Star Trek The Next Generation Lamentations S3E25: Transfigurations

[@generalspinobi1442]

Best of Both Worlds waiting room here.

[@iandixon1825]

Mr Lorerunner, I have been following your videos for the last couple of years. I just wanted to say that I find your voice soothing, as I have cancer but listening to you as I go to bed is lovely. I may not always agree with your opinions, but I tend to! Much love to you, sir x

[@kylekullin2520]

I hope you're doing well

[@linsqopiring6816]

Also hope you're doing well and that I can read between the lines that you liked this episode because I sure did.

[@jamespepper8671]

Didn't recognize the title to the episode, looked at the first few minutes and said to myself, "Oh that one."

[@rafetizer]

When there's 26 episodes in the season, I'll put up with a stinker or three en-route to the best stuff.

[@rafetizer]

I think ten-forward is small because at any given time about a third of the crew is attending a flute/violin concert elsewhere on the ship.

[@linsqopiring6816]

There were a funny amount of those weren't there lol.

[@redshirt5126]

Can't wait for best of Both Worlds

[@Planetdune]

About the prop thing, he is definitely holding it with his hand in the corridor scene but once they beam down to the planet it is attached. Guess they didn't have the holster yet when they shot the first scene.

[@francoislacombe9071]

Well, John came by his powers through the natural evolution of his species, while Riker was given Q powers way before humans were supposed to have them, so it kinda makes sense that the crew's attitude toward both circumstances would be different. It's a lot like the difference between humans evolving intelligence, inventing guns and learning to handle them more or less properly by themselves, and giving AK47s to a bunch of chimps and just letting them have fun with them. And in answer to your last question, I would keep the episodes the way they are, but that's mainly because I apparently didn't dislike Transfigurations quite as much as you did. 😉

[@sharkdentures3247]

I always felt that John doesn't go "Q" but goes more Vorlon.

[@kylecaffyn-parsons8163]

All I really remember of this episode was Worf telling Geordi to use his eyes or something along those lines. My god, did that get a real groan out of me.

[@CRocketSlim]

@24:36 Ten Forward is one of several lounge/recreational areas on the ship, and the only one that got a set... but yeah, it's too tiny, and frankly a lounge at such a nice part of the ship ought to be a lot bigger.

[@TassieDinkum90]

I'm sorry, THIS episode is a Lamentation??? Edit: OK, fair enough.

[@cjc363636]

This one felt like an escape from Season 2.

[@ShamrockParticle]

LOL. There are 19 or 20 season 2 episodes I'd rather watch than this one!

[@Robplayswithdragons]

I forgot about this episode until i saw that yellow jump suit. Wow the memories flash back. I almost feel light headed.

[@damastamindz]

I loved the Alteration vs Restoration analogy Lore. It really made it very clear for me sir. One could argue he levels up Illusion when he has the light glow on the nylon suit.

[@badmaninc.536]

In response to your closing question... I probably would have ejected this episode entirely from the season and added its meager budget to the set aside pool that they had for best of both worlds pt 1. But if they absolutely, positively, no really, etc. had to have 26 episodes, I probably would have ejected the alien of the week or at the very least toned him down and just had the episode be even more dull by just having the crew go about their lives, do some maintenance, show the personnel and personal/interpersonal side of life on the enterprise more. Possibly most of it shot in ten forward, where the characters would be meeting up to talk about things such as the datawork side of being department heads and how much of a chore it is etc.

[@hashkangaroo]

19:08 La Forge: "I'm a mystery!" A little foreshock of Jar Jar Abrams's baleful influence, perhaps?

