Review of Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 3 (7 Disc Boxset)

Introduction

It`s only the third season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and already it`s getting harder to come up with an intro. It`s even harder trying to describe the picture and sound in a novel way, because it`s more of the same from Paramount. Actually, Paramount should be commended for having maintained such a high standard in their Next Gen releases thus far, but don`t be surprised if by Season Seven I`ll be reduced to typing "ditto" into each of the categories. Anyway, let`s see what I can say about the third season of the Next Generation.

The teething problems of Season 1 are far behind, and any lingering effects of the writers` strike of Season 2 aren`t apparent as the show settles down comfortably for Season 3. The first thing that strikes you is the new title sequence. Rather than the departure sequence from Earth`s solar system, we visit some "strange new worlds". Dr Crusher returns after a year and has to play catch up with the rest of the crew. Other than that, the crew is pretty much the same as before. In terms of the look of the show, new uniforms were introduced, which would allow for the expanding of waistlines, as well as looking better than the pyjamas of seasons 1 and 2. As always there is another leap in effects and a new more detailed Enterprise model was introduced. On the whole this season has many more memorable episodes than before, with the return of Tasha Yar, figuring prominently.

The Episodes

Marked out of 10 of course.

1. Evolution
Dr Paul Stubbs is aboard the Enterprise to study a once-in-a-lifetime event, a celestial explosion in an exotic binary system. Suddenly an apparent malfunction throws the ship into danger. One of Wesley`s experiments has escaped. A group of `nanites` are rapidly reproducing and evolving intelligence. Wesley gets a decent episode, as he has to deal with the consequences of his carelessness and the return to the ship of his mother. Paul Stubbs is an interesting character as well, a practiced nonchalance hides an obsession with his experiment that drives him to extreme acts. Good characters and a good story signal a strong start to Season 3. 8½/10

2. The Ensigns of Command
The Sheliak, a species that follow the letter of the law contact the Enterprise to demand the removal of a human colony from Sheliak territory as established in a centuries old treaty. This colony is on a planet that doesn`t support human life, but the members of the colony have adapted. Since only Data can survive the radiation, he must convince the colonists to leave. Meanwhile, Picard tries to buy time for the evacuation by negotiating with the recalcitrant Sheliak. Grainger Hines, the original actor who played the colony leader, Gosheven had his name pulled from the credits and all his lines were overdubbed by another actor. This doesn`t help the character any, but poor writing creates an irrationally stubborn man whose motivations make no sense given he situation. That said, this is a good Data episode and he has a nice rapport with Ard`rian Mackenzie. Picard also has fun with the negotiations and his studied indifference to the eventual Sheliak rapprochement is a hoot. 7/10

3. The Survivors
Responding to a distress call from Rana IV, the Enterprise discovers an obliterated world where only a small area of land remains unaffected. The landing party find two elderly survivors. Their survival is a mystery and Picard`s suspicions are raised when the survivors express a wish to remain behind. The one person who could have an insight into this, Deanna Troi is being tormented by a tune that she can`t get out of her head. Then the colony`s destroyers return. This episode presents an intriguing mystery and is a compelling story. Marina Sirtis gives a good performance as the tormented Troi. 8/10

4. Who Watches The Watchers
Mintaka III is a primitive world that is being observed by a hidden Federation science team. When the outpost`s reactor malfunctions, the structure becomes visible to the local inhabitants, contaminating their primitive culture. The contamination worsens when one of the outpost`s scientists is captured. Even Riker and Troi beaming down in disguise to rescue the injured man cannot mitigate the situation and when Captain Picard intervenes, he finds himself being worshipped as a God. Picard finds that the only way to salvage the situation may mean his death. Didn`t Kirk fight the Gorn on this planet? Recycled locations apart, this is a very good story that showcases the vaunted Prime Directive and what happens when an advanced and a primitive culture collide. 9/10

