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A Matter Of Time (episode)

1.2 Act One
1.3 Act Two
1.4 Act Three
1.5 Act Four
1.6 Act Five
2 Memorable quotes
3.1 Story and script
3.2 Production
3.3 Continuity
3.4 Reception
3.6 Apocrypha
3.7 Production history
3.8 Video, DVD, and Blu-ray releases
4.1 Starring
4.2 Also starring
4.3 Guest stars
4.4 Co-stars
4.5 Uncredited co-stars
4.6 Stand-ins and photo doubles
4.7 References
4.8 See also
4.9 External links

Summary [ ]

The USS Enterprise is trying to fix extreme weather problems resulting from an asteroid collision on the planet Penthara IV , a colony with a population of some twenty million persons. On their way to Penthara IV, Worf notices a space-time distortion, followed by the appearance of a small vessel. Captain Picard tries to hail the ship, to which the occupant replies that Picard should move over. Picard takes a stand saying that the Enterprise will not go anywhere until the man explains himself. But the problem is clarified as soon as Picard takes a step away from the position on the bridge where he was standing: the man immediately beams onto the same location. He introduces himself as Berlinghoff Rasmussen , a historian from the future (specifically, the 26th century ), specializing in 24th century interstellar issues. He tells Picard he has come back almost three hundred years to find them.

Act One [ ]

Rasmussen tries to convince the crew that he is actually from the future. In order to prove it, the crew tries asking him questions that only a man from the future would know the answers to. Doctor Crusher wants to know if they cured the Telurian plague by Rasmussen's time, but Picard says they shouldn't ask questions like that, despite the temptation. After the meeting is over, Counselor Troi says Rasmussen is holding something back but is unsure that it has to do with his wanting to keep information from his century from the crew of the Enterprise . Picard, having examined Rasmussen's credentials, finds him to be a legitimate historian and tells his crew they will afford him every courtesy.

" This is really a thrill, Data. "

Rasmussen tries to study Data in a turbolift while he escorts him to his newly assigned quarters. Once there, Data tries to ask Rasmussen whether or not he lives to see the 26th century, but Rasmussen avoids his questions and tells him that it would be better if Data kept those assumptions to himself. Data complies, apologizes, and leaves Rasmussen alone. After Data leaves, Rasmussen looks around his quarters with a gleeful expression on his face.

Act Two [ ]

The Enterprise arrives at Penthara IV. Meanwhile, in Ten Forward , Riker , Worf , and Crusher are talking about Rasmussen's presence while sitting at a table. His presence on board is quite disruptive since he refuses to reveal anything he knows about the future, but he nevertheless drops many hints that something important is about to happen. Rasmussen arrives in Ten Forward and Dr. Crusher invites him to the group's table. He asks them to each take a questionnaire. Then they talk about how they view the world and what they each think the most important inventions/advancements in the past 200 years were. Crusher says the way surgery was changed, Riker says warp coils , and Worf says phasers . Rasmussen says that it's typical that they would provide such different answers since Beverly is a doctor, Riker is a commander and an explorer in Starfleet, and Worf is from a warrior background, which he finds " delightfully primitive. "

Later, Rasmussen visits Geordi La Forge and Data in Engineering. La Forge conjectures that Rasmussen is there to witness the mission at Penthara IV after he comments on how little is known of Data's part in the mission in the 26th century. La Forge figures out the parameters of how much CO 2 to inject into the air at Penthara IV and tells Picard he is ready to transport to the planet's surface. When La Forge leaves, Rasmussen steals a PADD left on the master systems display table . Before going to the bridge to witness the event, he rhetorically tells Data " who said these moments were any less exciting when you know the outcome, hmm? " Data, puzzled, tells him he knows of no one who said that.

La Forge and Data with Dr. Moseley are coordinating the start of the procedure and monitoring. After several phaser drills , CO 2 emissions finally start and monitoring stations see the temperature holding and even increasing. Rasmussen continues to make small comments about Picard's crew, and it's to the point of annoyance.

Act Three [ ]

Troi and Crusher are in sickbay discussing if Rasmussen is really just after historical facts or more. Troi cannot be certain, feeling that he is trying to confuse or misdirect the crew. Just then, Rasmussen comes into sickbay and Troi tries to excuse herself, but he manages to talk about how she doesn't trust him, but she does finally leave. Rasmussen makes a pass at Crusher by telling her she has been the only person to make him think about not returning to where he is from. Crusher deters him by saying she could very well be his great-great-great-great-grandmother. Rasmussen leaves sickbay with a neural stimulator he claims he would like to examine.

Meanwhile, the initial attempt to release carbon dioxide from inside the planet into the atmosphere was briefly successful, but unanticipated volcanic activity released more particulates into the atmosphere, making the problem worse.

Rasmussen goes to Data's quarters and finds him listening to 4 pieces of music loudly and Rasmussen is confused as to how he can listen to all that simultaneously. Data replies that he is capable of distinguishing over 150 simultaneous compositions from each other. Just then, La Forge sends a transmission to Data from the surface of the planet, and while they are discussing if Data made any errors, Rasmussen pockets a tricorder from Data's room. Data then notifies Picard in his ready room that they have already done everything they can, and if they try again and err, they will completely burn off the planet's atmosphere.

Act Four [ ]

On the planet, Doctor Moseley and La Forge are trying to work out new parameters to stop the planet from freezing over or burning up the atmosphere. Rasmussen is called by Picard into his ready room because he faces a dilemma of how to help the Pentharians.

The Enterprise initiates a reaction

The Enterprise can initiate a chain reaction in the atmosphere that should fix the problem, but if calculations are ever so slightly off, life on the planet will be wiped out. Picard forcefully asks for Rasmussen's help: can he tell what happened to Penthara IV? While Picard concedes that there might be some sort of Temporal Prime Directive in the future that precludes Rasmussen from aiding him, he argues that this is certainly a situation where the directive could be violated. Picard also theorizes that since Rasmussen's past is Picard's own future, choosing to try is the right thing to do. Rasmussen refuses to help and Picard ultimately chooses not to play it safe and decides to try and save the planet.

Act Five [ ]

The Enterprise prepares to discharge an immense amount of energy from the deflector dish using an auto-phaser interlock . La Forge and Data's plan is that the phaser energy will ionize the particles in Penthara IV's atmosphere, eliminating the electrostatic energy and returning the planet's ecosystem back to normal. The plan is set in motion, and everything goes well, with the Enterprise sending the resulting energy that shoots out from the planet into open space. Doctor Moseley and La Forge report that the particulate levels are where they are supposed to be and that Penthara's sun is shining through.

Meanwhile, a number of small objects have been found missing and Picard suspects Rasmussen. He nods to Worf right after Rasmussen makes a hasty departure from the bridge after Penthara IV has been saved, telling them he needs to start packing. Later, Rasmussen is confronted by Picard, Riker, Crusher, Worf, Data, and Garvey in one of the Enterprise 's shuttlebays shortly before he heads back into the future. Rasmussen asks to let Data inspect his time-pod for the missing items, Picard reasoning that Data is the only person who can be definitely trusted not to divulge about anything he witnessed inside the pod. Once inside, Rasmussen attempts to abduct Data and reveals that he is indeed from 200 years outside the Enterprise 's timeframe, but in the opposite direction – he is actually from New Jersey on Earth in the 22nd century . He stole the time-pod from the original time traveler from the future, and he plans to return to his own time with the high-tech objects he has stolen, now including Data, and "invent" them once a year.

However, Rasmussen's plan is foiled, as the stolen phaser he planned to use to knock out Data has been deactivated remotely via a signal they transmitted into the pod when the door was open. Inside, Data postulates that the handprint lock will probably work whether Rasmussen is "conscious or not." They step back out into the shuttlebay where Data reveals Rasmussen's intentions, and Worf goes inside to retrieve the stolen items. Once he returns, Riker orders that Worf take Rasmussen to the brig and they will drop him off at Starbase 214 . As Rasmussen desperately insists that he must return to his own time, the pod vanishes, leaving him stranded in the future. As Worf leads Rasmussen away, Picard welcomes him to the 24th century, saying that there are "many legitimate historians that would be interested in talking to a Human from your era."

Memorable quotes [ ]

"They want you to move over, sir." "Reply that the Enterprise isn't going anywhere, Lieutenant." "Not the Enterprise ... you ."

" Five... six... seven meters! Ha, I was right! "

" If I hand my assignment in on time, can I get a glimpse into next week's poker game? "

" Everyone dies, Captain! It's just a question of when! "

" Every choice we make allows us to manipulate the future. Do I ask Adrienne or Suzanne to the spring dance? Do I take my holiday on Corsica or Risa? A person's life, their future, hinges on each of a thousand choices. Living is making choices! Now you ask me to believe that if I make a choice other than the one that appears in your history books, then your past will be irrevocably altered. Well, you know, Professor, perhaps I don't give a damn about your past, because your past is my future. And as far as I'm concerned, it hasn't been written yet! "

" You know, Homer was blind. Milton, Bach, Monet, Wonder. "

" Who said these moments were any less exciting when you know the outcome, hmm? " " I know of no one who said that, Professor. "

" I hate questionnaires. "

" You don't like me very much, do you? " " I don't dislike you, Professor. "

" We came here to help these people. " " And look what we've done. "

" To try or not to try. To take a risk or play it safe. Your arguments have reminded me how precious the right to choose is. And because I've never been one to play it safe, I choose to try. "

" I assume your handprint will open this door whether you are conscious or not. "

" I'm sure there are more than a few legitimate historians at Starfleet who would be eager to meet a Human from your era. Oh, Professor! Welcome to the 24th century. "

" Yes, Professor, I know. What if one of those lives I save down there is a child who grows up to be the next Adolf Hitler or Khan Singh ? Every first year philosophy student has been asked that question since the earliest wormholes were discovered... "

Background information [ ]

Story and script [ ].

Rick Berman commented, " I am fascinated by all the episodes that have dealt with the implausibility of time travel . I have always had in my head the idea of an episode that had someone who was capable of time travel and professes he is from the future, and we find out he is actually from the past. It's part of that Mark Twain feeling of what Leonardo da Vinci could have done with a calculator or Alexander the Great with a shotgun . " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 234) Berman found writing this episode was profoundly enjoyable. ( Cinefantastique , Vol. 23, No. 6, p. 18)
The character of Berlingoff Rasmussen was originally written to be portrayed by Star Trek fan Robin Williams , however, he backed out from the role. According to Berman, " I developed the show with Robin Williams in mind. He had said he wanted to do a show and when it got finished his wife was 8 1/2 months pregnant and they were about to go and he had just finished Hook and was starting something else and couldn't do it. " ( Great Birds of the Galaxy: Gene Roddenberry and the Creators of Trek , p. 143) Other sources claim that Williams opted out in order to play Peter Pan in the movie Hook . ( Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion , 2nd ed., p. 186) According to IMDb, Hook finished filming on 1 August 1991 , which supports Berman's account, as this episode only started production in late- September . [1]
Regarding the episode's tech subplot, Rick Berman recalled, " To sit with the scene guys and research and develop it and to try and come up with something that would work, you get lost in the technical elements of it. You need other people to come and hit you over the head and pull it back. Sometimes we succeed with that and sometimes we don't. " Michael Piller agreed, " Rick and I and the staff worked long and hard with him on the script and he had a lot of challenges to overcome. " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 234)

Production [ ]

The time-pod on set

The time-pod was a reuse of the shuttle Nenebek exterior set from " Final Mission ". The exterior of the time-pod was later reused as the Toron -class Klingon shuttle in " Gambit, Part II ". ( Star Trek: The Next Generation 365 , p. 232)
"A Matter of Time" was filmed between Friday 27 September 1991 and Monday 7 October 1991 on Paramount Stage 8 , 9 , and 16 . Second unit inserts for this episode were filmed on Tuesday 29 October 1991 on Paramount Stage 9.
According to the call sheet for Friday 4 October 1991 , a promo for the International Space University was filmed on the bridge set on Paramount Stage 8 at 9:30 am and was hosted by Marina Sirtis . [2]
Several costumes and props from this episode were sold off on the It's A Wrap! sale and auction on eBay, including a scientist costume. [3] (X)

Continuity [ ]

Rasmussen's utterance of " Data, at Penthara IV! " during act two is very reminiscent of an earlier Season 5 episode, " Darmok ", utilizing a similar syntax structure to the Tamarian language .
This is the first of five appearances of conn officer Ensign Felton .
Two of the pieces of classical music simultaneously listened to by Data in this episode were heard again in later Star Trek episodes: the Third Brandenburg Concerto was later played by Captain Picard on his Ressikan flute , and " La donna è mobile " was regularly sung by The Doctor .
When Rasmussen becomes trapped in 2368 , Picard tells him, " Welcome to the 24th century, " which he also told Clare Raymond when she awoke and saw Worf (and promptly fainted) in 2364 , in " The Neutral Zone ".
Among the items that Rasmussen tried to steal are a VISOR , a tricorder , a PADD , several isolinear chips , a d'k tahg , a type 2 phaser , and several small devices.
Picard makes a reference to Khan Noonien Singh from TOS : " Space Seed " and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan .
In the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine fourth season episode " Bar Association ", Odo cites the case of Rasmussen as an example of a security breach aboard the Enterprise to Worf.
Rasmussen's question to Riker concerning what he thought was innovative about the USS Enterprise -B is the first canonical reference to that starship.

