PATRON TIER LIST - STAR TREK TNG S4E13
Added 2024-09-30 16:00:14 +0000 UTCWhat tier do you rate Star Trek TNG S4E13?
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This poll will remain open, so feel free to revisit this once you watch our UNCUT reaction, YouTube edited reaction, or at any point throughout the season before our recap! We won’t be looking at this until after we watch the episode so any questions send us a message!
Comments
I find that rather medieval. That's not what Star Trek stands for.
Adam from Germany
2024-10-13 01:04:03 +0000 UTCLow C
Jim J
2024-10-08 18:46:25 +0000 UTCYou are watching a show that had several science advisors, several of the outlandish episodes are based on real on real things. The season 3 episode 1, the binary star that explodes every set number of years is a real thing happening soon. T Coronae Borealis happens every ~ 80 years. The warp drive is based on a theory by a Mexican physicist.
Jim
2024-10-08 06:59:50 +0000 UTCDefinition of B Tier imo
Steven Cressler
2024-10-07 17:30:40 +0000 UTCI really liked this episode (being a Christian) because it asked a lot of the questions i've asked myself and also, we all know someone (possibly even ourselves) who would fall to a scam like this (cough cough global warming)
arandomduderino
2024-10-07 16:38:22 +0000 UTCGuilty pleasure episode.
JStrong
2024-10-07 13:48:45 +0000 UTCLook, I lowkey love this episode, but it's objectively a D.
JStrong
2024-10-07 13:47:43 +0000 UTCThis was a repurposed Star Trek: Phase Two script, iirc.
Darin Wagner
2024-10-07 13:09:47 +0000 UTCThis episode is goofy as hell and I love it. Not quite S tier, but definitely A from me. It really shows what a TNG crew would do in a TOS scenario.
Jason the Dave
2024-10-07 12:37:43 +0000 UTCGets a little bit of the whole mockery of Picard in, the whole image of an older Ryker, etc.
Thicketdweller
2024-10-04 19:16:37 +0000 UTCIf I remember right it had a great promo teaser. We will see during the discussion
marty63026
2024-10-04 12:29:45 +0000 UTCThe prime directive in this episode is the interesting to me. I think the reason it doesn’t appear to apply in this case is that this planet once had FTL capability but turned their back on it 1000 years ago. That seems to be why the federation is there to study them. The planet is already aware of interstellar space travel and possibly have encountered other alien civilizations. I can understand why the federation would be interested in this planet.
marty63026
2024-10-04 12:25:08 +0000 UTCCouldn’t agree more. If every episode was the Wounded the show would have suffered. You need episode’s like this which I’d compare to Shore leave for its tone. Light hearted but the crew thinks it’s real for most of the episode.
marty63026
2024-10-04 12:16:15 +0000 UTCIt's in my bottom 10 of all of TNG. Not the worst of the season, but very close
Jeffrey
2024-10-03 22:42:21 +0000 UTCYes, The Magicks of Megas-tu. I was thinking the same thing.
Collin Freeman
2024-10-03 21:09:45 +0000 UTCIn the bottom 5 of all TNG episodes for me.
Collin Freeman
2024-10-03 21:05:35 +0000 UTCKirk would have nailed Audra regardless
marty63026
2024-10-03 13:41:06 +0000 UTCThat happened to me with Voyager. In the St Louis market about halfway through the third season, it was taken off the air. Voyager was the flagship show for the brand new UPN network. St Louis did not have a UPN affiliate but at first they sold the show into first run syndication. UPN then forced our local stations hand and said ‘either become an affiliate or lose the show because no more first run syndication’. Our local station refused and the show was pulled off the air. We had a video tape black market develop but I didn’t see 3 or 4 episodes until just about 10 years ago. It was super fun to see ‘new’ episodes of a 20 year old show
marty63026
2024-10-03 13:31:46 +0000 UTCWe also know the crew will survive every encounter. The fun isn't so much about knowing how it will end as seeing it play out. In this one that means figuring out how the magician does their trick, and how each character will bring their unique talents to get there. But I also love mythology and magic shows, and the book Childhood's End, so this one is an A from me :)
Dan Halstead
2024-10-03 02:12:48 +0000 UTCOne of the worst episodes of the season and possibly of the entire series. It's just one of those episodes i've always hated. I can't stand it when you immediately know exactly what's going to happen from the very beginning of the episode. It's obvious that she's a scammer and the episode is going to end with Picard exposing her. Boring and predictable all the way through. It's not even fun enough to justify how stupid it is! I'd give it an F tier if that existed. It's a court room episode so i'm predicting Josh will casually drop an A tier on this one.
