This episode creates challenges for the entire crew. A hologram character, speaking like a used car salesman, draws the Enterprise to a planet. Upon arrival, the away team is confronted by a hostile force. Weapons that float in the air are able to fire on the crew and surround Will in a kind of electronic cocoon. Jean Luc and Beverly beam down to help out but while trying to outrun the hostile forces they fall into a pit where Dr. Crusher is badly injured. This allows these to characters to show the love they have for each other as Picard cares for her, trying to keep her alive. The others are left to their own survival. Meanwhile, the planetary force goes after the Enterprise and Geordi is put in charge, there being no one else that can do the job. He is shown to be green, lacking in confidence. This is a very personal episode and while he conclusion a little weak, it is a very nicely done effort.
Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV Series)
The Arsenal of Freedom (1988)
User Reviews
Review this title19 Reviews
An Armory Planet
Samuel-Shovel28 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
In "The Arsenal of Freedom" the Enterprise visits a planet that the Federation hasn't heard from in a while. The last ship that visited there never returned so the crew is on high alert. When they reach the planet, they receive an automated advertisement attempting to sell them high-tech arms.
The away team beams down to find a planet devoid of intelligent life with overgrown vegetation. Riker bumps into the captain of the previous vessel but quickly realized there's something off about him. It turns out to be a hologram trying to glean information on the Enterprise's firepower. When Riker becomes an uncooperative interogee, a nearby drone puts him in some kind of stasis field for further questioning later. Crusher and Picard beam down to try to free him.
The away team is soon attacked by a drone which they eventually destroy but not before being split up. Crusher and Picard fall down into a pit where Crusher is seriously wounded. Data, Yar, and Riker's communicators aren't working and must traverse the surface on foot looking for Crusher and Picard.
Meanwhile on the bridge, Geordi's in command. The Enterprise is being attacked by a cloaked vessel seemingly impossible to fight back against. They can't beam up the away team and Geordi is stuck between a rock and a hard place: stick around and possibly get destroyed or abandon the crew down on the planet and flee.
Geordi and the chief engineer get into a bit of an argument. Finally Geordi decided to disconnect the saucer and have the engineer take everyone to a nearby base while Geordi and a small crew fight back on the battle bridge. They head down into the atmosphere and use air disturbance to locate their adversary and destroy it.
Back on the planet, Data, Riker, and Yar have had to deal with evolving drones that through AI improve with each iteration. The away team might have met its match as the newest drone might be too powerful for them. Luckily, down in the pit Picard has discovered the super-computer running the drone. It's intended as a showcase to sell the weapons the planet's species used to be peddling. Picard tells a hologram that they'll buy the weapons system if the computer will turn off the demonstration. The drone disappears and their communicators start to function again. They all beam up to safety and head off to find the rest of the detached ship.
Science fiction tends to be better when it has a deeper message. That might sound a bit self-evident but I think people forget that sometimes. This story serves as a warning to our current military situation happening in the world. The usage of AI and automation in the world's ever-advancing weaponry make for a scary combination. Even back in the 80's, the writers could see the writing on the wall. There are unmanned drone strikes occurring all over the world as we speak. The drones we see in this episode aren't that farfetched. Technology will only continue to improve...
The away team beams down to find a planet devoid of intelligent life with overgrown vegetation. Riker bumps into the captain of the previous vessel but quickly realized there's something off about him. It turns out to be a hologram trying to glean information on the Enterprise's firepower. When Riker becomes an uncooperative interogee, a nearby drone puts him in some kind of stasis field for further questioning later. Crusher and Picard beam down to try to free him.
The away team is soon attacked by a drone which they eventually destroy but not before being split up. Crusher and Picard fall down into a pit where Crusher is seriously wounded. Data, Yar, and Riker's communicators aren't working and must traverse the surface on foot looking for Crusher and Picard.
Meanwhile on the bridge, Geordi's in command. The Enterprise is being attacked by a cloaked vessel seemingly impossible to fight back against. They can't beam up the away team and Geordi is stuck between a rock and a hard place: stick around and possibly get destroyed or abandon the crew down on the planet and flee.