[@grumpyotter]

I guess I am alone in liking this episode, except for one glaring thing. I don't pay attention to tech stuff or ship details; I am much more interested in character interaction and I thought this one did it well. When I first watched this I thought John was going to turn out to be something evil--it was refreshing that they avoided that trope. And I very much liked that this episode is a good examination of "to seek out new life." Well there he is! And I thought he gave a good performance. It doesn't keep me on the edge of my seat, but I find it enjoyable. The one thing that drove me nuts was John's jumpsuit. WHO thought that penis-flaunting thing was a good idea? When he first walked out in it I couldn't pull my eyes away. It was so blatant and . . . ewwww. I literally had to make a conscious effort to tear my eyes away. And on that note, what is up with the future's apparent love of jumpsuits? They are not easy to get into and they look like kid clothing. Oh well--overall I like this one okay. Certainly not a lamentation for me.

[@linsqopiring6816]

Nope, you're not alone in liking this episode. I liked it so much I can't even bring myself to watch his review because it will be too aggravating. Probably pedantic nit picking about technical stuff rather than the relationships as you rightly pointed out. I don't think it's right to complain about his clothes though when every week we are forced to look at Troy's cleevage. Kind of a double standard.

[@athrunzala6919]

I'm shocked, I wasn't expecting another Lamentation until "Rascals".

[@glytchd]

Oh God.. but! ... Always found that one fun, albiet Wrong.. So Wrong. Nah i think there should be enough Meat there to prevent True Lamentation. Whoppie Goldberg & uhm.. Ro Larren stuff I think pulls it outta the Candle for Me, at least

[@rafetizer]

I want to see my father! NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW!

[@dancingbearandkoala9743]

I don't even remember this episode I had to rewatch it that's usually a bad sign for me on its quality

[@Alberto_Barbosa]

L A M E N T A T I O N A M E N T A T I O N

[@mb2000]

My though on Ten Forward being small is that the ship has a population of 1000. Now we know the Enterprise-D works on a 3 shift rotation per day, therefore 1/3 of the crew (about 333 or so) would be working at any given time. Another 1/3 (333ish again) would have to sleep at some point for their next shift. Only the other 1/3 would be off duty and not asleep. I nightly doubt that all 333 of them would head for Ten Forward as soon as they clocked out. No, some would go to the holodeck, some would go to the arboretum, so might even go fencing or just find somewhere quiet to read a book. So Ten Forward could probably expect 50 or so people at any one time outside of special events, disasters or hostage takings and such. Of course these figures can be reduced if we assume that he kids on board aren’t going to be in the bar, and there’d have to be at least one adult looking after them at any one time too. Or there’s a rota. Or a maximum occupancy sign on the door...

[@damastamindz]

Maybe they have other '10-forwards' (restaurant sections on the ship) Maybe there is a 15-Foward , or a 30-Aft (maybe those names don't sound too pleasant but that could just be our bias from always hearing '10-forward' so much). Maybe there is a 'Joey's Bar&Grill' on one of the decks. Most friend circles have that one favorite bar spot right? So the senior officers might prefer 10-Foward to the other relaxation hubs, perhaps because it is close to their quarters on deck8?

[@StormsparkPegasus]

The only issues I had with this episode were 1) the magic choking, and 2) the fact that this race was never referenced again. Except for that, I liked the rest of the episode. But it certainly has things that could be improved.

[@linsqopiring6816]

Agreed! Thanks for saying so. So annoying when you quite liked an episode and this guy roasts it. The "science" behind this episode called for one little thing from the viewer. Suspension of disbelief from the viewer about that one issue. I know the powers are too magical but can we please get beyond that and focus on the great character development and interaction that this episode has in droves. Also a great moral conundrum for Piccard. Just that alone makes this episode good.

[@adeftonic]

Regarding the arm there is a line where they talk about arm in stasis and limb refusion. I think therefore they reattach his arm.

[@olympicnut]

I just rewatched this episode and did not think it was bad. Not a fav, but not terrible.

[@linsqopiring6816]

No, it wasn't bad at all.

[@glytchd]

@28:39 "..Which is normal AND Ghost type!" Your a Riot this episode (*_^)

[@paulscott2037]

The episode is pretty crap. But I love the second ten forward scene. "I've been tutoring him. "

[@mattthericker]

Worf cracked me up in this episode. "I have much to teach you about women." and then later "I've been tutoring him. He learns quickly." If it was me, those two lines alone would have saved this episode from Lamentation status.

