Target Audience / PATRON TIER LIST TNG S5E3

Ah yes, Ro Laren, Riker's favorite ensign. I am not exactly in love with the character, but her episode represents to me a slight change in direction for Star Trek, one that is more focused on continuity, politics and character development

Tim b

2024-12-11 20:40:03 +0000 UTC

Actually, I'd say it's not an important story and not an important character. You could legitimately skip this, though I wouldn't recommend it as it's a great episode.

#MaxwellDidNothingWrong

2024-12-10 02:22:26 +0000 UTC

Michael Piller credited the success of this episode as due to the use of Guinan. "I think Guinan embraces Ro in a very personal way. She basically took Ro by the hand and said she deserves your attention and deserves to be embraced by you. When she took Ro to Picard for that very reason, in essence, she was doing that to our audience. It was not a very easy show to write; it was not until we found that relationship between Ro and Guinan that I was personally satisfied that we really had done something magnificent."

Smokey C

2024-12-08 17:09:10 +0000 UTC

Ro is such a good side character. She doesn't knock Chief off the top of my list, but she's a solid second to me.

Max Yoder

2024-12-06 00:50:08 +0000 UTC

I was gonna make a snarky comment about the earring, but I thought I got the point across with just the nose ridges I cannot believe I’m the only person who made that observation over the years and many YouTube videos have proven we’d be correct on that statement But what can I say? I like the Bajoran nose it looks like all the women have been boxing for a long time.

Thicketdweller

2024-12-05 22:37:59 +0000 UTC

I really like seeing established things questioned. Despite the utopian society that the Federation represents, it interrogates its values and finds the flaws that exist. Gene wouldn't have approved, but it makes the world feel more authentic.

Deep Red

2024-12-05 20:07:42 +0000 UTC

I feel like that's why they added the Bajoran earrings just to make them more distinct.

Deep Red

2024-12-05 20:05:58 +0000 UTC

Does a bumpy nose actually indicate a new species Oh well, it’s better than pointy ears Michelle Forbes knocks it out of the park, no matter what she does

Thicketdweller

2024-12-05 19:58:15 +0000 UTC

Okay I had to take a hot minute for how best to phrase the behind the scenes element of preference without spoilers. I'm fine with Yar in Season 1, my issue is what I see as the "Buyers Remorse" with Denise Crosby's intermittent returns since then, which ultimately rub me the wrong way.

James Knight

2024-12-05 18:24:01 +0000 UTC

It’s an S for me, because Ro is so important to expanding the Star Trek universe. An introduction to Bajorans, the scar they’ve suffered, and some of the blind spots our crew and the Federation writ large have to deal with. She scratches an itch Trek has had since the beginning. She’s tough, not afraid to call out anyone in the crew when they don’t know what they’re talking about, or when they’re straight up wrong. Picard literally says at one point, “Ensign Ro has educated me.” He means it. By the end, he's removed some of his naïveté about the universe around him, and he and the crew are better for it. Growth, new character, great Star Trek messages. S.

Jack Molitor

2024-12-05 18:03:11 +0000 UTC

Really.....I don't see it : )

thebeefmaster

2024-12-05 12:11:44 +0000 UTC

Ro looks a lot like the daughter from the episode Half a life s4 e22:)

John graziano

2024-12-05 04:22:39 +0000 UTC

For sure. Maybe they should get another person to curate the comments for spoilers.

Banes

2024-12-04 18:17:13 +0000 UTC

This is an S for me because I really love Ensign Ro.

John Pierce

2024-12-04 18:15:15 +0000 UTC

@Ian Wescott Lots of commentators here are falling victim to exactly that in, unfortunately, a very suggestive and spoilery way. 🤦

Jovet

2024-12-04 14:17:24 +0000 UTC

🤯

Jovet

2024-12-04 14:11:00 +0000 UTC

I like Gene's idea in spirit. But it doesn't really match what we know of human nature. Can't speak for alien races, of course. But I don't believe that there shouldn't be conflict, there just shouldn't be conflict for petty or immature reasons.

Jovet

2024-12-04 14:09:48 +0000 UTC

Even that is.

Jovet

2024-12-04 14:04:44 +0000 UTC

Not just you!

