TNG 1x01: "Encounter at Farpoint"

[tafadhali.livejournal.com]

Episode Notes:
+ Good call on introducing Q in the first episode. He sadly wore no sarapes, but I did dig the "drugged out soldier" look on him. Also his eternal flirtation with Picard. "Temper, temper, mon capitain."
+ But as if Q gives a shit about what humanity does. He just thought the Captain had purty eyes.
+ DEFORREST MOTHERFUCKING KELLEY. With his thick accent and his grumbling about Vulcans and his hatred of being beamed places. HE IS A SWEARING CURMUDGEONLY 137 YEAR OLD, AND WHY THE FUCK NOT. I love him.
+ Data tried to whistle and now he and Riker are friends. ♥

Overall Reaction: I, along with pretty much every other sensible Trekkie, have a soft spot in my heart for Q episodes, and they have historically been the only Next Generation episodes I have actually sought out and purposefully watched. This one was new to me, because my Trek buddy myhappyface deemed it not interesting enough to merit viewing, and I agree that it is a weak Q-vehicle. In the range of S1 episodes though? This one is pretty darn good (and does (SPOILER ALERT!) a good job in making the series finale a no-brainer). It introduces the characters well, even if it's odd seeing future major players be sideliners here, and delivers classic Trek omnipotent-being-presents-moral-test entertainment.

Star Rating: *** out of ****

Quote of the Episode:

Picard: Using the same strength you showed with Captain De Soto, I would appreciate it if you could keep me from making an ass of myself with children.
Riker: Sir?
Picard: I'm not a family man, Riker. And yet, Starfleet has given me a ship with children aboard.
Riker: Yes, sir.
Picard: And I, uh, I don't feel comfortable with children. But since a Captain needs an image of geniality, you're to see that's what I project.