As we near the end of our journey through season two of Star Trek: The Next Generation, it is definitely safe to say that year two’s stories were downright inconsistent at best. Because for every ‘Q Who’ or ‘The Measure of a Man’, there were stories that were downright messy or beyond silly and while that is disappointing in its own right, since we all know this series is capable of so much more, inconsistency is tolerable. After all, there are still growing pains when a series is this young. But while one can overlook mistakes for that reason, it is hard to remain silent when a show oversteps its bounds and puts together a woefully terrible and outright offensive episode.

Something that sadly happened in season one unfortunately, and 'Code of Honor' was so embarrassing, that every fan out there was hoping that such a mess would never happen again. But alas, getting out of season two without having that kind of mistake rear its head once more just wasn’t in the cards for this series. Because the next episode in this storied saga, took the time to add stereotypes to an already messy plotline and that makes ‘Up the Long Ladder’ another low point for the franchise. Which is an outright shame, since this story had the potential to be something quite special. Because this one saw the crew of the Enterprise deal with two isolated colonies from mankind’s early voyages into the stars, and they were more or less in serious peril. For one colony needed to relocate because the star in their system was going nova, while the other one had to resort to cloning to survive, and they were seeing deadly degradation begin to sneak into their recycled genetic codes. 

Which means this story should have provided the audience with some juicy explorations on how we adapt and survive, and the importance of changing one’s habits when extremely bad ones persist. But instead, this story quickly devolved into a slight against people of Irish decent. Because the first colony was in essence, akin to Ireland in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, and every single character introduced from this colony; was a variation of every single stereotype that has ever existed in regard to Irish individuals. For we had drunks and marginalized women and the list of unfortunate tropes here simply goes on and on, to the point where you are uncomfortable watching because the insults toward this culture and its people never stop, and it only gets worse from there.

Because the clones are just downright boring, and despite being forged from brilliant minds they are somehow unable to handle logical thought. Which makes them one-dimensional and predictable and that removes gravity from their attempt to clone Dr. Pulaski and Commander Riker. But truly, the worst part of this particular tale, is its ending. Because rather than give these two peoples an open decision as to how to live their lives and how to shape their future, they’re basically forced together because no one wants to deal with their crap. Plus, they're expected to use one another for breeding stock and that’s just awful and laughable and silly, and this is just another script that leaves one baffled as to how the hell it made it through the approval process.
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For there is nothing funny about these kinds of stereotypes and nothing compelling about desperate clones. But alas, this is what we get, and that’s a shame. Because it was all incredibly embarrassing to watch and thankfully, this one is over and we never have to discuss it or look at it again. But what’s truly amazing, is that while this episode is about as rough as it can get, it is still not the absolute worst episode that season two has to offer. That honor was reserved for the woefully bad season finale, a tale that sadly, we will be revisiting soon. And all that we can hope for in the meantime, is that what precedes that hideous mess offers up something worthwhile, in order to soften the blow of one bad finale. Until next time. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the ‘Nepal Special’ episode of ‘Top Gear.

Let’s be honest, buying a new car can be quite the painstaking experience. Simply because, there are so many choices out there, and it is so difficult to know exactly which vehicle will not only meet all of your everyday needs, but go above and beyond if necessary. After all, you want your investment to be ready for anything in the city or if you decide to take a drive out to the mountains and the countryside, and reviews don’t always help; and that’s why we turn to shows like Top Gear to get the right kind of advice on such matters. Because Freddie, Paddy and Chris do a fine job of testing out not only the most incredible rides out there, but the practical ones as well. And it just so happens that last night’s special episode of the show, took the time to explore what kind of ride would benefit all of us, by way of a grand competition to uncover what vehicle would serve best as the ultimate city car.