Jovet

2024-12-04 14:04:34 +0000 UTC

Lines on maps mean things, though.

Jovet

2024-12-04 14:04:17 +0000 UTC

"How convenient that must be for you (the Federation) to turn a deaf ear to those that suffer behind a line on a map." is one example of excellent writing in this episode. Plus the introduction of a guest character that enjoys pushing people's buttons makes this an A tier.

barry vanwieringen

2024-12-04 12:10:04 +0000 UTC

Ro's Command Division aka the Best Division! ;)

James Knight

2024-12-04 05:27:30 +0000 UTC

Ro was given more character time in a single episode than Yar was given in a whole season with her name in the main credits. Really not fair to judge Yar off of season 1 writing. She deserved better.

#MaxwellDidNothingWrong

2024-12-04 05:22:27 +0000 UTC

It introduces an interesting character and has a fantastic mystery plot that resolves without the Enterprise needing to fire a shot.

#MaxwellDidNothingWrong

2024-12-04 05:19:32 +0000 UTC

More proof that the real recurring villain in TNG is a corrupt admiralty promoted beyond their competence.

#MaxwellDidNothingWrong

2024-12-04 05:15:15 +0000 UTC

Is it just me, or did that Cardassian’s face look weirdly lopsided?

Matthew McKinnon-Gray

2024-12-04 04:22:56 +0000 UTC

That’s a great point. i never noticed that aspect of Picard before. Maybe it has something to do with felling like an outsider around his father & brother?

Matthew McKinnon-Gray

2024-12-04 03:26:20 +0000 UTC

I felt like I was getting risque just saying "This is an important episode in the expanded universe" but all this stuff everyone is saying is crazy.

Pokeysaurus

2024-12-04 01:51:56 +0000 UTC

Without spoilers, it's clear that they're thinking forward rather than just back at this point.

Jeffrey P

2024-12-04 01:41:59 +0000 UTC

Important story, important character, everything else is a spoiler.

Aaron Holden

2024-12-04 01:16:17 +0000 UTC

B for banger, just not quite to the A/S level for me. Ro is freaking awesome though. It’s nice to see someone in starfleet be less than an ideal person like everyone else is. She has her flaws on full display just like her earring, and I like it.

Brian Moore

2024-12-04 00:53:09 +0000 UTC

The wanton spoilers are getting ridiculous.

Jovet

2024-12-03 23:19:15 +0000 UTC

Usually guts are the things hated 😼

Jovet

2024-12-03 23:16:10 +0000 UTC

I’m trying to figure out what you will rate this. I give it a solid A (today anyway). If you like Ro I think you will give it an S. If not….i don’t think you will go lower than B. It has a lot of what you seem to like based on past ratings. Intrigue, character driven, explores a new race and brings back the name you heard in “The Wounded” : Cardassians. It builds on what we saw before but is also new.

Crankygrandma

2024-12-03 23:14:10 +0000 UTC

Such an important episode introducing a great character in Ro, (Michelle Forbes is just great) and a fascinating race. The line about the Bajorans being artist and philosophers before humans could stand upright always intrigued me. Throw in the Cardassians being all devious for good measure. This is A tier for me

Darren Seal

2024-12-03 17:55:49 +0000 UTC

Solid episode!

Aramis Calcutt

2024-12-03 17:49:02 +0000 UTC

I had forgotten how good this episode was, especially in the greater Star Trek lore. While not an S for me, it was too good to be a B, though I did struggle not giving it that grade. I guess what pushed it into the A range for me was Ro standing up and telling Picard she was going to wear her earring, and Picard being okay with it. Might be a stupid reason to give it an A.

wildhunt1973

2024-12-03 16:34:19 +0000 UTC

Before I respond, I just want to say that my original post was meant as a cute little quip. That being said: no one should have to be "one of the good ones" to have the right to represent their culture if to do so is permitted as part of a uniform. Worf is allowed to wear his sash because it is part of his culture, therefore Ro should be allowed to wear her earring because it is a part of her faith, period. Doesn't matter if she's a difficult person. Juxtaposed to American culture, for example, we should never say someone can only wear kippot or hijab if they are "good enough" in the eyes of the dominant culture. Either we allow deviations in uniform for faith and culture or we don't.

