PATRON TAKES - Star Trek TNG Season 3 Episode 20
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Comments
Fun fact - the sounds of the interior of Gomtuu (the tin man) were the recordings of Dan Curry's (FX Supervisor) stomach after eating a burrito.
Kai Robinson
2024-07-06 23:55:57 +0000 UTCTo paraphrase Jean Brodie “ for those who like this episode, this is the sort of episode that they like”.
Rich Cirivilleri
2024-06-30 23:10:21 +0000 UTCThis is the one with the space croissant, right? Yeah no thanks. Hard pass.
Rich Cirivilleri
2024-06-30 23:07:51 +0000 UTCIt’s kind of like Loud as a whisper in that effect
Scarpad’s Domain
2024-06-30 21:44:08 +0000 UTCI need to like a character at least a little to try and put myself in their shoes. This character fails to reach that bar
Jeffrey
2024-06-30 16:01:16 +0000 UTCI really like this episode. The concept ( in 1990 ) was very fresh in my opinion. It’s not S tier but I’d rate it at least B tier.
marty63026
2024-06-29 16:31:07 +0000 UTCHey I’m new here and have really enjoyed your Star Trek journey on YouTube and finally joined your Patreon.
marty63026
2024-06-29 16:29:22 +0000 UTCTin Man is one of my least episodes. The plot is…..fine but the overacting acing by the guest star is insufferable. Also, why does civilian clothing this season have to have pleats?? Everyone looks like an armadillo.
Christopher Boutwell
2024-06-29 06:11:10 +0000 UTCI think you guys have good taste and will like this episode, but a lot of it is built on the strength of the guest star, who I think does a great job, but I'm not sure if you'll like him. (I never hated Stubbs, don't notice most of the other guest stars) So who knows?
John
2024-06-28 20:25:41 +0000 UTCThis is an episode that I consider one of the better episodes of Star Trek. Certainly more up than down and definitely a very "Science Fiction" sort of episode. I enjoy the guest star's performance (who I now recognize as Mayor Wilkins) and I like the plot. It feels very Star Trek to me. Also, it's a Troi episode that's actually good. (Maybe some of that strength comes from the fact that it's also a Data episode, but it feels like Troi serves a purpose in this one, which she doesn't often do, since her empath powers fail her on any occasion when they would be useful. ("I don't know what I sense," or more often she just says and does nothing.) They only succeed when someone says "I'm going to kill you!" and she says, "I sense great hostility from them." No shit, Sherlock. So it's nice to see her be useful for once. That said, YMMV dramatically, because apparently a lot of people on here really don't like the episode, which surprises me. I usually see one or two people not liking an episode that I really like... I do see people liking episodes I dislike (one episode I particularly hate that is well-loved, I will point out when we get to it) but in this case opinion seems split equally between Good, Bad, and Meh.
John
2024-06-28 20:24:48 +0000 UTCIt runs for 43 minutes and has characters that do things. Also events that lead to other events. Words were spoken.
Tim b
2024-06-28 15:23:04 +0000 UTCNever mind, Captain's Holiday was their streak breaker.
Evan Guthrie
2024-06-28 14:47:41 +0000 UTCAbsolutely. Some scores can be listened to on their own. Some are completely forgettable. As this show progresses, the scores fall into the latter category sadly.
Column Meanie
2024-06-28 11:26:16 +0000 UTCLOL me too. I like this ep, but it is very… soporific! Maybe a good choice when you kinda wanna watch some decent atmospheric Trek and kinda want a nap.
rear adm. crackbiscuit
2024-06-28 07:48:32 +0000 UTCIt has its moments, but in the end, this an episode.
Nerd's Gold
2024-06-27 21:10:08 +0000 UTCAgreed
Chris S.
2024-06-27 20:01:23 +0000 UTCSeeing Ron Jones get fired helped him make that decision too
JGoss
2024-06-27 18:51:44 +0000 UTCYes, I saw that interview. Its true. Stethoscope.
Chris S.
2024-06-27 18:41:50 +0000 UTCAlex and Josh, this a perfect blend of scientific exploration and adventure thriller. Fun fact: This is Jay Chattaway’s first Trek episode and its fantastic. He was told to tone down the military overtones from then on. But it rocks!
Chris S.
2024-06-27 18:40:55 +0000 UTCI like this episode. It’s not perfect, but after the past several episodes being so heavily character focused, this one is a nice palate cleanser. It’s a fun little adventure with an interesting concept. Nothing less, nothing more.
Lwaxana’s Poolboy
2024-06-27 18:30:01 +0000 UTCInteresting concept but ultimately meh. Some Romulan action, the one-sided argument where Riker got told his fortune was novel but Farscape explored the living ship concept much better.
