The Arsenal of Freedom

This is one of the most subtlety frightening episodes of TNG. The lower score is because I find the drones and the jungle setting to be somewhat cartoony when they shouldn't be. This episode is ultimately about an entire planet that was slaughtered by its own creation, as a warning about the dangers of putting too much trust in weapons, this is good. I'm sort of neutral to this episode.

We kick this episode off with Picard giving a smirk of approval to the notion of selling weapons to both sides of a conflict. America's disposition toward the middle east comes to mind but I digress. We learn that Riker was offered his own ship before accepting the post of second officer on the Enterprise. Riker's unwillingness to take command is a recurring theme throughout TNG. I sort of wish they spun him off mid series but whatever.

Next, we meet a holographic arms merchant who understands how the universe actually works: "Peace through superior firepower." Picard is impressed so he sends an away team down to make contact and negotiate a sale.

We quickly learn that Starfleet technology can't melt Tritanium so it's a good thing we are here. Looks like we might get to score a free sample, but a reconnaissance drone shows up and traps Riker in a stasis field. Realizing Riker won't be able to close the deal Picard puts Geordi in charge of the ship and beams down to the planet himself with Crusher in tow.

The super dooper sci fi weapon that destroyed a planet has garbage aim but it still manages to chase Picard and Crusher into a hole.

Back in space we meet yet another chief engineer. This time it's Lt. Logan, and he means business. Geordi handles him nicely by putting him in charge of the saucer section and sending him off into space with all the other nonessentials.

Back on the planet Tasha, Riker and Data tangle with another drone while Picard raises Crusher's legs and keeps her warm. She gets tired of his company though, so Picard goes to meet the with the salesman, gets the low down on the Echo Papa 607, and closes the deal.

Jokes aside, this episode is pretty good for season 1, and not half bad when considering the series as a whole. Geordi really feels like a character, Riker and Tasha show hints of sexual chemistry, Worf has some good one liners, and Wesley is nowhere to be found.

Verdict: A season 1 standout.

Fun facts:

Android's can survive 11.75 meter drops without issue. Picard must have landed on something soft.

Lorenz is the mathematician that developed chaos theory.

The alternative name for the Enterprise is the lollipop. She's a good ship.

Suggestion: Instead of prepare to beam and beam, how about being ready to beam on "go black" or something. Unless you like warning the enemy. Suddenly the ship has no one with more than one pip but a stranger we've never seen. Heck, let's put Wesley in command. Oh, he doesn't exist this episode. Duh. The obvious solution. Ok. Fun.

Like many stories in science fiction -including the first season of Star Trek: Picard- this episode is about the dangers of artificial life. AOF does a decent job of telling this story by obfuscating the theme initially. The episode also contains some great work from LeVar Burton, who can convey such emotion despite wearing a headband on his face.

The little conflict with this week's chief engineer also highlights the ridiculous way the highest-ranking officers just casually beam down to planets for whatever reason. Picard is only down there so the writers could develop his bond with Beverly. Silly, but it works.

Enterprise receives a recorded message from planet Minos.

This is an mostly good episode with a number of strong character moments but the production design and some performances let it down at times.

The plot is solid and based on a very interesting subject of weapons manufacturing. It starts in a fairly uninspired way, but when Picard leaves Enterprise to join the away team, the plot gets more interesting.

I enjoyed the scenes with Picard and Dr Crusher, which give some nice background on Crusher and has an interesting dynamic of patient looking after the doctor. Geordie's time in command also has some cool moments for his character.

Where I struggled is on the surface of the 'densely forested' planet Minos. Not only are the performances fairly weak, particularly from Denise Crosby, but the set and tech design is very poor. Considering this was made long after the original series, it appears to be more dated.

The above problems generally contribute to a distinct lack of threat offered by the technology described as a highly and advanced perfect killing machine.

Patrick Stewart is as strong as ever. LeVar Burton gives another likeable performance and carries the bridge scenes well. Gates McFadden is solid and likewise Marina Sirtis. Jonathan Frakes appears to be going through the motions in some quite bland exchanges with Crosby.