Ally Roth

2024-12-03 16:14:40 +0000 UTC

Westly returns from starfleet academy as a female bajorin .. nuff said

Lt Dan I scream

2024-12-03 14:24:50 +0000 UTC

Worf has proven he is a respectable, dutiful and respectful officer. No doubt as he earned higher ranks and spent time in the uniform, it was apparent that allowing him to represent his culture beyond just simply as a Starfleet Officer would not be a conflict of interests. Ro, on the other hand, has shown she was NOT a good Starfleet officer, in part because of her past as a Bajoran slave, thus conflicting with her status as a Starfleet officer. Once she's proven to be an upstanding officer again, in spite of the conflicting interests her being Bajoran brings, she is allowed to also represent her natve culture as well as that of Starfleet, allowing them to merge.

Nolan

2024-12-03 10:20:14 +0000 UTC

Well, technically, while Ro is in Starfleet, she is not in the Federation and did not grow up in it. Worf did, but his Klingon-ness let him push that conflict box a bit. Ro gets to push it farther, while the rest only respond to it. It's a balance, but I like how 90s Trek maintained it and didn't outright break the box.

Nolan

2024-12-03 10:07:45 +0000 UTC

For some reason I think you guts might hate Ro. Hopefully I'm wrong.

Greg Quinn

2024-12-03 09:04:32 +0000 UTC

Yeah.. it was one of the first breaks with the Gene Roddenberry idea that, baring disease or alien influence, everyone in the federation would mostly usually get along (of course there were other breaks in the past, still, this sets a different tone...).

Greg Quinn

2024-12-03 09:04:00 +0000 UTC

I’ve been looking forward to you all seeing Ensign Ro’s entry into TNG and the return of the Cardassians.

Ron Hubbard Jr

2024-12-03 06:43:30 +0000 UTC

Season 1 Ferengi and Season 4 Trill.

wildhunt1973

2024-12-03 05:18:57 +0000 UTC

i rate it S because i love Ro!

jan

2024-12-03 04:29:36 +0000 UTC

Just… S.

Sixto

2024-12-03 04:01:04 +0000 UTC

Ro brings something to the show that no other character has on TNG: conflict. On that score alone she’s a valuable addition to the secondary cast.

EnigmaticPenguin

2024-12-03 02:18:15 +0000 UTC

DS9 0.25. As it were.

Nolan

2024-12-03 01:55:08 +0000 UTC

It’s refreshing to see a returning species, especially since so many are forgotten after their debut episodes. What else do you hope to see fleshed out with the Cardassians in the future?

Evan Guthrie

2024-12-03 01:50:30 +0000 UTC

This is low 'S' tier for me. It has a lot of the elements that I love the most about Star Trek (space battles, politics, continuing the tradition of Starfleet Admirals all being just horrible people...), wrapped with a good B plot of redemption for a returning character and the addition of more depth with the Cardassian/Federation relationship as a nice icing on top of it all.

Boggle

2024-12-03 01:10:53 +0000 UTC

In a vacuum this episode is probably a B, but it's just too significant in the universe not to be an A. Also, unlike some episodes that arent directly retconned per se but dont fit the vibe which is later cultivated(Season 1 Ferengi, anyone?), this one still holds up to what comes after.

Pokeysaurus

2024-12-03 00:48:30 +0000 UTC

A most significant character is introduced in this episode, iirc. A-tier for me.

Darin Wagner

2024-12-03 00:30:46 +0000 UTC

This episode introduces an excellent side character; a firebrand who isn't afraid to speak their mind, regardless of rank, exactly what this show needed to shake things up and keep the main cast on their toes, I'm speaking, of course, about Mr. Mot, the barber.

DthDisguise

2024-12-02 23:43:52 +0000 UTC

A lot to like in this episode, including the return of the Cardassians and the introduction of the Bajoran people and the character of Ensign Ro played by the wonderful Michelle Forbes. Another Deep Space Nine-ish episode that lays some solid foundation for the future.

Forbidden Donut

2024-12-02 23:33:13 +0000 UTC

A fantastic introduction to a character meant to shake things up. Through Michelle Forbes’ performance we see a character unlike anyone else. She has a major chip on her shoulder, she doesn’t dance, and if the show wasn’t from 90’s syndication she’d tell everyone to fuck off. She’s exactly what this crew needs. I just wish the story of this episode served her better.

