Beverly Crusher meets with Guinan to spill her guts about what has happened to her in the preceding day. Things are now told in flashback. A Ferengi scientist (who would normally not have been taken seriously) has supposedly developed a method of protecting the crew of a ship as it enters the corona of a star. The alien who pilots the ship is killed in the process and the Ferengi is discredited by the other scientists on board to observe. However, it isn't long before the big eared alien is himself killed. As is often the case, Beverly goes overboard and performs an autopsy, against the wishes of the family. She has put herself in a position of destroying her career in Star Fleet as well as in the medical profession. She is a complex character because there is no one so adamant about correct and fair treatment of patients. Anyway, she manages to alienate the guests and bring disgrace on herself. In order to clear her name, Guinan suggests that she find a way, no matter the risk. So she takes out a shuttle craft to investigate the forces that affected the original probe into the star's outer layer. It's a mystery story and it works pretty well.
30 Reviews
Will Dr Crusher get the sack?
Tweekums21 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
As this episode opens we see Dr Crusher packing her bags; Guinan appears at the door asking her to look at a tennis injury but Dr Crusher informs her she is no longer the ship's doctor and is getting ready to face a board of inquiry. Guinan still asks her to treat her injury and while she does so she tells the story of how she came to be in this position.
She tells of how she met a Ferengi scientist who had some revolutionary ideas about ship's shielding that if viable could allow a ship to safely fly into the corona of a star. His ideas are ridiculed but Dr Crusher things he deserves to be heard so arranges a small meeting of scientists on the Enterprise. Most of them are unconvinced but one, Dr. Jo'Bril, thinks it will work and agrees to pilot the test flight. Initially all goes well but then radiation levels suddenly rise. He manages to fly out of the star and is returned to the Enterprise but dies soon afterwards. Dr Crusher is surprised that he died but notes that his alien physiology is like nothing she has seen. Inevitably it is assumed the shields failed and when the Ferengi is found dead it is believed he committed suicide. Dr Crusher wants to perform a post-mortem but is refused due to Ferengi death rituals. Convinced that he was a victim of foul play she goes ahead anyway and that is how she finds herself in her current predicament.
Having heard this story Guinan persuades her not to give up and she sets about proving that the shields failed because of an act of sabotage; if this is the case which of the other scientists did it and will she be able to prove it without killing herself in the process?.
The way this episode is set up makes it interesting; we quickly learn that Beverly is facing discharge from Star Fleet but have no idea what she could have done to get herself in such a position. That mystery plays out slowly but while we are waiting to find that out further interesting mysteries arise; notably whether or not the shield failure was an accident or sabotage. This episode is very much centred on Dr Crusher and Gates McFadden carries the story well in this role. Another plus is the make-up of 'guest alien' Dr Jo'Bril; it is much better than the usual subtly different human. On the down side there are a number of flaws; it is never explained why the initial shield test must include a piloted shuttle rather than a probe and even when the case is solved there should still be the matter of the post-mortem which Dr Crusher was specifically told not to perform but this is forgotten about and she is reinstated. If one can ignore these details it is a pretty solid episode that gives us a chance to see Dr Crusher doing more than usual.
She tells of how she met a Ferengi scientist who had some revolutionary ideas about ship's shielding that if viable could allow a ship to safely fly into the corona of a star. His ideas are ridiculed but Dr Crusher things he deserves to be heard so arranges a small meeting of scientists on the Enterprise. Most of them are unconvinced but one, Dr. Jo'Bril, thinks it will work and agrees to pilot the test flight. Initially all goes well but then radiation levels suddenly rise. He manages to fly out of the star and is returned to the Enterprise but dies soon afterwards. Dr Crusher is surprised that he died but notes that his alien physiology is like nothing she has seen. Inevitably it is assumed the shields failed and when the Ferengi is found dead it is believed he committed suicide. Dr Crusher wants to perform a post-mortem but is refused due to Ferengi death rituals. Convinced that he was a victim of foul play she goes ahead anyway and that is how she finds herself in her current predicament.
Having heard this story Guinan persuades her not to give up and she sets about proving that the shields failed because of an act of sabotage; if this is the case which of the other scientists did it and will she be able to prove it without killing herself in the process?.
The way this episode is set up makes it interesting; we quickly learn that Beverly is facing discharge from Star Fleet but have no idea what she could have done to get herself in such a position. That mystery plays out slowly but while we are waiting to find that out further interesting mysteries arise; notably whether or not the shield failure was an accident or sabotage. This episode is very much centred on Dr Crusher and Gates McFadden carries the story well in this role. Another plus is the make-up of 'guest alien' Dr Jo'Bril; it is much better than the usual subtly different human. On the down side there are a number of flaws; it is never explained why the initial shield test must include a piloted shuttle rather than a probe and even when the case is solved there should still be the matter of the post-mortem which Dr Crusher was specifically told not to perform but this is forgotten about and she is reinstated. If one can ignore these details it is a pretty solid episode that gives us a chance to see Dr Crusher doing more than usual.
REVIEW 2022
iamirwar29 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Startling news that Beverly Crusher is no longer our ships doctor. Admiral Brooks believes that she has disgraced Starfleet Medical. Guinan's got a tennis elbow but she's never been to a formal inquiry. All she has to do is disobey orders, violate medical ethics, punch a Yridian in the face and cause an interstellar incident.
"It all started when I got curious..." So, we have a Klingon, a Vulcan, a Takaran and a Ferengi scientist in the same room together. Throw in our own Doctor Crusher and we have a volatile cocktail. Just out of interest, why would you want to fly your space-ship into a stars corona anyway? I would wager that if the shield works, that someone within our group will attempt to steal it long before the end of this show.
Unfortunately, the trial run didn't go to plan. Baryon particles are at it again. Sabotage perhaps? My moneys on the Klingon women. This one's a scientist so she hasn't got her ample cleavage on display.
The good news is, Beverly Crusher has the entire Enterprise crew to help her find answers to the problem.
On another matter of interest, where is the morgue onboard Enterprise? In a crew of over 1,014 people, there must be a mortality rate. Most of the crew seem to be relatively young, but they do face some dangerous situations, so one would expect a high-mortality rate. Do they eject all the dead off into space as they did with Tash Yar? Or do they return the body to their loved ones once they return to Earth or the nearest Space Station?
It's a bit of a who-done-it. Not necessarily gripping, as I have had my suspicions from the very start as to who might have been responsible. We're in Agatha Christie territory. This is paint-by-numbers and predictable because of that.
No Yridians were harmed in the making of this programme. A Takaran perhaps, but no Yridians.
This Episodes Clue: A Ferengi Scientist
(Answer's to all episode clues will appear in the reviews of season seven, episode 25: All Good Things, Part One.)
"It all started when I got curious..." So, we have a Klingon, a Vulcan, a Takaran and a Ferengi scientist in the same room together. Throw in our own Doctor Crusher and we have a volatile cocktail. Just out of interest, why would you want to fly your space-ship into a stars corona anyway? I would wager that if the shield works, that someone within our group will attempt to steal it long before the end of this show.
Unfortunately, the trial run didn't go to plan. Baryon particles are at it again. Sabotage perhaps? My moneys on the Klingon women. This one's a scientist so she hasn't got her ample cleavage on display.
The good news is, Beverly Crusher has the entire Enterprise crew to help her find answers to the problem.
On another matter of interest, where is the morgue onboard Enterprise? In a crew of over 1,014 people, there must be a mortality rate. Most of the crew seem to be relatively young, but they do face some dangerous situations, so one would expect a high-mortality rate. Do they eject all the dead off into space as they did with Tash Yar? Or do they return the body to their loved ones once they return to Earth or the nearest Space Station?
It's a bit of a who-done-it. Not necessarily gripping, as I have had my suspicions from the very start as to who might have been responsible. We're in Agatha Christie territory. This is paint-by-numbers and predictable because of that.
No Yridians were harmed in the making of this programme. A Takaran perhaps, but no Yridians.
This Episodes Clue: A Ferengi Scientist
(Answer's to all episode clues will appear in the reviews of season seven, episode 25: All Good Things, Part One.)
Piecing together the pieces.
russem3130 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
ST:TNG:148 - "Suspicions" (Stardate: 46830.1) - this is the 22nd episode of the 6th season of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
This episode stars Whoopi Goldberg in her last appearance as Guinan on the TNG series itself (she would later reprise her Guinan role in Star Trek: Generations and Nemesis).
Guinan goes to Dr. Crusher in her room in order to heal her tennis elbow problem, only to listen to Crusher recounting how she's no longer the doctor on the Enterprise. She hosted a group of distinguished experts to witness a demonstration of Dr. Reyga, a Ferengi scientist who developed a new metaphasic shield technology. But then the pilot of a shuttle (one of the invited scientists) in an experiment to prove the technology dies while in the sun's corona.
Now, Dr. Crusher must figure out what exactly happened and her results are startling in another great 6th season episode.
Trivia note: Dr. Selar is yet again mentioned. Patti Yasutake again stars as Nurse Alyssa Ogawa.
This episode stars Whoopi Goldberg in her last appearance as Guinan on the TNG series itself (she would later reprise her Guinan role in Star Trek: Generations and Nemesis).
Guinan goes to Dr. Crusher in her room in order to heal her tennis elbow problem, only to listen to Crusher recounting how she's no longer the doctor on the Enterprise. She hosted a group of distinguished experts to witness a demonstration of Dr. Reyga, a Ferengi scientist who developed a new metaphasic shield technology. But then the pilot of a shuttle (one of the invited scientists) in an experiment to prove the technology dies while in the sun's corona.
Now, Dr. Crusher must figure out what exactly happened and her results are startling in another great 6th season episode.
Trivia note: Dr. Selar is yet again mentioned. Patti Yasutake again stars as Nurse Alyssa Ogawa.
How Crusher got her job back
snarky-trek-reviews1 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Crusher looses her job while sleuthing a murder mystery. She steals a shuttle and kills a man without any witnesses in order to get it back. All is forgiven.
It's refreshing to meet a Ferengi scientists. This episode gives that species much better on screen representation than we are used to and Dr. Rega really serves as a positive role model for young Ferengi everywhere. Every Ferengi who grew up watching this show usually saw their species represented as greedy and duplicitous. It's a well known fact that media representations have a powerful impact on the minds of young adults. Young Ferengi who see this episode will grow up believing they can be more than bothersome trolls. Ferengi death rituals are taken seriously in this episode too, further honoring the species.
It's also refreshing to meet a Klingon scientist and a female one at that. While she is portrayed as hot headed she is only angered when her honor is questioned.
The Vulcan women is a condescending shrew with a human for a pet. He's a loyal pet.
The Kitarian has the ability to sever shuttle communications while hiding in a storage locker. He can also sneak in and out of the ships morgue to the science lab and the shuttle bay without being noticed. I am sure his unique physiology includes invisibility and a site to site transporter. I wonder if he gave plot exposition to Dr. Rega before he murdered him?
It's a Crusher centered one-off that fails to meet the standard set by "Remember Me". Watchable but forgettable.
It's refreshing to meet a Ferengi scientists. This episode gives that species much better on screen representation than we are used to and Dr. Rega really serves as a positive role model for young Ferengi everywhere. Every Ferengi who grew up watching this show usually saw their species represented as greedy and duplicitous. It's a well known fact that media representations have a powerful impact on the minds of young adults. Young Ferengi who see this episode will grow up believing they can be more than bothersome trolls. Ferengi death rituals are taken seriously in this episode too, further honoring the species.
It's also refreshing to meet a Klingon scientist and a female one at that. While she is portrayed as hot headed she is only angered when her honor is questioned.
The Vulcan women is a condescending shrew with a human for a pet. He's a loyal pet.
The Kitarian has the ability to sever shuttle communications while hiding in a storage locker. He can also sneak in and out of the ships morgue to the science lab and the shuttle bay without being noticed. I am sure his unique physiology includes invisibility and a site to site transporter. I wonder if he gave plot exposition to Dr. Rega before he murdered him?
It's a Crusher centered one-off that fails to meet the standard set by "Remember Me". Watchable but forgettable.
