PATRON TAKES - Star Trek TNG Season 3 Episode 1

I don't believe the guys even read these comments. I suspect they only read the $10 tier comments. We'll see if there's any notice of us plebs for E02.

Beverly asks Picard if Wesley has he ever fallen in love and it looks like Picard forgot The Dauphin. It's ok, so did we.

I bet Will Wheaton is not a fan of the 4k restoration during that opening shot

Once they get into the names in the opening credits stop watching until they end!

Feelings on the new uniforms? These aren't the final interation as they remove the vertical pleats and change materials but those are mostly production manufacturing details rather than a whole new look. I think these strike the right balance between TOS space pyjamas and the more serious movie uniforms. It's essentially a pair of black suspenders with a rear zip jacket over it that appears to be a one piece uniform but isn't.

Were you aware in anyway that Crusher would be back and that Pulaski would only last one season?

While this isn't a great episode (it's decent to be sure) you can immediately tell there's a jump in quality here. And we got Doctor Beverly back! To quote another franchise, "This is where the fun begins."

This is basically the introduction to TNG version 2.0. They brought in a brand new cinematographer, and you could tell right off the bat with that loving shot of the Enterprise. There were also shakeups behind the scenes, with some of the older leaders leaving the writers room, and fresh new talent bringing new ideas. Did you notice the pips on Worf and Geordi's collars? Both of them were promoted off-screen.

I'm 50/50 on whether you'll catch it in the opening credits or not.

Home Soil, the sequel. Of course, Josh and Alex will be happy for the return of Doctor Crusher but I wonder if it will be enough for them to make up for an otherwise lackluster episode.

Now, I know a Very Hight Bar has been set for Season 3 and this episode feels kinda like an average season 2 episode, Trust us it's gonna POP real soon. Yet, this ep does a great job revisiting the concept of that Season 1 episode about the microscopic lifeforms they don't understand, with just a little more detail that the idea needed. That scene with Picard & Beverly though... a little short, but hit the right beats. Also you guys digging the updated Uniforms, they're tied with the TOS Uniforms in my book (for 2nd place behind the Wrath of Kahn Uniforms, Fight me)

Following the end of season two, the power struggle for control of the series between the two co-executive producers ended with Rick Berman on top. One of the first things he did was make an invitation for Gates McFadden to return, which she happily accepted.

Also, some crew members still have the no-collar onesy. That's how you can pick out the slackers, malcontents, and slappies. "What's that, Gomez? I couldn't hear your griping over the awe of my new Starfleet uniform. Get back to the Cetacean deck where you belong."

Dr. Kelso.

Any thoughts on Dr. Crusher and "Jean-Luc?" How long should Picard wait before "crushing" his dead best friend's widow?

Anyone else couldn't hear the rest of the opening because of that scream? haha! But srsly shame that reveal was spoiled by credits...

The collars have changed. Not seeing any other differences. Cast changes? None that I noticed.

Worst episode of the season, IHMO

The first episode is very blah. In the post "Scrubs" age, it's hard not to see Dr. Kelso in Ken Jenkin's Stubbs. Speaking of doctors, this season's introduction acts like Polaski never existed, and that's a shame. While I'm sure you're glad she's gone, she was one of the strongest female characters in the show in the second season.

To start the season with a Wesley episode is an odd choice. They had to know at this point that he wasn't the most liked character to put it mildly. Maybe it was a gift for Gene.

No talking during the intro. You will understand why. Hopefully you will mention Michael Piller and Rick Berman during S3.

While the Enterprise had a doctor lastt season/year The Ships Doctor has returned!!

Probably one of the three weakest episodes of the season (IMO), which should give you an idea about this season, since i'd say this episode is still better than half the episode of season one and two. Paul Stubbs is a jerk who sees a lot of himself in Wesley. Does that mean the show is saying Wesley will be a jerk, or at risk of becoming one? Maybe the writers were becoming aware that not everyone liked Wesley (I don't consider this spoiling anything because i legit dont know how to take the Paul Stubbs/Wesley stuff). One part that does strike me as interesting is when Stubbs saying to Troi "turn off your beam into my soul, I will share what I want to share" (or something to that effect). Kinda fair...if there was telepathic powers it would be something of an invasion of privacy.

