feel like we shouldn't even depict sexual assault for risk of being disrespectful, but I don't feel like they shot it in an "ooh isn't this kinda sexy" way that a worse TV show definitely would have. Maybe in the end, it's just that degree-too-dark for TNG, but it's very effective, and the most evil part of it to me is how it's a perversion of a genuine moment of intimacy from their past. Anyway, I love the Jack Crusher morgue carnival ride one, and my best friend and I STILL sometimes just shout at each other: "KELLER'S STILL IN THERE!" Pure TNG camp.

ScotchBeard78

2025-01-07 03:35:54 +0000 UTC

Not my favorite episode but for some reason I really love that opener with Keiko O'Brien and her memory :) C - Tier

Andreas Schmitt

2025-01-07 02:35:24 +0000 UTC

There’s a right way to do a “Howcatchem” story. This episode is not an example of that way.

Matthew McKinnon-Gray

2025-01-07 02:27:25 +0000 UTC

This was an episode? I can barely remember it. Doesn't speak well for it....

Thomas Cole

2025-01-07 01:04:13 +0000 UTC

The only good part of this episode is at the end, when Troi defends herself with the PADD and then Worf one shots the guy.

tyranusfan

2025-01-07 00:27:58 +0000 UTC

Before this you never would have expected that you'd want a grape episode in Trek, and well, you were right then and right now.

#MaxwellDidNothingWrong

2025-01-06 23:41:44 +0000 UTC

This one is VERY disturbing, and not because we have another appearance by Jack Crusher and Picard is in a toupee during Beverly's flashback. Tarmin refers to what Deanna, Will, and Beverly go through as a form of rape, and it is mental rape. For the record, though Gates McFadden is wearing a wig in most episodes, for the flashback sequence that's her real hair. Disturbing as the episode is, I still like it a lot. I rank this one as “Excellent”.

KatWithAttitude

2025-01-06 23:20:09 +0000 UTC

Agreed, this needs to be erased and forgotten. E from me.

The Ninth Doctor

2025-01-06 21:57:20 +0000 UTC

I almost gave this one an E but it got a low D instead. Trek is supposed to be entertainment and there is NOTHING entertaining about sexual assault and the violations that Troi has to endure. The actors should feel violated too for having to act in this episode.

T’Pynyn of Vulcan

2025-01-06 21:46:43 +0000 UTC

I think one of you speculated earlier in the series about flashbacks showing Picard with hair. Now you've seen it, and it just doesn't work. Thankfully we never found out what a bald Kirk looks like. Not one of my favourite episodes, but with how much telepathy is present in Trek, it was worth exploring how it could be used in a predatory manner. I do love Worf's effortless takedown of Jev at the end though.

Timothy Nikiforovs

2025-01-06 21:45:39 +0000 UTC

There are many disturbing things in this episode. Picard's wig is just one of them.

Elizabeth N

2025-01-06 20:37:38 +0000 UTC

I will always give credit to a show for trying something difficult and different. Unfortunately the execution does not quite work out for me in this one though so I'll settle on a C, but not lower.

Gruzz

2025-01-06 20:10:12 +0000 UTC

An unfortunate end to a string of unfortunately dull episodes. This is the once-per-season "Troi gets taken advantage of by a creep" episode—no redeeming qualities for me. Just keep moving.

Justin B

2025-01-06 19:55:10 +0000 UTC

Dark episode for sure with dark themes, does this mean Josh and Alex will enjoy it? 🤔 It’s definitely different, from memory I don’t remember another episode like this one in trek (their may of been I wouldn’t know without checking myself ) is that a good thing? Who knows 🤷🏻‍♂️ I’m gonna sit on the fence of a grade with this one and just enjoy Josh and Alex’s interpretation of it all

LonghillAndy

2025-01-06 19:39:43 +0000 UTC

I have a hard time rating this episode myself, because I have such a slew of different emotional reactions to it. I honestly think the episode is well-written and poignant, but it's a heavy episode, and dark subject matter, so I don't know where I'd put it on the tiers, nor where you will rate it, because I don't know what your experiences with the subject might or might not be. I put it on the B-tier, but you could go anywhere from D to A and I wouldn't disagree. I might disagree with E or S, but even there, I could probably be persuaded. Any given day, any given watch, this rating could change.

