PATRON TAKES - Star Trek TNG Season 3 Episode 1

I don't believe the guys even read these comments. I suspect they only read the $10 tier comments. We'll see if there's any notice of us plebs for E02.

Jovet

Beverly asks Picard if Wesley has he ever fallen in love and it looks like Picard forgot The Dauphin. It's ok, so did we.

JGoss

@KatWithAttitude Although, she's in the Season 3 onward uniform. And her hair is the lighter shade of red she has from Season 3 onward.

David Brown

Personally, without spoiling anything, I think season 3 has an amazing batting average. Its my favorite overall season.

Chris S.

Good catch on the promotions. I don't think I knew or noticed that!

Jovet

@Michael Metrick He played an insufferable twat pretty well!

Jovet

Hellz yeah!

Chris S.

@Chris S. They're already Star Trek fans, so I'm giddy about them having their minds (and hearts) blown!!

Jovet

Thanks! Glad to be here! Its great to be a part of this community, but especially giddy about making Alex and Josh Star Trek fans! 🖖🏼

Chris S.

You don't know unless you ask. Welcome aboard Chris!

StonyD

I bet Will Wheaton is not a fan of the 4k restoration during that opening shot

Neill Shaughness

Look at it like this, Crusher never got a "goodbye" episode either back then. Of course, she came back. Still.

StonyD

Off the top of my head, I don't have a solid source, but my recollection is that I saw an interview of Piller where he said so, possibly as a special feature on the DVDs? Honestly I can't recall. You may be right about the spec script detail, but I for sure remember that he felt it was bought on the strength of the baseball speech and fought Roddenberry about Stubbs being an alien.

Alexander McKechnie

Do you have a source for this being a spec script? Everything I've read says that Michael Piller was hired for season 3 and this was a normal staff assignment, not a spec. In fact, I believe it was Piller who implemented the policy of accepting unagented spec scripts.

Steven Linden

That's a spoiler (actors returning or not in future episodes).

Adam Zey

To save money, they actually converted the original uniforms (removed the piping and tweaked the collars) and kept using them for non-recurring characters through the end of the series.

Adam Zey

You know, the doctor played by Dana Mulder or Diana Scully or whoever. :)

badvertised

I'm ashamed to say that my first though of this episode was that sentence! Just goes to proving your point :D

Matt Newmark

Didn't you, though?

Matt Newmark

Once they get into the names in the opening credits stop watching until they end!

Jonathan Llyr

Feelings on the new uniforms? These aren't the final interation as they remove the vertical pleats and change materials but those are mostly production manufacturing details rather than a whole new look. I think these strike the right balance between TOS space pyjamas and the more serious movie uniforms. It's essentially a pair of black suspenders with a rear zip jacket over it that appears to be a one piece uniform but isn't.

EnigmaticPenguin

Were you aware in anyway that Crusher would be back and that Pulaski would only last one season?

Paul

While this isn't a great episode (it's decent to be sure) you can immediately tell there's a jump in quality here. And we got Doctor Beverly back! To quote another franchise, "This is where the fun begins."

Paul O'Neal

This is basically the introduction to TNG version 2.0. They brought in a brand new cinematographer, and you could tell right off the bat with that loving shot of the Enterprise. There were also shakeups behind the scenes, with some of the older leaders leaving the writers room, and fresh new talent bringing new ideas. Did you notice the pips on Worf and Geordi's collars? Both of them were promoted off-screen.

Archangel42

I do agree that it doesn't sound like what we think he would say, but this comes from Larry Nemecek's book "Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion." It's possible that he published something apocryphal, but he did publish it. As far as I know, the book has a good reputation.

Ian Westcott

I'm 50/50 on whether you'll catch it in the opening credits or not.

bab

😲

Jovet

I really doubt Stewart ever actually said #3.

Jovet

Nor mine. I love baseball. Today there are far too many games per season, though.

Jovet

No more black cardboard on the bridge sets!

