PATRON TAKES - Star Trek TNG S2E14

In my opinion, the Riker breakfast scene in the previous episode, Time Squared, helped set up this episode. Riker established in that scene that he was raised by a father who made him cook and he didn’t have a mother's influence in his life. It was a seemingly pointless scene at the time, but another example of thinking ahead and character development, no matter how minute.

What i think you'll like: Chief O'brien explaining Klingon pain sticks, the use of Troy in this episode, the exploration of Klingon tradition, Troy/Riker moments, Establishing that however progressive they are, ego is still an issue in the 24th century. What I think you'll eye-roll at: Palaski inconsiderately never having mentioned knowing Rikers dad, the show trying to pretend Riker and his dad's fight was somehow high stakes physically. Lol What i think you'll chuckle at: Westley getting yelled at AGAIN, by Worf. Data attempting to cheer up Worf in 10 forward.

I think youll appreciate how Troy and Palaski praise each other's positive qualities when talking to Rikers dad, in contrast with them opposing each other's positions in the last episode. It shows that they are both above letting anything like that keeping them from appreciating each other's strengths.

Westley was able to see an issue with Worf that no one else picked up on. And everyone came together to support him when they could have easily not have. Worf has felt like a loyal comrade since the beginning but I believe this episode really establishes him as officially part of the family. Credit to Westley. He deserves the recognition.

I think Picard was secretly relieved when Riker turned down the Captain promotion. Picard was WAY too supportive during the whole thing. He was obviously compensating for deep regret he'd be losing his number one. Another subtle example of Picard keeping up that exterior from his true feelings. Also, I think his trust and confidence in Riker contrasts his dad not trusting Riker to be his own man.

As a kid, I remember feeling amazed by how open everyone was to respecting other cultures. It was not what I was used to in the 80's on tv in the slightest. I found it inspiring and it made me hopeful for the future.

Watching this as a kid, what I remember about the Riker story was not understanding why Riker was such a jerk to his dad from the beginning when everyone else loved his dad. Also it was very unusual to see men sharing their feelings with each other on tv. So seeing Riker talking with Worf, Picard, and even his dad about his inner feelings was new and refreshing.

I always found this episode a bit ridiculous because of the Ambo-Jitsu. Its basically that game you see on TikTok where someone is blindfolded with a stick in hand and tries to smack the other competitors. Calling it the ultimate evolution of the martial arts is somewhat ridiculous - put your helmet on, grab your big cue tip and get in the ring with Chuck Norris and see how it turns out! :)

Oh no, Riker has daddy issues! Anyway, here's my new Anbo-Jyutsu stick...

Not much to say about this episode we meet Rikers dad and they have some goofy martial arts fight with re-painted motocross gear literally. I also find it dumb that they call Ambo-jitsu I believe the ultimate evolution of the martial arts and I go seriously also don’t play this game with a Jedi they would crush you.

The Riker / Pulaski relationship is such an outrageous coincidence I just can’t get past it. It strikes me as such a cheap writing ploy.

“How are we gonna do this ultimate martial art thing?” “I don’t know, we’ll figure out something before we shoot next Tuesday.” “No, we shoot the scene THIS Tuesday.” “Oh boy.”

I wonder if that entire generation of american TV/Movie writers had daddy issues. Seriously, that theme is so common in US media around that time especially. It's a rather foreign concept to me, but I'm not american, nor from that generation or a writer.

“The Icarus Factor” or ":::cough!DADDY ISSUES!cough!!:::” In which Kyle Riker knows everybody, including you. This has the feels of an explanation of the “But he’s your father!” conversation on the Pagh with Klag. Captain Riker?: This is, so far, the second time they’ve offered Will a starship of his own. Apparently being the executive officer is more…fun? for Will? Dr. Mom: Will was about one heartbeat away from having Dr. Pulaski as a stepmom?! Now THAT’s something I could watch, just for the awkwardness! Klingon Bar-Mitzvah: That is all. Anbo-Jyutsu!! They had to invent a martial art for Will and Kyle? um, why? Kind of reminded me of the beginning of “The Final Flight of the Osiris” but not quite as hot.

The fact that Dr. Pulaski fell in love with Riker's dad pretty much tells you everything you need to know about him. I honestly had no recollection of what happened in this episode as I started re-watching it and now I remember why.

