UNCUT - Time's Arrow (TNG S5E26) | Star Trek Journey 233

Anyone know why i'm seeing just the counter instead of video?

These guys don't know who Mark Twain is?

Rick Berman probably had a heart attack when he read over the script and saw how many scenes he would have to pay Academy Award winning Whoppie Goldberg for. Usually, she's only in the cold open or one scene in Act 2. In this episode she was in three scenes and had a TON of dialogue

Is there something I am not getting? Why is the vast majority of the video all blanked out by numbers? You said to join your Patreon for full uncut reactions, if I'm not mistaken. Unless I was mistaken about what you meant by full and uncut.

Another A from me. I think i'm in the minority once again. I don't like Darmok, i don't like The Inner Light, i don't like Ethics, but this and The Game i grade A.😂. I admit my first watch of this i hated it, but on rewatches it has grown on me, like warts.

Just found the video though Ihave been looking for this episode since Tuesday and finally it showed up in my feed tonight, P:Patreon sucks at self refreshing the video list. They could take a little time and clean up this apps functionality The best part of this is I like this episode more than you I personally rate it S, but that is my opinion and fortunately I value apposing view points We should not like exactly the same things and that debate spurs growth to which I enjoy growing and see different reactions Thank you for keeping this real and giving your real opinions it’s all part of the ever spiraling universe of stars. I’ll be back in few earth rotations to watch the Part 2 follow up after all as you said this is only half an episode. Keep up the fun/good work.

Yeah a solid D, it's got some nice moments with Data but you could condense it into about 10 minutes and wedge it into the 2nd part pretty easily... I love how sedate the pacing of the episode is then your season 6 music comes screaming in at like 400 bpm

It has some nice moments. But in the end it is one of the worst two parters of the entire franchise for me.

Not surprised you didn't like it. I didn't like it either when it first came out. Now many years later it has grown on me a bit. Probably because it's different stylistically to the rest of the series. But still only so-so to ok for me.

An E idk about that it's a C for all the data stuff in 19th century. I remember watching it when it came out, I found it fascinating but not a favorite.

I forgot to say this the other day: I was so happy you guys remembered Fizzbin. I know people who were fans their whole lives who don't remember that hilarious card game.

Yeah, this is the weakest 2 parter (that I can remember right now).

Hang in there guys. There's gold in them thar hills...

I am good with the letter grades but perhaps don't grade two parters until the second half has been viewed. Yes this was slow but the writers knew they had about 1.5 hours to develop the story. Either way, it's all fun. 😁

Another vote to keep the grading. If it's dominating the discussion, they could write them down after the episode, have the discussion, and at the end of the discussion they could reveal their scores to each other. I would like them as a benchmark to compare different trek series not just seasons or episodes. Maybe some series will never get an S or A or maybe several will eclipse TNG. As for this episode, I've not seen it for years and it's far worse than I remember. Dialogue is painful eg "A type R relay?" or whatever it was. Guinan messing with that drink as if she's going to say something profound but all she's got is "go on the away mission". The crew all climbing through that portal, mostly unarmed even though the aliens are killing large numbers of humans, without the equipment that got them there and to Earth which is nowhere near where the Enterprise is nor did they tell anyone on the ship they were going through a portal, Crusher went with no medical kit despite knowing humans are being attacked, and they make more effort with period dress on the holodeck than travelling to the actual 19th century, seemingly with no reference to making sure they don't screw up the timeline... it all looks a total mess with 2025 eyes. I wouldn't kick that bell boy out of bed for a wet fart though.

I agree with others to stop with the grading EXCEPT if you feel it is S tier, which you should still see some in the future.

I still like letter grades to be honest. It’s an easy shortcut for where you stand on an episode. Otherwise it’s just like or dislike, like Rotten Tomatoes.

I can't call it an E. I just have fun with the Data "fish out of water" in 1890s stuff. And yes, it's the weakest finale just because it's not a "finale." It's just part 1 of what could easily be an in-season two parter. Mark Twain is, yeah, maybe too much of an over the top character. I think he's somewhat entertaining in the second part.