Column Meanie

2024-12-02 23:24:03 +0000 UTC

Best part is when he calls the admiral naïve, right to his face.

Jovet

2024-12-02 23:08:47 +0000 UTC

Ahhh, the parade of asshole admirals continues... And I like Ro Laren in the driver's seat way more than Wesley Crusher.

Ian Westcott

2024-12-02 23:07:12 +0000 UTC

I think it's one of those episodes that might be well regarded for what it sets up rather than the specific episode quality.

Ian Westcott

2024-12-02 23:06:34 +0000 UTC

Same as real life military.

thebeefmaster

2024-12-02 22:52:22 +0000 UTC

I took to her just like Guinan did.

Jovet

2024-12-02 22:49:47 +0000 UTC

The Daleks are definitely the original space Nazis but every IP can have their own.

THE LORE!!!

2024-12-02 22:49:29 +0000 UTC

The Kaleds/Daleks are space Nazis.

Jovet

2024-12-02 22:48:35 +0000 UTC

*bite

Jovet

2024-12-02 22:48:12 +0000 UTC

Not yet.

Jovet

2024-12-02 22:43:21 +0000 UTC

Guinan is hilarious in this one.

Jovet

2024-12-02 22:42:11 +0000 UTC

It's not interstellar, it's interplanetary. The moon with the Resistance base is in the same system as the planet with the camp. Picard even points out that the Bajoran ship couldn't reach another star system.

tyranusfan

2024-12-02 22:37:50 +0000 UTC

Ro brings some nice fresh blood to the crew. She’s a good, strong character. Michelle Forbes became a favorite of mine here.

tyranusfan

2024-12-02 22:36:48 +0000 UTC

🤯

Jovet

2024-12-02 22:35:14 +0000 UTC

It's a B in my mind too. Good episode. Not great.

Jovet

2024-12-02 22:34:54 +0000 UTC

While the episode overall is good, I mainly like the character introduction of Ro. Specifically the stark contrast of how they treat her arrival compared to any other character, even antagonists, who come aboard the ship. Guinan scenes are the cherry on top of a good dirty tactics admiral episode. B+.

cricketlenny

2024-12-02 22:21:49 +0000 UTC

Michelle Forbes is back! They liked her so much in “Half a Life” that they brought her back as Ro Laren. Initially unlikable to most of the crew, she does prove herself, eventually. Another episode I have ranked as “Best of the Best”.

KatWithAttitude

2024-12-02 22:13:20 +0000 UTC

Great guest performance that touches on a religous accommodation question that every humanist organization like Starfleet needs to deal with eventually. A.

John M.

2024-12-02 22:12:35 +0000 UTC

Our perspective on the series as a whole as fans does sometimes colour our view on individual episodes. Yeah, it is probably a B episode, but for the introduction on Ro Laren we bump it up in our minds due to her being such a great addition.

Thomas Cole

2024-12-02 22:09:37 +0000 UTC

It fair to call this a cannon building episode, but it’s still a mid plot, that’s what I gave it a B for Banger.

ByRikersBeard

2024-12-02 22:07:51 +0000 UTC

Hey, the Sash is really snazzy. RIker is apparently just the fashion police. Seriously though, you would imagine Starfleet has a uniform variations section, like most modern militaries do for citems of cultural/religious significance, like Sikhs and such.

Thomas Cole

2024-12-02 22:05:45 +0000 UTC

What do the put in the water at Starfleet command? The amount of useless or terrible Flag Officers is just so high.

Thomas Cole

2024-12-02 22:00:32 +0000 UTC

Okay, I see your point, but my point remains that Starfleet preaches about tolerance without practicing it. We've seen a fair amount of it before now, and we'll see a LOT more in the years to come. This is just one example of a system that perceives itself as a lot better than it actually is.

John

2024-12-02 21:59:48 +0000 UTC

not my favorite episode by any means of season 5 its hard to give it an A tier so i'll settle with a high B, you get new character, new species reoccurring enemies and some idiotic Starfleet Admiral as well a quite the scandal

GamingHour2018

2024-12-02 21:56:42 +0000 UTC

Excellent performance by Michelle Phorbes. They must been really impressed by her performance as Timasins daughter. Also introduces the Bajorans another cool new alien race.