Lincynity
2024-06-27 16:13:58 +0000 UTCHaha yep, to quote: "The ambient sounds that Gomtuu made were derived from sounds recorded from sound effects editor Jim Wolvington's stomach through a stethoscope while he was eating pizza. (Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion, 2nd ed., p. 123)"
Matthew Riley
2024-06-27 15:54:10 +0000 UTCI neither like nor hate this episode. Nice having the Romulans return, but even they're involvement was limited. I will say dealing with an actual alien in space is definitely Star Trek quality.
Christopher Dorn
2024-06-27 15:49:36 +0000 UTCReally!!??
Christopher Dorn
2024-06-27 15:46:32 +0000 UTCThis weirdly feels like an earlier-season episode, like something that belongs in seasons 1 or 2 to me. I like it though, and I think you guys will think it's fine, if not great. Fun fact, Tin Man's internal sounds were created by taping a microphone to a sound crew member's stomach after they ate a large pizza.
Matthew Riley
2024-06-27 15:29:32 +0000 UTCThis is one of those one and done episodes that could be removed from the show and you wouldn't notice it was missing. The guest character for this one can be very unlikable, however I've never minded this one. He acts like such a douche sometimes but when you think about what he goes through and gone through his whole life, unable to turn his ability off, constantly bombarded with everyone's thoughts, it makes perfect sense. Will you like this one? Who knows with you guys.
Sequiro
2024-06-27 15:22:23 +0000 UTCI’ve always liked this one..another “slow burn” TNG episode. I’ll be curious to see your reaction to the guest actor, as he’s one of those “love him or hate him” types. No middle lol
Glenn Johnson Barnes
2024-06-27 13:42:44 +0000 UTC"..being first is not always the point" aaaand another Picard quote that supplies the brass of his balls.
valen
2024-06-27 13:36:39 +0000 UTCThe first great Troi episode, and the writers are finally giving some real thought to what it might mean to have empathic abilities like hers, with the emotions of everyone around you constantly intruding on your thoughts. Troi often got the short end of the stick from the writers, but when they gave her something real to do she always hit it out of the park.
Charlie's Illiteracy
2024-06-27 13:21:58 +0000 UTCThe producers have a lot to answer for when it comes to the music. Dennis McCarthy can produce some awesome scores too but the composers were always handcuffed 😔
Darren Seal
2024-06-27 12:44:21 +0000 UTCWhile I think Rick Berman went too far in 'toning' down the TNG music scores, I guess he also wanted a more consistent musical style. Well, we got that in spades from season 4 onwards. Denis McCarthy's effective, but predictable style is so embedded in my memory that it is genuinely surprising for me to re-hear the music for seasons 1 to 3. It almost sounds 'experimental' in comparison to what came afterwards.
Numinous2019
2024-06-27 11:45:05 +0000 UTCThe interior sounds of Gomtuu were made by feeding a guy some pepperoni pizza and recording the digestion through a stethoscope. I've had a chance to see the Gomtuu model in person and it's surprisingly small and crappy looking. It's amazing what good photography can do in visual effects!
Alexander McKechnie
2024-06-27 10:51:58 +0000 UTCI just experienced motion sickness from that memory of Picard & Riker. Definitely a strange choice of choreography. Maybe the effects budget was already used up when they shot that bridge scene.
Numinous2019
2024-06-27 10:45:27 +0000 UTCA solid season 3 episode keeping the streak alive.
Faitestealer
2024-06-27 10:04:04 +0000 UTCI think the people who don't enjoy this episode or its guest star character don't put themselves into his life. What a torture of a life that must be!
Jovet
2024-06-27 08:27:34 +0000 UTCLeast "mean" thing you've ever written! 😉 Agree, though!
Jovet
2024-06-27 08:22:12 +0000 UTCDr. Stubbs is an asshole. Tam isn't an asshole, he's an intense complicated victim.
Jovet
2024-06-27 08:21:08 +0000 UTCI enjoy it too. There are no surprises in it for me, but it's an endearing story to me!
Jovet
2024-06-27 08:20:13 +0000 UTCI think this one is most memorable for introducing Jay Chattaway to the show. The episode itself is ok, it’s not bad by any means but it’s disappointing compared to the Romulan stuff that came before.
Darren Seal
2024-06-27 06:31:37 +0000 UTCHis is a name I know well since he did one of the most famous pieces of music for TNG that I won’t name here to avoid spoilers. He definitely writes some beautiful music.