Star Trek The Next Generation--Suspicions
Scarecrow-8817 April 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Decent little whodunit Beverly Crusher episode of Star Trek—The Next Generation dealing with a murdered Ferengi scientist with breakthrough metaphasic shield technology that could equip outer hulls of ships with shielding powerful enough to penetrate and be protected through the corona of a sun. Beverly believes this technology (while highly criticized as implausible and impossible) is legit and Dr. Reyga (Peter Marx) could be considered the scientist who perfected metaphasic subspace shielding. He's so driven and dedicated to proving its genuine that, undeterred by the unexplainable death of a fellow scientist, a Farakan named Dr. Jo'Bril, Reyga is willing to pilot the shuttlecraft himself despite the possibility that his shield isn't foolproof. When Reyga is found dead from a plasma inducer discharge which appears to be a possible (but improbable) suicide, Beverly will go to great lengths to prove he was not only murdered but his metaphasic shield was sabotaged during the first shuttlecraft run, when Jo'Bril piloted it into the corona. Along with Jo'Bril, a being Beverly had never encountered (his physiology and cellular structure bewilder her when trying to conduct an accurate and thorough autopsy), a Vulcan subspace shielding expert who had yet to get as far as Reyga (and her theoretician human husband) and a Klingon scientist (skeptical of Reyga and had argued passionately with him prior to his death) are under possible suspicion for the murder and sabotage. The mystery has an interesting twist that plays on Beverly's unfamiliarity with a certain species and learning that the desire to sabotage the metaphasic shield test run had to do with intentions to use it for a weapon. Beverly's defying a Ferengi death ritual to perform an autopsy on Reyga (no matter the good intentions regarding crediting his name and finding his murderer, interfering with the customs of other species is quite the no-no), despite Captain Picard's orders not to (and avoiding conversations with her colleagues over not getting more involved in the "investigation" (she conducts on her own)), gets her in hot water. She will face a tribunal, a trial, for the autopsy, but not before Beverly uses her time to get to the bottom of the mystery of Reyga's murder. It is quite an episode that allows Beverly to prove her mettle as the odds are against her. Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg) has a nice part to play in Beverly's motivation towards bringing justice and renown to Reyga. It was refreshing to see a Ferengi celebrated as a genius not a greedy, self-absorbed buffoon. Reyga was even willing to give credit to any of the scientists who helped to assist him in making the metaphasic shield a real credible success. To see Beverly risk everything to see his death wasn't in vain is a great development for her character. Suspicions isn't about to bubble up to the surface of top 10 lists of Next Gen favorites but as a Crusher episode it is fun to see her in combat (and getting the better of the one trying to kill her and discredit Reyga) and sleuthing for answers when told to "stay in her quarters and read a good book". Gates McFadden and Whoopi have some really nice moments in this episode, too...the final scene involving tennis elbow is a hoot.
Dr. Crusher before the bar
bkoganbing3 October 2017
Gates McFadden is front and center in this episode as she awaits a Star Fleet medical board review of her recent conduct on board the Enterprise vis a vis a number of visiting scientists of different humanoid races. She narrates a good deal of this episode in flashback in a conversation with Guinan.
There's a new shielding system being tested by a group of scientists visiting the Enterprise. As chief medical officer Beverly Crusher is on the team.
One alien is killed flying a 'shielded' vessel. Then the Ferengi scientist who developed the technology also is killed. What's put Dr. Crusher in the jackpot is that Ferengi culture proscribes autopsies. She violates the family's express wishes and learns nothing.
The solution is a bit of a surprise which makes the episode good viewing.
There's a new shielding system being tested by a group of scientists visiting the Enterprise. As chief medical officer Beverly Crusher is on the team.
One alien is killed flying a 'shielded' vessel. Then the Ferengi scientist who developed the technology also is killed. What's put Dr. Crusher in the jackpot is that Ferengi culture proscribes autopsies. She violates the family's express wishes and learns nothing.
The solution is a bit of a surprise which makes the episode good viewing.
Dr. Crusher is a very naughty girl...
planktonrules30 November 2014
-great make-up '
When the episode begins, Dr. Crusher has gotten into some sort of trouble, though you don't know exactly what it is. Soon, Guinan shows up and the pair begin talking--at which point the story slowly unfolds. It all began with a demonstration of a wonderful shielding system created by a Ferengi scientist. Only a small group of scientists bothered showing to see it and Dr. Crusher moderated this get together. However, when one member of the group dies and then another, Beverly disobeys orders in order to get to the bottom of it. Can she manage to both solve the problem AND get herself out of trouble?
This is a decent show because the story is rather unique and offers some nice twists. Additionally, I was very impressed by the make-up job done to create Dr. Jo'Bril--it was much better than the norm for the show. Well worth seeing.
When the episode begins, Dr. Crusher has gotten into some sort of trouble, though you don't know exactly what it is. Soon, Guinan shows up and the pair begin talking--at which point the story slowly unfolds. It all began with a demonstration of a wonderful shielding system created by a Ferengi scientist. Only a small group of scientists bothered showing to see it and Dr. Crusher moderated this get together. However, when one member of the group dies and then another, Beverly disobeys orders in order to get to the bottom of it. Can she manage to both solve the problem AND get herself out of trouble?
This is a decent show because the story is rather unique and offers some nice twists. Additionally, I was very impressed by the make-up job done to create Dr. Jo'Bril--it was much better than the norm for the show. Well worth seeing.
Low paced and good
Psilio4 October 2014
Warning: Spoilers
This episode was quite enjoyable. I thought I had seen them all before, but this one must have slipped through back then.
Watching this is like reading a book. Just relax and enjoy. There is no action or space battles.
Most of the episode is told in a 'flashback'-style where Crusher tells Guinan (my favorite Star Trek character) about how she got herself kicked off the Enterprise and is now awaiting a trial back at Starfleet. We all know she continues her role, so no spoiler there.
Many think this is a 'slow' episode, and I'm sure it's a 'bottle-neck' episode (made cheaply to save money for other episodes), but I liked the break in pace and the mystery-feeling from the start, and how I tried to make myself try to solve the case like I was reading an Agatha Christie novel or something.
Very decent guest actors make this an episode to watch unless you're all about action and space-battles.
Also nice to see Gates McFadden at least trying to play an emotional role here (the episode is all about her) compared to her normally cast-bound facial expression. She doesn't quite succeed, but she's not too annoying either, so I guess it's a good episode for her.
Very good for a low budget episode!
Watching this is like reading a book. Just relax and enjoy. There is no action or space battles.
Most of the episode is told in a 'flashback'-style where Crusher tells Guinan (my favorite Star Trek character) about how she got herself kicked off the Enterprise and is now awaiting a trial back at Starfleet. We all know she continues her role, so no spoiler there.
Many think this is a 'slow' episode, and I'm sure it's a 'bottle-neck' episode (made cheaply to save money for other episodes), but I liked the break in pace and the mystery-feeling from the start, and how I tried to make myself try to solve the case like I was reading an Agatha Christie novel or something.
Very decent guest actors make this an episode to watch unless you're all about action and space-battles.
Also nice to see Gates McFadden at least trying to play an emotional role here (the episode is all about her) compared to her normally cast-bound facial expression. She doesn't quite succeed, but she's not too annoying either, so I guess it's a good episode for her.
Very good for a low budget episode!
Good episode idea but...
Thecuchix23 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
A group of scientist from different species are making a test, this is not only good for the experiment itself and his results, but also for a diplomatic scientist mission. But things starts to become complicated.
This episode is good, but it has some things who dosen't make sense.
1) Why Worf dosen't make the interrogation instead?
2) Why Data is not more active in the investigation since he like to play as a Sherlock in the holodeck?
