Clues

"Clues" is an absolute masterpiece for all Trekkies, a classic and one of the most underestimate episode in TV History, the fact people rate this one 8.3/10 kills me, " Clues" diserved 9.2-9.3/10 at the very least and a 9.6/10 would be accurate.

This épisode got without a doubt the most fascinating plot since the start of the show. If I need to make a Friend discover Star trek, from TOS and TNG i think i would choose this one.

No need to know the characters like in " the city in the edge of forever" ( the GOAT) Clues is officially my second favorite TNG épisode as for now, " Measure of a man" still number one.

Enterprise encounters a wormhole and the entire crew, aside from Lieutenant Data, are knocked out for what appears to be 30 seconds.

This is an enjoyable episode with a good story and performances.

The plot is a good mystery. In fact it's even introduced explicitly as that in the opening holodeck scene with Captain Picard and Guinan. It all unfolds compellingly until the reveal is made and then it slightly drags. However, it is worth going all the way to the final frame of cinematography just to see the expression on Data's face.

All characters have good moments to shine throughout. It is a memorable Data and Picard episode with good contributions from the likes of Dr Crusher, Councillor Troi, Commander LaForge and Worf. I always wondered if the crew ever realised at some point in the future that they are two days out by other calendars

All performances are strong, particularly Patrick Stewart, Brent Spiner and Marina Sirtis.

Dixon Hill, Private Detective on the holodeck. I have to admit right from the off that although I appreciate that this kind of use of the holodeck was a new direction for season one, I now find the whole film-noir angle to be totally uninteresting. Some of the stories pursued on the holodeck were very good, but some were nothing more than excuses for cast members to cosplay dress-up. Energy distortions on the other hand, now that's what we want.

A slow-burn, join-the-dots episode that plods along as a who-done-what enigma but unfortunately the pace of the show makes it dance around the edge of a payoff for far too long. This story reminds me of a Red Dwarf story 'Thanks For The Memory' which follows a similar plot.

During the lull in action I couldn't help wonder what it would be like if we really could travel the stars on such a space vehicle. There are 1,014 souls on board, so the Enterprise is similar to a small town. Despite its purpose of exploration, it spends most of its time being probed or attacked or following some other vessel. It visits worlds where strange things happen or people with strange powers live. If it wasn't for these interludes I could imagine that the entire crew would find life to be pretty boring. You are living in a tin-can which may be much bigger than an Apollo command module but it is a tin-can all the same. In the infinity of space it is really insignificant and that is before you consider the Romulan threat. I suppose all is okay if you work on the bridge, but just imagine what it must be like for a lowly cleaning attendant working on an out-of-the-way deck.

Pay attention to this one. Very creative plot twists. A thinking fan's episode. Reminded me of "The Sting".

The Enterprise inadvertently travels through a wormhole while investigating a mysterious planet, knocking everybody except Data out for about 30 seconds. But evidence begins to mount that something more sinister has transpired, creating a mystery for Picard and the crew to solve.

The premise of the episode is solid, even if it will feel familiar to fans of sci-fi sitcom 'Red Dwarf'. But even a moment's thought will make the show fall apart, making the ending feel like a waste of time and ruining the episode. Which is a pity as there's some good work from the cast and it's always fun to revisit Dixon Hill on the holodeck, even if it is all too briefly.