Or rather, that was the idea. Because in reality, the ‘Nepal Special’ really didn’t pinpoint the ultimate city car for the audience in the slightest. Instead, this story quickly evolved into an incredibly wild road trip. One that saw a city car of the lads’ choosing, traverse impossible obstacles in the hostile landscape of the Himalayan mountains, as the trio worked to travel from Kathmandu to the forbidden city of Lo Manthang and it is the vehicles that our intrepid drivers chose, that made this special so worth our while. For Chris stepped behind the wheel of a Renault 4, a durable and feisty economy car that he believed would be versatile enough to traverse the hostile landscape no problem. Whereas Paddy selected the Peugeot 106 Rallye. A plucky hatchback that Paddy expected to fly over the route, and their choices stood in stark contrast to Freddie’s selection of the Hulas Mustang; a mysterious SUV that no one even knew existed until it pulled up with Freddie inside of it. 

If anything, this was quite the diverse selection of cars to make this treacherous trek and while one would think that the ride up the mountains would start off smoothly, since the lads were kicking off this voyage inside the city, it didn’t take long for us to realize that this was going to be one difficult journey indeed. Because the 106 got stuck often on its way out of Kathmandu and needed a few tows to properly get started and well, things only got tougher from there. Because a lot of the roads in Nepal aren’t paved and the harsh mountain weather, they encountered made those roads difficult to navigate, to the point where damage was incurred. But believe it or not, this trio of value rides continued along as best they could and for a time it seemed as though nothing, not even a touch of flooding, could stop this convoy from reaching its destination. 

But alas, the final leg of the journey proved to be too much for the Renault to deal with. For the incline to Lo Manthang was more than its engine could handle. Which meant that Freddie spent most of this part of their drive, towing that vehicle and while that sounds uneventful, the fact that this had to happen on narrow roads; made for one intense segment. Because the edge of the mountain was quite literally inches from their tires and on several occasions, we saw the entire trio take a moment to breathe over how terrifying an experience, being that close to the edge, turned out to be. But thankfully, they made it through this treacherous part of their journey and eventually two of the three cars made it to the forbidden city. Because sadly, the Renault’s hand brake failed at the wrong time and that sent the car rolling and eventually careening down an incline and that forced the lads to leave it behind in an honorable manner.

Because that little ride accomplished impossible wonders in this tale, and it brought Chris within a mile or two of Lo Manthang and really in the end, this was just an incredible special episode of the series. For it went from being something that seemed like the norm to an epic road trip, one that you easily got lost within, thanks to the incredible sights we were treated to as Freddie and Paddy and Chris traversed a forbidden and beautiful land. And as an added bonus, this particular episode offered up a lot of laughs as well. For our favorite trio found themselves in some quirky and hilarious situations along the way and really, in the end, this was just an amazing way to kick off Season 28. For you simply cannot go wrong with an episode that provides you with an incredible sense of adventure, and cool value cars that can take a beating and keep on kicking and all this does, is get one excited for more adventures on the road and that will make the wait for next week’s episode, a difficult one indeed. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the fifth episode of ‘Earthflight’.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve been able to learn some incredible facts about birds and the lives they lead in the wild, all courtesy of the BBC America documentary, Earthflight. For this particular series has provided us with unprecedented access to these fine feathered fowl and that has allowed for us to see what kinds of struggles they face on a consistent basis out there in the world, all while providing us with some genuinely beautiful moments as well. For we have also seen these creatures care for their young in a tender and earnest manner and we’ve also come to learn that these animals are quite sentimental. Since they venture to the same breeding grounds on an annual basis and even keep nests in their families for generations.  
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But while it has been quite incredible to see and learn all of those things, thus far the documentary has yet to show us, in great detail, how birds cope with the fact that they share a world with mankind. Because just like birds, we are pretty much everywhere, and our cities and our world have changed the landscape of how they function. But as it turns out, the next episode in this incredible franchise took the time to dig into that. Since ‘Asia & Australia’ showed us how the migratory patterns of some birds in this part of the world, takes them through densely populated areas. And believe it not, mankind and bird tend to get along better than we could possible realize. Since sometimes we are able to help them avoid trouble during their long journeys.

For there are cranes that migrate from Siberia to the southern hemisphere and in order to reach their final destination, they have to navigate through the heart of the Himalayan mountains. Which is no easy task when one considers the fact that powerful winds blast through this massive mountain range. But somehow these cranes find a way through it and survive the predators that lurk in this area and one of the elements that helps them get through this nightmare, are people. For we have settled some parts of this harsh landscape, which allows for these cranes to just relax in civilized portions of the mountains and catch their breath, until the time arrives once again to continue their long and winding journey to their final destination.

