The Last Outpost

DVD, TNG S1 (The Last Outpost)

Worf's early disgust at apparent capture by the Ferengi is the most appropriate reaction in the episode. They were set up to be these great, dangerous villains, right from the pilot, but they turn out to be ADD-suffering trolls. Maybe it wasn't the best decision to show the Ferengi makeup so close on the huge viewscreen, as it looks less real. There are points when you almost applaud the episode for trying to do some good things, such as the effects. Although the 3D computer displays look out of place since we don't really see them in later episodes, they are most impressive, as is the appearance of Portal, and some of the effects on the planet. But that can't save a story which spends most of its time going nowhere fast.

Even moments of humour such as Data getting his fingers caught in a Chinese finger puzzle are out of place, and certain emotions seemed forced, such as LaForge's excitement in engineering. Interesting that it's he Picard sends down, especially as there's no engineer in the episode, which also feels strange. No getting around it, this is bad 'Star Trek'. It's not wholly the fault of the Ferengi, but they play their part in being ridiculous in a serious episode. The Ferengi would later become superb comedy characters, and Armin Shimerman whose Trek debut was here as the leader of the alien landing party, would go on to create, in my opinion, the most fascinating, enjoyable and all-around best character ever, in Quark. But even he can't save this first impression of the race as wacky clowns.

The crisis on the Enterprise is also a factor in leaving the episode low on suspense. They are supposedly dying, but there are so few scenes on the ship at that point that no connection is established with the viewer. Beverly's decision to go to the bridge and die next to Picard is also very strange, especially when she'd previously mentioned Wesley. So she was going to let him die alone or something? There's a nice motherly attitude. She chooses to die on the bridge with 'Jean' as she calls him, instead.

There were a few little worthwhile pieces, such as Worf attacking two of the Ferengi and Data holding one, dangling, aloft. And the talk Riker has with Portal, too. But the episode was too drawn out getting to the planet, and then the most important part; the loss of power on the ship and Portal testing Riker (he asks him a question about something he'd been discussing not long before and then becomes instant friends when he knows the answer... tough test), were truncated. The writing was a bit sloppy, the Ferengi are weak villains, and they still needed to find the characters a bit more.

**