John

2025-01-06 19:23:49 +0000 UTC

ERASE. I take no pleasure in watching Frakes and Sirtis act out sexual assault. On behalf of the actors, I’m offended (whether they cared or not) Poor Troi. They always put her in these situations. Can’t find anything else for her to do?

Shanelle

2025-01-06 19:22:23 +0000 UTC

I think this one was very well made but very disturbing to watch. Watching Troi start decking the shit out of Jev and then Worf coming in and knocking him out was immensely satisfying.

Worf and Riker Ride Again

2025-01-06 19:04:48 +0000 UTC

Absolutely erase this from canon.

Ron Hubbard Jr

2025-01-06 19:03:30 +0000 UTC

To refresh my memory, I read the synopsis of episodes 10-12, and have no memory of them at all, not a good sign. I'd rather watch an episode called "Riker's day" or "Jordi's day".

PFCoffey

2025-01-06 18:58:02 +0000 UTC

Talk about a mind f*ck! definitely creepy... C

The Travelers Travels

2025-01-06 18:53:52 +0000 UTC

God what a terrible run of episodes. The middle of this season is weak.

John M.

2025-01-06 18:44:54 +0000 UTC

I am really interested to hear what you guys think of this episode and how it handles such troubling subject matter. I found it too dark and disturbing when I was young, and even now it's still uncomfortable for me to rewatch. But I do really like Riker talking to comatose Troi, and Troi beating up Jev before Worf takes him down.

Ryan Caulfield

2025-01-06 18:36:53 +0000 UTC

I would honestly say this is one of the worst episodes of Star Trek ever. The writers had some weird obsession with Troi getting violated. You can talk about sensitive subjects but this one doesn't do it very well IMO.

Spencer Loften

2025-01-06 18:35:07 +0000 UTC

Another sleezeball goes for Troi. S5 has been Trek at it's most "ehh, it's alright" so far. But hey, we get to see Picard in a wig. And Crusher's dream stands out as suitably creepy, without being uncomfortable. Next time on STAAAAR Trek: The Next Cringeration.

Nolan

2025-01-06 18:21:02 +0000 UTC

Yep. Its a season that is boring AF.

Column Meanie

2025-01-06 18:16:47 +0000 UTC

I don’t think he did, the moment he starts forcing it it’s not Riker anymore. It’s a twisting of a memory.

Paul Rymer

2025-01-06 18:13:33 +0000 UTC

I really like this episode for the way it’s so unique with the dream / telepathy sequences which before they turn dark are quite beautiful - then very disturbing. I found it very shocking and still do. It was pushing boundaries for what’s essentially a family show. A.

Paul Rymer

2025-01-06 18:11:43 +0000 UTC

Man, no kidding. I forgot how many episodes like this are in Season 5.

Forbidden Donut

2025-01-06 18:09:01 +0000 UTC

Sometimes I think reactors think that all early television was glorifying subjects, when they were in fact trying to illustrate the ugliness of the subject matter. I think the point of this episode is to invoke a negative response. It is TNG tackling the tough subject of abuse. And I think you can see when Troi realizes what the memory was she remembers it with a smile. After a poker game they shared a moment of a reawakening of their feelings for each other. It was the alien that perverted the memory, like he did in the other cases. That's how I see it, anyway.

Stevtrek

2025-01-06 18:08:51 +0000 UTC

I do like the intro with Keiko. Past that, this is one I just find uncomfortable and not one I'd go out of my way to watch unless I planned on rewatching the whole show.