3) Dr. Crusher still violate the Ferengi ritual, so that's a problem, even if it was proved by other ways, she supposed to have problem for doing the autopsy. But after Deep Space Nine, make me think what maybe that ritual was just sell organs from his dead body, so is not big deal, but still there is a Ferengi's family angry out there, so that problem remains.
This episode is good, but it has some things who dosen't make sense.
1) Why Worf dosen't make the interrogation instead?
2) Why Data is not more active in the investigation since he like to play as a Sherlock in the holodeck?
3) Dr. Crusher still violate the Ferengi ritual, so that's a problem, even if it was proved by other ways, she supposed to have problem for doing the autopsy. But after Deep Space Nine, make me think what maybe that ritual was just sell organs from his dead body, so is not big deal, but still there is a Ferengi's family angry out there, so that problem remains.
Not bad for a Crusher episode
tonycarr24 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I noticed that a lot of reviewers complain that Crusher gets off because she is proved right but has still carried out an autopsy despite Picard ordering her not to. Data not only disobeyed Riker in "Quality of Life" but he also endangered his Captain's life yet he seemed to face no punishment whatsoever. No one seems concerned about that. Isn't it likely that Reyga's family pleaded for leniency since Crusher has not only discovered who killed him but also proved that his invention actually worked thus creating a Ferengi scientist the equal of any other?
Guinan's tales of Fish - And Tennis
XweAponX22 November 2011
Warning: Spoilers
In this very last Appearance of Guinan in the Episodic Television Universe of Star Trek: The Next Generation, she uses her usual "El Aurian" tactics to get Crusher ("Gates" McFadden) to stop being Myopic about her circumstances and get off her "Butt" and find out what is going on (Look for "Gates" using that specific term in this Ep).
Crusher has hosted an Experiment for a Ferengi Scientist (Dr. Reyga - Peter Marx/Slutsker), a Ferengi 'Scientist' appears to be a contradiction in Terms. Also present is a female Klingon scientist (Kurak - Tricia O'Niel) and a Vulcan Warp Field specialist (T'Pan-Joan Stuart Morris) with her Human husband Dr Christopher (John S. Ragin) - And a tall lanky Takarian named Jo'bril- Played by James Horan (Col. Cummings of "Gods and Generals").
Reyga has made a Breakthrough in Shielding that could be a huge benefit to all of these races - If only he were not a Ferengi, he'd be taken seriously. Ferengi are this Trek's "Alien Trash of the Galaxy" and usually look for any kind of advantage in Profit for any endeavor they perform.
But Crusher sees that this is a most unique Ferengi, who is simply wanting to be respected in the Scientific Community.
These four Scientists, Vulcan, Klingon, Takarian, Ferengi would normally never even speak to each other under regular circumstances. But the circumstances aboard the Enterprise are hardly ever Regular.
But something happens - Reyga's experiment works, then does not work, then someone dies, then does not die. Crusher smells Sabotage but cannot prove it without going against the medical wishes and Funerary Traditions of another Race. But being Crusher she has to try - To get to the bottom of this mystery, and she'll risk her career to et to the Truth.
This Episode introduces a new scientific "Gimmick" into the fabric of The Next Generation - Look for this "gimmick" - As well as James Horan, in Season 6 Ep 26 and Season 7 Ep 1, parts I and II of "Descent".
Guinan of course, does not return until "Star Trek: Generations"
Crusher has hosted an Experiment for a Ferengi Scientist (Dr. Reyga - Peter Marx/Slutsker), a Ferengi 'Scientist' appears to be a contradiction in Terms. Also present is a female Klingon scientist (Kurak - Tricia O'Niel) and a Vulcan Warp Field specialist (T'Pan-Joan Stuart Morris) with her Human husband Dr Christopher (John S. Ragin) - And a tall lanky Takarian named Jo'bril- Played by James Horan (Col. Cummings of "Gods and Generals").
Reyga has made a Breakthrough in Shielding that could be a huge benefit to all of these races - If only he were not a Ferengi, he'd be taken seriously. Ferengi are this Trek's "Alien Trash of the Galaxy" and usually look for any kind of advantage in Profit for any endeavor they perform.
But Crusher sees that this is a most unique Ferengi, who is simply wanting to be respected in the Scientific Community.
These four Scientists, Vulcan, Klingon, Takarian, Ferengi would normally never even speak to each other under regular circumstances. But the circumstances aboard the Enterprise are hardly ever Regular.
But something happens - Reyga's experiment works, then does not work, then someone dies, then does not die. Crusher smells Sabotage but cannot prove it without going against the medical wishes and Funerary Traditions of another Race. But being Crusher she has to try - To get to the bottom of this mystery, and she'll risk her career to et to the Truth.
This Episode introduces a new scientific "Gimmick" into the fabric of The Next Generation - Look for this "gimmick" - As well as James Horan, in Season 6 Ep 26 and Season 7 Ep 1, parts I and II of "Descent".
Guinan of course, does not return until "Star Trek: Generations"
"I am actually flying into a star!"
classicsoncall1 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This episode has Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) in a key role as she faces expulsion from Starfleet for violating a Ferengi protocol that prohibits an autopsy for a deceased individual. Ferengi scientist Dr. Reyga (Peter Marx) hoped to prove that his newly invented metaphasic shield would protect against the extreme heat and stress of entering a star's corona, an idea routinely discredited by a handful of scientists who had come aboard the Enterprise at Dr. Crusher's invitation to learn of his theories. When the Takaran representative Jo'Bril (James Horan) volunteered to pilot a shuttlecraft into the corona of the star Vaytan, he was overcome by what appeared to be a toxic emission that barely allowed him to escape. When Jo'Bril later died in sick bay, it appeared that the Ferengi experiment failed, with other members of the scientific team convinced that the metaphasic shield deserved no further investigation.
Refusing to accept defeat, Dr. Reyga went about trying to determine what happened during the shuttle launch, but in a mysterious turn of events, he too was found dead under a cloud of suspicion. Holding off as long as she could to support Ferengi tradition by not performing an autopsy, Dr. Crusher's interviews with the remaining scientists led her to believe foul play may have occurred. Convinced that Reyga's metaphasic shield had merit, Dr. Crusher secretly launched the same modified shuttlecraft used the first time in order to prove its capability. In one of the more novel twists in the series, the 'deceased' Dr. Jo'Bril surprised Crusher aboard the shuttle, explaining how he slowed his bodily functions to simulate death, in order to steal the shield technology and use it to develop a weapon for his planet.
Dr. Crusher's vindication appeared to be complete, however the story ended with no resolution to her violation of Ferengi custom of performing an autopsy on the deceased Dr. Reyga. This is one of the frustrating things about a handful of Next Generation episodes in which they are not carried out to a definitive conclusion. It's as if the writers feel justified in leaving the viewer with a happy ending instead of a satisfactory one.
