The Enterprise tries to negotiate an end to raids launched by a group called the “Gatherers,” but a murder threatens to prevent peace.

This wasn’t the holographic harp lady that Picard had bene hoping for…

First Broadcast:  20th November 1989.

Quote:  “Your ambushes would be more successful if you bathed more often!”

Score: 4

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

The Enterprise hosts negotiations for possession of the only known stable wormhole.

Ten Forward’s new screensaver was excellent

First Broadcast:  13th November 1989.

Quote:  “People have been doing that for thousands of years!”

Score: 6

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

La Forge and a Romulan are trapped on a planet ravaged by electromagnetic storms; Worf turns out to be the only viable donor to save the life of an injured Romulan aboard the Enterprise.

Geordi had to admit that this was one hell of a hangover

First Broadcast:  6th November 1989.

Quote:  “It would appear our away team has rescued a second man from your one-man ship.”

Score: 8

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

While investigating a 1,000-year-old alien derelict, the Enterprise gets caught in the same energy trap which doomed that vessel a millennium ago.

Leah played a mean game of Solitaire

First Broadcast:  30th October 1989.

Quote:  “Now the machines are flying us.”

Score: 7

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Worf decides to take into his house the child of a slain subordinate, but the child is having trouble accepting his mother’s death, especially when she mysteriously reappears.

iPads had gone downhill, Jeremy’s opinion

First Broadcast:  23rd October 1989.

Quote:  “Jeremy, on the starship Enterprise, no one is alone… No one.”

Score: 5

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

The Enterprise must undo the damage when a primitive civilization discovers a Federation observation team and concludes that the Starfleet personnel are gods.

This planet is not small – it’s far away

First Broadcast:  16th October 1989.

Quote:  “Perhaps one day, my people will travel above the skies…”

Score: 8

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

The Enterprise investigates two survivors living on the only undamaged patch of land on a devastated planet.

Worf warned Picard that the Okey Cokey was ‘without honor’

First Broadcast:  9th October 1989.

Quote:  “Number One, I think you had better see who’s at home.”

Score: 8

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Data must convince a colony of 15,000 people to evacuate before the aliens who own the planet arrive.

Another day on the Enterprise; another of Worf’s terrible backlit selfies on the viewscreen.

First Broadcast:  2nd October 1989.

Quote:  “Splendid. Splendid. Carry on.”

Score: 7

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

An obsessed scientist arrives on the Enterprise-D to perform a once-in-a-lifetime experiment. Accidentally released nanites, however, threaten both it and the ship.

Bob Kelso shows off his holiday snaps to the bridge crew

First Broadcast:  25th September 1989.

Quote:  “I’ve missed about 2 inches of him.”

Links: More info about Type 1A Supernovae

Score: 8

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Rob and Grant discuss the ups and downs of Season Two of TNG. There were a couple of great episodes, but the general rating was very low. We cover the best and worst episodes, and characters – and we respond to some comments that people have posted during the podcasts.

Say Cheese! Or don’t, whatever, let’s just take this photo

Ups and Downs of IMDB ratings vs The Rewatch over Season 2

MP3 can be downloaded here.

Commander Riker fights for his life in sickbay after he is infected by an alien parasite while on an away-mission. Dr. Pulaski soon discovers that the only way to save Riker’s life is to force his mind to relive painful memories.

Troi sensed the presence of a machine for saving on production costs. A plot-saving device.

First Broadcast:  17th July 1989.

Quote:  “He’s dreaming.”

Score: 0

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

With the Borg threat in mind, Starfleet stages a war-game simulation pitting Captain Picard and the Enterprise against Commander Riker and the eighty-year-old starship Hathaway. However, when the Ferengi suddenly attack, the Enterprise is crippled forcing Picard into a seemingly no-win situation.

The crew enjoyed a good old fashioned game of 23rd Century Minesweeper

First Broadcast:  17th July 1989.

Quote:  “Very unfortunate. We will be dead.”

Score: 7

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

1, 2, 3, 4, I declare a thumb war…

The Enterprise is ordered to proceed to an emergency rendezvous to collect a special envoy who is traveling from Starbase 153 to meet them.