[@cakestalker]

I think this episode although a bit weak.. is entertaining enough the first time you watch it. It doesn't have much re-watch value though.

[@JasonCliftJones]

Next week: Quality whiplash!

[@DylanMadd]

I love Worf coaching Geordi. How he really doesn’t, but then takes all the credit. Fortunately for consistency’s sake, Geordi is right back to his incompetent self within a couple eps - when he’s on the holodeck with Christy. Who was in Doc Hollywood.

[@linsqopiring6816]

That was one of the best things about this episode, I was thinking to myself Worf giving himself the credit like that was one of the funniest lines I've ever heard on this whole series.

[@Alberto_Barbosa]

Two lamentations in a row perhaps...

[@davidkoritan1692]

Possible explanation for the travel time - the Enterprise was going in the wrong direction and had to turn around to get to where John came from. (Basically, think of a big triangle.)

[@muadeeb]

Wait, is this a THIRD lamentation? This must be the WORST Star Trek series ever /s

[@Edax_Royeaux]

Yeah season 1 is really bad.

[@Eelco_de_Boer]

Summary from Mem-A: The Enterprise rescues a critically injured amnesiac who is undergoing a mysterious transformation. In the meantime, Geordi becomes a smooth talker and O'Briens shoulder and Worf's neck get magically healed. Pffff...

[@athrunzala6919]

Too bad the Chiefs shoulder doesn't stay healed.

[@bobwill]

Well, with regard to Ten-Forward, you have to keep in mind, 1000 people, 1/3 are on duty, 1/3 are sleeping. So, 333 people total. Between the arboretum and whatever you else they have, I mean, we know that there’s a phaser range, holodecks, swimming pool....

[@Mr1flapjack1]

From my memory of the layout of the Enterprise, ten forward isn't the only place like it on the ship. I know at least that nine forward (on deck nine, of course) was a thing.

[@ivorybooker8957]

Not to nitpick on the size of Ten-Forward, but in "Q-Who" Picard tells Guinan to look at a monitor at the Borg. When she could've just looked out the window. Plus, it was quite large in that episode.

[@Belzediel]

No. Guinan is sat in a Ten Forward window looking at the cube when Picard speaks to her. What he says is 'Guinan, activate your viewscreen, I would like you to monitor what's going on up here, we may need your input.'

[@doctordo9706]

M E L I N D A Snodgrass, not Melissa!

[@glytchd]

Restoration Versus Alteration. Yes. Very much 'On Point'. As I've said, you have a way of putting "my" thoughts into words! :) I'm not shy to say I have Scavanged Much from you. Patchworked in place of burnt out half-built systems.

[@glytchd]

*Casts Asphixiation VII on Enterprise* Yup!!

[@johntracy72]

I find your lack of faith disturbing.

[@johntracy72]

You have failed me for the last time, Admiral.

[@lucasvincent2875]

Philosophical answer... Absolutely, leave it as it was. The low made the high that much better.

[@999YCM]

Transfigurations ?! Lamentations ?! Evisceration ?! Incineration ?!

[@ShamrockParticle]

"Asphyxiation Seven", 🤣👍

[@ShamrockParticle]

And I agree, the time and effort into BOBW was the best choice

[@lucasvincent2875]

According to the blueprints and beta, there are a few other 'forwards' in the ship

[@Yura-Sensei]

Ye.. No idea what happened in this episode, since I don't remember it

[@glytchd]

*calls you a WEIRDO!* Ah, we are amongst our ilk tho :) I agree, Best of Both worlds my +1 as well.

[@thexalon]

Having just watched this, it seemed like a thoroughly cheesy attempt at "JESUS! IN! SPACE!!" And there wasn't anything interesting about it.

[@antonioscendrategattico2302]

More like "Christian persecution! In space!". Which tbh with the Chinese government cracking down on religious groups recently could be pretty relevant, but it's still badly done.