Geordi and the chief engineer get into a bit of an argument. Finally Geordi decided to disconnect the saucer and have the engineer take everyone to a nearby base while Geordi and a small crew fight back on the battle bridge. They head down into the atmosphere and use air disturbance to locate their adversary and destroy it.
Back on the planet, Data, Riker, and Yar have had to deal with evolving drones that through AI improve with each iteration. The away team might have met its match as the newest drone might be too powerful for them. Luckily, down in the pit Picard has discovered the super-computer running the drone. It's intended as a showcase to sell the weapons the planet's species used to be peddling. Picard tells a hologram that they'll buy the weapons system if the computer will turn off the demonstration. The drone disappears and their communicators start to function again. They all beam up to safety and head off to find the rest of the detached ship.
Science fiction tends to be better when it has a deeper message. That might sound a bit self-evident but I think people forget that sometimes. This story serves as a warning to our current military situation happening in the world. The usage of AI and automation in the world's ever-advancing weaponry make for a scary combination. Even back in the 80's, the writers could see the writing on the wall. There are unmanned drone strikes occurring all over the world as we speak. The drones we see in this episode aren't that farfetched. Technology will only continue to improve...
Captain LaForge on deck.
thevacinstaller5 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
A character based episode that mostly works but doesn't achieve genuinely good/great status.
Geordi La Forge is one of the strongest actors in the first season of TNG. He just seems to have a handle on the essence of the character and seems to always hit the right tone in his scenes. In this episode he gets put into the pressure cooker and manages to command and think effectively despite feeling the weight of the responsibility. I enjoyed the scene with Troi ----- She gives him a pat on the back for his performance and then she cleverly gives him the goal of handling the junior helmsmen to take his mind of the stress of command---- that's how I interpreted it at least.
We get some more Picard/Crusher development here. Picard is so stiff that he somehow manages to come off as distant despite successfully keeping Crusher alive. I enjoy the chemistry between the two and ponder what the plan was for S2 with them.
The plot involving the AI weapon program doesn't have much impact as it seems to be a plot device for the character work with La Forge/Crusher/Picard. A light dusting of a message about the dangers of automated weapons perhaps?
In my cut scene for this episode ---- engineer JERK is called to the ready room with a stern Picard who swivels in his chair and then we cut to the credits.
Geordi's got the right stuff ---- For the love of Sisko --- Promote this guy to chief engineer.
Geordi La Forge is one of the strongest actors in the first season of TNG. He just seems to have a handle on the essence of the character and seems to always hit the right tone in his scenes. In this episode he gets put into the pressure cooker and manages to command and think effectively despite feeling the weight of the responsibility. I enjoyed the scene with Troi ----- She gives him a pat on the back for his performance and then she cleverly gives him the goal of handling the junior helmsmen to take his mind of the stress of command---- that's how I interpreted it at least.
We get some more Picard/Crusher development here. Picard is so stiff that he somehow manages to come off as distant despite successfully keeping Crusher alive. I enjoy the chemistry between the two and ponder what the plan was for S2 with them.
The plot involving the AI weapon program doesn't have much impact as it seems to be a plot device for the character work with La Forge/Crusher/Picard. A light dusting of a message about the dangers of automated weapons perhaps?
In my cut scene for this episode ---- engineer JERK is called to the ready room with a stern Picard who swivels in his chair and then we cut to the credits.
Geordi's got the right stuff ---- For the love of Sisko --- Promote this guy to chief engineer.
"Peace Through Superior Firepower"
russem3111 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
ST:TNG:21 - "The Arsenal Of Freedom" (Stardate: 41798.2) - in this episode, we see one of the few times Captain Picard has gone onto an Away Team mission (because Riker was incapacitated in the initial landing team). The main question this episode poses is what is the cost of war? This episode is most notable for the guest starring of the late Vincent Schiavelli as the Minosian Peddler. Trivia: we get to hear how Riker was offered the command of the U.S.S. Drake but turned it down to become second in command of the Enterprise. Also, we see Geordi LaForge in command once more (because both Picard and Riker are down on the planet) as he comes up against Chief Engineer Logan (a position he will hold very soon) and makes the tough decision to separate the ship (one of the few times it happens in the series).