First Broadcast:  24th June 1989.

Quote:  “Computer, level 2”

Score: 6

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Lwaxana Troi arrives on the Enterprise, intent on finding a husband.

Don’t tell me: they’re standing right behind me

First Broadcast:  19th June 1989.

Quote:  “Last time I saw something like that, it was being severed on a plate!”

Score: 4

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

The Enterprise discovers two threatened colonies which must cooperate to survive.

Eh, can someone check the transporter settings? It doesn’t normally beam up the ground cover.

First Broadcast:  22nd May 1989.

Quote:  “William Riker, you’re a mess!”

Score: 5

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Picard must undergo a serious medical procedure while the Enterprise-D deals with a Pakled ship, which lures the Enterprise away in hopes of stealing its technology.

Are you absolutely sure this is the best colour to wear on the operating table?

First Broadcast:  15th May 1989.

Quote:  “I stood toe-to-toe with the worst of the three and I told him what I thought of him, his pals, his planet and I possibly made some passing reference to his questionable parentage.”

Score: 7

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Q throws the Enterprise into uncharted space where it encounters and is engaged by a vessel of a previously unknown species: the Borg. When the vessel instantly and effortlessly overwhelms the Enterprise, Picard realizes that the Federation may not be as ready for the future as he thought.

Probably not good news.

First Broadcast:  8th May 1989.

Quote:  “If you can’t take a little bloody nose, maybe you ought to go back home and crawl under your bed. It’s not safe out here. It’s wondrous, with treasures to satiate desires both subtle and gross, but it’s not for the timid.”

Score: 10

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Data makes contact with a young girl from a pre-warp civilization on a planet facing imminent annihilation. The Enterprise must wrestle with the moral dilemma of violating the Prime Directive or standing by while Data’s friend dies.

There’s no better way to start your day than with a good ride, Counsellor.

First Broadcast:  1st May 1989.

Quote:  “In your position it’s important to ask yourself one question: ‘What would Picard do?'”

Score: 4

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

When Commander Riker is offered command of the starship Aries, his estranged father, Kyle Riker, is sent by Starfleet to brief him on the mission. Meanwhile, Data, La Forge, Dr. Pulaski, Wesley, and O’Brien help Worf celebrate the anniversary of his Rite of Ascension.

It’s time to clean your ears, son!

First Broadcast:  24th Apr 1989.

Quote:  “I know her, too; but we don’t do that.”

Score: 3

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

The Enterprise discovers a duplicate of Picard from six hours in the future.

Picard had a big night and woke up wondering who El-Baz was

First Broadcast:  3rd Apr 1989.

Quote:  “A lot of questions, Number One. Damn few answers.”

Score: 4

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

The Enterprise investigates the wreckage of a 21st century Earth spaceship orbiting a distant planet and the appearance of a casino with inhabitants based on a rather poorly written paperback novel.

Data’s dice-holding lessons were going well

First Broadcast:  27th Mar 1989.

Quote:  “The Royale’s exits are clearly marked.”

Score: 3

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

The Enterprise and a Romulan warbird are attacked by the same computer virus that has already destroyed one Federation starship of the same class as the Enterprise.

Riker found Data’s choice for the Enterprise’s ‘movie night’ a little unnerving.

First Broadcast:  20th Mar 1989.

Quote:  “Didn’t you order tea, sir?”

Score: 8

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Wesley falls in love with the new leader of a war-torn planet.

…and I thought Twin Peaks was a weird show!

First Broadcast:  20th Feb 1989.

Quote:  “Shut up, kid.”

Score: 4

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Picard must prove Data is legally a sentient being with rights and freedoms under Federation law when transfer orders demand Data’s reassignment for study and disassembly.

Riker’s performance was excellent. Data gave him a big hand.

First Broadcast:  13th Feb 1989.

Quote:  “You are imparting Human qualities to it because it looks Human – but I assure you: it is not.”

Score: 9

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Riker serves as an exchange officer on a Klingon warship. It’s our first indepth look at the Klingons in TNG. Rob is thoroughly unimpressed by this episode, but Grant likes it – along with most other reviewers.