5. The Bonding
When Marla Astor is killed on an away mission, young Jeremy Astor is orphaned. Deanna must help Jeremy come to terms with his loss and also help Worf accept that someone died while under his command. Worf wished to `adopt` Jeremy into his family as is the Klingon custom, but when an alien appears in the form of Marla Astor, wishing to look after the child in restitution for the loss of his mother, Jeremy is thrown into confusion and the Enterprise is put in danger. This is a rather tedious and turgid episode that takes a simplistic look at loss and grief. There is a parallel with Wesley Crusher`s loss of his father, but this isn`t exploited satisfactorily, The conclusion where all is healed through a Klingon ritual seems contrived just to add another facet to Klingon culture, but this is a wasted exercise as this ritual isn`t referred to or encountered again in Star Trek. 6/10

6. Booby Trap
Investigating a debris field left over after an interplanetary war, the Enterprise encounters a derelict Promellian battle cruiser. Captain Picard`s archaeological passions are awakened and he jumps at the chance to explore the relic. But when the Enterprise begins to suffer a power loss and is bombarded by lethal radiation, they soon realise that they are caught in the same snare that killed the Promellians. Geordi tries to find a way to restore power long enough to escape and sets up a simulation of the engine in the holodeck. An unexpected addition to the simulation is the designer of the warp chamber, Dr Leah Brahms who is recreated as well. Geordi, who has difficulty relating to women, finds himself falling for the hologram. This is a good episode that has some interesting character moments as well as an exciting story. The suspense that builds is nicely balanced by Geordi`s personal problems. 8½/10

7. The Enemy
Investigating a crash on the hellish planet, Galorndon Core, an Enterprise away team discovers the remains of a Romulan vessel. The away team find a survivor and Riker and Worf beam up with him. Geordi, however gets separated from the group and when the window to beam up closes, he is stranded. The Enterprise remains in orbit to question the survivor and in an effort to rescue Geordi before he succumbs to the debilitating effects of the planets magnetic storms. A problem arises when a Romulan warbird appears looking for its survivors. Worf must weigh his principles against the Romulan survivor`s life in order to avoid a diplomatic incident. Meanwhile on the planet, Geordi has encountered another survivor and he and the Romulan find that they must put aside their differences to find a way to escape. This is an excellent episode with some exciting moments. Geordi and the Romulan pay homage to the Defiant Ones, while Worf`s moral dilemma is handled intelligently and doesn`t necessarily have a happy or humanitarian ending. The only downside is some execrable dialogue uttered by Doctor Crusher. 9/10

8. The Price
The Barzan have discovered the first stable wormhole and are selling it to the highest bidder. One of the bidders is a Devonani Ral, a part-Betazoid who uses his abilities to gain advantage in negotiations, not that he advertises his heritage. The enigmatic character naturally intrigues Deanna, however it soon becomes apparent to her that he is not above unscrupulously using his abilities. Soon Deanna is caught in a conflict of interest and has to way their developing relationship with what is best for the Federation. Meanwhile Data and Geordi`s investigation of the wormhole reveals that it may not be as stable as originally thought. Oh Boy! There is a stinker in every season of Star Trek and this is Season 3`s. The `steamy` romance between Troi and Ral is nothing of the sort. Matt McCoy as Ral comes across more slimy than seductive and the romantic interludes tend to turn the stomach. The only bright spot is the return of the Ferengi, who make the perfect comic foils, something that they will excel at in future Trek. This mediocre episode spawned a sequel in Voyager and Deep Space Nine is built around the stable wormhole concept. 3/10

9. The Vengeance Factor
The Gatherers are a nomadic people, estranged from their parent race of Acamarians, who prey on unwary travellers and worlds, stealing what they need to survive. When a Federation outpost is raided, the Enterprise is sent to resolve the dispute once and for all. If finding the Gatherers is hard, reconciling the upright Acamarian leader, Marouk with the brazen Gatherers seems impossible. Riker develops a relationship with one of the Acamarian servants, but his personal life and the diplomatic problems pale into insignificance when a centuries old clan feud, long thought ended erupts into deadly violence. Riker ends up being torn between his duty and his feelings. A strong story with some excellent characters, the Gatherers are a charismatic bunch and the negotiations are entertaining. The vengeance storyline is compelling and the conclusion isn`t necessarily your rosy ending. On a plus note, Gates McFadden has finally settled back and her character seems to mesh well with the rest of the cast at last. 8/10