But while it was nice to see a helping hand take place, the finest example of how well mankind and bird coexist in the modern world, came about late in this story. Since we were able to learn that in some parts of the world, birds are quite revered and respected. To the point where they are often welcomed with open arms, and the birds in those respective areas are fully aware of how welcome they are, and nest and thrive and feed there. And this high level of respect has become so engrained in some parts of the world, such as Japan, that both predator and bird alike are able to coexist in relative harmony. Since mankind goes the extra mile to ensure that everyone in that area is fed, and that made for one wondrous and thoughtful finale to this particular tale.

For it just goes to show that with a little effort, mankind can indeed peacefully coexist with just about any species out there. Provided of course we offer them respect and kindness and safety and well, seeing that in a documentary leaves one to wonder what our world would look like if we bothered to make that happen everywhere. But that is a topic for another time, and in the here and the now, it is best we celebrate another fascinating chapter in this incredible documentary. Because it was simply magical to see mankind and bird living alongside one another without a care in the world and it was equally as amazing to see how birds have adapted to the modern world over the years and well, now that we have finished our up close look at the lives of birds around the globe, it should be interesting to see how this saga wraps up next week. Since we are apparently going to learn how this beautiful story came to fruition. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 105 of ‘Ted Lasso’.
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When we get through a rough patch in our lives, and take the time to look back upon it, we immediately think about how those difficult days were more beneficial to us than we originally gave them credit. For strife is something that builds character in all of us, since it helps us to understand the value of life and all of its little wonders, and that’s why stories about strife and the struggle to overcome it are so incredibly popular. Because they serve to remind us that we can in fact, achieve wonders when we hold our heads high, regardless of what is coming our way. But while that is indeed a wonderfully inspirational way to tell a story, these uplifting tales tend to overlook something supremely important when it comes to surviving tough times.
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In that, we don’t simply ‘get over them’. Because rough stuff is well, rough, and it can break people emotionally and bring them to their knees physically. But those days are so dark that we tend to overlook the fact that at some point during them, we made an important choice. One motivated by the fact, that we were done with feeling low, and that in order to feel good about anything again, we needed to make some serious changes to our lives, and truly the stories that focus upon that are the ones that are special indeed. Since they bother to show us how tough that decision can be and how difficult it is to execute in everyday life. Which is another reason that Ted Lasso is truly one of the most unique shows on the air right now, since its next episode took the time to focus upon that all-important moment when we realize that a change must come.

Because when we catch up with Ted in ‘Tan Lines’, he’s still struggle bussing. For AFC Richmond has now lost four in a row, and his star player only cares about himself and nothing else. And until Jamie gets with the program the losing will likely continue, and Ted seems unsure of how to proceed in getting Mister Tartt to finally wake up to the fact that the team should matter above all else. Plus, the one thing that should be bringing him joy is leaving him in quite the conflicted place mentally and emotionally. Because despite the fact that his wife and son have joined him across the pond for a short visit, Michelle Lasso is clearly miserable with her current martial situation, leaving Ted in no better position now than he was when he first opted to make this journey. Since taking this job was part of his grand plan to save his marriage in the first place. 

But after talking with his closest and newest friends, Ted quickly comes to realize that if he is ever going to find romantic happiness and professional success for that matter as well, serious changes have to happen in his life and that prompted him make some bold decisions. One of which, was to bench the team’s superstar. Because it didn’t matter how many goals Jamie scored or how talented he was, he had to understand what really mattered. And in the middle of a tough game Ted sat him down and despite the flack he took for this decision from the fans, it paid off in spades. Because it removed the negative air surrounding the team and let others shine on the field, and that led to Ted Lasso’s first win as a professional soccer coach and well, this big win and turnaround prompted Ted to make another big change in his life. 
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For it was obvious at this point, that he and Michelle were simply going through the motions and that the love and the magic in their relationship was gone. Which meant, it was time to set Michelle free and let her find her own path, and in turn Ted would find his own as well, and this was just… powerful to watch play out. Because it takes serious guts to end a long-term relationship that means the world to us, especially when children are involved. But Ted did it. Simply because it was the right thing to do for all parties involved. Because their current arrangement was the definition of insanity and well, while this obviously produced some serious pain, deep down Ted knew that this was necessary to turn his life around and it will be supremely interesting to see where Ted’s decisions will take us in the weeks to come. 