Reception [ ]

Michael Piller remarked, " It was a delightful change of pace and tone from the grimness and darkness of the Spock episode . It was just at the right time […] That fourth act where Picard and Ramussen have a one scene act is wonderful and I enjoyed that a lot. " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 234)
Director Paul Lynch stated, " It was more of a comedy than a drama. Matt Frewer was wonderful as a space con man […] He got the reputation of being large for his comedy roles, but he was a consummate actor and he found the level of comedy and realism of the character which is what makes him such a good character. He was never schticky. " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , pp. 234-235) In 2012 , however, Lynch stated that he felt "A Matter of Time" was his least favorite Star Trek: The Next Generation episode out of the five he had directed. [4]
A mission report for this episode, by John Sayers, was published in The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine issue 18 , pp. 57-60.
This episode won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Special Visual Effects, sharing it in a tie with TNG : " Conundrum ".

Apocrypha [ ]

Miles O'Brien mentions the events of this episode in the the novel Inferno , after the universe is destroyed in 2400 as a result of the Bajoran wormhole meeting and consuming a red wormhole created by the Pah-wraiths . In the novel, O'Brien cites his encounter with 26th century technology as a means of proving to his current "crew" – consisting of Quark , Rom , Odo , and Garak – that it is possible for them to change history so that timelines where the universe didn't end in 2400 come into existence.

Production history [ ]

29 June 1990 – Second draft script
7 September 1990 – Third draft script
8 October 1990 – Fourth draft script
19 October 1990 – Fifth draft script
20 September 1991 – Final draft script
27 September 1991 – Filming starts
7 October 1991 – Production wraps
29 October 1991 – In post-production, second unit inserts are filmed on Paramount Stage 9
18 November 1991 – Premiere airdate
15 February 1995 – First UK airdate

Video, DVD, and Blu-ray releases [ ]

Original UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, CIC Video ): Volume 55, 16 November 1992
UK re-release (three-episode tapes, Paramount Home Entertainment ): Volume 5.3, 5 August 2002
As part of the TNG Season 5 DVD collection
As part of the TNG Season 5 Blu-ray collection

Links and references [ ]

Starring [ ].

Patrick Stewart as Capt. Jean-Luc Picard
Jonathan Frakes as Cmdr. William Riker

Also starring [ ]

LeVar Burton as Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge
Michael Dorn as Lt. Worf
Gates McFadden as Dr. Beverly Crusher
Marina Sirtis as Counselor Deanna Troi
Brent Spiner as Lt. Commander Data

Guest stars [ ]

Stefan Gierasch as Moseley
Matt Frewer as Berlinghoff Rasmussen

Co-stars [ ]

Sheila Franklin as Ensign
Shay Garner as Scientist

Stand-ins and photo doubles [ ]

David Keith Anderson – stand-in for LeVar Burton
Melba Gonzalez – stand-in for Marina Sirtis
Joly – stand-in for Sheila Franklin
Tim McCormack – stand-in for Brent Spiner and Matt Frewer
Lorine Mendell – stand-in for Gates McFadden and Shay Garner
Mick – stand-in for Matt Frewer
Keith Rayve – photo double for Matt Frewer
Richard Sarstedt – stand-in for Jonathan Frakes and Matt Frewer
Dennis Tracy – stand-in for Patrick Stewart
Guy Vardaman – stand-in for Matt Frewer
James Washington – stand-in for Michael Dorn
Unknown actor – stand-in for Stefan Gierasch

References [ ]

20th century ; 21st century ; 22nd century ; 23rd century ; 24th century ; 26th century ; 26th century time traveler ; 24-hour clock ; " a great deal "; " a lot "; " a shame "; Adrienne ; advice ; aesthetics ; alien ; " all right "; altitude ; amount ; analogy ; android ; Annotated Shakespeare, The ; apple ; argument ; assignment ; assumption ; " as a matter of fact "; " as soon as possible "; asteroid ; " at least "; " at the same time "; " at your convenience "; atmosphere ; atmospheric sensor ; automobile ; auto-phaser interlock ; auto timer ; Bach, Johann Sebastian ; Beethoven, Ludwig van ; belief ; berylite scan ; best friend ; bioscan ; " birds of a feather "; breathing ; " buck up "; Caesar, Julius ; calculation ; carbon dioxide ( CO 2 ); Celsius ; child ; choice ; class ; cloud ; colleague ; colonist ; coincidence ; cold ; colony ; composition ; computer ; consummate explorer ; con artist ; concentration ; conjecture ; continent ; conversation ( chat ); coordinates ; Corsica ; course ; courtesy ; credential ; curiosity ; crystal ; cubic meters per second ; d'k tahg ; data ; day ; decade ; deflector dish ( main deflector dish ); deflector beam ; deflector shield ; degree ; density ; desk ; detention cell ; dilemma ; dimensions ; door ; drilling ; drilling pattern ; drilling phaser ; drilling site ( bore site ); dust ; dust cloud ; Earth ; earthquake ; ecosystem ; efficiency ; electrostatic energy ( electrostatic conditions ); elevation ; empath ; Enterprise -B, USS ; Enterprise -C, USS ; epicenter ; EPS tap ; equator ; era ; error ; event ; " excuse me "; exothermal inversion ; explorer ; explosive ; eye ; fate ; fly ; flattery ; " fly on the wall "; friend ; future ; gas ; " give me a minute "; " go on "; " God knows "; " good luck "; grandchild ; great-great-great-great-grandmother ; greenhouse effect ; Gutenberg Bible ; hail ; handprint ; heat ; historian ; history ; history book ; history lesson ; Hitler, Adolf ; Homer ; hour ; hull ; Human ; hundred ; hunter ; hypothesis ; hypothetical ; " I beg your pardon "; " I don't know "; ice ; idea ; impostor ; intention ; inventor ; " in god's name " " in order "; " in order to "; " in search of "; " in your possession "; incentive ; information ; Jupiter symphony ; " just wait "; kilometer ; " kind of "; Klingon ; " La donna è mobile "; leader ; length ; lifesign ; lightning rod ; Lincoln, Abraham ; Livingston ; location ; " look who's here "; mantle ; margin of error ; medical scan ; meter ; Milky Way Galaxy ; million ; Milton, John ; mission ; mistake ; Model A ; Model T ; modesty ; molto vivace ; Monet, Claude ; motion ; Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus ; Much Ado About Nothing ; museum ; music ; name ; natural evolution ; neural stimulator ; New Jersey ; New Seattle ; " no problem "; " not at all "; number one ; nuclear winter ; O'Brien, Miles ; object ; odds ; " of course "; office ; " on my account "; " on purpose "; " on record "; " on the contrary "; online ; " out of our league "; PADD ; " paid a call "; parameter ; passion ; past ; Penthara IV ; Penthara IV city ; Penthara IV sector ; Penthara IV sun ; Pentharan ; percent ; permission ; person ; phaser ; phaser discharge ( phaser blast ); phaser drill ; phenomenon ; philosophy ; Physiology of Taste, The ; picture ; pink ; place ; plan ; plasma ; " play it safe "; plasticized tritanium mesh ; poker ; poker game ; predestination paradox ; pressure ; Prime Directive ; problem ; production model ; professor ; prosthesis ; prototype ; quadrant ; quarantine field ; question ; questionnaire ; " quite a bit "; Rasmussen's colleague ; Rasmussen's vessel ; Redstone missile ; Richter scale ; right ; " right away "; Rigoletto ; Risa ; river ; room ; schematic ; science lab ; second ; sector ; sensor ; shield inverter ; shock front ; " shot to hell "; shuttlebay ; soldier ; Singh, Khan Noonien ; solution ; Soong, Noonien ; space ; space-time distortion ; spark ; spheral forecast ; spring dance ; standing ; Starbase 214 ; Starfleet ; student ; " stumbling block "; stun setting ; subspace channel ; sunlight ; surface ; surgical gloves ; surgical mask ; Suzanne ; Symphony Number Nine ; synchronous orbit ; table ; " take a risk "; Telurian plague ; temperature ; temporal logic ; temporal distortion ; temporal logic ; Temporal Prime Directive ( allusion to ); temperature ; terawatt ; theater ; theft ; thermal monitoring station ; thermal simulation ; theory ; thing ; Third Brandenburg Concerto ; thought ; thousand ; threat ; " tickled pink "; time ; time frame ; time-pod ; time travel ; tool ; topic ; tricorder ; trinket ; tropics ; turbolift ; type C asteroid ; upper atmosphere ; variance ; Verdi, Giuseppe ; VISOR ; violence ; volcano ; volume ; warp coil ; warp drive ; warrior ; week ; wind ; wormhole ; Wonder, Stevie ; year ; " you know "; " you see "

External links [ ]

" A Matter of Time " at Memory Beta , the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
" A Matter of Time " at Wikipedia
" A Matter of Time " at MissionLogPodcast.com
"A Matter Of Time" script at Star Trek Minutiae
" A Matter Of Time " at the Internet Movie Database
2 Daniels (Crewman)
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Retro Review: A Matter of Time

By Vic , August 14, 2009 in Trek News

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Star Trek: The Next Generation

“A Matter of Honor”

Air date: 2/6/1989 Teleplay by Burton Armus Story by Wanda M. Haight & Gregory Amos and Burton Armus Directed by Robert Bowman

Review by Jamahl Epsicokhan

Review Text

Commander Riker is selected to participate in an officer exchange program that allows him to be the first Starfleet officer to serve aboard a Klingon vessel. Logically, you would think this would mean a Klingon officer would serve aboard the Enterprise , but since we already have Worf I guess that would be a redundancy. Instead, we get Ensign Mendon (John Putch), a Benzite who is very anxious to please. Mendon's arrogant-seeming personality is initially an annoyance before the story demonstrates that it truly understands him and allows us to sympathize with his different way of looking at things.

"A Matter of Honor" is TNG at its pro-diversity best. It's a perfect vehicle for Riker, providing an opportunity for him to exhibit both cerebral and testosterone-driven attributes. Consider the scene in Ten-Forward where he samples what seems like the entire Klingon menu: Here's a guy with a strong stomach and a completely genuine desire to learn about and immerse himself in an alien culture. Riker does his homework.

