Star Trek: The Next Generation
Season 3
1989–1990
Evolution
Fairly weak start of the third season, but at least the show provides some thinking material about what makes life.
The Ensigns of Command
Strong story in which Data needs to convince some colonists that it is unsafe to remain on their planet. In the end he takes some drastic measures, which are, actually, a logical conclusion to derive from the colonists’ hesitation.
The Survivors
Interesting mystery story in which the Enterprise encounters a completely bare planet with just one livable spot and two elderly people.
Who Watches the Watchers?
Scientists study a civilization of proto-Vulcans who are too primitive for first contact. The scientists inadvertently show themselves. Picard has to prove to the inhabitants that he is not a God. Interesting conundrum in which the weight of the Prime Directive is demonstrated.
The Bonding
The Enterprise takes on board a boy who is currently cared for by energy beings. Overly sentimental story about empathic connections between people. Quite forgettable.
Booby Trap
LaForge creates a fantasy girl to help the Enterprise fly out of a booby-trapped area of space. The episode is not bad, though a bit heavy on the geek-luv. In a later episode this is all put in perspective — that episode is better than this one.
The Enemy
LaForge becomes buddies with a Romulan, and together they manage to escape from a planet. Overall quite predictable. However, Worf’s ethical dilemma, which is solved in a way that should have been expected but is totally unpredictable, is very good.
The Price
Fine episode about a bidding war between several races for possession of a stable wormhole. Lots of interesting characters and sneaky behavior all around, except, of course, on the part of the Federation (which weakens the story somewhat).
The Vengeance Factor
Riker falls in love with a centuries-old assassin. Of course he must kill her at the end (well… I guess he could have stunned her, but then she would be around for the next episode and we cannot have that). Quite farfetched overall.
The Defector
Interesting plot in which a Romulan defector attempts to convince Picard that he is really speaking the truth. But the crew of the Enterprise is not very keen on trusting a Romulan.
The Hunted
A super-soldier is captured by the Enterprise, but manages to escape against all odds. Not very interesting.
The High Ground
Terrorists capture Dr. Crusher and later Picard. Of course they get rescued. The interesting bits are the terrorists’ explanations for their deeds.
Déjà Q
Funny Q story in which he becomes human and tries to fit in as an Enterprise crew member.
A Matter of Perspective
Riker is accused of committing murder, but proves by means of a simulation that he did not do it. Basically, this is a boring courtroom drama in which a Deus Ex Machine gets the innocent guy off.
Yesterday’s Enterprise
Very clever story which creates an alternate reality in which Tasha Yar is still alive. It is nice to see the crew act as battle-weary soldiers instead of the cool-headed diplomats that they normally are.
The Offspring
Data creates another android to be his child. Good acting all around, but Brent Spiner steals the show.
Sins of the Father
The start of a long Worf-story arc, with his expulsion from the Klingon Empire. Klingon rituals and politics, which make them quite an interesting race.
Allegiance
Picard is kidnapped and must escape from a Cube-like environment with three cellmates, while at the same time a replica of him acts in a remarkable manner on board the Enterprise. Weird mixture of mystery, tension, and comedy.
Captain’s Holiday
Picard acts against character for about half an hour, and connects with a really irritating bedmate, whilst on a stupid archeology/timetravel adventure. Who does he think he is, Indiana Jones?
Tin Man
The Enterprise and some Romulans are in conflict about a strange ship that appeared somewhere. Not altogether satisfying.
Hollow Pursuits
Oh yes! Not everybody on board the Enterprise is the best at his job! Here we have Barclay, a stuttering, clumsy, lonely engineer with severe emotional and psychological problems. He is a joy to behold. The episode itself has some very funny moments too.
The Most Toys
Data is “collected” by a very wealthy collector of rare artifacts. Of course he manages to escape.
Sarek
Sarek is a Vulcan ambassador who exhibits emotions. Although Stewart’s acting in the last few minutes of the show is utterly brilliant, the story itself I found quite boring.
Ménage à Troi
Lwaxana Troi in her most irritating performance yet! Coupled with some Ferengi who try to be even more irritating! Followed by an embarrassing display by Picard! Stewart does his best, but even he cannot save this ridiculous plot. No, not even the suggestion that Troi spends considerable screentime naked should tempt you to watch this tripe.
Transfigurations
The Enterprise takes on board a Messiah. Unsuccessful attempt at spirituality.
The Best of Both Worlds, Part 1
The Borg are here, they are devastating, and the Federation is no match for them. If there is any Trek show that you should suggest to a non-Trekkie, it is this one. It is a brilliant, raw, tense, and cool season-ending cliffhanger show, which is the granddaddy of all season-ending cliffhanger shows (they were not common before this one). Not to be missed, even if the continuation is not of the same caliber.
Playful Intelligence 