Riker's dad ditched him in Alaska so he could sell heroin with Gary Busey only to get taken out by Riggs and Murtaugh in the end

I don't believe this episode will make anyone's top 10 list. Riker and his dad hate each other and then dress up in Motocross Gear and fight each other with giant Q-Tips. Worf is sad, so his friends arrange for him to be zapped with electric cattle prods... 'City On The Edge Of Forever' this ain't. The most interesting part of this one is trying to figure out which one of the holodeck Klingons is played by Entertainment Tonight's John Tesh.

This episode is worse than just bad. It's mid. Never felt That Riker was leaving in any way. Worf's story, along with the other Klingon episodes, gives us a dynamic light years beyond the racist black faced 60s versions.

By this point Pulaski has served on the ship for what…6 months and it never came up about Kyle Riker? Not once? “Oh, by the way I know your dad” No I don’t buy it either.

Motorcycle outfits!!

Nice to have a riker episode. Still it is not one I rush to rewatch. I think you will like it because Jonathan Frakes.

The Riker backstory episode. I like this episode snd its ability to not only give Riker character development, but also give Pulaski some too. Though I do question why she never mentioned she knew his father til now as it seems like an instant connection for a new member of the crew.

Horray, character development for Riker! O'brien is even good enough friends with everyone that he get's invited to Worf's torture Bar Mitzvah.

O’Brien is the man.

Riker, several episodes back, to a Klingon: "But he's your FATHER." Eh, maybe he was projecting. I also predict you'll snicker at the ultimate form of martial arts being two white guys in American Gladiator styled hockey pads tapping each other with beepy sticks. Maybe it'd be more "ultimate" if they used Klingon pain sticks instead.

Star date: 42686.4 The town in Alaska where Ryker is from, exists in real life and they are currently engaged in commissioning a statue of Ryker/Frakes as the town most famous future son. The Klingon ritual story is way better than the A plot. More O’Brien please.

What great parenting. You and the kid have a disagreement? "Johnny! You better put that Anbo-Jyutsu uniform on and get in the ring right now or this beat down is going to be even worse! 1...2...3, that's it we're not turning on your Anbo stick sensor."

Yeah, I know; the silly anbo-jyutsu match doesn't help things. But at least we get some Riker backstory, and even if it's a somewhat cliched father-son rivalry, at least both actors do their best to sell it. I always thought the prospect of Riker getting offered his own command (the second time, by the way; he had been offered the USS Drake as mentioned in "The Arsenal of Freedom") would've been an interesting storyline on its own, perhaps with him spending a few episodes on his own ship and going on a joint mission with the Enterprise temporarily, then returning. But knowing you guys, I'm certain you'll enjoy the Worf subplot far more, and I agree that exploring more of his heritage and being caught between two cultures gives Michael Dorn wonderful material to work with.

Another Riker Ep. I don't think you guys will like it as much as the Ep. A Matter of Honor but maybe you will. I did like the Guy playing Riker's Father. I feel bad for Alex with the whole Pulaski & Riker's father revelation. 😒 I liked this one then and I still do. I almost forgot the Worf Right of Ascension, a memorable part of the Episode. That's it! 😀🖖

Mitchell Ryan (Riker’s dad) was in the running to play Picard. Can you imagine him as captain of the Enterprise? Is there any other actor you think could work well with the crew we all know and love?

Another somewhat forgettable episode in which not much happens. But in return we're given so much great character development, continuity, and culture. Worth it!

"Hey Will? I know I just transferred aboard as Chief Medical Officer due to being a fangirl of the Captain, but I just want you to know that I also used to bang your Dad. Just in case it comes up."

I like to imagine Worf's inner monologue staring out into space after he told Data to "BEGONE" as "I should've killed him, but he meant well & is too innocent. Also I'm physically incapable of harming him". Also I didn't like the reason why he was mad, that he was missing out on a ritual. I would've liked to see that he's grown to respect Riker greatly as a commander & has become personally loyal to him & is upset that he wouldn't be serving with him anymore

I love O'Brien being involved with Worf's story, it's like he really is one of the guys now...

I'd mention that one of the Klingons was a cameo by John Tesh, but I'm willing to bet you two have no idea who that is. It sucks realizing I'm getting old.

Subtle bit of continuity from the previous episode: Pulaski with the throwaway line to Riker "your father cooks???", and then in this episode we learn it was foreshadowing.

I tend to remember this episode for its B plot, rather than its largely forgettable A plot.

Prediction: the two of you will roar with laughter when you see the Rikers in their anbo-jitsu suits.

I gotta love the side story with Worf and everyone helping him get through this ritual! I find the Klingon culture fascinating in this series!

