‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Retro Recap – ‘The Icarus Factor’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

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.

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