Keith S

2024-12-02 21:32:28 +0000 UTC

New unlocks: Ensign Ro, Bajorans. Repeat appearance: Cardassians, stupid Starfleet admirals. As a story this is mid (elevated by the twist ending). But as with "The Wounded" before it, this ep advances the world-building and character development - Ro is the first attempt at a "post-Gene" character bringing internal conflict and context to the cast.

The Ninth Doctor

2024-12-02 21:11:39 +0000 UTC

it always a interesting dynamic when you have main characters actually being hostile to a character, it actually refreshing make them more human and real then the normal enlighten crew we use to, but how do you feel was their attitude justified?

Dark Kronis

2024-12-02 21:10:54 +0000 UTC

I think it's just lack of understanding, the fact she is percieved as a traitor and Riker being harsh on her for that. Thematically, she must prove herself to be a good Starfleet officer on the whole, before she can reintergrate her Bajoran aspects back in. I think it's a less harsh version of Basic training today, where they break down your persona first so they can build you up into a better soldier, before letting you reclaim those aspects once you've proven you are.

Nolan

2024-12-02 21:09:55 +0000 UTC

And yet it's the cause of so much down the line.

Nolan

2024-12-02 21:04:38 +0000 UTC

Surprised how high this ep rates. I mean, it’s fine but not spectacular. Ro is awesome of course, but the mystery doesn’t pack much punch, and interstellar travel at impulse power? There’s enough good stuff for me to bring it to a B, but I’m clearly a minority.

rear adm. crackbiscuit

2024-12-02 21:04:32 +0000 UTC

Michelle Forbes is back. So impressed were the producers with her single scene in "Half a Life" they gave her this meatier role after. And she easily proves what a capable actor she is.

Nolan

2024-12-02 21:03:50 +0000 UTC

This is argueably, THE most impactful episode of 90s era Trek. It's never explicitly stated in universe, but the ball is off and rolling here.

Nolan

2024-12-02 21:02:12 +0000 UTC

Here we have that very interesting contrast between Picard and Riker. Though he initially feels just about as upset as having Ro there at first, he sees something and doesn't give up on her. It makes me think of how with Barclay, it was Picard again who didn't want to give up on him. It seems Riker's responsibilities include discipline and keeping the crew in line, and he has no patience for anyone who may rock the boat through incompetence or outright disrespect the ship. You can see his perspective in both cases, maybe, but he can have a quick temper while Picard is calm and cool.

Joe Concepts

2024-12-02 20:58:14 +0000 UTC

Ro was a very nice step outside the typical "Starfleet is my life and I love it" character, just to make the universe a little less black and white. Giving her a difficult back story and making her be from outside the Federation is a good excuse to do that.

Joe Concepts

2024-12-02 20:52:53 +0000 UTC

Question: Were you both surprised that the Cardassians actually returned, and even got some more back story?

Joe Concepts

2024-12-02 20:50:23 +0000 UTC

Ro > Yar.

James Knight

2024-12-02 20:45:04 +0000 UTC

Points for Ro and the introduction of the Bajorans, but it’s a pretty middle of the road plot.

ByRikersBeard

2024-12-02 20:42:05 +0000 UTC

Forgot they brought back Michelle Forbes so quickly. The thing I appreciate the most about Ro as a character is similar to Barclay. By showing a character on the Enterprise who doesn't work well with others, we see another side of what life on a starship could be like. Unlike Barclay though, Ro actually doesn't want to get along. I live for the #drama

Deep Red

2024-12-02 20:40:26 +0000 UTC

I'm one of the few people's who's going to give this an S-rating, because it introduces the Bajorans, and I love the Bajorans. The episode itself is solid, if not super remarkable, although it does have some present-time implications, like terrorism vs freedom fighting, and whether or not to get involved in struggles against oppression against those who are informally foes, but formally friends. My big complaint against the episode is that once again Starfleet shows its intolerance. Ro is wearing an earring that has a spiritual and cultural significance to her people, and Riker forces her to take it off. Starfleet does this a lot. They claim to be tolerant of differences, but they aren't really. See the various ways Worf's culture is constantly derided and the "superiority" of the human way of life is demonstrated. Starfleet is intolerant of anything that doesn't conform to human norms.

