Series: Star Trek The Next Generation
Episode: 1.23 Skin of Evil (04-25-88)
Rating: 5/5
Redshirt Status: 1/4
Notable Guest Stars:
Mart McChesney – Armus
Ron Gans – voice of Armus
Review:
I believe, outside the films, this is the first episode where a major character was killed and was not brought back to life at some point. This is Tasha’s last episode and I’ll miss her. I am okay with her death only because I understand that the actress felt it was not the right place for her. I don’t really care for killing a character off in response to an actor leaving, but at least Yar is killed in the line of duty and not in some random way (I’m looking at you, Downton.)
According to the wikpedia page, Denise Crosby had felt her character hadn’t seen much development, or scenes like the ones she had with Worf. I can understand her feeling that way. Unfortunately, none of the female characters were developed well in this season. Beverly got developed the most. Tasha just shouted about danger, and Troi just expressed that something felt off. The cast had quite a shuffle in the next few months as Yar is killed off and Crusher apparently spends a year on some mission because they didn’t want to renew Gates McFadden’s contract. Marina Sirtis apparently thought she was on the verge of being fired herself.
The production team needed to get things together here.
This episode as an episode is not that great. It however significant to the series. The final scene where they say goodbye to Tasha is emotional. The idea of the ship crew being a family is brought up several times in the episode. Troi brings it up as to why the crew finds it so necessary to save her, and why she would give her life for all of them. Tasha brings it up in her recored last words, calling them her family.
Worf becomes acting chief of Security, a role he would keep until the end of Enterprise’s run. I think starting at this point they stop making Troi just a warning stick as well.
Interesting Notes:
- Written by Robert Lewin (Story by Robert Lewin, Richard Manning, and Hans Beimler)
- Directed by Win Phelps
- Interesting prop ingredients include Metamucil.
Pros:
- Development of Troi
- Development of Data
- Subtle Riker/Troi moments.
Cons:
- Tasha Yar dies
Sokorra Lewis 