Enterprise has another encounter with Q who temps Riker with power.
This is a fairly solid episode with some strong themes about the corruption of power, albeit presented in a very unsubtle way.
The plot is rather simplistic and predictable as it gets the point across, but it provides some fine character moments for Picard, Q, Riker, Worf and Data.
Riker's closely scrutinised behaviour with the addition of superpowers is an interesting arc and is done well. Whether or not the crux of the episode is an effective way to resolve the situation is debatable, but it works for me. There is an groan-inducing level of cynicism in me that requires a big suspension of disbelief for it to work though.
The visuals are pretty good, with an 80s Star Trek standard of planet set design which is all part of the fun. The various costumes and guises of Q are entertaining.
Most performances are good, especially Patrick Stewart and John de Lancie who light up the screen with their exchanges, particularly when quoting Shakespeare.
Jonathan Frakes is solid portraying Riker with a slight change of attitude. He carries the episode quite well with an imposing presence and delivers his lines with a good balance of control and emotion.
Denise Crosby displays a more vulnerable side to Yar very well. Brent Spiner is excellent, particularly when delivering Data's response to Riker's gift offer. Gates McFadden is okay but feels like she is reciting lines in some scenes. Michael Dorn is bizarre with his growling and comical Klingon mannerisms. LeVar Burton lacks conviction in most of his lines.
This is a fairly solid episode with some strong themes about the corruption of power, albeit presented in a very unsubtle way.
The plot is rather simplistic and predictable as it gets the point across, but it provides some fine character moments for Picard, Q, Riker, Worf and Data.
Riker's closely scrutinised behaviour with the addition of superpowers is an interesting arc and is done well. Whether or not the crux of the episode is an effective way to resolve the situation is debatable, but it works for me. There is an groan-inducing level of cynicism in me that requires a big suspension of disbelief for it to work though.
The visuals are pretty good, with an 80s Star Trek standard of planet set design which is all part of the fun. The various costumes and guises of Q are entertaining.
Most performances are good, especially Patrick Stewart and John de Lancie who light up the screen with their exchanges, particularly when quoting Shakespeare.
Jonathan Frakes is solid portraying Riker with a slight change of attitude. He carries the episode quite well with an imposing presence and delivers his lines with a good balance of control and emotion.
Denise Crosby displays a more vulnerable side to Yar very well. Brent Spiner is excellent, particularly when delivering Data's response to Riker's gift offer. Gates McFadden is okay but feels like she is reciting lines in some scenes. Michael Dorn is bizarre with his growling and comical Klingon mannerisms. LeVar Burton lacks conviction in most of his lines.