[@glytchd]

.Long..Long time Listener, First Time Caller ;) - As much As I Can agree with you on Lamentation Status; From a Constructional PoV.. This Episode has always held a Very Soft spot in my Heart. Strange as it may seem: The Concept & Personal Experience of the Individual in question... I Identified with even @ 14yo

[@grumpyotter]

I feel exactly the same!

[@glytchd]

"RPG Game" -.. xD "NiC Card! NT Technology to boot! " (Mr. Lore knows the inside joke ;)

[@DrZaius3141]

As long as you remember your PIN number when you get to the ATM machine.

[@glytchd]

..My Memory circuits ARE pretty dim these days xD - @@DrZaius3141

[@ifandbut]

I would need an energy being to work up the courage to ask a girl out.

[@glytchd]

*Thumbs Up* ;)

[@knavenformed9436]

Without having watched yet, I find it HIGHLY surprising that this was a lamentation and not "A Matter of Perspective"

[@rafetizer]

At least the various versions of the story in "Perspective" were entertaining. It cracked me up seeing aggressive Riker.

[@SchneeflockeMonsoon]

This episode gave me so many vibes of the B5 episode where what’s his name started superevolving. Except, you know, they did it well over there. Honestly, I would sacrifice as many as four episodes to Best of Both Worlds to keep it the quality it is. No question. Heck, if I could have had it be the three-parter originally planned, and let it show up again in All Good Things, I would sacrifice seven to it in a heartbeat.

[@Jose_Hunters_EWF_Remixes]

Interesting that this is your 4th Lamentation for TNG whereas VOY had only one in 7 seasons, and DS9 currently has only one. Thus, Lamentation was a rare event (if I'm not mistaken, none for B5 and one for all the movies) until TNG. From memory (to demonstrate that I've been paying attention): Threshold (VOY) Nemesis (movie) Code of Honor Move Along Home (DS9) Up The Long Ladder Shades of Gray Transfigurations

[@timriggins70]

Grey 17 is missing was the Babylon 5 lamentation.

[@glytchd]

@28:15 "..They've been warping over here at Speed: Doom! " LMAO " (...) ...And im sure someone's going to mention this in the comments.." sure, I'll bite. Simple! Same reason DS9 never got a couple Light Cruisers stationed to it! I mean of course not, cuz it's SO important to them! .. ? O_o' ? Well it IS the 'same universe' so, it makes sort of a Psuedo-sense?? LoL, u keen? ;)

[@AdamCollings]

I totally agree with your final statement. I'd rather maintain the quality of Best of Both Worlds and leave this one as it is.

[@ohgoditshimrun1346]

I would gladly sacrifice Transfigurations for the sake of Best Of Both Worlds.

[@TroyeMB]

*sigh* When I saw which episode this rumination would be, I feared... When I watched the episode, I knew... I wasn't surprised at all... ... you *might* be able to drive me away, Lore... but I very seriously doubt it... ... and, as sad as it is for Transfigurations, I wouldn't change anything from the way it was... (so, I guess we're both weirdos...) ... oh -- and since you wanted this -- heckle heckle heckle heckle... ... (PlatyMcBear)

[@glytchd]

@21:10 " ... I Roll, to Dis-believe! " Another awesome One Liner :) But Dang, this Review is Hard to watch! :) Yes tho, Quite. Starfleet even, Let alone Techno-Magical Enterprise Expertise. I too enjoyed the Techsplination; Well crafted. I see why it made you ponder Lamentation

[@linsqopiring6816]

I just finished watching, and thoroughly enjoying this episode and was looking forward to a glowing review from you when I had to stop it at about 2 seconds because I can see that watching your review will fill me full of feelings of wanting to punch you in the face. Ugh. A wonderful episode. I don't even want to hear your nit pickings.

[@TheMarcHicks]

Ah, the old "evolving into an energy being" trope :p.

[@johntracy72]

Star Trek Voyager episode The Gift had a similar premise with Kes evolving into an energy being.