The Golem
anarchistica20 March 2020
Like many stories in science fiction -including the first season of Star Trek: Picard- this episode is about the dangers of artificial life. AOF does a decent job of telling this story by obfuscating the theme initially. The episode also contains some great work from LeVar Burton, who can convey such emotion despite wearing a headband on his face.
The little conflict with this week's chief engineer also highlights the ridiculous way the highest-ranking officers just casually beam down to planets for whatever reason. Picard is only down there so the writers could develop his bond with Beverly. Silly, but it works.
The little conflict with this week's chief engineer also highlights the ridiculous way the highest-ranking officers just casually beam down to planets for whatever reason. Picard is only down there so the writers could develop his bond with Beverly. Silly, but it works.
Creepy warning about weapons manufacturing.
gilbertayres10 October 2018
This is one of the most subtlety frightening episodes of TNG. The lower score is because I find the drones and the jungle setting to be somewhat cartoony when they shouldn't be. This episode is ultimately about an entire planet that was slaughtered by its own creation, as a warning about the dangers of putting too much trust in weapons, this is good. I'm sort of neutral to this episode.
Mistake with the weapons selling
mluinstra22 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
At the end Picard agrees to purchase the machine and asks that the demonstration end. The hologram agrees and the machine hunting the ground crew dissolves. However, the machine attacking the Enterprise continues attacking, why?
That drone should have vanished as well but I guess they wanted to show LeForge's plan to destroy the space drone.
If they wanted to show LaForge's plan, they should have done so before Picard agreed to buy the machine and end the demonstration.
That drone should have vanished as well but I guess they wanted to show LeForge's plan to destroy the space drone.
If they wanted to show LaForge's plan, they should have done so before Picard agreed to buy the machine and end the demonstration.
The Arsenal of Freedom
Scarecrow-8821 May 2012
Warning: Spoilers
"Arsenal of Freedom" is pure awesomeness. Lt. Geordi LaForge gets to sit in the hotseat as Picard, Dr. Crusher, Commander Riker, Lt. Commander Data, and Security Officer Yar are on a planet with a history of supplying weapons for war. No human lifeforms, just advanced weaponry the Enterprise crew has never encountered left to contend with. Both the Enterprise and those on the ground have to deal with superior weaponry, and how to get out of dodge will be top priority for all involved. Picard and Crusher fall into a hole while flying machines fire laser blasts towards the away team. Each machine they destroy, the next is improved; Riker and company know that they cannot continue to do battle with them because eventually their phasers will have no effect. Meanwhile, LaForge must tolerate an officer from Engineering challenging his authority while having to deal with a weapon with cloaking capabilities, slowly deteriorating the Enterprise's shields the longer they remain in orbit of the planet. This episode really exhilarates me because it such a refreshing change of pace; Picard goes down to the planet, Crusher (who suffers lacerations, bruises, and broken bones thanks to the fall; how Picard survived unscathed is anybody's guess) is the one who needs tending to, and Geordi decides to separate the saucer driving the battle section back to the planet, keeping the 1000 people from certain doom if the Enterprise were to remain in orbit. The solution to the entire ordeal is a hoot because it is so ridiculously simple and a nearly unconscious Crusher comes up with it out of the blue! Vincent Schiavelli (Ghost) is hilarious as a "projected salesman", a "peddler program" used by the now extinct Minos people to sell weaponry, killed off by the very machine they built. He actually helps Picard figure out the machine's weaknesses and understand how it works. This is Geordi's finest moment (and he had some good ones in the coming seasons as Chief Engineer, but this was his turn to shine; I would be shocked if this wasn't Levar Burton's favorite episode, or at least one of his favorites), getting to command, sit in the Captain's chair, and what he is saddled with is quite a responsibility/burden. Seeing young con personnel and a game Worf going to battle with Geordi (okay, granted, it is against a similar machine that you see on the ground of the planet, but its cloak and dagger routine is quite difficult for even the most seasoned Captains, appearing, disappearing, and reappearing) is really a thrill. You don't see the saucer separating very much but when it does, the episode really needs to deliver something of note and this one does feature Geordi, taking solid advice from the wisdom of Troi, leading the nervous officers with confidence and level-headedness. Just a great episode altogether, with lots of action, survival strategies, and difficult challenges for all of the principle characters. There is a bit of mourning for me inside because this is really a fine example of why Denise Crosby's decision to leave the show (just two episodes later, Skin of Evil would feature the Yar character's demise) was the wrong one because she is right in the thick of it on the ground, helping to dictate the next move against those pesky laser machines.
