Journey's End

An episode that is filled with terrible stereotypes and toxic political beliefs. All native-american characters are treated as spiritual mystics rather than regular human beings. They call them "Indian North Americans" because they are unable to name even a single Native American tribe. Usually The Next Generation is fair an even-handed, but this episode presents cringe-inducing and toxic theories such as generational guilt.

The worst episode of an excellent show.

Picard is given a mission to move a race of people from a planet that's about to become part of Cardassian territory.

This episode has its problems but I do not dislike it with the same passion as others.

I think it starts very well with Picard being put in a difficult situation with an awful job to do. That hooked me enough to want to find out how it plays out. It's always good to have scenes involving Admiral Nechayev.

The dilemma Picard is in for me continues to be a compelling story thread throughout the episode and there is a strong scene between he and Gul Evek when conflict breaks out.

Unfortunately a lot of the issues with the episode mentioned in numerous reviews are valid. The lazy stereotyping of native Americans, 'chosen one' trope, Wesley's characterisation, Picard's contrived family history link, the unsubtle social message, and the deus ex machina ending are all examples of uninspired writing.

I think all the actors do well with the material they have to work with, particularly Patrick Stewart.

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

This is a good episode with a powerful story and moral dilemma concerning the relocation of a group of American Indians - could have been a 9 or a 10 with a little more drama and if not for the terrible inconsistencies and the problematic character of Wesley Crusher.

Wesley had SO much potential in TNG, his genius and his encounters with the Traveler could have been exploited so much better, but unfortunately it wasn't always the case. This is one of the episodes where his side story ruins the otherwise excellent base premise. Apart from his annoying baby face stupid smile that's part of his "acting" in TNG every 2 minutes or so, there is absolutely no way any group of American Indians would have considered Wesley some sort of Messiah or treat him as one of their own, for a couple of simple reasons: he's too young, he's disobedient, he has no spiritual depth whatsoever and ... he disrespects elders, especially after joining the Academy. All these Wesley traits make him totally incompatible with a culture like the American Indian one, period.

Other than that, the premise of this episode could have produced an effect relatively close to that of 'Inner Light', if exploited properly (maybe some tragic outcome of the main plot) - it certainly suited the culture's history. It wasn't to be however, and the Indians' and Wesley's stories were blended in a very unrealistic fashion. Picard or even Worf could have been much more suited for Wesley's act, while Wesley's subplot could have been merged into another, more suitable episode. In the end, it all looks forced and not that believable (to say the least), pretty much like trying to eat soup and cake together.

I'm surprised that TNG of all shows would so easily subscribe to the evil belief that the actions of one's ancestors centuries in the past is the responsibility of their completely innocent descendent. This is a very disturbing and problematic attitude to hold.

Really, really deep spiritual episode, messages and dialogues with symbology and meaning, The native cultures and their ancient wisdom connect with the modern-future cultures and their technological intellect, both make peace and unite for universal Peace. We get to see too the start of humanity's next stage of spiritual evolution. Fantastic!