[@johnathonwelch4425]

They probably have more than 1 restaurant

[@Skye305]

Oh man this was such a funny review. I am considering giving you monies just for this rumination alone. WORF FREAKING DIES

[@TheRealityJack]

I don't remember this episode as being outstandingly bad, but I do remember so little of it, that it was probably very boring to me at the very least. I liked your video, and I think I am glad that whatever budget they saved from this ended up becoming my favorite Star Trek episode of all time.

[@andrewkyriacou6405]

My first thought was, this episode was ok why did it get lamentation? Then you started talking and I thought, ok it was a bad episode but still not a lamentation. Then you got to the end and I thought, yeah ok lamentation. As for your question at the end. Absolutely tank a mid-season episode on budget to make a great last episode of the season. Though that's still not an excuse for how bad this episode is since it's been done on many occasions where a good story and good writing are enough, you don't need money to make the episode good.

[@grantlloyd9131]

I would keep things as they are.

[@stevemanart]

You know an episode is abysmal when the only things in it that can be considered good is the main cast, who've known their characters for over two years, acting in spite of the script.

[@petewatson-wailes10]

Regarding the last question - personally this is why I'm weirdly glad that this episode isn't better. I'd rather have had this be so bad, because they were clawing every last cent for BoBW Part 1, and had one of the best two part episodes in episodic TV, than had a worse ending but better overall quality to S3

[@Threesixtyci]

Better question why does 10 forward have a bar and bartender when they can't even handle being drunk in that season 1 episode?

[@Belzediel]

Well... Ten Forward doesn't serve alcohol. This was established in canon many times. They don't get drunk in TNN, they get infected with lurgy. They then act in a manner consistent with a hack's idea of what drunk people are like. Doesn't have any correlation with how the patient might feel - that's assuming a metaphor is literal.

[@FreihEitner]

Civilian clothing in ST:TNG was always horrible.

[@rafetizer]

Eh, just throw on something shiny

[@therenegadegamer2581]

I'm kinda of dreading the best of both worlds rumination.

[@sidchicken2308]

therenegadegamer2581 Why? I have the impression he likes it... do you not?

[@therenegadegamer2581]

Oh I know he likes it. I just know he'll spend forever on some insignificant thing and drone on and on.

[@reyjusuf]

wowwwwww didnt expect that lamentations. I didnt like this episode but dont think it's that bad. I think I gave it a D or maybe D- but not F. They actually tweaked this episode for Star Trek Discovery (the season 2 Saru episode)

[@glytchd]

Yeah, Was a bit surprised as well.. But soon as he mentioned the Constructual issue.. My eyes were immediately opened :)

[@the_exegete]

From the perspective of someone who is running through the series and just hit this episode, my headcanon for Geordi's complete lack of confidence with women is that after getting clowned on by Wesley in the last few episodes destroyed what little he already had. They had that goofy argument about which one was the bigger failure with women, and guess what: Geordi was wrong about Wes being a loser with women, while Wes was correct that Geordi is a creeper who gets his love from the holodeck. That would shatter any man's ego.

[@glytchd]

Completely Agree with you on The Confidence thing. Both Aspects. The fact it HAD to be an alien influence always erked me. For more Personal reasons.. as a kid even im like: Nope! Ignoring that, The Confidence is coming from Within! Because if Gerodi can't figure himself out, then what chance do I have?? heh that was my feelings on it

[@harpercole5321]

Option 2 is good ;) I didn't see the lamentations status coming - just think of it as a middling and forgettable episode. That said, I haven't watched it very often through the years, on account of it being on the same disc as TBOBW. Worf's "I've been tutoring him" was a good line, I think? I'm going to be disappointed if next week's rumination is less than 2 hours long ... :p

[@clearmountain28]

Well, lore, the reason their ships aren't at the edge of their borders is because they watched all the Star Trek movies and realized its dumb to have all but one ship near your homeworld. 😁

[@mattcat83]

When every episode is independent of every other, having a few peak episodes like Best of Both Worlds is better than a bunch of mediocre ones.