One stop shopping for weaponry
bkoganbing29 November 2018
Answering a distress call on a planet long considered devoid of intelligent life,
the Enterprise discovers it has triggered some kind of alarm system where a
humanoid played by Vincent Schiavelli appears and offers the Enterprise all
kinds of weaponry.
Schiavelli is just a hologram, but he does get some interesting lines in. It seems as though way back when this planet had a war of annihilation and his people sold both sides the weapons that did the job.
A few close calls for some TNG regulars as Patrick Stewart looks to get away from this place without triggering off weapons that are for sale like in a department store.
Some thought provoking ideas in this TNG story.
Schiavelli is just a hologram, but he does get some interesting lines in. It seems as though way back when this planet had a war of annihilation and his people sold both sides the weapons that did the job.
A few close calls for some TNG regulars as Patrick Stewart looks to get away from this place without triggering off weapons that are for sale like in a department store.
Some thought provoking ideas in this TNG story.
What a series can and should do
gritfrombray-120 February 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This episode is the best of a uneven but fairly good first year of the show. It's also one of the few episodes which has it all. Danger, romance, mystery planet, space battle and all. The fish out of water situation in space with Geordi was superb, with an almost insubordinate engineer to deal with too! Picard out of his depth with Beverly's medical situation was also great viewing. Some small glimpses into Beverly's past were interesting. No shortcuts taken here with a viewer pleasing saucer separation too! The final solution to the attacker in space was superb and set Geordi up for a much bigger part to come later in the show.
Very simple and straight forward.
planktonrules11 November 2014
"Arsenal of Freedom" is a very simple episode--good but with a simple plot. The Enterprise is looking for what's left of another ship, the Drake. The trail leads to a dead planet...and yet the planet makes contact with them! It seems to be an automated message by some arms merchants who own the planet--and it IS a dead planet indeed. But when the away team lands, the planet becomes VERY hostile and begins attacking. Why then the Captain and Doctor beam down, I have no idea. Soon, all five crew members are in a life or death struggle and they cannot beam back aboard. In the meantime, Laforge is in command and this offers him a huge challenge, as the planet soon begins attacking the ship as well. Basically it's a tale of survival as well as of growth for Laforge. Very simple, very direct and yet very enjoyable. Worth seeing.
Quality
Dead-Columbo16 December 2014
I've always enjoyed this episode and when I watched it again (on Blu-Ray) I was surprised how it really holds up. Sure the effects mostly stink, but this works as a great character episode. la Forge especially gets a few great moments here as he is given command of the Enterprise while basically the rest of the bridge crew (what no red shirts) heads down to a planet where nothing is working for them. It's been a while since I watched the series and I don't recall liking Geordi until later in the series. Boy was I wrong. He's professional yet so unsure (much like everyone on board save for Picard, Riker and Troi) of his capabilities but he's a great example of watching a man work on his feet. Oh and then tries that awkward scene down on that cave with Picard and Crusher. It should've been more of a development scene, but it ends up bringing up more questions than answers.
We're going to have company any minute, and this time I don't know how we're going to stop it
snoozejonc24 May 2021
Enterprise receives a recorded message from planet Minos.