Forbidden Donut

2025-01-06 18:07:23 +0000 UTC

Yeah I don't buy at all that Riker did or would ever do that. Wild that anyone thinks otherwise.

Forbidden Donut

2025-01-06 18:05:12 +0000 UTC

I agree. Too cringe.

Collin Freeman

2025-01-06 17:43:04 +0000 UTC

Cringe-worthy in some of the subject matter, probably even more so today. Surely they could have gone somewhere else with the memory-reading premise. Not worth rewatching. D.

Collin Freeman

2025-01-06 17:42:07 +0000 UTC

This episode isn’t my cup of tea. D

Phil Ken Sebben

2025-01-06 17:30:46 +0000 UTC

Not one of treks finest D+.

ByRikersBeard

2025-01-06 17:22:12 +0000 UTC

Violations...one cannot say Trek does not come up with wonderful concepts. Whilst I'm sure this episodes context will be greatly uncomfortable for some it's still a good idea for a plot. However the execution on this plot felt relatively dry to the point it is one of those episodes I had completely forgotten about until the title triggered memory recall. Very rare for TNG for me to completely forget an episode.

Ben Smith

2025-01-06 17:21:27 +0000 UTC

Something that annoys me with this one when discussed later, including on some other reactions I've seen, is people arguing whether the Troi / Riker scene was real. It's weird because the episode doesn't seem to definitively say it's not. But everything we know about Riker, despite being a "ladies man" says that can't be true. There's no other suggestion he goes too far with it. The suggestion he would force himself on Deanna in any way doesn't fit.

Joe Concepts

2025-01-06 17:19:18 +0000 UTC

The best parts of the episode were Geordi in Engineering searching for clues about the weird brain patterns, Data on the Bridge analyzing the logs, and Worf leveling up and one-shotting Jev.

Gregory Foster

2025-01-06 17:18:45 +0000 UTC

I seriously don't like this one because of the "rape" scenes. It just makes me uncomfortable to watch, and I kind of feel like those make it too dark for Star Trek. But some of this may not be a quality, just some thing I never like to see. Anything even implying assault like this is something I just can't watch.

Joe Concepts

2025-01-06 17:16:34 +0000 UTC

This gets an S for Picard's hairpiece alone. To quote Gob Bluth and every green, indie face wrestler coming out through the curtain, "COME ON!"

Wrestling With Gaming

2025-01-06 16:56:42 +0000 UTC

I like this episode. The writing of the characters and pacing are fantastic, and the pre-titles hook is really a fascinating concept and neat experience for Keiko. The red herring scapegoat was really well done, too. Solid "B"!

Jovet

2025-01-06 16:41:54 +0000 UTC

The one before this was far more cringe!! This one is just horror. A very slow and engaging horror.

Jovet

2025-01-06 16:37:28 +0000 UTC

Adrift in an ocean of bland S5 episodes! Send help. C.

Jon1701

2025-01-06 16:37:07 +0000 UTC

I think this episode is pretty good. The premise of these aliens is fascinating and novel, and people like Deanna are bound to attract creeps here and there.

Jovet

2025-01-06 16:36:38 +0000 UTC

Appropriate.

The Ninth Doctor

2025-01-06 16:35:50 +0000 UTC

The obligatory 'Troi Must Suffer' episode of the season. Dark, badly written and would come with a TW: SA caption today I think. I wouldn't watch if its on, and would not seek it out on a series rewatch. E - erase from canon.

The Ninth Doctor

2025-01-06 16:35:21 +0000 UTC

I always get the title of this episode confused with en episode yet to come. 🤦

Jovet

2025-01-06 16:32:36 +0000 UTC

Well, that was uncomfortable.

Forbidden Donut

2025-01-06 16:15:46 +0000 UTC

This episode is a complete mind f--- but not in a good way.

