Family

DVD, TNG S4 (Family)

The series takes a breath, a natural pause that shows its maturity as well as its willingness to sometimes, just sometimes, experiment a bit. Very rarely did Captain Kirk show the effects of the many circumstances he travelled through, and that tradition of 'forget and move on' continued with this series, but the Borg two-parter reached a point that had never been crossed before and so it was only good and proper for the characters to show what had happened to them, that what they'd been through made a difference, at least before flashing off to the next planet again - if it became too introspective the series' style would be lost.

So we have an uncharacteristic view into several of the crew's personal lives, the highlights being Picard's visit to the family home in France, and Wesley's gift of a message from his Father, made eighteen years ago. Worf's parents visit of the Enterprise is also quietly entertaining and brings Guinan in for her usual wise, but child-like input. For a start I would have told Counselor Troi to go and bother someone else instead of prying into and finding my holiday plans amusing, if I didn't know it was only the result of her concern. Picard's long absence from his family home is a wonderful excuse for the series to go on location, the vines and traditional house far removed from the technology of the Borg ship. There is added sadness to the story when you consider the terrible news in 'Star Trek: Generations' that Robert and Rene were both destined to die in a fire. The interactions between the brothers is very real and it's a delight to experience Picard with his family, away from decisions and command, just talking over a traditional meal, drinking traditional wine, fighting in a traditional vineyard!

That Picard had been changed by his experiences with the Borg is obvious, but here we actually get to delve a little into his thoughts and feelings, a rare opportunity and the perfect cap to the events of the past two episodes. I can see imperfections in the episode (the matte paintings aren't that great), but nothing matters except what is happening between the people. To finally see Jack Crusher was another high point, and Wesley is blessed with some small understanding of his Father's hopes and expectations. On top of that O'Brien reveals his full name for the first time! Both sadness and joy are threads running through this episode and it deserves a special place of its own.

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