Evolution

In this episode, the first show of season three, Wesley class project goes wrong when he accidentally releases some small nanos (bug like) items throughout the Enterprise. What is happening is that the nanos are eating the ships computer and making the Enterprise perform in an awkward manner. Getting rid of the nanos is very simple but Picard believes that this may be a new life form and will not harm the nanos until more is learned. But communicating with the nanos will take some very odd turn when Data is used as a voice for the small bug-like items.

There is also another situation on board when the Federation sends Dr. Paul Stubbs on a mission to a star that is set to explode. Mr Stubbs lifetime work has been on this subject and now the nanos may make his life's work for naught. Stubbs is against protecting the nanos as it will halt something he will never again experience in his lifetime.

Ken Jenkins plays the stiff Doctor Stubbs but it seems that the writers made the character quite irritating. Why in the world Captain Picard let him in all the commander's meeting is beyond comprehension. The character was snobby, bitter and uninteresting. The character sucked most of the entertainment value out of the story making the episode less interesting. Due to its complicated conception this was not the best episode to start the season. Not one of the better episodes.

Tiny things take control of the Enterprise and turn out to be a lifeform they have to try to communicate with. You know, like in the season 1 episode 'Homesoil'. And the situation is resolved peacefully after having them talk stiltedly - just like in 'Homesoil'. Sigh.

The whole Wesley story is pretty bad here. A simple science experiment turns out to be the ultimate weapon, easily taking over a gigantic spaceship within a matter of hours despite starting out as only two nanites. If this was at all possible, why aren't they better secured? Why does Wesley only get a slap on the wrist?

The other plot involves Dr. Kelso from Scrubs wanting to do an experiment he has one shot at. It's a bit more interesting but not much.

With Dr. Crusher back on the Enterprise like she never left the Enterprise is watching for a predicted star explosion, an event that guest scientist Ken Jenkins is recording as it's historic.

Then the ship starts behaving like on a drunken rage with systems going haywire. The reason is Wesley Crusher who was doing an experiment in nano-technology and some of his microscopic bots have gotten loose.

What to do with them? I'm afraid that I would agree with Jenkins that Captain Picard's first responsibility is the safety of ship and crew and they really can't afford philosophical debates whether this is a new life form.

With Gates McFadden on board again, Wil Wheaton is feeling abit itchy with mother around again. What 17 year old wouldn't? Usual mother and son problems that are universal.

Won't try and re-state the well done reviews here.....

But I was always wondering after this episode, Could we see down the line a time where the struggle with the Borg is not going well, and then in the depth of despair, surprise step in the Nanites (maybe as Federation members or just back from outside) as a force that really have the ability to throw a wrench into the workings of the Borg.....

Yes, this being written 2023, so kind of comp to Avengers Endgame, "Cap, On your left!" or "Avengers assemble!!"

But the way Star Trek always has chances to bring things back in interesting ways, I just thought it worth mentioning...... And give Wesley some storyline, "The Creator", etc.

The Enterprise has escorted the arrogant, single-minded scientist Paul Stubbs to a binary star system, to conduct an experiment on a massive solar explosion not due again for over a century. However, a number of unexplained technical glitches on the Enterprise threatens the viability of the experiment - much to Stubb's annoyance.

Season three begins with a fairly average episode but one that clearly has enjoyed the benefits of an increased budget. Visual and special effects are much improved over the first two seasons and we finally have the typical TNG crew with the welcome (and understated) return of Dr Crusher. Jenkins is perfectly cast as the grumpy scientist, even if he feels like a prototype Dr Kelso from 'Scrubs'. But the story is a bit of a let down and once again, has too much emphasis on Wesley.