PATRON TAKES - Star Trek TNG Season 3 Episode 6

The script creates a plot hole for other episodes. Why not always use the holodeck to create a test environment before trying some risky maneuver that could risk lives? For example, in "Peak Performance," they could have practiced the timing of detonating the torpedoes and warping the Hathaway out of danger instead of just hoping they get it right on the first try and don't kill Riker's crew.

Scotty may have loved his Enterprise but he never got an attempt to bang it like Geordi essentially does here 😅 it's.. Creepy for sure but take one horrified look at our Internet today and it's almost like it's par for the course 😩😩 this episode also is responsible for one of the funniest bloopers - while Picard is talking about ships in bottles, look it up on YouTube for Worfs accidental response 😂😂

I must have caught this one at some point because I did remember the final scene and knowing what was coming somehow made it even creepier.

Geordi La Forge, Destroyer of Romance! IMO this is a good example of classic TNG. Interesting plot, good character moments, and Picard at the conn.

An example of the disconnect between script and budget/time constraints. The script called for a warp core mockup that Geordi could create in the holodeck and examine "from the inside out", but that way too much of an ask. Instead he works on a schematic in a drafting room.

Finally, a Geordi episode! I find it endearing that this episode establishes him as a romantically awkward geek - someone that I'm sure many of us can relate to. I'd like to think that in Jr. High se would have sat at the same lunch table. :)

Seen on a Seinfeld meme just today: "Have you heard about these new AI girlfriends they've got?" ... "Apparently it's love at first byte."

For me a bit better than mid by the standards of season 3 (better than most the episodes so far.. but some bangers coming up). Still from a social commentary standpoint it does have a lot that speaks to our times now even more than it did to the late 80s or early 90s....things like AI driving/piloting vs human driving/piloting, and of course AI romantic relationships. But...just the entertainment isn't 100% there for me.

The reality of current AI models makes this kind of episode even more relevant. And creepier.

I like this episode a lot, but it does have a bit of a weird vibe for modern audiences. Maybe it should have been titled Nacelles to Incels. Replies to my comment include ⚠️⚠️⚠️SPOILERS ⚠️⚠️⚠️. Please be aware and do not read them.

Here’s a thought for you, the tale you just saw wasn’t Geordi falling for an AI duplicate of Dr. Brahms. It was actually Geordi falling for the USS Enterprise herself! Seeing as the ship created the hologram and is driving it, and how Geordi himself said he could work magic with the ship…kinda makes you think?

In retrospect it’s just too creepy I really wish their was a concerted effort to make Geordi’s love life a thing

Susan Gibney (Dr. Braums) lives (or at least did) in the same small town I am in. I first found that out at a local convention she was at and later, I ran into her at Starbucks. The same Starbucks I am typing this at. She was considered for the lead of a later Star Trek series.

Geordi as a metaphor for the modern dude. Unlucky at love so he turns to AI.

As a kid watching on release I liked the main plot but didn’t yet understand the awkwardness of Geordi’s dating. Rewatching this as an adult I honestly like it less because of the B plot. I expect you’ll generally like it but also might less under rewatch. That said, it is an interesting use of the holodeck as a problem solving platform and the score is great.

Here It Is, This Episode is where Star Trek TNG POPs! Sure there were good episodes in season1 & Great episodes in season 2, & some pretty good ones so far this season, but this episode here sets the bar & almost every episode is an absolute banger from here on out! (At least till the later half of Season 6)

I LOVE this episode! Great development for Geordi. The score is also great. Another winner from Ron Jones! The theme for the Premalian battle cruiser, with the echoing fleeting trumpets is perfect. Captures the mood. You can now feel this season that the actors are “getting” their characters, and are comfortable playing them.

Fun Fact: BOOBYTRAP!

I like the use of the holodeck in this episode, even if it enters borderline Waifu territory for Geordi, he's at least getting a featured episode. I predict you'll find this a fairly average episode but with the benefit of a pretty good music. Absolute badass moment with the boatswain whistle and Picard taking the helm.

I go back to this one, often. It's a good Geordie-focused episode and a nice lesson: with all this amazing technology "sometimes, you just gotta turn it all off" and tap into your own greatness. Even the best holodeck program can't help Geordie score.

I love how the holodeck is being used creatively to solve a problem rather than it being the problem. It also allows us to get a glimpse into the history of the ship which I appreciate.

Strongest episode of the season so far and another banger of a score from Ron Jones.

This episode debuts the “final” version of the TNG uniform. Patrick Stewart wears it for the first time. It is pretty much the same as early in the season but doesn’t have the two seams down the front and under the arms (look at Worfs uniform for the difference) and the actors have a lot more room to move around in.

This episode really spotlights Geordi's skills as an engineer and shows how f***ed his love life is overall. Good episode, but not the best of the season by far.

Geordi was finally able to show his true grit as Chief Engineer.

Its a bit creepy to me the way Troi and Riker are treating Picard like some kid to be indulged on occasion.

Leaser known fact the character of Ensign Sonya Gomez was original cast with the idea of making her a love interest for Geordie.

What was the dumber leadership decision: Riker sending Geordi to the Pakled ship or Picard firing phasers at the energy collectors?

Nice little touch is Picard giving zero reaction when Geordi introduces Leah to him because it's a life or death situation, he's not wasting time with fake platitudes.

I never understood why they couldn’t have used torpedoes to destroy enough of the assimilators to escape. Sure, the machines would absorb some energy, but the physical destruction of the radiation emitters should have helped the crew escape.

Another top notch Ron Jones score, but producers didn't agree with the end. They tracked in music from the climax of Where Silence Has Lease during the escape sequence.

Now TNG has found it's groove. Probably the deepest look into Geordie we've had yet. And he's hopeless.

A favorite episode of mine. Space Archeology done right. I hope y'all liked it.

If you can get past the potential creepiness of Geordi falling in love with an AI copy of a real person, this episode is really good.

Picard slingshotting the ship to safety is one of my favourite moments in all of Star Trek. No technobabble or miracles… just physics. Picard taking the helm in case it failed echos Kirk taking over the transporter during the TMP ‘accident’, to spare the crew of the guilt.

I think you're going to like this one. I love it. One of my favorites of the season. If you think about it, the holodeck is Porn Hub for the next generation. It's only a matter of time before they put that thing behind a pay wall.

Picard nerded out so hard about the ship, but then destroys it without hesitation at the end? That always bugged me.

Notable for giving the wonderful LeVar Burton something interesting to do besides comment on the engines, and be Data’s bff.

Now this was an outstanding episode. The crew was in top form, the guest star was spot on, and it was a Geordi episode. How can you possibly go wrong? I give this episode an A.

In yet another example of Star Trek's pertinent social discourse, this episode predicts modern AI girlfriends!

This one feels like it was written for Season 1 or 2. In my opinion, it's the weakest episode of the third season. Considering that it's still relatively good and worth watching, it's a testament as to just how much better Season 3 is than Seasons 1 and 2.

Best episode of the season, bayyybeee. Geordi loves fixing stuff more than he loves the ladies -- but he finally marries the two. It's great progression for Geordi and Picard, and I bet you guys love it.