First-Time Watch – Star Trek: The Next Generation, Season 1, Episodes 12-14
In this special bonus episode of To Baldly Go, we’re releasing another lost episode as we return to early Star Trek: The Next Generation with “The Big Goodbye,” “Datalore,” and “Angel One.”
This episode we get:
A decent episode with a weak close
The Enemy Within redux?
A bit too clever?
We covered:
The Big Goodbye
Datalore
Angel One
The Big Goodbye
“The Big Goodbye” gives us one an early TNG holodeck story, with the crew stepping into a detective noir simulation that becomes more dangerous than expected.
We talk about this being a strong Crusher episode, the limitations of the holodeck, and why the Enterprise crew doesn’t seem to use the holodeck more often to simulate difficult situations and possible outcomes. We also discuss the episode’s weak ending, how a bad close can sour an otherwise decent story, Brent Spiner’s acting, fake mystery novels, and somehow, Sons of Anarchy.
Datalore
“Datalore” introduces Data’s brother, Lore, and gives Brent Spiner another chance to show just how much range he can bring to the role.
We discuss Spiner’s performance, our disagreement over the episode’s rating, Lore’s tell, Wesley’s role in the story, Riker’s reactions, Beverly running away, and the idea of Data’s human form. We also touch on original-series film and lighting styles, plus some fun name trivia along the way.
Angel One
“Angel One” brings the Enterprise to a planet with a matriarchal society, but the episode struggles to turn its premise into a clear and satisfying story.
We talk about the fun vignettes that don’t really add much to the main plot, why the episode felt unclear and poorly executed, and whether it was trying to be a little too clever. We also get into talking my rating down, Parks and Recollection and the art of writing great television, the first TNG reference to the Romulans, and some Gates McFadden trivia.
Remember - Never give up! Never surrender!
Where we are on our Trek:
If you want to continue in series order, the next episode in line is:
Our regularly Tuesday release will continue next week with:
TBG Episode 053 - Star Trek TNG S3E13-15 Deja Q, A Matter of Perspective, Yesterday’s Enterprise | First Time Watch-Through
If you want to see my journey from the very beginning, start here: