The Best of Both Worlds Part II

The intensity level of this episode makes one feel they are watching a feature film. With Picard infested with a Borg assimilation, the Enterprise must fight the Borg in general and the Borg with Picard's personality and strategic knowledge. Riker must make decisions that are original and unpredictable to counter the intelligence and adaptability of the Borg. It stretches the entire crew because the mind of Picard is such a private thing; he is a complex being with amazing adaptability as his career with the flagship Enterprise is obvious to the world. The Borg are approaching Earth and the future of the seminal planet of the Federation is at stake. Many of the Federation ships were destroyed in the huge battle where Picard was captured (the Enterprise survived by coming late to the dance). The conclusion to this episode is excellent. It creates a set of possibilities for future conflicts with the Borg as they bully their way. We also have the unanswered questions about what will become of Picard. Set aside time to watch the two episodes together. Excellent television.

Riker and the Enterprise continue to battle Locutus and the Borg.

This is a strong conclusion to the story with more great character moments.

Part 2 of 'The Best Of Both Worlds' has a fairly straightforward resolution to all the drama and suspense that was built in the first part, but it unfolds in an enjoyable way.

There is a continued focus on Riker's command arc which is pretty compelling. It's not just his relationship with Shelby that's that works well, but also his exchanges with Locutus and leadership challenges without Picard.

The Locutus scenes are my favourites, particularly the transformation sequences and the dialogues where he refers to Riker by his informal nickname.

Much like part 1, the visuals are iconic and still have the desired effect. One scene involving a tear rolling down a character's face is for me the most memorable.

Patrick Stewart and Jonathan Frakes are excellent, and receive great support from the likes of Elizabeth Dennehy, Caryn Johnson, Brent Spiner, Marina Sirtis, Gates McFadden and Michael Dorn.

Quite simply put,stunning.still stands up nearly 30 years later and still gives me goosebumps. I remember watching part 1 and bieng so excited and frustated that i would have to wait a full 6 months before i could watch pt 2.(it was terrestial tv,kids ask your parents). The wait was a long one but boy was it worth it. Conflict ,action real emotion its all there. Impossible not to enjoy. Some say this was the best next gen ever got,well if not its pretty dam close. But what this did do was put some meat on the characters and future next gen storys. Its one of those times where everyone is top of thier game,acting ,writing,direction,effects. Sit back relax and enjoy.

Apart from "The Inner Light", I think the two-part "The Best of Both Worlds" is the best that the series ever got. A fascinating plot, LOTS of action and suspense and a lot of originality make this a must-see.

In part one, the Borg decided to finally attack the Federation. In one of their first acts, they kidnapped Picard and used him and his knowledge for their upcoming attacks. Riker is faced with having to most likely die at his old friend's hand--and this is how episode one ends.

Episode two finds the Enterprise crew disheartened with the loss of Picard and death a seeming inevitability. They are not present, however, when a final Armageddon-like battle in space occurs and the Borg are barely slowed by a combined fleet of Federation and Klingon ships. So now it's up to Riker to come up with some strategy that won't be guessed by Picard/Locutus--and figure it out fast as the Borg collective is fast approaching Earth!

All I can say is watch this show. It and part one are like a movie--a darned good one at that.

I can't watch the second half of "The Best of Both worlds" without thinking of the long-term effects of Captain Picard's enslavement by the Bog (i.e. "First Contact") and that final scene bears far more emotional weight . His scars from those implants run terribly deep, and the Locutus scenes are actually more heartbreaking than they are shocking.

As a whole, given that this is the payoff of a months-long cliffhanger ending, I think the writers did a tremendous job. Starfleet's under attack, Picard's life hangs in the balance, and the stakes are sky-high. Despite the big action and the images of adrift starships, this is a surprisingly low-key way to finish the story. But far from boring.

8/10