Because everything he did here will indeed have consequences, and the professional ones will make themselves apparent first, since Jamie will not handle his benching well in the slightest. But in the here and the now, it is best we celebrate one incredible and inspiring tale. Because this particular chapter in Ted Lasso’s life really did dive deep into something that we just don’t see in storytelling all that often, and it deserves serious credit for reminding us that personal bravery and sacrifice is sometimes the only way out of the darkness. Which is quite the inspiring message to inject into what is supposed to be a simple comedy about a down home coach who is in over his head. But this series is anything but simple and hopefully it continues to stay complex and philosophical as season one continues along. Because everything it is sending our way, lifts one’s spirits, and we definitely need more of that right now. Until next time.   

One would think, that as a new television show continues along and begins to find its footing, that every single episode it offers up would be better than the last. But alas, that is simply not the case. For it takes years for a television series to find its voice and its direction and that is an unfortunate fact that applies to Star Trek: The Next Generation as well. Because despite season two’s far better offerings storytelling wise, there were still some stories that simply didn’t resonate with the audience or offered up odd moments and odd plots and sadly, the next episode in this storied saga reminds of us this unfortunate fact since it was a touch sub-par.
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Because ‘Samaritan Snare’ is a story that is quite frankly all over the place. For not only does this particular tale feature competing plotlines that switch back and forth too often, there are characters in this story who simply aren’t themselves and that makes for a jarring experience to say the least. Especially when it comes to Captain Picard. Because he’s just a straight up jerk in this tale, and his crankiness here is attributed to the fact that he needs his artificial heart replaced and for some reason, Jean-Luc Picard, the epitome of balance and understanding; seems to believe that revealing any weakness to his crew would be a mistake. Which is just out of place for this character and the weirdness doesn’t end there.

For once he and young Wesley Crusher are aboard shuttle Einstein, Picard suddenly becomes the Captain we know and love. And he’s now happy to break bread with Wesley and treat him like a man and he even goes so far as to open up about his affliction and how it happened. Which in turn sets the stage for a very important episode down the line. But in the here and the now, this is the stuff we crave when it comes to Jean-Luc, and while it is beautiful to watch him be the dynamic and thoughtful captain, we so love, everything that happens in this segment of the story is lacking gravity. Largely because he was just so mean to Wesley, ten minutes before offering him a sandwich and also because this segment is so incredibly rushed.

Because there is the other plot line happening at the same time, wherein the Enterprise responds to a nearby distress call, and what they find when they arrive is unsettling for certain. For they more or less run into a ship full of malicious scavengers, who love to play dumb and innocent in order to steal technology, or people that will benefit them and their future. Which is why they go above and beyond to steal Geordi. But while that seems pretty straightforward and tough to mess up, what makes this plot so cumbersome and irritating is the sheer fact that the crew straight up insults these beings on a regular basis. Which really is out of place since this is the 24th Century, where all are respected and welcome and well, this plotline and Picard’s would have benefitted greatly from being two separate episodes, so that they could have received proper care in the writer’s room. 