10. The Defector
A lowly clerk escapes from the Romulan Empire whilst under fire from a warbird. His battered craft barely makes it to the safety of the Enterprise and he announces that he wants to defect. However this is no ordinary defection, as he brings knowledge of a secret Romulan base in the Neutral Zone. The meaning is clear, the eventual conquest of the Federation. Picard is initially sceptical, but when the lowly clerk reveals that he is actually Romulan Admiral Jarok, his claims must be taken more seriously. Picard must make a decision that could lead to war. This is an outstanding episode similar to the Original series novel, My Enemy, My Ally by Diane Duane. James Sloyan is magnificent and memorable as Jarok. The story is well written and the suspense builds until the conclusion. For a 45-minute episode, there are a fair few twists and turns. There are also some stunning spaceship sequences with some quality FX. 10/10

11. The Hunted
The planet Angosia is a peaceful world, dedicated to non-violence and clarity of thought, seemingly a perfect candidate for Federation membership. The Enterprise is visiting Angosia to assess their application when a prison break occurs from one of Angosia`s moons. The Angosian leader requests the Enterprise`s assistance and after some considerable effort, they manage to apprehend the resourceful but violent individual. Counsellor Troi encounters an intelligent and articulate man in Roga Danar and a sordid tale of chemical programming and engineering to create a perfect soldier. An army created to fight a war that the rest of the pacific Angosians could not. When the war ended, the surviving soldiers were exiled to the moon to avoid infecting the Angosian way of life. When Picard learns of this, he is constrained by the Prime Directive, despite his disgust. This is an entertaining and exciting episode, but if the Next Generation had a fault, it was its tendency to proselytise. Once again the moral correctitude of the Federation prohibits it from acting, but then careful manipulation of the oft-quoted Prime Directive allows Picard to resolve the situation in a similar fashion to Season 1`s Symbiosis. All this lecturing does tend to grate after a while. The Hunted is also notable for an early Trek appearance by James Cromwell as the Angosian leader; he would later make a more memorable mark as Zefram Cochrane in the movie First Contact. 8/10

12. The High Ground
The planet Rutia IV is being torn apart by terrorism. A small minority desire an independent state, and these Ansata separatists have resorted to violence to achieve their aims. When the terrorists abduct Dr Crusher, the Enterprise crew find themselves caught up in the conflict. The terrorists are using a dangerous device to transport, and they require the doctor`s services to heal their dying. Dr Crusher finds the leader, Kyril Finn a charismatic and soft-spoken man and her stubborn defiance soon wavers. But she is thrown into turmoil when Picard is also abducted and his life threatened. BBC bans Star Trek shock! I remember when the beeb omitted this episode from the first run of Season 3. Terrorism isn`t an easy subject to broach at the best of times in a family show, but it was a throwaway line, about the IRA eventually succeeding through violence that had the BBC watchdogs up in arms. Dr Crusher finally gets a good episode and gives a strong performance. But of course the morally upright Federation crew can`t help patronisingly lecturing about terrorism, and Wesley seems remarkably unconcerned about his mother`s fate. Still, a good episode with an ambiguous conclusion. 7½/10

13. Deja Q
A massive moon is about to strike the inhabited world of Bre`el IV, devastating the surface. In a last ditch effort to spare the inhabitants, the Enterprise attempts to restore the moon to its correct orbit. A seemingly impossible task is made worse when Q returns. However, Q has been stripped of his powers by the rest of the continuum and cursed to live out his life as a human. Q desires sanctuary and offers to help the Enterprise crew with his omnipotent knowledge. While Q tries to come to terms with his nascent humanity, the moon continues to fall. When Q offers to help, his efforts are thwarted by the arrival of the Calamarain, a species he once tormented and who now see their chance for vengeance. Picard must choose between saving Q and saving the planet. The galactic trickster returns in a sparkling episode, with the sparkling wit of Q enlivening the story no end. Of course certain members of the crew cannot resist the opportunity to get their own back. 9/10