New spinoff in the works – Star Trek: Beard Wars

First Broadcast:  6th Feb 1989.

Quote:  “He is not very attractive, but I will have him.”

Score: 7

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

The Enterprise investigates the deaths of the crew of the USS Lantree, who all died of old age. Grant and Rob have not succumbed yet, but this episode does a good job of killing itself off. Much discussion of eugenics, rapid-ageing, and Pulaski.

Pulaski wasn’t a fan of the Enterprises’s new 4K screen

First Broadcast:  30th Jan 1989.

Quote:  “Looks like they had a battle with time…”

Score: 4

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

An away team discovers the dying Doctor Ira Graves, who claims to be Data’s “grandfather. Another ‘Forbidden Planet’ episode, only this one results in a death, but no without a catch. There is discussion of the singularity, the nature of being, and the end play for all of AI. So nothing too deep.

DR. Graves was just about ready to install himself into his new Frogdroid

First Broadcast:  23rd Jan 1989.

Quote:  “Do I have to stand here and be insulted?”

Score: 6

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

The Enterprise brings a deaf negotiator to mediate the end of a planetary civil war. In a long line of peace-negotiation episodes, this one has a cool twist. There’s some love for this episode in this podcast, hopefully you liked it too.

‘Sausage, egg, and chips’

Episode synopsis:  9th Jan 1989.

Quote:  “Before him, there was no Klingon word for ‘peacemaker’”

Score: 7

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

In this thinly-written episode, the Enterprise crew rescue a “roguish” freighter captain whose ship is malfunctioning, but his presence drags them into an interplanetary feud. Grant and Rob aren’t too impressed, and keep going off topic in this podcast.

Picard tries to convince his video conference delegates to unmute their microphones

Episode synopsis:  12th Dec 1988.

Quote:  ““Now, that’s sex appeal!”

Score: 4

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

In many ways this is a defining episode of TNG. The Enterprise is threatened when a character in Data and La Forge’s holodeck simulation becomes sentient. Grant and Rob are joined by guests David Hogg, Arfon Smith, Meredith Rawls and Erin Braswell – recording this live at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago,

Warning: Poor audio quality due to live recording.

Data can see shortcomings in Geordi’s new diagnostic displays

Episode synopsis:  5th Dec 1988.

Quote:  “The particle beam will tear apart human flesh as well”

Score: 7

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

When an alien traps the Enterprise and threatens to kill half the crew purely out of curiosity, Captain Picard is faced with a grim decision. Rob and Grant have to watch them come to terms with that grim decision in questionable ways.

He’s behind me, isn’t he?

Episode synopsis:  28th Nov 1988.

Quote:  “I’m not accustomed to working with non-living devices”

Score: 6

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Rob and Grant talk about gestation periods and creepy TV kids. Counsellor Troi is shocked to find out she is pregnant; Wesley Crusher is weighing his options for the future, with the help of the proprietor of the ship’s lounge, Ten Forward, which suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

“Data, could you help me take this fake bump to the Fake Bump Cupboard ?”

Episode synopsis:  21st Nov 1988.

Quote:  “Hello, Ian”

Score: 6

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Rob, Grant and Brooke review Season One. We talk about how the show was shaped by its time in 1987, and whether or not it would have survived as a TV show today. Soaring highs and crush(er)ing lowers are also discussed.

The crew prepare for their ensemble number on the Enterprise’s karaoke night.

MP3 can be downloaded here.

Rob and Grant talk about cryogenics and Romulans in this finale episode of TNG.  There’s a lot of content here, in an episode deeply affected by a writers’ strike in the US at the the time.

Episode synopsis:  16th May 1988.

Quote:  “Your presence is not wanted. Do you understand my meaning, captain? We… are back.”

Score: 9

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Time to get out the popcorn worms and watch this iconic tale from TNG’s ‘Starfleet politics’ department. Some of the special effects have stood the test of time, and the plot and characterisation mostly hold up too. Grant and Rob have been looking forward to Conspiracy as a season one highlight – will they be disappointed for not?

Episode synopsis:  9th May 1988.