JGoss

Season 3, where even the weak episodes are above average

JGoss

Michael Okuda made sure that the original 'cheat' of the differing starfields behind the planet rings and the old Enterprise flyby was retained for authenticity to the original.

JGoss

LOL!

Jovet

Home Soil, the sequel. Of course, Josh and Alex will be happy for the return of Doctor Crusher but I wonder if it will be enough for them to make up for an otherwise lackluster episode.

Nick Sauer

I'm not saying I don't like the episode, I do like it very much, I'm just saying that overall, in my opinion compared to the rest of the season, it's one of the weakest episodes.

Dan Krantz

You mean: Dr. Beverly.

Sam Langanke

Not in the heart of one Starfleet officer

Justin DiBari

Now, I know a Very Hight Bar has been set for Season 3 and this episode feels kinda like an average season 2 episode, Trust us it's gonna POP real soon. Yet, this ep does a great job revisiting the concept of that Season 1 episode about the microscopic lifeforms they don't understand, with just a little more detail that the idea needed. That scene with Picard & Beverly though... a little short, but hit the right beats. Also you guys digging the updated Uniforms, they're tied with the TOS Uniforms in my book (for 2nd place behind the Wrath of Kahn Uniforms, Fight me)

Justin DiBari

Following the end of season two, the power struggle for control of the series between the two co-executive producers ended with Rick Berman on top. One of the first things he did was make an invitation for Gates McFadden to return, which she happily accepted.

Mark Chrisco

For me, season 4 is the most consistent. It doesn’t always hit the highs of 3, but (with one exception) there aren’t really any lows.

Glenn Johnson Barnes

Perhaps it was because his mother had returned they thought it made sense to have an episode centred around him.

Jack Matthews

The crew costume modification was due to how uncomfortable the S1 & 2 versions were. The cast found them very difficult to wear for the long daily filming schedule.

Numinous2019

Troi's outfit was the first costume change on the show and it did provide less compression so she already got some relief. But even so, this outfit didn't provide the dramatic improvement that the two piece would provide.

Mark Wood

I've always loved this episode, especially the performance of Ken Jenkins. Central casting deserved an Emmy for that one...

Michael Metrick

I actually think there are two weak (below average) episodes of Trek this season and it's not this one. This is one of the weaker episode of this season, but it's not a poor episode. If this aired in season 1 and 2 it would rank top 8 or better in each of those seasons for me (thats just the difference in writing and production). Its just an example of average But right from the cut you see for an average episode an already more nuanced work at character, that becomes a highlight of the series. And you can absolutely see the character work being done. Showing Wesley as gifted, but still limited. That his role takes a toll on him. We saw him as gifted, an occasionally having to deal with new levels of responsibility (and being unsure of that), but to see it take physical toll on him. Not seen previously. Crusher in this episode shows more parental depth that we didn't get to see in the first season. The work by the Guest Star presents a 3 dimensional well rounded character. That is something that in season 1 and 2, well that wasn't s a common thing as showing a caricature or even a one night guest role was far more common. We also from the get go see another nice leap in the work of the FX department. Nice improvement with he change in overall the costume department above and beyond the evolving weeks of getting the new costumes nailed to their final design. Seriously the only downside to this season is the change in lighting the bridge. losing the more realistic tones. With it being overlite in helped save time in setting up shots but the finished impact to the viewer makes the show little more flat and washed out.

Mark Wood

She will show up in the credits at the beginning

Evan Guthrie

this is actually how it would work in the military today. When a new uni is released you can get it right away or you can wait until a cuttoff date. the senior officers would get it right away etc. That said Im pretty sure they didnt have enough of the new ones for all the cast yet so they started with the main people and slowly worked down to all the extras.

Lt Dan I scream

If you look into it, people resigning department head jobs like that in the government after just a year isn't uncommon. You can also say that it's a more political than administrative position and the term is only one year and rotates. Lots of ways to head canon it away.