14. A Matter Of Perspective
Commander Riker is beaming back from an away mission to a space station when it explodes, killing energy scientist, Dr Apgar. Riker barely makes it back in time, but the death of Dr Apgar warrants further investigation. The local Tanugan world has a strange view of jurisprudence, judging a suspect guilty until proven innocent, and when Riker is implicated in Apgar`s death, it falls on Picard to exonerate his first officer. To satisfy the requirements of the Tanugan investigation, a novel use is found for the holodeck. An excellent murder mystery with a brilliant twist, the murder as perceived by several witnesses is recreated on the holodeck and the differing viewpoints of the characters are a marvellous dramatic touch. Of course a tech heavy ending comes to the rescue. 9/10

15. Yesterday`s Enterprise
It`s just another day on the Starship Enterprise, when a rift in space demands their attention. Worf is beginning to scan the anomaly when suddenly everything changes. A different, more martial Enterprise is now standing at the mouth of the tear watching the arrival of a battered ship. The crew is subtly different too, with Tasha Yar manning the tactical station and Worf nowhere in sight. The battered ship is a ghost from the past. The Enterprise C is the predecessor to Picard`s ship and has come forward in time to a galaxy shattered by war. The Klingons and the Federation are fighting a protracted war, and Picard sees the arrival of the Enterprise C as a chance to bolster Starfleet`s weakened ranks. Repair efforts commence on the ship, as it`s surviving crew is integrated into the present. Meanwhile Guinan`s abilities alert her to something awry. As she begins to realise the universe is out of kilter, she tries to convince Picard that the Enterprise C must go back to the battle it barely escaped, a battle it has no chance of surviving. As time runs out and the rift begins to close, the Klingons are poised to attack. Easily the best Next Gen episode and potentially the best ever Star Trek episode. Yesterday`s Enterprise boasts a brilliant story, and the relentless pace builds to a stunning climax. Denise Crosby finds a novel way to return as Tasha Yar, 2 years after the character was killed off. This show presages a thread that will see Crosby again as a recurring character. The ship and crew change subtly to show a more militaristic Federation. The families are absent and the uniforms are severe. Characters are subtly different too, especially Picard who is quicker to fly off the handle. In one word, outstanding. 10/10

16. The Offspring
Data gets broody, and with the use of the Enterprise cybernetics lab, it isn`t long before he is the father of a bouncing baby android, Lal. Captain Picard has certain misgivings about Data`s act of creation, but he has no choice but to let Data have the time to raise his child. However Picard`s reservations are beside the point, as Starfleet`s reaction when the Admiralty learn of Data`s `project` is negative to say the least, They insist that the Starship is the worst possible place for a burgeoning artificial intelligence to develop, and order Lal transferred off the Enterprise. Picard is in no mood to see a happy family broken up and another legal argument regarding android rights ensues. But Lal is developing far beyond the dreams of her father. She is developing emotions. Jonathan Frakes directs, and he gets a good episode to make his directorial debut. This is a touching episode as Data raises his child. There are some memorable moments, especially Riker`s first encounter with Lal in Ten-Forward. A very well written story. 9/10

17. Sins of the Father
Continuing the exchange programme initiated when Riker served on the Klingon ship, Pagh in A Matter of Honor, the Klingon Warrior Kurn comes aboard the Enterprise to serve as first officer. Kurn is typically brusque with the crew and soon everyone is suffering under a Klingon command style, everyone that is except Worf, who Kurn has been treating with kid gloves. Worf is irritated with the way he has been treated, and goes to Kurn to complain. It turns out that Kurn has been testing Worf, to see if he is still Klingon at heart after living with humans. Kurn reveals that he is Worf`s younger brother, that the Klingon council has dishonoured their family, and their father branded a traitor. Worf decides that he must challenge the council and clear his father`s name. If his challenge fails, he will be executed as the son of a traitor. Picard decides that he must stand by his officer and the Enterprise heads to Qo`nos. Worf`s story begins in earnest in this episode, a story that will take 10 years and two series to resolve. We meet Worf`s brother Kurn for the first time and also Worf`s nemesis Duras. Tony Todd makes his first of many Star Trek appearances and memorably plays Kurn. An exciting episode with loads of ramifications. 9/10