[@DrownedInExile]

Damn. Back in the day I thought his ep was just ok. I suspect if I re-watched the whole thing now, I'd be just as pissed off as Lore. Strangely enough I liked Smooth Geordi, because it was such a refreshing change from Bumbling Geordi. I'd also give credit for John's line near the end: "You saw our changes as a threat to your authority. You were terrified of something you couldn't understand!" That's a good line. Also think about how many people today who are closet homosexuals, or trans, or atheists, whatever. They might be living in repressive regimes, where coming out equals imprisonment or death. As for how to fix this one? Have John claim to have amnesia, but he's lying. He doesn't know if he can trust the Enterprise crew. He's afraid they will react the same way his people did, once his condition manifests. He does come to trust Dr. Crusher. That puts Picard in a bind. He decides to sidestep the entire non-interference issue by coming about and leaving Zalcon space. Unfortunately they are intercepted by Sunad's battle-group (no need to show all the ships because of budget, just Sunad's command ship). No magic-force-choking, but the Enterprise is outnumbered. The situation is very tense, but John undergoes his final metamorphasis, and is able to end the standoff, the same as the episode.

[@JV-xf9ry]

This is what concerns me about today’s society. No, even that line you mentioned is just stupid. I don’t mean to hurt anyone’s feelings, but I don’t think homosexuality is a generally positive thing. But that doesn’t mean I fear what I don’t understand. And I don’t hate what I fear or don’t understand. As a scientist, I try very hard to understand that which I don’t understand. But why does Hollywood and leftists always try to paint those of us who don’t think like them as either dangerous, hateful, or fearful? I don’t hate homosexuals, I’m not afraid of them, and I actually understand them. I get along just fine with them. So your comment here is actually very wrong and betrays a serious lack of understanding.

[@DrownedInExile]

@@JV-xf9ry Oh get over yourself. My comment was pretty clearly directed at people who persecute LGBTQ+ people. Disapproval != persecution. They do so because they're terrified of someone they don't understand, the big bad Other. I stand by what I've said.

[@EnvisionerWill]

Obviously, keep the best episode good, rather than turning an awful episode into a mediocre one. This is win-win; not only do you have something amazing and classic, but you also have something that at least gains the "virtue" of being mockable, instead of just having two episodes that are both more average and forgettable than they could have been.

[@6zzzzzz6zzzzzz6]

You are right. This is almost a direct steel from Doctor Who "the mutants" only this ep. was better.

[@athrunzala6919]

No I thought John Pertwee did it better than Picard in this one

[@grantlloyd9131]

I am surprised.

[@athrunzala6919]

I'm late to commenting on this one due to St Patty's. But I guess I didn't miss anything. Uhhg, this episode. They can't do Beverley episodes very well.

[@glytchd]

"..And then it got to the point where John was walking around in Tight.White.Nylon. And that Synced it!" l0l Yes.. I feel you there :) Totally get it! haha ..." Is this old Doctor Who??" Haah you crack me up! :D You always give me such great levity!

[@sidchicken2308]

He didnt comment on it, but I’d say John was really happy ti be on the bridge in that last scene, if you catch my drift.

[@glytchd]

:D oh.. oh my! yes.. Forgot about that.. Dear lord xD @@sidchicken2308

[@1300l]

I think that Georgy was a virgin, on the way they make him near woman on this show. About the 10 Forward, i always see it as the VIP lounge, only the best officers go there

[@ifandbut]

BotBW over everything. I dont know what media would be like if BotBW wasn't as good as it is.

[@tomt.8387]

I am someone who enjoys the lamentations the most, but I find it a bit odd that this made the list. Several times you mentioned things that you liked. I feel like the bar for lamentation has been raised, hopefully not for the views- please don't take that the wrong way. I still liked this review, especially "Jon Doe-structor!". I find it odd how easily Geordi can pick up the ladies. They are basically falling over for him, in an unrealistic way. Geordi: Maybe you could use the company. Wamen: Yes. Definitely. Have my babies. Maybe it was the q-power.