Nerd's Gold

Also, some crew members still have the no-collar onesy. That's how you can pick out the slackers, malcontents, and slappies. "What's that, Gomez? I couldn't hear your griping over the awe of my new Starfleet uniform. Get back to the Cetacean deck where you belong."

Juan Tutrífor

Dr. Kelso.

Just another Red Shirt

Any thoughts on Dr. Crusher and "Jean-Luc?" How long should Picard wait before "crushing" his dead best friend's widow?

Juan Tutrífor

Anyone else couldn't hear the rest of the opening because of that scream? haha! But srsly shame that reveal was spoiled by credits...

Jiri Luza

The collars have changed. Not seeing any other differences. Cast changes? None that I noticed.

Strife

Worst episode of the season, IHMO

Miah1138

The first episode is very blah. In the post "Scrubs" age, it's hard not to see Dr. Kelso in Ken Jenkin's Stubbs. Speaking of doctors, this season's introduction acts like Polaski never existed, and that's a shame. While I'm sure you're glad she's gone, she was one of the strongest female characters in the show in the second season.

Jack Shipley

To start the season with a Wesley episode is an odd choice. They had to know at this point that he wasn't the most liked character to put it mildly. Maybe it was a gift for Gene.

Sam Langanke

Of course not. There never was a Doctor "Polanski" on the show.

Sam Langanke

Dr. Beverly please.

Sam Langanke

No talking during the intro. You will understand why. Hopefully you will mention Michael Piller and Rick Berman during S3.

Andrew Bassey

Not sure if I can agree about weakest. A couple other candidates.... 🤔 but it's definitely bottom tier for season 3. But...I'd say if you stuck it in season 1 or 2 it would be solid mid or maybe even a bit better than mid. Just my opinion

Greg Quinn

I could make some jokes but they would probably risk touching on spoiling. Lol

Greg Quinn

While the Enterprise had a doctor lastt season/year The Ships Doctor has returned!!

Thicketdweller

Yes, also in lighting direction and photography.

Thicketdweller

Probably one of the three weakest episodes of the season (IMO), which should give you an idea about this season, since i'd say this episode is still better than half the episode of season one and two. Paul Stubbs is a jerk who sees a lot of himself in Wesley. Does that mean the show is saying Wesley will be a jerk, or at risk of becoming one? Maybe the writers were becoming aware that not everyone liked Wesley (I don't consider this spoiling anything because i legit dont know how to take the Paul Stubbs/Wesley stuff). One part that does strike me as interesting is when Stubbs saying to Troi "turn off your beam into my soul, I will share what I want to share" (or something to that effect). Kinda fair...if there was telepathic powers it would be something of an invasion of privacy.

Greg Quinn

I predict a huge reaction at 4:49! Just a shame that they rehashed Season 1's Home Soil for a season opener

Ee'char

Napftüte

I've always wondered what terrible malpractice Beverley Crusher must have committed to get demoted from 'Head of Starfleet Medical' to become a doctor on a ship in a far-flung corner of the galaxy.! 😉 Although I'm glad she's back - it's a shame it was spoiled in the opening credits! While this isn't a 'banger' of an episode to kick the season off - I quite like this softer re-entry.

Alan F

Oooh, that reminds me, there's a Wunderbar at the bottom of my backpack...

Nolan

I noticed an uptick in quality with this episode - soundtrack, costumes, Wil Wheaton and Gates McFadden and Patrick Stewart’s scenes are necessary and handled well.

Paul Rymer

I liked Stubbs as a warning for Wesley. He’s what Wesley could become once he ceases to be regarded as a wunderkind.

Matthew McKinnon-Gray

Most noticeable in HD. The season 3 "type 1" uniforms had a bunch of visible seams in the front of the tunics. These ones were still spandex, but now two-piece. Roddenberry had this weird insistence that in the future, clothes had no wrinkles.