The scenes aboard the Klingon ship give us the first of the series' first-person perspectives into the workings and mindset of the TNG -era Klingons (which is to say the Klingons as allies rather than enemies). The story makes no mistake about the fact that the Klingons are a very different culture with very different values, as in the scene where Riker and first officer Klag (Brian Thompson) discuss Klag's father, whom Klag has essentially disowned because the father was unable to die in battle during his prime. The beauty of "A Matter of Honor" is its ability to find common ground between these divergent characters through universal qualities like food, humor, and self-integrity.

The plot throws a complication into this theme when the Klingon crew finds a substance eating away at the ship's hull and believes the Enterprise is to blame (for reasons that the plot is able to almost make plausible). The only thing holding this episode back somewhat is the stubborn, unlikely obstinacy of Captain Kargan (Christopher Collins), who seems way too determined to attack the Enterprise in retaliation rather than waiting to examine all the facts. But I enjoyed Riker's clever response to Kargan's unwillingness to listen, and his ability to play by the Klingons' rules in staging his power play. Riker's demand for Picard's surrender is classic.

Previous episode: Unnatural Selection Next episode: The Measure of a Man

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Comment Section

70 comments on this post.

"A Matter Of Honor" is the begining of a long string of very good or (in some cases) great episodes. "Elementary, Dear Data" is another great one. The ones between "Elementary, Dear Data" and "A Matter Of Honor" are adequate or perhps slightly more then adequate, but certainly nothing special. In any case, the very good episodes this season are better then any episode of the original series (which has several good or even great episodes, but its quality is held far back from what it could have reached by the fact that each character's personality has only one aspect, in contrast to the multi-faceted and thus vastly more interesting Next Generation characters) and SO much better then the average episode of this show's first season (where the vast majority of episods are bland and each character has almost no personality).

The scene with Riker in the Klingon mess hall is some of the best five to 10 minutes of Trek of any movie or series.

Klag to Riker in the mess hall: "If Klingon food is too strong for you, perhaps we could get one of the females to breast-feed you". xD rofl Loved the scenes between Mendon and Worf. Also, the scene in Ten-Forward with all these Klingon "delicacies", Riker looked like having such a great time there. Doctor Pulaski's and Picard's faces were absolutely priceless. And of course, the demand for surrender was pure epic! An amazing episode, easily one of the best Star Trek episodes.

@ Adam: Yep, I agree that there's a quality bump that starts off with "A Matter of Honor" and we can enjoy some of the best episodes of early TNG. If the whole series was like a long movie, I was half-asleep at this point, and "A Matter of Honor" and particularly "The Measure of a Man" were the first signs that this film was something worth watching. @ William and Xaaos: The mess hall and the "Surrender" scenes are just great! This was the antithesis of "Code of Honor". Where the latter was a racist, stereotypical and boring ep, this was smart, fun and promoted the best values of TNG. When Riker demands the Enterprise to "surrender" he is using Klingon's laws, instead of the Federation's, we haven't seen that very often until that point in the series. And the solution ends up well for both parties, even when he received a punch for being a very clever smartass. Really great stuff. @ Jammer: I can't stress this enough, your writing style is fantastic. This single line, for example: "The beauty of "A Matter of Honor" is its ability to find common ground between these divergent characters through universal qualities like food, humor, and self-integrity."...is a piece of review art. Simple, beautiful and to the point. I wish I could write my own reviews like that =D

Yeah, I think this episode is just shy of being a classic for the reason you mention -- Captain Kargan is too obstinate to be convincing, and too trusting of Riker given his obstinacy otherwise. I don't tend to think of Riker as one of the show's very best characters, but look at some of the episodes in which Riker is the lead or at least co-lead: 11001001, A Matter of Honour, The Best of Both Worlds 1 & 2, First Contact, Frame of Mind, Second Chances, The Pegasus. (The Best of Both Worlds is a Riker show as much or more as it is anyone else's, especially part 2.) That's a pretty fine set of episodes, and I'm not sure if any character on this show besides Picard can boast eight episodes of that high quality in which they are the lead, even Data (though I think Data is better written and performed overall).

@William B: Here's my theory on what happened to Riker: Early in the series, Riker is much more important. There are few big meetings that Picard has without Riker and Riker is often the guy who takes charge in a crisis ("The Naked Now") or has some brilliant engineering idea. Riker is sort of the hero and Picard is often the somewhat stuffy commanding officer. But as TNG became less like TOS, Riker worked less with the plots. There were fewer away missions and when there were ("The Chase", for instance) Picard leads them. Late in the series, Riker becomes more like Scotty on TOS -- i.e. the dude left to run the ship while Kirk (Picard) and Spock (Data) go have all the fun. Ultimately, I think the creators realized that Riker was at his best as a character in shows that didn't involve Picard, and that the series generally got better as Picard really became the star. Let's face it, Patrick Stewart is 10 times the actor Jonathan Frakes is and the show got better when the Picard/Riker ratio tilted more toward Picard (except for season 7, which was just bad for other reasons). The really strong episodes with Riker usually involved him being nowhere near Picard (BOBW, Matter of Honor, First Contact, Frame of Mind) or where there's a third character as a foil (11001001, Pegasus). And the episodes that were really Riker/Picard heavy -- the Gambit two-parter -- just didn't work. This isn't a universal thing (Measure of a Man was probably the best use of Picard and Riker together in the series). But it's clear that at some point, the creators figured Picard was the key to good TNG and that Picard/Riker together wasn't a winning pairing.

William B: "I'm not sure if any character on this show besides Picard can boast eight episodes of that high quality in which they are the lead, even Data..." Let's see, using Patrick's rundown of Jammer's 4-star episodes from "All Good Things..." 1. 11001001 -- Riker mostly 2. The Measure of a Man -- Data, Picard, some Riker 3. Q Who -- ? 4. The Survivors -- Picard, I guess 5. The Defector -- ditto 6. Yesterday's Enterprise -- Yar, Guinan, then Picard 7. The Best of Both Worlds -- Riker & Picard 8. The Best of Both Worlds, part II 9. First Contact -- Riker & Picard 10. The Nth Degree -- Barclay! 11. Cause and Effect -- Crusher's POV 12. The First Duty -- Wesley & Picard 13. I, Borg -- LaForge & Picard 14. The Inner Light -- Picard 15. Chain of Command, part II -- Picard, and I guess Riker had a subplot 16. Frame of Mind -- Riker 17. The Pegasus -- Riker 18. Lower Decks -- Sito? 19. All Good Things… -- Picard For all the episodes carried by Worf and LaForge, many of them good, they couldn't quite crack Jammer's top slot. And for all the fine Data-heavy shows, he was only spotlighted in one classic. Even Picard, the de facto leading man, only clearly carried two by himself; in ensemble shows, Picard got more face time just by calling the shots, and the rest of the time he shared top billing, usually with Riker. Riker puts in a surprisingly strong showing, especially considering that his two solo shows were toward the end of the series. By that point, as Paul points out, Picard had absorbed the leading man function that had originally been intended for Riker, the ersatz Will Decker (himself a component of the first officer/smart guy/psychic triumvirate meant to replace Spock in the aborted Phase II series).

@Paul, very good point, and in general the shift from TOS-style "let's explore the galaxy" to the late-TNG era peacemaking/diplomatic made the Away Team hurt Riker's role in the show, too. It is interesting that you say Picard/Riker isn't a winning pairing for the show -- I don't disagree overall! -- but two of the highlights of s1, 11001001 and Conspiracy, both play up the Picard/Riker team in a way that the rest of s1 doesn't. It's definitely true that the series moves away from this format and that the Picard/Riker team doesn't really work in action settings, though I think there are a large number of nice dialogue scenes between the two. I think they work best when in opposition to each other, though -- "The Measure of a Man," "The Best of Both Worlds." @Grumpy, thanks for the breakdown. If I had to pick a few episodes of the show to bump up to 4 stars from Jammer's ratings, they would probably be Darmok and Tapestry; and Family is a highly-regarded episode (though I think I agree it's not at the 4 star level). So there are a few big Picard vehicles that are often ranked among the series' top 10 or top 20 perhaps worth keeping in mind. This gives Picard a big edge over Riker. Of the shows I listed, only A Matter of Honour and Second Chances are not listed already (and they are both unambiguously Riker shows); I think both are great, but wouldn't bump either up to 4 stars, though A Matter of Honour is in contention. I think there are some Worf shows like Sins of the Father and Reunion that would be on my mind for bumping up to 4, too. (Keep in mind I am just rewatching s2 now after about a decade -- so I might change my mind on all of these.)

SkepticalMI

Never really thought too much about Riker being a key to the best episodes. He doesn't really seem to have too many episodes devoted to him, but they do tend to be quite good. Frame of Mind and Pegasus are the two I immediately think of. Honestly though, I think it's better when it's him and Picard. BoBW comes to mind pretty quickly. As for the episode itself, I noticed something really odd. At least three times there was a quick scene on the bridge that ended with Picard leaving and telling Data he has the bridge. Sounds like poor editing to me. But can't complain too much, as this was a very good episode. I was pretty impressed with the Mendon sub-plot, something I wasn't expecting. He had a pretty interesting personality, and the episode succeeded in making him likable despite his arrogance and condescension. The fact that he still is willing to learn (and was so hard on himself when chastised) kept us from hating him. But even his likability didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying Worf intimaditing him. Great fun =) As were the scenes on the Pagh. Yeah the Captain was gratuitously stupid, but I can't argue about it too much. Someone had to move the plot along. Frakes' acting during the dinner scene was great. Riker looked convincingly out of his element, doing his best to enjoy himself while still wondering in the back of his mind how much further things would go. His look when he saw the gagh as well as when asking if the lady Klingons were serious in their offers (and found out it was affirmative).

"A Klingon is his work, not his family" Boy, would they ever go on to undo that...

Somewhere along the line... perhaps this very episode... the Klingons went from a code of honour type race to a barbaric war mongering race. There is no way a race that behaved in this manner would be able to create a star ship, let alone operate it. It's like the writers had no idea how to portray honour and strength, and thought it was all muscle and insults. Ridiculous. Also, that Bensite(?)... No space faring race would come to the conclusion that waiting until a solution has been found was beneficial to safety. Too many stupid illogical things like this in Trek. As ever, though, it's entertaining.

The role of "honor" was not part of the original conception of Klingons, and received uneven treatment after it was introduced, but they were always "barbaric" and war-mongering. HOWEVER, as I've pointed out elsewhere, per Trek canon, they are not all warriors. Think of all the militaristic cultures in human history. A society of knights wouldn't have been able to build castles and ships, or feed themselves, either.

I think everyone who loves Trek has episodes that fall a little short of the classics -- "City on the Edge," "Best of Both Worlds," etc. -- but just really speak to them. "A Matter of Honor" does that for me. I just never tire of the episode or the performances or its message. Plus, it was the single best episode of the series up to this time. It truly showed us what this new Trek could be.

This one is solid early TNG for me. I may not like it as much as some other posters here, but I think it *is* a notable highlight of the series so far. The only episodes up to this point that I'd rank above it are "10011001", "Elementary, Dear Data", and MAYBE "Where Silence Has Lease". Like Jammer, I think the Klingon captain is a bit too hard-headed and that it slightly drags the hour down. I did really like the third officer, though, and the Benzite subplot. This one is an easy 3 stars for me and a very nice example of the show finding its bearings.

FINALLY!!! I was losing hope after 4 mediocre to bad episodes in a row, then along comes this gem. A great concept, well written and acted, and it was fun to watch. A great character development episode for Riker, and we get to see the inner workings of a Klingon ship... Agree with Jammer, nice to see an episode where the story is trying to bridge the gap between two very different cultures. I could have done without the Benzite b-story, but I get why it was there.