Refusing to accept defeat, Dr. Reyga went about trying to determine what happened during the shuttle launch, but in a mysterious turn of events, he too was found dead under a cloud of suspicion. Holding off as long as she could to support Ferengi tradition by not performing an autopsy, Dr. Crusher's interviews with the remaining scientists led her to believe foul play may have occurred. Convinced that Reyga's metaphasic shield had merit, Dr. Crusher secretly launched the same modified shuttlecraft used the first time in order to prove its capability. In one of the more novel twists in the series, the 'deceased' Dr. Jo'Bril surprised Crusher aboard the shuttle, explaining how he slowed his bodily functions to simulate death, in order to steal the shield technology and use it to develop a weapon for his planet.
Dr. Crusher's vindication appeared to be complete, however the story ended with no resolution to her violation of Ferengi custom of performing an autopsy on the deceased Dr. Reyga. This is one of the frustrating things about a handful of Next Generation episodes in which they are not carried out to a definitive conclusion. It's as if the writers feel justified in leaving the viewer with a happy ending instead of a satisfactory one.
So many questions
sloopnp28 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Why is it a shock to see Ferengi and Klingon scientists? How did either race gain their technology or even make it this far into space without scientists?
Why was Beverly Crusher, a medical doctor, researching this shield technology and not an engineer like Geordi?
And in the end, why was Crusher not reprimanded for performing an autopsy against her Captain's orders? Many cultures do not believe in autopsies and she disregarded this with no consequence.
And don't get me started on that fake death. UGH. Not my favorite episode, though I did enjoy Crushers roundhouse kick there.
Why was Beverly Crusher, a medical doctor, researching this shield technology and not an engineer like Geordi?
And in the end, why was Crusher not reprimanded for performing an autopsy against her Captain's orders? Many cultures do not believe in autopsies and she disregarded this with no consequence.
And don't get me started on that fake death. UGH. Not my favorite episode, though I did enjoy Crushers roundhouse kick there.
Gates McFadden is outstanding.
PWNYCNY31 August 2011
Gates McFadden is showcased in this tremendously dramatic episode. Ms. McFadden's performance is outstanding. She absolutely carries the story and in the process demonstrates the depth and breath of her talent. In this episode, her character puts her reputation and life on the line to prove a point. Her character is brave, courageous, valiant, and successful. Ms. McFadden invests her character with a dignity and determination that is admirable and worthy of note. The story itself is plausible as the good doctor investigates what seems to be the results of a tragic experiment that has failed. Yet, acting on her suspicions, and without the support of the captain who wants to put the matter to rest, she investigates further and uncovers the truth which vindicates the work of a discredited colleague and exposes a nefarious plot to steal a scientific discover for aggressive purposes. This episode is wonderful and Gates McFadden is great.
One of the worst written episodes
Paranaut14 February 2013
Warning: Spoilers
A Ferengi scientist, Dr. Reyga, invents a new shield that could allow a spacecraft to survive inside a star's corona and so instead of Starfleet giving a damn about this, the ship's DOCTOR invites this scientist and 4 others with no connection whatsoever onto the ship to start a murder mystery... er... I mean to... I'm not sure what. Why didn't Dr. Reyga come on the ship alone to prove his theory? Instead we have a bunch of unrelated, unrealistic characters on the ship(with many racist and stupid statements about Ferengi and/or Klingon scientists being unheard of... blah blah blah... How could a space faring technologically advanced society NOT have scientists????) The scenes where Dr. Crusher is "investigating", (I call it "harrassing"), the other scientists represent really bad writing. This happens a lot does it? The ship's doctor is the chief investigator? Really?? I think not.
Other problems i have with this episode: Why couldn't they have sent an unmanned probe, maybe with some kind of microbe or something else alive, equipped with that new shield into the star's corona? That would prove the shield worked, wouldn't it? No, it's more important to risk a sentient life for the sake of the story. I know he volunteered, doesn't matter, in the real world it wouldn't have even been brought up. Star Trek does this all the time, too.
Also, sorry but Dr. Crusher would still have been fired. She still performed that autopsy didn't she? That is all but forgotten at the end of the episode because the mystery is solved, but why would that make any difference to the Ferengi? She still disobeyed a direct order from her captain and nearly caused an interplanetary incident. I think that's at least worthy of a hearing or something. She stuck her nose where it didn't belong and it blew up in her face. She deserved a serious reprimand at least.
Other problems i have with this episode: Why couldn't they have sent an unmanned probe, maybe with some kind of microbe or something else alive, equipped with that new shield into the star's corona? That would prove the shield worked, wouldn't it? No, it's more important to risk a sentient life for the sake of the story. I know he volunteered, doesn't matter, in the real world it wouldn't have even been brought up. Star Trek does this all the time, too.
Also, sorry but Dr. Crusher would still have been fired. She still performed that autopsy didn't she? That is all but forgotten at the end of the episode because the mystery is solved, but why would that make any difference to the Ferengi? She still disobeyed a direct order from her captain and nearly caused an interplanetary incident. I think that's at least worthy of a hearing or something. She stuck her nose where it didn't belong and it blew up in her face. She deserved a serious reprimand at least.
A slow paced mystery drama, not bad but lacking something...
karacter9 April 2009
Warning: Spoilers
A "Dr. Crusher" show that gives the reliable & likable Gates McFadden a chance in the spotlight, and, in script form, must have appeared like a potentially exciting & intriguing mystery drama.
Unfortunately, this installment moves at such a slow pace (especially the first half) that the viewer's mind has long since wandered away when the action (what little there is) begins, and so it's difficult to really jump back into the story as things start to happen again (as if we were ever there to begin with). The problem here is really threefold:
1. The characters, while visually interesting and very sincerely played, come off as utterly passionless and devoid of any energy or enthusiasm. The whole cast goes through the entire episode as if they are heavily medicated- even Picard looks bored throughout most of the show. Peter Marx as the Ferengi scientist Dr. Reyga tries to inject a little emotion into the piece, but he, too, seems far to subdued & calm most of the time, considering that the Ferengi are generally pretty outrageous in their speech & mannerisms.
2. This episode is very, very "talky", with much quiet dialogue and very little action. This approach works fine in Star Trek when the idea being talked about relates & connects to the viewer emotionally in some way (Data's personal rights & freedom on trial in "The Measure of a Man", for example, or characters falling in love, etc.), but here the subject in question is an obscure shielding technology that we really never understand or get our arms around, and so we can't really relate to the subject being discussed. Hence we never feel "drawn in" to the show the way the best Star Treks will allow us to be. We just end up standing off at a distance the whole time, detached, watching the characters do their thing and trying to figure out what's going on.