JGoss

Blink and you miss it, one of Wesley's friends in this episode is Scott Grimes, of Orville fame. Most of Wesley's subplot with friends, including dialog from Grimes, was cut from the episode.

JGoss

Another story about Diana Muldaur, this time from Patrick Stewart, on the advantages of being bald: "Our one memorable moment came on a day when Diana was assigned a rather complex speech to deliver to Picard. She was given only a couple of hours to learn it. We didn't have teleprompters on [TNG] so I kindly offered to tape a printout of her dialogue on my hairless forehead."

Ian Westcott

(She did eventually walk back the "being unhappy" comments, later saying "I don't know why I ever said that". She did think that the folks in charge of TNG weren't as creative as she hoped, and didn't put enough joy in Season 2.

Ian Westcott

A producer asked Patrick Stewart what he needed for Season 3, and he had four demands: 1) New uniforms 2) More action scenes 3) Fire Diana Muldaur 4) Rehire Gates McFadden. Fortunately for all involved, it was a mutual parting. She wasn't fired, Muldaur didn't actually WANT to come back. She did not enjoy her time on TNG and said she didn't think they were happy to have her there, but she said "but [the show] did give me Trekkies. I love Trekkies. I find them very dear."

Ian Westcott

Hey, at least he didn't destroy any flower displays.

John

After this season is where they will no longer consider themselves "TNG noobs"

Jovet

I'm glad they convinced her.

Jovet

It's really difficult to get out of Cleavex™, okay??

Jovet

Great question! Definitely don't sound like an idiot. Welcome!

Jovet

Welcome to season 3! The return of Beverly will probably make you love this episode on its own! Plus, we finally have the new title sequence and uniforms too! I’ve looked ahead at the episode list, and I’ve gotta say, y’all are in for some serious bangers this season!

The Game Show Reviewer

You got a lot of hype for season 3, and then you have to start with this. See if you can spot the new production updates and maybe the nudges they give to a character or two. I think this episode benefits from being the season premiere. It's fairly boring as I remember. Seeing Dr Crusher again and getting to see the slight differences in the ship and uniforms (it seems like there was either a bump in the budget or better set and costume people hired) are the best parts of this episode.

Nerd's Gold

First writing credit for Michael Piller. He'd become a staff writer, but this was an episode he submitted as a spec script. TNG accepted those most of its run. His favorite part was Stuubs speech about the baseball game being canceled due to rain. Roddenberry arbitrarily decided he wanted to change the character to an alien because there weren't enough aliens this season, but Piller then lobbied hard to keep him human because he wanted the baseball stuff to stay in and it wouldn't make sense for an alien to be a fan of 20th century Earth baseball.

Alexander McKechnie

Even though it was still 1989, now the show looks 90s!

Brendon Waldron

can't wait to see your smiles!!!

jan

Doctor Polanski never even got a proper goodbye. :(

badvertised

Season 2 kicked off with “The Child” do you think that “Another Child” would have been a better title for the season 3 premiere?

Leo Greenwood

Pulaski was actually supposed to be in season 3 but Diana Muldaur wasn't interested, according to her she only did season 2 as a favor to Roddenberry, she was supposed to be a series regular and appear in the opening credits but refused to sign a contract and be tied to the show for possibly several years, so she remained a guest star. Between seasons 2 and 3 she decided to make a tv movie about horses or something and was no longer available and the producers were panicking. They didn't really want a third doctor and apparently waiting for a few episodes until Muldaur became available again was an option (but obviously not a great one because she might have still said no), Patrick Stewart lobbied heavily to get Gates McFadden back and the producers ultimately contacted her but she wasn't interested, she told that story on podcasts with Michael Rosenbaum and her own where she interviewed Kate Mulgrew, she was okay with being let go from the show, she never chased fame, she just wanted a creative outlet so for her she could be on TNG or do a play that's seen by 5 people and she'd be fine either way. It took her agent, Patrick Stewart, Rick Berman and Michael Piller to convince her to return.