I predict a huge reaction at 4:49! Just a shame that they rehashed Season 1's Home Soil for a season opener

I've always wondered what terrible malpractice Beverley Crusher must have committed to get demoted from 'Head of Starfleet Medical' to become a doctor on a ship in a far-flung corner of the galaxy.! 😉 Although I'm glad she's back - it's a shame it was spoiled in the opening credits! While this isn't a 'banger' of an episode to kick the season off - I quite like this softer re-entry.

I noticed an uptick in quality with this episode - soundtrack, costumes, Wil Wheaton and Gates McFadden and Patrick Stewart’s scenes are necessary and handled well.

I liked Stubbs as a warning for Wesley. He’s what Wesley could become once he ceases to be regarded as a wunderkind.

Blink and you miss it, one of Wesley's friends in this episode is Scott Grimes, of Orville fame. Most of Wesley's subplot with friends, including dialog from Grimes, was cut from the episode.

A producer asked Patrick Stewart what he needed for Season 3, and he had four demands: 1) New uniforms 2) More action scenes 3) Fire Diana Muldaur 4) Rehire Gates McFadden. Fortunately for all involved, it was a mutual parting. She wasn't fired, Muldaur didn't actually WANT to come back. She did not enjoy her time on TNG and said she didn't think they were happy to have her there, but she said "but [the show] did give me Trekkies. I love Trekkies. I find them very dear."

Welcome to season 3! The return of Beverly will probably make you love this episode on its own! Plus, we finally have the new title sequence and uniforms too! I’ve looked ahead at the episode list, and I’ve gotta say, y’all are in for some serious bangers this season!

You got a lot of hype for season 3, and then you have to start with this. See if you can spot the new production updates and maybe the nudges they give to a character or two. I think this episode benefits from being the season premiere. It's fairly boring as I remember. Seeing Dr Crusher again and getting to see the slight differences in the ship and uniforms (it seems like there was either a bump in the budget or better set and costume people hired) are the best parts of this episode.

First writing credit for Michael Piller. He'd become a staff writer, but this was an episode he submitted as a spec script. TNG accepted those most of its run. His favorite part was Stuubs speech about the baseball game being canceled due to rain. Roddenberry arbitrarily decided he wanted to change the character to an alien because there weren't enough aliens this season, but Piller then lobbied hard to keep him human because he wanted the baseball stuff to stay in and it wouldn't make sense for an alien to be a fan of 20th century Earth baseball.

Even though it was still 1989, now the show looks 90s!

can't wait to see your smiles!!!

Season 2 kicked off with “The Child” do you think that “Another Child” would have been a better title for the season 3 premiere?

Pulaski was actually supposed to be in season 3 but Diana Muldaur wasn't interested, according to her she only did season 2 as a favor to Roddenberry, she was supposed to be a series regular and appear in the opening credits but refused to sign a contract and be tied to the show for possibly several years, so she remained a guest star. Between seasons 2 and 3 she decided to make a tv movie about horses or something and was no longer available and the producers were panicking. They didn't really want a third doctor and apparently waiting for a few episodes until Muldaur became available again was an option (but obviously not a great one because she might have still said no), Patrick Stewart lobbied heavily to get Gates McFadden back and the producers ultimately contacted her but she wasn't interested, she told that story on podcasts with Michael Rosenbaum and her own where she interviewed Kate Mulgrew, she was okay with being let go from the show, she never chased fame, she just wanted a creative outlet so for her she could be on TNG or do a play that's seen by 5 people and she'd be fine either way. It took her agent, Patrick Stewart, Rick Berman and Michael Piller to convince her to return.

Our long nightmare is over, Dr Crusher has resigned in disgrace from Starfleet Medical and has returned to be a lowly ships doctor where she belongs.

Welcome to the much hyped Season 3! New Showrunners! New opening! New uniforms! It has the guy who played Bob Kelso in Scrubs and Dr. Beverly Crusher is back baby! And this episode. Is. Boring. I mean, it's on par with the average of S1&2, but it's not likely to be the transformative experience you've been lead to believe. This season WILL suck you in. Just not here. Unless you just hate it. Also baseball is dead.

One part Fireball, one part Baileys Irish Cream. You're welcome.

