Evolution

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.

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.

Enterprise plays host to an important scientific experiment in a binary star system.

I found this to be a fairly mediocre start to the third series with an unoriginal story and arguably quite flat character moments.

The plot involves Wesley working on a project that causes big problems for the Enterprise and it's current mission, but the way it unfolds is a retread of the first series episode 'Home Soil'. Similar to this episode it has decent sci-fi, but I found it's resolution to be equally as naff.

What makes 'Evolution' less enjoyable is the character of Dr Stubbs, who I found pretty whiny and irritating in virtually every scene aside from his interaction with Wesley. That being said his juxtaposition with Wesley works fairly well as a warning that this is how the boy may end up in the future if he focuses all his time and energy into work. For me though you need to actually care about this concept to enjoy the character arc.

Dr Beverly Crusher is back aboard the Enterprise which means there is no Dr Pulaski. I have to admit that based on the first two series I preferred Pulaski's character who is the more entertaining of the doctors, albeit slightly too much like Leonard McCoy than necessary.

On a more positive note I think the visuals are mostly great, particularly the images of the Enterprise reflecting the colours of the binary stars. It feels like the production values have strengthened during the third series.

All the regular cast give good performances but I mostly struggled with Ken Jenkins as Dr Stubbs who succeeds in annoying me but little else.

For me it's a 5.5/10, but I round upwards.

Nano-technology is an interesting subject for great speculation. It's interesting to me that several reviewers were so annoyed with Stubbs' character flaws that they said he ruined the episode. The guy has devoted his entire life to this one event and may be cheated out of it because Wesley Crusher has lost control of another of his science experiments. Granted, he takes matters into his own hands after Picard has put the kebosh on doing in the little buggers. But there seems to be little animus over Mr. Crusher's outrageous experimentation that could take the lives of the entire crew and destroy the ship. For me, this would be the end of any immediate roadway to the Starfleet Academy. He may just be a kid, but he has intellectual powers that are handled in a slipshod, careless way. Whether these microscopic things are a life form is open to discussion. If your car parts act in concert with each other and your modern flywheel arrangement is able to adapt to changes in need, is your car now a lifeform. I'm with Stubbs on this one. Besides, many geniuses are eccentric and he is sanctioned by the powers that be. If he forced Picard's hand (as well as Momma Crusher's annoying concerns) then it may be he that saved the ship.

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.