Quote:  “Just try that in hyperspace”

Score: 8

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

As time stutters on the Enterprise, Picard recalls a moment from his English-accented youth in Paris (which is definitely not in England). Grant and Rob had their own temporal fault in recording this podcast about an episode that may have a more memorable title than much else. Is that the lady from the Mama’s and Papas? Yes.

Episode synopsis:  2nd May 1988.

Quote:  “I think you would prefer to discuss this in private”

Score: 6

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Picard wonders how they’ll ever get Armus out of the carpet

We’re joined by Brooke Simmons to talk about the first episode of TNG that she ever saw: Tasha Yar’s swan song: ‘Skin of Evil’. What kind of creature is Armus? Is this Troi’s finest hour? How bad can a monologue be? Find out on this edition of the podcast!

Episode synopsis:  25th April 1988.

Quote:  “Save your compassion; it’s revolting.”

Score: 6

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Are they dungarees or aprons? Either way everyone will be wearing it next season.

Don’t do drugs, m’kay? That’s the moral of this rather pleasingly straightforward TNG episode. There’s a strong 80s moral, hammered home by Wesley and Tasha – but it doesn’t matter overall. Grant and Rob discuss whether one civilisation could rely on another in this way.

Episode synopsis:  18th April 1988.

Quote:  “Beverly, the Prime Directive is not just a set of rules; it is a philosophy”

Score: 8

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

“Fire at Will!”

The Arsenal of Freedom has a very ‘classic’ Trek feel, and this episode is a great ensemble piece for TNG. There’s more will-they-won’t-they for Picard and Beverly, Geordi is in charge of the Enterprise, and perhaps most worrying of all: Troi actually counsels someone.

Episode synopsis:  11th April 1988.

Quote:  “…elevate the legs and try to keep her warm”

Score: 7

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Worf’s Barbershop quartet wasn’t off to the best start

We get our first real look at the Next Generation’s Klingons in this episode – and our first look at Worf, really. We also get to see through Geordi’s eyes and experience at 24th Century fog machine at it’s finest.

Episode synopsis:  21st March 1988.

Quote:  “Now I’m beginning to understand him.”

Score: 6

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

As Picard’s crew are grilled by Dexter Remmick, Wesley undertakes the entrance exam for Starfleet Academy. We meet our first Benzite, and get a glimpse at the curious way that the Federation recruits for its military. This episode was recorded in the Mirror Universe, for reasons to be made clear.

“So you’re the finest the galaxy has to offer? Nice jumper. Is that a Glade plugin?”

Episode synopsis:  14th March 1988.

Quote:  “It’s a good thing you’re cute Wesley, or you could really be obnoxious”

Score: 7

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

“Ugly bags of mostly water” is a memorable line from an early TNG episode that hits some great science fiction notes, whilst also giving us a solid ensemble piece for the series. Astronomer and TV presenter Chris Lintott joins us for this podcast.

Picard wonders if he should have had the ceiling heightened in sickbay, instead of soundproofing Wesley.

Episode synopsis:  22nd February 1988.

Quote:  “I’m Luisa Kim, gardener of Eden.”

Score: 7

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Wesley Crusher anchors an interesting episode that Grant and Rob enjoy – in a very season one sort of way. Can you cloak an entire planet – is kidnapping children a good way of restarting your society? It’s all discussed on this podcast: plus Wesley isn’t terrible.

“Ok, Google… er… Siri?”

Episode synopsis: Wesley Crusher must protect a group of kidnapped Enterprise children while Captain Picard fights for their release. Originally broadcast in the USA on 15th February 1988.

Quote:  “We need some of your children.”

Score:

Also found on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Like the ageing admiral on his mobility scooter, this episode plods along with little to recommend it. Grant and Rob are less than impressed as they talk about anti-ageing and the awfulness of the young-is-old TV cliche.

The older he got, the more often the Admiral wished he had a dog to blame it on

Episode synopsis: An elderly Starfleet admiral hides a deadly secret as he leads the Enterprise in a hostage rescue mission. Originally broadcast in the USA on 8th February 1988.