18. Allegiance
Captain Picard has been kidnapped! He finds himself trapped in a room with three aliens, with no reason for their captivity. While he attempts to organise the different personalities in an attempt to escape and understand their imprisonment, the Enterprise continue on regardless with a different Captain Picard at the helm, one who is acting very strangely indeed. A well-written episode, but not overly exciting. Patrick Stewart gets to subvert his character somewhat, but the episode doesn`t seem to go anywhere, with no really satisfying conclusion. Some of the false Picard`s moments are a little funny at times though. 6/10

19. Captain`s Holiday
Captain Picard`s heavy workload causes concern for Counsellor Troi. She insists that he takes a vacation on the holiday planet of Risa. He reluctantly agrees and gets used to the idea of a few days of peace and quiet, a prank by Commander Riker notwithstanding. It turns out to be a busman`s holiday when he gets caught up in a treasure hunt with temporal ramifications. Time travellers from the 27th Century and unscrupulous Ferengi are all searching for the Tox Uthat. Captain Picard is reluctant to get involved, but when the compelling, yet outrageous archaeologist Vash hides a disc with the location of the Uthat on Picard, he can`t help but take up the chase. A light-hearted homage to The Maltese Falcon, Picard gets to play Dixon Hill for real. Picard also gets a little romantic action for a change, as well as punching a Ferengi`s lights out. This episode is fun all the way with a great character in Vash, who has some great chemistry with Picard. Riker, Troi and Crusher get to show their mischievous side persuading Picard to relax. 9/10

20. Tin Man
When Starfleet discovers a sentient starship orbiting a distant star that is about to go supernova, the Enterprise is sent to make contact before the starship, dubbed Tin Man dies in Beta Stromgren`s death throes. A very strong but sensitive Betazoid telepath, Tam Elbrun is assigned to the Enterprise to communicate with Tin Man. He has crippling psychological problems caused by his strong mental abilities and was once a patient of Deanna Troi. His chequered history causes misgivings aboard the Enterprise, especially Riker who believes Elbrun is responsible for the deaths of his colleagues on a failed first contact mission. The Enterprise must race the Romulans to reach the distant Beta Stromgren star. The Romulans would love to dissect the alien starship and the tension mounts as the Enterprise heads for a potentially destructive confrontation. All hopes rest on the shoulders of a telepath with a fragile psyche stressed to breaking point. An excellent episode with a compelling story that is tightly scripted and tensely paced, but what makes this episode work is an excellent performance from Harry Groener as the tormented telepath, Tam Elbrun. His role is pivotal to the episode and Groener is more than up to the task. 8½/10

21. Hollow Pursuits
See the Enterprise crew as never before when you delve into the fantasy world of one Reginald Barclay. Barclay is a minor diagnostic engineer who has difficulty fitting in socially aboard the Enterprise. His lack of self-confidence and nervous manner makes it hard for him to make the right impression to his superior officers. He is consistently late and his work is not up to par. Geordi is all set to have this problem officer transferred off the Enterprise, but Captain Picard is reluctant to pass the buck, and orders La Forge to make Barclay his personal project. All this added stress is too much for Barclay who escapes at the earliest opportunity to the holodeck, where he can control his reality to his satisfaction, where he intimidates the rest of the crew, where he is the hero. This is going to be a problem, because a series of dangerous malfunctions is beginning to plague the Enterprise and the only man who can save the ship is a minor diagnostic engineer. Dwight Schultz was inimitable as `Howling Mad` Murdock in the A-Team, but he is certainly in no danger of being typecast as he creates another memorable character in Reginald Barclay. This excellent episode focussing on one of the ship`s minor officers makes a welcome change and introduces one of the most enduring and memorable guest characters. There are some brilliant moments as the Enterprise crew are mercilessly lampooned on the holodeck. 9/10

22. The Most Toys
The Enterprise, responding to a contamination problem on a colony is buying bulk quantities of antidote from the trader Kivas Fajo. Data is piloting the shuttle from Fajo`s ship with the last load when the shuttle is destroyed in an explosion. The Enterprise crew continue on their mission, heavy-hearted as they mourn the loss of their friend. But Data isn`t dead, but in the possession of Fajo. Not only a commodities trader, Fajo styles himself a collector of the unique and he has pounced on the chance to own the only Soong type android in existence. Fajo wants Data to perform at his whim and to this end threatens the android. When that fails he threatens members of his own crew. As Data`s torment grows he finds himself pressured by Fajo`s demands. The question arises, How far can Data be provoked? Saul Rubinek is excellent as the greedy and amoral Fajo. This episode is good and Brent Spiner stretches Data`s character somewhat. We get to see how far the logical android can be pushed and the conclusion could have been chilling in its implications, but unfortunately the aspects of Data`s character raised here aren`t explored again in the Next Generation. 8/10