Jeffrey P

2025-01-06 16:08:11 +0000 UTC

A "Troi must suffer" episode. Keep in mind that Roddenberry originally cast her for the part of Tasha Yar because of her celebrated work in movies playing rape/assault victims (Death Wish 3, Blind Date and The Wicked Lady). This was sort of her niche back then.

Darin Wagner

2025-01-06 16:06:59 +0000 UTC

A decent if dark episode. It’s concerning that the writers aren’t able to write good stories about Deanna except when she is suffering trauma or being assaulted.

Aramis Calcutt

2025-01-06 15:56:08 +0000 UTC

Star Trek does rape again. Creepy, but not that interesting. "C"

Eric Singer

2025-01-06 15:55:02 +0000 UTC

Josh's "favorite" actor returns. His wooden acting really comes in handy here portraying dead Jack.

froggeh

2025-01-06 15:51:31 +0000 UTC

They used the same actor who played Jack Crusher's hologram to be his body reaveled in the morg. Scene took at most a total of 10 seonds. A new record for calling back some one for a brief part.

Keith S

2025-01-06 15:50:24 +0000 UTC

Dark episode...

Greg Quinn

2025-01-06 15:50:05 +0000 UTC

What a dark episode. As a kid I thought it was okay but as an adult it really is a good one. All the unusual camera angles used for the mind-rape scenes are unnerving. And Worf finally gets to show his badassery by taking out the creeper in one hit. This episode produced the behind the scenes picture of Patrick Stewart in a wig which to this day gets mistaken as something from test shots prior to Encounter at Farpoint (they made PS wear a toupee in one of his auditions for Picard). B for badass Worf.

Column Meanie

2025-01-06 15:37:05 +0000 UTC

there will NOT be a sex scoreboard entry for this ep

Prof Moff

2025-01-06 15:28:01 +0000 UTC

Put this on the list of most cringe episodes. But I wouldn't totally erase from canon.

Christopher Dorn

2025-01-06 15:27:37 +0000 UTC

Very disturbing and uncomfortable but a solid one

Prof Moff

2025-01-06 15:27:06 +0000 UTC

Ehhh too weird for me. Maybe you will enjoy parts of it but I can’t get behind this one.

Evan Guthrie

2025-01-06 15:25:37 +0000 UTC

yeah, I'll see your "dead bodies sitting up in the cargo bay" scene, and I'll raise you Dr Crusher's mental rape scene. If Memory Alpha is correct, I was 13 when this first aired on UK TV, and even now, 30 years later, I'm shaking just typing this.

Ee'char

2025-01-06 15:19:56 +0000 UTC

PATRON TIER LIST TNG S5E12

Comments

Good idea, poor execution.

"The best is yet to come" would be more appropriate. Last third of the season is great though

Season 4 really is the peak. The bangers bang extra hard in the last 3 years, but there’s a lot of filler and an embarrassing number of stinkers. Those bangers, tho! Über-bangers!

The only thing I really find interesting here is that glimpse of young Picard and Beverly.

I hate that episode. Nothing to do with the cast, just not the kind of violence i expect from the Star Trek universe. Worf's inverted face palm was great though.

Ugh. TNG loves their telepathic scumbags. I do not. The only thing that saves this from an E is that awesomely casual punch Worf threw at the end. So uh, low D I guess.

Gak! I dislike this one so much I blocked it from my memory (rather fitting, that). I wish it had stayed lost. We are in a patch of episodes that done live up to the earlier S5 episodes, and I’d say this is the worst

The premise of the episode was pretty good... the execution was uncomfortable... and not the "art is supposed to make you uncomfortable" way, but rather, "oh god I just walked in on mom and dad's brother" uncomfortable

This episode was a violation of our intelligence

So based on Troi's actual memory, it's left a little ambiguous whether Riker tried to force himself on Troi one night. The other memories that Jev invaded were played straight and true, that implies Troi's memory is a bad, yet possibly accurate one. Or is it?