3. Finally, for the viewer to remain interested for an hour, in the absence of a strong emotional or intellectual bond to the subject there needs to at least be some action (this is is supposed to be a space adventure, after all) and there simply isn't enough action in this piece to fill in the void. A brief physical confrontation between Dr. Crusher and a female Klingon scientist ends as soon as it begins, and ends up looking contrived; the other brief action sequence is stuck right on the end, appearing almost as an afterthought.
The regulars and guest stars are not to blame here- all are excellent, as are the costumes and make-up (James Horan as Dr. Jo'Brill in particular gives us an alien species that is very striking visually).
The fault (if any, because it's not a BAD show) lies with the script, and, even there, it's not so much the writing as it is the fact that it's not particularly well suited to production as a Star Trek adventure- it would have been much better as an episode of "Columbo".
Watching "Suspicions" can be compared to sitting on the sidelines and watching a friend play a favorite video game- it might be a great game, even visually interesting at times, but since you can't participate, you never really get into it.
Unfortunately, this installment moves at such a slow pace (especially the first half) that the viewer's mind has long since wandered away when the action (what little there is) begins, and so it's difficult to really jump back into the story as things start to happen again (as if we were ever there to begin with). The problem here is really threefold:
1. The characters, while visually interesting and very sincerely played, come off as utterly passionless and devoid of any energy or enthusiasm. The whole cast goes through the entire episode as if they are heavily medicated- even Picard looks bored throughout most of the show. Peter Marx as the Ferengi scientist Dr. Reyga tries to inject a little emotion into the piece, but he, too, seems far to subdued & calm most of the time, considering that the Ferengi are generally pretty outrageous in their speech & mannerisms.
2. This episode is very, very "talky", with much quiet dialogue and very little action. This approach works fine in Star Trek when the idea being talked about relates & connects to the viewer emotionally in some way (Data's personal rights & freedom on trial in "The Measure of a Man", for example, or characters falling in love, etc.), but here the subject in question is an obscure shielding technology that we really never understand or get our arms around, and so we can't really relate to the subject being discussed. Hence we never feel "drawn in" to the show the way the best Star Treks will allow us to be. We just end up standing off at a distance the whole time, detached, watching the characters do their thing and trying to figure out what's going on.
3. Finally, for the viewer to remain interested for an hour, in the absence of a strong emotional or intellectual bond to the subject there needs to at least be some action (this is is supposed to be a space adventure, after all) and there simply isn't enough action in this piece to fill in the void. A brief physical confrontation between Dr. Crusher and a female Klingon scientist ends as soon as it begins, and ends up looking contrived; the other brief action sequence is stuck right on the end, appearing almost as an afterthought.
The regulars and guest stars are not to blame here- all are excellent, as are the costumes and make-up (James Horan as Dr. Jo'Brill in particular gives us an alien species that is very striking visually).
The fault (if any, because it's not a BAD show) lies with the script, and, even there, it's not so much the writing as it is the fact that it's not particularly well suited to production as a Star Trek adventure- it would have been much better as an episode of "Columbo".
Watching "Suspicions" can be compared to sitting on the sidelines and watching a friend play a favorite video game- it might be a great game, even visually interesting at times, but since you can't participate, you never really get into it.
possibly the worst of the worst for ST:TNG MST3K could use this
tomntempe27 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Many spoilers...
First, Beverly Crusher is a MEDICAL doctor, not a theoretical physicist. That she would be following and organizing research on Metaphasic Shields is ludicrous. But let that slide. She thinks a Ferengi has developed his theory into a working shield but all the other mean scientists except a small handful won't even look at his work. So what's Beverly to do... Oh, she'll organize a mini-conference to showcase the shield. So 4 disparate world scientist come on board to see this shield in action. A scientist by definition bases their thinking on Seeing and Verifying and since this is the far future they surely are even better at this then we 21st century folks are. But even though the Ferengi has developed a working shield 2 of the four are prepared to dismiss it out of hand and the other two don't seem to have much confidence in it either.
So what would scientists logically do? They would outfit a REMOTELY operated shuttle with the shield and see if it worked. They would not put one of the scientists, who's never used the field before, and who's never flown this particular shuttle before, on the shuttle simply to operate the steering wheel, brakes and accelerator. But no, they argue about who should go on what presumably half of them think is a suicide mission. Just plain stupid.
Of course things go wrong and we get a Sherlock Holmes version of Beverly Crusher who's convinced it was murder, that the shield was sabotaged. And to show her high regard for Captain Picard she disobeys his direct order and performs an autopsy that goes against Ferengi Cultural norms. Meanwhile everyone acts like a shield that performed almost perfectly, except for letting some tachyons thru that killed the pilot, is a TOTAL FAILURE and the whole thing should just be abandoned. Really, you give up that easily??? Just plain stupid.
But she's out to prove the shield DOES work.. yet the obvious way to prove it would be to simply test it again, this time without letting anyone near it to sabotage it. And to remotely pilot it. As we saw the first time, all the sensor readings are able to be remotely read, programing the shuttle to execute a series of automatic turns and return would be child's play.
But no, this time Beverly takes the shuttle to prove it works. But the dastardly villain has snuck on board. Somehow he's escaped from the murphy bed medical chamber he's been held in, no one noticed him busting out and now he's hidden in the shuttle. And at just the right moment he springs out like a Bond Villain to confront Beverly and spill his guts about his motives and plans. Giving Beverley time to get the drop on him and phaser him in the gut.
Beverly returns triumphant and Jean-Luc welcomes back one of his senior officers who has been a very bad girl disobeying him. Figurative high fives all around... Board of Inquiry cancelled.
Just a really really bad episode.
First, Beverly Crusher is a MEDICAL doctor, not a theoretical physicist. That she would be following and organizing research on Metaphasic Shields is ludicrous. But let that slide. She thinks a Ferengi has developed his theory into a working shield but all the other mean scientists except a small handful won't even look at his work. So what's Beverly to do... Oh, she'll organize a mini-conference to showcase the shield. So 4 disparate world scientist come on board to see this shield in action. A scientist by definition bases their thinking on Seeing and Verifying and since this is the far future they surely are even better at this then we 21st century folks are. But even though the Ferengi has developed a working shield 2 of the four are prepared to dismiss it out of hand and the other two don't seem to have much confidence in it either.
So what would scientists logically do? They would outfit a REMOTELY operated shuttle with the shield and see if it worked. They would not put one of the scientists, who's never used the field before, and who's never flown this particular shuttle before, on the shuttle simply to operate the steering wheel, brakes and accelerator. But no, they argue about who should go on what presumably half of them think is a suicide mission. Just plain stupid.
