Target Audience / PATRON TAKES - Star Trek TNG S2E14

I really like it when the human characters are portrayed as adult, mature, and evolved. THAT is what we, as a society should be striving for. In our day and age right now, most of humanity still has a lot of growing up to do. (TOS and its overly-dramatic reversion to fisticuffs bugs the hell out of me.) In this episode, there are not really any adults besides Wesley. No one is particularly evolved or 24-th-ian. It's ...not good.

Jovet

2024-03-01 11:22:44 +0000 UTC

@StonyD Because they're there! It's the typical writer's conundrum: "how can I write an interesting, [back] story for these characters?..."

Jovet

2024-03-01 11:13:36 +0000 UTC

Tesh is an awful composer/musician. All his music sounds soulless, computer generated. (Yanni is AWESOME!)

Jovet

2024-03-01 11:11:48 +0000 UTC

In my opinion, the Riker breakfast scene in the previous episode, Time Squared, helped set up this episode. Riker established in that scene that he was raised by a father who made him cook and he didn’t have a mother's influence in his life. It was a seemingly pointless scene at the time, but another example of thinking ahead and character development, no matter how minute.

Andrea R

2024-03-01 02:25:19 +0000 UTC

What i think you'll like: Chief O'brien explaining Klingon pain sticks, the use of Troy in this episode, the exploration of Klingon tradition, Troy/Riker moments, Establishing that however progressive they are, ego is still an issue in the 24th century. What I think you'll eye-roll at: Palaski inconsiderately never having mentioned knowing Rikers dad, the show trying to pretend Riker and his dad's fight was somehow high stakes physically. Lol What i think you'll chuckle at: Westley getting yelled at AGAIN, by Worf. Data attempting to cheer up Worf in 10 forward.

Andrea R

2024-03-01 02:24:07 +0000 UTC

I think youll appreciate how Troy and Palaski praise each other's positive qualities when talking to Rikers dad, in contrast with them opposing each other's positions in the last episode. It shows that they are both above letting anything like that keeping them from appreciating each other's strengths.

Andrea R

2024-03-01 02:22:54 +0000 UTC

Westley was able to see an issue with Worf that no one else picked up on. And everyone came together to support him when they could have easily not have. Worf has felt like a loyal comrade since the beginning but I believe this episode really establishes him as officially part of the family. Credit to Westley. He deserves the recognition.

Andrea R

2024-03-01 02:22:23 +0000 UTC

I think Picard was secretly relieved when Riker turned down the Captain promotion. Picard was WAY too supportive during the whole thing. He was obviously compensating for deep regret he'd be losing his number one. Another subtle example of Picard keeping up that exterior from his true feelings. Also, I think his trust and confidence in Riker contrasts his dad not trusting Riker to be his own man.

Andrea R

2024-03-01 02:21:54 +0000 UTC

As a kid, I remember feeling amazed by how open everyone was to respecting other cultures. It was not what I was used to in the 80's on tv in the slightest. I found it inspiring and it made me hopeful for the future.

Andrea R

2024-03-01 02:20:30 +0000 UTC

Watching this as a kid, what I remember about the Riker story was not understanding why Riker was such a jerk to his dad from the beginning when everyone else loved his dad. Also it was very unusual to see men sharing their feelings with each other on tv. So seeing Riker talking with Worf, Picard, and even his dad about his inner feelings was new and refreshing.

Andrea R

2024-03-01 02:18:58 +0000 UTC

John Tesh played RED ROCKS. He's no Yanni but damn it he still deserves respect. :D

Matt Newmark

2024-02-29 18:50:08 +0000 UTC

@StonyD Same. I don't see how it's racist. Just because paint is used on an actor's face to show that they're ALIENS doesn't 1) make it "blackface" or 2) make it "racist".

Lady Beyond The Wall

2024-02-29 13:17:46 +0000 UTC

Just remember: the non-fuzzy end of your 'stick' is electric and can sense and tell you by ear where the other person is standing. Because vision is overrated.

Jovet

2024-02-28 09:58:34 +0000 UTC

I always found this episode a bit ridiculous because of the Ambo-Jitsu. Its basically that game you see on TikTok where someone is blindfolded with a stick in hand and tries to smack the other competitors. Calling it the ultimate evolution of the martial arts is somewhat ridiculous - put your helmet on, grab your big cue tip and get in the ring with Chuck Norris and see how it turns out! :)

Carl Davies

2024-02-28 07:21:34 +0000 UTC

Mitchell Ryan was an original Dark Shadows cast member, and of course Diana Muldaur in the late 60s/70s, they were probably a pretty hot couple lol.

Glenn Johnson Barnes

2024-02-27 21:38:50 +0000 UTC

I... I don't know what that's supposed to mean.

Jovet

2024-02-27 20:05:46 +0000 UTC

Oh no, Riker has daddy issues! Anyway, here's my new Anbo-Jyutsu stick...