Spencer Loften
2024-10-02 21:41:12 +0000 UTCMarta Dubois makes this episode fun and one that I go back to for casual TNG watching. One of my favorite guest stars in all of TNG.
Brad Newman
2024-10-02 20:22:23 +0000 UTCAll Hail Data, almost Q Tier as a Judge! (Q Tier is better than S, for reference =P .)
James Knight
2024-10-02 02:37:57 +0000 UTCFor me, this is an S tier episode. I don’t particularly care for courtroom drama, but this one kept me glued to my seat. Picard struggles with an alien that wants him to willingly be hers. For someone like Picard, who doesn’t really show his feelings to his crew, we see a lot of feelings being expressed throughout the episode. When I rewatch Star Trek next generation, this is typically on episode I will watch again and again. Data acting as judge I thought was hilarious. He truly shows impartiality when he does not tolerate Picard’s objection. I hope you enjoy it, but with all the comments being said, I’m curious to hear what you guys think of this episode.
Hidden Ruu
2024-10-02 00:38:49 +0000 UTCKirk in Picard’s role, Spock the arbiter, Scotty technobabble. I could totally see Kirk catching the con like Picard
Phil Ken Sebben
2024-10-01 18:09:00 +0000 UTCSo I'm sure a few hundred people have already told you this was a recycled Phase Two script. You can so tell Arda was written for Shatner. THAT would have been good. Patrick Stewart, on the other hand seems to be saying, "Why am I here?" This script also has Roddenberry's fingerprints all over it. Picard's overt hostility to religion, & with the self righteous, (but totally out of character for Jean Luc) enthusiasm of one James T Kirk talking a computer to death, he takes it on himself to disrupt the social system of this society (even after finding out the Enterprise is safe) & put them on a path to solid Humanist values. No need to even mention that pesky Prime Directive. Kinda bizarre for a guy who allowed "Bread & Circuses" to be made. Interesting how a few decades can change a person's perspective. Still, "Devil's Due" is a fun episode. I give it a shaky B-
Owen Madden
2024-10-01 17:07:39 +0000 UTCAudra was hot…
marty63026
2024-10-01 14:49:46 +0000 UTCIf an alien made it look like the apocalypse were happening exactly as described in John, wouldn't many Christians fall for it? I probably would and I'm not even religious.
Captain Proton
2024-10-01 12:57:40 +0000 UTCThese stage performances by Data as he explores his humanity is one of the running threads I love, I want to see more, Say Ryker with a shaved face and head practicing for a role as Dadddy Warbucks in a rehersal of Annie
Thicketdweller
2024-10-01 12:25:01 +0000 UTCOh, I just can't wait until we get to my worst episodes.... S7!
Jovet
2024-10-01 12:00:10 +0000 UTCBinroe was also right!
Jovet
2024-10-01 11:00:14 +0000 UTCThe ship's computer was originally written as "the impartial judge."
Jovet
2024-10-01 10:59:35 +0000 UTCCareful confusing superstition with religion.
Jovet
2024-10-01 10:57:32 +0000 UTCI posit that the previous episode had more serious plot holes.
Jovet
2024-10-01 10:56:39 +0000 UTCYou're off-mark. In the TOS treatment, the ship's computer was the judge.
Jovet
2024-10-01 10:54:48 +0000 UTCShe definitely wanted to own a planet, all of its people, riches, and the benefits that come from that.
Jovet
2024-10-01 10:53:40 +0000 UTCOthers here have confused superstition with religion. “You need not make the same mistake.”
Jovet
2024-10-01 10:52:19 +0000 UTCThe TOS take was very, very different.
Jovet
2024-10-01 10:49:20 +0000 UTCI remember that this was one of those few episodes that I didn't catch on reruns in the '90s, so it was probably 2006 or 2007 when I first saw it. That was so exciting -- like seeing a lost episode, and it felt just as fresh in the mid-2000s as it probably did when it first aired in 1991. So that experience creates a bit of bias for me. Still, it's ultimately a B episode, but a very fun one-off.