This is an mostly good episode with a number of strong character moments but the production design and some performances let it down at times.
The plot is solid and based on a very interesting subject of weapons manufacturing. It starts in a fairly uninspired way, but when Picard leaves Enterprise to join the away team, the plot gets more interesting.
I enjoyed the scenes with Picard and Dr Crusher, which give some nice background on Crusher and has an interesting dynamic of patient looking after the doctor. Geordie's time in command also has some cool moments for his character.
Where I struggled is on the surface of the 'densely forested' planet Minos. Not only are the performances fairly weak, particularly from Denise Crosby, but the set and tech design is very poor. Considering this was made long after the original series, it appears to be more dated.
The above problems generally contribute to a distinct lack of threat offered by the technology described as a highly and advanced perfect killing machine.
Patrick Stewart is as strong as ever. LeVar Burton gives another likeable performance and carries the bridge scenes well. Gates McFadden is solid and likewise Marina Sirtis. Jonathan Frakes appears to be going through the motions in some quite bland exchanges with Crosby.
This is an mostly good episode with a number of strong character moments but the production design and some performances let it down at times.
The plot is solid and based on a very interesting subject of weapons manufacturing. It starts in a fairly uninspired way, but when Picard leaves Enterprise to join the away team, the plot gets more interesting.
I enjoyed the scenes with Picard and Dr Crusher, which give some nice background on Crusher and has an interesting dynamic of patient looking after the doctor. Geordie's time in command also has some cool moments for his character.
Where I struggled is on the surface of the 'densely forested' planet Minos. Not only are the performances fairly weak, particularly from Denise Crosby, but the set and tech design is very poor. Considering this was made long after the original series, it appears to be more dated.
The above problems generally contribute to a distinct lack of threat offered by the technology described as a highly and advanced perfect killing machine.
Patrick Stewart is as strong as ever. LeVar Burton gives another likeable performance and carries the bridge scenes well. Gates McFadden is solid and likewise Marina Sirtis. Jonathan Frakes appears to be going through the motions in some quite bland exchanges with Crosby.
A Senior Trekker writes.....................
celineduchain27 December 2021
Writing in 2021, it is great to see that I am not the only person taking a retrospective look at Star Trek, the Next Generation. When this series was first released in 1987, a little less than twenty years after the end of the Original Series, many people thought that, without Captain Kirk and his crew, it couldn't really be Star Trek. However, original creator Gene Roddenberry, was fully invested in the casting, writing and overall look of the new series, so let's see how it shaped up:
PEACE THOUGH SUPERIOR FIREPOWER. This is a well-crafted "message" episode about the destructive nature of the arms race. The story of our crew trapped on an uninhabited planet, which still functions as a weapons showroom for a now-extinct race, moves along well with most of the main cast getting something to do.
The B story where Captain Picard and the Doctor get stuck in a hole in the ground gives us a bit more background information on these characters while the C story about Geordi LaForge's leadership challenges on the bridge give actor LeVar Burton something meaningful to do at last.
It was great to see James Bond villain, Vincent Schiavelli, in a a guest spot as the holographic arms dealer. The sharp-eyed might also spot Julia Nickson on the bridge as Ensign Lian T'Su. This actor went on to appear in both Deep Space Nine and Babylon Five, making her something of a favourite with the Serious Sci Fi Set.
(Senior Trekker scores every episode with a 5)
PEACE THOUGH SUPERIOR FIREPOWER. This is a well-crafted "message" episode about the destructive nature of the arms race. The story of our crew trapped on an uninhabited planet, which still functions as a weapons showroom for a now-extinct race, moves along well with most of the main cast getting something to do.
The B story where Captain Picard and the Doctor get stuck in a hole in the ground gives us a bit more background information on these characters while the C story about Geordi LaForge's leadership challenges on the bridge give actor LeVar Burton something meaningful to do at last.
