PATRON TAKES - Star Trek TNG Season 3 Episode 6

The script creates a plot hole for other episodes. Why not always use the holodeck to create a test environment before trying some risky maneuver that could risk lives? For example, in "Peak Performance," they could have practiced the timing of detonating the torpedoes and warping the Hathaway out of danger instead of just hoping they get it right on the first try and don't kill Riker's crew.

Jeffrey P

Scotty may have loved his Enterprise but he never got an attempt to bang it like Geordi essentially does here 😅 it's.. Creepy for sure but take one horrified look at our Internet today and it's almost like it's par for the course 😩😩 this episode also is responsible for one of the funniest bloopers - while Picard is talking about ships in bottles, look it up on YouTube for Worfs accidental response 😂😂

Incredible Jon

I must have caught this one at some point because I did remember the final scene and knowing what was coming somehow made it even creepier.

Nick Sauer

Geordi La Forge, Destroyer of Romance! IMO this is a good example of classic TNG. Interesting plot, good character moments, and Picard at the conn.

Gruzz

An example of the disconnect between script and budget/time constraints. The script called for a warp core mockup that Geordi could create in the holodeck and examine "from the inside out", but that way too much of an ask. Instead he works on a schematic in a drafting room.

JGoss

Andreas, I have done so. If I thought deleting the comment would help, I'd do that too.

Paul Sage

Great combo of character development and space science. This is one of my season 3 "bangers." I hope you guys love this episode and I think you will.

Trouty McTroutTrout

Finally, a Geordi episode! I find it endearing that this episode establishes him as a romantically awkward geek - someone that I'm sure many of us can relate to. I'd like to think that in Jr. High se would have sat at the same lunch table. :)

Gweneviere

Seen on a Seinfeld meme just today: "Have you heard about these new AI girlfriends they've got?" ... "Apparently it's love at first byte."

Gweneviere

For me a bit better than mid by the standards of season 3 (better than most the episodes so far.. but some bangers coming up). Still from a social commentary standpoint it does have a lot that speaks to our times now even more than it did to the late 80s or early 90s....things like AI driving/piloting vs human driving/piloting, and of course AI romantic relationships. But...just the entertainment isn't 100% there for me.

Greg Quinn

He so rarely has fun...🤷‍♂️

Greg Quinn

Hmmm...fair enough. This season has some great episodes... can't say I agree...but I can kinda see why some would love it. Has a ton of commentary for modern times. From the debate between AI driving and a person driving, to AI relationships....and besides that it is a good episode. Still...so many incredible episodes upcoming. But I respect your view...

Greg Quinn

Interesting take...I feel this is mostly a season 3 vibes episode....although I don't think it is great or anything. I feel like the first episode of the season was pretty season one feeling. And I think two upcoming episodes have season one vibes (I obviously won't say which ones now). But this one feels like season 3... but of course we don't all see things the same. And your opinion is as valid as mine. 🖖

Greg Quinn

Hmmm..I feel like it's a pretty good episode. Better than most from season one and two, but not all. And about mid for season 3 and foreward.

Greg Quinn

Dude... your comment is blatant spoiling.

Greg Quinn

@Andreas so no one outside of Josh has edit rights to delete spoilers as needed?

JGoss

I believe it is a tongue in cheek homage to the Patton soundtrack, seeing as how that soundtrack was composed by Star Trek’s own….Jerry Goldsmith! :)

Benjamin Azure

Paul,David has been banned, but that didn't remove the spoilers. Can you please edit you comment with ⚠️ warnings so Josh can find this easily to delete everything? They will watch the episode on Wednesday

Andreas Schmitt

David .... it's in big bold letters "NO SPOILERS - If it is information regarding anything THAT DOES OR DOES NOT HAPPEN after this episode, don't include it in your comment." Maybe educate yourself before attempting to educate others?

JGoss

The soundtrack has always reminded me of Patton.

Steven Johnson

HEH, it has two meanings. HEH HEH!

Steven Johnson

⚠️⚠️⚠️SPOILERS ⚠️⚠️⚠️

Andreas Schmitt

The guys may be getting around to reading these roughly right about now so please edit or delete the SPOILERS asap

James Bottas

MAJOR SPOILERS. Please do not refer to future episodes David

James Bottas

The point is, I think this is setup as a sort of a nerd fantasy that then deliberately is interrogated in a alter episode.

