Haven

DVD, TNG S1 (Haven)

Lwaxana Troi makes her first, startling appearance, creating another legendary role to add to Nurse Chapel and Number One. Right from the off, talking ten to the dozen she makes her mark on audiences, with her strange and lofty valet, Mr Homn. It would be interesting to stand him next to the Grand Nagus' servant, Mai'Hardu and see who's tallest! Though Wyatt's connection with Ariana is explained as some weird, hokey thing, the rest of the episode makes for a good story. It gives us some knowledge on Betazoids, and I couldn't help but think of Riker and Troi's final fates in the future. Seeing them together on the holodeck, talking, it's so strange, but brilliant, that we can see them go through their lives. They seem so young!

The feud between the humans and the Betazoids was quite entertaining, just as Data admitted - "please continue the petty bickering: I find it most fascinating." After an episode not featuring Troi, it's good to have one focused on her, but what makes the episode a bit more intriguing is the addition of the Terrellian plague ship into the mix, and it's a nice resolution to have Wyatt join the people to help them. I'm sure Wyatt's Dad played another role somewhere on Trek, but I'm not sure where. Great fun seeing Armin Shimerman, uncredited, as the face of the gift box!

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