23. Sarek
Sarek, the Vulcan is one of the leading lights of the Federation, He is also Spock`s father. In the twilight of his diplomatic career, Sarek wishes to crown his achievements by concluding a treaty with the reclusive Legarans. The Enterprise is assigned to transport the ambassador, his wife and his aides to Legara where the starship will serve as venue for the negotiations. When violence and aggression flare on the Enterprise, it becomes apparent that there can only be one cause. The talks are in jeopardy and it falls on Picard to find a way to salvage the treaty. After the cameo appearance of DeForrest Kelley as Dr McCoy in the pilot episode, the Next Generation established a distance from the original series. By the third series however, the cast and the stories were good enough and comfortable enough to allow for a crossover episode. Logically, a Vulcan would be long-lived enough to appear in a Next-Gen episode. Mark Lenard reprised his role as Spock`s father and this episode is a treat for the dyed-in-the-wool fans. A good and solid story, and Mark Lenard`s performance is touching. 8/10

24. Ménage À Troi
The Enterprise is attending a trade conference on Betazed and the Ferengi are invited. Deanna Troi and Will Riker take the time to go on a picnic, and of course Lwaxana Troi invites herself along. But the Ferengi Captain is infatuated with Deanna`s mother and seizes the chance to abduct the three. The Ferengi wishes to use Betazoid telepathy in his financial deals and tries to convince Lwaxana to help them. Meanwhile the Enterprise is hot on the trail of the kidnappers and Captain Picard must acknowledge his feelings for Lwaxana if there is to be any hope of a rescue. It`s always a joy when Lwaxana Troi makes another Trek appearance. Here she pits her remarkable personality against the lascivious Ferengi. The last light-hearted episode before things get darker for the Season finale. It`s also another missed chance to kick Wesley Crusher off the Enterprise. Nevertheless another excellent performance from Majel Barrett as Lwaxana Troi. 9/10

25. Transfigurations
The Enterprise rescues an injured alien from an escape pod crashed on a barren planet. Dr Crusher manages to save his life, but the enigmatic alien has lost his memory. Dubbed John Doe, he soon forms a rapport with the Doctor, while Data and Geordi examine a piece of wreckage for clues to John Doe`s origins, Dr Crusher helps him recuperate. However she is puzzled by some strange changes that his body is going through which are having strange effects on the Enterprise crew. When John Doe`s people are finally located, they find that John is considered a criminal by his Zalkon people. The Zalkon`s demand to extradite John as he is considered dangerous and subversive for refusing to accept treatment for his `illness`. This is a rather dull episode that takes place over several months. Even condensed down to 45 minutes it feels interminable. It`s basically a very poor take on the Messiah story with the symbolism laid on a little too thickly. 6/10

26. The Best of Both Worlds: Part 1
A distress signal from Jouret IV sends the Enterprise to a distant Federation colony. Upon arrival, the landing party find that the colony has been ripped up, leaving only devastation behind. Admiral Hanson and Lieutenant Commander Shelby arrive to confirm that it`s the handiwork of the Borg. Shelby remains behind to co-ordinate tactics from on board the Enterprise as they go looking for the Borg. Riker`s been offered command of the Melbourne and Shelby is under the misapprehension that she is the next first officer of the Enterprise. But these minor personal problems are rendered irrelevant when the Enterprise encounters a gargantuan Borg cube. To give Starfleet time to organise a defence, the Enterprise plays cat and mouse with the Borg, but the Borg manage to snare the ship and drones board the ship and capture Captain Picard. Riker is left holding the pieces and he has no time to regroup before he is confronted with a sickening shock and a difficult decision. The first thing you notice before you even play this episode is that the menu has been assimilated. This is that classic episode where the Borg made their presence felt. Elizabeth Dennehy as Shelby brings some welcome friction on the bridge, but the Borg are as ominous as always, and as for the cliffhanger, this one is the sci-fi equivalent of "Who Shot J.R.?" 10/10