Damn illiterate kids these days don't know Samuel Clemens! Another reactor to this one didn't get who it was supposed to be. I would guess you WOULD be extra annoyed if this episode seemed like you were supposed to care about this completely invented character from the past.

Yeah this episode sucks. Some weird eldritch horror stuff with the cave, thats the only reason it bumps up to D for me, its legitimately creepy for about 2 minutes

Love the content guys! Keep up the good work. I love your fresh takes on ST TNG!!

I was just thinking: An inventive and fun way to rate this would have been an "I" as Imcomplete. I think most people would probably agree. I will say I am also in the "I can do without letter grades" camp, but that may have been a creative way to approach this episode now that I think of it. A rare and special letter for circumstances like this maybe?

I would personally vote for retiring the letter grades at the end of the reaction. As Josh said, it does tend to dominate the discussion over the actual commentary. In this case, I strongly disagree with the E, even though I basically agree with what appears to be your opinion (slow episode, all setup, kinda drags, etc...)

I love the Data, Riker & Troi exchange in the turbolift when Data is asking about people stopping conversations abruptly when he appears.. Data asks 'is that an accurate observation?' Troi & Riker speaking over each other reply 'yes' & 'not at all' Troi & Riker exchange a look, Troi raises her eyebrows and Riker replies 'yes'. Which is very much like a few couples I know... & I'd vote to lose the post episode grades... For all the reasons Josh stated in the video from earlier in the week.

Yeah...I can feel that reaction. It is also not one of my most beloved ones and more like...okayish. It has some very cool ideas, with the aliens and the way they farm human souls if you will, the Data has to cope with 19th century stuff etc. but the Clemens guy has such an annoying voice and the old folks make-up in that show really is not on par with their very good alien masks they can create.

Really impossible to rate an episode that's only half of the intended story, so a grade isn't really appropriate in the case of two parters imo, just rate them as one (as I believe you're still intending to do moving forward but in a "looser" format for the initial whiteboard reaction - fair enough). Surprised it didn't click with you though, even just as the first half of the story, it had a great performance, excellent eerie mystery, Guinan, etc... the vibe was excellent. Definitely a B+ for me, but again, hard to adequately quantify half of an episode.

Wow....this reaction...yikes. I mean, I'd call this one a weak C at worst...Maybe you were unaware of Clemens (Mark Twain, in an over the top obvious costume and makeup) and London's identities? The fun of throwing in some historical figures should be worth some small bit of credit...

I guess I always loved this two-parter more than Redemption I & II because it was more "sci-fi"-ish, with the time travel and the soul-sucking aliens and Mark Twain and the Guinan timey-wimey stuff, whereas the Klingon geo-politics in Redemption was cool, but less "out there" (hence, I think, why they added the Sela/Tasha Yar element to that story in the first place). It's interesting to see that part one seemed to drag on for Alex & Josh. I never remembered it feeling that way. That's okay, I guess it kind of does, but if you're vibing with it, that stuff comes across more like fun world-building. They're clearly having their fun in a period setting with costumes and the Paramount backlot streets. Jerry Hardin (X-Files' Deep Throat!) is really chewing the scenery with his performance, but that's also kind of the general cultural memory we have of Mark Twain: those mannerisms and that voice. It can be a little grating, haha. Anyway, can't wait for Season 6, still very much prime TNG in my mind!

Just my $0.02. Keep the post episode grading.

Other reactors I've watched watch this episode didn't know who Samuel Clemens was or connect some of the historical references, like the 49er. But perhaps neither is necessary to like or dislike the episode.

Perhaps a part 1 shouldn't be judged with the same lens as a stand alone episode. Maybe the question should be does it work as part 1? And what I mean by that is... does it set the stage... does it entice you to want to see part 2? If it doesn't accomplish that then it deserves a low grade. That being said I like this episode and I think it does do the job required of a part 1. It is like stopping an episode at the mid break and giving the first half a grade. I think you've had a few of those episodes where the first half did not appeal to you... Silicon Avatar for one.

