Amac Productions

Do you want to know the only thing I liked about this episode?

Riker willingly wearing that outfit and illustrating to everyone around this it is not the first time he’s worn a crazy outfit by their standards to properly present himself in another society.

I really liked that.

I loved that Riker was chill enough to be like, hey, I’m not too proud to put this on, and present myself according to the custom of the world we find ourselves on.

That is literally the only forward thinking that happens in the entire episode.

Overall, I think this show does a pretty good job of not showing it’s age. Trying to push the boundaries of TV and be as woke as possible.

Yes, it has its failures. I’m not saying it doesn’t, because ultimately, it’s still a product of the time it’s from.

But it tries.

This episode felt like it had no idea what it was trying to say.

Was this a commentary on the oppressors can be anyone? On how a male dominated or female dominated society can be equally sexist? Was this demonstrating sexism? Reverse sexism?

Because it was just sexist to me.

The women of Angel One were awful. The men were also awful. And she took too much of Riker’s advice for someone who clearly looks down on men. Which also makes the ending weird, because again she took Riker’s advice.

Also, I cannot point this out enough that Riker flirting with this woman felt so out of place that it was crazy.

This man has been nothing but professional since the start of the series. Sure, he’s got his light-hearted moments and jokes with his staff. He’s not above being human.

But he still commands respect.

The only moments we’ve seen it truly slip is in regard to Deanna. Like when everyone was drunk. He was affected by her coming onto him like everyone else was. He managed to hold it together though. Much like Picard and Beverly because the ship needed them to.

Same in the episode where they saw each other for the first time. When she was in pain, he was right there at her side every second. Holding her hand through it.

Again in the episode when she might marry someone else.

Otherwise, he’s the epitome of respect and command and politeness. So, his weird flirtation with this woman felt so far outside of character that it was uncomfortable to watch.

Not to mention with the other little dude coming and going looking like he was going to be sick the entire time. Is that supposed to be her husband or consult or something? Like he’s pretty upset every time he sees her with Riker.

I feel like there’s something going on there.

It just felt wrong.

Everything about it felt icky and gross and just completely unessacary.

Also, it felt like they weren’t going to pursue the connection between them for a bit. Then they did a 180 and were like, nope we’re double downing on this shit. With zero reaction from Deanna which made even less sense to me.

Because like two episodes ago these two were devastated about one of them moving on. Miserable and jealous.

Again, a perfect chance to put them back together.

However, they did not. Apparently, so we can get half-baked shit like this where Deanna is teasing him about his crush like they’re just really good friends and coworkers, but not two people who seem destined to be together. At least, that’s the vibe you gave off before this moment.

Now? If I only watched this episode?

I’d probably never watch another. I’d hate Riker. I wouldn’t know there was anything between Riker and Deanna. And I’d feel like we’re making the commentary that a women led society would be just as sexist as a male led one. Which is an interesting take that I don’t understand.

Yes, I’m sure it’s possible. I’m not saying it wouldn’t be.

I’m just saying you could create any world you wanted to and somehow, you created one just as bad as the one we possess. That we look down on one sex merely because of the sex and not showcase an equal society instead. Something to strive for.

Because this is a terrible way to reenforce any kind of change in the world.

By showing a world considered paradise because it puts one of their sexes down. It feels like a great way for idiots in the real world to point out that a female lead society would be no better or say that it’s better the way we have.

Because it’s not.

Women still don’t have it fair and it’s over 40 years later from when this aired!

I have a lot of issues with this episode. Mostly with Riker who didn’t feel like the Riker we’ve come to know and love throughout 12 episodes. Because he was also not quite himself last episode either yelling at Wesley for being a child. Apparently someone abducted the real Riker and left me with this pig instead.

Yeesh.

He only had one moment where I was like yes. I can understand his willingness to dress the part. He’s done it before.

Then we tipped into him trying to seduce her or her him and I’m out.

Meanwhile, we’ve got the women doing the heavy lifting and we discover that we’re trying to stop a revolution. People are being hunted because they want to be happy.

And we don’t really get a happy ending for anyone because they’re banished and I don’t know what the message is. It feels really unclear actually.

What the hell was I watching?

Oh and meanwhile, there’s a plague somehow going through the Enterprise. Which we got from the Holodeck? Which isn’t real? Someone needs to explain to me how the Holodeck works.

Or explain that I got it wrong and the illness didn’t come from the Holodeck?

On the other hand, aside from the plague swiping through the ship I did love the moment when we call up to the Enterprise and we never get who we’re expecting.

Geordi?

Beverly?

Da eff is going on up there?

Dunno Riker, everyone is dropping like flies man. Happens. Possibly a computer virus or something. Beverly is a little overwhelmed trying to figure it out.

Then Riker ordering Data to take the ship to neutral space to avoid being blasted by the Romulans. Who are just such an unhappy bunch.

Which Data promises to do exactly as Riker ordered which involves waiting based on the amount of time they have left and the time it takes to leave. Allowing Beverly as much time as possible to find a cure before they’re forced to leave Angel One.

I really loved that.

It also speaks to Data fully understanding what it means to be human. Sometimes, that means doing the right thing and giving yourself some time at once. I really love Data.

Those were the only highlights from this episode for me. Otherwise, I’m out. Not my favorite. Please for the love of the Prime Directive, let the next one be better!

Onto the next! Thanks for reading! If you’re enjoying my content, please consider supporting me!

Spread the love and read on!