But alas, what is done is done and this is what we are left with. So, really, it is best we celebrate the good parts of this tale. Because it was quite nice to see Riker and the senior staff work out a lovely plan to rescue Geordi, one that didn’t bring any harm to anyone since that is something we’ve come to expect from this series and this franchise. Plus, it was also quite lovely to learn about how Picard lost his heart and what kind of a man he was in his youth and that really does get one excited to re-watch ‘Tapestry’. But outside of that, meh. But thankfully this one is done, and we can move onto bigger and better TNG stories. For we are in fact, closing in on the season two finale and once we get out of year two, nothing but outright wonders await us. We just have to slog through some of the mess, a little longer. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 104 of ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’.
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When we think about the incredible and heroic captains that steer the ships that populate the Star Trek Universe, we think little about their motivations. Because when we catch up with these skippers, they’re already wonderfully fleshed out characters and true heroes through and through. So, there’s no need to ponder upon their nature or what drives them because they are ready to influence their crew and the audience to be better people, and that’s always a wonderful aspect of enjoying a new Trek show. But at some point, we do need to ponder upon what makes a captain a captain. Because somewhere along the line they made a choice to be something greater in this fleet and oddly enough Star Trek: Lower Decks toyed with this notion during this week’s episode.
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A feat that ‘Moist Vessel’ accomplished by putting Ensign Mariner through the ringer. Because once again, she was quick to question protocol and structure aboard the ship, and doing so in front of another captain, prompted her mother to make life difficult for her daughter aboard the Cerritos. Which meant that Mariner was assigned all the awful jobs, the kind that no one should enjoy. All in the hopes of either whipping her into shape or getting her to resign from Starfleet and well, this is a plan that backfired. Because Mariner made the best of a bad situation and even figured out how to have fun and well, one way or another, her mother was going to get her way and enacted a new plan to get her daughter to walk away from a career in the stars. One that was quite frankly as dastardly as they come. 

Because a promotion to Lieutenant would require Mariner to attend every meeting and be involved in the mundane duties that she simply cannot stand doing in the slightest. But despite having to sit in meetings that highlighted what chairs to replicate for future conference rooms, she still did her duty and stayed the course and well, it is amazing that she stuck around for this kind of torture. For if Mariner hates Starfleet and its design so much, it makes no sense that she would continue to toil aboard a ship, her mother’s no less, and being promoted should have worked in getting her to walk away. But a poor decision from the captain of the Merced forced Mariner into action, in order to save the ship from a powerful goop that could create biological life, and that is where this grand exploration of what makes young officers, great officers got underway. 

For Mariner shined during this part of the story and went the extra mile to save the ship and the crew of the Merced from a horrible fate. All before being demoted for disrespecting an Admiral and well, hearing what she had to say to her mother during this crisis and seeing how she responded to her reward, speaks volumes to the fact that Mariner and the greats of Starfleet, really do join up to be something more and to better themselves and their crew-mates and humanity as a whole. But the difference between Mariner and say, Jean-Luc Picard, is the sheer fact that a man like Picard was willing to follow the protocols of Starfleet to a tee, whereas Mariner thinks they are stupid and boring and quite frankly, restrictive.

Which means that if her mother or another high-ranking officer took the time to figure out how to properly reach Mariner and let her work at her own pace, then perhaps she will indeed become the next great captain. But for now, it seems, she’s happy to go her own way and really in the end, all of this made for one fantastic and fun episode. One that really allowed for us to get to know the captain and her intrepid daughter and one that also taught us a sick and sassy new Vulcan hand salute and truly this series continues to impress week in and week out. Because it simply offers the perfect balance of heart and comedy and a grand analysis on the franchise as a whole and you can’t go wrong with that. But what matters most in regard to this tale, is that now everyone on the Cerritos knows what Ensign Mariner is capable of as an officer and it should be interesting to see what will come out of that fascinating revelation in the weeks to come. Until next time.  

If there is one irrefutable truth in regard to modern mankind, it would have to be that we are at the absolute top of the food chain on planet Earth. For there is no creature on this planet that we genuinely fear will take us down on a moment’s notice, because we are the apex predator and being able to decide the fate and the path of this world’s wildlife has given us unprecedented confidence to do as we please and it has also provided us with a stunning sense of security. For we really can sleep well at night knowing that we are in charge and the only thing that can cause us trouble in our down time, is either our own mistakes or our fellow man. 

Which really begs some important questions, in that… what would happen to us if by chance a creature emerged from the unknown that could in fact, challenge mankind? Would we band together and find a way to fight off this new threat? Or would we crumble at the possibility of being challenged by something quite powerful? Of course, one would hope that we would band together, creating our finest hour as a species, but we may never really know. For this planet has been conquered by mankind and likely, our greatest challenge lies amongst the stars. And it just so happens that the whole notion of dealing with beings that are stronger than humanity, came up in the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and that makes ‘Q Who’ an incredibly important story, one that would set the stage for some big moments down the line. 