Of course things go wrong and we get a Sherlock Holmes version of Beverly Crusher who's convinced it was murder, that the shield was sabotaged. And to show her high regard for Captain Picard she disobeys his direct order and performs an autopsy that goes against Ferengi Cultural norms. Meanwhile everyone acts like a shield that performed almost perfectly, except for letting some tachyons thru that killed the pilot, is a TOTAL FAILURE and the whole thing should just be abandoned. Really, you give up that easily??? Just plain stupid.
But she's out to prove the shield DOES work.. yet the obvious way to prove it would be to simply test it again, this time without letting anyone near it to sabotage it. And to remotely pilot it. As we saw the first time, all the sensor readings are able to be remotely read, programing the shuttle to execute a series of automatic turns and return would be child's play.
But no, this time Beverly takes the shuttle to prove it works. But the dastardly villain has snuck on board. Somehow he's escaped from the murphy bed medical chamber he's been held in, no one noticed him busting out and now he's hidden in the shuttle. And at just the right moment he springs out like a Bond Villain to confront Beverly and spill his guts about his motives and plans. Giving Beverley time to get the drop on him and phaser him in the gut.
Beverly returns triumphant and Jean-Luc welcomes back one of his senior officers who has been a very bad girl disobeying him. Figurative high fives all around... Board of Inquiry cancelled.
Just a really really bad episode.
Crusher Has a Murder Mystery
Samuel-Shovel13 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
In "Suspicions" Dr. Crusher risks her career to investigate the mysterious death of a Ferengi scientist whose technology purportedly allowed ships to travel closer to the sun's corona.
Not really Gates McFadden's fault here but this mystery episode is pretty bad. For one, why is it Dr. Crusher that's involved in this science experiment? She's into medicine not this. It seems tailormade for Geordi or Data. Make the story medical-based if you want a Crusher mystery.
And just everything else about the episode feels lazy to me. The solution, the plot, everything. Why not send an unmanned prone to test the new technology first before potentially sacrificing a guinea pig. Nothing about this episode makes sense.
Not really Gates McFadden's fault here but this mystery episode is pretty bad. For one, why is it Dr. Crusher that's involved in this science experiment? She's into medicine not this. It seems tailormade for Geordi or Data. Make the story medical-based if you want a Crusher mystery.
And just everything else about the episode feels lazy to me. The solution, the plot, everything. Why not send an unmanned prone to test the new technology first before potentially sacrificing a guinea pig. Nothing about this episode makes sense.
Not believable
tomsly-4001515 September 2023
First, why is a chief medical doctor involved in the development of some kind of energy shield for spaceships? This would be Jordi's topic. It jus has nothing to do with her field of study and science.
Second, why would such a major invention be tested a) with real test pilots that just volunteered and b) with just a handful of people? As always wirh Star Trek, press and media seems to no longer exist. If on earth someone tries to swim over the channel, tries to fly around the world with an EV plane or other stuff, hundreds of people are present and it is covered by the media. Here we have something similar as a rocket launch or a free fall jump from space and there is NO ONE around??? Here Star Trek always massively failed. There are also peace treaties signed by whole planets on the Enterprise, facilitated by Picard and just a handful of people are present when history is written that will affect the live of billions. On earth hundreds of diplomats, envoys and other people are involved even when two countries just sign a trade treaty!
And as always: You can disobey order on the Enterprise. As long as it turns out, that you were right in the end, you have nothing to worry about and can just keep your rank, position and assignment. You don't even have to face civil charges made against you by the family of the dead Ferengi. So not only media and press is non existent anymore but also lawyers and civil courts. And if course police. We don't have them. Murder investigations are conducted by ship doctors. No police whatsoever investigates, interviews the suspects. It is ridiculous.
Second, why would such a major invention be tested a) with real test pilots that just volunteered and b) with just a handful of people? As always wirh Star Trek, press and media seems to no longer exist. If on earth someone tries to swim over the channel, tries to fly around the world with an EV plane or other stuff, hundreds of people are present and it is covered by the media. Here we have something similar as a rocket launch or a free fall jump from space and there is NO ONE around??? Here Star Trek always massively failed. There are also peace treaties signed by whole planets on the Enterprise, facilitated by Picard and just a handful of people are present when history is written that will affect the live of billions. On earth hundreds of diplomats, envoys and other people are involved even when two countries just sign a trade treaty!
And as always: You can disobey order on the Enterprise. As long as it turns out, that you were right in the end, you have nothing to worry about and can just keep your rank, position and assignment. You don't even have to face civil charges made against you by the family of the dead Ferengi. So not only media and press is non existent anymore but also lawyers and civil courts. And if course police. We don't have them. Murder investigations are conducted by ship doctors. No police whatsoever investigates, interviews the suspects. It is ridiculous.
Crusher to the rescue
Badger121022 December 2023
Gates McFadden is not a good actor especially when the episode is centered on her. This particular episode shouldn't even have had her involved with starship shield technology but somehow she was the champion for the Ferengi scientist developing it when the universe of scientist and engineers laughed him off stage.
For some reason the script had her being an island, no one believed her or could help her. She even had to spout engineering techno-babble tests that even Data didn't think of.
Another thing about Crusher episodes, she is always right and even if she doesn't have evidence, she is still always right.
This was a poor episode for her, her talent is not enough to overcome the poor script.
For some reason the script had her being an island, no one believed her or could help her. She even had to spout engineering techno-babble tests that even Data didn't think of.
Another thing about Crusher episodes, she is always right and even if she doesn't have evidence, she is still always right.
This was a poor episode for her, her talent is not enough to overcome the poor script.
Definitely one of the weakest episodes of S6
pantera420blzit5 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
As a rule of thumb I really dislike episodes of TV shows or movies that feature a flashback plot, so this episode was pretty much on the back burner for me as soon as the opening credits rolled.
The episode starts with Dr Crusher packing her bags and getting ready to leave for the nearest Starbase. We learn that she has been stripped of her position as a result of an "interplanetary incident" and proceeds to tell Guinan the events that lead her to this position.
Long story short, she was hosting a Ferengi scientist who had created a shield that could protect shuttles from the intense heat of a star's corona. She also invited some delegates from different races, one of whom volunteers to pilot the shuttle (why they couldn't just do it unmanned we'll never know), something goes wrong and he's forced to return but is exposed to high levels of radiation and then dies shortly after returning to the Enterprise.
The episode then turns murder mystery after the Ferengi scientist is found dead. Instead of a dedicated team investigating, Dr Crusher alone takes it upon herself to investigate as she suspects sabotage. To find out what killed the Ferengi she needs to do an autopsy, but this is forbidden as his family request the body immediately due to their death ritual.
