The problem with episodes revolving around a Big Secret is that they usually don't pack quite the same punch on subsequent viewings. Nevertheless, this is a well-done story that provides a glimpse into the dark side of the Federation and lays the groundwork (albeit indirectly) for a deeper examination of that topic in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
One of the highlights of the episode is seeing Riker get yelled at, separately, by both Picard and the admiral. Any viewer who's ever been caught in the crossfire between their boss and the boss' boss will certainly relate.
While I'm generally not into nitpicks, this one is too good to pass up: In one scene, Riker and the admiral are discussing the Big Secret in Ten-Forward (a.k.a. the ship's bar), making sure to emphasize that nobody must find out about it...within earshot of at least a dozen people. As the kids say these days, LOL.
One of the highlights of the episode is seeing Riker get yelled at, separately, by both Picard and the admiral. Any viewer who's ever been caught in the crossfire between their boss and the boss' boss will certainly relate.
While I'm generally not into nitpicks, this one is too good to pass up: In one scene, Riker and the admiral are discussing the Big Secret in Ten-Forward (a.k.a. the ship's bar), making sure to emphasize that nobody must find out about it...within earshot of at least a dozen people. As the kids say these days, LOL.