For this particular tale saw the crew of Enterprise deal with the return of Q, who had been banned from the Continuum, for his continued attempts to make mankind his plaything. And it was his hope that perhaps Picard and his merry shipmates would accept a lonesome Q aboard the ship as their new guide. One that would help them navigate terrors unknown in the galaxy. A request that Picard was quick to deny, since he firmly believed that mankind was ready to handle anything the universe could send its way and also because… he’s not exactly a fan of Q. But that arrogant statement infuriated Q to no end and motivated him to put humanity in harm’s way by introducing the 1701-D to the apex predator of the galaxy and just like that… we met The Borg. A race of cybernetic beings that consume all things and well, this is an episode that holds up quite well after all these years.

In large part, because it plays out like a mystery, since we know little about the Borg and the slow reveal of how they function and what they want is downright terrifying for certain. But what matters more, is that the crew does meet their superior at last and seeing that happen on screen, when Starfleet has saved the day more times than we can count, is a chilling experience indeed. One that manages to outright frighten the crew and in turn the audience. Because the thought of humanity fighting a soulless and zombie-like foe that is relentless and powerful and seemingly invincible is a horrifying thought indeed and thankfully, rather than let fear infect their minds, the crew comes together to put up a valiant if not futile fight. But the finest part of this segment of the story, is that Picard shows great humility in order to end this awful battle and truly, that is likely what would be crucial to humanity surviving an encounter with a species stronger that is than us. Because knowing our limits would motivate us to take a new angle in the fight, something that doesn’t quite show up here simply because the series was saving that for later.

Mainly because the Borg would eventually become quite the foe for the Federation and their next encounter would be the stuff of legend since it would feature Starfleet’s ugliest loss in combat in ages, and of course, it would fundamentally change Jean-Luc Picard. But in the here and the now, this was simply a stunning tale. Because it ran the audience through a gauntlet of emotions and allowed for a fear of the unknown to appear in Trek for the first time in a long time. Which hands down makes this particular tale the finest that season two has to offer since it was so incredibly bold in telling its tale and truly, it leaves one eager to rush to the season three finale to revisit ‘The Best of Both Worlds’. But alas, all good things come to those who wait. So, for now, it is back to the adventures at hand, and good luck to the stories that have to follow this masterpiece. Until next time.

Deep down, we all know that we would do anything for our family and our closest friends. Because those are the people that mean the world to us and have been with us through thick and thin and letting them down or leaving them to their own devices in a time of crisis, is something that would likely haunt us for the rest of our days. But one thing that we rarely ponder upon in life, is how far we would go to help a complete and utter stranger. After all, this is a world where people often believe that others will feign injury or crisis in order to harm others and sadly… that fear motivates so many to stay on the sidelines and wait for someone else to step up. 

But if taking action was one hundred percent safe, or there was minimal risk in stepping in, would we then play the hero and risk it all to save the life of someone we don’t know in the slightest? Well it’s a question that few us might ever face, which is why fiction is happy to dive into such matters for us and weigh the pros and the cons of such an act and it just so happens, that this is precisely what the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation takes the time to focus upon. For ‘Pen Pals’ sees the crew of the Enterprise enter a rough patch of space where it seems as though the universe is more or less feasting on itself since planet after planet is becoming barren from an unknown force. And while the crew looks for answers on this matter, Data receives a distress call from a nearby planet.

Which prompts him to answer of course, and that sets in motion the exploration in question. Because Data doesn’t know the young girl on this foreign world in the slightest. He only knows that she and her kind are in danger because of this strange phenomenon and well, if he and Starfleet don’t intervene and potentially break the Prime Directive in the process, everyone on her world will die. Which brings about quite the debate aboard the ship, one that focuses heavily on General Order One and one that ends with a simple decision, in that… the right thing to do is to help. After all, the Federation has the means at their disposal to save lives on a whim and well, willingly allowing for extinction to occur when there is a chance they can make a difference is simply unacceptable, and with Wesley’s help (more on that in a moment), they are able to save her and end the strange cataclysm that is caused by dilithium in this part of the galaxy.

