Series: Star Trek:TNG
Episode: 3.01 Evolution (09-25-89) SEASON PREMIRE
Rating: 3/5
Redshirt Status: 0/0/21.5
Notable Guest Stars:
Ken Jenkins – Paul Stubbs
Review:
Beverly Crusher is back! They don’t really explain why Katherine left, only that Beverly is back in charge. Apparently her tour of duty at Starfleet Medical only lasted a year, but they are kind of vague on that matter as well.
On other notes, Wesley messes up by falling asleep while dealing with nano bots. It causes issues on the ship. Including with an experiment by Dr. Stubbs. The nanos take over the ship. Nanos are always troublemakers in science fiction, although I’ve seen it used for both good and bad in Star Trek.
I actually like Wesley in this episode. He starts acting like one would expect a teenager to act. Its also how an overworked person should act. I feel he’s not really treated like a wonder kid in this episode, which is an improvement. There are times within this series where Wesley gets treated with special treatment because of his brilliance or not allowed to be a simple teenager.
Beverly and Wesley’s relationship also seems natural. I feel Gates McFadden was given a little more leeway with her character then usual. She seems more comfortable in the role. Perhaps that is the absence of Maurice Hurley, who fired her in season 1. She seemed more comfortable in her relationships with other characters as well.
Actually I feel they all feel more comfortable in their roles this season. It could be because its season 3, or maybe the switching of behind the scenes people. I’m not sure. They also make sure to use more of the main crew rather then focusing on just a character or two.
I will say that the climax of this episode was kind of a let down. It seemed to end abruptly.
Interesting Notes:
- Written by Michael Piller and Michael Wagner
- Directed by Winrich Kolbe
- New Intro -I think.
- New Uniforms. Its kind of amusing to think that the red uniforms lasted for a couple of decades, and they keep changing them in the next one. On the bright side, these ones look much more comfortable. Except Deanna. Poor woman has to wait another season or so before they make things more comfortable for her. (later addition. Season 6. They wanted 6 years before she wore a regular uniform.)
Pros:
- Multiple characters being competent. You don’t have to wonder how these people got these jobs.
Cons:
- Nothing really stands out in this episode.
Editing note: I realize I haven’t been putting the seasonal tags on here, and I shall endeavor to start doing that again, as well as fix the old posts without the tag.
Screencaps via CygnusX1.net
Sokorra Lewis 