Time's Arrow

DVD, TNG S5 (Time's Arrow)

The stakes couldn't be much higher than Data's life, and once we've established the disembodied head is not Lore's, Data's life becomes of prime concern. The head in question sadly doesn't match the scale of the episode not having a realistic enough texture to the skin. They've obviously tried, but I think the way to go was either use Brent Spiner to act as the head as was done in 'Disaster,' or to cover it in dirt so the features are only just distinguishable - it was in the ground for five hundred years, after all.

Data's head isn't as important as what he means to the crew of the Enterprise. His thoughts on death are most interesting and provide a new perspective on the way the android sees death. Knowing that he will be transported back in time to die at some unspecified point gives him a sense of impermanence that is at odds with the unending lifespan he had so far anticipated and says far more about his importance to his friends than 'Nemesis' managed. That film did at least get the disembodied Data head off to a fine art though!

The story is somehow more low-key than could be expected from a season-ending cliffhanger. Certainly it doesn't have the action or import of the previous two season's finales. The Borg were going to be almost impossible to top, and the Klingon saga made a good stab at it, but this is much quieter in some ways. Rather than speeding around, getting involved with other ships or races the Enterprise is mostly stationary (after being recalled home to Earth and then zipping off to Devidia II). Most of the time is taken up with the crew's feelings about Data's death and then Data's experiences on 19th Century Earth. The outdoor sequences look very nice indeed and give a sense of the period and the colour - talking of which, it seems unlikely Guinan would be accepted so easily. As Captain Sisko found out in the 20th Century, things weren't so good for black people. Perhaps she's seen as a wealthy and exotic foreigner because of her fine clothing, or perhaps there were some women that had successful businessmen husbands?

The set-up for Picard's first meeting with Guinan is enigmatic, but at the same time blatant: she tells him he needs to go, but not why, which is vintage Guinan. It was good to see her doing some actual bartender research, experimenting with a complex beverage, as often it's her presence rather than her actions that dictate a scene. That we don't see the meeting adds anticipation for part two. Guinan does meet Data for the first time, though it wasn't quite the great moment it could have been. It's funny rather than momentous, but it is great to see a Guinan from so long ago, even before the events of 'Star Trek: Generations.' Somehow she does seem younger - more open and sociable than mysterious. She tantalisingly assumes Data has been sent by her Father and begins to tell him she hasn't finished listening, presumably to the inhabitants of Earth.

The noted author Samuel Clemens overhears all the talk of starships and the 24th Century, another thread left hanging for the sequel. Jerry Hardin had played a less memorable role in Season 1 ('When The Bough Breaks'), and would be in 'Voyager' (as an alien doctor in 'Emanations'), but this time he gets something more substantial, though the best must surely be in the second part. Jack London, writer of 'Call of The Wild' is also cleverly included without the reveal of who he is, and the Devidians with their distasteful feeding adds a touch of horror to proceedings. The half-seen, ghost-like images of the featureless heads ingesting what we learn is the life force of real people is really quite unpleasant (in a good way), assisted by the harsh blue light it's filmed in. The throbbing of the central pillar and the lights playing across it all speak of more advanced technology, although the snake they carry makes it a bit 'Stargate'!

Seeing this now doesn't have the same impact as my previous viewing, perhaps it isn't as impressive compared to the last two season-enders, and coming hot on the heels of a couple of classics it loses out a little. Still, Data's exploits are fun as he tries to fit in, disguising his superior strength when he realises he shouldn't be able to carry the anvil with one hand, and in his poker-playing skills finding a practical use. Marc Alaimo looks suitably untrustworthy as a card shark (his human face seen for the first time on Trek), but Data isn't a man to be trifled with.

In keeping with the low-key style the ending is rather abrupt, seeing Picard and some of the crew walking through a glowing doorway. It has little of the impact of Sela's stepping into the light at close of 'Redemption,' so perhaps this season saw 'TNG' reach its peak and begin the very slow descent down the other side. The word descent is a bit ironic there, but that was for a whole other season. Certainly Season 5 stands tall in the 'TNG' history, with perhaps only Season 4 to match it. It's been strange to have a lot less O'Brien, but that was going to become increasingly apparent when he left for 'DS9,' and the characters have become ever more rounded, growing with the series.

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