Jesse Manning
2024-10-01 04:22:58 +0000 UTCA solid and fun episode, if a bit Scooby-Doo. I think you guys will enjoy this one, but it's kind of forgettable.
Paul O'Neal
2024-10-01 03:29:49 +0000 UTCI call it one of my favorite B episodes. Silly story, just so much fun! And perfectly executed.
Michael Metrick
2024-10-01 03:04:06 +0000 UTCI was never a fan of “Devil’s Due”. However, upon a recent re-watch, I found the episode interesting in that it is similar to “Who Watches the Watchers” with its “religion is superstition” stance. An otherwise enlightened people resort to violence and hysteria when they believe the devil has returned and it’s the end of days. These people perfectly illustrate that the only thing worse than prophecy is self-fulfilling prophecy.
Raphael Gaytan
2024-10-01 03:02:12 +0000 UTCI was 10 or 11 when this one came out. My mom saw the Devil on the "Next time on Star Trek" trailer and forbid be to watch it. The Satanic Panic was still in full swing in my neighborhood. I told her it wouldn't really be the devil, it'd be a Scooby-doo ending because it was Star Trek, not The X-Files! I was right, mom! I was right!
Alexander McKechnie
2024-10-01 02:47:40 +0000 UTCOkay, you're exchange above regarding "Q at home" has made this my favorite comment in a long time. I got folks at my neighborhood bar wondering what I'm laughing about so much as to have beer coming out my nose
Moonlander
2024-10-01 01:12:26 +0000 UTCI rated this one a C, as I generally skip it. But based on the Patron comments, I'm looking forward to the rewatch with TA. There've been enough TNG episodes I've come to reappraise with the perspectives of this community, that I can expect to find new appreciation for most of the episodes I'd previously dismissed
Moonlander
2024-10-01 01:03:24 +0000 UTCLET’S GO TO COURT! I like Ardra’s performance, it straddles the line between “supernatural” and con artist, and she holds her own against Sir Patrick. (I've often wondered, if Phase 2 had been made, who would have been the judge from the original crew? Spock? And Kirk totally would have slept with her!)
tyranusfan
2024-10-01 00:51:56 +0000 UTC"Mom, can we have Q?" "No, we have Q at home" Q at home: Ardra I LOVE this episode The actors are having fun with this one, so I'm having fun with this one! And we get Picard hamming it up as FEK'LHR! OF KLINGON! UREERRRGH! What a fun little romp for Picard and the gang to Scooby-do their way out of. She would have gotten away with it too, if not for those meddling kids. Is the Ent-D just the mystery machine for grownups? You be the judge. I give it an A, just too much fun.
#MaxwellDidNothingWrong
2024-10-01 00:48:37 +0000 UTCAs others have said, it was originally a Phase 2 script but, was far better than The Child. I really enjoy it even though I agree with those who say the execution could have better. The guest actor Marta Dubois totally makes the episode for me.
Nick Sauer
2024-10-01 00:33:37 +0000 UTCI say that, but then I remember there is another this season I dislike more
Jeffrey
2024-10-01 00:31:10 +0000 UTCMine also
Jeffrey
2024-10-01 00:28:25 +0000 UTCI think I rate this one higher because I kind of like when TNG goes big and isn't afraid to be a little over the top. The way that The Wounded was one of their High Class Drama episodes, this episode is just too much fun not to like. The ludicrous sci-fi concept of this "devil's contract with an alien planet" and the actress playing Ardra is having such a good time with the role. It's just fun, it's got some iconic moments I still quote with my TNG friends all the time: "You are NOT Fek'lahr!" "OH, but I AM!" I don't want to say it's campy, but if it is, that's great. This whole latter half of S4 is just one banger after another, but the best thing is that they're all different flavors.
ScotchBeard78
2024-09-30 23:45:55 +0000 UTCI think they’ll mark it as a B because it didn’t have a lot of strong character moments.
Pokeysaurus
2024-09-30 23:01:33 +0000 UTCOuldnt decide weather to rate this B or C. I liked the episode but didn't find it outstanding. Ardra kind of remins me of a female Harry Mudd.