Fossilizer

2024-02-27 18:28:45 +0000 UTC

Not much to say about this episode we meet Rikers dad and they have some goofy martial arts fight with re-painted motocross gear literally. I also find it dumb that they call Ambo-jitsu I believe the ultimate evolution of the martial arts and I go seriously also don’t play this game with a Jedi they would crush you.

Leighton Cressman

2024-02-27 17:56:59 +0000 UTC

The small universe problem. In terms of numbers of living humanoids Star Trek and Star Wars are gigantic compared to our world, so it becomes less and less plausible that two random people that know each other meet by accident, yet it is necessary for many stories to tell.

Tim b

2024-02-27 17:54:14 +0000 UTC

Of course not. But as I wrote there are similar patterns I came across over and over.

Sam Langanke

2024-02-27 17:18:05 +0000 UTC

It's weird. It's like, they didn't have enough plot for Will and his Dad...also had to throw Pulaski in there for no real reason

StonyD

2024-02-27 16:31:42 +0000 UTC

Someone who'd be, say, Frakes' age at that time would have been a kid of the early 50s and 60s. So you had fathers who came through the depression and World War II and may have been sort of "harder" then the men that came after. I believe in some cases those guys, though. did have to work harder and work longer hours and sometimes HAD to be absent. And there was also the lingering part of the culture that mothers raised the kids and the fathers were just the "breadwinners" and the head of the family. Of course, these are all generalizations. It wasn't the same for everyone.

Joe Concepts

2024-02-27 15:40:53 +0000 UTC

I like to believe I don't actually have daddy issues. My father and I grew pretty close before his death. He was a hell of a man. My younger boyfriend definitely has daddy issues... and I'm not sure why, really. haha

Jovet

2024-02-27 15:24:40 +0000 UTC

It's awesome that she used to be blind and now she can see. :ducks: (Irony of her and Geordi's convo in sick bay anyone?)

Jovet

2024-02-27 15:20:23 +0000 UTC

Right! To be "uncomfortable around children" was very common for this generation of men. Because they had no experience with them! When I was a kid I only saw my dad at the breakfast table and on weekends. On workdays he spent most of his time on working late and on evening events to stimulate his career. I also think he enjoyed that. In this time drinking was heavy envolved in social gatherings. If there were other women I don't know. What I do know ist that my mother was not a happy wife. A consequence of this culture for our generation was to be brought up mostly by women. Mothers, grandmothers, female teachers, ... So yeah, our daddy issues go very deep. No wonder young writers of our age expressed that.

Sam Langanke

2024-02-27 13:45:56 +0000 UTC

He was more than a hero, he was a union man.

Shatner's Cigarette

2024-02-27 12:07:45 +0000 UTC

Just look at how Picard is portrayed early on. If Kirk was modeled on swashbucklers and JFK, Picard was modeled on the 1980s no-nonsense CEO/absent father who didn’t like being around children and made corporate decisions around a conference table every week. His starship is often referred to as a hotel compared to Kirk’s Enterprise, but I often thought of it’s interior as a downtown skyscraper in space. The absent father CEO/business man boomer of the 60s, 70s and 80s was many of these writer’s (artists) dad, I bet.

Shatner's Cigarette

2024-02-27 12:02:33 +0000 UTC

GenX 50yo dude here. This comment is dead on. You just described my life growing up in the 80s and early 90s, Sam. 👍

Shatner's Cigarette

2024-02-27 11:52:52 +0000 UTC

Right....got it. 😉

Duane Chancey

2024-02-27 09:32:11 +0000 UTC

I realized with time that this is very common in Generation X and around. And I think I found an explanation or at least repeating themes. Fathers in the 1960ies and 70ies were the first generation of men who were able to fully invest in their careers, hobbies and other "appetites" but still could broadly rely on their wives to raise the children alone. I met a lot of guys my age whose dads were constantly "absent" from the family even they were not divorced. So yes, we - meaning Generation X - have a lot of daddy issues, myself included.

Sam Langanke

2024-02-27 08:30:33 +0000 UTC

It’s awful. They try to write around it but it just makes Pulaski seem pretty arrogant as well. The scene in 10 forward where Kyle shakes everyone’s hand is pretty grim as well. I could accept it on a Starbase but it makes Riker look weak when all those random officers on the Enterprise know his Dad.

Jon1701

2024-02-27 06:59:56 +0000 UTC

👍 Awful writing, sadistic ret-con.

Jovet

2024-02-27 06:15:30 +0000 UTC

Everyone has daddy issues. Some just don't realize it yet.

Jovet

2024-02-27 06:14:46 +0000 UTC

*third time

Jovet

2024-02-27 06:14:00 +0000 UTC

She only fell in love with the D. We all know it.