Brian Moore
2024-06-27 05:36:01 +0000 UTCThis is definitely NOT my favorite episode. Josh hated Stubbs, and for me, it’s Tam. Who would’ve thought the Mayor from Buffy the Vampire Slayer could be so dull and annoying. It’s an episode I normally skip when rewatching the show. But this is the first time you hear of the big Romulan warbird being referred to as a D’deridex class vessel. The name D’deridex supposedly comes from a former Romulan Praetor (pray-tor) according to a Star Trek novel.
Brian Moore
2024-06-27 05:31:56 +0000 UTCI thought this episode was an interesting take on people who are handicapped in society due to a birth defect. How do they try to adapt to the world? What struggles do those people endue that most don't? What would that look like for an alien race? And then how some people can't adapt and just want to escape.
Vagon Khan
2024-06-27 04:20:43 +0000 UTCCool sfx, but not that good of an episode. Watch how Picard and Riker spin counter to each other, very silly.
Stephen Morris
2024-06-27 04:07:58 +0000 UTCDefinitely one of the most laid back.
tyranusfan
2024-06-27 03:58:59 +0000 UTCWow. After 2 years of being red herrings, the Romulans have really stepped up their villain game this season
Matthew McKinnon-Gray
2024-06-27 03:56:53 +0000 UTCJay Chattaway steals the show in his debut as a Trek composer! His name eventually became synonymous with less-than-memorable music, but episodes like this show the guy could tear it up when the producers gave him a free hand.
bab
2024-06-27 03:51:05 +0000 UTCDeSoto is probably the best Captain in Star Fleet. Lol (but not joking)
Greg Quinn
2024-06-27 03:23:12 +0000 UTCSo I never liked this episode much. To me it always felt like a season one episode, and a mid episode for season one. I still don't love it...but on a recent watch I found I appreciated the Tam Elbrun character much more than I had in the past.. Now I almost enjoy his character... Best I can figure it is because I have worked with people in recent years with various types of neurodivergency and Tam's character, exceptional ability but also difficulty fitting in to society reminds me of some of the people I've worked with.
Greg Quinn
2024-06-27 03:17:42 +0000 UTCThis is some excellent sci-fi in general. This one makes me cry, Harry Groener is awesome as Tam, and his connection to Gumtuu and Data's connection to him, well, it's kinda another Data story.
Angelaina Marie
2024-06-27 03:15:18 +0000 UTCThe Overacting is strong with this episode
Hammer Jammer
2024-06-27 03:04:51 +0000 UTCActually screw it. This episode rocks. Fight me.
Nathan Billington
2024-06-27 03:04:13 +0000 UTCSurely it’s over-powered to have a living creature one shot a warbird? It’s situation reminds me of the TOS Horta. Ending was done before when Decker married VGER. Good 24th century exploration of male mental health for 1989 though.
Smear Campaign
2024-06-27 02:59:26 +0000 UTCWell, mixed with whale sounds, too. But, accurate!
tyranusfan
2024-06-27 02:48:02 +0000 UTCOne of my favorites. Great music score. We finally get to meet Captain DeSoto of the Hood. The idea of a living starship is cool, and having it be suicidal was a nice twist. This is my favorite kind of ST story: the ship sent off alone, far from help, to accomplish something, and all the roadblocks and dangers along the way.
tyranusfan
2024-06-27 02:47:15 +0000 UTCDefinitely a low point for the season, and the hot-streak-breaker you've been dreading. But who knows, I could be totally wrong and you guys love it.
Evan Guthrie
2024-06-27 02:47:07 +0000 UTCI typically find myself in the minority here. While not a banger, I really enjoy this one. Tam does come across strong at first, but I find him oddly relatable and endearing when Data ironically brings out the humanity in him. I think Harry Groener does a great job as Tam. Throw in nice Data self-reflection, banger music, an interesting creature, great effects, and solid action... there's a really good episode here!
Lovok
2024-06-27 02:43:54 +0000 UTCAs a causal TNG fan, I can find a lot of reasons to pass on this episode, but strangely somehow I still love it. The Betazed guy can be annoying but also very relatable. Also, great moments from the whole crew. I’d watch it again. Hope you guys like it!
Nathan Billington
2024-06-27 02:39:32 +0000 UTCMaybe being able to hear everyone's thoughts & exact emotions can be more of a curse than a blessing. Kinda explains why Troi's mother is so eccentric, but she at least has a filter, this guy, due to his powers developing too early, appears not to
Justin DiBari
2024-06-27 02:15:15 +0000 UTCBad episode with a boring and predictable plot. Episodes like this are why I think arguments about 26 episodes being a tad too many have merit.
Spencer Loften
2024-06-27 02:08:47 +0000 UTCHate episode, skip it in most rewatches, I wonder what the take is from you guys on a first viewing though
#MaxwellDidNothingWrong
2024-06-27 02:08:28 +0000 UTCOne of the more unique music scores in this one.