I always felt Season 6 was WAY better than Season 5. Season 5 has a few of my very very favorites, but there's a lot of what feels like filler in this one, as well as generic redos of episodes they've already done before (this one, The Bonding, etc)

I like Marina Sirtis the actress, but I just can't stand Deanna Troi the character. Every episode that features her in the story manages to be as mediocre and cringy as possible. No matter the conflict presented I just can't bring myself to CARE. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Top to bottom, 4 was better. Lots of strong Bs where we get weak Cs in 5. That being said, I’ll take my top-10 episodes from 5 over my top-10 from 4.

Riker is a player, not a forcer, and in truth he shows more respect to women than most male characters do in trek at that. Riker is a truly respectable man in all ways.

An interesting idea, I like some of the direction, but the execution doesn’t quite stick the landing. It’s nice to See Troi fight back at the end. I get what they were trying to do here tho. C tier

I agree. I was one of those who would say that Season 5 is great, but honestly, I'm now realizing it's mediocre. It has some very high highs and very low lows. You could say the same thing for Season 2 and that's not nearly as high-praised as this one is. I'm ready for DS9 at this point

Some feel uncomfortable while watching, others do not. That’s all.

I mean there's plenty of violence in trek though?

Is it really that big a deal? Do you automatically write off episodes of Law and Order if they include rape too? Not getting the logic.

That was a weird aside about the hair in the middle of talking about how "disturbed" you are by rape.

I feel like "psychics on board" was done better in "Remember".

This is why when people were saying things like "it only gets better" when season 4 ended I was like... Really?? I think some people still only think about specific episodes and high points in the future rather than a holistic view.

Season 5 was better in my memory.

I think the idea of being able to dive into memories and even share them with others is very interesting. I have quite a few i would love to relive and wouldn't necessarily mind sharing them with their collected recollections. That being said, i do love watching Worf take out the creepy guy.

It's a slog of discomfort and boredom as people get violated and we wait for the characters to figure out what we already know. I'll give it an E. That being said, I love the teaser! Very cool idea.

Still hate this episode. I understand what they were going for, but it just did not work.

Seeing Picard with hair and Worf strong pimp hand was not enough to save this weird episode trying to deal with a VERY serious subject. Just weird AF.

Not my favorite episode but for some reason I really love that opener with Keiko O'Brien and her memory :) C - Tier

There’s a right way to do a “Howcatchem” story. This episode is not an example of that way.

This was an episode? I can barely remember it. Doesn't speak well for it....

The only good part of this episode is at the end, when Troi defends herself with the PADD and then Worf one shots the guy.

Before this you never would have expected that you'd want a grape episode in Trek, and well, you were right then and right now.

Agreed, this needs to be erased and forgotten. E from me.

I almost gave this one an E but it got a low D instead. Trek is supposed to be entertainment and there is NOTHING entertaining about sexual assault and the violations that Troi has to endure. The actors should feel violated too for having to act in this episode.

There are many disturbing things in this episode. Picard's wig is just one of them.

I will always give credit to a show for trying something difficult and different. Unfortunately the execution does not quite work out for me in this one though so I'll settle on a C, but not lower.

An unfortunate end to a string of unfortunately dull episodes. This is the once-per-season "Troi gets taken advantage of by a creep" episode—no redeeming qualities for me. Just keep moving.

ERASE. I take no pleasure in watching Frakes and Sirtis act out sexual assault. On behalf of the actors, I’m offended (whether they cared or not) Poor Troi. They always put her in these situations. Can’t find anything else for her to do?

I think this one was very well made but very disturbing to watch. Watching Troi start decking the shit out of Jev and then Worf coming in and knocking him out was immensely satisfying.

Absolutely erase this from canon.

To refresh my memory, I read the synopsis of episodes 10-12, and have no memory of them at all, not a good sign. I'd rather watch an episode called "Riker's day" or "Jordi's day".