Video

US television blah blah blah. Lower resolution yadda yadda yadda. Tell me if you`ve heard this record before. Paramount do a sterling job with the transfer, and it`s immediately apparent that Season 3 is a visible improvement over the previous releases. Paramount must have used different source material to master these discs. The image is stronger and the colours are more vibrant. Seasons 1 and 2 look softer and washed out in comparison. Once again the effects are significantly improved over the previous season, with the episodes looking more and more lavish. You can also see a trend beginning to prefer location shooting opposed to sets and matte paintings.

Audio

The Sound is once again available in 5 different flavours English DD 5.1 and DD mono in French, German, Italian and Spanish. It`s still wonderful to hear Star Trek in its surround sound glory and the benchmark set in previous releases is adhered to by Paramount. The Borg are particularly threatening in their many-voiced menace.

Features

Another hour of extras graces the third season of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Once again packed in heavy duty plastic, the sturdy case is a welcome housing for this box set. The menus are another variation of the LCARS design scheme. This time an animated rendering of the Enterprise blueprints accompanies the menus. The Borg have assimilated the menu for Best of Both Worlds, which is a nice touch. Following the precedent established previously the extras follow the same format. An 18-minute Mission Overview looks at the third season in general, with the Cast & Crew mentioning notable episodes and changes made for the third season. It also relates, yet again how Whoopi Goldberg got the part of Guinan. The Selected Crew Analysis (14 mins) examines the main characters and how they developed over Year 3. Production (20 mins) sees the crew talking about the third season. In particular focussing on the scripts, the special FX and the music. Finally, Memorable Missions takes a 13-minute look at 7 episodes that the cast and crew found particularly noteworthy.

Yet again, I feel short changed by the extras. Of the four options, The Production was the most informative, but a lot of the material regarding the characters is starting to be repeated from season to season. Paramount continues their policy of denying the existence of Star Trek outtakes so there is no extra material for any of the episodes, not to mention commentaries. The extras also are beginning to feel insular, focussing on the regular cast and crew. I would love to hear some thoughts of the occasional guest star, from the outside looking in.

Conclusion

Star Trek: The Next Generation goes from strength to strength on DVD as it celebrates its 15th birthday. The return of Doctor Crusher begins the third season and the series has finally found its groove. Rather than competing with the original series or battling production problems a la Season 2, the show has finally established an identity of its own. The cast are all very comfortable as they explore their characters within the framework of some outstanding stories. That is with the exception of Dr Crusher, whose 1-year`s absence means she is playing catch up with the rest of the cast as she tries to find her character again. It`s noticeable that Denise Crosby has no such problem when she reprises Tasha Yar for Yesterday`s Enterprise. It could be that Dr Crusher was never my favourite character anyway, but it will be only the occasional episode where her character shines and that won`t happen for some time yet. Other than that, the regular cast were on top form as the third season progressed. Patrick Stewart got the chance to get a little action, while Jonathan Frakes as Riker finally began to relax. Don`t worry he doesn`t play the trombone this year though. After a lack of direction in her character, Marina Sirtis begins to shine as Deanna Troi and LeVar Burton also gets some good episodes. The series is also beginning to carry some cachet as it begins to attract some established stars to guest on the show. This year it is notably, Dwight Schultz of The A Team fame and Mark Lenard, who reprises his role as Sarek. James Cromwell also appears in an episode, a few years before he made the acclaimed Babe.

The quality of the writing improves by leaps and bounds with a higher proportion of decent episodes. I thought that almost half rated 9/10 or higher, and that level of consistent excellence in writing is rare indeed. Only one derisory episode and a couple of average ones mar this season and that is hardly a blemish worth mentioning. With episodes of the quality and variety of The Defector, Hollow Pursuits, Captain`s Holiday and Yesterday`s Enterprise exploring a cornucopia of sci-fi ideas, the future for The Next Generation looked rosy indeed and it would live up to this potential in future seasons. But curiously, if I were asked about my favourite episodes from The Next Generation, most would come from this third breakthrough season.

A recommended purchase.