Jovet

2024-02-27 06:13:20 +0000 UTC

*dress up in Tron cosplay

Jovet

2024-02-27 06:12:16 +0000 UTC

It's a very bad ret-con. Very poor writing in this one. Continuity is SO important!

Jovet

2024-02-27 06:11:37 +0000 UTC

O’Brien is the every man.

Jovet

2024-02-27 06:10:34 +0000 UTC

Hockey? That's not hockey. That's a Tron–Anime lovechild!

Jovet

2024-02-27 06:10:17 +0000 UTC

I didn't really care for either story, but Worf's made more sense.

Jovet

2024-02-27 06:09:42 +0000 UTC

Nolan meant "hey! she was a looker!"

Jovet

2024-02-27 06:08:41 +0000 UTC

Bad writing leads to bad retcons. Booooooo

Jovet

2024-02-27 06:07:09 +0000 UTC

“May the Porks be with Us”

Jovet

2024-02-27 06:05:55 +0000 UTC

The Riker / Pulaski relationship is such an outrageous coincidence I just can’t get past it. It strikes me as such a cheap writing ploy.

Joe Concepts

2024-02-27 05:01:42 +0000 UTC

Back in the 80s a movie star would never move "down" to TV. And TNG being first run syndication would be even one step down from network. Of course much of that has changed....

Greg Quinn

2024-02-27 05:00:19 +0000 UTC

“How are we gonna do this ultimate martial art thing?” “I don’t know, we’ll figure out something before we shoot next Tuesday.” “No, we shoot the scene THIS Tuesday.” “Oh boy.”

Joe Concepts

2024-02-27 04:58:51 +0000 UTC

I wonder if that entire generation of american TV/Movie writers had daddy issues. Seriously, that theme is so common in US media around that time especially. It's a rather foreign concept to me, but I'm not american, nor from that generation or a writer.

Tim b

2024-02-27 03:47:31 +0000 UTC

“The Icarus Factor” or ":::cough!DADDY ISSUES!cough!!:::” In which Kyle Riker knows everybody, including you. This has the feels of an explanation of the “But he’s your father!” conversation on the Pagh with Klag. Captain Riker?: This is, so far, the second time they’ve offered Will a starship of his own. Apparently being the executive officer is more…fun? for Will? Dr. Mom: Will was about one heartbeat away from having Dr. Pulaski as a stepmom?! Now THAT’s something I could watch, just for the awkwardness! Klingon Bar-Mitzvah: That is all. Anbo-Jyutsu!! They had to invent a martial art for Will and Kyle? um, why? Kind of reminded me of the beginning of “The Final Flight of the Osiris” but not quite as hot.

Adam Reid

2024-02-27 00:13:35 +0000 UTC

The fact that Dr. Pulaski fell in love with Riker's dad pretty much tells you everything you need to know about him. I honestly had no recollection of what happened in this episode as I started re-watching it and now I remember why.

Nick Sauer

2024-02-26 22:21:25 +0000 UTC

Riker's dad ditched him in Alaska so he could sell heroin with Gary Busey only to get taken out by Riggs and Murtaugh in the end

harrypothead42024

2024-02-26 21:06:46 +0000 UTC

"the racist black faced 60s versions" I fail to see how people reach this conclusion.

StonyD

2024-02-26 20:11:03 +0000 UTC

Really?? Oh man, he is an excellent sub Captain in Hunt for Red October. Would love to have seen him in Starfleet

StonyD

2024-02-26 20:08:52 +0000 UTC

...I'm...which.......wait...I had to look that one up...

StonyD

2024-02-26 20:06:11 +0000 UTC

I don't believe this episode will make anyone's top 10 list. Riker and his dad hate each other and then dress up in Motocross Gear and fight each other with giant Q-Tips. Worf is sad, so his friends arrange for him to be zapped with electric cattle prods... 'City On The Edge Of Forever' this ain't. The most interesting part of this one is trying to figure out which one of the holodeck Klingons is played by Entertainment Tonight's John Tesh.

Dan Krantz

2024-02-26 19:00:07 +0000 UTC

This episode is worse than just bad. It's mid. Never felt That Riker was leaving in any way. Worf's story, along with the other Klingon episodes, gives us a dynamic light years beyond the racist black faced 60s versions.

Miah1138

2024-02-26 16:34:05 +0000 UTC

Scott Glenn was under consideration. (Connery wasn't, of course.)

Anthony Bernacchi

2024-02-26 15:45:10 +0000 UTC

"...first name, Chocolate" - Larroquette

StonyD

2024-02-26 14:35:59 +0000 UTC

By this point Pulaski has served on the ship for what…6 months and it never came up about Kyle Riker? Not once? “Oh, by the way I know your dad” No I don’t buy it either.

Jon1701

2024-02-26 14:34:06 +0000 UTC

Motorcycle outfits!!