John

2024-12-02 20:30:07 +0000 UTC

As a 7th grader, I wore my blue science & medical TNG uniform to middle school occasionally - and was picked on quite a bit for doing so, especially after I added a Bajoran clip-on earring to the ensemble, which I picked up at a Trek convention following this episode. And yes, I turned out zesty!

Matt Everkoul

2024-12-02 20:28:00 +0000 UTC

We seem to have crossed a seminal point for Star Trek. We've had episodes in the past where they've revisited themes and characters from other episodes but we've been transitioning to a point where they start building lore. (Or building "LORE!") First with the Klingons, then with the Cardassians and Romulans. And now hints of more Cardassian atrocities.

Jeffrey P

2024-12-02 20:24:38 +0000 UTC

Imagine having come from S4 and walked into S5 with the bar that was previously set... And then you see just a hint of what's to come in S5. How can you not love Star Trek?

Matt Newmark

2024-12-02 20:21:56 +0000 UTC

Ro is a great character; this whole episode is a universe-building one so I hope you paid attention!

Paul Rymer

2024-12-02 20:19:25 +0000 UTC

Maxwell did nothing wrong

Phil Ken Sebben

2024-12-02 20:16:40 +0000 UTC

So i really like this episode. Michelle Forbes, who i'm sure you remember as Dr Timicin's bitchy daughter in "Half a Life", plays the role of a shady and aggressive "is she friendly? is she trying to sabotage us?" troubled officer so well. I like that it shows that not everyone in starfleet is good at being another cog in the great machine. Yet she still comes through in the end.

Connor Fallon

2024-12-02 20:13:38 +0000 UTC

Admiral Kennelly is another in the long line of Awful Trek Admirals, but he's still no Haftel. F that guy

JGoss

2024-12-02 20:00:26 +0000 UTC

That one Cardassian has the face of a Picasso painting

JGoss

2024-12-02 19:59:34 +0000 UTC

These Bajorans and their conflict with the cardassians, I sure would like to know more about that. A

Phil Ken Sebben

2024-12-02 19:58:08 +0000 UTC

Michelle Forbes's performance in "Half a Life" never struck me as particularly note-worthy, though I like her as Ensign Ro. But when you guys praised her in "Half a Life," I had to smile, knowing you'd appreciate her return in this episode.

Tom Occhipinti

2024-12-02 19:55:38 +0000 UTC

Another amazing A-tier episode that introduces a new great character while also introducing the Bajorans and more of who the Cardassians are and how they operate

Eric Traylor

2024-12-02 19:55:26 +0000 UTC

Deja Ro.

David Wayne Fox

2024-12-02 19:54:32 +0000 UTC

Michelle Forbes returns from Half a Life in a new role. I enjoy how this series starts to build out its universe in terms of the new species and their history. A for me.

Collin Freeman

2024-12-02 19:45:54 +0000 UTC

Worf gets to wear a fancy sash but suddenly earrings are out of pocket?

Ally Roth

2024-12-02 19:41:04 +0000 UTC

Boy, Star Trek admirals kind of suck, don’t they?

Jeffrey

2024-12-02 19:37:48 +0000 UTC

The Cardassians are back. And now we find out why everyone in the show seems to hate/distrust them before: they're literally space Nazis. Great characters, but still space Nazis.

THE LORE!!!

2024-12-02 19:37:43 +0000 UTC

Now you know why so many people were mentioning Michelle Forbes in Half a Life. Also it seems like you can't go 10 episodes in this erries without running into another Badmiral. Ro is a unique character, and she provides a good introduction to the Bajoran people. The Cardassians also return and are decidedly less sympathetic. Maybe Maxwell was right after all?

Timothy Nikiforovs

2024-12-02 19:35:38 +0000 UTC

It took a bit for me to like Ro as a character. She’s sort of the first person we see who doesn’t want to be on the Enterprise, who doesn’t want to be a part of Starfleet. It rubbed me the wrong way when I first watched this episode, but like with many things Star Trek, it’s all about perspective.

Gregory

2024-12-02 19:31:31 +0000 UTC

I like Ro, I like the mystery of what is going on really, then the figuring it out. And of course Picard stickin' it the "Man" again.