Come on it may be a part 1, but it’s a great part 1! I love Mark Twain’s introduction! I erroneously remember part 1 ending with Data waking up in the past, but we actually get a lot of story in before the episodes end.

For me, this is the weakest of all the 2-parters of TNG. That being said, I'd still give it a C-. This reminds me of a movie from the mid-80's: Lifeforce. Interestingly enough, Patrick Stewart was in it.

I would say D, not E. I feel there is worse. Its a pretty slow episode, but i can watch it once in a blue moon.

I've never been too terribly in love with this two-parter, so it doesn't break my heart that y'all don't like it. After Best of Both Worlds, the TNG producers apparently felt it was necessary to try to one-up themselves with two parters for just about every season finale ever. A lot of them... aren't all that snazzy. If it's any consolation, Trek in general got into the flow of doing multi-parters a lot more regularly--especially mid-season--and THOSE are generally better than the finales... at least in my opinion.

Lol I don't understand everyone getting worked up. The ratings aren't permanent fact carved into stone, they're just opinions! I enjoy hearing what you guys have to say and how you felt about an episode you just watched, whether or not I agree. It's interesting and part of the fun is hearing different takes and perspectives on a show that I love and have been watching for most of my life :D

Glad The Inner Light got a bump up after this one, but I feel like the dislike for this one might be a generational thing. I look forward to seeing if the next one changes your opinion after certain things become more obvious.

E grade is way too harsh. I dont get the whining about leaving it on a cliffhanger. Not the best finale ever, but not the worst either imo. I feel like you guys will appreciate this one more after you've seen part 2.

Love the season 6 song!

44 hearts, 194 comments........... xD

E is a bit harsh and I get and respect it, but maybe you guys should wait to do grades for 2-parters after the second part (though that might get a little hairy and grey in area at times in DS9). I mean, that is how you did it for Unification. I say keep doing grades right after for your first impressions on stand-alone eps though. I feel like it's important to know exactly how you feel in the moment and one of my favorite parts of the channel, even if I disagree. It's especially great if you end up changing it later because some episodes need time and rewatching. This episode is nowhere near my favorites and every time Clemons is on screen, I wish we were watching s1 of X-Files instead, where the actor is used appropriately. Looking forward to giving takes for s6.

An E grading seems deeply unserious as a critique, particularly as the episode had you gasp more than once at shocking moments. I don't care for this two parter, but its no E. We are essentially an amassed group of TNG super fans paying to observe you love the show as much as we do. That ultimately creates a stacked deck for our expectations - but as you often say - "it is what it is". Naturally you can't be made to love what someone else loves, but I feel like the grades should at least nod towards the paradigm we exist in. Besides, there's plenty of time to drop Es on Voyager and DS9.

My god our educational system Blows in this country. I mean C'mon do they teach fricken history in school anymore??? That being Said this was definitely not my favorite finale or two parter, theres some interesting stuff in it but I would definitely rate this a c-.

I fear telling them that Samuel Clemens is Mark Twain will only result in a "Who is Mark Twain?"

Part of their negative reaction might have been due to having just watched one of the best acted and most moving pieces of science fiction ever created. I'm talking, of course, about Flash Gordon.

I totally get the reaction, but I actually like the first episode of this two-parter precisely because it's a slower burn. Now, that's fully in context of having seen the second part and usually rewatching them together as a mini-movie, where the pacing makes proper sense. Without that it absolutely comes across as meandering. I also really like the Guinan/Clemons scene. No spoilers for the second half, but this scene is actually one the better uses of such a large 19th century personality than what is to come. In short, I like the general set up and the mystery; as for the conclusion... well, that bridge we'll cross soon. As for a grade - B- for this half only, not considering Part 2.

For me this is almost a S, strong A. But I happen to disproportionately like time travel stuff. I happen to really like Samuel Clemens, and I it's probably impossible for me to separate my appraisal of this episode from the enjoyment of what's going to be in the next. So having said all that, I can understand it being a lower grade for many people, and as a stand alone episode without part two there isn't much story progress. But....I still think it's a hell of a lot better than E or D.