Jon1701

2024-02-26 14:32:39 +0000 UTC

From that era? Scott Glenn would have been good. Maybe Sean Connery, but good luck getting him LOL

StonyD

2024-02-26 14:27:10 +0000 UTC

Nice to have a riker episode. Still it is not one I rush to rewatch. I think you will like it because Jonathan Frakes.

Crankygrandma

2024-02-26 14:13:05 +0000 UTC

Not sure what you mean Nolan, I wasn't criticizing his father. But I know Alex does not care for Pulaski and will probably say, "She had a thing with his father?" LOL

Duane Chancey

2024-02-26 13:21:37 +0000 UTC

The Riker backstory episode. I like this episode snd its ability to not only give Riker character development, but also give Pulaski some too. Though I do question why she never mentioned she knew his father til now as it seems like an instant connection for a new member of the crew.

Eric Bundy

2024-02-26 13:18:41 +0000 UTC

Horray, character development for Riker! O'brien is even good enough friends with everyone that he get's invited to Worf's torture Bar Mitzvah.

EnigmaticPenguin

2024-02-26 12:36:02 +0000 UTC

O’Brien is the man.

Just another Red Shirt

2024-02-26 10:29:28 +0000 UTC

Hey man, we've seen Diana Muldar in TOS. I ain't critisizing Papa Riker at ALL. 😅

Nolan

2024-02-26 07:46:14 +0000 UTC

Riker, several episodes back, to a Klingon: "But he's your FATHER." Eh, maybe he was projecting. I also predict you'll snicker at the ultimate form of martial arts being two white guys in American Gladiator styled hockey pads tapping each other with beepy sticks. Maybe it'd be more "ultimate" if they used Klingon pain sticks instead.

Nolan

2024-02-26 07:44:09 +0000 UTC

Star date: 42686.4 The town in Alaska where Ryker is from, exists in real life and they are currently engaged in commissioning a statue of Ryker/Frakes as the town most famous future son. The Klingon ritual story is way better than the A plot. More O’Brien please.

Thicketdweller

2024-02-26 06:50:05 +0000 UTC

I didn't feel like he had the acting chops from this but judging from one role can be unfair.

Greg Quinn

2024-02-26 06:48:04 +0000 UTC

They'd probably recognize his NBA theme even if they don't watch basketball.

Greg Quinn

2024-02-26 06:45:44 +0000 UTC

I can understand not saying she used to have sex with him...but you'd think she'd maybe mention she knew him at some point....

Greg Quinn

2024-02-26 06:45:03 +0000 UTC

Was this before or after American Gladiators (I should google it but...)

Greg Quinn

2024-02-26 06:39:22 +0000 UTC

It was more than a cameo. I remember on Johnny Carson, he would talk about the fan club for his character, known as the "save Maltz society"

Mike Rogers

2024-02-26 05:31:05 +0000 UTC

What great parenting. You and the kid have a disagreement? "Johnny! You better put that Anbo-Jyutsu uniform on and get in the ring right now or this beat down is going to be even worse! 1...2...3, that's it we're not turning on your Anbo stick sensor."

Fossilizer

2024-02-26 04:50:14 +0000 UTC

Yeah, I know; the silly anbo-jyutsu match doesn't help things. But at least we get some Riker backstory, and even if it's a somewhat cliched father-son rivalry, at least both actors do their best to sell it. I always thought the prospect of Riker getting offered his own command (the second time, by the way; he had been offered the USS Drake as mentioned in "The Arsenal of Freedom") would've been an interesting storyline on its own, perhaps with him spending a few episodes on his own ship and going on a joint mission with the Enterprise temporarily, then returning. But knowing you guys, I'm certain you'll enjoy the Worf subplot far more, and I agree that exploring more of his heritage and being caught between two cultures gives Michael Dorn wonderful material to work with.

Patrick47

2024-02-26 04:43:37 +0000 UTC

Another Riker Ep. I don't think you guys will like it as much as the Ep. A Matter of Honor but maybe you will. I did like the Guy playing Riker's Father. I feel bad for Alex with the whole Pulaski & Riker's father revelation. 😒 I liked this one then and I still do. I almost forgot the Worf Right of Ascension, a memorable part of the Episode. That's it! 😀🖖

Duane Chancey

2024-02-26 04:37:52 +0000 UTC

Mitchell Ryan (Riker’s dad) was in the running to play Picard. Can you imagine him as captain of the Enterprise? Is there any other actor you think could work well with the crew we all know and love?

Brian Moore

2024-02-26 04:32:21 +0000 UTC

Another somewhat forgettable episode in which not much happens. But in return we're given so much great character development, continuity, and culture. Worth it!

Gweneviere

2024-02-26 04:01:19 +0000 UTC

Which truly prompts one to HIGHLY anticipate how Josh and Alex will react to future 'Treks regarding Klingons.................. (nope, no spoilers -- just thinking ahead - with a huge grin)

Rhett Coates

2024-02-26 03:19:19 +0000 UTC

Be thankful we're not Tellarites.

