11001001

The Enterprise is in dock to have its computers updated by a group of Bynars, a species that has evolved from computers. They work on things in pairs at a rapid fire pace. Both Wesley and Riker are a bit suspicious of what is going on. While Riker and Picard sit in the a jazz club in the holodeck with a beautiful young woman, bad things are happening. Somehow, the Enterprise is being compromised. Data orders the crew evacuated because the ship is potentially explosive. Once everyone is off (except, of course, Riker and Picard) the ship leaves and goes into warp. It is now up to the two ranking officers to figure out what is happening and to remedy it. I won't spoil anything, but for the first time there is a story of real complexity, aliens that are very interesting, and a problem that could happen in this realm. The solution is quite satisfying. The other thing that works here is that the characters of the Captain and his Number One relax and show their human sides. Jean Luc in particular is probably a pretty lonely man, married to his ship. Like a brother in a monastery, everyone else comes first. Riker is a romantic and shows himself quite the smooth talker and we find that he has a great love of jazz and a penchant for the trombone.

Enterprise docks at a Starbase for a computer upgrade from the Bynars.

This is a solid episode that is a little slow to get going, but once it kicks into life, it's very entertaining and has some good character moments.

The plot is simple but effective and I won't mention any specifics not to spoil. It is safe to say that once we find out what's going on it puts a more interesting spin on what's been happening in the first part of the episode. It has an interesting concept when we consider how much society relies on computers.

I like how a number of different characters provide good contributions to what happens. Picard, Riker, Data and Wesley (ish) all get their share of cool moments. Worf briefly provides a moment of humour with his fiercely competitive Klingon nature on display.

Visuals and sound effects are excellent. I love the design of the Bynars which is similar to the Talosians. Their manner of communication and backstory is also interesting. This includes great visuals of Starbase 74 as the Enterprise docs and undocks.

All performances are solid, especially Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner and Michael Dorn.

For me this is a 7.5/10 but I like to round upwards.

This marvelous episode had me hooked from the appearance of Starbase 74, the docking of the Enterprise and the appearance of the Bynars. The character of Minuet is played to perfection by the exquisitely beautiful & sultry Caroline McCormack. All in all this episode left me wanting to know more about the Bynars and their homework of Binus.

ST:TNG:16 - "11001001" (Stardate: 41365.9) - this is the 16th episode produced but the 15th one aired on TV. "11001001" is one of my more favorite episodes of season 1 (and of the whole series) - it really gets to the heart of Star Trek and introduces a species that is quite different from humans - that of the Bynars who always travel in pairs since they need two to decipher their binary code (when interacting with each other and other beings). I really liked the beginning when the Enterprise docked at a Starbase, entering it (and exiting later on in the episode) just like the original Enterprise entering Spacedock in Star Trek III: The Search For Spock - though it's obvious they took the matte paintings from that movie, it is a welcome homage to The Next Generation's past. See this episode, you won't be disappointed.

Trivia: Carolyn McCormick who plays Minuet will be back in the fourth season episode "Future Imperfect".

"11001001" from Season 1 of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" is a fascinating episode that dives deep into the symbiotic relationship between organic beings and technology. This episode stands out for its imaginative portrayal of the Bynars, a species so intertwined with computers that their very existence depends on it, offering a prescient look at transhumanism and AI integration.

The episode kicks off with a visually stunning approach to Starbase 74, showcasing some of the best effects seen in the early seasons, borrowed from "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock," which gives it a cinematic quality that's rare in TV sci-fi of the era. The music, composed by Ron Jones, complements the narrative beautifully, especially with its jazz elements that resonate with Commander Riker's character development as a jazz enthusiast.

However, the episode isn't without its flaws. The pacing can feel glacial at times, with the plot taking a while to kick into high gear. Additionally, Riker's portrayal as a somewhat superficial Casanova feels dated, detracting from the depth of his character, particularly in the absence of Counselor Troi. His interactions with the holographic character Minuet are intriguing but somewhat undermined by his portrayal as a playboy.

On the positive side, the performances are noteworthy, especially Carolyn McCormick's portrayal of Minuet, which strikes a balance between allure and artificiality, giving her scenes a unique charm. The Bynars themselves are one of the most original alien concepts in "TNG," presenting a species that challenges our understanding of gender and identity, even if this was not fully explored or articulated in the '80s.

The episode also offers moments of character development for Data and Geordi, exploring their dynamic in a way that adds depth to their friendship and professional relationship. The ethical questions about AI, autonomy, and dependency on technology are subtly woven into the narrative, making this episode not just entertaining but thought-provoking.

"11001001" is a standout episode for its forward-thinking concepts and visual prowess, though it could have benefited from tighter pacing and a less stereotypical portrayal of Riker. It's a testament to "Star Trek's" ability to blend entertainment with social commentary, earning it a solid 8 out of 10.