Actual footage of Clemons / Twain - https://youtu.be/EIeNnDee-Ok?si=YBWCKRWExcgumVPi

Yeah, I don't think it's the absolute worst, but this doesn't have the "I gotta see what happens next" factor of a lot of finales. I think part 2, while not spectacular, is better than this. Season 5 is really a mixed bag for me, but Season 6 is my absolute favorite for TNG. Even the lesser episodes for the most part are "good". I can't wait. I think you guys will be more on board for it.

Most wrong you guys have been. Great job

Seems like a funny reference to the old SNL Conehead sketches with Data telling everyone he is from France.

Good grief I love this two-parter. It’s got so many great character moments, an intriguing plot and a new life form that’s pretty unusual.

I feel like the E grade is a little harsh. That’s putting it on par with Imaginary Friend 💀 I feel like this has to at least be a C.

Here's the thing, you won't understand the episode unless you know Mr. Clemens is a symbol of the Vietnam War.... please don't stop rating episodes at the end of each. Oh, and the bell boy "Jack" is a symbol of the Cold War.

Interesting fact for history nerds like myself: Samuel Clemens 'Mark Twain' pen name originates from his time as a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River. The phrase “mark twain” is a riverboat term that means “two fathoms” (12 feet), which was the minimum depth needed for a steamboat to navigate safely. The term was commonly called out by leadsmen measuring the river’s depth. The more you know! I can't, um, 'fathom' the excitement from learning that. 🤯 Thanks ChatGPT!

Time's Arrow is weak. Not recognizing Samuel Clemens, also weak.

I enjoyed this one. Keep doing the immediate letter grades! You can revise them later.

This is one of my favorite episodes. Mostly because I love time travel episodes even though for some reason others don’t. And I’ve always been a Mark Twain fan, so I knew who he was from the start (and the opening credits label him as Samuel Clemons, his real name which I thought most people knew). Did I consider ending my subscription because you disagree? Sure. But I’m also self aware enough to know it’s okay to disagree and I still enjoy you two dorks for some reason lol. So, keep up the honest reviews and we’ll make sure to let you know when we disagree. Obviously.

100% Setup 0% Payoff Best of Both Worlds pt1 was overflowing in internal story and moments, you didn't have to wait until the 'conclusion' for things to happen. Redemption front loaded more setup, but the story genuinely begins in the first minute and gradually ramps up the stakes as it puts the pieces in play. But now we have Time's Arrow, where they'll get around to doing the story next season. The entire 45 minutes we got was spent just getting the players where they needed to be. It's a waste. 35 minutes of 'filler' scenes. By comparison, Data winning at poker was told in 60 seconds, and that's how they should have approached the crew being sent back in time. I'm with the TA on this one: GET ON WITH IT

Have you already started Season 6?

It’s slower than I remember. And strangely bereft of music but it’s probably a C minus Never been blown away by it but there are enough fun moments in it. I’d rather watch this than The Masterpiece society 😂🖖

I loved how Whoopi played a younger pre-Borg Guinan. Small details, but she’s different. I also love how nonchalant El’Aurians are about time travel. Great subtle world building. “I’m from the future where we know each other!” “And…” This was a missed opportunity to do cool a full on Guinan ep.

We’re only like 5 more E’s away from Dr. Stubbs and Vash getting appreciated!

I was kind of disappointed that neither of you recognized Samuel Clemens. Maybe you know him by his pen name? Mark Twain? I mean, when this first aired and I saw Samuel Clemens I was like "ohm god that its so cool". Your blank faces when you saw the same scene informed me that you had absolutely no idea who he was supposed to be. You would be forgiven for not recognizing who the bellhop was supposed to be, but Sam Clemens and Mark Twain are names synonymous with great literary works of the 19th century. Writer, satirist, essayist... William Falkner called him "The father of American literature" And this actor captures his famously flamboyant personality to a "T". He is also a dead ringer for the real thing. Look at his photograph on Wikipedia, taken in 1907. They could be twins. Edit: This, along with your not really knowing about The OK Corral in the TOS episode Spectre of the Gun, really brings home the generational gap when it comes to general common knowledge. I know how old Alex is (again, Happy Birthday Alex) so I can see there is a 34 year span of time between us. And apparently that is the amount of time it takes for once-common cultural touch-points to fade away. Kinda fascinating, really. Edit Edit: Removed bellhop's real name. Unintended spoiler. @Jovet, thanks for the catch.