[@misterlau5246]

It wasn't as unlikable as you said. Just those clothes, that jumpsuit that shows the evolving dude 's bulge 😅

[@miller-joel]

Maybe they don't a huge ten forwards because they have a few holodecks.

[@JV-xf9ry]

I’m getting to the TNG series discussions a bit late, so I doubt anyone reads my comments on these that I do. But, again thank you for doing these. I know I have complained a bit about your presentation style/mannerisms. I should remember that you were still kind of early on in these reviews and your presentation skills have improved a lot since you did these. As for this episode, since watching it on TV when it first came out I’ve actually hated this episode, despised, more than just can’t stand. There aren’t many Star Trek episodes (except now nearly all of Discovery and Picard) I actually hate. This is one of them. One of the others is Tin Man and that one in season 1 where Wesley is going to be executed for crushing some flowers, and the one where Troi is aged because a guy sapping her life. Yes, I can’t stand Tin Man. Why? The actor that plays the Betazed guy really is awful. An otherwise strong episode I can’t stand to watch because of that guy’s performance. Rascals I can enjoy because I can watch it as a fun episode that makes very little sense, but Tin Man is one I want to enjoy but just can’t because of the crappy job that actor did. This one, Transfigurations, has nothing. It’s just awful with no way to enjoy it. Unfortunately it’s burned into my brain because I watched it one time, and many years later I gave it another try thinking maybe it wasn’t as bad as I remember. I didn’t like Inner Light the first time I saw because I don’t like certain episodes, and that one falls into one of those categories (when actors try to play old people and the acting is terrible because nearly all actors think all old people should sound like Mr. Bojangles). Big mistake! I should not have watched this episode because if I watch something twice, now I remember the whole thing to include horrible details that just made it worse, for ever! I have a highly photographic memory. BTW, “locked room” episodes are another type I can’t stand. So you can imagine what I think of that Enterprise episode where Archer and T’pal are held captive in a shed while tied up with ropes. I basically skip through those scenes when I watch that episode. It actually improves quite a bit when you do that. P’jem I didn’t like much either because it’s a locked room episode, as is the DS9 episode where Cisco and Dukat are alone and Dukat has gone mad. Most like that one, but I find it hard to watch, although I’ve warmed up to it lately. Anyway, Transfigurations is one of those episodes that probably drove away first time TNG viewers. BTW... still trying to find someone to persuade me into thinking Babylon 5 is actually a really good show. Again, I actually laughed out loud the very first time I watched it, season 1 episode 1. It was about five years ago. The graphics were so bad I thought I was watching a spoof or some sort of fan fiction. No, it was the real thing! That was the mid-90’s! The graphics should have been way better. The actor that played the station commander was horrible. He often came across as a mid-60’s guy doing an old Buck Rogers episode (from the 30’s and 40’s). Just horrible. Since then, I’ve decided to give it another try. Still laughed at the graphics, but after season 1 the stories get better. I’m on season 2 now, and I’ve peeked forward a bit to see if the graphics improve. They do a little, but not nearly enough. It still looks really bad, especially when they ride on that subway car thingy, laughably bad graphics on those scenes. The recycled Star Trek actors and guest stars keep me going. And I like Boxlietner as an actor in B5, way better than the first season guy (shame he had serious schizophrenia).

[@theurbanloner8879]

Folks are here still reading through .

[@theurbanloner8879]

Lol graphics . You must be IGen. Any primitive CGI in a tv show is not that distracting because shows from the 90s were more dialog heavy as oppose to today's tv shows that are completely CGI.

[@linsqopiring6816]

No harm in responding then now or 20 years from now. There will always be people discovering this for the first time. This show and the reviews are timeless.

