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In this issue, Robert Heyman continues to look back over Next Generation's
seventh and final year. Each issue of LogBook examines two more episodes under
his microscope (a study which began in the October issue).
Interface (2 out of 4 stars - okay).
"Sometimes, stopping by is just stopping by."
- Geordi, to Data)
While experimenting with a new interface device, Geordi learns that his
mother and her ship, the USS Hera, are missing. Geordi believes her to be alive
after encountering her image on a damaged starship trapped in a planet's
atmosphere.
Although Geordi finally gets some much-needed backstory, any emotional impact
is lost thanks to a silly and contrived B-story in which subspace aliens assume
his mother's form to help rescue them from imminent death in the planet's
atmosphere, serving as an inane catalyst for a final reconciliation between
Geordi and his distant mother.
LeVar Burton does the best he can with a script that offers little in the way
of excitement or character surprises. Why is it that nearly every regular on
the Enterprise has an estranged parent who has communication problems with their
child? First Riker and his dad, then Troi and her mom, and now Geordi and his
mom. It's an old and artificial way to manufacture conflict among characters,
more suited to a soap opera than a space adventure, and in this particular
episode the effectiveness is nil. If you're going to say something about a
character, say something new. The only redeeming qualities are an interesting
interface experiment and a cameo by Ben Vereen as Geordi's father. Too bad it
was wasted on this episode.
Gambit Part I (31/2
out of 4 stars - good).
"That's my sister. She's angry. She's got a vicious temper. I wouldn't
cross her."
- Riker, speaking of the incognito Beverly
In a rare action-adventure romp, the Enterprise crew is investigating the
apparent murder of Picard when it is discovered he's posing as a smuggler aboard
an alien ship in search of valuable artifacts.
It may not be your typical Trek-ian morality tale, but does it need to be?
It's fun to see Riker dodging phaser blasts and the crew getting slapped around
by greedy villains. They should have done this stuff more often. Location
photography provides some much needed scope and Peter Lauritson's sophomore turn
at directing is particularly effective, especially a wonderfully staged phaser
fight on the planet's surface (although all that Starfleet training never
included a course in how to aim your phaser).
The only weaknesses are some plastic characterization of the villains and
forced conflict between Worf and Data, who assumes command of the Enterprise
after Riker is captured. This episode nicely builds on the father/son
relationship between Picard and Riker as the two try to outwit Baran, played by
gruff Richard Lynch. And for those who really want to know, Sabrina LaBeauf
pops up in a who-cares cameo as the Ops office who helps Data chase down Baran's
ship. It's an exciting, special effects-laden installment with a cliffhanger
that could successfully pass for a season finale.
Robert
Heyman
This article originally appeared in the November 1994
issue of LogBook: The Zine
Reprinted with the permission of Robert Heyman. © 1994, 2001
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