Keith S
2024-09-30 22:58:50 +0000 UTCmy sentiments exactly!!
Josef Nitervol
2024-09-30 22:25:00 +0000 UTCRemember all those season 1 episodes that felt TOS-like but missed the mark? This is the same idea but executed successfully. I gave it a B and not an A just for the fact that we already explored the topic of religion in "Who Watches the Watchers" and I don't feel like this one attempts a deeper dive so to speak.
Captain Proton
2024-09-30 21:57:52 +0000 UTCThis is one of my favorite episodes, not best, in that it's in the rotation for me just wanting to relax and put on an episode. It's not amazing, but I think it's fun
Ceruleo
2024-09-30 21:22:50 +0000 UTCThis is an A for me. Great story originally intended for Star Trek: Phase Two. I like the little roller coaster it puts the audience through regarding Ardra and whether she is who she claims to be. Plus the Fek-lar make-up was outstanding.
Darin Wagner
2024-09-30 21:05:54 +0000 UTCThis episode has a somewhat interesting premise, but it’s not super great. I gave it a C. It’s not atrocious, but definitely not one of the great ones.
Jared Curry
2024-09-30 20:54:50 +0000 UTCVery TOS-esque. Plot holes galore and a pretty goofy premise. Still Sir Patrick Stewart gives a great performance and it's lots of fun. A solid B from me.
Cirk Bejnar
2024-09-30 20:46:12 +0000 UTCStar Trek has been sneaking in forced arbitration clauses into contracts before it was cool.
Dmitriy.0
2024-09-30 20:16:30 +0000 UTCGoofy, with a great ending. Let's go to court!! Solid B, at least.
The Ninth Doctor
2024-09-30 20:14:57 +0000 UTCThis is the most TOS episode of TNG. It was dumb, but I enjoyed it for what it gave me: Picard going against a god-like being who turns out to be a con artist. But Data's deadpan timing during the arbitration was perfect!
wildhunt1973
2024-09-30 20:13:17 +0000 UTCI really enjoy it when Star Trek and religion clash.
Michael Figueroa
2024-09-30 20:09:26 +0000 UTCThis is the episode: "This lady is obviously scamming this this planet and has a ship somewhere. We should find it. Did you find it yet? No. Did you find it yet? No. Did you find it yet? Yes, we win. Ok byeee" But in fairness, it's neat because of this technology exists, then someone somewhere has to be trying to scam people with it. It's a silly episode and fun to think of how people would do that.
Zack
2024-09-30 20:03:32 +0000 UTCProbably on my worst list for TNG!
Troy Massey
2024-09-30 20:03:24 +0000 UTCHot off the heels of a super deep episode that tackles war and racism, we revisit the trend of omnipowerful space goblins in Trek—except it’s a complete deconstruction of the concept. It truly feels like the core writers and producers were working hard to establish a more grounded universe at this point, and this episode kinda reflects that.
Shortskirtsandexplosions
2024-09-30 19:54:02 +0000 UTCThis episode is so fucking stupid. I love it.
Shortskirtsandexplosions
2024-09-30 19:52:01 +0000 UTCI give it a A!
Josef Nitervol
2024-09-30 19:50:30 +0000 UTCI love how Spock… I mean Data is such a cool judge ! And how Kirr…I mean Picard was so adamant about how this lady was not what she said… even tho she wanted him so bad (that was fun!) all and all a kinda average but fun TOS Episode. Can’t wait till you get to TNG season 4!
Sixto
2024-09-30 19:42:31 +0000 UTCI desperately want to give Picard a +1 on the sex scoreboard but can't. A normal guy woulda just did it and then left the morning after but not JLP
Prof Moff
2024-09-30 19:35:49 +0000 UTCThis is a ridiculously tasteless stupid episode........ B !!! almost A well no one ever said I had taste.
Prof Moff
2024-09-30 19:32:36 +0000 UTCThat's why it's called fiction.
Sam Langanke
2024-09-30 19:27:51 +0000 UTCDef not my “best of” list, but a lot of fun and a nice change of pace. Very TOS vibe.
Glenn Johnson Barnes
2024-09-30 19:24:19 +0000 UTCMy only problem: What was "Ardra's" plan? Okay, she's a con artist, but I don't think she really wants to rule a planet. What was she really going to do? I like the episode, but the premise is half-baked and it's clear they wanted a "con artist dupes people into thinking she's the devil" but it wasn't developed much further.