I think of all TNG season finale/opening two parters this is the weakest one. At first watch I was quite disappointed in it because I love time travel, 19th century history, Mark Twain - and Guinan. But these perfect ingrediences sadly dont add up to the perfect cocktail. Nevertheless: This first part is a C, all together it's a B. An E is ridiculous. But Josh's gradings often are. Yes, I will not forgive Darmok.

I do think this episode speaks to what you guys found off putting about BSG. This episode and that show are more content to let the plot take a back seat and let the character beats take over and stretch out, rather than fitting in where the plot's pacing allows. The fun of the episode is Data wandering around old San Francisco. But that can also be ponderous and meandering if you're expecting the credits to pop up. And given Josh's dislike for "Fish out of water stories" no surprise on the low grade. And I won't begrudge any annoyance of Clemens/Twain, cause the episode doesn't spell out that he's a historical figure, thus doesn't justify his existence like it should.

Personally, I like the instant grades even when I disagree with them, like this time. I'm surprised you guys didn't give it a C for the character moments in the first half alone but I also don't blame you for your grades and no one should either. First, it's your opinion and you're entitled to it. Second, it's tough to grade these two part episodes on just part 1. It's like grading half a movie when it's just starting to come together. Your grades might be different if you'd watched both parts as a movie but at the same time, that's not how it aired so if anything your reactions at least have the same circumstances to the experience of when it came out. I've always loved both parts for the character moments and data's fish out of water story. I also love the Clements character performance but he's definitely either a you love him or hate him character for most fans. And if you're in the latter it'll definitely affect how much you like the episode. I think you guys will like part 2 better but we'll see. Fun reaction though. It reminds me of the time that I spent 30 years...

Some 2 parters are absolutely one story split up for time. This is clearly the case for this one, even if they didn't write part 2 yet. Others are more distinct in their parts. BoBWs are fairly cohesive, but one can the seperation in the parts if they look. Part 2 lacks some of the tension of part 1. Same with Redemption. Part 2 has an entire plot about the blockade, and Data being in command..

I COMPLETELY understand your reactions. It never dawned on me until this, how much this episode relies on people knowing Mark Twain and his views on things, his connection to San Fran, and his stories that deal with someone being "out of place". Not knowing that really destroys the underlying flow of the story in San Fran and the "comic" nature of his introduction. I had to know Twain. We read 2+ stories in school and had to report about them but I doubt that is true now a days.

Maybe I’m weird for this but it feels strange to me to evaluate multi part episodes separately. It’s all the one story really, there’s no reason I can think of to split them.

Samuel Clemens' connections with San Francisco, time travel science fiction and the tall tale make his inclusion as a character in these episodes particularly fitting I think, especially given the other literary references.

Per wiki : "In 2017, Variety listed the two-part episode as the seventh best episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation" I liked this one, think I gave it an A or B.

Really surprised you guys hated the episode, I really like this one, though I tend to think of it as a being together with part 2 and not just standalone

I mean what's not to love about this episode, a mystery, funny crew interactions, creepy aliens, time travel, Guinan!

This one is basically 'meh' dusted with some interesting ideas and nice character moments that don't really amount to too much, and even though I like the 19th century San Francisco setting, and found it kind of cozy, it's still light on plot. I don't think Part 2 saves it, unfortunately. Never much cared for this 2-parter.

Where did everyone learn about Mark Twain’s personality? (Genuine question) I feel like I missed a day of school or something.