Definitely a good episode, although I agree with the nitpicks. The Klingon captain acts too stupidly, and the same can probably be said about the Benzite (even though we know it was the writers' attempt to show the challenge in changing/adapting to "alien" thinking compared to ours, or vice versa). Of course the behavior of the two characters ends up linked, so that it's hard not to see it as a plot contrivance. Regardless, there's lots of entertaining stuff here. I love how Worf glides in each time the Benzite trips on himself and delivers some perfectly low-key threats. I almost imagined some imminent off-screen hazing sessions, lol.

Diamond Dave

Good episode, this. The fish out of water element plays into a number of fun scenes as Riker integrates with the Klingon crew - my personal favourite being the "one... or both?" line. But it also makes some more serious points about cultural assimilation, as the new Benzite crew member struggles to adjust to a different working culture. Yes, the Klingon captain's desire to attack the Enterprise is contrived and overblown, but we get to see brawny Riker (shoving his 2nd officer's head through a viewscreen) and brainy Riker (tricking the captain to gain command of the ship) and have a lot of fun on the way. 3 stars.

One of my pet peeves from season 1 is the cumbersome exchange: Lieutenant, open hailing frequencies. Having frequencies open, sir. I cringed every time I heard it. It's incredibly refreshing to see Worf respond with a simple "Open" when given the order.

grumpy_otter

@Paul "Let's face it, Patrick Stewart is 10 times the actor Jonathan Frakes is" I think if you compared Stewart's and Frakes' entire bodies of work, this would be true. I can't recall seeing Frakes in anything except Star Trek, and I have seen Stewart in many things. But, on TNG, I think Frakes holds his own against Stewart very well, and in some cases even betters him; but that's more a function of how the characters were written, not the acting skill. But as far as acting goes, think of Frakes once he takes on the Odon parasite in "The Host." I could tell he was a completely different person in there! (Like Cage and Travolta in Face/Off!) And his performance in "Frame of Mind," or "First Contact," or "Gambit" -- I just think he is amazingly talented as Will Riker. And as Thomas Riker, too! Oh, and the episode with Minuet! lol at myself--I didn't realize how much I liked him! I think he is very good at letting one small expression say a lot. Back to this episode, I really liked Klag and wish the friendship he began with Riker could have been revisited. Oh well. I loved poor little Mendon. I am a college teacher, and I have known so many students like him. Their enthusiasm and passion can be annoying, but it comes from a good impulse in them. A good teacher has to try and channel that enthusiasm in a productive way. I remember being a little harsh with one to get him to focus on what needed to be done, and his sad little face was burned into my memory--it was just like Mendon's face when Picard rather rudely corrects him about the chain of command. Overall, this is a great episode and one of the best up to this point in the series. I also just really like how ships shimmer and sway when they decloak.

Latex Zebra

Whoah! What? I've never commented on this episode. Love it, so many great scenes and moments, Ten Forward, the Klingon Mess Hall, Riker on the bridge of the Klingon vessel. Great stuff. Have to agree that the hard headness of the Klingon Captain seemed a bit off and just to force the conflict. The the actor was a better Pakled than he was Klingon. Great episode and whilst not quite a 4 this is a revisit-able classics that stands the test of time well.

Wow, isn't 3.5 stars a little high for this episode? For me, one hasn't aged well at all. To be fair, my memory of seeing it for the first time as a kid is that it was awesome, with the scene of Riker eating strange food in that great mess hall scene on the Klingon ship burned into my brain. But that's really about the only highlight: The rest of this story spends too much time with the Benzoid exchange officer on Enterprise whose cultural quirks come across more annoying (not to mention dangerously negligent, considering his unreported scan of the Bird of Prey's damage) than sympathetic, Wesley cozying up to him while Worf glares vaguely, and all kinds of other filler that isn't very interesting. But one thing above all really undoes the whole thing and makes this a 2.5 star episode for me: The Klingon captain is so profoundly stupid, poorly characterized, unmotivated in his climactic actions, and cartoonish in his gestures that he really destroys the respectability of this episode. The whole honor/diversity theme of this story can only work if the leading representatives of the alien culture are respectable people, but this captain comes across as a blithering idiot even by Klingon standards, clearly losing the sympathies of his crew to Riker in a key misstep by the writers. Here we see early signs of the sad tendency of TNG to make Klingons into "noble savages" who feel more like one-dimensional cartoon characters -- much like American Indians on old Westerns -- than the clever warriors of TOS. Yes, the contrivance that puts Riker at odds with his Klingon captain leads to the fun moment where he takes command, but it never feels like anything other than a frustratingly inexplicable plot twist. This episode makes you wonder how the Klingons can even fly their ships without assassinating each other.

FlyingSquirrel

I wonder if the writers hadn't fully thought through how they wanted to portray the Klingon Empire and its political and military structures at this point. Even if you accept that the Klingon captain isn't the brightest bulb in the fleet and prone to overreaction, I have to think that all Klingon officers would understand that you don't just go attacking a Federation vessel based on suspicion of a single incident without even contacting their High Command or considering alternative explanations first.

The River Temarc

"Also, that Bensite(?)... No space faring race would come to the conclusion that waiting until a solution has been found was beneficial to safety." You know, I had always thought of that bit as being implausible. And yet: consider the fact that Korean Air Lines CRASHED a 747 because the first officer, who realized the plane was about to do controlled flight into terrain, said nothing, because that would involve contradicting a superior. And much the same thing happened aobut 15 years later, when Asiana crashed that 777 at SFO and again the first officer was hesitant at contradicting his captain. In commercial aviation, these incidents led to a lot of discussion about the role of Asian culture in cockpit management. Malcolm Gladwell famously discussed this issue in OUTLIERS, although he was not the first to raise it. If this theory is to be believed, I don't see the portrayal of the Benzites as so far-fetched. To be sure, I wouldn't want to get on a Benzite starship, and my hope is that the Starfleet way ended up changing procedures on Benzite ships, rather like KAL cockpit culture changed after the airline brough in foreigeners for a thorough safety culture overhaul.

A fun episode, almost ruined by a plot contrivance Like lots of tv and movies, the whole plot hinges on the hero's ability to outfight the villain/ challenger. Sometimes that's believable but in this case it isn't. Haven't we already established that Klingons are generally much stronger than humans? I am thinking especially of the recent Holodeck teaser with Worf fighting huge opponents as "calisthenics" and Riker watching in amazement and Picard worrying Riker would get hurt. Riker was right to fight the 2nd Officer who insulted him - that was the only action that had a chance of winning respect. But, shouldn't the realistic outcome have been: Riker gets beaten to a pulp and is left to crawl off with a concussion and a couple fractures, while the Klingons laugh and mock and demote him to janitor for the rest of his term?

Tara: Two words... Trek Fu. It is long established that puny humans can knock the shit out of just about anyone by clenching two hands together and cracking someone on the back of the head. Karate chops are also devastatingly effective against everything from a Borg to a Breen! So yes, whilst other other species are stronger. They have not been trained by Ross Geller in the arts of "Unagi!"

Lol, LZ! Sushi always wins! Yes I know - it's a plot device. But, but, but, it's so device-y and unbelievable that it ruins things. I'd have preferred to see a fight in which Riker gets creamed and is bloodied and on the floor, but outsmarts his opponent at the last moment in a no-holds-barred way that only Klingons would accept - manages to throw live gakh in the guy's face and then rams his hand into an electrical socket and beats him unconscious while he's being electrocuted.

lol - Yeah, I'd pay to see that.

I think this is the best Riker-centric episode. He's a knowing, calculating, quick-thinking bad-ass here. Yes, the scene in the Klingon mess hall is entertaining, but for my money the best single moment is at the end, when Riker shrewdly situates himself perfectly to allow Kargan to backhand him across the bridge. In doing so, Riker diffuses the situation and allows his Klingon Captain to regain his dignity in the eyes of his crew. And I like that the Klingon crewman who whispers to Riker while helping him up realizes exactly what Riker was up to.

You know, I had always thought of that bit as being implausible. And yet: consider the fact that Korean Air Lines CRASHED a 747 because the first officer, who realized the plane was about to do controlled flight into terrain, said nothing, because that would involve contradicting a superior. --------- Yes, and you seem to have missed the point. This is a rare occurrence and is taught to pilots as an example of what not to do. And that's the case even though it's 2017. Trek is our future by hundreds of years. Any space faring race would have learned these lessons a thousand times over. The original poster is correct. No space faring race would conclude that waiting was beneficial to safety... because it isn't. This isn't a lone pilot making a mistake - it's an entire planet's philosophy on a serious protocol. Your comparison is utterly bogus. It's a fun episode overall, but there are some serious issues, like the aforementioned. The biggest of all is how stupid they made the Klingons in Trek. Couldn't we have had a prideful, warrior race that was at least believable? The writers were out of their depth. Take martial arts - There is a discipline, especially at the highest levels. It's an art form. The Klingon captain in this episode is the worst of all. He's psychotic.

It is curious that only with respect to Vulcans was the notion of one species having greater strength than humans taken seriously (well that and maybe the Gorn). In no Trek that I can recall would a human stand a chance against a Vulcan in a fist fight. Yet humans can fight Romulans, Klingons, and even genetically engineered races like the Jem Hadar, toe to toe. Having said that, even the idea of a woman beating a man in a fist fight is kind of silly - yet it's a pretty well worn Hollywood and TV trope for the 130 lbs woman to punch out some 200 lbs man. So Trek is hardly alone in fudging things to prevent its protagonists from being pasted in situations where it makes little sense for them to prevail. I think it would have been pretty cool if Trek had tried to play this straight rather than cheating. I liked TOS battles most when Kirk was being creative (gunpowder against the Gorn, a crowbar against Khan). And seriously, it's not like hand to hand combat should be any kind of serious issue in the 24th century!!

Rhonda Rousey is a135 pounds and I would TOTALLY bet on her vs you in a fist fight. That said I feel like if I punched Worf in the face I'd break my hand.

Lol Robert. You got me - I would lose in a fight to a female mixed martial arts champion. But the real question is: how would she fare against an elderly obese Klingon suffering a hangover?

Much better than Heart of Glory we finally get started with the sequence of stories that bring out the the best of the Cosmic Vikings. There are plenty of comic book punch outs, a wonderful scene in the Klingon mess hall and I actually liked Wesley's role in this one -trying to assist the over enthusiastic Benzite. I would not eat Heart of Karg,though.

Surprised a few people don't seem to rate Frakes as an actor, I've never seen him in anything else to be fair but in TNG he is a very good performer, can emote very well, and is pretty charismatic IMO

Very good episode - one of the best of TNG up to this point. Plenty of great scenes as others have mentioned and, overall, a great idea for an episode. The B-Plot of the Benzite on board the Enterprise also worked for me - thought it might be a bit annoying at first with the arrogant, eager-to-please newbie, but you do feel some sympathy for him toward the end. What hurts the episode is the Klingon captain acting like an idiot and eager to get into battle with a Federation ally. It's a bit overdone - the whole Klingon warrior/honor thing in his case. Also, how did that alien biological thing get on both ships - did it come from the Benzite's scan early in the episode? No answer was given to this - it's just a plot-device that doesn't get resolved. I also agreed with @JohnC's comment - there is a subtlety about Riker getting nailed by the Klingon captain at the end that is important. I'd rate it 3/4 stars - one worth watching again for sure. The musical score is also good.

"One or both?" is one of the best lines of the season.

The Dreamer

Collins who portrayed Kargon also played on of the Pakleds in Samaritan Snare and was the voice in the 80s cartoons GI JOE (Cobra Commander) and Transformers (Starscream)

The Klingon captain was unreasonably and unnecessarily quick to react and prepare for attack to be sure. But there are so many great scenes in this one, in my mind it is a classic. 4 stars

I always thought Klingons were just big and beefy rather than inherently stronger than humans. So a big chap like Riker should be able to handle one in a scrap. Whereas Jack Reacher would beat them all up.