Dr Crusher simply disregards this, violating the prime directive in the process and is held to account by Captain Picard who despite his best efforts tells her he won't be able to protect her in any legal proceedings.
Somehow Crusher is still allowed to roam around the Enterprise and manages to board the same shuttle from before to prove that it was sabotaged. Of course she does prove this and is magically cleared of any legal ramifications at the end of the episode.
The problem with episodic shows like TNG is that is suffers from the "TV paradox". Everything has to be resolved and back to normal by the end of the episode. There's no tension or fear that we'll never see Crusher again because, well, we know something will happen that will allow her to keep her job, and this is exactly what happens. The Ferengi death ritual is completely forgotten about and once again the violation of the prime directive is brushed off.
The episode starts with Dr Crusher packing her bags and getting ready to leave for the nearest Starbase. We learn that she has been stripped of her position as a result of an "interplanetary incident" and proceeds to tell Guinan the events that lead her to this position.
Long story short, she was hosting a Ferengi scientist who had created a shield that could protect shuttles from the intense heat of a star's corona. She also invited some delegates from different races, one of whom volunteers to pilot the shuttle (why they couldn't just do it unmanned we'll never know), something goes wrong and he's forced to return but is exposed to high levels of radiation and then dies shortly after returning to the Enterprise.
The episode then turns murder mystery after the Ferengi scientist is found dead. Instead of a dedicated team investigating, Dr Crusher alone takes it upon herself to investigate as she suspects sabotage. To find out what killed the Ferengi she needs to do an autopsy, but this is forbidden as his family request the body immediately due to their death ritual.
Dr Crusher simply disregards this, violating the prime directive in the process and is held to account by Captain Picard who despite his best efforts tells her he won't be able to protect her in any legal proceedings.
Somehow Crusher is still allowed to roam around the Enterprise and manages to board the same shuttle from before to prove that it was sabotaged. Of course she does prove this and is magically cleared of any legal ramifications at the end of the episode.
The problem with episodic shows like TNG is that is suffers from the "TV paradox". Everything has to be resolved and back to normal by the end of the episode. There's no tension or fear that we'll never see Crusher again because, well, we know something will happen that will allow her to keep her job, and this is exactly what happens. The Ferengi death ritual is completely forgotten about and once again the violation of the prime directive is brushed off.
I really dislike the Beverly Crusher character. And every episode that highlights her...
txriverotter21 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
...reinforces that dislike.
In this episode, as in every one, Crusher is arrogant, nosy, pushy, know-it-all. No matter what the situation, no matter what the matter at hand, Beverly knows best.
At least SHE thinks she does.
And this episode is no different, starting with the entire premise of the story.
Why is a medical doctor organizing and leading a conference on metaphasic shielding? At most she would be a consultant on the medical affects of such new technology, right? But no, she is "the man" and very soon we have a death or two on our hands. Something for Bev to really sink her teeth into.
Leave the investigations to Sherlock, girl, you stink! She doesn't investigate. She marches into people's quarters, makes pointed statements accusing them of murder, till they demand she leave. Then she diobey's the Captain's direct order and violates the family's ardent wishes not to do an autopsy on one of the victims. Which also gives her no answers.
Oopsie!
But no worries, Bev decides she'll test out this new technology, her being a subspace super scientist and all. And when the first victim/real killer reveals himself in the most ridiculous way possible, good ol Bev will be there to phaser him and make SURE he's dead this time.
Accusations forgotten. Autopsy forgotten. Welcome back with open arms! All is forgiven.
Yeah, sure.
I really dislike Beverly Crusher. She's almost as bad as Seska.
In this episode, as in every one, Crusher is arrogant, nosy, pushy, know-it-all. No matter what the situation, no matter what the matter at hand, Beverly knows best.
At least SHE thinks she does.
And this episode is no different, starting with the entire premise of the story.
Why is a medical doctor organizing and leading a conference on metaphasic shielding? At most she would be a consultant on the medical affects of such new technology, right? But no, she is "the man" and very soon we have a death or two on our hands. Something for Bev to really sink her teeth into.
Leave the investigations to Sherlock, girl, you stink! She doesn't investigate. She marches into people's quarters, makes pointed statements accusing them of murder, till they demand she leave. Then she diobey's the Captain's direct order and violates the family's ardent wishes not to do an autopsy on one of the victims. Which also gives her no answers.
Oopsie!
But no worries, Bev decides she'll test out this new technology, her being a subspace super scientist and all. And when the first victim/real killer reveals himself in the most ridiculous way possible, good ol Bev will be there to phaser him and make SURE he's dead this time.
Accusations forgotten. Autopsy forgotten. Welcome back with open arms! All is forgiven.
Yeah, sure.
I really dislike Beverly Crusher. She's almost as bad as Seska.
Crushing it.
thevacinstaller1 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This episode requires a leap (to the moon?) of disbelief that Dr. Crusher (a dyed in the wool starfleet medical professional) would ever conduct an autopsy on a patient against the families cultural wishes. We will just bury that problem and move on.
This episode mostly succeeds in creating an interesting mystery episode with a neat twist ---- the problem is that the episode lacks enjoyment in repeat viewings. Some mystery episodes can elicit joy in subsequent viewings but this one does not have enough in it beyond the twist.
I thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Crushers brown dress outfit. Gates is about 43-44 years old in this episode and she is as stunning as ever --- hell, she's practically glowing. It's a real shame that the plot elements and very idea of the episode does not make any sense ---- the breakthrough experiment should have been medical related.
A forgettable episode despite McFadden's solid performance and a joyful Guinan life coach scene.
This episode mostly succeeds in creating an interesting mystery episode with a neat twist ---- the problem is that the episode lacks enjoyment in repeat viewings. Some mystery episodes can elicit joy in subsequent viewings but this one does not have enough in it beyond the twist.
I thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Crushers brown dress outfit. Gates is about 43-44 years old in this episode and she is as stunning as ever --- hell, she's practically glowing. It's a real shame that the plot elements and very idea of the episode does not make any sense ---- the breakthrough experiment should have been medical related.
A forgettable episode despite McFadden's solid performance and a joyful Guinan life coach scene.
Completely ridiculous episode
pilotgav26 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This episode is ridiculous.
Just poor writing. Could have been a good episode if they didn't turn it into a Beverly Crusher showcase.
- There is no reason someone needed to pilot the shuttle. Do they not have Autopilot in the future?
- There is no way a test like this would be performed without any planning and contingencies in case of failure
- There's no way a major scientific advancement would be handled Willy- nilly by ONE scientist, Ferengi or not.
- There's NO WAY Beverly Crusher would even be involved in this.
Just poor writing. Could have been a good episode if they didn't turn it into a Beverly Crusher showcase.
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