It was great to see James Bond villain, Vincent Schiavelli, in a a guest spot as the holographic arms dealer. The sharp-eyed might also spot Julia Nickson on the bridge as Ensign Lian T'Su. This actor went on to appear in both Deep Space Nine and Babylon Five, making her something of a favourite with the Serious Sci Fi Set.
(Senior Trekker scores every episode with a 5)
"Arsenal of Freedom" is Solid SF But Leaves Too Many Questions Unanswered
Rizar4 February 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Enterprise arrives at a plant, Minos, to investigate the disappearance of the USS Drake. The crew receives an automated message from a defense system salesman, but he won't answer any questions on the disappearance of the Drake, so the crew beams down to take a closer look.
"The Arsenal of Freedom" (04/11/88, Season 1, stardate: 41798.2) has an imaginative premise: Minos has a planetary defense system to sell, the weapons systems learn on their own, and things go out of control. The away team triggers a lethal weapons demonstration. It's intended to get them to buy, but instead it attacks them without any sort of safety protocol.
I wish the episode would spend more time on the details, or at least give us some additional made up gobbledygook verbiage!
I didn't understand how the weapon system drones could transform into human holograms and back to their hover-craft form. Are they pure energy? Do the machines go invisible while they project a hologram?
I was lost at the beginning and I thought the ending was a bit too easy. It has some imaginative SF elements and is well worth watching, but I thought it could have been better thought out.
**Spoilers Probable Past Here**
Picard and Dr. Crusher join the away team when Riker is caught in a field of energy. While Picard is away, he leaves Geordi in command. Geordi must make difficult decisions, encourage youthful crew members, and show leadership in the face of a skeptical and fretful (higher ranking) engineer.
Picard and Dr. Crusher bond after Crusher falls and injuries herself. We find out some background history of Crusher and that her mother taught her herbal remedies. Data shows more of his great ability by jumping many feet down to rescue Picard/Crusher.
The defense system has many parts, which appear somewhat disconnected and somewhat networked. It sends out a small hover craft that shoots phaser blasts. The hover craft either transforms or projects a hologram intelligence gatherer (it could project a hologram if it has invisibility like its orbital model). The defense system has another invisible craft in space to fight off any ships in orbit. And it has an underground computer and manufacturing center that tracks enemy activities and constructs new hover craft models.
Picard discovers the defense system controls and its hologram salesman. The finale seemed a bit easy and forced. I was left wondering why the defense system got so out of control when it was seemingly so easy to turn off. Did Picard just get lucky?
And, why oh why, doesn't the orbital defense system disable after the buy is made? Is it too far away to receive the message to disable?
I thought the ending was a bit too easy and it didn't answer any of my questions.
"The Arsenal of Freedom" (04/11/88, Season 1, stardate: 41798.2) has an imaginative premise: Minos has a planetary defense system to sell, the weapons systems learn on their own, and things go out of control. The away team triggers a lethal weapons demonstration. It's intended to get them to buy, but instead it attacks them without any sort of safety protocol.
I wish the episode would spend more time on the details, or at least give us some additional made up gobbledygook verbiage!
I didn't understand how the weapon system drones could transform into human holograms and back to their hover-craft form. Are they pure energy? Do the machines go invisible while they project a hologram?
I was lost at the beginning and I thought the ending was a bit too easy. It has some imaginative SF elements and is well worth watching, but I thought it could have been better thought out.
**Spoilers Probable Past Here**
Picard and Dr. Crusher join the away team when Riker is caught in a field of energy. While Picard is away, he leaves Geordi in command. Geordi must make difficult decisions, encourage youthful crew members, and show leadership in the face of a skeptical and fretful (higher ranking) engineer.
Picard and Dr. Crusher bond after Crusher falls and injuries herself. We find out some background history of Crusher and that her mother taught her herbal remedies. Data shows more of his great ability by jumping many feet down to rescue Picard/Crusher.