[@CRocketSlim]

Back in the day I thought this was more of a "meh" episode than full-on lamentable Truth be told I kind of like the stuff with Geordi but yeah this ep is pretty meh

[@glytchd]

I can feel ur lack of feeling from here.. I have to Agree, the Episode; as itself I mean.. yes very 'meh'.. Season 1ish

[@BlueWolfAlex]

To be honest, in my opinion, If you improved this episode and sacked the quality of BOBW, Star Trek would probably never have seen DS9 because it would have killed it. Granted I may be wrong because of ST6 but I don't think it would have peaked as you mention in S4 and S5 because it was TNG's popularity that allowed DS9 to be a thing (and survive it's S1 might I add)

[@glytchd]

This one Links up in my heart & mind with Tin Man & Hollow Pursuits.. Do you catch wind of the Implication? :) Btw LOVED your review of Tin-Man.. You articulate what I oft cannot Effify. The horror it must be to have all those Telepathic circuits turned ON.. before Birth even!

[@glytchd]

Well I WOULD be the one to know that feeling lol

[@EnvisionerWill]

One character doing a good commentary on how badly another character is acting - not enough to save an episode from Lamentation status, apparently.

[@gallendugall8913]

So boring I'd no memory of it beyond the bad glowy costume. A lot of continuity errors and characters acting out of character can be excused if the writer does something interesting with it. More often continuity errors exist and characters are made to act out of character because of bad lazy writing. Even as a first draft this script has issues that make it clear everything that happens was the first generic thing that popped into the writer's mind to have happen - the worst kind of lazy writing.

[@EnvisionerWill]

This is unquestionably a very boring, awfully paced, poorly thought out episode with terrible special effects. But I wouldn't have gone so far as to Lament it, if that was a thing that I did, because it has a few slight touches of brilliance here and there, which would make it worth the effort of rewriting the episode to try and salvage it, rather than just ejecting it entirely. And here's my single favorite thing about the episode - the scene you mention at about 26:30, where Dr. Crusher is chasing John Doe and then hesitates before calling security? Listen to the music in that scene. I actually thought this episode must have been scored by Ron Jones when I heard that little theme; instead, this one snippet of music is now my proof that Dennis McCarthy is a decent composer, even if he mostly does "wallpaper music" as you put it. When he's allowed to do something cool, he can, and he did it here.

[@nickokona6849]

The Zalconians were very meh. Mary Sue when plot demands. Otherwise, entirely forgettable. I am surprised about the lamentation status. It’s a boring episode to be sure. And I don’t like the Crusher “romance” angle. The clothing that’s not Starfleet Uniforms in Trek is almost always completely ridiculous looking. I’m also pretty damn sure the Zalconian ship is a reused Sheilak ship.

[@Kapitaen_Flauschbart]

The model was used earlyer too in season 1?! when troi was to be married to this young man that couldnt stop painting the woman in his mind. Turns out these were rather infamous deseased ones. The ship had a violet globe centered in the back ... remember?

[@nemesis9022]

Or maybe GTA 5 lol

[@thomasn3882]

Yet another open mockery of Christ and Christianity by this franchise.

[@JV-xf9ry]

Another reason I hate this episode. This is actually the third type I can’t stand. Episodes that openly mock and ridicule Christianity. Writers think they are doing good writing when they do this, but they are actually putting their own ignorance on full display quite often. When Picard rants against religion and the idea of God as coming from a place of ignorance, fear, and intolerance, the writers who wrote that as a direct attack on Christianity have no clue what they are talking about. I’ve had many debates with people who try making those same points and can usually logic them right out of their own opinions. Enough of that. It’s not the biggest problem with this episode, it’s just terrible all around.

[@mr51406]

One I’ve avoided rewatching all these years because it’s just another bullocky gawd-like alien. 🥱 Too bad for Gates McFadden. She’s an awesome actress and a good character, but most Beverly-centric episodes (plus the one McFadden directed) aren’t good (to say the least…). It’s a pity. At least “Planet Hell” looked impressive for once. First mention of O’Brien,kayaking and his shoulder? John didn’t do that great a job, finally… Who is the tailor on the Enterprise D? Awful jumpsuit for Q, almost kinky bodysuit for John Doe… Yes John is definitely alive we can see it in detail!🙄 So I agree with the lamentation. But not because it’s insulting or offensive, it’s just boring.