The Holodeck: Recent Episodes
Dan Benjamin
Each week, we boldly go where no-one has gone for 30 years: back into the world of Star Trek TNG. We discuss the show's best and worst moments, and explore what went on behind the scenes that made the show so great.
Worf’s long lost brother Kurn (Tony Todd) shows up, and brings with him news of an attempt to smear Worf’s family name back on the Klingon homeworld. This episode shows how complicated the duty-bound Klingon society is, and the lengths Worf will go to protect the thing most important to him — his honor. Special Guest: Worf.
Tasha Yar's death famously came from actress Denise Crosby's desire to leave Trek (though she would later return as an alternate timeline version of character and then, the character's daughter, Sela). It's shocking for killing off a main character, and her funeral gives us an early example of Data's journey to understanding humanity. Special Guests: Tasha Yar and Worf.
There was no “TNG” villain more insidious than the Borg, and this epic two-parter proved it. The cybernetic race begins to make their move on Earth, with only the Enterprise standing in their way. Not even Capt. Picard can stop them, as he is assimilated along the way, with the command crew rescuing him shortly before saving the Earth. The episode also served as a basis for the film “Star Trek: First Contact.” Special Guest: Locutus of Borg.
One way to figure out whether someone is a true “Trek” nerd is to work the phrase “Shaka, when the walls fell” into conversation. If the other person’s eyes light up and they answer “Darmok and Jalad at Tenagra,” you know they understand how special this episode is. In this fascinating hour, Picard must try to understand the allegorical language of the Tamarians, and the entire endeavor ends up being a celebration of language and of the ability to forge a connection with someone whose worldview had otherwise been impenetrable. Special Guest: Dathon.