Papa Riker in a good old father-son get over your feelings kind of story

Anbo-jyutsu sucks.

I actually love it when we get to meet the families of the main characters. It's always a wonderful look into what shaped them to become the people they are today. It also adds to the verisimilitude of their depth as people. Honestly, I wish there were more of these kinds of appearances in the show.

The "10 year anniversary" of the Rite of Ascension for Worf will allows us to estimate his age in this episode.

From Riker’s eggs last episode to Riker Sr apparently porkin Pulaski this time. By next week we should have a full English breakfast as I have no doubt one may make you think of chipolata sausages and the other you will toast.

Prediction: You two are going to like this one, because (1) Klingon painstiks (2) Pulaski and Riker's mom, back in the day (3) Klingon painstiks (4) A glimpse at what wrestling is definitely going to evolve into (5) Klingon painstiks.

I never cared for this one much. Worf being grumpy and Wesley taking it in stride. Riker being surprised by his father and not wanting to see him—after lecturing that Klingon about not seeing his father. Pulaski and Kyle Riker are old flames, of course, because the universe full of humans is that small. Pulaski never volunteering that fact to Will, that's an awful retcon. That "boring Klingon stuff" which I don't find particularly interesting—I know, others do. Kyle Riker states that Will has just been offered his first command... even though that's false, he's been offered several others before. The drama over a command seat we all know he's not going to take. The silly Anime-Tron-lovechild anbo-jyutsu "game" as the epitome of martial arts... with rules that seem pretty ridiculous. And then there's Riker v. Riker match itself... pretty de-evolving for supposëd 24th century cultural and personal sophistication. Troi and Pulaski just shrug it off instead of being adults. The ONLY enjoyable scenes in this whole lousy episode are Data talking to Worf in Ten Forward, and O'Brien talking about "excessive cephalic pressures." LOL! The way O'Brien says "exploded" seems to me to be imitated in "Galaxy Quest" when they "digitally convey" that beast up to the ship and Teb says "And it exploooooded!". It's probably near the bottom of my top-10, but I think this one is in my Top-10 Worst TNG Episodes list. It isn't particularly boring, but this isn't what I want to watch on TNG.

Mitchell Ryan was also in “North and South” with Jonathan Frakes and Frakes then future wife. Ryan actually played HER father.

This episode to me is one that feels like 2 seperate scripts that weren't complete of full enough to be their own episodes mashed together and cut down to make 1 full episode. There isn't enough really get into either the main story (Riker) or B story (Worf), I would've swapped them around ,thrown away most of the main story and kept the B story as the larger portion.

The main idea I came away from this episode was "Man... how the martial arts have degraded over time."

Some further character development and lore in this one. I love the B-plot with Worf. It seems the writers were having trouble figuring out how to use Pulaski, so here they make her a former lover to Kyle. I predict you’jj like the episode, but not the anbo-jyutsu. I like Mitchell Ryan in most things but not as much in this. He seems stiff and uncomfortable in the Star Trek universe.

Why does everyone in this episode act like they're 5?

Spock: I must perform this important cultural ritual Kirk: I am completely diverting us from our current mission to go to your home planet Worf: I must perform this important cultural ritual Picard: Get the NPCs to do it

I wonder if they disabled the safety protocols on the holodeck so Worf could enjoy the full fat pain stick experience

Riker family woes (and the news Pulaski could've been his stepmom). I believe one of the holographic Klingons in the accession ceremony is former Entertainment Tonight host and musician John Tesh. ET was part of Paramount, like Star Trek.

So... What'd you think about the "ultimate evolution of the martial arts?" Think it'll catch on? 🤣

I honestly look forward to rewatching this one with you guys, because other than the pain sticks I have no memory of this episode.

Recently rewatched this, and my favorite part of all of it was the look on Data’s face whenever he’s acting as Wesley’s teacher. The Tholians also get name dropped, which is cool. The Klingons early in TNG get portrayed as rather barbaric, which is unfortunate. Quite different from the Klingons of TOS, who while violent and imperialistic, seemed more civilized.

I can't decide which situation I'd rather choose: five minutes of Klingon pain sticks or finding out my co-worker used to sleep with my dad.

So, if things had happened a little differently Pulaski could have been Riker's stepmother. Boggles the mind. We get some angst with the Rikers and more Klingon lore for Worf, which is always welcome. In my rankings I have it as “Excellent”.

Pulaski porked Riker’s dad back in the day!