"Interesting move sir. What technique was that?" "The technique of a desperate man."

And with this phrase repeated we begin another one of those confusing yet amazing time travel episodes. I've always liked this episode. I don't know why. I just like the story. First off the Lieutenant and Jean-Luc are showing off their fencing skills. When the Lieutenant beats Picard, he looks as if he was about to get beaten for defeating his captain.

I feel sorry for Picard. Every time he breaths with a little emotion, Troi has to jump done his throat. I mean this can be very beneficial, but when you are trying to work or accomplish something and your counselor wants to talk about your feelings that can be a tad annoying.

It was pretty cool to see 24th century transports hovering around the Eiffel Tower. I would be scared to death if I saw the past repeating itself as it did when Picard, Riker, and Data entered the lift. We talk, walk in the lift, the lift open to reveal them talking the same conversation they had just minutes before, and then to top it all off, begin communicating with yourselves in the past!

You have to feel for Picard when he admits his fear to Jenice. I have and I'm sure many others have been in this boat before. Commitment is asking a great deal out of someone. Sometimes people can't weigh the pros and cons effectively and panic. Hiding away is often the most effective way to alleviate the stress in the present, but has dire consequences in the future.

This is an episode where Data saves the day. Data rocks! The core of the time distortions was interesting. It appears they used a type of mirror affect to maybe simulate how the core reflects and manipulates time and dimension. After all of that, Picard and Riker make Troi pay for their drinks at the "Blue Parrot." What gentlemen.

I like this episode because it deals with time without the confusing jumps from past to present to future and back ten times, often exhibited in future Voyager episodes. In the words of Spock: "Fascinating." 4 out of 5.

RATING:

out of 5