"What's the matter with these people? How can he be the captain of the vessel and be ignorant of its simplest functions?"

One of the most striking things about this episode is the fact that we have Lieutenant Yar on the bridge again after she died in the previous episode ("Skin of Evil"). Someone wasn't paying attention it seems. The sun flares were pretty sweet looking. I thought it was interesting how they blocked out the brightness with a black dot. I guess it blocks out the majority of the rays entering the viewer.

I must say the look on the bridge crew's face is pretty funny as they talk to the freighter captain. He has no clue about the simplest ship functions and they have "what dink!" look on their faces. It seemed to me that Picard had to talk to him like a kid at one point.

It would be pretty cool to have a natural electrical charge. Someone annoys you, zap them until they stop. Interesting concept. I must say I don't care much for the Brekkians either. They seem to be the typical snobs that think they have one up on everyone. I know a lot of people who go to my school like that...actually 95%.

They need to stop shutting Data up! Every time he just wants to add a point or make a correction, or state a more exact number, they all say, "Enough Mr. Data." What is up with that!

Once again Picard is the man with the plan. I think the way he handled the situation was the only way. The withdrawal symptoms would be great I'm sure, but sometimes drastic times call for drastic measures. I can't see how anyone could do drugs. Granted, in this case they didn't know, but I mean voluntarily. All the thing is doing is destroying your mind, body, and spirit. Yar's explanation of the effects was dead on. All you care about is your next dosage and everything else is useless.

Picard's advice/explanation at the end of the episode was also dead on. The prime directive IS an extremely correct philosophy. And it is true what he said about advanced races interfering with less advanced. History has shown us many times over that that statement is true. I also liked Picard's response to "Where shall we go next?" He replies with the best possible reply. "Somewhere far away from here." You know how many times I'd like to just warp away from crap? A LOT! Lucky 24th century people!

This was another great Trek episode with a good story. Four out of five.

RATING:

out of 5