Prof Moff

2024-12-02 19:25:17 +0000 UTC

PATRON TIER LIST TNG S5E3

Comments

Ah yes, Ro Laren, Riker's favorite ensign. I am not exactly in love with the character, but her episode represents to me a slight change in direction for Star Trek, one that is more focused on continuity, politics and character development

Actually, I'd say it's not an important story and not an important character. You could legitimately skip this, though I wouldn't recommend it as it's a great episode.

Ro is such a good side character. She doesn't knock Chief off the top of my list, but she's a solid second to me.

I really like seeing established things questioned. Despite the utopian society that the Federation represents, it interrogates its values and finds the flaws that exist. Gene wouldn't have approved, but it makes the world feel more authentic.

I feel like that's why they added the Bajoran earrings just to make them more distinct.

Does a bumpy nose actually indicate a new species Oh well, it’s better than pointy ears Michelle Forbes knocks it out of the park, no matter what she does

Okay I had to take a hot minute for how best to phrase the behind the scenes element of preference without spoilers. I'm fine with Yar in Season 1, my issue is what I see as the "Buyers Remorse" with Denise Crosby's intermittent returns since then, which ultimately rub me the wrong way.

Really.....I don't see it : )

Ro looks a lot like the daughter from the episode Half a life s4 e22:)

For sure. Maybe they should get another person to curate the comments for spoilers.

This is an S for me because I really love Ensign Ro.

@Ian Wescott Lots of commentators here are falling victim to exactly that in, unfortunately, a very suggestive and spoilery way. 🤦

🤯

I like Gene's idea in spirit. But it doesn't really match what we know of human nature. Can't speak for alien races, of course. But I don't believe that there shouldn't be conflict, there just shouldn't be conflict for petty or immature reasons.

Even that is.

Not just you!

Lines on maps mean things, though.

"How convenient that must be for you (the Federation) to turn a deaf ear to those that suffer behind a line on a map." is one example of excellent writing in this episode. Plus the introduction of a guest character that enjoys pushing people's buttons makes this an A tier.

Ro's Command Division aka the Best Division! ;)

Ro was given more character time in a single episode than Yar was given in a whole season with her name in the main credits. Really not fair to judge Yar off of season 1 writing. She deserved better.

It introduces an interesting character and has a fantastic mystery plot that resolves without the Enterprise needing to fire a shot.

More proof that the real recurring villain in TNG is a corrupt admiralty promoted beyond their competence.

Is it just me, or did that Cardassian’s face look weirdly lopsided?

That’s a great point. i never noticed that aspect of Picard before. Maybe it has something to do with felling like an outsider around his father & brother?

I felt like I was getting risque just saying "This is an important episode in the expanded universe" but all this stuff everyone is saying is crazy.

Without spoilers, it's clear that they're thinking forward rather than just back at this point.

Important story, important character, everything else is a spoiler.

B for banger, just not quite to the A/S level for me. Ro is freaking awesome though. It’s nice to see someone in starfleet be less than an ideal person like everyone else is. She has her flaws on full display just like her earring, and I like it.

The wanton spoilers are getting ridiculous.

Usually guts are the things hated 😼

Solid episode!

Westly returns from starfleet academy as a female bajorin .. nuff said

For some reason I think you guts might hate Ro. Hopefully I'm wrong.

Yeah.. it was one of the first breaks with the Gene Roddenberry idea that, baring disease or alien influence, everyone in the federation would mostly usually get along (of course there were other breaks in the past, still, this sets a different tone...).

I’ve been looking forward to you all seeing Ensign Ro’s entry into TNG and the return of the Cardassians.

Season 1 Ferengi and Season 4 Trill.

i rate it S because i love Ro!

Just… S.

Ro brings something to the show that no other character has on TNG: conflict. On that score alone she’s a valuable addition to the secondary cast.

DS9 0.25. As it were.

It’s refreshing to see a returning species, especially since so many are forgotten after their debut episodes. What else do you hope to see fleshed out with the Cardassians in the future?

In a vacuum this episode is probably a B, but it's just too significant in the universe not to be an A. Also, unlike some episodes that arent directly retconned per se but dont fit the vibe which is later cultivated(Season 1 Ferengi, anyone?), this one still holds up to what comes after.