Ian Westcott
2024-09-30 18:57:50 +0000 UTCI have a soft spot for this episode, I thought Marta Dubois had a great time and was a real hoot. I wish they could have brought her back in Picard, but sadly the actress died relatively young. I B-tiered it, which I think is higher than a lot of people rate it. Like Column above mentioned, it's harmless fun. Something tells me this will be a C-tier at best, if you didn't like Saul Rubineck in the Most Toys, I don't think you'll be a fan of Marta Dubois here.
Ian Westcott
2024-09-30 18:55:21 +0000 UTCIt's a fun B-grade filler episode. I enjoy episodes when there is something the crew has to puzzle out
Vina
2024-09-30 18:51:59 +0000 UTCWhy do I feel so different about the rating? Am I different? - I absolutely love this one. Love it, loveit, love_it, lovE iT, LovE It, loVe IT! - A little bit of mystery. - And a bunch of Sci-Fi and divne stuff. Another religion was ripped to pieces. Yes, of course I could thing of additional great stuff for this episode, but this inspirations are just another reason, why this one is a diamond. ;-) #SorryForAnyNotProperlyEnglish
Adam from Germany
2024-09-30 18:43:46 +0000 UTCAlso Fek'lhr (Klingon devil) was played Tom Magee, who was a Canadian powerlifter, bodybuilder, strongman, martial artist and professional wrestler.
Greg Quinn
2024-09-30 18:33:32 +0000 UTCWE’RE GOING TO COURT!!! I bet ya never thought the defendant would be The Devil did ya? This one is harmless fun. Have always appreciated Marta Dubois’ turn as Ardra. This episode was originally written for the aborted Star Trek: Phase II and I think it transferred well to the TNG crew. I do appreciate that they explore whether Ardra is a Q. The idea of using technology to con people into thinking you’re a supernatural being is a fun one.
Column Meanie
2024-09-30 18:33:25 +0000 UTCVulcan has no moon just like the Klingons have no Devil. Until we need them to.
Alan Thompson
2024-09-30 18:31:51 +0000 UTCNot an episode that almost anyone would consider great or of artistic merit. But I think if you are in the right head space it can be as much fun as plenty of "very good" episodes. Just not much beyond that.
Greg Quinn
2024-09-30 18:28:45 +0000 UTCBasically this is the reverse, more fun side of Who Watches the Watchers where Picard can actually pretend to be a god. Now it would have been an instant S-tier if Q had popped in to add a little chaos.
JD Nevesytrof
2024-09-30 18:14:23 +0000 UTCC tier for me and very like an average TOS episode. However I will give it another look when the uncut reaction happens - I haven’t seen this episode in a long time.
Paul Rymer
2024-09-30 18:07:26 +0000 UTCThis is a fun episode! I love Picard in court. Ardra is cheesy, but she’s entertaining enough. Fun to see just how many scam artists there are in the galaxy. Reminiscent of Harry Mudd.
Connor Fallon
2024-09-30 17:59:10 +0000 UTCSome woman shows up, says "I'm the devil, one planet please" and they're collectively losing their minds like "Nothing we can do, our ancestors signed a contract ... unless we win a court case!" and then they go to court. Sounds like an SNL sketch.
Phillip Grischa
2024-09-30 17:53:59 +0000 UTCD as in Dud as in Dull as in Don’t ever want to watch it again
Jeffrey
2024-09-30 17:42:02 +0000 UTCso cheesy......................so fun. B episode
Narnman
2024-09-30 17:05:57 +0000 UTCI really like this one. It's fun. The guest actress is really good. But it always bothers me that trying to get the Enterprise and Picard makes no sense. It put her plans at unnecessary risk, and Starfleet wasn't going to just accept that their flag ship now belongs to the devil. She should have just let the Enterprise go, and the prime directive would likely have prevented Picard from much further interference.
JoeCensored
2024-09-30 16:48:14 +0000 UTCFun episode. You could write this for TOS as well and it would work. Just a good standalone
Phil Ken Sebben
2024-09-30 16:45:00 +0000 UTCThis I just a fun one, just a little deal with the Devil herself (or is she the devil?). Also courtroom shenanigans, yay!