Sarjenka's Little Brother

Love this episode. Does so many things well: -- One of Riker's best episodes and elevates the character. Perfect one for the exchange. -- The Klingon mess hall scene is some of the best Trek of any show or movie. -- This was an important episode in fleshing out the Klingons more. -- Excellent blending of two story threads both in terms of plot and thematically (the Benzite on the Enterprise; Riker on the Klingon ship). While not in my top 5, I consider this essential "Next Gen" viewing.

Peter Swinkels

A review I completely agree with. :-)

A few commenters here seem to feel that Mendon the Benzite? was arrogant and condescending. While I will not argue against that notion keep in mind that Mendon’s (Benzite?) culture apparently was quite different from the Enterprise/Federation/human culture in key areas. This could cause him to be misperceived as such. Probably happens a lot more irl. than we would care to admit.

Random observation: the Klingon ship looked vague reptiloid. What does that tell us about Klingon design?

Having not read any of the reviews yet, I'm sure some of the perfectionists have found some minor flaw in this episode. For me, this is top tier Star Trek. Excellent sci fi! Excellent story telling ! 5 stars

Ona note of interest, isn't it ironic that people who critique other people's work and offer suggestions to improve on it, find a Benzite arrogant and annoying? Methinks the writers are having a good laugh. lol

I'm sure some of the perfectionists have found some minor flaw in this episode ------ Nah - some ordinary people with logical brains found some glaring flaws.

Jeffrey Jakucyk

So Ensign Mendon is not actually Starfleet. He doesn't know the first thing about proper procedures, as he's an officer in the Benzite fleet and is only here because of the exchange program. Also, as mentioned in "Coming of Age," Mordock is the first Benzite in Starfleet, and he only enrolled a year ago. That's all fine, but then why is Mendon wearing a Starfleet uniform, and why did Riker not change into a Klingon uniform? I guess it's a production budget thing, not having to make an expensive Klingon uniform for Riker (apparently Brian Thompson who plays Lieutenant Klag almost didn't get the part because he wouldn't fit in Christopher Lloyd's costume from Star Trek III), and there's lots of Starfleet uniforms for extras and other background characters, but it's kind of confusing. It makes Mendon seem like a clueless new graduate rather than an exchange officer from a different culture. It even tripped up Wesley, after all. I do love Riker's feast in Ten Forward, and the follow-up meal in the Pagh's mess hall.

I just love how clever the transporter is - it can dematerialize people sitting in a chair, then rematerialize them standing up, perfectly balanced! Come to think of it, why is there even need for a 'Transporter Room', since it seems that objects can be transported from anywhere to anywhere at will?

This one had good suspense. I want to like Riker's clever solution to the problem. However, I am not sure I can believe the other Klingons wouldn't have attacked him after the Klingon captain was beamed over. Was it supposed to show their strict respect for the chain of command? But they do like to challenge and fight others so why wouldn't they just have attacked Riker? I always find the Klingon stories to be half baked, No word for Peace? spare me. Or the idea that the second officer would fight the first officer if they didn't like their performance. That would leave the officers looking over the shoulders. Shouldn't the captain judge the first officer before they are deposed? How would a successful warrior society have to behave? It has to be cohesive after all. The ensign on exchange was a light subplot which neither added nor detracted. overall 7 just for the suspense.

I'm not usually a fan of Rikercentric eps, but I'll make an exception for this one. Loved it and all the little touches that brought both the Benzite and the Klingons to life. More talk about life and death, but we seem to be taking a turn, in the last few eps, toward focusing more on individual identity - what makes you not just alive, individual. WESLEY: How do you tell each other apart? MENDON: We just do. And lots of associated talk about vulnerabilities - what breaks through our outer shells like bacteria on a starship. Anyhow - a good one!! Well done in all aspects. Interesting, great sets, well acted, great dialogue - the whole package.

I’m with DLPB. After a rewatch last night, the Klingons are a supposed “Master Race” yet what we witness is really a crude regurgitation of Might Is Right philosophy. Their code of honor is a patchwork of contradictions and failed ideologies centered around individualism, sexism, racism, and xenophobia yet it requires allegiance/obedience to a hierarchy. Their scientists would stab and kill each other designing the console layout on the bridge. Their doctors would kill each other trying to decide symptoms of cold vs flu. Family honor killings for 10 generations would ensue over naming rights for whether it was Kor Beer or Korath Beer. I could do this all day. The single tone writing of TNG Klingons is pure crapulence on display. I actually prefer TOS Klingons. There’s a clear indication that Pakled genealogy at some point intermingled with the Klingon genome. Im guessing about 20 generations prior, some massive extinction level event took place and Pakleds saved the last few remaining Klingons, forever adding their stupidity to Klingon evolution.

SouthofNorth

Summary: Okay episode undone by plot contrivance 2/4 This is an example of the TNG writer not respecting the fan's intelligence. In order to believe the action of this story you have to believe that the Klingon commander is an unhinged idiot anxious to go to battle with an ally. That's sloppy writing, catering to the idea that the ONLY way the fans are going to be interested in the story is if --- ooohhh - the Enterprise is about to be DESTROYED. But we all know the Enterprise isn't going to be destroyed and so there's really no dramatic tension and we spent a good part of the episode wondering why the Klingon Commander is such a moron and how he ever got his job in the first place. The interaction between Riker and the Klingon crew ARE great and comprise the really charm and interest in the story. However it would have been much better if the ending had gone something like this: (Klingon commander is beamed abroad the Enterprise) Picard: Commander Kargan? Kargan: Oh hi Picard. A little trick of your first officer. Seemed to think I was losing my grip on my command. Picard: How is your ship? Kargan: Fine. Fine. I smeared the bacteria over our waste collection section. Got rid of a lot of mess that add collected after our deep space mission. Planting that bacteria was a good test of our officers Picard. Picard: Indeed. (Looks over at Mendon.) Kargan: But one that Riker failed. He should have tried to kill me for my actions. It'll be a long time before he's a ready to be a Klingon officer, Picard. Worf: The Pagh is hailing us. Picard: On screen Riker: This is command Riker of the Klingon ship, The Pagh. You have 1 hour to clean up the mess you left on our ship or else I'm going to blow you out of the sky!!! Picard: We'll get right on commander. Mr. Mendon, beam over to The Pagh and show the Klingons how to remove the bacteria. Mendon: (gulps) Uh .. yes sir. Kargan: Hmmm maybe it won't take as long as I thought ...

I've been watching Trek since around TNG's S2, off & on. Caught a bunch of episodes out of order & knew that I liked it but graduated HS & got a "real job" (joined the Army) the same year DS9 premiered. Hence I never got to watch that or VOY as "current" episodes, with the sole exceptions being "Trials And Tribble-Ations" and "Scorpion Pt 1" (caught those solely due to the commercials promoting those eps). Since then I've watched DS9, VOY and ENT in order & am now cherrypicking TOS & TNG eps I haven't seen using this website as a guide. That being said, since this IS so late in the game & SO much has been said about all these eps by SO many people, I've debated making any comments. But after discussing this ep and all its charm in Star Trek Online just now, I was compelled to watch it again for nostalgia. Then I realized I hadn't read the review/comments for this, so I checked everything out & decided now's as good a time as any to contribute to the comments for the first time. So here is my debut commentary. I really like this episode and WANT to give it 4 stars, but I can't. I feel 3.5 is apropos. Pretty much for all the things that have been mentioned before but also for some stuff that nobody else has brought up. For instance, like everyone else, I am SO enamored with Riker's willingness to fully immerse himself in Klingon culture, starting with their food. That's good. However, the conversation that immediately follows the amorous advances of the Klingon females screws it all up. Once Klag mentioned his indifference to his father's fate, it was appropriate for Riker to pipe up "but he's your father". After Klag responds to that, Riker should have let it go. But he doesn't; he repeats "but he's your father!" like as if Klag didn't hear him the first time, or hearing it a second time will give Klag pause. "Oh, he is? Really? Maybe I ought to rethink my position." No. Riker gave his take on the situation based on how HIS culture would handle it, and that's all he's obligated to do. Anything more comes off as arrogant and condescending. This is Klag talking about the dishonor his father suffered, and Klag's resultant feelings. All Klingon. There is no room whatsoever for Riker's commentary, and continuing to offer it is insensitive and, like I said, arrogant. Riker was wrong and I really wish he'd not said it a second time. As a CDR, he should have known better, and considering all the preparation he did for this assignment, he has no excuse. As a veteran, I inherently understand thoroughly the concept of "chain of command", and anytime in Trek the military structure is represented, it's almost always done properly, but when it's performed well, it gives me a warm feeling inside. Like "the writers actually GET it!". Such as it was with Mendon jumping the chain and Worf's responses. I've been in both Mendon's and Worf's shoes in situations like that, and every single one of those scenes was pretty much exactly like how it would happen IRL. So, kudos for that. @The Dreamer "Collins who portrayed Kargon also played on of the Pakleds in Samaritan Snare and was the voice in the 80s cartoons GI JOE (Cobra Commander) and Transformers (Starscream)" Yup, nice to see I wasn't the only one to pick up on that. I preferred this performance to the one he gave as a Pakled for the simple fact that he had more lines & screentime here. Also, to clarify any confusion, Christopher Collins was his billing name when he did live acting, but for voiceovers, he went by Chris Latta. RIP, big guy. @Jeffrey Jakucyk "Also, as mentioned in "Coming of Age," Mordock is the first Benzite in Starfleet, and he only enrolled a year ago. That's all fine, but then why is Mendon wearing a Starfleet uniform, and why did Riker not change into a Klingon uniform?" This aspect of Mendon bothered me too. It wasn't clarified if he was on another Federation vessel or was a Benzite officer. And I hadn't considered Riker wearing Klingon gear. But I can tell you from experience having worked with/around exchange officers from other countries, they do NOT wear the uniforms of their host countries. So Riker wearing Starfleet gear on the Pagh was 100% correct. But it still doesn't explain Mendon. @The River Temarc "In commercial aviation, these incidents led to a lot of discussion about the role of Asian culture in cockpit management." I remember reading about those incidents and that's an excellent comparison. Thank you for the food for thought. @Tara "But, shouldn't the realistic outcome have been: Riker gets beaten to a pulp and is left to crawl off with a concussion and a couple fractures, while the Klingons laugh and mock and demote him to janitor for the rest of his term?" @meister "I am not sure I can believe the other Klingons wouldn't have attacked him after the Klingon captain was beamed over. Was it supposed to show their strict respect for the chain of command? But they do like to challenge and fight others so why wouldn't they just have attacked Riker?" Not necessarily. Everyone else on the Klingon ship clearly agrees with Riker but, because of their rank, it's not their place to challenge Kargan; that responsibility lies with Riker, and they know he will do so. However, as evidenced by the ending with Riker "not ducking" Kargan's backhand, they have to go through the song & dance of asserting themselves for protocol's sake yet underneath it all everyone knows the real score. That's precisely why Klag is sympathetic & friendly to Riker at the end, but notice that when they get up, Klag is forceful & assertive when they walk away. Gotta keep up appearances and all... Lastly, did anyone else notice that the name of the Klingon vessel (IKS Pagh) is the same exact word that was used in DS9 for the Bajoran concept of one's "lifeforce"? *quotes Kai Opaka* "Your pagh is strong" WTH? Sorry for the novel, but you guys have great comments & I didn't want to miss anything. Hope anyone who reads this gets a fraction out of it what I got out of the comments above me.