A most significant character is introduced in this episode, iirc. A-tier for me.

This episode introduces an excellent side character; a firebrand who isn't afraid to speak their mind, regardless of rank, exactly what this show needed to shake things up and keep the main cast on their toes, I'm speaking, of course, about Mr. Mot, the barber.

A lot to like in this episode, including the return of the Cardassians and the introduction of the Bajoran people and the character of Ensign Ro played by the wonderful Michelle Forbes. Another Deep Space Nine-ish episode that lays some solid foundation for the future.

Best part is when he calls the admiral naïve, right to his face.

Ahhh, the parade of asshole admirals continues... And I like Ro Laren in the driver's seat way more than Wesley Crusher.

I think it's one of those episodes that might be well regarded for what it sets up rather than the specific episode quality.

Same as real life military.

I took to her just like Guinan did.

The Daleks are definitely the original space Nazis but every IP can have their own.

The Kaleds/Daleks are space Nazis.

*bite

Not yet.

Guinan is hilarious in this one.

It's not interstellar, it's interplanetary. The moon with the Resistance base is in the same system as the planet with the camp. Picard even points out that the Bajoran ship couldn't reach another star system.

Ro brings some nice fresh blood to the crew. She’s a good, strong character. Michelle Forbes became a favorite of mine here.

🤯

It's a B in my mind too. Good episode. Not great.

Michelle Forbes is back! They liked her so much in “Half a Life” that they brought her back as Ro Laren. Initially unlikable to most of the crew, she does prove herself, eventually. Another episode I have ranked as “Best of the Best”.

Great guest performance that touches on a religous accommodation question that every humanist organization like Starfleet needs to deal with eventually. A.

Our perspective on the series as a whole as fans does sometimes colour our view on individual episodes. Yeah, it is probably a B episode, but for the introduction on Ro Laren we bump it up in our minds due to her being such a great addition.

It fair to call this a cannon building episode, but it’s still a mid plot, that’s what I gave it a B for Banger.

Hey, the Sash is really snazzy. RIker is apparently just the fashion police. Seriously though, you would imagine Starfleet has a uniform variations section, like most modern militaries do for citems of cultural/religious significance, like Sikhs and such.

What do the put in the water at Starfleet command? The amount of useless or terrible Flag Officers is just so high.

Okay, I see your point, but my point remains that Starfleet preaches about tolerance without practicing it. We've seen a fair amount of it before now, and we'll see a LOT more in the years to come. This is just one example of a system that perceives itself as a lot better than it actually is.

not my favorite episode by any means of season 5 its hard to give it an A tier so i'll settle with a high B, you get new character, new species reoccurring enemies and some idiotic Starfleet Admiral as well a quite the scandal

Excellent performance by Michelle Phorbes. They must been really impressed by her performance as Timasins daughter. Also introduces the Bajorans another cool new alien race.

it always a interesting dynamic when you have main characters actually being hostile to a character, it actually refreshing make them more human and real then the normal enlighten crew we use to, but how do you feel was their attitude justified?

And yet it's the cause of so much down the line.

Surprised how high this ep rates. I mean, it’s fine but not spectacular. Ro is awesome of course, but the mystery doesn’t pack much punch, and interstellar travel at impulse power? There’s enough good stuff for me to bring it to a B, but I’m clearly a minority.

Michelle Forbes is back. So impressed were the producers with her single scene in "Half a Life" they gave her this meatier role after. And she easily proves what a capable actor she is.

This is argueably, THE most impactful episode of 90s era Trek. It's never explicitly stated in universe, but the ball is off and rolling here.

Ro was a very nice step outside the typical "Starfleet is my life and I love it" character, just to make the universe a little less black and white. Giving her a difficult back story and making her be from outside the Federation is a good excuse to do that.

Question: Were you both surprised that the Cardassians actually returned, and even got some more back story?

Ro > Yar.

Points for Ro and the introduction of the Bajorans, but it’s a pretty middle of the road plot.

As a 7th grader, I wore my blue science & medical TNG uniform to middle school occasionally - and was picked on quite a bit for doing so, especially after I added a Bajoran clip-on earring to the ensemble, which I picked up at a Trek convention following this episode. And yes, I turned out zesty!