Future Imperfect

'Future Imperfect' relies on a sci-fi hook that I'd seen years earlier on an episode of "Batman: The Animated Series" (Mad Hatter tried something very similar), so the big twist during the closing moments was robbed of some of its impact. Although, it's still pretty sad.

Either way, this is all about Riker living out a fantasy; the Enterprise is his, he has a son, everything's all sunshine and waffle cones. But in the end, it's all a ruse; a tragic one, but artificial nonetheless.

I guess I've always liked this episode because I like this character; or maybe it's Jonathan Frakes I've taken to, I'm not sure). And it's nice to have a glimpse into his idea of domestic bliss and how he'd act in a parental capacity, comparing himself to his own father and whatnot.

After all is said and done, the real appeal isn't how the fantasy is constructed, but why.

7/10

While conducting a security sweep on a planet suspected of harbouring a secret Romulan base, Riker is knocked out by toxic gases. When he wakes up, he is shocked to find himself sixteen years in the future and captain of the Enterprise - but with no memory of anything happening since.

Plotwise, this has strong TOS vibes to it but otherwise, this is a decent episode that gives Frakes a rare opportunity for the spotlight - his first focused episode since the debacle that was 'Shades Of Grey' in season two. The story is a solid one and well told, we get a welcome return for Katsulas' slimy Romulan Tomalak and Frakes gives his best performance in ages despite unconvincing grey flashes streaked into his hair. The ending felt a little weak but otherwise, this isn't too bad.

Altarian Encephalitis--16 year gap

Riker is on an away team mission when they're beaming back to the ship. The beam-out appears to be going badly. Suddenly, Riker finds himself in the sick bay...and when he looks in the glass, he sees gray in his hair. He's now 16 years older...with no recollection of the last 16 years. Most of the crew looks familiar but older. There are also a few changes--such as a Ferengi bridge officer and Picard is an Admiral on a Romulan ship!! Obviously things have changed a lot...or, perhaps someone is just jerking with Riker for some ulterior motive. What's next?

As I watched this show, I kept thinking of the wonderful James Garner film "36 Hours". In it, Nazis capture and allied soldier and try to convince him that the war is over...in order to trick him into betraying secrets. It's all very complex and very exciting...as is this "Star Trek: The Next Generation" episode. So what is REALLY happening in this case? Watch it yourself--it's well made and very interesting.

This is one of those episodes that keeps us engaged all the way along. I have to say that I am bothered by how it ends (but I won't spoil that). This is a case of parry and thrust throughout. Riker is on a planet where suspected Romulan shenanigans are going on. The away team is overcome by heavy methane gas and pass out. When Riker wakes up, he is on board the Enterprise, but the crew (except for Data) have grown older. He, himself, has wrinkled skin and a bit of gray in his hair. Beverly looks older. He is told that he has been leading a life on board the ship, but has had a recurrence of a fever. He has lost sixteen years of his life. He can only remember that which happened before they went to that planet. It turns out he has a son and had a wife who died. The Romulans have become allies with the Federation and are kindly and outgoing. Something is wrong. There is a touching scene where he meets his son and tries to bond with him. Unfortunately, nothing brings back a single memory. Fascinating effort.

Wil Rikers the birthday-boy and he's got his trombone out. We're conducting a security survey in the Onias sector near the Neutral Zone. Despite our proximity to Romulan territory, all is quiet, all is calm. Unusual fluctuations in subspace frequencies, are we being probed? Could it be a secret Romulan base on the third planet of the Alpha Onias system?

Number One assembles an away team and pops down to the surface. Suffocating toxic-gasses knock the away team out. When Wil regains consciousness he is in sick bay back on board the Enterprise. But things do seem a little off.

It has to be accepted that Season Four is a leap-forward in quality stories. Characters have more depth, plot lines have many layers to them. It is clear that the ensemble cast are comfortable in their roles and at ease with the characters that they portray. Step by step we also get to learn a little more about each of these characters. Every nuance, smell, sound... Would I rate this episode among the better episodes of this season?

NO. But only because there are already so many nuggets to choose from.

So, what did Riker wish for?