Talk about a mind f*ck! definitely creepy... C

God what a terrible run of episodes. The middle of this season is weak.

I would honestly say this is one of the worst episodes of Star Trek ever. The writers had some weird obsession with Troi getting violated. You can talk about sensitive subjects but this one doesn't do it very well IMO.

Another sleezeball goes for Troi. S5 has been Trek at it's most "ehh, it's alright" so far. But hey, we get to see Picard in a wig. And Crusher's dream stands out as suitably creepy, without being uncomfortable. Next time on STAAAAR Trek: The Next Cringeration.

Yep. Its a season that is boring AF.

I don’t think he did, the moment he starts forcing it it’s not Riker anymore. It’s a twisting of a memory.

I really like this episode for the way it’s so unique with the dream / telepathy sequences which before they turn dark are quite beautiful - then very disturbing. I found it very shocking and still do. It was pushing boundaries for what’s essentially a family show. A.

Man, no kidding. I forgot how many episodes like this are in Season 5.

I do like the intro with Keiko. Past that, this is one I just find uncomfortable and not one I'd go out of my way to watch unless I planned on rewatching the whole show.

Yeah I don't buy at all that Riker did or would ever do that. Wild that anyone thinks otherwise.

I agree. Too cringe.

Cringe-worthy in some of the subject matter, probably even more so today. Surely they could have gone somewhere else with the memory-reading premise. Not worth rewatching. D.

This episode isn’t my cup of tea. D

Not one of treks finest D+.

The best parts of the episode were Geordi in Engineering searching for clues about the weird brain patterns, Data on the Bridge analyzing the logs, and Worf leveling up and one-shotting Jev.

This gets an S for Picard's hairpiece alone. To quote Gob Bluth and every green, indie face wrestler coming out through the curtain, "COME ON!"

I like this episode. The writing of the characters and pacing are fantastic, and the pre-titles hook is really a fascinating concept and neat experience for Keiko. The red herring scapegoat was really well done, too. Solid "B"!

The one before this was far more cringe!! This one is just horror. A very slow and engaging horror.

Adrift in an ocean of bland S5 episodes! Send help. C.

I think this episode is pretty good. The premise of these aliens is fascinating and novel, and people like Deanna are bound to attract creeps here and there.

Appropriate.

The obligatory 'Troi Must Suffer' episode of the season. Dark, badly written and would come with a TW: SA caption today I think. I wouldn't watch if its on, and would not seek it out on a series rewatch. E - erase from canon.

I always get the title of this episode confused with en episode yet to come. 🤦

Well, that was uncomfortable.

This episode is a complete mind f--- but not in a good way.

A "Troi must suffer" episode. Keep in mind that Roddenberry originally cast her for the part of Tasha Yar because of her celebrated work in movies playing rape/assault victims (Death Wish 3, Blind Date and The Wicked Lady). This was sort of her niche back then.

A decent if dark episode. It’s concerning that the writers aren’t able to write good stories about Deanna except when she is suffering trauma or being assaulted.

Star Trek does rape again. Creepy, but not that interesting. "C"

Josh's "favorite" actor returns. His wooden acting really comes in handy here portraying dead Jack.

They used the same actor who played Jack Crusher's hologram to be his body reaveled in the morg. Scene took at most a total of 10 seonds. A new record for calling back some one for a brief part.

Dark episode...

there will NOT be a sex scoreboard entry for this ep

Put this on the list of most cringe episodes. But I wouldn't totally erase from canon.

Very disturbing and uncomfortable but a solid one

Ehhh too weird for me. Maybe you will enjoy parts of it but I can’t get behind this one.

yeah, I'll see your "dead bodies sitting up in the cargo bay" scene, and I'll raise you Dr Crusher's mental rape scene. If Memory Alpha is correct, I was 13 when this first aired on UK TV, and even now, 30 years later, I'm shaking just typing this.

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