The Royale

I am a Star Wars fan trying to become a Trek fan. I am slowly watching TNG one episode at a time. This episode was my favorite to date. Season 2 has really picked up steam as far as story lines go. The acting is getting better too. Season 1 was entertaining, but a little corny. Season 2 has been a real treat. This particular episode is entertaining. Great story line that ties in to today's world. A true science fiction plot with a Twilight Zone twist.

The Royale is one of the best episodes from season 2.I actually watched it on sky one way back on the 5th of June 2005 and I'm only getting round to writing my review now.

Upon discovering debris from a 21st century NASA spaceship near a strange planet.Entering the planet Data,Riker and Worf come across a hotel style casino from the 1980's.Investigating further they find a book written by a NASA astronaut called Hotel Royale.It then dawns on them they are in a living version of the book.Having seen out the conclusion of the book the officers are able to return to the enterprise.

This episode stands out as it was refreshing to see a realistic version of Earth and the plot involving the characters living out the novel was pretty creative on the part of the writing team.Also the supporting cast have a sizeable part and played it well.

It is clearly stated that the US had 52 states at the time. Reviewer should watch the show more carefully.

Just don't ask "why"? After finding a floating artifact from the 21st century something interesting ensues. An away team of Riker, Worf, and Data find a revolving door in the middle of nowhere. They go through and find themselves in a kind of hotel/casino. Something is being held from them. The problem is that now they are in the place, they can't get out. The get into the door and circle right back in. Meanwhile, a cast of characters, a hostile clerk, a cowboy who is gambling, a floozy, and others go about their business. Somehow, this whole thing was set up based on a cheap novel. The problem is that there is no reason for this happening. Who are the alien forces that caused all this and what were their motivations. Sometimes I think that the writers would use any excuse to write something about another setting than the Enterprise. This has some funny moments, but they are based on the fact that a starship lieutenant, a Klingon, and an android are interacting with regular people who don't notice their physical appearances.

Enterprise investigates a planet where a segment of NASA spacecraft was discovered in the upper atmosphere.

This is a disappointing episode that has a strong concept but is presented in a series of uninteresting scenes and relatively flat storytelling.

The plot is based on a great idea and there would have been a number of ways for it to play out, but it feels like an uninspired holodeck program. There is initially a sense of mystery to what is happening, but once certain facts are revealed it kills the intrigue and what's left is fairly monotonous.

What makes things worse is reading that the original draft of the script included much more humour and surrealism akin to the original series episode 'A Piece Of The Action' prior to it being re-written out of fear of being too similar. Personally I think it could have done with a large dose of the above to bring it to life. However, I appreciate humour is very subjective and others may find what happens entertaining.

The visuals are decent, with a convincing casino set and atmospheric reveal of what's going on when the focus moves to a hotel bedroom.

Performances by all serve the purpose of the story, but nothing is particularly memorable. I did not find anybody to be annoying so I guess that is a plus point.