Conspiracy

The overall story of Conspiracy is quite interesting, and certainly unique, at least to The Next Generation. We are left in the dark for precisely the right moments, and only in the end do we really understand what has been going on this entire episode, which in my eyes in quintessentially trek storytelling.

The special effects and practical effects, while only seen in greater detail in the latter half of the episode, are a bit rudimentary compared to todays standards, however considering that this was created in the late 80's, and for a television show no less, it meets expectations. Even incorporating tricky stop-motion to capture certain movements which would not be easy to do otherwise.

Where this episode is lacking however is in the way it is told. The story is great, but the whole episode feels like it's trying to fill the time with long drawn out scenes, and whole minutes of the episode feel like they should've been left on the cutting room floor, and instead been filled with more interesting exposition or a more dramatic rising action.

All in all the episode is one of the better ones from season 1, and definitely is worth a watch, although as many reviewers pointed out, it does contain some light gore elements, so very young children should probably sit this one out.

Captain Picard is contacted by three other Starfleet captains who give him some disturbing information.

This is an intriguing and gripping episode with number of memorable scenes and character moments.

The plot for me is reminiscent of the original series episode 'Operation Annihilate', only better as it presents the possibility of Starfleet's command structure being compromised by an alien organism.

What works well is that right from the moment Picard is woken from his slumber there is an established sense of dread that remains until the end credits. It all stems from some quite atmospheric early scenes that set the tone for the rest of the episode. For what feels like the first time in the series we are faced with a credible threat.

Several characters make a strong contribution to the plot. It centres around Picard who leads from the front, placing himself in peril in the line of duty. Riker, Data and Dr Crusher all support him well and display the strengths unique to their characters.

The visuals are a mixed bag in terms of quality, but they entertain nonetheless. The scenes on Dytallix B are well designed, filmed and set the tone well. The creature effects are easily identified as clay animation but if you keep in mind this is 80s sci-fi you should appreciate the effort gone into making them as cinematic as possible. At one point it feels like a horror movie due to the comparatively graphic nature of the models.

All performances are strong with Patrick Stewart carrying the story superbly well. Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, Gates McFadden are all solid. Ward Costello and Robert Schenkkan return with memorable performances.

The only real problem with this episode is that the story is never followed up at any point later in the show. However, judged on its merit it is for me the strongest of the first season.

This TNG story reminds me so much of the fabled classic The Invasion Of The Body Snatchers. As it turns out some real important Star Fleet personnel are having said bodies snatched.

Patrick Stewart and the Enterprise are summoned by the captain of the Horatio about a vital matter which is a plot to internally subvert the Federation. Then the Horatio is destroyed with an explosion. Which sends the Enterprise back to earth to investigate.

There is indeed a plot and all I can say is you have to see who's doing the plotting.

A version of Invasion Of The Body Snatchers.

"Conspiracy" ranks as one of the most disgusting installments in episode television history. The story line involves an infiltration of Star Fleet by "intelligences" bent on the destruction of the Federation. A longtime friend of Beverly Crusher visits the Enterprise and brings with him a sinister secret, revealed in a stunning confrontation with Worf.

As the conspiracy widens, Capt. Picard and Ryker return to Earth and come face-to-face with the "mother" of the conspiracy, setting the stage for one of the most dramatic and jaw-dropping scenes in Trek history.

'It's too bad that the producers didn't decide to continue with a follow-up episode that would tie up some of the loose ends from this memorable show.

The plot for "Conspiracy" is pretty much taken from "Invasion of the Body Snatchers", so it's hardly original. However, it's such a HUGE departure from the usually overly cerebral episodes of season one that it's a welcome breath of fresh air!

A few episodes back, an admiral and his henchman, a commander, were introduced ("Coming of Age") and at the time, why they were in the first episode seemed a bit unclear. Here, the final portion of that story is about to play out in "Conspiracy".

It seems that Starfleet has been behaving oddly and several other Federation captains have called Picard to a secret meeting to discuss this. They are not sure what is happening--but SOMETHING is afoot. They warn Picard to be on his guard. This paranoia seems well founded when shortly after the meeting adjourns, one of the captains' ships explodes! Obviously SOMETHING is happening. What? See the show.

This is good old senseless paranoia and violence--things that made the original "Star Trek" series so much fun. And this episode is indeed fun--something the series occasionally forgot to include and a welcome relief here. This is the one to see during the first season.