Phillip Grischa

That planet's not Saturn anymore. 🙃

Nolan

Who has two thumbs and brought this Captain's log to you? Bob Kelso.

Nolan

Our long nightmare is over, Dr Crusher has resigned in disgrace from Starfleet Medical and has returned to be a lowly ships doctor where she belongs.

KMScudder

Welcome to the much hyped Season 3! New Showrunners! New opening! New uniforms! It has the guy who played Bob Kelso in Scrubs and Dr. Beverly Crusher is back baby! And this episode. Is. Boring. I mean, it's on par with the average of S1&2, but it's not likely to be the transformative experience you've been lead to believe. This season WILL suck you in. Just not here. Unless you just hate it. Also baseball is dead.

Nolan

Except poor Marina who is still stuck..

Glenn Johnson Barnes

She really got the shaft.

JGoss

One part Fireball, one part Baileys Irish Cream. You're welcome.

Ricky

I find it fascinating how a few subtle changes can make the costumes ten times better. Also, Beverly is back I guess, but i’m sure you did not even notice, is not like you missed her or anything…

Tim b

This week's Captain's log brought to you by Dr Kelso from SCRUBS

StonyD

I know this story often gets overlooked compared to what's coming, but I've always enjoyed it for the fascinating science fiction ideas used (one star in a binary system feeding off the other, the nanites), the suspenseful musical score, the wonderful visual effects, some interesting camera work, the solid acting by cast and guest characters alike, and most of all the excellent character development for Wesley and the parallel between him and Dr. Stubbs. In addition to the welcome return of Dr. Beverly (yay!), we also have a new title sequence, new uniforms, promotions for both Worf and Geordi, and new head writer Michael Wagner, who would only remain for the first four episodes this season. Alll in all, a promising start to a new era for the show.

Patrick47

Question: Did you gents notice the new and improved uniforms?

Jovet

@KatWithAttitude That's awesome! *rubs hands together maniacally* 😏

Jovet

They CRUSHED it!!

Jovet

They'll like it for the return of Doctor Beverly alone!!

Jovet

@Ethan Guthrie I sure hope it isn't spoiled for them! But we'll see!

Jovet

Before her turbo lift malfunction

Michael Parnell

This one isn't high on my list, just because Dr. Stubbs is such a prick. And not the fun kind. This episode also has one of those "Didn't they already do this?" moments, where it's almost like you're watching ‘bags of mostly-water’ "Home Soil" over again. They feel very similar, at times. I like subtle-looking tweaks to the uniforms, though, but probably not as much as the actors did. They were much more comfortable. Unfortunately, the lesser characters get to stay stuck with the older uniforms.

Jovet

What do you think of the new uniforms? Reportedly, Patrick Stewart’s chiropractor is responsible for them finally getting out of the spandex. They’ll be refined slightly over the next few episodes.

tyranusfan

She isn't shown on the box art of the set they have. I have the same set.

KatWithAttitude

They will notice the credits. They pay attention to them!

Jovet

I…could imagine either way. If they do have the thought I said above, about Diana being a guest star and that it might change, then while they’ll be keen on the new intro, Gates’ name will appear far enough in that they’ll be able to tell nothing else has changed. Like they’ll have the thought, go “Oh, new intro!” Watch it keenly, then eventually go “Ok, yeah, it seems just the first part was different, we should look away.” I’m hoping, anyway. Or, again, that someone has warned them not to look.

Ragnarok

Probably the weakest episode of the season. It gets much better.

Dan Krantz

I have the same Blu-ray complete series boxed set that they do. Looking at it neither doctor is shown on the outer sleeve, and the only picture of Dr. Beverly is on the case for Seasons 1-4, which wouldn't be a spoiler since she's already in Season 1. The only cast pictures inside the two cases are Picard and Riker in the one for Seasons 1-4 and Picard and Q for Seasons 5-7. Different packages might have different pictures.

KatWithAttitude

It's a new intro so I doubt they won't be paying attention.