David Kunard

Paul, as you probably know, there is a later episode where the real person Geordi simulated shows up, he expects there to be a natural connection, and she instead highlights how creepy his behavior is. I think without that follow up, sure, but I don't see Geordi as an "incel", he doesn't "hate" women, he's a character that probably a lot of fans at the time could relate to, a nerd who struggles with women, as this became part of his character, and showing that even thoug he didnt necessarily have bad intentions, some of his behavior could wind up being questionable. This is very different from incels, who actively hate and blame women for their lack of success in dating. Not everyone who struggles with dating or who makes mistakes is inherently a bad person. There was a realy great DS9 epsiode where O'Brien has to point out how inappapropriate Bashir's behavior with the Augment he "cured" was. TNG and DS9 are a far away way from the terribble gender poltiics of Voyager (there are at least two episodes there that get it so wrong its painful to watch)

David Kunard

The reality of current AI models makes this kind of episode even more relevant. And creepier.

Syl

In this case the assimilators have plot armor!

tyranusfan

About Gomez, I always liked the character overall and the actor. I get why she isn't always liked, they did make her overly annoying. Still...

Greg Quinn

I like this episode a lot, but it does have a bit of a weird vibe for modern audiences. Maybe it should have been titled Nacelles to Incels. Replies to my comment include ⚠️⚠️⚠️SPOILERS ⚠️⚠️⚠️. Please be aware and do not read them.

Paul Sage

They didn't really think about that in 1980s early 90s TV. But in reality in the military there has long been rules against that way before the MeToo era (rules about fraternizing.) But...80s TV....no one cared...lol Also brings up the times you see Riker with some random ship hottie (it's already been shown a few times) Unless they are all civilian workers (which there are some) that should be a issue. Of course maybe Gene would say people evolved enough to handle it. Which would be convenient for him to say given his dating history during TOS.

Greg Quinn

The plot needed that to not work...🤷‍♂️

Greg Quinn

Here’s a thought for you, the tale you just saw wasn’t Geordi falling for an AI duplicate of Dr. Brahms. It was actually Geordi falling for the USS Enterprise herself! Seeing as the ship created the hologram and is driving it, and how Geordi himself said he could work magic with the ship…kinda makes you think?

The Game Show Reviewer

In retrospect it’s just too creepy I really wish their was a concerted effort to make Geordi’s love life a thing

Scarpad’s Domain

Susan Gibney (Dr. Braums) lives (or at least did) in the same small town I am in. I first found that out at a local convention she was at and later, I ran into her at Starbucks. The same Starbucks I am typing this at. She was considered for the lead of a later Star Trek series.

Mike Rogers

Geordi as a metaphor for the modern dude. Unlucky at love so he turns to AI.

Mike Rogers

Ron Jones is a genius, and Rick Berman was an idiot for firing him.

Chris S.

As a kid watching on release I liked the main plot but didn’t yet understand the awkwardness of Geordi’s dating. Rewatching this as an adult I honestly like it less because of the B plot. I expect you’ll generally like it but also might less under rewatch. That said, it is an interesting use of the holodeck as a problem solving platform and the score is great.

NivekTheIncorrigible

The score perfectly evokes the image of an old battlefield where men met an honorable death for their people

Justin DiBari

Here It Is, This Episode is where Star Trek TNG POPs! Sure there were good episodes in season1 & Great episodes in season 2, & some pretty good ones so far this season, but this episode here sets the bar & almost every episode is an absolute banger from here on out! (At least till the later half of Season 6)

Justin DiBari

I LOVE this episode! Great development for Geordi. The score is also great. Another winner from Ron Jones! The theme for the Premalian battle cruiser, with the echoing fleeting trumpets is perfect. Captures the mood. You can now feel this season that the actors are “getting” their characters, and are comfortable playing them.

Chris S.

Fun Fact: BOOBYTRAP!

Joe Redhead

I like the use of the holodeck in this episode, even if it enters borderline Waifu territory for Geordi, he's at least getting a featured episode. I predict you'll find this a fairly average episode but with the benefit of a pretty good music. Absolute badass moment with the boatswain whistle and Picard taking the helm.

EnigmaticPenguin

I go back to this one, often. It's a good Geordie-focused episode and a nice lesson: with all this amazing technology "sometimes, you just gotta turn it all off" and tap into your own greatness. Even the best holodeck program can't help Geordie score.