The defense system has many parts, which appear somewhat disconnected and somewhat networked. It sends out a small hover craft that shoots phaser blasts. The hover craft either transforms or projects a hologram intelligence gatherer (it could project a hologram if it has invisibility like its orbital model). The defense system has another invisible craft in space to fight off any ships in orbit. And it has an underground computer and manufacturing center that tracks enemy activities and constructs new hover craft models.
Picard discovers the defense system controls and its hologram salesman. The finale seemed a bit easy and forced. I was left wondering why the defense system got so out of control when it was seemingly so easy to turn off. Did Picard just get lucky?
And, why oh why, doesn't the orbital defense system disable after the buy is made? Is it too far away to receive the message to disable?
I thought the ending was a bit too easy and it didn't answer any of my questions.
"Versatile, powerful, and easy to use. The 607 does it all."
classicsoncall18 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Whereas Lieutenant Worf (Michtael Dorn) had his chance to shine in the prior episode ("Heart of Glory'), this time it's Lieutenant La Forge's (LeVar Burton) turn to take center stage, as Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) puts him in charge of the Enterprise as the Captain joins the away team on Planet Minos, devoid of intelligent life, but dangerous nevertheless. I found it interesting that the episode felt like it was giving a tryout to junior officers Solis (George De La Pena) and T'su (Julia Nickson), along with Chief Engineer Logan (Vyto Ruginisto), senior in command to Geordi who looked like he was challenging for control of the Enterprise. That brief confrontation went nowhere, but it did create tension at the time.
Back on Minos, Picard and Dr. Crusher (Gates McFadden) are rendered ineffective when they fall into an underground structure, leaving it to the other three members of the away team to deal with the hostile threat of advanced weapons left behind when the planet went dormant. The recurring weapons displayed an effective use of artificial intelligence to become more dangerous with each manifestation, until it came to Captain Picard to simply pull the plug on the entire system when he got the inadvertent go-ahead from the planet's hologram weapons dealer, portrayed by Vincent Schiavelli. He's called The Peddler in the story's credits here on IMDb, but I never heard him referenced as such.
What I liked about the episode was the way in which Lieutenant La Forge was allowed to grow as a character and show his mettle as a Star Fleet officer. It didn't end with the safe return of the away team, as Picard had him finish the job by taking them out of orbit and on to the next assignment.
Back on Minos, Picard and Dr. Crusher (Gates McFadden) are rendered ineffective when they fall into an underground structure, leaving it to the other three members of the away team to deal with the hostile threat of advanced weapons left behind when the planet went dormant. The recurring weapons displayed an effective use of artificial intelligence to become more dangerous with each manifestation, until it came to Captain Picard to simply pull the plug on the entire system when he got the inadvertent go-ahead from the planet's hologram weapons dealer, portrayed by Vincent Schiavelli. He's called The Peddler in the story's credits here on IMDb, but I never heard him referenced as such.
What I liked about the episode was the way in which Lieutenant La Forge was allowed to grow as a character and show his mettle as a Star Fleet officer. It didn't end with the safe return of the away team, as Picard had him finish the job by taking them out of orbit and on to the next assignment.
A mostly great episode, harmed by old habits.
moemenamaneman16 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
It's always unfortunate when an otherwise solid episode of a TV show gets marred in bad habits. And nowhere is that more the case than the TNG episode, the Arsenal of Freedom. Here, we have some much needed development for a few members of the Enterprise's bridge crew. Geordi especially has some nice moments here.
But everything surrounding it, from the gauche planet set to the oddly sterile editing to the rest of the main crew's delivery to the main plot's conclusion, make this episode feel woefully regressive. It's like watching an old friend relapse after going cold turkey for a while.
People often note that the first 2 seasons of TNG feel more like the original 60s series, but here, I feel it's more half n' half. Half old, half new. And going back and forth between them makes the Arsenal of Freedom an uneven watch.
But everything surrounding it, from the gauche planet set to the oddly sterile editing to the rest of the main crew's delivery to the main plot's conclusion, make this episode feel woefully regressive. It's like watching an old friend relapse after going cold turkey for a while.
