"Maybe I have been playing politics too long. Perhaps I see conspiracies everywhere." "Coming of Age" is an episode that is not in itself significant but sets up the basis for another story - "Conspiracy", later this season. This is also so the first time we meet the Benzite race and see what an entrance exam is like for Starfleet Academy.

The first thing I need to get off my chest is how much I hate Remmick! There is just something about that guy that annoys the hell out of me! Apparently the same thing went for my main man Will Riker. Speaking of which, I loved how Riker put him in his place. Remmick had been pestering and bothering everyone constantly and Riker asked Captain Picard what's up. When he realized Picard was forced to follow what Remmick said and cooperate with him no matter what, Riker stormed out and was approached by Remmick who asked to see him. Riker just kept walking saying "When I have time for you and when I'm finished with my duties." Take that you stuck up Dweeb! GO WILL!

Anyway, the shuttle incident proved that Picard is the man with the plan! It also explained where Jake Kurland lost those 32 points. His plan I thought was pretty ingenious. Use the atmosphere as a trampoline to bounce the shuttle back up. Jean-Luc is the man!

I don't care what Oliana Mirren says, Wesley is not cute! Anyway, I thought the tests that Wesley had to navigate through where very good and challenging. The two that stood out in my mind were the cross-culture test and Psych-test.

Wesley was lucky to realize that Rondon was Zaldan or he probably would have been pounded to a pulp. That is a clever way to test someone. Without a doubt one thing diplomats must learn is how to respect and abide by another's culture.

The Psych-Test must be insanely hard. Being forced to face your fears head on and overcome them must be one of the most difficult things to do. Wesley's performance was excellent. He was as cool and collected as anyone could have been in that situation and did the right thing. I don't give him very many compliments but he deserved this one.

I loved Worf in this episode! First of when Remmick asked if he liked him, Worf just calmly says, "Is it required, sir?" Priceless! Also I thought the advice he gave to Wesley was good.

Finally I thought the advice Picard gave Wesley at the end of the show was right on. "The only person you are truly competing against is yourself." And "Your failures and successes have to be measured within, Wesley. Not by me or anyone else..." Good advice to live by in my book.

Overall, I thought this was a good episode. Definitely worth a watch if you haven't seen it. I think I'll give it a 4 star rating. .

RATING:

out of 5