Gregory
2024-09-30 16:40:57 +0000 UTCJust so skippable.
Frank Tagader
2024-09-30 16:40:41 +0000 UTCWith the distinct lack of foot-washing and foot-massage? Tsk tsk!
Jovet
2024-09-30 16:37:50 +0000 UTCA fun little filler episode. Not bad but nothing special: B
Chris Moe
2024-09-30 16:31:15 +0000 UTC“I like the tremors.” is one of my most-favorite lines in all of Star Trek. I will happily regurgitate this line when the situation warrants it.
Jovet
2024-09-30 16:30:34 +0000 UTCC+ for me but a fun C+ if that makes sense.
Paul
2024-09-30 16:28:47 +0000 UTCNot one of my favorites. It is what it is, but I do like the "A Christmas Carol" bits, considering P-Stew was soon to do a one man show version on Broadway and other venues. I have it ranked as "Time Filler With Good Moments".
KatWithAttitude
2024-09-30 16:28:26 +0000 UTCThis episode takes a naive approach to religion. The Ventaxians have enjoyed 1000 years of prosperity under their belief system but now it has been entirely uprooted. The show asks us to believe their society can stay just as prosperous and stable after this drastic change.
Evan Guthrie
2024-09-30 16:27:12 +0000 UTCSince I am sure you two will mess it up... DuBois is pronounced "duh-BWAH" 🙂
Jovet
2024-09-30 16:26:42 +0000 UTCMarta DuBois was fantastic in this!
Jovet
2024-09-30 16:25:52 +0000 UTCThis could end up being "The Price" of season 4.
Deep Red
2024-09-30 16:24:49 +0000 UTCFun, always enjoyed the guest actor here but yeah it’s definitely C tier for me. An abandoned Phase 2 episode and you can clearly tell how this would play out with Kirk and Spocks replacement…
Darren Seal
2024-09-30 16:21:34 +0000 UTCThis one is a guilty favorite of mine. It's not the best episode, but it's extremely entertaining to me.
Jovet
2024-09-30 16:21:04 +0000 UTCMaybe I'm being too generous but this is a B-tier episode for me. It's silly, but in a fun way and definitely not boring. And Picard's showmanship at the end is a treat, though the story resolves a little too "in the nick of time" for my liking. Surprisingly entertaining for an arbitration!~
Ryan Caulfield
2024-09-30 16:20:43 +0000 UTCIt's a court episode. But it's not an amazing one. And I'm pretty sure The Animated Series did this story already.
Nolan
2024-09-30 16:20:19 +0000 UTCI gave it a B just for the guest actress and the scene where Picard exposes her tricks.
Forbidden Donut
2024-09-30 16:15:16 +0000 UTCAlong with season 2's "The Child", this was a story that had originally been planned for the aborted "Star Trek: Phase 2" series in the late '70s. Based on those two episodes... maybe it's a good thing that series never got made.
Steven Linden
2024-09-30 16:14:20 +0000 UTCI really liked this one. To me, it is a clear A tier. I think you guys will likely put it more in a B tier and think the concept is a little silly.
Eric Wilson
2024-09-30 16:14:06 +0000 UTCI personally really enjoy this episode, neat concept and some great Picard stuff. A tier for me but just barely.
marty63026
2024-09-30 16:11:49 +0000 UTCD for me. I have a hard time believing those parlour tricks would fool anyone.
Jon1701
2024-09-30 16:10:09 +0000 UTCIts far from my favorite this season but I would call this one my "guilty pleasure" episode of S4. Its ridiculous and silly but fun, plus court based episodes are always a good time.
THE LORE!!!
2024-09-30 16:10:03 +0000 UTCOn its first airing in the U.S, this episode had the highest viewership since Encounter at Farpoint. Not bad for an episode many think mediocre. I guess by this point many people who had tuned out in seasons one and two were starting to tune in again.
Dion James Pitman
2024-09-30 16:05:46 +0000 UTCYou're more generous than me.
Collin Freeman
2024-09-30 16:05:17 +0000 UTCWhat in the B-tier TOS season 3 episode is this? For your crimes I shall put you in the C-tier
Elway Simpson
2024-09-30 16:03:07 +0000 UTC
