When I first saw "Best of Both Worlds" on TV I was very shocked... Captain Picard was a Borg! I can't remember how old I've have been at that time, but I know that watched the episode over and over again. I loved the way the crew acted to help Picard, and of course, as any other boy in that age, I was fascinated by the dozens of destroyed Starfleet ships. Another reason why so many people and so many friends of mine were very interested in this episode is that the German title (I'm from Austria) is "Angriffsziel: Erde" (translated: "Target Earth"). Of course in 1990 there weren't many science-fiction series, and people were overwhelmed by a battle in outer space. Well, back to my own feelings: "Best of Both Wolrds" is an interesting, overwhelming, fascinating and impressing episode. The cast did a great job, the effects made me believe that Star Trek is the best TV show the world had ever seen. Well, now I'm watching other series too, but "Best of Both Worlds" remains to be one of my favorite episodes on TV.

When "The Best of Both Worlds" first aired on television, I was but a boy of roughly 6 years in age, and hadn't a clue what Star Trek was. I wasn't even 'aware' of it as everyone else on earth is by the time they're a teenager. Star Trek didn't come into my life until much later, my 10th going on 11th year. In a sense though, "The Best of Both Worlds" was very much at the
heart of how I became a Trekkie-for-life. You see, with only a smattering of original series episodes and a quick viewing of TWOK to be my guide, when November 22, 1996 rolled around I went to the theatre to see "Star Trek: First Contact" - a film based on a crew I didn't know, fighting an enemy I knew nothing about, in a universe I'd only just begun to delve into.

That film though, inspired by and the direct sequel to "The Best of Both Worlds" was the defining moment for me in my exploration of Trekism. I can still see in my mind the Worf/Picard bridge confrontation scene on that big screen so many years ago. When I finally saw "The Best of Both Worlds" a full six months later, it was an answer in so many ways. I had become a Trekkie by then, watching TOS, TNG, DS9, starting down the path towards Voyager, but seeing this hallmark episode really gave me a sense of understanding I'd lacked before. I understood Picard's anger and hate. The fear everyone had of these what looked to me at the time to be little more than over-grown robot zombies. It all came together for me with that episode.

"Certainly, the one thing people will never forget about BoBW is the incredible ending to Part One: After seeing Picard's implanted body and hearing his mechanical words, and despite the emotional turmoil this causes the bridge crew, Riker still must take action to save Earth and end all hope for a rescue. I was literally on the edge of my seat waiting for his next command. The camera movement around Riker, the great music, the expectant look on Shelby's face,
and, then, the word: "Fire!". With the sudden fade to black and the almost cruel "To be continued...." etched into our minds, we were left dangling like nothing we had experienced before on Star Trek. Those few minutes and the resulting months of agony people still talk about today! It is easily Trek's best cliffhanger."

For the First Time watching Star Trek... I was never more shocked, surprised and I couldn't wait for the Conclusion of "Best of Both Worlds.' Since it was a event I invited a few of my friends over to watch it and we made a party out of it. This was the first time I was in Utter Disbelief when you see the words To be continued in a Star Trek.....It was unheard of for a cliff-hanger. We all Screamed and the cat we had Ran faster than Warp Speed. *the second time was Enterprise's Zero Hour lol*

The Ending had all of us in our Seats. Will Jean-Luc Picard be part of the Borg Collective. Will they be able to save Earth? Will Picard be Rescued? Will Commander Riker Become the new Captain of the Enterprise?

Still considered a fan favourite "Best of Both Worlds" captured our imagination and is still considered A Next Generation Favourite.