Rhett Coates

2024-02-26 03:17:15 +0000 UTC

Such is the character of Kathryn Polaski the writers left us with. Was it really worth getting rid of Beverly Crusher?

Collin Freeman

2024-02-26 03:13:34 +0000 UTC

"Hey Will? I know I just transferred aboard as Chief Medical Officer due to being a fangirl of the Captain, but I just want you to know that I also used to bang your Dad. Just in case it comes up."

StonyD

2024-02-26 02:40:24 +0000 UTC

I like to imagine Worf's inner monologue staring out into space after he told Data to "BEGONE" as "I should've killed him, but he meant well & is too innocent. Also I'm physically incapable of harming him". Also I didn't like the reason why he was mad, that he was missing out on a ritual. I would've liked to see that he's grown to respect Riker greatly as a commander & has become personally loyal to him & is upset that he wouldn't be serving with him anymore

Justin DiBari

2024-02-26 02:28:08 +0000 UTC

Hey, they’re no worse than the Triad uniforms!

James H

2024-02-26 02:23:42 +0000 UTC

I love O'Brien being involved with Worf's story, it's like he really is one of the guys now...

Brendon Waldron

2024-02-26 02:21:15 +0000 UTC

That would be an awkward factoid to drop.

JGoss

2024-02-26 02:14:00 +0000 UTC

Good catch. Minor continuity error: so why in that moment didn't she mention, "Oh by the way, I know your dad. We hooked up back in the day."

Collin Freeman

2024-02-26 02:11:59 +0000 UTC

More Riker episodes for you, so Josh probably loved it. How did you guys like Riker's dad? Can't wait to see Alex' face when he learns that Pulaski used to get boned by Riker's dad :D (correction: got porked)

Andreas Schmitt

2024-02-26 02:10:28 +0000 UTC

I'd mention that one of the Klingons was a cameo by John Tesh, but I'm willing to bet you two have no idea who that is. It sucks realizing I'm getting old.

JGoss

2024-02-26 02:07:48 +0000 UTC

Subtle bit of continuity from the previous episode: Pulaski with the throwaway line to Riker "your father cooks???", and then in this episode we learn it was foreshadowing.

JGoss

2024-02-26 02:06:59 +0000 UTC

I am now really, really looking forward to that moment!

Jovet

2024-02-26 01:55:25 +0000 UTC

Yet, Frakes is 37 and Dorn is 36.

Jovet

2024-02-26 01:53:30 +0000 UTC

I tend to remember this episode for its B plot, rather than its largely forgettable A plot.

Regan

2024-02-26 01:51:04 +0000 UTC

I can vote for that !

Jovet

2024-02-26 01:50:16 +0000 UTC

I didn't think it was humanly possible, but it both bites and sucks.

Collin Freeman

2024-02-26 01:46:57 +0000 UTC

*bites (Sucking=good, biting=bad)

Jovet

2024-02-26 01:42:23 +0000 UTC

A 24th century "Full English breakfast" consists of croissant and spread, café au lait, fresh fruit, and some kind of fruit juice, possibly alcoholic.

Jovet

2024-02-26 01:41:29 +0000 UTC

I bet you're right. Clearly the cast and crew had maybe 1 day at most to come up with that entire scene, writing and choreography.

Collin Freeman

2024-02-26 01:36:09 +0000 UTC

Prediction: the two of you will roar with laughter when you see the Rikers in their anbo-jitsu suits.

Anthony Bernacchi

2024-02-26 01:33:07 +0000 UTC

No but it sounded better in my comment

Evan Guthrie

2024-02-26 01:32:28 +0000 UTC

Was Picard even told at all? I don't believe so.

Jovet

2024-02-26 01:31:14 +0000 UTC

And, of course, this is also the episode where we learn Riker's exact age (30).

Anthony Bernacchi

2024-02-26 01:30:23 +0000 UTC

I gotta love the side story with Worf and everyone helping him get through this ritual! I find the Klingon culture fascinating in this series!

TalynStarburst

2024-02-26 01:24:21 +0000 UTC

Papa Riker in a good old father-son get over your feelings kind of story

Gregory

2024-02-26 01:23:14 +0000 UTC

Anbo-jyutsu sucks.

Collin Freeman

2024-02-26 01:18:53 +0000 UTC

That's right! I forgot about that! He did a better job in North and South than in this episode.

Collin Freeman

2024-02-26 01:06:15 +0000 UTC

I agree about swapping the stories. The Worf story was more interesting to me.

Collin Freeman

2024-02-26 01:05:40 +0000 UTC

Indeed. 24th century made them soft.

Collin Freeman

2024-02-26 01:05:06 +0000 UTC

I actually love it when we get to meet the families of the main characters. It's always a wonderful look into what shaped them to become the people they are today. It also adds to the verisimilitude of their depth as people. Honestly, I wish there were more of these kinds of appearances in the show.