I find it fascinating how a few subtle changes can make the costumes ten times better. Also, Beverly is back I guess, but i’m sure you did not even notice, is not like you missed her or anything…

This week's Captain's log brought to you by Dr Kelso from SCRUBS

I know this story often gets overlooked compared to what's coming, but I've always enjoyed it for the fascinating science fiction ideas used (one star in a binary system feeding off the other, the nanites), the suspenseful musical score, the wonderful visual effects, some interesting camera work, the solid acting by cast and guest characters alike, and most of all the excellent character development for Wesley and the parallel between him and Dr. Stubbs. In addition to the welcome return of Dr. Beverly (yay!), we also have a new title sequence, new uniforms, promotions for both Worf and Geordi, and new head writer Michael Wagner, who would only remain for the first four episodes this season. Alll in all, a promising start to a new era for the show.

Question: Did you gents notice the new and improved uniforms?

This one isn't high on my list, just because Dr. Stubbs is such a prick. And not the fun kind. This episode also has one of those "Didn't they already do this?" moments, where it's almost like you're watching ‘bags of mostly-water’ "Home Soil" over again. They feel very similar, at times. I like subtle-looking tweaks to the uniforms, though, but probably not as much as the actors did. They were much more comfortable. Unfortunately, the lesser characters get to stay stuck with the older uniforms.

What do you think of the new uniforms? Reportedly, Patrick Stewart’s chiropractor is responsible for them finally getting out of the spandex. They’ll be refined slightly over the next few episodes.

Probably the weakest episode of the season. It gets much better.

Wesley ‘Teflon’ Crusher almost kills 1,000 people but faces no consequences. 🤷🏼

Patrick Stewart’s chiropractor advised that the old spandex uniforms “risked permanent damage”, hence new costumer Robert Blackman’s redesign.

This is not my favorite episode of the third season. It's okay, I suppose. But the new head writer is still getting his feet wet.

Sorry if I sound like an idiot, but if we’re not supposed to post spoilers, then how can we comment here on the episode with some fun facts, and a review? Not being a smart ass. Its a legit question. I just wanted clarity so I dont spoil anything. I thought you guys dont look at the takes until after you’ve seen the episode, so wouldn’t info on the episode be ok? Let me know if Im just clueless. Thanks guys!

It's not the most remarkable of episodes, but I think one can already sense the hand of new head writer Michael Piller in the character writing. Stubbs, for instance, has more depth than your typical obsessed scientist stereotype, and I particularly like his scene with Troi.

The big question here is if you will notice Gates McFadden is back in the credits or will you be surprised to see her in her first scene. Note the reworked planet glide through for the opening. The rings of Saturn serves as a way to wipe to the original footage of the Enterprise.

What are your opinions on the updated uniforms? I MUCH prefer them to the old onesie pajama uniforms. They look a little more serious, especially around the collar area, but don't take away from the vibrant color that you guys are fond of.

Don’t sweat for Diana Muldaur. She almost immediately went to L.A. Law and was nominated for an Emmy 2 years in a role for playing the beotch..

This one's all about the Bev.

I think season 3 has the highest percentage of good episodes vs stinkers

You will be SOOOOOOOO happy with...one part of this episode.

Okay. Michael Pillar is here. The Writer's Room is gelling. The Actors have settled into their characters. The literally spine-crushing uniforms are gone. Time to cozy up to some nice nostalgic 90s Trek.

Your wish has been granted! Dr. Beverly is back and all is right with the world! I'm looking forward to seeing your reaction at Gates McFadden being listed in the opening credits again since she hadn't appeared in the episode yet. I always kind of thought of the Nanites as “Borg Lite”. Both have a hive mind and can be incredibly destructive, but at least the Nanites can be reasoned with. I have this one ranked as “Enjoyable”.

New intro! New uniforms! Beverly!

Prediction: the gents will be thoroughly underwhelmed by this episode and only appreciate it in retrospect at the end of the season for the work it does in setting the table.

You know the show is off to new heights when the very first thing to open the new season is Wesley being a screw-up.

Call it low-hangin fruit, but my prediction is that both boys absolutely FLIP. THEIR. SHIT. When they get to sickbay. 😆

Beverly is back!!!! 10/10, don't care about anything else