‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Retro Recap – ‘The Child’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

For the most part, television shows work hard to keep things consistent from season to season and understandably so. Because too many changes will likely turn off the core audience, to the point where they stop tuning in. Which is why it is always a big deal when cast changes occur, because they change the dynamic of the series. But sometimes big changes to a show are downright necessary when it is still trying to find its voice and direction and it just so happens that a great deal of changes took place between seasons one and two of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Some of which were downright brilliant and paid off in spades. Such as the addition of Ten Forward and the enigmatic Guinan.

For the introduction of her and her domain in ‘The Child’ quickly reminds us that this massive and beautiful lounge will serve as a place for the characters to let their guard down and be themselves. Wherein the audience will be able to properly get to know them for who they are and see them as the human beings (and Klingons and Androids) that they are instead of the icons that time made them to be. And having Whoopi Goldberg play the titular bartender in this Synthehol joint only adds to the wonder of this decision since she is able to give the character the right level of kindness and understanding. To the point where she can bring out the best in anyone who needs her ear and it’s wonderful to see this place come to life at last in the series and be armed in the knowledge that some important moments will take place here down the line.

But alas, while that particular change turned out to be a wonderful decision for the series, the other big shake up in this story serves as the outright foil to that. Because this episode also reveals to the audience that Commander Beverly Crusher, M.D., has left the U.S.S. Enterprise to take a position at Starfleet Medical on Earth and well, her replacement, just doesn’t cut it on this series. Which is a shame because Diana Muldaur is a wonderful actor and she did a phenomenal job on The Original Series when she guested on that series from time to time. But it’s obvious here early on, that she doesn’t have the same synergy with the cast that Gates McFadden has and that leads to awkward interactions that were clearly written for someone else in mind and that’s a shame because it made her character a single season throwaway before Doctor Crusher returned to the 1701-D in season three. 

However, while those structural changes were designed to shake things up and inject a little life into the ship and the crew, there is still a story to be told in this tale. Because this premiere features a juicy plot involving an alien that wants to understand humanity. And the best way to make that happen is by impregnating Counselor Troi and the show deserves serious credit for introducing all of those elements while still providing focus on this particular plot thread. One complete with some powerful social commentary that still resonates to this day. Because the scene where the men debate the fate of Counselor Troi’s baby feels ripped from everyday headlines and it is quite wonderful that the story ultimately leaves the decision up to Deanna. Since it speaks to how such decisions are indeed up to the mother, keeping in line with the show's proclivity to be forward thinking and this storytelling decision also foreshadows Deanna's future in Star Trek: Picard as well. 

Yet while we’ve talked a great deal about all the changes present here, we’ve not yet addressed one important question. Specifically; is this premiere any good? And the answer to that question is a baseline, yes. Because outside of Beverly's decision to leave the ship, it really doesn’t do anything outlandish or jaw dropping. It just tells a simple story, one that keeps your attention while easing us back into the 24th Century and there’s nothing wrong that. Because even so-so episodes of TNG still offer more than the average show and deep down we all know that good things are on the horizon, since this season dives deep into the human condition and life in the 24 Century, whilst peppering in discussions of basics human rights. Plus, this is the season that also features the introduction of The Borg. Which means, the time has come to close hailing frequencies for the moment, so this reviewer can dive right into all the wonders that await us, at maximum warp. Until next time.

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