Let's Watch - Star Trek: The Next Generation [167. Lower Decks - Ft. Trekabout]

[@RikusLategan]

From all of Star Trek, this one has my favourite scene, even though it is not my favourite episode. It is that scene where they edited together the two poker games. It is cute, well thought out, and the performance is good. They even avoid that old trope where the person winning the argument has the strongest hand, because Will essentially loses to Troy but wins the game.

[@ogloc8825]

just rewatch this excellent episode grossly under rated

[@CaminoAir]

I do like this episode and it's a welcome show format work-around. The writing is superior (I especially appreciated the Worf martial arts 'unfair' test and the advice he gives the ensign "Perhaps when you are next mistreated it will not take so many bruises before you protest."). I take the relative criticisms expressed in the view (in relation to DS9), but for season 7 TNG this is definitely a highlight and very worthwhile.

[@thepenskyfile]

I agree, I think this is a very strong episode. Especially considering that it's season 7.

[@Fair540]

I think the episode adds unique perspective and adds some very nice character growth. Seeing things from the junior officers' points of view and the generally positive connections they have with the senior staff is fun to see. Regarding character growth, I was specifically drawn to the portrayal of Worf as friend and mentor to Ensign Sito. As Picard said in Redemption, Worf combines the best of the both worlds he comes from (human and klingon), and this episode really puts that front and center. Worf's running interference for Sito with his "Gik Tal" lesson and his feelings of loss and grief after Sito's death are very touching. Worf values friendship, and mentorship, and is a colleague and confidant in addition to being a warrior. Picard's eulogy at the end always makes me wistful and gets me every time. Ensign Sito draws the viewer in with her bravery and ability to overcome her past failures. Great episode, 4/5 on the Pensky scale.

[@lucasvincent2875]

I've used the expression 'spider under the table' ever since i saw this first run!

[@leeannasloan5346]

I used to have this episode on VHS when they were sold as individual episodes. I think tng is at its best here and i wish the finale season had all been written at this level. sub Rosa and lower decks both took chances and good or bad im glad they went for something new. I felt like after seven seasons I was seeing the main cast again for the first time.

[@thepenskyfile]

I also feel like this was a good "refresher" episode. Almost a palate cleanse.

[@leeannasloan5346]

one of the guests commented that tng has its limits. i think not being able to have season and dramatic series long story arches really hurt the character development. tng is my favorite but iv heard from a lot of ds9 fans that the character development is much richer on ds9 because of the use of series long story arches. I think if the writers had been able to do more arches the show would have been even more incredible. what I enjoyed most in this episode was seeing how elevated picard and Riker were on the ship. the younger ensigns definitely got across that Picard and Riker were unapproachable. I thought sitos death was sad and I love the seen where picard is sitting alone in the ready room preparing to make her death announcement. Patrick Stewart portrayed a lot of inner conflict with no words just facial expressions. when I listened to this podcast I kept wanting to butt in and say wait your wrong this is a good episode! great job to all involved.

[@thepenskyfile]

Thanks Leeanna.

[@Chow_Hound1964]

When I watch anything Star Trek, I don't want to hear a damn thing about US politics!!! Leave it out of an enjoyable podcast!!!!! To skip the political crap go to 4:20 .

[@JCSuperstar777]

Are these guys really republicans?

[@guidadiehl9176]

@@JCSuperstar777 No. This was right after the election and a precursor of conditions today, where tiresome, humorless people feel the need to inject their endless moaning about Trump into everything they're involved in.

[@tabithamartin3278]

you guys don't get this episode, because you have a y chromosome

[@thepenskyfile]

Not so sure about this.

[@gruszk4]

Say "DS9" again, I dare you, I double dare you...