Menage A Troi

DVD, TNG S3 (Menage A Troi)

The B-story of Wesley managing to miss his ride to Starfleet Academy and the final exam that would get him in as a student was given short shrift, but the ending, in which Picard grants him a field commission and Wes getting to wear the uniform made up for that. The main story was Lwaxana's now-annual visit to the Enterprise, or in this case, the ship's visit to her homeworld, Betazed, the first time it was seen on TV. What we get to see of the planet is most appealing, with green grass, and tinkly flowers, all pleasant and happy. Of course Mrs. Troi isn't known for spreading happiness, and almost provokes the Ferengi to war. This indicates that the Federation isn't currently at war with the race, even though most encounters with them previously have been antagonistic.

The gathering of aliens frequenting Ten Forward gives them a chance to reuse some existing faces, such as the Selay (having already used an Antican as a background player earlier in the season), a Zakdorn and even one of the Mizarians, the race Picard first met in 'Allegiance'. There's also further fun with telepathy (Deanna storms out after her Mother's talked down to her one too many times, yet still hears a parting comment once she's out the door!), and some details filled in - Lwaxana always proclaims her pedigree with the speech about being heir to the Holy Rings of Betazed and holder of the sacred Chalice of Rixx. This time Deanna points out that the chalice is only an old clay pot with mould growing on it which deflates the fine words somewhat.

Ethan Phillips makes his debut, several years before his better known role of Neelix, although he doesn't get a lot to do, and neither does Mr. Homn, who does appear briefly. Troi and Riker are once again discussed, and further details emerge about Ferengi culture. It's not a clever episode (aside from the use of something heard early in the episode to effect escape from the greedy clutches of the Ferengi), but it is fun, mainly because it doesn't rely on the Ferengi for the laughs, and whenever Lwaxana Troi is involved she's bound to amuse. She finally got her wished for place in Picard's arms, and the Captain acquits himself well in his bid to win her back, however embarassing it might have been for him. You notice much more of Patrick Stewart coming out in the performance now, as much of the crotchety gruffness and reserve has fallen away in the natural growth of the character. I have the feeling Rudolph Willrich, who played the Betazoid director also appeared in the 'Enterprise' episode 'Oasis'.

***