Gambit, Part I

This first of two part episode has Patrick Stewart allegedly killed in a barroom brawl. When Jonathan Frakes goes hunting for the killers, he's captured by them and to his relief, but surprise sees Stewart among a gang of thieves where his knowledge of archaeology is coming in handy for the gang.

Naturally Riker does not give Picard away. Richard Lynch is in charge and as usual playing one of his top flight villain characters. He's got a control device that enforces obedience.

Top flight villain in one of TNG's topflight episodes.

While this isn't quite as good as most two-part episodes of "Star Trek: The Next Generation", it is pretty good and a nice change of pace. It begins with the crew believing that Captain Picard has been killed. However, he's actually hanging out with a band of space pirates and is pretending to be a scum-bag named Galen. I assume it's because he's anxious to discover their wicked plans regarding some artifact, though perhaps this was just Picard's mid- life crisis. Regardless, later Riker is captured by the pirates and to avoid being killed, he pretends to be a horrible Starfleet officer--one who is quick to betray the Enterprise to save his own butt. Where is it all going?

This episode is slightly better than the follow-up--mostly because the next episode ends poorly. And, if you do decide to watch, look quickly for Sabrina La Beauf (of "The Cosby Show") in a small role as Ensign Gisuti.

It's an easy 8 stars. But what would it take to get this great two-parter to an Indiana Jones level ? Plot: Riker and Picard infiltrate a pirate ship to find an ancient relic, a super weapon. You might think the plot could be improved. Relics don't sound too exciting. However, really it boils down to the characters. When Indiana Jones sees an egg-shaped relic, and his eyes go crazy, you believe it. Because he is a scientist. You could have, for that reason, sent Data on that archeology trip. But Data doesn't care enough. Picture Star Trek: Voyager's holographic Doctor in that role. Plus, Voyager's Doctor looks great when he gets tossed around. When someone fiddles with his programming. I say, make a whole Indiana Jones-like Star Trek show featuring the Doctor, getting tossed around by several pirate syndicates. --- Search "Trek Greenspace" on Google Play Books and join my Star Trek Voyager Sequel Fan Project!

The Enterprise crew are informed that Picard has been murdered so Riker investigates.

This is an enjoyable start to a two part episode.

We know Picard isn't dead (obviously) so the big mystery is where he is and what has he been up to. When we find out, it is quite fun watching Riker and Picard engaging a bit of subterfuge. It is not even the slightest bit plausible, but it's worth going with it for the entertainment.

The better scenes involve Data in command of the Enterprise. These are written well and nicely performed by Brent Spiner and Michael Dorn.

Robin Curtis of Star Trek movies 3 and 4 makes a good appearance as a 'Romulan' member of the crew of mercenaries. She looks and plays the part well.

'Gambit' doesn't sit on the shelf of TNG's prestigious episodes, but there's a b-movie quality that really adds some charm. I feel like this is a tip of the hat to "The Search for Spock", between that cold-open bar scene and guest starring Robin Curtis. And if you can get past he occasional misstep of soap-opera dialogue, there's the benefit of Data in the captain's chair.

Not bad at all, and an amusing change-up.

7/10