Quote:  “I’m strong, I’m alert, I’m fit! I’m fitter than you are, Picard. And I’m getting younger!”

Score: 2

Also found on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Rob and Grant review one of the highlights of Season 1 TNG: 11001001. The Starbase, the Holodeck, and the Bynars make this a good episode with some complex sci-fi plot and a dash of old-fashioned auto-destruct built right in.

All work and play make the Bynars dull ‘gentlemen’

Episode synopsis: While a group of technologically advanced aliens board the Enterprise to update the ship’s computer systems, Riker discovers just how real a holodeck character can be. Originally broadcast in the USA on 1st February 1988.

Quote:  “What’s a knockout like you doing in a computer generated gin joint like this?”

Score: 8

Also found on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Grant and Rob do their very best to not give too much time to Angel One, a frankly sexist episode that rolls out every cliché from the first season of TNG. But there’s much more to discuss in terms of the production of Star Trek, and the progress the early show is making.

Riker shows off the proposed Season 2 uniforms

Episode synopsis: While Riker leads an away team to a female-dominated planet, a mysterious virus spreads among the Enterprise crew. Originally broadcast in the USA on 25th January 1988.

Quote:  “Thank you. Actually, it feels quite comfortable.”

Score: 2

Also found on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Grant and Rob dissect this ‘evil twin’ episode, and the back story to the androids of Dr. Noonien Soong. Data’s character is really fleshed out, and we get to meet the evil Lore – who will return later on. There is talk of positronic brains and the idea that we could make robots ‘too human’.

Data wonders why the crew react so oddly when he wears his backup head.

Episode synopsis: The Enterprise crew finds a disassembled android identical to Data at the site of the Omicron Theta colony—where Data was found—which was destroyed by a life form dubbed “the Crystalline Entity.” The reassembled android, Lore, brings the Crystalline Entity to the Enterprise. Originally broadcast in the USA on 18th January 1988.

Quote:  “Shut up, Wesley!”

Score: 8

Also found on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Rob and Grant discuss ‘The Big Goodbye’, Star Trek’s first ever episode in which the holodeck malfunctions and the crew are trapped within. Picard, Data, Beverly and Whalen(?!) are stuck in the world of Dixon Hill, and we finally get to know the holodeck plot device that Star Trek fans have enjoyed/reviled ever since.

‘Fiction expert’ Whalen justifies his role to Data and Picard.

Episode synopsis: A computer malfunction traps Picard, Data, Dr. Crusher, and Whalen in a Dixon Hill holodeck program set in early-20th-century Earth. Originally broadcast in the USA on 11th January 1988. [Source: Memory Alpha]

Quote:  “I can’t communicate with them, I can’t access the program and I can’t open the doors.”

Score: 8

Also found on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Grant and Rob take a visit to the completely unarmed paradise that is Haven, only to find a plague ship is on its way. Typical. We discuss the episode ‘Haven’, which weaves the topics of destiny, arranged marriage, and the ethics of sacrificing the one for the many. Also: Riker mopes about and plays with holographic harp ladies. Just another day on the Enterprise!

Beverly wonders if Roddenberry is taking her soft-focus motif too far

Episode synopsis: Lwaxana Troi visits her daughter, Counselor Troi, and prepares her for an arranged marriage. First broadcast in the USA on 30 November 1987. [Source: Memory Alpha]

Quote:  “How could you let this happen? My son surrounded by those horrible lepers!”

Score: 6

Also found on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Grant and Rob talk about the wonderful Q and his first real ‘Q episode’. TNG is still very much finding its feet at this stage, but this episode pulls out some Shakespeare, and includes some nice philosophical points, as well as Q’s usual exuberance.

Episode synopsis: Q returns to the Enterprise to tempt Commander Riker into joining the Q Continuum with the lure of Q’s powers. Originally broadcast in the US on 23 November , 1987. [Source: Memory Alpha]

Wesley realises his dream of looking and being nothing like himself at all.

Quote:  “I never wanted to compound one… illusion with another. It might be real to Q,… perhaps even you, sir. But it would never be so to me.”

Our Score: 7

Also found on IMDB, Memory Alpha, Wikipedia