RandomThoughts

@Weasel Nice comments and welcome to the party. :) Regards... RT

MidshipmanNorris

I gotta say, while the Riker Transfers To A Klingon Ship plot is solid (with the noted-in-Jammer's-review overall weakness of the character Capt. Kargon), the B-plot with Ensign Mendon is some of the most maudlin, insipid, ham-handed feely-feels tripe that I've ever watched. How did this guy get through the entirety of his orientation (called "indoctrination" here...someone needed a dictionary) without someone asking him "do you understand how Starfleet Vessels handle the chain of command?" and getting a satisfactory answer beyond "yes sir," before allowing him to man a Bridge Science Station?? The fact that the plot then focuses on how Mendon feels would be ok, except for 2 things; 1. This guy, while yes layered under some of the weirdest prosthetics I've ever seen, probably couldn't act his way out of a shower without it on. He's terrible. Wil Wheaton, even at this early juncture in his career, was a much better actor. 2. The dialogue written for these scenes is ridiculously stupid. I don't even have the patience to go into it all, but every single line uttered just makes me want to punch myself for watching it. I would cut 1/2 of a star off this score, simply because of how insufferable and whiny Ens. Mendon comes off. They really gotta vet these guys better before assigning bridge duty.

I have never been fond of Klingo-centric episodes. (Perhaps they're more a 'guy thing'? All that posturing and aggression!) However, there is a lot to like in this: mainly Riker's performance: learning to eat that DISGUSTING diet, behaving in a Klingon-approved fashion, but ultimately being extremely clever by pledging his loyalty to the Klingons while refusing to betray their shared allegiance to the Federation. There were so many negatives though: the stupidity of the Klingon captain, the poor acting of the Benzite (not to mention the words almost put into Wesley's mouth: "Well, you all look the same to me"), and the completely unexplained metal 'infection' (sub-atomic bacteria - uh?). If I liked Klingon episodes I'd say minimum 3 stars but I'd have to award a subjective 2.5. But Riker put in a 4-star performance, definitely.

I also really enjoyed the minor scenes in this episode: e.g., Chief O’Brien’s humorous expressions around the Benzite arrival, and his interchange with Riker before transporting him to the Pagh (“I would be scared...”). Wesley’s exchanges with His Benzite counterpart on the bridge. And Dr. Pulaski’s expressions while watching Riker sample Klingon food. Great episode. 4 stars.

Forgot to mention: Did anyone else notice the inconsistency when Riker argues strongly that his Klingon crew mate about his not having talked to his father for over 2 years (“But he’s your FATHER!), when just a few episodes later Riker is shown to be totally estranged from his own father in The Icarus Factor?

This Captain is the same actor that played a Pakled captain a little later, and his voice is too similar in each for me to not think Pakled in this episode too.

> > Did anyone else notice the inconsistency when Riker argues strongly that his Klingon crew mate about his not having talked to his father for over 2 years (“But he’s your FATHER!), when just a few episodes later Riker is shown to be totally estranged from his own father in The Icarus Factor?< < Probably not intentional, but in real life this would be known as "projection" - ie. Riker is projecting his daddy issues onto the Klingon.

Riker might also Ree the rift with his own father as being entirely his father being disappointed in him, and so find the Klingon ostracizing his father due to dishonor hard to understand, since he would deep down like a better relationship with dad if it were in his control. Maybe. (Again, not intentional.)

This is obviously one of the five best episodes of TNG. I'm not a huge fan of Riker, however, he's a real human unlike Chakotay. Chakotay was miscated. I love the entire cast of Voyager, but TNG had better writing aside aside from Year of Hell and Future's End. Riker can hang with Klingons. He has guts. He's too much of a pussy hound for my tastes, though. He's a great actor that does what he's told. Frakes is a fantastic actor and director.

Miscasted. I was a bit drunk, haha. My apologies.

TNG isn't perfect. It makes every other new movie stupid, I always desire the intellect it provides. Code of Honor is better than any TOS. The TOS movies are gold, aside from Shatner being a a moronic POS. I'm so bored watching TOS. Kelley was a genius. So was Nemoy. The alternative movies are pure shit. TOS movies were excellent, Shatner is Republican. 5 sucks. First Contract is the best film. Take out the Borq Queen and Data and it barely beats Khan aka 2. Data's human tendencies became amnoying. It's perfect other than that. Brent Spiner has massive range. The writing there was trash.

I meant the writing of Code of Honor was horrific.I

@Justin why do you think Chakotay was miscast? And what's wrong with being a pushy hound?

Great episode! This expanded the world of the Klingons more than ever before to that point. It has great comedic relief on both the Klingon ship and the Enterprise, although Worf wasn't too amused with the Benzite intern. I agree that the one thing holding this back is the wooden Klingon captain. He's a total doofus and does not exemplify the power and respect that one would expect from a Klingon captain. @Tara Klingons are much stronger than humans but Riker used deception and skill to beat up the Klingon. He got him with a quick cheap shot and then went from there. Usually our Trek heroes look silly going up against the "alien of the week" but this was a good moment for Riker.

As a first-time watcher of S1 and S2, I can say without question that this is the first really involving episode of TNG I've encountered. Of course there have been good shows before this one -- the Bynars one, the Moriarity one, etc. -- but this episode really felt like classic Trek. 34th try, apparently, was the charm. :)

"one or both?" - Commander Riker

"I am your captain now." -- I hadn't realized that Captain Phillips all but quotes this episode.

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Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV Series)

A matter of time (1991), full cast & crew.

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Star Trek: The Next Generation S3E14 "A Matter of Perspective" » Recap

Original air date: February 12, 1990

Riker is aboard a research station Botanica Four checking on the progress of Dr. Nel Apgar, a Tanugan scientist who is working on the invention of Krieger waves, a new source of energy. Just as Riker beams back to the ship, however, the station explodes, killing Apgar. A Tanugan detective, Krag, arrives on the ship to arrest Riker for murder.

Picard is caught between his responsibility to impartially respect the laws of other cultures and his duty to protect his crew. He convinces the detective to conduct his investigation aboard the ship, using the holodeck to recreate the station exactly. Krag, Picard, Riker, and Troi watch a series of recreations of Riker's time on the station, each portraying his stay from the perspective of a different witness.

Riker's version has him and Geordi beam aboard to meet a stand-offish Apgar and his accommodating wife Manua. Apgar is upset that the Enterprise has arrived early to check on his work, but Riker assures him that it's just a friendly visit. The Enterprise is about to leave to conduct other business, so Manua offers to let Riker stay on the station (even though he and Geordi have reservations planetside). When Riker and Manua get a moment alone, there's some sexual chemistry that Manua tries to exploit and Riker politely tries to resist, but Apgar interrupts them and accuses Manua of cheating on him. He tries to punch Riker, but Riker easily dodges the attack and tries to calm Apgar down. The humiliated Apgar vows revenge, but Riker leaves the station the next day without incident.

Manua's version, however, differs significantly. Riker behaves lasciviously, leering at Manua throughout his introduction and insisting that Manua set him up for the night. When they're alone, Riker tries to force himself on Manua only to be interrupted by Apgar, whom Riker pummels mercilessly. Apgar's research assistant provides the story that Apgar himself told her, in which Apgar walks in on Riker and Manua starting an affair and beats up Riker, who is the one to vow revenge. Through it all, Troi maintains that each person is telling the truth as he or she remembers it.

Meanwhile, Data, Geordi and Wesley investigate a series of strange radiation spikes throughout the ship. They eventually conclude what the source is, which gives Picard the answers he needs to announce that he's discovered who killed Apgar. He assembles all of the parties involved and explains what happened.

Apgar had secretly completed his work on Krieger waves. The radiation spikes around the ship were actually Krieger waves being reflected off the holodeck's version of Apgar's completed machine. Apgar was planning to sell it for use as a weapon rather than give it to the Federation, which is why he was nervous about Riker's early visit. After seeing Riker with his wife, Apgar decided to use his Krieger waves to kill Riker and make it look like a transporter accident. But the Krieger wave that Apgar fired at Riker bounced off the transporter beam and reflected back into the machine, causing it to explode.

Tropes featured in "A Matter of Perspective":

Attempted Rape : According to Mrs. Apgar, Riker tried to force himself on her until her husband intervened. Riker denies it and claims that he instead declined her advances, while Dr. Apgar's second-hand account claims that it was mutually consensual.
Badass Boast : Apgar's line in each of the three scenarios turns into a boast in his own account, when he says it before attacking Riker. Dr. Apgar: I'm not the fool you take me for.
Badass Bookworm : Apgar is a scientist, but his version of events has him portraying himself as a better fighter than Starfleet-trained combat veteran Riker.
Blatant Lies : Dr. Apgar's account of events shows him easily beating up Riker.
Chekhov's Gun : The recurring radiation bursts turn out to be Krieger waves, which Apgar claims he hasn't yet created.
Curb-Stomp Battle : Apgar's version of events has him effortlessly beat up Riker. His wife's version, on the other hand, has Riker beat up Apgar, which is much more plausible. Riker's version has no battle, with him dodging Apgar's attack and then trying (and failing) to calm Apgar down.
Damned by Faint Praise : Data tries to compliment Picard's painting as a synthesis of styles, but he can't help himself but describe how discordantly it all comes together. Picard's ego is obviously bruised by the less-than-flattering critique.
Facepalm : Riker facepalms during a holorecreation of the murder.
Hoist by His Own Petard : Picard and La Forge are able to demonstrate that Dr. Apgar attempted to fire a Krieger wave beam at Riker while he was transporting, to frame his murder as a Teleporter Accident . However, the beam bounced off the transporter beam that Riker used and hit the reactor, destroying the station and killing Apgar.
Holodeck Malfunction : Yes and no. The holodeck functions exactly as intended, recreating Dr. Apgar's orbiting lab down to the last detail. However, no one thought to turn off his generator down on the planet, and the holo-lab, which Apgar had claimed was non-functional, succeeds in converting its otherwise harmless emissions into Krieger waves, which threaten the ship. But it's these same waves that exonerate Riker, by showing that Apgar was lying about his progress.
Jurisdiction Friction : Zig Zagged . Tanuga IV isn't in the Federation, so the Tanugan authorities have sole jurisdiction on their planet. However, the Starfleet captain is the one who can decide if the extradition is warranted. Picard wants to avoid Riker's extradition. Krag wants to avoid Riker's escape. They agree to set the hearing process on the Enterprise.
Kangaroo Court : Krag blithely states that on his world, suspects are guilty until proven innocent. Picard does everything he can to prevent Riker from getting sucked into a kangaroo court on the planet.
Karma Houdini : Manua doesn't even attempt to apologise for falsely accusing Riker of trying to rape her let alone give an explanation for saying something so far from what actually happened. That said, it's entirely possible that whatever happened between the two of them met somewhere in the 'middle' of both their testimonies, and Riker's infallible charm collided with her own desires and created a situation where both were neither entirely blameless or at ultimate fault.
Magical Computer : Realistically, there is no way in hell the holodeck simulations could be that precise when based just on people’s recollections.
Murder the Hypotenuse : Manua and Apgar's versions of the events blame Riker for murdering Apgar to be with Manua.
Obstructive Bureaucrat : Averted . Krag immediately accepts Picard's offer to use the ship's holodeck for the hearing process instead of beaming down to the planet's official facilities. He also provides full blueprints to Apgar's lab and gets Mrs. Apgar and Tayna to agree testify at the hearing on the Enterprise .
Pink Means Feminine : Two out of three recreations show Mrs. Apgar wearing a pink underdress while trying to seduce Riker. The exception is her own, in which she's a blameless and victimized woman in white.
Posthumous Character : Dr. Apgar is never seen while he's alive, only as a holographic recreation.
Public Exposure : The episode opens with Picard and other crew members painting portraits of a nude model.
Punch-Clock Villain : Krag isn't a bad guy, just a detective doing his job. He even apologizes to Riker after viewing the exonerating evidence.
"Rashomon"-Style : Achieved via the holodeck, so that Captain Picard and Inspector Krag can view the events on the destroyed station step-by-step. Witness depositions from Riker, Mrs. Apgar, and Dr. Apgar's assistant Tayna (representing Apgar's side of the story as he told it to her) are each programmed into a holo-recreation of the station and viewed in turn. Each story contains both commonalities and differences. Troi confirms that none of the witnesses are knowingly lying (especially Taina, who only knows what her boss told her and has no reason to question him), and yet it takes additional evidence for Picard to piece together what really happened. Even then, some events are left ambiguous. Riker: We can't both be telling the truth. Troi: It is the truth... as you each remember it. Riker: Yes, but her version puts a noose around my neck.
Reasonable Authority Figure : This episode shows the downside of it for the protagonists. Picard is absolutely certain of Riker's innocence, but the evidence just isn't in his favor, and he's prepared to grant extradition. It takes Data, Geordi, and Wesley uncovering new information to save Riker at the last minute.
Riddle for the Ages : We never know exactly what happened between Riker and Apgar's wife, and if it was an attempt at an affair, who started it nor how willing each participant was in its events.
Say My Name : A purposefully over-the-top example. In Tayna's retelling, Riker trumpets, "You're a dead man , Apgar! A dead man !
Terrible Artist : Apparently, Picard, since the best Data can do is damn his painting with faint praise , much to his annoyance.
Unreliable Narrator : Each person is telling the truth based on how they remember it. We'll never get a completely objective rendition of the events, though considering that Riker is such a stand-up guy, we can assume that his version is the closest to the real events. Tayna at least probably isn't lying, but she can only say what she heard from Apgar, who probably was .
Whole-Plot Reference : The whole episode is an homage to Rashomon . The investigation is conducted "Rashomon"-Style , and the circumstances of the crime also match the formula of the original film: a man is murdered, and the stories come from a sexually desirable man, the murdered man's wife who may or may not have had an affair with him, and the murdered man himself.
Star Trek: The Next Generation S3E13 "Deja Q"
Recap/Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek: The Next Generation S3E15 "Yesterday's Enterprise"