Lindsey

2024-02-26 00:56:48 +0000 UTC

The "10 year anniversary" of the Rite of Ascension for Worf will allows us to estimate his age in this episode.

Jovet

2024-02-26 00:49:55 +0000 UTC

From Riker’s eggs last episode to Riker Sr apparently porkin Pulaski this time. By next week we should have a full English breakfast as I have no doubt one may make you think of chipolata sausages and the other you will toast.

Paul Rymer

2024-02-26 00:48:47 +0000 UTC

Prediction: You two are going to like this one, because (1) Klingon painstiks (2) Pulaski and Riker's mom, back in the day (3) Klingon painstiks (4) A glimpse at what wrestling is definitely going to evolve into (5) Klingon painstiks.

Jovet

2024-02-26 00:45:29 +0000 UTC

I never cared for this one much. Worf being grumpy and Wesley taking it in stride. Riker being surprised by his father and not wanting to see him—after lecturing that Klingon about not seeing his father. Pulaski and Kyle Riker are old flames, of course, because the universe full of humans is that small. Pulaski never volunteering that fact to Will, that's an awful retcon. That "boring Klingon stuff" which I don't find particularly interesting—I know, others do. Kyle Riker states that Will has just been offered his first command... even though that's false, he's been offered several others before. The drama over a command seat we all know he's not going to take. The silly Anime-Tron-lovechild anbo-jyutsu "game" as the epitome of martial arts... with rules that seem pretty ridiculous. And then there's Riker v. Riker match itself... pretty de-evolving for supposëd 24th century cultural and personal sophistication. Troi and Pulaski just shrug it off instead of being adults. The ONLY enjoyable scenes in this whole lousy episode are Data talking to Worf in Ten Forward, and O'Brien talking about "excessive cephalic pressures." LOL! The way O'Brien says "exploded" seems to me to be imitated in "Galaxy Quest" when they "digitally convey" that beast up to the ship and Teb says "And it exploooooded!". It's probably near the bottom of my top-10, but I think this one is in my Top-10 Worst TNG Episodes list. It isn't particularly boring, but this isn't what I want to watch on TNG.

Jovet

2024-02-26 00:43:42 +0000 UTC

Mitchell Ryan was also in “North and South” with Jonathan Frakes and Frakes then future wife. Ryan actually played HER father.

Glenn Johnson Barnes

2024-02-26 00:35:46 +0000 UTC

This episode to me is one that feels like 2 seperate scripts that weren't complete of full enough to be their own episodes mashed together and cut down to make 1 full episode. There isn't enough really get into either the main story (Riker) or B story (Worf), I would've swapped them around ,thrown away most of the main story and kept the B story as the larger portion.

A Surprisingly Moist Fart

2024-02-26 00:33:18 +0000 UTC

Because it's rather poorly envisioned and written.

Jovet

2024-02-26 00:25:10 +0000 UTC

I'm glad to see someone is taking my pork and running with it.

Jovet

2024-02-26 00:23:14 +0000 UTC

Yes, absolutely correct about John Tesh! BTW, perhaps my favorite cameo as a Klingon goes to Night Court's John Larroquette in Search for Spock

Moonlander

2024-02-26 00:16:30 +0000 UTC

The main idea I came away from this episode was "Man... how the martial arts have degraded over time."

Darin Wagner

2024-02-25 23:58:30 +0000 UTC

Some further character development and lore in this one. I love the B-plot with Worf. It seems the writers were having trouble figuring out how to use Pulaski, so here they make her a former lover to Kyle. I predict you’jj like the episode, but not the anbo-jyutsu. I like Mitchell Ryan in most things but not as much in this. He seems stiff and uncomfortable in the Star Trek universe.

Collin Freeman

2024-02-25 23:57:49 +0000 UTC

Why does everyone in this episode act like they're 5?

snthd

2024-02-25 23:55:36 +0000 UTC

I doubt it.

Collin Freeman

2024-02-25 23:52:08 +0000 UTC

Yes, I think you are right.

Collin Freeman

2024-02-25 23:51:54 +0000 UTC

That was my thought.

Collin Freeman

2024-02-25 23:51:32 +0000 UTC

Spock: I must perform this important cultural ritual Kirk: I am completely diverting us from our current mission to go to your home planet Worf: I must perform this important cultural ritual Picard: Get the NPCs to do it

Evan Guthrie

2024-02-25 23:48:07 +0000 UTC

I wonder if they disabled the safety protocols on the holodeck so Worf could enjoy the full fat pain stick experience

SinocTheHodgeheg

2024-02-25 23:44:40 +0000 UTC

Riker family woes (and the news Pulaski could've been his stepmom). I believe one of the holographic Klingons in the accession ceremony is former Entertainment Tonight host and musician John Tesh. ET was part of Paramount, like Star Trek.