If anything, this episode answers the question posed earlier in an epic manner, by pointing out to the audience that we should in fact, show kindness at all times and do what we can for those in need. Because while there is a risk, the reward of saving a life or helping someone in need far outweighs said risk, and it was nice to see the show hammer that home and as an added bonus, this episode also allowed for Wesley Crusher to outright shine. Because he was put in a leadership role in this tale as part of his training and it was quite cool to see him head up a survey team and learn the difficult nuances of command. Which is something he manages to master quickly, and it is a good thing that he does, since his tough decisions are what led to the cure in question and well, you simply cannot go wrong with a secondary storyline like this. Since it did a phenomenal job of breaking up the heavy debate surrounding the Prime Directive in this particular tale. 

In the end however, this really was just a solid, run of the mill TNG episode. Because despite the debates, the crew and Data really didn’t violate the Prime Directive after all. Thanks to a convenient memory wipe and they really were heroes in the end. For without their help and their expertise, everyone on that planet would have perished horribly and it is always uplifting to see this crew put morality and sheer good over anything else. Plus, this episode also serves as a learning opportunity for Data as well, since he will likely consult Captain Picard going forward when he discovers an alien being calling out into the void for help. But what matters most, is that plopping a standard tale here actually works to the audience’s advantage. Because we don’t have to think too hard about the plot or its meaning and that’s wonderful when one considers that the next episode is going to take us on one incredible ride. One full of foreshadowing and horror when the crew encounters a collective nightmare, and that is where we will pick up, next time. Until then.

It wasn’t all that long ago, that we took the time to praise Star Trek: The Next Generation for its ability to explore its characters in great detail. Something the show accomplished, by way of two key methods. First, by offering up stories that allowed for us to spend quality time with a particular character, so we could truly learn what makes them tick, and also by way of the lengthy episode count the show featured every single season. Since that gave the writers' room, the flexibility to add a story in this manner. But while this type of tale is cause for celebration, the funny thing about television, is the sheer fact that sometimes even something this wonderful, can be mucked up due to inconsistent or incomplete writing. For shows are fallible, especially in their early years and sadly, this particular problem found its way into the next episode of this storied franchise. 

For ‘The Icarus Factor’ should have been a completely and utterly brilliant episode involving Commander William T. Riker and his sorted emotional past. Because we came to learn in this particular tale that Riker and his father had a fractured relationship while Will was growing up. One that forced Will into maturity when he was a teenager, something that clearly helped him to become the bold and fearless man we meet in the series. And the only reason this part of his life was thrust into the spotlight, is because his father, Kyle, had the opportunity to reunite with his son whilst Will was pondering upon whether or not he should accept a vacant command. Which meant that this episode should have been a powerful exploration on the nature of forgiveness and how family is supremely important to us.

But instead, this reunion ended up playing out like a bad soap opera. For Kyle and Will were unwilling to listen to one another or resolve their issues and that just felt odd here. Because this is the 24th Century, a time when people try and work past their differences and don’t give into petty emotions. So, seeing these two men act like modern dudes and take pot shots at one another felt out of place for certain, and while they eventually come to an understanding after beating the crap out of one another, their ‘resolution’ just feels hollow when all is said and done. Which is a shame, because this plot thread really had the opportunity to be something special. Since it could have served as the anthesis to the machismo and bravado present here and on television in general, and a father and son being honest with one another about their feelings would have been revolutionary for the time. But what is done is done.

Yet while it seems as though this episode failed through and through in what it wanted to accomplish, there is one bright spot in this particular story. For the plot thread involving Worf and the anniversary of his Rite of Ascension works to fill the void made by the Riker storyline. Simply because, we see the crew rally around Worf and go the extra mile to make him feel like a genuine warrior once again. And it is just funny how a plot line involving a fictional alien, features more emotional gravity and unity and kindness and emotional availability, than one involving two Earth dudes. But here we are, and this really is the highlight of the episode since we learn a little more about Worf and Klingon culture for that matter as well, and it is quite wonderful and satisfying to see how much his shipmates care for him and his mental well-being. 