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Star Trek: The Next Generation : "A Matter Of Time"/"New Ground"

"A Matter of Time"

Or The One Where Max Headroom Tries To Pull A Fast One

Frasier returns with the same flaws and a few slight tweaks
Industry makes our jaws drop to the floor
Everyone is missing the forest for the trees on Rings Of Power

By this point, we're all familiar with the various dangers of time travel. It'd be interesting, if you were of a mind to do it, and had the patience to track decades of science fiction, to see how the concept has developed over the years. Because surely at some point, it was just wish fulfillment or fantasy. H.G. Wells The Time Machine was largely a parable for the way social classes would eventually split into two distinct races; it was an adventure story that was less concerned with the possibilities of paradox than it was with extrapolating a distant future that helped Wells make a philosophical point. (Poor people will eventually become monsters; rich people will eventually all turn into Paris Hilton.) What I'm talking about is more jumping backwards in time and trying to change what was, in order to create a more positive present. By now, I can barely even type the idea without wanting to fall into an argument about the dangers of meddling, the butterfly effect, chaos theory, and how creepy it must've been for Marty McFly to jump into a completely different timeline, even if it did score him cooler parents and an awesome truck. But surely there was a time when people didn't take this quite so seriously.

I wonder if the ground zero moment for all this contemplation isn't Ray Bradbury's short story "A Sound of Thunder." First published in Collier's magazine in 1952, it's the sort of high concept, brutal gut-punch that only short stories are really capable of managing. In "Thunder," time travel is real, and a group of entrepreneurs use it to take rich big game hunters back into the distant past to hunt dinosaurs. Everything is carefully controlled to prevent any impact on the present. There's a path the hunters follow, and the T-Rex they kill is one that would actually have died moments later, even if it hadn't been shot. But of course something goes wrong, something very small on the surface but something that changes everything. It's a fine story, turned into a terrible movie (and, according to Wikipedia, a book series?), and I always think of it whenever I get to thinking about time travel. The idea that someone could step on a butterfly and thus significantly change the course of history is one of those ideas that seems so horribly plausible you can't help but believe it's fact.

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Although who knows? I'm stalling here a little, because in the end, "Matter of Time" isn't really that much about time travel. It's mostly about a clever con-man (played by Matt Frewer), and how he ingratiates himself (sort of) with the crew of the Enterprise while they do their best not to completely destroy a planet desperately in need of their help. Frewer, who calls himself Rasmussen (because it's easier to type "Frewer," I'm just going to stick with that), claims to be a historian from 300 years into the future. He's arrived just in time to watch Picard and crew handle a crisis on Penthara IV, and all he asks of them are the answers to a few questions, a couple minutes of their time, and maybe some spare technology they may have lying around. Oh, and if someone—say, Beverly Crusher—decided to sleep with him, he wouldn't have any problems with that, either.

It's obvious from the start that Frewer isn't who he says he is, which is one of the reasons I had a hard time getting behind "Matter." Any storyline that opens with a stranger making the claims Frewer makes is going to have make an extra effort in order to fool us along with the rest of the cast. Obviously, a show like TNG has advantage here that something like, say, CSI doesn't. In the Trek- verse, we know that time travel is very real; nearly every major character in the franchise has engaged in it at some point or another. So at least when Frewer arrives in a ship like nothing anyone on the Enterprise has ever seen before, right next to a space-time distortion, well, it's not completely ridiculous that they'd give him the benefit of the doubt. And hell, as modest as everybody is about it, who wouldn't like some confirmation that everything you're doing right now is going to fascinate people centuries ahead of you?

My problem here is that the benefit stretches just a bit too far. Frewer's claims are potentially possible, but apart from his ship (which is just an unknown quantity) and the distortion, he can't really offer anything to back those claims up. He argues that it's his responsibility to his own time that prevents him from sharing more information with our heroes; much like that squished butterfly (or Homer's single sneeze), a misplaced factoid might alter crucial decisions and send events along an entirely new course. This is reasonable, but you'd think he'd have something to offer to help smooth the way. Maybe an additional piece of shiny future tech or restricted knowledge about, say, Picard's past that only future historians might have access to. Instead, he simply shows up and arrogantly makes his demands.

It's unfortunate, really, because I like Matt Frewer quite a bit, but his tightly-wound style isn't well used here. He's so immediately grating and unpleasant that you know from the start that he's running some kind of con. Which is funny, actually, because you'd think a real con-man would've actually tried to run more under the radar. Obviously in order to pull something like this off, it's necessary to have a certain confidence in your convictions (and Frewer largely maintains his cool until the very end), but this guy goes out of his way to irk people. You can defend this conceptually. After all, in the end, Frewer isn't really a con-man, just as he isn't really from the future; he's actually a failed inventor from the 22nd century who killed the historian the time machine actually belonged to and took his place. So it does make a certain amount of sense that he'd act like an ass. This really isn't his usual line of work.

Really, then, the issue is that everyone on the Enterprise trusts him for as long as they do before finally bringing the hammer down in the final scene. It's irritating to be this far ahead of the heroes for so long, and while it's not like their trusting nature ever puts any of them in any real danger, they still come across as a little too thick for my tastes. Riker wonders if he might be a fraud, but there's never any attempt to restrict his access to the ship or to force him to give more answers beyond the clearly evasive lines he keeps throwing out. Really, all the show needed was to tone down Frewer's attitude a few notches and throw us a bone of evidence that would give his story more credibility. (I realize that since he isn't actually from the future, that bone might be difficult to come up with, but still.) At least then, Picard and the rest wouldn't look quite so naive.

It's a shame, really, because there was stuff here I did like. The B-plot, for instance: After an asteroid hits an unpopulated continent on Penthara IV, creating a giant dust cloud that creates a planet-wide drop in temperature, the Enterprise tries to fix the problem by shoot phasers into the planet's crust and kickstaring a greenhouse effect. This goes badly, and Picard is forced to make a decision. Either he lets the crisis on the planet play out, killing tens of thousands, or else he tries to fix things one more time with the Enterprise , with a solution that will either resolve the problem or kill everything on the planet surface. It's a thrilling storyline, with huge stakes, and it almost feels like it would've been better served as the A-plot. I do like the idea of having these missions play out as the backdrop of some more specific, character-related crisis, but c'mon: This is an entire planet we're talking about.

This does lead to one of the episode's better scenes, a scene that, once again, only really works because of the quality of the actors involved. Picard begs Frewer to tell him which choice to make, and Frewer keeps dodging the question. It shouldn't be that engaging, because odds are you've realized by now that Frewer isn't who he says he is, and that the real reason he can't tell Picard what to do is because he simply doesn't know. That makes all of Picard's debate tactics moot, but Patrick Stewart is so good at sincerity and Frewer is so good at responding to that sincerity that it's all pretty enjoyable. And the finale, when Frewer finally explains who he really is to a Data he presumes is at his mercy, is a relief. I suppose it's somewhat hardcore that Picard lets the time machine vanish, trapping Frewer in their present, but really, he killed a guy. Now he's going to get stuck in a cushy Federation prison and talk about the past with scientists, and really, how are they ever going to build a case against him? All the evidence is gone. And it didn't sound like his life in the past… in New Jersey… was all that wonderful to begin with.

Stray Observations:

It looked like one of the pieces of Enterprise tech that Frewer was trying to steal was a Klingon blade. Not really sure how impressive that would be to "invent."
I guess Troi is like an emotional barometer. If she's tense, at some point, someone will do something bad.
"Yes, it would be. It would be quite a shame." I love Stewart's reading of this line.

"New Ground"

Or The One Where Worf Learns There's More To Being A Father Than Yelling

Here's another episode where we have a B-Plot I cared more about than the main storyline. A scientist develops a wave of energy that might supplant warp drives as the primary mode of interstellar travel? That's cool. Worf tries to bond with his irritating, boring son? Significantly less cool. It's not that I don't see a place on the show for the former storyline. Worf is cool, and any excuse to give Michael Dorn more to do than simply glower and/or be humiliated is at least a step in the right direction. And given how things ended when we first met Alexander (his mom, Worf's wife, murdered, Worf gone on a vengeance killing, and the boy shuttled off to live with Worf's adoptive parents), well, it stood to reason we'd probably see him again at some point. There's too much potential for awkward drama there for any long-running show to ignore it for long. Besides, now that Worf has largely given up on the Klingon Empire, we've got to find some way to give him storylines. It's not like he can start dating, right?

As always, there's potential here, although I'll admit it's not mind-blowing. In order to make this work, Alexander would have to be interesting. You'd need an exceptionally talented child actor, and writers who really understood how kids worked. (Or at least understood how to present kids on TV in a way that didn't make you want to speed-dial Pennywise the Clown.) Brian Bonsall isn't going to set the world on fire here; his range runs from shrill to sulking, with occasional, unconvincing stabs at sincerity. But it's hard to blame him, because, for one thing, he's all of 11 years old here, but for another, Alexander as a character is already annoying even before the first line-reading. He's not someone with a personality; he's a plot complication that Worf has to find some way to overcome. Which makes it harder to sympathize with the boy, even when his situation is inherently sympathetic. He's making life difficult for one of my favorite characters, and given his connection to that character, I know he'll have to be dealt with.

