Conspiracy

"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.

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.

Picard's old friend Captain Walker Keel contacts him via a top secret channel, alerting him to a clandestine meeting on a remote planet to discuss a possible conspiracy within the hierarchy of the Federation itself. When evidence of unusual Federation behaviour is discovered, the Enterprise heads directly to Earth to investigate.

Possibly the most controversial episode of season one, this paranoid thriller is an excellent adaptation of 'Invasion Of The Body Snatchers' but throws in a wild surprise with an unduly excessive amount of gore at the end. It's a bit silly in places but this feels far darker to most other episodes of the show and decidedly not family-friendly.

It's undoubtedly the best episode from season one and possibly the best episode of Next Generation. From the jump, it had the perfect amount of tension and believability and a great story. The only season one episodes that compare to its quality are "Datalore" and "Heart of Glory." The Federation's rules and benevolent nature are under assault by a mysterious force that might have originated from within the core leadership of its organization. Only a handful of its trustworthy senior officers seem to be aware of the problem, which is alarming in itself.

This episode's only flaws: its special effects are very dated and almost laughable by today's standards, and it relies on Jonathon Frakes's acting (groan) a bit too much.