If anything, it is just clear that this script needed more care. Because the foundation for a powerful Riker story was there, it just relied on too many tropes and too many cop outs. And had this aired later in the season, perhaps it could have offered up something powerful and special. In fact, with the right guidance and care, this could have actually worked as a season finale since Riker pondering on his own command while facing his past, before deciding to stay aboard the Enterprise would have made for a satisfying way to close out a year of storytelling. But there is no changing the past and thankfully, there would be better and more complete Riker episodes down the line to make up for this one. So, it is just best that we accept this episode for what it is and move right along. For there are plenty more quality stories to explore in season two. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for fourth episode of ‘Earthflight’.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, the BBC America documentary, Earthflight, has done an amazing job of changing our overall perception of birds and the lives they lead. Because for the longest time we’ve viewed them as mere city park scavengers or fodder for memes on social media, when they dance to the beat of nearby music. But instead, this documentary series has helped us to learn, that these majestic creatures have their own incredible world, one where they have to fight for survival like any other animal on the planet. Plus, it has also taught us, that when left to their own devices, these fine feathered fowl have established patterns and traditions. To the point where they even have breeding grounds that they’ve kept in their families for generations. 
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Which is fascinating and stunning to say the least. Because our perception of these winged creatures makes it seem as though they aren’t capable of much more than assembling a simple nest once a year. But it just goes to show how little we know about birds, and coming to discover that they have traditions in this manner, leaves one to wonder just how extensive that kind of behavior is in the wild and thankfully… this documentary wasted no time in exploring that, after introducing this pleasant surprise to us in last week’s episode. For ‘South America’ took the time to dive deep into unfettered family behavior when it comes to birds and that made this particular tale quite fascinating to say the least. Because it turns out that some of the birds in this part of the world make teaching and learning, quite the priority for their young.

Take the Andes Condor for instance. For this grand predator, one that is respected and revered by every other bird of prey in this part of the world, is quite the family bird. For high up in the mountains, where the winds help this majestic and incredible creature soar, are its nests. Where its children grow and are nurtured for several years until they are finally ready to take flight and when they do, it is quite the ceremonious day. For both mother and father take part in teaching the chick how to fly, to the point where the momma bird will straight up motivate her baby to take to the skies and once they do, wonderful moments take place. For often times dear old dad will soar alongside his offspring and help them learn the nuances and wonder of flight and it was just beautiful and breathtaking to watch this take place since it is a magnificent and awe-inspiring sight. 

Yet while it was truly a sight to behold, the condor isn’t the only bird in this part of the world that takes the time to teach its young the finer points of living in paradise. For the Macaw is another bird that makes learning a priority for their offspring. Since they help them to discover all of the tasty treats of the Amazon, whether they are safe to eat or not. In large part because, one never knows where one’s meal is going to come from when living in the wild, but also because this vast jungle offers up all kinds of antidotes for a sour meal. And in keeping with the theme of tradition and learning, the Macaw will often take their young to natural ‘pharmacies’ in the jungle so that they can heal from their bad meal and learn of these locations, in order to pass this knowledge on to their young someday, and there is something supremely comforting and powerful about seeing animals take the time to teach their young how to thrive in this manner.

For it serves as a fine reminder that while the world can be a cruel and violent place at times, it can also be quite gentle and quite beautiful. And it is just wonderful to know that birds offer the same kindness and gentleness that so many other species do when it comes to raising and caring for their young, and that makes this particular chapter in his documentary quite heartwarming for certain. Because you simply cannot help but be touched by seeing that kind of wonderful behavior on display and truly it is obvious now that this particular documentary is going to continue to surprise us in every way imaginable. Because it continues to provide us with incredible lessons and discoveries about creatures that clearly deserve greater scrutiny and now that our grand adventure through South America has come to a close, one has to wonder what other surprises await us on our next destination of this avian tour; Australia and Asia. Until next time.