Man, that B-plot, though, that was cool, right? For once, I found it very easy to identify with Geordi; his geeky excitement over what was about to take place, and his difficulty in finding anyone that shared that excitement, was quite charming. Even better than in "Matter of Time," the threat here developed organically from one point to the next. The first test is set up, the Enterprise tracks the wave, the wave is initially successful but then becomes unstable, destroying the test craft that tried to ride it. Then, because the wave is travelling at warp speeds, and because… Hm. Well, it's actually a little tricky to establish why they wouldn't've tried to aim the test wave in a direction that didn't stand the risk of destroying a colony somewhere if things went wrong. Obviously, warp speeds would mean the wave could travel tremendous distances, so it would be difficult to find a direction that wouldn't ever come up against something . Although space is pretty big. I guess the issue is that the wave increases in size over time? Anyway, it made enough sense at the time. The experiment goes wrong, the wave is very dangerous, and that's part of the reason why Geordi and his team are observing; because when things go wrong, it's nice to have a big starship around to fix them.

All of this was a little dry, maybe, but it didn't have to be. And while I understand the attempt to create more personal story for our regular characters, it seems weird to be equally invested in whether or not Worf can make friends with his son and whether or not someone can successfully invented a new mode of warp speed travel. This imbalance was even more obvious in "Matter," actually, where the entire fate of planet hangs in the balance while we watch comic relief get up in everybody's business. Honestly, it would even be a problem if Worf and Alexander's problems were more entertaining to watch, because I like the idea that the Enterprise is always flying around doing this crazy, mind-melting crap, while its crew-members squabble or work through personal issues. It's a world-building tool, because when no one seems that surprised when potential catastrophes arise, it gives you the sense that these people encounter danger quite often, and have worked through it countless times before.

But yes, Alexander's issues are not the most engaging to focus on. Worf's mom shows up with the kid in tow (completely by surprise, I might add), and while Worf initially assumes its just for a visit, Mom soon breaks the hard truth: She and Worf's father are too old to handle a Klingon child, and Alexander is, well, a bit of a handful. This is reasonable enough. We're told again and again how difficult Klingon kids are to raise, and it hardly seems fair that Worf's parents get stuck with the hassle, even if they were initially amenable to the idea. Really, it's not fair for anybody, not for the kid, who has been run around the galaxy his whole life, or, for that matter, for Worf himself, who never even knew he had a child until about a day before Alexander's mom was killed. Difficult situations in which no one is entirely to blame are the life-blood of great drama, and while it would be easy to say Worf has just been a negligent parent (and to some extent, he has), really, he's not a selfish man or an immature one. He's just in over his head.

Alexander himself doesn't make matters any easier. He acts up in class, he lies, he even tries to steal a dinosaur model (I think I actually did this once when I was seven or so). All because he's so messed up inside since his dad abandoned him and his mom died, and everybody's just a big old jerk. It's funny; we've been told many times throughout the franchise how difficult Klingon children are to raise, but while Alexander certainly presents his share of problems, there's nothing about his behavior here that wouldn't suit a human child of roughly the same age and circumstances equally well. I suppose you could say that's one way of showing how some kinds of problems are universal across intelligent species, but it's also something of a let-down. Maybe Klingons don't become really difficult till they hit puberty, but it would be nice if this particular Klingon wasn't so safe in his rebellion. His new teacher on the Enterprise is terribly upset about his actions (to be honest, this lady looks like she's been terribly upset for years; the pained, sighing expression her face must've stuck there the first time somebody tried to eat paste in her presence), but if this is the worst they have to deal with one the ship, well, child-rearing has come a long way over the years.

Worf makes all the expected bone-headed moves. He gets angry, and he tries to use the logic of honor to reason with the boy, which goes about as well as you'd expect. Dorn does a lot of solid work here, and, to give the episode its due, the writing does a good job of admitting Worf's culpability in what's going on without ever making the mistake of blaming him. I call them "bone-headed moves," but there's a certain sense in appealing to Alexander's sense of honor; giving him something to strive for in his behavior, as opposed to simply lecturing him for his mistakes, is a constructive solution, even if it isn't the entire solution. Troi gets involved, as is her wont. There's something almost charming in the desperate way she latches on to anyone in emotional crisis. "I'm useful!" her eyes scream. And she helps point Worf in the right direction, explaining that Alexander probably feels abandoned, and that maybe sending him off to Klingon school isn't the best way to reduce that feeling.

Then everything resolves in one of those irritatingly convenient calamities that force everyone involved to rethink their priorities. The warp drive causes some problems on the Enterprise , and Alexander gets trapped in one of the cargo bay type rooms because it has cool animals in it, and Worf has to go save him. In doing so, Worf proves he's a bad-ass (he lifts a beam which is probably supposed to be totally heavy!), and he learns how much he cares about his son and how important it is to keep Alexander close at hand. I would be more worried about this if I thought we were going to see Alexander regularly, but I have a sneaking suspicion he'll be background noise for the most part. I mean, remember Ensign Ro? I almost didn't. Like "Matter," "New Ground" raises some interesting points, but it doesn't have quite the knack of delivering on them.

I think I used "annoying" or variations on that word at least six times in my notes. Really, I respect the idea here more than the idea behind "Matter," but at least Frewer was occasionally amusing. Alexander is just a chore.

Next week: We take a look at "Hero Worship" and "Violations."

Art the Clown kills Christmas in Terrifier 3 , his best outing yet
Game Theory: UFO 50 is a massive trove of twists on old-school gaming genius
The Chosen celebrates its Angel Studios break-up with a kids spin-off with cartoon Jesus

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COMMENTS

A Matter of Time : r/startrek
A Matter of Time. In TNG S5 E9 A matter of Time, a failed inventor from the 22nd century stole a 26th century time traveler's craft. He then travels to the Enterprise D where he attempts to steal gadgets to return to his 22nd century, where he will "invent" one a year. His efforts are thwarted at the last minute.
TNG, Episode 5x9, A Matter of Time : r/StarTrekViewingParty
TNG, Season 5, Episode 9, A Matter of Time. A time traveler claiming to be from the 26th century arrives to witness an attempt to save a doomed planet. Spent most of the episode wanting to punch Time Thief Dude. Very first though on the episode was 'wow, I like that Ensign's hair, really suits her'.
ST:TNG "A Matter of Time". What happens to the timeship?
As we understand it, Rasmussen had programmed the timeship to automatically return to the 22nd century. They caught him and stopped him from getting in the ship. But they didn't stop the ship from leaving. So now there is a 26th century time machine sitting in some guys garage in New Jersey.
"A Matter of Time"
Reddit iOS Reddit Android Reddit Premium About Reddit Advertise Blog Careers Press. Terms & Policies ... (A Matter of Time), you remember the episode with a time traveller who claims he is from the future and he's basically on the Enterprise-D to witness a momentous occasion whilst doing 'field research'. ... Star Trek makes a strong case for ...
A Matter Of Time (episode)
A time traveler claiming to be from the 26th century arrives to witness an attempt to save a doomed planet. "Captain's log, Stardate 45349.1. The Enterprise is on its way to Penthara IV where a Type C asteroid has struck an unpopulated continent. The resulting dust cloud could very well create a phenomenon not unlike the nuclear winters of 21st century Earth. Commander La Forge has begun work ...
Question about the Time Pod in TNG's "A Matter of Time".
Tied up or otherwise incapacitated but still alive perhaps in some warehouse. When the pod returned to that time without Max, the original owner was able to free himself open it and fly it back to his own time. either that or there was a rescue party sent when the pilot failed to check in and they were able to recover the craft. 3.
TNG: A Matter of Time
Well, they did detect a "time disturbance" or "time vortex" or some other time-gobbledygook, so maybe they thought the guy was on the level. What really bothers me about that episode is Matt Frewer. Matt Frewer is absolutely fantastic at playing one part: that of Matt Frewer.. On a side note, that role was written for Robbin Williams, who chose instead to play Peter Pan on Hook (which I still ...
A Matter of Time (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
List of episodes. " A Matter of Time " is the 109th episode of the American science fiction television series Star Trek: The Next Generation, and the ninth episode of the fifth season. It aired in syndication on November 18, 1991. Set in the 24th century, the series follows the adventures of the Starfleet crew of the Federation starship ...
"Star Trek: The Next Generation" A Matter of Time (TV Episode 1991)
A Matter of Time: Directed by Paul Lynch. With Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn. Reaching Penthara IV after an asteroid wreaks havoc of catastrophic proportions, the Enterprise crew deals with trying to save the planet as well as deal with someone who claims to be a historian from the future.
A Matter of Time (Spoilers) : r/startrek
Posted by u/Autotheos - No votes and no comments
A Matter of Time
Thinks for answering those questions at bottom.Ill be sure usebrain first only if very difficult will try something else .only on hard ones you should use help one time perother question thanks.
"A Matter of Time"
This is all excellent. Throw in a great philosophical rant by Picard, cool scenes in which Data listens to 4 classical songs simultaneously, and "Matter of Time" looks set to be a classic Trek episode. Unfortunately the episode gets too clever for its own good, and totally collapses in its final act.
Star Trek: The Next Generation S5E9 "A Matter of Time"
Original air date: November 18, 1991. On Penthara IV, an asteroid has struck an unpopulated continent, a catastrophe which has thrown a heavy mass of dust into the atmosphere, threatening to create an impact winter. La Forge and Data are hard at work in Engineering coming up with a plan to save the inhabitants, but on the bridge, Worf notices a ...
Retro Review: A Matter of Time
Star Trek ; Trek News ; Retro Review: A Matter of Time Sign in to follow this . Followers 0. Retro Review: A Matter of Time. By Vic, August 14, 2009 in Trek News. Recommended Posts. Vic 17 Vic 17 Artificial Intelligence; Artificial Intelligence; 17 22,158 posts; Posted ...
"A Matter of Honor"
Wed, Mar 17, 2010, 12:30pm (UTC -5) "A Matter Of Honor" is the begining of a long string of very good or (in some cases) great episodes. "Elementary, Dear Data" is another great one. The ones between "Elementary, Dear Data" and "A Matter Of Honor" are adequate or perhps slightly more then adequate, but certainly nothing special.
"Star Trek: The Next Generation" A Matter of Time (TV Episode 1991
Patrick Stewart. ... Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Jonathan Frakes. ... Commander William Thomas 'Will' Riker. LeVar Burton. ... Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge.
star trek
In the beginning "A Matter of Time" episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, a person appears on board of Enterprise and claims that he is a time traveller coming from XXVI century.By the end of this episode it turns out, that he was actually from XXII century. He poses a wide area of knowledge. About Enterprise, about many crew members and about some events that was about to occur.
ST: TNG S5E9
Well....it was only a matter of time till we got to this one. Join us at 5pm EST (10pm UK) for our review and discussion on the Season 5 episode "A Matter o...
The Next Generation Transcripts
A Matter of Time Stardate: 45349.1 Original Airdate: 18 Nov, 1991. Captain's log, stardate 45349.1. The Enterprise is on its way to Penthara Four, where a type C asteroid has struck an unpopulated continent. The resulting dust cloud could very well create a phenomenon not unlike the nuclear winters of twenty first century Earth.
Episode Preview: A Matter of Time
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Star Trek: The Next Generation S3E14 "A Matter of Perspective"
Original air date: February 12, 1990. Riker is aboard a research station Botanica Four checking on the progress of Dr. Nel Apgar, a Tanugan scientist who is working on the invention of Krieger waves, a new source of energy. Just as Riker beams back to the ship, however, the station explodes, killing Apgar. A Tanugan detective, Krag, arrives on ...
Star Trek: The Next Generation : "A Matter Of Time"/"New Ground"
After all, in the end, Frewer isn't really a con-man, just as he isn't really from the future; he's actually a failed inventor from the 22nd century who killed the historian the time machine ...
A Matter of Time
A Matter of Time. Picard's quest to save an endangered planet leads him to violate a Prime Directive when he seeks advice from a visitor from the future. S5E9 45 min. Pluto TV. Movies and Shows in United States. Star Trek: The Next Generation. Stream Star Trek: The Next Generation free and on-demand with Pluto TV. Season 5, Episode 9.