While I of course have no issues with your opinion on episodes, and you are not the first reactor to have this opinion, but why does everyone hate Mark Twain? Maybe cause you didn't recognize him and didn't realize how much of an eccentric person he was but damn! I was like 12 when this came out and I loved it and his portrayal.

I understand your reaction to this episode. I never really thought of it as a particularly good one, for me it is somewhere in the C category (a mark that for me isn't really good), but there are some fun moments overall, so I gave it a B. However I can't think of it as a one part/2 part and grade them separately, I see it as a whole. That being said, the Mark Twain addition always seemed goofy to me and a little off-putting, but there are some redeemable moments in the whole story in my opinion. Meh, it's fine, a low B for me (both parts).

I quite like this episode, although I'll fully admit I'm very positively biased toward anything with time travel in it. Plus, maybe I'm coloured a bit by nostalgia: younger me was completely onboard when I first saw this episode. I will say the pace is a bit slow for sure, but I do like that that gives time for people to express their feelings for Data, and for Picard and Guinan to have a nice scene; I would not have wanted to skip over that purely for plot machinations. And seeing Data slowly getting more and more comfortable adapting to his situation was also good, I thought. And the final cave scene with the aliens has lived rent-free in my brain all these years, lol. I wish this had worked better for you guys, but perhaps you will find the next one more enjoyable. Looking forward to that reaction and the discussion.

I always like this episode quite a bit. Still do.

Haha. I've never had the experience of "Oh I hate this one" and then you hate it too. Can't remember what happens in 1 vs. 2 so won't mention the specifics of what I hate, but yes E for sure. Not because there's nothing of worth in it, but because the bad stuff is grating.

I like the instant grade.

Finally we can move on to a season that is actually worthy of the hype (IMO at least). For me it's not so much that I hate the episode. I just really soured on it over time. In my younger years I would have given this an S without question. These days it's more like a B or a C.

This English teacher is very upset with you 2 guys. : ) You fail 19th Century Lit.

I like the grades too even when I disagree (like here) or totally agree (the next phase).

I’ve always been quite fond of this two parter and like a lot of the character moments scattered through I have often thought it isn’t strong enough to be the season finale compared to the last two and the cliffhanger is a bit weak but I find it charming. Marc Alaimos forth Trek appearance too and second season finale After playing a Selay, a Romulan and a Cardiassian previously. Looking forward to s6, one of my fave Trek seasons

Erase from Canon is HARSH for an episode that does have some genuinely good character stuff and lots of intrigue (Guinan/Picard, as others have mentioned). I know everyone hates the Mark Twain character but I've always found that performance excellent (annoying, yes - but feels VERY "Twain-ish") - I could do with less of him but I did anticipate him really annoying the shit out of you guys, haha

Don’t know if you guys realized this yet but there were no Q or Barclay appearances in Season Five.

Great song!

Two to three meters is actually very tall, about 6 1/2 feet to just under 10 feet.

Yeah, I like this one a lot, but admittedly it's difficult for me to separate my feelings about the two halves of a two-parter. E does seem extremely harsh to me, though, given all the nice character stuff with Data in the first half of the episode. (Note, lest there's any confusion, this is NOT an angry comment about you not liking the episode.)

The grades are fun, guys. Don't let it get to your head if you're against the grain or not. But I do think you should Google "Mark Twain" 😂 . I'm assuming you didn't catch the other writer in the episode either lol

E seems really harsh to me, but then I suppose I'm used to thinking of the 2 parters as one big episode. If I'm judging this one on it's own merits alone, probably a C. Data in the past provides some fun moments, knowing Guinan was on Earth and hinting at some unknown history with Picard raises some questions, and of course finding Data's head is such a WTF moment, so all that considered even though I understand it's a very incomplete product and it definitely stretches out the runtime, I can't hate on it much. Still, I generally found this to be a fairly middle of the road 2 parter. Not amazing, but enjoyable as a finished product. Your mileage may vary. Also, the aliens being 2-3 metres are by no means short. That's 6 and a half to 10 feet in American. I'm sure others have said, but the French card shark was played by Marc Alaimo(Gul Macet in The Wounded), and Samuel Clemens was played by Jerry Hardin, who played the leader of the Aldeans back in S1's When the Bough Breaks.