People often note that the first 2 seasons of TNG feel more like the original 60s series, but here, I feel it's more half n' half. Half old, half new. And going back and forth between them makes the Arsenal of Freedom an uneven watch.
Good job staff. Give them a company mug.
smiledaydream31 January 2022
Suggestion: Instead of prepare to beam and beam, how about being ready to beam on "go black" or something. Unless you like warning the enemy. Suddenly the ship has no one with more than one pip but a stranger we've never seen. Heck, let's put Wesley in command. Oh, he doesn't exist this episode. Duh. The obvious solution. Ok. Fun.
The Federation sends the Enterprise to buy weapons
snarky-trek-reviews25 January 2023
We kick this episode off with Picard giving a smirk of approval to the notion of selling weapons to both sides of a conflict. America's disposition toward the middle east comes to mind but I digress. We learn that Riker was offered his own ship before accepting the post of second officer on the Enterprise. Riker's unwillingness to take command is a recurring theme throughout TNG. I sort of wish they spun him off mid series but whatever.
Next, we meet a holographic arms merchant who understands how the universe actually works: "Peace through superior firepower." Picard is impressed so he sends an away team down to make contact and negotiate a sale.
We quickly learn that Starfleet technology can't melt Tritanium so it's a good thing we are here. Looks like we might get to score a free sample, but a reconnaissance drone shows up and traps Riker in a stasis field. Realizing Riker won't be able to close the deal Picard puts Geordi in charge of the ship and beams down to the planet himself with Crusher in tow.
The super dooper sci fi weapon that destroyed a planet has garbage aim but it still manages to chase Picard and Crusher into a hole.
Back in space we meet yet another chief engineer. This time it's Lt. Logan, and he means business. Geordi handles him nicely by putting him in charge of the saucer section and sending him off into space with all the other nonessentials.
Back on the planet Tasha, Riker and Data tangle with another drone while Picard raises Crusher's legs and keeps her warm. She gets tired of his company though, so Picard goes to meet the with the salesman, gets the low down on the Echo Papa 607, and closes the deal.
Jokes aside, this episode is pretty good for season 1, and not half bad when considering the series as a whole. Geordi really feels like a character, Riker and Tasha show hints of sexual chemistry, Worf has some good one liners, and Wesley is nowhere to be found.
Verdict: A season 1 standout.
Fun facts:
Android's can survive 11.75 meter drops without issue. Picard must have landed on something soft.
Lorenz is the mathematician that developed chaos theory.
The alternative name for the Enterprise is the lollipop. She's a good ship.
Next, we meet a holographic arms merchant who understands how the universe actually works: "Peace through superior firepower." Picard is impressed so he sends an away team down to make contact and negotiate a sale.
We quickly learn that Starfleet technology can't melt Tritanium so it's a good thing we are here. Looks like we might get to score a free sample, but a reconnaissance drone shows up and traps Riker in a stasis field. Realizing Riker won't be able to close the deal Picard puts Geordi in charge of the ship and beams down to the planet himself with Crusher in tow.
The super dooper sci fi weapon that destroyed a planet has garbage aim but it still manages to chase Picard and Crusher into a hole.
Back in space we meet yet another chief engineer. This time it's Lt. Logan, and he means business. Geordi handles him nicely by putting him in charge of the saucer section and sending him off into space with all the other nonessentials.
Back on the planet Tasha, Riker and Data tangle with another drone while Picard raises Crusher's legs and keeps her warm. She gets tired of his company though, so Picard goes to meet the with the salesman, gets the low down on the Echo Papa 607, and closes the deal.
Jokes aside, this episode is pretty good for season 1, and not half bad when considering the series as a whole. Geordi really feels like a character, Riker and Tasha show hints of sexual chemistry, Worf has some good one liners, and Wesley is nowhere to be found.
Verdict: A season 1 standout.
Fun facts:
Android's can survive 11.75 meter drops without issue. Picard must have landed on something soft.
Lorenz is the mathematician that developed chaos theory.
The alternative name for the Enterprise is the lollipop. She's a good ship.
See also
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