Mike Rogers

2024-02-25 23:40:31 +0000 UTC

So... What'd you think about the "ultimate evolution of the martial arts?" Think it'll catch on? 🤣

THE LORE!!!

2024-02-25 23:38:18 +0000 UTC

I honestly look forward to rewatching this one with you guys, because other than the pain sticks I have no memory of this episode.

Steven Johnson

2024-02-25 23:37:53 +0000 UTC

Yep, comparing Kang or Kor to the TNG Klingons they don't even seem like the same species.

Steven Johnson

2024-02-25 23:37:24 +0000 UTC

Recently rewatched this, and my favorite part of all of it was the look on Data’s face whenever he’s acting as Wesley’s teacher. The Tholians also get name dropped, which is cool. The Klingons early in TNG get portrayed as rather barbaric, which is unfortunate. Quite different from the Klingons of TOS, who while violent and imperialistic, seemed more civilized.

tyranusfan

2024-02-25 23:32:49 +0000 UTC

I can't decide which situation I'd rather choose: five minutes of Klingon pain sticks or finding out my co-worker used to sleep with my dad.

JD Nevesytrof

2024-02-25 23:32:14 +0000 UTC

So, if things had happened a little differently Pulaski could have been Riker's stepmother. Boggles the mind. We get some angst with the Rikers and more Klingon lore for Worf, which is always welcome. In my rankings I have it as “Excellent”.

KatWithAttitude

2024-02-25 23:31:43 +0000 UTC

Pulaski porked Riker’s dad back in the day!

Shatner's Cigarette

2024-02-25 23:31:37 +0000 UTC

PATRON TAKES - Star Trek TNG S2E14

Comments

@StonyD Because they're there! It's the typical writer's conundrum: "how can I write an interesting, [back] story for these characters?..."

Tesh is an awful composer/musician. All his music sounds soulless, computer generated. (Yanni is AWESOME!)

As a kid, I remember feeling amazed by how open everyone was to respecting other cultures. It was not what I was used to in the 80's on tv in the slightest. I found it inspiring and it made me hopeful for the future.

John Tesh played RED ROCKS. He's no Yanni but damn it he still deserves respect. :D

@StonyD Same. I don't see how it's racist. Just because paint is used on an actor's face to show that they're ALIENS doesn't 1) make it "blackface" or 2) make it "racist".

Just remember: the non-fuzzy end of your 'stick' is electric and can sense and tell you by ear where the other person is standing. Because vision is overrated.

Mitchell Ryan was an original Dark Shadows cast member, and of course Diana Muldaur in the late 60s/70s, they were probably a pretty hot couple lol.

I... I don't know what that's supposed to mean.

Oh no, Riker has daddy issues! Anyway, here's my new Anbo-Jyutsu stick...

The small universe problem. In terms of numbers of living humanoids Star Trek and Star Wars are gigantic compared to our world, so it becomes less and less plausible that two random people that know each other meet by accident, yet it is necessary for many stories to tell.

Of course not. But as I wrote there are similar patterns I came across over and over.

It's weird. It's like, they didn't have enough plot for Will and his Dad...also had to throw Pulaski in there for no real reason

I like to believe I don't actually have daddy issues. My father and I grew pretty close before his death. He was a hell of a man. My younger boyfriend definitely has daddy issues... and I'm not sure why, really. haha

It's awesome that she used to be blind and now she can see. :ducks: (Irony of her and Geordi's convo in sick bay anyone?)

He was more than a hero, he was a union man.

GenX 50yo dude here. This comment is dead on. You just described my life growing up in the 80s and early 90s, Sam. 👍

Right....got it. 😉

👍 Awful writing, sadistic ret-con.

Everyone has daddy issues. Some just don't realize it yet.

*third time

She only fell in love with the D. We all know it.

*dress up in Tron cosplay

It's a very bad ret-con. Very poor writing in this one. Continuity is SO important!

O’Brien is the *every man*.

Hockey? That's not hockey. That's a Tron–Anime lovechild!

I didn't really care for either story, but Worf's made more sense.

Nolan meant "hey! she was a looker!"

Bad writing leads to bad retcons. Booooooo

“May the Porks be with Us”

The Riker / Pulaski relationship is such an outrageous coincidence I just can’t get past it. It strikes me as such a cheap writing ploy.

Back in the 80s a movie star would never move "down" to TV. And TNG being first run syndication would be even one step down from network. Of course much of that has changed....

“How are we gonna do this ultimate martial art thing?” “I don’t know, we’ll figure out something before we shoot next Tuesday.” “No, we shoot the scene THIS Tuesday.” “Oh boy.”

I wonder if that entire generation of american TV/Movie writers had daddy issues. Seriously, that theme is so common in US media around that time especially. It's a rather foreign concept to me, but I'm not american, nor from that generation or a writer.