Screaming Frog
2024-06-27 01:50:01 +0000 UTCThis was an Emmy Nominated episode (for special effects)
Mister Hope
2024-06-27 01:46:44 +0000 UTC(Star-Trek-Eye-Borg) Meh
startrekiborg
2024-06-27 01:45:19 +0000 UTCThe guest star will annoy you both I feel. This episode is lower 1/3 of the episodes for this season. My 2 cents worth
Hammer Jammer
2024-06-27 01:44:59 +0000 UTCHarry Groener is an absolutely incredible actor. A true maestro and those who know him from his other work will understand that lofty praise. I'm not sure this episode does him justice but I just get a kick out of seeing him in Trek.
Menty
2024-06-27 01:36:41 +0000 UTCThe score is this episode is amazing and gets me every time. This is a personal favorite of mine. I can relate to Tam a lot since I am autistic, easily overly stimulated, and feel like other people are just way too much.
BN13
2024-06-27 01:33:00 +0000 UTCAn episode with an incredibly interesting premise, but it falls a little short for me. People disliking the neurodivergent Betazoid is taken a little too far in order to show that the alien is the only one who understands him. Most of the hate towards Tam early on is due to word of mouth rather than the truth, which feels weird for a crew that is normally more open minded. I'm curious to see how you will both view this one, I feel it could go either way.
Angarl
2024-06-27 01:30:13 +0000 UTCWell...it was a good run while it lasted. This episode is spoiled by one of the worse guest actors in the whole run of the show. It's hard to say what this episode is about. It's not a Troi episode, it's not a Data episode, it's not a Picard episode, it's not a Romulan episode. It's just a bunch of stuff that happened and a whiney, pushy empath who hates his abilities but still brags about what an important expert he is. The special effects are cool and I actually like the story concept. The final scene is really touching despite being a Measure of a Man rip off imho. It's just not enough to save this episode. From Deja Q to the season finale there's only 2 "bad" episodes on my list - this is one of them. At least it's not as bad as the Dr. Stubbs episode.
Trouty McTroutTrout
2024-06-27 01:29:40 +0000 UTCI felt this episode telegraphed its ending far too early. Waiting to see it play out made it feel to me like not much actually happened.
Nick Sauer
2024-06-27 01:14:45 +0000 UTCThis is one of the most Star Trek episodes of Star Trek (all Star Trek). Everything about it was just wonderful, from the creature, to Tam, to the Enterprise Crew, the Romulans. Everything just WORKED. And it had a great character plot for Tam, too, who was a really good guest character. Just love this episode!
wildhunt1973
2024-06-27 01:11:35 +0000 UTCRecently watched this one remembering it as a mid episode. It is actually very good and has a satisfying end.
Miah1138
2024-06-27 01:11:02 +0000 UTCMy feeling is that you will dislike the episode. The plot is predictable from the beginning, and the Romulans are only there as a plot device to add urgency
Jeffrey
2024-06-27 01:08:40 +0000 UTCTam is a challenging guest star, but that adds to the tense, moody atmosphere, as does the unique score. Very entertaining.
rear adm. crackbiscuit
2024-06-27 01:06:08 +0000 UTCApparently, the sound effects of being inside Tin Man were produced by having a stage crew member eat a shit load of pizza and then recording his stomach and intestines while he digested it. I wish I was making that up. Also, I feel like you guys will compare Tam to Dr. Stubbs and I'm here for it.
THE LORE!!!
2024-06-27 01:04:31 +0000 UTCThis is a weird one. Honestly, its put me to sleep a time or two. And I've never connected with the guest character. It's a Troi episode, but it's not about her, it's more about this rando guest star.
Nolan
2024-06-27 01:03:44 +0000 UTCQuirky but amazingly profound guest appearance by Harry Groener. Great use of Troi and Data as his opposite foils. Cool sci-fi space operatic concept. Romulan battles. What’s not to like here? This is a personal favorite even though many just call it average-good.
Paul Hess
2024-06-27 01:03:40 +0000 UTCIve always felt that “Tin Man” is an under-appreciated gem of Season 3. Aside from being a unique Troi/Data episode, we are introduced to a character who is essentially an allegory for a person with a mental disability or mental illness. Tam Elbrun was born with his condition and it made him “socially awkward”. Yet he was also brilliant. Kudos to Harry Groener for his performance. I feel like people turned off by this character just don’t get it. Score was a great introduction for first time Trek composer Jay Chattaway, brought in as an unofficial warning to Ron Jones who was constantly warned to make his music less noticeable.
Column Meanie
2024-06-27 01:02:59 +0000 UTC