On the plus side... now we have season 6 to look forward to, which I think is the strongest overall Season. 5 has Darmok and Inner Light, but 6 is just such a consistently good season, I don't think it has a single bad episode

lol i knew you guys were going to get annoyed by this one.

I actually disagreed with your takes on the previous part 1 episodes being boring or too much setup. But this is the first time I totally get it. I remember being lukewarm on this two parter, but rewatching this with you guys, wow. I disliked this a lot more than I remember. I was genuinely bored. Even watching Data be a fish out of water felt dull and by-the-numbers.

I've always thought it was weird to grade what is effectively half an episode. IMO you guys should grade 2 parters as a whole. I've always liked Time's arrow; it's a fun episode that personally I give maybe a high B to low A. Giving it an E is ridiculous in a series where Shades of Grey exists. There are maybe 3-4 episodes tops in the series that deserve a rating that low.

So Mark Twain/Samuel Clemons. If you read any of his essays, he writes like he is the most important person in the room. Pretty sure everyone who has ever played Twain plays him as such. Looking forward to Part 2!

yeah without the second half its meh. I get it. its like rating half a movie. imagine having to wait 6 months for the next season. :( Im ready for sunday now ...

Keep doing the grades, just do the 2 parters together.

"This made me bump Redemption 1 and Inner Light to an S" had me fucking dead

This one of my favorite episodes of the series. A solid "A" grade. However, I don't base my enjoyment on whether someone else likes or dislikes what I enjoy. The most important thing is that you guys are honest in how you feel. It doesn't offend me, I mean, I didn't write the episode lol. Im fact, I do find it interesting when you go against the status quo of the fanbase. So you keep doing you. :)

I think it's a sensible idea to delay the review until after the second part. Personally, I'd like to see all two-parters treated this way, and indeed maybe even reacted to as well in one go.

You two are crazy. This episode is fantastic! As are its next part(s)!

I knew you guys wouldn’t like this one, but now I can’t decide what was more irritating - the episode or the reaction.

My favorite performance in this episode: the ‘49er. He’s so convincing I wondered for a moment if he was an actual drunk. He’s got the shakes and that cough down. Anyone agree? Just me? Ok.

Personally I love this episode. But I often hear that most people don’t like it. Maybe I’m just a sucker for Data and old timey stuff :D

Keep doing the board grades guys!

Guinan’s talk with Picard in Ten-Forward is my favorite scene in this episode.

I probably gave this a B on patron takes (if I voted at all) but this episode isn’t great. I wanted to give it credit for its big ideas, the new sets, and all the time and work it required, esp as a 2-parter, but the episode just doesn’t come together. Feels bad to call a finale a contract filler but thats what this feels like. There are nice moments but the overall story is disjointed and hard to follow (across the two parts, i think) And that guest character Clemens is not it for me.

Laugh out loud ending on this one. Chef’s kiss.

The one who gave Data 3 bucks for his badge. He was the one who played Gul Maset in The Wounded. First time he played a human.

wow .. that ending song is fire! Who made that?

Are you guys XFiles fans? The man playing Samuel Clemons is the actor who played Mulder’s informant Deep Throat. After this aired he did a one man play as Clemons on stage for a while. (He was also on TNG in season one, When the Bough Breaks.)

You gave it an E just because it's part 1 of another season ending cliff hanger? Yeah, that tracks.

“Beam me up” was a bumper sticker as early as the 1970s, so its use here was almost certainly intentional.

Curious to know if there is a two part episode of any show you have watched that was not half of a story or did not follow the setup/follow through formula? Isn't that the nature of a two part episode? or do you guys just really dislike two part episodes?

Hey, this is the second best episode with Mark Twain. And of all the bad Mark Twain roles in the world, this Mark Twain looks the most real. Comon

You two unread apes didn't recognize the character with the cigar was Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain?

Justice for Redemption Part 1!

I love the cold open on this one ... both the episode and the TA!