Andrew F.

I love how the holodeck is being used creatively to solve a problem rather than it being the problem. It also allows us to get a glimpse into the history of the ship which I appreciate.

Paul Rymer

Strongest episode of the season so far and another banger of a score from Ron Jones.

Jon1701

This episode debuts the “final” version of the TNG uniform. Patrick Stewart wears it for the first time. It is pretty much the same as early in the season but doesn’t have the two seams down the front and under the arms (look at Worfs uniform for the difference) and the actors have a lot more room to move around in.

Jon1701

This episode really spotlights Geordi's skills as an engineer and shows how f***ed his love life is overall. Good episode, but not the best of the season by far.

Paul O'Neal

That would have been a terrible idea. Geordi's more or less her direct supervisor.

Jovet

Geordi was finally able to show his true grit as Chief Engineer.

Jeff Lawson

Its a bit creepy to me the way Troi and Riker are treating Picard like some kid to be indulged on occasion.

Alan Thompson

Might want to edit or delete

JGoss

Leaser known fact the character of Ensign Sonya Gomez was original cast with the idea of making her a love interest for Geordie.

John Carpenter

@Nolan Now I'm really really curious which one that is... but don't see a good private way for you to tell me.

Jovet

Me too. Surely it could have been saved with the booby trap dismantled.

Jovet

What was the dumber leadership decision: Riker sending Geordi to the Pakled ship or Picard firing phasers at the energy collectors?

JGoss

Also the energy trap shouldn't have an impact on mechanical/kinetic energy. Why not just use thrusters from the start?

JGoss

Nice little touch is Picard giving zero reaction when Geordi introduces Leah to him because it's a life or death situation, he's not wasting time with fake platitudes.

JGoss

NivekTheIncorrigible

I never understood why they couldn’t have used torpedoes to destroy enough of the assimilators to escape. Sure, the machines would absorb some energy, but the physical destruction of the radiation emitters should have helped the crew escape.

tyranusfan

Wow. There is an episode in S3 I would put this leagues above. But I also think this is TNG finding its slighly above average.

Nolan

This is the episode that births the Kissless Virgin Geordi meme

Phil Ken Sebben

We don’t know how widespread holodeck technology is and who has unfettered access to it but I am willing to bet Geordi’s predicament is not uncommon. Also I love Picard impressing Data with the slingshot and being a huge geek for archeological finds like that ship.

Phil Ken Sebben

Another top notch Ron Jones score, but producers didn't agree with the end. They tracked in music from the climax of Where Silence Has Lease during the escape sequence.

JGoss

Now TNG has found it's groove. Probably the deepest look into Geordie we've had yet. And he's hopeless.

Nolan

A favorite episode of mine. Space Archeology done right. I hope y'all liked it.

Cirk Bejnar

If you can get past the potential creepiness of Geordi falling in love with an AI copy of a real person, this episode is really good.

Elway Simpson

Picard slingshotting the ship to safety is one of my favourite moments in all of Star Trek. No technobabble or miracles… just physics. Picard taking the helm in case it failed echos Kirk taking over the transporter during the TMP ‘accident’, to spare the crew of the guilt.

Smear Campaign

I think you're going to like this one. I love it. One of my favorites of the season. If you think about it, the holodeck is Porn Hub for the next generation. It's only a matter of time before they put that thing behind a pay wall.

Jack Shipley

Picard nerded out so hard about the ship, but then destroys it without hesitation at the end? That always bugged me.

JGoss

Notable for giving the wonderful LeVar Burton something interesting to do besides comment on the engines, and be Data’s bff.

Glenn Johnson Barnes

Now this was an outstanding episode. The crew was in top form, the guest star was spot on, and it was a Geordi episode. How can you possibly go wrong? I give this episode an A.

wildhunt1973

In yet another example of Star Trek's pertinent social discourse, this episode predicts modern AI girlfriends!

Evan Guthrie

This one feels like it was written for Season 1 or 2. In my opinion, it's the weakest episode of the third season. Considering that it's still relatively good and worth watching, it's a testament as to just how much better Season 3 is than Seasons 1 and 2.

John

Best episode of the season, bayyybeee. Geordi loves fixing stuff more than he loves the ladies -- but he finally marries the two. It's great progression for Geordi and Picard, and I bet you guys love it.

Juan Tutrífor