The fact that Dr. Pulaski fell in love with Riker's dad pretty much tells you everything you need to know about him. I honestly had no recollection of what happened in this episode as I started re-watching it and now I remember why.

Riker's dad ditched him in Alaska so he could sell heroin with Gary Busey only to get taken out by Riggs and Murtaugh in the end

"the racist black faced 60s versions" I fail to see how people reach this conclusion.

Really?? Oh man, he is an excellent sub Captain in Hunt for Red October. Would love to have seen him in Starfleet

...I'm...which.......wait...I had to look that one up...

This episode is worse than just bad. It's mid. Never felt That Riker was leaving in any way. Worf's story, along with the other Klingon episodes, gives us a dynamic light years beyond the racist black faced 60s versions.

Scott Glenn was under consideration. (Connery wasn't, of course.)

"...first name, Chocolate" - Larroquette

By this point Pulaski has served on the ship for what…6 months and it never came up about Kyle Riker? Not once? “Oh, by the way I know your dad” No I don’t buy it either.

Motorcycle outfits!!

From that era? Scott Glenn would have been good. Maybe Sean Connery, but good luck getting him LOL

Nice to have a riker episode. Still it is not one I rush to rewatch. I think you will like it because Jonathan Frakes.

Not sure what you mean Nolan, I wasn't criticizing his father. But I know Alex does not care for Pulaski and will probably say, "She had a thing with his father?" LOL

The Riker backstory episode. I like this episode snd its ability to not only give Riker character development, but also give Pulaski some too. Though I do question why she never mentioned she knew his father til now as it seems like an instant connection for a new member of the crew.

Horray, character development for Riker! O'brien is even good enough friends with everyone that he get's invited to Worf's torture Bar Mitzvah.

O’Brien is the man.

Hey man, we've seen Diana Muldar in TOS. I ain't critisizing Papa Riker at ALL. 😅

Star date: 42686.4 The town in Alaska where Ryker is from, exists in real life and they are currently engaged in commissioning a statue of Ryker/Frakes as the town most famous future son. The Klingon ritual story is way better than the A plot. More O’Brien please.

I didn't feel like he had the acting chops from this but judging from one role can be unfair.

They'd probably recognize his NBA theme even if they don't watch basketball.

I can understand not saying she used to have sex with him...but you'd think she'd maybe mention she knew him at some point....

Was this before or after American Gladiators (I should google it but...)

It was more than a cameo. I remember on Johnny Carson, he would talk about the fan club for his character, known as the "save Maltz society"

What great parenting. You and the kid have a disagreement? "Johnny! You better put that Anbo-Jyutsu uniform on and get in the ring right now or this beat down is going to be even worse! 1...2...3, that's it we're not turning on your Anbo stick sensor."

Mitchell Ryan (Riker’s dad) was in the running to play Picard. Can you imagine him as captain of the Enterprise? Is there any other actor you think could work well with the crew we all know and love?

Another somewhat forgettable episode in which not much happens. But in return we're given so much great character development, continuity, and culture. Worth it!

Which truly prompts one to HIGHLY anticipate how Josh and Alex will react to future 'Treks regarding Klingons.................. (nope, no spoilers -- just thinking ahead - with a huge grin)

Be thankful we're not Tellarites.

Such is the character of Kathryn Polaski the writers left us with. Was it really worth getting rid of Beverly Crusher?

"Hey Will? I know I just transferred aboard as Chief Medical Officer due to being a fangirl of the Captain, but I just want you to know that I also used to bang your Dad. Just in case it comes up."

Hey, they’re no worse than the Triad uniforms!

I love O'Brien being involved with Worf's story, it's like he really is one of the guys now...

That would be an awkward factoid to drop.

Good catch. Minor continuity error: so why in that moment didn't she mention, "Oh by the way, I know your dad. We hooked up back in the day."

More Riker episodes for you, so Josh probably loved it. How did you guys like Riker's dad? Can't wait to see Alex' face when he learns that Pulaski used to get boned by Riker's dad :D (correction: got porked)

I'd mention that one of the Klingons was a cameo by John Tesh, but I'm willing to bet you two have no idea who that is. It sucks realizing I'm getting old.

Subtle bit of continuity from the previous episode: Pulaski with the throwaway line to Riker "your father cooks???", and then in this episode we learn it was foreshadowing.

I am now really, really looking forward to that moment!

Yet, Frakes is 37 and Dorn is 36.

I tend to remember this episode for its B plot, rather than its largely forgettable A plot.

I can vote for that !

I didn't think it was humanly possible, but it both bites and sucks.

*bites (Sucking=good, biting=bad)

A 24th century "Full English breakfast" consists of croissant and spread, café au lait, fresh fruit, and some kind of fruit juice, possibly alcoholic.

I bet you're right. Clearly the cast and crew had maybe 1 day at most to come up with that entire scene, writing and choreography.

O’Brien is the every man.