THE LORE!!!

Ok. Just wanted to make sure. GATES IS BACK BABY!

Chris S.

Wesley ‘Teflon’ Crusher almost kills 1,000 people but faces no consequences. 🤷🏼

Smear Campaign

Patrick Stewart’s chiropractor advised that the old spandex uniforms “risked permanent damage”, hence new costumer Robert Blackman’s redesign.

Smear Campaign

No spoilers for later episodes. You can talk about what happened in this one. They don't read the takes until after watching the episode.

Steven Linden

This is not my favorite episode of the third season. It's okay, I suppose. But the new head writer is still getting his feet wet.

John

Sorry if I sound like an idiot, but if we’re not supposed to post spoilers, then how can we comment here on the episode with some fun facts, and a review? Not being a smart ass. Its a legit question. I just wanted clarity so I dont spoil anything. I thought you guys dont look at the takes until after you’ve seen the episode, so wouldn’t info on the episode be ok? Let me know if Im just clueless. Thanks guys!

Chris S.

It's not the most remarkable of episodes, but I think one can already sense the hand of new head writer Michael Piller in the character writing. Stubbs, for instance, has more depth than your typical obsessed scientist stereotype, and I particularly like his scene with Troi.

Steven Linden

It's been my assumption that they knew-- like, don't they have a box set with later photos of the cast or something?

Moonlander

The big question here is if you will notice Gates McFadden is back in the credits or will you be surprised to see her in her first scene. Note the reworked planet glide through for the opening. The rings of Saturn serves as a way to wipe to the original footage of the Enterprise.

Mike Rogers

What are your opinions on the updated uniforms? I MUCH prefer them to the old onesie pajama uniforms. They look a little more serious, especially around the collar area, but don't take away from the vibrant color that you guys are fond of.

Evan Guthrie

We'll see how much they're paying attention to the opening credits 😄

Moonlander

Well…..yeah. Hope not. 😢 Hopefully, either someone will have warned them not to look, or they’ll have the good sense to go “Diana was always a guest star last season, let’s not look in case she left”.

Ragnarok

They probably know she is coming back from box art etc., but imagine what their reaction will be if they don't.

Evan Guthrie

Don’t sweat for Diana Muldaur. She almost immediately went to L.A. Law and was nominated for an Emmy 2 years in a role for playing the beotch..

Glenn Johnson Barnes

Or if they're paying attention to the credits

JGoss

This one's all about the Bev.

David Wayne Fox

I think season 3 has the highest percentage of good episodes vs stinkers

Alan Thompson

It'll be impressive if this was never spoiled to either of them, or if one spills the beans that they knew all along Beverly would be back.

JGoss

You will be SOOOOOOOO happy with...one part of this episode.

wildhunt1973

Okay. Michael Pillar is here. The Writer's Room is gelling. The Actors have settled into their characters. The literally spine-crushing uniforms are gone. Time to cozy up to some nice nostalgic 90s Trek.

Avaria

Your wish has been granted! Dr. Beverly is back and all is right with the world! I'm looking forward to seeing your reaction at Gates McFadden being listed in the opening credits again since she hadn't appeared in the episode yet. I always kind of thought of the Nanites as “Borg Lite”. Both have a hive mind and can be incredibly destructive, but at least the Nanites can be reasoned with. I have this one ranked as “Enjoyable”.

KatWithAttitude

New intro! New uniforms! Beverly!

THE LORE!!!

Prediction: the gents will be thoroughly underwhelmed by this episode and only appreciate it in retrospect at the end of the season for the work it does in setting the table.

badvertised

You know the show is off to new heights when the very first thing to open the new season is Wesley being a screw-up.

JGoss

Call it low-hangin fruit, but my prediction is that both boys absolutely FLIP. THEIR. SHIT. When they get to sickbay. 😆

Ragnarok

Beverly is back!!!! 10/10, don't care about anything else

Elway Simpson